UPPER KEYS WEEKLY 20-1203

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

KAIDEN WEINSTOCK SOPHOMORE The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Coral Shores’ 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 CSHS for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Hurricane Pride,” and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know that I am Jewish. I celebrate Passover and Hanukkah. Even though I don’t look Jewish, or go to a synagogue on Friday night, we still keep the traditions in our family.

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? I can’t just pick one, so my all-time favorite teachers are my kindergarten teacher Ms. Hanson, and my speech and debate teacher, Ms. Meyer. Ms. Hanson is one of my favorite teachers because she always helped me out as a child. She was one of my first teachers and I created a special bond with her. I just loved her as a teacher and will never forget her.

What does “a good education” mean to you? A good education means a lot to me. I am very concerned about my grades and always strive to do my best at all costs. I believe that education is the key to success and that not having a good education should be an option for everyone.

What is the dumbest rule at your school? The best? I think the dumbest rule in our school is that there are only two people allowed to sit at one of the long lunch tables outside. I think that the best rule is to stay in the classroom for two minutes after a fire alarm goes off.

What is something you know now that you didn’t know when you were a freshman? Something I know now that I didn’t know when I was a freshman is that our school is very big on school spirit. I have learned that the more you dress up and participate in events, the more fun you have.

What organizations and activities are you involved with at Coral Shores and why are they important to you? I am on the varsity soccer team, JV football team, and I am a thrower in the field events in track and field. Sports mean a lot to me because they are my favorite thing to do. Being on a team is one of the greatest bonds you can have with people.

What are your plans after high school? I hope to get into the University of Georgia after high school and go into broadcasting or sports writing. I hope to get a job as a host for a sports channel, a sports writer, or go into voice-overs for shows or movies. My ultimate goal is to become a “Tonight Show” host or become well known for what I do.

What do you hope to be remembered for at CSHS? I hope to be remembered as a funny guy who got along with everyone. I would also like to be remembered as a good goalkeeper by the end of my senior year.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? I don’t have much spare time between school and sports, but I like to hang out with my family and friends and practice the current sport I’m playing.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home? Why or why not? I don’t plan on making the Keys my permanent home. I hope to find a job in another state. I am not much of an ocean person; I am more into the mountains and snow. Living in the Keys would also not be a good place to live for the career I would like to be in.

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ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

500

The number of COVID-19 tests Curative has made available to Keys residents per day. Testing is offered now through Dec. 14 at Founders Park in Islamorada for those who want to get tested. It’s an oral-fluid swab, and testing is available by walk-up or appointment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

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Se habla español

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Islamorada council members discuss the Founders Park Pedestrian Bridge project at a Nov. 19 meeting inside the Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

SEEKING BRIDGE TO SOME ANSWERS New council delves into FDOT’S pedestrian project JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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newly-seated council wants information and answers to some questions over the Florida Department of Transportation’s pedestrian bridge project at Founders Park that’s currently in the final design stages.

The dais is specifically seeking costs the village could incur if the village council wanted to halt the project altogether and if FDOT agreed. Costs and information for a potential referendum are also sought by council, as well as FDOT project timetables and communications the former dais had as the project proceeded.

Councilman Henry Rosenthal raised the topic during the village council’s Nov. 19 meeting, which saw the dais, village clerk and village

attorney inside the Founders Park Community Center and the public and village staff viewing online. Rosenthal suggested a referendum, stating that it would apply “much needed transparency with respect to this decision for the people of Islamorada.” In speaking to the elections office, Rosenthal said it would cost $25,000 for a referendum where everyone can vote. It would also take three public hearings before the referendum.

“I think this type of project deserves that type of consideration that everybody should participate whether up or down,” he said. “The transparency of this project deserves that kind of a vote, and I wanted to have some direction to accomplish that.”

Estimated at $4.68 million, the pedestrian bridge project — funded entirely by the state — entered the design phase in May. Relocation of utilities in the bridge’s way commenced last month, and current project timelines show construction-related activities to install concrete piles either by year’s end or early 2021.

Councilman Mark Gregg asked what kind of financial exposure would follow if the village told FDOT to end the bridge project. Gregg said he wouldn’t be supportive of such a move if it resulted in increased taxpayer exposure. While applauding Rosenthal for the inquiry and championing the cause, Gregg said the reality is it’s an FDOT project.

“We’ve all looked at it. We all have our feelings about it. My particular feeling is I don’t want to see the bridge

ON THE COVER Sophia Figueredo, 11, tends to a beehive at her home in Islamorada. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

either,” he said. “But it’s here, it’s voted on and it’s going forward. FDOT is like a battleship when they get going. It’s hard to stop them.”

Rosenthal didn’t have an exact figure over potential cost for ending the project, but he said it would be considerable.

“There’s no question about that,” he said.

The project dates back to 2016 when talks started among Keys municipalities over a mobile pedestrian bridge for safe crossing during large events. It was later found that such a bridge wasn’t feasible. A submission of proposed locations ensued, leading FDOT to choose Founders Park in Islamorada.

In February 2018, council approved the selection of FDOT’s proposed pedestrian bridge crossing over U.S. 1 at Founders Park and maintenance responsibilities for the elevators.

In December 2018, village council was unanimous in supporting a resolution for a design variation to FDOT’s project in order to stamp the village seal on the bridge’s elevator towers.

Costs at the outset were around $2 million. By January 2020, project costs had jumped to $4.4 million. In addition, an expected start date of November 2019 was delayed to move electric and water utilities that were in the way. While FDOT paid to move the

The project dates back to 2016 when talks started among Keys municipalities over a mobile pedestrian bridge for safe crossing during large events. It was later found that such a bridge wasn’t feasible.

A submission of proposed locations ensued, leading FDOT to choose Founders Park in Islamorada.

ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s 180 linear feet of water main, expenses to move Florida Keys Electric Cooperative’s overhead and underground electric utilities were paid by shareholders from Ocean Reef to Marathon.

FKEC said it was able to bring costs for overhead work, originally anticipated anywhere from $250,000 to $300,000, down to between $150,000 and $200,000. Cost estimates for underground work haven’t changed, at $700,000 to $800,000. Work is underway to move those utilities.

“Costs kept escalating and escalating that were dumped on the village ... unanticipated costs from the move that no one talked about,” said Councilman David Webb. “We’re going to have maintenance costs that I haven’t seen.

There’s going to be continuing longterm costs one way or another.”

Village Manager Maria Bassett said the village agreed to maintenance costs associated with the pedestrian bridge’s elevator. That expense is $3,500 a year.

Bassett went on to say it’s “almost financially irresponsible to consider halting the bridge project when there’s so much pressure to look at things from a financial perspective and being careful in what money’s spent on.”

“I would say you’re looking at a lot of money if you’re looking to stop it,” she said.

Village Attorney Roget Bryan said there’s a specific process for citizendriven and council-led referendums.

Bryan emphasized that part of the process is crafting language carefully to ensure the question isn’t misleading. In addition, Bryan said there are several layers to the bridge halt discussion.

“If the ultimate question is do you want this bridge or not, that’s one question. The question of can this project practically be stopped, that’s

another question. How much would it cost to stop the project?” he said.

Rosenthal said he’s had verbal and written communications with FDOT for about a year. He said they’re anticipating the new council may take a different view on the bridge.

“They do know something is in motion and I told them that a long time ago,” he said.

Former councilwoman Deb Gillis took to the podium following a lengthy discussion by the dais to tell them that many public meetings and comments were had throughout the state’s bridge project process. A couple citizen-driven referendum efforts occurred in that time, but they never received enough signatures, she said.

“It’s not my favorite project either, but it is the path that was voted on,” Gillis said. “If you bring it forward, understand that we did have public input on this. It just wasn’t a council decision.”

Bridge construction isn’t the only facet of FDOT’s pedestrian bridge project. Realigning the Florida Keys Overseas Highway Trail, widening the shoulders and constructing wall barriers will also take place. Concrete sidewalk will be installed along Old Highway, as there’s no pedestrian connection from the bridge site to Treasure Village Montessori. Chevron pavement markings will be added to replace plastic poles on Old Highway between East Ridge Drive and South Drive.

Council is set to meet for a virtual meeting Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. More information on the bridge project is at fdot.gov (search for Founders Park Pedestrian Bridge) or at islamorada. fl.us (click “more news”).

A rendition of the Founders Park Pedestrian Bridge in Islamorada. The FDOT project totals $4.68 million. CONTRIBUTED

A LASTING LEGACY Plaque inside fire station honors former vice mayor, DEA agent

Mike Forster, former village mayor, presents a plaque in memory of Ken Davis, former Islamorada vice mayor, with Charlotte Davis, Ken’s wife, during council’s Nov. 19 meeting. Also pictured are former council members Jim Mooney, Deb Gillis and Chris Sante. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

O

n the wall inside Islamorada’s Emergency Operations Center at Fire Station 20 hangs a plaque honoring the life and legacy of a former councilman many viewed to be a larger-than-life kind of guy.

Former Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster took to the podium during the village council’s Nov. 19 meeting holding the plaque with the late Ken Davis’ picture and a brief summary of his accomplishments and influence locally. Surrounded by former council members and Ken’s wife, Charlotte Porter Davis, Forster took a moment to read what first responders and emergency personnel will view upon entering the fire station.

Serving as the vice mayor this year to his passing on Sept.

12, Davis dedicated his life to public service, first as a U.S. Coast Guard as an intelligence member and then as an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Following his 22 years with the DEA, he retired and went to Baghdad as a private contractor charged with coordinating counter intelligence efforts.

For his time in Iraq, he received the Joint Service Civilians Commendation medal and Civilian Global War on Terrorism medal from the U.S. Army.

Elected in 2018, Davis possessed an immense appreciation for Islamorada Fire Rescue for the life-saving care he received upon suffering an aortic dissection on Sept. 19, 2019. He was rushed from the Keys to the hospital, underwent successful surgery and managed to recover despite the low odds among those who have a ruptured aortic valve. Davis wasn’t away from the dais for long, returning for the Oct. 10, 2019 meeting and thanking Islamorada’s first responders for saving his life.

Davis was selected as Islamorada’s vice mayor during the 2020 session. He was running for reelection to seat 4 before passing away from heart failure and a massive stroke.

During council’s Oct. 8 meeting, Forster proposed posting a plaque inside the station in Davis’ honor. The idea was met with unanimous support from the dais.

The Davis family is arranging services for a later date.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

ACTIVE STORM SEASON SPARES FLORIDA KEYS KEY WESTERS BURN HURRICANE FLAG ON NOV. 30

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

CONGRESSMAN-ELECT POSITIVE FOR COVID GIMENEZ, WIFE REPORTEDLY IN ‘GOOD CONDITION’

The annual burning of the red and black hurricane warning flag in Key West signals the end of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season on Nov. 30. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

F

rom Arthur to Iota, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season came to an end on Nov. 30 after setting a record for the most named storms in a season.

