Key West Weekly 20-0723

1¢

Performing in a plexiglass case of emotion.

July 23, 2020

CANDIDATES RESPOND

CITY COMMISSION HOPEFULS ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS | P. 42

MASKS MATTER KEY WEST FACES RULES | P. 20

TOP 10 REASONS

WE CAN’T HAVE A HURRICANE DURING A PANDEMIC | P. 58

INSIDE

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

512 FRONT STREET WWW.TWOFRIENDS.COM

DON’T PUNISH OUR LOCAL MUSICIANS We earnestly urge the city commission to please reconsider the current 10 foot ordinance in place for our local musicians performing behind plexiglass. It is extremely difficult for some musicians to perform wearing a mask, and essentially un-employs musicians who play a harmonica or horn. As of now, our local musicians, who are essential to the fabric of our local economy, are struggling (like many in this city) to survive. The 10 foot rule is excessive by nature, since according to CDC, NIH, and the WHO, plexiglass is a “barrier”; which is why someone can walk up to the counter of a CVS (or other business) and conduct business within 6 feet. Further, the 10-foot rule only accommodates a small percentage of locations in Key West, as many locations are already prohibited by space. Please consider an alteration to the enforced distance of 10 feet, which is excessive and not supported by Science.

We also respectfully ask the city commission to not undertake other measures that are not supported by Science. We urge locals to reach out to your city commissioners, asking them not to punish our neighbors, who need our support now more than ever. We are all in this together and we all agree that wearing masks and other safety requirements are essential to the health and safety of our residents and visitors, as long as such measures are supported by Science.

Thank you for your consideration,

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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Tropical Depression No. 7 has developed into Tropical Storm Gonzalo. By Monday morning, July 27, it is expected to be located between the Dominican Republic and the north end of the South American continent. Watch the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) for developments.

1 OF 2 STOCK ISLAND SHOOTING SUSPECTS CAUGHT IN MEXICO

2nd suspect still at large MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

O

ne of two suspects wanted in the June 15 fatal shooting at an area known locally as “La Curva” on Stock Island was arrested early Tuesday morning in Mexico.

Jose Luis Espinosa Gomez, 34, “is in a Mexican jail and awaiting extradition back to the United States and ultimately to Monroe County to face his charges,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay told Keys Weekly on July 21. “You’ll see in his photo that he looks like a very unhappy young man.”

The suspect’s brother, Mayque Marin Gomez, 31, also is wanted in the shooting that killed one man and left another in critical condition. “The other suspect, who is the brother of the one we arrested, remains on the lam as of now,” Ramsay said. “But we are staying vigilant in our efforts on this case and we thank our law enforcement partners in Texas, Mexico, the FBI and the U.S. Marshal’s office.”

Jose Manuel Clemente, 45, of Stock Island, was pronounced dead

Jose Luis Espinoza Gomez was arrested early July 21 in Mexico and will be returned to Monroe County to face charges for a June 15 fatal shooting

Mayque Marin Gomez remains at large and is wanted for a June 15 fatal shooting on Stock Island.

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/ Contributed

at the scene. Iliecer Noa, 43, also of Stock Island, was airlifted via Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center in critical condition following the shooting.

The missing suspect is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who sees Mayque

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Marin Gomez should not make any efforts to approach him, but should immediately call 911, detectives said, adding that they believe the shootings of Clemente and Noa were targeted hits, and not random acts of violence.

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

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

Detectives and SWAT team members on June 16 searched a Meridian West Apartment on Shrimp Road, where the two suspects reportedly had lived, but neither was found at the time.

Detectives did retrieve two handguns and some clothing from the suspects’ apartment.

It was not known whether the handguns and clothing were involved in or worn during the shooting, sheriff’s office spokesman Adan Linhardt said at the time.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the sheriff’s office at 305289-2351.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 866-471-8477. Tips also can be submitted online at www. floridakeyscrimestoppers.com.

Tips also can be submitted via social media such as Facebook at Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys: click on “contact us.”

See page 10 for an update on the July 15 officer-involved shooting on Big Coppitt Key.

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

M

onroe County commissioners placed more restrictions on Keys vacation rentals to mitigate coronavirus spread, by implementing occupancy limits and requiring information of property managers in event of large gathering complaints.

The July 21 emergency meeting grew out of officials’ increasing anxiety about the coming lobster mini-season (July 29-30) and the resulting crowds, especially in the Upper Keys, as well as the coronavirus spikes in the neighboring counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Officials sought to bring all the available tools to the table, short of asking Tallahassee to cancel the state-scheduled lobster holiday.

Commissioners unanimously agreed at their meeting to alter the county’s COVID-19 vacation rental plan slightly, to place occupancy limits of two people per bedroom plus two.

That means a two-bedroom vacation rental can house up to six people.

Vacation rental companies must also provide local management information in the way of a name and phone number that’s posted on a sign outside the building in the event there’s a complaint.

Monroe County sent its vacation rental plan to the state Department of Business and Professional Development Regulation in late May that allowed rentals to reopen June 1. Case numbers have spiked since that time, and it’s drawing concern from Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers.

“Clearly it’s not going in the direction we’d hoped it would go and that’s why we’re having this meeting,” she said.

Carruthers noted that in some cases, vacation rentals are managed or owned by those outside the Keys.

“That’s part of what we’re trying to get under control,” she said. “A lot of our vacation rental people are doing the right thing.”

The City of Marathon already has similar rules on the books, said Marathon Mayor Steve Cook. On an extra note of caution, the city is sending letters to all vacation rentals that it knows about to advise them of the rules.

As for the upcoming lobster miniseason, a majority of county commissioners were against issuing a letter to the state and Florida Fish & Wildlife calling for its cancellation. The twoday season is Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30.

LAST-DITCH EFFORTS

Officials put every plan in place to protect against spread during mini-season

Commissioner Sylvia Murphy acknowledged her support in sending a letter, but said that doing away with the short season wouldn’t be likely at this juncture.

Key Colony Beach and Islamorada have already issued letters to the governor asking that the mini-season be canceled this year. The Key West City Commission did not discuss the lobster mini-season at its July 21 meeting, nor was the topic on the city agenda.

Marathon voted 3-2 against issuing a letter, while Layton hasn’t sent a letter to the county or state.

In a bid to reduce the number of daytrippers to the Upper Keys in the coming weeks, the county will limit boat ramp access, as Sunset Point Park in Key Largo and Harry Harris Park in Tavernier will be open for residents only from July 24 to Aug. 9. Rowell’s Park and Bay Drive in Key Largo will be closed to all of the public during that period. The action comes after the village of Islamorada announced it would be closing parks, beaches and ramps July 24 through Aug. 19. Founders Park will remain open to residents while Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina will be open to residents and lodging guests.

Marathon will hold a special call meeting on Friday, July 24 to address how to operate boat ramps and parks during the mini-season. Cook acknowledged that closures in the Upper Keys will likely have an adverse effect in the Middle Keys if boaters looking

to launch continue to travel south.

Marathon has three public boat ramps — at 33rd Street, Harbor Drive and The Quay, which is currently under reconstruction but has opened on weekends to allow access. The meeting was called by Commissioner Luis Gonzalez, who earlier voted to send a letter to Tallahassee asking for the cancellation of lobster mini season.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties have instituted curfews from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. On July 15, Monroe County passed a similar ban: restaurants (which now serve as major gathering sites due to the closure of “bars,” as defined by the state) must be closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Friday, July 24 to Aug. 19. The rule will apply to the entire Keys. The city of Marathon declined to pass anything more restrictive.

“Most of the places in Marathon close by around 10 p.m. anyways,” said Cook.

In the county’s special call meeting on July 21, two things came off the table. While there was discussion about limiting gatherings to 10 people or fewer, the commissioners allowed the 50-person rule to stand. It is also revising its policy that a business must close for three days in the case of an employee’s COVID-19 infection; the rule is revoked in the meantime.

— Sara Matthis, Mandy Miles and Tiffany Duong contributed to this report.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

If younger than 6 years old? No.

Inside a hotel room or home?

No.

While shopping or entering any type of business? Yes.

Alone in a personal car? No.

In a taxi or Uber? Yes.

At a salon? Yes to enter. No if you are seated and the mask interferes with the service.

While walking around outside in other municipalities or unincorporated areas of Monroe County? No, unless within six feet of another person. (However, citizens must be able to readily produce a mask, i.e., have it in a pocket or purse.)

Inside a hotel lobby? Yes.

At a public pool? Yes.

WHEN SHOULD WE WEAR A MASK?

At a restaurant while eating or drinking?

Yes to enter.

Yes while speaking with the server.

No, if seated at a table and eating or drinking.

Yes if moving about the restaurant.

12 things to know about mask laws in the Keys ­— Weekly staff report

While walking around Key West?

Yes.

While at the beach? Yes, if in Key West. No in the rest of the county unless within 6 feet of someone not in a family group or quarantine circle.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

FLORIDA POLITICIAN SUES KEY WEST OVER MASK RULE Claims requirement is unconstitutional, unauthorized MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

A

A photo from a deputy’s body camera shows near the arrow the muzzle of the suspect’s Glock handgun pointed out the window of his vehicle toward officers. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

KEY WEST POLICE RELEASE ARMED ROBBERY REPORT MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he July 18 police shooting of a suspected armed robber who fired first at deputies following a car chase to Big Coppitt Key started in front of the Monroe County Library in Key West, 700 Fleming St. Key West police were called to the library just before 3 p.m. on July 18 to investigate initial reports of a “road rage incident involving a firearm,” the police report states. That description was later amended to an armed robbery with a firearm.

When police arrived, the suspect, Julian Thomas Vaughn, 24, had driven away in a silver Ford Focus and ignored officers’ attempts to pull him over, reports state.

While police pursued Vaughn, Officer Antonio Ane interviewed the 48-year-old male victim in front of the library, and learned the victim had been talking on his phone outside the library when Vaughn pulled up and stopped quickly. “(The victim) told me ... Vaughn exited the vehicle and pointed a black handgun at him,” the report states.

The suspect, “while still pointing the firearm at (the victim), demanded his cellphone. (The victim) complied and gave his cellphone to Vaughn. Vaughn walked back to his vehicle and pointed his firearm at (the victim) for a second time, but did not say anything.

Vaughn got back into the vehicle and left eastbound on Fleming Street.”

The victim told police he believed it may have been a Glock handgun, the report states.

Vaughn ultimately left Key West and headed up U.S. 1, where deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol picked up the pursuit.

They stopped Vaughn near Mile Marker 10 on Big Coppitt Key. Vaughn fired a shot from the car and was pointing the gun at the officers, a photo of which was captured on one deputy’s body-worn camera during the incident.

Four deputies — two from MCSO and two from FHP — returned fire and incapacitated Vaughn before rendering first aid. Vaughn was airlifted to a Miami hospital and is expected to recover fully, Sheriff Rick Ramsay told Keys Weekly.

Florida state representative, who also is an attorney, on July 20 sued the City of Key West on behalf of a client, claiming the city’s face-mask mandate is unconstitutional, subject to arbitrary enforcement and improperly enacted by the mayor and city manager, without the authority of the elected City Commission.

State Rep. Anthony Sabatini, 31, a Republican lawmaker for Lake County, outside Orlando, is representing plaintiff Joseph Bracciale in the Key West suit. Sabatini has filed 10 similar suits on behalf of clients, challenging mask mandates enacted by Florida counties and cities in light of the coronavirus crisis.

Bracciale, the Key West plaintiff, owns a real estate business, Select Properties of the Florida Keys Inc., on Cudjoe Key. He also owns Anthony Sabatini properties and businesses in Northwest Florida, is a state representative and according to Florida Department of State busian attorney who ness records. Monroe County property records show Joseph Bracciale Jr. as the owner of a non- has filed 11 suits challenging mask homesteaded house on Riviera Drive in Key West mandates in since 2018.

Florida cities and The lawsuit was filed in response to Key counties. FLORIDA West’s amended Directive 2020-13, enacted on HOUSE/ContribJuly 13, requiring everyone older than 6 to wear a uted mask when not inside their residence. The suit states that Bracciale suffers from asthma, and is therefore medically unable to wear a face mask.

“The citizens of Key West are burdened by the over-reach of their local government that is unprecedented in Florida history and without clear legal authority,” Sabatini writes in the lawsuit. “The mask requirement violates both the plaintiff's and the public's fundamental Florida A recent lawConstitutional rights. It unduly burdens 24,000 Key West residents and employees. Additionally, suit claims Key West Mayor Directive 2020-13 is written so vaguely that it Teri Johnston lends itself to arbitrary enforcement at an ofdoes not have ficer's discretion” and violations can “be punished legal authority to with enormous and arbitrary discretion.” enact the city’s Finally, Sabatini claims the mayor has “no mask directive, legal authority to issue ‘Directives’ that have which is now an ordinance. CITY the force of law. The city’s charter states that all OF KEY WEST/ legislative power is vested in the City Commission. Therefore ... the emergency directive is not enforceable.”

What they want Bracciale is not seeking any financial relief. The lawsuit asks a judge to: stop the city from enforcing its directive; declare the mandate unconstitutional, unauthorized, null and void; and require a response from the city.

Key West City Attorney Shawn Smith did not comment on pending litigation.

The Key West City Commission on July 21 unanimously approved the mask directive as an ordinance, with some exceptions, including for people with chronic health problems.

The case has been assigned to Judge Bonnie Helms, but no hearings had been scheduled as of July 20.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

SAFE SUMMER FWC’S DUBE OFFERS SOME SAFETY TIPS

Florida Fish & Wildlife Officer Bobby Dube is also the agency’s public information officer. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Y

ears ago, the state of Florida created a short season giving recreational users the opportunity to catch spiny lobsters before traps were deployed for the commercial season. Commonly referred to as “mini-season,” Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Officer Bobby Dube will tell you it’s not the best name for the two-day event.

“Visitors ask, ‘Oh, we can get mini lobsters?’

‘No,’ I tell them. That’s why I like to call it lobster sport season.”

