Upper Keys Weekly 20-0917

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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RIP, Ken.

REMEMBERING KEN DAVIS

A true public servant | P. 12

BUILD BUST

Rebuild Florida funds lagging | P. 10

A NEW OCEAN STUDIES

Facility complete, welcomes back students | P. 24

Students and teachers stand outside the new Ocean Studies Charter School in Key Largo. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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POLITICS

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

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK According to Monroe County’s top health officer Bob Eadie, the way to roughly calculate the number of active coronavirus cases in the Florida Keys is to add up the number of new infections over two weeks — the experts’ guess of how long the disease is active in a person’s system. From Sept. 1 to Sept 14, there were 44 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monroe County.

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News Deadline

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WITH VICE MAYOR DAVIS’ PASSING, VILLAGE RACE GOES TO ROSENTHAL Ballots cast in seat 4 race won’t be counted, per elections supervisor

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allots are already printed with mail-in voting beginning in a week, but votes cast in one Islamorada Village Council race won’t be counted, due to a candidate’s recent death, according to the elections supervisor.

The vice mayor of Islamorada, Ken Davis, passed away on Sept. 12 after collapsing and being placed in an induced coma. Serving on the dais following a 2018 victory, Davis announced his run for reelection for another two years (read more about his lasting impact on page 12). Davis qualified for the election before the Aug. 11 deadline, as did resident Henry Rosenthal, for seat 4.

“Ken was qualified, he met the qualifying for the village and was on the ballot. As far as how ballots cast for Ken Davis will be handled, that’s a question for the elections office,” said Roget Bryan, village attorney.

Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin told Keys Weekly that the ballots are already printed, and that the office will not be counting the race.

Griffin said Rosenthal has won the race because “no one else is qualified.”

“If there’s only two people in a race, and one of them drops out, then the other person gets it,” Griffin said.

In an ad in today’s Keys Weekly, Rosenthal said he’s deeply saddened to hear the passing of Ken Davis.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time,” the ad states.

As for the current vacancy on council, there are no plans at this time to fill it, with three regular meetings left before a new council convenes following the November election.

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.

SENMARTIN CLEARED OF FIRST ETHICS VIOLATION CHARGE SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

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n Sept. 11, the state Commission on Ethics found Marathon Councilman Mark Senmartin not guilty of misusing his position by trademarking the City of Marathon seal or charges that he tried to sell the rights of the seal back to the City of Marathon.

“I’m glad to see the Ethics Commission agrees that there was no wrongdoing on my part. And I’m glad to put this false claim to rest and behind me,” Senmartin said.

The complaint was lodged in December 2019 by the City of Marathon’s Clerk, Diane Clavier. As part of the evidence for the ethics charge, Clavier submitted minutes of that meeting, which she is charged with compiling as part of her city job description.

Senmartin said his unscripted remarks were taken out of context by Clavier in the ethics complaint and also exonerated by the minutes that she herself took of the meeting, and introduced into the record as part of the ethics violation.

The ethics charge was notarized locally on Nov. 20, 2019. On Nov. 25, 2019, video cameras captured Clavier and Councilman Dan Zieg taking an outdoor sign that read “Drop Dan Zieg” from outside Senmartin’s business. Senmartin pressed charges and Zieg and Clavier were charged with a second-degree misdemeanor of petit theft.

Councilman Dan Zieg filed a second ethics charge against Senmartin in May 2020, alleging that Senmartin personally benefited by a donation from the City of Marathon to the high school drama club, whose roster includes Senmartin’s teenage son. The Commission on Ethics has yet to rule on that charge.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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HISTORY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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ne has to look closely at the white-columned pavilion at Bayview Park to see the reference to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Stephen R. Mallory chapter, which paid to install the pavilion in 1924 to honor “Confederate soldiers and sailors.”

But the words — and the history — are there nonetheless, although the words could soon change.

Key West’s elected officials, at their Sept. 16 meeting, will consider a proposal by Commissioner Sam Kaufman to rename — not remove — the pavilion and adjacent bandstand in honor of Key West’s official One Human Family motto, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in October.

“I’ve been looking at this for several years, really since I saw the original charter for the Key West chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, when it was donated to the local library,” Kaufman told Keys Weekly. “But I think now the time is right. There’s a higher con-

The pavilion at Bayview Park was funded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1924 and was the site of Ku Klux Klan induction ceremonies from the 1920s to the early 1990s. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

LEARNING FROM THE PAST Key West official proposes new name for Confederate monument

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

sciousness in the country as a whole, and I see this as a unifying rather than divisive change. It’s always a good thing to remember our history and learn from it, to use it as a reminder that we must be vigilant against all forms of hate.”

The United Daughters of the Confederacy pavilion and Bayview Park in general were the location of KKK recruitment rallies in the 1920s, when the Klan had 690 new applications for membership, and held an induction ceremony there at the park pavilion.

“But we’re such a different Key West than we were in 1924,” Kaufman said. “I think it’s important for people to recognize that the Key West of today is not the Key West of 1924.”

Keys Weekly columnist David Sloan has researched the Klan’s activity in Key West in his “Love Me Do” series of columns about the history of systemic racism in the Southernmost City.

Sloan explores Stephen Mallory’s influence in Key West as a former U.S. senator and a Key West slaveowner. Mallory, for whom the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy was named, leased his human “property” to the U.S. government to help build Fort Taylor and Fort Jefferson, Sloan writes in “The Dark Side of Mallory Square.”

“An 1808 law banning Congress members from having contracts with the government could have prevented Mallory from becoming a senator,” Sloan writes. “But

he worked his way around that problem by putting his slaves in a trust controlled by his brother-in-law. The government paid the trust for the leased slave labor, and the trust funds were, in turn, passed to Mallory through his brother-in-law and wife so the new senator could continue profiting from the labor of his slaves.”

Kaufman has been in touch with Jerry Hughes, who heads up the board that created the Vietnam Living Memorial, which is among Bayview Park’s military memorials that also include a large statue dedicated to Black soldiers from Key West who fought for the Union in the Civil War. “I spoke with Jerry Hughes and his board voted unanimously to support the name change,” Kaufman said. If his proposal passes, the structures will officially be called the One Human Family pavilion and bandstand.

“On Oct. 17, 2000, the City of Key West chose One Human Family as its official philosophy ... to proclaim that ‘there is no ‘them,’ there is just ‘us,’ all of us together as One Human Family, now and forever,” states Kaufman’s proposed renaming resolution. “We, as a community, aim to share our One Human Family philosophy ‘with our global neighbors, so others can find inspiration to grow beyond the artificial limitations of racism, nationalism, sexism, classism, monotheism, prejudice, homophobia and every other illusion used to try to separate us from all being equal.’”

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BRIEFLY Suarez endorses Mooney for state representative Alexandria Suarez announced her support for Jim Mooney, who is running to replace Rep. Holly Raschein in Florida State House District 120.

Suarez ran in a competitive Republican primary along with Mooney for House District 120.

“Jim Mooney is a public servant and man of high ethical standards. Jim has been a long-time resident of the Keys who has served our community well and I believe he will do a great job for us in Tallahassee,” Suarez said.

A current Islamorada council member, Mooney has lived in the Florida Keys his entire life, where he has been a schoolteacher, coach, small business owner, mayor and city council member. He said his motivation is to improve the lives of people in this part of the state.

Mooney served on many boards and organizations, including Take Stock in Children, Florida Keys Electric Co-Op, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, Florida Keys Board of Realtors and Upper Keys Foundation. He was elected to the first Islamorada Village Council and has twice served as mayor.

Social injustice examined at virtual Constitution Day event The College of the Florida Keys invites the community to celebrate the birthday of the United States government at its annual Constitution Day event on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m.

Information to join the virtual event can be found at www.cfk.edu/events.

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, laying the foundation of our government, rights and freedoms.

This year's event will feature timely topics and speakers. Stephen Muffler, professor of business law, will talk about personal rights during a pandemic. Then CFK President Jonathan Gueverra and Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg will present “Social Injustice: How did we get here? How do we move forward?”

“The U.S. Constitution is the blueprint of our country, market system and free society,” said Muffler. “It acts as the common denominator for all Americans, regardless of our differences.”

The college’s activities aim to educate the public on their rights and encourage habits of being a good citizen. Attendees will also learn how to register to vote with the help of representatives from the League of Women Voters.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

COUNCIL STICKING WITH ROLLED-BACK RATE, MEANING NO BUDGET INCREASE JIM McCARTHY

CITY HALL FACES CYBER ATTACK Key West still recovering from ransomware attack MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

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he City of Key West’s computer system has largely been shut down for more than two weeks, with officials initially refusing to comment or saying only, “The servers are down.”

Keys Weekly has confirmed through City Manager Greg Veliz that Key West has joined the unhappy ranks of cities targeted by ransomware attacks, in which computer hackers lock users out of their network and demand payment to get back into their systems and data.

“We have made good progress in recovery,” Veliz told Keys Weekly on Sept. 15, when asked whether he could comment on the city’s ransomware attack. “A majority of the city’s programs have been restored, but it’s a process that should take a couple more weeks.”

As is typically the case with such attacks, Veliz and other officials will not comment on the details, including the amount of the ransom demand and whether it was paid. Keys Weekly has learned that the FBI is involved in the investigation.

The Southernmost City is far from alone. The City of Marathon faced a similar attack last year, but officials there also were wary of comment, fearing copycat attacks.

Ransomware attacks, particularly on small cities, counties, school districts, utilities and other government agencies, have been steadily increasing in recent years. They often begin when an unknowing employee opens an email and clicks an innocuouslooking link that gives the hackers access to the agency’s network.

“The frequency of ransomware attacks — among the scariest and most costly online assaults — has been hard to pinpoint because many victims quietly pay off their attackers without notifying the authorities,” Nathaniel Popper wrote in a February New York Times article, “Ransomware attacks grow, crippling cities and business.” “In 2019, 205,280 organizations submitted files that had been hacked in a ransomware attack — a 41% increase from the year before, according to information provided to The New York Times by Emsisoft, a security firm that helps companies hit by ransomware.

“The average payment to release files spiked to $84,116 in the last quarter of 2019, more than double what it was the previous quarter, according to data from Coveware, another security firm. In the last month of 2019, that jumped to $190,946, with several organizations facing ransom demands in the millions of dollars,” the New York Times reported.

Such attacks have been on the rise in recent years because they’re so profitable for hackers — and smaller cities are an attractive target, Wendi Whitmore, vice president of X-Force Threat Intelligence at IBM Security, told CBS News in 2019.

“In addition to lacking resources, cities are often dealing with taxpayer money and so may elect to pay a ransom rather than try to recover their data in another way,” Whitmore said in the CBS News article.

"We are definitely seeing more, and we see them because attackers see that they're successful," said Whitmore. "A lot of times we have clients think it's a one-time cost, but If you pay the ransom, you still have to fix the (security) problem so the same thing doesn't happen tomorrow."

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jim@keysweekly.com

slamorada’s tentative millage rate and a tentative budget show no increases for the next fiscal year.

TRIM (truth-in-millage) notices sent out to property owners in August reflected a rate of 3.1 mills, or $310 of every $100,000 taxable property value for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Through budget workshops, however, council agreed to go to a rolled-back millage rate of 3.015 mills.

“Effectively, there’s no budget increase from the prior fiscal year,” Maria Bassett, acting village manager and finance director, told council members during its Sept. 10 budget hearing.

Total expenditures within the general fund are just over $14.8 million, which is down from $15.6 million in spending in the general fund per the adopted 2019-20 fiscal year budget. Around $6.8 million in spending within the tentative budget’s general fund is for public safety, with approximately $4.6 million budgeted for fire rescue and $2.2 million for law enforcement.

Total revenues within the tentative budget’s general fund are around $15.7 million. That’s also down from projected revenues of just over $18.2 million in the adopted 2019-20 budget. Original sales tax revenue projections depicted a 50% loss from the prior fiscal year, but Bassett said the state altered that figure to a 25% loss.

Taxable value in the village is just over $3.9 billion, compared to just over $3.7 billion last year.

If everything in the general fund budget is accurate, Bassett said the unassigned fund balance would be about $6.3 million, and that works out to be roughly 40% of budgeted expenditures. Between the coronavirus pandemic and future storm potentials, Bassett said council was comfortable with going to the rolled-back rate with more money going to the fund balance.

“Going to rollback was reasonable and a compromise without going too far down and risking not having cash flow we could possibly need,” she said. “Considering we spent a minimum of $10 million in response to Irma, not that we necessarily want to get to $10 million in fund balance, it certainly puts us in a better position.”

Councilman Chris Sante said he always fought for a higher fund balance, from 25% to 35% minimum, when he first ran for council.

“The perfect example was the hurricane we had. We were in a position to take care of everything, and like I say, I’d much rather do it now than be like the county and borrow money when a storm comes,” he said. “It puts us in a strong financial position.”

Bassett said there are certain capital projects budgeted, with the main activity being hazard mitigation projects thanks to funding of just over $1 million from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

As part of the grant, the village will need to provide a 25% match. As for other projects or major purchases, Bassett acknowledged that the village wouldn’t jump in to make purchases come the start of a new fiscal year on Oct. 1.

“Any work that needs to be done on capital projects, pursuant to our purchasing ordinance, if anything is going to cost $25,000 or more, we have to come back to council for that guidance and that approval,” she said. “Just because something is budgeted, it doesn't mean that we just get the green light to move ahead and start spending money.”

A final budget hearing is set for Monday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m., when a final millage rate will be established for reflection on November 2020 tax bills. The hearing will be virtual. A regular meeting of council is set for Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

MISSING 9

Jeanette Pelletier AKA Jay

If you have any information call (305)289-9884 or (305)394-4660

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HURRICANE IRMA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

REBUILD OR REBUST?

Two years after the $50 million Rebuild Florida program was announced, $90k of work has been done in the Keys

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he Keys Weekly newspaper has identified two homes that are currently being rebuilt in Monroe County under the Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program. The program, announced in late September 2018 — a year after Hurricane Irma hit the Keys — is designed to rebuild or replace single family and rental housing for families affected by the storm. With funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $50 million was set aside specifically to be spent in the Keys.

