Upper Keys Weekly 20-1001

October: the month where we can get really creative with masks.

TONS OF TUNES

Musicians take stage in Key Largo | P. 24

STOP FOR SUSHI Islamorada food joint adds to menu | P. 43

GAME ON Canes football kicks off P. 36

Canes quarterback Brian Lesko looks down to pass against Marathon on Oct. 4, 2019 at Barley Memorial Stadium. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Early detection is key.

When you need us, we're ready to continue caring for you. Request a mammogram today.

BaptistHealth.net/BreastHealth

1¢

2

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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.

3

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

EXPERIENCE FLORIDA KEYS CHARM

This seaside cottage retreat is in the heart of Islamorada and offers an island-style main house with two bedrooms and two baths, wrapped by a gracious lanai leading to your pristine private beach and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Guest quarters with two bedrooms, one bath atop a two-car garage offer space for visitors, and all your cars/toys. This extensively remodeled beachfront estate provides the ultimate gated and private setting sitting on 3/4 acres.

ISLAMORADA | $2,250,000 | Listing ID: 588779

305.712.8888 | oceansir.com

4

CORONAVIRUS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

29M

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.

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

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com Tiffany Duong tiffany@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

This is Margaritaville in Key West prior to phase 3 reopening. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

RESTAURANTS CAN FULLY OPERATE, MASK REQUIREMENT STILL IN EFFECT

C

alling it “an act of executive grace,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest order removed fines and penalties levied against those 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 during a Sept. 25 press conference alongside members of the restaurant industry in St. Petersburg. While the order eliminates the collection of fines for COVID-19-related violations, it didn’t address eliminating the various measures local municipalities enacted, such as the mandatory mask-wearing upon entering businesses and restaurants in Monroe County.

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.

Signs along U.S. 1 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.

“Some actually have jail sentences Gov. Ron DeSantis attached. I don’t know if that’s actually been done,” DeSantis said. “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,” Eadie said.

The Florida Department of Health’s dashboard reported 2,073 new cases as of Sept. 29. In the Keys, the local health department reported two new cases and five hospitalizations, three at Lower Keys Medical Center and two at Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals, as of Sept. 30.

With DeSantis’ phase 3 reopening came a flood of calls to the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce from people traveling to the Keys, said president Elizabeth Moscynski.

“There were a lot of people saying ‘we’re not going to come’ and ‘we’re not going to do this.’ One conversation was 45 minutes with someone and another conversation was a half-hour with someone,” she said.

Moscynski said if people are taking precautions, wearing masks and washing hands, “then you’ll be fine.”

DeSantis’ executive order also continued on page 9

5

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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.

6

ISLAMORADA

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

VILLAGE DAIS TO RECEIVE UPDATES ON FOUNDERS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, FILLS MASTER PLAN JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

U

pdates on the pedestrian bridge near Founders Park by the Florida Department of Transportation and the master plan at the Fills by the acting village manager highlight the Thursday, Oct. 1 virtual meeting of Islamorada Village Council.

The dais will consider a few resolutions and a motion via Zoom at 5:30 p.m., but before that, council members will hear from state transportation officials regarding the progress of the $4.68 million pedestrian bridge project that’s in the design phase. With the building of a bridge, the state-funded project will also realign the path along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, widen the shoulders and construct concrete barriers.

FDOT says completion is estimated for early 2022 for the project, which aims to improve safety by providing a pedestrian crossing over U.S. 1.

Talks about the pedestrian bridge were last heard during the discussion portion of the May 22 meeting, when councilman Chris Sante asked council to rethink the multi-million dollar project. No resolution was before council, but a council majority said the project should go on. Councilman Jim Mooney said he wasn’t changing his mind on the project.

“I’m not going to jeopardize anyone’s life,” he said. “It’s an FDOT project. They don’t do projects that they think won’t work. With traffic lights, FDOT said no more traffic lights.

It makes traffic worse.”

While the project is state-funded, costs to move electric utilities will be paid by Florida Keys Electric Cooperative shareholders. Earlier in the year, it was learned that water and electric utilities in conflict with the pedestrian bridge’s location will need to be moved. Overhead and underground facilities located on the north edge of the FDOT right-of-way next to Founders were to be relocated. Estimates back in January were anywhere from $250,000 and $300,000 for the overhead work and $700,000 to $800,000 for the underground work.

Since the initial examination of the project, FKEC said it was able to put to-

gether a more efficient design for the transmission pole so crews don’t have to move it. With that design change, FKEC estimates the overhead cost to be closer to $150,000 and $200,000.

The cost estimate associated with the underground work hasn’t changed.

Later in the meeting, acting Village Manager Maria Bassett will lead discussion on a master plan the village is preparing to submit to FDOT for the Fills, the three small islands connecting Upper Matecumbe and Lower Matecumbe Keys.

In April, village council approved a five-year sublease with FDOT to main-

tain the Fills in an effort to calm the chaos, trashing and other activity witnessed during weekends and holidays.

Council members and A.J. Engelmeyer, public works director, discussed fencing options and possible amenities to include in the plan during an August meeting. Three potential fencing options were examined, including cable, timber with rope and guardrail. Engelmeyer told council members that a cable barrier would be a less intrusive and visible option. It would also be less expensive than other options with an estimated cost around $322,000.

“I’m not going to jeopardize anyone’s life. I t’s an FDOT project. They don’t do projects that they think won’t work.” ­­ Jim Mooney, Islamorada — councilman

A rendering of the pedestrian bridge project near Founders Park in Islamorada. FDOT/Contributed

Finally, a safe, reliable place to buy hearing aid supplies online and have them delivered to your door!

store.hear4uaudiology.com

We’re working hard to keep you safe!

Visit our website to learn more about Dr. Michelle and our no-contact remote hearing aid fitting program!

CALL TO START YOUR HEARING JOURNEY! MIAMI 17670 NW 78th Avenue #201

(305) 403-9325

BATTERIES

DOMES

ACCESSORIES

... AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

www.hear4uaudiology.com www.heardrmichelle.com

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

(305) 809-6041

MARATHON 11399 Overseas Highway - Suite 7 The Exchange Building

(305) 747-7750

HOMESTEAD Towers Professional Plaza 151 NW 11th St., Ste. W-301

(305) 809-7663

TAVERNIER 93911 Overseas Hwy., Ste. 5 (2nd Floor) Tavernier, FL 33070

(305) 247-8227

7

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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

Trish represented the Buyers & Sellers of: 39 7th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Trish Hintze | 305.923.9976 | trish@paradiseinthekeys.com

Tavernier Business Center

Beautiful Office space available for rent Now on US 1 In Tavernier @ MM 92, call 305-394-0530

Karen

KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS !!

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

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

REDUCED $1,280,000 ML589987

OCEAN & GULF ACCESS Conch house w/2BR, 2BA, 13,000 lb boat lift and 20,000 lb boat lift. Fisherman’s dream, or weekend get-a-way. Just off of Boot Key Harbor $425,000

DUCK KEY CONDO One bedroom, one bath with wonderful open water view with the 3-mile bridge in the background. Quiet and private. Great residence or weekend get-a-way. $330,000

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

REDUCED $238,000 each.

305-743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

Bill

8

ELECTION 2020

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

ISLAMORADA CANDIDATE

QUESTION OF THE WEEK FIGURING OUT THE FILLS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

our seats are up for grabs on the Islamorada dais in this year’s election with current council members either running for other offices, terming out or electing not to run for re-election.

As a result, new faces will be seen come November.

Each week, the Upper Keys Weekly will pose a question to each candidate in the race on a village issue. Candidates have the opportunity to respond to the question in 100 words or less.

This week, the question focuses on the Fills, the three small islands connecting Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, as the village prepares a master plan to the Florida Department of Transportation. Earlier in the year, Islamorada and FDOT came to a 5-year agreement that gave the village the ability to maintain and improve the area, which has seen a lot of activity and issues over the years. Recent discussions surrounded options for a barrier along the Fills to control vehicle parking. The village also discussed the possibilities for public bathroom facilities for each parking location, a permanent boat ramp and a proposed no-swim zone in the launch area to prevent potential accidents.

Besides a barrier, what amenity or policy would you look to implement at the Fills to create a fun and safe atmosphere for visitors and locals? (Answers are as submitted by the candidates.)

SEAT 1

PETE BACHELER The Fills need paved parking with meters that would pay some if not all of the area's clean up expenses.

Further, on busy weekends, there is a need for oversight to control activity and errant users. The need for restrooms should be carefully evaluated as bathrooms may create more problems than the village needs. Finally, an occupancy load should be determined, and the Fills closed when it reaches capacity. Maintaining safety is paramount.

FRANK LAVIN Indian Key Fills, should be restored to original size, maintained by the state, and designated as a scenic area on this All American road. A new boat ramp and limited parking for enjoying the sights – ocean, bay, sunrise, sunset, offshore islands, coastal birds. The state owned and maintained this area for years and never added amenities. Florida provides state parks throughout the Keys with amazing facilities for both visitors and locals. A majority of people utilizing the Fills in recent years have created a maintenance problem that can be resolved with limited short-term metered parking. Parking tickets with hefty fines, towing in all other areas would eliminate unsightly barriers.

