Upper Keys Weekly 20-0709

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

Who had the marmot bubonic plague for apocalypse bingo in July?

1¢

UNDERWATER ENJOYMENT Dive legend goes under one more time | P. 51

Jerry Greenberg, 93, takes pictures of the reef on a recent celebratory dive.

LAD AKINS/Contributed

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

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

$1,085

The increase, per year, on a driver’s insurance after being ticketed for a DUI. The Zebra, an auto insurance comparison website, says drivers will see their premiums affected for a total of three years for a total of $3,255.

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

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

Marathon Editor

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys Editor

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West Editor

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Web Editor

Tiffany Duong tiffany@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

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

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

During the roadblock, officers turned away non-residents to stop the spread of COVID19.

County Mayor Heather Carruthers says it won’t go back up “at this time.” CONTRIBUTED

SARA MATTHIS

M

sara@keysweekly.com

onths ago, when the COVID-19 crisis was still new, Keys officials announced they would be replicating mainland orders in the Keys. As MiamiDade took action to close parks or boat ramps or cancel fireworks, the Keys followed suit.

So, on July 6, when Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced restaurants’ dining rooms would close again amid soaring positive COVID-19 rates, it set off a fresh shower of concerns in Monroe County; some feared the Keys would follow suit, others feared the islands wouldn’t.

Many residents are calling for the roadblock to be reinstated at the top of the Keys, turning away non-residents.

That isn’t an option, right now, according to Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers.

“We can’t shut down the Keys easily,” Carruthers told the Keys Weekly.

“That might be feasible if we had the social safety nets, but we can’t afford it.

At this point, the roadblock isn’t going to be put back up. But the option isn’t entirely off the table.”

Carruthers said she is waiting to see if Monroe County’s masking and social-distancing requirements will be effective. In the meantime, the county has ceased advertising the Keys as a tourist destination and adopted new messaging and ordinances to quell community spread of the virus.

Carruthers took to social media for a live press conference on July 7 to answer questions. Here’s a summary of the questions and answers.

WITH CARRUTHERS Question: Can we put the roadblock up again?

Answer: We don’t have the support from the state to do that at this point. They turned their heads the last time we did it, but we don’t have their support to do it again.

Right now, our health care system is responding adequately to the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Q: Can we cancel lobster miniseason?

A: We have had a couple of meetings to address this and there are a couple of issues: it requires the governor’s order and FWC input to cancel miniseason. It’s a statewide event, but we are impacted more because, well, we have more lobster. The other problem is that if we did eliminate mini-season, it would move the start of the hunt back to Aug. 6, which is the beginning of the commercial season.

Q: How will it affect the Keys if hospitals are at capacity on the mainland?

A: There has been a lot of discussion about how many beds there are to treat COVID-19 patients in the Keys.

What I am learning is that it’s not only

FOR UPDATES, WATCH THE WEB Events related to the coronavirus are changing rapidly as national, state and local governments make decisions aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. For updated information, please see keysweekly.com. about beds, but the staff to treat patients. We have been told that the state can send staff if needed. As part of each hospital’s charter, they need to have a “surge plan” in place, such as eliminating elective surgeries. If the spike in cases persists, we can then look at closing more things.

Q: Can a business ask a customer to put on a mask?

A: Yes. If they refuse, they can be asked to leave. If they refuse to leave, the person can be removed and charged with trespassing by local law enforcement.

Q: How many businesses have been cited for violating the mask ordinance?

A: In unincorporated Monroe County, there have been 79 complaints, four of which were found to be in noncompliance that were corrected on a follow-up visit. A Key Largo fast food establishment will be the first business to receive a notice of violation under the ordinance. Visit the county website for details about numbers to call to report local violations.

Q: Where can we get free testing?

A: Three sites (Key West, Big Pine Key and Islamorada) have been announced in the Keys that are by appointment only. Due to demand, the first week of testing is already filled and appointments are being made for the future. To see a full list of testing sites, visit the county website.

Q: Will schools reopen in Monroe County?

A: I have kids, too, and I am hopeful they can go back to school in the fall. I don’t know the answer, but the Monroe County School District has a 50-person task force looking at that.

Q: When will the beaches and parks reopen?

A: They reopened on July 7.

Q: Can we limit lodging and vacation rentals again?

A: Yes, we will consider it if it becomes necessary. We will consider everything.

Q: (From a prospective tourist) When will it be safe to visit the Keys?

A: If guests follow our protocols — maintaining social distance, wearing a mask and washing their hands — it’s probably safe. My family is avoiding going out at night and trying to stay close to home. We are avoiding busy times and crowded areas. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Keys without risk.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

Get the care you need today in the Keys.

Now, more than ever, your health should be a priority. All of our locations in the Keys are open and our entire team is ready to continue caring for you. We’re happy to welcome our new primary care physician, Dr. John Woltz, who is excited to be a partner in managing your health and well-being, from annual visits to sick visits and everything in-between.

You can also walk into our on-site Convenient Care Clinic, run by advanced practice registered nurses who are here to care for you when you need us.

We’re taking the proper precautions when you visit us in person to keep you as safe as possible.

Because what matters most is your health.

Schedule your primary care appointment today by calling 305-743-2253.

Susan Baker, APRN

Shelly Bish, APRN

Catherine Budd, APRN

Melissa Kerrick, APRN

Dr. John Woltz Primary Care Physician

Visit our locations in the Keys.

Baptist Health Primary Care | Baptist Health Convenient Care Clinic 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 17 For virtual visits, contact your physician’s office.

6

STATE NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

Weekly Staff report

NEW FLORIDA LAWS

8 RULES THAT WENT INTO EFFECT 8 DAYS AGO

O

f the 3,500 bills filed by lawmakers in Tallahassee, 191 became law nine days ago.

Here are a few of the notable ones that are now in effect.

SB 1084 — EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS Legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Manny Diaz and signed by the governor, prohibits discrimination in housing provided to a person with a disability or a disability-related need for an emotional support animal. Specifically, the bill prohibits a landlord from charging a person with an emotional support animal additional fees, but it does allow a landlord to request certain written documentation that supports that the person has a disability; and prohibit the animal if it poses a direct threat to the safety, health or property of others. It also creates the misdemeanor crime of providing false or fraudulent emotional support animal information or documentation.

CS/HB 199 — DONNA’S LAW Passing unanimously in the House and Senate, the bill provides that there is no time limitation for prosecuting sexual battery when the victim is younger than 18 years of age at the time of the offense, and the offense was committed on or after July 1, 2020. The bill, known as Donna’s Law, is named for Orlando resident Donna Hedrick, who was a victim of alleged sexual abuse by a former high school teacher in the early 1970s.

SB 172 — FLORIDA DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT The bill expressly preempts to the state the regulation of over-the-counter proprietary drugs and cosmetics, which includes sunscreen. Florida law does not currently preempt the regulation of such products; therefore local governments may pass ordinances regulating products like sunscreen as long as such ordinances do not conflict with state or federal law.

The bill’s preemption provisions would

end this local regulation practice. Key West passed a sunscreen ban in 2019, but delayed its implementation until 2021.

CS/SB 664 — VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY The bill requires public employers, contractors and subcontractors to use E-Verify and requires private employers to use E-Verify or to use the Form I-9 and maintain copies of the documents used to complete the I-9 for three years. E-Verify is a free, Internet-based system through which an employer may quickly confirm that a newly-hired employee is authorized to work in the United States. To use E-Verify, an employer inputs information from an employee’s I-9 and, usually within seconds, obtains a result. In FY 2019, 98.5% of the persons run through E-Verify were automatically confirmed as “work authorized.”

HB 971 — ELECTRIC BIKES Legislation authorizes an e-bike to operate where bicycles are allowed, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or multi-use paths. However, local

governments may regulate the operation of e-bikes on streets, highways, sidewalks, and sidewalk areas, and local governments and state agencies with jurisdiction over bicycle paths, multi-use paths, and trail networks may restrict or prohibit the operation of e-bikes on such paths and networks.

HB 641 — FUNDS FOR SCHOOLS Legislation signed into law by the governor raises the minimum base pay for new, full-time teachers to $47,500. It also repeals the Florida Best and Brightest Teacher Program, Florida Best and Brightest Principal Program and Florida Best and Brightest Teacher and Principal Allocation.

HB 177 — PRESCRIPTION DRUG DONATION This bill allows residents with prescriptions to receive donated prescription drugs and supplies and identifies nursing homes, hospitals and pharmacies to donate the drugs. The prescriptions must be approved for use in the U.S., and be in unopened containers. Donations of cancer drugs or controlled substances are not allowed.

SB 404 — PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MINORS’ ABORTIONS The bill amends the Parental Notice of Abortion Act in s. 390.01114, F.S., to add consent requirements and renaming the Act as the Parental Notice of and Consent for Abortion Act. The bill prohibits a physician from performing an abortion on a minor unless the physician has received a notarized, written consent statement with specified language signed by the minor’s mother, father, or legal guardian and the physician has been presented with proof of identification by the parent or legal guardian. The consent requirement does not apply in some cases, such as during a medical emergency or if the minor petitions the circuit court for permission.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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8

BUSINESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

A

fter Hurricane Irma, it was almost impossible to calculate how many residents left the Keys for good … until someone researched the number of power disconnections since the storm. (In case you’re wondering, it was 3,090.)

The same methods can be used to understand how the pandemic is affecting local businesses.

A social media post that circulated last week claimed 164 Key West businesses had closed permanently, citing electric service disconnection figures from Keys Energy Services, the utility that provides power to 29,000 customers from Key West to the Seven Mile Bridge.

Keys Weekly contacted Keys Energy spokesman Julio Torrado for confirmation, and learned that some of the business disconnection numbers had been misinterpreted.

Torrado clarified the figures for Keys Weekly this week, and said, “From March through June, Keys Energy shows 59 commercial accounts closed their accounts — four in March; 14 in April; 25 in May; 16 in June,” he said. “During that same time period we also show that 59 other commercial accounts requested a change of name for their account, which means it could have reverted back to the landlord’s name or a new business took over.” In all, the data shows that 118 businesses have been affected in Key West and the Lower Keys.

The Florida Keys Electric Coop, a not-for-profit utility that is member-owned, serves 33,000 businesses and residences from the Seven Mile Bridge to Key Largo. It reports that it has seen a net decrease in commercial accounts, but by a smaller margin — only 17. Nikki Dunn Cullen, the FKEC spokesperson, said 5 of those were in the Marathon district and 12 in Tavernier between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

Torrado added that Keys Energy Services noticed a “slight dip” in the total amount of power consumed in March, April and May, “due to larger commercial properties, like hotels, being closed or offline.” The same held true for the Middle and Upper Keys, served by FKEC, except April, when households consumed more electricity than in 2019

KEYS POWER COMPANIES TALLY CANCELED ACCOUNTS Lights out for some businesses

By Mandy Miles & Sara Matthis

The struggle continues While 118 or so businesses may have closed, others continue to struggle to pay their bills.

Keys Energy Services has not been shutting off power to customers who are unable to pay since March. According to figures from Keys Energy Services, accounts in arrears numbered 199 in March, 619 in April and 648 in May. “These are customers that would have been disconnected in March, April and May 2020 if KEYS had not suspended disconnects,” Torrado said. “These are the customers we are working with to get them on payment plans to true up accounts.”

FKEC estimates that approximately 35% more of the business and residential accounts are in arrears compared to normal years.

Both utilities have discounted utility bills — Keys Energy by 5% and 10% from May to August and FKEC with a capital credit retirement that benefited 25,000 members to the tune of $2.5 million.

Call for help Torrado urged any Keys Energy customer who is strug“We are working with gling to pay bills to contact the utility immediately so their individual members representatives can begin unable to partially finding ways to help and esor completely pay tablish a payment plan. As of their electric bill, to last week, 28 customers had taken advantage of the utility’s customize a payment deferred payment plan, while plan to manage their 120 customers have received balance and maintain assistance through the Low Inelectrical service,” come Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

— Nikki Dunn Cullen FKEC also has a plan. “We are working with individual members unable to partially or completely pay their electric bill, to customize a payment plan to manage their balance and maintain electrical service,” said Dunn Cullen. More information is available at fkec.com.

Neither entity expects power costs and electric bills to increase, or at least not by much.

“We do not anticipate a base rate increase to bills over the next year as a result. KEYS is monitoring reduction in sales and cash flow associated with customers falling behind or not paying bills,” Torrado said. “All customer assistance measures have been worked into the budget and offset by projects that have been postponed or canceled.”

Cullen Dunn said, “It is too early to say if there will be an impact on bills. However, the more power usage goes down, the higher the cost per kWh.”

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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THIS WEEK’S ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, JULY 9

TONY MANFREDI 3PM SINGER JENN 5:30PM FRIDAY, JULY 10

MOOSE 7PM

SATURDAY, JULY 11

THE CAT 4 BAND 7PM SUNDAY, JULY 12

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 6PM

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

MONDAY, JULY 13

PART Y TIME W/JOHNNY LIVE 2PM TUESDAY, JULY 14

COUNTRY JAM 6PM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

PIRATE KARAOKE 7PM

Walter represented the Buyers & Sellers of: 57520 Morton Street, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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S o c ia l d is ta n c in g w it h ta b le s 6’ apar t

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

BRIEFLY

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

Karen represented the Buyers & Sellers of: 12411 Overseas Highway #17C, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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COMMERCE CORNER Website: www.thegoodhealthclinic.org Email: info@thegoodhealthclinic.org

Established in 2004, Good Health Clinic is a private not-for-profit health clinic dedicated to providing robust care for income restricted, uninsured Keys residents. It provides primary care, access to specialists, diagnostics, and medications free of cost for patients.

“We focus on providing compassionate, comprehensive healthcare to the uninsured residents of the Keys who cannot afford it,” said Kate Banick, executive director. “We don’t just provide access to medical providers but also work to ensure our patients get the diagnostics, medications, and specialty care they need to live the healthiest life possible.”

She said that throughout the U.S., individuals and small businesses are unable to afford the cost of insurance and people are forced to go without essential healthcare. “Good Health Clinic exists to serve as a medical home for those who cannot afford insurance,” Banick said.

Over the past 15 years, the Good Health Clinic has served thousands of Keys residents and provided everything from annual wellness exams to major surgeries. This year it estimates it will provide approximately 700 individuals with the health care they need. To • Tavernier Office: 91555 Overseas Hwy | 305-853-1788 Hours: Monday – Friday 9AM – 4:30PM • Marathon Office: 13365 Overseas Hwy, Suite #101| 305-946-1314 Hours: Tuesday & Friday 9AM – 3PM

2 workshops set to discuss mosquito trial There are two virtual workshops scheduled for next week to discuss Oxitec’s proposed biologically modified mosquito trial in the Florida Keys.

The first is being hosted by the Center for Food Safety and Friends of the Earth. Panelists will be Professor Jeffrey Powell, Yale University; Dr. Helen Wallace, GeneWatch UK; Dr. John Norris, Lower Keys Medical Center; and Ed Russo, Florida Keys Environmental Coalition. It’s set for Monday, July 13 at 5 p.m. via Zoom.

The organizers urge viewers to “learn about why experts warn against releasing genetically engineered mosquitoes into the Florida Keys.”

To register, visit https://tinyurl. com/ydf982kt.

The second is hosted by the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District on Tuesday, July 14 at 5 p.m. Registration is required and all are invited to submit questions in advance of the live event. “This webinar is limited to 1,000 attendees and is primarily intended as an opportunity for members of the community.”

Participants are asked to register in advance by clicking on the link available on the board meeting and minutes page at keysmosquito.org.

Three free virus-testing sites are set up in the Keys The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County will be hosting free community-based COVID-19 testing events through July in Key West, Big Pine Key and Islamorada. Appointments are required. To schedule one, please call 1-786-698-0093.

