Key West Weekly 20-1001

Mommy, why is Chris Wallace shouting at Statler and Waldorf?

October 1, 2020

MASK CHAOS

CONFUSION CONTINUES OVER FACE COVERINGS | P. 8

GIRL POWER

4 FEMALES LAUNCH ART COLLECTIVE | P. 29

HARVEST TIME TAKE YOUR PICK AT MARC PUMPKIN PATCH | P. 12

Early detection is key.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

WINNER TRIPADVISOR 2020 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD We are honored to be ranked among the TOP 10% OF RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE. A special thank you to our suppliers, our staff and most of all, each and every one of our valued customers. Thank you — Maura & Danny Hughes

OLD KEY WEST WITH A TWIST OF SOMETHING NEW 512 FRONT STREET | WWW.TWOFRIENDS.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

KEY WEST UPDATED AND SPACIOUS LIVING IN LAS SALINAS $444,900 | Listing ID: 592239

KEY WEST PICTURE PERFECT CONDO IN LAS SALINAS $429,000 | Listing ID: 592503

KEY WEST EASY CONDO LIVING CLOSE TO THE BEACH $399,000 | Listing ID: 592428

KEY WEST IDEAL HOME FOR FIRST TIME BUYER IN LAS SALINAS $375,000 | Listing ID: 591499

305.294.1117 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

ON THE COVER

Number of people who watched the first presidential debate across the four broadcast networks: ABC (11 million); NBC (8 million); CBS (5.3 million) and Fox (4.5 million), according to Nielsen fast national ratings. Cable news network ratings were not available as of presstime. The first 2016 debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton drew 42.7 million total viewers on the four broadcast networks and 84 million total viewers across broadcast and cable networks.

Ralphael Weitzman, 9, and Alex Joy, 7, pick their favorite pumpkins at the MARC Pumpkin Patch, which is open daily 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Seminary Street. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

29 MILLION 5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

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Editor

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Tiffany Duong tiffany@keysweekly.com

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Circulation Manager

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

All four lanes of Cow Key Channel Bridge, between Key West and Stock Island, reopened on Sept. 25. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

ALL T LANES OPEN

COW KEY BRIDGE WORK NEARS COMPLETION

he orange construction cones will continue to line the southernmost junction of U.S. 1 where it enters the island of Key West. But all four lanes of the Cow Key Channel Bridge are now open for travel with no daytime traffic shifts that had been in place since March.

Roadway restoration activities will last another month or so, according to the Florida Department of Transportation, which completed the $6.2 million project. Those include reconstructing the medians, installing landscape and repaving and restriping the road, FDOT reports on its project website.

The speed limit is still reduced to 25 mph through the construction zone.

Crews have been working since March 16 to repair and replace parts of the twin-span bridge that separates Key West from neighboring Stock Island.

Pandemic-related travel restrictions alleviated the anticipated traffic tie-ups of the bridge work.

Key West and Lower Keys residents had been dreading the daily

lane closures that were expected to cause headaches for motorists and school buses coming to or departing Key West in the morning and afternoon. But with no tourists allowed in the Florida Keys between mid-March and June 1, countless hospitality workers unemployed and school campuses closed, the bridge work proceeded more smoothly than it would have without the pandemic.

“Nighttime, intermittent single lane closures will take place on the bridges and roadway, Sunday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.,” FDOT reports. “The roadway signals and crosswalk on College Road South are operational. The temporary traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 1 and College Road North is removed.

Pedestrian walkways, including the sidewalk on the outbound bridge and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, are open. The bicycle lane along the bridges will remain closed until the roadway work is complete.”

More information is at fdotmiamidade.com.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Working to Prevent Breast Cancer

Jane Mendez, M.D., Chief of Breast Surgery at Miami Cancer Institute.

Miami Cancer Institute physicians are focused on providing lifesaving treatments for those with breast cancer. By utilizing genomic information, this multidisciplinary team of experts — located under one roof for the convenience of patients — can identify those at high risk and initiate early measures designed to prevent breast cancer altogether.

“One of the biggest myths about breast cancer is that if you don’t have a family history, you don’t need to worry,” said Jane Mendez, M.D., the Institute’s chief of breast surgery.

issues such as a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer without an identifiable genetic mutation, breast biopsies revealing pathologic findings such as atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular neoplasia, or other known risk factors. The Clinic provides breast imaging, physical exams, personalized risk assessment, treatment recommendations, genetic education and more. The Institute also offers a Benign Breast Clinic for patients with noncancerous breast problems.

Among the risk factors are being female and aging, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, taking hormone replacement therapy and going through menopause at a later age. More than 42,000 women will die from breast cancer in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society. To catch cancer early, Institute physicians recommend yearly mammograms beginning at age 40 for those at average risk.

“It’s our goal to keep those who have a predisposition to cancer free of the disease,” said Leonard Kalman, M.D., Miami Cancer Institute executive deputy director and chief medical officer. “It’s the concept of previvorship. We are getting better and better at treating breast cancer, but there are ways to identify those at high risk and intervene so that cancer never develops.”

Miami Cancer Institute recently opened the Breast Cancer Prevention Clinic to care for patients with underlying

For information on the breast clinics, call 786-596-2000 or visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE JUDGMENT

• Former Chief Assistant State Attorney of Monroe County • Former Division Chief, Upper Keys State Attorney’s Office • 24 years experience as criminal trial lawyer • Private law practice (12 years) • Over 50 jury trials • Florida Bar Grievance Committee (2007-2009)

PLATFORM • Professional, objective and ethical prosecutions • Focus resources on prosecuting violent crime and career criminals • Rehabilitate and educate youthful and first-time offenders • Represent the citizens of Monroe County with dignity • Protect and preserve paradise • One system of equal justice

ENDORSED BY:

COMMUNITY

Catherine Vogel (Former State Attorney - Dem)

• • • •

Mark Kohl (Former State Attorney - Rep)

PLEASE VOTE NOV. 3RD

Married 14 years, 3 children Sunset Rotary Club of Key West American Cancer Society Annual Gala committee Member, Key West, Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada Chambers of Commerce • Member, Key West Business Guild • Montessori School of Key West, former Board Member Paid for and approved by Donald Barrett, Democrat, for State Attorney.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy

COVID CONFUSION ABOUNDS IN KEY WEST

While confusion continues to surround the governor’s Sept. 25 announcement about eliminating COVID-related fines and a Phase 3 reopening, Key West bars were welcoming patrons back with various safety measures in place. Patrons of the Green Parrot Bar, for example, must use the smaller side entrance that can be more easily supervised. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

GOVERNOR’S ORDER LEADS TO MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS

C

alling it “an act of executive grace,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest order removed fines and penalties levied against individuals who violated mask ordinances or social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.

The order took effect immediately as the governor announced phase 3 of the state’s reopening on Sept. 25.

While the order eliminates the collection of fines for COVID-19-related violations, it didn’t address the elimination or continuation of measures local municipalities have enacted, such as the mandatory mask-wearing upon entering businesses and restaurants in Monroe County and Key West.

Monroe County’s facial covering ordinance is still in effect and can be enforced against businesses that do not follow Monroe County ordinance 026-2020. There will be no citations against individuals, but code compliance can still cite businesses that are not requiring facial coverings inside the business, said Kristen Livengood, county public information officer.

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston told the Keys Weekly that she interprets the governor’s order the same way as Monroe County officials.

“It’ll be up to the individual businesses, but they are in violation of our city’s emergency orders if they don’t require masks,” Johnston said.

Johnston asked Keys Weekly to “double check with the city’s legal department about whether Key West businesses must still require masks.”

When Keys Weekly posed that question to the city’s legal department, City Attorney Shawn Smith and assistant city attorney Nathalia Mellies replied, “We give our advice to the City Commission.”

Johnston acknowledged on Sept. 30 that the governor’s Sept. 25 announcement has led to significant confusion among business owners, residents and even officials.

“From my perspective, I think the only thing that has changed is that individuals on the street won’t be fined or cited for not wearing a mask,” Johnston said. “But we’ve really issued very few fines, and have been giving more warnings than anything else.

There’s so much confusion out there and people are writing and posting things online without conferring with any officials.”

The Key West Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the same confusion, writing to its members, “The Chamber has been following the posted judgments of Governor DeSantis’ executive order, and we recognize there are conflicting interpretations between the county and city. At this time, our guidance is, on masks: Err on the side of caution.

On social distancing inside an establishment: Per the governor, businesses are permitted to run at 100% capacity. If they want to adhere to social distancing, that is an individual business’s decision.”

The one bright spot amid the confusion, the mayor added, is that so many Key West businesses want to continue to provide a safe environment for their staff and customers and thus are still requiring masks upon entry.

“In fact, a local Facebook group called 5 Star Safety Reviews lists various local businesses that continue to adhere to the mask requirements to let people know safety is their top concern,” Johnston said.

Signs along U.S. 1 throughout the Florida Keys still contain messages of the mask requirement as motorists enter the Keys.

And signs remain on business doors to wear a mask upon entry. Those eating at restaurants also must wear a mask until seated.

As for the executive order, DeSantis said it’s time to end penalties against people for social distancing and start working constructively with them.

“All these fines we’re going to hold in abeyance and hope we can move forward in a way that’s more collaborative,” he said.

Bob Eadie, health officer for Monroe County, said individuals need to take responsibility for their own health. Wearing masks is one of the most important measures to help prevent the spread based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Eadie said.

“Going forward with where we are, I think everybody should heed that advice,” he said. “The governor was very clear that the pandemic has not gone away. There’s still infections in Florida, but it’s gone down a great deal.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 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

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

‘ISOLATED ISLAND’

COVID PHOTO BOOK DEPICTS THE PANDEMIC IN PARADISE The upcoming book ‘Isolated Island: The Key West COVID-19 Spring of 2020’ is a pictorial history of the pandemic in paradise. Limited-edition copies are available at a special pre-order price of $49. Proceeds benefit Sister Season Fund. CONTRIBUTED

A student arrives at Stanley Switlik Elementary. Three student cases have been confirmed via the district’s newly created COVID-19 dashboard.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

KEYS SCHOOL DISTRICT CREATES DASHBOARD Site will be updated twice a week with COVID-19 cases SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

he Monroe County School District quietly released a COVID-19 dashboard on Sept. 25. The dashboard had been in development before the Keys Weekly published a plea for updated information, and the district released its first press release detailing local infections on Sept. 24.