SEAT 2

CHERYL MEADS A Master Plan needs to be crafted to deal with the situation going forward at The Fills. It is my belief that we should have a citizens advisory committee, headed by an architect, to help create the Master Plan. Furthermore, we should work to secure grants from the state and the TDC to help rehabilitate the area, such that taxpayers will not be left on the hook for all of the costs associated with cleaning it up. In this regard, we can be more financially accountable to the public, and allow the citizens to have a say in the process.

MARK GREGG As a council policy, our first priority at the Fills should be to serve the needs and wants of the residents, and then accommodate our visitors. After repairing and restoring the erosion damage, native salt tolerant landscaping with a walkway/bike path would enhance the appearance.

An elevated observation platform for sunsets is possible. The boat ramp and parking areas should be designed with the needs of our local guides in mind with regulated parking free to all residents. Generally, any environmentally friendly low impact use or amenity that does not create an ongoing maintenance expense would be preferred. continued on page 32

CORONAVIRUS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

9

RESTAURANTS CAN FULLY OPERATE, MASK REQUIREMENT STILL IN EFFECT from page 4

gave restaurants the ability to operate at a minimum capacity of 50%, regardless of local rules. That means restaurants can go back to full capacity if they choose.

If local municipalities restrict restaurant capacities further than 50%, DeSantis said, they must provide justification and costs involved with those actions.

“I think this will be important to the industry in recognition that they have worked as hard as anybody to create safe environments,” DeSantis said. “The idea that government dictating this is better than them (restaurants) making these decisions so customers have confidence, I think, is misplaced.”

Indoor dining in Florida had been closed as the coronavirus pandemic began to spread in mid-March. By May 4, DeSantis gave restaurants the ability to reopen outdoor seating with tables distanced and dine-in capacity at 25%. By May 18, the governor moved indoor dining to 50% capacity.

Florida remained under a phase 2 reopening since the beginning of June. Some 16 weeks later, DeSantis said everybody has to have an opportunity to work and business to operate. While local governments can enact what DeSantis called “reasonable regulations,” he said, “you can’t just say ‘no’ after six months and have people twisting in the wind.”

In the Keys, restaurants and bars have been able to operate at 50% indoor capacity. Outdoor seating isn’t limited, as long as tables are 6 feet apart.

“Some businesses still prefer to have social distancing. It all depends on where their comfort zone is,” Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director Judy Hall said. “I’ve heard from a few restaurants that aren’t ready to put more tables in to go to 100%.”

Simone Mullis operates both Dockside Bar and Grill and Marathon Grill and Ale House, two popular eateries in Marathon. The Ale House has been closed since March, and reopened last week.

The restaurants’ social distancing and mask requirements have not changed.

“At the Ale House we are going to operate at 50% capacity. I bought some big plants to put on tables that we won’t use, and added some tables on the sidewalk,” she said of the restaurant located in Gulfside Village.

Dockside Bar and Grill is an open-air restaurant and bar located right on Boot Key Harbor. The outside music venue gives people an added measure of confidence, Mullis said.

“People even dance in their mask,” she said, laughing. Mullis said she has had some pushback from people who don’t like masks, but she keeps the conversations upbeat. “I tell them I love wearing my mask and ‘We gotta do what we gotta do.’”

Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess said food and beverage members are “elated they can begin to operate at a capacity they feel comfortable with.”

“They can serve more patrons and maybe make up for some lost revenue,” Samess said. “Most Marathon businesses are optimistic while still wary of another spike or small spike in coronavirus cases.”

County commissioners voted on Sept. 2 to allow restaurants to resume their normal hours of operation and allow a COVID-related 11 p.m. curfew to lapse. The curfew had forced restaurants to close, as well as retail alcohol sales at stores, to end at midnight.

Not all counties have proceeded to phase 3 yet. In South Florida, Miami-Dade and Broward counties just recently entered phase 2.

7 DAYS A WEEK 8AM - CLOSE BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER SUSHI • HAPPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR DAILY 2-6 • 35¢ Wings • Fried Chicken Livers!

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED

• Largest Draft Beer Selection in the Keys 1/2 OFF from 3-5 • $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

• $7 Happy Hour Menu - 24 Delicious Selections • Sashimi & Nigiri - Bigger Happy Hour Portions!

BREAKFAST SERVED DAILY 8-2 • Unique & interesting menu • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER • Prime Rib • Local Lobster • Cook Your Own Catch • Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar and Fresh Uni arrives on Wednesdays

LARGEST R DRAFT BEE IN N SELECTIO !

S Y E K THE CASTAWAYFLORIDAKEYS.COM

Reservations Recommended opentable.com

305-743-6247

10

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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.

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

11

JOIN CARLOS GIMENEZ MAYOR OF MIAMI-DADE CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS IN FL26

FOR A MEET & GREET IN MARATHON! SATURDAY OCTOBER 3, 2020 5-7 PM KEYS FISHERIES 3502 GULFVIEW AVE, MARATHON, FL 33050

PAID FOR BY CARLOS GIMENE Z FOR CONGRESS

12

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARK JONES PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT IN MARATHON A little over nine years ago, Lt. Mark Jones and his wife were on vacation. sara@keysweekly.com He nudged his sleeping wife and said, “How do you feel about moving to the Keys?” Eight weeks later, he was on the job and said the two are very happy with the decision. Sure, the boating’s nice, but he is so inspired with the community’s connection and approval of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

“More than any place I’ve worked before, I am so impressed with the community’s fantastic support. The agency is truly loved by the community. I can tell you as a law enforcement officer, I’ve never had that type of reception before,” Jones said. “And that is a telling testament to the integrity of Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and my colleagues.”

Currently a road patrol sergeant, Jones is being promoted to lieutenant at the MCSO substation and will take the place of Lt. Derek Paul, who is being promoted to captain in the Upper Keys. The official switch takes place in mid-November.

Jones is a born-and-raised Floridian with 32 years of law enforcement experience. He’s served on the mainland, most notably the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, as well as other agencies. His first position within the MCSO was as an undercover officer; then he joined the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, where he participated in one of the most notable busts in the Keys.

In the 2014 Soca case, law enforcement dug up a family compound on Stock Island to uncover 10 kilos of cocaine, 2,100 Xanax bars, 1,300 oxycodone pills and more than $250,000 in drug proceeds. It was one of the largest busts in Monroe County history.

Jones was also instrumental in dismantling a boat theft ring in 2013 that uncovered ties to a criminal enterprise stretching to Las Vegas.

Jones is quick to share credit in both cases with federal and Keys law enforcement partners.

“My success is tied to our partners as well as my MCSO colleagues.

That’s the truth. It takes everybody to fight crime,” Jones said.

The biggest challenge facing Marathon, Jones said, is educating visitors to care for our island as well as locals care for the environment.

He’ll carry this out, he said, by practicing the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. That sincerity, he said, can’t be faked.

“I think Marathon is one of the safest places on the planet. That’s because of good law enforcement, but also because the community as a whole partners with us.”

SARA MATTHIS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

MIDDLE KEYS LIEUTENANT THE NEXT SHERIFF’S CAPTAIN IN ISLAMORADA Monroe County Sheriff’s lieutenant in the Middle Keys Derek Paul is no stranger to the Upper Keys. A Marathon native, he spent some time serving the communities of Key Largo and Islamorada before returning to Marathon to serve as the No. 2 in charge.

Come November, Paul will be back in the Upper Keys serving as the No. 1 in charge of District 6.

With the upcoming retirement of current Capt. Corey Bryan, Paul was promoted by Sheriff Rick Ramsay as the next captain of the district that covers Islamorada. A 23-year member of the sheriff’s office, he started in the corrections division at the jail in Key West before shifting over to road patrol. Serving in Key Largo, he was promoted to sergeant and then to lieutenant in Plantation Key, where he was stationed for a year.

“It was a childhood dream, and I never got out of it,” Paul said of what drew him to law enforcement.

Before serving with MCSO, Paul ventured out of the Keys to work in Leon County in 1999. Born and raised in Marathon, he wasn’t gone for too long before returning to the place he knew and loved.

“I had the itch to leave the Keys,” he said. “But I learned that I missed the water and missed home, so it was a very short stint, but definitely eye-opening and definitely needed. I definitely learned this is where I want to be.”

When he comes back to Islamorada on Nov. 16, Paul will be working alongside Bryan through the end of the year. Come January 2021, he’ll be the new captain in town.

“I hate to say this in front of him, but Paul is the heart and soul of our office and he will be missed,” said his former commander, Capt.

Don Hillard, smiling.

“It’s still a little overwhelming,” Paul said. “It still hasn’t quite set in yet with the captain level. I’m just very happy that the sheriff and Maria (Bassett), the interim city manager, have given me the opportunity.”

Having worked in Islamorada before, Bryan said, Paul knows the people and community.

“He’s going to do very, very well,” Bryan said. “He should fit right in here.”

Paul said Islamorada is a great place to work and live with its close-knit community.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I am really looking forward to working with the city of Islamorada, staff and the sheriff’s office staff.”