In keeping with tradition, a contingent of Key West residents gathered Nov. 30 to burn the redand-black hurricane warning flag.

Dr. Jack Norris, who has been a critical voice and caretaker amid the city’s COVID pandemic, did the honors by dousing the flag with locally made rum from Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery.

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard were present for the ceremony that took place next to the historic USCGC Ingham museum.

The lighthearted Conch Republic Navy also presided over the ritual.

The 30 tropical storms and hurricanes used all 20 names on the World Meteorological Organization’s alphabetical list — from Tropical Storm Arthur in May to Tropical Storm Vicky in September.

After that, the storms were named for the letters of the Greek alphabet.

A record-setting 12 named storms, including six hurricanes, made landfall in the United States, with Louisiana suffering five hits.

Despite devastation in the United States, Caribbean and Central America, the relentless storm season largely spared the Florida Keys, where Tropical Storm Eta toppled trees and billboards in the Upper Keys, but left homes and businesses intact. None of the storms prompted evacuations from the island chain.

“One reason this season was so active is La Niña, a weather pattern caused by the interaction of the ocean and atmosphere in the Pacific,” reports NPR. “Michael Mann, an atmospheric scientist at Pennsylvania State University, says another important factor — ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico — set new records this year. Mann says, ‘What we have this year is sort of a perfect storm, no pun intended, of very warm ocean waters and a La Niña pattern that reduces vertical wind shear, creating yet a more favorable environment for these storms to form.’

“Scientists say climate change is making hurricanes stronger, wetter and more damaging. A recent study published in Nature says because they are carrying more moisture, hurricanes are also keeping their strength longer after they make landfall, causing more damage from winds and flooding.”

Congressman-elect Carlos Gimenez and wife Lourdes have tested positive for COVID-19. CONTRIBUTED

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ongressman-elect Carlos Gimenez and his wife, Lourdes, tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 26 after experiencing mild symptoms. The announcement came the afternoon of Nov. 26, and the two are self-isolating, following the advice of medical professionals and CDC guidelines.

The former Miami-Dade mayor, who beat Democrat U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in the November election to represent the Keys and Miami-Dade in Washington, D.C., said Lourdes and he are feeling good and “experiencing no symptoms at this time.”

“I will continue attending New Member Orientation virtually and preparing our office to serve the people of Florida’s 26th Congressional District from Westchester to Key West until I can resume my normal schedule,” the congressman said. “I am extremely grateful for all of the incredible health care workers who are tirelessly dedicated to their patients.”

BUSINESS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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A Place for everything

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Coco Plum Place has ‘something for everyone’ TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

“I

hope that people come in and feel welcome.”

That’s what Lyndsey Ritz says about her Bali-inspired, cafe-retail boutique-juice bar, Coco Plum Place.

For 12 years, Ritz owned and ran Midway Cafe in Islamorada. After selling, she made healthy juices while waiting to find the perfect property to create something new. She bought a house behind the old Pink Junktique in Key Largo and thought to herself how perfect it would be if she could walk to work.

On a whim, Ritz asked if the owner of the consignment shop would sell.

Before she knew it, she had purchased the iconic building, set off on seven months of renovations and began forming the concept of what would eventually become Coco Plum Place.

That was two years ago, and Ritz notes that the local reception has been fantastic since day one.

“I feel like Key Largo was waiting to have something like this,” she told the Weekly. “There really isn't anything like this. We have some coffee shops and some smoothie places but not all that along with retail, while keeping everything healthy, welcoming and fun. So, we fit a niche, which is good.”

The mission of Coco Plum Place states that health and happiness are choices, so every item served or sold is intended to enhance customers’ health and happiness. Recyclable, sustainable and/or renewable materials are used everywhere possible, from natural reed straws to coconut husk bowls for the smoothie bowls, a local favorite.

Ingredients, too, tend to be harder to find, higher quality and traditionally prepared for optimal enjoyment.

“This is important in my business,” Ritz said. “I could have healthy foods that are animal products or products that aren’t as good for the earth and have a larger clientele and profit but that doesn't fit with my values for this business.”

In the retail space, Ritz lets herself have a little fun, with heavy Bali influ-

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ences from when she travels to the exotic getaway each year and some “slightly inappropriate but really fun” options, such as shirts emblazoned with “Be the change you wish to see up in this bitch” and coffee cups that exclaim, “Shuh Da Fuh Cup.” Ritz confessed, “One of my few talents in life is that I am a really good shopper. If I can’t come into my store and get a laugh, I don't want to sell it.

We all need to laugh, especially now!”

Nothing is malicious, and the wares have done very well in her shop.

Other offerings include clothing, clean beauty (no animal testing), furniture and jewelry. The Balinese company she works with empowers local women by teaching them a craft. Nashville products help a group of moms earn a living while they’re home with kids.

One line of products helps to combat human trafficking. Everything has a health, social, or economic benefit tied into the products.

Food- and drink-wise, there’s a little of everything. It’s simple foods, mostly vegan. Teas, coffees and coldpressed juices that promote immunity, muscle repair, energy, and detox are

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1. The Everyday Energizer juice and the Bali Daze Bowl are favorites for a colorful, healthy breakfast or snack.

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 2. Lyndsey Ritz stocks her retail store with quality, quirky items. CONTRIBUTED 3. Whole wheat toast topped with fresh avocado mixed with garlic aioli and topped with tomatoes, sprouts and spicy seeds.

4. Nicole Taylor, Lyndsey Ritz and Chelsea Basilius whip up coffees, smoothies, vegetarian delights, and more at Coco Plum Place.

available. Jackfruit and tempeh lunch wraps or black bean burgers satisfy hungry appetites. Açai and other superfood smoothie bowls are made without artificial syrups or purees, and fresh pastries and avocado toasts round out the menu.

Ritz has many customers who come in wanting to get healthy or lose weight. They feel self-conscious to ask for healthier or vegetarian and vegan options at restaurants, so it’s of the utmost importance to the owner that her offerings are all-inclusive (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. are all available), healthy and delicious.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

BRIEFLY

Former state representative Holly Raschein accepted a position as director of government relations with AshBritt Environmental.

She officially began her new job on Dec. 1. CONTRIBUTED

RASCHEIN STARTS NEW JOB AS ASHBRITT ENVIRONMENTAL’S GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR

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ormer state Rep. Holly Raschein started a new job in the private sector on Dec. 1, as AshBritt Environmental named her the new director of government relations.

In her new position, Raschein will lead the top rapidresponse disaster company’s policy objectives at the local, state and federal levels. Elected to the Florida House in 2012, Raschein termed out after serving eight years representing the Keys and parts of south Miami-Dade in Tallahassee.

“AshBritt Environmental is excited to welcome a leader of Holly’s caliber and expertise to the AshBritt team,” said CEO Brittany Perkins Castillo. “Holly’s leadership, including during Hurricane Irma, commitment to community members, and her passion for protecting and preserving the environment aligns with our company’s mission to help communities recover after a disaster. With Holly’s knowledge and impressive government experience, tremendous opportunity lies ahead.”

Raschein earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University, the first member of her family to go to college. She earned a master’s in public administration from Florida International University in Miami.

During her tenure in the legislature, Raschein made environmental issues a priority and championed legislation like the Florida Keys Stewardship Act to protect Florida’s ecosystem and natural resources. Among her service on several key committees, Raschein served as chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriation Subcommittee and chair of the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee.

In 2017, Raschein personally coordinated state and local emergency response, cleanup and restoration in the wake of Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm.

“I have long been a fan of the work AshBritt Environmental does in Florida and across the country,” Raschein said. “The company’s track record in environmental services and disaster recovery is unparalleled in the industry, and I look forward to working alongside this talented leadership team.”

— Contributed

Sheriff Ramsay this year’s boat parade marshal The Key Largo Boat Parade, set for Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. on Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound welcomes Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay as parade marshal.

The Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club is putting on the holiday boat parade for the second year in a row. The theme of this year’s parade is Pirates of the Keys. Illuminated boats ranging up to 55 feet, as well as kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats and other vessels will traverse the waters of Blackwater Sound to kick off this holiday tradition.

“We’re thrilled to have boats already signed up for this exciting and safe holiday event on the water,” said Lisa Feliciano, club president. “And we’re elated to have Sheriff Ramsay joining us as boats light up the nighttime waters.”

The parade is taking into consideration the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and taking appropriate measures. There will be no in-person captains’ meeting. Instead, the meeting will be conducted virtually.

The best public viewing locations for the parade include the Marriott Resort, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill and Sundowners Restaurant. Venues will be responsible for social distancing and other measures to keep the public safe.

The parade is a fundraiser for the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club Foundation, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to identify and support the needs of the elderly through service projects that create lasting, positive changes in our community.

The club received its charter in July 2019 and has around 35 members.

For more information and to stay updated on all the latest developments, visit Key Largo Boat Parade’s Facebook page or keylargoboatparade. com. Those looking to sponsor or participate in the event can call Feliciano at 305-766-0643 or Jim McCarthy, president-elect, at 305-850-8034.

Marine Sanctuary seeks advisory council applicants Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is actively recruiting for 13 seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in the management of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is accepting applications for members and alternates representing the following seats: citizen at large – Lower Keys (member and alternate); citizen at large – Middle Keys (member and alternate); conservation and environment, Seat 1 of 2 (member and alternate); diving – Lower Keys (member and alternate); diving – Upper Keys (alternate); education and

outreach (member); fishing – charter flats (member); fishing – commercial; and marine life/ tropical (member and alternate).

Applications are due by Feb. 20, 2021. Application kit are at https:// floridakeys.noaa.gov/sac/recruitment. html. More information is available from Nicole.Uibel@noaa.gov.

Keyswatch Residential Services earns accreditation Keyswatch Residential Services has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the fourth year. The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org). Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence.

Since moving to the Florida Keys more than 20 years ago from Wisconsin, owners Michael and Zofia Klimpl have made many friends who are parttime residents. Over the years, they heard stories of issues and unpleasant incidents people experienced while their homes were vacant. The two discovered that there was a need for a reliable, trustworthy service to keep an eye on these properties and to give the owners peace of mind that their homes are safe and that everything is functioning properly and in good repair while the homeowners are away. That’s why they decided to start Keyswatch Residential Services.

Zofia was born and educated in Krakow, Poland. She has been managing private, part-time owners’ residences since moving to the Keys.

Michael is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from Nene College in Northhampton, England, in the field of leather technology. He is a secondgeneration tanner who worked in the American leather industry as a plant manager, technical manager and, later, as a technical sales representative for a specialty chemical and dye company for almost 20 years. The leather industry has since migrated out of the U.S., forcing him to make a change.

He moved to the Keys in 1999 and was general manager for a successful 12,000-square-foot retail business.

