Upper Keys Weekly 21-0107

1¢

Good luck with your New Year’s resolutions.

BOAT BLESSING Fleet takes to Whale Harbor | P. 32

VACCINE ROLLOUT

Supply limited as inquiries grow | P. 4

BACK TO SCHOOL

Students returns after lengthy illness | P. 19

The Hound Dawg fishing vessel heads for Whale Harbor after participating in the annual Blessing of the Fleet on New Year's Day. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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

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

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

KEY HARBOR

Pristine and gorgeous, this authentically restored oceanfront home is nestled on approximately one and a half acres with expansive breathtaking open water views. Step inside and enjoy the open flow-through layout, blending interior and exterior seamlessly while delivering amazing and unobstructed views from palm-lined lawns to the sandy beach, marina, and the ocean beyond. Inviting outdoor living areas include a custom pool with special lighting and sun deck surrounded by lush green lawns and mature landscaping for privacy. This timeless escape is comprised of a spacious three bedrooms/three and a half baths main home with a two bedroom/one bath guest quarters, all masterfully crafted with superior finishes, custom furniture, and exquisitely designed accents throughout.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

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486

As of Jan. 5, the number of Monroe County residents who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. These individuals include health care personnel with direct patient contact, EMS, firefighters, long-term care facility residents and staff, and special needs persons over the age of 65. The department has also asked all health care providers to register on Florida Shots to assist in the vaccination efforts in Monroe County.

Islamorada Assistant Fire Chief Jason Lyman received a vaccination on Jan. 6 by Fire Chief Terry Abel.

VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marahon Editor

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VACCINATIONS UNDERWAY IN MONROE COUNTY, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Frontline workers the first to be inoculated

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JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

H

ealth care personnel and frontline workers, including EMS and long-term care facility staff, were among the first in Monroe County to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Supplies are limited, however, as elderly and at-risk populations seek inoculation.

A small number of vaccines was administered to high-risk individuals over 65 years old on Jan. 5, the Florida Health Department of Monroe County confirmed. But the 1,300 vaccines the health department received are reserved for health care professionals with direct patient contact and special needs persons over 65 who have appointments.

"We received 800 doses, then an additional 500 doses over the past week,” Bob Eadie, health officer for Monroe County, told Key West commissioners during a Jan. 5 meeting.

“I didn't know any of the doses were coming. They just sort of showed up.”

So far, 486 people received the vaccine locally — the majority of those health care professionals. Eadie expects to have used up all 1,300 doses

by Saturday, Jan. 9.

"We're doing our best to get these into as many people as possible,” he said. "We can't request any additional doses, but I'm being told that as we use what we've received, they'll be replenished."

Eadie told Key West commissioners that he initially allowed walk-in appointments on the first and second day of vaccinations. That’s no longer happening, he said.

"Against my better judgment, I allowed walk-ups to get vaccinated the first two days, but from here on out it has to be by appointment only,” he said. “I can't have elderly people waiting in long lines."

At Lower Keys Medical Center, Dr. Jack Norris said it received 300 doses, with priority given to medical personnel working in the hospital’s COVID unit, intensive care unit and emergency room.

“They just appeared on a Tuesday," Norris said, adding that he hadn't known the Moderna vaccines were arriving.

Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals have no vaccines available to the public at this time. Nursing staff and other hospital personnel were inoculated on the Baptist Health campus in Miami-Dade County.

“Baptist Health does not have a vaccination site set up in Monroe County yet — hopefully soon or close perhaps in Homestead,” said Georgi Pipkin, communications director for Baptist Health South Florida.

COVID-19 vaccines were also sent to CVS and Walgreens throughout the state. It’s unknown how many the pharmacy stores received, or their availability.

Rollout of the vaccine began following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in mid- to late-December. On Dec. 30, the state obtained 367,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. They were distributed to 226 hospitals that did not receive doses in the first allocation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

The state has received a little over 767,000 vaccines to date. About 289,000 people have been vaccinated.