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

13

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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

14

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

MARATHON COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T

Pastor: Mary Ashcraft Office Hours: T, W, Th 10AM - 2PM Sunday Service: 10AM Wear a mask • Social distancing Zoom: Facebook.com/MarathonUMC Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. Philippians 3:1

3010 Overseas Highway

305-743-5107

Technology Tutoring 305-699-8201

How to use devices • How to create an account • How to use apps • How to order items • App downloads • Social media marketing • Social media postings • Social media creation • Online shopping • Word processing • Email deletions/unsubscriptions

The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Treasure Village Montessori 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 TVM for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Sea Dragon” pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

ISAIAH RUIZ 5TH GRADE

What is something most people don’t know about you? Everyone knows pretty much everything there is to know about me.

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? My favorite teacher is Ms. Cathy because she is my homeroom teacher and she teaches science.

What is your favorite subject and why? My favorite subject is science because you get to do experiments and it is about the world.

What is the best rule at your school? They give us mask breaks, which helps a lot.

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

What’s your favorite food for lunch? My favorite food for lunch is pizza.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? I want to be an Air Force man and a chief.

What do you hope to be remembered for at TVM? For being funny.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? I like to call my friend and play games with him.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home in the future?

Why or why not? No, I want to live in Oregon. There is a lot of history there.

ELECTION 2020

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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.

15

16

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

KCB SEARCHING FOR NEW CITY MANAGER 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 nonsite-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.

T

he way forward will be decided at the Thursday, Oct. 2 meeting of the Key Colony Beach City Council. The council will have two options — to find and hire a new city manager, or revert to its old ways and have the elected mayor act as the city manager.

Chris Moonis On Sept. 24 it was announced that Chris Moonis would not seek to renew his contract as KCB city manager.

“It wasn’t a good fit. We didn’t click. We wish him well. He’s moving and we’re moving on,” said Mayor John DeNeale.

Prior to hiring Moonis, the little village in the Middle Keys had a strong-mayor structure of government.

The top elected official received an additional $2,000 in salary on top of the base $8,000 that all commissioners receive. The council voted in 2018 to amend its charter to allow for a city manager.

Moonis was hired in January 2017 at $60,000 a year for part-time management, described as 80 hours a month, and subsequently saw his salary increase to $130,000 plus benefits with an estimated value of $200,000.

Moonis did not reply to the Keys Weekly for comment.

“I am the one that wanted to hire a city administrator in the first place,” DeNeale said. “The job has become way too complex. We have to deal with DEM and DEO and FEMA; the alphabet soup is hard to keep up with. Plus we’re dealing with sea level rise and building a new city hall that was destroyed in Hurricane Irma.”

The five-member commission consists of DeNeale, April Tracy, Kimmeron Lisle, Patricia Trefry and Ron Sutton. Lisle, Trefry and Sutton are up for re-election.

Newcomer Thomas Harding has also put his hat in the ring. The top three vote getters will assume their seats after the Nov. 3 election. DeNeale’s term as mayor ends in December.

Besides deciding on a new city manager, and reorganizing the mayor and vice mayor positions, the council will need to replace KCB’s longtime attorney of 31 years, Tom Wright. He will be retiring in December, according to DeNeale.

Key Colony Beach has also scaled down its vision for the new city hall. Although it has a FEMA grant for up to $3.2 million, the previous state budget did not include an important $500,000 grant to rebuild. The downsizing measures will include locating the post office in the main building, reducing office space by 10% and doing away with other “good, but expensive” building materials, interior products and design.

17

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

CAPT ED & SANDI B

RECOMMEND YOU VOTE FOR TRULY REFORM-COMMITTED NEW CANDIDATES FOR ISLAMORADA VILLAGE COUNCIL. WHO WILL LISTEN TO LOCAL CITIZENS INSTEAD OF COMMERCIALIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT INTERESTS, AS SOME RECENT COUNCILERS HAVE DONE FAR TOO OFTEN.

VOTE FOR

FRANK LAVIN seat 1

CHERYL MEADS The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District’s Board of Commissioners is soliciting resumes to fill a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners. Resumes must include contact information including telephone number and email address.

The term of office will expire following the 2022 general election. Individuals must be a registered voter, residing within the boundaries of the District consisting of Key Largo, extending from east of Tavernier Creek, up to and including Cross Key. Resumes must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, September 28, 2020. The Board of Commissioners will consider all resumes at a public meeting scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

You are welcome to attend the meeting and to address the Board. You can participate several ways: - GoToMeeting on your computer, enter https://www.gotomeet.me/KLWTDClerk/board-meeting - Phone, dial 1 (866) 899-4679 or 1 (571) 317-3117, Access Code: 605-219-813 - In person, KLWTD administrative office located at 103355 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

seat 2

JOSEPH “BUDDY” PINDER seat 3

DAVID WEBB seat 5

Resumes may be submitted by mail to the District’s administrative office located at 103355 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037 or by email to clerk@klwtd.com.

TO PROTECT THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE IN LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS, PRESERVE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY CHARACTER AND PREVENT THE FURTHER COMMERCIALIZATION OF FOUNDERS FAMILY PARK.

For further information, please contact the District Clerk at 305-451-4019 Ext. 210 or via email at Diane.Bockelman@klwtd.com

— LIKE DO WE REALLY NEED EVEN MORE TRAFFIC?

Note that all resumes are considered public records and are available to anyone upon request.

Paid political advertisement paid for by Capt Ed Davidson and Sandi Bisceglia independently of any candidate. This advertisement was not approved by any candidate.

18

COMMUNITY NEWS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

WITH NO EMERGENCY HEARING, BALLOTS SENT WITH NOTICE OF VILLAGE CANDIDATE’S PASSING

A

lawsuit requesting the Monroe County Elections Office and its supervisor to count votes for Islamorada’s seat 4 didn’t get an emergency hearing from a judge last week.

As a result, mail ballots were sent out to village voters with a notice announcing the death of a candidate, which resulted in an unopposed race.

Filed by Islamorada resident Eric Carlson on Sept. 22, the lawsuit against R. Joyce Griffin, county elections supervisor, Florida Division of Elections and Laurel Lee, Florida secretary of state, requested an emergency hearing while seeking to prohibit “unauthorized election interference within the municipal boundaries of Islamorada.” Vice Mayor Ken Davis qualified before the August deadline to appear on the ballot in the race for seat 4 against Henry Rosenthal, who also qualified to run. With Davis’ passing on Sept. 12 from heart failure and a massive stroke, Griffin told the Weekly that votes cast in the race would not be counted.

Mail-in ballots began to go out on Sept. 24, but those set for delivery to village residents were held a day due to the lawsuit.

Griffin and Bob Shillinger, county attorney who’s representing the elections office in the case, filed a notice of intention to send out vote-by-mail ballots by 4 p.m. on Sept. 25, absent an order to the contrary by the court. Communication from the judicial court to Shillinger stated that Circuit Judge Tim Koenig reviewed the pleadings and determined that an emergency hearing wasn’t necessary.

Despite Davis’ passing, Carlson’s lawsuit says that neither death, incapacity nor disqualification of a candidate are referenced in Florida statute as instances resulting in creating an unopposed candidate. The lawsuit seeks to prohibit Griffin from mailing, delivering or posting online notices regarding the seat 4 race. It also requests that she count all votes cast.

Carlson told the Weekly last week that Griffin is overstepping in discounting the election by indicating that she wouldn’t count the votes, leading to an automatic win for Rosenthal. Carlson and attorney Robert K. Miller requested an emergency hearing prior to the mailing of ballots on Sept. 24.

“If you have a supervisor of elections who starts adjusting ballots for whatever reason, it’s a slippery slope,” Carlson said. “This will give people options. If they want to vote for the man, they certainly should be allowed to.”

Carlson ran against Davis in the 2018 election. Davis ultimately won to take the seat. Carlson acknowledged his support for Davis in his run for a second term in the 2020 election.

A 12-page response by Shillinger to the lawsuit asks the court to dismiss the matter. Had the village charter complied with Florida statute by having a provision that spelled out the process for addressing the circumstance at hand, the response states there would be no controversy.

“Unfortunately, the village charter is silent on this point,” the response states. “In the absence of direction provided by clear language in the charter, the supervisor has turned to Florida law and guidance from the Division of Elections.”

The response alludes to a 1953 Florida Supreme Court ruling that “when votes are cast for a person known by the voters to be deceased, they shall be treated as void and thrown away and are not to be counted in determining the result of the election.”

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

REMEMBERING KEN DAVIS Peaceful Waters pays tribute to former vice mayor

P

eaceful Waters started on the advice of Islamorada Councilman Ken Davis.

Ken Davis was the first person to listen, and the first person to offer a hand up. For a long time, it felt like he was the only friend we had on our side. Ken stuck with us all the way through to the end, just as promised.

We are forever grateful for the extra year of Ken’s life that blessed all who knew him.

Davis used that year to the fullest. He stayed the course, and continued his fight against the many quality of life issues affecting Islamorada residents. A Peaceful Waters member described Ken’s leadership: “You could always ask him anything, and if he didn’t have the answer he would get it for you, or point you in the right direction.”

