Upper Keys Weekly 20-0827

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

1¢

A corona and two hurricanes, you say? That’ll be $20.20.

TOLL TIME? Feasibility study in the works | P. 8

COVID COUNT

Corona cases, hospitalizations down | P. 4

LIVIN’ LIFE

A chat with an avid diver, photographer | P. 28

An aerial view of Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo.

DAVID GROSS/Contributed

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

Florida Keys Electric Co-op Notice:

Unclaimed Capital Credits As a not-for-profit, member-owned utility, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative members receive Member Capital Credits — Your piece of the co-op pie! Member Capital Credits are our annual margins (total revenue minus operating costs) which are allocated to each member that received power from us for that year on a per usage basis. FKEC retains these allocated margins for a number of years to invest in improvements, maintain the electric system, and offset the amount of money the co-op has to borrow from banks, which in turn keeps your electric rates lower. Eventually these allocated margins are refunded to members and called Capital Credits.

When a member or former member is due a Capital Credit refund, FKEC makes every

effort to locate and return that member’s funds over a five year period. In a final attempt to notify a member of their refund, FKEC provides the names of the people owed unclaimed funds. To see if you, or someone you know, has unclaimed funds, please check our database online at www.

FKEC.com/access-your-account/cooperatives-capital-credits/.

An FKEC member or former member on the list must claim payments within sixty days of August 27, 2020. Failure to make such claim will result in an irrevocable assignment or gift by such member or former member of such Capital Credit refund to the co-op pursuant to Article VII, Section 3 of the bylaws of the cooperative.

To see if you have unclaimed FKEC funds visit www.FKEC.com

Proud to be Your Member-Owned Cooperative 305.852.2431 • www.FKEC.com

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

Thank You!

Following approval by the FKMCD Board of Commissioners, FKMCD and Oxitec are working together to carry out a pilot project that will evaluate the effectiveness of Oxitec’s safe, non-biting Aedes aegypti just-add-water technology in the Florida Keys. The project is slated to begin in 2021.

In Preparation, FKMCD and Oxitec Announce New Seven-Part Webinar Series Open to the Public: Informational Webinars Cover Range of Topics; Provide Forum for Florida Keys Residents to Ask Questions.

Please Join Us Each Month! Date, Time and Registration Details to Follow: 1.

Environmental Health and Oxitec: Oxitec’s Benefits for the Florida Keys’ Sensitive Ecosystem and Endangered Species – coming in September!

2. Human Health and Oxitec: The Safety of Oxitec Technology – coming in October!

3. Virtual Tour: Inside Oxitec Labs – coming in November!

Meet the team that produces mosquitoes for the project and see inside one of Oxitec’s production facilities in a virtual tour.

4. What’s in the Box?: How Oxitec’s Just-Add-Water Technology Helps Control the Aedes aegypti Population – coming in December!

Safe Environmentally friendly Non-biting

5. Preparing for the FKMCD-Oxitec Pilot Project: Overview of Field Trial Design and Management – coming in January!

6. Roundtable Discussion: Controlling Aedes aegypti, the Vector of Dengue, Zika, Heartworm and Other Diseases – coming in February!

Featuring medical and veterinary doctors, members of the public health community, academics and FKMCD and Oxitec experts.

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Community Partnerships: The Role Communities Play in Our Pilot Project – coming in March!

Learn more keysmosquito.org oxitec.com/florida

4

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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In Alaska, wood frogs go eight months without peeing. Apparently, the frogs can survive this by recycling urea (the main waste in urine) into nitrogen. It keeps the frogs alive as they hibernate.

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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COVID-19 CASES DROP, HOSPITALIZATIONS DOWN LOCALLY Health officer says it’s not a time ‘to relax’

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A Florida Health Department worker prepares to administer a nasal swab test to a motorist during a mass testing event on Aug. 13 at Founders Park in Islamorada. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

A

n Aug. 23 Florida Health Department report showed something not seen since some of the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed and tracked in the Florida Keys back in March. The number was related to new cases reported in Monroe County. It totaled zero.

August begins to set, and so have new daily cases of COVID-19 throughout the island chain, as evidenced in recent reports from the health department in the last week. One new case was confirmed on Aug. 24, two on Aug. 25 and five on Aug. 26.

From Aug. 16 to 23, new daily cases averaged at about nine. The highest number of cases reported in that week was 16 on Aug. 19.

A week before, Aug. 9 to 15, new cases averaged around 13. The highest number of cases seen in that period was 26 on Aug. 14. And going back to mid-July, cases were averaging 25 between July 5 and July 12, and 40 between July 13 and July 20. As many as 74 cases were reported to the health department on July 11 and 53 on July 17.

While cases are declining both locally and in counties to the north, Bob Eadie, health officer for Monroe County, said it’s not the time to relax measures just yet. Still, Eadie said he feels better than in a very long time when examining where the county is currently with the coronavirus pan-

demic.

“I think several things are going on.

You're seeing a decline in the counties north of us in Dade County,” he said. “There’s a decline throughout the country, but I kind of like to think that given that we’re small and strung out through the islands, that the efforts we’ve put in are starting to pay off.”

On Aug. 23, the state of Florida had the lowest single-day count of new infections reported in two months. The state’s positive rate for infections is hovering near 5% for new cases. The tri-county area with the worst infection rate (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) was also showing lower rates of daily positivity. Earlier this week, those numbers were reported as 9.13% for Miami-Dade, 4.34% for Broward and 5.34% for Palm Beach.

These percentages do not include those who have previously tested positive. Altogether (new and previous cases), the state has a positivity rate of about 10%.

In Monroe County, measures are still in place requiring masks in public places like grocery stores and shops.

Coverings must also be worn in restaurants until seated at a table. Local municipalities have decided to keep parks and beaches closed through Labor Day continued on page 6

5

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

from page 4 Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West. The Florida Health Department reported three COVID-19-related hospitalizations as of Aug. 23.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

to keep crowds away.

With drops in new cases, hospitals are also seeing fewer patients with COVID-19. Just two were hospitalized with COVID-19 at Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West and none at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier as of Aug. 26. A week before, four were hospitalized, with three at LKMC and one at Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals.

Anywhere from 18 to 25 hospitalizations were seen per day from July 21 to 26.

“Dramatic improvement overall,” said Dr. Thomas Morrison, emergency doctor at Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals. A spokesperson for Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West said hospitalizations for COVID-19 cases are trending down. LKMC is performing elective surgeries and outpatient procedures with enhanced precautions and COVID-free zones.

A total of 107 people have been hospitalized in Monroe County for COVID-19 from the start of the pandemic in mid-March to Aug. 26. That’s 6% of all cases locally, and right at the Florida average with 37,404 hospitalizations statewide from the start to Aug. 26.

Statewide, the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 is also trending downward. In mid-July those numbers surged to about 14,000. For the week beginning Aug. 16, there were 4,000

patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Florida.

Positive COVID-19 cases in Monroe County total 1,700, with 1,671 residents and 29 nonresidents. Of the positive cases, 203 are in the 15-24 age range; 321 in the 25-34 age range; 292 in the 35-44 age range; 311 in the 4554 age range and 218 in the 55-64 age range. As for the elderly populations, 136 positive cases have occurred in the 65-74 age range; 62 in the 75-84 age range and 19 in the 85-plus age range.

Eadie said those who’ve had COVID-19 symptoms and who are in good health have made good recoveries.

And with no overwhelming number of people hospitalized with COVID-19, even those entering ICUs aren’t staying for long, Eadie acknowledged.

“It’s very low in all parts of the Keys,” he said. “Encouraging, maybe more than anything, is those who’ve been in the hospital and are being discharged in a matter of days.”

Fifteen deaths in the county have been deemed COVID-19 related, the latest happening on Aug. 26 involving an 83-year-old male resident of Monroe County who had multiple co-morbidities, the health department said.

Eadie said all COVID-19-related deaths have been associated with underlying health issues among the older population. Six deaths have come from those ages 55 to 74 and seven among those

75 to 84. Two deaths occurred among those who were 85-plus years old.

Just 1% of all cases have resulted in fatalities in Monroe County, and that’s slightly less than the state average of 2% with 10,733 total deaths to date statewide.

A little over 60% of deaths related to COVID-19 statewide have been in the 75-plus age range.

As for testing, the health department has seen a drop among those wanting to be swabbed. But Eadie said people are still coming out to get tested, as witnessed in the Aug. 13 mass testing at Founders Park in Islamorada, where 240 drove up to get swabbed.

The Founders Park tests were part of a mass testing by the health department in the Keys from Aug. 10 to 14. A total of 78 were tested on Aug. 10 and 11 at the Roth Building in Tavernier and Big Pine Moose Lodge. On Aug.12, a total of 114 were tested between sites at the Roth Building and at College of the Florida Keys on Stock Island. Seventeen were tested on Aug. 14 at the health department’s Ruth Ivins Center in Marathon.

“There’s still a good demand for the test, but it has dropped off,” he said. “I think it may also be that people are learning more about the disease, unless they have the symptoms and have been around somebody who has had symptoms. I don’t think there’s that sort of panic feeling they have to be tested right now.”

Just over 15,593 tests have been performed in Monroe County from March to Aug. 26. Of those tests, 13,909 have come back negative, 1,671 positive and 13 inconclusive. Eleven percent of those tested have come back positive, according to data.

Eadie said people should continue to wear masks in public, socially distance and practice good hygiene. He also stressed the importance of receiving the flu shot this year.

“I haven’t seen any literature or any place where anyone has gotten the flu and COVID at the same time. If there’s some way to mitigate that, then I would suggest doing it, and the best way to do that is with a flu shot,” he said.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020 TIFFANY DUONG

1

BOCC TO DISCUSS FEASIBILITY OF U.S. 1 FEE

T

he possibility of a toll on U.S. 1 to enter into the Florida Keys was a hot topic at the August BOCC meeting, when county commissioners requested staff to explore the feasibility of establishing such a fee.

The toll would be for nonresidents and help offset tourist impacts on the local environment and infrastructure. Funds raised could be used to improve water quality or support infrastructure investment against sea level rise, and for other pressing needs within the Florida Keys, like assisting law enforcement, alleviating traffic problems, and assisting with evacuation and reentry.

Mayor Heather Carruthers led discussions and reviewed the status of toll talks. The topic has been discussed and even implemented several times over the years. Tolls were collected on U.S. 1 in 1927 and 1938 and have been continually collected on Card Sound Road since 1926. In 2010, the BOCC researched the practicality and ability of establishing a toll on the Monroe County end of the 18-Mile Stretch to address infrastructure needs related to sea level rise. As recently as 2017, commissioners requested the Florida Department of Transportation to create a toll on U.S. 1.

“They have, to my knowledge, never done anything about it,” said Carruthers. “I don’t know where they are with this. In my briefing with them, they said they didn’t know anything about this. I think a lot of things have happened since the last couple times we’ve talked to them about this.”

Now, in light of the latest climate data projections for the Keys, which include new sea level rise projections of 10-17 inches near Key West by the year 2040 and 21-40 inches by 2070, the question is how the county will pay for all these necessary adaptations, mitigations and infrastructure fixes.

Carruthers said, “Any fees collected by toll could be used for transportation and transportation-related items on the highway it’s collected on.”

The Mayor also noted that funds are allowed to benefit areas a half-mile off the highway, and that given the “skinny nature of our island chain,” that leeway may prove very helpful. Other commissioners brought up the fact that dynamic tolling and electronic tolling with SunPass can be used to optimize tolls based on traffic levels, holidays and other considerations.

“We have significant challenges,” said Commissioner David Rice. “It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. We have different reasons this needs to be done today than we had in previous attempts.”

The commissioners requested staff to reengage with the issue and especially address considerations including the legal foundations for a toll, potential financial earnings for the county from a toll, and false expectations on what toll money can be used for in the community.

County Attorney Bob Shillinger cautioned, “The closer to roads and road improvements we can make our request, the less novel it will be to those who have approved tolls in the past. The more creative we get, the more challenging it will be (to get our toll approved).”

Callers from the public all voiced their support of the BOCC’s taking action and recommending a toll.

Norman Whartman, familiar with transportation and tolling, said, “You’re right on the money on this. Basically, the first step is to see the legal foundation before we spend any significant money. We need to see where we stand and how we do this.”

Whartman offered up a solution that he said has been working in Connecticut for instate versus out-of-state residents: an annual pass for residents, for which either the residents or the county could pay. This would work,

tiffany@keysweekly.com

2 3

he said, for people needing to supply the Keys like Publix trucks, as well as daily workers coming in from Miami-Dade. He was also in support of dynamic tolling based on times of week, time of day and holidays.

“This could be a godsend if implemented directly,” he said.

The feasibility study will determine the state and federal laws and regulations for a toll to be established, and what the revenue can be used for outside of highway maintenance and reconstruction. Staff will report back to the BOCC at a future meeting.

1. The BOCC is exploring the idea of toll booths on U.S. 1 leading into the Keys. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly 2. Resident sticker from when the Overseas Highway was a toll road.

KEYS HISTORY AND DISCOVERY MUSEUM/Contributed 3. Lower Matecumbe toll booth on the Overseas Highway circa 1940.

MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM/Contributed

MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

9

A lookout at Bahia Honda Bridge.

DAVID GROSS/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY

F

rom Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo to Old Town Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is unlike any other. With its natural beauty and iconic points of interest, a mobile app is helping guide travelers through the 100-plus mile corridor — and it recently gained national recognition.

Back in April, the National Scenic Byway Foundation bestowed the 2020 Byway Organization Marketing and Communications Award to the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. The special honor is the result of a project by Two Oceans Digital, an internet marketing company out of Key West, that created an innovative mobile app for visitors to enhance their experience driving through the Keys.

“We are proud to be involved in this team effort to create the Florida Keys & Key West app with ‘Driving Tours,’” said Clint Barras, vice president of business development for Two Oceans Digital. “This award is a testament to the great work that can be created when many different people and perspectives collaborate together to solve a challenge.”

