Upper Keys Weekly 20-0820

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

1¢

Welcome back to the kitchen table for class, students!

MOONEY MOVES ON State race a close one | P. 8

GMM A GO

Mosquito board votes | P. 20

SCHOOL IN SESSION

Scenes from the first day back | P. 38

Jim Mooney, Republican state representative candidate, stands next to state Rep. Holly Raschein as primary results come in. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

August is ‘Hearing Health Awareness Month’ Dr. Michelle and Hear 4 U are flying the flag for raising awareness of healthy hearing

1 out of 3 people over age 65 have some degree of hearing loss

The average person with hearing loss waits 7 years before seeking help

15 million Americans with hearing loss are currently avoiding seeking help

MIAMI 17670 NW 78th Avenue #201 TAVERNIER 93911 Overseas Highway, Suite 5

www.hear4uaudiology.com www.heardrmichelle.com

KEY WEST 513 Fleming Street, Suite 11 (2nd floor accessible via elevator)

MARATHON 11399 Overseas Highway Suite 7 The Exchange Building HOMESTEAD Towers Professional Plaza 151 NW 11th St., Ste. W-301

305-247-8227 • 786-627-7858

Millions of Americans have hearing problems, but so few do anything about it Schedule your hearing screening today at 786-627-7858 or heardrmichelle.com

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 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,

Danny and Maura Hughes - Two Friends Patio

BUBBAS 2019 | KEY WEST PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

WINNER OF BEST HAPPY HOUR, BEST BLOODY MARY AND BEST FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS. RUNNER-UP BEST RESTAURANT. NOMINATED FOR BEST BARTENDER, BEST BLOODY MARY, BEST BAR, BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT, BEST FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS AND BEST HAPPY HOUR.

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER | KARAOKE | DAILY LIVE MUSIC

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

RE-ELECTION “PLEASE SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER”

For the past two years I have had the privilege of serving the Village of Islamorada and its residents on Village Council. I led the fight and fought hard to take control of “The Fills” and we won. For twenty years we suffered under the State’s dominance and control of the Fills. And in one short week they acquiesced and gave us management. We now have a five-year renewable lease.

What once was a State blight is becoming a Village managed area of enjoyment. As time goes on, and we fulfill the master plan set for The Fills, it will hopefully become a beautiful addition to our piece of paradise, instead of the overrun, garbage strewn roadway it has been in the past.

When the Pandemic hit, I helped lead the way to establish the roadblock for a month, not just a long weekend. (The Governor received so many phone calls and emails he threatened to order the roadblock opened if he heard from anyone else in the Keys). Weeks later, I helped lead the fight to make masks mandatory, as we began to see substantial increases in COVID-19 cases with the reopening of the Keys.

When the residents of Port Antigua asked for help in freeing their beaches from individuals who trespassed on their property, created life safety situations and caused disturbances making their lives miserable; I worked with the residents to establish a 300 ft swim zone to help protect them and their families.

Every day, I communicate with residents of Islamorada who voice their concerns, share their ideas and experiences. I assure you that if you contact me, I will call or write you back. I value these communications because they aid me in providing effective leadership. Admittedly, you may not always like what I have to say, but I will work with you, tell you the truth and take my time to hear your concerns.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, I WILL TRY TO HELP. Paid for by Ken Davis for Counsil Islamorada.

I AM DEDICATED TO THE VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA’S MISSION STATEMENT: To Protect the Residents' Right to Quiet Enjoyment of Life To Plan for Enhancing Our Village Character To Preserve Our Community; Its People, Natural Resources, and Pride To Provide Basic Services to Support our Quality of Life Now, I humbly ask for your support and vote in my bid for re-election and the honor of serving the Village of Islamorada for two more years.

Thank you, Ken Davis Vice Mayor, Islamorada Village of Islands

4

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

98

Invest 98 is headed our way. “Invest” is a meteorological term (short for investigative area) that is an area of disturbed weather monitored for potential development. Anyhoo, keep your eye on the Atlantic Ocean this weekend. Cheers!

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

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Se habla español

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

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

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

BOCC TIGHTENS, EXTENDS AND MODIFIES CORONAVIRUS SAFETY MEASURES Masks required; restaurants have a later curfew through Labor Day TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

T

he delicate balance between business and health was at the forefront of many discussions at the Board of County Commissioners’ virtual August meeting, and in the end, slight tweaks were made to existing ordinances to maintain that equilibrium. The mask ordinance was clarified, and the restaurant curfew was extended but granted an additional hour of opening.

Bob Eadie, health officer of Monroe County, provided the BOCC with an update on the COVID-19 situation in the county at the start of the meeting.

“Numbers are looking good for us,” said Eadie. “Our positivity rate over the last two weeks is 8.4%, and we’ve just done over 3,400 tests. … We’re looking good here for the county as a whole.”

Eadie said the low infection rate, despite an average of 230 tests a day being conducted in the same period, was encouraging and showed that people were following directives and safety protocols in place, “because the numbers would not reflect that without people doing what they’re doing.”

The health officer reminded the public of the five most important things to keep doing: • Wear a mask.

• Wash your hands.

• Socially distance.

• Be smart in crowds. If you’re uncomfortable, just leave.

• Get the flu shot this year.

“We’ve tested a hell of a lot of people, and we’re doing something right in Monroe County,” Eadie said, “What we’re doing isn’t broken, so let’s not fix it. And if you have suggestions, please don’t throw everything we’ve done away and just open up.” continued on page 10

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

Better is early detection.

At Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute, we know that better is early detection. We also know that if lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the survival rate is five times higher.* In August, we’re offering special pricing on lung screenings.

We’re also taking the proper precautions in all our locations to keep you safe and give you the peace of mind you deserve. So when you need us, we’re ready to continue caring for you.

Because what matters most is your health.

Request a lung screening today at BaptistHealth.net/LungScreening.

Better. For You. *Source: American Lung Association

6

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

For

MONROE COUNTY

• EXPERIENCE • KNOWLEDGE • JUDGMENT

DINE IN, TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

VOTE NOVEMBER 3RD

SUMMER HOURS

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

Paid for and approved by Donald Barrett, Democrat, for State Attorney.

305.294.0230

04/02/2020

Paid by Craig Cates, Republican, for Monroe County Commission District 1

1029 SOUTHARD ST

THANK YOU! THANK YOU TO KEY WEST, MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT. LET’S KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!

ENDORSED BY: KEY WEST FIRE DEPARTMENT LOCAL 1424 SOUTH FLORIDA PBA (KWPD) | TEAMSTER LOCAL 769 Paid by Billy Wardlow District 3.

305.296.2723 BILLYWARDLOW2020@ATT.NET f RE-ELECT BILLY WARDLOW

7

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

- KEYS

TO THE KEY REAL ESTATE (SINCE 1990)

Karen

Bill

THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS !!

THIS WEEK’S ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 20, THURSDAY

MARK DAVIS 2PM CORY YOUNG 5:30PM

AUGUST 21, FRIDAY

THE KILLER DUDES 8PM AUGUST 22, SATURDAY

JERSEY SLIM 7PM

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

Affordable living or a great investment.

REDUCED $238,000 each.

AUGUST 23, SUNDAY

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM

AUGUST 24, MONDAY

SINGER JENN 2PM

BUILD YOUR KEYS GET-A-WAY TODAY. QUICK OCEAN ACCESS FROM YOUR DOCK. Build your Keys get-a-way today. Quick ocean access from your dock. $175,000 ML588862

AUGUST 25, TUESDAY

COUNTRY JAM 7PM

AUGUST 26, WEDNESDAY

DAN SULLIVAN 6:30PM

BOOT KEY HARBOR 2BR/2BA, 1,606 sq ft. New metal roof and appliances.

199 ft of deep water dockage. Quick access to ocean or Gulf. 100 X 100 lot. Panoramic view.

REDUCED $1,280,000 ML589987

(305) 743-2300

ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS • COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

OPEN SUN THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM | FRI-SAT 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

MARATHON LIQUORS

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WA R E H O U S E P R I C E S !

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BACARDI RUM

LA MARCA PROSECCO

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p/bottle 750 ml

REGULAR PRICE $22.00 Coupon must be presented • Expires Aug. 27, 2020

KETEL ONE VODKA

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TITOS VODKA

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SONOMA CUTRER CHARDONNAY p/bottle 1.75L

SMIRNOFF VODKA p/bottle 1.75 ml

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MEIOMI PINOT NOIR

Coupon must be presented • Expires Aug. 27, 2020

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p/bottle 750 ml

p/bottle 1.75 ml

GREAT BOAR’S HEAD SUBS!!

8

ELECTION 2020

2016

31.88% Keys turnout in the primary

2020

44.72% Keys turnout in the primary

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

We’ll put it this way, it’s official as far as the Republican party is concerned.

They’ve done the math a thousand different ways, and it doesn’t have to go to a recount. I’m already flying on Friday to meet with (Chris) Sprowls, the incoming Florida House speaker.

— Jim Mooney

5 VOTES In 2016, Marathon voters voted in favor of a community pool in a non-binding referendum: 866 voted yes, and 861 voted no.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Lt. Omar Blanco (R)

Winner Carlos Gimenez (R)

59.92%

40.8%

Carlos Gimenez (R) will face incumbent Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) in November.

STATE SENATE

Winner Javier E. Fernandez (D)

Dan Horton -Diaz (D)

59.1%

40.9%

In Monroe County, Dan Horton-Diaz received 55% of the vote, while Fernandez received 45% of the vote.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Rhonda Rebman Lopez (R)

Alexandria Suarez (R)

34.28%

30.33% Winner Jim Mooney (R)

I worked on the areas that maybe people didn’t know me as well, and I think that really helped me to get over the hump to get that additional support. I’ll continue to reach out to voters and find out the issues of the different areas and what really drives them that they want to take up with me that I can further at the county level.

— Mike Forster

35.39%

UNOPPOSED

Sheriff Rick Ramsay has only campaigned for office once in 2012; in 2016 and 2020 he was elected unopposed.

Jim Mooney (R) will face Clint Barras (D) in November following a victory over Rhonda Rebman Lopez and Alexandria Suarez.

There will be no recount due to the margin of victory. Provisional and vote-by-mail ballots still need to be counted, but they aren’t expected to shift the outcome with just a few in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties. Overall, Mooney secured 43% of the vote in Monroe County, followed by Rebman Lopez, 30% and Suarez, 25%.

In Miami-Dade County, Rebman Lopez secured 42% of the vote followed by Suarez, 40% and Mooney, 18%.

Key: *incumbent; **Cates was appointed to the Monroe County Commission by the governor to finish former Commissioner Dan Kolhage’s term.

ELECTION 2020

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020 STATE ATTORNEY

MONROE COUNTY COMMISSION

Mark Kohl (R)

Winner Dennis Ward* (R)

Robby Majeska (R)

67.15%

32.85%

District 5

Winner Mike Forster (R)

60.15%

39.85%

Incumbent Dennis Ward (R) will face Donald Barrett (D) in November.

Mike Forster (R) will face Jose Peixoto (NP) in November.

OTHER RACES THAT WILL BE DECIDED IN NOVEMBER:

KEY WEST MAYOR

Monroe County Commission, Dist. 1: Craig Cates (R)** vs. Annalise Mannix (D)

Mark Rossi (NP)

Rick Haskins (NP)

21.07%

19.45% Winner Teri Johnston (NP)

59.47% Teri Johnston (NP) secured a majority of the vote, and there will be no runoff in November.

I'm just relieved I can put my suit on tomorrow and get back to work for the people of Key West. I had a great team behind me and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work.

— Key West Mayor Teri Johnston

KEY WEST CITY COMMISSION*** District III

Winner Billy Wardlow

Monroe County Commission, Dist. 3: Heather Carruthers* (D) vs. Eddie Martinez (R) Monroe County Commission, Dist. 5: Mike Forster (R) vs. Jose Peixoto (NP) Islamorada Seat 1: Frank Lavin vs. Pete Bacheler Islamorada Seat 2: Cheryl Meads vs. Mark Gregg Islamorada Seat 3: Joseph “Buddy” Pinder vs. Jenny Bell-Thompson Islamorada Seat 4: Ken Davis* vs. Henry Rosenthal Islamorada Seat 5: Larry Zettwoch vs. David Webb

District VI

Key Colony Beach: The top three vote getters will win Thomas Harding Kimmeron LIste Patricia Trefry Ron Sutton

Winner Clayton Lopez

67.76%

47.43%

Incumbent Billy Wardlow (NP) secured a majority vote; there will be no November runoff.

Incumbent Clayton Lopez (NP) will face Ryan Barnett (NP) in a November runoff.

Key: *incumbent; **Cates was appointed to the Monroe County Commission by the Governor of Florida to finish former Commissioner Dan Kolhage’s term.

Key West City Commissioner Billy Wardlow is hit by silly string after his re-election.

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston discusses her reelection.

Mike Forster won the Republican primary for County Commission District 5 with 60% of the vote.

9

10

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020 from page 4

BOCC TIGHTENS, EXTENDS AND MODIFIES CORONAVIRUS SAFETY MEASURES With that in mind, the commissioners held public hearings to revisit a few coronavirus-related ordinances.

County Attorney Bob Shillinger renewed discussions on the county’s mask ordinance, proposing clarifying language to aid enforcement efforts.

“If you’re out in public, away from your home, you need a mask. If you’re in a public area of a business, wear a mask,” Shillinger said. In contrast, “if you’re going for a walk down a lonely country road, you don’t need a mask.

But, if you’re within 6 feet of others, wear one.”

Shillinger also clarified language about food and beverage consumption in restaurants. Patrons may remove their mask while consuming food or beverages while seated, but not standing.

“This way, they can’t walk around the bar area with a drink in hand without a mask,” Shillinger said.

Mayor Heather Carruthers agreed, saying, “If you’re sitting, your spray is confined to the table. If you’re standing, your spray can go everywhere.

This makes sense.”

The BOCC hoped the clarification would make the ordinance “crystal clear” for code officers who are tasked with its enforcement. The modification passed unanimously.

The second ordinance reviewed dealt with nightly restaurant closures and alcohol sales ban countywide.

The emergency ordinance in place stemmed from a fear that mini-season might result in mass spreading of coronavirus. That ordinance, which was set to sunset at 11 p.m. on the BOCC meeting day, mandated that restaurants close nightly from 11 p.m to 5 a.m. and alcohol package sales be prohibited from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

At the meeting, the commissioners voted in a 3-to-2 split to modify and extend the ordinance through Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2020 with a new nightly restaurant closure time of midnight.

The closure means patrons of restaurants need to be paid and out of the restaurant by midnight. Alcohol package sales will now be prohibited from midnight to 7 a.m.

Carruthers and Commissioner Sylvia Murphy strongly supported extending the ordinance as is through Labor Day.

Carruthers noted that the health department had warned that restaurants and bars had become clusters of infection when staff relaxed after closing, the exact situation the ordinance was trying to prevent.

“Restaurants were becoming de facto bars. People get friendlier than when they’re sober,” she said. “Our health officials said we had a spike ‘cause we took our foot off the gas too soon. … I think it’s premature to do this.”