“We had it ready to go and were working with the health department to make sure we were following all the HIPAA guidelines and so forth,” said Superintendent Theresa Axford, referencing the federal law governing the disclosure of private health data. “Now we have Monroe County’s health department’s blessing. We’re really happy with it.”

Axford said the dashboard will be updated twice a week — on Wednesday and Friday. It will only reflect confirmed COVID-19 cases. Situations in which staff or students need to quarantine, because of suspected exposure to coronavirus, will be handled separately, with telephone calls.

As of Sept. 29, the dashboard reveals 3 students have coronavirus — one each at Marathon High School, Stanley Switlik Elementary and Plantation Key School. One non-site-based staff member also has COVID-19.

The dashboard was developed by the district’s Dave Murphy, executive director of accountability and assessment.

“We used a system called Power BI, an analytic service by Microsoft,” Axford said. “He worked in coordination with our human resources department to develop it.”

Even with the dashboard, and Gov. DeSantis’ recent move to reopen to Phase 3, Axford said, Keys schools will continue to uphold vigorous defenses against community spread. Students and staff must continue to wear masks and Axford said the county’s top health administrator, Bob Eadie, confirmed that measure.

“We are keeping our safety measures in place and I am proud of our remarkable students and staff. We have social distancing, the mask wearing, hand washing, and cohorting (smaller class size),” she said.

To see the dashboard, visit keysschools.com and click on the link in the left hand column.

A

n upcoming 352-page photo book, titled “Isolated Island – The Key West COVID-19 Spring of 2020,” brings the start of the pandemic into focus through a collection of images shot by more than 25 area photographers.

From March 1, when Florida’s first COVID-19 cases were announced, to June 1, the day after the quarantine checkpoint limiting access into the Florida Keys was dismantled, local lenses were capturing COVID’s impacts on the island chain.

“Isolated Island” is the brainchild of local businesswoman and photographer Roberta DePiero, who, in the early pandemic days, took her camera on daily bike rides.

She soon noticed other photographers doing the same, and the idea of a fundraising photo book was born.

DePiero connected with photographer and publicist Carol Tedesco, and the two decided to collaborate, reaching out to fellow photographers and others whose talents would help bring the project to fruition.

“Many of us exulted in the newfound peace and clear blue waters, the cacophony of bird song and masses of butterflies, whilst others worried about putting food on the table and paying the rent,” local arts advocate Rosi Ware writes in the book’s foreword.

Putting food on the table and paying the rent is where Sister Season Fund Inc. comes in.

“The participating photographers selected Sister Season as the project beneficiary, and the fund’s board has been fabulously keen on making the most of its potential to provide relief for those in the community they serve,” DePiero said.

“Everyone involved is donating their time and talents. So all funds raised above the printing cost will support Sister Season’s mission to prevent homelessness and provide assistance for Key West tourist industry workers, a mission that is especially crucial now due to the impact of COVID-19.”

Printed locally by Key West Printing, the book’s contributing photographers are Liz Acar, Peter Arnow, Susan Bailey, Michael Blades, Lynne Bentley-Kemp, Joe and Ozlem Berg, Larry Blackburn, Kyle Campbell, Jeffrey Cardenas, Alyson Crean, Roberta DePiero, Ralph DePalma, Heather D. Dow, Todd Andrew Feit, Tony Gregory, C.J. Groth, Jay Hall, Mark Hedden, Martha Hubbard, Bill Klipp, Linda Klipp, Corey Malcom, Andy Newman, Rob O’Neal, Steve Panariello, Carol Tedesco and Sharon Wells, with design and layout by Egad Inc. Graphic Art & Design, and text editing by Kathy Russ.

The book is funded in part by a $1,000 Awesome Foundation Key West grant, along with private and public donations. Supporters wishing to contribute to the cost of printing this limited-edition collector’s item can do so at keywestauthors. com and at sisterseason.com, where book orders can now be placed.

Those ordering by Oct. 31 will receive a pre-print special price of $49.

Full price is $75 beginning Nov. 1.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

“State Attorney Dennis Ward saved my son’s life.

He was one of the individuals that rescued my innocent and wrongfully accused son from a proposed state execution, reduced to Several Life Sentences in Prison without the possibility of parole, for crimes that he did not commit.

Dennis Ward and other brave men worked tirelessly to Free My Only Son. Mr. Ward’s integrity and courage were brilliantly displayed, as he successfully defeated an evil injustice that sought to kill my innocent child.

African-American and other Disenfranchised Minority Communities will be protected and served well by this extraordinarily beautiful man.”

Diane McKinley

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

AUTUMN FALLS ON AN ISLAND

MARC OPENS PUMPKIN PATCH; BUSINESSES PLAN MASK-QUERADE FOR KIDS

D

aytime temps in Key West felt like 93 degrees this week, but fall officially descended on Seminary Street, where the MARC Pumpkin Patch opened Sept. 30.

From munchkins to monsters, orange orbs and other gourds of all sizes — and colors, even — are piled high on pallets, and priced according to size. Not all pumpkins are orange, and the Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens has an assortment of white “ghost pumpkins,” as well as kabocha, which look like light green pumpkins, but are actually a type of squash. There’s also a selection of the oblong gourds that fill fall cornucopias as well as “knucklehead” pumpkins that are intentionally bred to have warts, or bumps, all over the skin for a creepy look.

“We wanted something for everyone’s taste, style and budget,” MARC plant store manager Dominick Fornaro told the Keys Weekly. “This is the 12th year we’ve done it, and it’s always been a good time for everyone, although this year we’ll be ensuring safe social distancing and enforcing our mask requirement.”

The organization — which provides employment, activities, job training and life skills to developmentally disabled adults — ordered 8,005 pumpkins for this year’s patch, which will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. “until they’re all sold, or until Halloween, whichever comes first,” Fornaro said.

Pumpkin prices start at 50 cents for the munchkins — roughly the size of a baseball — and go up to $25 for the monsters.

‘MASK-QUERADE’: TRICKS & TREATS AT TRUMAN WATERFRONT COVID concerns have dominated discussions about Halloween trick-or-treating this year in the Southernmost City, but a group of local businesses will host a “Maskquerade” event at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.

“So far we have about 40 local businesses committed to setting up and decorating socially distanced tables throughout the amphitheater, where costumed kids 13 and younger can trick-or-treat at each table,” said Paul Menta, owner of Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery and co-founder of the new Mom & Pop Key West group of small business owners.

Kids’ lives have been interrupted and thrown into upheaval for the past six months, “and so many of them haven’t complained and haven’t had a say in what’s happening,” Menta said. “They deserve this.”

The event is free, but tickets will be available online Oct. 10 that will designate various start times for groups of kids to avoid overcrowding, Menta said.

Ben Cummings, a MARC client and assistant to the plant store manager, helps ready the organization’s annual pumpkin patch on Seminary Street.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Key West community, we love you!

Thanks for your continued support, we’re here for you!

MUSIC HEALS, AND THE DOCTOR IS IN! Best Bar, Best Late Night Spot and Best Live Music Venue 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

HOROSCOPE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 You’re prone to fits of nostalgia, spending the precious present reflecting on the past.

Consider the tough talk of Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen, “I demolish the bridges behind me, then there is no choice but to move forward.” Detonate and don’t look back.

Notable Libra: Sheri Moon Zombie / Sept. 26, 1970

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.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Fellow Scorpio Kazuo Ohno transmitted the horror he experienced as a soldier and POW into the creation of butoh, an experimental dance movement that replaced Western tradition with primality and explorations of the grotesque.

You possess the same alchemical power to turn your own personal trauma into cultural transformation. Your pain is gold.

Notable Scorpio: Rock Hudson / Nov. 17, 1925 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Your vitality is deeply tied to your productivity, archer. You don’t feel whole unless you are actively engaged in a cycle of creation and completion. The underbelly of this energy makes you more likely to act on impulse than reason. Biding your time is not the same as standing still.

Notable Sagittarius: Richard Pryor / Dec. 1, 1940

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Saturn, your ruling planet and the arbiter of hard work and daddy issues went direct last week. Your challenges will come from collaborations, as others may struggle to match your energy and drive. Heed the words of Jean-Jacques Rousseau: “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”

Notable Capricorn: Madam C.J. Walker / Dec. 23, 1867 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 “I’m sorry” is not a phrase familiar to you, water bearer.

Yet, in the emotionally fraught weeks ahead, consider the words of writer Nick Smith: “Apologies serve as the daily bread of our moral discourse.”

You may be starving someone special of atonement. Time to start baking.

Notable Aquarius: Sharon Tate / Jan. 24, 1943 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 A favorite Pisces recently came down with a fierce illness. In the midst of her fever dreams her blankets transformed into the breathing nostrils of a lion.

She walked through that feline snout and ended up in a cave, where she felt well for the first time in days. When she awoke, her fever was gone and her body on the mend. You never know what cave of wonders awaits on the other side of fear.

Notable Pisces: Ruth Bader Ginsburg / March 15, 1933

ARIES March 21 to April 19 The wellness of others takes precedence over self-interest, Aries. You may find yourself at odds with elders or supervisors as you try to be helpful.

Your generosity and directives are needed, but you must humble and soften yourself to ensure they are properly received. Take a cue from Lao Tzu who advised, “To lead the people, walk behind them.”

Notable Aries: Tracy Chapman / March 30, 1964 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Actor Daniel Day-Lewis was so dedicated to his role as Bill the Butcher, he refused to wear any clothing not authentic to the 19th century. He contracted pneumonia, then rejected modern antibiotics and only consented to treatment after collapsing on set. Is your own unwavering commitment to a person or process bordering on reckless self-endangerment?