By clicking the Driving Tours tab on the app, travelers are able to customize their stops from Key Largo to Key West or vice versa. Destinations include parks, Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, Tom’s Harbor Channel Historic Bridge on Duck Key, The Blue Hole on Big Pine Key and more. Barras said more points of interest will be added as well as videos.

With narrated tours of the island’s best points of interest (which was written by Keys Weekly’s very own Mandy Miles and narrated by Bill Becker of U.S. 1 radio), the Florida Keys & Key West Travel app also highlights places to play, stay and eat. Judy Hull, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director and FKSC Alliance vice president, said the app keeps drivers safe.

“We’ve seen people take video off the sunroof as they’re going over bridges or stopping on the road to take a picture. This app allows them to be patient as it tells them where there’s a safe place to pull over for an opportunity to take a picture,” she said. “I’m delighted it was recognized nationally and I think it will keep the highway safe. The app accomplished what we were looking for.”

jim@keysweekly.com

KEYS SCENIC HIGHWAY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED Mobile app enhances experience through the islands

Hull said the Monroe County Tourist Development C ouncil, which funded the project, chambers of commerce and Two Oceans Digital were all involved with the project. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office even came in to ensure all major pull offs on the app were safe.

Based on a traveler’s location, nearby restaurants, attractions, and points of interest are visible in real-time on the app. People can also customize their own itinerary with the ability to add trip dates and “favorite” anything they find of interest as they search through the app.

Stunning 360-degree video views of major interest points and views underwater are also found in the app. In addition, the mobile application links travelers to local webcams, weather conditions, introductions to each island community, events, maps and social media.

Hull and others originally were invited for an award presentation at the Heartland Byway Conference in Lawrence, Kansas in October. That’s on hold, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway was designated as a Florida Scenic Highway in 2001. The byway was managed by Clean Florida Keys, but after two years, that group disbanded.

That’s when Hull and others stepped in to bring life back to the group, establishing the Florida Keys Scenic Corridor that assumed management and responsibility.

In 2007, the Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance was formed to enhance the scenic image, preserve heritage and diversity and promote the natural beauty of the highway. Hull said FKSCA works through partnerships and agreements with other organizations and serves as an advocate for the resources along the highway.

Hull played a role in enhancing the scenic image of Overseas Highway, and her leadership and efforts were rewarded last year when she received the 2019 Garry Balogh Inspiring Excellence Award during a Florida Scenic Highways meeting in DeBary.

Recognizing leadership, innovation and achievements that have made a lasting impact on a scenic highway, the award was destined for Hull, who played a key role in resurrecting the byway organization in the Keys and achieving All-American Road status for Overseas Highway.

10

KEY WEST

PANDEMIC GETS PERSONAL Hemingway House lays off 30+ employees MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

his week was the last week of work for about 30 employees of one of Key West’s most iconic tourist attractions.

Owners of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum were forced to lay off most of their staff, effective Thursday, Aug. 27, given the current coronavirus situation and with the potential future of tourism resting on the outcome of the cruise ship referendums on the Key West ballot.

The museum remains open seven days a week, but owner Mike Morawski said he’s “having to reimagine my business plan” while also helping his employees find work elsewhere.

“We currently have two-thirds fewer visitors than usual, but have 15% more employees in order to ensure the public’s and the staff’s health and safety in the COVID pandemic,” said Morawski. His great-aunt, Bernice Dickson, bought the stately Whitehead Street mansion from the Hemingway estate and turned it into a museum in 1963. Morawski’s mother inherited the property when Dickson died in 1989.

He has owned and operated it since 1994 and his children now work there as well.

“The number of people we have coming through in a whole day now is the number we’d normally do in an hour and a half,” said Morawski, who said the decision to lay off his staff devastated him. “These people have been here 10, 15, 25 years. This is a labor-intensive business, with tour guides, maintenance crews, landscapers, special event planners and retail workers.”

With two-thirds of its customer base absent from Key West, The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, one of Key West’s most popular tourist attractions, this week laid off more than 30 employees.

CONTRIBUTED

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

A line of camera-toting tourists typically stretches daily down the 900 block of Whitehead Street, waiting for their guided tour of the famous writer’s studio, the island’s first swimming pool and the dozens of six-toed cats that call the place home.

Hemingway lived and wrote in the home from 1931 to 1941, when he moved to Cuba.

But the pandemic forced Morawski to change and reduce the size of the guided tours. ”You can’t imagine the number of times people tell us we should consider the automated tours with headsets, or holograms or other technology, but in speaking with our customers, 99.9% of their positive visitor experience came from their interaction with our tour guides,” Morawski said. “We’ll eventually look at the technology side of things, but the last thing I want to do is hand our guests a script and have them walk around themselves. My great-aunt’s intention was to provide people with a touch and taste experience of Hemingway, the home and Key West itself.”

‘Reimagining’ Key West has a price The museum historically has derived a third of its income from international visitors, a third from cruise ship tourists and a third from domestic travelers, the only ones currently visiting Key West.

“And only about 50% of the usual domestic travelers are coming right now,” said Morawski, who has long served on the board of the Key West Chamber of Commerce as well as other community service organizations. “We’re a labor-intensive business that operates on high

volume of tourists with a lot of employees, and that doesn’t seem to be the type of business model that some people want to ‘reimagine’ for Key West tourism these days.

“When people say businesses like this will simply have to readjust their business models, that’s possible, and we could consider making this an exclusive attraction, or just making it a high-end event venue, but what would we be losing if we did that? What will the island be losing?

“When people who want to reimagine Key West and get rid of cruise ships, they say the workers who lose their jobs will just have to go elsewhere, and that just sounds callous.”

Morawski added that the timing of the proposed cruise ship referendums, which would significantly reduce the size and number of cruise ships that can visit Key West “seems really insensitive during these times when so many people are out of work.

“This group wants to basically install a gate at the triangle entering Key West and only invite the people they want to have here,” Morawski said. “This town will just become one big gated community, one big homeowner’s association with rules about who can come and what they can do while they’re here.

“This just seems like a really bad time to be taking jobs away from people and revenue away from businesses and the city,” he said. “The most frustrating thing is they’re not seeing, or even caring about, the real people this reimagined attitude affects.”

11

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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

Alicia represented the Buyers of: 1590 Marlin Drive, Marathon, FL 33050

My peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Alicia Lund | 305.431.0577 | alicia@keysrealestate.com

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.

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ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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

Jody & Lynn represented the Sellers of: 2240 Yellowtail Ave., Marathon, 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

ISLAMORADA’S VILLAGE MANAGER RESIGNS Interim manager Bassett to remain in position until March 2021 JIM McCARTHY

COMMERCE CORNER Middle Keys Republican Club This not-for-profit political club was re-chartered in 2005. With no membership dues, it offers dinner at monthly meetings where members meet, socialize, and learn from Republican candidates and elected officials. In an election year, this gives members the opportunity to decide which candidate to support.

“It’s an opportunity for members to meet and hear from Republican elected officials and candidates in order to become more informed voters in local, state, and federal elections,” said spokesperson Phil Goodman.

Membership is open to any registered Republican and the club currently has more than 150 members. Membership ranges from Sugarloaf Key to Duck Key, although most members are from Marathon. The Middle Keys Republican Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Florida Keys Country Club in Marathon.

Phone: 305-600-8441 Website: keysgop.com Email: middlekeysrepublicanclub@gmail.com

jim@keysweekly.com

H

e guided the village of Islamorada through Hurricane Irma in one of his first year as manager.

After overseeing operations for almost four years in the village, Seth Lawless has resigned as Islamorada’s manager due to health reasons.

Lawless announced his resignation verbally last week to Mayor Mike Forster. Details of the exit were worked out in talks with Lawless, Forster and the village attorney, Roget Bryan.

A severance package includes six months health insurance coverage and 10 weeks regular salary, equating to $47,326. Council members were in consensus during an Aug. 20 meeting that the severance package was reasonable.

Lawless has been on medical leave since July 6. Since then, deputy manager and finance director Maria Bassett has taken control of day-to-day operations at the village as the interim manager. Lawless’ resignation took effect on Aug. 21, and Bassett was approved as acting manager through March 2021.

“He (Seth) did a great job while he was here,” Forster said. “He ran into some medical situations and it has gone on for a while now. It’s best we move forward. I wish him the very best.”

In September 2016, the village chose Lawless as its next village manager. He previously served as town manager in Knightdale, North Carolina and consistently had city management positions in the state for more than two decades. Hurricane Irma caused destruction in the Keys roughly a year after Lawless became village manager. The clearing of debris from the village, the rehabilitation of Anne’s Beach and the clearing of canals were among the major projects Lawless

Islamorada village manager Seth Lawless has resigned. CONTRIBUTED

oversaw following the storm.

The Keys Weekly reached out to Lawless for comment. He didn’t respond before press time.

Councilwoman Deb Gillis said small towns like Islamorada depend on the village manager to bring matters forward and keep operations going.

“I’m sorry his health issues couldn’t come around so he could continue with us,” she said. “He did a great job on a lot of stuff for us, particularly the hurricane.”

With Bassett the acting manager, council members agreed to move her base salary to reflect her manager responsibilities since taking over in July. Council also decided to leave the search for a new village manager to next year’s council, with the current members either leaving, terming out at year’s end or running for re-election.

“Maria’s done a great job in Seth’s absence, and she’ll do a good job until the time the new council decides which direction they go in,” Forster said. “I think we’re in good hands. We have all the confidence in the world in her and her abilities.”

Vice Mayor Ken Davis said Lawless helped him in his first year as a council member.

“He advised me and helped guide me,” he said. “I’m sorry to see him go, and there’s no doubt in my mind when he’s fully healthy again he’ll be one of the finest there is.”

13

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

Now Celebra�ng 7 Years of Providing No Cost High Quality Health Care for Our County’s Medically Vulnerable Children!

All Health Center Sites are Now Open!

Please Call 305 743-7111 ext. 210 to Schedule Your Student’s Appointment for a School Physical, Sport’s Physical, General Primary Care or Sick Child Visit.

Call 305-743-7111 Ext 205 Today!

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Sites and Hours: Horace O’Bryant 1105 Leon St. Key West M-Th: 8 AM to 4 PM

Sites and Hours: Marathon High School 350 Sombrero Blvd Marathon M, T & Th: 7 AM to 3 PM

Key West High School 2100 Flagler Ave Key West T, Th & F: 7 AM to 3 PM

Stanley Switlik School 3409 Overseas Hwy Marathon Friday: 8 AM to 4 PM

Gerald Adams 5855 Jr. College Rd Key West M, W & F: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Coral Shores High School 89901 Overseas Hwy Tavernier W & F: 8 AM to 4 PM

Sugarloaf School 255 Crane Blvd Sugarloaf Key W & F: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Key Largo School 104801 Overseas Hwy Key Largo M, T & Th: 8 AM to 4 PM

To Keep You Safe Telehealth Visits Now Available!

If You Are Sick, Be Safe & Stay Home.

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14

GIVING

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

New events replace canceled Fantasy Fest fundraisers Festival organizers create alternative activities MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

HAPPRY HOUTURDAY

-SA MONDAPYM-6PM 4

FOOD $5 BAR HE GLASS

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

5620 MACDONALD AVE KEY WEST | 305.296.4999

he eight weeks from midAugust to mid-October in Key West are typically packed with costume parties, silent auctions, art sales, bike tours, fundraising 5K runs and other events created by the candidates for King and Queen of Fantasy Fest.

The royal hopefuls give up sleeping and spend eight weeks raising money for A.H. Monroe. The two top fundraisers are crowned the week before Fantasy Fest.

But the pandemic has taken precedence over all things in life, forcing the cancellation of Fantasy Fest, the royal runoff and all related fundraisers that gave AH Monroe the financial ability to fulfill its mission of providing Affordable Housing and Affordable Healthcare to Monroe County residents.

Fortunately, the coronavirus can’t infect the generous spirit of the Florida Keys, where the committed community comes together constantly to take care of its own.

Fantasy Fest producers Nadene Grossman Orr and Lindsey Sigafoos of We’ve Got the Keys have assembled a team of creative and can-do people, businesses and organizations, including Marky Pierson at Wonderdog Studios, to create alternative fundraising events to help replace what was lost to COVID-related cancelations.

These efforts have produced the Community Wins Initiative, which started Aug. 21 and runs to Oct. 16, and exclusively benefits the housing needs of the Key West community.

All money raised during the initiative will be divided evenly among four local charities that provide critical housing services: A.H. Monroe, Sister Season Fund, Samuel’s House and Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless.

“The Keys are ready for some good news, and Community Wins is a unique opportunity to care for our own, many of whom are in dire straits for housing costs, including mortgage, rent and deposits,” Grossman Orr said. “All donations are being used strictly for housing needs. The Com-

munity Foundation of the Florida Keys is administering and managing the new fund.

In order to help, local residents and people anywhere can participate in weekly events that take place in Key West and online.

“Take out for two” every Tuesday lets participants pick up specially created restaurant meals and wine for a donation that helps the initiative.

The virtual Key Lime Aid Challenge is a pledge-based fundraiser in which Julie Hanson is participants comexecutive director mit to a given disof Sister Season tance or number of Fund. minutes of exercise. And on Sept.

6, former Fantasy Fest Queen Jodyrae Campbell and King Mark Watson will host a Labor Day Telethon to celebrate their fifth anniversary as king Scott Pridgen is and queen. In oldexecutive director fashioned telethon of A.H. Monroe. style, Watson and Campbell will sell items, auction items and present local performers and other entertainment in the online event that lets anyone who loves Key West, but lives elsewhere, be Stephanie Kaple a part of the Comis executive munity Wins effort. director of Florida Starting now, Keys Outreach spread the love, Coalition for the share the funds Homeless. and help people with dire housing needs.

Learn more about the Community Wins Initiative at communitywins.org. Donate directly to the initiative through Tara Salinas is exthe Community ecutive director of Foundation of the Samuel’s House Florida Keys at cffk. women’s and org/communityfamily shelter. wins.