His last phone call to us was out of selfless concern that we and our neighbors were making it through Labor Day weekend.

Below is the email blast drafted just before his sudden medical emergency. It is with great respect and much sadness that we share it with the community despite Ken’s absence: After making his mark by leading the charge to gain control of the Fills just over a year ago, Councilman Ken Davis noticed heated discussions online about what had become of the raft-up party scene in the waters adjacent to White Marlin and Port Antigua beaches. Having essentially succumbed to defeat, many of us were starting to face the grim fact that there was no hope of chasing the situation.

Then, Ken Davis reached out on social media and left his personal phone number, asking us to call him so he could help.

As ‘party beach’ quickly grew out of control, residents’ quality of life conditions rapidly deteriorated. Mr. Davis fielded more than a few intense phone calls from our members over the past year. But no matter what, Ken always answered his phone and returned emails. Even after a major health scare, Ken got right back into his council seat, and continued to advocate for our group and clean up the Fills, while addressing COVID-19 concerns and its impact on our village.

Peaceful Waters credits Mr. Davis having a sharp eye on social media. Ken could see the red flags and offered his support when it became apparent that we were in dire straits on Lower Mat. Ken doubled down on his commitment: Paraphrasing Mr. Davis’ comments during the Aug. 12 special call meeting, if this first step doesn’t effect the desired positive change, we will follow through with additional measures.

In a village unique as ours, with a small population of residents vulnerable to massive outside influence, it is imperative that we residents have accessible council members who will accomplish that delicate balance between residents’ quality of life and the local economy driven by tourism upon which many of us depend.

Ken Davis proved over and over that he would fight for that balance.

— Peaceful Waters, a group that aims to preserve the uniqueness of Islamorada and protect surrounding waters

19

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

NOW THROUGH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 P In-Store & Online! p TAKE

60% OFF

OUR IN-STORE SAFETY GUIDELINES

Entire stock of regular & reduced priced

Erika Sportswear

To insure the safety of our employees and customers, we are asking everyone to follow these guidelines when in one of our stores:

Now: $16.97 - $44

• Practice physical and social distancing

3 DAYS ONLY!

6 - 17

$ 79 $

• All shoppers will be required to wear a face mask or face covering

60

• We have enhanced our cleaning procedures • We provide daily monitoring of employee temperatures

PLUS!

25% OFF

TAKE

Thanks for your support, The Anthony’s Family

Entire stock of

REGULAR PRICED MERCHANDISE* SALE INCLUDES ALL SPORTSWEAR / DRESSES / SWIMWEAR / ACCESSORIES / PETITES *

EXCLUDES IBKUL SPORTSWEAR

Valid 9/24/20 - 9/26/20 only. Cannot be combined with any other discount.

No adjustments made on previously purchased merchandise.

Key Largo (M.M. 98-1/2) • 305-852-4515 Marathon (M.M. 50) • 305-743-5855

STORE HOURS: MON – SAT 9:30-5:30 • SUN CLOSED

SHOP OUR ONLINE STORE! anthonysfla.com

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.

20

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

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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 captain of Bay be maintained. On Sept. 24, and Reef Company in Islamo- she said the Army Corps must rada, spoke to the balance the flood control, enHouse Committee vironmental 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

21

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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

Alicia represented the Buyers of: 402 46th Street Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Alicia Lund | 305.431.0577 | alicia@keysrealestate.com

COMMERCE CORNER Established in 2012, Yuzz Buzz is a digital marketing agency.

“Our specialty is giving you the freedom to do what you’re good at: running your business! We take the load off; rather than being saddled with interviewing, hiring and supporting a whole crew of people to do the technical stuff, YuzzBuzz does it for you,” said Daniel Cabot, regional director for the Florida Keys. “We have a handpicked team of digital super-nerds, who live for words like ‘SEO’ and ‘rankings,’and you can feel confident leaving all of the confusing digital-details to us.

“Whether you want us to increase your search rankings, build from scratch or optimize your current website, or create an amazing presence on social media that your customers and friends alike will be “buzzing’ about, will not only love, YuzzBuzz will get your business front-and-center, while you focus on what matters to you.”

Phone: 305-393-0606 Website: www.yuzzbuzz.com Email: cabot@yuzzbuzz.com

Blessing of the Pets this Saturday & Sunday SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD DRIVE BY BLESSING FROM YOUR CAR at The Incredible Fruit Stand 10am-12am SUNDAY OCTOBER 4TH following the 11am Service

We are streaming our Daily Devotions at 8am, Compline at 9pm & Sunday Prayers at 9am on our Facebook page. @stolumbanmarathon In person services under the Pavilion at 9am and 11am.

Space is limited May the Peace of the Lord be always with you WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

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

22

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

LIFE IS SHORT. MAKE EACH HAIRFLIP FABULOUS.

“I am proud to support Buddy Pinder for Islamorada Village Council, Seat 3.”

— Gary Nichols, lifelong Islamorada resident and commercial fisherman

VALUES YOU CAN TRUST Follow Buddy to learn where he stands on the issues.

A SAFE, COMFORTABLE SPACE DESIGNED FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO LOOK THEIR BEST

HAIR | NAILS | FACIALS HAIR EXTENSIONS | MAKEUP EYELASH EXTENSIONS | WAXING MICROBLADING | LASH LIFT

VOTEBUDDYPINDER.COM

ADVOCATE FOR RESIDENTS

PAID BY JOSEPH BUDDY PINDER CANDIDATE FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL SEAT 3

We use the highest quality products for lasting results.

www.klsalonandspa.biz @keylargosalonanddayspa Key Largo Salon and Day Spa 103400 Overseas Hwy. Ste 102 | Key Largo

305.451.4343

6 ANNUAL TH

305.664.2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

THU OCT 1 Webb & Davidson FRI OCT 2 Taylor King Band Michael Trixx @ Sunset SAT OCT 3 *SPECIAL EVENT* Gypsy Lane SUN OCT 4 Webb & Davidson MON OCT 5 The Carousers Michael Trixx @ Sunset TUES OCT 6 Ray Jaworski WED OCT 7 Webb & Davidson Michael Trixx @ Sunset

ALL LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IS FROM 5:30PM - 9:30PM

October 10th & 11th 12-6pm

FREE EVENT MASK REQUIRED TO ENTER

81611 Old Hwy Islamorada MM81 (305) 664-9722

23

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

For

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

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

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

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

HASSLE FREE TRAVEL

CHARTER FISHING RETAIL REPAIR & MORE

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH AIR TREK PRIVATE JET CHARTERS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1978!

• No long lines, layovers, overbooked flights or lost luggage • Travel on your schedule – you pick the day and time! • Aircraft are cleaned and sanitized before and after each flight • All aircraft are pet friendly

305.289.0540 1-800-247-8735 WWW.AIRTREK.AERO

1901 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON WWW.THETACKLEBOX.COM Facebook: The Tackle Box Marathon Fla Keys Instagram@thetackleboxmarathonflakeys

24

KEY LARGO

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

1

MUSIC FEST RETURNS TO KEY LARGO

M

ore than two dozen elite musicians excelling at country, folk, pop and rock music will gather in the Florida Keys Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 15-18, for the Key Largo Original Music Festival.

Normally held in May but delayed this year due to the global COVID-19 crisis, the event consists of four days of live performances.

In socially distanced, outdoor Key Largo venues, attendees are afforded intimate behind-the-scenes experiences, hearing the original hits of

2

songwriter-performers from Tennessee, New York and Florida as well as Florida Keys favorites.

The stages at six waterfront eateries and watering holes offer an individual flavor and ambiance for listeners, who pay nothing to attend other than the cost of an evening out for cocktails and/or dinner.

3

Music continues late into the evenings for several hours of live entertainment on the water at each venue, which include Sundowners, Cactus Jack’s, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill and the world-famous Caribbean Club, all around mile marker 104.

The lineup kicks off with singersongwriters from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Key Largo Fisheries, 1313 Ocean Drive. Music continues in the evenings Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17, with late-night jam sessions at Cactus Jack’s planned for 10 p.m. to midnight. The festival finale and beach barbecue is from 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Caribbean Club.

A full schedule is at keylargooriginalmusicfest.com/lineup.

Throughout the Florida Keys, COVID-19 visitor guidelines with safety protocols are in place.

Officials require facial coverings to be worn in business establishments and other public settings including outdoor Tiki restaurants/ bars. Individuals may remove their masks when seated and eating and drinking. More information is at fla-keys.com. — Contributed 1. Chris Ferrara, from Nashville, Tennessee; Adrienne Z, a Keys local; AJ Gatio, also from Nashville; and Abigail Dowd, from Greensboro, North Carolina open the Festival at Sundowners in May 2019. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO 2. Dallas Remington of Nashville and Grace Pettis of Austin entertain the crowd with original songs on a sunny afternoon.

3. Lee Sharp, a Keys local, and Robinson Treacher, from New York City and Nashville, rock out under the Grand Tiki at Snooks Bayside.