Keyswatch Residential Services serves Ocean Reef to Lower Matacumbe. More information is at www.

KeyswatchRS.com.

MONROE COUNTY

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

HELP WITH THE RENT/MORTGAGE M DEADLINE TO SPEND THE MONEY IS LOOMING

onroe County received $13 million in CARES Act funds. Part of it — $1.43 million — is to help Keys residents with rent and mortgage payments missed due to pandemic-caused unemployment.

Right now, county staff is racing the clock to get it all spent — properly. The funds must be spent by the end of the year, and local officials need time to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s before the checks can be cut.

The good news is that eligibility is easy to meet — tenants or mortgage holders must fall under the median income range, or a single person making $84,600 or less and be able to demonstrate a hardship caused by the pandemic. Furthermore, anyone who qualifies can get his or her rent or mortgage paid in full for 10 months (March through December).

According to Social Services Director Sheryl Graham, 312 Keys households have applied and 143 households are in various stages of pending approval. So far, 100 households have received assistance in Monroe County, according to Graham.

“We are extremely hopeful we will be able to serve all who are eligible,” said Graham.

The delay is an outgrowth of the twopart application process. Mortgage holders or renters must provide at least seven different types of documentation ranging from income to leases, and then landlords or banks must agree to, and apply, to become “vendors” on record with the county. Checks are cut directly to the banks or landlords, in full, for the 10 months. Social Services staff is handling the applications and the Clerk of the Courts staff is auditing the applications and issuing the funds.

“The documentation required … it’s voluminous,” said Lisa Tennyson, the county’s legislative affairs director.

Monroe County was one of the last areas to receive the CARES Act funding for rent and mortgage expenses, and applications weren’t issued until August. It took another month to work out the details with the Clerk’s office on what type of documentation was required and checks began being issued in late September.

“We are doing absolutely everything we can to get this money spent before the deadline of Dec. 30, 2020,” said Graham.

“One file can take weeks or even months to verify and finalize, so we have scores of files pending eligibility, waiting on documentation from applicants, banks, landlords, employers, former employers, etc.”

Graham said the county has asked whether the deadline to spend the money will be extended and the answer is “extremely unlikely.”

“The U.S. Treasury is who would have to extend the deadline and so far we have been advised that there is no indication an extension will occur. We are moving at the most feverish speed we can,” she said.

••••• Spending other CARES Act funds is going a little more smoothly. So far, the county has issued $2 million in business assistance in Monroe County, and recently issued a call for non-profits to apply for $1 million in assistance.

The county has also issued a first round of $350,000 to a handful of Keys food pantries.

“And that amount can be replenished as it is drawn down,” said Tennyson.

Both Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Keys Energy Services have worked with the county to identify residential and commercial clients who owe money due to hardships caused by the pandemic, lockdown and quarantine. About $400,000 of Cares Act funds have gone to erase those debts.

“The utilities assess their own customers and we get a list. We cut them one check, and they retire the accounts in arrears,” Tennyson said. “Their customers are incredibly happy, and so are we.”

Local municipalities are also applying to the state for portions of the CARES Act funding to recoup costs associated with the pandemic.

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10

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

REVITALIZING THE REEF

A $5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and NOAA will kickstart massive reef restoration efforts at Eastern Dry Rocks, a reef off Key West and one of seven iconic reefs located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The money, awarded to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, will allow local partners Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) to work with NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation and the Sanctuary to undertake unprecedented ecosystem-scale reef restoration.

“One of the most vital ecosystems in the world are coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea,” said Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby. “Florida’s coral reef not only provides the foundation for immense biodiversity, critical ecosystem services and Mother Nature’s shoreline protection for our communities, but also supports over 70,000 jobs in the Florida Keys.”

He added, “Unfortunately, this vital ecosystem is slipping into functional extinction before our eyes.” This is where the groundbreaking project hopes to create real change for the reef.

Restoration will occur in several stages: professional divers and community stewards will help clear nuisance species and debris to prepare and maintain the restoration site for new corals. More than 60,000 staghorn and elkhorn corals will be outplanted and the partners will monitor the success of the project and the benefits to the coastal ecosystem.

The hope is that the comprehensive project will strengthen coastal resilience, revitalize critical fish and wildlife habitat and engage the community as part of NOAA’s Mission: Iconic Reefs.

The Iconic Reefs initiative plans to restore nearly 3 million square feet (roughly 52 football fields) of the Florida Reef Tract and is one of the largest strategies ever proposed for coral restoration.

When NOAA announced its ambitious restoration plan in December 2019, proposed restoration actions

$5 million grant for coral restoration

totaled almost $100 million. Sanctuary Superintendent Sarah Fangman said that at the time, no one had yet written a check but that agencies and officials were working to bring resources. With the new grant, concrete funding is in place to kickstart real work to restore the reefs.

"The iconic reefs of the Florida Keys, including Eastern Dry Rocks, are the basis for thriving ecosystems underwater and the critical tourism economy on dry land. But they remain under severe threat,” said Allison Alexander, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation vice president. “This project will transform how we address coral reef degradation and engage communities in stewarding our ocean.”

Each local partner will leverage its expertise to maximize results.

Crosby noted that Mote’s role as a core partner in Mission Iconic Reefs is to integrate the significant knowledge and expertise of innovative resilient restoration science with the important assets of its partners. CRF will provide over 35,000 corals for the effort.

“With this funding, as part of the ‘Mission: Iconic Reefs’ initiative, Coral Restoration Foundation will be able to contribute at least 15,000 staghorn and 20,000 elkhorn corals to this collaborative restoration effort at Eastern Dry Rocks off Key West,” said Jessica Levy, CRF restoration program man-

ager. “This will be our biggest restoration push in the Lower Keys, and an incredible boost to the biodiversity of the area.”

In 2019, the Foundation released a study showing that economic activity generated in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is responsible for contributing $4.4 billion and 43,000 jobs across Florida.

Coral reefs are also effective in mitigating coastal hazard risks and increasing coastal resilience. They provide substantial protection against coastal storms and storm surges by reducing wave energy by an average of 97 percent, the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation found. The structural complexity of coral reefs plays a crucial role in dissipating wave energy and protecting coastlines. With its proximity to Key West, the most populous community in Monroe County, the reef at Eastern Dry Rocks provides a natural defense from coastal storms and storm surges.

“This grant signals a turning point for reef restoration; it is a hugely significant contribution to the ‘Mission: Iconic Reefs’ effort,” said CRF CEO Scott Winters. “We see this as the beginning of an era of focused cooperation around reef restoration. And it is happening not a moment too soon.”

An ocean-based coral nursery operated by the Coral Restoration Foundation in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary grows species like staghorn coral for transplanting back to local reefs. CORAL RESTORATION FOUNDATION/Contributed

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

COLLEGE EXTENDS TUITION DEADLINE SCHOOL OFFICIALS UNDERSTAND STUDENTS’ FINANCIAL STRESS

The College of the Florida Keys has extended its tuition payment deadline from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4, allowing financially stressed students to wait until after the holidays to finalize tuition payments. CONTRIBUTED

R

ecognizing the serious financial challenges facing many students, The College of the Florida Keys has extended its deadline for spring tuition and fees from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4.

The additional time will allow students time to formalize their academic plans by registering for spring classes without having to pay their bill until after the holidays. Applications to begin classes in the spring semester are due on Dec. 7 and classes begin Jan. 4.

In addition to the tuition deadline extension, CFK offers multiple resources and services to help students pay for school, including financial aid, interestfree payment plans, scholarships, and military and veteran assistance programs. Information about these resources is available in the “Paying for

College” section prominently displayed in the main menu of the College’s website at CFK. edu.

Prospective students can receive personal assistance through the application process as well as a $100 Kick-Starter Scholarship by participating in a “Fast Track to Spring” virtual meeting, scheduled through Friday, Dec. 4.

Appointments can be reserved through the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/ fast-track-to-spring/ and are available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

For more information about the opportunities available at CFK, visit cfk.edu or contact Marissa Owens at recruiter@cfk.edu or call 305809-3207.

— Contributed

MYSTERY WRITER TO SPEAK AT ISLAMORADA LIBRARY’S ZOOM EVENT

I

slamorada Library has announced that Lucy Burdette, the nom de plume of mystery writer Roberta Isleib, will be speaking live on Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m.

Her topics will include her Key West Food Critic mystery series, how she started writing mysteries, where ideas come from, and the benefits and perils of writing a series.

Then she will open the room to a live Q&A. Her books are available at Monroe County Public Libraries, but for signed copies, patrons can order from the independent sellers Key West Island Books as well as Books & Books in Key West.

Information on the Zoom session is available via email to caria-charlotte@monroecountyfl.gov.

Clinical psychologist Lucy Burdette (a.k.a. Roberta Isleib) has published 18 mysteries, including the latest in the Key West food critic series, “The Key Lime Crime.”

Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She's a past president of Sisters in Crime.

According to the author, the work of the detective in a mystery has a lot in common with longClinical psychologist Lucy term psychotherapy: Start with Burdette (a.k.a. Roberta a problem, follow the threads Isleib) has published 18 looking for clues, and gradually fill mysteries, including the in the big picture. So this career latest in the Key West food critic series, ‘The Key move from psychologist to mysLime Crime.’ CONTRIBtery writer turned out to be a natuUTED ral progression. Like her food critic character in the Key West series, she is also passionate about food.

She lives with her husband John in Key West and Connecticut.

About ‘The Key Lime Crime’ With her intimidating new mother-in-law bearing down on the island and a fierce rivalry between Key lime pie bakers to referee, food critic Hayley Snow is feeling anything but festive.

It’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s and Key West is bursting at the seams with holiday events and hordes of tourists. Adding to the chaos, Key lime pie aficionado David Sloan has persuaded the city to host his Key Lime pie extravaganza and contest. Hayley Snow can’t escape the madness because her bosses at Key Zest magazine have assigned her to cover the event. Every pie purveyor in Key West is determined to claim the Key lime spotlight — and win the coveted Key Lime Key to the City.

Another recipe for disaster — Hayley’s hubby, police detective Nathan Bransford, announces that his mother will be making a surprise visit. Newlywed Hayley must play the dutiful daughter-in-law, so she and her pal Miss Gloria offer to escort his mom on the iconic Conch Train Tour of the island's holiday lights. But it's not all glittering palm trees and fantastic flamingos — the unlikely trio finds a real body stashed in one of the elaborate displays. And the victim is no stranger: Hayley recognizes the controversial new pastry chef from Au Citron Vert, a frontrunner in Sloan’s contest.

Hayley must not only find who’s removed the chef from the contest kitchen, she's also got to handle a too-curious mother-in-law who seems to be cooking up trouble of her own.