15

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

LET’S TAKE A BITE OUT OF LIONFISH

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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Sunday: FUNDAY BRUNCH, LUNCH & BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Spaghetti & Meatballs Night

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Happy Hour 4-6pm

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

17

ANNIVERSARY AND 101ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

I

t was a celebration of various sorts for Marie and Lloyd Heiselbetz on Aug. 20 at Crystal Health and Rehab Center on Plantation Key. Eighty-three years ago to the day, the two high-school sweethearts exchanged wedding vows. Not only did they celebrate that anniversary, but Lloyd also celebrated his 101st birthday. Marie and Lloyd are originally from Beaumont, Texas. They’ve also spent time in Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola. The two came down to the Keys with their daughter, Janie Randle, in August 2018. Lloyd worked for the Union Oil Company of California while Marie was the perfect housewife and caretaker. Michael Davis, son-in-law, and Randle joined the celebration from outside the facility where they were able to see and sing to Marie and Lloyd who stayed inside. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

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

Karen represented the Sellers of: 239 Avocado Ave, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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18

MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020 BRIEFLY

STATE SENDS ‘1,300’ BACK TO ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE Early hurricane evacuation for affordable housing at issue SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

O

n Aug. 21, a group opposed to an extra 1,300 affordable and workforce housing building permits for the Florida Keys announced a victory. In a press release, the group said “the state is supporting several of their concerns about an administrative law judge’s recommendation … in support of lifting the current ROGO limits in the Florida Keys.”

In May, an administrative law judge rejected a petition to oppose the 1,300 building permits given to the Keys after Hurricane Irma by former Gov. Rick Scott. The 1,300 are above and beyond Monroe County’s existing, yet declining, number of new building permits before it reaches buildout in 2023.

Now, the state Department of Economic Opportunity has reviewed the judge’s favorable order, but asked for clarification on one point: how the municipalities will implement the early evacuation.

The 1,300 building permits will be divided among the cities and counties of the Keys,

each receiving about 300 except for smaller communities like Key Colony Beach and Layton. As part of the agreement submitted to the state DEO, the renters of these units will need to evacuate 24 hours before the rest of the local community. In Marathon, the comp plan and land development regulations say that will be part of the required rental agreement, enforced by an onsite manager. The only exception would be for renters who are also first responders.

The Keys are divided on the extra building rights: Those in favor of the units cite them as a possible solution to the dire housing situation Keyswide. Those who oppose the move say it will be impossible to evacuate so many residents in a reasonable time should another hurricane head for the Keys.

According to the opposition’s press release, the DEO asked the judge “to analyze and address issues her recommendation has improperly ignored.”

The opposition is leaning on the hurricane evacuation issue.

“Adding more development increases the evacuation dangers even more,” said Richard Grosso, lead attorney for the petitioners in the legal challenge. “Hurricane experts tell us the Keys has already reached legal build-out – the maximum number of residences under the law which can be safely evacuated. The lead regional evacuation planner on the state’s team which

made that determination came down to the hearing on his own time to testify that we’ve actually exceeded the 24-hour safe evacuation time by 2.5 hours. To add even more development on top of that is dangerous and violates local and state law.”

Earlier this year, Marathon’s planning director, George Garrett, said the core issue is the lack of workforce housing in the Keys. He said, “At this point, we have very limited additional workforce housing allocations and we have a significant workforce housing deficit.”

This dearth is what prompted the issuance of the 1,300 permits in the first place and motivates the municipalities’ argument. While hurricane evacuation, water quality and carrying capacity must be considered, the cities argued that each of their decisions to accept their 300 units was not only legal, but necessary in order to keep workers in local businesses. Garrett said, “It really is a workforce issue, and at that point, it becomes an issue of sustaining the economy.”

The administrative law judge in Tallahassee is required to provide findings of facts and conclusions of law regarding the hurricane evacuation implementation within 30 days.

Sheriff’s Office prepares for Labor Day weekend Currently, and continuing through the Labor Day weekend, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national effort to reduce drunk driving.

In partnership with the National Highway Safety and Transportation Administration, the sheriff’s office will be out in force keeping an eye out for drunk or impaired drivers.

In the Keys, where there is one road in and one road out, and few alternatives to U.S. 1 when traveling any distance at all, drunk driving is a particularly dangerous activity. Add to that the large numbers of tourists and the large numbers of bars and restaurants in the Keys and drunk driving can be extremely dangerous.

The sheriff’s office will also have all of its marine units out in force, patrolling Keys waters through the three-day weekend. (A reminder to mariners: Boating drunk can also land you in jail.) The agency will be working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Highway Patrol throughout the campaign.

Florida Keys Seafood Fest canceled due to COVID-19 The Board of Directors of the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen has voted unanimously to cancel the annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival scheduled for midJanuary at the Truman Waterfront in Key West.

Executive Director Bill Kelly said the primary concern is protecting the health and welfare of the fishermen and their families who catch, clean, cook and serve the food, the guests, patrons and all others connected with the event. In addition, the City of Key West has canceled all events originally scheduled through the end of this year and is currently not accepting permit applications for any events to be hosted on city property in 2021.

“Large-scale, food events of this type require plenty of lead time, food ordering, advance deposits and countless hours of preparation,” said FKCFA’s Bill Kelly, adding that he is cautiously hopeful a seafood celebration could still take place in 2021.

“As fishermen, we are forever optimistic and hope the pandemic will run its course in due time,” he said. “Should that happen, we will consider conducting a seafood festival later in the year."

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association’s work in supporting sustainable fishing programs, marine restoration projects, consumer education and scholarships for college-bound students from Key Largo to Key West. For more information or to make a donation visit https://www.fkcfa.org/

MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

19

A

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Retiring Monroe County Tax Collector Danise ‘Dee Dee’ Henriquez spent 31 years working in the county tax office, 20 of them as tax collector. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

HENRIQUEZ WRAPS UP THREE DECADES IN TAX OFFICE

Retiring tax collector said office is a ‘well-oiled machine’

fter 31 years working in the Monroe County Tax Collector's office — 20 of them as tax collector — Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez is retiring and leaving the office in the capable hands of her loyal and dedicated staff.

Her last day of work was Aug. 21, when the office staff was preparing for a possible brush from Tropical Storm Laura that had strengthened into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane by the morning of Aug. 26. The Florida Keys experienced minimal impacts from the tropical storm.

Sam Steele, a four-year employee of the county tax office, is running unopposed for the tax collector position and will begin his term in January 2021 unless the governor appoints him to take over in the interim, Henriquez told Keys Weekly on her last day.

If the governor doesn't appoint Steele for the interim, assistant tax collector Angela Hitchcock will manage the office until January, Henriquez said.

"She'll run it as it's been run for the past 51 years, since Harry Knight was tax collector, like a well-oiled machine," Henriquez said. When asked what’s next for her, she said she’s "had some people mention some offers and opportunities."

"You'll hear about whatever happens.

But for now I'm going to spend time with my 4-month-old granddaughter in Orlando and enjoy my free time doing landscaping and other projects in my yard at home."

Keys Weekly wishes Henriquez the best in her retirement.

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

Teresa represented the Buyers of: 29117 Orchid Lane, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

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20

KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

Mary Ellen's is one of several Key West restaurants that cannot allow bar seating, according to a city directive. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

BAR NONE Restaurant owners ask city officials to allow bar seating MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West restaurant owners asked city officials on Aug. 26 to allow bar seating at their establishments. The City Commission is expected to give them an answer on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Bill Lay, owner of La Trattoria Italian restaurant on Duval Street and Virgilio’s lounge, and coowner with Darren Horan of La Trattoria Oceanside and Benihana on South Roosevelt, addressed the commission on Aug. 26 on behalf of several restaurant owners in town.

“We’re operating at 50% capacity. It’s manageable, but extremely difficult without bar seating,” Lay told the commissioners, adding that one popular bar and grill on Duval Street derives 70% of its overall income from food and alcohol sales at its bar seats.

“We’re asking you to allow us to open our bars for seating, drinking and dining,” Lay said.

“This would not only give the restaurants a fighting chance, but would also put many people back to work. I’m proposing that you allow bar seating without requiring food orders, but that patrons are required to be seated while eating or drinking. In other words, you can’t be two-deep at the bar with people standing behind someone who’s seated at the bar.

“And If someone doesn’t follow the rules, enforce them. But please don’t punish the majority for the sins of a few. The majority of us want to be good soldiers,” Lay said, adding that although temperature checks of customers are no longer required, many restaurants continue to do them.

The commission ultimately asked attorney Smith to draft a potential emergency ordinance for the Sept. 1 commission meeting that would allow bar seating. Additional discussions are expected about allowing restaurants to remain open and sell alcohol until 1 a.m. rather than the current midnight curfew.

Mayor Teri Johnston suggested that each restaurant be required to submit an operating plan for its bar seating, outlining its health and distancing protocols.

“Our numbers are coming down, and the only way to try something is to loosen things up a little, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll have to shut things down again. And if individual businesses aren’t complying, then they’ll lose the right. But I agree with Mr. Lay, I think many places are doing things correctly.”

Bill Lay, owner of La Trattoria restaurant on Duval Street, and other restaurant owners want permission to open bar seating inside their establishments. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

He also ticked off the measures being taken to separate tables, keep dining groups separate and having people wait outside for a table, rather than congregating inside lobbies.

The city commissioners were largely sympathetic to Lay’s plight, and asked City Attorney Shawn Smith for some guidance. Smith reminded the lawmakers that the closure of standalone bars that don’t serve food is by order of the state and cannot be changed. But the closure of bar seating inside restaurants was done by order of the city in an emergency directive.

Outside Key West, in the rest of Monroe County, bar seating is allowed inside restaurants, Smith said. The commissioners ultimately directed city staff to meet with restaurant owners to work out some of the details and enforcement concerns.

The bar at Margaritaville must remain empty while customers enjoy cheeseburgers in paradise at tables. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

ELECTION 2020

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

INCUMBENT GETS LATE CHALLENGER FOR SEAT ON ISLAMORADA’S DAIS Candidate’s recent entry brings back talk over pedestrian bridge JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

n Islamorada resident’s recent entry into the village council race is bringing not only a challenge against the current vice mayor, but also talk over a pedestrian bridge that’s in the design phase.

Entering the race for the village’s seat 4 against incumbent and vice mayor Ken Davis is Henry Rosenthal. As a resident of more than 50 years, Rosenthal said he has a vested interest in Islamorada and the Florida Keys. Although he said his mark has already been made on Monroe County, he feels there is much left to be done. After many years of service in both the public and private sectors, he feels the time has come to step in to make a difference.

“We have arrived at an unprecedented time in our history as a nation. It is important to balance the needs of our community with tourism, which drives the economic health of the area,” he stated in a press release to the Keys Weekly. “Times have changed and are not likely going back to the way they were.

There is a ‘new normal’ where resources are scarce and need to be allocated with great caution.”

For example, Rosenthal said the momentum to build the Founders Park Pedestrian Bridge, a Florida Department of Transportation project, over U.S. 1 doesn’t pass the “common sense test.” To build a bridge with a price tag reaching $5 million is “ludicrous,” he said.

“I believe in safety. However, I don’t believe the decision to build this bridge is based on sound research. According to an FDOT study, if using an overpass takes 50% longer than crossing at street level, almost nobody would use the overpass. Therefore,

Henry Rosenthal

VS

Ken Davis

this bridge would not address the traffic problem.”

Discussions about a pedestrian bridge in Monroe County go back to 2016 when municipalities and the county submitted a request to the state for a mobile pedestrian bridge for safe crossing over a busy U.S. 1 during large public events. Lengthy discussions were had between Keys representatives and FDOT staff over proposed locations.

With considerations on where to store the bridge and costs to place the bridge for Keys events, FDOT decided to build one permanent pedestrian bridge. That location determined by FDOT was near Founders Park in Islamorada.

In October 2017, expressed agreement to proceed with FDOT’s proposed design for a bridge with elevators and stairs. Resolutions were approved in February 2018 to approve maintenance responsibilities for the proposed bridge crossing and in December 2018 to approve the bridge’s design.

Council expressed favor for the bridge twice before Davis joined the dais. Davis said he never voted for or against the bridge, as the opportunity did not exist. However, he said that halting the project could end in FDOT suing the village for expenses the department has incurred to date, and that could reach millions.

“It would do irreparable damage to Islamorada with FDOT, and they wouldn’t fund any projects we need such as the Fills and a new fixed span bridge,” Davis said. “It would be devastating.”

Davis said he understands the fact that residents don’t find the bridge visually appealing. However, when a small group desired a referendum, they could not gather 10 affiants required to initiate referendum proceedings, he said.

The bridge project started in May and is in the design/bid phase, per FDOT. Construction completion is scheduled for May 2022. Project costs are at $4.68 million. Costs to move electric utilities, between overhead and underground work, are between $850,000 and $1 million. Moving costs incurred from the elevated bridge project won’t be reimbursed by FDOT, meaning Florida Keys Electric Cooperative shareholders will pay.

Councilman Chris Sante asked the council during a May 21 meeting to rethink the pedestrian bridge project. No vote was taken, however, as the subject was brought up during the discussion portion of the meeting. Mayor Mike Forster, councilman Jim Mooney and Davis said they wouldn’t change their mind due to the fact it was an FDOT project with state funds specifically allocated to the pedestrian bridge. Sante asked for a referendum, while councilwoman Deb Gillis said FDOT wouldn’t frown upon the decision to forgo the project since budgets are tight.

Along with the pedestrian bridge, Rosenthal said workforce housing is another essential matter to be addressed for the economic recovery and success of the area.

“It’s easy to get caught up with focusing on smaller issues and not see the woods for the trees. Sometimes you have to step back and take a look at the bigger picture,” he said.