Appointments will be limited and will be scheduled based on the order in which the calls are received. Please leave a detailed voice message with your name and phone number and a nurse will call you back to confirm your appointment. The testing locations are at College of the Florida Keys in Key West, the Moose Lodge on Big Pine Key and the Moose Lodge in Islamorada. Testing is at no cost. Criteria for testing include: being a Monroe County resident; having a valid ID; and being pre-registered with name, address, phone number and date of birth. No walk-ins are allowed.

The following organizations are also offering testing. Some may charge a fee, have patients meet certain criteria or require an appointment: Key Largo: Advanced Urgent Care, 305- 294-0011; Urgent Care, 305-4530666.

Tavernier: ASAP Urgent Care Center, 305-852-9300.

Marathon: Advanced Urgent Care, 305-294-0011; CHI, 305-252-4820; Florida Keys AHEC, 305- 743-7111, X 210.

Key West: Advanced Urgent Care, 305-294-0011; Key West Urgent Care , 305-295-7550; Keys Medical Group, 305-293-4073; Key West Medical Center, 305-295-6790; Rural Health Network, 305-517-6613; John W Norris III MD PA, 305-296-1022.

11th dengue case confirmed in Keys The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County has received laboratory confirmation of one additional case of dengue fever. All indications of this infection show that it was locally acquired. This individual has received medical treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. This is the 11th confirmed case of dengue this year in Monroe County. DOH-Monroe and Florida Keys Mosquito Control District are working closely to continue surveillance and prevention efforts. Florida Keys Mosquito Control District is assisting with these investigations and has intensified its mosquito control activities in Key Largo. .

College hosts financial aid workshop The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will host a virtual financial aid workshop on Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. to help future and returning students and their families seek federal financial assistance for their college education. CFK staff will provide guidance through the process of completing the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completion of the FAFSA is the first step toward accessing opportunities available to eligible students such as grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.

CFK will provide an overview of the application process with specific tips for making the overall process easier and less intimidating before logging into the online application. Prior to the event, students and parents of dependent students are encouraged to create their Federal Student Aid ID online at fsaid.ed.gov. Participants should also have their 2018 tax returns on-hand to reference during the workshop.

Visit the College’s website at www. fkcc.edu/fafsa-workshop for information to log into the virtual financial aid workshop. Contact the CFK Office of Financial Aid at 305-809-3523 or financialaid@fkcc.edu for additional information.

11

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

City of Marathon City Council Agenda Tuesday, July 14, 2020 5:30 P.M.

Public Comments taken on all items and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter or after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06 and Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this meeting will be held virtually via Zoom Meetings.

Members of the public who wish to view the City Council Meeting may do so by watching local via the web at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCFimq7DjLHNolPgqbKTaftQ/live Members of the public who wish to comment on matters before the City Council may do so by either: (1) Calling (305) 289-4130, or emailing cityofmarathon@ci.marathon.fl.us with your name, address, and phone number where you can be reached during the meeting on July 14th by 4:00PM; or (2) Calling (301) 715-8592, and upon receiving voice prompt, dialing Meeting ID: 996 8627 9888 and Password: 363569. Members of the public who participate in the meeting through this option must mute themselves until called upon to speak.

City Council Items *A. Approval of Minutes B. 33rd Street Update (Councilmember Zieg) C. Signs /US1 Corridor (Councilmember Zieg) D. Fire Pension Board At Large Appointments E. Trash Discussion (Mayor Cook) F. Mini Season (Councilmember Senmartin) G. In House Counsel or Contract Legal Services / Next Steps (Councilmember Zieg) H. Sombrero Beach Issues (Councilmember Bartus) I. FY20/21 General Fund Budget Discussion J. Resolution 2020-43, Determining The Proposed Millage Rate, And The Current Year Rolled-Back Rate, And The Date, Time And Place For The First And Second Budget Public Hearings As Required By Law; Directing The Finance Director To File Said Resolution With The Property Appraiser Of Monroe County Pursuant To The Requirements Of Florida Statutes And The Rules And Regulations Of The Department Of Revenue Of The State Of Florida; And Providing For An Effective Date City Manager Report A. Presentation by Woods Hole Group – New FEMA Floodplain Maps B. Annual Review of Vacation Rental Fee Schedule (Resolution 2016-46) Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings (ITEMS A THROUGH D BELOW): Please be advised that the following items on the agenda are quasi-judicial in nature. If you wish to comment upon these items, please inform the Clerk by filling out the available sign-up form. An opportunity for persons to speak on the items will be made available after the applicant and staff has made their presentations on the items.

All testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will be made under oath or affirmation. Additionally, each person who gives testimony may be subject to cross-examination. As the July 14 City Council Meeting will be conducted via videoconference, any person who gives testimony for any Quasi-Judicial Hearing must identify themselves with a validly issued driver’s license or state identification card. All persons who wish to give testimony are encouraged to be sworn in advance of the City Council meeting on July 14 at 3:00PM by joining a Zoom call at the link below: https://zoom.us/j/94198135746 If you refuse either to be cross-examined or to be sworn, your testimony will not be considered as record evidence, but you may provide comment during the public comment section of the meeting. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the Council to ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. (Councilmember’s to communicate ex parte communication.)

A.

Resolution 2020-17 Confirmation Of A City Council Approval As Documented In Resolutions 2018-116 & 117, Of A Request By GEM Homes LLC For A Conditional Use Permit And A Development Agreement, Pursuant To Chapter 102, Articles 8 And 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (“The Code”) Entitled “Development Agreement” And “Conditional Use Permits” Respectively,” With Proposed Densities Of Approximately 15 Affordable Housing Units Per Acre; Establishing That the Effective Date Shall Be Retroactive To The Date Of Original Council Approval And The Termination Date Shall Be Determined From That Date (Seven (7) Years From December 11, 2018); Located At 250 Gulf Terrace; Which Is Legally Described As Part Of Lot 2 & Lots 8, 9 & Part Of Lots 7 & 10 Schmitt Subdivision, Section 2, Township 66, Range 32, Key Vaccas, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida; Having Real Estate Numbers 00101340-000000 And 00101340-000200 (As Stated In The Resolution), Nearest Mile Marker 51.

B.

Resolution 2020-36, Consideration Of A Request By Seaview Commons II For A Conditional Use Permit Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (LDRs) Entitled “Conditional Use Permits,” Proposing The Mixed Development Of Six (6) Market Rate And Sixty (60) Affordable Housing Residential Units With Amenities; For Property Located At The Southeast Corner Of Pescayo Ave., Coco Plum, Marathon, Florida, Which Is Legally Described As Lying Within Township 66S, Section 5, Range 33E; Key Vaca, Marathon, Florida; Having Real Estate Numbers 00363550-000000 And 00363560-000000. Nearest Mile Marker 54.

C.

Resolution 2020-37, Consideration Of A Request To The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida To Abandon The Public Right Of Way On Crain Street, Crain Subdivision of Grassy Key; Described As Being Adjacent To Block 25, Lots 1 Through 6 And Block 26, Lot 7, Coco Plum Beach, Grassy Key; Having Real Estate Numbers 00369400-000000 and 00369620-000000. Nearest Mile Marker 58.

D.

Resolution 2020-44, Consideration Of A Request Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida By Guillermo Torres For A Conditional Use Permit Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (Code) Entitled “Conditional Use Permits” For The Development Of A Property Into Multifamily Housing, Office And Retail; Located At 10155 Overseas Hwy; Which Is Legally Described As Part of Government Lot 2 And Bay Bottom South Of And Adjacent Part Government Lot 2, Key Vaca, Having Real Estate Number 00104460-000000, Nearest Mile Marker 52.5.

Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment A. Ordinance 2020-02, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Land Development Regulations, Chapter 103, Article 3, Table 103.15.2, To Allow Uses Designated As “Permanent RVs” To Be Utilized As “Transient Residential Units” (RV Lots), Meeting All Requirements Of Such Uses, And That Hold No Monetary Value As Transient Units, And Cannot Be Transferred As Transient Units, To Be Allowed On Properties Zoned Residential Mobile Home (R-MH) or Mixed Use (MU) That Also Allow Permanent Florida Building Code Compliant Residences; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Economic Opportunity For Adoption; And Providing For An Effective Date.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing A. Ordinance 2020-03 Amending Chapter 36, Article Four, “Water and Mooring Fields,” Modifying Sections 36-81 and 36-83 To Allow Mooring Within The City Marina By Mooring Agreement; To Otherwise Prohibit Mooring On Any City Dock, Adjunct To A City Boat Ramp, Or Any City Facility Located Adjacent The Water; And To Prohibit The Launching Of Vessels Twenty-six (26) Feet Or Longer From The Boat Ramp Located At Aviation Boulevard And Harbor Drive; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Of Ordinances Found To Be In Conflict, And Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date.

B.

Ordinance 2020-04, A Request By Julie Walker (Accepted By Marathon Vacation Properties LLC) To Amend The Future Land Use Map From Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium (RM) For Lot 8, Block 18; Lot 1, Block 19; Lot 4, Block 19; and Lot 5, Block 19, Coco Plum Beach Subdivision; Having Real Estate Numbers 00365970-000000, 00365980-000000, and part of 00366031-000100 (formerly 00366010-000000 and 00366020-000000), Marathon, Florida, Monroe County, Florida; Nearest Mile Marker 54.

C.

Ordinance 2020-05 A Request By Julie Walker (Accepted By Marathon Vacation Properties LLC) To Amend Land Development Regulations Zoning Map From Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium (RM) For Lot 8, Block 18; Lot 1, Block 19; Lot 4, Block 19; and Lot 5, Block 19, Coco Plum Beach Subdivision; Having Real Estate Numbers 00365970-000000, 00365980-000000, and part of 00366031-000100 (formerly 00366010-000000 and 00366020-000000), Marathon, Florida, Monroe County, Florida; Nearest Mile Marker 54.

D.

Ordinance 2020-06, A Request By Mr. Chris Stiles To Amend The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) From Residential Medium (RM) To Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C) For The Property Described As Block 3 Lot 9, Key Colony Subdivision, Key Vaca, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00335200-000000; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Economic Opportunity; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The State Department Of Economic Opportunity.

E.

Ordinance 2020-07, A Request By Mr. Chris Stiles To Amend The Zoning Designation From Residential Medium (RM) To Mixed Use (MU) For The Property Described As Block 3 Lot 9, Key Colony Subdivision, Key Vaca , Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00335200-000000; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Economic Opportunity; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The State Department Of Economic Opportunity.

Resolutions for Adoption *A. Resolution 2020 –38, Approval Of A Quote And Project Proposal In The Amount Of $24,400.00 From LPS Contracting Under A Continuing Services Agreement And Work Authorization To Complete Phase II of A Maintenance Dredge Project On Calle Ensueno. *B. Resolution 2020-39 Approval Of An Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Between The City of Marathon, Florida And Monroe County, Florida Agreeing To Allow The Transfer Of Twenty (20) Affordable Housing Allocations From Property Owned By The Monroe County School Board (MCSB) (RE Nos. 00104600-000000 & 00104620-000000) In Marathon To Property Owned By The MCSB Located On Upper Sugarloaf Key (RE No. 00118050-000000) For The Purposes Of Developing Workforce Housing At That Location; Providing For The Provision Of This Resolution And ILA To The MCSB and Monroe County, Florida; And Providing For An Effective Date. *C. Resolution 2020-40, Approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Marathon and James (Jack) Bridges for Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Services and Providing For An Effective Date. *D. Resolution 2020-41, Providing Approval To Expend Additional Funds Through The First Time Home Buyer Loan Funding Program To Additional Qualified Applicants In An Amount Not To Exceed $10,000.00 Per Applicant And No More Than Twenty Additional Applicants Or $200,000.00; And Providing For An Effective Date. *E.

Resolution 2020-42, Approving A Contract With Key Honey Contracting LLC In An Amount Not To Exceed $419,415.00 For The Installation Of A Force Main From Service Area 3 To Service Area 4; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

The public hearings will commence at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as business permits, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion; or, written comments may be sent to the City of Marathon, c/o City Clerk, 9805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

12

KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

CRUISE NEWS Would proposed changes apply to privately owned Pier B? MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to change the city’s charter to limit the size of cruise ships that dock at the Southernmost City’s three cruise ship piers and the number of passengers who can come ashore on any given day.

The Key West ballot will include three cruise ship-related questions, following a petition drive by the Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships.

Ballot questions Voters will be asked to answer “yes” or “no” to the following: • Shall the number of persons disembarking from cruise ships be limited to a total of not more than 1,500 persons per day at any and all public and privately owned or leased property located within the municipal boundary of the City of Key West?

• Shall cruise ships with the capacity to carry 1,300 or more persons (passengers and crew) be prohibited from disembarking individuals at any and all public or privately owned or leased property located within the municipal boundary of the City of Key West?

• Shall the City of Key West give preference and priority to cruise ships and cruise lines that have the best environmental record … and best health record?

The committee needed about 1,500 signed petitions, or 10% of the city’s registered voters, to get the questions on the ballot and accumulated about 2,500 signatures, said Arlo Haskell, president of the Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships.

Cruise questions stir up controversy The issue has stirred up controversy in Key West and pitted some business owners and workers who depend on revenue from cruise ship passengers against those who want to limit the size and number of ships that visit Key West while giving priority to cruise lines that demonstrate a commitment to environmental protections.

The Key West Chamber of Commerce, using data from 2019, evaluated the potential impacts of the changes. At a June 24 luncheon, executive vice president Scott Atwell reported that under the newly proposed criteria for the size of ships, the number of cruise ship port calls at Key West would drop from 417 to about 22, representing a 95% reduction.

But committee president Haskell and vice president Jolly Benson disagree, saying there are a number of smaller ships that would meet the new size criteria currently operating in the Caribbean, but bypassing Key West.

They added that several cruise lines are in the process of reinventing their fleets with smaller vessels that would meet the committee’s size criteria.

The Pier B cruise ship dock behind Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina is privately owned. If the Key West ballot referendums to limit the size and number of cruise ships pass in November, will they apply to the privately owned Pier B? The jury is still out. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Haskell met on July 8 with the Key West Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

“But when the board asked Mr. Haskell why these smaller ships don’t currently visit Key West, he didn’t know,” said Greg Sullivan, president of the Key West chamber. “And when we asked whether he had been in contact with any of these smaller ships, he said that’s not the committee’s job.”

Sullivan added that the chamber board voted on July 8 to support the question that prioritizes environmentally friendly ships, but the chamber will not support the other two ballot questions about size and capacity.

“We have and always will support the environment, but these new restrictions would prohibit ships like the Disney ships and the new Virgin Voyages cruise ship from visiting Key West,” Sullivan said. “Our biggest concern is unintended consequences. The city is already making plans to eliminate police and fire positions if the referendums pass and the city loses tens of millions of dollars in cruise ship revenues.”

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston told Keys Weekly she doesn’t think the city has ever really managed its cruise ship tourism. “And perhaps now is the time to do so,” Johnston said.

What about Pier B? Some organizations and business owners also question if and how the size and capacity limitations, if approved, would apply to the privately owned Pier B, located behind Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina. The city of Key West owns the Mallory Square dock.

The city leases the Outer Mole Pier from the U.S. Navy.

“If approved, the ballot questions are binding amendments to the city charter,” Arlo Haskell told Keys Weekly. “The referendums would apply to all three cruise ship piers — Outer Mole, Mallory Square and Pier B. The city has the municipal authority to do so.”

But Key West City Manager Greg Veliz wasn’t so sure.

“I still haven’t gotten a definitive answer to the question of how these changes would apply to the privately owned Pier B,” Veliz told Keys Weekly.