Dube has experienced the short sports season a time or two. Growing up in Homestead out in the Redlands, he was hired by the former Florida Marine Patrol in 1989. After graduating from the academy, Dube was sent to the Keys in December of that year and has lived in the island chain ever since.

“I love getting out on the water in my personal vessel, going out to the sandbar, going out to lunch with family and watersports with my son and his buddies, I enjoy the reefs and everything the Keys has to offer — the gin-clear water.

On land, you get to know everybody and everybody knows you.

My wife and I really enjoy the community here in the Keys.”

— Bobby Dube

RECREATING “I love getting out on the water in my personal vessel, going out to the sandbar, going out to lunch with family and watersports with my son and his buddies,” he said. “I enjoy the reefs and everything the Keys has to offer — the gin-clear water. On land, you get to know everybody and everybody knows you. My wife and I really enjoy the community here in the Keys.”

Between the water access and sheer clarity, the Keys remain a top destination for boaters, divers and fishers near and far — not to mention the variety of fish species and lobster, stone crab and everything else in the waters, Dube said.

“You pretty much have your choice of targeting whatever species you want to get that day,” he said.

With water recreation one of the safer activities through the current pandemic, boating, fishing, diving and water sports have increased off the Keys shoreline. That has brought more incidents resulting in injury, and, in two recent cases, fatalities.

Dube usually stations himself outside Divers Direct in Key Largo during the lobster sports season, where he hands out pamphlets and answers questions from visitors coming down to catch lobster. That’s not happening this year, however, due to the pandemic. The Keys Weekly recently sat down with Dube, who is also FWC’s public information officer, to discuss safe recreation with lobster sports season approaching and the summer boating season in full swing.

A lot of people are out on the water these days, especially with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. What should they keep in mind when hopping into the boat to head out for the day? Whether it’s lobster sports season or just a plain day on the water, safety is the utmost importance for recreating down here, because Monroe County statistically has always led the state in the number of boating accident fatalities, the sheer number of boating accidents and property damage. All the different categories pertaining to boat accidents in Monroe County tend to lead the state. Have safety in mind when you’re going to leave the dock. Don’t drink and boat.

Would you say navigating the Keys water can be tricky if you haven’t been out there a time or two? It can be. It’s a lot easier with electronics. When I started many years ago, we didn’t have a GPS system, so you had to know how to read the water, especially at night. You can get a GPS on your phone, so in that aspect, it’s a little easier. But with the sheer amount of registered boats that come and recreate in the Keys, it increases your percentage of potentially being involved in an accident. We have just under 1 million registered vessels in the state of Florida.

The Keys recently had two boating accidents that led to fatalities. How important is it to check weather and conditions before leaving the dock? In my tenure down here, we’ve had fatalities on bad weather days when nobody should even be out there. Always check the weather before you leave the dock. Even when you are in a boat, afternoon thunderstorms, especially in South Florida, can develop very quickly and sneak up on you. If you’re diving, it might be nice and sunny, but when you come up 30 minutes later there’s been a storm and the boat’s anchor has dragged. It happens.

Keep an eye on the weather; it can change.

What are some common violations you see out on the water? Careless operation of a vessel. Not obeying the regulatory markers.

No-wake zones at Tavernier and Snake creeks … just not paying attention to those markers or outright ignoring them. A lot of people come down and party, drink and boat and overload boats, and also not having enough life jackets when they’re stopped.

With lobster sport season approaching, what are some things people should remember or do before they head out? Safety, again. Check the weather before you leave the dock. Check to make sure you have all your safety gear in order. There’s a list for that on our website at myfwc.com. Have your fishing license and your crawfish stamp before you leave the dock. Have the current fishing and lobster regulations. You can get that online.

If you haven’t scuba dived in a while, take a refresher course beforehand. Check all your dive gear from the regulator to the BCD. Once you’re in the water, well, that’s not the time to be doing that. For safety reasons, I would file a float plan. Just tell someone you’re going out, and if you’re not back by a particular time, alert the authorities.

Any specific items people should bring? Besides the license and lobster stamp, you need a tickle stick and net, the basic tools for harvesting lobster, as well as the lobster measuring gauge. You also need a diver- down flag if you’re going to be snorkeling or scuba diving.

What kind of violations does FWC see most often during the lobster sports season? It would be possession of undersized lobster or lobstering in a closed area. Know the current regulations. Know that you can’t lobster in John Pennekamp State Park, Everglades National Park and down south to Dry Tortugas, and all the SPAs (sanctuary preservation areas).

If people are in need of help out on the water, what should they do? In case of dire emergency, call 911. That goes to MCSO dispatch and they’ll contact us. If it’s a nonemergency, you can always hail FWC or the Coast Guard on channel 16. If you observe a boating safety issue, drunk boaters or resource violation, call the FWC (*FWC or #FWC on a cell phone) or call FWC dispatch at 561-357-4200.

13

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

HOSPITAL: WE CAN HANDLE ‘SURGE’ LKMC and county talk daily about capacity TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

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

Brenda & Teresa represented the Sellers of: 725 79th Street, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Brenda Torrella 305.481.0555 brenda.torrella@yahoo.com

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Teresa Yeider 305.879.5474 teresa@keysrealestate.com

t the July 15 BOCC meeting, County Administrator Roman Gastesi and Administrator and Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County Bob Eadie took a realistic look at the rising number of cases and hospitalizations in the county, but gave an encouraging update on hospital capacities.

Gastesi started out with an update from Lower Keys Medical Center: “I just got a call from David Clay, the CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center. There are 19 cases (of coronavirus) in hospitals (in the Keys, as of July 15). That’s a doubling of cases in the last week or so. If we get the same doubling going forward, we’ll have about 40 cases when the thousand-or-so people are down here for miniseason.”

Clay told the Weekly that his hospital’s capacity changes based on current patients and staffing availability. The “very fluid situation” also allows for expansion of different areas of the hospital for additional COVID-19 units, if needed, and use of its behavioral health campus at dePoo Hospital on Key West’s Kennedy Drive, if necessary.

Gastesi confirmed this at the BOCC meeting.

He said, “The good news is, the hospitals have the ability to surge. They feel well-equipped to handle surges in cases by pulling resources from their networks in other states.”

It’s a similar process to that which Miami-Dade used to get nurses when they were short at Jackson Memorial, Gastesi noted.

Shannon Weiner, the county emergency management director, echoed the staffing concern for hospitals as the real test, but noted that all Keys hospitals have contracts in place (sometimes multiple) for surge contracting of personnel.

“Seeing the hospitalizations rise is definitely nerve-wracking,” Gastesi said, “but the color-coded system makes me feel a little better even if the numbers don’t look favorable.”

Gastesi is referring to a “stoplight” monitoring system for the hospitals wherein “green” means they have seven or more days of supplies and personnel, “yellow” means under seven days and “red” means under three.

If hospitals run out of room to treat COVID-19 patients, they can stop doing elective procedures to free up space and personnel, Eadie added.

“Right now we’re at green, and there’s elective procedures being done,” Eadie said. “There’s almost a way to have instant capacity for COVID-19 patients if necessary and that’s by cutting off elective procedures.”

Earlier in the meeting, Gastesi also noted that the time will be “evident” if and when the Keys need checkpoints again.

“I talked to the DOT about checkpoints, and they weren’t happy,” the county administrator told the public and the BOCC. “If we are totally compromised or getting to that point, that’s the time to have the checkpoint discussion.”

He also noted that there are still other protective measures that the county can strengthen, and that he has been in constant contact with Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties, which all believed they’d “seen the worst” and “already peaked.”

Of the capacity at hospitals, he assured everyone, “Believe me, we’re talking on a daily basis.”

15

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

o

fficials have tried almost everything to quell the community spread of COVID-19, from requiring face masks to canceling 4th of July fireworks that could have drawn a crowd. Regardless, between June 1 and July 20, Monroe County cases have spiked 720%. For the graphic below, the data starts on June 1, the day the checkpoints came down at the top of the Keys and visitors were welcome in the Keys again.

The graphic tracks five data points, along with key events, over time (see Key below):

DAYS OF COVID

Cases in Monroe County as a total including visitors, cases in Key West, and cases in the rest of Monroe County, excluding Key West. It also shows the number of deaths in Monroe County, although it has been noted recently that there is a lag in the reporting of that number. Finally, the Keys did not begin reporting current hospitalizations (as compared to aggregate over time) until June 19.

All of the data is based on the daily reports from the State Department of Health in Monroe County. The chart details data through July 20.

— Sara Matthis, Tiffany Duong and graphic by Javier Reyes

1000

900

Bu bum Sou 18-M T adv Ke mess

800

700

600

Bars reopen in the Keys. Facemasks required in Key West businesses.

BLM gathering in Key Largo.

500

County passes one-year mask order.

Islamorada “Fills” attracts crowds.

Black Lives Matter parade in Key West.

400

Key West High School in-person graduation.

Marathon, Key West celebrate Juneteenth.

Two MCSO deputies test positive.

Checkpoint that 300

New York and New Jersey impose a 14-day quarantine on visiting Floridians.

County offers free COVID testing.

Miami-Dade begins enforcing mask mandates and social distancing.

Tax collector office, other local business close due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

started on March 27 comes down.

(19,982 cars turned away during that period.)

200

100

110

109

69

68 41

0

137

121

128

75

81

86

46

47

51

4 0

June 1

2

5

12

13

Total Keys COVID-19 cases Cases in Monroe County, excluding Key West Cases in Key West Deaths Hospitalizations

17

165

166

106

107

56

59

60

1

2

19

22

150 94

Key West cancels fireworks; state closes bars again.

174 114

188 123

202

2

133

1

65 4

23

24

25

26

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

Sugarloaf Key

This graph shows the rise in cases per community in the areas most affected in the Florida Keys beginning on June 1. For example, Key West had 41 cases on June 1 and 394 cases on July 20. Although there are now cases in places like Big Pine Key, there were none on June 1.

Cudjoe Key Summerland Key Key Colony Beach Islamorada Marathon Tavernier Key Largo Key West

June 1 Since June 1 0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Weekly survey reveals 82% in favor of canceling mini season if they could; sixth COVID-19 death in Monroe County.

Bumper-tobumper traffic Southbound on 18-Mile Stretch; TDC stops advertising the Keys, starts messaging about masks.

ncels tate gain.

Beaches and parks close; Islamorada closed boat ramps and the “Fills” too.

Upper Keys “Fills” reopen to half capacity; county begins free testing; Miami-Dade closes dine-in for restaurants.

Tax collector office reopens.

400

450

Key West strengthens 641 mask ordinance, required even outside; state of Florida records 132 deaths in one day.

October’s Fantasy Fest is cancelled; state of Florida records 120 deaths in one day.

894

768 Monroe County schedules special meeting to discuss mini season. Again.

Bahamas no longer allows American tourists.

641

521

Key West “deputizes” police to issue mask warnings, make arrests.

Fireworks cancelled, beaches closed.

427

459

445

398

392

373

337 296

280

270

261

236 200

181

67

157

79

137 96

80

3

27

5 5

29

249

224

204

137

309

293

July 1

2

147

152

113

4

4

5

7

6 7

8

Electric utility recloses lobbies to the public; tax collector says will only serve Monroe County citizens; Monroe County strengthens mask ordinance; required even outside.

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14

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

CITY MASK DIRECTIVE BECOMES ORDINANCE Exceptions made for weddings, performers, chronic health problems MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West city commissioners on Tuesday evening were on the verge of passing four separate exceptions to the city's mandatory mask rules after hearing from local gym and yoga studio owners, wedding photographers and entertainers.

But having heard earlier in the meeting from local medical professionals about the continued, unchecked spread of COVID-19 in Key West, the commission backed away from some of the exceptions, calling instead for common sense enforcement and responsible behavior.

"There's nothing on that graph tonight that says to me we should be making exceptions to our mask requirements," Commissioner Greg Davila said, echoing Mayor Teri Johnston's firm position against exceptions.

"I'd be more eager to make exceptions if we had compliance now," Johnston said.

"We have people asking us to let them live their lives as if it's normal times, and we're not living in normal times."

The commission did ultimately pass mask exceptions for brides and grooms while having their photos taken at their wedding ceremony, for performers who are separated from their audience by plexiglass and at least 10 feet, and for people with chronic health problems.

Johnston and Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover opposed the plexiglass performer exception, but it passed.

The chronic health issue can only be used as a defense. After a person is cited for not wearing a mask, if he or she shows proof of such illness to city code or police, the violation could be excused.

An exception to the mask requirement during strenuous fitness activity did not pass, despite support from Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman and Commissioner Billy Wardlow.

The city also strengthened its mask mandate from a city directive enacted by the mayor and city manager to an ordi-

nance passed by the full commission.

The ordinance that passed unanimously Tuesday night will last for 60 days, but City Attorney Shawn Smith said he’ll have a fully codified ordinance ready for them at one of the next two meetings so it can be approved with the officially required two public readings.

The switch from a directive to an ordinance could affect the lawsuit that State Rep. Anthony Sabatini filed this week against the city’s mask mandate on behalf of client Joseph Bracciale.

But the lack of full commission approval of the directive was only one of Sabatini’s arguments that also claims the mandate is unconstitutional and subject to arbitrary enforcement.

‘Fully loaded with the virus’ Doctors Mark Whiteside, Bruce Boros and John Norris all spoke to the commissioners via Zoom Tuesday night and painted a grim picture of community virus spread. Lower Keys Medical Center CEO David Clay told them the hospital's staffing is more a concern than physical capacity or supplies.

"So we could have a place to put you if you're sick, but we may not have anyone to take care of you," Commissioner Clayton Lopez observed.

"It's here. We're fully loaded with the virus," Boros and Norris said, with Whitehead predicting the Keys would surpass 1,000 cases within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Boros did add a positive point when he mentioned the website trialsite.com, which shows encouraging results for a medicine used to treat ringworm and lice in kids.

"It's wiping out COVID in a few days, so that's encouraging," Boros said. "But as of now, we're going to keep getting sicker. Our numbers are going to keep going up."

