Upper Keys Weekly 20-1210

No, our Upper Keys editor didn’t get arrested in Marathon. That’s his evil twin.

TREE TRADITION Holiday spirit comes to Islamorada | P. 10

TATTOO BENEFIT Shops team up to help reef | P. 14 HOLIDAY HELP Food drive set throughout Keys | P. 9

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

TIMELESS APPEAL

Upon walking through the artist-designed custom copper front door, it's evident that this property's finishes and features were completed to a gold standard. The timeless and classic travertine marble floors throughout give the home's modern architecture a luxurious feel. The breathtaking views center on the coveted Florida Bay and sweep 180 degrees to Key West. The interior stairs were designed to capture this luxury home's modern feel by featuring displays of art going up to the suite level. Two large and private ensuite guest rooms await more friends or relatives. The entire third level is an expansive master bedroom suite with a fireplace, his and her baths, walk-in closets, jacuzzi tub, and a lounging area with endless bay views to take in the sounds and smells of the fresh ocean air on your private balcony.

KEY LARGO | $3,649,000 | Listing ID 593198

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BUSINESS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

67

Based on flight profile data gathered from over 50 years of NORAD's radar and satellite tracking, NORAD concludes that Santa probably stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall, or 67 inches and weighs approximately 260 pounds (before cookies). Source: outdoors.org.

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Keys Shuttle recently brought back one van to provide a daily trip from the Keys to airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. CONTRIBUTED

KEYS SHUTTLE RESUMES SERVICE TO AIR HUBS Fort Lauderdale airport now providing COVID tests for passengers JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

local shuttle company recently returned its door-to-door service from the Keys to airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami following a temporary closure.

Keys Shuttle resumed operation on Nov. 15 in the lead-up to what’s usually one of the busier times for traveling by air for the holidays. But that’s changed with the ongoing pandemic and the Centers for Disease Control stating that traveling may increase exposure to COVID-19, and that the safest thing to do is stay home.

A lack of air passengers resulted in fewer people using the local transportation service Keys Shuttle, which led owner Raul Cisneros to close Aug. 8 as COVID cases grew and uncertainty remained over flying. The shuttle service, like other businesses, reopened and resumed when checkpoints in Key Largo came down on June 1. But calls for service never came.

Now, Keys Shuttle is back online, albeit on a limited basis, with one van making one daily run beginning in Key West at 5:30 a.m. and driving up the is-

lands to the two large air hubs in South Florida. Keys Shuttle has picked up residents and tourists from doorsteps since 2000.

As more calls for the service come in, Cisneros said more vans will return to service. That hasn’t happened just yet, however. In normal times, vans run to and from the airports six times a day, seven days a week.

“A lot of people are not flying and that’s where our business is,” Cisneros said. “It’s not anywhere near as many before the pandemic, but still, people need to travel. And the price of a private trip to the airport is very expensive.

“I can’t come back from doing nothing to anywhere near a full schedule,” he continued. “I need the drivers. I have to start gradually.”

Christmas is approaching and New Year’s Eve isn’t far away. Cisneros said it’s a time to gauge air travel and demand for transportation service to airports.

“We want to be ready and we just keep an eye on what’s going on,” Cisne-

ON THE COVER The Christmas tree in front of the Islamorada Visitor’s Center awaits lighting as the sun sets on Dec. 5.

Community members and Islamorada Chamber of Commerce board members spent the day building the tree.

By 6 p.m., the tree lit the nighttime sky.

DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

ros said. “We’re getting ready and wishing we could get more trips.

But we will be adding them as they are needed.”

According to the latest air traffic reports, just over 785,809 passengers on domestic flights and 386,265 international passengers departed and arrived at Miami International Airport in October. That’s down from the previous year when more than 1.7 million domestic passengers and 1.6 million international passengers flew in and out of the busiest South Florida airport. A little over 1 million domestic passengers and 203,000 international passengers enplaned and deplaned at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in October.

Beginning Dec. 9, the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) will begin offering a COVID-19 virus testing service at Broward County's Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport (FLL) as an additional amenity for the traveling public. The opening of the on-site testing service comes as more international and domestic destinations require travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test as part of their entry requirements and/or submit to quarantine restrictions.

The rapid antigen with results in 30 minutes will be offered, as well as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with results within 48 hours. Test costs are $69 for rapid antigen and $99 for the PCR test.

Cisneros said the ultimate goal would be returning the fleet of vans to service, but that will take time.

“I really wish I could get everything back to normal, but it’s not going to pick up overnight,” he said.

Keys Shuttle also provides private trips for people who would rather be traveling by themselves.

More information is at keysshuttle. com or by calling 305-289-9997.

CORONAVIRUS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

5

ANOTHER LOOK AT THE NUMBERS DON’T LOCK IN ON THE NUMBER OF NEW CASES REPORTED IN YOUR AREA

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very day, the stats roll in: “Since Friday (12/4/2020), 89 cases have been added to Monroe County, including 34 in Key West, 16 in Key Largo, 14 in Marathon …”

The Monroe County Health Department has added an introductory paragraph to the COVID-19 positive cases it reports each weekday. On Mondays, it reports a three-day tally — Saturday, Sunday and Monday — like the one above.

It’s human nature to look at the numbers in a parochial way: “Oh, Key West’s numbers are twice as high as Marathon’s, therefore I am safe in Marathon.” That is incorrect. While the simple numbers are a good starting point for data, they don’t tell the whole story, without including population data.

According to the U.S. Census, Key West has about 24,000 residents, Key Largo about half that with approximately 10,500 residents, and Marathon about 8,500 residents. So while, yes, Key West has the most cases reported on Dec. 7 with 34, Marathon’s infection rate for that day, with 16 counted, actually represents a larger percentage of Marathon’s population testing positive than Key West’s. So for that DAY, Key West’s percentage of positive residents was 0.14%, Marathon’s was 0.16% and Key Largo’s was 0.15% Many times, national and state news reports talk about COVID-19 cases per capita, or per 100,000. For example, earlier this week Florida published its per capita rate of COVID-19 infections to date at 5,127 per 100,000; roughly 1 million out of 20 million Floridians have tested positive for COVID-19 since the state began keeping track at the beginning of the pandemic.

The Keys’ snapshot from Dec. 3, a one-day tally, tells a different story about infection rates in Monroe County. On that day, the Health Department reported 37 new cases in Key West, 7 cases in Marathon and 2 cases in Key Largo. Calculated by population (as described above), Key West had a rate of 148 positive patients per 100,000 population,

Marathon had 84 positive patients per 100,000, and Key Largo just 20 per 100,000.

Health experts say the best rough calculation of how many residents in your area are positive with COVID-19 is to count the rise in cases over a two-week period, the same period medical experts say patients are actively sick or contagious.

On Nov. 23, there were 3,140 cases reported since the beginning of the count. Two weeks later, on Dec. 7, there were 3,604. That means that there are about 464 Monroe County residents who are actively carrying the virus. Again, that’s a rough estimate.

According to the most recent COVID-19 reports from the county health department, the Keys has a positive test rate of 9.53% over the past two weeks and the median age of the person infected is 41.

Wear a mask. Wash your hands.

Stay six feet away.

— Sara Matthis

LKMC SAYS SOME EMPLOYEES AFFECTED

L

ower Keys Medical Center said the increase in COVID-19 cases in the Keys is affecting the hospital too.

“Community spread is the most common way people, including our employees, are becoming exposed.

We have had some out in quarantine or in self-isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines,” said LKMC’s David Clay. “This has not impacted our ability to care for patients. Our hospital remains prepared to care for patients needing medical care, whether for COVID-19 or other medical conditions.”

Clay said staff are following CDC guidelines — wearing personal protective equipment while caring for patients, including medical masks, face shields and gowns.

“We are extremely proud of the many ways our staff and physicians have risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19. They continue to work tirelessly to care for our patients, each other, and our community. Each of them deserves our endless gratitude.”

Patient visitation at LKMC is restricted at this time.

— Weekly staff report

COVID-19 testing startup Curative is stationed outside Founders Park in Islamorada seven days a week to provide oral-fluid swab testing. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

CURATIVE OFFERING FREE COVID TESTS TO LOCAL RESIDENTS Results may come back in less than two days JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

COVID testing station at the front of Islamorada’s Founders Park is offering free oral swabs to residents who need a test and quick results.

Testing startup company Curative, based in California, formed earlier in the year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that spread quickly throughout the U.S. Each state received federal funding to provide COVID-19 testing, and Curative was chosen by the state of Florida as the contractor to provide the service.

Paul Cardwell is a resident of Islamorada who’s working with Curative to provide testing in the Keys seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cardwell said they’ll likely expand their hours an extra two hours so residents who might have been in contact with a positive case or need a test before flying can swing by.

While appointments can be made at curative.com, Cardwell said people can also walk up, scan a QR code and fill out an application so they can be administered the test.

Around 100 tests are offered daily.

“Those who are not comfortable with technology or have a flip phone, there are iPads on site to

assist in the application process,” he said.

Curative provides the real-time reverse polymerase chain reaction test. Cardwell said it’s the test people need to fly domestically or internationally, or if someone’s been contacted by the health department for possible exposure.