Key West City Attorney Shawn Smith did

not respond to the question about Pier B and whether cruise ship limitations could prompt the owners of Pier B to sue the city for lost revenue.

“They don’t really have a good case for a lawsuit, because this treats all three docks the same way,” said Haskell, who is not a lawyer.

“If it was a complete ban, or if it was being applied unequally to the three docks, then perhaps they would.”

Haskell said the owners of Pier B and the connected resort and marina actually lease the bay bottom that’s underneath the cruise ship pier from the state of Florida. “The state constitution actually specifies that submerged lands such as this are to be used for the public benefit,” Haskell said.

Key West attorneys David Paul and Darren Horan tend to disagree, and said they believe the owners of Pier B would indeed have a case for a lawsuit against the city. The Horan Law Firm has been retained by several Key West business owners “that would be detrimentally affected by what the committee seeks to do,” David Paul Horan told Keys Weekly.

“We’re tooling up for litigation with regard to the overall idea of those referendums,” he said. If and when the electorate passes the referendums, the legal challenges can — and likely will — begin, Horan said.

“As far as the Walsh-owned property, which includes Pier B, they get a considerable amount of income from cruise ships, both from fees paid by the cruise lines, and from passengers walking past their retail shops there,” Darren Horan said. “If they’re deprived of income from the use of that dock, the city would have to compensate them for the highest and best use of the property and I don’t think the city can afford to strike a check for that amount. And the argument that private property can be regulated just because public property is regulated doesn’t hold weight.”

The contentious issue will continue to prompt debate from both sides until the November election. Information from the Key West Chamber of Commerce is at keywestchamber.org and from the Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships is at safercleanerships.com.

13

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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14

WILDLIFE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

FOXES FACING DEATH AT FUR FARM FIND SANCTUARY IN THE KEYS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

T

wo foxes left to die on a Midwest fur farm have found sanctuary in the Keys.

Louie’s fur wasn’t good enough for a coat, while Libby had a missing tail — a byproduct of breeding blemishes in an attempt to obtain top tier fur. The two foxes are safe and sound now thanks to the efforts of a Minnesota rescue that retrieved them and Key Largo resident Nicole Navarro, who’s giving them a new home and a brighter future.

An animal enthusiast, Navarro grew up on a 30-acre horse farm north of Pittsburgh. Her journey to the Keys began in 1993 when her mother moved to Key Largo to open a scuba shop.

She bounced around different places for several years, until 2004 when she made the Keys her home.

“I worked at Dolphins Plus for a few years. … I just had the basic tourism-type jobs,” she said. “I lived in Key West for a little bit and worked in the Hemingway Home with the cats. I did Hurricane Irma with all the cats down there. That was a big production.”

After Irma, she started volunteering at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm with Farmer Jeanne Selander. The animal farm acquired two foxes that were surrendered. Navarro had been around many animals in her life, but foxes were new to her.

“I became infatuated with them,” she said. “As I started learning more about where captive-bred foxes come from, aside from breeders, I really learned how horrible the fur farming industry is. A lot of people don't know that it’s alive and well, and it is a gruesome industry in the U.S.” Navarro was laid off from her job on March 21 as the coronavirus pandemic continued to unfold throughout Florida and the Keys. That night, however, she was contacted by a rescue and asked if she’d be willing to take on two farm foxes rescued from Minnesota.

“I couldn’t say ‘no.’” she said. “I am permitted as I have a license with Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation. I had acquired my permit in the hopes one day I’d have my own foxes. Getting the two I have was definitely, extremely unexpected.”

Navarro said farm-bred foxes are pretty much “born to die.” Those deemed undesirable, meaning their fur is not worth much, are killed to make room for new fox pups being born.

Navarro said a few rescues like Save a Fox Rescue in Minnesota have agreements with fur farmers to go in quickly and save those that otherwise would be destroyed.

“If the rescue has space, the fur farmer will let them go in and take them out quickly,” she said. “That’s why my two were able to make it out.”

While the foxes are traumatized from the care they received, Navarro said she’s able to go in with Louie and Libby to toss toys and play with them.

“They’re not aggressive. They’re more cautious,” she said.

“There are days where I respect their boundaries. … That way they know I won’t hurt them. These two were severely abused on the fur farm just because of how jumpy they are.”

Next weekend, Navarro will be driving to north Florida to retrieve two more foxes from a rescue that saved them from a Midwest breeding farm. An enclosure has already been built for the two.

Navarro said the biggest thing people can do to help shut the industry down is to refrain from buying fur. According to Humane Society International, 100 million animals are bred and killed on farms to supply fur not just for coats, but also for jackets, pompoms, shoes, gloves and other accessories.

From Top: Louie lounges inside his home while Libby positions herself on a bed above. The two foxes were saved from a fur farm. CONTRIBUTED Louie rests peacefully at his new home in the Keys. CONTRIBUTED Nicole Navarro, founder of Pawsitive Beginnings Inc., sits with Louie, a fox whose fur wasn’t good enough for a coat.

He was set to be killed, until a rescue retrieved him from a Minnesota fur farm. Navarro traveled to Ohio to bring him back to the Keys. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

VILLAGE CALLS FOR MINI-SEASON CANCELLATION

A snorkeler shows his lobster catch during the lobster mini-season last year. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

Florida Keys municipality is calling on the governor to cancel the two-day spiny lobster mini-season in Monroe County as coronavirus cases increase in South Florida, the state and other regions throughout the country. But not all appear to be on board.

Islamorada Vice Mayor Ken Davis brought forth discussion during a July 1 special meeting of council as he expressed concern over the upcoming mini-season in a pandemic. He urged the village to ask Gov. Ron DeSantis to forgo mini-season this year. Council agreed.

Before the meeting, Davis said he spoke with Key West Mayor Teri Johnston regarding concerns surrounding the season. Davis said Johnston reached out to commissioners. He said a majority verbally agreed that a request should be made to the governor, as well as the board of county commissioners, to cancel the miniseason.

“When you talk about debacles of a pandemic, this would be the worst possible ever bringing people from throughout the U.S.,” he said.

Mini-season is scheduled to kick off at 12:01 a.m. on July 29 and end at midnight on July 30.

The bag limit in Monroe County is six per day.

For the rest of the state, it’s 12. Possession limits are enforced on and off the water by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Coast Guard also assist during the season.

Councilman Chris Sante said the season that was started to promote tourist traffic has become a “rape, plunder and pillage” during the lobster mini-season. He, too, supported a pause to the mini-season this year.

“We’re overwhelmed with people and it’s just getting worse,” he said. “Anything we can do to slow it down I’m fine with.”

County Mayor Heather Carruthers said during a July 8 board of county commissioners meeting that there was no storng consensus

whether to cancel mini-season. She said there’s split opinions among the mayors and area, and some believed it would only increase intensity on water and land.

“The reasons for that I think primarily are that, one, especially in the Upper Keys, they feel that mini-season is not quite as busy or as destructive as it has been in the past,” she said. “Two, we saw that the Fourth of July was much calmer than we anticipated, and three, that postpoining or eliminating mini-season simply postpones everything until Aug. 6, so you have one day when all commerical and recreation fishing people are on the water. Four, everybody’s concerned about the economy.”

The health department in Monroe County reported 29 new cases of coronavirus on July 8. In the past week alone, 157 new cases have been reported to the Florida Health Department in Monroe County. Deaths in the county rose to six on July 8, while hospitalizations in the county were at seven, per the health department’s latest report.

Cases are also on the rise in Miami-Dade where new cases rose by almost 3,000 according to the health department’s July 8 report. Daily spikes and increases in hospitalizations led Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez to sign an emergency order to close dine-in services at restaurants effective July 8.

Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster expressed his support for a lobster mini-season cancellation this year through letters and a possible resolution. He wasn’t optimistic, however, that it would yield any results at the state level.

“I can’t speak for the governor because he’s done some things that have caught me from left field. I think he's trying to release some pressure off the Dade and Broward areas,” he said. “They (Miami-Dade) haven't gotten past stage half yet.

They’re not at full one yet. They (the state) are trying to release pressure, the valve and have them go elsewhere. It affects everybody else because they have the most cases of anybody.”

Councilwoman Deb Gillis said she believes the area has “probably outgrown needing a miniseason.” The owner of lodging establishments in Islamorada, Gillis said council should act rather quickly to see whether the season will be canceled, as many hotel bookings have been made for that time.

17

FWC MAKES LOBSTER ARRESTS AT SNAKE CREEK BRIDGE

Lobsters caught out of season by two Miami men this past weekend. They were jailed and charged. CONTRIBUTED

T

wo Miami men were jailed on July 5 after they were found to be in possession of lobster out of season.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation reports that Investigator Chris “Hammer” Mattson responded to a spearfishing complaint in the area of Snake Creek Bridge in Islamorada. As the investigator was walking toward the area, Monroe County sheriff’s deputies were also arriving on scene.

Upon arrival, Mattson observed a man jump out of a parked truck where he moved quickly toward the shore. Mattson and deputies came to the shore, where they observed two men in the water without a dive flag and with loaded spearguns.

Mattson had them unload the spearguns safely on the shore. He then asked one of the men if they had caught any fish. The one man said they had caught “one.” Mattson walked up to the truck and asked to look in the coolers. He observed nine whole spiny lobster. All of the lobster were harvested by spear and had big holes in the carapace. The men were arrested and taken to Plantation Key Jail.

The men were each charged with one count of spearfishing in the Upper Keys, one count of possession of undersized schoolmaster snapper, one count of no lobster measuring device, nine counts of speared lobster, nine counts of possession of lobster out of season, nine counts of over the bag limit lobster and six counts of undersized lobster. A dive flag citation was also written to each man. The FWC report states that the men had no bond. State Attorney Dennis Ward said following the incident that those who start lobster mini-season early and get caught will find that penalties will include jail time.

— Contributed

18

ELECTION 2020

THREE REPUBLICANS, ONE DEMOCRAT LOOK TO SUCCEED RASCHEIN JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

S

tate Rep. Holly Raschein has served the Keys and south Miami-Dade for the past eight years. Her time representing District 120 in Tallahassee will conclude as she terms out at the end of this year. Now, three Republican candidates and one Democrat vie to take over the reins.

Candidates enter in what’s been a turbulent time in the state of Florida, between the response to the coronavirus pandemic and cuts to the budget by Gov. Ron DeSantis to make up losses. Meanwhile, attempts to lower wind insurance cap rates for policyholders have proven unsuccessful at the state capital, while funds geared to support affordable housing have gone elsewhere.

Entering the race for state representative on the Republican side are Jim Mooney, Rhonda Rebman Lopez and Alexandria Suarez. A primary to determine the Republican candidate is set for Tuesday, Aug. 18. Clint Barras, vice president of business development for Two Oceans Digital, is the lone candidate on the Democratic side.

Keys Weekly asked the candidates to answer the following questions (answers are as submitted): Rep. Holly Raschein has served the Keys and portions of south Miami-Dade County for eight years, and she's set to term out at the end of the year. What work would you continue that Raschein supported? What would you do differently?

Among the issues that the Keys must confront is sea level rise. What are your proposals and ideas in the way of securing funds and implementing projects to make the island chain more resilient?

Historically, the state legislature has swept the Sadowski fund, which is intended for affordable housing, to pay for other state programs.

In the Keys, affordable housing remains a top concern. What efforts would you make to ensure the dollars from Sadowski go to support affordable housing and projects in the Keys?

Lowering caps to wind insurance rates has proven unsuccessful in past attempts. What's the key, in your mind, to getting other state legislators and the governor on board to solve this issue for insurance policy holders?

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

Name: Rhonda Rebman Lopez Age: 55 Professional background: Graduated with a Bachelor’s in English and Communications from the University of Alabama, worked for American Airlines for over 20 years, and worked part-time in education.

Political party: Republican Current job: President/Owner, Peco International Electric 1. Representative Raschein has certainly been an outstanding representative for the Keys and South Dade. Her ability to lead in a bipartisan manner and achieve consensus on the issues important to us is to be admired. I would carry the torch forward on water quality and environmental re-nourishment projects, as well as the fight to protect our farmers from unfair regulations, and ensuring that the Keys continues to receive the funding it deserves to rebuild and improve quality of life.

However, I would diverge with Representative Rachein by being more laser-focused on championing measures that stimulate economic growth and job creation.

2. Through Governor Desantis’ appointment of a Chief Resiliency Officer, I am reassured that we have strong allies in Tallahassee who will help Monroe County and South Florida in making important infrastructural changes. Certainly, we need to make assessments to get a fuller picture of what needs to be done. However, through partnering with the SFWMD Board in advocating for their legislative priorities and full funding for the Florida Resilient Coastlines Program and the Coastal Construction Control Line Program, among others, we will be able to implement vital changes that safeguard the Keys and our residents for generations to come.

3. This session’s full funding of the Sadowski Trust was a step in the right direction. I think the most powerful arguments to be made in ensuring that we get dollars in the Keys to support affordable housing are: the Keys are unique from the rest of the state in our needs from Tallahassee, and the Keys deserve its fair share of resources back from the state that we send in tax dollars every year. As a tourism and economic powerhouse, it benefits the state for the Keys to be able to provide housing for our workforce and disadvantaged.

4. A good start in successfully shepherding such legislation through would be to amass a heavy, bipartisan list of co-sponsors on the bill, which was not done in 2019 during the last attempt. Although the Senate version moved quite rapidly and received large bipartisan support on the floor, the appetite was not there in the House to hear the legislation. We need to be more proactive in working with stakeholders and other legislators, particularly in the House. Further, perhaps future versions of rate cap legislation need to be made broader such that not only Monroe County would benefit from the legislation.

Name: Alexandria Suarez Age: 49 Professional background: Attorney, Miami-Dade & Monroe County, former pharmaceutical sales representative, Miami-Dade & Monroe County, former public school teacher, Miami-Dade Political party: Republican Current Job: Assistant State Attorney, Monroe County 1. As State Representative, I will continue to support FKSA and funding for infrastructure water projects, and workforce housing. What sets me apart from my predecessor and other candidates, Republican or Democrat, is my focus on the entire District, from farm to sea, since Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys share the district, in order to improve quality of life while reducing cost of living. I will use existing federal and state laws to oppose over-development in the District’s north that would put added strain on water drainage and waste management. Measures to stop over-development in the District’s north will ensure water resource protection, aquifer recharge, conservation of wetlands and other ecologically sensitive habitats, while ensuring the coastal management, urban development boundaries, agricultural buffers and promote intergovernmental coordination.

2. As State Representative I would support an environmental approach involving continued land recovery and a greater effort for mangroves and wetlands restoration to cope with floodwater inundation. Second, I would support hard engineering projects like sea walls, surge barriers, water pumps and overflow chambers to help keep water out when the time comes. Finally, I would continue to support innovation for resilient construction design.

3. Whenever a trust fund is dedicated for a specific purpose, it is not appropriate for the legislature to shift funds from it to pay for other services. A dedicated state trust fund’s intention should be fulfilled.

Otherwise, the public will lose faith in its elected officials. The same holds true for the Sadowski fund intended to ensure dollars for affordable housing projects needed within our District. Besides working to receive our Sadowski funds, I would also seek tax exemptions to allow opportunity for private property owners to be a part of the workforce housing solution, not just a select few.