21

22

EDUCATION

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

COLLEGE CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY A IN KEY LARGO

FIU offering virtual labs, field trips and more for students JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Building will be available as mini EOC, college president says JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

W

ith a new facility on the way, the College of the Florida Keys’ programs and apprenticeships are expanding in the Upper Keys.

Islamorada Village Council welcomed Jonathan Gueverra, college president, during its Aug. 20 virtual meeting to discuss construction of a new building at MM 106 in Key Largo and increased opportunities for people to get certified in trades.

With the building underway, Gueverra said the new, Category 5 facility will be open and welcoming staff and students in August 2021.

The $20 million received support with a $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as other public and private donations.

“Not one penny has come from the state,” Gueverra said.

Once built, the facility will be able to accommodate not just teachers and students, but also emergency management officials in the event of a major storm. To accommodate emergency management officials, Gueverra said there will be showers, lockers and cots on the building’s second floor.

“It will also be used as a small EOC (emergency operations center) in the event any part of the county needs to be able to use that,” he said. “On the back side of the building, we’re building in a pad to allow a large tanker to park there in the event our gas stations are obliterated again and they need to send trucks again to receive fuel.”

With the new building, the col-

lege will be able to expand programs in the Upper Keys that include nursing, emergency medical technician, marine environmental technology and public safety. Gueverra said they’re also expanding apprenticeship opportunities in construction and technologies in the Upper Keys thanks to a grant from the state Department of Economic Opportunity. Electrical, carpentry and HVAC are among the opportunities for students or those who are seeking a new career.

This fall, 32 people have applied for apprenticeships on the electrical side, five in carpentry, one in plumbing and four in HVAC. “We definitely would like to see more people in carpentry, plumbing and HVAC,” Gueverra said. Apprentices will earn a minimum of $10 an hour. In Key West, no employer is paying $10; they’re starting off much higher than that.”

Students going through the program will be nationally certified. While the goal is keep students in the Keys, Gueverra said students who receive certifications will have credentials should they have to leave.

Gueverra said the college is also in need of instructors for all the areas, electrical, plumbing, HVAC. Those interested are encouraged to apply at www.CFFK.edu.

nother school year is underway in Monroe County. For teachers and parents, implementing new and effective ways to engage their students and children via the computer screen is the task at hand.

With trips out to the mangroves and in-person lab sessions on hold, one institution is providing teachers and parents with programming in the way of virtual field trips, chats with scientists and more.

Over the summer, the College of Arts, Sciences and Education at Florida International University hosted virtual camps that spanned four weeks for children. With opportunities to meet scientists, students were also able to conduct cool experiments and make rocket launchers from their home using household items.

As Analisa Duran, education program coordinator, notes, everyone is learning ways to teach, and more importantly, interest students from their homes. Going into this school year, programs offered through FIU’s camps and other fun activities will be offered for teachers and parents of Monroe County. Programs are being extended into the school year, Duran said, including the Florida Keys and Me Lab virtual field trip for local schools, thanks to a grant from the cruise line Royal Caribbean.

Through the Florida Keys and Me virtual field trip, students can explore nature in real time, ask questions of experts and virtually collect data.

“The kids can’t get outside together, and it’s not the same experience as being out in the mangroves or under a hardwood hammock,” Duran said. “It gives them a sense of excitement and gets them interested in the natural world, even if they can’t physically be going out to do these things.”

Duran said virtual sessions use different features on Zoom, like breakout rooms, to make it a more engaging and comfortable experience for students. Instead of 30 faces in front of them, the rooms allow for smaller groups and one-on-one instruction.

Usually, students in the Florida Keys and Me program would join educators like Duran in the field for a trip to collect and document marine debris, which goes to NOAA’s marine debris tracker.

Now, Duran and fellow educators will go into the mangroves and bring children along from their screens at home.

“We’ll pick up debris, the kids will categorize it, depending on what it is. From there, we’ll compare all the different breakout rooms’ findings,” she said. “Then it goes into creating crafts and conceptualizing and visualizing data. I think it’s going to be a different experience, but I think it still will be a cool experience.”

FIU is also offering a program for parents whose students might not be attending school all day and need to be entertained.

It’s known as Mini Camp Inspire that features 90-minutes programs for 6- to 8-year-olds and 9- to 12-year-olds. The mini camp involves hands-on activities, labs, virtual field trips and some meetups with scientists like Mireya Mayor, a world-renowned primatologist who co-discovered the world’s smallest primate.

“They’ll get to learn about her and what she does at FIU, which is really cool,” Duran said. “To get that one-on-one with such a big name is really a great experience for children.”

The program will be offered on Fridays from September to November. Each month contains a theme, with September surrounding the recording, categorizations and observations in science.

For more on the virtual school programs and Mini Camp Inspire, contact Duran at 786-542-4240 or email to anduran@fiu. edu.

23

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

KEYS GROUP HELPS MEN BECOME FATHERS Program pays participants with gift cards

A WORD ON THE BIRDS

Courtyard birds could be coming back

T

he birds may be back.

Two colorful macaws and an African gray bird that have lived for more than a decade in the outdoor courtyard at Duval Square, just outside New York Pasta Garden restaurant, may soon be able to return.

Restaurant and bird owner Chef Lea Fettis received a letter on July 9 from the condominium board that governs Duval Square, a mix of first-floor retail shops and restaurants with vacation rentals upstairs. The letter told Fettis that the birds violated his lease and had to be removed, “even though we took over the lease in an as-is condition, with the birds present,” Fettis said.

“We started taking the birds home at night rather than leaving them in the courtyard in case they were too loud at night.

But that wasn’t good enough. I also offered to pay additional rent for use of the common area.”

The ousting of the birds prompted a public outcry against the condo board and in favor of the birds, and led Fettis to meet with his attorney, Michael Halpern, to evaluate his options and consider litigation against the condo board and association.

“These condo boards, all over town and all over the country, are holding people ransom with their bully tactics and overreach,” Fettis told the Keys Weekly in late July. “Life is hard enough during this pandemic and the state of affairs in the world without having to worry about losing your business or your home for frivolous reasons.”

Halpern met with one of the board members the week of Aug. 9 and received somewhat positive news.

“She told (Halpern) we may be able to bring the birds back, but with some stipulations,” Fettis said. He then received a text message from the condo board president on Aug. 13.

“He said the board had agreed to let the birds return with stipulations,” Fettis said. “We are sure the stipulations will be governed with much scrutiny and that their goal is to have us default, but it is a step in the right direction. Mike Halpern met with a couple of the board members, and they seem to want to avoid litigation with me for right now, especially with all the public support the birds have received since the article ran in the Keys Weekly.”

William ‘Trey’ Ashing III, a single father pictured here in a selfie with daughter Madilyn Nicole, credits the APSMC Southernmost Fatherhood Initiative program with providing the tools he needed to put his life on a new path. CONTRIBUTED

A

Florida Keys group is giving fathers grocery gift cards when they participate in a program that teaches men to be fathers.

Billy Davis, founder and executive director of A Positive Step of Monroe County, which has served Monroe County’s highest risk children and their families since 1999, invites Florida Keys fathers to enroll now in its upcoming Southernmost Fatherhood Initiative.

“Our Southernmost Fatherhood Initiative works with dads, including incarcerated ones, to develop new and better skills in parent, co-parent and child relationships, along with anger management, health and substance abuse awareness,” Davis said, adding that this year’s sessions will be conducted via Zoom due to the pandemic.

Now in its third year, the evidence-based program — meaning it has been tested and validated by educational and social service organizations — will consist of 12 weekly hour-long counseling sessions, and includes additional supportive services, including Commercial Drivers License training offered through Waste Management, and a GED program offered through the Monroe County School District.

“We also provide pre- and post-program testing, so that dads can evaluate their progress from start to finish,” Davis said.

“A Positive Step Monroe County is committed to breaking the cycle of absentee dads, and this is partly accomplished through teaching better skills to men who might not have had a role model — or a good role model — on which to base their own parenting,” he said. The program welcomes court-ordered participants as well as self- and community partner referrals. All participants receive weekly grocery store gift cards and a certificate of completion at the end of the 12-week session.

Davis said he is grateful to the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, The Keys Open Door Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the United Way of the Florida Keys, Key West Sunrise Rotary, and the program’s generous private donors.

To enroll, contact Davis at 305-304-1969 or APSMCCRP@aol. com. For more information on A Positive Step of Monroe County, visit APSMC.org.

25

26

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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MOVING ALONG New hospital takes shape

A

group of Fishermen’s Community Hospital nursing and respiratory therapy leaders got a first look inside the new, state-of-the-art hospital being built in Marathon. The goal of the walk-through was to evaluate patient rooms and confirm device and equipment locations.

The team surveyed several types of patient care areas, including the emergency department, pre-operative and post-operative care, multispecialty acute care and critical care.

Identifying the proper placement of oxygen, air and suction along with the location of monitors and additional equipment ensures that the electrical wiring and gas lines for each room will be installed accurately. Additional assessments will be conducted as construction progresses.

“These walk-throughs are an important part of the construction process because they allow us to determine the most efficient placement of devices to optimize patient care,” said Melanie O’Neill, director of Nursing Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Fishermen’s Community Hospital.

Completion of the hospital is on schedule for fall 2021. In the meantime, the current modular facility continues to provide a broad range of health care services to the Middle Keys.

— Contributed

Welcome to the world, Augie.

Augustus Griffith Sexton was born on July 20, 2020 in Key West to Olivia Corrine Casto and Matthew Griffith Sexton.

Weighing in at 9 pounds, 5 ounces, the little tyke has taken up residence on Grassy Key with his “dog brother,” Buoy.

Olivia works in tourism and hospitality management with Matt, who co-owns Grassy Flats Resort and Keys Cable Park.

CONTRIBUTED

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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.

Al-Anon family groups offer virtual meetings Al-Anon Family Groups, support groups for the friends and families of alcoholics, are currently offering meetings, previously held in-person, via ZOOM, accessible from a computer or phone.

For immediate assistance and information about meetings throughout Monroe County, please call 305-942-3117.

Al-Anon’s purpose is to help families of alcoholics by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. Al-Anon is a safe, anonymous environment for its members and there are no membership dues.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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WEEKLY INTERVIEW

LOVIN’ THE ISLAND LIFE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

1

DIVING, PHOTOGRAPHY, AUXILIARY AMONG GROSS’ PASSIONS

Oh, and did we mention he’s a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary? David loves life in the Keys. It’s felt while in his presence and shown in his work.

avid Gross has been on quite the ride in the Florida Keys, literally.

In the early weeks after the checkpoint was established in Key Largo due to the pandemic, his wife, Patti, and he went on a once-in-a-lifetime bike ride down the entire Overseas Heritage Trail from the Upper Keys to the Southernmost Point.

(For those who don’t know, David’s wife Patti is a dive legend in the community and a Women Divers Hall of Fame inductee.)

“We would plan a 10-mile segment because we had to get back to the car and 20 miles was our ride limit. We used this approach until we got to the park south of Seven-Mile Bridge,” he said. “We were able to do two 20-mile rides on the last 40 miles with the help of friends in the area who provided shuttle service to get us back to our car.”

Those who know the Islamorada resident know just how adventurous he is, between his passions for the underwater world and for capturing the Keys through a lens from the air, on the ground or below the surface. Many are probably familiar with his name, as his work has appeared in the Keys Weekly quite often from shots of a busy Alligator Reef and a quiet Fills in Islamorada on the Fourth of July. Just look at this week’s cover and this spread. And three weeks ago, his aerial shot of Coast Guard Station Islamorada was featured on the cover. His aerial shot of a Publix truck traversing alone on the Overseas Highway in late March had well over 1,000 shares.

Full name: David Gross

D

Got a nickname? Rico Where are you originally from? When did you come to the Keys? We moved to the Keys in 2009. I first came to the Keys in the 1960s. I grew up in Fort Lauderdale and we came to visit the Keys every now and then.

What brought you down here to live, work and play? Diving, fishing, boating, the small community, and of course, the warm weather.

What was going through your mind when you were grabbing drone shots of the Fills, the sandbar and Alligator Light over the past few months?

Using the drone for images gives me an opportunity to view our world from a very different angle. The first thing I was thinking about on this group of shots was the story that I wanted to tell. The contrast of busy at Alligator and sandbar as well as the effect of

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

29

1. David Gross is an avid diver and photographer who enjoys a good adventure. He’s also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. CONTRIBUTED

2 4

2. An aerial view of Alligator Light Reef during the Fourth of July weekend. DAVID GROSS/ Contributed

3

3. David’s wife, Patti, celebrates her birthday on Eagle shipwreck in early July. DAVID GROSS/Contributed

5

4. David and Patti Gross take a break from their bike trek to get a picture with the blue water behind. CONTRIBUTED 5. David and Patti Gross finish their bike trip that began in the Upper Keys and ended at the Southernmost Point.

CONTRIBUTED

6

6. An eel is spotted during one of Gross’ summer dives.

DAVID GROSS/Contributed

closing the Fills. I love providing for Keys Weekly that allows the local community to see and react to my images.

Do you have a favorite spot where you like to grab photos? I love to take drone images flying off the boat. My first love is underwater photography in the Key Largo/Islamorada area.

How long have you been diving? I’ve been diving for 30 years.

How did you get into diving? I took a resort course in Maui, Hawaii during a family vacation and I was hooked.

What’s your favorite dive spot? In the Keys, the Benwood wreck and Davey Crocker. In the world, the Socorro Islands.

What do you enjoy most about living in the Keys? The water-oriented lifestyle. I have been a water-bug since I learned how to swim at the age of 5.

How did you become involved with the Coast Guard Auxiliary? I was looking for something to do to give me a direction to take after I sold my business. I joined the CG Auxiliary about a year before the sale of the company and it really helped me realize the possibilities for my life after I was done with the “game of business.”

What do you most enjoy about being a Coast Guard Auxiliary member? First and foremost, I love working with the Coast Guard team at Station Islamorada. I love being underway helping to protect our fragile marine environment.