Notable Taurus: Karl Marx / May 5, 1818 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 Your fifth house, home of pleasure and procreation, is illuminated this week. This energy invites you to reconsider where and how you derive gratification. You are being called to seek out the act of making in all its forms. The fifth house also governs gambling, and the time is nigh for you to roll the dice on a risky investment or a questionable love affair. Luck is on your side.

Notable Gemini: Carole Baskin / June 6, 1961

CANCER June 21 to July 22 Your home needs your attention, Moon Child. With winter on its way you need to curate a space of refuge. Purge clutter, foster a pet, buy a candle you can’t afford and build yourself an altar to comfort. As William Carlos Williams said: “Still, the profound change/has come upon them: rooted, they/ grip down and begin to awaken.”

Notable Cancer: Cat Stevens / July 21, 1948 LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 You never struggle to speak up or out, but now more than ever you are interested in learning from others. Essayist Michel de Montaigne called conversation the most fruitful and natural exercise for our minds. The conversations you find in the coming weeks will bear the fruit of transformation long after the last word is spoken.

Notable Leo: Alexandre Dumas / July 24, 1802 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Writer and fellow Virgo Jorge Luis Borges said, “I am not sure that I exist, actually. I am all the writers that I have read, all the people that I have met, all the women that I have loved; all the cities I have visited.” To deepen your own existence, seek out the strange, unread writers, unknown people, unloved lovers and unseen cities.

Notable Virgo: Leo Tolstoy / Sept. 9, 1828

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BUBBAS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

BUBBAS: 7 YEARS

OF MEMORABLE MOMENTS & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

I

n 2014 we wanted to conduct a “best of” contest in Key West to honor the diverse mix of amazing restaurants, businesses and nonprofits in town. However, our goal was to create something more than just winners’ plaques and bragging rights. Instead, the idea was to conduct something similar to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., where anything could happen and everything was on the table. It would be a roast, mixed with skits and awards — but moreover, it would be an evening where people could kick back and let loose — without the distraction of politics in the outside world. And on top of everything, do it all to support local nonprofits.

By 2019 the Bubbas had become recognized as one of the premier events in town. The three-hour evening consisted of Bubbas winners, skits, humor, live music and other unexpected debauchery that cannot be repeated here. And while the weeks of voting leading up the awards banquet always added to the anticipation, it was the event itself that capped off all the hard work, the tens of thousands of votes counted and the money raised for local charities.

Today, the Bubbas have raised more than $90,000 for those organizations since the event’s inception in 2014. But sadly, due to COVID, there will be no Awards Show this year. And

as many know, we changed our format this year, listing only the previous winners from the past six years on our ballots.

While I know this has understandably disappointed those who were looking to compete in the traditional format, I continue to stand by our decision not to pit every business in town against one another during a time when so many are suffering due to the challenges of a pandemic.

We chose this temporary format for two reasons: Mainly, we wanted to do something that supports Community Wins. And we wanted to simply take a moment to appreciate the past six years of the Bubbas. Not just the winners, but the moments that have defined the memorable evenings and the people who have worked to create a positive event we can all look forward to each and every year.

So as we look to return to our original format and live event in 2021, please remember to vote in this year’s contest. But more importantly, please take a moment to support Community Wins. In the meantime, we want to thank every voter, sponsor, media partner, participant (willing or unwilling on stage) past nominees and winners for the first seven years of this journey — and we look forward to many more.

Here is a look back at the evolution of the Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards.

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BUBBAS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

1. In 2019, Nick Doll and many other local celebrities celebrated a Bubba victory, while adding to more than $85,000 raised for charities and nonprofits in a six-year span.

2. The hits and skits keep on coming. Although 2019 marks the last crazy night of the Bubbas on stage (like former Key West Police Chief Donie Lee and Key West City Commissioner Clayton Lopez) we hope to return the Bubbas to the stage…and to all businesses in 2021.

3. A look at the 2017 Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards. By this time, the Bubbas had grown into more than 90 categories of winners, along with more than $60,000 raised for local charities.

4. A Tradition Begins: In 2014 the first-ever Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards kicked off in the Key West Theater. At the time, Tap Johnson had recently purchased the theater and donated the space— making the Bubbas the first official event in the theater.

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5. In 2014 there were more than 75 categories. Winners like The Studios of Key West began legacies that continue today.

They are one of the few winners that has won their category in all six years of the Bubbas.

In fact, the following year (2015), when The Key West Theater was undergoing renovations, The Studios of Key West generously offered their new location across the street on Eaton Street. Thus, the 2015 Bubbas became one of the first official events on the second floor of The Studios.

6. The Bubbas are more than just awards and skits, like this moment in 2019 when outgoing Key West City Manager Jim Scholl was honored for his years of service to the city.

7. By 2017, the Bubbas were back at The Key West Theater and had become a household name — attracting some of Key West’s most recognizable characters.

8. By 2017, the Bubbas Award Banquet had earned a reputation for being one of the wildest, most unpredictable comedy shows of the year. Pictured is Sheriff Rick Ramsay being used as a ‘prop’ during one of the most memorable lip sync battles in recent memory.

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WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

TOM THEISEN LIVES ON A BOAT — AND A BIKE

ASKED & ANSWERED

Tom Theisen lives aboard a custom-built houseboat called Krazy Kat at Garrison Bight.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

T

om Theisen is going places — and getting things done on his way.

An avid cyclist, Theisen turned his passion into a business shortly after arriving in Key West from Baltimore in 1986. He got a job at Bubba’s Bike Shop on Duval Street, where Theisen quickly learned how to maintain, fix and rent bicycles. He also fell in love with the pedalpowered form of two-wheeled transportation.

These days, Thiesen owns his own company that rents and repairs fleets of bicycles for a variety of commercial clients at hotels and resorts. He’s also an avid bicycle advocate who convinced city officials nearly 20 years ago to install the bike and pedestrian bridge at Staples Avenue, letting people avoid the busy Flagler Avenue.

Keys Weekly sat down this week with Theisen on the aft deck of the houseboat, Krazy Kat, that’s home to him and his wife, Cheryl Bradley.

Meet Tom Theisen:

First, your houseboat rocks. It’s comfortably air-conditioned, yet you have the back sliding doors wide open.

What’s the deal? We’re completely solarpowered. I installed the solar array on the rooftop deck last year. The majority of my taxes last year were actually offset by the refund I got for using solar power.

Tell us about the name of your boat, Krazy Kat. Krazy Kat was an old cartoon cat in Hearst newspapers. He was in love with a mouse that threw bricks at him.

Plus, the houseboat is a catamaran.

How and when did you end up in Key West? After college in 1986, I had an old motorcycle and figured I’d ride south until the bike broke down. But the road ended before the bike. I’d never been here, but it was summertime and the heat reminded me a bit of where I’d grown up in Cameroon and Kenya in Africa.

The French must’ve come in handy on one of your international bike rides.

Tell us about that. Four or five years ago, my wife and I spent two and a half weeks in May riding 250 miles through the Loire Valley in France, following the Loire River.

We stop wherever we want, eat wherever we want, camp wherever we want. And every five or so days we’d “credit card camp” at a hotel or guesthouse.

What 20-second anecdote would you share with Alex Trebek during your first Jeopardy appearance? I once stopped a girl on one of my stolen bikes at Angela and Duval streets. She had a prostitute in the basket named Tiny, who jumped off while the thief and I argued. I got the bike back.

How do you pass the time on an airplane? I delete all my bad pictures and apps from my phone.

Africa, really? Yes, I grew up as a Peace Corps brat, mainly in Cameroon and Kenya with a little time in Germany.

What quality do you dislike most in yourself? That I waste time confronting idiots because I won’t change them.

Since moving to Key West, you traded your motorcycle for bicycles. How far do you typically ride? 200 to 215 miles a week, usually up to Sugarloaf or Baby’s Coffee. It takes three to four hours.

How many stolen or missing bikes have you recovered since you’ve lived here?

At least 800.

How do you pass the time while riding?

What do you think about or listen to?

I actually listen to language lessons while I ride. I’ve taught myself Spanish and French and am learning German through the Pimsleur audio learning method.

What makes you laugh out loud? Marijuana.

Enough said. Thanks, Tom.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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This year is special - virtual awards and it benefits Community Wins!

Community Wins supports the housing needs of Aids Help, FKOC, Sister Season Fund and Samuel’s House. We ask that our voters consider supporting as well. This is a celebration of why we love Key West; we are, in fact, One Human Family.

Voting ends Friday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. Everyone is eligible to vote once per week.

To vote, go to keysweekly.com/bubbas www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND VOTE FOR US!

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Arlo Haskell, representing Safer Cleaner Ships (SCS), continues to weave his side’s narrative concerning cruise ships and their negative effects on the environment, the economy and the overall health of our community.

My expertise lies in maritime interests, shipping, piloting and the safe and efficient carriage of cargoes, be it humans or liquid petroleum. I don’t pretend to be an expert in communicable diseases, ecosystems or economics. I am a licensed State Harbor Pilot in the Port of Key West, and I get compensated for providing this vital service.

In arguing for their near-ban on cruise ships, SCS and its followers claim harbor pilots are “greedy” and receive exorbitant incomes for safely moving billion-dollar ships with thousands of people aboard, as if working for a living is a bad thing. There is nothing exorbitant or deceitful about running a small business in which a large amount of the gross income goes to paying operating expenses, employees and medical insurance.

Mr. Haskell’s recent opinion piece cherrypicks the 2005 Murray report and neglects to include key portions of the report to fit his own narrative.

For example, the report also states: “Commercial fishermen observe that the passage of cruise ships in and around the harbor and main ship channel does cause increased turbidity, but feel that the effects are temporary and do not result in chronic environmental damage.”

And: “There appears to be no evidence that cruise ship discharges are either occurring illegally or, other than through turbidity and re-suspended sediment, contributing to water quality declines in the area.”