4. Because efforts to lower wind insurance rate caps have been unsuccessful in the past, as State Representative, I would review the related legislation to determine what is hindering rate reductions. Also, I would support a more competitive market approach to allow for more insurance options. Finally, I would also review whether insurance companies that have promised to lower rates after passing previous legislation have kept their promise. If not, the state legislature should hold them accountable to make sure premiums have improved when the legislature has relied on insurance companies reasons for such legislation.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

Name: James (Jim) V. Mooney Jr. Age: 69 Professional background: Former Teacher Coach at Coral Shores High School; small business owner (grocer; bar/restaurant owner). Elected to Islamorada Village of Islands 1998 to 2002, served as mayor in 2000. Elected to Village Council 2014 to 2020, served as vice mayor in 2016 and mayor in 2017. Boards include Take Stock in Children Monroe County, Florida Keys Electric Co-Op, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce; FL Keys Board of Realtors for 2012 to 2013, served as treasure FKBR 2012 to 2013; Upper Keys Foundation, President Women's Council of Realtors, FL Keys Chapter in 2015.

Political party: Republican Current job: Realtor 1. I plan to continue Holly’s work on water quality and marine resource issues, as well as supporting policies that are beneficial to our military and veterans. With 2023 looming as a major date for our ROGO system, I will continue her efforts to secure a local/state funding split for any potential takings cases that may arise. As for what I would do different, that is going to be a work in progress, but I will adapt my strategies to maximize the positive impact I can have for my district given who my colleagues may be and the issues that develop.

2. Florida is looking sea level rise squarely in the eye as we shift from planning to adaptation and mitigation.

Localities require help from state and federal partners to fund major infrastructure projects like raising roads and elevating homes in vulnerable areas. I’m also a proponent of strategies like living shorelines and coral reef restoration projects as natural ways to mitigate hazards such as coastal flooding and shoreline erosion. Florida is currently number 3 in the nation for clean energy jobs; we need to work to stay at the top of that list. I believe a multi-faceted approach best facilitates resiliency.

3. I’d stress that all areas of Florida need quality, affordable housing so we can continue to strengthen our economy and help Florida’s workforce prosper. The need to keep Sadowski funding going towards housing is something that should cut across district lines, and the more legislators who count it as one of their top priorities, the greater likelihood of protecting the funding. Specific to the Keys, I’d make sure that the programs Sadowski funds, such as SAIL and SHIP are tailored to address higher median income levels, construction costs and other unique challenges this area faces when it comes to housing.

4. The district seems to suffer from a lack of understanding by the insurance industry as it relates to our building codes. We have some of the most stringent codes in all the country, and I don’t feel that’s being accurately reflected in our rates. We should work with counties whose codes are less stringent and help them to see that a stronger building code pays off in many different ways.

We also must continue to address insurance fraud, which drives up rates. Groups like FIRM have done great work and should continue to be engaged as valuable stakeholders and partners.

ELECTION 2020

Name: Clint Barras Age: 50 Professional background: Since 1999, I have been with and currently run Two Oceans Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency based here in Key West. I am very fortunate to have a great team of professionals around me, and together, I am proud of the service and results we deliver our clients.

Political party: Democratic Current job: My title is Vice President, but as a small company, we all row together. Whatever the need or challenge is, we all help one another. Knowing that many hands make light work is comforting reassurance on those long days at the office.

1. I have served on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council for 12 years, most recently as Chair, and like Holly, I have recently termed out. What I learned with my time on the SAC is a significant cause of Florida Bay's, and our reef's problems are originating in the mainland of Florida and the toxic water that flows through our ecosystem. Holly's work with the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which dedicates $20 million for water quality improvements and $5 million for land acquisition, annually, is highly commendable and that is the torch I would carry forward for Holly. However, dedicate and allocate are different things, and I will fight to ensure that both are realized.

2. Confronting our imminent sea-level rise must be addressed from several angles. Florida is still without a plan to address climate change and sea-level rise, and I will work to fix that. The Sunshine State should be a global leader in solar power and clean energy, and we must stop denying science, agree that people contribute to climate change, and immediately begin to address the greatest existential threat to District 120 and all communities of the world. This is why I support a transition to a clean, renewable energy economy, especially now with so many millions out of work. I want the Keys to be part of the green technology boom that is transforming economies and creating good, high-paying jobs across the globe. We must take action now to ensure our tomorrows.

3. My wife and I moved to Key West in 1998, and from that time, and well before, affordable housing remains a top concern of our residents. We all have known friends who left our community because the costs were too much to bear. The Sadowski Fund is the only revenue source for a multitude of State housing programs. Unfortunately, our Legislature continues to ignore the suffering of our citizens and has raided the Sakowski fund for the last 13 years. I believe we can create a stronger Florida by investing in our families and communities, and I will fight for all Floridians.

4. We face the highest insurance rates in the State while having the strictest building standards. More to the point, since 2004, we have paid over $800 million more in our premiums than claims paid. This disparity is similar to insurance companies charging more to those individuals considered a higher risk, or having pre-existing conditions. Other counties in the State feel their windstorm rates subsidize Monroe county, and this is not accurate. This is a matter of fairness and equality, and we need to have open, science-based discussions with our legislators and governor to emphasize the inequities of the current Citizens rate increases, which are not based on claims, but hurricane models.

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20

KEYS SCHOOLS

DISTRICT POLLS PARENTS ABOUT SCHOOL REOPENING

Most want in-person instruction

O

n July 1, the Florida Commissioner of Education said all public schools must reopen to students in person when the academic year begins next month. In the emergency order, Commissioner Richard Corcoran cited the importance not only of learning, but also of providing a place for “nutrition, socialization, counseling and extracurricular activities.” The order states that schools must be open five days a week, subject to guidance from local health authorities.

The Monroe County School District has already planned to reopen and published three alternative scenarios depending on the level of COVID-19 community spread.

(The plan, published last week, is available at keysweekly.com.) The Keys’ 50-person school task force based its plan on the responses from a poll of parents in early June, attempting to answer the “how” of getting back to school when the 2020-21 school year starts on Aug. 13.

Spoiler alert: Most parents want their kids back in school, learning in the classroom, if not full time, at least on a part-time basis; it also showed a majority of parents work outside the home, either full- or parttime.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

HERE IS MORE OF WHAT THE SURVEY REVEALED:

3,276

The number of responses to the survey, conducted in three languages: English, Spanish and Creole.

54%

More than half of parents said they would prefer students return to school either full-time or part-time. Only 12% said they prefer virtual school. Of the various measures the school district is considering for the prevention of disease spread, parents seemed to agree with all except one. Parents — at least 79% of them — did not agree with limiting either outdoor or gymnasium recreation time as a safety measure.

59%

Almost 60% of families said they have access to computers if instruction goes virtual again and another 27% reported they borrowed a “device” from the district. Thirteen percent of parents said they do not have enough devices for every child in the household.

53%

The majority of parents said they must work outside the home full-time and 37% said they work outside the home at least some of the time. Only 5% of parents work from home. About 50% of respondents said they had children in grade levels 5 and under.

7

“We appreciate everyone who took the time to fill out our survey. The results helped us to polish our detailed response to the epidemic and how it will affect school in the coming year. We incorporated the survey results into our Guide for Reopening Schools document, which can be found on our website for those who want to know in detail what our plans are under various virus scenarios.”

— Monroe County School District Superintendent Terri Axford.

40%

The number of students who require buses to get to school is unchanged from the past year. The other 60% of the student body arrives and departs school independently. The current reopening plan calls for students to wear masks on buses and in hallways when changing classrooms.

The district is considering seven disease prevention measures. Here they are, ranked by parent preference: • Washing hands.

• Temperature checks.

• Modified school routines (such as diving the student population into two shifts per day, alternating days or alternating weeks).

• One-way movement in the school hallways.

• Eating meals in the classroom instead of the cafeteria.

• No outdoor recess or gym. (21% of respondents agreed with the idea of cutting outdoor recess or gym classes.)

50/50

About 44 percent of parents surveyed said it was “highly necessary to reopen schools for the economy” and 44% said “a phased reopening is necessary for the economy.”

COOL STUFF

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

Mainstreaming

21

A look at what they're doing on the mainland

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It’s consumed much of our lives in these times of isolation and distancing. One minute you’re scrolling through Facebook, reading the backand-forth between your friends, who for the time are foes. The next minute, it’s almost time to put the phone on the charger. That’s why we set out to provide the Top 10 Annoying Signs You Need to Take a Break From Social Media:

ANNOYING SIGNS YOU NEED TO TAKE A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

10. You were never punched in the face on the playground as a kid, and thus, you still say some really stupid sh*t.

9. Food pics. We get it. You cooked something with decorative garnishes and then used the food filter on your iPhone.

8. You think people actually listen to the 10-minute dashboard video rant you posted while driving (note: they’re also tired of your beach, bathroom and bedroom selfies).

7. You’ve quoted “A Time to Kill” in over five posts this week to prove how much you (a white male) relate to the struggles of the African-American community.

6. You know more about the lives of Jeffery Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Megan Thee Stallion than you do about the lives of your own 3- and 7-year-old kids.

5. You’re one of the 500,000 people who shared a meme of doggy doo on Facebook with a caption that said “2020.” (And you liked your own post).

4. You film your workout routines. And you are not a trainer.

3. You marked yourself safe from 2020. Five times already.

2. You’ve added hashtags at the bottom of your resume: #superawesome and #perfectionist.

1. You still post twerking videos.

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HISTORY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

LOVE ME DO

SLAVERY AT FORT TAYLOR & FORT JEFFERSON

Treasury check paid to Key West slave owner James Filor at Fort Jefferson on Oct. 8, 1856, signed D. P. Woodbury, Captain Corps Engineer. Slave owners were paid $1.12 a day for the work of their slaves. DeWOLFE & WOOD COLLECTION/Monroe County Public Library

The Beatles fought racism from a Key West motel (see story on keysweekly.com).

You too can fight racism. While we celebrate Key West as “One Human Family,” we must not forget the island’s history of “un-human family” behavior, lest history repeat itself.

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

I

t is not uncommon for Key West to deny past racism by reciting the claim that Key West was part of the Union during the Civil War. While it is true that Union forces took control of Fort Zachary Taylor and Fort Jefferson, the allegiance of Key West’s citizens at the time is debatable.

The fact that slaves, owned by prominent citizens of Key West who leased them to engineers of the U.S. Government for personal profit, built Fort Zachary Taylor and Fort Jefferson is not debatable.

According to “Engineering Slavery: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Slavery at Key West” by Mark A. Smith, in 1840, before construction of the forts commenced, 56 out of 96 slaves in Key West were women. Between 1840 and 1850, the slave population of Key West in-

creased by nearly 350% to accommodate fort labor. By 1850, 235 out of 430 slaves were male. Slave owners were paid $1.12 a day for the work their slaves provided under divided mastery contracts.

An 1856 bill of sale shows James Filer of Key West selling slaves “John and Clarissa” for $1,825. John was 22. Clarissa was 18.

Today, Fort Zachary Taylor and Fort Jefferson are known as Civil War-era forts accompanied by a great beach or incredible snorkeling. Both were significant strongholds for Union forces during the Civil War. But let us not forget these forts were built by people like John and Clarissa — human beings who never knew what it was like to be treated as equal.

To learn more about this subject, read “The African American Experience at Fort Jefferson, 1847-1876” free online.

Visit npshistory.com.

23

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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HOUSING

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

AVAILABLE FOR RENT St. Columba provides affordable housing

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

M

ost of Marathon knows these as the “pink apartments” located on the west end of Marathon. For years, the buildings sat empty and in a severe state of disrepair. For the past two years, St. Columba Episcopal Church has invested considerable funds to purchase the complex and rehabilitate it into affordable housing for Marathon’s citizens. At the beginning of July, the tenants started to move in.

“They’re state workers, city employees, postal carriers, servers and bookkeepers,” said St. Columba’s Rev. Canon Debra Maconaughey. “Some are single parents or couples just starting out or still recovering from Hurricane Irma.”

It was Hurricane Irma that moved the church to action. Serving on the front lines after the storm that swept the Keys in 2017, church officials struggled to find emergency housing for those affected.

Then it stretched all its resources to host teams of volunteers from around the country to make what repairs it could in the Keys. But, Maconaughey said, it wasn’t enough.

And so, the miracle of the “five loaves and two fish” was reconfigured to fit modern-day Marathon. The church bought the condemned 16-unit apartment complex.

It’s a fearless approach to a daunting problem: private, charitable ownership of affordable housing available to the public.

The 16 apartments — completely gutted and rebuilt — are prioritized for people who were affected by Hurricane Irma.

“We have one tenant that has been couch surfing for two years,” Maconaughey said. “One apartment has been rented to a pregnant young woman; another has a 15-year old child. Marty Curry and her old, small lap dog have a spot to call their own, too.”

“We’re settling in comfortably,” Curry said, smiling. “The place is terrific.”

The one-bedroom apartments feature original terrazzo floors, plenty of windows, a separate bedroom, bathroom, tankless water heaters, and a walk-in closet cooled by mini-split ACs. There’s a kitchenette, and shared balconies. Most of all, there’s rent relief. Tenants must earn a certain income to apply but pay less than $1,000 to rent.

The whole project would have been impossible without the support of Episcopal Relief and Development, The American Red Cross and Bridge to Hope. In addition, many businesses and agencies pitched in with their best prices and labor donations. “There are too many angels to list here, but we are so thankful for their contributions,” Macounaughey said.

Mostly though, it was built on the faith of Macounaughey and the congregation. Back in November 2018, when she was explaining the project to the Keys Weekly, she said, “When I get worried about the details of this project, I just tell myself, ‘You have to have faith, Debra.”

To that we would add, “and conviction and persistence.”

The four buildings have names significant to the church and its Celtic heritage: Abby, Brigid, Columba and Dove.

1 3

4

2

1. St. Columba Episcopal Church raised the money to purchase and rehab the 16-unit complex in Marathon.

SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly 2. The bathrooms feature quality tile work.

3. Marty Curry and Rudy pose on the steps of their new place.

4. The apartments have all new appliances including remote-controlled air conditioning.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

‘LOST’ CORAL GENOTYPES RETURNED TO OCEAN-BASED NURSERIES M

ore than 90 genotypes of critically endangered staghorn coral were recently exchanged at Coral Restoration Foundation headquarters among scientists from Mote Marine Lab, Nova Southeastern University, University of Miami, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

During the swap, CRF gave 27 different staghorn genotypes to each of the four collaborating organizations. In return, and among the other four partners, 66 new genotypes of staghorn were introduced to the CRF Tavernier Coral Tree Nursery — the largest in the world.

This is the first time that a coordinated coral swap of this kind has occurred, with the same genotypes being exchanged at the same time, to be housed in multiple locations. Supported by a grant from NOAA’s Restoration Center, the exchange provides security for the future of this species, and expands opportunities for research into coral genetics, disease and climate change resilience, and reproduction.

Diego Lirman, associate professor at the University of Miami, said the genotype exchange is clear evidence of the commitment

by NOAA and Florida restoration partners to protect and restore Florida’s Coral Reef.

“This unprecedented genotype exchange will create vital genetic repositories, enhance the genetic diversity of restoration efforts, and provide unique research opportunities to aid the recovery of our threatened coral reef ecosystem,” he said.

Many of the genotypes involved in the swap are now extinct in the wild. The fact that these are the only living representatives of some of these genotypes highlights the importance of an exchange of this kind to promote

1 redundancy across restoration systems.

Alison Moulding, a coral biologist with NOAA Fisheries says, “Having redundancy of corals with the same genetic identity in multiple nurseries is important for preserving genetic diversity. By bringing pieces of the same colony into nurseries located throughout the Florida Reef Tract, we can better insure against loss from sporadic events like storms.”

Since 2017, CRF has been returning at least 50 genotypes of staghorn and 50 genotypes of elkhorn to every reef site it is working to restore. The CRF Science Department tracks the survivorship of these different genotypes on the reef and collects data which informs its methods.

All of the genotypes that were exchanged came from wild colonies, with a couple originating from colonies native to the Dry Tortugas. A small subset of these corals has special significance for Coral Restoration Foundation.