The work on the two homes is valued at $50,000 for the home on Big Pine Key (unincorporated Monroe County) and another $40,000 for a home in Marathon. In the two years the Rebuild Florida program has been in existence in the Keys, it has spent 0.18% of its allotted funds on actual construction — or 18 cents for every $100.

Yet the data provided by the state Department of Economic Opportunity — which oversees the disbursement of funds to the contractor, essentially acting as the “middleman” — does not match records in Monroe County or the City of Marathon’s permitting system. The DEO says there are two homes under construction and one that is complete.

Here’s what we do know. The aforementioned Big Pine Key project consisted of two permits. The homeowner, Deborah Sola, said the work is done on both but she is awaiting a final inspection. The state notes that this project is under construction.

DEO has marked another Keys project of Rebuild Florida as complete and this is partially true. Like the other, this Marathon residence project consists of two permits. The first, to repair ceilings and a closet, is done. The second half of the project, to replace windows and doors, is underway.

“The workers are at my house right now,” said the Marathon homeowner, who declined to be identified by name, on Sept. 15.

City of Marathon officials were unaware this was a Rebuild Florida project. According to them, neither their own rules nor state rules require builders to identify the program. Monroe County, on the other hand, has asked contractors working on Rebuild Florida projects to note it on the permit.

“That way, we can classify the permit as affordable housing and expedite it,” said Monroe County’s Christine Hurley, assistant county administrator.

Monroe County told the Keys Weekly there are currently five Rebuild Florida projects in its system.

Aside from the Solas’ house, Monroe County shows two other residences with active Rebuild Florida permits, although they have not been issued. Those are listed on a DEO report to the county dated Aug. 31. However, the county has two other permits, where the builder self-identified Rebuild Florida funds, which are not on the DEO report.

Monroe County, City of Marathon and the DEO are all using different permit or application numbers to identify Rebuild

Florida has set aside $50 million dollars to repair or replace homes damaged by Hurricane Irma in Monroe County. The two-year-old program only has two projects underway.

WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Florida projects. When the Keys Weekly began asking questions two weeks ago about the program, Monroe County could only identify three residences, now five, in the permitting process. The City of Marathon could identify zero, now one.

Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers said the Rebuild Florida program needs to be streamlined.

“It needs to be easier to access.

Only one project in unincorporated Monroe County in three years?

There’s too much red tape and not enough consistency in the management of accounts,” Carruthers said.

Rebuild Florida has staffed an office in the Marathon Government Center since late September 2018.

The Keys Weekly has asked for the state to detail the number of employees and the salaries they earn. In reply, a DEO spokesperson said the department has a “fulltime liaison dedicated to Monroe County,” and sent the newspaper an organizational chart for the department. Salaries earned by state employees are a matter of public record. It’s likely the state has spent more on staffer liaison salary or salaries in two years

than it has on the two projects currently under construction.

Carruthers said, “Rebuild Florida has never had consistent staffing down here. The staff changes and homeowners have to come in and tell their story all over again.”

The homeowner’s experience That’s exactly what happened to the Solas on Big Pine Key, where the work has been completed.

The husband and wife applied for the Rebuild program as soon as it was announced. And then they applied again. “(DEO) lost all my paperwork and I had to resubmit everything,” she said. According to Sola, the scope of the work included new windows and doors and interior ceiling.

“I feel guilty,” she said, of being the only completed project in the Keys. “There are still so many people who are waiting to have work done, or enough work done.”

The state submitted the Solas’ first permits to Monroe County in late 2019, and the permit was issued a few months later. In June of 2020, the state applied to Monroe County

HURRICANE IRMA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

the sockets that do work,” he said. “I like the Keys, I like the weather, but this situation is getting a little old. Of course, I can’t complain too much if I’m going to get a new house.”

The Marathon homeowner also applied for Rebuild Florida as soon as the Rebuild Florida project was announced, on the advice of her Compass 82 advocate (a counseling service that referred Keys residents to recovery resources).

Rebuild Florida has staffed an office in the Marathon Government Center since late September 2018. The Keys Weekly has asked for the state to detail the number of employees and the salaries they earn. In reply, a DEO spokesperson said the department has a “fulltime liaison dedicated to Monroe County,” and sent the newspaper an organizational chart for the department.

Salaries earned by state employees are a matter of public record. It’s likely the state has spent more on staffer liaison salary or salaries in two years than it has on the two projects currently under construction.

for a new air conditioning system for the Solas, and it was issued a month later. The Solas said the work is complete and the house is cool, but they are awaiting a final inspection on the new HVAC system.

Ron Furtaw owns an Irma-damaged home on Big Pine Key, too. The DEO submitted a permit to Monroe County for work on his home in February 2020. It hasn't been issued yet, but the scope of the work has definitely changed.

Initially, a consultant identified about $50,000 worth of work to be done at Furtaw’s house. But as the inspector found more issues, Furtaw said that now Rebuild Florida has promised him a totally new house.

According to the permit application that will cost about $91,000. Although Furtaw did some work himself before he joined the Rebuild Florida program, he has since stopped, so as to meet the criteria of Rebuild Florida.

He has windows, but they’re not impact windows. And most of the drywall was replaced beforehand, as well. But his living situation isn’t ideal.

“I have power problems so I have extension cords running all over from

DEO’s summary The Keys Weekly reached out to DEO for a summary of Rebuild Florida’s efforts in the Keys. According to the report dated Aug. 31, about 1,500 homeowners in the Keys applied to the Rebuild Florida program, but 600 later withdrew.

Of the 900 residents with standing registrations, 465 have completed applications, but 122 then withdrew their application.

That leaves 343 homeowners with Irma damages with a “live” application. Of those, 62 applicants have an “award,” essentially a promise of work. The total is $8.6 million. Of the 62, DEO says 17 of these projects — almost equally divided between single family homes and modular replacements — are in “pre-construction” but none of these has reached the permitting stages in Monroe County or, to the Keys Weekly’s knowledge, any of the other municipalities.

The DEO noted that in almost every instance, the 17 homes are awaiting backordered windows and doors; the wait time, according to the documents, is three months. An industry professional with no connection to the state program confirmed the wait, and said homeowners are waiting more like four months for new impact windows and doors.

“The Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program is voluntary and homeowners may choose to withdraw at any point before signing a Homeowner Grant Agreement,” a DEO spokesperson said. “Homeowners may choose to withdraw for a variety of reasons such as obtaining funding from another source, no longer owning the property, or the repairs have already been completed.”

Builders on the ground Just as homeowners have to apply for the Rebuild program, so do construction companies.

Contractors must be vetted in order to participate and the DEO says 18 have been approved to work in Monroe County. And, yet, only two contractors — Ducky Recovery LLC and Lamar Contractors — have projects in the county’s pipeline. DEO says 25 of the 62 projects have been assigned to contractors. Earlier this year, DEO conducted an “invitation to bid” to increase the number of contractors approved to work on Rebuild Florida projects and implemented a new bundling procedure for projects, meant to increase efficiency.

The project in Marathon was awarded to USAC International, which subcontracted to Centro Campesino.

Danny McKearan has worked for Ducky Johnson Construction for more than a decade. The Louisiana-based company began after Hurricane Katrina, mainly providing specialized service of elevating homes. He said the firm specializes in disaster recovery and is no stranger to programs like Rebuild Florida that are powered with federal funding. McKearan said the bigger “the book” — or rules — the longer it takes.

“This is a systemic problem; it’s not just Florida or Rebuild Florida. I would say the wait between the announcement of the federal funding and the start of the program is about 2.5 years, except maybe for Hurricane Sandy.”

Indeed, a document produced by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation said the window between the announcement of a program like Rebuild Florida and its start is typically about 20 to 24 months.

McKearan’s company completed the one Rebuild Florida project in Monroe County, the Solas’ home, and is also listed as the contractor of record for future reconstruction of the Furtaw home. He said he’s also worked on, and completed, more than a dozen Rebuild Florida projects on the mainland.

Construction projects take the same amount of time to build, he said, on the mainland and in the Keys. The only difference is the lead up to when construction can start. continued on page 18

11

12

ISLAMORADA

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 to the hospital the prior week after he collapsed while working out at a gym in Tavernier.

The news of Davis’ passing came at around 3:30 p.m., as Bill’s Facebook post described him as the “bravest, coolest, most honorable man I have ever had the privilege to know.”

“You are a legend in our family and to those in the world that have known you,” Bill wrote.

A longtime resident of the Keys, Davis, 64, served in the U.S. Coast Guard before spending 22 years in the DEA. He retired in 2008 and served the last four years as the agent-in-charge of the Florida Keys DEA. Upon his departure from the DEA, Davis was deployed as a civilian with the U.S. Army to Iraq where he eventually served as director of intelligence, leading a 30-person training team to advise Iraqi police on fighting terrorism. His vast experience working and living throughout the country and world brought a long track record of success in working with different government levels.

Wanting to serve the public again, Davis campaigned as the Republican candidate for Monroe County sheriff in 2008. While Davis lost to Democrat Bob Peryman in the election, his desire to serve his local community didn’t go away. On Jan. 24, 2018, Davis filed to run for Islamorada Village Council. He won the November 2018 general election against Eric Carlson for seat 4.

“Any decision I make, any vote I go with is what I believe is best for the village,” Davis told the Keys Weekly following his victory. “I had one former councilman say to me that one of the worst decisions was letting the crowd sway his vote.”

Sworn into office on Nov. 29, 2018, one of the political newcomer’s first wishes was a motion to send a letter from the village to the president’s desk to support clemency for Richard “Dickie” Lynn, the Islamorada resident who was charged in 1989 with conspiring with others to import and distribute marijuana and cocaine into Alabama.

In his statements to council and the public, Davis noted that Lynn’s sentencing was unjust when looking at the disparity of the sentencing. Of the 21 imprisoned for their role in the smuggling, Davis said, Lynn received life in prison “seven times over without parole.”

“We want our resident back. We will help him,” Davis said. “It would mean a great deal.”

On June 29, Lynn was granted compassionate release by the U.S. District Court Judge William H. Steele, of the Southern District of Alabama.

The case received help from local residents, nonprofits and DEA agents including Davis.

A ‘BRAVE, HONORABLE’ MAN Islamorada Vice Mayor Ken Davis passes away at 64

Ken Davis with wife Charlotte Porter Davis. CONTRIBUTED

H

e served the country and community in various capacities throughout his career.

He remained open and accessible to the residents of Islamorada on any issue any time, anywhere.

Ken Davis was even a “walkingtalking miracle” following an aortic dissection with a 10% survival chance just a year ago. He continued forward breathing a second life — grateful to the doctors who saved him and to his wife, Charlotte, who urged him to call 911 immediately on Sept. 19, 2019.

The vice mayor of Islamorada and former agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration passed away on Sept. 12 after he suffered heart failure and a massive stroke, according to his brother, Bill. Davis was rushed

Ken Davis speaks on the Fills in front of community leaders on June 25, 2019.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

“It’s about time for him to come home,” Davis said following news of his release.

In his time on the dais, Davis fought alongside fellow council members to gain local control of stateowned property on the Fills,the small islands connecting Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, following many years of overcrowding, trashing and chaos. With a five-year sublease with the Florida Department of Transportation, Davis said, a state blight is “becoming a village-managed area of enjoyment.”

Davis also worked with homeowners in the Port Antigua community affected by issues stemming from weekend boaters on White Marlin Beach.

An ordinance was approved recently creating a 300-foot vessel exclusion/ swim zone to move boaters back.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Davis was outspoken in establishing a roadblock for a month and not a weekend as originally planned.

Davis was running for reelection in the November election for seat 4.

"I have busted my tail for the last two years, and the people of Islamorada know and see it," Davis told the Keys Weekly last month.

Those who knew and worked alongside Davis called him passionate, a hard worker and a true leader.

“It was a pleasure working with him,” said councilman Chris Sante.

“He tried to answer everyone to show he was working for everybody. He was very passionate about being on council.”

Mayor Mike Forster said Davis was a “larger-than-life kind of guy” and an American hero with his service in the Coast Guard, in Iraq and with the DEA. Forster said Davis brought skills and a sense of community back to Islamorada.

“Ken was very passionate about the issues facing Islamorada. He was a guy who sought input, who tried to find some common ground with everybody’s voices being heard. That’s what he did and that’s what I admire about him the most.”

Councilwoman Deb Gillis said he was an asset to the village and will be greatly missed.

“He brought another perspective, which when you sit on a council of five, you need a variety or perspectives,” Gillis said. “He was passionate about what he did, and he was very caring.”

Acting Village Manager Maria Bassett said the village is deeply affected by the loss of Davis.

“Every conversation with Ken included expressions of support, appreciation and encouragement by him to staff,” Bassett said. “His service in the U.S. Coast Guard and familiarity with the operations of various governmental agencies gave him a unique perspective and understanding. We knew that he knew what it’s like to be working hard in the trenches.”

Forster said it was his belief that Davis was the future of Islamorada as he and councilman Jim Mooney were seeking other offices, Gillis terming out and Sante not running for reelection.

“He had some leadership into the next council that is so needed,” he said.

“That’s a major loss to the village.”

Not only did he enjoy serving with Davis, but Forster also said he will miss the friendship the two shared.

“I think about Charlotte and family and the healing they’re going to be facing without him,” he said. “We as a village mourn the loss. We’ll be here for them, whatever they need.”

13

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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WILDLIFE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

COLLEGE STUDENT CHARGED AFTER REPORTEDLY REMOVING, TAKING PHOTO WITH GOLIATH GROUPER JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

n 18-year-old college student was charged following an online tip that showed a picture of the male allegedly posing with a goliath grouper out of the water.

According to arrest records, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation received an internet crimes complaint regarding the alleged violator, Joshua David Anyzeski, on Aug. 26.

Per the complaint, Anyzeski reportedly removed a goliath grouper from a lagoon on the College of the Florida Keys campus on Stock Island and took a picture with it.