The mayor also shared her discussions with the mayors of municipalities, who all preferred to keep the ordinance in place.

Commissioners Craig Cates and Michelle Coldiron voted against, instead advocating for a sunset of the ordinance. Both made a case for normal hours of operation for restaurants, citing the need for businesses to make back critical lost income.

“We need to make sure we balance the needs of our business community with our health,” Coldiron said. “If restaurants can just go to normal hours, it allows them to get an extra boost of money to help them pay bills right now.”

Commissioner David Rice proposed the motion that eventually passed, extending the ordinance with a modification allowing for restaurants to remain open an extra hour.

He said, “This is the time of year when tourism is pretty slim anyhow. I have been hearing from the staff of restaurants pleading for the extra hour at night to help them get through. And, in light of our low infection rate, I could have flex in that area.”

Rice added, “I think we’re trying to reach a balance and I think we’ve done a pretty good job at it.”

Bars are still currently closed per the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Emergency Order but are included in the local ordinance should things change at the state level.

The closures and alcohol sales will be in effect throughout the county and municipalities unless a municipality enacts different rules.

“We need to make Any person found in violation may be punsure we balance the ished by up to 60 days in the county jail and/or needs of our business a fine of up to $500. Violators also are subject to community with our administrative fines of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for a repeat offense. Each day health, if restaurants a violation of this ordinance occurs is considcan just go to normal ered a separate offense. hours, it allows them

to get an extra boost of money to help them pay bills right now.”

— Commissioner Michelle Coldiron

ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

11

101 GULFVIEW DRIVE 205

SOLD BY:

KEITH ALLEN

Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated

305-481-5544 realkeys@bellsouth.net

An architectural drawing of the new Upper Keys Center of the College of the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED

COLLEGE UPDATE, TEMPORARY EVENT PERMITS ON COUNCIL AGENDA

www.TheRealKeys.com

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

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

n update on the College of the Florida Keys’ facility in the Upper Keys and discussion about temporary use permits for special events are among the notable topics for Islamorada Village Council’s virtual meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Work is already underway at the site of the new college in Key Largo, at the old Shell World property at MM 106.4, bayside.

Construction of a new building will replace classroom space currently used at Coral Shores High School for CFK’s educational programs.

The college plans to expand five programs in the Upper Keys: nursing, emergency medical technician, marine environmental technology, public safety (law enforcement and corrections academies), and apprenticeships. In addition, the college plans to develop new programs there, including marine resource management, paramedic, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, and construction technologies.

The college’s Upper Keys Center was put into motion thanks to a $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, several million from local sources and the generosity of the Waterman family, who agreed to sell the old Shell World property. The college also has received support from the board of county commissioners and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Councilwoman Deb Gillis will bring forth discussion as it relates to temporary use permits for special events through the rest of the year. While many events have

been called off due to coronavirus, not all have formally canceled. Gillis said she wants to discuss and set parameters so event organizers aren’t spending time and money to see their festival or party canceled two weeks before it begins.

“The fact that the big events are canceling, like Fantasy Fest, I just think as a city we need to look at the events coming up and try to help make educated decisions,” she said. “There’s just so many variables right now. We’re just going to have to take action, and we have to do it on the side of safety and health of our residents.”

Eight resolutions are on the docket for council members to consider. One seeks approval of a request for proposal recommendation for water quality and benthic vegetation monitoring in village canals. Another seeks council’s approval to request to adopt the final rate of assessment for solid waste services for fiscal year 2020-21.

On July 16, the village council adopted a resolution establishing a preliminary rate of assessment for fiscal year 2020-2021 equal to $455.65 and a maximum rate of $487.07 for future years for each dwelling unit for solid waste collection and disposal services. The final rate of assessment hearing scheduled for Aug. 20 was not property advertised by July 29 in a newspaper generally circulated in Monroe County. Therefore, the hearing must be rescheduled to Sept. 10, and the hearing will be property advertised in time for that date.

Ginger represented the Buyers of: 527 Avenida Primiceria, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Ginger Henderson | 305.731.5751 | ginger@keysrealestate.com

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

Ginger & Alicia represented the Sellers of: 527 Avenida Primiceria, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Alicia Lund 305.431.0577 alicia@keysrealestate.com

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Ginger Henderson 305.731.5751 ginger@keysrealestate.com

12

ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

MONROE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN EARN UP TO $90 IN AMAZON GIFT CARDS PARTICIPATING IN ONLINE EVIDENCE BASED ALCOHOL AND DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAMS REQUIRES PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT

ALCOHOL EDU KNOW YOUR INFLUENCES. The media and other external influences play a large role in shaping our perceptions.

Through a thoughtful analysis, students learn to recognize and challenge these influences.

DURATION: 2.5 HOURS | PARENT SIGN UP CONTACT: TAMMY HANSEN | TAMMY.HANSEN@WESTCARE.COM

ALCOHOL WISE Decision-making about choosing not to drink.

Develop strategies for standing up to peer pressure to drink and challenge peer drinking perceptions.

DURATION: 1 HOUR | PARENT SIGN UP CONTACT: TAMMY HANSEN | TAMMY.HANSEN@WESTCARE.COM

NICOTINE 101 Addresses the use of nicotine in its many forms.

Including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and hookah, but places an extra emphasis on vaping.

DURATION: 1 HOUR | PARENT SIGN UP CONTACT: TAMMY HANSEN | TAMMY.HANSEN@WESTCARE.COM

PRESCRIPTION DRUG SAFETY SCIENCE OF ADDICTION. Effective prevention education begins with the facts. Knowing how addiction affects the brain and body can be important for recovery, but more importantly, it can be information that helps students avoid addiction altogether.

DURATION: 30-45 MINUTES | PARENT SIGN UP CONTACT: TAMMY HANSEN | TAMMY.HANSEN@WESTCARE.COM

MARIJUANA WISE REDUCE HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOR. Recognize negative health effects of use on respiratory system and brain function and development. Effects marijuana can have on a user’s life both short and long term.

DURATION: 1 HOUR | PARENT SIGN UP CONTACT: TAMMY HANSEN | TAMMY.HANSEN@WESTCARE.COM

ALL STARS PREVENTION Facts and information regarding the effect of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on the brain and body.

Recognize and identify natural rewards that stimulate the brain reward system. Recognize that consequences of drug use are just as likely to happen to them as they are to someone else. Identify ways to decline and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

DURATION: 2.5 HOURS | PARENT SIGN UP CONTACT: KATIE RASKOB | KRASKOB@FKCS.ORG

FOR MORE INFORMATION PARENTS MAY CONTACT SUSAN MOORE AT 305-849-5929

SIGN UP NOW FOR AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER! LIMITED TO 150 STUDENTS SPONSORED BY MONROE COUNTY COALITION, INC., THRIVING MIND SOUTH FLORIDA, AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND SAMHSA. IN COLLABORATION WITH GUIDANCE CARE CENTER AND FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN'S SHELTER

Anne’s Beach in Islamorada is among the parks and beaches closed through Labor Day. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ISLAMORADA PARKS, BEACHES CLOSED THROUGH LABOR DAY Founders Park remains open to village residents

T

o continue local governmental efforts to reduce the community spread of COVID-19, Islamorada public parks, public beaches, public boat ramps will remain closed through Labor Day. Facilities will reopen to the public on Sept. 8, 2020 at 50% capacity.

The closure includes Anne's Beach, Library Beach Park and the entire area known as the Fills, from MM 77.5 to 79.8. All parking areas are closed to the public. No vehicles, picnicking, tents, chairs or other items are allowed in any park or the Fills area.

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

The closures do not affect private marinas and private boat ramps.

Visitors are encouraged to support the local economy by using private facilities.

Founders Park is 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 Founder 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 is 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

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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KEYS SCENES

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020 Sometimes, all you need is a sunset and a solo-paddle.

BOSUN’S WORLD/Contributed

A stunning sunset over a local swimming hole. TRACY ESTRADA/ Contributed There's nothing like the sunset in the Keys. “I always love getting pics that I can feel, just by looking back at them.

They help me make it through until our next visit,” said Jenny Miller of Titusville, Florida. JENNY MILLER/Contributed

FLORIDA KEYS IN FOCUS Next theme: Under the sea TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

P

oint. Shoot. Share. The Keys Weekly wants your best shots of our-photogenic Florida Keys, where there’s never a shortage of beautiful — and bizarre — spectacles.

We’re constantly impressed with the images our readers capture, so we’re sending you out on assignment with a monthly photo theme.

We’ll feature our favorites in the newspaper and on our social media channels.

The next photo theme is: UNDER THE SEA. Send us your best shots for a chance to be featured.

Email photos, captions and the photographer’s first and last name to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

Rules, schmules: All photos must be original work and must feature something in the Keys related to that month’s theme.

Photos can be images that have been published before.

No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.

Any person agrees, by submitting photos, that photos submitted can be used by the Keys Weekly for advertising, future editorial, print in the newspapers or online or on social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and any other social media platforms as may come about.

It’s easy to see why the sunset ceremony at Mallory Square is famous around the world. JULIE HARBIN/Contributed

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

OBITUARY

Victor D. Porter

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he children of Victor Daniel Porter are saddened to share the news of the loss of their loving and caring father.

He celebrated his 89th birthday on July 3, 2020. He passed away quietly at home on July 27, 2020, in the Florida Keys.

His family is proud to say he remained vital, clear minded and humorous up until his passing. He rode his tricycle many times a day around his Keys neighborhood and spent every Wednesday morning delivering newspapers and smiles to his neighbors in Safety Harbor. His rewards included fresh baked cookies, hugs, and nicknames like “bicycle man.”

Victor D. Porter was known as a skilled, traditional sign painter, both in Florida and Ohio. He practiced his art that he learned at the age of 16 at East Tech High School, Cleveland, Ohio, with dedication and conviction. From billboards to boats, real estate to racecars, he lettered them all, helping countless businesses become successful throughout his life-long career.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, receiving an honorable discharge on July 24, 1952. He is preceded in death by his loving wife and soul mate, Rhea J. Porter (Dec. 25, 2005), his younger brother, Daniel Lee Porter, (Jan. 26, 1996), and his eldest daughter, Christine Lee Quickel (April 14, 2007).

He is survived by his remaining children, Debra L. Porter of Maine, Victor B. Porter of Florida, Owen S. Porter (and wife Carol Porter) of Ohio, and Gwen D. Molnar (and husband John Molnar) of Florida.

He was proud and bragged often about his many grandchildren: Eileen (Cerestes) and Justin Quickel (of Ohio), Zachary and Joshua Porter (of Ohio), Jaime and Jason Parent (of Maine), Hannah and Charles Porter (of Florida), Jonnica Stalvey (husband Rob), Danialle Healey (husband Michael), and Cortney Blankenship (husband Julius) of Florida.

He especially enjoyed teasing and making his greatgrandchildren laugh: Victoria Leslie (of Virginia), Coleman, Carley, Carson and Corbin Quickel (of Ohio), Coral and Johnny Stalvey (of Florida), and Brenna Lynn Becker (of Maine).

His family will celebrate the life of Victor D. Porter every day in their hearts and minds and hope that all of those who knew him will do the same.

He had a lot to be proud of and led a life well lived! May we all do the same.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Biscayne Bay a warning for Florida Bay

T

hings are looking pretty grim on Biscayne Bay. Images of dead fish floating in what should be lush and biodiverse habitat harken back to a time just a few short years ago when extreme drought triggered seagrass die-offs, harmful algal blooms, and fish kills on Florida Bay. The sources and solutions differ slightly, but both estuaries are a part of the Greater Everglades, which are ultimately impacted by water quality, quantity, timing, and distribution. The current devastation on Biscayne Bay is a cautionary tale for all who call Florida Bay home, and a reminder of how quickly things can turn for the worst.

There have been signs of steep decline on Biscayne Bay for years. The same could be said of Florida Bay leading up to 2015. The lack of political will and inaction on behalf of Florida Bay prevented the solution to hypersalinity in the dry season, implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, to take hold. What could have been 15 years of progress instead catalyzed the die-off of more than 40,000 acres of seagrass on Florida Bay. The multibillion dollar fishery that supports our tourism and water-based economy in the Florida Keys was severely compromised in the midst of “restoration.”

The tide has turned since then. Residents of Monroe County spoke up and engaged with managers and elected officials to advocate for a healthy and thriving Florida Bay. Unrest over the many issues facing Florida’s waterways grew across the state and our representatives listened.

Legislation was passed expediting the lagging restoration projects and full funding allocations have been the rule rather than the exception since the activation of Keys residents and Floridians across the state for the future of our waters.

The past few dry seasons have been kind to Florida Bay. With a seemingly healthy estuary in our backyard, it can be easy to assume that all is well in the world of fixing America’s Everglades. Yet, the threat of collapse on Florida Bay is imminent. The stakeholders and special interests that benefit from not sending water south (the same ones who worked to delay Everglades restoration) still exist and would love nothing more than for our citizenry to stop talking about Florida Bay. Pay attention to Florida Bay. Stay informed. Hold managers and elected officials accountable. Vote. Otherwise, the future of Florida Bay will mirror the grim situation a few short miles away on Biscayne Bay. That is a risk no Monroe County resident should be willing to take.

Emma Haydocy Executive director Florida Bay Forever

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

LAWSUIT OVER CHILD’S ARREST DRAWS CRITICISM, QUESTIONS MOTHER SUES POLICE AND SCHOOLS

I

n a lawsuit that’s drawn national attention and statements to the media, celebrity attorney Ben Crump questions the actions of Key West police, teachers and principals in the 2018 arrest of an 8-year-old boy who reportedly punched and threatened a teacher while at school in December 2018.

“This is a heartbreaking example of how our educational and policing systems train children to be criminals by treating them like criminals — if convicted, the child in this case would have been a convicted felon at eight years old,” Crump said in a prepared statement. “This little boy was failed by everyone who played a part in this horrific incident.”

Crump’s co-counsel, attorney Devon Jacob, said, “As a former police officer, I am appalled by the conduct of these officers.

Their actions and treatment of this young boy, aside from being inappropriate, deviate from widely accepted police procedures regarding the treatment of minors and disabled persons.”

Crump filed suit on Aug. 11 against the city of Key West police department, the Monroe County School District and individual officers, teachers and administrators. Crump represents the child’s mother, Bianca Di Gennaro. The attorney did not answer questions that Keys Weekly submitted to his law firm.

The lawsuit does not mention what the Keys Weekly has confirmed through multiple sources — that the boy’s father, Major, had asked for his son to be arrested to teach him a lesson following previous violent outbursts at both Gerald Adams Elementary and a different school he had previously attended.

The lawsuit — and the police report — both state that the boy’s father, Herschell Major, was contacted by the school and was present during the boy’s arrest, in keeping with school district policies. The lawsuit also acknowledges that the police action was taken to teach the boy a lesson.

“...in an attempt to teach (the boy) a lesson, despite knowing that (he) was not ‘going to jail’ (in the common understanding of that statement), (police officers) Waite, Sims, and Malgrat, intentionally led (the child) to believe that he was going to jail,” the lawsuit states.