Assisted-living partnership?

In other commission news, officials gave tentative support to a partnership with the county that would enable Poinciana Gardens assisted-living facility to remain open.

The city could contribute $400,000 a year to its operation. The partnership would move the 16 or so residents of the county-owned Bayshore Manor on College Road to Poinciana Gardens.

But the details need to be finalized, Manuel Castillo, head of the Key West Housing Authority, told the commission.

Mom and Pop businesses Commissioners also heard a presentation by Key West business owners Paul Menta of Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery, and Mark Gambuzza, owner of Uva wine shop, two of the founders of Key West’s new Mom and Pop small business group. The group includes owners of businesses with 50 or fewer employees who want a voice in the city’s operation and tourism strategies.

“We have to change and pivot almost monthly changing the way we do business,” Menta said, citing the number of business licenses in the city.

“There are 6,000 to 7,000 small business owners who don’t have a voice and we want a voice.”

The group has a new website at momandpopkeywest.com and encourages the city to establish a small business development group.

Visitors on Duval Street in early July ignore the city’s mask requirements and posted signs. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

BRIEFLY DOH coronavirus testing canceled due to weather The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County cancelled three DOH-Monroe COVID-19 testing events that were set to take place on July 21-23. These events have been canceled due to inclement weather. All those who had appointments will be contacted by a nurse to reschedule.

DOH-Monroe will continue to monitor the weather with the National Weather Service (NWS) and may cancel the last testing event of the week scheduled for July 24 if necessary. For more information about these events and other testing sites in Monroe County, visit www.monroecountyem.com/covid19 and click “Testing, Hospital, and Private Care Physicians.”

Community help needed to ‘stuff the bus’ United Way of Collier and the Keys’ annual Stuff the Bus program is the largest back-to-school campaign in Monroe County. It provides supplies for each of the 16 local schools, ensuring all of the 8,700 students have the necessary tools to excel this academic year. Working closely with the Monroe County School District, each school uses the funds raised to purchase exactly the items their students need.

This is even more critical this year as schools may need additional safety and hygiene items for classrooms, or equipment for virtual learning.

The program depends on individuals, businesses, and civic groups in Monroe County. Every dollar collected for Stuff the Bus goes directly toward purchasing equipment and supplies.

Financial donations allow the program to expand beyond backpacks, paper and crayons to include important educational devices like graphing calculators, equipment for children with special needs and other items essential for the school year.

Donations may be made before Aug. 31 in the following ways: Online at KeysUnitedWay.org by clicking on the red “Donate” button.

By check mailed to PO Box 2143, Key West, FL, 33045.

Other ways to support Monroe County students: Donate $5, $7 or $10 to “Tools for Back to School” at Publix checkout counters through Aug. 2.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

21

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

Ginger & Alicia represented the Sellers of: 1800 Manor Lane, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Alicia Lund 305.431.0577 alicia@keysrealestate.com

The hearingimpaired are struggling It appears the act of wearing a mask is going to be with us for a while. The Florida Keys, my home, is home to many “hearing impaired” people. They are my customers, your neighbors, maybe even your family members. It is also me. I struggle daily to understand people who are wearing a mask, which can take up to 10 decibels away. Additionally, it impedes the hearing impaired from using visual cues and reading lips to understand conversation. Even with hearing aids, we are struggling.

Please consider wearing a “clear mask,” especially if you are dealing with the public.

These masks are available online (using a quick Google search) and would sure be appreciated by the hearingimpaired population! Bonus: people will be able to see you smile!

— Jamie Atkins

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Ginger Henderson 305.731.5751 ginger@keysrealestate.com

City of Marathon City Council PUBLIC NOTICE July 24, 2020 Special Meeting to discuss potential boat ramp closure for mini season https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFimq7DjLHNolPgqbKTaftQ? This Special Meeting was called by the City Council for the purpose of discussing the continuing spike in cases of COVID-19 and other protective measures. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69 (extended by Executive Orders No. 20-112, 20-139 and 20-150), Monroe County Emergency Directives 20-06 and 20-10, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC) social distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the July 24, 2020 Special Meeting of the City Council of Marathon, FL will be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom platform. The meeting will commence at 10:00 A.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 during the public portion of the meeting.

The public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFimq7DjLHNolPgqbKTaftQ? If a person wants to comment on a particular item on the public portion of the agenda, when the meeting host and/or the Mayor calls for speakers on the item you wish to comment on:

a) 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 24th by 10:00AM; or

b) Calling (301) 715-8592, and upon receiving voice prompt, dialing Meeting ID: 781 088

0141 and Password: 33035. Members of the public who participate in the meeting through this option must mute themselves until called upon to speak.!

To report problems with the broadcast, please call (305) 289-4130

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

Karen represented the Buyers & Sellers of: 114 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Karen Raspe, PA | 305.393.9010 | karenraspe@bellsouth.net

22

ELECTION 2020

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

STATE SENATE RACE SEES FOUR CANDIDATES JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

or the past 10 years, the Florida Keys and Miami-Dade have been represented in the Florida State Senate by Anitere Flores. Her time representing Senate District 39 in Tallahassee will conclude as she terms out at the end of this year. Now, one Republican candidate, two Democrats and one candidate with no party affiliation vie to represent constituents.

Candidates enter in what’s been a turbulent time in Florida, including 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 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 senate are two former state representatives and a former chief of staff for a congressional member. On the Democratic side are Daniel Diaz-Horton and Javier Fernandez. The two will square off in the primary on Aug. 18. Ana Maria Rodriguez is the sole candidate on the Republican side. She has received the backing of Flores, state Rep. Holly Raschein and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Celso Alfonso, no party affiliation, also joins the race.

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates to answer the following questions (answers are as submitted).

Fernandez and Celso didn’t submit answers as of the July 22 afternoon deadline.

1. The Florida Keys Stewardship Act funding was vetoed by the governor to offset the state's financial losses from the pandemic. What efforts would you take to encourage the inclusion of this funding next year?

2. State Sen. Anitere Flores has served the Keys and portions of Miami-Dade County for 10 years, and she's set to term out at the end of the year. What work would you continue that Anitere supported?

What would you do differently?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. Caps to wind insurance rates have 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?

Name: Daniel “Dan” Horton-Diaz Age: 35 Professional background: FIU College of Law alumni, former state Senate legislative aide, former nonprofit director, former congressional district chief of staff

Political party: Democrat 1. The FKSA is a critical policy in protecting the nearshore waters and lands that are crucial to our delicate ecosystem. The governor has stated his support of funding for Everglades restoration and water resource protection and a bipartisan group of state senators have echoed that support, so I am hopeful that this year’s offset will not recur next year. Securing funding for these projects will be a top priority for me as state senator.

Despite the pandemic, the legislature gave away $543 million in tax cuts to big corporations. I believe that money would be better spent on FKSA projects.

2. Fixing our broken unemployment assistance system must be the immediate priority for the 2021 legislative session. The system was purposefully and specifically designed to fail and our community has suffered the consequences. When our government asked residents to shelter in place to combat the pandemic, this community answered the call. However, the state failed to do its part in providing the unemployment funds necessary to allow people to ride out the pandemic. Instead, millions of Floridians have been unable to access assistance to buy groceries, pay rent, and keep the economy moving. The system must be fixed.

3. Sea level rise is a crisis that endangers the future of the Florida Keys. Our freshwater supply is at risk, local governments are forced to spend millions in repairs and maintenance, and homeowners are stuck with water damage and high insurance rates. I believe we must promote public awareness of sea level rise, because we can’t begin to fix the problem if people don’t understand it or believe it’s happening. In addition to securing funding for mitigation projects, I will also support the preservation and restoration of coral reefs, mangroves, beaches, and marshes, which help minimize erosion and flooding.

4. Monroe County has the highest cost of living in Florida and the average family in the Keys spends nearly half of their income on rent. We need truly affordable housing for workers and longtime residents and workforce housing for teachers, first responders, and healthcare workers. Over the past decade, more than $2 billion has been taken from the Sadowski fund and used for other purposes. Prior to the pandemic, there was bipartisan support for legislation that would set aside these funds exclusively for affordable housing. I support this legislation and I will happily co-sponsor this legislation as State Senator.

5. Monroe residents pay the highest premiums in Florida and have paid $805 million more in premiums than they have received in claims over the past 15 years. That’s ridiculous. I will work to have the county’s strict building codes calculated into catastrophic model loss projections, work with our congressional representatives to effect change on the federal level, and create partnerships with community leaders in coastal communities throughout Florida with the hope of developing partnerships and alliances that will lead to wind insurance rate reform. I also support reducing Citizens’ Insurance rate glidepath and capping it at 5% for 5 years.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

Name: Ana Maria Rodriguez Age: 43 Professional background: Senior Vice President of the Miami Realtors since 2015, elected State Representative, Florida House of Representatives District 105 (2018 - Current); Elected to serve as a Councilwoman in the City of Doral in 2010, re-elected in 2014 and served until 2018 (served as vice mayor 2017-2018). Currently serving as a Board Member of FIU President’s Council and The Family Café.

Political party: Republican 1. I commend Rep. Raschein on sponsoring HB447 and for her ongoing efforts to make the Florida Keys the greatest place to live. If elected to serve as your next state senator, I pledge to ensure that the Florida Keys Stewardship Act is fully funded year after year. It is incumbent upon the Florida Legislature to ensure that Monroe County’s — and the state’s — natural resources are safeguarded for future generations to cherish. Protecting our water supply and the uniqueness of the Florida Keys’ ecosystem is paramount to maintaining the highest quality of life for our residents.

2. Senator Flores has been a staunch supporter of our Florida Keys through the various appropriations she sponsored and secured funding for in collaboration with Rep. Raschein in the Florida House.

Following in her footsteps, I vow to continue working toward securing funding for the many projects our community needs. As a House member, I was successful during this past legislative session in securing funding for the reverse osmosis plant in Stock Island, affordable housing funding for Windley Key and funding for the Dolphin Research Center in 2019 to name a few.

3. I would begin by saying that sea level rise isn’t a Democrat issue or a Republican issue; it’s a Florida Keys issue, it’s a South Florida issue, and it’s an issue that we cannot ignore. We must approach the fight against sea level rise with short, medium and long-term strategies. In the short term, we must ensure our current infrastructure can withstand prolonged periods of seasonal king tides; installing pumps and raising roads must be considered as well. Medium and long-term strategies that involve state and federal funds to help offset the cost of financing local projects is an absolute necessity.

4. I have supported funding the Sadowski Fund, as was done this past year when the budget was passed. Further, I have supported using federal disaster relief dollars to build affordable housing, including specifically in the Keys, which Gov. DeSantis has prioritized as well. I will continue to support those efforts and believe the state is finally on the right track in prioritizing those issues.

5. Sadly, yes, efforts to carve out Monroe County and cap wind rates at 5 percent have been unsuccessful despite Monroe County having one of the most (if not the most) stringent building codes in the state. Keys residents should not be penalized; the Keys are unique and warrant a carve out from existing state statute as it relates to windstorm insurance rates. Additionally, we must attract more insurance carriers and open the market to carriers to have coverage only for wind so they can avoid other policy coverages for other types of risks like water, mold, fire and other costly claims we see in Florida.

ELECTION 2020

23

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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26

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

NEW LISTING

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ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

COUNCIL DELVES INTO BUDGET, SWIM ZONE AND MINI-SEASON

Closures to last through mid-August

DAVID GROSS/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

proposed swim zone off White Marlin Beach is on hold for now after members of the public couldn’t join the virtual meeting on July 16 to share their input.

Meanwhile, a preliminary millage rate has been set as council members prepare to dive into the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Islamorada Village Council’s meeting of nearly five-and-a-half hours saw back-and-forth on the second reading of an ordinance that would create a vessel exclusion/swim area located north of Port Antigua and White Marlin Beach on Lower Matecumbe Key. Passed unanimously on first reading last month, the proposal aims to regulate the navigable areas and not the private beach within the community, according to village officials.

Issues have continued off the beach where boaters anchor to enjoy a day on the water. Boat traffic and activity has increased in the area over the years, leading to noise, trashing and trespassing.

More than 165 comments, written and verbal, were received in relation to the ordinance. A little more than 15 residents for and against the proposal joined the Zoom meeting to express their viewpoints, but a number of residents couldn’t take part due to a capacity limit of around 100. As a result, the council agreed to defer the ordinance to a future meeting.

Rick Hoskins, a local resident who announced his opposition to the swim area, said he had at least 40 to 60 people who were not able to attend due to the limitation of 100 people.

“We had a lot more support who are not able to comment,” he said.

Mayor Mike Forster said the village increased capacity on its Zoom calls so people will be able to join and comment during meetings. Council is set to convene for another virtual meeting on Thursday, July 30.

As for the proposal, Village Attorney Roget Bryan said the ordinance isn’t proposed to regulate any of the upland beach area along any portions of the swim area. Bryan said it’s purely

PARKS, BEACHES, RAMPS SHUTDOWN BEGINNING FRIDAY

regulating the navigable waters, waterward from the mean high water line. Per chapter 327 of Florida Statutes, Bryan said the village has the authority to create certain boating-restricted areas, for the purposes of vessel safety.

“This is being designated as a public swim area, not a public bathing beach,” he said. “There is indeed a southern, or landward boundary from the area, and it is the mean high water line.

That’s where it starts and goes waterward.”

David Webb, president of the Port Antigua Homeowners Association, said the majority of the residents declared that maintaining the status quo at the sandbar is no longer acceptable. He said the proposal addresses the issues that are “offensive to Port Antigua residents.”

“I urge you to move forward with this,” he said.

Attorney Paul Savage spoke to council members on behalf of 29 local homeowners adjacent to the proposed swim zone, 27 in the Port Antigua community and two in the White Marlin Beach community. Savage said everyone understands the issue out on the water to be a serious problem. The proposal, however, isn’t the correct regulatory tool as it’ll create a public beach and draw more people and more trespassers.