The report states that the goliath grouper wasn’t only removed from the water, but also transported a short distance from the lagoon, which is used as a dive training site, across land where it was “messed with” before it was released. A photo was submitted to the FWC’s reporting site, Wildlife Alert, by a friend that allegedly showed Anyzeski holding the goliath grouper in front of a utility closet, which wasn’t near the water where the fish was harvested.

According to a friend who submitted the tip, Anyzeski caught the fish in the lagoon and bragged about it in a group text. Goliath grouper is a prohibited species, and it’s unlawful to remove and possess one.

Two days after the complaint, FWC investigators Chris Matson and Brittany Mobley visited the campus to interview Anyzeski. He told the investigators he removed the goliath grouper out of the water on Aug. 25 to get a hook out of its mouth and took a picture with it. He stated that he didn’t kill the juvenile that was about 20 pounds.

A photo obtained by FWC of Joshua David Anyzeski possessing a goliath grouper out of water. FWC/Contributed

Anyzeski was arrested on Sept.

7 and charged with one misdemeanor count of taking an endangered, threatened, special species.

His bond was set at $7,500.

Those who see wildlife violations and other suspicious activity and safety concerns can report them via the Florida Fish & Wildlife reporting mobile app, online at Wildlife Alert or by calling 888-404FWCC (3922). Cellphone users can dial *FWC or #FWC depending on their service provider.

Bobby Dube, FWC officer and public information officer, said law enforcement can use all the eyes and ears they can get to catch violators. Cases have been made off such tips from the public, he said.

“If you see something, say something, even if it’s on social media,” he said. “We have an internet crimes section. If we get a tip or hint or we observe a violation, we have officers and investigators who will look into whatever complaint it may be.”

Information leading to an arrest or citation can result in a reward.

15

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 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!”

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MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

BOCC votes to allow Big Pine haunted house TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

A

gainst a backdrop of falling infection rates, the BOCC voted Wednesday to allow the first community event on county property since coronavirus shutdowns began: the Lower Keys Rotary Club’s haunted house at Big Pine Community Park. The discussion laid very tentative groundwork for discussions of loosening restrictions and for future events in the county.

Commissioner Michelle Coldiron and Rotary President Tommy Ryan advocated in favor of the event, the only remaining activity from the Rotary’s usually-large Fall Festival.

Ryan ran through the various safety precautions that the Rotary is proposing, including requiring masks and temperature checks for participants and scarers, hand sanitizer stations, socially-distant waiting, plexiglas dividers, and no physical touching. Critically, he also described the event as “family groups of five to 10 walking in the front door and out the back, spending 30 seconds, maybe 60 in the haunted house, total.”

He added, “We’re not using this as a fundraiser this year; we’re just doing it so kids can enjoy it. … I know it’s a hard decision to open up, but small community meetings are necessary now. The kids need something to do. They’ve had six months of nothing to do.”

Mayor Heather Carruthers and County Attorney Bob Shillinger additionally requested the Rotary obtain liability insurance that doesn’t include an exclusion for infectious diseases in place for the event.

“It looks to me like they’re putting in all the safety requirements,” Coldiron said. “I want to see if we can have support from the commissioners to unwind and allow small events to take place.”

County Health Officer Bob Eadie was impressed with the detailed safety plan. He said, “If you want to go ahead and have an event, they’ve taken all precautions they could; if everything goes perfect, they should be okay.”

Eadie did find an issue if things don’t go “perfectly” and people bunch up or remove their masks. Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson noted that the real issue for him was that approval of this event, even with its abundant safety measures, would set a precedent for other groups and other sites to request similar approvals. He also discussed the impossibility of enforcement at such events.

Wilson’s point resonated with Commissioner Sylvia Murphy, who felt that the decision to allow the event and open up the queue for future events was illogical.

“We’re putting people at risk for what, 30 seconds, 60 seconds? ... As much as I want to say yes, I can’t. I think it’s way too risky,” Murphy said.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Commissioner Craig Cates offered his support for the event and for starting to open up other locations.

“People need to get their lives back to normal,” he said. “I think it’s safe, and I think it’s time to move forward.”

Cates and Coldiron pushed on to suggest potentially opening up small party rooms, common spaces, etc. for small group events like this.

Eadie disagreed.

“I had no issue with this event,” the health officer said, “but when you talk about opening up libraries and party rooms, then I do think we have a problem. If you start opening up party rooms, I wouldn’t be saying it’s a good idea.”

Eadie said that across the country, surges in local infections are occurring specifically after intimate events like baby showers, birthday parties and small weddings. He contrasted those with the proposed Big Pine haunted house, where “people are moving and the extremely limited exposure time is less than when you stay in a room for longer amounts of time with people.”

He also urged, “If you’re going to do this (start approving events), it has to be on a case-by-case basis.”

The small exposure time was enough to persuade four of the five commissioners to allow the Big Pine haunted house to proceed, with the caveat that they obtain the correct insurance and maintain all safety precautions. The commissioners and Eadie also clarified that future events would still need to be analyzed individually along the same guidelines to determine if they might safely proceed.

Murphy’s was the sole dissenting vote, and Cates added that this limitation only applied to events on county property. Private events around town are not affected.

17

18

COMMUNITY NEWS

BRIEFLY ‘Fortnite Friday’ with Marathon Parks Department The City of Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a Fortnite Friday Free Play program.

This program is free to join and is for ages 13-17 (though younger participants are welcome with written parental consent). The program will run on Friday, Sept. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. The registration form is on the city’s website: ci.marathon.fl.us.

National Cleanup Day at Checca Lodge To celebrate National Cleanup Day, Cheeca Lodge & Spa will be hosting a special beach cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Attendees will begin the day with presentations by I.CARE, Mote Marine Laboratory and Key Dives along with a complimentary breakfast. Guests will learn about Islamorada's first ever land-based coral nursery, I.CARE's new coral transplanting program, on-going debris removal programs, and how to make a difference in reef communities After the presentations, a beach cleanup will take place at Cheeca Lodge. Guests are encouraged to bring work gloves. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks will be required.

College invites registered nurses to learn about bachelor’s degree The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites registered nurses to learn more about its RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through a virtual information session on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

The RN to BSN program provides an opportunity for practicing registered nurses to further their education, advance in their career and earn higher salaries. Coursework is 100% online and structured in eight-week terms.

The program has a rolling admission cycle, with classes starting five times a year. Applications must be submitted on the college’s website by Saturday, Oct. 3 to start classes on Friday, Oct. 9.

Topics to be covered at the virtual information session include: curriculum, program costs, financial aid, scholarships and payment plans.

Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Registration for the event is required. Visit CFK.edu/events to learn more and to register. For more information, or to schedule a personal information session, contact Marissa Owens, CFK director of recruitment, at recruiter@ fkcc.edu or call 305-809-3207.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 from page 11

REBUILD OR REBUST?

DEO said there is no lack of builders in the Keys.

“The reason there are not currently more projects with contractors in Monroe County is not because contractors have not accepted them, but rather because the projects have not yet reached the step when they would be assigned to contractors,” a spokesperson replied to emailed questions.

What’s happening statewide?

Earlier in 2020, Ken Lawson, the head of the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity was removed from oversight of Florida’s unemployment benefits, also managed through DEO, but continued management of the other divisions. He was replaced by Jonathon Satter of the Department of Management Services to overhaul the beleaguered unemployment system. Then, at the end of August, Lawson announced his resignation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has installed 37-year-old Dane Eagle, a former state representative from Lee County, in his place.

Lawson was famous for junkets around the Keys where he patted his front pocket and promised, “I got your money right here,” referring to the federal HUD funds that would be used for Rebuild Florida.

While there are only two projects currently under construction in Monroe County, other parts of the state that are farther from Hurricane Irma’s most concentrated damage are faring much better. Brevard County (Melbourne and Cocoa Beach) has the most completed Rebuild Florida projects with 32. A statewide press release identified the completion of the first Rebuild Florida Project in Palm Bay, located in Brevard County in May 2019. Duval County (Jacksonville) has 23 and Polk County (Lakeland) has 20 completed projects. The DEO has reported that statewide, 2,100 homeowners have received an “award” (or promise of work) and the projected work totals $83 million. Statewide, 162 projects have been completed.

The way forward Builder Danny McKearan says he is not going to give up hope.

“The sentiment from DEO is that they recognized Monroe County as a priority. I mean that honestly; it’s not a throwaway statement,” he said, adding he, too, is curious why Rebuild Florida isn’t flourishing in the Florida Keys.

“I want to see it move forward. Personally, I have made a big investment in Monroe County.

“The time frame between the storm hitting and now and the amount of work being done in Monroe County … well, the time frame is not good, but it’s not abnormal,” McKearan said.

The two homeowners who have had Rebuild Florida-powered repairs made, or being made, at their homes are equal parts grateful and wrung out by the experience.

“They did a wonderful thing for us,” Sola said, while cautioning others to document every step. “They wanted to know the last time I sneezed. That’s a joke. But seriously, save all your paperwork and all your receipts.”

“DEO is committed to working with Monroe County officials to find solutions to the unique challenges of construction in the Florida Keys, including residential Rate of Growth Ordinance, significant elevation requirements and other issues unique to the Florida Keys,” the DEO spokesperson said in an email. “DEO works in close coordination with Monroe County to address these challenges (and) has regular calls with county officials.”

The DEO has not replied to one more question from the Keys Weekly: will Rebuild Florida “sunset?” That is, does the program have a deadline when unspent monies will disappear?

“I have power problems so I have extension cords running all over from the sockets that do work,” he said.

“I like the Keys, I like the weather, but this situation is getting a little old. Of course, I can’t complain too much if I’m going to get a new house.”

— Ron Furtaw

“This is a systemic problem; it’s not just Florida or Rebuild Florida.

I would say the wait between the announcement of the federal funding and the start of the program is about 2.5 years, except maybe for Hurricane Sandy.”

— Builder Danny McKearan

19

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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

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20

KEY LARGO

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

IN LIMBO No funding currently for Key Largo road-raising pilot project JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

pilot project aiming to address long-standing flood issues in one Key Largo community needs $7.1 million. Budget constraints due to COVID-19 and uncertainties over grant awards, however, leave a project once thought to be a model for future sea level rise projects in limbo.

Among the roads in the Keys subject to high waters from king tides and heavy storms are those in the Twin Lakes community at MM 103 in Key Largo. Talks date back 10 years when concerns rose over sea level rise and the need for a resolution over inundated roads. Fast forward to late 2015 and early 2016, when Twin Lakes residents dealt with more than a month of sustained and continuous saltwater flooding.

That led the board of county commissioners to make Twin Lakes and the Sands subdivision in Big Pine Key as the pilot project to study, design and implement a solution to address flooding issues. Commissioners in January 2017 received an engineer’s report and recommendations on a design. It included elevation of roads within Twin Lakes to an elevation of 5 inches to extend the life of the road to 2040. Roads identified included Shaw Drive, Crane Street and Adams Drive. As for the Sands Division, the report recommended a road elevation to about 11 inches.

A resolution was subsequently approved to adopt the report, move forward with a design phase and budget funds in the 2017-18 budget.

In 2018, the commission approved a contract with WSP USA Inc. for engineering design and permit services for the seal level rise pilot project in an amount not to exceed $517,518.04.

With studies and reports complete, and time and money spent, funding is the next critical step. But as the public and commissioners heard during a Sept. 8 budget hearing, the Twin Lakes and Sands Subdivision pilot project was in a list of infrastructure projects not currently funded.

“These are projects that we’ve been talking about that aren’t funded,” said Tina Boan, county director of budget and finance. “On most of these projects, we have applied for grant funding whenever we can, and then we hope we can cover our portion of it.”

Boan said the question commissioners must think about is how to pay for multimillion-dollar projects like Twin Lakes and Sands. Options included non-ad valorem special assessments, a stormwater utility fee, a debt service that can be changed in the ad valorem, or a toll on U.S. 1.

Judy Clarke, director of engineering services, told commissioners at the Sept. 16 regular meeting that the combination of the two projects after the pilot study had construction at $3.5 million. Now, through full design, the combination of the two is about $14 million.

“It’s considerably more than our normal roadway project. ... $7 million is the most expensive roadway project I’ve done in the county to date,” Clarke said. “I would mention, too, that before we knew higher costs, staff applied for grants. It’s always part of our game plan.”

Stephanie Russo is a resident of the Twin Lakes subdivision who knew nothing about the tidal flooding when she bought her home years ago. With initial work already complete on the pilot project and the board’s intent to pay for construction — as evidenced by the inclusion

of project construction costs in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 capital budgets — Russo said she’s concerned the county is looking to lump the project in with a countywide analysis of roads that’s underway and expected to come out in March 2021.

“The board intended to complete the construction of the pilot project before adopting the county-wide plan.

That is why it was the ‘pilot’ project,” Russo wrote in a letter to the BOCC. “Commissioners, at the Sept. 3 meeting, said this pilot project needs to be completed, and funds identified now, so that the results and lessons learned can be used to inform the future countywide plan, and directed staff to look at the tentative budget for projects that could be delayed to divert at least some funds towards the construction costs.

“Staff came back to you on Sept. 8, 2020, and while they identified projects that could be delayed, they told you that they do not think the pilot project should be prioritized over any of these projects,” she continued. “In fact, not only do they not think any money in the budget should be directed to the pilot project, they also do not think other sources of funding specifically for the pilot project should be identified now.”

Flooded streets in the Twin Lakes Community in Key Largo. A report prepared for county commissioners in 2017 recommended project roads be raised to an elevation of 5 inches to provide flooding relief, and extend the life of the road to 2040. CONTRIBUTED

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Russo said the benefits of the pilot project are not limited to the Twin Lakes and Sands communities. Rather, the pilot project has a wide public benefit as it will be used to make intelligent decisions on future planning. The county has spent more than half a million dollars on the pilot project, and every dollar will have been wasted if the project is delayed and lumped together with the county-wide project, she said.

A workshop meeting is being planned for November to discuss a plan forward.

During budget meetings on Sept. 3 and 8, commissioners Craig Cates and Michelle Coldiron said the county must move forward with the pilot projects and find resources to fund them.