Keys Weekly submitted a public records request to the school district seeking confirmation that the father had requested that police intervene for the child’s arrest, but was told by school district officials, “All documents in the district’s possession that would be responsive to this request are exempt from public disclosure” under a provision of open records law that exempts some records while a legal case is ongoing.

The Keys Weekly also requested of the school district a “record of disciplinary actions taken against the child either at Gerald Adams or any other district school, with the understanding that the child’s name will be redacted.”

The school district is not legally allowed to provide such information. School officials replied, “The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)...prohibits the disclosure of these records unless the identity of the student would not be discernible….”

The boy’s grandmother, Margitta Di Gennaro confirmed the child’s prior behavior problems. “He did have earlier behavioral problems, but that was before he was medically and psychologically evaluated and put on medication,” she said.

Lawsuit seeks payment, admission and apology The federal lawsuit states that the boy has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder and Adjustment Disorder. It claims the police and school district traumatized the boy and violated his civil rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act when they tried to handcuff him with cuffs that were too big for his

wrists, then placed him in a police car and showed him the inside of a jail cell.

“As a direct result of the Defendants’ conduct, (the boy) suffered a psychological injury that manifested itself physically, i.e., loss of breath, hives, stomach aches, headaches, insomnia, nightmares, and refusal to sleep alone,” states the lawsuit, which also claims the psychological injuries could be permanent.

The lawsuit seeks: a declaratory judgment stating the defendants’ conduct violated the child’s constitutional rights. It also seeks “compensatory damages: Including, but not limited to, the monetary value associated with the following: violations of legal rights, emotional distress, emotional injury, loss of liberty, embarrassment, and loss of reputation; punitive damages as permitted by law; attorney’s fees and costs... and other financial or equitable relief that the court deems reasonable and just.”

Finally, the lawsuit seeks “an in-person oral apology,” and “a written admission and apology on the school district’s and city’s official letterhead.”

Court of public opinion Police and school district officials are prohibited by their respective attorneys from commenting on pending litigation, and Crump has instructed his client, Di Gennaro, to stop speaking about the case, her mother told Keys Weekly on Saturday, Aug. 15.

“Crump likes to say ... that he argues cases twice: first and relentlessly ‘in the court of public opinion,’ then in civil court, where jury selection is paramount,” the Washington Post reported in a June 19 profile of attorney Crump.

KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

Crump has represented the families of Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery, who were the victims of racially motivated murders, and the family of George Floyd, the black man murdered on May 25 by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

“Crump has won more than 200 policeviolence cases, his firm earning a third of each settlement,” states the Washington Post article.

Local public opinion Social media users worldwide — and in the Florida Keys — have had plenty to say about the Key West lawsuit, the incident and the people involved. Hundreds of users have written in support of the boy and his mother and have joined Crump in criticizing the actions taken by police and educators against the special-needs student, based on a police video that shows the arrest.

The video Crump has circulated from a police officer’s body camera shows an officer attempting to handcuff the boy with cuffs too large for his wrists.

In the video, Key West police are seen and heard speaking to the boy, saying, “You understand this is very serious, OK? And, I hate that you put me in this position that I have to do this. OK? All right? The thing about it is, you made a mistake; now it is time to learn from it and grow from it. Right?

Not repeat the same mistake again. Ok? All right.”

As the online conversation about the case continued, comments in support of the local school district and law enforcement surfaced on Florida Keys-based social media pages, along with questions about the mother’s motivation in filing the lawsuit.

Additional details emerge “I also heard that Herschell (the boy’s father) asked for the child to be arrested, but if he did make a request like that, why are the police taking orders from a father when the school should be handling the situation?

It doesn’t help to scare a child like that,” said Margitta Di Gennaro, the boy’s grandmother and plaintiff Bianca Di Gennaro’s mother.

“My husband and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the police and sheriff’s office, but this unfortunate incident was mishandled by the school and should never have escalated to the arrest of a child.”

Plaintiff Bianca Di Gennaro’s father is former Monroe County Commissioner Mario Di Gennaro, who served from 2005 to 2010 and echoed his wife’s support for the police and sheriff’s office.

“We do not want this to come off as being part of the anti-police movement. I’m the most pro-police guy there is, and have nothing but respect for our law enforcement officers,” Mario Di Gennaro said.

A police video shows the 2018 arrest of an 8-year-old child who reportedly punched a teacher at school.

He and his wife also dismissed online claims that their daughter filed the lawsuit solely in pursuit of a financial settlement from the city’s police department, the Monroe County School District and individual officers and educators. “She simply wanted to be sure her son didn’t have a criminal record at age 8 and she doesn’t want this to happen to any other child,” Mario Di Gennaro said.

The Monroe County State Attorney’s office ultimately dismissed the case and the boy wasn’t charged.

Special needs prompt behavior issues ”He’s a child who can’t sit still and doesn’t like to be touched, much like many autistic children. The teachers should have known that,” Margitta Di Gennaro said.

The boy’s grandmother emphasized that from what she has heard, the child did not use his “hands, fists and feet” to combat a teacher, as the police report states.

“Having had problems in school from early on, Bianca realized there was something wrong with her son and had repeatedly asked the school to have him tested,” Margitta Di Gennaro said. “It took until third grade to finally have him evaluated, and even longer to be put on medication.”

Since the incident...

Margitta Di Gennaro has counseled her daughter to stop reading social media posts.

While many of them support the lawsuit, defend the child’s rights and criticize the police and school officials’ actions, local Facebook users have criticized his mother personally.

“I told her, ‘What did you expect, Bianca, when you did this? And this is only the beginning.’ I told her, ‘Stay away from Facebook,’” Margitta Di Gennaro said. “This child has been through plenty in his life, and didn’t need to be scared by the police. This was an unfortunate situation that was mishandled by the school.”

Margitta Di Gennaro said her daughter removed her son from Gerald Adams immediately following the incident. He went to live with his other grandparents to attend school in Fort Lauderdale.

“But he wanted to come back home, so she’s home-schooling him now and he’s on medication,” Margitta Di Gennaro said.

“Bianca is different from the other mothers. She looks different, dresses differently, speaks differently and isn’t a favorite among the teachers and staff at school,” her mother said. “But a child shouldn’t be punished for the actions of his parents.”

“Her father and I haven’t approved of all her choices, but she’s now a bail bondsman and will hopefully have a different life,” her mother said.

The boy’s father, Herschell Major, has worked as a power lineman at Keys Energy Services for the past 15 years. He is no longer in a romantic relationship with Di Gennaro and has not been named as a plaintiff or defendant in the lawsuit. Major could not be reached for comment. Phone calls to Major were not returned and an email was unanswered.

Court records document a series of legal disputes between Di Gennaro and Major, but those were litigated in family court, so the documents are sealed.

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ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

GMM IS A GO Mosquito board votes in favor of Oxitec trial

SARA MATTHIS sara@keysweekly.com

O

n Aug. 18, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board voted 4-1 in favor of a genetically modified mosquito trial for the Florida Keys.

A geographic location has yet to be identified, and the trial will begin after Jan. 1, 2021.

“We heard all the hypotheticals of what a male GMM flying around you may do, but we know exactly what an infected wild female Aedes aegypti mosquito will do,” said Phil Goodman, chair of the FKMCD board. “Unfortunately, the need for new technology is now even more evident with the current dengue fever outbreak in the Upper Keys. There are other regions of the Keys with even higher risks so we should not waste more time. We now have the regulatory approvals for safety and we finally have the chance to determine if it works locally. If it does, this may be a real game changer for mosquito control in the Keys and the world.”

Oxitec CEO Grey Frandsen said, “Our team is ready to get to work. We couldn’t think of a better partner than the FKMCD, and we’re looking forward to working with the Keys community to demonstrate the effectiveness.”

FKMCD board member Dr. Stanley Zuba compared the tactics of those opposed to the plan to anti-vaxxers.

“The techniques used by the opposition to this (trial) are extraordinarily similar to the techniques used by the anti-vaccine movement such as misinformation on side effects, misinformation on vaccine ingredients, deaths or disability due to vaccines, and conspiracy theories relating to big corporations and big pharma,” Zuba said. “I took a vow over 30 years ago when I became a doctor and that was, in part, to do no harm. … If I had one iota of doubt about the safety of this study I would vote ‘no’ in an instant. However, I do not.”

Board member Brandon Pinder cast the only dissenting vote. He said if the reason for delaying the vote last month was due to increasing COVID-19 cases, then the board should continue to delay. Zuba countered, stating that the rate of new positive cases is “substantially down.”

More than 30 speakers signed up for the Zoom meeting. Five spoke in favor, including veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader.

“I am fully behind Oxitec. I see mosquitoborne disease every day — that’s what causes heartworm in dogs, cats and ferrets,” Mader said, adding that he recently diagnosed a horse infected with West Nile, also a mosquito-borne disease, that must be put down. “It’s one thing to talk or hear about it, and another

to see an animal die from a preventable disease.”

Many speakers reiterated the anti-GMM slogan: “I do not consent.” And toward the end of the meeting, at least one citizen refused to mute his microphone during the board discussion and spoke over the elected members: “We will not be muted.”

Isabel Sam, who described herself as a mainland nanotechnology scientist, asked the board to delay the vote and trial and ask Oxitec to hand over the science to a thirdparty audit team. “We have nothing to lose by studying this technology for five years,” she said. Her plea was reiterated by Kristi Carter of Tavernier. “Let’s give it to a third party.

Also, I am okay with another referendum.”

In 2016, voters responded to two genetically modified mosquito questions. The first was directed at voters in the Key Haven neighborhood, who rejected the area as a trial site for Oxitec’s first generation technology. The second question, directed to the rest of the Keys, was approved by 58% of voters, signaling a willingness to use the technology in their own backyards.

“This is what I am asking: let’s put this back on the ballot for 2020,” said Katie Abate.

“Please let it go to referendum,” said Upper Keys resident Elizabeth Jolin. “Let the community accept the burden of this decision.”

“This technology is a better alternative than insecticide. … What do we have to lose?” asked Keys resident Ashley Johnson. Board member Jill Cranney-Gage echoed the sentiment when addressing the meeting participants. “You don’t like pesticides, and we’re running out of options.”

No board member spoke in favor of having another referendum on the genetically modified mosquito.

Speaker Eric Anderson noted that the board was created to make these types of decisions. “I don’t want the general public to make these decisions on my behalf, because some of them would vote out of fear,” he said. “I have listened to the arguments on both sides and heard lots of ‘Jurassic Park’ and conspiracy theories and fear tactics. I am for real science and the release of the genetically modified mosquito.”

“This is our job and our job alone. It is clear that we need new technology. Unfortunately the proof that our current control method is not adequate is the fact that 47 Keys residents have been infected with dengue,” Goodman said.

The trial will be conducted at no cost to the taxpayers of Monroe County; it will be paid for by Oxitec. The CDC has agreed to monitor the trial and evaluate the results.

DENGUE OUTBREAK CONTINUES

A Florida Keys Mosquito Control District helicopter takes flight to spray areas in the Upper Keys seeing an outbreak in dengue. CONTRIBUTED

F

ive additional cases of dengue were confirmed to the Florida Health Department in Monroe County in the past week, bringing the total number of people infected to 47 since it officially broke out in mid-June. The infections were locally acquired, and the five individuals are expected to make a recovery, health officials say.

The Department of Health and FKMCD are addressing the outbreak in various ways.

When persons of interest — or suspected cases — of dengue fever are identified, FKMCD is notified and appropriate mosquito control efforts are conducted immediately.

FKMCD inspectors go door-todoor to treat every residence and business in a three-block radius from the suspected case location and/or other outdoor areas visited. Any adult and/or larval mosquitoes found are treated on the spot. Truck and/or aerial adulticide and larvicide treatments were conducted throughout the areas of concern to reduce the mosquito population. Hand foggers were also used in certain areas. Mosquito traps are placed in the area to monitor the Aedes aegypti population.

Collected mosquitoes are tested for mosquito-borne diseases.

FKMCD is seeing fewer Aedes aegypti mosquitoes being trapped.

This decrease, along with actions taken by FKMCD and the community, is indicative of the decreased number of acute cases being identified over time by DOH. DOH set up a call line for residents to call who have questions or are exhibiting symptoms of dengue fever. They are asked to call 305-2937500, option 3.

More information is at floridahealth.gov/dengue or keysmosquito. org.

— Contributed

OPINION

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

MOSQUITO CHAIRMAN EXPLAINS GMM POSITION

O

n Aug. 18, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a trial using Oxitec’s second generation genetically modified mosquitoes (GMM). If successful, this technology may help control mosquito-borne diseases here in the future. GMM is one of three sterile insect techniques of interest to FKMCD and this one offers several potentially large advantages. The decision to try GMM was more than 10 years in the making and has received the needed regulatory approvals for safety from the EPA, CDC, FDA, Florida Department of Agriculture, Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife and other state regulatory agencies. No matter what credentials one holds, it is hard to effectively second-guess this large collective force of our nation’s, and the world’s, leading doctors, scientists and researchers. In addition, a non-binding referendum held in Monroe County in 2016 resulted in 58% of the voters agreeing to try GMM. This margin is greater than that obtained by most winning political candidates. The trial will begin in 2021 and the location of the trial will be announced soon, followed by extensive public education on GMM directed to those areas. The specifics of the trial have been approved by the regulatory authorities and the CDC will assist in overseeing the trial and evaluating the results.

This trial is necessary because South Florida is the undisputed hot spot in the United States for mosquito borne diseases primarily carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These include yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika. The numbers of these mosquitoes and the threat of disease continue to grow in many areas of the

Keys. In addition, the Aedes aegypti mosquito has become resistant to the better pesticides used to control them while our arsenal of chemicals is being diminished by regulations.

Most mosquito-borne viruses have neither therapeutic treatments nor vaccines, so the only way to control these viruses is to control the mosquito. That is the responsibility of mosquito control and we must find a solution. All the experts agree we need new technologies to combat this real threat to our community, and what can be better than using mosquitoes to kill mosquitoes. For years, FKMCD has been working proactively to fill this worldwide technology gap in mosquito control to avoid a local epidemic. We are now ready to take the first step forward.

However, not everyone is in favor of the trial. Those opposing the project had ample opportunity to state their concerns in writing to the federal, state and local authorities and some met with those agencies in person. Each objection was studied in detail and answered at the federal level.

Without exception, every objection was determined to have no or negligible potential impact on people, wildlife, or the environment in the Keys. This information is public record.

The FKMCD is one of the highest rated in the country and the board takes its public health responsibilities seriously; we live here too! We welcome honest and sciencebased discussions to find the best solutions. However, much of the opposition focused on twisted facts, “what if” assumptions and “Jurassic Park” fear-mongering. Those opposed had their say, but theirs was not the final say. We listened to their opinions and then received hundreds of second opinions when you consider the combined numbers in these approving regulatory agencies. We heard all the hypotheticals of what a male GMM flying around you may do, but we know exactly what an infected wild female Aedes aegypti mosquito will do. Unfortunately, the need for new technology is now even more evident with the current dengue fever outbreak in the Upper Keys. There are other regions of the Keys with even higher risks so we should not waste more time.