— Contributed

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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LOCAL CLINIC BRINGS ON MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Pictured from bottom left are Nicole Rowney, Sher Dunlap, Tiffany Sistrunk and Liz Giguere. Pictured from back right are Nikki Dudley, Theresa Worden, Lupe Ornelas, Naomi Ornelas, Rosie Sanchez, Laura Berni and Michael Carlisle. Not pictured are Ginny Cone, Zaneta Wylazlowska, Cynthia Delgado, Daianna Ornelas, Emile Doharty, Frank Reiner and Jeannie Coleman. CONTRIBUTED

MARINERS HOSPITAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT EARNS SILVER BEACON AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

T

he American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently awarded a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Mariners Hospital.

The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six healthy work environment standards. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with a gold, silver or bronze designation meet national criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

“Our dedicated team is always focused on patient care and safety,” said Rosie Sanchez, director of the Mariners Hospital Intensive Care Unit. “Receiving this award is an immense honor, and we are so proud of everyone who works in our intensive care unit.”

AACN President Elizabeth Bridges praised the commitment of the caregivers in the hospital’s ICU for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence.

“Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution,” Bridges said. “Achieving this award is such an honor and brings such joy to those who have worked so hard to achieve excellence in patient care and positive patient outcomes.”

The silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence signifies an effective approach to policies, procedures and processes that includes engagement of staff and key stakeholders. The Mariners Hospital ICU has evaluation and improvement strategies in place and good performance measures when compared to relevant benchmarks.

The unit earned its silver award by meeting the following evidencebased Beacon Award for Excellence criteria: leadership structures and systems; appropriate staffing and staff engagement; effective communication, knowledge management and learning and development; evidence-based practice and processes and outcome measurement.

— Contributed

A

recent tragedy involving an Upper Keys family and ongoing pandemic stress felt by many were among the major factors for one local woman’s decision in returning to provide mental health counseling.

Pamela Molinaro knew she could counsel those during hardship, whether it be loneliness from not seeing loved ones in some time due to the coronavirus pandemic or stress juggling work and kids at home. She runs Kitchen and Bath Specialists in Islamorada on a full-time basis, but she’s now setting aside time to talk face-toface with clients needing mental health treatment at the Good Health Clinic in Tavernier.

Molinaro has spent six years as a counselor, with two years in Japan, two years working with the mentally ill at a community center in New York City and two years in the Keys. She moved to the Keys in 2018 with her husband, Joe, who grew up on the islands. Molinaro said she felt compelled to use her counseling abilities after a May 7 incident when 17-year-old Daniel Weisberger fatally stabbed his 14-year-old brother, Pascal, and critically wounded his father, Ariel Poholek.

“It hit me on so many levels,” Molinaro said. “Like anybody else who helps people, whether it be a therapist or psychologist, you want to help people and want to be there in case they’re struggling. And when they are struggling they should know everybody struggles. It doesn’t have to be alone.”

Molinaro reached out to Good Health Clinic and Kate Banick, executive director, in August to talk about potentially adding mental health counseling to the long list of services offered. Banick said the clinic has wanted counseling and mental health treatment for quite some time. It just so happened that it came down to meeting the right partner at a time when “we needed it the most.”

“For our patients here, to have it here in the clinic, it’s been a great pilot program,” Banick said.

While Molinaro provides in-person sessions at GHC, she also provides services via Zoom for people who aren’t comfortable coming into the clinic.

So far, Molinaro said, no one’s turned down a visit to meet with her at the

clinic.

“It goes handin-hand with anxiety and depression because there’s this isolation that comes in with that,” she said. “To actually see somebody, even though you're only Pamela Molinaro is a mental health seeing me from the counselor who’s top of my nose to my forehead, you’re still providing appointments both face-to-face and it’s face-to-face and helpful. It’s a good virtual at Good thing.”

Health Clinic.

Molinaro said CONTRIBUTED she’s helping some people in their 20s and a number from their 50s to their 70s who are dealing with problems and stress. Molinaro said the pandemic is hitting everybody differently.

“I happen to think for younger generations in grade school, the ones who are learning how to read and comprehend what they read, they’re missing out academically,” she said. “I think older people who have fear of keeping themselves healthy, and now they have these unknown things that loom, I think that becomes a real concern for them. And that kind of stress doesn’t help anything.”

Molinaro said parents are not only having to deal with work, but also maintaining a household with their children now home more than ever due to the pandemic. For teachers, they’re not only teaching but also sending texts to parents whose kids haven’t shown up to class online or didn’t turn in assignments.

“It’s a whole new level of stress on them, and some have their own children to deal with,” she said.

One of the positive aspects of living in the Keys that Molinaro notes is community. Those who need help usually will receive what they need if they speak up, but Molinaro said some are afraid to do so.

“That’s what I try to be out there for … the people who are drowning,” she said.

Good Health Clinic is a health care center with locations in Tavernier and Marathon. Services are provided to Florida Keys residents who meet eligibility requirements. For more information on GHC’s mental health counseling, call 305-853-1788. More information on GHC at thegoodhealthclinic.org.

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KEYS HOLIDAYS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

S

elfies are here to stay; everyone wants that perfect family portrait and how the hell do you get a good smartphone photo of nighttime Christmas lights or the sparkling family tree?

3 HOLIDAY PHOTO TIPS FROM KEY WEST PHOTOGRAPHER MARK HEDDEN “The great Robert Capa once said, ‘If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough.’ Of course, Capa was a famous war photographer and he was talking about fearlessly leaping into action while bullets were flying overhead, but the principle applies for holiday photos, too. Worry more about your subject (the foreground) than the background.

“On-phone camera flash: The big lie. Never use the flash on your phone – unless you’re going for that caught-onthe-ATM-security-camera look. No one and no thing looks good lit by the flash on your phone. If you need more light, drag a floor lamp closer to your subject.

Use an extension cord. Save yourself the emotional turmoil of a horrible photo.

“If you’re trying to take a holiday pet photo, you have to be quick. There are some great canine and feline models out there who understand what their job is, but they probably don’t live in your house. They’re going to knock the antlers off their head or move out of the carefully crafted lighting scenario in about two seconds. It really helps to have at least two people – one pet wrangler, and one photographer. Pro tip: If you’re trying to get a dog to look at the camera, hold a dog bone right above it. They may be in it for the snack, but there's a chance it will look like they are staring adoringly at the lens.”

The Keys Weekly asked local pros for some tips for better holiday photos this season. We thank them for sharing their expertise with us mere mortals….

2 HOLIDAY TIPS FROM MARATHON PHOTOGRAPHER BARRY GAUKEL “If you’re taking a photo of a big group of people, use the ‘four second’ rule. Explain to the group that they are going to close their eyes and on the count of three open them, and on the count of four the camera will snap. That way, everyone is photographed with their eyes open, and looking at the camera. Also, with a large group of people, it’s helpful to have a liaison — that one person who knows everyone in the group and can organize them for the camera. It’s like herding cats, sometimes.

“Posed photos are great, but I also like to take candid photos as well. The best shots are the candid ones, especially with kids and older folks who tend to force a smile that doesn’t look good. A photo of a kid with great-grandma, and they are having some type of interaction, those are priceless ones and everyone wants a copy.”

3 TIPS FROM UPPER KEYS PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID GROSS “When’s the best time to shoot? Dusk.

Before it gets completely dark. Start your adventure a little before sunset.

The sharpest images will be achieved using a tripod. If you do not want to use a tripod, try to stabilize your arm.

“Night mode is the key to great shots at night. For Android: Activate the camera.

Scroll to “More” and select. Night mode is on the menu of options. For iPhone: Tap the arrow at the middle-top of the screen after you turn on the camera. At the bottom of the screen are some options.

The halfmoon is the one you want. Tap it.

The word “night” will appear at the lower right side. Night mode automatically turns on when the camera detects a low-light environment. The night mode icon at the top of the display turns yellow when the feature is active. Depending on how dark the scene is, your iPhone might take a night mode photo quickly, or it might take several seconds. You can also adjust your exposure setting.

Make sure that the flash is turned OFF. You are now ready to take some pictures. It’s OK to experiment. Get close.

Move back. Shoot across the highway as cars are passing by.”

15

Shop Islamorada for the Holidays SPECIAL EXTENDED HOURS UNTIL 6:30 PM

Tuesdays, December 1, 8, 15, & 22 Freebee Transportation • Hospitality • Friends • Shopping

Join Us! SHOP ANY TIME YOU WANT TO!

Three lucky winners every week Get your ticket, then stop at every shop listed to collect their mark.

Fill out the back and turn in your ticket to any participating shop on Tuesday night before 6:30pm for your chance to win: 1st prize a $125 shopping spree; 2nd prize $100 in gift cards; 3rd prize $75 in gift cards. New winners each week; limit one prize per person.

For more info, call the Chamber at 305-664-4503

App: Ride Freebee

Completed tickets can also be dropped off at the Chamber Office at any time.

CONTACT US ABOUT HOSTING YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY GREAT GIFTS FOR THE WINE LOVER IN YOUR LIFE HALF BOTTLE STOCKING STUFFERS GIFT BASKETS GIFT CERTIFICATES FINE WINES AND MUCH MORE MON, THURS & FRI 4P-10P SAT 12P-10P/SUN BRUNCH 10A-4P (CLOSED TUES/WED) 80925 Overseas Hwy Unit #3 Islamorada 305.923.1317

KNOW YOUR WATER

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

PRESERVE PROTECT DELIVER

WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM

The Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source water for the Florida Keys, is located in a protected pine rockland near Everglades National Park.

The remarkably high-quality source water meets and surpasses all regulatory standards prior to treatment.

LEARN MORE AT

FKAA.COM

305.296.2454

16

GIFT GUIDE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

FOR THE

For the next few weeks, the Keys Weekly will feature a local gift guide (plus some irresistible online finds) for the purposes of making the holidays simple and bright. This page is devoted to the person who wants to close 2020 with a leisurely, yet stylish afternoon or evening of entertaining.

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6 1. A FEW WORDS ON BOOZE…

4. GLASS HALF FULL

2. PERMANENTLY TIRED MUG AND SOCKS

5. GET WILD

‘Modern Medicinal Cocktails’ book $37.50; ‘How to Drink’ book $16.95; Tequila Mockingbird kit $9.99. Truth Serum & Hooch decanters $12.99.

BOOKS & BOOKS, Key West.

The perfect combo for the always tired individual who loves a pair of comfy socks. KEY LARGO FLOWERS & GIFTS, Key Largo. $18.75

3. FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE

A stunning — and functional — conversation piece, this eye-catching wine rack also holds an entire case of wine — 12 bottles. It’s made from tamarind wood and polished to a high shine.

FAST BUCKS AT HOME, Key West. $395

Keep the coast close with assorted etched wine glasses from. They come in traditional and stemless styles, featuring palm trees, sand dollars and other coastal souvenirs. FAST BUCKS AT HOME, Key West. $9.95 - $12.95 Assorted ice buckets and wine bottle coasters feature some of Florida’s favorite wildlife. FAST BUCKS AT HOME, Key West. $129 - $179.