“Especially the ones promised here in the county,” Cates said. “These projects just can’t keep being put off.”

“We can’t keep kicking this can down the road,” Coldiron said.

As Boan stated during the Sept.

8 presentation, revenues have taken a hit due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — somewhere to the tune of $13 million lost this year.

“The county commission doesn’t have the flexibility that they would normally have,” she said. “It’s very uncertain.”

Assistant County Administrator Christine Hurley said the county is seeking grant opportunities for projects like Twin Lakes through the state Department of Economic Opportunity and FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities (BRIC) program, among other sources.

“It seems like FEMA is going to focus on using mitigation money for infrastructure, which in the past, the proactive FEMA programs haven’t really done,” she said in relation to the new FEMA program. “That we think is going to be a good opportunity for the county.”

KEY LARGO

21

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

Trish represented the Buyers of: 261 3rd Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Trish Hintze | 305.923.9976 | trish@paradiseinthekeys.com

22

DARE I SAY IT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

WHAT KEEPS ME HERE A dream come true that I didn’t know I had TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

Y

ou’ve all witnessed me talk about how much I love the oceans that surround us here in the Keys. It’s why I moved here just over two years ago and what keeps me here every day.

So, when I was first asked by the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation to represent the sanctuary and talk about what it means to me, I found it funny that the words weren’t flowing.

How do you sum up the magic of a place, the wonder of it? How can you do it justice?

It took me a bit and I ultimately had to go for a swim at our homeowners’ park in Tavernier at sunset to remember -- it’s the blues; it’s the touch of the water; it’s how it all makes me feel.

It was an honor to represent our little chain of islands and our waters to the rest of the world. It’s a pleasure to share my wonder with you now:

There’s something special about the blue of the water here.

That silky turquoise is alluring — intoxicating, sometimes. It entices my mind to wander to endless summer days and warm nights under the stars.

Living within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a dream come true that I didn’t even know I had. Two years ago, I moved to the Keys to restore the coral reefs. I stayed because the reefs restored me. In these waters, I’ve found my voice, happiness, and purpose.

The ocean has always been a place my soul can rest, but here, in this sanctuary, my imagination has found its muse. Anytime I’m at the bow of a boat, ocean spray whipping through my hair, or diving these magnificent coral reefs, I feel free.

Life is abundant and wild and infinite. I cherish that feeling each time I go out on the ocean.

I watch Cassiopeia jellyfish live their upsidedown lives in the mangroves and nurse sharks pivot in the sand with their fin tips while they patrol the reefs. I swim among the corals and sea fans, searching for snapping shrimp, Christmas tree worms, and nudibranchs — all the little denizens of the reef that make it so rich and exciting to explore. There is so much to see, do, feel and experience. All of it fills me with wonder and gratitude.

As an environmental journalist, it has been my privilege to tell the sanctuary’s stories and those of the people who protect this enchanting place. From debris dives to turtle rescues, coral restoration to lionfish derbies, the community comes together over and over to protect this place we call home. Even from land, there are more people engaged in this fight every day than I have ever witnessed. In their tireless endeavors and unwavering conviction, I find courage. In their passions, I find inspiration.

It’s truly a blessing to live in a place I don’t need a vacation from and to work alongside people willing to do whatever it takes to protect it. I am grateful every day for my little slice of paradise and the opportunity to share its wonder with the world.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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KEYS SCHOOLS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

First and second grade teachers Stephanie Basca, foreground, and Sarah Naylor.

A NEW OCEAN STUDIES

Students come back to state-of-theart facility JIM McCARTHY

J

jim@keysweekly.com

ust over 90 students at Ocean Studies Charter School transitioned from their virtual classrooms at home to desks and chairs inside a new facility in Key Largo on Sept.

14.

Construction of Ocean Studies school, at MM 100 bayside, was finished last month as teachers prepared their new classrooms for the students’ return. Principal Trisha Woods said it’s been six months since teachers and staff have seen the little learners in person, waving goodbye to them at the former facility in Tavernier earlier in the year.

Not only were teachers and students face-to-face, but they were also able to begin a new era of learning inside a state-of-the-art school.

“Even though we will be social distancing in classrooms, we’re just excited to see everybody,” Woods said.

Work on the building, led by CBT Construction, started in May as the former Fountain Plaza building was transformed into classrooms, a marine lab, office and hallways. The project began in November 2018 with a capital campaign kickoff in a bid to buy a facility, build classrooms and equip a marine science lab and outdoor space to learn and play. By December 2019, Ocean Studies had various sites on its list of landing spots. Project costs are around $3 million.

With construction of five classrooms also comes a new, upgraded marine lab to provide students with

an innovative learning experience.

The school’s success lies in its marine science program and weekly field labs that ensure all students explore and interact with the natural environment.

Classroom walls are painted in the school’s colors, while fish-shaped seats made out of recycled ocean plastic are positioned in each classroom. In the hallway, a painting of Florida Keys coral will decorate the walls.

Inside the facility, teachers and students are wearing masks throughout the day as a safety measure due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Woods said they’re requesting students wear masks with ear loops so they aren’t slipping off their noses.

Learners will be distanced from each

The Sea Stars room for kindergarten and first-grade students.

other in the classroom, and cleaning is occurring twice a day.

“Since we’re starting with half days for the first three weeks, we’re having our cleaning company clean over lunch time and the evening to make sure that all surfaces are cleaned down and everyone’s safe,” Woods said.

Woods said she’s thankful to the local companies and community members for all their help in making the new Ocean Studies Charter School a special place for the next generation of learners.

The school is looking to incorporate a middle school so students can continue the passion for the environment to high school. That phase isn’t expected to be completed until August 2021.

With goals to preserve and protect a fragile South Florida en-

The new Ocean Studies Charter School located at MM 100, bayside in Key Largo.

vironment, Ocean Studies Charter School is providing a foundation to encourage students to become scientists, writers, free thinkers and guardians of the water. The school is nationally designated as an Ocean Guardian School by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It’s also listed as a Green School by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“The school board is laser-focused on doing the best we can for the kids,” David Thompson,” Ocean Studies school board president, told the Weekly in June. “We’re just super glad to be part of making education more accessible to more Upper Keys students. That’s why we’re moving to this space.”

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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TIMES ARE TOUGH, YOUR CHAMBER IS TOUGHER! We are truly all in this together. It would be our honor and privilege to have your business as a valued member of our Marathon Chamber of Commerce. When times are tough we are always here to inform, support, educate/empower, and advocate for our business-members. As a business it’s important to have a strong team around you, let the Marathon Chamber and all our resources be part of your team.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

EXPANDING THE RANKS ISLAMORADA FIRE RESCUE ADDS SIX LIEUTENANTS

1

I

slamorada Fire Rescue grew its department and expanded its ranks by welcoming six new lieutenants recently. Sept. 9 marked the first day of orientation for lieutenants Adrian Castellanos, Andres Ardila, Jason Bryant, Carlos Moreton, Erica Oliveira and Jason Luna. Fire Chief Terry Abel congratulated and welcomed the lieutenants. (Sorry for the Rotary fines, Chief.)

2

3

4

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CONTRIBUTED 1. Andres Ardila 2. Carlos Moreton 3. Jason Bryant 4. Erica Oliveira 5. Jason Luna 6. Adrian Castellanos

— Weekly staff report

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER PRESENTS

H istoric t avernier : A Conversation with Two Pioneers Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6-7 p.m.

A live virtual event.

When Everette Albury and Charles Pellicier were born in 1928, the remote Tavernier area included a gas station, icehouse and sundry store, yet no formal schoolhouse.

Join Everette and Charles as they regale the audience with their experiences growing up in what is now considered Historic Tavernier, Charles PelliCier the only historically-designated Everette Albury area in Monroe County outside of Key West. They will share stories of surviving hurricanes, living among mosquitoes and other facets of daily life in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Their conversation with accompanying photos will be led by Erin Muir, who is Charles’ granddaughter and Everette’s cousin. Erin is a manager with Keys History & Discovery Center. This lecture is sponsored by Patricia Witchel.

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For additional details, e-mail info@keysdiscovery.com or call 305-922-2237.

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WILDLIFE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

FWC rescues injured manatee caught in monofilament

O

fficers Rafter, Swensson, Rhoda, Larios and Coger assist FWC Biologist’s and the Dolphin Research Center, Dolphin’s Plus and Aquarium Encounters with an injured manatee rescue.

The manatee teams worked together to rescue the large adult female from the waterway near Taylor Creek Village in Key Largo. The manatee had monofilament line embedded in both front flippers. The manatee was transported by FWC biologists to SeaWorld in Orlando for medical treatment. CONTRIBUTED

Minnow the manatee released in KCB

Dolphin Research Center’s Mary Stella narrates the release of Minnow. The local agency was integral to the rescue and release of the sea cow.

Minnow, a 745-pound young male, went into the water much easier than he came out. It took two days to rescue the propeller-scarred manatee in the Middle Keys.

A crowd of more than 50 gathered at Key Colony Beach City Hall to await the arrival of Minnow, who convalesced at the Miami Seaquarium for six months. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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Miami-Dade Mayor and Republican candidate for the U.S. House, Carlos Gimenez, speaks with Don Horton. Gimenez is running against Democratic incumbent Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for the seat that represents Monroe County and Miami-Dade counties. CONTRIBUTED

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mells of a cookout filled the area at the GOP campaign headquarters in Tavernier on Sept. 13 as Republicans came out to enjoy burgers and hot dogs and meet the candidates running for office in the November election. The Constitution Day, Patriot Day and Citizenship Day Barbecue allowed attendees to speak with the likes of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who’s running for the U.S. House against Democratic incumbent Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, and Islamorada councilman Jim Mooney, a Republican who’s running for state representative against Clint Barras. Attendees were able to pick up campaign signs for their yards and stickers to support the candidates.

— Weekly staff report

Left: Republican state representative candidate Jim Mooney, left, speaks with local resident Ray Yu. Mooney is running against Democrat Clint Barras to represent residents in Monroe County and the southern portion of Miami-Dade County in Tallahassee.

Right: Islamorada council candidate Buddy Pinder, right, speaks with John Ribble, Upper Keys Republican treasurer, during the barbecue. Pinder is running against Jenny Bell-Thomson for seat 3.

33

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 The Key West 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.

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How long have you lived in Key West/The Florida Keys?

I was born in Key West, but raised in China until I moved back at age 4.

What KWHS teacher has had the most influence on you?

Mr. Kailian’s math classes since freshman year allowed me to bring math from paper into the real world. But every teacher I’ve had at KWHS has influenced me in some way.

What class, so far, has best prepared you for life after high school? History and language arts have allowed me to be more respectful and understanding of other cultures and beliefs.

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What’s been the biggest challenge of online learning during the pandemic?

The interactiveness between teachers and students during instruction time. Interactivity is crucial for learning, so virtual learning has made it challenging to connect among teachers and students.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen? Don’t wait to do something, but also give some thought to your actions.

What are your plans/goals after graduation? I aspire to get into university, improve my linguistic skills, and study computing to work in our nation’s growing IT sector.

What three things would you like to have accomplished by your 10-year high school reunion? Whether I live far or near from my family, I vow to live independently and sustain my own livelihood. I also want to be ideologically independent in my thoughts and beliefs. However, my most important goal is to be able to choose the job I want.

Where do you get most of your news? From newspapers and online news outlets.

What local, national or global issue concerns you most?

There has been a lot of polarization of our views, which has caused a lot of division. This is very concerning to me. ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’ If we are not willing to understand each other, we will only further divide ourselves, but I believe if we are willing to understand each other, we can achieve solutions to many of the problems we face.

Do you plan to make the Keys your permanent home after high school or college? Although the Keys will forever be my home, I also want to explore the world. But I will return and share what I have learned elsewhere with our community to make the Keys a better place.

Who has influenced you most in your life? My mother. She would always challenge me to look for the other side of people, and understand their thoughts and beliefs so I don’t stay partisan to my own beliefs.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

SHELLY SWIMS BY THE SEASHORE

300-POUND GREEN SEA TURTLE RELEASED

1 2

3

CONTRIBUTED 1. Shelly swam free this week, after two months of treatment at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

2. Due to his size, it took a coordinated effort to rescue the turtle, and then release it. The Turtle Hospital, the Coast Guard, FWC and Monroe County Sheriff’s Department all played a part.

3. Shelly and The Turtle Hospital’s Bruce Squier strike a pose.

4. The turtle’s treatment involved amputation surgery, class 4 laser therapy, nebulizer breathing treatments, broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of natural sea grass.

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he Turtle Hospital, the Coast Guard, FWC and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office all stood watch as Shelly, a 300-pound adult male green sea turtle was released off Sombrero Beach. It took the combined efforts of all the agencies to rescue the turtle back in July, and then release him on Sept. 15.

The turtle was rescued off the Florida Keys where he was found entangled in an abandoned anchor line. “It took a village to rescue this giant sea turtle,” said the Turtle Hospital’s Bette Zirkelbach.

— Weekly staff report

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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38

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

WATCHING AND PLAYING SPORTS DURING COVID

W

hether watching from the stands, sporting a jersey or running the field, people have an intrinsic engagement with sports.

Team sports provide a sense of identity, a collective experience and, in many cases, a ERIN STOVER connection to a family legacy.

SICKMEN When “our” team wins, we get a glimmer of refracted glory, Erin Stover Sickwhich is often in short supply. men is artistic For many, though, the main director at The appeal of fangirling (or fanboyStudios of Key West. Her wife, ing) is the escape it provides daughter and from the daily dramas of the crazed terrier put real world, a simplified game up with her sayof good vs. evil. ing yes to nearly Ironically, the world cureverything. rently finds itself needing escapism more than ever, but unable to obtain it.

I’m not generally engaged with my own Sporty Spice side (my favorite shirt reads, “I just hope both teams have fun”).

But then, one of my dear British buddies mentioned the FA Cup Final. Like an American idiot, I asked, “What’s that?”

Intrigued by his enthusiastic, almost evangelical answer, I decided to pony up $5 for an ESPN+ trial and another $35 for a low-stakes wager, an inexpensive insurance policy to keep my attention on the game. The two drinks I consumed at home brought the whole experience to about $50, roughly the price of parking at a major sporting event. This was already a win.