In regard to the economy: “Cruise ship tourism’s share of that total amounts to $88.7 million in direct and indirect expenditures and 955 jobs.” That’s not a trivial number of jobs.

The 2005 Murray report points out that excess phosphorus is the No. 1 detriment to water quality.

These days the experts, such as Brian Lapointe, Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University, who was the recent guest speaker at the Reef Relief annual meeting, found that the culprit is nitrogen from landbased activities. Lapointe’s 30 years of research finds that improperly treated sewage, fertilizers and topsoil are elevating nitrogen levels,

which causes phosphorus starvation in corals. This research places the blame where it belongs and has remarkably different results than the outdated Murray report.

The state has found poor water quality at many of our beaches and again issued warnings in midSeptember, although no ships have been in port for six months.

If the ill-conceived referendums limiting the size and capacity of ships, only 27 of the ships that came last year — smaller, older ships — would call on Key West in 2021.

Instead of 1 million visitors getting a taste of Key West, only about 13,500 passengers would be granted access. This equates to a 99% reduction – an effective ban.

Moreover, the ships that will be allowed to call into Key West would be older ships, 20.4 years old on average, with six of them being more than 30 years old. They are not safer or cleaner than a new, technologically advanced ship. A 1995 BMW is a nice luxury car, but it isn’t safer or cleaner than a 2019 Chevrolet. Smaller ships burn more than twice the fuel per-person carried than a medium or large ship — hardly a cleaner operation.

Additionally, many of these small, older ships lack stern thrusters and create just as much turbidity while maneuvering as a properly fitted new, large ship.

SCS is also leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to destroy one leg of our tourism economy that they don’t like. No cases of COVID-19 were attributed to port calls in Key West. Did SCS make any effort to curtail air travel into Key West to prevent COVID from reaching our community? Of course not.

This isn’t about saving our island from infectious diseases, this is about one group of citizens wanting to ban cruise ships. Once they finish with the cruise ship business, who will they come for next? The ideas they float on their associated Facebook pages are almost unbelievable. Commercial fishing? Dive operators? Automobiles? Limiting hotel head counts?

Apparently One Human Family doesn’t include your average cruise passenger.

Vote no to these dangerous referenda that put our economy at risk. The job or the lifestyle you save may be your own.

Capt. Bob Maguire Master Mariner First Class Pilot, Key West

KEY WEST FLOOD INSURANCE COSTS RECEDE 8,000 PROPERTY OWNERS WILL SEE A DISCOUNT Much of Key West floods during Hurricane Wilma in 2005. An estimated 8,000 Key West property owners will see substantial savings in their flood insurance as of Oct. 1. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE/Contributed

S

ome 8,000 Key West property owners will see substantial savings in their flood insurance, come Oct. 1.

FEMA announced it has awarded the City of Key West a greater savings to flood insurance costs by increasing the current 15% discount to 25% for most of the city’s 8,000 policy holders.

Communitywide, this will result in an annual savings of $3.3 million. The average savings is expected to be $494 per policy.

“This is great news for our residents,” said Mayor Teri Johnston, “thanks to the hard work and diligence of our FEMA Coordinator Scott Fraser with the assistance of the Key West Association of Realtors and FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe).”

This multi-year effort convinced FEMA the increased discount should be awarded under its Community Ratings System (CRS).

For flood insurance policies renewed after Oct. 1, a line at the bottom of most bills should read “CRS Discount 25%.” Most flood policies already discounted for buildings located outside a regulated flood zone – known

as Preferred Risk Policies – aren’t eligible for additional CRS discounts.

FEMA’s proposed new flood maps would move some 2,000 buildings into a flood zone that aren’t within one now. In those instances, the CRS discount will increase from no discount to 25%. The city and FIRM are conducting an in-depth analysis of FEMA’s proposed new flood maps with an eye toward possible appeals.

FEMA first awarded the current 15% CRS discount on Oct. 1, 2016.

CRS scores are based on activities such as: maintaining a ratio of open undeveloped land, having flood certificates and a wealth of flood information available online, emergency warning and response systems, compliance with Substantial Improvement/Damage requirements (known as the 50 percent rule), maintaining detailed permitting records, and sending flood fact flyers to residents annually, providing flood zone information to potential property buyers, along with ongoing stormwater management and drainage maintenance.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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KEYS PEOPLE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

REDA WIGLE

www.keysweekly.com

WALK AMONG ARTISTS MAX IRWIN OFFERS KEY WEST ART WALK

F

rench Impressionist Edgar Degas defined art as “not what you see, but what you make others see.” Key West’s homegrown artist, musician and art guide Max Irwin is putting that adage in practice with his Key West Art Walk.

“It takes a village to raise a kid, and I was born in a village of artists,” said Irwin, who developed his walking tour as a way to honor the makers, past and present, who have fostered the creative character of the island. “For a long time Key West had the reputation of being an artists’ colony and I want to show people that we are still here. The whole island spirit is based on individual liberty and the respect we have for being wild and free. I think about that spirit and I want to nourish it.”

Years spent studying and living in Europe convinced Irwin of the viability and necessity of honoring said spirit, “Living in France opened my eyes to how art can validate an identity — whether that’s national, regional or individual — and how culture, if it’s valued, really becomes transformative.”

With support from the community and a grant from The Awesome Foundation, Irwin launched Key West Art Walk in January, developing a Historic Seaport-centric tour that effectively walked visitors through the artistic evolution of the island from the 1930s through today.

Just as the tour was gaining traction among both locals and tourists, the pandemic hit, forcing an unexpected hiatus.

The upside of the downtime was that Irwin had time to focus on his own art and music, namely surrealist collage and hip hop production. “I like finding old dusty records like treasure.

I like finding something that’s classic and building

off the shoulders of giants. Play, in art or music, is therapeutic for me. When you let go, you find that you’re telling your story.”

As the island began to reopen this summer, the Key West Art Walk required a remix.

Post-quarantine, several stops on Irwin’s original seaport route remain closed to groups or maintain limited hours. Not one to be discouraged, Irwin has rewritten his story and script, designing an alternative stroll through select galleries and studios on Upper Duval Street. Among the stops on the amended tour is the Gingerbread Square Gallery, the island’s oldest and the first to exhibit the artwork of Tennessee Williams. According to Irwin, the adjacent courtyard once played host to the congregating and carousing of some of the island’s original creative caste.

Irwin admits that rising rent and gentrification have made it challenging for today’s artists to survive and thrive in Key West. “It’s a pirate island still; you have to be relentless just to afford to live here and for an artist, that’s doubly hard.” Irwin cites commercialization as another barrier to exposure. “It’s become quite saturated here and people don’t know what’s really local or authentic. I feel like I’m supposed to be that filter.

I think of it as a responsibility.”

Part of that responsibility is education, and Irwin credits local curators and gallerists with introducing him, and the community at large, to the work of such contemporary Cuban artists as Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and Mabel Poblet at Gallery on Greene. “So many young artists from Cuba are making progressive work that’s politically and socially relevant. It’s cool to know that there are people trying to bring that work here and not just have Key West be 90 miles from Cuba, but actually build a cultural bridge between the two.”

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Max Irwin surrounds himself with books in the library of dePoo Palace. REDA WIGLE/Keys Weekly

Irwin’s ultimate aim is to make others see the merit and magic of the island, “We’re like a coral reef here; we have all of these brightly colored characters. Visitors wonder why they feel so comfortable here and it’s because of the imaginative, individualistic force that exists. That feeling comes from artistic energy.”

To catch the feeling, and to book a spot on the Key West Art Walk, visit Irwin’s website: keywestartwalk.com or its TripAdvisor page.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

! e e r F s i w e i V e h T and so is Valet Parking for dining patrons!

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Brunch: 11AM–3PM; Access to Private Pool & Beach for Brunch Guests: 12–6PM.

Scenic • Safe • Socially Distanced Follow us on Facebook @FourMarlins | www.facebook.com/FourMarlins 1435 Simonton St. | reachresort.com | 305 293 6250 | Reservations Recommended Terms and Conditions: For the safety of all guests and team members and in compliance with the City of Key West’s parameters, all dining patrons will be required wear a mask and to have a temperature check prior to being seated.

Social distancing must be maintained. Dine in only. Limited Seating. Not valid for take-out. May not be combined with any other promotion, discount or special offer. Subject to cancellation. Other restrictions may apply. Must be a brunch guest to enjoy access to pool and beach. One pool/beach wristband issued for each paid brunch. Lost wristbands will not be replaced. No coolers, outside food, beverage or beach chairs. Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

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COOL STUFF

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

W

e watched the first presidential debate, and from both sides of the aisle, we rolled our eyes. We shifted uncomfortably in our seats. We groaned. We made another drink. We yelled at the television and perhaps threw things. But we couldn’t look away.

THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 10. Nothing 9. Chris Wallace will likely be disowned by Fox News in the near future.

8. President Trump never played “the quiet game” as a child.

WEEKLY POLL ASKS WHO WON?

4. There are some things even television can’t fix … even with an annual $70,000 budget for hair styling.

3. The clear winner was alcohol.

7. A bewildered Joe Biden was up way past his normal 7 p.m. bedtime.

2. This is why Netflix is worth so much money.

6. Suddenly, Kanye doesn’t seem like such a bad idea after all.

1. Fifteen minutes into the debate, a country finally came together and agreed to build a wall. That country was Canada.

5. The rest of the world is wondering how the hell the world’s greatest superpower is now a bumbling reality TV show.

DEBATE DEBACLE?

T

he presidential debate on Sept. 29 was a spectacle unlike any other, with back and forth shouting, interruptions and the use of the word “clown” and the phrase “would you shut up, man?” With reaction from the debate swirling around social media, the Keys Weekly is asking readers: Who do you think won the presidential debate on Sept. 29?