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7 6. UNBREAKABLE GLASSWARE

No glass around the pool, please. Or on the edge of the dining room table above a tile floor. The Keys require a different set of beverage containers made out of unbreakable acrylic.

Goblets, tumblers and wine glasses come in a variety of jeweled tones.

MAROONED IN MARATHON, Marathon. $10 and up.

7. 64-OUNCE OCEAN DRINKTANK

Keeps drinks cold for more than 24 hours and hot for more than 12 hours.

The premium stainless steel, BPA-free bottle contains a double wall vacuum insulation. It’s easy to pour and dishwasher safe. FLORIDA KEYS BREWING CO., Islamorada. $89

HINDSIGHT 2020

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

A TRYING YEAR THROUGH THE WORDS OF LOCALS ‘If I test positive, I’m going to have to give birth without my partner’

Editor’s note: A coronavirus pandemic that saw some of the first cases in the Keys in March changed life in a way no one could have imagined. A checkpoint kept visitors away from the island chain for a time, affecting many jobs, from servers to hoteliers. Policies were changed to address coronavirus spread in the community. Ultimately, the Keys reopened to visitors as workers in the tourist industry returned to work. Each week, the Weekly will highlight a local who spent some time to share their 2020 year. This week, Charlotte Twine spent time with Venus Haugen, 32, a stay-at-home mom to Miranda, age 5, Martin, 3, and Penelope, 3 months, who was born during quarantine.

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

Describe the year 2020 in one word. Challenging.

What was your worst moment of 2020? It was all so stressful to deliver during COVID. There’s this added stress that (the hospital tests) you do before you go to deliver. If the mom tests positive, then the dad can’t be with her. So all these months, you’re thinking, ‘If I test positive, I’m going to have to give birth without my partner.’

So thankfully, I tested negative, and (my husband, Adam) was with me for the whole thing. And it doesn’t make sense — if you’re there and you’re positive, then your partner is, too. But it’s hospital policy, and you have to wear a mask. You’re going through the worst pain of your life, and you have to have a mask on. I remember being in Publix, eight months pregnant. I was waddling around and couldn’t breathe.

Wearing the mask is a lot.

And having to explain to the kids we had to stay home? That was tough. We kind of, like, explained it very superficially. We said that there was a sickness going around, and we couldn’t go out. They understood but they still kept asking, ‘When are we going to the museum? When are we going to the library?’ They kept asking and asking. It was hard to tell them every time, ‘Soon … soon … soon …’

And I wasn’t even sure when that was going to happen. At some point, they stopped. They just accepted it.

And I had to do all the doctor appointments by myself. Adam couldn’t come with me like in the past, like listening to ultrasounds and the heartbeat. That was a big part of this pregnancy that COVID took away from us. In the doctor’s office there are signs that said we could Facetime, but it’s not the same.

Do you know anyone who got sick from COVID-19? Yes. Adam’s aunt and uncle got it. They are in their 50s or 60s and live in Denver.

Do you know anyone who died from COVID-19? No. Did you experience financial stress in 2020 due to the pandemic?

No. Adam’s the only one who works, and he works for the public schools. So he was pretty busy with all the virtual learning. He never missed a day, thankfully. Thank god.

Venus Haugen, 32, with Penelope, 3 months; Martin, 3; Miranda, 5; and husband Adam. CONTRIBUTED

What got you through the stress? My family. My husband, for sure. My husband is my rock. And my friends. There’s a really, really good community down here. I think everyone contributed a little bit to make things better. We got together on video calls and tried to get the kids to talk.

That was all helpful.

Do you practice social distancing? For the most part. Where it’s required. But we’re trying to teach the kids that this is not normal. We wear masks where it’s required, like going to the grocery store. But in our normal life, we try to go back to normal. We don’t want them to think that this is how life is, because it’s not. We were pretty good about handwashing and hand sanitizer before the virus. I feel this is how people should be all the time.

Do you think the social distancing works? I don’t know.

So why do it? I honestly don’t know. I think everyone should have a choice of doing what they think is best for them. Common sense. I understand there’s a part of the population, elderly and people with risky conditions, that we should think about.

Did you notice any physical symptoms from stress?

I think I was very sad at the beginning when there was so much unknown. That was really tough. As for other physical symptoms, I wouldn’t know if the stress affected my body because I was pregnant. But I was sad, maybe a little bit depressed. I don’t do well all day at home.

What was your best moment of 2020? Giving birth to Penelope. The day we brought her home was a very happy day for our family, when the kids held her and we were finally settled at home. That was the day that our family was finally completed. That’s a very happy memory.

Did you gain the “Quarantine 15”? No. How did you avoid that? I was pregnant half the year, and then I had Martin and Miranda to chase around so (laughs)…

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KEYS PEOPLE

L

ast week, 11-year-old Sofia Figueredo stood at a table in her family’s kitchen, harvesting the honey from the beehives on their Islamorada property. Her mother, Elizabeth Jolin, was by her side, ready to help.

With a hot knife, Sofia gingerly scraped honey and wax from a wooden frame taken from a hive, a procedure known as “uncapping.” The golden syrupy mixture plopped into a pan below the frame, soon to be put into an extractor to separate the honey from the wax with centrifugal force.

Elizabeth looked at their visitor with a smile, her eyes wide. “You’ve got to try this. It’s amazing,” she said, pointing at the freshly harvested honey in the pan. She licked her finger.

“I swear, whenever we do this, I want to make biscuits.”

Scooping up the sticky fluid with fingers for a taste, the honey was sweet, buttery, woodsy and vanilla-y, and it was still warm from the sun.

It was so outrageously delicious, we gasped.

“Isn’t it good?” Elizabeth asked rhetorically.

“Look, hold this,” Sofia said, excitedly. She lifted a frame from the extractor, showing the difference in weight between a frame with honey on it and without it. “See how heavy it is?”

Yes, we do. And consider us hooked. Can we get a beehive too?

That’s how infectious Sofia’s enthusiasm for beekeeping is: It’s entirely possible that if you let her show you how to harvest honey, you’ll get bit by her bug. Or perhaps, “stung” is a better word.

In fact, Sofia is so into her hobby that it has become a modestly profitable side hustle, with money raised

Elizabeth Jolin tends to a hive on her Islamorada property. CHARLOTTE TWINE/ Keys Weekly

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

BEEWITCHED

Local girl harvests honey for college fund, gets true buzz from learning CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

from her honey products going into a college fund.

About four years ago, Elizabeth was the first one in the family who became interested in getting a hive, after they visited an 80-year-old beekeeper friend in Washington, D.C. “We thought, ‘If she can do it, we can do it,’” she said with a laugh, looking at Sofia.

Sofia nodded her head in agreement. “Mom got the bees first, then I became interested,” she said, explaining that it’s hard work. She has gotten stung many times, and it’s hot wearing that protective bee suit in the Florida Keys sun.

So why do it?

“Because it’s cool! I’m fascinated.

And the honey is good,” Sofia said, her words spilling out excitedly. “We couldn’t live without bees. Bees pollinate everything. And one bee produces one teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. That is so amazing. The queen mates with a drone, and the queen

In a beekeeper suit, 11-year-old Sofia Figueredo tends to a bee hive.

to dragonflies and bees and butteris the only bee that lays eggs. The flies,” Elizabeth says. bees all have different jobs — drones, “We try to cover the hives when workers, guards and nurses. And the they spray,” added Sofia. “Sometimes majority of bees are female, and they you find tons of bees lying on the do most of the work.” ground, it’s so sad.”

Which is the inspiration for the Indeed, according to the Miami name of Sofia’s business: Ms. Behave Herald, “Aerial spraying of the controHoney. The tagline? “Girl Powered versial pesticide naled definitely kills Honey,” of course. mosquitoes, as it has for decades in Elizabeth bought their beginning the Florida Keys. Naled also kills bees hive kit from South Florida Bee Supcaught outside the hive along with plies. But she says that they couldn’t many other beneficial insects, say Keys have gotten started without the help beekeepers.” of their “bee mentor,” a local friend “It brings up the conversation who passed along hard-earned knowlabout what we’ve done to live on this edge, which is a traditional way to planet,” said Elizabeth. “We have to learn about beekeeping. ask the question: What tradeoffs are Sofia began taking the family we making? This is driven home when hobby seriously in 2018, when she we’re beekeeping.” created a honey-product business for And the duo takes care to emphaa local entrepreneurial contest called size that while a college fund for Sofia Keys Kids Business Faire, co-hosted by is a great bonus, in the end Island Christian School and they are having fun just an organization called learning about bees.

Brainery. The first-place To that end, prize was $1,500 in Elizabeth is happy scholarship money. to answer any Sofia nailed it, Sofia is so into her reader inquiries and her grandhobby that it has about beemother was become a modestly keeping. To so impressed profitable side hustle, ask questhat she told with money raised tions or to Sofia she from her honey order some would match products going into a honey, email that prize as college fund. elizabethjolin@ well as any other bellsouth.net. A earnings from her Teddy bear of honey business for a college is $3, a jar is $6, and a fund. pound is $13. Supply is But it’s clear that limited by what Sofia harboth mother and daughvests every four months, so customers ter share this passion. They finish each may have to go on a waitlist. other’s sentences while discussing the ins and outs of beekeeping.

“The mosquito sprayings kill bees.

They are toxic to mosquitoes, but also

Sofia shows a frame with honey. Sofia began taking the family hobby seriously in 2018, when she created a honey-product business for a local entrepreneurial contest called Keys Kids Business Faire.

Sofia shows off a jar of her Ms. Behave Honey.

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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20

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

BRIEFLY Free COVID-19 testing at Founders Park COVID-19 testing startup Curative is offering walk-up testing daily at Founders Parks in Islamorada now through Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with more than 500 tests per day available to the public. Curative offers an oral-fluid swab testing — an alternative method to nasopharyngeal swabs in testing for COVID-19. The observed and directed self-collected oral fluid swab involves having the person cough first, which releases virus, if present, from the upper and lower respiratory tract. The virus is then caught in the saliva, the patient swabs the inside of their cheeks and the roofs of their mouths. Once complete, the patient seals the test within a secure container and returns it to a medical professional to be analyzed in the lab. Results are sent to patients via SMS text or email within 24 to 48 hours. Testing is currently available by walk-up or appointment. Appointments are available at www.curative.com. No insurance necessary.

Accreditation Assessment Team invites public comment On Monday, Dec. 7, a site-based assessment team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) will virtually review all aspects of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) policy and procedures, management, operations and support services.

“Verification by the team means that MCSO meets the commission’s state-of-the-art standards and is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation — a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said.

As part of the assessment, MCSO personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments during a phone-in public information session on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. by calling 305-731-9884. Telephone comments will be limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA Standards.