These have been nicknamed by some of the CRF team as “Lazarus” corals; they are genotypes that used to be housed in the CRF nursery, but were lost during stress events, like Hurricane Irma. Thankfully, before the storm, CRF shared some of these colonies with Mote Marine Laboratory. Through this swap, they are returning to

2 the organization’s ocean-based nursery.

Jessica Levy, restoration program manager at Coral Restoration Foundation, said the return of these coral genotypes underscores the importance of these kinds of exchanges. By working together, they can ensure that important, diverse genetic material is protected, with multiple colonies held in multiple places to safeguard against any potential disasters.

“We are incredibly pleased to be collaborating with these partners,” Levy said. “We are all working towards the same goal of saving and restoring our coral reefs, and by working together, we have more chance of succeeding.”

— Contributed 1. Corals coming into Coral Restoration Foundation facilities have been installed on new coral trees added to the genetic bank. ALEXANDER NEUFELD/Coral Restoration Foundation 2. Since 2017, Coral Restoration Foundation has been returning at least 50 genotypes of staghorn and 50 genotypes of elkhorn to every reef site it is working to restore.

29

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

LARRY

ZETTWOCH

www.KeysDermatology.com

for

VILLAGE COUNCIL SEAT 5

Keys_Dermatology https://www.facebook.com/KeysDermatology/

Please join your friends and neighbors for a meet & greet with Larry Zettwoch, candidate for Village Council Seat 5

Two Great Locations!

Monday, July 13, 2020

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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KEY WEST

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Activities Include: Marine Lab Experience Rollerblading Horseback Riding Community Service Hours

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• Skin Cancer Checks • Acne • MOHS Surgery • Sun Damage • Rosacea • Eczema

• Chemical peels • Laser hair removal • Sciton Laser • Fillers • Botox

──── Florida Keys Children’s Shelter 73 High Point Road Tavernier, FL 33070 Sebastian @ 305.432.1218 Christi @ 305.852.2882 x239

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

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We also offer many free non-residential programs to children & families in need:

forget to ask about our free transportation, too! Contact

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Crisis Management Substance Use Prevention All Stars® Program

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.

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30

GRADUATE OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

The Key West Weekly is proud to partner with Key West High School to feature a Student/Graduate of the Week.

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

SO

NESLY LOUISSAINT

LD

KWHS GRADUATE / CLASS OF 2019

50 S. Conch Ave,Conch Key CONGRATULATIONS to our Buyer and Seller!

SO

LD

Key Colony Beach Realty, Inc.

www.keysproperties.com

1200 E. 63rd Street Ocean, Marathon CONGRATULATIONS to our Buyers!

LYNN O.

GOODWIN

BROKER/SALES ASSOCIATE

Cell: (305) 923-9487 lynngoodwinre@gmail.com

www.lynngoodwin.com

AIMEE

KORNETTI REALTOR

Cell 305-600-9726 aimeekornetti@gmail.com keycolonybeachproperties.com

Were you born in Key West or elsewhere? I was born in Haiti, and came to Key West as a child. This was the first and only place I’ve lived in the United States.

did room service orders and now am a server at the Sun Sun. I also take care of our guests who choose the Toes in the Sand on-the-beach luxury dinner option.

What are some of your favorite memories from KWHS? My teachers, friends, playing varsity soccer and being featured in newspaper photos of our games.

Are you going to college? Absolutely. I’m a student at the College of the Florida Keys.

Where are you working now that you’ve graduated? I’ve been working at the Casa Marina Resort and Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill for four years now. I started working here while I was still in high school.

What does your job involve? I started as a food runner, and then

What are you studying? I’m in the college’s four-year degree program, working toward my bachelor’s degree in business administration.

What are your ultimate goals for the future? My dream is to open my own restaurant featuring food from Haiti and other countries, including American cuisine.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

e u n e v A SUBS

COMMUNITY NEWS

31

Only Quality Will Do at Avenue Take Out & Delivery 305-741-7461

• Cut to Order Subs • Salads

Open MON - SAT 11 AM - 8 PM SUN NOON - 8 PM 98900 O/S Hwy. Key Largo

Thurs July 9 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Fri July 10 Steve Venini Band 6-10PM Michael Trixx @ Sunset Sat July 11 SHANE DUNCAN BAND 6-10PM MICHAEL TRIXX @ SUNSET

Upper Keys Rotary Club’s outgoing president Joe Roth presents Jill Miranda Baker with the honor of Rotarian of the Year at the recent annual meeting in installation of officers. Miranda Baker is incoming club president. CONTRIBUTED

UPPER KEYS CLUB NAMES ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR

U

pper Keys Rotarian Jill Miranda Baker was named Rotarian of the Year at the Club’s annual meeting on June 30. Outgoing president Joe Roth highlighted her hard work and dedicated service to the Rotary Club.

“Jill ensured we had informative speakers each week, stayed on top of many issues and took care of things before I thought of the need to be done,” Roth said.

Miranda Baker, a Rotarian for nearly 15 years, served the year as president-elect and is the club president as of July 1. A long-time resident of Plantation Key, she is the executive director of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a not-forprofit which operates the Keys History & Discovery Center.

The Upper Keys Rotary, established in 1967, meets weekly at noon at Capt. Craig’s Restaurant, MM 90. More information is at keysrotary.com, on Facebook or from Miranda Baker at 305-3040052.

— Contributed

305.664.2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

Sun July 12 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Mon July 13 The Carousers 6-10PM Michael Trixx @ Sunset Tues July 14 Ray Jaworski 6-10PM Wed July 15 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Michael Trixx @ Sunset

Live Music Fri-Sun, 20 locally brewed beers on draft daily, International cuisine food truck on property, Spaced out seating in our beautiful Beer Garden

’

&

’

81611 Old Hwy Islamorada Open 10am-11pm Daily

32

DIVING

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020 TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

J

LEGEND AMONG LEGENDS

1

AT 93, DIVING TRAILBLAZER GOES UNDER ONE MORE TIME

erry Greenberg can often be found examining laminated photographs of Key Largo reefs long gone. Those who don’t know would never guess that the 93-year-old is the guy when you’re talking about Keys reefs, diving and underwater photography.

Born in 1927 in Chicago, Greenberg “grew up swimming and being out on the water here” after his parents bought a winter home in Miami Beach.

At Miami’s Beach High, he took up spearfishing and photography. He became a photojournalist, and since the 1950s, Greenberg has photographed the Keys’ reefs and advocated for their protection. He shared some of the history he’s witnessed.

“Do you know how they chose the site for the Christ (of the Abyss)?” he asked.

When the Underwater Society of America received the statue, Greenberg’s high school friends, his spearfishing buddies, were asked where to put it because they knew the reefs best.

He remembered when the Benwood wreck hadn’t been picked apart by metal salvagers, and how neoprene was invented as a World War II effort to lessen U.S. dependence on Japanese rubber. He also used the first aqualung that came into this country from France.

“I knew a guy at a fraternity, and he bought the first aqualung sold at a Miami gun shop,” he said. “There were no compressors back then, so bottles had to be filled at fire stations.”

Greenberg first took pictures underwater by shooting through a glass-bottom bucket.

Eventually, he made his own underwater housings, since what he needed didn’t exist.

“I had the best equipment in the world, and I had that lead for many years,” he said.

Lad Akins, a dive legend in his own right and Greenberg’s long-time friend, recalled seeing Greenberg at work on Key Largo’s reefs.

“Back then, Jerry was a striking figure going out in his Boston Whaler all alone,” Akins said.

“At the reef, he had a huge innertube that he kept all his cameras in ’cause back then it was film, limited to 36 exposures. So, he brought a

bunch.”

Stephen Frink, a prolific underwater photographer and friend of Greenberg’s since the 1970s, said, “People starting out today will never understand how many things he invented because he had to. No one else was doing what he was doing in the late ’50s, early ’60s.”

“Jerry’s got this visual history of what the Keys were like, like South Carysfort when it was really beautiful,” Frink continued. “There’s a visual history that resides in his archives, and he’s probably the only person with it. That profound legacy cannot be understated.”

In 1962, National Geographic reached out.

Greenberg photographed a young diver over a vibrant coral reef in an early aqualung prototype, an image that would captivate millions as the magazine’s first color underwater cover.

In 1990, he would again photograph the reef, this time showing its decline from his images 30 years prior. The awareness that ensued, rumor has it, influenced national politicians who saw the story to authorize the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that same year.

He published several ground-breaking books on underwater photography, including one of his most iconic, “Manfish with a Camera,” in which Greenberg described his work as an underwater photojournalist.

Greenberg also created his iconic waterproof Fish I.D. cards with his wife, Idaz, to show people what they were looking at underwater.

The cards are still used worldwide, and Greenberg personally restocks the stands in the Keys to this day.

So, how do you commemorate and celebrate the man who did so much for diving and showcasing the underwater world? You take him diving, of course, and you let him take pictures.

Greenberg recently went out on a very special sunset dive with Quiescence Dive Shop and some legendary friends.

Rob Bleser, the owner of Quiescence, said, “Jerry’s been such an important part of our professional careers, we felt it was only fitting to

put this together. At his young age of 93, it was our honor and privilege to assist him in getting underwater.”

“We were there to honor a diving legend, his legacy,” said Frazier Nivens, Emmy-awardwinning filmmaker known for his work with sharks.

On their way out, Nivens told Greenberg how his dive shop in the Bahamas used to sell the Fish I.D. cards and how his then 4- or 5-year-old daughter, Jessica, would “wanna do Jerry Greenberg tonight” and ask her dad to quiz her on every fish on the card.

“He impacted so many people he didn’t even know,” Nivens said.

When the dive buddies descended on the reef at the Catacombs, Jerry took his fins off and walked around the sand bottom, taking

2

DIVING

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

“There’s a visual history that resides in his archives, and he’s probably the only person with it. That profound legacy cannot be understated.”

— Stephen Frink

3

4 5

HAPPRY HOUTURDAY

pictures of the reef, the fish and his friends.

“It’s a Jerry thing,” said Akins of the unusual maneuver.

“I’d heard about this before, but never saw it,” said Nivens.

“When he took his fins off and he was just walking around the bottom, I thought, ‘Wow. This is really the manfish with a camera.’”

Surfacing, Greenberg said, “That’s the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.”

There was a huge grin on his face, and he was very quiet, Akins added.

“I think that’s when it was setting in,” he said.

Of his life’s work, his legacy, Greenberg refused to even call it that.

“All of it was pleasure. I just did it because I love to do it,” he said.

“And I still love it; it’s what drives me.

“There’s not much I can tell you about my relationship with the reef, with taking pictures of it, ’cause it’s not a word thing. It’s a feeling. It just affected me like great music affects certain people and great art affects others. There are no words to it.”

1. Jerry Greenberg smiles and takes in the scene after surfacing from “his first dive in a while,” with old friends. LAD AKINS/Contributed 2. Jerry Greenberg has been diving and documenting the Florida Keys since the 1950s. He invented much of the diving and underwater photography equipment he used. Copyright © 1962 JERRY GREENBERG, All Rights Reserved.

-SA MONDAPYM-6PM 4

FOOD $5 BAR HE GLASS

BY T $7 WINE ELL LIQUOR $4 W FT BEER $4 DRA ESTIC $3 DOM LES BOTT

3. Jerry Greenberg holds up his 1962 National Geographic cover, a shot of John D. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It was the first underwater cover for the magazine and catalyzed interest in the Keys as an underwater destination. MICHAEL GREENBERG/ copyright Fishcards.com, all rights reserved.

4. Jerry Greenberg has always taken off his fins, walked around in the sand and captured images of the reef. The signature maneuver is part of why he’s known as the “Manfish with a Camera.” LAD AKINS/Contributed 5. The dive boat of legends included Lad Akins, Jerry Greenberg, Frazier Nivens, Peter Hughes and Rob Bleser.

LAD AKINS/Contributed

5620 MACDONALD AVE KEY WEST | 305.296.4999

33

34

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

We're running our Summer Schedule at 50% capacity.

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Morning trip 9:30am-1:30pm Night trip 6:30pm-midnight

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Marathon Lady • 73’ Party Boat Please make sure to call ahead for reservations and face coverings are required. Thank you!

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PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION

MARINE SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS DAY CAMPS | 8-16 YRS OVERNIGHT CAMPS | 10-16 YRS DAY ($350): July 6-10, July 27-30 and August 3-7 (depends on demand).

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LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE Compliant with CDC Safety Guidelines | Isolated island, essential summer camp staff only Activities in open air spaces | Staff is first aid certified | AC and full bathroom accommodations

OPEN for programs MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 305-743-2552 FOR RESERVATIONS. 2396 Overseas Highway Gulf, Marathon Now accepting online reservations

www.turtlehospital.org

35

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

WE MOVE YOU RELAX IM#26 - MC450645 | DOT966624

LOCAL | INTERSTATE | INTERNATIONAL CONTACT US TO DETERMINE YOUR INDIVIDUAL MOVING NEEDS

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

Lynn & Jody represented Buyers of: 5047 Sunset Village Drive, Duck Key, FL 33050

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

www.KeysRealEstate.com

“There's power in love to help and heal when nothing else can." Bishop Michael Curry

- KEYS

Karen

TO THE KEY REAL ESTATE (SINCE 1990)

Bill

THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS !!

St. Columba Episcopal Church Practicing The Way of Love & Welcoming All People

We are streaming our Daily Devotions at 8am, Compline at 9pm and Sunday Prayers at 9am on our Facebook page. @stcolumbamarathonfl

NEED DEEP WATER ACCESS TO OCEAN OR GULF?

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

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May the Peace of the Lord be always with you

WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

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

INVESTORS...PAY ATTENTION 2 two bedroom units and 1 three bedroom unit.

New roof. Great rental investment property.

Gross rent $5,175.00.

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(305) 743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

36

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

LESS IS

MORE

DIVE RESULTS SHOW CLEANUP IS WORKING

O

ver the last two years, Key Dives and its loyal customers have religiously and relentlessly cleaned up the reefs on Project Aware Dive Against Debris cleanup dives. Every month, they pull up hundreds of pounds of old rope, anchors, trap pieces and miscellaneous plastics.

This past Sunday, the divers visited Sand Pool and Canyon Lands, two sites they hadn’t visited in over a year. While they did come up with armfulls of marine debris, it was far less than they’d expected for such a long interim since their last visit.

“We didn’t come up with a ton of stuff, but that’s actually such a good thing,” said Key Dives’ marine conservation coordinator, Cortney Benson. “What we’re doing is working!” A first-time cleanup participant agreed, saying, “I wish we got more ‘cause it feels good to help, but at the same time I’m really happy we didn’t find that much trash out there. Can’t wait to do this again.”

2

4

3 1. Invasive species like lionfish wreak havoc on the reef. Key Dives’ divemasters and instructors are trained to spear them on dives and bring them up safely (where they can be de-spined and filleted. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 2. With calm conditions between dives, the group gets together to celebrate another successful day cleaning up the reef.

1

5

3. Cortney Benson uses a lift bag to bring up heavy debris from the reefs around Alligator Reef. Key Dives’ instructors and divemasters often use the tools to help lift heavy anchors and trap debris they find on cleanup dives.

4. Key Dives’ customers participate in a debris removal underwater, taking rope off the reef.

5. On cleanup dives, everyone gets involved, including photographers. Keys Weekly diver and digital editor Tiffany Duong uses her dive knife to get old rope off the reef. CONTRIBUTED

ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

37

BRIEFLY TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

1

2

TRASH STOWAWAYS SCIENTIST SEEKS CREATURES IN DEBRIS

A

s Key Dives’ cleanup divers hauled up marine debris, Tokea “Kea” Payton got ready to get to work. The incoming doctoral student at Clemson University meticulously combed through the trash picked up from the ocean floor — broken traps, old rope and bits of plastics — looking for little creatures that may have come up with the debris.