We now have the regulatory approvals for safety and we finally have the chance to determine if it works locally. If it does, this may be a real game changer for mosquito control in the Keys and the world. Please stay tuned.

Phil Goodman Commissioner, District II, and board chair Florida Keys Mosquito Control District

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

RISE & SHINE

WITH THE CREW AT CASTAWAY

B R E A K F A S T S E R V E D D A I LY U N T I L 2 P M • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots • Unique & Interesting Menu

MON - FRI 9AM TO CLOSE • SAT - SUN 8AM TO CLOSE HAPPY HOUR DAILY 2-6

• 35¢ Wings • Fried Chicken Livers!

• Pork Belly Sliders (available at breakfast, too!)

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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GIVING

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

RE-ELECT

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Thanks to all the voters we are one step closer to continuing the programs that keep our Florida Keys safe and protect our natural resources.

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1. Krystal Thomas launched the Bahama Village Little Pantry at the start of the pandemic as a give-and-take neighborhood gesture to help end local hunger. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 2. Volunteer Jim Hale adjusts the doors he built for the pantry shelves. 3. Stephanie Kaple and Leah Stockton installed a miniature book exchange at the Bahama Village Little Pantry. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

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very once in a while, something simply good happens.

The Little Free Pantry Project is one such endeavor that started in an Arkansas neighborhood in 2016, quickly became a global movement and found its way to Key West’s Bahama Village neighborhood in late March.

The give-and-take concept is simple; the impacts, immeasurable.

Generous neighbors place a simple bookshelf, or “pantry,” in a front yard or vacant lot, then keep it neatly stocked with canned goods and other non-perishable food items. People in need stop by and take what they can use, no questions asked.

As the coronavirus pandemic closed Key West businesses, quarantined households and cut paychecks, Krystal Thomas, who lived on Geraldine Street at the time, asked her fiance to construct a wooden bookshelf.

She stocked it with canned goods and placed the shelf near the corner of Geraldine and Fort streets, under a bright yellow mural.

“It was only out there for one day, and all the shelves were emptied, but by a variety of people,” Thomas said.

“No one took everything for themselves.”

Local mail carrier Kevin Paul Taylor, whose route includes much of Bahama Village, created a Facebook page for the Bahama Village Little Pantry and assembled a team of volunteers, including Thomas, Jim Hale, Christopher Crewe and Karin Doris, to keep the pantry stocked and the area clean.

Hale built a second pantry when one neighbor who opposes the project discarded the first bookshelf and all its contents in a Dumpster down the street. When the volunteers spoke with her, she said chickens were rummag-

ing around the canned goods and posing a health problem.

“We believe it’s more of a NIMBY situation, with this one person not wanting certain people coming into the area to avail themselves of help,” Hale said. “But after we retrieved the first shelf from the trash and restocked it, I added wire doors to the front of both pantry shelves to keep any chickens out. And at least one volunteer stops by daily to check on things and restock.

“People have been amazing — the ones who give and the ones who need — they’re all so appreciative,” Hale said. “One guy named Tommy came by while I was putting the doors on the other day and he started apologizing for being there, promising me that he only takes what he needs.

“I told him to help himself and he told me this pantry has practically saved his life, as he’s been homeless since an accident kept him from working,” Hale said. “And then one day a kid came by and just took a package of macaroni and cheese.”

Since the Facebook page launched, Taylor and Thomas have received financial donations from people who love Key West. Others have sent food donations via Amazon.

Leah Stockton of United Way and Stephanie Kaple of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless recently added a smaller wooden box as a miniature book exchange for the neighborhood.

“This week someone left three brand new backpacks filled with school supplies before the first day of school,” Taylor said.

“The anonymity of the pantry is a big thing, and it’s open all the time,” Thomas added. “This is all about meeting that micro-need in your neighborhood and it’s such an easy way for people to do something good and bring a neighborhood together.”

25

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

VILLAGE APPROVES SWIM ZONE OFF WHITE MARLIN BEACH

Action looks to address party boat traffic, activity nearshore JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

vessel exclusion zone/swim area off a popular beach in Lower Matecumbe received Islamorada Village Council’s approval during a special virtual call meeting on Aug. 12. The 5-0 vote came following two hours of comment from the public, mainly those living in the Port Antigua community, for and against the proposal.

Enacting a boating-restricted area off the beach looks to address ongoing issues associated with party boats anchoring in shallow water near Port Antigua and White Marlin Beach where homes and private properties sit. Discussions date back to 2014 when a town hall was held to gather input from residents on the issue. Council considered an ordinance of a no-motor zone/swim area, but didn’t move forward due to opposition it received.

Fast forward to the village council’s Feb. 13 meeting when complaints were heard and a video played of the trespassing and tense moments between boaters and property owners. Council subsequently gave village staff direction to engage in discussions with the Port Antigua and White Marlin Beach communities over a proposed swim area as boating traffic and activity continued to escalate out on the water. That led to the proposed ordinance coming back to council, which gave unanimous support in June.

The proposal was the sole item during the Aug. 12 meeting after the public wasn’t able to get on the July 16 virtual meeting due to capacity limits.

The approved ordinance isn’t proposed to regulate any of the upland beach area along any portions of the swim area, according to Village Attorney Roget Bryan.

“It’s purely regulating the navigable waters, waterward from the mean high water line,” he said.

Resident David Stine, who expressed support for the swim zone, said the situation behind his house at Port Antigua Beach is out of control. He said it’s gotten to a point where his family can’t enjoy their house.

The proposed swim zone off White Marlin Beach that was approved by Islamorada Village Council during the Aug. 12 special virtual meeting. VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed

“I bought a house in a residential area and now I got a circus going on behind my house,” he said.

Not all believed the proposal was the right tool to address the problem. Resident Rick Hoskins said a 300-foot swim area is too much, as it would push people out to the wake zone.

“Past 300 feet, people are going 50 mph,” he said.

Hoskins and Alejandro Brito brought forth several proposals to address issues off the beach, which included an ambassador program to help control activities on the water. They also said they and others would like to hire private security to combat people hopping off their boats and trespassing onto private property. And they also want to enact the multi-faceted solution with the village, the Port Antigua Property Association board, residents, law enforcement and White Marlin community.

“We have 109 homeowners who do have actual unanimity with regard to two issues. Number one, we recognize there’s a problem that exists with respect to volume of boats, volume of noise and quality of life experience at the beach. We also agree that a proposed 300 feet anchor zone is not the solution.”

Jen Wiggins said many opposed to the proposal are not actual residents, but weekenders who use the village for “reckless behavior.” A resident of Port Antigua since the 1990s, she said she’s witnessed the activities in the water behind her home.

“Excessive drinking, marijuana use, defecating and urinating in the water and on land, trespassing, jet skiers flying within feet of people wading in the water,” she said.

“Items washed ashore where people party include white powder in small baggies, bullet casings and broken beer bottles.”

The proposed ordinance establishing a swim area does not require prior approval by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Regulatory permits from the FWC, U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corp of Engineers will be needed for installation of the waterway markers and signage for the delineated areas.

Estimated costs for installation of the regulatory markers and buoys is in the range of $21,500 to $37,500.

Councilman Chris Sante said the swim area can be a pilot program to see how things go for a year.

“There’s arguments about the beach.

We’re simply talking about where boats can anchor,” he said. “And they keep saying people can’t drive boats. Well, unfortunately, you can buy a boat and not have a license.”

Those who violate the ordinance and operate a vessel within the swim zone could get a boating citation and be fined $250 or any other amount authorized by state law.

Councilman Jim Mooney said the ordinance is all about life safety.

“I do not want (Fire) Chief (Terry) Abel’s crew to go down there one day and have to take somebody out of there because somebody started their boat with someone standing behind it. I’ve lost a friend to that exact scenario.”

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

“I am uncomfortable about putting the burden of enforcement on local residents.”

— Luis Gonzalez Marathon City Councilman

“Right now we have a combination of law enforcement agencies who are helping out at the boat ramps during the weekend — Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, border patrol, Florida Highway Patrol, Key Colony Beach police as well as city public works employees. Everyone is working together smoothly. But I am uncomfortable about putting the burden of enforcement on local residents. There could be confrontation and these people are just trying to help out the neighborhood. I think we need ramp attendants,” said Gonzalez.

When the City of Marathon elected to close its three boat ramps to everyone but local homeowners (which also excluded Key Colony Beach residents) during mini-season, it hired a private security firm to enforce the rule at a cost of $8,000 to $10,000. Local law enforcement agencies such as the sheriff’s office, which has a contract to police the City of Marathon, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) declined to assist as, they said, their efforts were better served on the water to catch violators of lobster miniseason law. Plus, the agency spokespersons said, they didn’t have enough notice to call in additional personnel.

“That’s the million-dollar question,” said Senmartin of who would enforce the new boat size law at the Harbor Drive ramp. “The sheriff does not enforce local ordinances, which is one of the problems I have with the service it provides. I guess the city code enforcement will have to enforce it. We have four code officers including the director. Just like the parks department, some people will have to work weekend and evening shifts.”

On Aug. 15, a Saturday, there were about 20 trucks and trailers (most waiting to collect a boat from the ramp, evidenced by the empty trailer) lined up at the ramp at the former Quay property. The line of traffic spilled out onto U.S.1 and law enforcement directed the orderly line. The 20-plus parking spots at the Quay, newly refurbished with fresh asphalt and striping, were already filled by 10 a.m.

Gonzalez acknowledges that the ramps are always busy in summer months, but may be under extra pressure during 2020 because of the pandemic quarantine that sees fewer U.S. citizens traveling abroad or, at least, not cross country on an airplane.

“A lot of folks are going to water destinations, like the Keys, for their summer vacation,” he said.

The boat ramp use in Marathon is further pressured by other factors: closures of public boat ramps in Islamorada (until Labor Day) and county-owned ramps in the Upper Keys (which ended Aug. 9.). There are about 1,000 vacation rentals in Marathon and Key Colony Beach (Key Colony Beach does not have a public boat ramp) and most rent weekly from Saturday to Saturday. Peak hours for boat ramp usage are Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

“This could be solved if Realtors started changing the schedule to check in on Tuesdays or Thursdays. That would help with boat ramp traffic as well as grocery stores if diverted to different days,” Bonilla said, adding it’s a fine line that could potentially affect her own small business that contracts to clean vacation rentals. “Maybe we could base the weekly rental based on vacation rental licenses; odd and even numbers would check in on different days.”

Is there a need for another boat ramp in Marathon?

“Yes. Most definitely, yes,” said Senmartin. “The best place would be at the city marina; that would be a smart location.” He said there’s enough room for turning and room to build a station for an attendant. Other possibilities mentioned by residents and officials include another ramp at the Quay property or behind City Hall.

Senmartin and Gonzalez both said they want to explore the possibility of launch fees. Private marinas charge as much as $20 to launch and pull out. Both said they would favor no fees or a minimal annual fee for locals, while visitors can pay the full cost to support attendants and enforcement.

Senmartin also said he wants to explore if Realtors can help advertise the parking situation at vacation rentals; whether there is space at the house itself or if renters need to find a paid lot to park the empty trailer.

The amended ordinance recently passed by the city does note the possibility for vehicle and boat trailer parking fees, without naming specifics. The Quay boat ramp has room for about 20 trucks and trailers; the 33rd Street ramp has room for fewer than 10; and there is no parking at all at the Harbor Drive ramp. Earlier this year, the Marathon City Council also discussed the possibility of paid parking at Sombrero Beach as a way to generate revenue.

“I think there needs to be further discussion. This ordinance is just a starting point and the impact isn’t going to go away,” said Gonzalez.

Michelle Franck, a resident who lives behind the airport, agreed. “My biggest wish is that we could have a true brainstorming session with our city leaders on all of these issues our city has. Marathon is growing leaps and bounds. Our leaders need to address how all this growth affects the people who live here. I know that many people have great ideas, but for the most part, we don’t feel listened to.”

Gonzalez said popular sentiment is becoming more bitter.

“We’ve reached a boiling point,” he said.

“We need to continue the discussion.”

29

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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or a child, entering foster care is one of the most frightening and uncertain times. Being torn from everything you know is something no child should experience. When foster care becomes the only option, having people who support and care for you becomes as essential as breathing.

One young man from Key West, despite facing one of the most unbearable life circumstances, is now making his dream of college a reality.

A representative from Wesley House Family Services went a few years ago to do a home visit for the Department of Children and Families for a father and two children in need of services.

The social worker learned RJ and his brother were sleeping on the screened-in front porch of the home. RJ slept on a couple of comforters so his younger brother could sleep on a cot. The temperature was close to 100 degrees. It was clear RJ and his brother needed help, so the worker mentioned the children’s shelter. RJ immediately responded, “I am not going to a shelter. I want to graduate from school. I am not a bad kid, I will graduate!” The determination in his eyes told the worker he wanted to succeed, and did not care what it would take. RJ had come to live in Key West with his father and brother when he was 14 while his mother stayed behind in Haiti. Sadly, when he left Haiti it was the last time he would see his mother. She died two years later when RJ was 16.

RJ ultimately spent some time at the children’s shelter and was quickly moved to a foster home while a team of people at Wesley House worked tirelessly so he could achieve his dream of graduating

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RJ recently “aged out” of the foster care system and starts college in Tallahassee this fall, thanks to help from Wesley House Family Services.

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high school and going to college.

RJ said he’d been afraid he might not “make it” when he aged out of foster care, which is one of the most terrifying times for kids in the system.

RJ starts college at Tallahassee Community College this fall and needed everything to live on his own in a student housing apartment. He had lots of questions before college: Will this be like high school? Is there a bus system to get to class? Will I be able to get a job? What if I need a doctor?

For RJ, the usual excitement of going off to college was overshadowed by his worries of surviving after foster care.

The Wesley House team again sprang into action to ensure that RJ would have all he needed. With help from staff and supportive donors, RJ headed to college with the much-needed household and school supplies.

RJ is one of many youths who age out of foster care and are at much greater risk of homelessness and substance abuse than a typical teen.

Those wishing to help children who are preparing to age out of the foster care system or any of the other programs provided

by Wesley House Family Services may donate at www.welseyhouse. org, via the agency’s Facebook page by clicking the QR code, or by check to Wesley House Family Services, 1304 Truman Ave., Key West, FL 33040.

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BUSINESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

KIRBY’S CLOSET OFFERS COMFORTABLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

Kirby Myers opened Kirby’s Closet resale boutique in July and offers unique shopping experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.

he newest boutique in Key West offers more than a simple transaction. Kirby’s Closet is a unique shopping experience, and an enjoyable one at that. From the moment one enters the resale boutique at 218 Whitehead St., it just feels right.

“There’s nothing worse than walking into a store and feeling unwelcome or intimidated,” said owner Kirby Myers, who opened Kirby’s Closet on July 20.

There are no model-thin mean girls on the sales floor, rolling their eyes and scrolling their phones.

The sizes don’t stop at 6 and there are as many colors and patterns as solid blacks, whites, navy and denim.

“Unlike traditional consignment shops, I pay cash up front for pre-loved items, which enables me to be more selective with my inventory,” Myers said.