Wembley Stadium, the venue for this Arsenal-Chelsea matchup, holds 90,000 people. The day of the FA Cup, it held only players, coaches and essential support staff. The usual 200 journalists and 80 photographers were reduced to 25 and 12, respectively. The seats were covered in massive vinyl logos and the field was lined with screens showing images of fired-up fans. Cheering (and oddly enough, booing) sounds were piped in like a sitcom laugh track. It was a strange, post-apocalyptic viewing experience, albeit an enjoyable one.

But what was it like to be on that soccer field? As someone who’s worked extensively in another avenue of live communal engagement — theatre — I understand the importance of audience feedback. Let’s just say there’s a reason for the two-drink minimum at most comedy clubs. Apparently, the UK football clubs understood this, too. Coaches directed their players to essentially compensate for an entire stadium of fans, by cheering until their throats were dry every time they hit the sidelines. These guys had two jobs that day — play until you win, and cheer until it’s over.

Dan Abrahams, the lead psychologist for the England Rugby Union, noticed some positive effects from the new rules.

“A lot of the players I’m working with are enjoying it because they don’t have the pressure of the crowd. There are some stadiums where it can be pretty toxic.”

Now, aside from not being a huge sports fan, I am also not an elite athlete.

But since the lockdown commenced in March, I’ve been hitting the streets running, working up to a half marathon. Let me be clear — I hate running. I spend every mile thinking about what I’m going to eat at the end. That said, it’s been a perfectly accessible tool for quelling my restless anxiety while I’m not able to freely wander the world. To keep the pace (groan-worthy pun intended), I’ve signed up for several “virtual races.”

Just as big-league sports have had to implement changes, so too have smaller grassroots athletics. I started with the “Tutu 10k,” organized by Key West’s own Beth Moyes of Key West Theme Runs. The rules were straightforward: run any time you like within a date range, then report your time. No crowds, no pressure, no competition. Run those miles and just slink back home without unfairly comparing yourself to all the other toned bodies on the road — sign me up! I followed up with the Hemingway 5k and SUP Race, which upped the technology factor with an app called RaceJoy that tracked my time, offering robotic encouragement along the way. Family and friends could also follow along (if they were really hard up for entertainment) and send encouraging messages.

At any level of play, it’s interesting to trade human feedback for technological interjections. The inherent ingenuity serves as proof that we’ll find our way through this time without totally abandoning the things we love. As much as I enjoy the autonomy of starting a race whenever I damn well feel like it, others are longing for the camaraderie and community that comes from gathering, from moving our bodies in unison.

An 1898 study introduced the social facilitation theory — a concept that athletic performance is improved “as a result of the real or implied presence of others.”

For now, though, the loners and the social butterflies of the homegrown athletic world, and the laser-focused and showboating major leaguers, will all have to find some common ground and rely on the “implied presence of others.”

My advice? Place a bet, fix a drink, go for a run and make friends with a robot.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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COOL STUFF

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

THE ‘H’ WORD W

DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN ilfred.

That’s all we got.

The last time I looked, there were seven blotches on the National Hurricane Center’s grid of the Atlantic Ocean.

SARA And by the time this MATTHIS newspaper hits the streets on Sept. 17, thinks commuthe 2020 hurricane nity journalism season will probably is important, but have moved into the not serious; likes weird and wonpractice of naming derful children each new storm for (she has two). a letter of the Greek Occasionally she alphabet. tortures herself Can anyone say with sprint-distance triathlons, 2005? The year of but only if she has Wilma? 2005 proa good chance of duced six “Greek” beating her sister. named storms — four tropical storms and two hurricanes — on top of the 25 regularly named storms.

What’s worse is that the 2020 season is three weeks ahead of schedule, when compared to 2005.

Before Hurricane Wilma hit the Keys, we had already dodged five other storms. Tropical Storm Arlene skirted the Keys in the Gulf of Mexico on its way to Pensacola. Hurricane Dennis crossed Cuba, and slipped past Key West into the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Katrina was a wild ride, even in the Keys. The storm was expected to cross the state from east to west on a neat horizontal trek, but it dipped and roared up the Keys’ backside (gulfside) and through the Everglades. Afterward, the acute misery of the Gulf states made an impact on the entire U.S., probably the defining hurricane of my generation.

Hurricane Ophelia danced close to Florida’s east shore. Hurricane Rita missed us by a hair, moving from the Bahamas into the Gulf of Mexico, and passing just 45 miles west of Key West.

In 2005, the Keys called three mandatory evacuations. Hurricane fatigue set in. Islanders were tired of putting the shutters up and taking them down. People

had run out of money for forced “vacations” to the mainland. So when Hurricane Wilma threatened the Keys in late October, I think it’s fair to say, we were just done. Very few residents evacuated.

I remember a friend called to ask me about Hurricane Wilma. Should we be worried, she asked. And what I said next was so, so stupid, it’s forever etched on my brain.

“Hurricanes never hit the Keys this late in the year.

It’s October!” It makes me cringe just thinking about it.

Before Hurricane Wilma arrived, weather forecasters made many serious warnings about storm surge.

Conchs weren’t worried about the wind, and rightly so, but they ignored or didn’t understand or were just too damn tired to pay attention to the flood warnings. Starting in Key West and moving northeast to Key Largo, a wave of water passed over the islands from gulfside to oceanside.

There was much kayaking on residential streets in Key West. Someone reportedly rode a Jet Ski up and down the runway of the Marathon airport. Spontaneous waterfalls appeared at the head of the south-facing canals as water from land emptied back into the ocean. Businesses, houses and cars flooded. The sight was stupefying, the damage immense.

Last weekend, when Tropical Storm Sally formed on top of our heads before a Sept. 16 landfall in Alabama, it was but a taste of hurricane season. The good kind: a fun amount of rain, a chance to stay in bed and watch movies all day and pick up two palm fronds when it’s all over. I hope the hurricane gods will spare us in 2020, but it’s far from over. If push comes to shove, I’m gonna grab the beer and run like hell.

10. We have a legitimate reason to spend a half-hour surfing the National Hurricane Center website, clicking through each storm to make sure it’s not coming here. (Spoiler alert: They’re not, so far.)

BEST THINGS ABOUT SEPTEMBER IN THE KEYS

9. Romaine lettuce is no longer trying to kill us.

8. It’s not March, April, May, June, July or August of 2020.

7. College football, the NFL, U.S. Open golf, U.S. Open tennis, Major League Baseball and the NBA playoffs.

And someone is boycotting every one of them (but we know you’re secretly watching them all).

6. It’s “National Ignore an Asshole on Facebook” month.

(OK, that’s not true, but it should be.)

5. It’s the month that most of us finally realized “Cobra Kai” is a must-watch.

4. We’re one month closer to the end of 2020.

3. It’s our last full month of thicker-than-bisque humidity.

2. It’s “National Support Your Local Newspaper” month.

(OK, we made that one up, too, but it should be.)

1. Those darling little, umm, children are back in school.

Finally.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

CLEANER

42

KEYS SCENES

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Shriver’s Ozymandias, OFA, Sch2, PSA1, NAPD 1 enjoying retirement on Sombrero Beach. PAIGE SHRIVER/ Contributed

Oliver the cat from lower Sugarloaf.

CHARLENE PAGAN/Contributed

Miss Mabel at nap time. JO-ANNA MARY/Contributed

“Our beast by the sea.” KIMBERLY MCDANIEL/Contributed

Chance’s first boat ride (adopted from Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue in January). SARAH SMITH/Contributed

Calm before the storm. Annie, a rescue pup from Marr-Velous Pet Rescues, monitors Hurricane Irma before she hit. TRISH ROGERS/Contributed

Nacho, a 2-year-old Yorkie, loves sleeping (especially during quarantine). SONIA BARAJAS/Contributed

Our 4 year old squirrel, Whitey. He loves shrimp. DALE FETTEROLF/Contributed

I am Bailey, hear me roar. ALYSON CREAN/City of Key West

Napoleon the frenchie as CrimeWatch captain in Islamorada. SUSAN LATHAM/Contributed

W

“Social distancing is beautiful in the Keys” with Nutmeg, a Cavalier King Charles. KAREN AND ROY SCHOEN/ Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

KEYS PETS e’re collecting our favorite shots of the Keys and featuring the photographers in the newspaper and on our social media channels. Our next theme is “PINKtober.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to support our family and friends battling this horrible disease by showcasing all things pink. Send us your best interpretation of PINKtober, whatever that means to you.

“A Conch salty dog (Sakura) enjoying a day sailing on fair winds off of Key West.” LISA CHRISTIANSEN/Contributed

tiffany@keysweekly.com

NEXT THEME: PINKTOBER 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 as may come about.

MHS SPORTS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

DOLPHIN FOOTBALL TAKES TO THE PRACTICE FIELD

1

2 3

MARATHON HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICING FOR FIRST HOME GAME

4

5 BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly 1. Soccer (the other football) standout Miguel Avena, left, battles with Edian Hernandez during defensive back drill.

T

he Marathon High School football team has started practice in preparation for its home opener on Friday, Oct. 2. With a roster of more than 30 players, head coach Mac Childress is looking forward to this season.

— Weekly staff report

MHS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Oct. 2: vs. Coral Shores High School @ 7 p.m. (home) Oct. 9: vs. Florida Christian School @ 7 p.m. (home) Oct. 16: True North Classical Academy @ 7 p.m. (home) Oct. 23: Ransom Everglades School @ 7 p.m. (home) Oct. 30: Westminster Christian School @ 4 p.m. (away) Nov. 6: TBD Nov. 13: Palmer Trinity School @ 4 p.m. (away) Nov. 19: Coral Shores High School @ 7 p.m. (away)

2. Ethan Saunders working out with the receivers.

3. Coach Paul Davis works with the defensive backs.

4. Dylan Globe returns for another season with the Dolphins.

5. The big guys move the linemen’s sled under the direction of the big guy, Coach Stanton.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

A tribute to Sonny McCoy Sonny McCoy passed from this life at 92 yrs. old on September 10, 2020. A true Key West citizen and a statesman.

Sonny was always dramatic and with perfect timing died on the 42nd anniversary of his record setting water skiing trip to Cuba, on one ski. I might add he skied from Key West to Habana harbor.

Like everything else he did it was well planned and rehearsed and trained for. Every day after he finished his work he went home on Hilton Haven and had a friend tow him around the island and in the bay. On weekends, sometimes for hours on end, he trained for the Cuba trip which took 6 hours non-stop.

Like many other things he accomplished in his 10 years as our mayor of Key West and then our mayor of Monroe County, Sonny would doggedly plan and prepare and gather votes until he was certain he had it right then proceed to success.

As a trained engineer and architect, he basically put aside his careers and was elected in 1970 to begin his 10 years of leadership in Key West to revive the community which had basically closed up its main street and lost over half its population when the Navy withdrew its floating vessels and closed the base all but bankrupting the city. At times the city even took short term loans from local small businesses to make payroll.

Sonny raised funds to revive Duval Street planting indigenous trees and placing planters along the sidewalks. He encouraged small businesses and helped bring cruise ships into port to help restaurants and craft manufacturers like Kino’s, and Key West Hand Print Fabrics, he encouraged bars like Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony’s to train for the expected guests. Fast Buck Freddie’s opened in this era also.

He worked diligently to have the old Navy base declared surplus and become what is now Truman Annex. He installed street lights and a beautiful clock on Southard and Duval. Sonny loved the old city and its historic architecture and received many national awards for reviving our downtown. He encouraged saving old buildings and helped form the Island Roots Festival celebration that revived our ties to the Bahamas. He designed the B’nai Zion synagogue on United Street. Billy Appelrouth told me it was done mostly for free and from his heart. As an architect he designed the Galleon Beach Resort, the Nation’s Bank building, the Ocean Walk Apartments and gave his architectural skills to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to save the structure.

Wendy Tucker, The Key West Citizen reporter said that Sonny was very pivotal in the emergence of Key West in preserving what we had and planning our future as a tourist mecca.

Sonny saw the need to get cars off the streets and created the internationally awarded Park and Ride garage across from the Keys Energy building which he got it funded by federal grants and at Simonton and Petronia he built another garage where now sits as a fire station with the proposed new garage not yet completed. Sonny always said a garage serves two things, they make money and get cars off the streets.

As a county commissioner for eight years Sonny championed the Key West Air Port and got the votes and gathered the money to have it renovated and modernized. It should be named the Sonny and Merilee McCoy airport in their honor. Some commissioners have told me he had to die first, however, I believe since they both have accomplished that now the time has come to honor them. Marilee was a city commissioner and did many things that have made Key West more beautiful.

Sonny was without a doubt could be a pain in the butt and was full of himself from time to time but he never hesitated once he decided to fight for the community or for a project, he believed in. He worked relentlessly for our island of Key West.

Sonny McCoy was the most amazingly productive mayor in the history of Key West. This is no slap at Craig Cates but Craig had handicaps, the Sunshine Law and seven commissioners instead of five.

Being elected to office as mayor, as the Navy moved out of the harbor and most of all the civil service jobs were lost he actually saved the island’s economy and future.

He loved restoration of the island’s old homes particularly the Peacon octagonal home that he purchased and resold to Calvin Klein. Sonny had Key West’s Old City Hall on Greene Street restored and returned its structural integrity. The Charles Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park underscores Sonny and Merilee’s abiding interest in our island’s plants and birds.

Sonny designed Zero Duval Street Hotel and the Key West Post Office, The Galleon Resort and Marina, the Salt Pond project as well as the City Marina at Garrison Bight and the Stanley Switlik school in Marathon. When Sonny became mayor, he rallied the Key West businessmen and women to turn the island’s economy around. Sonny, as mayor, invited the first cruise ships to Key West and secured a grant to repair the Mallory docks.

Key West’s impressive recovery from the severe economic recession brought national attention to the city. In 1984 the Society of American Travel Writers honored Key West with the Phoenix Award “Up From The Ashes” New Life as to leadership in the field of conservation and preservation.