The oral-fluid swab testing is an alternative method to nasopharyngeal swabs in testing for COVID-19.

The observed and directed selfcollected oral fluid swab involves having the person cough first, which releases virus, if it’s present, from the upper and lower respiratory tract. The virus is then caught in the saliva; the patient then swabs the inside of their cheeks and the roofs of their mouths.

Once a person finishes the test, it’s shipped overnight to Curative’s laboratory in Washington, D.C. Cardwell said the lab runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We ship every day so tests get there the next morning,” he said.

“You can expect results sent to your phone via text or email you provided.”

Cardwell said Curative will likely be around a few months to provide testing.

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CORONAVIRUS

DOES MAYOR HAVE AUTHORITY TO ENACT NEW YEAR CURFEW? KEY WEST CANCELS NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN ‘DROPS’ MANDY MILES

I

mandy@keysweekly.com

n a unilateral move, Key West’s mayor has ruled that the party will end at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and the ensuing weekend.

However, for many business owners and constituents within the city, two looming (and possibly costly) questions are now boiling above the surface. First, is Mayor Teri Johnston’s decision to impose a New Year’s Eve curfew legal without a majority vote from the full city commission? And if not, why has no commissioner called for a special meeting on the issue?

As of now, not long after the sun sets on Dec. 31, non-essential businesses, including bars and restaurants, must close at 10 p.m.

Furthermore, no one will be permitted on the streets and sidewalks past 10:30 p.m. unless they’re headed to or from work at an essential business, the directive states.

The announcement of a 10 p.m. curfew for the entire New Year’s weekend came the morning after a three-hour discussion by the city commission that ended without consensus.

At least three commissioners — Billy Wardlow, Sam Kaufman and Clayton Lopez — questioned the value and enforceability of a 10 p.m. curfew when an estimated 50,000 people will have to be somewhere on the island.

Attorneys and business owners are ques-

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston has announced a 10 p.m. citywide curfew on New Year’s Eve and the entire holiday weekend in an attempt to help control the spread of COVID-19 in the annual holiday crowd.

FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

tioning the mayor’s authority to unilaterally enact such directives without a vote of the full city commission.

“The City of Key West’s charter and code enumerate the powers of the mayor and the commission,” Key West attorney Bart Smith told the Keys Weekly on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

“Nowhere in Key West’s charter or code of ordinances is there language that allows the mayor to act unilaterally in times of emergency. Only the city commission has that authority. Other places, like Miami-Dade, have provisions that allow the mayor to act in a time of emergency and enact a curfew. Key West doesn’t have that.

So the question is, where does the mayor of Key West get the authority to enact emergency directives, like the New Year’s curfew?”

Keys Weekly emailed the same question to City Attorney Shawn Smith late on Wednesday, Dec. 9, but received an automated response saying Smith is “out of the office until Monday, Dec. 14.”

“A 10 p.m. curfew puts staff in the precarious position of kicking people out at 10 p.m. This is a grave mistake.”

— Key West restaurant owner Bill Lay

Keys Weekly also asked each commissioner by email on Dec. 9 whether they plan to call for a special meeting at which the full commission could vote on a potential curfew.

Commissioners Kaufman and Jimmy Weekley responded to the last-minute question before presstime.

“We follow the advice of our legal counsel that the city has the option to adopt an emergency ordinance or the mayor can enact an emergency directive,” Kaufman replied. “Be-

cause the majority of my colleagues voiced support for the mayor’s emergency directive, it is not apparent to me that convening a special meeting would have a different outcome. My preference is that such policies be voted upon at a city meeting with a proposed ordinance properly noticed in advance. Too often recently, the city has adopted directives or ordinances without the proposals being published as an action item in advance of a city meeting....”

Weekley said he supported the mayor’s position that she would issue a directive following the discussion at the meeting.

LEGAL CHALLENGES? Two Friends Patio Restaurant owner Danny Hughes and his attorneys put the city on notice with a Dec. 9 letter that challenges the mayor’s authority to enact the curfew and emphasizes their willingness to sue the city for financial damages related to the curfew. Hughes also offered to help any other business file similar lawsuits for damages.

“Two Friends will heed the advice of our counsel, and not rely upon, much less be bullied, by anyone undertaking to support what are unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious policies,” Hughes’ letter to the city commissioners states.

“If Two Friends is damaged by the actions of the city, and it is determined by a court that the city’s actions were invalid and/or unlawful, Two Friends will seek damages from the city. Two Friends will also assist any other business; be it restaurant, hotel, guesthouse, night club, entertainment venue, watersports, etc., in collecting damages from the city for actions deemed invalid and/or unlawful.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

There is a Cardiologist in the Keys!

Dr. Luis E. Augsten

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

KeysCardiology.com 305.453.6316

WE WANT TO SEE YOU!

Please call for a appointment that is convenient for you.

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

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

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

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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.

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HAPPY HOLIDAZE!

8

COMMUNITY NEWS

NO CHANGES COMING TO COUNTY MASK ORDINANCE JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

M

onroe County commissioners made no changes to an ordinance that remains in place regarding the wearing of masks when people can’t social distance or when they’re inside a business or restau-

rant.

No discussions were had on any added restrictions with New Year’s Eve approaching.

Commissioners and a few county staff members met in person for a regular scheduled meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Remaining staff and departments tuned into the meeting via Zoom. County Attorney Bob Shillinger said the agenda item, a public hearing to consider revisions to ordinance No. 32 of 2020 regarding the county’s mask ordinance, is placed on every agenda to be “nimble and respond to any needed changes.”

“We don’t have any particular changes to recommend at this time,” Shillinger told commissioners. “The process of scheduling a hearing and whatnot, we put it on so that we can respond if necessary. If there’s no desired changes, we just let it sit. We don’t take action.”

A brief discussion followed, which ended with commissioners agreeing to keep the ordinance as is. Commissioner Eddie Martinez asked if anything at the county has superseded any of the governor’s orders. Shillinger replied that the county isn’t doing anything contrary to that.

An executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis in late September that entered Florida into a phase 3 recovery made it so local governments couldn’t collect fines for COVID-related violations against individuals. But he did not preempt the ability to have those violations or to charge for them. And businesses could be held liable if they’re found to be in violation of the mask rule.

Commissioners’ decision in maintaining the mask order comes as county emergency operations related to COVID-19 enters its 44th week. The county’s still operating under a statewide and local state of emergency. Confirmed cases in Monroe County since March total 3,641, or roughly 4% of the total population. Weiner said new cases for December are averaging 32, which is around the same number seen the month before.

In October, average new cases were around 14.

“We continue to see an upward trend in new cases right now,” county Emergency Management director Shannon Weiner said.

Percentage of positive tests in the county is 9%, which is also the statewide rate. In November, percent positive tests were 11% and 8% in October.

Weiner also reported 31 new COVID positive cases among students, in addition to positive cases for four teachers and 10 school staff, the past eight days.

Lower Keys Medical Center had two patients with COVID in-house, while Mariners and Fishermen’s had none as of Dec. 9. Average COVID hospital counts for the last week is five, she said.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

UTILITY’S PR PERSON WINS AWARD Nikki Dunn-Cullen recognized for her contributions

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ikki DunnCullen is the marketing and public relations consultant for Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, based in Tavernier. One of her many responsibilities is providing and designing content for Florida Currents magazine, the cooperative’s monthly publication for its consumers.

In being selected for the award, Dunn-Cullen was cited for her effective use of magazine pages, embracing styles in the magazine’s redesign, always meeting deadline, and her exceptional execution of a clear and consistent communications plan on behalf of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative.

“Nikki is fabulous,” said Pioneer Utility Resources senior editor Pam Blair, who is responsible for production of Florida Currents. “She provides her pages cameraready, with a polished and distinct look that makes them really stand out. She quickly incorporated the new fonts and styles that resulted from our redesign. Nikki never hesitates to ask for feedback, and always seems to be ahead of deadline. She works with the team at FKEC to provide members with useful information. Nikki has a clear vision of the goals for each issue of the magazine, and that shows in the finished product.”

Dunn-Cullen has been the primary public relations person for Florida Keys Electric Cooperative since 2010.

She assisted for many years before that. She has worked with Pioneer Utility Resources on Florida Currents since the publication’s first edition in November 2011.

The communications award is named in honor of longtime communicator Dave D’Avanzo, who earned top communicator honors for his work and dedication serving his cooperative on Ruralite magazine, Pioneer’s sister publication. D’Avanzo died in November after a long battle with cancer.

— Contributed

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

HOLIDAY MEALS TO FEED ISLAND RESIDENTS IN NEED

Distribution set for Dec. 21 in Key Largo, Marathon and Big Pine Key JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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holiday meal handout in three Keys locations is set for Monday, Dec. 21 to help individuals and families in need of a little assistance this season.

From Key Largo to Key West, thousands of meals were distributed during the coronavirus pandemic to many who lost their jobs and needed some help. Through the nonprofit Mangrove Mike’s Endeavor’s Paying it Forward, what started as a hot meal handout at Islamorada’s Mangrove Mike’s Cafe quickly grew to other parts of the island chain including Bahama Village, Marathon and Key Largo.

Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez recently reached out to Mike Forster, nonprofit founder and county commissioner, about feeding Marathon families in need this holiday season.

“I called Mike (Forster) after Thanksgiving and asked if he would be interested in restarting his organization to feed people over the holidays,” Gonzalez said. At the height of the pandemic and unemployment, the two worked side by side at the food distribution center at Brutus Seafood.

“We decided it should be reactivated Keyswide.”

While agreeing to the idea, Forster expressed a desire to help as

many families as possible throughout Monroe County. The food distributions will go from 4 to 7 p.m. at Marathon’s community park, Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce in Big Pine Key and at Key Largo School.

Like his feedings, which evolved quickly from his restaurant to Bahama Village, the holiday feeding took a life of its own. Several phone calls were made at the outset that resulted in $15,000 in donations and more than 1,200 U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition boxes for distribution. USDA boxes were handed out during past food drives up and down the Keys.

“Those boxes not only come with veggies and starches, but they also come with milk and cottage cheese to give more nutrition to the family,” Forster said. “We have enough to feed around 1,500 families. Who knows? It might be more.”

Forster added they’re looking to give out either a turkey or pork. He’s also hoping to hand out desserts and bread, but that all depends on donations.

“The more money we raise, the more money we put in these packages,” Forster said. “Right now, it’s still a great thing to do with these USDA boxes, plus a turkey or a pork butt, but we’d like to add on to that for a greater value and greater good for people who need it the most.”

Gonzalez said Middle Keys supporters, including private and corpo-

rate donors like Publix, have signed on.

So has the base group of volunteers to help distribute the food.

“Plus we will have the help of Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department and volunteers from the sheriff’s office,” Gonzalez said.

The food baskets include all the makings for a holiday meal including dessert, plus leftovers.

Those wishing to donate can visit mangrovemikesendeavors.com and click “donate.” Instructions are also given for those wishing to mail a check.

Any donation is tax-deductible. With donations made to Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors, people see where their money is going, Forster said.

“They see the boots on the ground and people driving through the lines.

You see the camaraderie of the people who are handing out the food and how we love what we're doing in giving back to our community. That’s why I was able to raise close to $300,000 between donations and product in seven weeks when COVID first hit.”

Forster added that the one-time holiday food drive on Dec. 21 is an added bonus to the many other organizations supplying meals to Keys residents in need every day.

Key Lime Products owner Violet Wahba hands out a bag of food during a meal distribution earlier in the year in Key Largo. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

9

10

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

LIGHTING THE NIGHT Tree installed outside Islamorada Visitor’s Center

1 2

3

C

ommunity members joined Islamorada Chamber of Commerce board members in unpacking boxes full of branches to build the Christmas tree next to the Islamorada Visitor’s Center in front of Founders Park. The small group donning masks spent the morning and early afternoon of Dec. 5 bringing the tree to life. At 6 p.m. the switch was turned as the tree lit up the nighttime sky in the village.

— Weekly staff report DAVID GROSS/ Keys Weekly

4

5

1. The switch is turned to light up the Christmas tree outside the Islamorada Visitor’s Center at the front of Founders Park.

2. Islamorada Chamber of Commerce board members and community volunteers unpack tree branches for 3. Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Board Member Adriana Cuomo bristles the tree branch.

4. Craig McBay, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce president and owner of Florida Keys Brewing Co., tries to find his kids in the tree. No no, we’re kidding. But he did receive help from his kids, Arlo and Rose.

5. A worker in a bucket truck from La Isla Tree Care Company tops the Christmas tree.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

KEYS RESIDENT WRITES BOOK TO INSPIRE ACTION

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uthor Tony Hammon writes to inspire believers to action in “On the Edge of Eden: A Story of a Beautiful Land and Beautiful People in the Midst of Brokenness.”

“We are educating educators, to train the next generation to be future leaders of their nation,” Hammon said. “Leaders of Ugandan churches, orphanages and schools all face daily crises. Death is all around them; and it’s going to take far more than posting a photo of a child on a refrigerator in America and sending a $30-a-month check to make a significant impact.”

“It is (my) prayer that you will be driven to a call to action to personally engage in caring for the ‘least of these,’” Hammon said.

Hammon has spent most of his adult life living in the Florida Keys. He has been a biology/marine biology teacher, principal and superintendent, pastor, and currently serves as the president of the International Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (IACCS). He has been married to his wife Colleen since 1972; they share four grown children and 11 grandchildren.

Three questions rocked the author’s life: The first, in the early 1970s when Hammon, as a marine biology teacher, was confronted with: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). He thought, “What good is it for me to produce the best marine biologist in the world, if they never know Christ?” That launched his lifelong journey in Christian education.

Then two other questions from Richard Sterns drove him to say yes to the presidency of IACCS: “What if there are children who will suffer somehow because I failed to obey God?” “What if my cowardice costs even one child somewhere in the world his or her life?”

Those questions sparked a “Popeye” moment.

He, like Popeye, said, “I can’t stand it; I can’t stand it no more!”

The book is out now on Kindle for $9.99. A paperback version will be available for purchase

‘On the Edge of Eden’ is a new book

by Tony Hammon. CONTRIBUTED

Couple in sheriff’s office express thanks as they retire It is with great honor and pride that I write this letter, to thank all the citizens of Monroe County and the folks that I have served with in some capacity while being a deputy sheriff with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

The Keys are a great place to live, work and raise a family. The Keys are made great by the passion, dedication and spirit of the people who live here. My wife, Peggy, and I are very proud to have been able to serve the citizens and hope that we were able to leave a positive mark on our community. Our son, Spenser, continues to serve while also working for Sheriff Rick Ramsay, and I know will strive to keep the same goals of safety, community and family as his priorities to this wonderful area.

Sheriff Ramsay has instilled in his officers community, integrity, honesty and professionalism, which has been so easy to follow because of the support we receive from him and the folks of Monroe County.

Our time of 34 years here has been fabulous and made even greater by some very special people, to include Mark Kohl, Lee Ann Holroyd, Rick Ramsay, Mike Sharp, Mike Forster, the Santes, the Yagels, the Baumans, the Cooks, our Tuesday dinner group, Joey Naples and Sun 103 gang, Judy Hull and the entire Chamber of Commerce group, Upper Keys Rotary Club, the Islamorada Village staff, Terry Abel and his fire brigade, the folks of Island Community Church and San Pedro Church and the District 6 deputies and all deputies of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office that I was privileged to serve with. There are so many more that I could name and I do not mean to leave anyone out but I would need a full page, and then some, to talk about all the great people here.

Thank you again for all your kindness and support and remember to look out for each other, help each other and be good to each other and there will be nothing that this community can't accomplish.

– Corey and Peggy Bryan Maj. Corey Bryan has served in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for the last 34 years, and Peggy Bryan has worked in the sheriff’s office as records supervisor in the Upper Keys for the last 32 years.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

TEENS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BREAKING INTO NEARLY 100 VEHICLES

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wo Key Largo teens were arrested Dec. 3 following a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigation into nearly 100 vehicle burglaries in the Upper Keys.

Benjamin Aaron Zelada, 19, was charged with burglary, three counts of trespassing, larceny and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A 17-year-old male is facing similar charges.

Since late October, the sheriff’s office had taken reports of multiple vehicle break-ins with Upper Keys detectives assigned to resolve cases. The area behind the Key Largo Community Park, particularly Laguna Avenue and Bahia Avenue, reported the highest number of incidents.

Upper Keys Detective Sgt. Scott Ward reported that detectives found 89 vehicles burglarized, but not all victims wished to prosecute. Every vehicle was unlocked in all 89 cases.

No windows were broken, but in many cases the suspects had to jump over locked gates to get to the vehicles. The stolen items included sunglasses, loose change or cash and electronics.

Detectives were already working the case closely on Nov. 16 when they received a phone call at 5 a.m. from a Laguna Avenue resident who stated his doorbell camera security system captured an image of a burglary suspect. Deputies and detectives identified the man in that video as Zelada based on previous interactions they had with him following a suspiciousactivity call in the Harry Harris subdivision in October.

Meanwhile, patrol deputies spotted Zelada and a juvenile behind the Holiday Inn. A foot chase ensued and the juvenile was detained. Detectives continued to investigate and eventually warrants were issued for Zelada and the juvenile.

Zelada was arrested at his home on Dec. 3 and the juvenile turned himself in to detectives.

The sheriff’s office reminds residents to always lock their doors and secure valuables. That includes vehicles parked inside gated areas, as this case demonstrates offenders can often breach small fences. Every vehicle burglarized in these cases was unlocked. These are typically crimes of opportunity.

BRIEFLY

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

OFFICERS MAKE MULTIPLE MASKRELATED ARRESTS

K

ey West police and city code officers arrested multiple people last week on Duval Street for not wearing masks, then obstructing justice by refusing to sign the citation or striking the officer.

When the Keys Weekly requested arrest information for all mask violations stemming from Dec. 2, Key West police spokeswoman Alyson Crean provided information about two female suspects who were taken to jail after their encounters with officers escalated. However, further investigation by Keys Weekly revealed at least one additional arrest that also stemmed from mask violations.