“There are plenty of designer labels, but there’s also an Express tank top for $8. There’s really something for everyone, in every style and for every budget, and none of them look like used clothing.”

Kibry’s Closet also features a line of brand new, handmade kimonos with designs chosen specifically for Kirby’s Closet and made of super-soft material in bold and subdued patterns.

“These are simply amazing, and so versatile,” Myers said. “You wear them over a tank top with jeans; over a simple black dress, as a lounging robe or a beach cover up.”

Waiting among the wooden hangers is a new favorite garment; a perfect fit.

And Myers is the consummate hostess with an eye for fashion, accessories and friendly suggestions.

While getting to know her customers, she walks casually around the store grabbing items and assembling potential outfits.

“I really want people to enjoy being here; to spend as long as they want, trying things on, playing dress-up and adding accessories, shoes and handbags.”

She has a couch, fruit-infused ice water — and 16 years on the radio means there’s no shortage of good music.

But there’s more to Kirby’s Closet than a quick stop-in and try-on.

“I’ve been hosting private parties for groups of eight to 12 women at a time,” she said. “They reserve an evening after the store closes, from 5 to 7 or 6 to 8 p.m., or a Saturday morning brunch from 10 a.m. to noon, before we open. The ladies come in, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages and have the run of the store, assembling outfits, bringing items into the fitting rooms for each other, and adding shoes, jewelry and scarves while just enjoying being together and thinking of something other than the virus in these troubling times.”

The parties came together when Myers realized she had to get creative when launching a new business amid a pandemic.

“When I signed my lease in February, there were thousands of people walking around downtown, getting off cruise ships a few hundred yards away and living their normal lives,” she said. “Of course that all changed in mid-March and I had to get crafty. The party idea was born once people started cultivating their own close, “quarantine groups” in which they felt comfortable.

“I’ve done one to three shopping parties a week since opening, and I’ve loved each one, watching these women take a deep breath, relax with a drink, food, friends — and, yes, clothes,” Myers said. “I know I’ve had as much fun as they have. We’ve done a bachelorette group, two birthdays and a ‘just because it’s Tuesday’ party.”

Myers is still finalizing her regular store hours, and posts them weekly on her social media pages.

Check out Kirby’s Closet on Instagram and Facebook @kirbysclosetkw, call 305-847-9977 or better yet, stop into 218 Whitehead St. and find the perfect fit.

Kirby Myers is married to Britt Myers, publisher of the Key West Weekly.

33

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020 124 Avenue D

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Heart of the Keys Cardiology 11400 Overseas Highway Suite 106, Marathon

KeysCardiology.com 305.453.6316

WE WANT TO SEE YOU!

Please call for a appointment that is convenient for you.

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

34

BUSINESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020 SHANNON PITCHFORD www.keysweekly.com

MARATHON ARTIST FINDS NICHE

H

ave you ever been scrolling through social media and come across the countless videos of satisfying epoxy artwork being made? Beautiful colors creating mesmerizing abstract designs, or beach scenes so realistic you can practically hear the calm rush of the waves? This is the world of resin art, and this is the life of Whitney Simmons.

Simmons began her epoxy journey about a year ago, after being introduced to the world of resin art by a good friend and fellow artist. After that first pour, she immediately fell in love with the craft. Pushed by her desire to learn more, she began watching Youtube videos, Googling resources, and learning all she could from other online resin workers while continuing to work as a dental hygienist on Big Pine Key. Ultimately, the coronavirus and the ensuing quarantine provided her with the opportunity to rethink her career path and give her the chance to pursue her newfound passion.

Funnily enough, Simmons’ experience working in dentistry provided her with the general knowledge behind the chemistry that makes epoxy work. “To become a dental hygienist, you’re actually tested on the properties of resins, polymers and bases because we use resin fillings for teeth!” she said, laughing.

Simmons invested in a four-day course to become a certified countertop epoxy artist. The class connected her to a community of other resin artists and mentors who all work with the goal of helping each other.

“I have not had passion for something like this since I was in high school,” said Simmons. “For me to have this happiness and spark in something, I was like ‘I’m not letting this go. I’m going to turn this into something that I can make a living out of.’”

This community inspired her to share what she’s learned, whether with future hobbyists or professionals.

“It’s not about competition because there’s so much work to be done. I’m not worried about other people stealing my ideas. I just want to help those that have the passion and show other people that they can have a good life doing this,” she said.

Simmons offers a variety of smaller custom art pieces such as coasters, ornaments and decorative plates. She also has a range of functional pieces like serving trays, Lazy Susan rotating table tops, countertops, and even cornhole boards.

Her ultimate business goal is to become a low-cost alternative for Keys homeowners who are in the process of home renovation or business owners looking to freshen their space. “For the people who are refurbish-

ing their homes and/or DIY-ers, I want to be your go-to person,” she said. “I want to help people on a budget because I am also on a budget. That’s my mission.”

Simmons said her plans to evolve her business include setting up an Etsy store, finding a carpenter and acquiring more equipment, including cameras and stands to document her work. One of the recent changes is a new business name — previously Epoxy With Moxie, it is now Tropical Epoxy. For more information, email tropicalepoxy@gmail.com or find her on Facebook or Instagram (@epoxywithmoxiedesigns).

Left to right: The real flowers are embedded in the epoxy design. SHANNON PITCHFORD/Keys Weekly Marathon artist Whitney Simmons’ new passion art promises a fulfilling career.

Ocean themes populate Simmons’ work.

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

CONGRATULATIONS

BRIEFLY Keys Federal Credit Union expands with opening of new branch Keys Federal Credit Union has opened a new branch on the corner of U.S.1 and MacDonald Avenue on Stock Island. Initially the branch will be open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.

"It is exciting to grow! This branch will serve Stock Island residents as well as those who live outside of Key West and pass by each day,” said Maggie Sayer, president and CEO of the credit union. “It is our intention to welcome new and existing members through a combination of great rates, local service and a convenient location."

Keys Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution open to everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys. It offers free cash back checking, competitive mortgages and rates on auto, boat and personal loans.

For details call 305-294-6622, go to KeysFCU.org or visit one of our branches in Key West, Big Pine or Marathon.

Essay competition theme is ‘Women Power the Vote’ The Upper Keys League of Women Voters invites students to enter the Constitution Day student essay contest. This is the second year that the Upper Keys League of Women Voters (UKLWV) has conducted this essay contest. It is for middle and high school students attending school from Marathon north to the county line, including public, private, charter and home-schooled students. The firstprize winner will receive $250; second prize is $100 and third prize is $50.

The topic for the students is “Women Power the Vote.” Only online submissions will be accepted and only one essay per student will be accepted.

By entering the contest, entrants agree that the Upper Keys League of Women Voters will have the right to use their essay.

Details on the essay contest can be found at upperkeyslwv.org. The deadline is midnight on Sept. 4. The prizes and presentation of the winning essays will be awarded at the Constitution Day Celebration that will take place virtually on Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that works to secure democracy’s promise through voter education, issue advocacy and citizen outreach.

Call to Visual artists: qualify for Art in Public Places The Monroe County Art in Public Places Committee and Florida Keys Council of the Arts have a call to visual artists to become qualified as public

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artists. The Monroe County Art in Public Places Ordinance mandates that 1% of new county public building construction costing a minimum of $500,000 and renovations costing a minimum of $100,000 be set aside to fund this program. The AIPP Committee reviews and recommends projects to the Board of County Commissioners, and is responsible for the commission and purchase of art.

The application and information are available at www.keysarts.com.

Application requirements include an artist statement, current resume, five to 10 images of recent artwork, application and a cover page. Please see application for further details on how to complete the application.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. Applications must be emailed to the county’s purchasing department. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in-person any sealed application response. Mailed/delivered application proposals will not be considered. Artists must meet the criteria in the initial application process to become qualified. Qualified artists will then be eligible to receive the request for proposals (RFP’s) issued by Monroe County for five years, as well as for the City of Key West’s Public Art Program.

For more information, email director@keysarts.com or call Florida Keys Council of the Arts 305-295-4369.

Awesome Foundation presents check to Sister Season Fund The Awesome Foundation Key West recently presented $500 to Sister Season Fund Inc. to support the organization’s COVID-19 pandemic relief outreach for hard-hit Key West tourist industry personnel — including entertainment, hospitality, lodging, and some retail and guest service workers.

Sister Season Fund board member Scott McCarthy, board president Julie Hanson, and board member Aimee Neagles, pictured at center with check, accepted the grant from Awesome Foundation trustees, left to right, David Johnson, ‘Dean’ Michael Shields, Mark Straiton, Chase Hurst, Amy Culver, Lynne Bentley-Kemp, and Marjorie Townsend with children Zoë, 7, and Rémi, 3 months.

To make a donation and to learn more about Sister Season Fund Inc., contact Julie Hanson at 305-304-9828 or sisterseason@aol.com. To learn more about the Awesome Foundation, Key West Chapter, visit awesomefoundationkeywest.org or contact Michael Shields at 305-394-3804.

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

Karen represented the Buyers of: 601 W. Ocean Drive #305A, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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

COMMERCE CORNER “As a retired nurse with a passion for travel, I found a way to combine the two and formed Sunmasters Elite Travel in 2013,” said owner Shayne Messina.

The travel business is an affiliate of Signature Travel and OASIS Travel, with appointments available in Marathon, or by callling 305-481-0861.

“I specialize in spas and wellness travel, and retreats for yoga, weight loss, exercise or just silent time!” she said.

The company’s website allows clients to browse cruises, hotels and even book online, but Messina encourages clients to utilize her personalized services and attention to detail.

“I can help guide you through the choices, as you browse at your leisure,” she said.

Messina is a breast cancer survivor and works diligently on the committee for American Cancer on the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Florida Keys. This year, the event is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2020.

Phone: 305-481-0861 Website: www.sunmasterselite.com Email: Shayne@sunmasterselite.com

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BUSINESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

KEYS HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, ISLANDS EARN TOP MARKS FROM TRIPADVISOR`

BEST FAMILY RESORT HAWKS CAY NAMED BY USA TODAY

THE REVIEWS ARE IN...

Two Friends Patio Restaurant in Key West ranks among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide., based on visitor reviews. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

P

eople are talking, and plenty of them are saying great things about the Florida Keys and some specific hotels and restaurants in the island chain.

TripAdvisor, one of the internet's original sites for user reviews, recently released its rankings of businesses and destinations, based entirely on travelers’ reviews.

“There is no application process to be a recipient of Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards and you cannot pay to get an award,” the company's website states. “The achievement is earned over time based on feedback or reviews by travelers.”

The island of Key Largo ranked No. 1 on Trip Advisor’s list of “trending destinations.

“Key Largo has been named the top-trending destination in the U.S. for 2020,” according to Tripadvisor global traveler data.

“This 30-mile-long island is a premiere playground for travelers looking for scuba diving adventure, and is home to the world's largest artificial reef.”

Five Key West hotels

H2O Suites, one of Key West’s most exclusive luxury hotels, made Trip Advisor’s 2020 list of top Key West Hotels. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

received TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards: Santa Maria Suites, H2O Suites, The Gardens Hotel, Almond Tree Inn and Southernmost Beach Resort.

Marc Meisel, whose family owns the Santa Maria Suites and H2O Suites, commended his staff and thanked his loyal guests for their glowing reviews that helped the upscale properties earn the distinction.

Also in Key West, Two Friends Patio Restaurant earned a Travelers’ Choice Award and ranks within the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

“Each year, we comb through reviews, ratings, and saves from travelers everywhere, and use that info to award the very best,” TripAdvisor staff wrote to Two Friends owners Danny and Maura Hughes. “You’re part of an exclusive group in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

Your award is the result of consistently great reviews from the people that matter the most — your guests.”

USA Today highlights Hawks Cays’ proliferation of pirates, rangers and mermaids to entertain the whole family at the resort on Duck Key. CONTRIBUTED

H

awks Cay Resort, located in the middle Florida Keys at MM 61, received a special honor recently. It was chosen as the best family resort in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“We’re honored to be recognized for the unique services and programming we offer families. Providing a safe and laid-back environment focused on quality service for our guests of all ages is the cornerstone of our mission. I’m so proud of our team for their hard work and dedication,” said Sheldon Suga, Hawks Cay Resort regional vice president and managing director. “This is exciting news for the entire destination that will attract more families to enjoy all the Florida Keys has to offer.”

Hawks Cay Resort caters to families with kids and adults looking for a peaceful escape.

Families have plenty of space to spread out, with access to four swimming pools (including the popular Pirate Ship pool)

and an enclosed saltwater lagoon. The Coral Cay activity and adventure center caters to families, with programs for kids ages 5 to 17. The Hawks Cay Marina serves as a base for aquatic sports of all varieties.

The other nominees: • Woodloch Resort: Hawley, Penn.

• Ludlow’s Island Resort: Cook, Minn.

• Grand Hotel: Mackinac Island, Mich.

• Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Fla. • Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Smugglers’ Notch, Vt. • The Breakers: Palm Beach, Fla. • C Lazy U Ranch: Granby, Colo.

• The Resort at Paws Up: Greenough, Mont.

• Club Med Sandpiper Bay: Port St Lucie, Fla. A panel of experts and 10Best editors picked the nominees, and the winners were determined by popular vote.

— Contributed

KEYS DISEASE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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STUPID VISITOR QUESTIONS CONGRATULATIONS It just doesn’t happen in the islands

M

ost of us who live here in the Keys have stories of some favorite questions our beloved visitors ask. I’ve written several columns in the past on this topic; they are among my most popular.

But it’s not just here — every geographical area with a tourism component has its own particular visitor questions. I’d love to tell you that I’ve never asked a stupid visitor question…

Sarah and I were on a mountain cabin getaway in Blue Ridge, Georgia, when we discovered that three kitchen drawers were blocked by the large gas stove.

I wasn’t eager to move anything large and connected to explosive gases. We called the cabin rental company; they had a real nice Georgia lady at our cabin in minutes. She assessed the situation, and with a quick hip check, that stove was back in place and all the drawers were accessible. I am not going to tell you just how inept I felt at that moment. But there I was, far away from home, embarrassed by my need to bother someone who likely had far better things to do.

They say that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. “They” are wrong (as evidenced by the above). Here are some stupid visitor questions that I compiled by research as well as ones I’ve encountered in my own travels and personal experience. Let’s go!

Many areas of our great nation have road signs that say “Deer Crossing.” This leads some to ask the inevitable question: “How do the deer know where to cross?” This implies that the deer know how to read signs as opposed to someone placing the signs where deer are known to cross.

The Grand Canyon is a result of millions of years of water eroding rock to create a natural wonder. Yet park rangers are asked — hundreds of times in any given week — if the Grand Canyon is manmade. Really.

People also ask if the canyon is lit up at night.

Wildlife abounds at many of our national parks. Winter also happens at many of them every year. I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that people actually ask, “What does the Park Service do with all the animals in the winter?” (Put them in cages and ship them back to the zoo?)

“What time do you feed the bears?”

And this nugget: “Are the bears

friendly?”