After 10 years as City Mayor and then also as county mayor Sonny McCoy left a legacy of prosperity, renewal and protection of our natural and historic past.

Sonny McCoy will go down in history as one of Key West’s greatest mayors and most intelligent contributors.

Edwin O. Swift, III Paid advertisement

HOROSCOPE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 In spite, or because, of your strong work ethic and emotional boundaries, you harbor a deep escapist tendency. This often manifests in your choice of partner or friends. You may find yourself drawn to reckless, dramatic types that inevitably burn you out. To attract and maintain a healthy partnership, you must cultivate a healthy sense of escapism within yourself. Be your own trap door so you won’t risk falling through someone else’s.

Notable Virgo: Trixie Mattel / Aug. 23, 1989

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

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

LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 This season of retrogrades offers you the opportunity to do what you do best: Think, ruminate, reflect and consider, with no pressure to actually act. Yet, in order to bring about the changes necessary for your personal progression you will need to pay attention and homage to your often overlooked sixth sense, intuition. If you’re wondering what to do next, remember that what can’t be known can usually be felt.

Notable Libra: Akbar / Oct. 14, 1542 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Fellow Scorpio Beryl Markham is best remembered for her attempted 1936 solo flight across the Atlantic. Her fuel systems failed and she crash landed in Nova Scotia.

But her memoir drew praise from Ernest Hemingway, who said, “She has written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer.” You have to live the tale to live to tell the tale and a crash landing beats the hell out of standing still.

Notable Scorpio: Joni Mitchell / Nov. 7, 1943

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 As the sun illuminates your 10th house of career and reputation, you’re poised to find financial footing and professional success so long as you manage to defy distractions, tame your temper and hogtie your hedonism. Realize that while you are adept at dreaming the dream, you may need help, in the form of a business benefactor or trusted mentor.

Seek a partner, not a patron.

Notable Sagittarius: Nicki Minaj / Dec. 8, 1982 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Warrior planet Mars is in retrograde for the next two months and for sea goats the reversal activates/instigates your domestic sector. Retrogrades force us to confront the past.

The focus for you is on family secrets, inherited patterns and childhood traumas. If the self is a cellar, you’re being beckoned down the stairs. To get free, you have to go in.

Notable Capricorn: Mao Zedong / Dec. 26, 1893 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 You skew more toward intellect than emotion, waterbearer, but current planetary placements are dredging up the feels for you, particularly in the realms of abundance and scarcity.

You’re being called to evaluate the psychic and emotional attachments you have to money.

“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life,” Thoreau said.

In your quest to build the life you want, are you sacrificing the experience of living?

Notable Aquarius: Kimbo Slice / Feb. 8, 1974

PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 After being rejected for the 27th time, fellow Pisces Dr. Seuss was on his way to setting his first manuscript on fire when he bumped into an old friend and a recently appointed publisher. Within hours a contract was signed and a career launched. Seuss later said, “If I had been going down the other side of Madison Avenue, I’d be in the dry-cleaning business today.” This is a reminder to keep on keeping on. We’re all one walk away from where we are meant to be going.

Notable Pisces: Spike Lee / March 20, 1957 ARIES March 21 to April 19 I continue to advise you to chill your tits, Aries. In the weeks ahead, the more you push, the less you’ll progress. Allow situations to unfold. Though you will bristle at the suggestion, heed Irish philosopher Edmund Burke: “Our patience will achieve more than our force.”

Notable Aries: Elton John / March 25, 1947 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 In the 1994 film “The Crow,” the hot, goth villain declares, “Childhood is over the moment you know you are going to die.” As the sun moves through your fifth house of fertility and children, Taurus, make reparations to your own inner child.

Whatever shame, secrets or knowledge ended your own innocence, begin working back from, and through, them. The richness of adulthood begins at the moment of that reconciliation.

Notable Taurus: Eva Perón / May 7, 1919

GEMINI May 21 to June 20 This week’s new moon in Virgo highlights your fourth house of security and domesticity. Defining and redefining the concept of home is perhaps the most enduring of human challenges.

Whether you’re pulling up roots or leaving something in a more metaphorical sense, I offer you the words of Kenyan poet Warsan Shire: “Home is somewhere I’m going and never have been before.”

Notable Gemini: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen / June 13, 1986 CANCER June 21 to July 22 I have a New Age auntie who lives by the creed (possibly pilfered from a dollar store thank-you card) that people enter your life for “a reason, a season or a lifetime.” Consider that someone you put in the last category may really belong in the first. If you are feeling a fallout with certain players in your life, remember it is OK and at times necessary to allow relationships to end or change shape.

Notable Cancer: Solange Knowles / June 24, 1986 LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 The etymology of the word “magic” can be traced to the Old Persian magush, translated as “to be able, to have power.”

The time has never been better for you to get what you want by speaking clearly, asking directly, moving purposefully and pursuing the nose bleed loftiness of your greatest desires. You are able, you are powerful and if it be magic you’re after, Leo, it’s yours for the making.

Notable Leo: Billy Bob Thornton / Aug. 4, 1955

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

“The secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure.”

— Tibetan Proverb

ANDREA PIACQUADIO/Pexels

HOW CAN WE LAUGH A LITTLE MORE?

H

ave you heard these sayings before?

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

“Worry less, MELINDA laugh more.”

When was VAN FLEET the last time you is a consultant, laughed? Really coach and speaker who helps sales belly laughed?

Laughed so executives and hard your face their teams navigate change and hurts? (This hapstrengthen their pens to me.) Or communication you had tears in skills to maximize your eyes? their potential.

Laughter keeps coming up for me.

I was on a networking Zoom call last week, and one of the fellow networkers was a Laughter Yoga instructor. I had never heard of Laughter Yoga before, so I googled it. It looks like a great tool.

The week prior, I was on another training call, and the trainer briefly mentioned laughing as a self-help tool. Laughter makes sense to me, and I am taking the hints. I decided I need to laugh more. Anyone else with me?

There is nothing wrong with laughter. Children do it all the time.

So, why do adults hold themselves back? Why do we sometimes judge others if they are acting silly?

I often joke with my husband and say, ”Would you be embarrassed if I start dancing here in the aisle in Publix?” You can guess his answer is, “Yes,” and then, “Please don’t embarrass me.”

But what if we did? What if we all danced in the aisle at Publix or Winn-Dixie. Wouldn’t we all be happier? At least a little?

Just now, I am looking at possible photos to use for this article.

All the pictures of people smiling made me smile. It’s contagious. In a positive way.

As Dolly Parton says, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” Why not?

Here are some tips to spread laughter and smiles: • Call or zoom a friend who makes you laugh.

• Find some old movies that you remember made you laugh and rewatch them. “Bridesmaids” is one of my favorites and is often on TV. That’s a good one.

• Spend quality time with your children or a friend/family member’s children. Safely, of course.

Appreciate their carefree and fun natures.

• Watch old “Saturday Night Live” videos on YouTube.

• Dance or sing loudly and then laugh at yourself. The key here is you aren’t taking yourself seriously.

Let loose, be silly, and have fun.

I see laughter as a possibility. A possibility to brighten my day or someone else’s day. A way to change my mindset. A way to reframe some negative energy that may have come my way.

Nothing is perfect, nor will it ever be. But if we can laugh at something, or even ourselves, and our outlook changes, it’s worth doing.

I put it on my to-do list. Did you?

FUNDRAISING IN PANDEMIC TIMES What to do when traditional events can’t be held

L

ast weekend, I went to Facebook Jail.

My crime? Egregious sharing of our recent Presents In Paradise benefit virtual concert. Many of you as well may have wanted to unfriend me for all the posting I did on different pages and in various groups. But until we can have regular events, local non-profits have to get creative when it comes to fundraising.

If I was overzealous about sharing, then I apologize not one bit.

I did send a tersely worded response to Facebook concerning their forced timeout. All I was trying to do was raise money so local children might have a Christmas, Ebenezer Zuckerberg. I certainly wasn’t spreading deep-state conspiracy theories or disparaging the character of a presidential candidate. Regardless of the sentence from the Social Media Scrooge, the concert went off as planned (with a few technical glitches), the musicians were stellar, and everyone had a great time.

Presents In Paradise wasn’t the only non-profit that staged a benefit online concert last week. Rockin’ To Recovery hosted a huge benefit concert on Facebook Live from the Key West Theater with help from Conchtastic Key West, WAIL 99.5, and SUN 103.1 radio stations. The beneficiaries were the Sister Season Fund and our local United Way of Collier and the Keys.

Both concerts were successes and helped raise much needed funds.

Until we get back to some semblance of normalcy, creative fundraising is going to be the new normal. And each non-profit will have to look at its own needs and see if a virtual event could help raise funds and spread its message.

I know firsthand that our local Rotary Club is looking at creative ways to raise money for scholarships. I imagine the same is happening with Zonta, BPW, the Lions and other service organizations.

What we as a caring community can do is try and attend the virtual events the same as we would the actual in-person ones. If any of us have some extra cash, those donations can really go a long way in this strange pandemic year. If funds aren’t abundant, then sharing the event (as well as the non-profit’s message) will help expand the audience as well as the donations.

And if I land back in Facebook Jail for sharing a non-profit event and trying to raise funds for our community, then it’s worth every moment of my JOHN sentence!

BARTUS ••••• I’d like to thank is a City of Maraall those who thon councildonated to Presman. He also is a musician who ents In Paradise performs around this past weekend town. For more during our Tropical see johnbartus.

Rockers Concert for com the Kids. Although there were those aforementioned glitches, they did not get in the way of the message or the music. Thanks to Terry Cassidy, Brian Roberts, Adrienne Z, and Freddie Bye for playing, and thank you to our dignitaries as well: Michelle Coldiron, Mike Forster, Sam Steele and Luis Gonzalez.

Special thanks go out to our volunteers and board members who really helped make the concert possible.

Thanks to the Florida Keys Country Club and Broadwave for providing a venue and connectivity.

The good news is that if you missed it, both concerts mentioned above are still available online — both at the Presents In Paradise and Rockin’ to Recovery Facebook pages! (The first part of the Presents concert does have some glitches, but the second part really sounds good!) Please tune in and share with all your friends so we can continue fundraising for worthy local causes.

••••• It is with sorrow that we note the passing of Islamorada Vice Mayor Ken Davis. It was sudden and shocking, and his loss leaves a huge hole in the Village landscape. I got to work with Ken at government events like League of Cities and Florida Keys Day, and Ken was always dedicated to his community. He was fun to hang out with as well. Our condolences go out to his family and friends, and he will certainly be missed.

— Catch John Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Fridays on Facebook Live, 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays at the Key Colony Inn. Music on Amazon, Apple, iTunes, Spotify and more. www.facebook.com/ john.bartus

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PICTURE PERFECT

Marathon Parks photography scavenger hunt winners announced

T

he City of Marathon has announced the winners of its first “Parks Photography Scavenger Hunt,” which was held at the start of September.

All contestants were given a different community park to go and see each day of the challenge. They were also given five different things to photograph at those parks. For instance, Monday was the Marathon Community Park, and participants had to photograph the amphitheater with someone posing on stage, the lighthouse in front of the soccer fields, the city logo, the skate park bow and the basketball backboards on the court.

All photo submissions were posted to the City of Marathon’s Facebook page. The winner was decided by how many Facebook likes each received.

— Contributed

1

2

3

4

1. Isabella Caba, 4, won Monday’s Marathons Community Park Photo Day! Her photo was liked the most times on Facebook with a total of 16 likes. CONTRIBUTED

3. Andrea Martinez, 5, won Wednesday’s Coco Plum Beach Park Photo Day. Her photo was liked the most times on Facebook with a total of 70 likes.

2. Sierra Collins, 12, won Tuesday’s Children’s Rotary Park Photo Day. Her photo was liked the most times on Facebook with a total of 19 likes.

4. Andrea Martinez, 5, won Thursday’s Sombrero Beach Park Photo Day. Her photo was liked the most times on Facebook with a total of 53 likes.

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BRIEFLY

Health Department schedules free COVID-19 testing The Florida Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 testing to all Monroe County residents. Appointments are required. To schedule one, call 786-910-9764 or email TestingMonroe@flhealth.gov. No walk-ins allowed. Must be a Monroe County resident with valid ID. Key West: Gato Building Parking; Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Must enter on Simonton Street side.

Tavernier: Roth Building; Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m Marathon: Ruth Ivins Center; Thursday, Sept. 24 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Marathon Garden Club reopens nursery, gift shop The Marathon Garden Club’s plant nursery is now open to the public every Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to noon for sales. It has a wide selection of plants and small trees that were grown in the club’s nursery. Master Gardeners are available to answer questions and choose the perfect plant(s). The gift shop, also located at the club, will be open at the same time.

Drop in and browse the collection of garden related items as well as new merchandise including club-themed boondock hats and visors. Masks will be required. The Marathon Garden Club is located at 5270 Overseas Hwy., just west of Publix.

Locals relive hurricane, other facets of life from past Keys History & Discovery Center’s fall lecture series kicks off virtually on Sept. 23 with two Keys locals who will retell the stories of growing up in what’s now known as Historic Tavernier.

The presentation from 6 to 7 p.m. features Everette Albury and Charles Pellicier, who were both born in 1928 in the remote Tavernier area, which included a gas station, icehouse and sundry store, yet no formal school house. They will relate their experiences growing up in what is now considered Historic Tavernier, the only historically-designated area in Monroe County outside of Key West.

The two longtime locals will share stories of surviving hurricanes, living among mosquitos and other facets of daily life in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.

Their conversation with accompanying photos will be led by Erin Muir, a sixthgeneration Tavernier resident, who is Pellicier’s granddaughter and Everette’s cousin. Muir is a manager with Keys History & Discovery Center.

Lectures are free for members and $5 for non-members.

Advance registration is required at www.keyslectures.com/ lectures. The virtual program uses GoToWebinar. Information about this platform is at www. keysdiscovery.com/virtualplatforms. More information is at 305-922-2237 or e-mail info@ keysdiscovery.com.