If you could take anyone out to dinner, dead or alive, who would it be? Admiral William McRaven.

If you wrote your own autobiography, what would it be called? “Just for the FUN of IT.” If you had a superhero power, what would it be? Super strength, mental and physical, to protect the weak from the bullies of the world.

What’s been your biggest inspiration throughout your life? I have had some of the most incredible mentors over the course of my adult life, beginning with my dad, Alvin. I have been fortunate to have had a very eclectic group of friends/mentors who helped me along the way and inspired me to follow my dreams.

What is one thing that always, always makes you happy? Being on my BOAT! Have a favorite go-to drink? Papa’s Pilar and Diet Coke.

Finish these sentences…

My family would tell you that... I like to take them out on the boat.

Life in the Keys is... better than all of the alternatives that I can think of.

Life on the water is... the way it is supposed to be for me.

Diving in the Keys is... the most fun when I am underwater with Patti (aka Lola).

30

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

A WALK THROUGH AN ISLAMORADA GEM

I

t’s a gem that’s located right next to Founders Park in Islamorada. Known as Plantation Hammock Preserve, the walk provides a tranquil atmosphere with some breathtaking views as you journey through the trail. The preserve also offers some of the Keys’ unique wildflowers underneath the canopy of well-established trees, as well as some beautiful views of the water.

— Weekly staff report

1

PLANTATION HAMMOCK PRESERVE OFFERS VIEWS, NATURAL BEAUTY

2 3

DAVID GROSS/Contributed. 1. Peering out from Plantation Hammock Preserve to the bay where a boat sits. 2. Plantation Hammock Preserve contains some of the most interesting flowers under a canopy of trees. 3. A butterfly prepares to take flight. 4. Photographer Chara Lance Tolbert gets a close look at some of the trees found while trekking through the preserve.

4

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020 The Studios of Key West recently opened its new rooftop event space, Hugh’s View, named for benefactor and World War II Royal Air Force pilot Hugh Ware. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

ONWARD — AND UPWARD THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST OPENS HUGH’S VIEW ROOFTOP VENUE MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he Studios of Key West has settled perfectly into its three-story building at the corner of Eaton and Simonton streets, so why does the elevator inside have a lighted button labeled “4?”

Press that button (or let a nearby kid do it) the next time you’re in the popular community arts hub, and watch what happens.

The elevator doors open brightly onto Key West’s newest highlight, literally.

The Studios recently opened Hugh’s View, an unexpected rooftop venue with an unparalleled view that features a stage, sound system, soft grass-like turf, benches, two bar stations and a perimeter lined with flower pots reminiscent of an elegant English garden.

“We hope the rooftop will feel like a public space for all of Key West to enjoy. It’ll be open free of charge during the day whenever the galleries are open, and as often as it can be during the sunset hours, which are just glorious,” said executive director Jed Dodds.

“In the first year it’ll be carrying an extra

programming load because of COVID, and we’ve got an amazing schedule of concerts and plays lined up. Our plan for this winter is to shift everything we’d normally do in the indoor theater up to the roof, so it’s really coming together at the perfect moment.”

Dodds said the idea for a rooftop space was always part of the vision for the building and its 2015 renovations, but Hurricane Irma interrupted those plans.

“Then we got a major grant from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council in 2018 that put us back in motion, followed by an outpouring of support from our supporters, designs by architect Michael Miller, a year of construction, and here we are,” Dodds said.

The $2 million Hugh’s View venue covers about a third of the building’s overall roof and can accommodate about 100 people.

“By winter we think we’ll be able to seat up to 40 safely, with proper distancing,” he said.

WHO’S HUGH? Key West residents and community patrons Jeff and Rosi Ware helped spearhead the rooftop project in honor of Jeff’s father, Hugh Ware, who died in 2014 at age 91 after spending a month or more in Key West for each of his last nine years.

The late Hugh Ware, seen here in 2013. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

Hugh Ware was a Royal Air Force pilot in World War II, “as well as a true English gentleman with a brilliant sense of humor and a talented gardener,” Rosi Ware said of her father-in-law, recalling the time “Hugh asked (burlesque performer) Tatah Dujour how she makes her tassels spin in opposite directions. She offered to give him a lesson.”

Jeff and Rosi Ware used the inheritance Hugh left them to launch the rooftop project, which required the installation of 60-foot beams to ensure proper support on the roof.

“Hugh is all over that rooftop,” Jeff Ware said. The couple scattered some of his ashes in the construction site and in each flower pot at Hugh’s View. A memorial propeller from an RAF plane, and its insignia, are on display on the roof. “It turned out magnificently, and we know he’d be so pleased with it,” Rosi Ware said.

33 04/02/2020

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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34

KEYS SCENES

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

THEME: UNDER THE SEA Rachel Crane found this juvenile flying fish in the sargassum floating by her boat. “I was mesmerized by this little sea fairy,” Crane said.

RACHEL CRANE/ Contributed

Green sea turtle in the water column at French Reef in Key Largo. DARYL DUDA/Contributed

Treasures can be found in shallow water also! DEBRA HOLLIS/Contributed

H

ere in the Keys, it’s hard not to find something beautiful to take a picture of every day. We’ve been amazed by some of the pictures people take of our island paradise and wanted to share their talent and images with the commu-

nity.

We’re collecting our favorite shots of the Keys and featuring the photographers in the newspaper and on our social media channels.

The theme for August is UNDER THE SEA. Send us your best shots for a chance to be featured!

Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@ keysweekly.com.

RULES, SCHMULES • All photos must be original work and feature something in the Keys.

• 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 any and all purposes, including but not limited to advertising, charity work, sales, future editorial, print in the newspapers or online or on social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and any other social media platforms.

Beautiful manatees come into canals searching for fresh water.

They are almost complete herbivores but are known to eat fish if they stumble upon a carcass.

CONNOR RACHOWICZ/ Contributed

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

35

SOCIALLY DISTANT TRAVELING

... or, how to stay safe on vacation!

T

ON THE JOB KEY WEST PROMOTES POLICE, HONORS LONG-TIME WORKERS

C

ity Manager Greg Veliz recognized a number of city employees, who have reached milestones in their careers, at the Aug. 19 City Commission meeting.

Veliz said he deeply regrets that the coronavirus restrictions prevented him from bestowing the honors personally, “because some of these achievements are quite significant,” he said.

Three members of the Key West Fire Department were recognized for their years of service.

Driver/engineer Scott Pellicier, Capt. Jacob Perry, and Shift Commander Christopher Saunders have all worked for the city for 25 years. Veliz noted they were all hired on the same day in 1995.

Lead mechanic James Knowles was awarded a gold watch for 20 years of service earlier this month, and Veliz thanked him for his commitment to the community and the city operations.

Veliz also congratulated two members of the Key West Police Department for their recent promotions. Jason Castillo was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant, and Alex Rodriguez was promoted from officer to sergeant.

Finally, Veliz noted the retirement of code compliance officer Bonnita Badgett after 20 years of service. She began with the city as a project coordinator in the engineering department in 2000, and later moved to the building department. She was promoted to code compliance inspector in 2002.

— Contributed

hose of us who live here in the Keys certainly know how to deal with the “receiving” end of tourism. We’re expert (for the most part) at showing visitors a good time and helping them enjoy our local environment and attractions.

I believe that this makes us knowledgeable about how to be good visitors as well. And with the COVID pandemic still simmering, there’s never been a better time than now to be both a socially responsible host and traveler. I’ve always loved traveling, but since the shutdown, there’s been precious little of that. We decided it was possible to take our lessons of isolation and social distancing on the road.

Sarah and I decided to get off the rock for a change of scenery.

Seeing as we wanted to travel and be socially distant, a drive-to location made the most sense. Although it’s a 15-hour-plus trip, a mountainside cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia fit the bill. We could drive, fuel and remain socially distant while enjoying totally different scenery.

An added attraction was the ability to get together with old friends who have remained socially distant in their homes since the shutdown began. It was so good to see Regina and Matamba Austin … as well as old Keys friends Dusty and Linda Durst (Key of Sea Music, Marathon, back in the 1980s). And if we’d known beforehand just how close Glenn and Connie and Patty and Joe were … that’s going to happen on the next visit!

I’m not sure there’s a better getaway for island folk than a summer mountain destination. The temperatures were blissfully cool without ever venturing into cold territory. Humidity was perfect.

We had a mountain view from our cabin’s deck — that deck was the site of everything from morning coffee to afternoon cribbage to evening cocktails. It’s a bit amusing — Sarah and I play cribbage on our porch in the Keys looking out at palm trees.

We just drove to a new porch and looked at some different trees!

Human neighbors were few, isolated and quiet. The deer were even more silent, although we did see a few of them. The bears stayed invisible, although I hear they do things in the woods. Night birds and coy-

otes particularly liked our evening singing, at times joining in.

We all only went out for one meal, a breakfast at a great country diner in BlairsJOHN ville. Between the BARTUS well-equipped kitchen and our is a City of Maracharcoal grill, we thon council(mostly me) were man. He also is able to cook and a musician who performs around keep our crew fat and happy. town. For more Daytime atsee johnbartus. com tractions included experiencing the local scenery by hiking some beautiful trails. Nature trails deep in the mountain woods are about as socially distant as a person can get. One afternoon, Dusty and Linda took all of us in their luxurious conversion van on a trip up an old Forest Service road alongside a really picturesque mountain stream. We would occasionally run into others enjoying the great outdoors … way more than six feet away! Whether hiking, trout fishing or just enjoying the mountain air, everyone was just happy to be out in the mountains.

Anyway, our trip was proof that travel in the COVID era can be successfully accomplished. Wherever we went, people were nearly always courteous and mindful of social distancing requirements. Even in areas where they weren’t mandated, most people wore masks. And more importantly, everyone’s attitude was great. It made for easy and safe traveling.

No matter how wonderful and beautiful a vacation destination is, there is still nothing better than returning home to the Keys. We live in one of the finest places on the planet, and every time I cross the Jewfish Creek Bridge (even the new one) in the southbound lane and touch down in the islands, I know I’m home. And there really is no place like home.

— Catch John Wednesdays at Herbie’s, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday and Saturday at Boondocks (Friday still on Facebook Live, 7:30p.m.)! Music on Amazon, Apple, iTunes, Spotify, and more. www.facebook.com/john.bartus

36

COOL STUFF

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

READ | PARAKEET The title of author Marie-Helene Bertino’s newest novel actually refers to the main character’s deceased grandmother, who appears in a bit of magical realism sleight-of-hand, on the eve of her wedding. What starts out as a quirky plotline quickly descends into severe mental distress of a bride’s dreamy collision with a marriage she probably doesn’t want, while picking through the graveyard of her horrible childhood. The colorful characters and beautiful turns of phrase, though, make this a compelling read.

TOP 11 THINGS OVERHEARD AT THE POLITICAL CONVENTIONS 11. “The lady speaking looks just like the one who held her pistol like a water hose in front of those protesters."

10. “The ANTIFA delegates stole all the toilet paper and broke the soda machine.”

9. “I always said there was only one other person I could beat outside of Hillary. And they went and nominated him.”

8. “I swear I just saw Bernie scalping his tickets in the parking lot.”

7. “I said to open with Roger Stone … not The Rolling Stones! Those guys are so un-American.”

6. “OK, Joe, again ... here’s what you do if you get stuck up there. First, blame Trump. Then tell everyone that you and Barack are best buddies. And last, tell them the moon is made of cottage cheese. It will confuse them, but they’ll forget all about what they initially asked you.”

5. “And again I tell you, Charlotte, North Carolina … They might take our flag and your statues, but I promise they’ll never take our NASCAR! Huh? Ok … they took NASCAR, but they’ll never take Ted Nugent!”

4. “Joe Biden is a man for our times and reminder that our senior citizens — although slow and dangerous behind the wheel — can still serve a purpose.”

3. “Instead of Mexico, this time we’re going to make China build the biggest wall in the world! Oh … wait …”

2. “There’s only four things I like about Goodyear.

And that’s the letters G-O-Y-A.” 1. “And our next speaker will join us live from Zoom, Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell!”

LISTEN | THE BLUES What do these guys have in common: Brad Paisley; slide guitarist extraordinaire Sonny Landreth; Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter; legendary Stax Records guitarist and producer (and Blues Brothers member) Steve Cropper? They all appear on an album due out Oct. 2 called, simply, “The Blues.” Featuring lead vocalist William Shatner. I shat you not.

BUY | PELOTON APP The first month is free, and from there after it’s about $13 a month for this streaming workout platform. It features live classes, plus archives of not only spin classes, but also yoga, strength training and mediation. It’s easy to navigate and users don’t have to own a Peloton brand cycle or treadmill to participate.

MLKAR

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

37

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

Trish represented the Sellers of: 130 Coco Plum Dr. #202, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Trish Hintze | 305.923.9976 | trish@paradiseinthekeys.com

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

T

he Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors’s charity of the month is United Way. Money raised includes a portion of sales from customers referred to Royal Furniture by local Realtors, and donations collected by members. This month’s donation was $500.

Pictured are MLKAR’s Wayne Carter, left, and Ryan Elwell of Royal Furniture.

Karen

Residential Middle Keys July 2020 Total Active

New Listings

Number Sold

Key/Island

2019

2020

%

2019

2020

% 2019 2020

Marathon

241

248

2

27

45

66

22

Key Colony

82

89

8

12

17

41

3

Duck Key

56

59

5

4

6

50

7

4

-42

1

1

0

Big Pine

102

95

-6

15

18

20

TOTALS

488

495

1

59

87

47

- KEYS

Average Sale Price %

2019

2020

%

46

109

625,144

675,616

8

13

333

479,167

853,115

78

2

7

250

462,500 1,022,000

120

0

3

+

0

523,333

+

15

19

26

393,733

569,263

44

42

88

110

490,136

728,665

49

TO THE KEY REAL ESTATE (SINCE 1990)

REAL ESTATE RETIREMENT PL AN!