 Â? Â? Â

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

25

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

• I will FIGHT to protect our resident’s right of quiet enjoyment of life • PROTECT our sensitive environment that supports our tourist economy • WORK to create more affordable and work force housing

Mark GREGG for Village Council Seat 2

www.KeysDermatology.com Keys_Dermatology https://www.facebook.com/KeysDermatology/

Two Great Locations!

ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST

82883 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 305.664.8828

1010 Kennedy Drive Suite 304 Key West, FL 33040 305.296.3334

OUR PROVIDERS

www.mark4council.com Please visit my f page: Mark 4 council Paid for by Mark Gregg for Village Council

Kelly Balestra, PA-C

George vonHilsheimer, MD

Dee Dee Vazquez, PA-C

CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY

COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

• Skin Cancer Checks • Acne • MOHS Surgery • Sun Damage • Rosacea • Eczema

• Chemical peels • Laser hair removal • Sciton Laser • Fillers • Botox

NOW OFFERING SCITON LASER TREATMENT

• Laser hair removal • Acne • De-aging

• Brown spots • Scar removal • Leg Veins

26

KEYS SCENES

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

27

ELECT PETE BACHELER FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL SEAT 1 Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum that preserves and shares the incredible history of the Upper Keys community and explores the unique ecology of the region. CONTRIBUTED

FOR THE MUSEUM

COMMON SENSE FOR AN UNCOMMON COMMUNITY

T

peteforcouncil.com

Two ‘micro-events’ lead up to virtual gathering and live auction

he Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation is planning for the fourth annual signature event in a reinvented fashion. While it won’t be A Night at the Museum, it will remain for the museum. The all-virtual fundraiser features two “micro-events” leading up to the main event, A Night for the Museum: Together From Home, on Nov. 14, 2020, presented by Maryann and Jim Bokor.

The first micro-fundraiser is Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Cocktail Class: Spirits from Still to Sip, on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m., when Larisa Baste talks spirit-making and shares how to craft three specialty cocktails. Advance registration is required by Tuesday, Oct. 13 via www.keysdiscovery.com/ upcoming-events. Kits are available for a donation of $60 each.

The second micro-fundraiser is Wine Tasting with Sommelier Tom Smith, on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature wines from six worldly regions as well as select charcuterie. Limited quantities available and advance registration is required by Thursday, Oct. 29 via www.keysdiscovery.com/ upcoming-events. Kits are available for a donation of $75 each.

For the main event, A Night for the Museum: Together From Home, a virtual event will engage a broad audience through unlimited free participation. Guests can celebrate the Keys History & Discovery Center from the comfort of home and enjoy a program featuring special guest appearances and a live virtual auction.

Guests can also support the foundation through the purchase of upgraded tickets, which include a four-course gourmet meal, specialty cocktail, wine, and floral centerpiece (local pick-up only). Must be reserved no later than Friday, Nov. 6.

“While the museum grapples with pandemic-related reductions of once reliable revenue streams from admissions, memberships, program fees and retail sales,” said executive director Jill Miranda Baker. “This annual fundraiser, which last year raised nearly one-quarter of our operating budget, takes on added significance.”

More information is at www.keysdiscovery.com or 305922-2237.

Honor, integrity, community-minded | Thirty-five year resident of Islamorada Six years as chairman of the Village Land Planning Agency (LPA) | Fiscal conservative dedicated to better government | US Navy Submarine Service.

Paid for by Pete Bacheler Candidate for Village Council Seat 1

Locally owned & operated

No upfront cost No out-of-pocket expense Financing Available at 1.99% 25 year gutter-to-gutter warranty Financing Available Engineering Permits • Installation Call today for a consultation and estimate.

1-888-265-1930

— Contributed

simplysolarfl.com

28

COOL STUFF

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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.

29

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

DJ PLAYING POOLSIDE FROM 1PM-5PM

TH 4 2 5 DAY SUNDAY FUN

MLBBALL A B ASYE OFFS PL L WEEK! AL

S L A C LOECIATION DAY

APPPOROL & B4E, A20C2H0 BBQ

L GRILL H WE WBILSTER CATEC H O YOUR RL FREE AT RTILL! FO LSIDE G POO PM - 5PM 1

OCT.

WE ARE OPEN! 3 Generations of Master Plumbers Locally Owned & Family Operated Since 1947

We Specialize in:

Plumbing Repairs & Services Leaks • Tankless Water Heaters • Bathroom Remodel Sewer Systems

MARATHON'S NFL SUNDAY TICKET HEADQUARTERS ALL NFL GAMES ON SUNDAYS ON 16 HDTV'S GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK • Complimentary Lobster Grilling Services • World Famous Cheeseburgers • BBQ Pork Belly Bacon Jam Burger • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches • Grilled Bratwurst • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Scallops • Chili Cheese Dogs

VOTED #1 BEST OF MARATHON BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE SUNSET! AND BEST WATERFRONT DINING!

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL CFC055680

DRINK SPECIALS

f Open 8AM - 4PM MON-FRI

• $2 Coors Light • $5 Mango Painkilllers • $2 Jello Shots

Vmassaro@3rdgenerationplumbing.com

305-743-4245

305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

5301 Ocean Terrace Unit 5 | $289,000 | Listing ID 590216

109 Anglers Drive Unit 201 $315,000 | Listing ID 589742

For Your Next Adventure In Marathon

6099 Overseas Highway 53E $105,000 | Listing ID 589369

Ally Kelley Global Real Estate Advisor 727.459.0493 akelley@oceansir.com

LAYING BRICK SINCE 2005 INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!

30

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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

CUDJOE LOCATION REOPENS OCT. 8TH ISLAMORADA LOCATION REOPENS OCT. 7TH THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT. SEE YOU IN OCTOBER!

ma

sk

O pe re 11a n D q m a uir -9 ily ed pm by co un

ty

great gifts toys books desserts cakes sweetsavannahs.com

305-743-3131

voted best Key lime Pie in Marathon!

8919 O/s HWY

mm 51.8

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

BRIEFLY

Program takes a look at early Upper Matecumbe Key A virtual program, Community Views, is being offered by Keys History & Discovery Center on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., specific to Early Upper Matecumbe Key. This program is narrated by Discovery Center curator Brad Bertelli as he shows photos of early days in Upper Keys communities offered via GoToWebinar.

The program is free for members and $5 for non-members. Advance registration is required at www.keysdiscovery.com/curatorconnections.

Community Views and Cocktails with the Curator, another program with Bertelli, resulted from the extended stay-at-home order. It will continue as part of the regular program offerings by Keys History & Discovery Center.

Keys History & Discovery Center is on Facebook, YouTube at Keys History & Discovery Center, as well as on Instagram @flkeyshistorydiscovery and Twitter @keyshistory.

More information is at 305-9222237 or info@keysdiscovery.com.

Key Colony leader joins Community Foundation board The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) has appointed Key Colony Beach civic leader Marian Buccafurni to its Board of Governors. A philanthropist and business and legal professional for many years, Buccafurni is CFFK’s first board member from Key Colony and joins the nonprofit’s governing board for a three-year term.

“We are truly honored to have Marian accept our offer to join the Board,” says CFFK chair Susanne Woods. “She brings incredible business, leadership, fund raising, and community foundation board experience to CFFK. She will be key to the board’s ongoing efforts to broaden outreach and further philanthropy throughout the entire Keys.”

Buccafurni moved to Key Colony Beach in 2007, and spends part of the year in Monterey, California, where she is active with the Community Foundation for Monterey County. She is a former board president and a major donor of the Women’s Fund there, a field of interest fund financially supporting opportunities for women and girls. She created several annual fundraisers in Monterey and helped establish programs to benefit girls’ health and those in need of small loans.

A law school graduate in 1979, Buccafurni’s diverse business background in the medical, science and legal fields includes work as a litigation attorney for a Philadelphia law firm, serving as general counsel for

SmithKline, a pharmaceutical company in England, and creating with her husband a biotechnology company, Litmus Concepts Inc., in California. She served as executive vice president, general counsel and CFO at Litmus, as well as a member of the board. She and her husband raised more than $30 million in private equity over 15 years while maintaining a majority interest in the company. They sold the firm in 2000 to devote their time to philanthropic interests.

Buccafurni is one of 11 Keys community members serving on CFFK’s board. More information is at cffk.org.

New batch of firefighters train on Grassy Key The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners continues to support the Monroe County Fire Rescue “Hot Shots” program, which started on Sept. 14 at the Joe London Fire Training Academy on Grassy Key. The program waives the curriculum fee for qualified Monroe County residents to take the firefighting and first responder training in exchange for a commitment to volunteer for three years or work as a career firefighter anywhere in the Keys. For this round, 27 locals and five non-locals were admitted into the program with a graduation date set for Dec. 18.

Students who successfully complete all 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program will be prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter I and II examinations. Twentyfive local students graduated from the second program in January. To be hired at Monroe County Fire Rescue, a candidate also must complete EMT training.

There are no new classes scheduled at this time. More information about the program is at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots or Bourassacaitlin@monroecounty-fl.gov.

31

SECOND SOLAR CO-OP

BY SUN LAUNCHES IN THE KEYS

R

esidents in the Keys looking for green alternatives to powering their homes can look to a nonprofit group that recently launched.