“He (the village attorney) says it’s clearly marked that there’s an upland boundary when in fact it’s not,” he said. “It doesn’t say anything in the text that it’s an upland boundary. There’s a ragged, undefined edge along the beach which basically makes this a public beach. The village is formally and officially saying in its code and in its map that this is going to be a public beach.”

Council’s next meeting is set for Thursday, July 30 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. It’s unknown, however, if the item will be on the agenda. Vice Mayor Ken Davis proposed that a special meeting be held solely to address the proposal.

In other matters, village council determined the proposed preliminary millage rate for fiscal year 2020-21. Maria Bassett, finance director and current interim village manager, said TRIM (Truth-in-millage act) notices will go out in August with a preliminary millage rate established to initiate the budget process.

“The objective is to set a rate that results in net ad valorem tax revenues sufficient to cover anticipated general fund expenditures in the coming fiscal year,” she said. “We need to set a rate high enough to work with to avoid incurring the costs associated with noticing property owners of any intention to adopt a higher rate than what’s on TRIM notices.”

Councilwoman Deb Gillis acknowledged there are uncertainties as the coronavirus pandemic continues. She proposed the council start at a millage rate of 3.1, which is 2.47% above the roll-back rate, and work toward 3.01. Council agreed.

“It’s a tight year,” she said.

The 2020 gross taxable value in the village is $3.9 billion, per the Monroe County Property Appraiser.

As for the upcoming lobster sports season, council verbally agreed to follow Monroe County’s curfew for restaurants from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. from July 24 to Aug. 19. No alcohol sales will be allowed nightly from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., per the county’s ordinance. Bars are still closed via the state Department of Business and Professional Regulatory’s emergency order.

“This is just a deterrent and not a cure-all, silver bullet,” Forster said. “We have to take steps to stem the tide.”

I

slamorada public parks, beaches and boat ramps will shut down for a little more than three weeks in a bid to supplement South Florida and Monroe County’s efforts to reduce community spread of COVID-19.

Founders Park amenities and the boat ramp will remain open to residents. Closures do not affect private marinas and private boat ramps. Visitors are encouraged to support the local economy by using private facilities.

Closures will take place beginning Friday, July 24 and last through Aug. 19. Anne’s Beach, Library Beach Park and the Fills, MM 77.5 to 79.8, will be cordoned off to keep vehicles from parking and people from picnicking, placing tents and engaging in other activities.

Public boat ramps at East Ridge Road, Blackwood Drive and the Indian Key Boat Ramp will be closed.

Founders Park will be open to Islamorada residents and homeowners only. Proof of residency or home ownership is required with a driver's license or other legal form of ID with an Islamorada address or a Founders Park Resident ID card. Those using a Founders Park Resident ID card must also show ID with the same name. All Founders Park amenities will be open at the 50% capacity level previously established.

The boat ramp at the Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina in Founders Park will be open to Islamorada residents/ homeowners and lodging guests. Only boats registered to the resident/homeowner or lodging guest will be allowed to use the boat ramp.

Lodging guests must show a lease, reservation or receipt from the vacation rental or hotel of which they are a guest. The document must match the guest's legal ID. Lodging guests may use the boat ramp but may not remain in the park to use other amenities. Boat ramp fees apply for lodging guests.

When the trailer parking lot is full, restrictions will apply.

— Contributed

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28

ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

T S JU OLD S

WANDA JUST LISTED AND SOLD THIS GORGEOUS KEYS HOME!

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6

21 KYLE WAY, MARATHON

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T S JU OLD S

AMY JUST SOLD HER 25TH INDIGO REEF UNIT AND THIS ONE SOLD IN 38 DAYS

6

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Having the privilege to work with families each and every day is what motivates and inspires us!!! We put our best foot forward and are so humbled to see our hard work pay off! We are so excited to continue to serve MORE families this year as The Ashkarian/Ardis Team network continues to expand across The Keys! SO PROUD OF MY TEAM FAMILY!

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MOSQUITO DISTRICT TO VOTE MID-AUGUST Opposing sides present arguments before the vote SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

he board of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District has decided to defer its vote on the Oxitec genetically modified mosquito experimental trial to its August meeting, currently scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18.

“We expect the format to be similar to Tuesday’s meeting with public comment and subsequent action taking place at 5 p.m.,” said FKMCD spokesperson Chad Huff.

The meeting agenda will be posted at keysmosquito.org/boardmeetings in the next several days.

Those proceedings and the rest of the board business will be available via livestream.

On Monday, Barry Wray of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition unveiled a billboard in the Upper Keys (MM 92.5) opposing the trial. The billboard reads: “WARNING!!! GENETICALLY MODIFIED MOSQUITOES TO BE RELEASED IN THE KEYS!!!” and lists a website, stopgmm.com.

Last week, two groups hosted virtual meetings with a panel of experts.

The Center for Food Safety and Friends of the Earth presented on July 13 with panelists from Yale University, GeneWatch UK, Dr. John Norris of the Lower Keys Medical Center and Ed Russo of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition.

On the following day, the FKMCD hosted a virtual meeting with panelists from the National Association of County and City Health Officials; Bob Eadie, health administrator for the state Department of Health in Monroe County; veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader; and a professor from the University of Florida’s medical entomology laboratory.

Oxitec’s experimental trial proposal has been cleared by federal and state officials. Oxitec has been courting the keys and FKMCD for more than a decade. Whether or not the trial takes place is up to a vote by the board of the FKMCD. Oxitec says its technology can decrease the chances of mosquitoborne diseases such as dengue fever — in 2020, Monroe County has confirmed 16 cases — and zika.

In both versions of the technology, Oxitec takes a biologically modified mosquito and uses tetracycline

Barry Wray unveils a billboard in opposition to Oxitec’s proposed mosquito trial in the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED

to keep it alive to adulthood so that it can mate. A very basic layman’s explanation of the procedure is to say that when the tetracycline applications stop (when the mosquitoes are released into the wild), the mosquitoes and offspring die. In the 2nd generation technology, only female breeders are treated with tetracycline in the lab in the U.K. Then the male-only eggs can be shipped globally for distribution. Boxes of the male-only eggs can be placed in neighborhoods. Once in place, water and fluorescent markers are added to the boxes.

“Do we really want to be the home of the genetically modified mosquito experiment?” said Wray. “At a time when we are already battling one public health pandemic, we should not be experimenting on the environment, the public health, and must stop any experimenting that could cause another devastating impact on our local economy. We need solutions that are supported by sound science, transparency, and which are going to be sustainable for both our fragile and unique ecosystems, our economy, and least risky for people. The community does not consent to being lab rats in this experiment.”

On June 23, the FKMCD held a virtual meeting with key personnel from Oxitec, as well as Monroe County Health Officer Bob Eadie, to bring the Keys up to speed on the company’s second-generation technology it proposes to try in the Keys.

Eadie, the Keys’ top health administrator, endorsed the trial.

“You can never have enough tools,” he said, referring to the Oxitec technology. “As we go forward we need to figure out how to control any type of outbreaks of infectious diseases. I go back to COVID. It’s possible we can create a vaccine for that, but decades of trials for a dengue vaccine have not been successful. We need some way to protect the public from mosquito-borne diseases and this looks like viable technology.”

29

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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31

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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32

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

1

SUMMER DIVING SCENES 6

SHIPWRECKS, SHARKS AND MORE

S

ummer diving in the Upper Keys is unlike anything else. Except for the recent weather that’s brought rain and grey skies, conditions have been perfect for a dive. From shipwrecks and sharks to corals and eels, avid diver David Gross documented recent dives off the shores of Islamorada.

— Weekly staff report

2

DAVID GROSS/Contributed

3

1. A moray eel opens its mouth as it swims. There are three types of eels divers will find in the Florida Keys: Moray, snake and garden. Morays vary considerably in size, skin diversity and color. Their skin can be brown, green, yellow, black or blue.

2. Beneath the surface on the floor sits an anchor.

4

3. The Atlantic spadefish is a schooling fish in marine and brackish waters. It can often be found in mangroves, harbors and shipwrecks.

4. A nurse shark swims near a reef off the Islamorada shores. Nurse sharks are common residents of the Florida Keys reefs.

5. The tiny sweeper fish is a tropical marine species mostly found on or around wrecks.

6. A school of yellowtail snapper swarm around the bow of a shipwreck. The fish can often be found in the shallows all the way to the depths.

5

33

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

It’s time to get back to the basics of good recycling 1

2

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

3 Keep food and liquid out.

Recyclables go directly into the cart.

NEED A BAGGSTER?

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Preventive dental visits are an essential part of health. We take the responsibility of your health and safety very seriously. In addition to our strict sterilization and disinfection procedures we have added protocols to greatly reduce aerosol contaminants diminishing the possibility of exposure to the virus. Please call if you would like to learn more.

Purchase one from your local hardware stores, then call the 800 number to set up a pickup.

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS and PORTABLE TOILETS available.

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34

KEYS PEOPLE

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

LOST...

TWO READERS IN SEARCH OF OLD FRIENDS — INEZ AND SNOWBALL

Lei Lane gave up an umbrella cockatoo (like the one pictured) to a couple living in the Keys in 2007.

A

t the Keys Weekly, we received not one, but two letters this week strangely similar. The first, from a former Keys resident, is looking to reunite with the current owners of a cockatoo. The second, also a former resident, is looking for information on a nurse.

“Maybe it’s coronavirus … with all this time on our hands we have time to remember and wonder,” said Louise Wood Collins.

Collins is looking for a woman who came to her home to help out after her mother had a C-section in 1955. Her mother, Mrs. Herbert Wood, owned the Marathon theater. Collins remembers the woman’s first name, Inez.

“But even that’s something. Why would I remember that name when I spent such a short time with her — weeks? Maybe a month — so long ago,” Collins said.

Inez made a big impression on 4-year-old Collins. In a crisp white nursing uniform, she helped look after Collins, and her little newborn brother, Gilbert Wood, who still lives in Marathon.

“Over the years I’ve always wondered about her,” Collins said. “What is her last name? Does she still live in Marathon?

Does she have any children? Is she still alive? Does anyone know her or any of her family?

“I realize it’s a long shot, but I am hoping some of your readers may be able to answer these questions. I can’t help but want to know more about this woman who was a part of our lives for a short time, but left a lasting impression.”

For Collins, it’s been a long time since her full-time residency in Marathon. She graduated from MHS in 1971, classmates with the likes of Diane Chaplin, among others. A school teacher, she taught all over the place, following her husband who was in the service.

Lei Lane, who lives in Fort Lauderdale now, gave up her bird in 2007 to a man and woman living in the Keys. Lane is looking for “Snowball,” an umbrella cockatoo she gave up 13 years ago.

She says Snowball would be 28 years old now.

“I just want to put it out there … to see if anybody knows anything about Snowball. I would love to know she is well and happy,” Lane said.

The bird had been with her family for 14 years when a divorce scattered the household. The bird and her daughter were particularly close.

“They were both teenagers, and Snowball missed her so much,” said Lane, adding it was hard to look at the very sad bird

Louise Wood Collins and her little brother Gilbert Wood are pictured in 1955 with their nurse, Inez. CONTRIBUTED

day after day. And so she found it a new home, but the information about the new owners has since been lost. “A man came to get the bird from where I lived in Plantation, and I got the impression that he was married. But that’s all I remember.”

Lane said this time of year she has very intense dreams about the bird, and feeling that it might be close by — as if it were coming to the mainland during hurricane evacuations, or perhaps the coronavirus has relocated the bird and family.

Snowball doesn’t have any distinguishing physical or behavior characteristics, Lane said, other than that the bird is very affectionate and snuggly.

“She was just a love, just a love,” Lane said.

Lane now makes her home with two rescue dogs. No, she said, she would never consider getting another cockatoo.

“I’m grateful that she was in my life and that we were part of the same flock,” she said. “But those birds shouldn’t be domesticated, they should be free and wild.”

If you have any information about Inez or Snowball, please email sara@keysweekly.com.

35

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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36

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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

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

Florida Keys Mosquito Control kills millions of mosquito larvae before you get to work in the morning.

To download our treatment notification app or to make a service request go to www.keysmosquito.org or call 305.292.7190.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

CONGRATULATIONS

BRIEFLY Tax Collector to serve only serve county residents The Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office will be serving only Monroe County residents at this time effective immediately.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Monroe County residents needing our services, we must take the unprecedented step of servicing Monroe County residents only at this time,” said Monroe County Tax Collector Danise Henriquez. “To our friends in neighboring counties and throughout the state, we look forward to serving you again soon.”

Monroe County Tax Collector information is at www.monroetaxcollector.com.

FKEC closes lobbies to public Due to a spike in local cases of COVID-19, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative closed its office lobbies to the public until further notice.

This is a precaution to protect the health of members and employees, and to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus. FKEC encourages the use of its inclusive online services available 24/7 at www.

FKEC.com.

Co-op member service representatives can also be reached by phone at 305-852-2431 or at member.service@fkec.com, and the drive-throughs at both office locations remain open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An emergency operator is also available around the clock.

Customers should not use the drive-through if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.

Keys History & Discovery Center closing on weekends Due to staffing limitations caused by COVID-19, the Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays for the foreseeable future. Days of operation are Wednesdays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For those planning a visit, safety features are in place in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These include requirement of face coverings, plexiglass shields at the point of payment, availability of hand sanitizer, and social distancing guides.

37

More information about the Discovery Center and the deep history and unique ecology of the Keys is on Facebook and to center’s YouTube channel, which houses the Discovery Center’s digital media offerings.

In addition to Facebook and YouTube, Keys History & Discovery Center can be found on Instagram @flkeyshistorydiscovery and Twitter @keyshistory.

More information is at 305922-2237 or e-mail info@keysdiscovery.com.

First State Bank recognizes 3 employees Customer service supervisor Deanna Jones, electronic services manager Ivey Sarnelly, and accountant Keaton Belasik recently marked milestone anniversaries with First State Bank.