Residential:

Conch Key

Residential Lower Keys July 2020 Total Active Key/Island

2019

2020

New Listings %

2019

2020

Number Sold % 2019 2020

Average Sale Price %

2019

2020

% +

Residential: No Name

3

2

-33

0

0

0

0

1

+

0

740,000

Big Torch

5

7

40

0

1

+

0

0

0

0

0

0

Little Torch

29

27

-6

8

4

-50

7

4

-42 1,082,071

422,750

-60

Ramrod

28

17

-39

2

4

100

6

7

584,857

5

Summerland

38

43

13

4

5

25

2

3

50

870,000

833,333

-4

Cudjoe Key

75

63

-16

6

8

33

7

5

-28

578,143

961,000

66

Sugarloaf

41

37

-9

10

6

-40

4

9

125

540,250

721,278

33

Big Coppitt

33

22

-33

6

1

-83

3

5

66

588,333

441,800

-24

252

218

-13

36

29

-19

29

34

17

702,577

672,145

-4

TOTALS SPACER

16

556,667

Bill

INVESTORS PAY ATTENTION Multi-unit- 7 Bedrooms, 3 Baths. $5,125.00 gross monthly income! Where can you gross this monthly amount on a $475,000 investment? Do the math! Call now for details.

REDUCED $475,000 ML588359

(305) 743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

38

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

DOLPHIN FACILITY OFFERS DISCOUNTED SWIMS TO LOCALS 1

A

lthough Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR) in Key Largo typically offers a locals’ special every year, this year’s special seems to hold a higher significance for both Monroe County residents and the dolphins that call DPMMR their forever home.

The 2020 year has brought a pandemic, civil unrest and a hurricane season that is anticipated to be more active than usual. With this in mind, DPMMR will offer three of its most popular programs for only $50 per person during the month of September: the interactive swim, splash and wade program, and splash and swim program.

The not-for-profit organization moved the promotion from October up to September for this year in hopes that more locals can take advantage of the discounted price of the swims. Members of the organization stated that it is a perfect opportunity for those who haven’t taken their typical summer vacations to get out and participate in a COVID-safe activity most people don’t experience in their everyday lives.

1. Swimmers touch a dolphin.

DOLPHINS PLUS MARINE MAMMAL RESPONDER/Contributed 2. A family watches a dolphin peek its head out of the water.

3. Swimmers witness a dolphin jump out of the water.

2 3

“Since reopening in June, our teams have adapted our model to keep our animals, guests and staff as safe as possible amidst the pandemic” said Nancy Cooper, president of DPMMR. “Our programs all take place outdoors and we have limited the number of program participants to make sure each group of swimmers can be socially distanced from other groups throughout the duration of their time with us. Couple this with the added sanitization protocols, temperature screening, mask mandates and other changes to our daily operations and we feel confident in our ability to provide a recreational activity that is safe to enjoy.”

The programs all take place at the facility’s headquarters in Key Largo, where seven Atlantic bottlenose dolphins permanently reside. These dolphins depend on their caregivers for their diets, veterinary care and physical and mental stimulation.

Beyond simply inspiring people to take action, DPMMR actively protects marine mammals throughout the year by being the only organization in the Keys authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to respond to whales and dolphins in need. The organization is

researching dolphins in the wild through a non-invasive photo identification program, the first step in a larger research study that looks at the human impacts posing threats to the local dolphin population.

This work is funded through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and proceeds from dolphin interaction programs at DPMMR. The “Local Love” special is more limited than years past due to social distancing regulations and DPMMR’s commitment to providing a safe experience for all of their guests. Residents who are interested in booking the special can call the facility at 305-453-4321 to reserve their spot or go to www.dpmmr.org to view more information about the special and programs.

The special will run from Sept. 1-30.

Proof of Monroe County residency is required to receive the special rate.

“We all need a break and to dedicate some time to melt the stress away,” said Cooper, “DPMMR is looking forward to giving back to our local community while still advancing our important mission.”

— Contributed

39

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

Open 7 Days a Week 5 pm-10 pm Tapas | Cocktails | Live Music 15% Locals Discount Dinner also available at our new waterfront eatery, Chicken Walk www.TavernNTown.com | 305.296.8100 Located at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel 3841 N Roosevelt Blvd | Key West

40

COMMUNITY NEWS OBITUARY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS

SCHOONER WHARF BAR OWNER PAUL WORTHINGTON DIES AT 72

An authentic sailor and boatsman, the late Paul Worthington was always more comfortable on the water than ‘on the hard.’

HARRY BOWMAN/Contributed

P

aul Worthington looked the way a hard-living and accomplished sailor should, and he had the requisite seafaring cred to back up any stories told around a bar. And there were plenty of those.

Worthington, who held the title of Minister of Piracy in the Conch Republic Navy, died Aug. 23, taking many people by surprise. He was 72.

Known in Key West as co-owner of the legendary Schooner Wharf Bar with his wife, Evalena, Worthington had already lived a full life on the water in his native New England before arriving in the Florida Keys in the mid-’80s.

He and Evalena started Schooner Wharf Bar aboard an old schooner docked in Key West Harbor before expanding and moving into its familiar space at the foot of William Street.

“Worthington was born in Boston into a boating family, and has been a licensed captain for more than 20 years,” states a 2000 Chicago Tribune article about Worthington’s enduring passion — historic tall ships.

Evalena Worthington is still compiling her late husband’s background and accomplishments. Stay tuned to keysweekly.com for a full memorial tribute.

MENDACITY IN THE AIR

Cruise ship opponents are deceiving Key West

T

he great American playwright and Key West resident Tennessee Williams defined “mendacity” in his play “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” as being about “lying and liars.” The dictionary specifies mendacity as “deceit through omission of facts and deceptive intent.” Key West is currently awash in mendacity with regard to the controversy about cruise tourism in Key West.

Nearly every day, one of the Safer Cleaner cruise tourist haters unleashes a lie about cruise ships. When they say cruise ships have damaged the reef and water quality, it is a lie. There is no data or report of cruise ship transits of the main ship channel harming any sea life. There is no evidence indicating turbidity from ship passage harms corals. They will not say the truth — that no cruise ship has discharged, accidentally or intentionally, any prohibited substance in Keys waters. Mendacity.

Another Safer Cleaner Ships lie is their claim that the pending ballot referenda is a reasonable “compromise” rather than a ban on cruise ships. The truth is they cleverly crafted the referenda to result in a 95% cancellation of all scheduled cruise ship calls. John Martini, an SCS spokesperson, gleefully admitted in a Facebook post that the referenda would indeed result in a near total ban of ships, saying, “This pretty much shuts down the cruise ship industry as we know it in Key West.” That has always been their goal. Mendacity again.

Mayor Teri Johnston is another prominent anti-cruiseship person .

She repeatedly says she has spoken with cruise line executives who are agreeable to the idea of smaller ships. I polled all of our cruise line clients – not one has had that conversation with her. Mendacity? You decide.

The Safer Cleaner Ships committee will never admit they have placed Key West taxpayers in jeopardy. Committee spokesman Arlo Haskell says the referenda argument is about rich Bar Pilots protecting their incomes over “the voters” while SCS accepts big donations from wealthy supporters.

He wants to force the city to effectively shut down lawful businesses that were founded in a climate of maritime history and were licensed and promoted by the City of Key West for decades. The businesses that derive most of their revenue from cruise ships create jobs and support local families.

Their efforts have pumped many millions of dollars directly into the city treasury and indirectly into the general economy. The abrupt cancellation of these businesses may be a real liability for Key West taxpayers in unforeseen ways.

The Haskells, Martinis and other elitists supporting SCS don’t care.

Subtle mendacity.

Vladimir Lenin said, “A lie told often enough becomes the truth.”

Skilled community organizers, the SCS wrecking crew cynically wields mendacity as a powerful weapon, misleading Key West voters. Organizations that use lies to achieve their goals cannot be trusted.

I call on all Key West voters to become informed of the facts and vote against the referenda and the lies from which they were devised.

John E. Wells Ships’ Agent (ret.)

Key West

41

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

Key Largo Dentists, Dr. Travis Bennett and Dr. Sandy Brito are dedicated to quality dental care. At our beautiful offices we offer a wide array of dental procedures including CT scans, implant /gum surgery, implant prosthetics, full mouth restoration, same day in office crowns and bridges, fillings, orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), teeth whitening, smile makeovers and many other services. “No sell dentistry, state of art office with a staff that cares!”

Dr. Travis W. Bennett, D.M.D. Implant and General Dentistry

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WE ARE

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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44

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020 ELLA HALL

www.keysweekly.com

The Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Key West High School faculty and students in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and KWHS for allowing us to share in a regular dose of “Conch Pride,” and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

EY DELAN IMTORH SM E, KWHS PHO SO

Grow your savings faster with up to a 1.00%APY* bonus on Keys Money Market rates when you have a Keys Totally FREE CASH BACK Checking, Loan or Credit Card.^ Everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys can open accounts by calling 305-294-6622 or visiting any branch in Key West at 3022 N. Roosevelt Blvd. or 514 Southard St., in Big Pine at MM30, or in Marathon at MM53.5 Gulfside. *Annual percentage yield. ^Restrictions may apply. NCUA insured. Rates subject to change.

Minimum balance required. Specific services required for each reward level.

Clubs/athletics/community service? I am in the Drama Club at Key West High School (KWHS). I work at the Bahama Village Music Program (BVMP), where I teach young students how to play the piano, ukulele and guitar. Before I started working there, I had been a student in the program for 7 years.

What class, so far, has best prepared you for life after high school? Choir has me the most prepared. I’m very passionate about singing, so hopefully it will help me with my future career.

What was the biggest challenge of online learning for you during the pandemic? It’s the overall fact of not being in a classroom. I am a very visual learner, and my surroundings have a very big impact on how well I’m focusing.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give incoming freshmen? Stay on top of your work. If you have a project not due for another week, start it when you get the assignment.

What are your plans/goals after graduation? My plan is to go to college somewhere in Florida, so I can stay close to family. After college, I want to move to California and pursue my dreams of acting.

What would you like to have accomplished by your 10-year high school reunion? Being in some kind of film or show, and/or have written and produced my own album.

Where do you get most of your news? Either Facebook or Instagram. I don’t like to watch the news, so if something happens, 99% of the time I see it scrolling through either one.

What local, national or global issue concerns you most? It’s the fact that some people just can’t accept that not everyone’s the same.

It doesn’t matter what your race, religion, sexuality, gender, or what you look like. We are all just people!

Nobody is perfect!

Do you plan to make the Keys your permanent home after high school or college? The Keys will always be a part of my life, but it’s hard to have the career I want down here. That’s why I want to move somewhere where I have a better chance of pursuing it.

45

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

The Latest News on Coronavirus in Monroe County is available every day in our Email Newsletter or on our Facebook page.

www.keysweekly.com/blast www.facebook.com/theweekly • State, Local and Federal Updates delivered to your Inbox • Daily updates on the fast-changing situation in Monroe County including what’s open, what is closed, special offers and resources to y is dedicated The Keys Weekl es we serve, and the communiti ly to ect dir s new t bringing curren computer. your phone or

Key West 305-453-6928 Marathon 305-743-0844 Tavernier 305-363-2957

46

ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

JOHN CHRISTOPHER FINE www.keysweekly.com

RESTORING THE REEF C

1

2

INCREASED NITROGEN AFFECTS CORALS

3 1. Jason Adams, Key Dives captain and dive instructor, and Kylie Smith review a nautical chart that plots potential sites for coral restoration.

JOHN CHRISTOPHER FINE/ Contributed 2. Kylie Smith studying nautical chart mapping sites for coral restoration off Islamorada.

3. Dead brain coral photographed off Islamorada’s reefs.

oncerned people in the Keys are coming together to study factors involved in reef ecology to counter the advance of live coral death.

Live coral on the reefs is 3% to 5%. In the 1970s, coral coverage was 50% to 60%, said Kylie Smith, who’s taken the lead with Mike Goldberg to launch a program to restore reefs off Islamorada.

Much of the offshore areas in the Florida Keys are protected as part of national and state park programs and sanctuary areas. That protection has not stopped the advance of coral disease that has progressively claimed living corals from Palm Beach County in the north to Key West in the south. Caribbean islands have also been affected.

“We both saw coral decline from different perspectives,” said Smith, who launched I.CARE with Goldberg. “We both knew something had to be done about it. The idea was to get divers more involved in coral restoration and to connect with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. We discussed the project with the president and CEO of NMSF, Kris Sarri, who was excited to get involved.”

Coral is an animal that begins life as a free swimming planulae larvae. When the larvae settles on a substrate, it attaches and grows as a colonial animal. A plant, zooxanthellae, exists inside coral polyps in a symbiotic relationship important to coral use of nutrients and growth.

Relationships between the death of zooxanthellae and coral demise have been shown. Plants require sunshine; turbid water prevents light penetration.

Algae have created blooms in the ocean when increased nitrogen loads direct results of sewage and agricultural products that wash off the land or are pumped into the ocean. When algae dies it sinks to the bottom and chokes coral to death as large mats cover polyps.

Florida’s burgeoning human population has long ago outpaced municipalities’ ability to deal with sewage effluents as well as chemicals poured on the land as fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides — chemicals that destroy reef life.

Plugs of raised coral polyps will be taken out and planted on dead coral heads where they will grow and fuse together. Using this method, Smith projects that corals will grow to a size in four to five years that in nature would require 100 years. The project will first focus on staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis).

They also anticipate transplanting stony corals like brain and star species that have been ravaged by tissue disease unlike staghorn that is not. Each species requires separate permits from government authorities to transplant.

Scientists from the government must decide the issue of disease when dealing with stony corals.

The recent outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease started in 2014 in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas. There was a lot of dredging, sewage spills and shipping where bilges were discharged. Bleaching events in 2014 were noticed with increased water temperatures. The source of the disease is unknown.