Payton’s research for Michael Childress’ Conservation of Marine Resources Lab focuses on marine debris as a habitat for marine organisms. As such, she measures and documents all the little crabs, brittle stars, invertebrates, coral, shrimp and juvenile fish that come up in piles of debris.

“I expect to find mostly small mobile invertebrate species such as crabs and brittle stars. I also expect to see larval reef fishes,” Payton told the Weekly.

So far, in the early stages of her research, she has found several species of crabs, including decorator and hermit crabs.

Payton hopes her work can help better marine management and outreach practices regarding marine debris.

3 4

1. Kea Payton celebrates diving and debris clean ups underwater. KYLIE SMITH/Contributed 2. Payton measures little animals found in a pile of rope. Her research could influence marine management.

3. Payton uses a metal ruler to measure animals she found in the debris pulled up from the oceans.

4. Kylie Smith of I.CARE joins Kea Payton on her debris surveys. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

Native plants for sale in Key West The nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be offering native trees, shrubs, vegetables and vines for sale on Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. About 161 species of plants are now available, bringing the inventory to more than 2,100 plants that attract birds and butterflies in 1-gallon to 10-gallon pots. Key West Tropical Forest members receive a 15% discount.

Face masks are required and social distancing protocol will be strictly followed. The garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. More information is at 305-296-1504 or www.keywest. garden.

Fishing members sought for sanctuary council Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is recruiting for four seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in the management of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is accepting applications for members and alternates representing charter sports fishing and recreational fishing.

Applicants are evaluated on their expertise and experience, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Members serve three-year terms.

The advisory council consists of 40 primary and alternate members representing a variety of public interest groups. It also includes representatives from federal and state agencies and Monroe County municipalities.

Applications are due by July 17. For the application and more information, visit floridakeys.noaa. gov/sac/welcome.html or contact Nicole.Uibel@noaa.gov, 305-7977226.

38

FITNESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

NEW WAYS TO HELP TRAINER GOES VIRTUAL FOR CLIENTS

Kara Jaeger conducts virtual personal training to help those who may not be ready to return to the gym, or who might feel intimidated working out in a public setting.

Contributed

K

ara Jaeger knows what it takes for one to reach workout goals. Despite the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the personal trainer is finding a new way to help those who may not be ready to return to the gym, or who might feel intimidated working out in a public setting, right in their homes.

Jaeger is a personal trainer who spent the last three years at Mariners Hospital gym before deciding to start her own business. With the pandemic keeping people home, Jaeger said she felt compelled to jumpstart her own one-on-one virtual training program known as Destination Dumbbell.

“I know people who live with a spouse who potentially cannot go out because they might have COPD or heart issues,” she said. “As we start reopening back up, these people still need to be confined in their homes. I saw it as a great opportunity to jumpstart my business and help those people reach their goals from home.”

Raised in Littleton, Colorado, Jaeger moved to the Keys nine years ago out of admiration for the ocean and a passion for diving. She spent some in Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Curacao where she worked as a divemaster. She eventually worked her way up to an instructor. Upon returning home, Jaeger realized just how much she needed to live by the ocean.

She chose to live in the Florida Keys and began working at dive shops. She’s a current resident of Key Largo.

“I do not teach any more, but I still love diving,” she said. “I got myself into technical diving with Horizon Divers. I became a personal trainer three years ago, which is another passion of mine.

Diving, outdoor sports and helping people do what they want to do to stay fit are my interests.”

Jaeger’s training program is based on the client’s goals and key areas they wish to focus on. For instance, avid scuba divers who wish to stay in shape to get off and on the boat with dive gear can go through a program that accentuates leg strength for step-ups.

“I like to implement in each workout a full body workout. I’m not the type of trainer that does back and biceps. To get the full body, I like to do that each time,” she said.

Those taking classes with Jaeger pick a spot in their house, set up their computer or phone and conduct training over Zoom, Facebook Messenger or Facetime.

Jaeger programs the workout based on the equipment the client has, whether it be dumbbells, resistance bands or body weight.

“We also improvise. I have a client who is using a Tide laundry detergent

bottle full of water,” she said. “The client is using that for resistance training. We can do so much and they’re learning what they can do at home.”

Jaeger writes out a four-week program for clients based on their availability and number of times they wish to workout. Clients go through 30- or 60-minute sessions during the week. Not only do trainees get the programming, the reps, the sets and instruction, but they also get consultations every week to discuss the program and any modifications they want to make.

With online programming and virtual personal training, Jaeger said she eventually hopes to start one-on-one home sessions for clients who live between Key Largo and Islamorada.

“That’ll be once clients feel safe,” she said.

Jaeger is also working to obtain her nutritional coach certification to provide a clean eating program for clients.

For more information, visit Destination Dumbbell on Instagram or Facebook, or email Jaeger at kara.jaeger@destinationdumbell.com.

HEALTH

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020 DR. STANLEY SACK

REFOO

DOC TOR

TH

E

BA

T

www.keysweekly.com

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DOG BITES: AN UNLIKELY COVID-19 CONCERN

W

pearls for avoiding bites e have a new (go to www.aap.org and arrival at our search for “dog bite prehouse, our vention tips”). goldendoodle, Among the recomOlivia. Lovable as she is, mendations: Don’t leave she goes beyond what my a small child alone with a training in managing toddog, no matter how welldlers led me to expect. Yes, known or friendly. Avoid toddlers at times do jump Dr. Stanley Sack aggressive games and use and even bite, but our slow, gradual movements, particularOlivia is literally and figuratively over ly around unfamiliar dogs. Let dogs the top in that regard. take the lead and make sure the apWith dog bites on my mind as proach is friendly. (Sniffing appears well as on my forearm, then, I was to be a good sign.) especially interested in an article There’s a COVID-related precauthat came out just last week in the tion that neither I nor the AAP (whose “Journal of Pediatrics.” The article’s recommendations were published in authors, who were physicians at the 2017) have thought of, and it comes University of Colorado, found an from Florida Keys SPCA executive increase in visits to their emergency director Tammy Fox: “Masks can be room for dog bites after their state’s scary for dogs, cats and animals in stay-at-home order was initiated. general, so please be considerate of Now, these canine calamities animals’ space, and use caution when cause about 340,000 visits to American emergency rooms each year, and approaching an animal you do not know.” (Fortunately, the number of about 40% are in children and teenreported bites in the Keys is actually agers. Do the math, and if Colorado’s down a bit compared to last year.) experience is typical, you have a lot And if bites happen? Fox advises, of dog bites there. And those are just “First call your doctor and follow their the ones that go to the ER. instructions. Then call animal control With statistics we now can sink in your area to report the bite.” our teeth into, let’s consider why this She suggests you collect the might be so. owner’s contact information, a When you think about it, it’s not description of the animal and details overly difficult to fathom. Dogs, like people, thrive on routines, and theirs, of the bite (such as date, time and location). too, have been disrupted. There are Fortunately, rabies has been rare more people at home. There are in the Florida Keys. As we are findperhaps fewer trips outside (except, ing out, however, germs can come of course, the “necessary” ones) to in from the mainland. If there is any the dog park or, given the social life doubt as to whether the animal’s our best friends have down here, to rabies vaccination is up to date — parties, restaurants and bars. particularly if it’s not your dog — ask There are other logistical issues to see the certificate. And dog bites that may be contributing to dog do carry other risks, such as bacteria, bites. Kids are home full-time, and bleeding and scarring. there may be less supervision from I certainly have a new appreciawork-from-home parents. And many tion for dogs and what they can do. may be like the two of us, who have I also appreciate how the COVID-19 chosen this “down time” to acquire crisis can affect us in all sorts of a yet-to-be-socialized puppy, with unexpected ways. Yet this is also a discipline a work in progress. time when we’re (still) home a lot and Other than avoiding dogs altohave the time to train dogs and dog gether, there’s not much we can do lovers alike. about anything I’ve mentioned in Making bites a rare event helps terms of avoiding dog bites. But since us appreciate the role of man’s best bites can be serious, it makes sense friend even more — and who better to do our best to prevent them. to be by our side in a crisis?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has collected a lot of good

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

Ginger represented the Sellers of: 83 Tingler Lane, Marathon, FL 33050

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

•

•

40

KEYS DISEASE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

THE FRAGILITY OF LIFE Not going gentle into that good night...

T

his past Tuesday, there was a very bad accident on U.S. 1 near the entrance to Fiesta Key Campground on Long Key. It was a three-vehicle crash with serious injuries, and traffic was understandably backed up for quite a while in both directions as a TraumaStar helicopter airlifted victims out.

Once again, our first responders served admirably. Thanks and appreciation go to our Monroe County sheriff’s deputies, as well as the Fire and EMS workers who responded. They are the ones who save lives routinely and call it all in a day’s work.

In this particular accident, a Dodge Ram pickup truck and a box truck hit each other head-on, with a third vehicle running into the mangroves. Photos of the accident scene — especially the Ram truck — make a person wonder just how anyone could have survived that crash. It also gives one pause to reflect on how something like this can change the course of several lives in one instant.

I’m sure that no one involved in this accident woke up that morning planning on a major accident. They were just

people going about their business, getting through their days, when the accident happened.

There’s an old saying that goes, “Man plans; God laughs.”

This accident is just JOHN an example of how BARTUS things can change in is a City of Maraan instant. thon councilWhat are we to man. He also is do? The possibility a musician who that life can take performs around a drastic turn in town. For more the blink of an eye see johnbartus. makes our actions com in the here and now perhaps a bit more significant. Deepak Chopra once said, “For me and my family personally, September 11 was a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity and laughter.”

Those of you who may have been expecting another of my “bad driver” columns are bound to be disappointed in this week’s missive. Seeing the photos of that horrific accident juxtaposed with

the beautiful sunny day in the Keys left me in a more philosophical mood. Blue skies and mangled wreckage aren’t good bedfellows.

So how do we make sense out of this in our lives? Many will likely not give it a second thought — other people’s problems and so on. And because things like this thankfully don’t happen to all of us, we can choose to ignore it and put it aside.

As life goes on and one grows older, time seems to go faster and faster. As a kid, I remember seemingly endless summer afternoons that dragged on languorously, and interminable school classes that just wouldn’t end. Now, I never have enough time to do the things I want to do. Yet there are still the same 24 hours in every day. A second is still a second; an hour is still an hour.

But then, life happens. Things change. Friends and loved ones move on or pass away. The things we all thought would never end … well, they end — often, with little or no warning.

Just go back to the beginning of the year 2020: who would have thought that our world would change so much in a matter of weeks? As Emily Dickinson wrote, “Life is a spell so exquisite that everything conspires to break it.”

But there are things we can do — perhaps the only things we can do as life happens. As “A Guide to the Good Life” author William Braxton Irvine wrote, “By

contemplating the impermanence of everything in the world, we are forced to recognize that every time we do something could be the last time we do it, and this recognition can invest the things we do with a significance and intensity that would otherwise be absent. We will no longer sleepwalk through our life.”

I believe that being kind to ourselves and each other is important. Instead of spending so much time repeating rumors and outright misinformation on social media, how great would it be if we could channel that energy in creating something good? Something that might make a difference?

As I think about the victims of today’s accident who didn’t plan on their day ending this way, I’ll leave you with these thoughts: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

– Abraham Lincoln “May you live all the days of your life.” – Jonathan Swift — Catch John Wednesdays at Herbie’s, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday at his Social Distancing Concert on Facebook Live, and Saturday at the Key Colony Inn. Music available on CDBaby.com and iTunes, and wherever you get your streaming music. www.facebook.com/john. bartus

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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GIVING

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

NONPROFIT SUPPORTS STUDENTS THROUGH FLOWERS, AND NOW MASKS

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he’s known to many as the flower lady, and she hasn’t slowed down much since the pandemic hit. Going around to shops and restaurants selling beautiful bouquets, Maria Estrada is also selling a product everyone seems to need these days — masks.

Hundreds of cloth facial coverings made by Estrada have been sold to locals and visitors since the pandemic hit the Keys. Estrada said she knew the virus wasn’t something that would end in a short time. That’s when she decided to add masks to her inventory of items for sale as she makes her stops at restaurants and shops in the Upper and Middle Keys.

“I recommend they have two or three for hygienic reasons,” said Estrada, who runs Maria’s Hope & Prosperity and a flower shop on Upper Matecumbe. “If you have a long trip in the car, you can put the masks in your cooler. When you have to go outside or inside, you can put on the mask and be comfortable.”

Estrada said locals have been receptive to the masks in her travels to shops and restaurants. As for the others, not so much.

“People who come from Miami, they don’t know me or what I do and they reject me,” she said. “All locals know the importance of wearing the mask.”

Estrada said her masks come in

all sorts of designs. And more importantly, she said they’re comfortable and it’s easy to breathe while wearing them.

Those who buy masks or flowers from Estrada are helping to pay for local students’ school supplies.

Around $12,000 was raised last year from flower sales and donations.

This year, Estrada is hoping to raise $14,000. Donations of any kind are appreciated, she said. Those wishing to buy flowers or masks can find Estrada as she makes her stops at local businesses throughout the day. Or, they can visit her shop at MM 79.8 next to Lazy Days where Estrada and her husband, Peter, make the bouquets.

“We (the nonprofit) mainly provide the basic things the schools ask for,” Estrada said. “It’s usually things like pencils and paper and backpacks and laptops.”

Estrada also emphasizes a need for more skilled tradespeople in the community, from electricians to mechanics. Those who go to college face high student debt by their third and fourth years of school, she said. As for trade school, students could leave with less debt and a good paying job.

“We have to tell the students that you have the capacity, you are smart and you can do it. … Go for it,” she said. “I strongly believe when children in this community and country have that kind of degree and skill, we are all winners,” she said.

More information is at Maria’s Hope & Prosperity Facebook page or by calling Estrada at 305-5091106.

43

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

BOATS PACK SANDBAR, ALLIGATOR REEF FOR FOURTH FESTIVITIES

1

P

arks and beaches were closed up and down the Keys in a bid to quell activity and large congregations during the Fourth of July holiday. Measures were taken due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As a result, hundreds of boaters packed the sandbar off Whale Harbor and Alligator Lighthouse where conditions were pleasant between the blue skies and calm waters.

— Weekly staff report

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1+3: Boats anchor at Alligator Reef for a day out on the water on the Fourth of July. Alligator Reef, a sanctuary preservation area located 3.5 nautical miles southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, is a small bank reef protecting a spur-andgroove system, reef crest and a portion of the northeast rubble ridge.

2: Hundreds of boats head out to the sandbar off Whale Harbor in Islamorada during the Fourth of July. The sandbar, located on both sides of the boating channel in Whale Harbor, became an even more popular spot with parks and beaches closed throughout the weekend.

DAVID GROSS/Contributed

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OPINION

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

WHAT THE FISH? A LOOK INTO WHAT YOU ARE ACTUALLY EATING

Y

ou are walking through the aisles of Whole Foods looking for something nice and fresh to cook for dinner. As you head toward the back of the store, you smell fish and think “That’s a great idea! Lean protein and a healthy choice.”

But did you ever think about where your fish is coming from? What about how it was raised? What chemicals are you consuming by eating this fish? I bet the source and quality of your fish is often a mystery.

Many seafood consumers don’t actually know all that much about what they are eating. More than half of all fish consumed globally is farmed since wild caught fish yields simply do not meet the human palate’s desire to eat seafood. Yet at the same time, the FDA estimates that approximately 15% of all fish is mislabeled and often sold under the name of a more expensive and more desirable type of fish.

Although current U.S. regulations require fish to be labeled by its market name using the FDA’s seafood list, many problems still arise. These FDA market names are often broadened and simplified by companies to serve as an umbrella term for many different species of fish.