On Jan. 5, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a partnership with Publix to open COVID-19 vaccination sites, with the first in Ocala. Twenty-two pilot locations are opening, but only in three counties: Citrus, three; Hernando, 11; and Marion, eight. continued on page 10

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

CONGRESSMAN CARLOS GIMENEZ SPEAKS WITH KEYS WEEKLY WHILE ON LOCKDOWN AT CAPITOL HILL MELEE Urges prosecution for those who violated the laws and a comingtogether of the country

By Britt Myers and Mandy Miles

N

ewly elected U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, whose 26th District includes the Florida Keys, spoke with Keys Weekly while on lockdown Wednesday afternoon during the violent melee at the U.S. Capitol.

Gimenez emphasized that he and his staff are safe, and had been evacuated from his offices "about 45 minutes into the proceedings today."

"This is totally unacceptable and everyone who violated the law needs to be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Gimenez told Keys Weekly.

He said he was not inside the House chambers at the time of the melee, as the chambers were limited to officials slated to speak today.

"We were watching the proceedings on television in our offices and saw what was happening; then we got lockdown instructions via text message from the Capitol Police," Gimenez told Keys Weekly.

No further communications from the police had been received, he said, "as I assume they're rather busy." Gimenez said he expects an "after-action report to be compiled following this incident so we can determine what happened here with a

crowd — and not even a real big crowd — that's able to breach our congressional chambers.”

He said the biggest security concern this morning was traffic due to the crowds of protesters.

"The preparation we received this morning was that the police wanted us in our offices by 9 a.m. due to traffic concerns, given the expected crowds," Gimenez said.

When asked whether members of Congress had heard any communication from President Donald Trump since the siege began and protesters gained access to the congressional chambers, Gimenez said no.

"I believe the president has made some statements on Twitter, but I would hope he'll make some additional statements to disperse this crowd," Gimenez said, adding that the time is now for America to "start focusing on what we agree on, which are the founding principles of this country. There's going to be disagreements. That's why we have a House and Senate.

That's the heart of our democracy."

Trump did make a brief address shortly after we spoke with Gimenez, urging the rioters to “go home in peace.”

"This is totally unacceptable and everyone who violated the law needs to be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

CRUISE SHIP LIMITS IN QUESTION State senator files bill that would void Key West’s cruise ship changes

A cruise ship docks at Pier B early in 2020. Florida Sen. Jim Boyd filed a bill on Jan. 5 that would nullify Key West’s newly approved cruise ship limitations. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

A

senator from Bradenton, Florida has filed a bill that, if passed, would void Key West’s newly approved cruise ship limitations.

Republican Sen. Jim Boyd on Jan. 5 filed Senate Bill 426 that seeks to limit the authority of local governments to regulate marine commerce and seaport activity in their jurisdictions.

The bill states, in part, “a local government may not restrict or regulate commerce in the seaports of this state … including, but not limited to, regulating or restricting a vessel’s type or size, source or type of cargo, or number, origin, or nationality of passengers. All such matters are expressly preempted to the state. …

Any provision of a county or municipal charter, ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy that is preempted by this act and that existed before, on, or after the effective date of this act is void.”

Key West City Attorney Shawn Smith alerted city commissioners to the bill’s filing just before Tuesday evening’s regular city commission meeting adjourned shortly after 8 pm.

There was no discussion of the bill by commissioners, although Mayor Teri Johnston asked Smith where it had originated. Smith told her it came out of Manatee County on Florida’s west coast.

In order to become law, Senate Bill 426 will need to be approved by the state senate as well as the Florida House of Representatives. No votes have been taken and no legislative discussions have occurred since the bill’s filing.

The bill also says that “allowing each local government in which a Florida seaport is located to impose its own requirements on the maritime commerce conducted in that

port could result in abrupt changes in the supply lines bringing goods into and out of this state, thus disrupting Florida’s economy and threatening the public’s health, safety, and welfare.”

“Allowing each local government ... to impose its own requirements on the maritime commerce conducted in that port could reasonably be expected to suppress such commerce and potentially drive it out of the port and out of the state in search of a more consistent and predictable operating environment, thus disrupting Florida’s economy and threatening the public’s health, safety, and welfare,” the bill continues.

Local governments’ moves also could mean “abrupt changes in vessel traffic, frustrating the multiyear planning process for all Florida seaports and the assumptions and forecasts underlying federal and state financing of port improvement projects,” the bill says.

“In light of these negative impacts, federal and state governments must be relied upon to adopt uniform regulations governing seaport operations.”