“Officers can’t take people to jail just for not wearing a mask,” Crean told Keys Weekly on Dec. 3. “The officer warns them, then offers them a mask, and if they still refuse to wear one, they’re cited.

When people refuse to sign or accept the citation, or when the situation escalates somehow, that’s when a person is arrested.”

Crean said officers took two women to jail the night of Dec. 2 for mask violations in separate incidents that had escalated. The women are facing charges of battery for allegedly striking a code compliance officer in the shoulder as well as obstruction of justice for refusing to accept the citation.

Further investigation revealed a fire commissioner from Palm Harbor, Florida was arrested near the intersection of Duval and Caroline streets in an incident that started with a mask warning.

James Dalrymple, 64, is seen in a friend’s YouTube video being arrested for obstruction of justice. A Key West police officer is heard telling the man that he refused to wear a mask. When Dalrymple said he didn’t have a mask, the officer says he offered him a mask and Dalrymple refused to wear it. The officer then says that Dalrymple was under arrest for obstruction of justice by refusing to identify himself to a law enforcement officer.

Dalrymple was released to pre-trial services shortly after his arrest.

Kids Come First holiday drive seeks assistance in Upper Keys Centennial Bank and Kids Come First appreciate monetary donations and gifts for students in Monroe County facing financial adversity this Christmas. In the Upper Keys, people can reach out to Key Largo School counselor Meghan Ryan to pick a child. Call 305-453-1255 ext. 53705 or 772261-4592, or email meghan.ryan@ keysschools.com Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

People can also pick an angel from the Centennial Christmas Tree, go shopping and return the gifts to the bank.

Take survey to help provide direction on U.S. 1 Monroe County is preparing a transportation master plan that will provide direction for U.S. 1 within Monroe County. Feedback is vital in helping develop the plan.

Visit us1masterplan.com to find information on the plan, progress on each phase, a public survey and an interactive map where you can pinpoint areas of concern.

Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on traffic issues (congestion, safety, signals, pedestrian, bicycle, etc.), where these issues are and possible solutions. (If completing the survey by using a smartphone, use the dropdown arrows for questions 1 & 2 to move forward - it allows you to type in the box but doesn't recognize that to move on.)

The primary objective of this study is to identify transportation needs, develop goals/objectives, and develop an action plan to meet those goals. The action plan will identify potential shortterm (1-5 years), mid-term (6-10 years), and long-term solutions (10-20 years). These solutions may include improvements on road, signal, signs and markings and/or multi-modal solutions addressing the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit.

The more feedback the better.

Direct link to the study: us1masterplan.com/projectsurvey.

County distributes Cares Act funding to small businesses Monroe County has allocated all $1 million in the second round of CARES Act Small Business Grant Program funding to 268 small local businesses that were affected by COVID-19. The county funded $2 million to 527 businesses in both rounds of the program.

In round 2, 159 sole propri-

etors received $2,500, 86 2-10 employee businesses received $5,000, and 23 11-25 employee businesses received $7,500.

Funded businesses included retail, food, galleries, commercial and charter fishing, salons, photographers, property management companies and fitness centers.

A business that did not receive funding may have had an incomplete application, was not eligible (too many employees, multiple business applications with the same owner), or the application was submitted later than other complete applications on the first-come, first-serve basis.

Some funding is still being processed, but a list of the businesses that received funding is at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ bizcares.

The program is funded by an allocation to Monroe County from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act through the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management.

In addition to the $2 million business grant program, about $368,000 was distributed for utilities assistance to about 400 commercial and residential customer accounts that were in arrears, $1 million was distributed or set aside for critical needs like food and nonprofit grant assistance, and $1.4 million is being processed for those who applied for the rental and mortgage assistance program.

Hazardous waste drop free for Islamorada residents On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12, from 9 a.m. to noon, Islamorada residents may take household hazardous waste to a special dropoff at Founders Park, MM 87 bayside. Masks are required.

Materials include used noncontaminated oils, antifreeze, bottles or cans of flammable liquid fuel and chlorine bottles, liquid poison, flammable solids, aerosol, corrosive materials, liquid or solid oxidizers, pesticides or herbicides, cyanides or sulfides, alkaline batteries, lead acid batteries, latex paints, PCB liquids, BCB ballasts, nonregulated soaps, polishes and similar materials, contaminated oil solvents, oil based paints and thinners, and tires off the rim that do not exceed a light duty SUV.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

GASPARI RECOGNIZED BY COLLEGE ASSOCIATION Local woman wins Career and Professional Education recognition

Lana Gaspari, CFK director of marine science and technology, wins award from Association of Florida Colleges.

CONTRIBUTED

T

he Association of Florida Colleges awarded Lana Gaspari, director of marine science and technology at the College of the Florida Keys, with the 2020 Career and Professional Employee of the Year award. Gaspari was selected from dozens of nominated employees from the 28 state colleges in Florida.

Hired by CFK in 2012, Gaspari first served as an instructor in the diving business and technology program for four years. In her current position, as the director of marine science and technology, she assists the dean with the operational oversight of five academic programs in the division of marine science and technology. She collaborates with full-time faculty and supervises adjunct faculty, dive facilities management, boat crews, and student lab assistants. She is also responsible for CFK’s fleet of vessels. Additionally, she has played a key role in the establishment and growth of CFK’s summer adventure camps program, which serves almost 300 children each summer.

“Lana is incredibly student-centric. She routinely searches for ways to meet student needs and finds opportunities for student success,” said Jack Seubert, CFK dean of marine science and technology. “She frequently meets with students to help them make their academic plans and find ways to save time and money. Lana also seeks grant and donation funding to support industry certificate exams, especially for underrepresented student populations.”

Gaspari has a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and a master’s in career and technical education. She is a Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) course director and specialty instructor trainer, a Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) diving emergency management provider instructor trainer, and an emergency first response instructor trainer.

“I believe that individuals are only as good as the team they work with,” said Gaspari. “I am fortunate to work with a team of hard-working, student-centric, dedicated, and passionate people. We are a team, at a small school, that accomplishes such big things.”

— Contributed

SAVE THE DATE

F

rom lighted bicycles to lighted boats, and more, there’s plenty to put on your calendar this holiday season:

Pets and pina coladas This year’s event is a little different due to the ongoing pandemic. The Keys Kritters Holiday Photo Booth will be open now through Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. People and their furry friends can stop by for a do-it-yourself photo opportunity. Those who can’t take advantage of the do-it-yourself option can schedule an appointment on Dec. 12 and 15 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Set an appointment by calling 786281-6590. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the booth for safety. If you wish to receive a goody bag, they will be available inside the store for a $5 donation. More information on Keys Kritters’ Facebook page.

Lighted bike ride in Key Largo The third annual Charity Lighted Bike Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Tropical Realty, MM 102, Key Largo. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will lead the parade. The event raises funds to help Keys families and their children during Christmas.

Santa visits World Wide Sportsman Stop by on Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to safely take a picture with Santa. Santa will be waiting at the back of the pillar to greet families and bring holiday cheer.

Toys for Tots Run The Florida Keys Toys for Tots Fun run kicks off on Saturday , Dec. 12 beginning at The Florida Boy Bar & Grill and working its way north to OceanView Inn around 1 p.m. The Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys each year as Christmas presents to less fortunate children. More information at Florida Keys Toys for Tots Facebook page or floridakeys.toysfortots.org.

Key Largo boat parade Boats decked in lights will illuminate Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Viewings from Sundowners, Big Chill and Marriott Resort. For more information visit keylargoboatparade. com Shop, jingle and mingle A pop-up market will go on from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at Cirque Salon of Key Largo, 101401 Overseas Highway. Shop, jingle and mingle as proceeds benefit Good Health Clinic.

Santa comes to Islamorada Santa Claus comes to town from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 in Islamorada. Visit Islamorada Fire Rescue’s Facebook page for the route. The last vehicle will collect any toy donations. Everyone is encouraged to refrain from gatherings outside of your immediate family.

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A

ENVIIRONMENT

vid diver and local tattoo artist Cassandra Clark wanted to become a part of the coral restoration effort having seen a gradual decline of the reef. Receiving her diver master certification from Key Dives two years ago, she’s now teaming up with the local dive shop and another Marathon tattoo shop to benefit local reef restoration.

Clark, who works at South of Heaven in Key Largo, and Doc’s Tattooz have drawn up various designs people can choose from to get inked and benefit I.CARE, the local nonprofit formed by Key Dives owner Mike Goldberg and Kylie Smith to restore local Islamorada reefs. For every tattoo from these “flash sheet” tattoos done in December, 50% will go to the cause, Clark said.

“Since I’m a tattoo artist, I have the ability to do fundraisers where I can help local organizations and help raise large amounts of funds,” said Clark, who’s been diving since 2015. “I really wanted to help our reefs because our local economy needs healthy corals.”

Located at 10939 Overseas Highway in Marathon, Doc’s Tattooz owner Allen Mertsock signed his shop up for the fundraising effort when he heard about it from Clark, who is a friend.

“Cassandra wanted to do something to benefit the reefs, and of course we wanted to be on board,” Mertsock said. “We’re all in this together. It’s really, really important to protect the reef.”