A. DONALD TRUMP B. JOE BIDEN C. IT WAS A TIE. D. CHRIS WALLACE E. IT WAS AN EMBARRASSMENT AND THEY BOTH LOST. For this week’s poll, visit us at www.keysweekly.com, look for us on Facebook and subscribe to our daily e-blasts for breaking news stories throughout the week.

ART

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020 MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

SACRED SPACE FEATURES LOCAL FEMALE ARTISTS

“Y

ou. Grow. Girl.”

So says the commandment inside Sacred Space, the new creative collective on Stock Island, that’s owned by four local female artists.

All four owners live by the words that are painted on the wall and adorn note cards that are for sale.

Artists Barb Sage, Cristina Velardi, Lucy Hawk and Emily Shipman opened Sacred Space on Aug. 14. They each moved their own studios into the space adjacent to Soul House Home Decor, at 5700 4th St., which is also female-owned.

The four owners create, show and sell their own work at Sacred Space while also representing the creative work of five other local women.

“This is the girl power headquarters,” said Velardi, who owns Cocky KW, a screenprinting company whose logo turns the W in KW into a chicken’s footprint. Velardi’s newest quarantine-inspired design features the words, “Back the flock up,” while some of her other bestsellers include her own take on the “Cocky Republic” flag, and a motto, “Humble Living; Island Pride.”

“It’s so important for an artist who’s just starting out to have an opportunity to show their work without getting gouged from the start,” said Gage, whose colorful Whimsy Key West patterns brighten everything from roller skates to lamps to wooden signs and stationery. “And it’s so nice being right next to Soul House, so we’re constantly sending people back and forth to each other’s space.”

In addition to the four resident artists and owners, Sacred Space represents

GIRL POWER GALLERY another five female artists and now devotes Saturday afternoons, from noon to 5 p.m., to its Meet the Maker series that features one of the artists they represent. The Sept. 26 Meet the Maker highlighted Brianna Gangi’s driftwood, textile and fiber wall hangings.

“And unlike most galleries that keep 50% of the sale price of the piece for the gallery, we only take 8%,” Sage said.

In addition to Sage’s Whimsy Key West and Velardi’s Cocky KW, Sacred Space features the intricate and colorful paper-cutting designs by Lucy Hawk, who works with a scalpel to cut out colorful images of Key West’s sunsets, shrimp boats, bikes and sea life.

“I sell both the original papercuttings and prints of each original in various sizes,” said Hawk, who’s about to release a series of mandalas.

Emily Shipman’s Bella Laine line of handmade and hand-painted candles rounds out the owners’ creative inventory.

“She uses all-natural soy wax and fragrances, and it’s all sourced from here in the United States,” Hawk said.

“Plus, she handpaints all the containers for each candle.”

The Oct. 3 Meet the Maker event will highlight the colorful paintings of Katlin Spain, while the Oct. 10 event features ocean-inspired jewelry by Heather Talton.

Some of the Sacred Space artists also set up shop at various open-air markets around town, including the newly launched Sunset Series at Amp, which starts at 5 p.m. on Saturdays from Oct. 3 through Nov. 28 featuring local musicians, plus food and art vendors, at the Coffee Butler Key West Amphitheater.

1

2 3

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 1. Heather Talton’s oceaninspired jewelry is available at Sacred Space.

4

2. Cristina Velardi is an expert screenprinter with fun designs based on Key West’s resident chickens.

5

3. Artist Barb Sage envelops herself in color with her line of Whimsy Key West artwork.

4. Katlin Spain’s paintings liven up any space, including Sacred Space, and will be highlighted at the Saturday, Oct. 3 Meet the Maker at Sacred Space.

6 7

5. Candles made from natural soy wax are handmade and in containers handpainted by Emily Shipman at Sacred Space.

6. Brianna Gangi’s fiber wall hangings were the featured work at Sacred Space’s Meet the Maker series on Sept. 26.

7. Lucy Hawk’s intricate and colorful paper-cutting art features Key West’s wildlife, bikes and seascapes, along with flamingos and mandalas. LUCY HAWK/ Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

The Key West Chamber and Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. are teaming up for a

SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER! Visit the Chamber’s website to find great deals from local businesses and SAVE!

BOATING & WATERSPORTS

- Cruisin’ Tikis Key West - Danger Charters - Fish N Chicks Charters - Honest Eco Tours - Sunset Watersports

TOURS & ACTIVITIES - Conch Tour Train - Hemingway Home and Bookstore - Honest Eco - Key West Aquarium - Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory - Key West Food Tours - Key West Room Escape - Key West Seaplane Adventures - Key West Botanical Garden and Tropical Forest - Old Town Trolley - Robert the Doll Experience - Truman Little White House - Up the Keys, LLC

RESTAURANTS & BARS - A&B Lobster House - Alonzo’s Oyster Bar - Bistro245 at the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina - Blue Mojito Bar at the Hyatt Centric Key West - Bourbon St. Pub - Conch Republic Seafood Company - Drifter’s Cove Restaurant at Barbary Beach House Key West - El Meson De Pepe - Floridita Food Truck at Havana Cabana Key West

SERVICES

- Gumbo Limbo Bar at the DoubleTree Grand Key Resort - Hilton Garden Inn - Irish Kevin’s - La Trattoria - Lagerheads Beach Bar - Mojitos Pool Bar at Havana Cabana Key West - Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar at the Perry Hotel - Pinchers Key West - Rams Head Southernmost - Rum Row at the Gates Hotel - Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill at the Perry Hotel

- Brown and Bigelow - First State Bank of the Florida Keys - Jala Spa at Hyatt Centric Key West - Karrie Porter Photography - Key West Citizen - Key West Institute for Plastic Surgery - Key West Optical - Key West Printing - Keys Federal Credit Union - Niles Sales & Service - Rural Health Network - TripShock - Two Oceans Digital

RETAIL

- Shor American Seafood Grill at the Hyatt Centric Key West - Smokin’ Tuna Saloon - Southernmost Beach Café - Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina - Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort - Toasted Coconut at 24 North Hotel - Two Friends Patio - Wahlburgers Key West - White Tarpon - Wicked Lick - Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen at Oceans Edge Resort

- Ben & Jerry’s Key West - Fairvilla’s Sexy Things - Hemingway Rum Co. - Kermit’s Key Lime - Key West Aloe - Key West Art Center - Kino Sandals, Inc.e - Kutchey’s Flowers in Key West - MARC Plant Store - Mel Fisher’s Treasures - Ron Jon Surf Shop - South Islamorada Beer Co. - The Spice & Tea Exchange

Find coupons at www.KeyWestChamber.org 510 Greene Street, Key West 305.294.2587

TRANSPORTATION

- Key West Express - Sunshine Scooters

LODGING

- Cayo Hueso Resorts/ Cottages - El Patio Motel

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

31

THE ULTIMATE LOSS NEW GROUP SUPPORTS FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST A CHILD

A

new group offers support for Florida Keys families who have been shattered by the loss of a child.

October is Infant Loss Awareness Month, but Max’s Angels exists for all families who have suffered the loss of a child.

Cassandra Scanlon and her husband created Max’s Angels in December 2019 in honor of their son, Max Thomas Scanlon, who died at his birth on Oct. 10, 2019. The Scanlons created the support group to address the immediate and long-term support needs for Keys families following the loss of a child at any age. What started as a program with the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition quickly evolved into its own entity. The group’s website at maxsangels.org is under construction, but it also is active on Facebook and Instagram. Max’s Angels is partnering with Lower Keys Medical Center to provide credited education for nurses and volunteers, with virtual classes starting this month.

There are no resources in the Keys for mothers and families who have lost a child, and the Scanlon family found themselves helpless and in crisis when Max passed away.

Immediate support includes providing therapists/counselors, assist-

ing with arrangements and faith-based support, logistical support for travel arrangements, groceries, prescriptions, doctors appointments, childcare and more. Long-term support includes monthly support group meetings, group activities, volunteering activities and facilitating the network of families experiencing a similar loss.

On Oct. 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of October 1988 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them.

This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world,” Reagan said.

Max’s Angels is about surviving Max’s death, honoring his life and making sure any other Keys families experiencing the tragedy and nightmare of child loss feel supported and know they’re not alone. While currently based in Key West, the plan is to become Keyswide by next year.

— Contributed

The staff from Slice of Paradise pizza on Summerland Key poses with pizza boxes that feature information about animals available for adoption at the Florida Keys SPCA shelters. CONTRIBUTED

PIZZA AND PETS

PIZZA PLACE HELPS FIND FOREVER HOMES FOR SHELTER ANIMALS

S

lice of Paradise pizzeria on Summerland Key wanted to help local shelter animals this past March, when the COVID pandemic shuttered many businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The staff at Slice of Paradise has since been attaching flyers featuring adoptable animals from the Key West and Marathon animal shelters to each pizza box that goes out the door.

Officials at the Florida Keys SPCA have thanked Slice of Paradise on its social media pages and encourage any other local business that wants to help in

a similar way to contact Florida Keys SPCA on their website or via Facebook.

“If you order a pizza from Slice of Paradise pizza at 24458 Overseas Hwy. in Summerland Key, you may end up finding the love of your life,” shelter staff posted.

The shelters in Marathon and Key West are available for adoptions despite the pandemic, but ask that potential families fill out an application and paperwork online first, then contact the shelter to make an appointment for a visit.

— Contributed

32

ELECTION 2020

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

AMENDMENTS ON THE BALLOT

Constitutional amendments warrant careful study

W

ith the spotlight glaring on President Donald Trump and his challenger, Joe Biden, it could be easy to overlook the proposed constitutional amendments on the Florida ballot in November. That would be a mistake.

They have far-reaching consequences.

The only state constitutional amendment not discussed here is Amendment 2 regarding minimum wage. It requires a more thorough discussion. See next week’s Keys Weekly for more.

AMENDMENT 1 Citizenship requirement to vote in Florida elections The two key phrases are “every citizen” and “only a citizen.” Right now, the constitution guarantees the right to vote to “every citizen of the United States.” Florida Citizens Voters wants to change that to “only a citizen.” It doesn’t really matter, though, because noncitizens are already barred from voting under Florida law. A few communities — for example, San Francisco, California — allow noncitizens to vote in local races such as school board elections.