For example, the market name “grouper” can legally be used for any of 64 types of fish sold in your supermarkets.

Then there is the problem of improper labeling of farmed fish. For example, Whole Foods labels a farmed species of bass as “Whole Pacifico Striped Bass.”

Most shoppers, including myself, would not know this is a farm raised fish. Some stores even advertise this kind of fish as “ocean raised” rather than “farmed” because it was raised in a penned part of coastal waters and was technically raised in the ocean.

Consuming farmed fish brings its own array of problems to your table.

Since farmed fish are raised in extremely crowded, feces filled pens, the risk of disease is much higher than those freely swimming in the ocean. To combat this

problem, companies use large doses of antibiotics and fungus fighting chemicals to control the spread of disease. You then ingest harmful levels of antibiotics that can disrupt the effectiveness of antibiotics you may be prescribed by your doctor.

These antibiotics can also act as hormonal disruptors and especially affect children going through puberty. Although the fungus fighting chemicals are illegal in the U.S., they are still widely used in countries that supply your supermarket with seafood.

In addition to these chemicals, consumers face frightening levels of mercury in fish such as mackerel, swordfish and tuna, with little to no warning from the seller.

I, a 21-year-old college student at UC Berkeley, used to fall victim to the tricks of the seafood trade myself. While strolling through Whole Foods, the rich orange color of the salmon always caught my eye. Little did I know, this vibrant color isn’t due to its freshness, but to the dye added to make it look more appetizing.

Farmed salmon lack naturally occuring fatty acids, which make them less colorful, leading to the need for dyes. The human health effects of ingesting these dyes are understudied and therefore dangerous. Some studies have shown that they may cause retinal disorders and hyperactivity in children.

Although farmed fish is often cheaper, what is the cost to you and your health?

This is in no way a call for you to stop eating farmed seafood. But it is a call for all people to have the available information to make informed decisions about what they are putting into their bodies.

Without guidance, consumers like you and I cannot determine which fish we would like to purchase, if we still desire to buy fish at all. Shoppers should have the right to make informed choices to avoid hormone disruptors, dyes, and other chemicals if they so choose.

At the moment, less than 2% of stores in my frequent fish consuming home state of Florida choose to post FDA issued advice and warning signs about harmful chemicals in seafood such as mercury. My family’s most frequented grocery store, Publix, is contributing to the obstacles

and disruption of the government’s advisory. These problems hit very close to home for me, and should for you too.

If the type of fish isn’t even stated on the box of fish sticks you buy for your kids, how can you be choosing what you are feeding your family?

Every person should have the right to know exactly what they are putting in their bodies. I’m not here to tell you what to do with your body, but I am here to advocate for each and every person to at least be given the chance to choose. It’s your body, right? This is a call for a nationwide publicly available education. Stricter laws should be implemented on a national level, including standardizing and mandating

how fish should be named and labeled, stating advisories, type of rearing (farmed or wild caught), and chemicals that are present. We need to curb seafood fraud, make informed decisions, and demand to know what we are eating.

After all, we are at the top of the food chain. So, would you like a side of antibiotics with that?

— Hannah Krohn (Krohn is from Islamorada and a third-year student at UC Berkeley.)

HOROSCOPE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE Welcome to the dead heat and deep feels of July, friends. We’re still wading through the tidal pools and pulls of Cancer season, here until July 22. As of July 4, we’ve seen the culmination of a collection of Capricorn eclipses. The lesson in the season of light bending and shadow moving is to concentrate on the long game rather than the lure of instant gratification. Wear a mask, for Christ’s sake. Protecting your life force for the future is more important than being bare-faced and fancy free at present. This lesson also applies to the tumultuous nature of our political climate.

Speak, support and vote in ways that actively create a more humane future. Act as you want to be remembered.

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

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

The recent movement of warrior planet Mars into Aries brings powerful, vitalizing energy. The danger lies in applying this alignment of fire recklessly or aimlessly. Passion must have purpose lest the red planet leave you with nothing more than a pile of ash.

Take to heart and practice, the words of Aires poet Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Go forth, star children to know more, do more and be more.

CANCER June 21 to July 22 Boundaries, moonchildren, are key in the quest to end resentment. The construction of these proverbial fences is not about building walls but creating, and holding, space. Saying “no” more won’t make anyone love you less.

If it does, that person has long belonged on the other side of your boundary lines.

Notable Cancer: Malala Yousafzai / July 12, 1997

47

LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 Take heed the words of writer Fay Weldon, “Only one thing registers on the subconscious mind: repetitive application. What you practice is what you manifest.”

May I humbly suggest you get to work practicing internal validation, detachment from material goods and the ruthless pursuit of personal freedom.

Notable Leo: Stanley Kubrick / July 26, 1928 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 In one story, the goddess Isis commands seven scorpions to bow down their heads (and tails) so she may continue on her path without interference. The scorpions oblige because they recognize the power of her nature and the sanctity of her trajectory. Same goes for you, modern Virgos. Stay the course, hold your power and watch as crowns and weapons are lowered at your feet.

Notable Virgo: Cleo Wade / Sept. 13, 1989 LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 You may feel a little lost on your career pilgrimage as of late, Libra.

Consider the words of novelist Roman Payne: “I wandered everywhere, through cities and countries wide, and everywhere I went, the world was on my side.”

How much more enjoyable will your journey be if you choose to trust that the universe is conspiring to take you exactly where you needed to go?

Notable Libra: Cardi B / Oct. 11, 1992 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Fellow Scorpio Muhammad Iqbal succeeded in promoting his dream of a sovereign India through poetry. Iqbal galvanized a nation with his words, making political change seem vital and kind of sexy. I wonder, Scorpio, how much more effective your own

scheming and dreaming would be if you package it in a form not just digestible, but desirable?

Notable Scorpio: Roy Lichtenstein / Oct. 27, 1923 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Famed itinerant Christopher McCandless née Alexander Supertramp wrote, “There is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

What new horizons and strange suns are you welcoming into your personal solar system, Sagittarius? For maximum returns on joy, you’ll need to shake loose detrimental habits and humans from your orbit.

Notable Sagittarius: John McCrae / Nov. 30, 1872 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Noted guru and fellow Capricorn Ramana Maharshi wrote, “If you approach the ocean with a cup, you can only take away a cupful; if you approach it with a bucket you can take away a bucketful.”

The timid are rarely rewarded, sea goat. Choose your vessel wisely, do not greet greatness with a teaspoon.

Notable Capricorn: Zora Neale Hurston / Jan. 7, 1891 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 In solar myth, John the Baptist is aligned with the sign and constellation of Aquarius. The OG water bearer was a bit of a zealot.

That same conviction and quirk is present in modern Aquarians.

Now, more than ever, the world demands that you shout and bark a different kind of revelation, that of a just, compassionate future for humanity. In a word? Preach.

Notable Aquarius: Chuck Yeager / Feb. 13, 1923 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Your ruling planet, dream-driven Neptune, is in retrograde until the

end of the year. It’s a heady time for Pisces, you who usually rely on intuition to move through the world. Discerning trust from trickery is difficult. On the upswing, or dorsal fin, this retrograde presents an opportunity for you to develop your other, less prominent powers of investigation, perception and collaboration.

Notable Pisces: Ovid / March 20, 43 BC ARIES March 21 to April 19 Novelist Liam Callanan writes, “We’re all ghosts. We all carry inside us people who came before us.” I trust these words will resonate with you in the weeks ahead, Aries, as planetary positioning highlights paths to your past and ancestors. These tethers exist not to pull you back, but to remind you that a legion of what came before, waits to welcome what comes next.

Notable Aries: Nancy Pelosi / March 26, 1940 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Comparison is the assassin of selflove, Taurus. I lovingly suggest, if you must cast yourself against anyone, let it be your own former self, a previous incarnation. Be gentle in your juxtaposing. So long as there is progress, let there be pride.

Notable Taurus: Jack Nicholson / April 22, 1937 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 My mother, a double (!) Gemini, lives by the philosophy “have an attitude of gratitude.” I encourage you, fellow twins, to adopt a similar mantra, and stretch it to include a prayer of thanks for the pain you’re currently working through. I’m not suggesting you ask for more of it, but rather embrace the ache that’s showing you just how much you can take.

Notable Gemini: Wallis Simpson / June 19, 1896

48

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of POINCIANA COINS located at 1515 18TH STREET, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: MICHAEL SKRODINSKY Publish: July 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, that on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at 1:30P.M., the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the following: A VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING APPROVAL TO APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (“DEO”) FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT-MITIGATION (CDBGMIT) FUNDING FOR THE BELOWDESCRIBED PROJECTS: 1. Florida Keys Regional Resilience Plan and Neighborhood Livability Outreach and Planning In compliance with program requirements, the applications has been posted for public comment at the following website: http:// www.monroecounty-fl.gov/1200/ CDBG-Mitigation-Programs for a 14-day public comment period.

The State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity has allocated $20 Million to the General Planning Support Program, funded through the Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program. The GPS will allow units of general local government (UGLG) and state agencies to develop mitigation plans that will build a foundation for continuous coordination and data-driven outcomes in the State of Florida.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the July 15, 2020, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”), using a Zoom Webinar platform.

Executive Order 20-150 extends EO 20-69. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the County will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. Public Hearings will commence at 1:30P.M. Below are the various options available to the public to view the live meeting and/or to make public comments on certain agenda items.

The public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV Comcast Channel 76, or listen to audio-only from their phones by dialing (646) 5189805 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID number 966 7596 0018 followed by the # key.

The public can watch the meeting online by visiting the County’s meeting portal at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqmZ.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx to view with live closed-captioning on an integrated page that includes the Agenda/Agenda backup.

If a person wishes to comment on a particular item on the agenda, when the Mayor calls for speakers on the item on which you wish to comment: a) If phoning in: Dial *9 to “raise your hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar monitor; b) If watching online: open the Zoom Webinar link below: https://monroecounty-fl.gov/ BoccMeetingJuly15 When prompted, enter your email address and name to join the webinar and be recognized by the meeting monitor. The live Zoom Webinar link also appears in the published Agenda and Agenda Packet.

A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the BOCC meeting to: Lindsey Ballard, via email, to: ballard-lindsey@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: The County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040. The documents must be received by 9:00A.M. on Monday, July 13, 2020, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

For additional assistance, please call (305) 292-4441, or email your request to your request or inquiry to: Lindsey Ballard (ballard-

lindsey@monroecounty-fl.gov), or Liz Yongue (yongue-liz@ monroecounty-fl.gov) ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, 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 voiceimpaired, call “711”.Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, such person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 2 day of July, 2020.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County Publish: July 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Legal 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 23, 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: Legal Services for CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program 07/23/2020 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on July 23, 2020. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/J/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: July 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: July 9, 2020.

Personal Representative: HEATHER PABOTOY 402 Coconut Dr. Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 VMiranda@HLYlaw.com MBrishke@HLYlaw.com Publish: July 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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 July 9, 2020.

Personal Representative: Amy L. Busko 437 Avenue I Lexington, North Carolina 27292 Attorney for Personal Representative: Alexander A. Stewart Attorney Florida Bar Number: 122110 Dye Harrison Kirkland Petruff Pratt & St. Paul, PLLC 1206 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, Florida 34205 Telephone: (941) 746-1167 E-Mail: astewart@dyeharrison.com Publish: July 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of H2O2 located at 144 BAHAMA DRIVE SOUTH, DUCK KEY, FLORIDA 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: DAVID MINOR Publish: July 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is given that the undersigned Florida Profit Corporation desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of WIDE OPEN SPORTFISHING at 102 Porto Vista CT, in Islamorada, Monroe County, FL, 33036. Notlce is further given that the undersigned intends to register this fictitious name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, Florida.

TRIPLEHOO, LLC a Florida Limited Liability Company By: Christopher M. Williams Manager Publish: July 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers ORDINANCE 464 -2020 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER FIVE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED ELEVATOR LIFTS, ARTICLE III, MARINE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS, DOCKING OF BOATS, SECTION 5–43, FIRST PARAGRAPH, ELEVATOR LIFTS, PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, for the maintenance of good relations among neighbors, the City of Key Colony Beach requires review and approval by the City Commission of certain boat lift installations within the City, and WHEREAS, the City of Key Colony Beach, by this ordinance amends the first paragraph of Section 5-43, which sets criteria for which boat lift installations require City Commission approval; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED

BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, as follows: (Additions to the ordinance are underlined; deletions are crossed out.)

Sec. 5-43. – Elevator lifts.

Elevator lifts may be installed and used in and adjacent to canals or waterways of the city subject to the following conditions: (1) Maximum lifting capacity published by the manufacturer is sixteen thousand (16,000) pounds. Lifts with capacities greater than sixteen thousand (16,000) pounds require approval of the city commission. For single family residences only, permit applications for lifts with capacities greater than sixteen thousand (16,000) pounds but no greater than twenty thousand (20,000) pounds, shall not require approval of the city commission if written consent of both adjacent property owners is provided with the permit application.

This Ordinance shall become effective August 1, 2020.

John DeNeale, Mayor Attest: Rebecca Todd, City Clerk Approved as to form and legal sufficiency: Thomas D. Wright, City Attorney Publish: July 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Environmental and Historical Reviews 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 August 6, 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: Environmental & Historical Reviews for CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program 08/06/2020 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on August 6, 2020. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/J/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: July 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 20-CP-21-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES A. NOBLE, SR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JAMES A. NOBLE, SR., deceased, whose date of death was February 4, 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 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000091-K IN RE: ESTATE OF KATO LEE WORLEY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Kato Lee Worley, deceased, whose date of death was March 6, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Freeman Justice Center, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

Personal Representative: Rebekah Dunaj 3920 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Apt 301W Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Justin Stivers Email Addresses: service@probatefirm.com paralegal@probatefirm.com Florida Bar No. 109585 The Probate Law Firm 1395 Brickell Avenue, Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131 Publish: July 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2020-CP-0014-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOHN STEVEN RUSSO, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John Steven Russo, deceased, whose date of death was May 17, 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

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.

LEGAL NOTICES DATED ON: June 10, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit CourtMonroe County, Florida By: Gwen Douglass Deputy Clerk Publish: June 18, 25, July 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000816-K DIVISION: Civil Beach House Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, vs.

The Estate of Anne Rawles Huske, et al.

Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR COUNT IV AGAINST DEFENDANT GEORGE ASHBURN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF DESIREE RENEE DOMINGEAUX To: GEORGE ASHBURN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF DESIREE RENEE DOMINGEAUX 110 CEDAR LANE GARNER, NC 27529 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) GEORGE ASHBURN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF DESIREE RENEE DOMINGEAUX, 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 IV Unit E32, Week 30, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 3-6289 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 22nd 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 7-1-1 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800-955-8771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877-955-5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily) Publish: July 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

49

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844 AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - Trucks- Running or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

EMPLOYMENT

Steven Smith, M.D. is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Medical Group at the following location effective July 1, 2020: 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 8, Marathon, FL 33050. Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-743-3511 or fax 305-743-2765 to request a record release.

Publish: July 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

DOWN 1. “For the Benefit of All” org.

2. Cheese in red casing 3. Lean like an athlete 4. Bad rep 5. Address to Kitty 6. A in A=ab, pl.

7. *Location of strongest muscle 8. *Part of both digestive and endocrine systems 9. Genesis twin 10. Like a desert 11. Used to fix a leaky roof 13. Limit in quality 14. Same as boatswain 19. “Pillow Talk” (1960) star 22. Same as #22 Across, in English 23. *It loses 80% of body heat 24. Root of iris 25. Music to a performer’s ears 26. *Fastest growing tissue 27. Popular Japanese dish 28. Orient Express, e.g.