What is clear is that corals respond to cues in the ocean environment. Corals reproduce in Florida in August; if stressed the species may not reproduce at all. Some corals reproduce with sperm and eggs coming from the same organism. Other species have distinct male and female spawners that produce sperm and eggs that must unite to create a fertilized egg.

Dive shops have pledged $1 per snorkeler and $2 per diver. Goldberg said he’s pledged 2% of Key Dives’ gross receipts to the I-CARE project, and he hopes other dive shops will do the same. Among the dive shops that have stepped up are Conch Republic Divers.

“We are one of the dive shops dedicated to classroom education and coral restoration with I-CARE. It is important long-term to replant the reef. It is our livelihood. To dive the reefs is why people come here. It is important that we be stewards. Getting divers involved makes good sense,” said Brenda Mace, of Conch Republic Divers.

For more information go to www.icareaboutcoral.org or call Mike Goldberg at 305908-7072.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

LOOKING BACK TO MOVE FORWARD

CONSTITUTION DAY CELEBRATION HAS SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO PASCAL WEISBERGER

COMMUNITY NEWS

A Touch of Grey and a Ton of Music

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

T

wo-hundred thirty-three years ago, on Sept. 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution of the United States in Philadelphia.

The event established the national government, fundamental laws and basic rights for American citizens.

Every year, on the anniversary of this important historical event, we celebrate the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.

This year, the Upper Keys League of Women Voters and the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women are hosting the 2nd annual Constitution Day Celebration virtually. They encourage everyone to participate actively in our democracy so that it remains vibrant, strong and responsive to the needs of our citizens.

Troop 912 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance in tribute to Pascal Weisberger, a fellow scout and last year’s Constitution Day student essay contest winner, who passed away in early May. Weisberger’s essay focused on what it meant to be a good citizen, a theme common to all Constitution Day events.

Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, an educator, activist, advocate, author and historian, will be presenting “An America as Good as its Promise.” There will also be a presentation on the proposed constitutional amendment 3 - Open Primaries.

Finally, student essay contest winners will be presented. The essay contest is sponsored by LWV as part of its mission to educate and teach younger generations about the Constitution and to encourage their interest and participation in public policy issues.

This year’s essay topic is “Women Power the Vote.” The theme honors the centennial of the 19th Amendment.

2020 is the 100th anniversary of white women receiving the right to vote. Still, as history bears out,

there were many other ways that those who wanted to stop people from voting could do so. States continued to use poll taxes and other voter suppression tactics to keep black men and women from voting, as well as Latino, indigenous and many Asian Americans. Voter suppression continues to this day, and both the LWV and BPW work to educate and encourage participation in the political process.

Middle and high school students have been asked how to best honor the strong women who persisted in their fight to vote despite many obstacles and what is the best way to use this power.

Students from Marathon north to the county line are eligible, including public, private, chartered and home schooled. Entries should be between 600-1,000 words. Only online submissions will be accepted. Monetary prizes are available.

LWV maintains that, for a democracy to succeed, individuals must fulfill their responsibilities to learn about the Constitution and to teach younger generations.

By fulfilling civic duties, engaging in government at all levels, and volunteering with the community, anyone can better the country and exemplify the values set forth in the Constitution.

The event will take place virtually on Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

There is no charge to attend but registration is required. RSVP at upperkeysbpw.org for a link to the event which will be presented on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook Live.

www.thegratefulguitar.com Open Monday – Saturday, 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. Closed Sunday 512 Eaton Street • (305) 453-6413

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KEY WEST GUIDE GIRL located at 202 WILLIAM STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Rachel Green GREEN TRAVEL LLC Publish: August 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.

JS1VX51L852100442 2005 SUZUKI Publish: August 27 & September 3, 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 DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (From Mile Marker 90.940 to Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative – Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, October 2, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, 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".

Publish: August 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on September 8, 2020 at 5:05 P.M., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adoption of an ordinance or ordinance(s) amending one or both of the following County Ordinances related to COVID-19: ORDINANCE NO. 026 – 2020 AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE

BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 014-2020 AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE 022-2020 AND ORDINANCE 024-2020, TO MANDATE THAT INDIVIDUALS WEAR A FACE COVERING IN PUBLIC IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM COUNTY-WIDE REQUIREMENT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF A MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND SUNSET DATE. ORDINANCE NO. O27-2020 AN UNCODIFIED EMERGENCY ORDINANCE BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 023-2020, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 025-2020; TO MANDATE THAT ALL BARS, RESTAURANTS, AND FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS CLOSE FROM 12 A.M. UNTIL 5 A.M. EACH DAY STARTING AT 12 A.M. ON AUGUST 19, 2020 AND ENDING AT 5 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2020; PROHIBITING ALCOHOL SALES FROM 12 A.M. UNTIL 7 A.M. EACH DAY STARTING AT 12 A.M. ON AUGUST 19, 2020 AND ENDING AT 7 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2020; EXTENDING THE SUNSET DATE TO MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 AT 11:00 P.M.; ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM COUNTY-WIDE REQUIREMENT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF A MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND SUNSET DATE. The September 8, 2020 Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL will be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform. The public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV on Comcast Channel 76, AT&T UVerse Channel 99 or on the County’s web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Simply select the “Watch Live” banner to view the live meeting with live closed captioning on an integrated page that includes the agenda and agenda backup.

If a citizen has a Roku device, they can search for and add “MCTV” to their personal lineup. Monroe County’s “MCTV” is also provided via the Monroe County mobile apps for iOS and Android and through our streaming web portal @ https:// monroe-fl.vod.castus.tv/ vod/?live=ch1&nav=live.

Citizens can listen to audio only from their phone by dialing (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-

6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID# 969 4844 1250 followed by the # key.

The public can comment during the live Public Hearing either by phoning in or by connecting to the live Zoom webinar link using the following instructions: a) To comment on an item by phone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID# 969 4844 1250 followed by the # key, then *9 to “Raise your hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host. b) To comment on an item using the live Zoom webinar link: Open this live Zoom webinar link @ http://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BoccMeetingSep8 (that also appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet).

When prompted, enter your email address and name to join the webinar. When the Mayor calls for speakers on the item(s) you wish to comment on, or when the Board is nearing your item(s) as the meeting progresses, select the “Raised Hand” feature that appears at the bottom of the Zoom webinar screen to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host.

The Zoom webinar host will request the item # you wish to speak on and enable your participation when the Mayor calls for public speakers on your item. To report problems with the broadcast or participation in the Zoom webinar, please call (305) 8728831.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Live Closed Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 21st day of August, 2020.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

ADDITIONAL 2-CENTS), AS AUTHORIZED BY F.S. 336.025(1)(b), UPON SUCH FUEL SALES IN ALL OF MONROE COUNTY, INCLUDING THE MUNICIPALITIES THEREIN, FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY YEARS UNLESS EARLIER REPEALED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS; PROVIDING FOR A METHOD OF COLLECTION OF THE TAX AND REMISSION OF THE PROCEEDS; PROVIDING THAT THE PROCEEDS MAY ONLY BE SPENT FOR TRANSPORTATION EXPENDITURES AS DEFINED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE PLEDGE OF THE TAX REVENUE FOR BONDS WHOSE PROCEEDS ARE USED FOR TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROJECTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 20-69, extended by Executive Orders No. 20-112, 20-139 and 20-179, Monroe County Emergency Directives 20-06 and 20-10, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the September 3, 2020, Public Hearing will be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”), using a Zoom Webinar platform @ https://www.monroecountyfl.gov/BudgetSep3. The County will provide updates on changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings on the County Website at: www.MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. Below are the various options available to the public to view the live meeting and/or to make public comments on certain agenda items during the public portion of the meeting.

The Public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV on Comcast Channel 76 or AT&T Uverse Channel 99, or listen to audio-only from their phones by dialing (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID: 983 4697 9969.

The public can watch the meeting online by visiting the County’s meeting portal @ http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/Citizens/Default. aspx and selecting the “Watch Live” banner to view with live closed-captioning on an integrated page that includes the Meeting Agenda/Agenda backup.

Or, iPhone one-tap: US: +16465189805,, 98346979969# or +16699006833,, 98346979969# Or, Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1646 518 9805 or +1669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 983 4697 9969 International numbers available: https://mcbocc. zoom.us/u/aeGkPNloxE If a person wishes to comment on a particular item on the public portion of the agenda,

when the Zoom Webinar monitor and/or the Mayor calls for speakers on the item on which you wish to comment: a) If phoning in: dial *9 to “raise your hand” to be recognized by the Zoom Webinar monitor; b) If watching the meeting online: click on/open the live Zoom webinar link below: https://monroecounty-fl.gov/ BudgetSep3 that appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet.

When prompted, enter your email address and name to join the Webinar and then select the “raised hand” feature that appears at the bottom of the Zoom Webinar screen to be recognized by the Zoom Webinar monitor.

The Zoom Webinar monitor will request the agenda item # on which you wish to comment and will enable your participation when the Mayor calls for public speakers on your item. To report problems with the broadcast, please call: (305) 872-8831.

A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the BOCC meeting to: Lindsey Ballard, via email to: ballard-lindsey@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West, FL 33040.

The documents must be received by 3:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, 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”. Live Closed Captioning is available per our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

DATED at Key West, Florida, this 19th day of August, 2020.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom webinar platform.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the September 15, 2020 meeting of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. Executive Order 20193 extends EO 20-179. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/82371555454 Meeting ID: 823 7155 5454 One tap mobile +19292056099,, 82371555454# US (New York) +13017158592,, 82371555454# US (Germantown) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 823 7155 5454 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305)2961552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on September 11, 2020.

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it May Concern that on September 8th, 2020 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida commencing at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from the Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff.

Pursuant to Executive order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and Center of Disease Control (“CDC”) social distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (“CEB”) will review Certificate of Competency Trade Applications via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform, immediately following the scheduled meeting.

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special recommendations in order to participate in this proceeding, 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”.

NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to bring an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language.

Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary Maria Partington, Senior Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: August 27, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on September 3, 2020, at 5:05 P.M., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A FIVE CENT LOCAL OPTION MOTOR FUEL TAX (AN

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 18-CP-000089-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH F. AUCREMANNE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Joseph F. Aucremanne, deceased, whose date of death was October 30, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

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 27, 2020.

Personal Representative: Joseph F. Aucremanne II 3533 Greenbrier Drive Hinton, West Virginia 25951 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. 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 27 & September 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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 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

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy hereof was furnished by email or first class mail to all parties on the attached Service List, this 25TH day of August, 2020.

MICHAEL A. PAASCH Florida Bar Number 852805 Mateer & Harbert, P.A. 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 600 Post Office Box 2854 Orlando, Florida 32802-2854 Telephone: (407) 425-9044 Facsimile: (407) 423-2016 Primary: mpaasch@ mateerharbert.com Secondary: ndarville@ mateerharbert.com Attorneys for Robert H. Ewald, Assignee Publish: August 27, September 3, 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

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

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

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 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

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2020-CA-008520-O IN RE: AMERICAN ROAD OPERATIONS LLC, Assignor, ROBERT H. EWALD, Assignee.

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT AND PROOF OF CLAIM DEADLINE TO CREDITORS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on August 25, 2020, a Petition Commencing Proceeding Under Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors pursuant to Chapter 727, Florida Statutes, made by AMERICAN ROAD OPERATIONS LLC, Assignor, with its principal place of business at 3770 37TH St., Orlando, FL 32805, to ROBERT H. EWALD, Assignee, whose address is 502 Hallowell Circle, Orlando, FL 32828.

YOU ARE HEREBY further notified that in order to receive any dividend in this proceeding you must file a proof of claim with the Assignee or the Assignee’s attorney on a form they can provide upon request on or before December 23, 2020 (120 days from the date of the filing of the petition).

Meeting Notice Monroe County Land Authority Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold virtual public hearings on the adoption of a budget for fiscal year 2021. The hearings will be held using Communications Media Technology (CMT) in the form of a Zoom Webinar platform on September 3, 2020 at 5:05 p.m. and on September 16, 2020 at 5:05 p.m. Members of the public may participate in the September 3 hearing online by typing www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BudgetSep3 and the September 16 hearing by typing www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BudgetSep16. Both hearings may also be accessed by via telephone by dialing 1-646-518-9805 and entering Webinar ID 947 5253 9153. The meeting agenda, the proposed budget, and additional details about accessing the hearings are available 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".

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,

INVITATION TO BID FKAA-IFB-0017-20 SALE OF SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT Sealed bids will be received by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority at its Big Coppitt Pump Station located at U.S. Hwy. 1, MM 10.5 Oceanside, on September 3rd and 4th, between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM. Bids will be opened on September 8th, 2 PM at 7000 Front St., Stock Island, FL 33040, at which time and place they will be publicly read aloud.

Such bids shall be for the sale of the following:

SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT CAN BE VIEWED ON September 3rd & 4th, 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. U.S. Hwy. 1 MM 10.5 Oceanside As contained in documents on file at the office of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Finance Division, Purchasing Department, 7000 Front St., Stock Island, Florida 33040.

Bid packages can also be downloaded from www.FKAA.com as well as Demandstar.com.

Any questions should be directed to David Jackson, Purchasing Manager, in writing via email to djackson@fkaa.com.

Tom G. Walker, Executive Director Publish: August 27 & 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

MOTORCYCLES 2015 Harley Davidson Freewheeler, 10,000 miles.

Asking $17,500 Located in Middle Keys. 305-395-0587

BOATS FOR SALE 2001 Grady White 306 Bimini Center Console with two 2008 Yamaha 250hp 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!

EMPLOYMENT Certified Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic needed in Marathon. Pay depending on experience and is negotiable.

Apply in person at Discount Rock & Sand, 10500 Aviation Blvd, Unit 2, Marathon or call 305-743-5680.

Marathon Electric Full-time position available, Experience preferred. Apply in person at 10690 Aviation Boulevard, Marathon or call 305-743-5805 Seeking Security Guard in Middle Keys.