“Typically we open the forum to the public to appear in person,” Ramsay said, “But, due to COVID-19 concerns, we are limiting the public comments to phone-in. We look forward to returning to in-person meetings in the future.”

Those who wish video chat with assessors can do so via this link: https:// meet.starleaf.com/4557613649/app.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the MCSO’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write: Commission on

Accreditation for Law Enforcement Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155, or email toaccreditation@www.keysso.net.

A copy of the standards is available at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 5525 College Road, Key West. Local contact is MCSO accreditation manager Lt. David E. Smith 305-731-9884.

“The MCSO has to comply with 374 standards in order to gain accredited status,” Ramsay said, “Accreditation is for four years, during which MCSO must submit annual reports and participate in annual remote webbased assessments attesting continued compliance with those standards under which our agency was initially accredited.”

United Way volunteer opportunity for tax preparation program Do you want to be a superhero to some of your hard-working friends and neighbors? United Way of Collier and the Keys is offering a remote volunteer opportunity with the VITA free tax preparation program for households with limited incomes in Collier and Monroe counties.

Volunteers will work remotely from home, as IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, with oversight and assistance from the VITA Program Coordinator. Volunteers help fellow residents maximize their tax return so they are better able to provide for their families, thereby making our community more affordable. Bilingual volunteers are especially appreciated.

No tax experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn, grow and serve. After attending a free, remote training and passing the online certification, volunteers remotely assist taxpayers prepare and file their taxes, January to April, using the cloud based IRS software, TaxSlayer, and videoconferencing with clients.

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is designed to assist qualified taxpayers with completion of their annual tax returns and to ensure that limited income families receive every available benefit. UWCK is pleased to offer the VITA program through a grant from Volunteer Florida. For more information about becoming a VITA volunteer, please contact VITA@KeysUnitedWay.org or 305-563-1470.

SHOP ISLAMORADA, VISIT LIT-UP HOUSES AND MORE THIS SEASON

S

hop Islamorada stores and visit the various holiday displays in the village this season.

The pandemic brought challenges to small businesses this year, and the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage everyone to do their shopping in the village during the holidays. Known as Shop Islamorada for the Holidays, some 30 local shops have agreed to extend their shopping hours on the first four Tuesdays of December until at least 6:30 p.m.

Shops will distribute tickets that people must take to all of the participating boutiques and stores for verification.

Once someone has their list completed from every store, the ticket can be dropped off at one of the shops or at the Chamber office, 87100 Overseas Highway. A drawing will be held each week for three lucky winners.

The first-place prize, sponsored by Centennial Bank, will be a $125 shopping spree at any of the participating shops.

Second-place winner receives a bundle of gift certificates valued at $75, and the third-place winner will receive gift certificates for $50. Shoppers are only allowed to win once.

At the end of the promotion a grand prize will be awarded with a bundle of gift certificates.

The promotion “is definitely the right thing to do this year,” said Judy Hull, executive director for the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce. “I believe shoppers will be thrilled with the unique and wide array of gifts they will find in our local shops and galleries. Couple that with shopping in small businesses where you will receive personal attention from the owner who cares about your needs. It is a win-win.”

For a list of participating shops visit the Chamber’s Facebook page, or stop by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce. Be sure to download the app Ride Freebee and call for a free ride making your shopping trip hassle free.

In addition to shopping, the chamber is promoting a “Merry and Bright Holiday Lights Tour” for couples and families to enjoy at their leisure and in the safety of their vehicles. Driving tour details will be announced early in December. The popular 35-foot holiday tree, which is best known for blowing snow from its branches at the annual Holiday Festival, is being assembled along U.S. 1 for all to see starting Saturday, Dec. 5.

Local artists have been busy for the past month creating original holiday ornaments. These hand-crafted gems will be available for online auction beginning Friday, Dec. 4 with the auction closing on Sunday, Dec 13, at 3 p.m.

— Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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HOLIDAYS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

WE’RE TAKING NOMINATIONS

W

e all know that one person who takes Christmas super, super SERIOUSLY. Maybe they have more holiday lights in their personal possession than the average Home Depot, or they own a special, professional-grade Santa beard?

The Keys Weekly needs your help to single these folks out. We are looking for nominations in each category.

We need more than a name, though; we need to know why your neighbor reminds you of, say, Buddy the Elf. Is he tall? Goofy? Have an unrequited crush?

The results will be published in our Christmas issue on Dec. 24.

Submissions are due by Monday, Dec. 18. Please email mandy@keysweekly.com (for Key West nominations), sara@keysweekly. com (for Middle Keys and Lower Keys nominations), and jim@keysweekly.com (for Upper Keys submissions). Please include the person’s full name, why you are nominating him or her, and where this person lives in the Keys. By the way, all nominations are gender-neutral; i.e., the fanatic holiday decorator doesn’t have to be a woman to qualify for the Martha Stewart award.

— Weekly staff report

GRINCH Gruff but lovable He or she may not take a liking to Christmas, the noises of the holiday season and all the cheer, but they do like to take part in the festivities, whether it be downing cookies and milk, snatching presents away from loved ones and messing up all the Christmas mail. While they may be mean-tempered, their heart has the ability to grow during a moment of crisis. And they have that superhuman strength to stop an entire sleigh loaded with presents from going over the cliff.

BUDDY THE ELF Pure love and innocence Our Keys version of Buddy the Elf is super friendly and slightly goofy. He or she is willing to put maple syrup on anything and defend a small friend in an epic snowball fight (or whatever the Keys equivalent of that is). Most importantly, he or she has an unshakeable faith in Santa and the Christmas spirit.

CLARK GRISWOLD Mr. Do It All The patriarch of the family who plans to have a great Christmas with family. He is often known to go into huge tempers when his family gets on his nerves, but he’s also ambitious. He’s also the one to get the largest Christmas tree and cover the exterior with 25,000 twinkling lights that could lead to a neighborhood power outage.

KEVIN McCALLISTER Adventurous and crafty Mistakenly separated from his family twice, he was forced to defend himself from bumbling burglars. The ideal Kevin McCallister candidate can hold their own alone and create a mighty devilish plan to get at his foes or family. With a love for cheese pizza, they also know how to use coupons while grocery shopping and live large for a moment, even if their dad’s credit card account can’t accommodate it.

HOLLY McCLANE The Fixer The holidays often come with elaborate, intricate plans that require precise timing or the whole dang thing falls apart. Which they will. In that case, you need Holly McClane (“Die Hard,” and, yes, it is a Christmas movie) in your corner. She’s cool under pressure, has good communication skills and isn’t above getting her hands dirty if the occasion calls for it.

MARTHA STEWART Super Decorator Okay, this isn’t really a movie character, but lord knows Martha Stewart has done enough cameos. The person nominated for this award is an overthe-top Christmas decorator — we’re talking six storage bins or more of holiday baubles, blow ups, ornaments and light shows. He or she owns Christmas plates, Christmas hand towels and would rather die than use a bed sheet as a tree skirt. Go! RUDOLF THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Party Guide If Rudolf were a person, living in the Keys, he or she would be the ultimate party guide of the holiday season. He or she has mapped out a schedule of holiday boat parades, parties with free champagne, and is the type of person who can waltz into a cookie-making party, make themselves at home and entertain the bakers. Extra points if they have solid connections with local law enforcement in case things get a little rowdy and can lead the party safely home with his or her “nose so bright.”

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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COOL STUFF

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

Mainstreaming

A look at what they're doing on the mainland

NOW TRENDING LISTEN | CYR A mostly-reunited Smashing Pumpkins strengthens their creative confidence in their newly-released album. According to Apple Music, frontman Billy Corgan bucks the expectation that having drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and guitarist James Iha back long-term means a return to pummeling riffs and intricate art rock. Instead, the band makes a sharp pivot toward goth-pop.

Overall, it’s an adventurous, musically generous offering that captures the musicians at their most vital when they take risks.

The Keys Weekly took a very thorough poll of one staff member to determine the best holiday movies of all time. The results are provocative not only for the variety, but also the monolithic nature of the choices. Please direct all hate mail to Hans Gruber.

CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF ALL TIME

READ | THE GOOD SHEPHERD You might not be able to put this 1955 novel by C.S. Forester down. You’ll keep waiting for a break in the action. Good luck with that. A convoy of ships is being escorted to Europe across the submarine-infested waters of the north Atlantic during World War II, under the command of an officer who is all too conscious of the middling rating he has received for his capabilities. Sound familiar? Tom Hanks starred in the movie version, “The Greyhound.”

10. Die Hard 9. Die Hard 8. Die Hard 7. Die Hard 6. Die Hard 5. Die Hard 4. Die Hard 3. Die Hard 2. Die Hard 1. Die Hard

WATCH | THE HOLIDAY MOVIES THAT MADE US Unwrap the real stories behind iconic Christmas blockbusters, including “Elf” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” thanks to insider interviews and behind-the-scenes peeks. And yes, you’ll see Will Ferrell dancing on a table. Be prepared for some funny and informative takes on the films profiled in Season 2, which was released on Netflix on Dec. 1. Season 1, released in November 2019, featured all-time favorites like “Die Hard” and “Home Alone.” On Netflix.

KEYS RESIDENT RELEASES NOVEL ON CONFEDERATE TREASURY MYSTERY

A

new novel by Civil War historian and North Key Largo resident Michael Kenneth Smith is delving into the Confederacy’s hidden caches of gold entrusted to Jefferson Davis, which were lost or stolen after the Civil War. On April 2, 1865, General Robert E. Lee informed his commander in chief, Jefferson Davis, that troops in Northern Virginia could no longer protect Richmond. The president of the Confederacy, being advised to evacuate the capital, fled to Danville, Virginia.

After Lee’s surrender on April 9, Davis continued into the South where he was eventually captured by Union troops.

For 155 years, tensions between the former Confederate and Yankee states have persisted. And so has the legend of the Confederate treasury — hidden caches of gold entrusted to Davis that were lost or stolen after the Civil War. Smith creates a richly layered story surrounding this fabled treasure in his latest novel, “In The Shadow of Gold: A Tale of the Confederate Treasure.”

Meet Yancey Arvindale. Pressured into serving with the Confederate Navy by his domineering father, the seasickprone young man is relieved to be reassigned to the Danville Railroad supply train at the dawn of April 1865.

His duties include loading and guarding heavy boxes, some of which are marked Richmond Bank of the South.

With a bit of snooping, he learns the contents: “hard assets” being delivered to Jefferson Davis for safekeeping. Digging further by sneaking through loose floorboards, Yancey discovers more boxes filled with gold coins. When the reality of Confederate defeat hits, he starts to ponder: If the Confederacy no longer exists, whom does the Confederate treasury belong to?