Celebrating her 10th anniversary with First State Bank, Jones started in 2010 as a teller, was promoted to online banking representative in 2013, and again to customer service specialist in 2015 before assuming her current role in 2017.

“Deanna is an inspiration to other employees for her continued commitment to our bank and our customers,” said Elizabeth Miranda, executive vice president/chief risk officer. “We look forward to her continued success and longevity with our bank.”

Sarnelly, commemorating 5 years, joined the bank in 2015 as item processing officer/manager and was promoted to her current position in 2016.

“Ivey’s focus on ways to operate more efficiently enhances our customers’ experiences,” said Miranda. “We are pleased to have had her as part of our team for 5 years and look forward to her increasing tenure and contributions.”

Belasik, also marking her fifth anniversary, joined the bank in 2015 and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Slippery Rock University.

“Keaton’s hard work and sound knowledge have made her an invaluable part of the finance team,” said Nick Wahrer, First State Bank financial analyst. “We applaud her on this milestone anniversary.”

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

Trish represented the Sellers of: 57528 Bailey Street, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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38

KEYS SCHOOLS

PAUL NAMED NEW PRINCIPAL AT STANLEY SWITLIK

C

hristine Paul, the assistant principal at Marathon Middle/High School, will be the new principal at Stanley Switlik Elementary School (SSE), said incoming Monroe County School District Superintendent Theresa Axford.

“Mrs. Paul has worked closely with all aspects of teaching and learning throughout her various roles in the district,” said Axford. “Her experience and commitment to providing students with a strong educational foundation will be a great asset to the students and teachers at SSE.” Paul, a Marathon High School graduate, is a 23-year veteran of the Monroe County School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and a master’s degree from Florida State University. She began her teaching career as an art teacher and media specialist at Plantation Key School and Sugarloaf School.

In 2003, Paul moved to Stanley Switlik Elementary School, where she spent 13 years in a variety of roles. In 2006, she received national board professional certification in library media. She was named the district’s 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year during her tenure at SSE. As the assistant principal of Marathon Middle/High School for the past four years, Paul has overseen academic and extracurricular programming, curriculum, and testing reform initiatives for the school’s 6-12 grade students.

Paul and her husband Derek, a lieutenant with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, have two sons, Raymond, 16, and Christopher, 12. She is the daughter of Monroe County School Board member John Dick.

“Switlik teachers and staff have a long history of success and achievement, while at the same time, doing all they can to provide the most caring and supportive environment,” Paul said. “I am truly honored to have been chosen for this position and I am looking forward to helping the students of the Marathon community begin their most important journey of their young lives.”

— Contributed

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

BEHIND THE SCENES

Weekly talks to task force member about plan to reopen schools

F

rank Derfler is a retired publishing executive and writer who has lived in the Keys for 22 years. He is an active Rotarian, a Take Stock mentor, and a member of several community organizations.

In May, he was asked to serve on the 50-person task force to consider how to reopen Monroe County Schools in the era of coronavirus.

Here is what he had to say in a question-and-answer session with the Keys Weekly: How did you get involved with planning to reopen schools in Monroe County? I was invited in mid-May as a community representative. Even though I’ve been a substitute teacher, high school club sponsor, and Take Stock mentor for years, I’m viewed as a “civilian.”

Part of my role, I guess, is to tell this story.

Since May, how has the planning process moved along? My background is corporate. In my experience, a one-hour meeting is a waste of 30 minutes. I was a little shocked when they spent the first hour of the first meeting of this task force in scheduling more meetings.

But, I’ve got to say that there has been a lot of excellent work done from one end of the Keys to the other. It’s easy to be critical of education professionals. I certainly have been. But this experience has shown me that our school system is blessed with some really smart people who can do out-of-the box, yet detailed planning.

Out-of-the box? School buses are a critical and limited resource.

The schedule for sharing buses between schools drives everything.

How do you do social distancing on a school bus and still run any kind of schedule to support transportation to each school? When parents queue up in those drop-off lines, how do you get young students out of car seats without exposing staff to the interior of every car? Every home in the county does not have internet access. What is the role of the

school system in providing internet access and equipment for e-learning? What do you do about students who won’t or can’t wear masks? Is that a disciplinary matter? Those are four of about a hundred sticky questions that this group has resolved. I’m not going to try to explain every alternative solution, but I will say that these folks have worked very hard at providing good and often innovative answers.

Being on the task force means reading a lot of plans and research from across the country and overseas. And a lot of “read and steal.” The Keys educators aren’t shy about borrowing good ideas from anywhere that can apply to our local conditions. I feel like I’ve been reading school opening directives, plans and research day and night every day since mid-May. Well, what is your conclusion? Should parents plan to send their kids to school?

The school system must offer alternatives that include brick-and-mortar classrooms.

The task force has good plans to do that with every mask and social-distancing factor included. There are very good studies from Germany and Denmark showing that opening schoolrooms does not cause a spike in infections in the general population. But, every family has to make their own decisions based on their own situations. There are plans for several family options from the task force.

Personally, I am a fan of home-schooling with e-learning. I home-schooled my grandson and it was wonderful. If your family has the resources to do that, then it could work for you. You can partner with another family to share the work.

One problem we will all face is “Kill Grandma with a kiss.” Everyone in the community must understand that any attempt to return to normal, whether schools or restaurants or charter fishing boats, means simultaneously protecting the at-risk population. If you send your child to school, don’t count on grandma for child care.

— Weekly Staff report

FILL OUT THE SURVEY

The Monroe County School District is asking parents to fill out a short survey, called the Intent to Return. It can be found on the district’s website, floridakeysschools.com.

There is also a link on the blog, mcsd-fl.blogspot.com. Parents actually have three choices on the form: returning children to class - whatever form that may take; Monroe Virtual School or a choice to put their child in another form of school, such as Florida Virtual School.

39

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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ELECTION 2020

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

INCUMBENTS WANT TO STAY

2 CITY COMMISSION SEATS ON THE LINE MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West voters may select two City Commission representatives next month, with two candidates seeking the District III seat and three running in District VI. The nonpartisan races would be decided in the August primary if one candidate in each district race receives one vote more than 50% of those cast. If no one receives the required majority vote, the race will go to a November runoff.

While the candidates must live in the city district they want to serve, residents vote for all commissioners, regardless of where in Key West the voter lives.

Political newcomer Kimball Ingram is challenging incumbent Commissioner Billy Wardlow in District III, which encompasses the New Town neighborhoods around Kennedy and Northside drives, South Roosevelt Boulevard near the airport and the golf course neighborhood.

On the other end of the island, District VI includes much of Old Town, including parts of Duval Street, the Bahama Village neighborhood and the area surrounding Key West cemetery.

Incumbent District VI Commissioner Clayton Lopez is facing two challengers: Ryan Barnett and John Wilson Smith.

Key West is facing unprecedented economic challenges associated with the coronavirus and associated business closures.

In addition to the pandemic, the island has grown divided over the cruise ship referendums that will appear on the November ballot.

The Keys Weekly asked each candidate to answer the following four questions in 100 words or less (answers appear as submitted): 1. How will you vote on the cruise ship referendums, and why?

2. How do you envision Key West’s economic recovery from the coronavirus?

3. How should Duval Street look and operate?

4. What would you do to close the widening “us vs. them” gap among Key West’s residents?

DISTRICT III Name: Billy Wardlow Age: 65 Current job: Retired Firefighter/ City Commissioner How many years have you lived in Key West: 65 1. Everyone’s vote is a personal right.

However, I would like to see limited, safe and healthy cruise ships come into Key West.

2. The city has gone above and beyond in trying to control the spread of COVID-19. This has been a worldwide pandemic and hopefully runs its course, but the recovery will be a city/ countywide effort. The vision I would like to see is involving the residents and visitors together to help in bringing business back into all of Key West.

The downtown business area would also greatly improve by including the locals’ participation, not just the visitors’.

3. The city ordinance states that all property owners and landlords are responsible for the maintenance/ appearance of their storefront area to the curb line. The revitalization process should add improvements to the Duval Street corridor.

4. There should not be a “us vs.them” mentality in Key West. We should all be working together to close the gap.

DISTRICT III Name: Kimball Ingram Age: 50 Current job: Owner Aquaholics Charters and Aqua Nightclub How many years have you lived in Key West: 25+ years 1. I will vote in favor of the referendum prioritizing environmental records for cruise ships. Key West’s main draw is its relationship with nature. Anything that preserves that relationship is a good thing. I am voting against the limited size and limits on daily disembarkation referendums. I don’t disagree with the intent but think in each case the restrictions are akin to a ban.

Better to work on limiting total numbers per annum and knowing there is actually a demand from smaller ships to come before we destroy a whole market supporting numerous businesses.

2. Although the hotels will remain, rates will take a hit and therefore the tax revenue will be less. Bars and restaurants are being scapegoated and their struggles are compounded by the city and state blaming hospitality for the continued COVID crisis. I believe the city will have to decrease the size of departments across the board and will need to be creative in reinventing how they work with business in the future. Key West will recover but will need to become much better at being efficient and consistent in their demands of what they ask from local businesses.

3. It should be far more pedestrian and cycle friendly with greater walking area and fewer cars. Shops and restaurants should be able to work with the outdoor space allowing for sidewalk dining and greater opportunity to distance while wandering the Duval Corridor.

Parklettes and green space should be introduced where possible and parking should be pushed to garages with transport to downtown or allocated space elsewhere.

4. I’d first figure out what is meant by us and them. Key West v. Miami? Rich v. Poor? The first step is defining a problem in less broad terms. I’m open to having a conversation. We live at the end of the road, which is always a strange place. Plus, we are living through pandemic hell where reasonable people can become Facebook warriors at the slightest breeze. One human family doesn’t mean we all get along; it does mean we all accept that we are all unique and should be appreciated for that which we bring to our community.

ELECTION 2020

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

DISTRICT VI

DISTRICT VI Name: Clayton L. Lopez Age: 66 Occupation: Retired DOH Monroe early intervention consultant How long have you lived in Key West: 63 years (born and raised) 1. I will support the referendum. Repositioning this island as a top tier port starts with setting the best example. The wellbeing of visitors, locals, and the environment are not mutually exclusive. Smaller ships mean less ecological turmoil: the diminished destruction of aquatic ecosystems and reduced carbon footprints.

Smaller ships will also mitigate explosive foot traffic on the heels of this pandemic. I am not anti-cruise ships. I am FOR safer and physically smaller ships. In the past when lobbyists wanted to set our priorities, I said no. Our waters. Our reef.

2. Our idea of “normal” is gone. Take it slow.

Believe the science and data. Absent a national economic plan, we have to be our own leaders in developing a recovery. We must work with municipalities, DOH, stakeholders, and county government to financially buoy unemployed residents while investing in healthcare and COVID- 19 related infrastructure. We might be able to revisit mandatory restrictions and eventually eliminate some, which could springboard our economy. But, not yet. I believe that cautions learned through this pandemic will linger, as they should.

3. We have seen so many variations of what Duval should look like. We need a compromise that considers the infrastructural challenges of Duval including its narrow streets and sidewalks. Here’s my idea: Let’s incentivize the storefront owners to encourage the promoting of mom and pop stores, start-ups, and entrepreneurial opportunities for first time business owners mimicking a first-time homeowner’s program. We must market Duval as bike and pedestrian-friendly and reduce vehicular traffic by making parking outside of the area more readily available. Enforce delivery ordinances.

Require smaller trucks on our small streets.

4. We must continue building affordable housing for the working class. We have conceptualized the Bahama Village extension, consisting of mixed income housing, benefitting low income families as the United Way ALICE study demonstrates. We talk about attracting professionals. Yet, we offer little encouragement for them to stay. This has to change. Studies have shown the benefit of mixed income communities. In Key West, there is so much diversity. We HAVE to welcome ideas and cultures different than our own. I have built my life around that concept. I will continue to work harder to shrink that gap.

was born in Key West.

Name: Ryan Barnett Age: 36 Occupation: Chiropractor How long have you lived in Key West? I

1. I am the only candidate that has signed all three petitions to place these referenda on the ballot. I will be voting YES on all three referenda in November. As citizens we have a rare opportunity to control the narrative instead of being overrun by the large corporate interests of the cruise ship industry. If we don’t stand firm for our waters, our island, our public health, and our future, then we are allowing outside corporate interests to determine our fate.

2. The current business environment in Key West is unbearable. I’m a small business owner, from a family of small business owners. Our small businesses need a larger voice in the city’s policy-making process. And I don’t mean the same four or five big business owners that have been calling the shots for the past thirty years.

I will make it easier for our local mom and pop businesses to present their needs and expectations to city government. Small businesses in Key West will thrive again, but we need the City of Key West to prioritize and expedite reopening.

3. Social distancing will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The more space we create between people to move around freely, the more attractive Duval Street. Let’s close Duval to vehicular traffic on specific evenings. Restaurateurs need more outdoor dining space to make up for the loss of indoor dining. For specific evenings each week, let’s present a “Car-Free Duval” allowing café-style seating and promote safe, enjoyable outdoor public interaction.

4. This is a very challenging question. Happy locals make for happy tourists, which make for happy businesses. It’s a never-ending balancing act that, in recent years, this has become far out of balance. Cost of housing and lack of opportunity for career advancement and upward mobility are the most pressing gap drivers. My campaign is focused on realistic affordable housing programs. But, we also need to forge long-term public-private partnerships between the city, NGO’s and local businesses to add some diversity to our local economy by providing career training and long-term mentoring in sectors beyond tourism.

DISTRICT VI Name: John Wilson Smith Age: 62 Occupation: Retired How long have you lived in Key West?

Born and raised in Key West, moved to Sarasota for awhile, returned to Key West in 2010 and have been permanently living in Key West since June 2020.

1. My vote for the referendum will be yes because it reimagines a clear path to a better way for our island to manage environmental concerns regarding our marine ecosystems and suggests a better way for our city to control the number of people that leave the ship so that our economic and environmental resources will not be “overrun.” Additionally, the referendum will create a way for local government to “prioritize cruise ships with better environmental and public health records” so that there are no health threats to our citizens.