AMENDMENT 3 All voters vote in primary elections for state legislature, governor and cabinet This amendment was sponsored

by South Florida businessman Mike Fernandez. If it passes, every voter gets to put a check next to his or her favorite candidate, regardless of party

affiliation, and the top two vote getters face off in the general election.

The amendment would apply only to state officials — legislature, governor and cabinet positions such as attorney general. Currently, Florida has a closed primary system. For example, only Democrats can vote for Democratic candidates in party races and in the general election voters can vote for either party candidate. Critics of this proposed constitutional amendment say it would effectively make primary elections moot because party candidates run against one another in the August elections.

AMENDMENT 5 Limitation on homestead assessments This amendment was proposed by the state legislature. The homestead assessment — also known as the Save Our Homes benefit — would give homeowners three years to transfer tax breaks to a new property. Currently, the law only gives homeowners two years to transfer the tax credit. The downside of this amendment is that it could reduce revenue for local governments. According to the Sun-Sentinel it could be as much as $1.8 million less beginning next fiscal year.

AMENDMENT 4 Voter approval of constitutional amendments According to the Sun Sentinel, this movement is being funded by lobbying organizations linked to Florida Power and Light, U.S. Sugar Corp. and other big businesses. If passed, future constitutional amendments or revisions would need to be approved by 60% or more of voters. It would also require the amendment to appear on two ballots (different election years), to pass, instead of one. Supporters of this amendment believe there are too many constitutional amendments on the ballot and that new laws should be passed by the state legislature. Critics say it is the only way to get new laws passed. Most recently, constitutional amendments were used to approve medical marijuana in Florida and restore felons’ voting rights.

AMENDMENT 6 Ad valorem discount for spouses of certain deceased who had permanent, combat-related disabilities.

If passed: When a veteran with combat-related disabilities dies, the homestead property tax discounts would carry over to the spouse until he or she remarries or sells the property.

If the spouse sells the home, the same discount could carry over to the next property. Again, the downside of this amendment is the cost to local governments.

33

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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34

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

BRIEFLY

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

FORMER KEY WEST MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING MASS SHOOTING SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY CLAIMED ‘I WILL BE THE BEST SCHOOL SHOOTER’

Shane Rei Davis, 23, who formerly attended Key West High School, was arrested in Santa Rosa County, in the Florida Panhandle, for threatening a mass shooting at University of West Florida. CONTRIBUTED

A

former Key West High School student was arrested this week in Santa Rosa County, in the Florida Panhandle, for allegedly threatening a mass shooting at University of West Florida.

Shane Rei Davis, 23, allegedly made very specific threats while playing an online video game, although it is unclear whether Davis attends the college.

Fox 10 News reports that according to authorities, Davis made the following comments via an in-game chat service visible to other online players: “I just have to get 34 kills to be a legend;” “But I calculate around 50;” “You will see the biggest school shooting;” “I’ll carry more ammo than these unprepared retards;” “I will be the best school shooter;” “I will be a legend;” “You will all feel my pain.”

Santa Rosa County sheriff’s deputies worked with the FBI and acted on confidential information to arrest Davis, who now lives in Pace, Florida, Fox 10 News reports..

His Facebook profile states he attended Key West High School.

Former KWHS principal Amber Archer Acevedo told Keys Weekly on Sept. 27 that she doesn’t remember Davis graduating from the local high school.

Authorities in Santa Rosa County told Fox 10 News, due to the nature and specificity of the threats, and the totality of the evidence, Davis was arrested Friday and taken to Santa Rosa County Jail, where he is being held on a $1 million bond.

From left, Dorian Patton, executive assistant to the city manager; Leah Stockton, Florida Keys Area president of United Way of Collier & the Keys; Emily Nixon, deputy director of SOS; City Commissioner Clayton Lopez, Assistant City Manager Patti McLauchlin, Mayor Teri Johnston, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, City Manager Greg Veliz, Commissioner Billy Wardlow, SOS Pantry Director Raquel Rojas, and executive assistant Portia Navarro cut the ribbon the new food pantry at Douglass Gym in Bahama Village. ALYSON CREAN/City of Key West

FOOD PANTRY OPENS IN BAHAMA VILLAGE City officials on Sept. 30 cut the ribbon on the new Bahama Village Food Pantry at the Frederick Douglass Gym complex.

Assistant City Manager Patti McLauchlin spearheaded the effort.

City staff started the pantry in order to provide for the community. A food and donation drive at City Hall filled the pantry for the first time, and Key West Business Guild director Kevin Theriault stocked the shelves. Continued donations are gladly accepted at the pantry and KEY WEST MEETINGS RETURN TO CITY HALL Beginning Oct. 1, all City Commission, board and committee meetings will be held in the City Commission chambers at City Hall, 1300 White St. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, meetings will be held in person rather than virtually.

“Please bear with us as we work through our protective measures to keep our residents, staff and commissioners healthy as we resume our City Commission schedule,” Mayor Teri Johnston said.

That first in-person commission meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 5 p.m.

The chambers will be arranged to allow for social distancing, and masks will be required of those in attendance.

The city will continue to provide the opportunity to participate via Zoom for those who do not want to attend in person. The instructions for Zoom participation will be available at the top of the agenda, which will be on the city’s website at www. cityofkeywest-fl.gov

in drop boxes at both the front and back entrance of City Hall.

The food pantry provides free non-perishable food items six days a week to families and individuals.

It’s open weekdays from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

In addition to the distribution of non-perishables, the Star of the Sea Foundation (SOS) will begin distributing pre-assembled boxes with mixed fresh produce, dairy and proteins at the pantry on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m.

The City of Key West this week unveiled a new, user-friendly website at cityofkeywest-fl.gov. CONTRIBUTED

CITY OF KEY WEST UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE Beginning Sept. 30, residents and visitors will see a new look on the City of Key West’s website.

The new design is intended to be easy to use, helping residents and visitors find what they need quickly with vital information a click away.

The new site makes it easy to ask a question or make a comment, find a meeting agenda, or contact your elected officials. The web address remains the same – www. cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

PRICE REDUCED!

La Brisa 205N | Key West La Brisa condo. Fabulous Salt Pond location. Totally private balcony; your very own eco-vacation every day. Nicely updated kitchen and baths. Pool, Spa, Tennis, BBQ & Clubhouse.

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5620 MACDONALD AVE KEY WEST | 305.296.4999

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

PAWS UP TO EVERYONE THAT HAS SUPPORTED THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA 6 YEARS STRAIGHT FOR BEST NON PROFIT!

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 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.

ELLA HALL www.keysweekly.com

Clubs/athletics/community service? I am in Drama Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and marching band.

I also run errands and walk dogs for the elderly and I bake goods to help other clubs raise money.

What KWHS teacher has had the most influence on you?

Mr. Hernandez (band director) makes it all happen and creates a comfortable environment for everyone. He has encouraged me and others to be patient and look at music from a different perspective.

There is a Cardiologist in the Keys!

Flu Season is Here! Protect Yourself

FLU VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE NOW Dr. Luis E. Augsten

Dr. Luis Augsten is now accepting new patients!

BOARD CERTIFIED IN: Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Disease Echocardiography

Dr. Augsten has been treating patients in the Florida Keys since 2008 and has privileges to admit and consult within the Baptist Health Network and leading medical facilities across the nation.

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

KeysCardiology.com 305.453.6316

WE WANT TO SEE YOU!

Please call for a appointment that is convenient for you.

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

What class, so far, has best prepared you for life after high school? AP Human Geography has taught me to work efficiently and gave me a sneak peek at college life.

EVA JACKEL

SOPHOMORE, KWHS

What was the biggest challenge of online learning for you during the pandemic? At first, it was keeping track of the assignments on my own with no teacher’s guidance. I resolved that by creating a daily to-do list in time increments.

What three things would you like to have accomplished by your 10year high school reunion? I would like to have started a family, be in a stable job and have an apartment or house of my own.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen? Learn to efficiently manage your time with a daily agenda that includes how long you’ll spend on each activity. You should have enough time to study, attend activities and balance a social life with family and friends.

What local, national, or global issue concerns you the most?

The loss of our bee population has concerned me for as long as I can remember. They are frequently overlooked, but play a key factor in our environment and our crop diversity.

What are your plans/goals after graduation? I would like to attend a good in-state college, such as University of Florida. I plan on getting an English degree so I can pursue my goal of becoming an editor or journalist for The New York Times.

Who has influenced you the most in your life? I owe my love of reading, writing and drawing to Ms. Michaels. She pushed me to write short stories, read insightful books, look into a writing career and paint more often. She made me realize that I had a true passion for these activities.

WE ARE SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

39

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 15 YEARS

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ALL 3 KEYS HIGH SCHOOLS COMPETE

KEY WEST TAKES 2 IN ST 1 CROSS COUNTRY RACE ND

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PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

M

arathon High School hosted Key West and Coral Shores high schools for the first cross country meet of the season in the Middle Keys.

Marathon twins Jonathan and Owen Pitchford placed first and third, respectively, with Key West runner Thor Eriksson taking second.

— Weekly staff report

THE BEST OF MARATHON THE BUBBAS - Key West People’s Choice PHOTOS BY BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly 1. The Marathon High School crosscountry course passes the iconic Sombrero Beach in the Middle Keys.

2. Key West High School runner Thor Eriksson finishes second in the first cross-country meet of the season in the Florida Keys.

3. Jonathan Pitchford of Marathon High crosses the finish line with a winning time of 16:33.

PREFERRED PROGRAM PARTNER OF: MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / KEYSTOCK OCEANFEST / KEY WEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and many more…

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40

GIVING

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

SALVATION ARMY WRAPPING UP Charity touched 400 Keys families affected

by Hurricane Irma

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

W

hen the Salvation Army opened an office on Big Pine Key after Hurricane Irma, staff hung a banner advertising its presence.