After a lifetime of being discounted and bullied by his older brothers and father, Yancey seizes the opportunity to do something to prove his value as a man — and secure his future independence. At each stop along the train’s route, he slips out and buries a box of gold. When Yancey is caught in the

WE ARE KEYS BOOKS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

A new novel

by Civil War historian and North Key Largo resident Michael Kenneth Smith is delving into the Confederacy’s hidden caches of gold entrusted to Jefferson Davis, which were lost or stolen after the Civil War.

act, he lands in jail and then nearly loses his life to a brutal beating. He is saved by the kindness of strangers — a camp of runaway slaves grappling with their newfound status as free Americans.

While recovering, Yancey finds a larger purpose for his wealth — helping others in need, especially escaped Black slaves — plus something unexpected and precious: true love.

The novel can be purchased on Amazon.

— Contributed

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26

WILDLIFE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

1

40 ‘COLD-STUNNED’ TURTLES WARMING UP AT TURTLE HOSPITAL F

orty critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles arrived in the subtropical Florida Keys on Nov. 28 to warm up and receive treatment after suffering “cold stunning” in the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Found stranded on beaches as a result of the condition, the juvenile turtles were rescued and subsequently flown from New England to Florida Keys Marathon Airport.

“Hundreds of turtles are washing up on the beach,” said Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach. “More than the capacity that the aquariums up there can take care of, so they are being flown to the Turtle Hospital to warm up and have care for these critical animals.”

The effort to fly the turtles to the Keys was made possible by a group of private pilots, dubbed “Turtles Fly Too,” who donated their aircraft, fuel and time. The reptiles were transported in sturdy, towel-lined banana boxes.

“Cold stunning” is a hypothermic reaction that occurs when sea turtles are exposed to

cold water for a prolonged time, said Zirkelbach, adding that it typically causes them to stop eating and swimming.

Zirkelbach said the most critically ill turtles will need additional testing to discover whether they have pneumonia, infections or other ailments. Treatment will be determined accordingly, as will the length of the rehabilitation. “They could be at the Turtle Hospital anywhere from 30 days to a year’s time, depending on their condition when they arrived here,” she said. “Once we warm them up, they’re going to go to another part of Florida to be returned to the ocean and that’s our goal with these 40 turtles. We’re hoping, flippers crossed, that they all go back to sea,” she said.

Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the most endangered of turtle species, Zirkelbach said.

Approximately two dozen other “coldstunned” turtles flown from New England over the weekend are to be rehabilitated at marine centers throughout Florida.

— Contributed

2

3 1. Staff at the Turtle Hospital examine 40 cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that arrived at the hospital on Nov. 28 in Marathon. The turtles were rescued from beaches in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. BOB CARE/ Florida Keys News Bureau 2. A sea turtle swims in a child’s pool after arriving at the Turtle Hospital.

3. Olivia Carlile, a staff member at the Turtle Hospital, examines one of the “cold stunned” turtles. It’s a hypothermic reaction that occurs when sea turtles are exposed to cold water for a prolonged time.

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: DESIGN – BUILD ROCKLAND KEY PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available upon request.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on January 13, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Rockland Key Public Works Facility Design-Build 01/13/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on January 13, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: December 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ACCESS ROAD MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available upon request.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on February 17, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Key West International Airport Access Road 02/17/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on February 17, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: December 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

method of collecting non-ad valorem special assessments to be levied within the County, for the cost of providing roadway improvements, and sea level rise improvements commencing for the Fiscal Year beginning on October 1, 2021 and continuing until discontinued by the County.

The County will consider the adoption of a resolution electing to use the uniform method of collecting such assessments authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, at a public hearing to be held at 1:30 P.M. on December 9, 2020 at the Commission Chambers, Murray Nelson Government Center BOCC Room, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida and via Communication Technology Technology (“CMT”), using a Zoom webinar platform as set forth in more detail below.

Such resolution will state the need for the levy and will contain a legal description of the boundaries of the real property subject to the levy.

Copies of the proposed form of resolution, which contains the legal description of the real property subject to the levy, are on file at the Clerk of the Courts, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida. All interested persons are invited to attend.

Due to COVID-19 and in consideration of the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the December 9, 2020, Public Hearing will also be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”), using a Zoom Webinar platform @ https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/96823206145. The County will provide updates for changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings on the County Website at: www.MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. Below are the various options available to the public to view the live meeting and/or to make public comments on the public hearing.

The public can comment during the live Public Hearing either by phoning in or by connecting to the live Zoom webinar link using the following instructions: a) To comment on an item by phone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID# 968 2320 6145 followed by the # key, then *9 to “Raise your hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host. b) To comment on an item using the live Zoom webinar link: Open this live Zoom webinar link @ https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/96823206145 (that also appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet).

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

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

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

The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M. on Monday, December 7, 2020, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

In the event any person decides to appeal any decision by the County with respect to any matter relating to the consideration of the resolution at the above-referenced public hearing, a record of the proceeding may be needed and in such an event, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the public hearing is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office at (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 A.M and 5:00 P.M. prior to the date of the hearing; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Live Closed Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 3rd day of November 2020.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: November 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

on the County Website at: www.MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. Below are the various options available to the public to view the live meeting and/or to make public comments on the public hearing.

The public can comment during the live Public Hearing either by phoning in or by connecting to the live Zoom webinar link using the following instructions: a) To comment on an item by phone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID# 968 2320 6145 followed by the # key, then *9 to “Raise your hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host. b) To comment on an item using the live Zoom webinar link: Open this live Zoom webinar link @ https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/96823206145 (that also appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet).

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

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

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

The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M. on Friday, December 4, 2020, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, F.S., if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made.

ADA Assistance: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s office at (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call ‘711.’

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: November 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Jean M. Savino, deceased, whose date of death was September 16, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and her attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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 the 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. NOT WITHSTANDING 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 December 3, 2020.

Personal Representative: Mary Beth Meyers 22993 Anne Bonny Lane Cudjoe Key, FL 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Darah L. Schofield Marshall Law Offices, Ltd Florida Bar No. 109259 300 Centerville Road, Suite 204W Warwick, RI 02886 P. (401) 732-8070 Email: Darah@JMarshall-Law. com Publish: December 3 & 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: December 3, 2020 Personal Representatives: Natalie Miller Light 900 E. Wyandotte McAlester, Oklahoma 74501 William D. Miller, II 4001 S. Bryant Ave. Moore, Oklahoma 73160 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Samantha J. Fitzgerald, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 173762 8551 W. Sunrise Boulevard Suite 301 Plantation, FL 33322 Telephone: (954) 580.3690 Fax: (888) 663.6471 Email: samantha@ estateandprobatelawyer.com Publish: December 3 & 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, February 17, 2021,

NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS Monroe County, Florida (the “County”) hereby provides notice, pursuant to section 197.3632(3)(a), Florida Statutes, of its intent to use the uniform

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY RESOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on December 9, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Murray Nelson Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, and also via Communication Media Technology (CMT) using a Zoom webinar as described below, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will hold a public hearing to consider approval of the following County resolution: A RESOLUTION OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA ANNOUNCING NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED WITHIN THE COUNTY BEGINNING WITH THE TAX BILL ISSUED IN NOVEMBER 2021 FOR CANAL RESTORATION PROJECTS ON CANALS 82, 83 AND 84 IN KEY LARGO; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAILING OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A full copy of the resolution including the legal description of the properties affected may be obtained by calling the Monroe County Attorney’s Office at (305) 292-3470.

Due to COVID-19 and in consideration of the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the December 9, 2020, Public Hearing will also be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”), using a Zoom Webinar platform @ https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/96823206145. The County will provide updates for changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 20-CP-000268-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JEAN M. SAVINO, (a/k/a Jean Marie Savino, Jean S. McGuirl, Jean McGuirl)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000267-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN BRADLEY MILLER aka BRAD MILLER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John Bradley Miller aka Brad Miller, deceased, whose date of death was March 27, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representatives’ 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 THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 20-CP-000260-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KEVIN LEE STEWART, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Kevin Lee Stewart, deceased, whose date of death was October 8, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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. NOT WITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATED OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 26, 2020.

Personal Representative: Brian W. Stewart 4372 Stockton Court Marietta, Georgia 30066 Attorney for Personal Representative: JoAnn F. Kucklick, Esq. Florida Bar No. 991317 PO Bo 56376 Jacksonville, FL 32241 Telephone: (904) 719-8334 Publish: November 26 & December 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

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

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

OFFICE SPACE

YARD SALES

FILE NO.: 20-CP-000070-M IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT PERRY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROBERT PERRY, deceased, whose date of death was August 2, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: November 26, 2020.

Personal Representative: Joseph M. Perry 499 M-72 Kalkaska, Michigan 49646-8570 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-mail: Service@FloridaKeysLaw. com Secondary E-Mail: RMiller@ FloridaKeysLaw.com Publish: November 26 & December 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: November 26, 2020.

Personal Representative: Robert S. Kirby, Jr. 134A New Leaf Lane Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: November 26 & December 3, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

mortgage on the above-styled by the above-named Plaintiff and encumbering the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: Lot 13, Robyn Subdivision, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 80, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

Together with 1966 New Moon Trailer, ID#321244, Title #2327898 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any to it on Plaintiff’s attorney, Richard B. Storfer, Esquire, of the firm of Rice Pugatch Robinson Storfer & Cohen, PLLC, whose address is 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1800, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33301, on or before Jan. 4, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purposes.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said court at Monroe County, Florida, this 18 day of November 2020.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA As Clerk, Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: December 3 & 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Post-closer/legal assistant. Key West real estate law firm seeks a detail and customer service oriented postcloser/legal assistant for real estate transaction post-closing duties. Full or part time. Salary based on experience, benefits provided if full time.

Email resume to greg@ oropezastonescardenas. com.

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers Full &/or part-time. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com.

Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @ MM92. Call 305-394-0530

A BIG Treasures & Trash Yard Sale - Rain or Shine This Fri Dec. 4 & Sat Dec. 5 from 8am-3pm and Sun Dec. 6 from 10am-2pm.

Something for everyone.

Bargains galore. All must go! 419 Sombrero Beach Road- Mask Required.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-80-M IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT SCOTT KIRBY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Robert Scott Kirby, deceased, whose date of death was October 8, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 20-CA-000230-K CENTENNIAL BANK, Plaintiff, vs.

STEVEN C. SANCHEZ, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS PROPERTY GUARDIAN FOR KIRSTEN T. SANCHEZ, MINOR CHILD, AND MIKIE R. SANCHEZ, MINOR CHILD; ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO MAY BE HEIRS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, GRANTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, ASSIGNEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS OF ROBERT M. SANCHEZ, DECEASED, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST HIM AND ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ROBERT M. SANCHEZ, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF STEVEN C. SANCHEZ, STATE OF FLORIDA CLERK OF THE COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, KIRSTEN T. SANCHEZ, MIKIE R. SANCHEZ and UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE PROPERTY TO: All unknown persons who may be heirs, devisees, legatees, grantees, lienors, creditors, trustees, assignees or other claimants of Robert M. Sanchez, deceased, Residence Unknown, if alive, and if dead, Robert M. Sanchez’s heirs, devisees, grantees, devisees, legatees, lienors creditors, trustees, assignees or other claimants and all other parties claiming interests, by through, under or against Robert M. Sanchez, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described.