Doc’s, which has been in business

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

I CARE

Get a tattoo to benefit coral restoration effort

By Jim McCarthy and Tiffany Duong

for over 20 years, is no stranger to benefit tattooing. During Hurricane Irma, Mertsock raised almost $800 for the American Legion to help those in need. Now, he, Tony Napoli (the other artist at Doc’s), and Clark are teaming up to help restore the reef.

Flash tattoos are especially-created for mass-tattoo events such as the I.CARE benefit and are usually designs that have never been done before, Mertsock said. Doc’s has hundreds of designs available for the flash benefit, not all of which are coral or ocean related. Notable drawings he’s created for I.CARE include a cool Tiki god, a geisha and a tropical hibiscus in a vase.

Clark said her designs emphasize the local reef and creatures that people don’t necessarily pay attention to. While many people see and know turtles, Clark said there are also balloon fish and puffer fish that are now becoming rare to find while diving.

“Another rare species is the flamingo tongue, which is this little sea snail thing. They bring me so much

joy when I’m diving, and no one really knows about them,” she said.

Along with spreading awareness of what are now rare sea creatures, Clark said, she wants to educate people who come in her chair on how to get involved. She’s an active member of Key Dives’ cleanup dives, having taken anchors and fishing line off corals.

“We’re destroying this, and there’s so many people in our local area who don’t care. I wanted to show I.CARE,” she said.

Clark tattooed an anatomically correct stoplight parrotfish on Smith, I.CARE’s co-founder and lead scientist, in October, and several in the I.CARE and Key Dives communities are pushing Goldberg to get his first tattoo, of I.CARE naturally, once the organization is fully operating.

“Cassandra is an amazing human being – such a strong advocate for conservation and a truly talented artist,” Smith said. “We are so lucky to have her working as hard as she does to spread the message about I.CARE and help us raise money.”

Smith and Goldberg are “constantly amazed” by the creative ways that local businesses are supporting I.CARE. “We wouldn't exist without their support and this tells us that everyone down here cares about the future of our coral reefs,” Smith added. “This truly is a community effort and it gives us so much hope for the future of our coral reefs!”

Those wishing to get a tattoo from Clark can call ahead and say they want

Each row from left: Allen Mertsock, owner of Doc’s tattoos in Marathon, inks a client while observing strict COVID-19 safety protocols. CONTRIBUTED Clark decided to work at South of Heaven and told her boss one of the things she wanted to do was coral restoration on weekends. She also told him she wanted to host a benefit to support the reef, and was on board. CONTRIBUTED Cassandra Clark is a tattoo artist at South of Heaven in Key Largo who’s been diving locally for the past five years.

Doc’s tattoo artist Tony Napoli works on a client while observing strict COVID-19 safety protocols. CONTRIBUTED Doc’s Tattooz in Marathon has been in business for over 20 years. CONTRIBUTED Doc’s tattoo artist Tony Napoli designed this piece for a long-time customer who wanted to partake in the I.CARE flash benefit with an original design. TONY NAPOLI/ Contributed People can choose from a wide variety of pre-drawn designs such as these. CONTRIBUTED

an I.CARE tattoo. Or, people can walk in and pick a design they’d like. Clark said she’s willing to do something that’s not been pre-drawn that’s coralor ocean-related.

Doc’s posts its new designs on its social media pages daily. Pick one you like or ask for something different.

For an I.CARE tattoo at Doc’s, email docstattooz@hotmail.com or direct message the shop on their social media pages.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

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HOLIDAYS 2020

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

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THE VILLAGE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Community assists Michigan family run Christmas tree stand CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

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CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly 1. TJ’s father, Tom Paul, pictured left, started the Christmas tree stand next to the Trading Post market in 1980.

CONTRIBUTED 2. TJ and Jessica chat with Dan of the Trading Post, who visited with his dog Gatsby, 2.

3. Christmas trees are loaded onto a flatbed in Michigan for transport to the Keys. CONTRIBUTED 4. Jessica Shepard starts the day by spraying the Christmas trees with water.

n Nov. 27, Jessica Shepard and Tom “TJ� Paul Jr., along with their son, Bradley, finally reached Islamorada for their working vacation to run their annual Christmas tree stand. They had a semi-truck full of hundreds of trees from the family’s large nursery business in Michigan, and they had driven straight for 28 hours, with only brief breaks at gas stations.

Upon arriving at the small plot of land next to Islamorada’s Trading Post market to set up shop, they realized that they were in over their heads.

A longtime employee who usually constructed the stand couldn’t make the trip from Michigan this year,

and while Jessica and TJ were getting out their equipment, they suddenly grasped that they didn’t know how to rig the lights and connect the tent poles. Also, their chainsaw broke.

Meanwhile, customers were quickly coming to buy their trees. No sooner had the family lugged out a few of the heavy trees — some of which were 16 feet tall — than they were sold, all the while still building their stand. “We were running around like chickens with our heads cut off,� Jessica said.

During that hectic first day, a couple arrived. They wanted to buy a Christmas tree, but, realizing that the family was in the weeds, patiently sat by on the sidelines and waited. Eventually, they asked, “Hey, you need some help?�

 Â? Â? Â

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HOLIDAYS 2020

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

4

“We were like, ‘It’s okay.’ And they stayed and said, ‘Are you sure?’ My son said, ‘Why’d you say no?’” recalled Jessica with a laugh. “But then they asked again, and we were like, ‘We probably could use help.’”

So the couple returned the very next morning at 6 a.m. to help, bringing a chainsaw and a drill.

“That was their Saturday,” Jessica said, with awe. “It ended up being much more challenging than we thought. They stayed and helped us sell the trees. It was so extremely stressful that day — 30 or 40 people at a time buying trees. Having them help us, it was … I don’t know how we could have done that without them.”

And the couple weren’t the only ones who saved the day. Many locals swung by the stand and not only

bought trees but also made sure that Jessica, TJ and Bradley were being taken care of.

“People have come by to offer us food, water, drinks. … People that we’ve never met before. I didn’t even know their last name,” Jessica said.

“The realtor next to the lot, he helped too .… One person stopped by, and he joked, ‘You guys are so busy, can I get you anything to drink?’ I jokingly said, ‘You got any booze? I’d love a black cherry White Claw.’ He came back with black cherry High Noons. I was like, ‘Bless you guys.’ They came back and got a tree.”

The Keys community, Good Samaritans all, helped save the Christmas tree stand and get it up and running like clockwork. In fact, when Keys Weekly first approached TJ to

write a profile about his annual stand, he demurred and said, “You should really write about how everyone has helped us.”

Jessica agreed. “The people in this community are just great, very friendly and helpful. We’re so grateful.”

When Keys Weekly reached out to that couple who selflessly devoted their Saturday to help the family, they insisted that their names not be used in this article.

“That’s not why we did it,” the woman said. “Each year, I pray over Thanksgiving to be shown who we could help this year. My husband and I saw them struggling, and it was clear we were supposed to help them. That’s what we’re here to do. We’re supposed to help each other. And Keys neighbors have helped us many, many times over the years. We’re giving back.”

And another thing: Jessica and TJ were shocked at how quickly their trees sold out this year. “Usually, it’s three to four weeks. One week is unheard of,” she said.

“Maybe it’s because of COVID. People need a return to normal,” suggested TJ. TJ’s father, Tom Paul, started the Christmas tree stand next to the Trading Post market in 1980. “This is a

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tradition,” said Dan, an employee at the Trading Post. “Betsy (Jacocks, owner of the Trading Post) was getting phone calls left and right and had to post a sign, ‘The Christmas tree stand is coming.’

These guys are awesome.”

“People who buy from us say, ‘We’ve been getting our trees here for 40 years,’” Jessica said.

Tom Paul passed away unexpectedly from a massive heart attack about four years ago. But the loss of their patriarch and the backbreaking work didn’t deter the family from returning to Islamorada. They didn’t even hesitate.

“It’s who we are. We’ve been coming here since high school,” said Jessica.

“And we get to hang out with the people. It’s so nice to see everybody,” added TJ. “And the weather. In Michigan, it’s 30 degrees and windy,” she said, pulling out her cell phone to show a picture of their land, currently covered in snow.

“It’s the wind chill that does it.”

With their inventory completely sold out, the family closed their stand unexpectedly early on Dec. 5. Will they return next year?

They aren’t sure. TJ explained that there is a nationwide shortage of Christmas trees.

“We like doing it, and hopefully we can do it in the future,” he said.

One thing is for certain. The Christmas tree stand and the family who run it provided a valuable service in 2020. The Good Samaritan — who shall remain nameless — said, “Jessica, TJ and their son Bradley brought hope to our community this year.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

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The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Treasure Village Montessori faculty and students in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and TVM for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Sea Dragon” pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

DOMINICK WHITEMAN SECOND GRADE What is something most people don’t know about you? They don’t know my favorite color. My favorite color is green.

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? My favorite teacher is Ms. Kathie; she is nice.

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What is your favorite subject and why? Math, it makes me learn stuff.

What organizations and activities are you involved with at TVM? I love sports. I am involved in all sports.

What is the best rule at your school? Masks, that we wear masks.

It keeps us safe.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? Pizza.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? A policeman, because I can help people, the environment and the earth.