Law enforcement students graduate from college The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) held a graduation ceremony for Basic Law Enforcement Academy #73, completed through CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, on Sept. 4 at its Upper Keys Center in Tavernier. A total of 20 cadets successfully completed their respective training program. Upon passing the state certification exam, each will be eligible to become a Florida law enforcement officer.

Cathy Torres, director of CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, recognized top performing graduates with special accolades. Class Captain Frederick Ferguson earned a Leadership award. Christopher Rufin was recognized for Academic Achievement. “Top Gun” honors went to Abiel Gomez for superior shooting skills. Ferguson and Stephanie Jerez received Physical Fitness awards and the “PIG” award, which recognizes pride, integrity and guts, went to Armando Guevara.

CFK’s law enforcement officer program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

CFK is accepting applications for two upcoming basic law enforcement academies that begin in January. One will be held at CFK’s Key West Campus and the other will be held at its Upper Keys Center in Tavernier. All of the classes are part-time, in the evening. Applications are due Dec. 11. More information is at www.cfk.edu.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PRESENTED BY

ONLY ONE CAN WIN!

PICK YOUR FAVORITE AT WWW.KEYSWEEKLY.COM/BUBBAS VOTING RUNS FROM FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 16 THE FOOD

THE BUSINESS

Best Key Lime Pie: Kermit’s (2017, 2018, 2019); Blue Heaven (2014, 2015, 2016) Best Cuban Sandwich: Kim’s Kuban (2019); 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) Best Ethnic Food: El Siboney (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. 2019) Best Breakfast: Goldman’s Deli (2014, 2017); Blue Heaven (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) Best Lunch: Hogfish Bar & Grill (2014, 2018); Caroline’s Cafe (2017); Square Grouper (2016, 2019); Roostica (2015) Best Cup of Coffee: Cuban Coffee Queen (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019); Baby’s Coffee (2018) Best Bar: The Porch (2015); Krawl Off Duval (2014); Green Parrot Bar (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Gay Bar: Aqua Key West (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019); La Te Da (2016) Best Wine Bar: Vinos on Duval (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019); The Porch (2015) Best Mojito: Hot Tin Roof (2015, 2016); El Meson de Pepe (2014, 2018, 2019); Louie’s Backyard (2017) Best Beer Selection: The Porch (2014, 2015, 2017); Waterfront Brewery (2016, 2018, 2019) Best Bartender: Landon Bradbary (2015, 2016, 2017); Tom Luna (2018); John (2014); Erin Wagoner (2019) Best Waterfront Dining: Salute! (2015); Louie’s Backyard (2014, 2016); Latitudes (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Pizza: Roostica (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Seafood: Square Grouper (2015, 2017, 2018); Hogfish Bar & Grill (2016, 2019) Best Steak: Prime Steakhouse (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Taco: Garbo’s Grill (2017); Chico’s Cantina (2018); Bad Boy Burrito (2015, 2016); Amigos Tortilla Bar (2019) Best Food Truck: Garbo’s Grill (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Dessert: Better Than Sex (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Conch Fritters: Conch Republic Seafood Co. (2016, 2017, 2018); The Conch Shack (2019) Best Bloody Mary: Two Friends Patio (2016, 2017, 2019); Blue Macaw Island Eats & Bar (2018) Best Late-Night Spot: Green Parrot Bar Best Margarita: Margaritaville (2016); Agave 308 Tequila Bar (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Martini: Virgilio’s (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Brunch: Bistro 245 at Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina (2016); Hot Tin Roof (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Place to Cure a Hangover: Hangover Hospital (2017); Harpoon Harry’s (2016); Firefly Key West (2018, 2019) Best BBQ: The Dirty Pig (2019); Charlie Mac’s (2017, 2018) Best Sushi: Ambrosia (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Bar or Restaurant Bathroom: Tavern N’ Town (2019) Best Catering Company: Catered Affairs (2019) Best Organic/Health Food: The Cafe (2018, 2019) Best Happy Hour: Two Friends Patio (2015, 2019); Alonzo’s (2014); Tavern N’ Town (2016, 2017, 2018) Best Overall Restaurant: Santiago’s Bodega (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017); Tavern N’ Town (2018, 2019)

Best Resort/Hotel: Casa Marina Key West (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Accounting Firm: Oropeza & Parks Certified Public Accountants (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Law Firm: Smith | Oropeza | Hawks (2015, 2016) (Note: This is no longer a law firm. Today, these respected attorneys make up or are a part of two separate practices: Smith Hawks, P.L and Oropeza Stones & Cardenas.) Horan & Higgins (2017, 2019) (Note: This is no longer a law firm. Today, these respected attorneys make up or are a part of two separate practices: Horan Law and Cara Higgins Law.) Spottswood, Spottswood & Spottswood (2014, 2018) Best Furniture Store: Royal Furniture (2017, 2019); Fast Buck Freddies at Home (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018) Best Charter Fishing Captain/Guide: Capt. Marlin Scott (2018, 2019); Gulfstream (2017); Andy Griffiths (2014, 2015, 2016) Best Dive Shop: Divers Direct (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Bait & Tackle Shop: Key West Bait and Tackle (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019); Murray Marine (2016) Best Watersports Company: Fury Water Adventures (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Marina: Hurricane Hole Marina (2014, 2016); Stock Island Marina Village (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Customer Service: First State Bank (2015, 2017); Strunk ACE Hardware (2014, 2016, 2018); Ocean Key Resort & Spa (2019) Best Grocery Store: Publix (2014); Fausto’s Food Palace (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Contractor: Conch Construction & Roofing (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018); Charley Toppino & Sons (2019) Best Landscaping Company: Organic Accents (2015); Island Earthworks (2014); Mama’s Garden Center (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Auto Repair: Oily’s Auto Repair (2015, 2018, 2019); Vern and Tommy’s Paint & Body (2014, 2016); Richard’s Tune Up (2017) Best Photographer: Rob O’Neal (2014, 2015, 2016), Nick Doll (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Doctor: Dr. Bruce Boros (2017); Dr. Norman “Rocky” Tingle (2018, 2019); Dr. Jerome Covington (2014, 2015, 2016) Best Veterinarian: All Animal Clinic (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018); Lower Keys Animal Clinic (2019) Best Realtor: Bascom Grooms (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Real Estate Office: Bascom Grooms Real Estate (2016); Truman & Co. (2014, 2015); Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Bank: First State Bank of the Florida Keys (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Jewelry Store: Jeff’s Gems & Nautical Designs (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Car Dealer: Niles Sales & Service (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Bed & Breakfast: The Gardens Hotel (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Chiropractor: Oropeza Chiropractic Center - Dr. Steven Oropeza (2016, 2018, 2019); Dr. Darold Leto (2017) Best Dentist: Dr. Hector Guzman (2017, 2018, 2019); Dr. Claude Harris (2016) Best Florist: Love in Bloom Florist (2019); Flowers By Gilda (2015, 2016, 2017); Kutchey’s Flowers (2018) Best Insurance: Porter Allen Company (2018); Southernmost Insurance (2016, 2017); Fullers Insurance (2019) Best Liquor Store: Jolly’s (2019); Conch Town Liquor & Lounge (2016, 2017, 2018) Best Local Retailer: Besame Mucho (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Fitness Center/Gym: BodyZone Fitness (2017, 2018); FYT Key West Gym & Yoga (2019) Best Nail Salon: Lee Nails (2018); Amazing Nails (2017); Nail Bar & Lounge (2019) Best Spa: Ocean Wellness Spa (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Hair Salon: Isle Style (2015, 2016); Konch Kuts (2014, 2017); Blown Away Hair Studio (2018, 2019) Best Barber: Addison’s Barber Shop (2018, 2019) Best Summer Camp: Reef Relief (2017, 2018, 2019) Best Family-Owned Business: Fausto’s (2017); Royal Furniture (2018); Hogfish Bar and Grill (2014, 2015, 2016); Two Friends Patio Restaurant (2019) Best Business: Hogfish Bar and Grill (2016); Historic Tours of America (2015, 2018); First State Bank (2014, 2017); Ocean Key Resort & Spa (2019)

THE COMMUNITY Best Place to Take the Kids: Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Event/Local Festival: Zombie Bike Ride (2015, 2016, 2017; Fantasy Fest (2014, 2017); Key West Seafood Festival (2016): Key West Songwriters Festival (2015, 2018, 2019) Best Teacher / Professor / School Administrator: Amber Archer Acevedo (2019) Best School: Key West High School Best Local Elected Official: Craig Cates (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018); Teri Johnston (2019) (Note: Out of respect to our elected officials and the current election season, we are celebrating our previous winners without voting in this category in 2020.)

Best Tourist Attraction: The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019); Conch Tour Train (2014) Best Local Celebrity: Howard Livingston (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Nonprofit Organization/Foundation: Florida Keys SPCA (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Local Musician: Nick Norman (2017): Howard Livingston (2016); Caffeine Carl Wagoner (2015, 2018, 2019) Best Band: Patrick & the Swayzees (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best DJ: DJ Buggy (2017); DJ Chaka (2016); James Cooper “DJ Top Jimmy” (2018, 2019) Best in Drag: Randy Roberts (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018); Sushi (2019) Best Artist: Rick Worth (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019); Wyland (2015, 2018) Best Thespian/Performing Artist: Marjorie Paul-Shook (2017); Erin McKenna (2016); Tom Luna (2018, 2019) Best Live Music Venue: Green Parrot (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Performing Arts Venue: Waterfront Playhouse (2015); Tennessee Williams Theatre – (2014); Key West Theater (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Best Art Gallery or Studio: The Studios of Key West (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)

SPONSORED BY

ALL SPONSOR PROCEEDS BENEFIT COMMUNITY WINS TO SUPPORT THE INITIATIVE DIRECTLY, VISIT CFFK.ORG/COMMUNITYWINS

49

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of YACHT CLUB DRIVE MARINA, located at 107500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corp., Tallahassee, Florida, pursuant to section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes.

Mangrove Marine Properties, LLC Publish: September 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

a Zoom Webinar platform. 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: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81160365577 Meeting ID: 811 6036 5577 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +19292056099,,81160365577# US (New York) +13017158592,,81160365577# 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: 811 6036 5577 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)296-1552 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 October 2, 2020.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or 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: September 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 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 October 2, 2020.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or 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: September 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology 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”) socialdistancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 6, 2020 meeting of the District IV Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. 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: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86537980199 Meeting ID: 865 3798 0199 One tap mobile +13126266799,,86537980199# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,86537980199# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 865 3798 0199 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)296-1552 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 October 2, 2020.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or 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: September 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 897 3802 4031 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)296-1552 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 October 2, 2020.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings/workshops of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or 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: September 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000182-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL LEON ELLSTROM, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MICHAEL LEON ELLSTROM, deceased, whose date of death was December 14, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is September 10, 2020.

Personal Representative: Patricia Jean Ellstrom 36 Blue Water Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorneys for Personal Representative: Rodolfo Suarez, Jr., Esq. Florida Bar Number: 013201 Denise Jomarron, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 69845 Attorneys for Petitioners Suarez Law 2950 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 100 Miami, FL 33133 Telephone: (305) 448-244 Fax: (305) 448-4211 E-Mail: rudy@suarezlawyers.com Secondary E-Mail: dj@ suarezlawyers.com Publish: September 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: September 10, 2020.

Personal Representative: Cindy Koncaba 215 Pueblo Street Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Publish: September 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/02/2020, 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: September 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FL 7th & 8th Street Retention Pond Improvements Sealed Bids for the 7th and 8th Street Retention Pond Improvements will be received, from qualified and experienced companies, by the City of Key Colony Beach, Office of the City Clerk (City Hall), 600 W. Ocean Drive, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, until 2:00 p.m. local time on October 12, 2020, at which time the Bids received will be opened and read. The bids may be received electronically by email to cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net until 1:00 p.m. local time on October 12, 2020.

The Project consists of removing existing soil and grass components from the retention pond to the top of the existing marl material and aeration of the existing marl materials in compliance with all applicable local, State, Federal laws and regulations. Bids will be received for a single prime contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum basis as indicated in the Bid Form.

The City, at its sole discretion, will decide which proposal is best overall for the City. Submittals received after this deadline will not be considered. The complete submittal must be mailed or delivered, at the above address, in a sealed package, clearly marked on the outside 7th & 8th Street Retention Pond Improvements.

To receive a copy of this RFP, including requirements, contact the City Administrator at (305) 849-0273 or cmoonis@keycolonybeach.net.

The City of Key Colony Beach reserves the rights to negotiate with any or all companies submitting proposals. Small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit bid proposals. The CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, persons with disabilities, or limited English proficiency.

Publish: September 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology 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”) socialdistancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 7, 2020 workshop meeting of the District I Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology 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”) socialdistancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 6, 2020 meeting of the District II Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. 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: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85347977048 Meeting ID: 853 4797 7048 One tap mobile +13126266799,,85347977048# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,85347977048# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 853 4797 7048 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. via Communications Media Technology 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”) socialdistancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 7, 2020 meeting of the District III Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. 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: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89502327964 Meeting ID: 895 0232 7964 One tap mobile +19292056099,,89502327964# US (New York) +13017158592,,89502327964# 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: 895 0232 7964 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)296-1552 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 October 2, 2020.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or 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: September 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. via Communications Media Technology 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”) socialdistancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 6, 2020 meeting of the District V Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. 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: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89738024031 Meeting ID: 897 3802 4031 One tap mobile +13017158592,,89738024031# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,89738024031# US (Chicago)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-200-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DORIS ELAINE MERTZ, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DORIS ELAINE MERTZ, deceased, whose date of death was May 18, 2020, Case: 20-CP-200-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 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: September 10, 2020.

Personal Representative: MARY ANNE MAHAFFY 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: September 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE # 44-2020-CP-000065-P IN RE: ESTATE OF RAYMOND ELLSWORTH DARRAH, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of, RAYMOND ELLSWORTH DARRAH, deceased, whose date of death was 4 May 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-60-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF EDWARD C. WATKINS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Edward C. Watkins, deceased, whose date of death was May 18, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: September 10, 2020.