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) works in Florida and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Laura Tellez, South Florida program coordinator for SUN, said the group is thrilled to help more residents harness sunshine to save on their electric bills.

“On top of the cost savings, we’re building an electricity system that’s cleaner, fairer and shares its benefits more broadly — one roof at a time,” she said.

The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in the Keys.

Co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to ensure competitive pricing and quality solar installations. Partnering on the co-op are the CLEO Institute and the City of Layton.

“I am proud of our city council's decision to support SUN’s Florida Keys Solar Co-op, a great Homeowner Jill Kuehnert was one of the first members of the 2018 and affordable option for our co-op to install her system. CONhomeowners making energy TRIBUTED decisions,” said City of Layton Mayor Bruce Halle.

After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.

This is SUN’s second solar co-op in the Keys. Homeowner Jill Kuehnert was one of the first members of the 2018 co-op to install her system.

“When we moved to Key Largo in 2017, we loved everything about it — except the electric bills that first summer.” Kuehnert said. “We jumped at the chance to learn more about solar through the co-op. And our system has been a trouble-free and money-saving asset on our home ever since.”

SUN has hosted 58 solar co-ops in Florida since 2015, including five others that are currently open. According to the group’s estimates, the 1,753 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent: 17 thousand kW of solar power, $37.8 million in local solar spending, and more than 565 million pounds of lifetime carbon offsets.

SUN will host several free informational webinars about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at www.solarunitedneighbors.org/keys.

Webinars are planned for: Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m.; Martes 8 de Octubre a las 7:30 p.m. (en español); and Thursday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m.

— Contributed

32

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020 from page 8

The only locally owned and operated newspaper covering the Upper Keys.

We all work here, live here, volunteer here and our office is in Tavernier!

Our staff is actively involved with: Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset Upper Keys Rotary Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation TDC, DAC V We support many community events & organizations like: The Key Largo Bridge Run Light Up Key Largo Marrvelous Pet Rescue Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Habitat For Humanity of the Upper Keys Keys History and Discovery Center History of Diving Museum Autism Society of the Keys Uncorked Food and Wine Festival Key Largo’s Original Music Festival The Good Health Clinic 4th Of July Fireworks Dolphin’s Plus Marine Mammal Responder Coral Reef Restoration Foundation Reef.org Florida Bay Forever FIU Mote Marine Lab Florida Keys Wild Bird Center Every dollar spent stays in Monroe County to employ local writers, editors, account managers, designers, and freelancers. Not to mention the not for profits and civic clubs we support!

91760 O/S Highway, Tavernier • (305) 363-2957

ISLAMORADA CANDIDATE SEAT 3

JENNY BELLTHOMSON I am optimistic about the current plans to enhance this area of our village. When it reopens to the public, we must ensure the protection of our investment. Enforcement of our codes has to be a priority. I will propose hiring two code enforcement officers who will work weekends to monitor the area and enforce illegal parking, garbage, noise, and other nuisance abatement ordinances. Paid parking spaces and bathroom use could be used to partially offset the cost. On holiday weekends I would request overtime funds for special detail deputies to provide traffic enforcement in the area.

BUDDY PINDER After over a decade, the village is finally creating a master plan… the dream “wish list,” but why should village residents have to pay to create a scenic park with expensive amenities for day trippers that trash this beautiful area? Let’s do what is needed to control the number of people using and abusing the Fills for hours, with no restrooms, reduced number of time limited metered parking, no swimming in boating channels, no grills, no boardwalks or piers, no walkways under the bridges. With enforcement of the no parking, except in a couple metered parking areas — no ugly and expensive barriers would be needed. We need to keep it simple. Village of Islamorada residents should not be burden with this expense.

SEAT 5

DAVID WEBB The state-owned property known as the Fills presents significant economic, environmental and safety challenges for the village. The residents of Islamorada will be asked to spend over $500,000 in 2021 for initial infrastructure improvements which will promote even larger numbers of visitors to the Fills. The safety risks of people swimming where boats are operating at high speeds are significant. Additionally, the number of fatal accidents involving vehicles entering and exiting U.S. 1 from extremely confined parking areas will likely increase. The Fills do not have adequate room for safe recreational activities. No further development should be undertaken.

LARRY ZETTWOCH I’ve always considered the Fills the “Southern Gem of Islamorada.” We have many options to care for the area properly. Improved, clearly designated parking spots providing easy access to natural picnic areas and chosen for minimal environmental impact would be a great first step. Next, implementing app-based parking fees commensurate with those world-class views will generate offsetting funds for the protection and maintenance of the area. However, no solutions will fix the problem unless enforced. Train, and certify village Fills attendants to enforce anti-littering and parking — with the authority to ticket and tow. Fills visitors must Respect Islamorada!

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

33

34

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

Florida Bay Outfitters presents

Oct 15 - 18

Key Largo’s

2020

NO COVER CHARGE!

great music • Great Times • Great Food Saturday, october 17 Florida Bay Outfitters - MM 104 Bayside

continuous live music on multiple stages

2:00-2:45 2:45-3:15 3:15-4:00 4:00-4:45

Gianna Minichiello, Max Seidman Logan Tucker, Robinson Treacher Rufio Hooks, Tana Matz Matt Ferranti, Ryan Robinette

LIVE REMOTE: SATURDAY 2-4 PM Thunder Country & Dougie Hitchcock from Florida Bay Outfitters

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, october 15 Key Largo Fisheries - 1313 Ocean Bay Drive 5:00-6:00 6:00-7:00 7:00-8:00 8:00-9:00

Casey Raines, Megan Katarina, Nick Britt J. Hartley, Jay Allen, RJ Comer, Matt Ferranti Jennie Angel, Rufio Hooks, Matt Ferranti, Casey Raines Jordan Stoner, Josh Cottrell, Jordan James, Logan Tucker

Cactus Jack’s - MM 104 Bayside - Jam Session 10pm-12am Matt Ferranti, Nick Britt, Ryan Robinette, Jer Gregg J. Hartley, Robinson Treacher

Friday, october 16 Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill - MM 104 Bayside 5:00-6:00 6:00-7:00 7:00-8:00 8:00-9:00 9:00-10:00 10:00-11:00

Robinson Treacher, RJ Comer, Ryan Robinette, Stephen Salyers Leland Grant, Nick Britt, Jer Gregg, Gianna Minichiello Dave Feder, Jennie Angel, Jordan Stoner, Ryan Robinette, Tana Matz, Rufio Hooks, Jordan James, Nick Britt Jordan Stoner, Josh Cottrell, RJ Comer, Matt Ferranti Max Seidman, Jay Allen, Casey Raines, Tana Matz

LIVE REMOTE: FRIDAY 5-7 PM

Thunder Country & Dougie Hitchcock from Big Chill

Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill - MM 104 Bayside 2:00-3:30 3:30-5:00 5:00-6:30 6:30-8:00 8:00-9:30 9:30-11:00

Lee Sharp, Billy Davidson, Casey Raines, RJ Comer Jay Allen, Jennie Angel, Max Seidman, Jordan James Robinson Treacher, Nick Britt, J. Hartley, Jer Gregg Casey Raines, Jordan Stoner, Gianna Minichiello, Rufio Hooks Tana Matz, J. Hartley, Matt Ferranti, Megan Katarina Miss Demeanor Band

Sundowners - MM 104 Bayside 6:00-7:30 7:30-8:30 8:30-9:30 9:30-11:00

Scott Youngberg, RJ Comer, Logan Tucker, Ryan Robinette Nick Britt, Robinson Treacher, Stephen Salyers, Jay Allen Jordan James, Ryan Robinette, Jennie Angel , Jer Gregg Leland Grant, Jay Allen, Jordan Stoner, Josh Cottrell

Sunday, OCT 18 - FESTIVAL FINALE AT THE CARIBBEAN CLUB Caribbean Club - MM 104.1 Bayside 2:00-3:30 3:30-5:00 5:00-6:30 6:30-7:30 7:30-9:00 9:00-10:15

Billy Davidson, Lee Sharp, Jordan Stoner, Micah Gardner Logan Tucker, Tana Matz Jay Allen, Jennie Angel, RJ Comer, Jordan James 33 Years Duo Megan Katarina, Tana Matz, Nick Britt, Ryan Robinette J. Hartley, Matt Ferranti, Jer Gregg, Rufio Hooks

Sundowners Restaurant - MM 104 Bayside 5:30-6:30 6:30-7:30 7:30-8:30 8:30-9:30 9:30-11:30

Jennie Angel, Josh Cottrell, Jordan Stoner, Jordan James Tana Matz, Robinson Treacher, Megan Katarina, Casey Raines RJ Comer, Scott Youngberg, Matt Ferranti, J. Hartley Jay Allen, Jer Gregg, Leland Grant, Logan Tucker Gianna Minichiello, Jennie Angel, Nick Britt, Robinson Treacher

Cactus Jack’s - MM 104 Bayside - Jam Session 10pm-12am Jordan James, Rufio Hooks, Logan Tucker, Megan Katarina, Ryan Robinette, J. Hartley and friends

Visit the web for the latest info!