What do you hope to be remembered for at TVM? Being nice What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? I like to go on the boat if it is nice.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home when you grow up? Why or why not? I’m probably going to stay in the Keys but I’ll probably travel too.

GIFT GUIDE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

FOR THE

For the next few weeks, the Keys Weekly will feature a local gift guide for the purposes of making the holidays simple and bright.

We’re supporting local, small businesses and hope our readers will too. The gifts on this page are perfect for the fashionista in your life, the one who interprets “Keys Casual” like an “Insta” trendsetter.

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

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

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These 30A shirts are made from recycled plastic bottles that could otherwise end up in the oceans.

Every super soft 30A shirt saves eight plastic bottles from entering the landfill. They’re blended with cotton, so they’re incredibly soft.

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WaterWoman was the very first female-focused performance frame in our history, and now they’ve made a larger version.

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4. MARISOL WALLET

This Napa leather wallet has retro detail with modern flair. ISLAND DREAMZ, ISLAMORADA. $68

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THE RIGHT PERSON WILL HAVE: • Ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects in a fast-paced team environment.

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20

FISHING

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

Tournament sponsors, in addition to Robert-James Sales, included the Islander Resort and Conference Center, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, Image Graphics, Florida Keys Fishing Guides, Tom Thumb Food Stores, Papa's Pilar Rum, Pure Fishing, Costa and Mercury Marine.

— Contributed

Former space shuttle astronaut Bruce Melnick releases a bonefish with the help of teammate John Timura

DENKERT’S ANGLERS CAPTURE ROBERT JAMES SALES REDBONE CELEBRITY TOURNAMENT WIN

C

atching and releasing 20 redfish in a day in the Florida Keys waters is a fine day in anyone’s fishing career, but it’s better that it happened during a tournament.

Teammates Paulo Firmo and Wade Davis of Miami capitalized using artificial lures on schools of redfish to help propel the team to victory in the two-day Robert James Sales Redbone Celebrity Tournament on Nov. 21-22.

Named “Redbone” because the anglers seek redfish and bonefish while helping to catch the cure for cystic fibrosis, 11 boats of two anglers each stalked the two species in the 32rd annual event that benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Firmo became the Robert James Sales Redbone Celebrity Tournament grand champion, as well as the high point angler, on day one while fishing with fellow angler Davis and Capt.

Dave Denkert, of Islamorada. Firmo also caught the largest redfish of the tournament over the slot limit of 24 inches, which was around 25 or 26 inches.

“Dave still had the (boat’s) motor running and was idling to his spot,” Firmo said. “A jet skier was coming by and Dave asked him to stay toward the channel to not affect the fishing. Right then, Wade hooks up.”

That was the first redfish the team caught and they never looked back.

They had four double-headers with Firmo and Davis hooked up to redfish simultaneously, making it exciting to bring the fish in, measure them, photograph them and release them.

They used jigs with shrimp, Dave’s

Lady Grand Champion Angler Carmen Perez-Pedron with one of her redfish.

homemade jigs, added Firmo. Jigs without shrimp also were working. As the captain was poling off the flat, the duo caught the final double-header.

By noon, the team had caught 20 redfish. The team went in search of bonefish in the afternoon, but zeroed out on that pursuit until the next day of fishing. Sunday, they caught and released 12 bonefish, six each, which was another fine day of fishing in the Florida Keys backcountry.

When the results were tallied, Firmo was declared grand champion and Davis was runner-up. Davis and Denkert have fished nearly their whole lives together, beginning as youngsters in Miami. Firmo received the largest redfish and largest bonefish awards as well as the artificial division champion award. Davis owns Image Graphics, which is a Redbone sponsor and provides the banners and scoreboard for the Redbone tournaments.

Eleven-year-old Caleb Bokor of Islamorada nabbed both the most redfish releases and junior grand champion awards while fishing with Capt.

Richard Black. As a 10-year-old, young

Grand Champion Angler Paulo Firmo releases one of his six bonefish. CONTRIBUTED

Bokor was grand champion last year.

The youngster has participated in and won many Keys tournaments.

Last year, Caleb fished with his father, Jim Bokor Sr., of Buffalo, N.Y. and Islamorada, who passed away this November. “Senior” was a fivetime Redbone winner and won the senior division last year.

The 2020 celebrity grand champion angler was astronaut Bruce Melnick of Merritt Island, Florida. He has logged more than 300 hours in space, and he fished with Capt. Mark Cockerham.

The Pro Angler Division Champion was Robert Scott Collins and the Lady Grand Champion Angler was Carmen Perez Padron. They were guided by Capt. Mark Gilman.

2020 Robert James Sales Redbone Celebrity Tournament results *High Point Angler Day 1: Paulo Firmo with Capt. Dave Denkert *High Point Angler Day 2: Jacob Pickering with Capt. Richard Black *Most Bonefish Releases: Paulo Firmo with Capt. Dave Denkert *Most Redfish Releases: Caleb Bokor with Capt. Richard Black *Largest Redfish & Largest Bonefish: Paulo Firmo with Capt.

Dave Denkert *Most Spots on Redfish: Josiah James *Artificial Division Champion: Paulo Firmo with Capt. Dave Denkert *Fly Division Champion: Jacob Pickering with Capt. Richard Black *General Division Champion: Carmen Perez Padron with Capt. Mark Gilman *First Runner Up Angler: Wade Davis with Capt. Dave Denkert *Team Grand Champions: Wade Davis & Paulo Firmo with Capt. Dave Denkert *Junior Grand Champion: Caleb Bokor with Capt. Richard Black *Pro Angler Division Champion: Robert Scott Collins with Capt. Mark Gilman *Lady Grand Champion Angler: Carmen Perez Padron with Capt. Mark Gilman *Celebrity Grand Champion Angler: Bruce Melnick with Capt.

Mark Cockerham *Grand Champion Angler: Paulo Firmo with Capt. Dave Denkert

FISHING

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020 released five of those fish, winning the Bill Hirni highpoint angler award as well as a Sammy Milazzo original painting. Ten-year old Andy Cone took first place in the junior division with three releases.

Anglers Donny and Brad Lange along with Jeffery Dickman and Fritz Zeher, all from Tavernier, added another sail to the Tackle Center’s tally and took home their very own Tackle Center of Islamorada sponsored second-place sailfish trophies with a total of nine releases. With Capt. Justin Baker at the helm, the Yellow Tale edged out the Cloud Nine by one fish on the final day.

Captain Brian Cone, aboard his charter boat Contagious, led anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett, both from North Carolina, and Travis Bennett and Andy Cone from Tavernier, and Greg Tolpin from Key Largo to the winner’s circle.

CONTRIBUTED The Contagious takes home the top honors with 11 releases. CONTRIBUTED

CONTAGIOUS WINS 57TH ANNUAL ISLAMORADA SAILFISH TOURNAMENT

C

apt. Brian Cone, aboard his charter boat Contagious, led anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett, both from North Carolina, Travis Bennett and Andy Cone from Tavernier, and Greg Tolpin from Key Largo, to the winner’s circle with a total of 11 sailfish releases in the 57th annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament.

Kicking off at the Whale Harbor seafood buffet, the event maintained social distancing and COVID restrictions. The sailfish action started on the morning of Dec. 4 and continued over the next two days, concluding on Dec. 6. The team took home beautiful sailfish sculptures sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Yamaha Out Boards along with a check for $42,390.

Over the three days of fishing, 90 sailfish were released out of 103 called in hookups with over $90,000 paid to the winners.

The Keys’ first cold front of the season greeted 98 anglers fishing on 21 boats. Juan Vilorio, aboard the Hellreyzer, released the first sailfish of the three-day tournament while the Cloud Nine was fighting a double header.

At the end of day one, 32 sailfish were released and the Cloud Nine was in the lead with five fish.

Day two started out early for Tackle Center, as Capt. Charlie Scoble called in a triple header of sailfish at 8:42 a.m., followed by Last Dance calling in a double. The Tackle Center released two of the fish quickly but the third fish was not going to be easy. Eleven other sails were released before Donny Lange released the third fish of the triple header at 10:12 a.m. As the day ended, Tackle Center was in the lead with a total of eight releases, followed by the Contagious with six and the Cloud Nine with five.

The final day of fishing was calm and cloudy. The bite started out slow but Contagious picked at the sails all day. In the end, the Contagious took home the top honors with 11 releases. Contagious angler Bennett

Anglers Donny and Brad Lange along with Jeffery Dickman and Fritz Zeher, all from Tavernier, add another sail to the Tackle Center’s tally and take home their very own Tackle Center of Islamorada sponsored second-place sailfish trophies with a total of nine releases. CONTRIBUTED

Ten-year old Andy Cone takes first place in the junior division with three releases. He’s pictured with his dad, Capt. Brian Cone.

CONTRIBUTED

21

Anglers Clarke and Phil Harlow, Patrick Nutt, Nick Caito, Ken Stiles and Eric Turnoff, all from Fort Lauderdale, along with Islamorada’s Jimi Fickling released seven sailfish on the Yellow Tale and were awarded the third-place trophies.