2. I very much support the scientific community (CDC) guidelines outlined to our country’s citizens in February. Everyone must wear masks, social distance, etc. The country must open up slowly. If our local government will stick to those guidelines, all citizens cooperating, I envision Key West recovering economically, if we keep our infection and death numbers low, but, also, schools will reopen, and all other components of our society, though slowly. We’ll have a new beginning reimagining a new society. We shall have a “new birth” with the end being “One Human Family,” not elitist driven, but driven by all.

3. First, Duval Street should be open only to pedestrians, Front to United streets, outdoor sidewalk seating for restaurants and bars, European style. Secondly, great efforts should be made to include more local participation, perhaps, with special discounts and incentives offered during certain times of the week. Duval Street should be local friendly and not just “tourist driven.” Thirdly, the mayor should appoint a task force to assess this issue using, for example, a community survey, and tasked with producing a Plan of Action. It should be inclusive of an intergenerationally diverse group of people, and other community leaders.

4. Working with the mayor and city officials and staff, first, we should survey the broader community to discover their thoughts around this issue and ask for their suggestions for an appointed intergenerational and diverse leadership team that will recruit members from the arts community, local businesses, the college, foundations, among others, to review the survey results and use them as a starting point to reimagine and envision solutions. This team of people must send a clear message to the community about our island’s diversity. Its goal must be one of inclusivity and diversity for all.

43

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MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS INCREASE IN THE KEYS NON-COUNTY RESIDENTS FILL KEYS OFFICES TO REGISTER

F

igures released this month by the state of Florida show that concealed weapon permits are on the rise in the Florida Keys.

“The numbers of applications and permits are definitely up,” Monroe County Tax Collector Danise Henriquez told Keys Weekly on July 22.

In 2016, Monroe County had 8,120 concealed carry permits. That number has jumped to 10,485 in 2020, according to figures released this month by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which administers and issues those permits.

From July 2018 to June 2019, Monroe County received 806 applications for new concealed weapons permits and 682 applications for renewal.

The following year, from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, the office received 801 applications for new permits and 747 applications for renewal, state reports show. This year, 54 such permits were denied for a variety of reasons, including insufficient paperwork or a felony criminal charge.

Recent nationwide protests, along with the June 1 reopening of the Florida Keys to nonresidents, led hundreds of people from other counties to line up at the Monroe County Tax Collector’s office in Key Largo to apply for a new concealed carry permit or to renew their existing one, Henriquez said.

“I can’t say what event or events specifically prompted the increase, but I do know that as of June 1, when the Keys reopened, we started getting a monsoon in our offices. We had a line three and four hours long at our Key Largo office with people from other counties waiting, mainly for driver licenses and concealed weapon permits,” Henriquez told Keys Weekly on July 22.

“We started making appointments for concealed weap-

Florida concealed weapon permits are available at county tax collector’s offices and require fingerprinting, photos and completion of a gun ownership course. CONTRIBUTED

on applications and in the Key Largo office, appointments were booked through mid-November,” Henriquez said.

But then, given the spike in COVID-19 cases in the Keys, Henriquez announced last week that her offices will only serve Monroe County residents.

“I won’t jeopardize the health of our county residents or my staff by potentially having someone from another county bring the virus into our offices,” she said, adding that concealed weapon appointments were canceled for out-ofcounty residents.

The concealed weapon permits require the applicant to complete a certified gun ownership course first, Henriquez said.

“They have to bring a certificate of completion to our office,” she said. “We fingerprint them and take their picture.

Then they fill out an application, which we send to Tallahassee for the required checks and the permit gets mailed to successful applicants in three to four weeks.”

Additional information on concealed weapon permits is available at the Florida Department of Agriculture website.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020 The Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Key West High School faculty and students in highlighting a “Student of the Week” or “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.

The Keys Weekly also thanks our newest team member, intern Ella Hall, a sophomore at KWHS, for compiling these features and other stories.

ELLA HALL

www.keysweekly.com

What extracurricular activities interested you? I played volleyball, soccer and softball all four years. I was president of the Student Council, vice president of the Class of 2020 executive board and secretary of Beta Club. I was active in Zonta, CSALT, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Environmental Awareness, Interact and Peer Mentoring. I also completed over 400 community service hours outside of school.

What KWHS teacher most influenced you? Thanks to Ms. Kugeares, the AP Environmental Science teacher, I understand the importance of humans and the Earth working cohesively. The course opened my eyes to the impact of daily life on the environment, and made me aware of our actions.

What class best prepared you for life after high school? AP World History with Mrs. Laubenstein prepared me for college and the future. It was important to participate in class, and spend time at home to study and understand the content.

What was the biggest challenge of online learning? It was something we all had to get used to. I think the biggest challenge was fully understanding the content on your own. It was dependent on whether you wanted to apply yourself.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen? Be the best version of yourself. Don’t worry about trying to impress people by being someone you’re not. These four years will fly by, so make the most of each moment.

What’s next for you? I will attend University of Florida in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in preprofessional biology. Then I plan to become an orthodontist to instill confidence in my patients.

CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATE

GRACIE WOOD What three things would you like to have accomplished by your 10-year reunion? I hope to have earned my bachelor’s and dental degrees, opened my own practice and traveled the world.

What local, national or global issue concerns you most? One issue that hits home is the current hate for police officers across our nation. My dad is a police officer, and he is an amazing man who has protected others for 26 years.

I believe there are good and bad people in a variety of jobs, but it’s not right to stereotype them as a whole. He has always been my rock and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without him.

Do you plan to make the Keys your permanent home? I do.

This town has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am so grateful. After college, I hope to open my own practice down here, and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Living here will allow me to give back to the community, as I hope to be active in service organizations.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

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HISTORY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

LOVE ME DO

THE DARK SIDE OF MALLORY SQUARE

DAVID SLOAN researches intriguing stories from Key West’s past to share island history people might not hear on the Conch Train.

The Beatles fought racism from a Key West motel. (See keysweekly.com for that story.)

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

Love Me Do is a weekly feature that invites readers to learn about the past and reflect on how their own actions and attitudes today might be viewed in the future.

K

ey West’s Mallory Square is a world-famous destination where tourists and locals flock to watch acrobats, artists and tightrope walkers while celebrating the sun as she sinks behind the Gulf of Mexico, ushering in the night. Few revelers are aware that there is a dark history of racism attached to our island’s No. 1 free attraction.

Ellen Mallory settled in Key West in 1823. As the island’s first white female settler, she operated a boarding house for seamen where Mallory Square now stands. People laud her son, Stephen Mallory, as a U.S. Senator, but he also forged a legacy of racism. According to Tom Hambright, historian at Monroe County Library, Mallory Square was named for both Ellen and Stephen Mallory, as well as the unrelated Clyde Mallory, who operated a steamship line from those docks.

Stephen Mallory became Secretary of the Navy for the Confederate States of America when Florida seceded from the Union in 1861. Before secession, Mallory spoke to the Senate, conveying the rationale of slaveholders in their unwillingness to accept majority rule.

Mallory campaigned for flogging in the Navy.

Before becoming a senator, he owned slaves in Key West. He leased those slaves to engineers with the U.S. government to help build Fort Taylor and Fort Jefferson.

An 1808 law banning Congress members from having contracts with the government could have prevented Mallory from becoming a senator. But he worked his way around that problem by putting his slaves in a trust controlled by his brother-in-law.

The government paid the trust for the leased slave labor, and the trust funds were, in turn, passed to Mallory through his brother-in-law and wife so the new senator could continue profiting from the labor of his slaves.

A plaque below the bust of Stephen Mallory at Mallory Square states, “After the war, Union forces held him a prisoner at Fort Lafayette for 10 months.” More accurately, the United States imprisoned Stephen Mallory for treason.

President Johnson granted him a partial pardon, and though Mallory was not permitted to hold public office, he made his views known through letters to the newspapers. In his early letters, Mallory urged acceptance of the reconstituted Union.

However, his later writings made it clear that Mallory was a “staunch opponent of black suffrage and civil rights.” Key West celebrated Mallory’s racism long after his death, naming a local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy after him.

Mallory Square bears his family name, too, along with the family name of the unrelated Clyde Mallory.

Today, Mallory Square has a carnival-like atmosphere where buzzed tourists pay tribute to the sun as she dips below the horizon, and our skies go dark. But let us not forget, that like those skies, there are parts of Key West’s history that are dark as well.

Top: An 1850 Key West slave census lists Stephen Mallory as the owner of 17 slaves.

Bottom: Stephen R. Mallory. CONTRIBUTED

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DARE I SAY IT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

ing to incorporate in late 1999, Larry thought incorporation was a bad idea and preferred to stay under Monroe County rule. (You can probably guess which side I was JOHN on.) After I declared BARTUS as a candidate for that first Marathon is a City of MaraCity Council, Larry thon councilhad to quit the man. He also is radio show. He a musician who performs around couldn’t impartially cover someone town. For more with whom he had see johnbartus. com a working relationship. And Larry wasn’t too happy when my partners and I started the Weekly Newspapers back in 2003.

But Larry was always forthright and open. Agree or disagree with him, Larry always had integrity and conviction. We remained friends through some rather intense disagreements.

After I won that first Marathon municipal election, Larry gave me something that still hangs on my office wall — an autographed photo of The Greatest, Muhammad Ali. It was his way of encouraging me to fight the good fight, and I’m always reminded of Larry when I see it.

Larry remained editor of the Keynoter through publishers Wayne Markham and Richard Tamborrino.

After the paper folded, Larry became public information officer for the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. And unbeknownst to many, Larry was a regular volunteer for good causes like the Domestic Abuse Shelter.

I’ve read lots of tributes and remembrances of Larry on social media from people who knew him and worked with him over the years.

I’ll leave you with some fitting words from State Attorney Dennis Ward’s Facebook page: “I think about him and all that he’s done for the office and so many people in our community. I know I’m going to miss him and so will every employee… All I can say is thank you, Larry, so, so much for being part of our lives. You will be missed. You don’t know how much.”

Godspeed, Larry Kahn.

— Catch John Wednesdays at Herbie’s, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday at his Social Distancing Concert on Facebook Live, broadcast live from Boondocks on Ramrod Key. www.facebook. com/john.bartus

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BACK TO SCHOOL...

REFOO

DOC TOR

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met Larry Kahn the first week he moved to the Keys. It was in the long-ago pre-smartphone-Internet days of 1994, springtime. I was already a multi-year veteran of performing at the Seven Mile Bridge Run, and I was there in front of the old train car on Knight’s Key, singing and playing at an ungodly early hour.

Every year back then, someone would always show up before the runners got back and request “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot. All eight minutes of it. So every Seven Mile Bridge Run morning…

It was at that moment in my life that Larry Kahn showed up. He had just accepted a job as reporter at the Florida Keys Keynoter, accompanying his friend Tom Tuell from the mainland after Tom was offered the job of editor. And the Seven Mile Bridge Run was his first assignment in the Keys.

Imagine a native New Yorker, fresh from Broward County, as he walked into what must have seemed a surreal islandscape: a bunch of people hanging around a train car outside a campground drinking beer at 7 a.m. while some large dude is singing “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” on a flatbed trailer.

Larry introduced himself; I welcomed him to the islands. He asked some questions and took a bunch of photos — and a shot of me on that trailer stage in front of the train car became my second appearance on the Keynoter front page.

Larry and I became friends after that. I was involved in local radio; he eventually took over as editor of the Keynoter when Tom Tuell migrated to the Key West Citizen. When one of my radio co-hosts left the WFFG morning show I was doing, Larry’s name came up. Although Larry was a real newspaperman with ink running through his veins, I thought he would do a good job on the air. And he did. Our center-left “On the Rocks” radio show became an interesting contrast to the rest of WFFG’s rather conservative talk radio programming.

When station owner Joe Nascone revived an old FCC license and decided to start the Keys’ first classic rock radio station, Larry and I were chosen to move “On the Rocks” to the new WKYZ-FM 101.3. Larry and I were both music fans with similar tastes, and we were the perfect team to launch the new station. Needless to say, we had a really good time playing our favorite rock tunes and goofing on the air.

Larry and I didn’t always agree on everything. When Marathon was vot-

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www.keysweekly.com

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LARRY KAHN 56 is just too damn young…

DR. STANLEY SACK TH

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ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, IT’LL HAPPEN

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Cons? The big one o matter what is the inability to know else we’re facour youngest patients’ ing, the world degree of susceptibility keeps turning. to COVID-19 and what Falling poinciana flowers their role is in spreading keep staining car roofs. it. The AAP does point to Eyes turn a bit more some evidence that kids often to weather reports, are less likely to contract just in case something is infection, less likely to get brewing in the Atlantic, Dr. Stanley Sack sick when they do, and Gulf or off the African seem to play a fairly minimal role coast. in spreading it to others. Needless And yes, kids will be going back to say, there’s still plenty that’s not to school. But where, and how? known, and this guidance is a work Those very questions are keepin progress. ing school committees, principals The other interesting thing and other school stakeholders very, about the AAP’s statement is its very busy these days, not to meninclusion of a few other things to tion parents.

The Monroe County School Dis- think about, should kids be able to get back to school this fall: trict has admirably come up with • Keep individual groups of stuguidelines to cover many different dents together (“cohorting”). This scenarios. That is a very good thing, might require teachers, rather than because who knows what shape students, to move between classes; we’ll be in by the time I, say, get to eating lunch at classroom desks; the bottom of this page? and implementing short, one-block As those guidelines are easschedules for older children and ily accessible, I thought I’d look at things from a different angle — that teens.

• Eliminate lockers to elimiof the American Academy of Pediatnate the usual social congregation rics (AAP), which summarized some around them. things to consider in a recent state• Use outdoor spaces for class. ment, “COVID-19 Planning Con(Pretty easy to do here, though I siderations: Guidance for School don’t think it is something I would Re-entry.” like in Massachusetts.)