40 hrs/wk $14-$16 Must have security license.

Call Ralons Security 7 8 6 - 6 1 5 - 5 5 2 2 Seeking Security Guards in Key West. FT & PT avail. $13-$15 Must have security license.

Call Ralons Security 786-615-5522 HIRED!!

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 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.

Place your Employment ad here for only $25.00 per week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

Caregiver– Mary Brown.

Over 20 years experience.

Assistance with every day maintenance.

Doctor appointments, meds, bath, sitting, etc.

I have transportation and references.

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

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, Canalfront, Somb. Bch. Rd. Protected parking-NoSmoke/No Pets. Annual lease. $2,500/ month F/L/S 305-743-2969 2BR/2BA Large Apt for rent. 10828 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon. $1,850/ month plus utilities. F/L/S. Taking applications.

Call (305) 394-4545 3BR/2BA Stilt Home for rent on Duck Key. Long term.

Available August 1st.

Call 3 0 5 - 4 8 1 - 1 3 1 6 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

YARD SALES Place your Yard Sale ad here for only $25.00 per week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Stuff!

50

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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

NOW HIRING Full or Part Time Guest Services

NOW HIRING

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

NOW HIRING DOCKHAND

With Upscale Casual Dining Experience,

Outgoing, friendly, open availability, flexible, will train, great benefits.

Dockhand needed with mechanical experience.

Salary based upon experience and qualifications. Busy boat rental business with a fleet of 17 boats is looking for that right person. Duties include but not limited to keeping our fleet in pristine condition for our daily rentals.

No Keys Disease here, as we work hard to enhance our clients vacation experience.

Apply in person Monday-Friday 9a-5p at: Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into our office at 1480 Overseas Hwy to fill out an application between 10 am and 2 pm. No phone calls please.

Or send your resume to: Recruitment@holidayisle.com

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

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

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

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

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

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

51

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

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

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

305.743.5580

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

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

Want to Attract more Business?

You can have this spot for only $100!

www.MARATHONLADY.net

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

If you see a Sea Turtle in Distress:

Call Lesley at 305-395-9895

Call our 24 hr Hotline 305-481-7669 or Call FWC 888-404-FWCC or Radio Coast Guard VHF Ch. 16

www.turtlehospital.org

52

BUSINESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

BOTANICAL

1. Tanya Ramseyer, Erica Ross and Samantha Hagedorn, better known as the Botanical Babes, are all FWC marine biologists with a serious passion for plants. They grew that love into a business during the pandemic. BOTANICAL BABES/Contributed

BABES

2. Handmade macrame hangers accompany beautiful, hanging plants. The Botanical Babes also make and sell the hangers. BOTANICAL BABES/Contributed 3. Giant golden pothos and sansevieria leaves from the Botanical Babes shipped from the Florida Keys to a happy customer in Texas. This is a buyer’s photo upon arrival. JILLIAN JEFFERS/Contributed

1

2

FWC BIOLOGISTS GROW PLANT HOBBY INTO BLOOMING BUSINESS TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

“When I get a plant I’ve wanted for a few months in the mail, I do a happy dance.

Then I stare at it for a few hours.

It’s a stress reliever to see it growing.”

— Samantha Hagedorn, Botanical Babes founder

E

rica Ross, Tanya Ramseyer and Samantha Hagedorn are obsessed with plants. The trio call themselves the Botanical Babes, and they want to help you find the plant of your dreams.

“We’re marine biologists by day, and plant enthusiasts by weekend,” said Ramseyer. “Actually, all day,” she laughed.

Like so many others, the Babes recently discovered their love of tropical flora and have quickly ramped up their newfound passion.

“Quarantine definitely helped the obsession,” confessed Ross. “Once people get one or two plants and get the hang of it, they’re encouraged to see they won’t kill them. That’s when the obsession really gets going.”

The friends, all of whom are in their late twenties, realized that many of their fellow plant lovers from around the country don’t have easy access to rare and tropical plants.

“We’ve been lucky,” Ross said. “You can get a lot more rare, tropical plants here in Florida.”

The climate and light are ideal, and the Babes’ plants and propagations thrived.

Ramseyer added, “We just thought, ‘Maybe we can turn this into a business and help people find the one plant they’ve been really looking for.’ So, here we are!”

In May of this year, they started selling plants to locals in person and on Facebook as a fun hobby-turnedside-hustle. By July, Botanical Babes had five-star reviews, regular customers and a limited liability company filing.

“My house is a slowly-growing jungle,” Ransayer said. “My roommates will ask, ‘Where did this plant come from,’ and I’m like, ‘Shhh, shhh. Don’t worry about it!’”

As their plant knowledge and inventory grew, so too has their business savvy and innovative ways of serving their customers.

“As scientists, it was so exciting for us to see how it all works,” said Ramseyer.

They learned species names and care preferences, where to source super rare plants and how to propagate using water, moss, perlite and other tools of the trade.

“We’re learning as we go, totally.

We’re getting to the point now where I feel like we have a lot of inventory, so we can be more ballsy with them,” said Ross.

Ramseyer said, “We’re still new, so we pass on as many tips and tricks as we can. Some who buy plants from us give us tips too! We’re all learning together.”

It’s an open, generous approach that sets their small shop apart.

3 “We’re easygoing,” Ramseyer said.

“We have a tropical vibe because we’re down in the Florida Keys. I really like the customer service part of it and bonding with the people who have bought from us.”

A local customer bought her very first house plant from Botanical Babes and recently acquired her first rare plant from them as well, Hagedorn shared.

“She’s progressing through her plant addiction quickly,” Ross joked.

The Babes sell by posting pictures of their newest plant babies on Facebook and Instagram (@BotanicalBabesFL on both platforms) and holding online “plant purges.”

If customers have specific requests, the Babes keep a lookout and try to source them. If they have those plants themselves, they’ll try to propagate them. The goal is to get more plants to more people.

“Plants just make us so happy,” Ramseyer said. “Seeing how happy our plants make other people is one of the best feelings possible.”

53

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 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 THEME: 1980s LYRICS ACROSS 1. Lascaux and Mammoth, e.g.

6. At the stern 9. Eyeball rudely 13. Inuit boat 14. And not 15. Sing like Sinatra 16. Manicurist’s file 17. Old-fashioned “before” 18. *”If you ____, I won’t cry. I won’t waste one single day” 19. *”Steve walks warily down the street with the brim pulled way ____ ____” 21. *”She’s just a girl who claims I am ____ ____” 23. “Play it, ____,” from “Casablanca” 24. Boris Godunov, e.g.

25. *”All right stop collaborate and listen, ____ is back...”

28. Between Phi and Kappa 30. Restriction limiting use of lights during air raid 35. J.D. Power awards competitors 37. *”Oh, back on the chain ____” 39. Ann Patchett’s novel “Bel ____” 40. Slightly 41. Algorithmic language 43. French “place” 44. Kind of potato masher 46. Brickowski’s brick 47. Cleopatra’s necklace 48. Canine’s coat 50. Sol or fa 52. National Institutes of Health 53. *”____ Christmas, I gave you my heart” 55. Trinitrotoluene 57. *”You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I ____ ____” 60. *”I wanna dance with somebody, with somebody who ____ ____” 64. Lithograph, for short 65. Holstein sound 67. Radio sign 68. Killed, like dragon 69. Commotion 70. Yiddish shrew 71. Sleep in rough accommodations 72. Gourmet mushroom 73. Cancel an edit, pl.

DOWN 1. Whispered from a prompting booth 2. Shells and such 3. *”Meeting you with a ____ to a kill” 4. Brings home the bacon 5. First U.S. space station 6. Again 7. *”Hello, is it me you’re looking ____?”

8. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl.

9. Black and white cookie 10. One from Goa 11. *”And I’m never gonna make it like you do, making ____ out of nothing at all” 12. Compass reading 15. One of religious orders 20. Last letter of Greek alphabet 22. Experienced 24. Sine over cosine 25. *”I long to see the sunlight in your hair and tell you time and time again how much ____ ____” 26. Northwoods dwelling?

27. The Goldbergs sibling 29. *”Cuase I’m your ____ cool one, and I’m built to please” 31. Scotch ingredient 32. Kitchen tear-jerker 33. Wombs 34. *”Ooh, what’s the matter with the crowd I’m seeing? Don’t you know that they’re out of ____?”

36. Petals holder 38. *”Wake me up before you ____” 42. It creates instant millionaires 45. Count on, two words 49. One from Laos 51. Emissaries 54. Poison ivy or Poison oak 56. Religious doctrine 57. Venus de ____ 58. Greek Hs 59. Not that 60. Pilot’s stunt 61. Not loony 62. Catcher’s gear 63. Geological time periods 64. Psychedelic acronym 66. Lyric poem

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Advocate (bilingual a plus)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Forensic) Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult) FL LCSW only Front Desk Specialist Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention)

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 (Suicide Prevention) *Assisted Living Night Monitor (FREE HOUSING!) *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT/FT) *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

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

NOW HIRING

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

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

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

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 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

REAL ESTATE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 27, 2020

55

‘UNPRECEDENTED’ RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES YEAR OVER YEAR SALES JUMP 50% IN JULY

Sara Matthis and Jim McCarthy

A

t the beginning of June, Realtors in the Florida Keys were banking on something they called “pent up demand.” Sales were down by more than 20% compared to 2019 numbers.

A month later, sales exploded.

In Monroe County, sales of residential properties jumped 50% over 2019 numbers. In 2019, 191 homes sold. In 2020, the number soared to 286. In terms of dollar volume for the entire Florida Keys, that represents $209 million in sales, an increase of $72 million just for the month of July 2020 over July 2019.

The Upper and Middle Keys saw the biggest spikes in residential sales, while Key West remained stable, if slightly lower.

“I can’t get any refinances done because we’re so busy with the purchase volume,” said Lisa Feliciano, residential loan officer at CenterState Bank.

Keys attorney Tom Wright has worked almost exclusively in real estate closings since 1987. He said he didn’t ever imagine a year of this kind, with a pandemic and record business.

“We are working seven days a week and I am happily paying my staff overtime,” he said.

Who’s buying?

National media has reported on population exodus from San Francisco, California and New York City, New York; including reports of moving companies turning away a tide of clients looking to leave the cities.

“We’ve found that people want out of big cities, and after spending so much time in their homes, they’ve re-evaluated what they want and are either relocating or finally making those second- or third-home purchases that they might have second-guessed in a more normal environment,” said Lauren Varney, marketing director with Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty.

Varney said a lot of buyers are well into their working years, so they can afford those second or third homes. Also, since the Keys and Ocean Sotheby’s cater to “lifestyle sales,” Varney said people who are at a point in their lives where they are still working, but can breathe a little easier, tend to be

the hottest buyer.

“And that’s only increased since COVID,” she said. “My agents have seen that a lot of their client’s businesses are streamlined to work remotely, and since we are considered a ‘secondary market,’ many of them do not live here year-round.”

Joy Martin, owner and broker at American Caribbean Real Estate, said they’re seeing buyers in all ages right now. Even millennials are entering the market in a big way, she said.

“Remote work from home is now widely accepted and has provided for relocation opportunities outside of the cities. Outdoor living is in demand, and in the Florida Keys, that is where we thrive,” she said.

What are they buying?

Since the start of the year, buyers are purchasing homes that average in the high $500,000s to the low $600,000s throughout Monroe County.

In the Upper Keys, the median price in July 2020 was $545,000 — a $72,000 increase over the previous year. In Marathon and the Lower Keys, the median sales price has increased from $477,000 to $602,000. Key West has seen a 9% increase, and the median sales price for July was $635,000.

As for the median price in the Upper Keys, Ocean Sotheby’s agent Sarah Ewald said that it typically buys two to three bedrooms with 1,200 to 1,400 square feet of space on a dry lot.

“In our market, it’s often considered a ‘starter home’ for that price range,” Ewald said. “Square footage isn’t as much a factor as location, condition and proximity to water access (i.e. a public park or homeowner’s park with boat ramp). Those things add value to your property from a lifestyle standpoint.”

Interest rates Today, fixed mortgage rates are around or below 3%. Feliciano said the average rate on many mortgages have fallen to remarkable lows.

“Some are doing so much volume in refinances because rates are low. I’m doing more volume on purchases than on the refinance side,” Feliciano said. “Down here, it’s more purchase volume, at least for me, because there’s more purchases going on for our area.”

Going virtual Even though the checkpoint at the top of the Florida Keys was lifted on June 1, the real estate market continues to include more virtual sales.

Varney said Ocean Sotheby’s has had several sales in each of the offices in Islamorada, Marathon and Key West that have been completed 100% remotely.

“Early on in the pandemic, we quickly adapted to a virtual communication and sales process whether it was through Zoom meetings, virtual open houses, or online property showings,” Varney said.

Martin said she’s also seen virtual real estate business take off. Even closings are being conducted virtually.

“Travel is still an issue for some, and the virtual ability to see a home or even do a pre-closing walk-through has worked out well for many,” Martin said.

Sellers’ market The record residential sales are taking place during a time of fewer listings. Since the beginning of the year, the Keys has only recorded three months where the number of listings was greater (and not by much) than in 2019. In the Middle and Upper Keys, the number of listings was at its lowest in April, with only 58 new listings on the market in the Upper Keys and 45 in the Middle and Lower Keys. April was also the lowest month of new listings in Key West, with only 53 new homes on the market.

In the Middle and Lower Keys, 2019 saw 1,300 new listings; so far in 2020, only 833 new homes have been listed for sale. In the Upper Keys, 2019 had 1,500 new homes on the market, while 2020 has just cleared 850. In Key West, the total number of new homes on the market in 2019 was 1,290. So far this year, only 846 have been listed.

Martin said it’s great to see all segments of the market experiencing a surge in activity. There have been some notable significant luxury sales as well, in the $5-million plus range. The biggest challenge now? Martin said it’s the inventory.

“Ultimately, that will affect the amount of future sales,” she said.

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