Music Finale & Beach BBQ at the

Sunday Oct. 18 2-10 pm

keylargooriginalmusicfest.com

KEYS BOOKS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

‘ISOLATED ISLAND’

35

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

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

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

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

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

KEY LARGO 102965 Overseas Hwy. | 305.451.2616 Monday thru Friday 9AM-5PM

TAVERNIER 90290 Overseas Hwy. | 305.852.5099 Tuesdays and Thursday 9AM-5PM

www.everyonelovesagentledentist.com

Dr. Sandy M. Brito, D.M.D. Family and General Dentistry

IMPLANT COSMETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY

36

KEYS SPORTS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

CANES PREP FOR SEASON OPENER AT RIVAL MARATHON

A

1 2

3

6

4 JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly 1. Junior quarterback Brian Lesko (3) prepares to take the snap from the center during some offensive practice snaps.

2. Canes Head Coach Alphonso Bryant gives the squad a little pep talk in lead up to the road opener at Marathon.

3. Running back Chris Cooper (4) looks on as the offense takes to the field. Cooper

5 played a key role in the Canes offense last year. He’ll look to carry the load alongside fellow running back Lucas Dennis.

4. Quarterback Brian Lesko rolls out right to make a throw during offensive drills.

5. Coach Herbert James directs his cornerback during one-on-one drills.

6. Quarterback Brian Lesko and linebacker/fullback Dominick Monteagudo are ready for the opener at Marathon.

rivalry will be renewed as the 2020 high school football season kicks off on Friday Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. between the Coral Shores Hurricanes and Marathon Dolphins. Both teams have put in the conditioning and honed their tackling techniques for the past month. The Canes took to the field on Sept. 28 as some 30 players practiced offensive and defensive schemes in preparation for a big matchup. “I think once we get over there and get the nervousness out, we’re going to play a very good ball game,” Canes head coach Alphonso Bryant said. Last year, the Canes defeated the Dolphins at home on Oct. 4, 2019, by a score of 19-13. The Canes return their quarterback, Brian Lesko, and running backs Chris Cooper, who scored a 50-yard touchdown run in the matchup last season, and Lucas Dennis.

For the Dolphins, expect great things from wide receiver and safety Miguel Avena, running back Jimmy Gimeranes, linemen Andrew Lawyer, TJ Hawkins and Malachi Hawkins, and linebacker Jayden Bruland.

“These young men have put all their time and efforts into getting extra time in the weight room, watching film, and running plays.

Not only have their skills grown, but so has the team itself,” said Dolphin coach Mac Childress, noting the team has doubled in size this year with 30 varsity players.

The seating in Marathon’s new stadium has been reduced from more than 1,000 seats to about 300 to allow for social distancing.

Spectators must wear a mask at all times and remain in their seats.

There will be no play area for kids and limited concession sales. The guest team (Coral Shores) can buy two tickets per player. The home team, cheerleaders and band members can purchase four tickets per player/student. MHS’s athletic director said he expects there may be a few left over for purchase by the general public. For more information, call Kevin Freeman 305-289-2480.

— Weekly staff and Clare Merryman contributed to this report

37

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

WE’VE GOT YOU

COVERED

OUR DOCKS ARE OPEN! Come by Boat, Bike, Foot or Car!

OPEN FOR LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK! 11AM – 10PM DAILY VOTED

BEST HAPPY HOUR 11 YEARS IN A ROW! ALSO VOTED

BRAND NEW WIGGINS FORKLIFT ON SITE, RATED FOR 30K LBS

B E S T M A R G A R I TA !

SATURDAY & SUNDAY Regular Menu Available and BRUNCH items including Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses of Champagne 11am - 4pm

SUNDAY NIGHT!

Spaghetti & Meatballs

DAILY SPECIALS

NIGHTLY SPECIALS Monday: BBQ and Brews Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila Wednesday: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) Thursday: Prime Rib Night Saturday: Mini Brunch BOGO Mimosas & Champagne College Football Sunday: FUNDAY BRUNCH, LUNCH & BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Spaghetti & Meatballs Night CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ENTERTAINMENT UPDATES

Happy Hour 4-6pm

STORE YOUR BOAT WITH US! BEST PRICES IN TOWN! NEW COVERED DRY RACK STORAGE FULL SERVICE MARINA CERTIFIED YAMAHA MECHANIC

WHARF

MARINA 305.240.9739 4681 Overseas Highway, Marathon

LIVEIC MUS

We w cook yoilul r catch and lob, sfitsh er.

Please

bri cleaned & ng legal.

www.sparkyslanding.com 305-363-2959 MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Fairfield Inn

38

SEEN AROUND TOWN

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

MARATHON DOMINATES CROSS COUNTRY MEET Marathon High School hosted Key West and Coral Shores schools in their first home cross country meet of the season on Sept. 28.

The Lady Fins’ Rain Banks crossed the finish line blocks ahead of the competition (23:24), and Marathon also claimed the second and third spots. In the boy’s division, Marathon brothers Jonathon and Owen Pitchford placed first (16:33) and third, respectively, with Key West runner Thor Eriksson taking second. The 5k course included a pass of Marathon’s Sombrero Beach turnabout.

To see more local sports photos or purchase copies, visit shadypalmphotography.com. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

39

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

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

Jody & Lynn represented the Sellers of: 6303 Gulf of Mexico Blvd. #303 Marathon, FL 33050

NOW

IS THE TIME TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH BROADWAVE

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Jody Owen 305.923.1902 jodyowen@me.com

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Lynn B. Lucas 305.393.0559 lynn@keyshomehunter.com

TWO MONTHS FREE

INTERNET WHEN YOU SWITCH YOUR BUSINESS TO BROADWAVE

INTERNET | WIFI | PHONES | CAMERAS CALL OR EMAIL TODAY: 305.767.1467 - INFO@BROADWAVE.COM WWW.BROADWAVE.COM

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

Karen represented the Sellers of: 410 10th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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

THIS WEEK’S ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, OCT 1

TIM DEE & JIM HILL 3PM FRIDAY, OCT 2

MAASAI 7:30PM

SATURDAY, OCT 3

STORM FRONT 8PM SUNDAY, OCT 4

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM MONDAY, OCT 5

THE ORIGINAL LADY A DUO 3PM TUESDAY, OCT 6

COUNTRY JAM 7PM

WEDNESDAY, OCT 7

CORY YOUNG 6PM

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

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

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

S o c ia l d is ta n c in g w it h ta b le s 6’ apar t

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

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

40

HOROSCOPE

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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

41

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020 PAID ADVERTORIAL

Islamorada at a Crossroads An open letter to the residents of Islamorada

“OUR MISSION

To Protect the Residents' Right to Quiet Enjoyment of Life To Plan for Enhancing Our Village Character To Preserve Our Community; Its People, Natural Resources, and Pride To Provide Basic Services to Support our Quality of Life” Islamorada, Village of Islands This open letter to the residents of Islamorada highlights some very important matters to consider before you cast your vote in the upcoming election. Typically, all candidates make the same campaign pledges; preserve our quality of life and protect our environment. Four candidates have stated they like the direction of the Village Council and wish to continue on the current path. Unfortunately, it is a direction that contradicts our Village Mission Statement (above).

To understand this, look at the recent major changes that senior village staff members and Council have made to our land development regulations (LDRs). These changes are often hidden in arcane municipal code or written in a manner that requires detailed review to understand their full ramifications. Here are some recent examples, independently validated by land use attorneys: 1. The Council voted to change traffic standards to allow for more residential development (density) in the Village. As the March 22, 2017 Keynoter quoted: “Islamorada has been failing [on a state travel level-of-service index] for several years now,” Assistant County Administrator Christine Hurley said, but noted the Village’s land-use plan adopted a lower standard of traffic flow “so not to have to deny all development in Islamorada.” This action opened the door to increasing density in the Village.

2. On May 7th and July 16, 2020 (Tab 6), Council voted unanimously to approve removing major restrictions on Transferable Development Rights (TDRs). This vote allows adding square footage calculations of submerged lands, wetlands and tidal mangroves to properties, resulting in the expansion of building rights whether it is onsite or transferred off to another site. Further, another simple but major change was made removing the word “vacant” from the definition to where these dwellings can be transferred to. The net effect of this ordinance could allow new residential development of higher density in our residential neighborhoods that could threaten our quality of life.

Councilman Chris Sante “abstained” citing a “conflict” which was never explained. Two Local Planning Agency (LPA) members and candidates for Council, Pete Bacheler and Mark Gregg, voted for these changes at the preceding LPA hearing. Candidate Mark Gregg currently has two properties for sale (Parcel ID#’s 00405350-000000/00405360-000000) that will now have greater value under this ordinance. Other Council members also own property that might be economically advantaged by this ordinance in the future.

When questioned about this new ordinance, one Council member used the word “convoluted” to describe the ordinance and said he didn’t entirely understand it. Other Council Members were similarly confused. He suggested that any questions be directed to Ty Harris, Director of Planning at the Village. It makes one wonder how someone could vote for something they do not understand or if their comments were meant to serve as a diversion. Additionally, this ordinance could exacerbate the purported “takings” issue facing the Village by allowing developers to opt away from building on currently vacant but compliant, buildable lots.