Debbie David, of Hollywood, fishing aboard the Relentless with Captain Paul Ross, released three sailfish, winning the Top Lady Angler award. Second- and thirdplace junior angler awards went to Laurel David with two releases and Christopher David with one release, both fishing aboard the Relentless. The Challenger took home most tagged fish team awards with four sailfish tagged and released.

In true Islamorada style, the sailfish weren’t the only fish biting on this beautiful weekend. The largest tuna, weighing in at 24 pounds, was caught by Mike Slocum, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, fishing aboard the Last Dance.

Slocum also weighed in the largest dolphin at 9.8 pounds. The largest mackerel award went to angler Michael Varney, from Tavernier, with a 26.6-pound kingfish.

The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. The Contagious is currently in the lead with 11 fish.

Second place in the Gold Cup is the Tackle Center with nine releases and third is the Yellow Tale with seven. The next leg of the series is at the Islamorada Fishing Club’s Captains Cup Sailfish Tournament on Jan. 20 and the champions will be crowned during the Cheeca Lodge and Spa Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 23-24.

“Whale Harbor served up another great event,” said tournament director Dianne Harbaugh.

“Things were a little different with all the covid protocols but everyone did a great job and had a wonderful time.”

The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament will continue the fight to preserve and protect the fabulous fishing in the Florida Keys. More information on the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is at www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com.

— Contributed

22

HINDSIGHT 2020

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

A TRYING YEAR THROUGH THE WORDS OF LOCALS ‘All Keys people, we all stick together’

Editor’s note: A coronavirus pandemic that saw some of the first cases in the Keys in March changed life in ways 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 met up with Jimmy Anderson, 69, a retired disaster case manager who lives in Tavernier.

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

D

escribe the year 2020 in one word. Very easy. “Bizarre.”

(Laughs) It really has been bizarre.

Can you give me a specific example of a moment when you realized that 2020 was bizarre? I do have a specific moment that really made me realize how serious this is. The roadblock.

(Laughs) The Monroe County roadblock.

The Conch Republic. (Editor’s note: The U.S. Border Patrol established a blockade in 1982 at the top of the Florida Keys to combat the increasing drug trade in South Florida. In response, Monroe County “seceded” from the U.S. and declared itself the Conch Republic. The barricade was removed.) (The 2020 roadblock) reminded me of the Conch Republic when nobody from Dade County was allowed down here. And like in 1982, the roadblock hurt the community, so the

business owners said you have to get rid of the roadblock.

What was your worst moment of 2020? No hugging. No kissing friends. Not seeing someone for a long time and then seeing them and not being able to hug them.

Do you know anyone who got sick from COVID-19? No. Do you know anyone who died from COVID-19? No. Did you experience financial stress in 2020 due to the pandemic? No. I was secure due to my retirement — the Florida Retirement System, Social Security — and side jobs.

What got you through the stress?

Sailing. I call my Hobie catamaran “my shrink.” That’s where I get my therapy.

That’s how I release stress. As soon as I push off from land (laughs), I relax totally.

Do you practice social distancing personally? Yes. Due to me being at high risk.

Do you practice social distancing at side jobs? Yes. For example, when I’m installing windows.

Has the social distancing caused stress? Yes. No hugs or kisses! (Shouts, and then laughs.) I’m a big hugger.

Do you think the social distancing works? Yes. Did you notice any physical symptoms from stress? No, not really.

I’m pretty good at handling things I can’t change. Like with sailing and windsurfing as therapy.

What was your best moment of 2020? Sailing with friends and family on my shrink. One time, for three days in a row, three baby dolphins came up to my boat. Three days in a row. This was on the Bay. Out by Cowpens. I believe it is nature touching me: “Everything is gonna be all right.”

Did you gain the “Quarantine 15”?

I don’t even know what that means.

A lot of people gained weight during Quarantine. No, I didn’t.

What’s your secret? I eat healthy.

And sailing and windsurfing keep me in shape.

Any further thoughts on 2020? We will all be happy when it’s over. But I’m a happy person. People always ask me why I smile all the time. And I say it’s better than the alternative — 6 feet under.

I think 2021 is gonna be a great year because the country will be changing.

And I have a wonderful and supportive wife, I really want to say that. A lovely birthday together. We were here during Tropical Storm Eta. We were rained in together. When the rain stopped, we got to go on a beautiful bike ride. It was great.

I don’t mean to sound like a cliché.

All Keys people, we all stick together and help each other out. Whenever I needed help in my house and was stuck, I called a friend and they came over. My Keys friends. It’s always been like that, as long as I’ve lived here, for forty years. I feel that the community is still there, even through all the changes.

Jimmy Anderson loves windsurfing and hanging out in his backyard during his retirement. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

MORE LOVE AND ABUNDANCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

“W

e don’t want to see you guys.”

My heart dropped like a lead fishing weight when Aunt Lora said this to us on the phone on Thanksgiving. I got choked up and shed a few silent tears. My husband, Ryan, was quiet as a mouse. We understood and were glad to get the elephant out of the room, but it still stung.

MELINDA We are very close to my husband’s aunt and VAN FLEET uncle, who are snowbirds in Fort Myers. We treasure seeing them every year when they come Melinda Van back down. But this year is different.

Fleet is a consultant, coach and Since our family is up north, it was the first speaker who helps time we have dealt with the pain of not spending sales executives time with them. I realize this is slight versus what and their teams. others are going through.

More informaSo, what can we do? It’s essential to take tion is at www. goodkarmasucaction to make yourself feel better. Focusing on cesscoach.com. what you can’t do this holiday season won’t solve anything; shifting your mindset to what you can do will. Here are some thoughts and ideas.

- Find those old holiday classic shows. I had recorded “Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer.” Ryan said to me, “You can watch whatever you want.” I almost fell over. “Really, are you sure?” “Yes, I am sure.”

Guess what I put on? Yep, “Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer.”

He scuffled for a minute, trying to take back what he said, then settled into the old holiday classic, and we laughed. Interesting how even the side storyline with Kirby being a dentist is a real struggle for many. Follow your dreams!

- Get out from behind the computer. Yes, you! Too many people are still hanging out online. We are so lucky to live in Florida with restaurants, shops, beaches, boating, etc. What can you do outside, even if it’s taking a walk around Founders or down U.S. 1?

- And grab a friend! Some folks are scared to reach out. Take the initiative and invite someone to hang out with you. In addition, you may not be struggling, but you may know someone who is struggling, and inviting them out may help.

- Sit outside and think. Think about what you want out of your life. Write about it. Visualize and draw it. Make a list of goals for 2021. Positive thoughts toward the future will make you happy and not only help shift your mindset, but also help The Law of Attraction bring magic to you.

- Play with your pets. I am guilty of this. We have three dogs, and I get busy and forget to take a few minutes to hang with them.

I learned pet sales are on the rise because people are home more.

Maybe visiting a shelter, finding a new pet, or donating to an organization that helps pets will make you feel good!. I recommend The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier as a favorite place to visit and donate. Animals only take a few minutes to shift your mood.

I would love to share more tips and ideas, and you may have some too. But in closing, for this holiday season, one of the biggest tips is gratitude. Being grateful and saying “thank you” makes everyone happy.

I appreciate it when I am out and about, and someone mentions my column. I never know who is reading the column and if it helps. I always say, “If I can help one person and they help another person, imagine...”

So, I thank you for reading and wish you the best in health, love and abundance. Happy Holidays!

WE ARE SHARE THE GOOD VIBES

23

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24

HOLIDAYS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 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 santa@keysweekly.com. 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 genderneutral; 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.”

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

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26

BOOKS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

BE AN ARMCHAIR TRAVELER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

T

THREE BOOKS TO PRETEND YOU’RE FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FREE

his year, most of us have been stuck at home, missing family, friends and adventures. What a perfect time to cozy up with a captivating read that will take you away. Enjoy a snowy Christmas in Colorado, explore the streets of London or get lost in the hills of Tuscany for the safest getaway this year!

KAREN NEWFIELD ... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

THE CHRISTMAS SWAP

By Melody Carlson Emma is a young teacher living in Arizona. Her parents are in Uganda making the world a better place.

Finding herself alone for the holidays, her fancy friend Gillian invites her to spend a week in Colorado for a traditional white Christmas.

Gillian and her family arranged a house swap and Emma has no doubt it will be a beautiful home in the perfect ski location. Having never seen snow, Emma is thrilled to join them. There is a little glitch to the swap plans upon arrival; the owner Tyler decides to stay in the guesthouse, posing as the caretaker. Tyler Prescott keeps his actual identity hidden. This handsome hunk does not want any attention for his songwriting fame. When Gillian discovers the truth, a tug of hearts war ensues. Mishaps occur at every turn on the slopes as Emma and Tyler face their undeniable chemistry. If you enjoyed the Cameron Diaz-Kate Winslett movie “The Holiday” (2006) you will adore this delicious holiday romance.

PLAYING NICE

By JP Delaney Two families, two little boys, 2 years old and born prematurely on the same day at a private hospital in London. Theo and David have nothing more in common. One day Miles Lambert, a wealthy and handsome man, knocks on the door of Pete Riley, stay-at-home dad. Accompanied by a private detective, Miles proceeds to inform Pete that little Theo is not his biological child. Naturally, the first thought Pete entertains is that Miles is insinuating his wife had an affair. It’s much worse than that.