From the Appalachians to the Rockies, America’s mountain ranges inspire awe among visitors. Sadly, not all visitors paid attention in sciJOHN ence class when BARTUS their teachers discussed how is a City of Marathon councilmountains were man. He also is formed. (Here’s a musician who a hint: people performs around didn’t build town. For more them.) Visitors see johnbartus. ask where they com can pick up the elevator that goes to the top (or to the bottom if they’re at the Grand Canyon). Visitors ask, “How much does that mountain weigh? With and without snow?” And those who choose to hike the trails have their own interesting observations: “Do you have trails that don’t go uphill?”

“Are the trails paved?” “Are the areas that don’t have trails wellmarked?” “Do they turn off the waterfalls at night?” “Is this park open to everyone, or just tourists?” In the Smoky Mountains, “What time do they turn the smoke on?”

Not only is there wildlife in many natural areas, some of the creatures that inhabit these natural areas aren’t exactly friendly to human visitors. A recent stay in a cabin in the mountains of North Georgia revealed this nugget of wisdom in the book that they left for renters: “Bears, deer, turkeys, ladybugs, carpenter bees, wasps, scorpions, ticks, ants, chiggers, etc., may be encountered in the mountains. There is no refund for the presence of typical mountain creatures.” One can only imagine the questions and conversations that necessitated placing this language in the visitor guidebook.

Travelers in general can be amusing as well. More than a few visitors to places like Alaska and Hawaii say they had a great time, but they can’t wait to get back to the States. (Just think about that one for a bit.)

Wherever you go, it’s not a bad idea to do a little research about the area you’ll be visiting. That, and don’t feed the bears.

— Catch John this week at his Social Distancing Concert live from the Blue Ridge Mountains on Friday, 7:30 p.m. at www.facebook.com/john. bartus

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

Jody & Lynn represented the Sellers of: 102 N. Indies Drive, Duck Key, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Jody Owen 305.923.1902 jodyowen@me.com

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Lynn B. Lucas 305.393.0559 lynn@keyshomehunter.com

166 Sugarloaf Drive

Listed & Sold By: Cindy Kaye & Alan Ballas

Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated

SELLING THE KE YS WITH EASE! Cindy Kaye

305-731-5000 CindyKaye@homesflkeys.com

Alan Ballas

850-694-4001 AlanBallas@c21islandlife.com

38

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

STUDENTS, TEACHERS MARK FIRST DAY OF 2020-2021

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S

tudents of the Monroe County School District attended the first day of (virtual) school on Aug. 19. Teachers and students made the best of the situation by dressing up and putting on a smile. At Marathon High School, the seniors queued in personal vehicles at Marathon Community Park (with coffee and donuts!) before parading to the school. The district has said that school will continue virtually until at least the middle of September, when the community spread of COVID-19 will be re-examined. — Weekly staff report

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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

Brenda & Teresa represented the Buyers & Sellers of: 1251 24th Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Brenda Torrella 305.481.0555 brenda.torrella@yahoo.com

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1. This Marathon High School senior’s truck is decked out for a parade past the school before students return home to begin 1st period. GINA PASKIEWICZ/Contributed 2. Nicole Wahlgren teaches eighth-grade science at Sigsbee Charter School. CONTRIBUTED 3. Marathon High School principal Wendy McPherson, right, takes a shot of the double rainbow arched over the school on the first day. SARA MATTHIS/ Keys Weekly 4. Key Largo first-grader Drake Hagen starts school virtually. CONTRIBUTED

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Teresa Yeider 305.879.5474 teresa@keysrealestate.com

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Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

8

Upper Keys Weekly 91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

5. Ian Reyes, son of Keys Weekly designer Javier Reyes, is ready for his first day of school. He’s pictured with his little sister, Amy. JAVIER REYES/Keys Weekly 6. Hillary Seeland teaches sixth- and seventh-grade social studies from an empty classroom at Sigsbee Charter School. CONTRIBUTED 7. Nancy Truesdale, language arts and reading teacher at Coral Shores High School, shows off her new office from her Key Largo home. CONTRIBUTED 8. Heather May Sloan welcomes her sixth- through eighth-grade students back virtually from an empty classroom at Sigsbee Charter School. CONTRIBUTED

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

"When love is the way, there's plenty good room for all God's children."

— Bishop Michael Curry We are streaming our Daily Devotions at 8am, Compline at 9pm and Sunday Prayers at 9am on our Facebook page. @stcolumbamarathonfl May the Peace of the Lord be always with you WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

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

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COOL STUFF

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

READ | MEN TO AVOID “Men to Avoid in Art and Life” started as a Twitter thread by Nicole Tersigni, who pairs classical paintings with modern captions that epitomize the spirit of mansplaining. “Written with hilariously painful accuracy. Through cringeinduced empathy, this timeless gift book of shared experiences unites women across history in one of the most powerful forms of resistance: laughter.”

WATCH | SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL Who doesn’t love Mark Wahlberg, the same guy whose family has opened a restaurant in Key West? Check out his latest on Netflix, “Spenser Confidential” directed by Peter Berg (“Patriots Day,” also starring Wahlberg. Co-stars include Winston Duke and Alan Arkin and the movie is an adaptation of a 2013 Robert B. Parker novel. Parker is famous for the “Spenser” series that features a wise-cracking, street-smart Boston private-eye.

SQUARE GROUPER 1 2

LOCALS MAKE A SPECIAL CATCH

D

ads Rob Christensen and Patrick Stevens went fishing about 30 miles offshore of the Middle Keys on Aug. 17 — a last hurrah before the start of the school year — with their kids. They were targeting swordfish, but didn’t catch any. They did catch some mahi, some tilefish, and one duffel’s worth of “square grouper.” Yes, a duffel bag filled with 10 to 15 bundles of marijuana.

Naturally, these law-abiding citizens (one of them is a lawyer!) called the Coast Guard to retrieve the bag intact. Sources close to the encounter, however, said the marijuana “smelled phenomenal.”

— Weekly staff report

PATRICK STEVENS/Contributed 1. “Please, don’t let there be a dead body in there,” Stevens and Christiansen prayed. The corroded zipper broke and revealed the contents: marijuana.

2. Individually wrapped bundles fill the duffle bag.

3. Maya, Fisher and Abigail are blissfully innocent. One of the little girls kept mispronouncing the find as “Moana,” like the Disney movie.

3 4 LISTEN | KANE BROWN MIXTAPE The country-pop superstar has struck a balance between traditional country and pop-R&B over the course of the seven new tracks. He showcases the sophisticated sensitivity of adult-contemporary soul-pop when he teams up with the likes of Khalid, John Legend and Swae Lee, while still repping the rural life with “BFE,” with hard-twanging guitars and fiddle and steel licks.

4. The recreational fishermen met the Coast Guard en route back to shore and passed over the contraband.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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42

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

THE TRAVELING CHAIRS

JO ANN COOK, MANAGING BROKER

BEACH ACCESSORIES PASSED FROM ONE VISITOR TO THE NEXT

10055 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY | MARATHON, FL 33050 C. 305.360.7968 | O. 305.735.4095 | JCOOK@OCEANSIR.COM VIEW MY PROPERTIES AT WWW.FLORIDAKEYSOCEANFRONT.COM

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West Upper Keys Weekly 91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

BANKRUPTCY | FORECLOSURE REAL ESTATE | WILLS AND TESTAMENTS CIVIL LITIGATION

LOCAL LAWYERS FOR YOUR LEGAL NEEDS We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

FREE CONSULTATION! | HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL

MAYLENE@MAESQ.COM

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207 KEY DEER BLVD | SUITE B13 | BIG PINE KEY

Hello from Sombrero Beach. CONTRIBUTED

SARA MATTHIS

A

sara@keysweekly.com

visitor from Louisiana hates waste, so she created a Facebook page to facilitate the travel itinerary of four colorful beach chairs.

“I was just feeling the vibe of the Keys, I guess,” said Margaret Theriot. “And the beach chairs were brand new, used only a couple of times; one even still had the price tag on it!”

And so Theriot created a Facebook page — The Traveling Chairs.

As of Aug. 18, the seats are on their third (maybe fourth?) temporary owner and having a blast.

Theriot’s family of seven visited the Keys in late July. They stayed at the Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon. It was the family’s second trip to the Keys.

“This time we really took it in — we went to Sombrero Lighthouse, Marvin Key and other spots,” she said. “I just wanted the chairs to be reused and have them passed on to the next person.”

The City of Marathon’s newest member of the Parks and Recreation team, Jennifer Ward, stepped up. “I’m storing them and arranging

Margaret Theriot, left, passes the chairs to the next taker: Jennifer Debusk.

pickups and dropoffs on my personal time,” she said, adding that she has the blessing of her supervisors. The chairs are “reserved” on the Facebook page, @thetravelingchairs.

“This is brilliant,” Ward said of The Traveling Chairs. “I saw it on Facebook and took a screenshot.

It’s the whole ‘pay it forward’ thing, minus having to pay for a stranger’s cup of coffee.”

Users are inscribing the chairs with a family name, visit and hometown. In time, there might be more free rentals, too — beach umbrellas, coolers, etc.

“I just want to keep this going as long as possible,” said Theriot.

So … pssst … pass it on.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

Serving Ipswich Whole Bellied Clams & Maine Lobster

NOW OPEN! Island, Rustic, Seasonally Inspired Dishes 15% Locals Discount

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

(305) 294-0102 11:30 AM – 10 PM 629 Duval St, Key West

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner 8am-9pm 305.296.8100 Located Poolside at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel 3841 N. Roosevelt Boulevard | Key West

When you’re on Long Island be sure to visit our new location in Wantagh.

Call ahead for Daily Specials 516-900-1400.

NOW OPEN PRIVATE PARTIES AND SATURDAY BRUNCH SHOPPING AVAILABLE BY RESERVATION VINTAGE | EXCELLENT CONDITION | PRE-LOVED & NEW WOMEN’S CLOTHING | ACCESSORIES | HOME DECOR FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @KIRBYSCLOSETKW

218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977 PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO MARGARITAVILLE RESORT

44

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

“FISH OUT OF WATER” REEF HOSTS INAUGURAL VIRTUAL 5K SUPPORTING OCEAN CONSERVATION

ANNUAL SWIM TO ALLIGATOR LIGHT CANCELED DUE TO COVID

Fish teams have been hugely popular with registrants and are inspired by the species seen on REEF surveys. REEF/Contributed A Swim for Alligator Lighthouse participant swims to the lighthouse.

IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

R

eef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is inviting everyone around the world to participate in its inaugural Fish Out of Water virtual 5K. The event will be held from Sept.

28 to Oct. 4, and participants can choose their preferred exercise (run, walk, bike, hike, etc.) to complete 5K (3.1 miles). The race can be done at their own pace in one day or over the course of the week. The goal is to include people who don’t like races or running and to support ocean conservation.

“We’ve been looking for more ways to get our members involved around the world virtually because we still can’t do in-person programs right now,” said Madalyn “Moose” Mussey, REEF education and outreach program director. “We came across virtual 5Ks and decided to theme it to fish from our different regions.”

The special fish represent each of REEF’s 11 Volunteer Fish Survey Project regions. Participants can sign up to be part of their favorite fish’s team.

“Each fish is from a different survey region, and each fish has a different race personality,” Mussey said.

“So, people who don’t scuba or snorkel can still pick a fish they would like and relate to. I picked the powdered blue sturgeon because it’s my favorite.”

The non-profit wanted the event to be a fundraiser, and created an “Oceans for All Fund,” which will help to bring groups who normally cannot participate or repeat programs down

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

to take part in a REEF program. Registration fees will help fund the new endeavor to bring ocean accessibility to all.

“The idea is to engage members while maintaining COVID protocols, but also to help groups come out to do programs when we can do non-virtual programs again. Especially with the year we’ve had, not everyone can afford to come to the Keys,” Mussey said.

Participants benefit themselves, others and the marine environment.

Since registration began, the event has been hugely popular around the world.

“We were hoping for 100, and we already have 300 people signed up,” Mussey said. “We didn’t think it’d be as popular as it has been, and it’s really cool to see people engaging. They’re signing up for the race and then emailing us to get more involved. That’s what we want.”

Registration is $35 per person and includes a limited-edition Fish Out of Water 5K shirt, race bib, finishers’ medal, certificate of completion, social media kit, a Spotify playlist to run to and entry into a drawing to win a gift basket of REEF gear. Supplies are limited, and early registration is highly encouraged. More information is at www.REEF.org/5Krace.

A

world-renowned race from the Islamorada shores to an iconic lighthouse won’t go on as originally planned this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The eight-mile Swim for Alligator Lighthouse was set to take place in less than a month, Sept. 12, at Amara Cay, with hundreds of swimmers around the world participating.

Guidelines from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, limit gatherings to no more than 50 individuals; that was the deciding factor for the village to decline to issue a permit. As a result, the committee that puts on the annual swim announced its cancellation on Aug. 17.

“It crushes me,” said Larry “Lighthouse” Herlth, the anchor behind the annual swim that began in 2013. “Swimmers all over the world were looking forward to it.”

Herlth said safety is paramount for the annual swim out to Alligator that usually sees roughly 1,000 people, including 400 swimmers who sign up and hundreds of kayakers who support their swimmer’s journey out to the lighthouse.

Rescheduling the race to a future date would have proved difficult, and Herlth said the race will resume Sept. 11, 2021.

“The way things are with bookings, it would be really hard to reschedule it with hotels and everything else,” he said. “It’s just better to bump it for next year.”

Swimmers encounter some stunning scenes as they make their way out to the lighthouse during the swim. With sights of marine life also comes a sting or two from jellyfish. Year after year, participants return to conquer Alligator. And they’ll have an extra year to prepare for the race that benefits the Friends of the Pool in Islamorada, which gives scholarships for high school students and raises awareness of the treasured, historic lighthouses on Florida’s coastal waterways.

“As you can see by the response on social media, the swimmers are pretty darn understanding,” he said. “They are already requesting and wanting to defer their entry fees for next year, and that assures them a spot too. It will all turn out, and I can’t wait for the race in 2021.”

More information is at swimalligatorlight.com.

45

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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HOROSCOPE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 My sister and favorite Leo recently revealed she watches college commencement speeches on YouTube as a form of self-care.

Because these ceremonies are as much about beginnings as endings, I invite you to follow her lead in the coming weeks. As you prepare for what lies ahead, find comfort and completion in commemorating what has been.

Notable Leo: Luis Castaneda / July 29, 1943

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.

VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Legendary New Orleans musician and fellow Virgo Buddy Bolden is lauded as the father of jazz. So powerful and original was his playing that he birthed an entirely new genre. Yet not a single recording of his music exists today. I offer the ballad of Buddy to you, Virgo, as you create yourself anew. Remember that power and genius are measured not by evidence, but the echo of influence.

Notable Virgo: Man Ray / Aug. 27, 1890 LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 A natural diplomat, you have no trouble attracting friends and fans. Your greatest struggle is appropriately allotting your energies and affections across the hierarchy of your relationships.

Those closest to you often get the least of you. To develop lasting bonds, identify and prioritize your inner circle and resist the urge to peddle your charms to distant admirers.