Notably, there was no private applicant for this code change. No one person, company or developer is specifically identified in the submission as having asked for these changes.

The preamble does state “With a growing interest throughout the development community to make use of the off-site transfer of residential density within the Village……..”. Did senior village staffers simply decide to do this on their own or should we speculate they were directed as such to make these changes? What was the motive? Where is the disclosure? The narrative claims changes are needed to clear up ambiguities in the code, but the changes go well beyond that with serious ramifications. The Planning Director can interpret the code as he sees fit which can allow for further overreach. This is troubling because this is a decision that the voters of Islamorada should decide, not a unilateral decision made by senior village staffers and supported by Council members who claim they don’t understand it.

3. On July 16th, 2020 (Tab 3), the Council voted 4-0 to approve the transfer of nine mobile home TDRs to market rate housing intended for use as Vacation rentals. Councilman Jim Mooney recused himself, disclosing he was the realtor on the deal. The vote for this change occurred even though the Planning Department initially informed the applicant in writing that the allocations could only be transferred as affordable housing (see Summary letter dated 12/16/16, written by staffer Brad Stein). It is pure hypocrisy for Village Council and/or senior village staffers to talk about the need for more affordable/workforce housing and then allow a developer to convert legacy workforce housing into vacation rentals.

4. On August 20th, 2020 (Tabs 3 & 4) the Village Council voted unanimously (5-0) against the overwhelming wishes of the residents of the Vacation Villages and Key Heights neighborhoods to rezone a residential lot into a commercial one. The village attorney states that applicants have rights. Shouldn’t the rights of neighborhood residents come first? The applicant for rezoning knowingly purchased residential lots, not commercial lots. The wishes of the residents were dismissed by the Council and candidate Pete Bacheler, who represents the developer in this case and is also a paid land use planner.

These are just recent examples. There are powerful economic drivers behind increasing density in the Village. Highly profitable vacation rentals top the list. Do we, the residents of Islamorada really want more vacation rentals in our neighborhoods, increased traffic and congestion and the further degradation of our environment that comes along with it? Storm evacuations will only be more chaotic and dangerous. More vacation rentals are a threat to our quiet enjoyment of life. Case in point; White Marlin Beach. I have great sympathy for those residents and what they have endured.

Then consider ethics. 2019 Florida Statutes Chapter 112.311 (1-6) clearly forbid members of the Village Council, LPA members or government employees to use public office for personal private gain. Paragraph (3) requires full disclosure which did not happen in the TDR case (point #2 above). Why is the Village Attorney not guiding enforcement of this statute? How is a village staffer supposed to react when asked by a member of Council or a candidate for Council to comply with their requests to change the law or provide a favorable interpretation for their own personal gain? We also have Council members who have intertwined business interests. In my opinion, these situations when not properly disclosed, represent unlawful and unacceptable conflicts of interest.

A few candidates and senior village staffers have suggested that these code changes are necessary to protect the Village from future potential “takings” claims. It is not for these staffers, Council or their clients to set forth a hodge-podge of proposed ordinances that will increase density and commercialization of residential neighborhoods in the name of counteracting a potential, future event. This is especially true when they do so without consideration of other options. This critical issue should be addressed comprehensively and coherently and then put to referendum vote by the RESIDENTS. The number one mission statement is To Protect the Residents' Right to Quiet Enjoyment of Life, something the Council and candidates Bacheler and Gregg seem to have forgotten.

So, when a candidate claims to be in favor of protecting our environment, being “community minded”, “will fight for the residents”, has full faith in the village staff and has the experience to represent us in Village matters, please look closely at their economic interests and their voting record and not hypocritical campaign talking points. And please for the sake of our neighborhoods, consider carefully before voting for candidates that believe the Village is on a proper course.

We need to reform Village politics. If we really want to “To Protect the Residents' Right to Quiet Enjoyment of Life” and “To Preserve Our Community”, please consider voting for someone who will truly act in the interests of the residents, not their own economic interests.

It is our community. Please consider helping defend it with your vote. It is ours to lose.

Sincerely,

John Kocol Dr. Martha Edwards

Upper Matecumbe Key Paid for by John Kocol and Dr. Martha Edwards, independently of any party or political action committee.

42

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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

KEYS EATS

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

thing that I make, I mix it myself, or whip it up here. It’s the freshest you can get.”

Quesada is already dreaming up plans for an expanded dinner menu, but notes that he plans to go slow.

“This is only our third week, only lunch, so I don’t want to get too crazy with it yet,” he said last week.

He notes that the response has been great and that he’s already got regulars coming in. He loves that his sushi will be complementing Bad Boy Burrito’s lunch offerings.

“Everything they do is fresh,” he said of the burrito shack’s food.

“There’s a lady actually back here hand-pressing tortillas. All the juices are fresh to order. This is why I wanted to do business with them.

We offer the same thing: quality.”

Bad Boy Burrito had a second popular Key West location that closed permanently during COVID-19 shutdowns.

Bad Boy Sushi is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bad Boy Burrito at Village Square at the Trading Post. Be sure to check out the daily specials. For more information, email badboysushiislamorada@gmail.com or call 305-509-7782.

Bad Boy Sushi Bad never ever tasted so good TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

A

drian Quesada is no stranger to sushi, to quality or to the Keys.

Quesada, who is Cuban, comes from a family of restaurateurs. His dad and he owned tapas restaurants in Spain, where they previously lived. Fifteen years ago, he came to the Keys and eventually became the manager at Islamorada’s upscale Kaiyo Grill & Sushi Bar. There, he honed his sushi prowess and delivered quality sushi to the people of the Upper Keys.

Then COVID-19 hit, and restaurant capacities were limited.

Quesada, who frequented the cult classic Bad Boy Burrito in Islamorada for lunches, had an idea to make quality sushi like he was accustomed to and to offer it out of the very same burrito shack in Village Square at the Trading Post.

His hope was to make sushi fresh, simple and fast.

“That’s what I do,” Quesada said. “I bring quality to people and they enjoy it. … I like that you can be very artistic about sushi. Get good ingredients and it makes a difference. People notice that good stuff.”

Bad Boy Sushi at Bad Boy Burrito was born, and Quesada has been rocking-and-(sushi)rolling for the last month. The two businesses operate separately, but patrons can order from both.

After a busy lunch, Quesada received a shipment of “20 pounds of the good stuff” from Honolulu Fish Company. He showcased the ono, kanpachi and Tasmanian ocean salmon. The latter, “fatty and delicious,” is one of his favorites.

Quesada brings in fish like these from around the world to ensure high quality and freshness.

43

Adrian Quesada drizzles maple Sriracha over the Vegan Roll. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly

He makes specials with locally-sourced ingredients like tropical star fruit and freshly-speared lionfish. Specials will change weekly, Quesada noted.

His favorite roll to make is the Tuna Lover, a tuna roll filled with fresh mango, avocado, chipotle aioli, a Turkish lime seasoning and topped with more tuna. (We can attest, it is indeed as mind-blowing as it sounds).

Or if you’d like a little fusion in your life, go for the sushi-burrito, filled with fresh fish, amazing sauces and unique flavors.

The sushi chef also has the traditional rolls you would expect for lunch, like the Red Dragon Roll, which is shrimp tempura fresh fried, with cream cheese and avocado, and topped with eel, eel sauce and red tobiko. Or, there’s the Rainbow Roll, which is your normal California Roll topped with the chef’s choice of

Bad Boy Sushi serves up a variety of sushi rolls, dishes and fusion burritos. All are fresh, fast and phenomenal. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

fish. Quesada uses snow crab for his California Roll instead of kani, always in the pursuit of quality and freshness.

Quesada even has a Vegan Roll on the menu which is just as satisfying as its seafood substitutes. It has asparagus, cucumber and a Japanese squash, topped with maple sriracha sauce and nutritional yeast.

“Quality brings people back.

There’s no other way,” he said. “Every-

Megan Matthews, Lester Lara, and Adrian Quesada hold fresh-made rolls from Bad Boy Sushi. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly

44

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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.

45

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS 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

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

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

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

305

NOW HIRING!

Lic## RF11067168

PC 606

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

MARATHON

Brian Tewes

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

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

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

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844 Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

Appliance and Air Conditioning

1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

Sales - Service - Installation

305-998-8953

305-289-1150

• Heavy Equipment • Solar

Your local, residential lending expert!

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

• SINCE 1989 •

296-BLUE

Tewes Mortgage

When It Rains It Pours!

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

305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

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

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Will Campbell President

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

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Lic#SP-3562

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

47

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 Petersen Repair & Maintenance

MARATHON • KEY COLONY OWNERS

START EARNING

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

305 3902315

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

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

Karen Raspe

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

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

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

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

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Excellent References Upon Request

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844 Rachel Sanderson Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

305-394-5530 bnbfishing@comcast.net 3900 Overseas Hwy, Marathon FL 33050

Lic# ENG II 305E

Butch and Barbara Hewlett

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES JARED FRANK

OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

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

48

MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 1, 2020

Leslie

Julpha

Rachel

Victoria