“We helped the first person get some help, and from then on there were people in there every day, all day,” said Loretta Geotis, Salvation Army’s recovery manager in the Keys.

In all, the Salvation Army helped 400 Keys families and spent $2 million directly with residents. The agency is wrapping up its work, three years after Hurricane Irma landed in Monroe County, and projects are set to be complete in the next 30 days, Geotis said.

Geotis said she was touched by so many families. One woman needed a place to live, and so the Salvation Army tracked down a used travel trailer. Another family needed to leave the Keys, and she arranged moving expenses.

An elderly gentleman came into the office with his grown daughter, having suffered a stroke trying to make repairs himself.

“He was in tears, and so was I, by the end of our first meeting,” said Geotis.

In the beginning, the Salvation Army concentrated on the basics. It handed out tarps and hygiene kits and vouchers for Salvation Army stores where residents could replace lost personal items, quickly. Gift cards to Sears and Kmart could be used to replace clothing and small appliances.

With the help of The Salvation Army, Carl Mazza’s home, at top, was completely rebuilt. Pictured middle is his home before Hurricane Irma swept it away. At bottom, the only recognizable marker of where his home stood was the bush. CONTRIBUTED

The Salvation Army was able to be more flexible. We even helped boatless liveaboards in Boot Key Harbor — after I explained what liveaboard meant to my bosses — by buying used boats and helping cover repair costs. ­— Loretta Geotis

But then Salvation Army joined with Monroe County’s Long Term Recovery Group, a collection of agencies, all with a different type of help on offer. Geotis describes a roundtable discussion where a family’s case was presented — for example, a family of five whose home was reduced to rubble — and representatives each offered what they could. Habitat for Humanity might be able to arrange for a roof, Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church for new drywall. But the Salvation Army’s strength was the flexibility of its funding.

Hurricane Irma wiped out Carl Mazza’s Marathon home in Trailer Ranch by the Sea in Marathon. A series of unfortunate events ensued and he was beginning to think his only option was to sell a vacant lot.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Kerry Willis from the United Methodist Church and Loretta from Salvation Army. I didn’t have a clue,” said Mazza, adding that the organizations were able to help him secure financing to rebuild, as well as other essentials like restoring electricity not only to his home, but the neighborhood. “Loretta set up an account at The Home Depot and we could go get meter boxes and things like that.”

More important, Mazza said, was the encouragement offered by the Salvation Army.

“They believed I could do it when even I was having doubts,” he said.

The Salvation Army covered daycare costs, permit fees, and shopping lists with The Home Depot for construction materials. Each household’s assistance was capped at $15,000.

“We replaced roofs, and steps that washed away, or plumbing fixes,” Geotis said. “While other agencies were limited in the type of help they could offer, the Salvation Army was able to be more flexible.

We even helped boatless liveaboards in all of Monroe County — after I explained what liveaboard meant to my bosses — by buying used boats and helping cover repair costs.”

The $2 million was spent on direct assistance to homeowners and renters through payments made to contractors, materials purchases and does not include overhead expenses.

Geotis has high marks for the Monroe County Long Term Recovery Group and the Salvation Army’s role within it. One of the most memorable moments, she said, was a tiny bit of assistance rendered to a man with very humble needs.

“He was homeless. He told me how Irma swept away his ‘house’ and how he found new pallets, but needed a cover to make it waterproof. I gave him two tarps and a bag of personal hygiene items. He was so happy when he left, it was like he won the lottery,” Geotis said.

Residents of the Keys have paid the Salvation Army back by ringing the kettle bell during the holiday season and filling it up with money.

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SOMEWHERE SOUTH STAGING, located at 22969 SHARP LANE, SUMMERLAND KEY, FL 33042, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Michelle Bowman, Managing Sold Member on behalf of PINK PINEAPPLE OF KEY WEST, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: September 24 and October 1, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE STORAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. STORAGE UNIT 72 – JAMES EWING STORAGE UNIT 90 – ALICE DIGIOVANNI CONTAINER R – DON MULL Upon a cursory inspection, the unit was found to contain: Household Goods Business Property & Records Items will be sold or otherwise disposed of at this site on OCTOBER 6, 2020 at 9:00AM at the address below, to satisfy owner’s lien in accordance with State Statutes, Sections 83:801 to 83:909. Terms of the sale are cash. No checks will be accepted. All goods are sold in “as is” condition. Tax must be paid or resale numbers furnished. Buyer must provide own lock if needed.

Seller reserves the right to overbid. All items or spaces may not be available on date of sale.

George Sands Storage Solutions, Inc. 90080 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Publish: September 24 & October 1, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on October 19th, 2020, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process,

By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. 33037. Names And Last Known Addresses are as Follows: Diana Sherrill Unit 1193 $465.00 Michael Harrington Unit 1223 $505.00 Les Burke Unit 0024 $850.10

LEGAL NOTICES Neal Nida Unit 1184 $858.45 Stacie Clatterbaugh Unit 1578 $2,089.79 Pamela Brame Unit 1534 $1,390.40 Publish: October 1 & 8, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/12/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

JS1GN7DA472122722 2007 Suzuki Publish: October 1 & 8, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/31/2020, 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.

1M5BA2029E1E98334 2014 MAGIC TILT TRAILERS 1ZJBB2022FM092549 2015 CONTINENTAL WVWPD63B14E218072 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Publish: October 1 & 8, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2020-CP000085-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JERRY BYRON COOPER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Jerry Byron Cooper, deceased, whose date of death was July 6, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, 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 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

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

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 October 1, 2020.

Personal Representative: Kelly Westbrook 314 Lansdown Drive Houma, Louisiana 70360 Karen Forbes Cingolani c/o South Shore Animal Hospital 12160 South Shore Boulevard Suite 201 Wellington, Florida 33414 Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick Email Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com Florida Bar No. 0337757 Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070 Publish: October 1 & 8, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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 24, 2020.

Personal Representative: Paul R. Ringemann 5340 SW 63 Court Miami, Florida 33155 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 24 & October 1, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: October 1, 2020.

Personal Representative: Marianne Rees 956 B. West 105th Street Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney for Marianne Rees 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: October 1 & 8, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: October 1, 2020.

Personal Representative: MARCIA A. SIRECI 1128 Flagler Avenue Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: LAUREN Y. DETZEL Florida Bar Number: 253294 DEAN, MEAD, EGERTON, BLOODWORTH, CAPOUANO & BOZARTH, P.A. 420 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 700 P.O. Box 2346 Orlando, Florida 328022346 Telephone: (407) 841-1200 Fax: (407) 423-1831 Primary E-mail: ldetzel@ deanmead.com Secondary E-mail: probate@ deanmead.com Publish: October 1 & 8, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-57-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY L. RINGEMANN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Mary L. Ringemann, deceased, whose date of death was July 10, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-71-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ELAINE LEE MARTIN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Elaine Lee Martin, deceased, whose date of death was September 12, 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

SUDOKU

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2020-CP000217-K IN RE: ESTATE OF THOMAS JOSEPH SIRECI, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Thomas Joseph Sireci, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was August 8, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Monroe County Courthouse, Probate Division, 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

SOLUTION

CROSSWORD

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 SOLD!!

For Sale: 2016 Ford Transit Connect, 4 door cargo van.

Less than 13k miles, Excellent condition, AC, power windows. $18,000 305-481-1463 SOLD!!

Place your Auto For Sale ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Car! BOATS FOR SALE

1997 Grady White 209 Escape 21’ center console. New custom T-top, new rub rails.

Brand new electronics and switches. 2 stroke Mercury outboard. $16,000 OBO Located in Marathon.

Call 305-481-1463 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 $70,000. Call Mike at 713-446-5885 Place your Boat For Sale ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Boat!

SOLUTION

42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 BOATS FOR SALE

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

OFFICE SPACE

2014 Parker, CC-2501 300hp Yamaha, 378 hrs.

Custom fiberglass T-Top. Taco outriggers. Original owner, excellent condition. Located in Marathon. $72,000 305481-6889 SOLD IN LESS THAN 6 DAYS!!!

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.

2 Bed, 2 Bath home, brand new just built, SINGLE STORY, stainless steel appliances, large kitchen lots of space, washer and dryer, tile throughout, window blinds covering included, bathroom shower glass doors, front porch, back terrace, large rear patio. long term lease, $2,150 per month, Call Jose 305-807-5338

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 RENTED!!

Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @ MM92. Call 305-3940530

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Slip For Rent Key Largo Oceanfront Yacht Club. Up to 46' X 11.5'. $15/ft/ month. No liveaboards.

330- 219-5313 EMPLOYMENT

Bookkeeper needed in Marathon. Full or parttime. Must be familiar with QuickBooks & Quicken.

Call Bob Brayman 305-395-0478 Help Wanted - Big Time Bait & Tackle competitive wages and working 15-25 hrs a week. Contact John 239-209-7682 LPN needed in Marathon. 2 nights per week, 8:30pm5:30am.Private Pay. 631-831-0879 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 & 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.

Project Manager/ Coordinator needed in Upper Keys. Must have own transportation.

Some computer experience a plus.

Call 305-852-3002.

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

EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work!

Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts.

Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@ g m a i l . c o m .

Place your Home For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and rent your house

Place your Office Space For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and rent your space!

RV LOTS FOR RENT

Large RV Lot for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1000/month plus utilities. 305-204-5601

NOW HIRING SNORKEL RESERVATIONIST -PART TIME Premier Snorkel Boat in Marathon, looking for upbeat reservationist.

Must have great telephone and communication skills, able to work cash register and balance money. No Keys Disease!

Come join our team, Spirit Snorkeling is a great place to work.

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into our office at 1480 Overseas Hwy, Marathon to fill out an application, between 11 am and 2 pm. No phone calls please, as we are a busy office.

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

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

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

Logistics Coordinator

Assists Warehouse Manager, & others, with a variety of administrative functions including duties relating to coordination, communications, and document management.