Notable Libra: Amber Rose / Oct. 21, 1983

SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Painter and fellow Scorpio Luchita Hurtado lived in the shadow of her famous artist husband, creating her own work each night while he and her children slept. Hurtado regarded her paintings as a record of her existence, telling reporters, “It’s what I’m living, a diary of what I know.” She wasn’t critically recognized until in her 90s, at which point the continuation of her visual diary was more important to her than the fame it garnered.

The lesson? Honor creativity as necessity and do what you love, even, and especially, when no one is watching.

Notable Scorpio: Anna Wintour / Nov. 3, 1949 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 You’re cut from adventurous cloth, Sagittarius, yet for all your wandering, the terrain of yourself may have gone unexplored.

The time is nigh for mind expansion and radical self-discovery.

Take heed the words of Carl Jung, the OG surfer of the unconscious mind who wrote, “He who looks outside, dreams; he who looks inside, awakes.” Rise and shine, pal.

Notable Sagittarius: Shirley Chisholm / Nov. 30, 1924 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 While attending a White House luncheon in 1968, singer and fellow sea goat Eartha Kitt shocked her fellow guests by speaking out against the Vietnam War, earning her a place on the CIA’s watchlist, which labeled her a “sadistic nymphomaniac.” The lessons here? Circumstances should never prevent you from speaking your truth, and condemnation from your enemies is often a compliment in itself.

Notable Capricorn: Kate Moss / Jan. 16, 1974

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 Partnerships of all stripes are the focus for you at present, water bearer. This doesn’t mean you need to commit or conform.

Your relationships aren’t destined to fit the status quo — use your future-focused, humanitydriven mindset to redefine what love and intimacy can mean. The rest of us will be quietly waiting to follow in the path you pave.

Notable Aquarius: Megan Three Stallion / Feb. 15, 1995

TAURUS April 20 to May 20 You’re generally pretty awful at asking for assistance, Taurus, bucking your horns at the mere suggestion that you can’t go it alone. The universe would like to gently remind you that you can’t, and you shouldn’t, and your stalwart independence is operating as a barrier to truer intimacy. If you want to be loved, let yourself be helped.

Notable Taurus: Willem De Kooning / April 24, 1904

PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Your affable nature sometimes belies the depths and dimensions you possess, Pisces. As the last sign in the zodiac you inherit the pain and knowledge that belongs to all the signs that precede you. You see more, feel more and are more. Poet Anne Sexton could have been speaking of your multitudes when she wrote, “Everyone in me is a bird, I am beating all my wings.”

Here’s to the fullness of your feathers.

Notable Pisces: Patty Hearst / Feb. 20, 1954

GEMINI May 21 to June 20 No stranger to extremes and indecision, you may find yourself swinging wildly between stillness and momentum, solitude and company, freedom and stability.

You need a compass to decipher what course of action, or if any action at all, is needed. You are that compass. But the answers you seek will only arrive when you demonstrate that you are ready to receive them and committed to applying them.

Notable Gemini: Wallis Simpson / June 19, 1896

ARIES March 21 to April 19 My friend Luanna, a fellow Aries, recently completed a drawing of a nude woman wrapped in a luxurious red scarf, metaphorically recycled, according to the artist, from all the red flags a former partner gave her. I offer this anecdote to you, rams, to encourage you to take a spirited approach to past adversity and get to work mining the silver lining, or red thread, from whatever challenges you face.

Notable Aries: Vincent Van Gogh / March 30, 1853

CANCER June 21 to July 22 As a water sign, you’re naturally adept at keeping others emotionally afloat, often to your own detriment. In the weeks ahead I urge you to be cognizant of relationships that feel energetically disproportionate. Your role of caretaker offers a dark kind of power. But teaching people how and when to fend for themselves is a true gift. Stop sharing your lifeboat, moon child, and start showing others how to fasten seaworthy knots of their own.

Notable Cancer: Henry VIII / June 28, 1491

47

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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48

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/23/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

1HGCR2F59EA002589 2014 HONDA 4S2CM58V6S4354698 1995 ISUZU Publish: August 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: August 13, 2020.

Personal Representative: William Cunningham 90184 Overseas Highway, Apt. 7 Tavernier, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-mail: Service@ floridakeyslaw.com Secondary E-Mail: RMiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: August 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: August 13, 2020.

Personal Representative: Monica J. Carter c/o Wilson & Johnson 2425 Tamiami Trail N. Ste. 211 Naples, FL 34103 Attorney for Personal Representative: George A. Wilson FL Bar No. 332127 2425 Tamiami Trail North Suite 211 Naples, FL 34103 Phone: (239) 436-1502 E-mail address: Gawilson@ naplesestatelaw.com Courtfilings@naplesestatelaw. com Publish: August 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/09/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

WBAVC93517KX54254 2007 BMW Publish: August 20 & 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/12/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

1FMZU62K73UC61793 2003 FORD 1G2NF52E94C216075 2004 PONTIAC Publish: August 20 & 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/13/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

2FMDK39C17BB38113 2007 FORD JS1VX51L852100442 2005 SUZUKI Publish: August 20 & 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000070-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT A. CUNNINGHAM, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Robert A. Cunningham, deceased, whose date of death was June 10, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 50 High Point Rd, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-000056-P IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM H. CARTER, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WILLIAM H. CARTER, JR., deceased, whose date of death was April 9, 2020; File No. 2020-CP-000056-P, is pending in the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070.

The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s 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 persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000171-K IN RE: ESTATE OF SANDRA SUSAN CRAWFORD, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SANDRA SUSAN CRAWFORD, deceased, whose date of death was 9 July 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 13, 2020.

Signed on 26 July 2020.

Personal Representative: Kerry Cressman G46 Miriam St Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Kathleen Hendrickson Florida Bar Number: 379921 5701 Overseas Highway, #12 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 393-2598 E-mail: KHendrickson.atty@

LEGAL NOTICES gmail.com Publish: August 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000055-P IN RE: ESTATE OF WESLEY DAVIS OTTO, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WESLEY DAVIS OTTO, deceased, whose date of death was May 3, 2020; File No. 20-CP-000055-P, is pending in the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, 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 persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: August 13, 2020.

Signed on June 1, 2020.

Personal Representative: CHARLES F. OTTO, JR. 2699 Stirling Road, Suite C-207 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 Attorney for Personal Representative: STEPHEN J. STRALEY, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 254381 Stralley Otto 2699 Stirling Road, Suite C-207 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 Telephone: 954/962-7367 Publish: August 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000133-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DONAL MORRIS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DONAL MORRIS (also known as DONAL MORRIS, SR.), deceased, whose date of death was June 19, 2019, Case: 20-CP-000133-K is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: August 20, 2020.

Personal Representative: JEFFREY P. MORRIS c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: August 20 & 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: August 20, 2020.

Personal Representative: KARYN LIGHTHALL 53 Bedford Avenue Rockaway Point, New York 11697 Attorney for Personal Representative: ANGELIKI KAVEKOS Florida Bar No. 1008154 David R. Schwartz, P.A. 6803 Lake Worth Road, Ste. 215 Greenacres, Florida 33467 Publish: August 20 & 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Plaintiff in the above-styled court for the purpose of quieting title to the following described property situate and being in Monroe County, Florida: A parcel of land on the Island of Key West and known as part of Lot Six (6), of Square Two (2), Tract Eighteen (18) according to George W. Nichols subdivision of said Tract recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 42 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, said parcel being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: COMMENCING at the intersection of the Southeasterly right of way line of Seminary Street with the Southwesterly right of way line of Whalton Street (aka Frances Street) and run thence Southeasterly along the Southwesterly right of way line of the said Whalton Street for a distance of 69.37 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue Southeasterly along the Southwesterly right of way line of the said Whalton Street for a distance of 2.63 feet to the Northerly corner of the lands described in Official Record Book 3001 at Page 2459 of the said Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence Southwesterly and at right angles along the Northwesterly boundary line of the said lands for a distance of 90.00 feet to the Westerly corner of said lands; thence Northwesterly and at right angles for a distance of 2.63 feet; thence Northeasterly and at right angles for a distance of 90.00 feet back to the Point of Beginning.

YOU ARE REQUIRED to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Erica H. Sterling, Esq., Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood & Sterling, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiffs, whose address is 500 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040, on or before the following date: September 9, 2020, and to file the original with the Clerk of the Court either before service on Plaintiffs’ attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on this 28th day of July, 2020.

Kevin Madok As Clerk of the Court Monroe County, Florida By: Tori Perez As Deputy Clerk Publish: July 30, August 6, 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000048-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ANN LIGHTHALL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ANN LIGHTHALL, deceased, whose date of death was August 28, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 20-CA-000410-K JUDGE: Bonnie J. Helms JOSEPH T. RESOR, III and JENNIFER RESOR Plaintiffs, vs.

ADELINE SCHONECK a/k/a MARY ADELINE SCHONECK, deceased, her unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under or against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named Defendants; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the above-named or described Defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: ADELINE SCHONECK a/k/a MARY ADELINE SCHONECK, deceased, her unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under or against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the above-named or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Complaint has been filed against you by the

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-DR-276-P Division: Family DAVID KULKASKI, Petitioner, and GALINA KULKASKI, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: GALINA KULKASKI Respondent’s last known address: 260 SHADY OAK, PISCATAWAY, NJ 08854 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of

49

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

HOUSING FOR RENT

your written defenses, if any, to it on: DAVID KULKASKI, whose address is 311 WOODS AVENUE, TAVERNIER, FL 33070, on or before August 29, 2020 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, PLANTATION KEY, FL 33070 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter.

If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

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

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: July 28, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer Zemmel Deputy Clerk Publish: July 30, August 6, 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: July 2, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Amber Dameron Deputy Clerk Publish: July 30, August 6, 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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City of Marathon - Job Openings: Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee , Street Maintenance and Temporary Utilities Maintenance Worker.

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

Tutoring Services for K-8th Grade. Individuals or groups. Over 30 years in Public, Charter, Montessori.

Help with virtual, homework, study skills, test, and notebook set up.

Background check and references. 202-531-9878

Conch House in Marathon - 600SF Studio Suite w/ separate dining, walkin closet, kitchen, quiet, dock available for sep fee.

Seasonal - 6 mo furnished all incl. queen bed, $1,850/ mo. Lease - unfurnished $1,250/mo plus utilities.

Furnished all incl util, cable, linen $1,550/mo. F/L/S No Dogs 305-610-8002

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-DR-452-K Division: Family GIRANNE SAINTUS, Petitioner and JEAN LEON NOEL Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: JEAN LEON NOEL Respondent’s last known address: 6500 MALONEY AVENUE, LOT 61, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: GIRANNE SAINTUS, whose address is B5 8TH AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before August 31, 2020 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 Whitehead Street, Key West FL 33040 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-DR-348-K Division: Family LADISLAV KOBLIHA, Petitioner and DAKOTA DEWAYNE DODDS Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: DAKOTA DEWAYNE DODDS Respondent’s last known address: 311 CHARLESTON STREET, CAVE CITY, AR 72501 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: LADISLAV KOBLIHA, whose address is 1721 JAMAICA DRIVE, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before September 14, 2020 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West FL 33040 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter.

If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

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

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: August 7, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk Publish: August 13, 20 & 27 and September 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS FOR SALE For Sale: 2016 Ford Transit Connect, 4 door cargo van. Less than 13k miles, Excellent condition, AC, power windows. $18,000 305-481-1463

Seeking Security Guards in Key West. FT & PT avail. $13-$15/hr. Must have security license.

Call Ralons Security 7 8 6 - 6 1 5 - 5 5 2 2

BOATS FOR SALE

Key West Dental office looking for Front Desk Receptionist.

Duties include patient scheduling, using practice management software, and insurance submissions.

Position requires excellent social skills, a smile under that mask, and attention to detail/organization.

Please email resume to: Dentalkeywest@gmail.com

2001 Grady White 306 Bimini Center Console with two 2008 Yamaha engines, 4-stroke, 216 hrs. Full length canvas cover. Has been stored at Shelter Bay Marina in Marathon for 15 years. Asking $72,500. Call Mike at 713-446-5885 Place your Boat For Sale ad here for only $25.00 per week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Boat!

BOAT SLIPS Marina slip for rent/lease in Marathon. Up to 150' dockage. Boat storage available.

305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT Marathon Electric Full-time position available, Experience preferred.

Apply in person at 10690 Aviation Blvd, Marathon or call 305-743-5805

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

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.

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.

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.

7 8 6 - 3 3 9 - 5 8 1 1

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 August 26, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. 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".

HOBBIES/COLLECT. Private Collector wants Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT 2BR/2BA Luxurious 1/2 duplex on Sombrero Beach Road. Protected parking.

1 mile to shopping/beach.

No smoking/No pets.

Annual lease. $2,500/ month F/L/S 305-7432969 or 305-394-5297 House in Marathon, Gated, Large 2BR/1 1/2 BA, quiet, dock avail for sep fee, drapes/blinds, $1,800/ mo plus util. F/L/S No Pets. Year lease -available Sept 1st. 305-610-8002 Place your Home For Rent ad here for only $25.00 per week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

Long or short-term rental in Key Colony Beach, 4BR/4BA - 2 story home with pool, on large canal w/deep dockage. Call 305-743-3338 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 lease.

Unfurnished.

Call 3 0 5 - 4 8 1 - 1 3 1 6 Place your Home For Rent ad here for only $25.00 per week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

RV LOT FOR RENT Large RV Lot For Rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $800/month plus utilities.

305-204-5601

FOR SALE 2010 Suzuki Model DF115 - 4-Stroke Outboard Engine - Approximately 1,100 Hours- $3,500.00 Contact Keith Douglass Boy Scout Sea Base: 305-664-5613

CROSSWORD SOLUTION The Monroe County Coalition, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with a focus on substance abuse prevention in Monroe County, has a part time contractor position available.

Contractor position may lead to full time employee for the right applicant. Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs and be interested in learning other software applications. Excellent pay. A preferred applicant is one who is professional, reliable, organized, motivated, detail orientated and proficient. Prevention training opportunity to work towards a Florida Certification Board prevention certification. Bilingual is a plus.

Interested parties may send questions and resume to Susan Moore prevspec@aol.com

50

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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

NOW HIRING Full or Part Time Guest Services

Answer phones, take reservations, greet customers with a smile.

Cashier responsibilities, must be able to multi task.

Full or Part Time Photo Tech

Duties include taking photos, printing and selling photo packages & handling of cash. Must be able to multi task. Computer knowledge required. Experience with photo shop and imovie not required, but helpful.

Part Time Café Help

Duties include taking orders from customers, handling cash, cooking and serving. Must be 18 yrs. or older.

Please apply in person at Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning...Caring

MAINTENANCE MANAGER Punctual, organized and dedicated team player with proven track record for part-time position in all aspects of critical periodic maintenance. Experience in A/C, electrical, general building maintenance and basic housekeeping skills is preferred.

Offering medical, dental, vision, 401K, Aflac, personal time off and paid vacations.

1316 Duval Street open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

Dolphin Research Center has a FT opening for an Accounting Clerk: Responsible for daily, weekly & monthly accounting processes. Must be a responsible, organized and motivated individual who demonstrates excellent “team player” skills.

Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation and paid holidays & much more. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email your resume & application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST Location: Marathon

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Technical Support Specialist with outstanding customer service skills, and up-to-date technical knowledge. Employee in this classification installs, upgrades, advises and troubleshoots computer hardware and software. Position reports to the Director of Information Technology. Must have a high school diploma or GED, supplemented by college level course work or Vo Tech training in computer technology; minimum 3 yrs of progressively more responsible computer technical experience, and must possess a Microsoft certification containing software and hardware components for current technologies or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Go to: www.fkaa.com/employment to complete our on-line application. Salary range: $57,680 - $91,364 (Salary commensurate with qualifications) EEO, VPE, ADA

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

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

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

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

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

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

With Upscale Casual Dining Experience,

ARTS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020 TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

LOCAL OCEAN ARTIST BRINGS OCEAN TO LIFE AND ART TO THE COMMUNITY

B

rittany Parker can do it all.

During the day, she’s the program and development manager at the Good Health Clinic in Tavernier.

On days off and weekends, many know her as “Captain Britt,” and she can be found on or under the water. And every other Thursday, she teaches sold-out paint-and-sip art classes at Baker’s Cay resort in Key Largo.

“I’ve been painting since I don’t even know what age,” Parker told the Weekly. “My mom would put us in art classes growing up, and I’d do any art thrown at me. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started putting myself out there in the art community with my stuff.”

“Go With The Ocean Flow” is Parker’s artistic motto and style. She draws inspiration from everywhere, but usually the ocean.

“I like things to be fluid with nature,” she said. “My painting style is also flowy and fluid.

The more flowy my body is in creating a painting, the more I love it. When you paint, you create something on the canvas, yes, but you also create something internally.”

Parker is a big believer in the power of art and the ocean to inspire and heal. Most of her art is based on ocean animals, based on pictures she’s taken herself while diving or snorkeling or images she’s found of amazing marine critters around the world.

“Everything captivates me about the ocean,” the avid waterwoman said. “It’s a whole different planet under the water, and the creatures under there are fascinating. When I’m out diving or snorkeling, there are definitely creatures I see and think, ‘I definitely need to paint that, it’s so weird!’ It makes it so fun to paint.”

At her signature paint-and-sip classes, she teaches this relaxed, easy-going way of creating beautiful art. Among sodas, beer and wine, her students learn step-by-step how she creates her marine masterpieces.

“I like to think my teaching style is fun, bubbly and loud,” the artist said. “I like to throw in some humor to keep people laughing and engaged. Sometimes I make up my own terminology to make it easier for people doing the class to have fun with it. Like last night, it was ‘Boop this way, and bob that way.’”

Parker has been teaching the live painting classes since the end of 2019, and they’ve recently all been sold out. Without fail, someone in the classes will greet Parker with the disclaim-

1

2

3

4

of other stuff. I make $3 for a pillow that someone pays $20 for, but I don’t even care. The fact that my art is on a sofa in someone’s house is crazy to me!”

As for what’s next, Parker is considering expanding the paint-and-sip or doing live painting. Either way, you can be sure she’ll be out on the water, capturing the beauty she sees, and teaching others how to go with the ocean flow and create beautiful art.

Check out more of her art and events at: https://www.facebook.com/gowiththeoceanflow/

er that they’re not an artist and not to expect anything from them. She assures them, “You took the first step. You’re here,” and emphasizes that it’s all about no stress and having fun.

“My goal is for everyone to laugh at the end of the night and feel comfortable. I want them to feel like they can create and have a great time,” she said.

Parker is perhaps best known for her octopus, jellyfish and ‘trippy’ lionfish paintings.

Her custom-painted carvings and scenic art can also be seen at Island Grill and Grati Cafe, respectively. And, once the Morada Way Art Walk begins again, you can find her there, with her latest pieces.

“My art can also be on a tent,” she laughed.

“On the website Society6, they take my art and put it onto pillows, tapestries, blankets and a lot

1. “Go With The Ocean Flow” paint and sip art classes are suitable for kids and adults and people of all skill levels. Recent classes at Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo have all been sold out. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 2. Brittany Parker collaborates with local wood carvers to create fun beach signs for Island Grill restaurant in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED 3. Brittany Parker demonstrates painting techniques at the front of the class and walking around to each workstation to ensure everyone can follow along and complete their own paintings. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 4. Participants paint a “groovapus” — groovy octopus — during one of Brittany Parker’s paint-and-sip nights at Baker’s Cay. BRITTANY NGUYEN/Contributed

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DARE I SAY IT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS IN TIMES OF A PANDEMIC PAINT-AND-SIPS A MUST-DO

I

’ve been of the mindset lately that it’s time to enter uncharted waters and do some things I haven’t really done much of in my young life. After all, JIM with so much canMcCARTHY celed in the way of events these days, serves as editor what better time of the Upper Keys to get out of the Weekly. A Tavercomfort zone and nier resident, he believes in comchallenge oneself? munity reporting, Enter paintgiving back and and-sips. I’m life on the waters. seasoned at the latter … just not the former. I can’t even recall the last time I picked up a brush. Could the last time have been that one paint book with Mickey Mouse? No, it couldn’t have been that long ago!

I’ve heard about these paint-andsips for some time. Sit down, take a brush and paint away as you indulge in your drink and socialize. And who better to learn from than the talented Brittany Parker, who teaches the class (see story on page 51), and her assistant, Maria?

If there’s ever a time to enter the realm of painting, it’s now. After all, it’s Shark Week, and Parker’s special paintand-sip session at Baker’s Cay will have each of us painting a big ole shark on canvas. No pressure, as I look around and try to find a seat in the back so no one can peer at my progress.

The first step was easy: take the shark stencil and draw it on the canvass. Second step, mix a little bit of your blue and black paints with the white for that grey. Then, paint away.

At the outset, I was on my way to creating one heck of a pregnant dolphin as I painted just a little bit outside the lines. My shading game is also a little off, and I can’t seem to make a fine outline around the shark, nor am I having much success with painting teeth. With a little bit of guidance of pressing your wrist against the canvas and steadying your hand, things are actually coming around. Holy sh*t! It’s looking more like a shark.

With the art piece almost complete, Parker instructs the class to splatter their shark painting with some colors as the last step. And just like that, my work of art is complete.

I’m in awe as I gaze at what I just created. And it’s definitely going somewhere on my wall when I get home. As Maria comes around to take a look at the finished product, she asks the name of the piece. Hmm… “graffiti shark.”

Coming in with little expectations of what I was going to create, confidence was gained in what I could be doing when there’s just a wee bit of free time in my busy schedule. And more than anything, the experience and atmosphere Brittany’s classes provide allows one to put the stresses normal life tends to bring to the side, and enter a different realm where they can relax and just paint.

Paint-and-sip with Brittany is totally worth it, especially in these times when we could all use a little escape from reality. Best be sure I’ll be back sometime soon, ready to improve my shading and outlining. For more, visit Brittany’s Instagram page, @gowiththeoceanflowart.

This week, I’ll put on the gloves, as it’s time for a little mixed martial arts.

“Graffiti shark” took about an hour and two Coronas to complete. Disclaimer: This shark wouldn’t have been possible without the help from Brittany and her assistant, Maria. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

BRIEFLY Help United Way ‘stuff the bus’ United Way of Collier and the Keys is asking residents to raise funds for the annual “Stuff the Bus” before Monday, Aug. 31. The agency’s 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.

This is even more critical this year as schools may need additional safety and hygiene items for classrooms, or equipment for virtual learning. 100% of contributions go directly to fund the needs of Monroe County schoolchildren.

The success of Stuff the Bus is only possible through the continued generosity of individuals, businesses, and civic groups in Monroe County. Every dollar collected for Stuff the Bus goes directly toward purchasing 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 tools necessary for the school year.

Donations may be made: Online at KeysUnitedWay.org by clicking on the red “donate” button.

By checks mailed to P.O. Box 2143, Key West, FL, 33045.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations.

More details are at KeysUnitedWay.org/StuffTheBus. Marathon library continues programming In addition to eBooks, hold pick-ups and other online services, the Marathon Branch of Monroe County Public Library offers online programs for all ages: On Fridays at 10 a.m., Sylvia takes her art class to Zoom with WebinART! Email Sylvia for the Zoom link: Fontaine-silvia@monroecounty-fl.gov Easy Yoga for older adults and those with movement issues is back. It is now on Saturdays at 10 a.m. (Look for a Tuesday lunchtime class in September). Email Arlene at haessler-arlene@monroecounty-fl. gov for the Zoom link.

Computer tutor sessions are available by appointment with staff.

“We are not experts in everything tech but can walk you through the basics of using your devices and apps as well as using our library’s

online services,” said a spokesperson. Email marathonreferencedesk@monroecounty-fl.gov to schedule a Zoom appointment.

Ms. Melody continues to offer storytime for little ones on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. via Facebook Live. Live videos and recorded videos can be viewed on Facebook by searching “Marathon library.”

Coming soon: Girls Who Code clubs for grades 3-5 and grades 6-12 Carr celebrates 45 years at First State Bank First State Bank of the Florida Keys has recognized Tina Carr, senior vice president and loan servicing manager, for her 45 years of service.

A native of Key West, Carr joined First State Bank in 1975 as a switchboard operator after graduating from Key West High School.

She held positions in bookkeeping, accounting, branch operations, and consumer lending. She served as loan operations officer, installment loan officer, assistant vice president/installment loan office, and vice president/loan servicing manager before assuming her current position in 2019.

“For 45 years, Tina has impressed us with her hard work, dedication and proficiency,” said Gary Carney, executive vice president of the bank. “The level of experience and technical expertise Tina provides customers and the bank along with her unparalleled customer service commitment make her an invaluable part of our team.”

Carr holds an associate degree in financial management from Florida Keys Community College.

Marathon Community Theatre to play ‘name that tune’ Marathon Community Theatre will be hosting a special fundraising event: Name That Tune. (Yes, just like the game show!) This will be Marathon Community Theatre’s first event since shutting down on March 16 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event will be held at the outdoor venue, Dockside, on Sombrero Boulevard on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Social distancing rules will be followed and face masks are required to enter and move about the venue. For more information, call 305-743-0408, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

53

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

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

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

NOW HIRING RESTAURANT HOST SERVERS BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT HOUSEMEN ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN LINE COOK SOUS CHEF BAKER APPLY AT: bungalowskeylargo.com/careers

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY WEST

Case Manager (Forensic) Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Therapist (Children, Adult) Front Desk Specialist Engagement Specialist

MARATHON

Care Coordinator Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT& FT) Peer Support Specialist Drop In Technician (PT) Research Assistant (2) Driver (CDL preferred) Engagement Specialist *Assisted Living Night Monitor (FREE HOUSING!) *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT)

*No experience necessary. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus.

If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

Background and drug screen req.

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

THEME: FOOTBALL ACROSS 1. It may be fixed or blank 6. Sometimes appears between dogs 9. Wild West card game 13. Deprived of a limb 14. Go wrong 15. ____ and tattooed 16. Tsar’s edict 17. Waikiki garland 18. Propelled like Argo 19. *Last year’s Super Bowl MVP 21. *Recipient of this year’s first pick 23. Madame Tussauds’ medium 24. Jack’s legume 25. Communications regulator, acr.

28. Dry as dust 30. Echo 35. Yours and mine 37. Cold War enemies, slang 39. Common candle shape 40. Home of the Utes 41. Shinbone 43. Scotia preceder 44. Furiously angry 46. Like watching paint dry 47. Gulf War missile 48. Oozed 50. Clump 52. Yo 53. Common allergens 55. Not color but ____ 57. *The goal 61. *Primary football unit 65. Boy Scout’s ____ badge 66. Pod dweller 68. Word of mouth 69. All worked up 70. Poetic “ever” 71. Home to largest mammal 72. Threads 73. *Defensive ____ 74. Locomotes

DOWN 1. Millionaire’s turf, according to 2009 Oscar-winner 2. Bangladeshi currency 3. Wet nurse 4. Plant again 5. Swellings 6. Elvers 7. ‘re 8. Human social group 9. *Yellow and unwanted 10. Saint’s “headdress” 11. Movie spool 12. *Vegas numbers 15. Laura Ingalls’ hat 20. Make an effort 22. Organ of balance 24. Sleep disrupters 25. *Encroachment and false start, e.g.

26. Type of mandarin 27. Have a hankering 29. *2020 Super Bowl winning coach 31. VSCO girl’s favorite shoe brand 32. Geologic period 33. Variety show 34. *Patriot no more 36. Pinta or Santa Maria, e.g.

38. Perfect houseplant spot 42. *____ Bowl, college game 1982-2000 45. Indicate 49. What Dundee and Dunedin have in common 51. *Last year’s Heisman winner 54. Conical dwelling 56. Draw a conclusion 57. Do like exhaust pipe 58. Evil Roman emperor 59. What oxen do to plows 60. Acne symptoms 61. *One of ten needed for first down 62. Church echo 63. Provoke or annoy 64. European sea eagles 67. Poetic “even”

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

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

Technical Project & Operations Administrator Assists with Coastal Source project timelines, analytics, budget management & other administration tasks. Reports on project’s regularly to management.

AV Technician Installs, maintains, tests and repairs audio, video & other systems on job sites and in showroom. Must excel at problem solving and trouble shooting.

Junior Interior Designer 1+ year experience with basic interior architecture detailing.

Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, and 20/20 a plus.

NOW HIRING

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

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

54

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

MASS TESTING Health department provides free nasal swabs in drive-up style

F

ree drive-through COVID-19 testing at Founders Park allowed residents in the Islamorada and Upper Keys areas to get swabbed on Aug. 13.

Staff from the Florida Health Department were stationed near the park’s beach where vehicles drove up, pulled down their masks and received a swab test. Residents remained in their cars as staff came to them for the free test. The mass testing event was hosted by the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County in partnership Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and village of Islamorada. — Weekly staff report

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

55

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

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

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

• SINCE 1989 •

305-289-1150

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

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

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

When It Rains It Pours!

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

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

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

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

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

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

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Interior Designer

CELL:

Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

Liz Samess Interiors

Liz Samess

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953

Serving Key Largo to Key West

www.TewesMortgage.com

Kitchen Cabinets Sales

Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

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

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Will Campbell President

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

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

Lic#SP-3562

Clear Cut Trees Plus Serving all of the Florida Keys RAS JL WHITE - owner ISA CERTIFIES ARBORIST MI-4398A

786.490.3073 replacm@gmail.com

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

56

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2020

FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL

This builder's personal and custom home is warm and inviting offering the utmost enjoyment of Buccaneer Point Lake. Enter this large and spacious four bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom concrete home through the butterfly garden path to sparkling views of the lake, high entries, and coffered ceilings. Brazilian walnut floors throughout the expansive living space, large walk-in closets, and bedrooms, attic, two car garage plus storage, and additional covered parking and storage downstairs. The kitchen and living room walk out to pool-the perfect entertaining area!

KEY LARGO | $1,280,000 | Listing ID: 589025

305.712.8888 | oceansir.com