AND: Kirsten T. Sanchez Last known addresses: 5413 Third Avenue, Stock Island, FL 33040 17 Queensland Drive, Spencerport, NY 14559 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclosure a

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

AUTOS FOR SALE 2001 XK8 Jaguar Red Convertible. 74k miles.

Excellent condition.

Located in Upper Keys. $6,000 Call 305-766-6804 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

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 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!

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

Some computer experience a plus. Call 305-852-3002 The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Line Cook to assist our Chef. Please call us at 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

CEI Inspector needed in Marathon, FL. Fulltime position. Must have high school diploma or equivalent and valid driver’s license. Relevant construction experience is a plus. Email resume to: Pom.Chak k aphak@wsp. com Serve/Bartend on the ocean FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented Server/Bartender.

Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time.

Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at Cabana Club, 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call April (305) 393-0631.

Looking for a daycare teacher. Will get trained and certified through the daycare if needed. MonFri Full time position avail.

Contact Banana Cabana Academy at banana. cabana@att.net with resume or call 305-745-1400 to schedule an interview.

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!

PETS FOR SALE For Sale: Pure-bred Doberman Pinscher puppies in Marathon.

Call Tammy for details.

305-731-0683

Place your Yard Sale ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today and get your stuff sold!

CDL Driver needed.

Minimum 2 years experience.

Call 305248-6149 to apply HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!

Digital Marketing Consultant needed. Great growth opportunities.

Will train right person.

Key West Office, more at TwoOceansDigital.com/ jobs HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!

Part-time clerical help needed in Marathon. 24 hrs per week. Filing, Customer Service, some computer work. Email: dbabbe@ a cc u rate e l e vato r s. co m HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & W a t c h e s .

Call 305-743-4578

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Immediate openings: full and part-time Educational Program Guides/Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $12.00/hour to start Send resume to: turtlehosp@aol.com

HOUSING FOR RENT Seeking Security Guard in Middle Keys. FT & PT $20/hr.

Must have security license.

Call Ralons Security 7 8 6 - 6 1 5 - 5 5 2 2 Keys Fisheries looking to hire pie makers, process food workers, lobster processors and fork-lift driver to expand the production of the products that we are now selling to various large supermarkets.

These positions will be full time and be eligible for a benefits package. Apply within at 3390 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon Bridge Operator position available in the Snake Creek Drawbridge, located in Islamorada.

Paid training will be provided.

Payrate: $10.50/hr. Email resume to jschultz@ fdi.team or call Jeff Schultz at 708-214-0311.

Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic with knowledge of outboard motors Call 305-481-7006 City of Marathon - Job O p e n i n g : Street Maintenance.

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

Conch House in Marathon 2BR, unfurnished. $1,800/month.

F/L/S No Pets 305-610-8002 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!

Trailer For Rent - 1BR/1BA 28' trailer w/slide-out. $1,200/month F/L/$600 security. Includes parking, Wi-Fi, Direct TV, water & garbage, you pay electric.

No pets. No smoking.

Background check required.

Come in person to view property Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. 2525 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 RENTED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!

Long-term, 2BR/2BA Condo in Key Colony Beach. Furnished, screened patio, includes water, sewer, basic cable and ocean accessibility. $2,000/ month Call 716-913-3576 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

OFFICE SPACE 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!

FULL TIME OPENING LINE SERVICE PERSONNEL Greet and fuel aircraft Prior aviation experience preferred Clean driving record required Competitive wages, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment

Contact Kris Schluter kris@marathonaviation.com (305) 743-3717 EOE/Drug-free workplace

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 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 RESTAURANT HOST SERVERS BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT LAUNDRY ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN LINE COOK SOUS CHEF BAKER APPLY AT: bungalowskeylargo.com/careers

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO Behavioral Health Counselor Client Advocate

KEY WEST Case Manager (Forensic, Adult)

Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult) FL LCSW,LMHC, LMFT Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) Crisis Counselor

MARATHON

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

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

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

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

FLORIDA KEYS DIESEL - MARATHON

NOW HIRING:

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Diesel Technician position available.

Competitive compensation package. Experience in the marine field preferred but not necessary. Experience with Caterpillar and Cummins Marine Engines a plus.

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

Looking for a motivated candidate willing to learn a new trade or expand current skills. Company willing to train.

Qualified applicants please call 305-289-2070 or email resume to neil@allkeysdiesel.com . Drug Free and valid Drivers License a must.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring Do you love dolphins, being outdoors and taking photographs?

We have the job for you! Dolphin Research Center has full-time openings for Visual Communications Staff Members (Permanent & Seasonal opportunities available). Applicants should be familiar with digital photography/videography. Benefits include medical, life, disability insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, sick & holidays.

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail cover letter, DRC application and your resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

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

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations

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

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

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

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

Send your confidential resume to britt@keysweekly.com.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

• SINCE 1989 •

305-289-1150

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

When It Rains It Pours!

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

FRESH FLORIDA LOBSTERS FROM THE NICHOLS CREW DIRECT TO YOU

MM63 -MM74 | 305.393.1415

LIVE $10.00 A POUND TAILS $10.00 EACH

STONE CRABS ON REQUEST

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

Serving Key Largo to Key West

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Will Campbell President

305-481-3259

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

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

305-743-0844

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

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

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

Lic#SP-3562

Lisa Feliciano

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

Residential Loan Officer

99198 Overseas Highway, Suite 11Key Largo, Fl 33037 Phone 305.224.4980, Cell 305.766.0643 NMLS #378048 lfeliciano@centerstatebank.com Your hometown lender… turning houses into homes one client at a time.

Fax: (305) 743-6887

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

KEYS SCENES

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

It’s not officially Christmas at the Mitchells’ until the life-sized nutcrackers appear. They were a gift from our son’s Uncle Robert 10 years ago and have become our signature decoration every year since. STEPHANIE MITCHELL/Contributed

Vintage lights from Michigan find their way to Key Largo. DEB RIOLO/ Contributed

While we are stuck in Arkansas this season, our hearts are in the Keys.

LYNN WILLIAMS/Contributed

The Home Depot in Marathon had this adorable backdrop set up for local kids. Here, Addison Tufts poses with her dolly. CONTRIBUTED

Every year we wait for Santa to arrive on Christmas Eve by fire truck in Marathon in our Santa hats & reindeer antlers. In this photo is my daughter, Ariana Patterson, my husband, TJ Patterson, and my dad, Henk Roeloffzen. God willing we will be doing this again this year.

ANNEKE PATTERSON/Contributed

Skiff meeting his new brother, Grady, who was adopted this season. SUSAN McKEE/Contributed

Reyes family Christmas photo at the Coldwell Banker building in 2019.

Mother-in-law Josephine, mother Miriam, Javier Reyes, his wife Viviana, their son Ian and daughter Amy. JAVIER REYES/Contributed

Lucas Blanton’s family has an incredible holiday light display at their home on Grassy Key. Take a gander on the east side of Morton Street.

SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

Sienna, taken at the homeowners park on Coral Ave. CONTRIBUTED

HOLIDAYS AT HOME

O

ur theme for DECEMBER is HOLIDAYS AT HOME. Since many of us cannot travel to be with loved ones this year, we wanted to hold our favorite memories near. Send us your favorite holiday moments from years past or how you’re celebrating this one to make this season merry and bright.

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.

The end of hurricane season (and the stress it brings), is celebrated annually on Nov. 30 in Key West with a Hurricane Flag Burning Ceremony.

The official Hurricane Flags are soaked in high octane rum and set aflame. BILL KLIPP/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

• 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.

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32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 3, 2020

Karen Raspe, P.A. 305.393.9010

karenraspe@bellsouth.net

841 W Ocean - Key Colony Beach

4 Bedrooms - 3 Full & 1 Half Bathroom - 3,788 SF Main Bonus: 1,377 sf 1 Bedroom & 1Full Bath In-Law Apartment - 4 Car Garage Gated Oceanfront Estate - Gorgeous, Sandy Beach - Infinity Pool $7,900,000

PLEASE STAY HEALTHY, HAPPY, & STRONG

175 13th St - Key Colony Beach

3 Bedrooms & Den/Office - 2 Baths - 2,126 sff Custom Outdoor Kitchen - 60ft dock with 15k lb Elevator Boat Lift Above Flood - All Impact - Paved Circular Drive - Garage $1,595,000

UNDER CONTRACT!

760-790 10th St - Key Colony Beach

Keys Real Estate

UNDER CONTRACT!

821 W Ocean Dr - Key Colony Beach

5 Bedrooms - 4 Baths - 3,819 sf 150 ft of Canal Frontage - Seawall Generously Sized Cut in Boat Slip $1,200,00

3 Bedrooms - Plus Den - 2 Full & 1 Half Bath - 2,304 sf Custom Finishes - All Impact - Soaring Ceilings Ocean Views - 2 Balconies - Sandy Beach - Garage $998,000

340-350 E Ocean Dr - Key Colony Beach

161 3rd St - Key Colony Beach

2143 Yellowtail Dr - Marathon

2 Bedrooms - 2 Baths - 1,932 sf Canal with Immediate Ocean Access 13k lb Elevator Boatlift $985,000

431 5th St - Key Colony Beach

5 Bedrooms - 3 Baths - 2,134 sf FULL Duplex - Live in One - Rent the Other 50 ft Dock - Big Deck Overlooking Canal $945,000

2 Bedrooms - 2 Baths - 1,433 sf New Plank Tile Floors - New A/C - New Interior Paint 30 ft Concrete Dock w/ Composite Step Down $689,000

Updated Granite / Stainless Kitchen - Private Master Suite Tiki Hut w/Paved Patio - Fully Fenced 30 Ft. Concrete Dock $570,000

37 7th St - Key Colony Beach

191 9th St - Key Colony Beach

755 W Ocean Dr - Key Colony Beach

Updated Kitchen & Baths - 200 ft Wide Canal - Deep Water 32k LB Elevator Boat Lift Dock up to 50 ft Yacht $510,000

2 Bedrooms - 2 Baths - 900 sf 37.5 Dock - Plenty of room to add on and pool Big Yard - Park Your RV & Toys Here! $499,000

1 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom - 675 sf Amazing Oceanfront Views Sandy Beach - Designer Kitchen $399,000

IF IT IS TIME TO BUY OR SELL CALL KAREN RASPE 3 0 5 - 3 9 3 - 9 0 1 0 • karenraspe@bellsouth.net • www.KarenRaspe.com ©2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.