Now, many of us read, espe• Assign school bus seats so the cially these days when there isn’t same children always sit together. much else to do. Most of us know Fill the bus from back to front and about many of the medical consehave students in the front exit first, quences of COVID-19, as well as thereby reducing contact from what we might be giving up when students passing occupied seats to we take whatever precautions are reach an empty seat farther back. recommended or mandated. At I haven’t focused here on the this point, with so much changing givens: masking, distancing, disinso quickly, perhaps the best use of fecting and staying home if you’re this space is to explore some of the sick. But no pun intended, it’s good issues — both pro and con — and to continue to think outside the maybe come up with a few options box, and there is every indication that might not have been considthat Monroe County School District ered. is making that effort as well.

The AAP is decidedly “pro” It’s worth repeating that this school opening if (yes, I know, big if) virus does not come with instrucit can be done safely. The academy points to the losses in learning seen tions. Agencies dealing with both health and education continue to across the board since the manweigh in. But how refreshing it is dated school closures. It also cites to open our minds and figure out all the other important, but often ways of getting our kids to school overlooked, functions that school as safely as possible — regardless provides: development of social of whether it ultimately turns out to skills, physical activity and nutribe possible. tion as well as acting as an alert system for mental health and home problems.

HOROSCOPE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE Hair down, paws up, it’s Leo season.

After the oceanic emotional depths of Cancer, the energizing lion heart of summer is a welcome reprieve and a reason to rejoice.

Lion folk are at their best when on some kind of noble quest, when their fierce fire burns in defense of others rather than in homage to themselves. Leo energy is flattering, infectious, magnanimous and warming. The sun never sets on a Leo and the more evolved of the pride are happy to share the shine. The shadow side of Leo is vanity, ruthlessness, a lack of self-reflection and an incorrigible need for validation. Be bold, but not brash. Be fearless in asking, but stop short of demanding. If Leo season had a patron saint it would be Madonna, and its creed would be her statement, “A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want.” Go and get yours, as gracefully as possible.

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.

LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 Happy return of the sun to you, lion folk. While your sign is sun ruled, you may spend the first few weeks of your season tending to the shadows. Usually a social animal, you might crave the comfort of your own company. There is work to be done in the realms of spiritual devotion. You won’t fear the dark if you have faith in what can’t be seen.

Notable Leo: Andy Warhol / Aug. 6, 1928 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Novelist and fellow Virgo Jeanette Winterson was raised by zealous Pentecostal missionaries in Northern England. As a teen, Winterson

53

left the church and her family home when she fell in love with a woman.

She writes of her life since, “I am colored glass from a church window long since shattered. I find pieces of myself everywhere, and I cut myself handling them.” I urge you to similarly shatter your own limitations, but be careful, gentle, with how you collect yourself.

Notable Virgo: Fred Hampton / Aug. 30, 1948 LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 You’re a fixer and a pleaser, Libra, trying to balance the needs of others against your own habitual overpromising. This fulcrum of existence may keep you in a state of anxiousness, forever fearful that you are not doing enough, or worse, that you yourself are not enough.

The first step in undoing your unnerving? Practice saying no without explanation or apology.

Notable Libra: Ilhan Omar / Oct. 4, 1981 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Come on out of your cave of solitude and regeneration, Scorpio.

The coming weeks are deeply tied to communication and human communion for you. Collaborations are imminent, be they creative, industrious or carnal. You are giving live birth to the words of Malcolm X who wrote, “When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘we,’ even illness becomes wellness.”

Notable Scorpio: John Gotti / Oct. 27, 1940 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Beneath her veneer of hoop skirts and lace collars, poet Emily Dickinson ran hot with wanderlusting, Sagittarian blood. She wrote, “Wild nights should be / Our luxury! / Futile – the winds / Done with the Compass – Done with the Chart!”

The message: Stay the course, enjoy the ride, and cast off the conventions of the getting there.

Notable Sagittarius: Jay-Z /

Dec. 4, 1969 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 You tend to lean more insular than inclusive, Capricorn, but the time is nigh to try your luck at winking at strangers, saying yes to social engagements and expanding your spheres of camaraderie. As Stephen Richards (the guru, not the serial killer) wrote, “When we make friends, we change from being animals to being human.”

Notable Capricorn: Thereza de Orléans e Bragança / Jan. 11, 1929 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 Prison abolitionist and fellow water bearer Angela Davis writes, “radical simply means grasping things at the root.” You naturally require very little provocation for radical thinking, Aquarius, yet, with the sun in galvanizing Leo, you are being called to activate those thoughts. What ills and truths are you going to shake loose from the soil of your imagination?

Notable Aquarius: Axl Rose / Feb. 6, 1962 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Make something this week, Pisces.

It doesn’t have to be grand, it doesn’t have to be lasting, it just has to exist beyond your normal limits.

Paint a bathroom, smash a mirror, bake a pie, knit a single sock, compose a symphony. If you’re actively creating you will have considerably less time to commit to destructive patterns. The revelry isn’t in the action itself, but in the thinking it will inspire.

Notable Pisces: Steve Jobs / Feb. 24, 1955 ARIES March 21 to April 19 After decades of battling drug addiction, Iron Man actor and fellow Aries Robert Downey Jr. credits an unlikely moment of revelation behind a Burger King Dumpster with finally helping him get clean. The

lesson? Divine reckoning can happen anywhere and temperance, no matter how late it arrives, is a fine form of self-care.

Notable Aries: Nancy Pelosi / March 26, 1940 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 In the height of the hedonistic 1970s, actor and fellow bull Jack Nicholson had a kind of caste system for his drugs. He kept the best of his stash on the second floor, dubbed it “upstairs cocaine” and reserved it for his favored folks. I’m not encouraging drug use, Taurus, but I do suggest you cut loose anyone that doesn’t treat you like the top-tier company that you are.

Notable Taurus: Ella Fitzgerald / April 25, 1917 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 Fellow Gemini and prophet of the Midwest, Bob Dylan, christened his 1975 tour “The Rolling Thunder Review” after learning the sound of thunder was, to certain Native American tribes, a sign that truths were about to be told. I urge you to welcome that same weather into your own life and get to speaking the truth, as quakingly and unmistakably as a storm foretold.

Notable Gemini: Wallis Simpson / June 19, 1896 CANCER June 21 to July 22 Slash, guitarist, top hat enthusiast and fellow Cancer, lived for a time in a Los Angeles hotel suite with his pet mountain lion. I like to imagine the pair of them casually taking the elevator together and I’d like you, moon children, to take a cue from Slash and keep close to whatever or whomever keeps you wild.

Notable Cancer: Alexander the Great / July 20, 356 BC

54

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

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 AQUA DOC, located at 5615 3RD AVENUE, UNIT 8, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: THE POOL MAN OF THE KEYS, LLC Publish: July 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC NOTICE On July 10, 2020, Philip Von Kahle, assignee for the benefit of creditors, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission seeking consent to assign the license of station WKEY-FM, Key West, Florida, from Philip Von Kahle to Spottswood Partners II, LTD. The General Partner of Spottswood Partners II, LTD is Spottswood Partners, Inc. The limited partners of Spottswood Partners II, LTD are: John M. Spottswood, Jr.; William B. Spottswood, FGS Dynasty Trust 1; John M. Spottswood, Jr. Dynasty Trust; Robert A. Spottswood Dynasty Trust; Florence G. Spottswood; and William B. Spottswood Dynasty Trust.

A copy of this application is available for public inspection on the FCC’s public inspection website at: https://publicfiles. fcc.gov/.

Publish: July 23 & 30, and August 6, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on August 20, 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 (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156 (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: July 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

+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 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DL Porter Constructors, Inc is currently seeking qualified DBE subcontractor quotes for the Garden View Apartments.

Plans and specifications are available via email (kim@ dlporter.com ). All pricing to be submitted to Kevin@ dlporter.com no later than Thursday, August 6th, 2020 @ 1:00pm.

Publish: July 16, 23 & 30, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: rmiller@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000030-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM EDWARD SMITH, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WILLIAM EDWARD SMITH, deceased, whose date of death was February 18, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, (File Number 20-CP-000030-M), the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

Personal Representative: Elizabeth Smith 8400 Disputed Road LaSalle, Ontario CA N9H 0H9 Attorney for Personal Representative: Paul E. Roman Florida Bar No. 0586633 hankins northwood roman wenzel p.l.

1800 N. Military Trail – Suite 120 Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Telephone: (561) 862-4139 proman@hnrwlaw.com Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SPINY LOBSTER SUITES, located at 11281 2ND AVENUE OCEAN, MARATHON, FL 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KAREN GRIMSLEY Publish: July 23, 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 SOGGY PAWS at 88165 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, #3, in Islamorada, Monroe County, FL, 33036.

Notice is further given that the undersigned intends to register this fictitious name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, Florida.

GRANNIES BED, BONE, BOARDING AND SPA, LLC a Florida Limited Liability Company By: Meta Williams Manager Publish: July 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE The following vessel will be sold at a reserve public auction pursuant to 328.17 F.S. Labor & Storage on 08/04/2020 at 10:00 AM Location: 10544 NW 26 St #E102. Doral, FL 33172. As is. Where is. 50% Buyer’s premium. Title is not guaranteed. BILL HERRERA Lic #: AU0001502. Lot 37286 2000 MXG VIN: MXGB04MVI900 Owner: ADAM C CONSTANTINE. 7005 SHRIMP RD Key West, FL 33040.

Located at: SH MARINAS 6000, LLC6000 PENINSULAR AVE.KEY WEST, FL 33040 Ph: 305-292-3121 Total Lien $ 24,496.10.

Owner/Lienholder has a right to a hearing prior to date of sale by filing with the clerk of the courts. Owner/Lienholder may recover vessel without instituting judicial proceedings by posting bond as per 559.917 F.S.Net proceeds in excess of lien amount will be deposited with clerk of courts pursuant to 328.17 F.S. All interested person(s) should contact Professional Lien & Title Service Corp. Ph: 305592-6090.

Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: KEY LARGO PUBLIC LIBRARY IRMA CARPET REPAIRS MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids.com In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department will be implementing a new electronic process for receiving and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on August 20, 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: Key Largo Public Library Irma Carpet Repairs 08/20/2020 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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Appraisal 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 August 19, 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: Appraisal Services for CDBGDR Voluntary Home Buyout Program 08/19/2020 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 19, 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:

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Survey 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 August 18, 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: Survey Services for CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program 08/18/2020 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 18, 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 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DL Porter Constructors, Inc is currently seeking qualified DBE subcontractor quotes for the Florida Keys Marathon Airport – Terminal Building Rehab & Security Site Lighting Rehab.. Plans and specifications are available via email (kim@dlporter.com ).

All pricing to be submitted to Kevin@dlporter.com no later than Monday, August 10, 2020 @ 1:00pm.

Publish: July 16, 23, 30 & August 6, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000035-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CURTIS E. STONE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Curtis E. Stone, deceased, whose date of death was April 25, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

Personal Representative: Michael Knoblauch 1361 Overseas Hwy E24 Marathon, Florida 33050

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 20-CP-18-P IN RE: ESTATE OF SYLVIA SHINER a/k/a SYLVIA K. SHINER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SYLVIA SHINER a/k/a SYLVIA K. SHINER, deceased, whose date of death was August 10, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 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 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 16, 2020.

Personal Representative: Robert C. Stober 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 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 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 20-CP-125-K Division: Lower Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN G. GYURTSAK Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John G. Gyurtsak, deceased, whose date of death was November 4, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

55

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 16, 2020.

Personal Representative: Frank Gyurtsak 1035 51st Avenue Long Island City, New York 11101-5817 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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 16, 2020.

Personal Representative: Stacey L. Savage 12146 Bayer Drive Waynesboro, Pennsylvania 17267 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-47-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM J. SAVAGE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of William J. Savage, deceased, whose date of death was June 6, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 20-CP-000097-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF TERESA JO JOHNSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Teresa Jo Johnson, deceased, whose date of death was February 20, 2015, File Number 20-CP-000097-K, is pending in the Sixteenth Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is July 23, 2020.

Personal Representative: Alan D. Garrett Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard J. McChesney, Esq. Florida Bar No. 100308 Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood & Sterling, PLLC 500 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040 Tel. (305)294-9556 | Fax (305)504-2696 Primary: Richard@

LEGAL NOTICES SpottswoodLaw.com Secondary: DClynes@ SpottswoodLaw.com Publish: July 23 & 30, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2019-CA000222-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 4th day of August, 2020, at 11 0’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C24, Week 44, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 3-7517) Pursuant to ORDER TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 29TH day of June, 2020 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Plaintiff, Vs. THE ESTATE OF JOHN ERNEST OTTENS, et al.

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA000222-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 30TH day of June, 2020.

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

Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2019-CA000222-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 4th day of August, 2020, at 11 0’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit D13, Week 42, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT V entered in a case pending in said Court, the 6TH day of July, 2020 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Plaintiff, Vs. THE ESTATE OF JOHN ERNEST OTTENS, et al.

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA000222-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 6TH day of July, 2020.

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

Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Plaintiff, Vs. THE ESTATE OF JOHN ERNEST OTTENS, et al.

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA000222-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 30TH day of June, 2020.

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

Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2019-CA000222-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 4th day of August, 2020, at 11 0’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C23, Week 48, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT VI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 29TH day of June, 2020 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2019-CA000222-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 4th day of August, 2020, at 11 0’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit B31, Week 37, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT VII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 29TH day of June, 2020 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Plaintiff, Vs. THE ESTATE OF JOHN ERNEST OTTENS, et al.

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA000222-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 30TH day of June, 2020.

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

Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2019-CA000222-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 4th day of August, 2020, at 11 0’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C25, Week 47, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT VIII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 29TH day of June, 2020 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Plaintiff, Vs. THE ESTATE OF JOHN ERNEST OTTENS, et al.

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA000222-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 30TH day of June, 2020.

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

Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-218-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 4TH day of August, 2020 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5122, Week 6, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold

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

Pursuant to ORDER TO RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of July, 2020 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEYS WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. JOAN DYSON JARVIS, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA218-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 15TH day of July, 2020.