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

Junior Interior Designer

1+ year experience with basic interior architecture detailing.

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

Place your Employment

ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and get the job filled!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE WANTS Watches Watches.

Military W a t Call

COLLECTOR Rolex, Dive and Pilot Old Model Clocks & c h e s .

305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

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

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.

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.

43

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

We’re OPEN! fully stocked with all-new selections.... ready to go for quick delivery! also featuring custom WINDOW TREATMENTS!

by

FURNITURE • INTERIOR DESIGN WINDOW TREATMENTS • FLOORING KITCHENS & BATHS • PATIO / OUTDOOR

3 KEYS LOCATIONS KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700

305-743-4397

305-295-6400

MM 99 in the Median

MM 50 Oceanside

Next to Publix, Searstown

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

Call 305-481-1790 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, or stop by one of our 3 locations.

SHOP LOCAL WEAR LOCAL OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY PRIVATE SHOPPING PARTIES AVIALABLE BY RESERVATION VINTAGE | EXCELLENT CONDITION | PRE-LOVED & NEW WOMEN’S CLOTHING | ACCESSORIES | HOME DECOR 218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977 PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO MARGARITAVILLE RESORT

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @KIRBYSCLOSETKW

44

KEYS SCENES

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

A pink flamingo in Big Torch in the Lower Keys. BERYN HARTY/Contributed

Moon jellyfish photographed at Sea Gulls Condo Bay in Tavernier. TRISHA MIHAIU/Contributed

Cali chilling on the boat. ROBERT NICODEMUS AND SUSAN FREIL/Contributed

There’s no better way to end the day than to enjoy the sunset in Key Largo.

NANCY BAYNES/Contributed

Bruno enjoying his own personal raft, and feeling secure with his Outward Hound life vest. SUSANN D’ANTONIO/Contributed

Marathon Matilda the mermaid sports the pink bra in support of “Save the tatas.” LINDA AND WENDY KOHOUT/Contributed

Maggie on her boat. DEBI HOLLIS/ Contributed Sunset At Mallory Square. NICK TRIA/ Contributed

Bahia Honda Bay Bean. BERYN HARTY/Contributed

A Publix bromeliad now replanted on my front porch. TRISHA MIHAIU/ Contributed

Quinn living that Keys life with pink sunnies. ERIN DAFOE/Contributed

PINKtober

W

e’re collecting our favorite shots of the Keys and featuring the photographers in the newspaper and on our social media channels. Our theme is month 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 what PINKtober means to you.

Taken around sunset on a short trip to Islamorada. FELIX GAROZ/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

THEME MARKS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

Rules, schmules: • All photos must be original work and feature something in the Keys.

• Photos can be images that have been published before.

• No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark,

copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.

• Any person agrees, by submitting photos, that photos submitted can be used by the Keys Weekly for any and all purposes, including but not limited to advertising, charity work, sales, future editorial, print in the newspapers or online or on social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and any other social media platforms as may come about.

45

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

NOW HIRING

IS HIRING!

RESTAURANT HOST

Advocate (bilingual a plus)

SERVERS BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT LAUNDRY ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN LINE COOK SOUS CHEF BAKER APPLY AT: bungalowskeylargo.com/careers

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

KEY LARGO KEY WEST

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

MARATHON

Admission Review Specialist 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 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

THEME: OKTOBERFEST ACROSS 1. Worry 6. Fleur-de-____ 9. One of Egyptian christians 13. Nary a soul 14. Dot-com address 15. Pretend, two words 16. Flogger’s tool 17. Romanian money 18. Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece, with The 19. *Royal Brewery in Munich, a.k.a. ____ M¸nchen 21. *Original Oktoberfest location 23. Tree juice 24. Cathedral part 25. Lysergic acid derivative, acr.

28. Children’s author Roald 30. Bivouac 35. Heroic poem 37. Taro or cocoyam, technically 39. Relish tastebuds’ sensation 40.

Russian governmental agency 41. Musketeers’ weapons 43. Presidential “No!” 44. Make corrections 46. Kind of palm 47. A in B.A. 48. Indian Ocean’s saltwater inlet 50. Carvey or Plato 52. “Sesame Street” watcher 53. One-horse carriage 55. Sunday newspaper inserts 57. *Kind of Oktoberfest band 60. *Salty snack 64. Meltable abode 65. Go wrong 67. Sore spot 68. African prairie 69. “Wheel of Fortune” vowel request 70. All-season ones, on a car 71. Affirmatives 72. Beaver’s construction 73. Noise of contempt

DOWN 1. Egyptian hieroglyph for “life” 2. “You’re not allowed!” to a baby 3. Mistake 4. Spurns 5. Between triad and pentad 6. Comic strip Moppet 7. Anger management issue 8. Economic crisis 9. Ghana monetary unit 10. Ear-related 11. Tubby little cubby 12. Ted Turner’s TV acronym 15. Bedding and towels 20. Lickety-split 22. Wear and tear 24. “So soon?”

25. *____hosen 26. Sea foam 27. Like United States Capitol 29. *Flower used in beer-making 31. Spanish sparkling wine 32. Deflect 33. *”O’zapft is!” or “It’s tapped!”

34. *Cheers!

36. Without, ‡ Paris 38. Start of something big?

42. Echo sounder 45. Joseph Stalin was one 49. “Eureka!”

51. Experts 54. In the lead 56. *Beer garden mug 57. Curved molding 58. Paella pot 59. ‘60s British teenagers 60. “Hunger Games” sister 61. Goose egg 62. Second to last word in a fairytale 63. Just in case 64. Woody creeper 66. Biochemistry acr.

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

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

Upper & Middle Keys.

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

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Apply in person

46

ENVIRONMENT

FACING AN EMERGENCY Keys captain sends message of urgency in restoring Everglades JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

fresh-water-starved Florida Bay is facing an emergency with a fraction of Everglades restoration projects complete, a Keys captain told members of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment during a Sept. 24 hearing.

Elizabeth Jolin, captain of Bay and Reef Company in Islamorada, appeared virtually before U.S. House members to provide testimony on how a fraction of historical water flows from central Florida to the Everglades have affected her business. When visiting the Keys and booking a charter, Jolin said, people will see fish, herons and dolphins. They’ll even explore the mangroves and dive into clear waters.

While out on the water, Jolin said it’s unlikely that wildly fluctuating salinity levels of Florida Bay will be discussed. Nor will they visit the 40,000 acres of dead seagrass in the bay caused by salty conditions.

“We will certainly not spend any time in the nearshore ocean zone that has been suffocated by algae laden bay water circulated on the tidal exchange,” Jolin said. “And finally, we will not discuss the future of the Florida Bay — because it is in crisis.”

Jolin spoke during a hearing that delved into water management and environmental restoration activities by the Army Corps of Engineers

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

in Florida. Challenges are being confronted regarding water management and water quality, including harmful algal blooms and environmental restoration efforts.

In 2000, Congress looked to address those challenges in Florida through passage of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, or CERP. It’s the largest ecosystem restoration project in the nation, covering 16 counties and 18,000 square miles. The framework of CERP aims to balance water supply, mitigate flood issues and return natural water flow through the Glades.

In July, lawmakers in the subcommittee and House approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which includes funding for the Army Corps of Engineers for new projects and changes to existing ones in the Everglades. The bill was subsequently passed to the Senate where it awaits a vote.

Last October, federal, state and local officials convened in Islamorada to kick off the subcommittee’s work in establishing a blueprint for WRDA 2020. Legislation provides funding for a two-year period and was last authorized in 2018. In attendance for the meeting was the subcommittee chairwoman, Grace Napolitano, who said Elizabeth Jolin, that the status quo cannot be captain of Bay maintained. On Sept. 24, she and Reef Company in Islamo- said the Army Corps must balrada, spoke to the ance the flood control, enviHouse Committee ronmental restoration, water on Transportation supply and other authorized and Infrastruc- purposes during both wet and ture on Sept. 24. dry seasons.

CONTRIBUTED “When faced with too much water, the Corps seeks to manage the system to avoid flood events that would impact Florida communities by releasing water east and west from Lake Okeechobee, because the mechanisms to hold or send more water south is incomplete.

This can lead to challenges like harmful algal blooms in the St. Lucie Canal, or to avoid dumping too much water to meet its water supply obligations within the state,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, subcommittee vice chair, said restoring the Everglades to a condition that resembles natural water flow from 100 years ago is a monumental task that’s been going on for two decades.

“And we have at least another decade to go,” she said. “The goal is to move more water south.

Not east and west — where residents often face harmful algal blooms — but south, where the water can flow naturally through vegetation and grasslands that clean the water and then enter the Everglades National Park to keep our wetlands wet and provide freshwater to the Florida Bay.” The Everglades ecosystem provides drinking water to 8 million Floridians and serves as a backbone to South Florida’s economy. Jolin said the emergency witnessed on the Florida Bay is affecting not only her business, but also many others throughout Monroe County.

“There isn’t a single job in the Florida Keys that doesn’t rely on a thriving and vibrant natural resource,” Jolin told House members. “Our teachers, policemen, restaurateurs, housekeepers and, of course, fishermen rely on a healthy Florida Bay. It is quite literally the foundation of our community.”

Jolin said she has confidence in the citizens, scientists and legislators who are all working on the issue. She said she hopes urgency can be attached with restoration efforts prioritized.

The hearing came 19 days after President Trump visited Jupiter to address his budget proposal allocating $250 million in annual funding for restoration and infrastructure projects for the Glades. Reducing harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee and addressing red tide and blue-green algae issues were among his priorities.

The president’s administration also recently announced the awarding of a contract to allow for the second and final phase of the Tamiami Trail Next Steps Project to begin. Roughly 6.7 miles of the eastern Tamiami Trail will be raised and reconstructed to improve water conveyance and stormwater treatment. Construction is set to begin in November. The Florida Department of Transportation awarded the project to General Asphalt Jones Benitez Joint Venture.

Anhinga Trail in the Everglades National Park. CONTRIBUTED

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