31. Walkie-talkie word 32. *The teeth did it 34. “The ____ have it” 36. *Gut dwellers 38. *One of #36 Down 40. Males 41. Van Gogh’s famous flower painting 44. Coffee shops 46. *____ cavity, a.k.a. mouth 48. Aplomb 49. Harbor city of Ancient Rome 50. *Humans are the only animals that have it 51. Field of grass 53. Having lace 54. Zeal 55. *The largest organ 56. Reggae precursor 57. mL

Help wanted - Big Time Bait and Tackle competitive wages and working 15-25 hrs a week.

Contact John 239-209-7682 NOW HIRING – Full or part-time Administrative Assistant for busy insurance agency in Key Largo, MM 102. Please contact (305) 807-5338.

LINE COOK, PT, Perfect second job!

Looking to pick up some extra hours? This is a perfect second job for night time cooks. Position hours (approximately) 123pm. Our Ocean Front Swim Club is open 10am 7pm daily. Located in Key Colony Beach, hourly $15.

Beautiful environment, small friendly staff, open year round.

Apply in person, email resume or call 305 393-0631 ask for April.

SERVE ON THE OCEAN FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge.

Open year round, 10am 7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff.

Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person or call April (305) 393-0631..

THEME: HUMAN BODY ACROSS 1. It’s often breaking 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca 8. Bog deposit 12. Mine entrance 13. *Blood fluids 14. Sinbad the Sailor’s home 15. Delhi dress 16. Ball of yarn 17. On the radio 18. *Brain’s “fear factory” 20. Gulf War missile 21. Monkeys, in Spain 22. “____ Elise” 23. Capital of Tasmania 26. Unlike Pinocchio 29. Be mistaken 30. Meteorologist’s line 33. Radiant light 35. Popular horse breed, pl.

37. VIII predecessor 38. Lit test format 39. Prima donna 40. Like meters and kilograms 42. Step on it 43. a.k.a. association football 45. ____ Hood and Christopher ____ 47. *Result of UV exposure 48. Southern chicken stew 50. Staff leader 52. *The smallest bones 56. Social media button 57. Mange carrier 58. Plumber’s sealant 59. Fuzzy fruit, pl.

60. a.k.a. The Islamic State 61. Antioxidants-rich berry 62. Tolstoy’s Karenina 63. Grazing spot 64. Country singer-songwriter Loretta

Temporary Maintenance Person required for condominium on Key Colony Beach. Part-time position could become full-time. Must have valid driver’s license and a car.

Contact the manager, Karen at 305-743-7700.

Alan Netzman, M.D. is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Medical Group at the following location effective July 1, 2020: 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 8, Marathon, FL 33050. Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-743-3511 or fax 305-743-0942 to request a record release.

Publish: July 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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, Building Permit Tech 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.

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.

50

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 EMPLOYMENT PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD HERE! Only $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 to place your ad today!

BURDINES WATERFRONT MARINA BAR & GRILL NOW HIRING FOR THESE POSITIONS:

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

Caregiver – Mary Brown.

Over 20 years experience.

Assistance with every day maintenance. Doctor appointments, meds, bath, sitting, etc. I have transportation and references. 786-339-5811

HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

DOCK ATTENDANT/CASHIER LINE COOK HOST/HOSTESS SERVER Apply in person at Burdines, 1200 Oceanview Ave (off 15th St), Marathon. 305-743-5317

DAYCARE TEACHER Grace Jones Daycare is a well-respected day care facility in Marathon looking for additional staff. We are dedicated to providing memorable experiences, quality child care, and excellent learning opportunities. This is YOUR opportunity to join our team of energetic and friendly teachers. We are looking for a caring, qualified, and professional full time teacher to join us in creating a positive learning environment. If you are, or wish to become, a qualified and passionate early childhood teacher, call the Executive Director, Kelly Ullrich, at 305-743-6064 during normal work hours.

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

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIANS

Email Resume to: Reception@PingstonElectric.com

Monroe County School District

NOW HIRING FRONT DESK LAUNDRY HOUSEKEEPING STARTING AT $13/HR Please come in and apply in person.

Hampton Inn

13351 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl 33050

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

Monroe County School District

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician

PART TIME HOUSEKEEPER

Upper & Middle Keys.

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

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

Apply in person

Also looking for Saturday only housekeepers.

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

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

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

YARD SALES PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE! Only $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 to place your ad today!

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED!

3BR/2BA Stilt Home for rent on Duck Key. Long term.

Available August 1st.

Call 3 0 5 - 4 8 1 - 1 3 1 6 AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MARATHON. Rooms available for short or long term rentals. Single: $720/month; Double: $1,150/month; Plus tax; F/L/S. Units provide an Ideal option 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

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

FULL TIME – KEY WEST

**Top Pay** Short/Long Term Disability Paid Holidays & Vacation Uniforms 31109 Ave A, Ste 7, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

– KEY WEST

Monroe County School District

DIESEL ENGINE MECHANIC NEEDED

NOW HIRING

HOUSING FOR RENT Luxury furn. 2BR/2BA condo for rent in secluded & gated Seawatch Condominiums in Marathon. 1650sf with Den and lg. screened balcony w/gorgeous water views.

Marina, tennis, gym, pool, fishing, covered parking.

Adults (35+) only. No pets. $3,650/mo. 3 mo. min.

8 0 0 - 3 2 4 - 6 9 8 2 .

SERVICE MANAGER / DIESEL MECHANIC

ASSISTANT RETAIL MANAGER

Position available for an energetic assistant manager.

Retail experience required, supermarket experience a plus. Job requires evenings and weekend hours. Salary based on experience. Competitive salary and benefits.

Apply in person only at Fausto’s Food Palace, 522 Fleming St., Key West.

We are now hiring for the following positions:

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

51

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

too many pills???

You’re Invited!

FKMCD - Oxitec Public Educational Webinar

we can help.

FLORIDA KEYS CANNABIS CLINICS

KEYSMEDCARDS.COM Dr. Gregory R. Sonn

When:

Tuesday, July 14th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET

Where:

The event will be held online. Please register here: keysmosquito.org/board-meetings or oxitec.com/florida

Overview: Oxitec and the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) are hosting a live public webinar to share information and answer questions about the proposed Oxitec mosquito project in the Florida Keys to combat invasive, disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Local residents are encouraged to participate, priority will be given to questions submitted by residents of the Florida Keys.

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With 3 Locations to Serve You in the Keys...

Key Largo Marathon Key West

305-390-2759

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Learn more oxitec.com/florida

112 Bruce Court

Congratulations to the buyers of this lovely home

WE ARE OPEN! 3 Generations of Master Plumbers

Ready to buy or sell in Paradise?

Let an experienced Realtor® help you find your perfect home.

David Grego

Call David today!

Locally Owned & Family Operated Since 1947 www.IslandBreezeRealty.com

Florida Keys

Plumbing Repairs & Services Leaks • Tankless Water Heaters • Bathroom Remodel Sewer Systems

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL CFC055680

f Open 8AM - 4PM MON-FRI Vmassaro@3rdgenerationplumbing.com

305-743-4245

04/02/2020

We Specialize in:

DINE IN, TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

SUMMER HOURS

OPEN WED- MON 5-9PM (CLOSED TUESDAY)

305.294.0230

1029 SOUTHARD ST

52

BUSINESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

VINTAGE CAMPER FINDS NEW LIFE AS TRAVELING PHOTO BOOTH IN THE KEYS

L nah kids Jake, Han d Steve, with an lyLi cy ta on (S ar ily pe s fam of Five,” ap ty ar “P Stacy Huerta’ e th ab lyMae: gr so known as how to use Li and Emma), al ing customers easy. STACY ow -p sh , sy re Ea . hu your prints Mae’s broc ct lle co d an , pose props, strike a uted ib tr on /C TA ER HU

LilyMae can be used as an en closed photo inside with pr booth ops as well as a beautiful ba piece outdoors ckground .

ilyMae is not your average old gal.

She’s a vintage 1966 Shasta camper that’s been fully rebuilt as “LilyMae, the Candid Camper Photo Booth,” the coolest new addition to events in the Keys.

LilyMae was revamped and rebuilt over a year in a “modern vintage” style by Marathon’s Stacy Huerta and her family, who “love vintage campers, a good laugh, and photos to capture our memories,” Huerta said.

“We bought the camper in 2013 off of Craigslist in Central Florida,” Huerta said.

“We had always dreamed of having one.”

The Huertas moved to Hawaii with the Coast Guard and couldn’t take the camper with them; she stayed in storage until they moved back in 2017.

When they finally got her down to the Keys, ideas began to percolate.

“From seeing others out West doing photo booths out of their campers and how popular they are, we thought it would be so fun to offer here in Florida.”

Huerta said.

LilyMae was born, and a new business hatched, when Huerta noticed there was nothing like LilyMae in Florida and especially here in the Keys. The existing photo booth companies are a more “traditional camera on a stand with a backdrop,” Huerta said, and she wanted to create something new and different.

The rental comes complete with high-quality props (everything from old, mint-green rotary phones to a ukulele to “Keysey props”) and professional, easyto-use photo equipment. Customers love being able to operate the booth themselves, Huerta said, but event attendants are available to help.

Pictures can be snapped in front of the cool trailer, which is topped with a classic-styled sign saying “Oh Snap!” or inside for a true photobooth feel. Event rentals include personalized photo strips for guests and hosts to keep.

“It’s all about capturing smiles in a fun unique way,” Huerta told the Weekly.

“Not just your standard, stand-up photo booth, it is an actual experience. It has a modern vintage design, and is not only a fun experience but makes for an amazing backdrop for photos. People love it!!”

The Huertas can bring LilyMae to help with any event, including weddings, corporate events, graduations, birthdays, showers and local festivals.

They also want to involve local photographers. Because of her simple, classic style, LilyMae is the “perfect backdrop” that can be “staged” for many different themes.

“We would love to network with local photographers to have style shoots,” Huerta said.

Huerta also plans to offer styled photo shoots for families, Christmas, Halloween, brides, etc. showcasing LilyMae as a fun background piece.

“The coolest feature about LilyMae is her nostalgic feel,” Huerta said. “There’s something so fun about being inside a working retro camper.”

LilyMae will be based out of Marathon and travel at no cost throughout the Keys and at a per-mile fee outside of the Keys. More information is at www. candidcamperphotobooth.com. Visit @ lilymae_the candidcamper on Instagram to see photos from past events.

53

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

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

Dolphin Research Center has a Human Resources Director opening for immediate consideration. Duties include: Payroll, benefits administration, recruitment, record keeping, employee relations, communication of policies & procedures, safety & regulatory compliance.

Must be an organized team player with excellent computer & communications skills. Prior HR experience and degree prefered.

Benefits include; medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, sick & holidays & so much more! Job description available at http://dolphins.org/career_opportunities. E-mail your resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

NOW HIRING RESTAURANT HOST SERVERS BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT HOUSEMEN ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN

IMS Systems Technician

LINE COOK

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.

SOUS CHEF

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.

APPLY AT:

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

BAKER

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY WEST

Case Manager (Forensic & Adult) Substance Abuse Counselor

MARATHON

Assisted Living Night Monitor (free housing!)

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

HELP WANTED Venture Out at Cudjoe Cay, Inc. COMMUNITY STORE/MARINA RETAIL SALES ASSOCIATE

Looking for a mature, reliable individual to work in our private Community Store/Marina. Part time, 21 + hours per week, afternoon shifts & weekends a must. Retail sales experience preferred but will train right person. Candidate must be a team player, able to speak fluent English and have good customer service skills. Duties include running register, stock, and maintain store cleanliness. A cheerful, friendly attitude is a must to work in this drug-free workplace. Starting wage $14.00 per hour.

Apply within 701 Spanish Main Drive, Cudjoe Key.

HELP WANTED Venture Out at Cudjoe Cay, Inc. SECURITY GUARDS

Is in the need of unarmed Security Guards for our gated community. We have an opening for 1 part time and 1 full time position with benefits. Must possess good written and verbal communication skills to inform and assist private community residents and visitors in the compliance of rules.

Full Time Security Officer Benefits: Bi-Weekly pay with Direct Deposi • Holiday Pay • Medical and Dental Vacation Pay/Sick Pay Minimum Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older • Must have valid driver’s license Authorized to work in the United States • Must be able to pass a background investigation and drug screening Salary: $16.00 /hour Apply within 701 Spanish Main Drive, Cudjoe Key

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

CROSSWORD

SOLUTION

NOW HIRING

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

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

54

ISLAMORADA

An aerial view of the Fills during the Fourth of July. The area from MM 77.5 to 79.8 was closed off through July 7 as a COVID-19 protection measure. The Fills subsequently reopened at 50% capacity to limit visitors. DAVID GROSS/ Contributed

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

VILLAGE CUTS FILLS PARKING IN HALF

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

A

“When we have to start to staff the Fills with our people, we’re asking them to interact with the very people we’re trying to keep them away from and keep them from getting infected.

Our deputies, our staff personnel, why are we running this risk at all?�

ctivity on the Fills remained quiet during the Fourth of July weekend with the village deciding to close the area as a COVID-19 protective measure. The area reopened to the public on July 7 at lower capacity, after Islamorada council members agreed to cut the number of parking spots at the popular hangout spot in half.

Action taken during a July 1 special meeting came following a request by Vice Mayor Ken Davis to close off the state-owned lands, where many daytrippers come to spend their weekends from now through Labor Day. Some council members expressed concern that closing the Fills could jeopardize a sublease the village has with the Florida Department of Transportation to manage the shoreline area. That led to a compromise to reduce parking spots by 50%.

Davis said he wasn’t trying to close down the FIlls altogether. He said keeping the area open Monday through Thursday would give people plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beachside. “When we have to start to staff the Fills with our people, we’re asking them to interact with the very people we’re trying to keep them away from and keep them from getting infected. Our deputies, our staff personnel, why are we running this risk at all?� Davis said. “We’re trying to slow the roll of this pandemic. We have to start to actually try to slow the roll completely, not partially.�

There are some 80 parking spots on the Fills, on Tea Table, Indian and Lignumvitae Keys. A reduction would bring that number to 40. Councilman Jim Mooney said council could reduce that even more if necessary. “That would be really helpful without jeopardizing the lease (with FDOT). Second of all, we’re a tourist community,�

he said. “Unless we put the roadblock back up, they are going to come. It’s just a matter of where they are going to congregate.�

Village Attorney Roget Bryan told council that the village has the authority to limit access under terms of a lease with FDOT. 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 a full-time Fills facility attendant and an additional $30,000 for rental of portable toilets and other operating supplies.

With checkpoints down and visitors flowing into the Keys, village Public Works Director A.J. Engelmeyer told the council that the Fills are anywhere from 75% to 100% full during the week, and at capacity by 9 a.m. on weekends. “We spend the entire day patrolling the parking and everything,� he said. “Whether we keep Fills open or closed, it will still be fully staffed. That’s to control parking. If I have signs and everything else, they’re still coming.�

With new cases of COVID-19 spiking, councilman Chris Sante said the village needs to take a stand and limit capacity. “You see every weekend ‌ the sandbar is a joke,â€? he said. “We’ve got to take steps ourselves even though people don’t like it. We got to step up and say enough is enough.â€?

With approval, Davis said that “if we can’t stop it, reduction’s a win.�

Village council will meet on Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Council is expected to discuss a possible towing ordinance at the Fills, as well as possibly upping parking fines. In the meantime, Mooney told staff to get council a hard scheme of the Fills at 50% parking capacity with fencing. “We have to take control of this now,� he said. “The Fills have been a pain in the rear end for 20 years. It’s time to end

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

55

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 Open M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

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

Petersen Repair & Maintenance Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

305-743-7454

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

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

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

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

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Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices

Excellent References Upon Request

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Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

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

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QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES

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305-743-0844

56

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 9, 2020