Personal Representative: Robert Watkins 311 W. 15th St. The Dalles, Oregon 97058 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: September 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-001052-K DIVISION: Civil Windward Pointe Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a corporation not-for-profit under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, Unknown Successor Trustee of the Barbara A. Pietrangelo Trust dated January 26, 2007, et al.

Defendants. __________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION FOR COUNT I AGAINST DEFENDANT JEANINE MOFFETT, AS POTENTIAL

50

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE BARBARA A. PIETRANGELO TRUST DATED JANUARY 26, 2007 To: JEANINE MOFFETT, AS POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE BARBARA A. PIETRANGELO TRUST DATED JANUARY 26, 2007 22 OVERINGTON AVENUE MARLTON, NJ 08053 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) JEANINE MOFFETT, AS POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE BARBARA A. PIETRANGELO TRUST DATED JANUARY 26, 2007, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described; YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce a lien on the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: COUNT I Unit 5421, Week 3, Annual Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 2-15262 has been filed against you; and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on NICHOLAS A. WOO, Plaintiff’s attorney, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 31 day of August, 2020.

Kevin Madok CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Civil Division By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in court proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Not later than five working days prior to the proceeding, please contact the Court Administrator’s office, at the Freeman Justice Center, 302 St. 2nd Floor, Key West, FL 33040. Telephone: (305) 292-3423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida Relay Center, you may dial 7-1-1 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800-955-8771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877-955-5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily) Publish: September 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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).

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

Respectfully submitted for publication this 31st day of August 2020.

Sioli Alexander Pino Counsel for Petitioner JOHN CRAMER & JTT SEAFOOD INC. 9155 S. Dadeland Blvd, Suite 1600 Miami FL, 33156 305.428.2470 (O) | 305.428.2471 (F) By: Frank J. Sioli, Esq. Florida Bar No: 009652 FSioli@siolilaw.com Publish: September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

LPN needed - 2 nights per week, 8:30pm-5:30am.

Private Pay. Marathon area.

631-831-0879

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 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,

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION IN ADMIRALTY CASE NO.: 4:20-cv-10041-JEM IN THE MATTER OF JOHN CRAMER AND JTT SEAFOOD, INC., AS BENEFICIAL OWNER AND OWNER OF THE 34’ FISHING VESSEL GETAWAY BEARING HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER GFYHM068H595, FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, Petitioners.

PETITIONERS’ NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY COMES NOW, JOHN CRAMER and JTT SEAFOOD INC (hereinafter “Petitioners”) as Beneficial Owner and Owner of the 34’ fishing vessel GETAWAY bearing hull identification number GFYHM068H595 (hereinafter “vessel”), by and through its undersigned counsel and pursuant to the provisions of Rule F (4) give notice of filing a Verified Complaint for Exoneration of Liability [D.E. 1] pursuant to Title 46 U.S.C. Appx. §§ §§30501-30512, and the Court’s Order issuing Monition, restraining of suits, and approval of Ad Interim Stipulation of Value [D.E. 5].

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition/Complaint in Admiralty [DE-1] was filed on or about April 23, 2020 [DE-1] by Petitioners for exoneration from liability or, in the alternative, limitation of liability, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. §30501 et. seq. (formerly 46 App. U.S.C. §183 et seq.) and Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Admiralty Rule F for any loss, damage, injury or destruction caused by or resulting from an incident regarding the vessel GETAWAY as is more fully described in the Verified Petition/Complaint [DE-1].

The Court has entered an Order [D.E. 5] directing the issuance of this notice, monition, and restraining of suits declaring that all persons having such claims must file their respective claims, as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty and Maritime Claims, with the Clerk of this Court and serve a copy thereof on counsel for the Petitioners, Frank J. Sioli, Sioli Alexander Pino, 9155 S. Dadeland Blvd, Suite 1600, Miami FL 33156, or through CM/ECF on or before October 30, 2020 as ordered by the Court or be defaulted.

If the Claimant desires to contest either the right to exoneration from or limitation of liability, it shall file and serve on the counsel for Petitioner an answer to the Complaint on or before October 30, 2020, the date set by the Court unless its claim has been included in an answer, so designated, or be defaulted.

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

Cars - Vans - Trucks- Running or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

AUTOS FOR SALE 2008 White Dodge Dakota, 2 door w/extended cab.

111,000 miles, V6 engine, 3.7 ltr, A/C, cruise, power windows. $1,000.00 Call 305-395-0000 For Sale: 2016 Ford Transit Connect, 4 door cargo van. Less than 13k miles, Excellent condition, AC, power windows. $18,000 305-481-1463

BOATS FOR SALE 2007 Angler 30' CC. Well maintained and kept on lift. Repowered in 2015 w/ Yamaha 250 four strokes.

Warranty until 6/21. Contact for list of upgrades. Located in Marathon. $63,500.

Call Pat 305-942-6434 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 $68,000.

Call Mike at 713-446-5885 2014 Parker, CC-2501 300hp Yamaha, 378 hrs.

Custom fiberglass T-Top. Taco outriggers. Original owner, excellent condition.

Located in Marathon. $72,000 305-481-6889 SOLD IN LESS THAN 6 DAYS!!!

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

Drummer needed for steady weekend work. See Freddie at The Brass Monkey in Marathon Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat nights. Must be accomplished and be able to take direction.

Coastal Docks, LLC is hiring.

Family owned, licensed and insured marine contractor needs your marine construction skills. We are looking for career minded laborers with experience in pile driving, deck and dock building, and seawall construction. Work is highly physical. Candidates must be hearty and healthy with no drugs or alcohol issues.

Bring your leadership skills and previous construction knowledge to the beautiful Florida Keys. Stop by the office at 13371 Overseas Highway, Marathon, or give us a call at 305.743.0827.

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.

Full-time laborers needed in Upper Keys.

Must pass background check and have valid driver's license. Call 305-852-3002 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

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.

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 Large Apt for rent. 10828 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon. $1,850/ month plus utilities. F/L/S. Taking applications.

Call (305) 394-4545

With Upscale Casual Dining Experience,

Cudjoe Key – Long Term, Canal front, 3BR/2BA, $3,600 month,F/L/S Available 9/1.

More info contact: bradbellsouth@gmail.com

RV LOT FOR RENT Large RV Lot for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1000/month plus utilities.

305-204-5601

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

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

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

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

CARPENTERS AND LABORERS WANTED Detention Deputy Trainee: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is accepting Preliminary Applications for the Detention Deputy Trainee Academy tentatively starting November 2020. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will pay for your new career (tuition, books, salary).

Preliminary Applications must be completed and received by October 1, 2020. Starting salary $42,315.00 Apply on line at www.keysso.net or contact Charles Slebodnick at cslebodnick@keysso.net or 305 292-7044. EEO/AAP.

A small residential construction company in the middle keys is seeking skilled carpenters and general laborers for full-time work.

If you are willing to work and are looking to develop and grow in the trade, we would love to speak to you. We work on a variety of projects including new builds and renovations.

Work skills include building, installing, repairing and renovations.

Depending on experience, Carpenters can expect $22-$28/hour and Laborers $12- $18/hour.

If interested, please text 305-853-6056 or email acqe4C@gmail.com

51

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Priced below Kelly Blue Book value

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2016

4 door cargo van Less than 13k miles Excellent condition, AC, power windows

$17,000 obo 305-481-1463

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

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

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

FRESH NEW MENU

&

NEW PATIO DINING

1405 Duval Street, Key West // 305.295.6550 southernmostbeachresort.com #somolife

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

52

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 The Trash Trek helps clean up reefs that may never have been cleaned before.

DAY OF CONSERVATION FROM INAUGURAL TRASH TREK TO TURTLE RELEASE

A

t the end of August, Key Dives stepped up its cleanup efforts with a Dive Against Debris “Trash Trek” followed by a turtle release. During the allday affair, the dive shop, which has collected over 11,000 pound of marine debris off local reefs since it started cleanups in 2018, visited “neglected reefs” that had probably never been cleaned before. They found old anchors, chains, line and trap debris — 519 pounds in total.

They capped off the successful day with a turtle release in partnership with the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. The Key Dives crew had rescued Rocky, a juvenile green sea turtle, weeks before when he had been looking lethargic. After some R&R at the hospital and help getting rid of intestinal issues, he was ready to go back to his home, Rocky Top Reef.

— Weekly staff report

1

2

3

4

5 TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 1. Rocky, a juvenile green sea turtle estimated to be around 7 years old, was released back to his home reef, Rocky Top. 2. John Enz came down from Jacksonville especially for the event. He was proud to support a local dive shop working to protect local reefs.

3. Key Dives owner Mike Goldberg hugs I.Care founder Kylie Smith after a successful Dive Against Debris.

4. Divers collect 519 pounds of debris from Three Peaks Reef. The majority were anchors and ghost lines.

5. The Dive Against Debris Trash Trek pulls in 519 pounds of debris.

53

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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

NOW HIRING HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

English/Spanish a must. Busy resort is in need of a Housekeeping Supervisor. Lead staff in insuring we keep the A+ standard for cleanliness we are known for. Liaison between staff and Resort Manager.

Responsible for inventory and room inspection.

NOW HIRING

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the office at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon between 11 am and 2 pm to fill out an application. No phone calls please.

SERVERS

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

RESTAURANT HOST

BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT

NOW HIRING ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE HELP Fast paced, busy resort in need of Office Help. Must be able to multi task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Most important be dependable. We are a small office and don't need any drama. Saturday or Sunday is a required day, so if you cannot work Saturdays or Sundays, no need to apply.

If you want to be part of a great team, please apply! 3 to 4 days a week.

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the office at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon between 11 am and 2 pm to fill out an application. No phone calls please.

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

LAUNDRY ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN LINE COOK SOUS CHEF BAKER APPLY AT: bungalowskeylargo.com/careers

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Advocate (bilingual a plus)

KEY WEST

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

MARATHON Crisis Counselor

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

READY FOR A CHANGE? A NEW CAREER AWAITS IN AN ESTABLISHED COMPANY.

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

$50,000 salary plus commission and benefits for qualified candidates.

Send your confidential resume to britt@keysweekly.com.

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

OBITUARY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Throughout his life, Jerry Greenberg loved to dive and showcase the underwater world. © Copyright 1969, Jerry Greenberg. All rights reserved.

Jerry Greenberg with one of his infamous racks of fish identification cards. MICHAEL GREENBERG/ Contributed

W

e could list all of Jerry’s many accomplishments, but so can Google.

Instead, we offer this personal missive to thank the people who accepted, assisted, and provided a place where Jerry Greenberg was happy and connected to such a caring, fantastic community.

The Florida Keys has always had more than its per capita share of legends, eccentrics, and characters. No wonder it was Jerry Greenberg’s happy place. Whether working 8 hours on a boat discovering and documenting the coral reefs (usually alone), at the editing table with his slides and loupes, at the presses ensuring his marine life publications remained superior, or delivering his beloved racks and boxes, his work ethic was unparalleled.

Jerry’s innovative genius spanned 70 years. Together with his wife Idaz, they created marine life publications that were scientifically correct, vibrantly beautiful, and were affordable for anyone to buy. To our knowledge, Jerry was the first photographer of underwater panoramas. He invented the underwater “kiss of flash” and shared his groundbreaking methods in his 1956 book “Underwater Photography Simplified.” When his equipment couldn’t do what he needed, he innovated the parts needed. He captured entire scenes that no one else could.

How did he do this? Sometimes Jerry would first devise the story, then previsualize the images it would contain — sketching underwater scenes, complete with cropping and point of view.

Another strategy was to sit quietly underwater and observe the environment as it unfolded, numerous cameras within reach, and capture in his mind’s eye what he saw. Then it was a matter of choosing the equipment to visually convey the peak of beauty — the patterns, and the scene, in an orderly way. In one shot he would achieve perfect timing, subject, and moment. He changed the way people saw the earth, and was instrumental in the effort to create and protect Pennekamp Park as the first underwater national park.

When he wasn’t herding schools of porkfish, he was patrolling the retail road, peppering shop owners and waitresses with sometimes unequal amounts of charm and demands.

Jerry had a definite way of doing business. He whistled while he worked, he had his ditties, his shticks, his opinions, and his witty and sometimes controversial comments. His business was his pleasure. If you delighted in or even

just tolerated his visits to your place of business, you made his day, and we thank you.

Jerry was a creature of habit and ritual.

Along the road to his idea of perfection, he took time to mentor others. It’s in these interactions that his legacy is perhaps most poignant. Jerry enjoyed helping others learn about underwater photography, the business of photography and publishing, copyrights and artists’ rights, saving coral reefs, and probably whatever topic was in discussion upon his arrival. If you were the recipient of Jerry’s time and expertise, you should know that those interactions enriched his life and sense of purpose. He was a man who appreciated solitude, but being that source of knowledge and interest meant a great deal to him. Both he and we are thankful.

Jerry seemed as indestructible as an armored tank. He survived several bouts of cancer since the 1970s, but he had his issues with being a nonagenarian. He just wanted to be left alone and not be told what to do. This became increasingly difficult for us as he focused more on trying to work during a pandemic, and focused less on his own maintenance. He became more difficult. Many of you came to his aid during times of need. You were kind and selfless and the best community he could ever hope to have. Please bear with us as we try to fully express our appreciation for that kindness.

The Florida Keys are suffering in this pandemic. It has been heartbreaking for everyone who depended on this special place for their livelihood. Jerry was heartbroken as well.

His great desire was to help rebuild the Keys economy. While Jerry didn’t live to see that comeback, son Michael, who will be running the family businesses, will see and be a part of that resurgence.

We had to take the Kosher Cousteau out of the Keys, but no one can ever take the reefs and people of the Keys out of the Kosher Cousteau. Please remember our father fondly, support local retailers selling his work, and consider sending a memory or nutty antic to sales@ fishcards.com so we can smile and continue to be grateful for this mighty man of the sea.

With love and appreciation, Michael Greenberg, Mimi Young, Idaz Greenberg, and the extended Greenberg family Miami Herald obituary: https://tinyurl.com/ y5vlqgar — Contributed

55

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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56

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