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

Publish: July 23 & 30, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2018-CA-871-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 4TH day of August, 2020 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5122, Week 6, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of July, 2020 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEYS WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. JOHN JOSEPH HIGGINS, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-

56

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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

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

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

871-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 15TH day of July, 2020.

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

Publish: July 23 & 30, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

15 day of July, 2020.

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

Publish: July 23 & 30, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-271-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 4TH day of August, 2020 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 514, Week 22, Sunset Harbor Resort, Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of July, 2020 Style of which is: SUNSET HARBOR RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. GILLERAN, JR., et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA271-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this

TH

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

Publish: July 23 & 30, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-271-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 4TH day of August, 2020 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 421, Week 20, Sunset Harbor Resort, Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of July, 2020 Style of which is: SUNSET HARBOR RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. GILLERAN, JR., et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA271-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 15TH day of July, 2020.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court

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

EMPLOYMENT Sweet treats while you work. Sweet Savannah's is now hiring a full-time and part-time baker assistants.

No experience needed, will train.

Competitive pay. Please apply in person at 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon or send email to kate@sweetsavannahs.com Looking for Crew Man for Lobster boat in Marathon area. Experience preferred.

Call after 5pm 305-2890792 and leave a message.

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.

Superior Electric Hiring Office Assistant. Must have Quickbooks experience.

Bilingual a plus . Apply in person at 7849 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

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

Contact John 239-209-7682

MEETING NOTICE

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY The Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting using Communications Media Technology (CMT) in the form of a conference telephone call on July 29, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Members of the public wishing to access the meeting should call 888-585-9008 and enter access code 177-166-577. The meeting agenda is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov. For additional information or to submit written or other physical evidence for consideration at the meeting, contact Dina Gambuzza via phone at 305-295-5180; via email at gambuzza-dina@monroecounty-fl.gov; or via mail to Monroe County Land Authority, 1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 207, Key West, FL 33040.

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

EMPLOYMENT 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..

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 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.

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!

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.

KEYS PEOPLE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

ADAPTIVE DIVER FUNDS LOCAL DIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

1

“I

love the water. When I’m in the water, I get a little bit of relief from the severe nerve pain, and that means a whole lot.”

Kathe Davis talks to the Keys Weekly about her love of diving from her home in Homestead. Most of the year, she lives in Evergreen, Colorado, but every winter, she comes to Florida to dive the Keys with Daniel Blezio.

“I really like North Dry Rocks, because there’s this little yellowtail fish, and every time Daniel and I have gone there, the same little fish swims up to my nose,” she said, laughing. “Daniel says, ‘Your friend is back!’”

In 2011, a tree fell on Davis and paralyzed her from the armpits down. She recalled waking up at a hospital in Colorado specializing in paralysis, where a doctor talked her through the accident and what was going on.

“It’s traumatic. You just don’t know what to expect,” said Davis of how she felt at the beginning of her recovery. “You’re smacked, blindsided. You have high hopes that you’re going to beat this and walk again, but the odds are against you. And once that sinks in, then you gotta get used to what you can do with your life.”

Davis had been a long-time diver. She loved the sport before her accident and was happy to participate in a scuba program during her rehabilitation in Colorado. Refreshing her love of the water even with her “new normal,” Davis was referred to Tom Dailey for her Keys adaptive diving.

Dailey had a custom-built boat with a lift on the back where a traditional dive platform would be. It can raise and lower a diver with a disability to the water. Dailey is good friends with Blezio, and both would work with Davis as handicap-certified dive buddies to help her get back in the water.

Davis explained the importance of having a trained dive buddy as an adaptive diver.

“I’m lucky in that I have full use of my arms,” she said. “Say you were a quadriplegic and all you have are your head and neck, then your dive buddy would have to do everything for you — weights, fill your BCD, guide you around.”

For Davis, the worry is where her feet are because she can’t feel them. Blezio ensures her feet are “where they need to be” instead of dragging on the reef and destroying it, Davis’ big fear.

“Two years ago, Daniel bought the boat from Tom and took over being my dive buddy,” Davis said. “He won’t give me back to Tom,” she added, laughing.

Blezio told the Keys Weekly, “Kathe loves to dive. She feels free, completely free when she’s underwater. I met Kathe because I was hired to guide her underwater because I have the

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

skills she was looking for, but we connected and became best of friends.”

“We have done 30 dives to date, and I trust him with my life, obviously,” Davis said.

After one of those dives, Davis asked Blezio what his dream was.

He told her about Neptune Scuba Ventures, his passion project. He would use his skills as a dive instructor and his own life experiences to help at-risk youths through a scholarship program. By the end, Blezio plans for participants to be trained dive professionals with solid life skills and certifications they can rely on.

“I saw what kind of passion my friend had, and I wanted to get involved,” Davis said. “I want to see young people succeed, and I also want Daniel to realize his dream.”

She funded the initial two scholarships, which went to local youths who are now Advanced Open Water certified and working toward more certifications. Both told the Keys Weekly that the scholarship and training are providing them with viable backup career options they didn’t have before and giving them more hope for the future.

“That makes me feel excited, warm and fuzzy. I’m so jazzed these young men are taking to it,” Davis said. “Daniel was going to have them work with me too, but COVID happened, so I’ll look forward to that next year.”

Blezio remained grateful to his benefactress and friend.

“Kathe is absolutely a one-of-a-kind human being. She is someone who wants to give back to the ones that need the most.

With her help, we can grow the kids to have a good shot at life.”

2

1. Kathe Davis relishes being underwater because it temporarily eases her severe nerve pain and damage. It makes her feel free.

2. Daniel Blezio helps Kathe Davis dive as an adaptive diver.

Handicapped scuba association-trained dive buddies know how to assist with all aspects of diving. Contributed

57

58

COOL STUFF

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

NOW TRENDING READ | THE VANISHING HALF The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age 16, it’s not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it’s everything: their families, their communities and their racial identities. Many years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past.

WATCH | STATELESS The show features four strangers — a woman on the run, a brave refugee, a driven bureaucrat and a struggling dad — who intersect at an Australian immigration detention center. The series is partly inspired by the real-life story of Cornelia Rau, an Australian permanent resident who was unlawfully detained under the Australian government’s mandatory detention program. Season one is out on Netflix now, and it stars Yvonne Strahovski, Jai Courtney and Cate Blanchett.

LISTEN | LOVE LETTER Love Letter is the legendary saxophonist Jimmy Heath’s stunningly elegant last testament, a take on seminal ballads. The album features songs written

by Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie and Kenny Dorham. Partially recorded in New York before his 93rd birthday, Jimmy presided over a brilliant cast of colleagues and friends, and the result is pure Heath: polished, inventive, candid and beautiful. Guest artists include Wynton Marsalis, Gregory Porter and others.

10. It’s hard to look cool in a mask with wind gusts over 100 mph.

9. The county can’t afford five more years of overtime pay.

REASONS WE DON’T NEED A HURRICANE DURING THE COVID CRISIS

8. Our FEMA credit is maxed out worse than Johnny Depp’s career and credit cards.

7. Bars are not open. Need we say more?

6. Hurricane winds would change the 6-foot social distancing rule to the 6-mile rule.

5. Evacuation plans become more difficult when Floridians have been banned from all 49 states and every other country in the world.

4. We are already out of toilet paper. Sh*t gets real when we run out of beer, too.

3. Key West has already boarded up local musicians behind plexiglass. We really don’t feel like doing our windows, too.

2. Two states of emergency at the same time would give our mayors more power than Thanos equipped with the Infinity Gauntlet.

1. We’ve been stuck at home with our kids since March.

If we lose Netflix, no one can be held accountable for their actions.

59

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT Long or short-term rental in Key Colony Beach, 4BR/4BA - 2 story home with pool, on large canal w/ deep dockage. Call 3057 4 3 - 3 3 3 8 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 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 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 .

RENTED!!!

DAYCARE TEACHER

NOW HIRING Marina Attendant Engineers/Grounds Administrative Asst. to Engineering Staff Accountant Front Desk Agents/PBX Housekeeping Supervisor Housekeeping Line Cook –Daytime/Evening Bartender Food Runner/Busser Host/Hostess Servers Outgoing, friendly, open availability, flexible, will train, great benefits.

Apply in person Monday-Friday 9a-5p at: Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada Or send your resume to: Recruitment@holidayisle.com

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.

– KEY WEST

Now Hiring

Gulf View Waterfront Resort in Grassy Key is looking for an Experienced Housekeeper. Competitive pay and Flexible hours starting at $15 per hour.

Must have own transportation and live in or near Marathon.

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

Experienced Housekeeper

Call 305-289-1414

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

DIESEL ENGINE MECHANIC NEEDED FULL TIME – KEY WEST Monroe County School District

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIANS

Upper & Middle Keys.

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

**Top Pay** Short/Long Term Disability Paid Holidays & Vacation Uniforms

Apply in person

31109 Ave A, Ste 7, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

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

Email Resume to: Reception@PingstonElectric.com

Sweet Savannah's is now hiring a full-time and part-time baker assistants.

No experience needed, will train. Competitive pay.

Please apply in person at 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon or send email to: kate@sweetsavannahs.com

Apply in person at Burdines, 1200 Oceanview Ave (off 15th St), Marathon. 305-743-5317

Monroe County School District

NOW HIRING

Sweet treats while you work!

DOCK ATTENDANT/CASHIER LINE COOK HOST/HOSTESS SERVER

SERVICE MANAGER / DIESEL MECHANIC

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!

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

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

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

60

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR Salary: $19.80/hour Location: Lower Keys

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a D.S.O. to perform entry-level, semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. Employee must ensure safe work practices, maintain water flow, and test the water supply. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or GED; supplemented by 1 yr previous experience and/or training as a pipefitter with a public utility, construction comp, or plumbing company. Must have a valid FL CDL “A” license w/in 12 mos of hire date. Must obtain a FDEP Level 3 license w/in 18 mos of hire date.

Salary: $19.80/hr. with excellent benefits.

Location: Middle Keys. Apply online at: http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm EEO, VPE, ADA

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

2 TEMPORARY MARINE PUMPOUT WORKERS KEY WEST  TPGM100 & TPGM101

Monroe County BOCC is looking for people with dynamic personalities who are quick to adapt, are competent multi-taskers, and can communicate effectively for two new temporary positions. Primary function is to assist marine captains with pump-out services for anchored vessels. Qualifications: Florida driver’s license, fluent in English (Spanish fluency helpful), and 1 to 2 years boating experience. Salary: $17.50 per hour. To apply, please contact Monroe County HR at Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV. 305-292-4557. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E

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 LINE COOK SOUS CHEF BAKER APPLY AT:

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY WEST

Case Manager (Forensic) Substance Abuse Counselor

MARATHON

Care Coordinator Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) *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

NOTICE Pursuant to the provision of Chapter 194.035(1) of the Florida Statutes, the Monroe County Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board is now accepting resumes from individuals who are willing and qualified to serve as Special Magistrate for the purpose of taking testimony and making recommendations to the Board.

“A special magistrate appointed to hear issues of exemptions and classifications shall be a member of The Florida Bar with no less than 5 years of experience in the area of ad valorem taxation. A special magistrate appointed to hear issues regarding the valuation of real estate shall be a state certified real estate appraiser with not less than 5 years of experience in real property valuation. A special magistrate appointed to hear issues regarding the valuation of tangible personal property shall be designated member of a nationally recognized appraiser’s organization with not less than 5 years of experience in tangible personal property valuation.”

All applicants must complete the Florida Department of Revenue’s Value Adjustment Board Training to qualify to serve.

Apply by submitting your resume by email to: VABClerk@Monroe-Clerk.com or by mail to: Value Adjustment Board Clerk Monroe County Clerk of Court Kevin Madok, CPA P.O. Box 1980 Key West, FL. 33041-1980 *Deadline for submission is July 31, 2020* Publish: July 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOW HIRING

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

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

61

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

Sharing the Water with Sea Turtles • Watch out for sea turtles on the surface • Avoid trap ropes that may be floating • Stay alert and obey speed limits

If you see a Sea Turtle in Distress: Call our 24 hr Hotline 305-481-7669 or Call FWC 888-404-FWCC or Radio Coast Guard VHF Ch. 16

www.turtlehospital.org

Due to safety issues we're running at 50% capacity and have raised our prices $10 per person.

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

MARATHON LADY DOCKS U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53, Marathon

305.743.5580

Want to Attract more Business?

You can have this spot for only $100!

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

www.MARATHONLADY.net

Call Lesley at 305-395-9895

62

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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

ALL KEYS GLASS

305-743-7800

NEW & REPAIR

Authorized Dealer

305-664-0099

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

www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305

NOW HIRING!

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

PC 606

Appliance and Air Conditioning

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

Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

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

Operating Since 2004

305-998-8953

Sportfishing Adventures

Kitchen Cabinets Sales

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

PROP DOC

KEY WEST,

Including Airports & Ports.

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

(954) 801-7883 Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com CELL:

Marathon, FL 33050

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

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

propdrkw@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

• SINCE 1989 •

305-289-1150

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward

inc.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

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

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

63

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

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

START EARNING 305 3902315

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

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

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices

Excellent References Upon Request

KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

Rachel Sanderson Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

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

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

(Between Office Depot and Main Post Office)

305-289-1631 www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

JARED FRANK

OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

305-743-0844

64

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2020

STAY WELL

At Wahlburgers - we take care of our own. Our greatest concern is always for the health and safety of our guests and of our team. And due to the current challenges in Florida, we are keeping an eye on safety updates and government directives.

We will keep you posted as we move closer to an official opening date. Until then, please stay safe, stay well and we will see you soon for great drinks, great burgers and a great time!

700 FRONT STREET AT THE HISTORIC KEY WEST SEAPORT

KEY WEST

WAHLBURGERS GOES

JOIN OUR TEAM! STOP BY, TAKE A TOUR AND APPLY.