Miles describes how the children were wrongfully switched at birth and the lawsuit he is pursuing against the hospital, hoping Pete and Maddie will join in. Pete, in complete and utter shock, has no reason to disbelieve this man, displaying all good intentions and calm demeanor. Their lives become deeply entangled and it is no longer clear what intentions the Lamberts have at all. Hanging onto Theo and their sanity by a thread, Pete and Maddie are racing along a rollercoaster of emotions and deception they could have never imagined. Mind-boggling page turner.

THE STAR-CROSSED SISTERS OF TUSCANY

By Lori Nelson Spielman Perpetually single, Emilia lives alone in a small family apartment in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

She dotes on her cat, bakes at her grandfather’s deli and hasn’t changed her hairstyle in more than a decade. As a second-born daughter in the Fontana family, Emilia is burdened with a 200-yearold curse that she will never find love. Having lost her mother when she was just a baby, Emilia remains under the thumb of her fierce, unrelenting Nonna, bitter sister and timid father. When her estranged, eccentric Aunt Poppy invites her and cousin Lucy on an all-expenses-paid dream trip to Italy, Emilia’s life is instantly turned upside down. Poppy, another second-born daughter, plans to reunite with her long lost lover Rico at the Ravello Cathedral on her 80th birthday. Battling the curse and a lifetime of regret, Emilia and Lucy have a lot to learn from this eccentric aunt they barely know.

As this quirky trio travels through the canals of Venice, alleyways of Florence and majestic hills of the Amalfi Coast, they discover many wonderful delicacies and, most importantly, Aunt Poppy’s deepest, darkest secret. Buon viaggio.

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Fairfield Inn & Suites, located at 13201 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Marathon Hotels, LLC By: Charles T. King, Assistant Treasurer Publish: December 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Casa del Sol, located at 290 Anglers Drive North, Marathon, FL 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Tudor Austin Publish: December 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE 15TH STREET MARINA MARATHON, LLC GIVES NOTICE OF THE INTENT TO SELL OR DISPOSE OF THE FOLLOWING ABANDONED VESSEL ON JANUARY 11, 2021, 9:00 AM AT 890 15TH STREET, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 328.17, 15th Street Marina Marathon, LLC reserves the right to remove vessel from auction prior to auction date. 15th Street Marina Marathon, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

Vessel Name: U/K Hull Number: FLZR8137G473 Florida Registration: FL8210JH 1973 Dufour 36’ Sailboat Publish: December 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: CUDJOE GARDENS DRAINAGE REHABILITATION PROJECT 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.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

on January 12, 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: Cudjoe Gardens Drainage Rehabilitation Project 01/12/2021 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 12, 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 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on January 26, 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: Construction Manager at Risk, KWIA, Concourse A & Terminal Improvements 01/26/2021 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 26, 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 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: December 10, 2020.

Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12 Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com Publish: December 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CONCOURSE A AND TERMINAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-214-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES T. CHAMP, a/k/a CHARLES THEODORE CHAMP, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHARLES T. CHAMP, a/k/a CHARLES THEODORE CHAMP, JR., deceased, whose date of death was June 19, 2020, and whose social security number is xxx-xx-4049, 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 estate is intestate. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 20-CP-000117-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL A. BOWER A/K/A MICHAEL ALBERT BOWER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Michael A. Bower a/k/a Michael Albert Bower, deceased, whose date of death was October 10, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

Personal Representative: Cynthia Adams 140 Plantation Drive Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Patricia Gessel, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84328 Patricia Gessel, PL

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw. com & alonso.at12@aol.com Publish: December 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-86-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD S. MCCULLOUGH, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Donald S. McCullough, deceased, whose date of death was September 29, 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: December 10, 2020.

Personal Representative: Katherine N. McCullough 12 Hackmatack Rd. Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04537 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney for Rose Jacilla Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: December 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-93-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF JUNE I. THACKER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of June I. Thacker, deceased, whose date of death was October 24, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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: December 10, 2020.

Personal Representative: Dawn I. Freese 219 Seville Road West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney for Rose Jacilla Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: December 10 & 17, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. 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 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) 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

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 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

28

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES Email: samantha@ estateandprobatelawyer.com Publish: December 3 & 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers 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 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

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic with knowledge of outboard motors Call 305-481-7006

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

F/L/S No Pets. Available in January.

305-610-8002

AUTOS FOR SALE

City of Marathon - Job O p e n i n g : Street Maintenance.

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

Large Studio Bedroom in Marathon - $1,400/month unfurnished + utilities.

Furnished available for additional cost.

F/L/S No Pets. Available in January.

305-610-8002

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2020-DR-628-K Division: Family DANIEL ARIC HYLTON, Petitioner/Husband, and MIROSLAVA PATAKYOVA, Respondent/Wife.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MIROSLAVA PATAKYOVA Last Known Address: 1992 SEIDENBERG AVENUE, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Cynthia F. Civil, Esq., CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A., Attorney for Petitioner, whose address is 5196 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, on or before January 10, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Family Division, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address.

(You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 3rd day of December, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shakia Mitchell Deputy Clerk Publish: December 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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.

Keys Fisheries looking to hire Process Foods Manager, pie makers, process food workers, lobster processors and forklift 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

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

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

Call 305-743-0844 today and get the job filled!

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.

HIRED TWO NEW EMPLOYEES thanks to advertising in the Keys Weekly Newspapers!!

Key Largo Open Water Large 1BR/1BA Fully furnished.

Dockage available. $2,000/month includes utilities.

305-801-3157

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!!!

CDL Driver needed.

Minimum 2 years experience.

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

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

EXPERIENCED PLUMBER

Service area Key Largo – Marathon Driver’s License required.

Benefits included.

305-906-1384

License # CFC057294

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!

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.

HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!!

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!!

NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING! Part Time Maintenance Housekeepers for Saturday and some Sunday Call 305-587-0359 to apply.

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!

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

Call Tammy for details.

305-731-0683 HOMES FOUND FOR PUPPIES IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

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

FLORIDA KEYS DIESEL - MARATHON

YARD SALES 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!

NOW HIRING: 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.

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 Meeting Notice Monroe County Land Authority

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

NOW HIRING

IS HIRING!

RESTAURANT HOST

Behavioral Health Counselor Client Advocate

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

KEY LARGO KEY WEST

Prevention Specialist 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

The Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting using Communications Media Technology (CMT) in the form of a conference telephone call on December 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public wishing to access the meeting should call 888-585-9008 and enter access code 177-166-577. The meeting agenda is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov.

For additional information or to submit written or other physical evidence for consideration at the meeting, contact Dina Gambuzza via phone at 305-295-5180; via email at gambuzza-dina@monroecounty-fl.gov; or via mail to Monroe County Land Authority, 1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 207, Key West, FL 33040.

ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711".

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 10, 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 10, 2020

Holidays in the paradise of Key West - sunsets, sailboats, and christmas lights on palm trees! TAMARA ALVAREZ/Contributed

Micah Cox, a local home-schooled student, helped decorate the Fun in the Sun tree for the Marathon Parks and Recreation department. ALI ADAMS/Contributed Enjoying the view off Key West.

OSANA NODAL/Contributed

The tradition of decorating Fred the Tree is just about as Keys-Christmas as it gets. SAM STEELE/Contributed

Fun Times in the Keys. MICHAEL J. ZYCH/Contributed

This is Taz, the best doggie ever to pose so perfect for this photo without needing a food/treat. Just put him in the sleigh and told him, “Stay, look at Mommy!” TRISH HINTZE/Contributed

Our lab, Skiff, enjoys the water off KCB even during the winter. SUSAN McKEE/Contributed

Our boys, Schooner and Cutter, down at the harbor walk in Key West.

TERESA LaMACCHIA/Contributed

Merry Christmas from Trisha and Jerome the Gnome! TRISHA MIHAIU/ Contributed

Only in the Keys do Santa and mermaids mix. SANDY SCHNEIDER/ Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

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.

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

• Photos can be images that have been published before.

• No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.

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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 10, 2020

BEST online The BEST online platform platform The buy && sell sell houses houses toto buy

FloridaKeysMLS.com updates daily to show new listings & virtual open houses!

The Florida Keys Board of Realtors is pleased to introduce an innovative consumerfriendly website for those searching for property in the Florida Keys Visit https://www. floridakeysmls.com to get started! Potential buyers and sellers now have one place to visit to find the perfect home or a real estate professional to connect with.

From Key Largo to Key West, the Florida Keys is rich in culture and history. The new site gives consumers an idea of what each area has to offer from modern luxury homes to historic conch cottages. The Florida Keys has something to offer everyone.

When asked why the FKBOR felt it necessary to offer a site that included all listings and professionals, Anthony stated, “with the real estate landscape being so competitive, we wanted to offer one site for consumers to browse where homes and knowledgeable professionals are in one place. This also is a benefit to our members to have the opportunity to form relationships with prospective customers.�

If you are interested in listing your home, purchasing a home then visiting https://www. floridakeysmls.com is your first step!

Lynda Anthony, CEO of the Florida Keys Board of Realtors