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021 Exhibit “A” Exhibit “A”

TO MEMBERS OF FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOC., INC. TO MEMBERS OF FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOC., INC. NOTICE OF ELECTION OF TWO DIRECTORS NOTICE OF ELECTION OF TWO DIRECTORS The Board of Directors of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (FKEC) has set The of Directors of Florida Electric (FKEC) has set theBoard following date for the DistrictKeys Elections for Cooperative two positionsAssociation, on the BoardInc. of Directors: the following date for the District Elections for two positions on the Board of Directors:

District 1 District March19, 2021 March 9, 2021 District 2 District March29, 2021 March 9, 2021

Key Largo area northeast of the section line common to Sections 6 and 7, TWP-62S, Key Largo area northeast of the Subdivision section line common to Sections 6 and 7, on TWP-62S, R. 39E, southerly of Mandalay - Dade/Monroe County Line U.S. 1 R. 39E, southerly of Mandalay Subdivision (including Ocean Reef) to Mile Marker 97.7 - Dade/Monroe County Line on U.S. 1 (including Ocean Reef) to Mile Marker 97.7 Tavernier area southeast of the section line as established southerly of Mandalay Tavernier area the section Subdivision andsoutheast northeast of Snake Creekline as established southerly of Mandalay Subdivision and northeast of Snake Creek

The incumbent directors of the two districts have decided to stand for re-election. In the event only one qualified member from adirectors district for position is so nominated, member shall be declared The incumbent of each the two districts have decided that to stand for re-election.

In the elected. event only one qualified member from a district for each position is so nominated, that member shall be declared elected.

Elections may be conducted on the designated election date, by mail ballot and/or by electronic means. The notice of election and election ballot and informational materials be ballot mailedand/or to each every member or Elections may bethe conducted on the designated election date, shall by mail byand electronic means.residing The notice days prior election date.and All every ballotsmember returned by mailor business in election the district notand lessinformational than fifteen (15) ofdoing election and the ballot materials shalltobethe mailed to each residing must be received by the Cooperative or the Cooperative’s contracted third-party election management provider no doing business in the district not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the election date. All ballots returned by mail laterbe than one day to the officialorelection date. must received byprior the Cooperative the Cooperative’s contracted third-party election management provider no later than one day prior to the official election date.

Directors elected at the district elections shall serve for a period of three years, and will take office at the first regular or special meeting to be held on or aftershall Saturday, April 17, 2021.

Directors elected at the district elections serve for a period of three years, and will take office at the first regular or special meeting to be held on or after Saturday, April 17, 2021.

Members interested in becoming candidates and placing their names in nomination for membership on the Board of Directors are hereby notified of the qualifications and election procedures prescribed by the Bylaws of Florida Keys Members interested in becoming candidates and placing their names in nomination for membership on the Board of Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. Directors are hereby notified of the qualifications and election procedures prescribed by the Bylaws of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, A candidate for director must be aInc. member of FKEC and bona fide resident of the district he/she represents and

have 12 months residency in the area served by the Cooperative. The candidate must not be a minor. No candidate Amay candidate must be of FKEC and bona fide resident of the district he/she represents and in a competing enterprise or a business in any for waydirector be employed byaormember have a substantial financial interest have 12 months residency in the area Cooperative. notoffice be a minor.

No candidate selling electric energy or supplies to served FKEC; by or the be the incumbentThe for candidate an electivemust public in connection with may in any way or becompensation employed by is or paid. have a substantial financial interest in a competing enterprise or a business which a salary selling electric energy or supplies to FKEC; or be the incumbent for an elective public office in connection with which a salary or compensation is paid.

Candidates must submit a nominating petition with fifteen (15) or more signatures of members residing in the voting district no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the district election specified above. Nominating petitions Candidates must submit a nominating petition with (15)January or more25, signatures of petitions membersfor residing voting onfifteen Monday, 2021, and Districtin2 the must be for District 1 must be received by FKEC by Noon district no less than forty-five days prior to the 25, date2021. of the(Please district allow election specified above. of Nominating petitions received

by FKEC

by Noon (45) on Monday, January time for verification signatures). for District 1 must be received by FKEC by Noon on Monday, January 25, 2021, and petitions for District 2 must be received

by FKEC

by Noon Monday, Januaryfrom 25, 2021.

(Please allow time for verification of signatures).

Nomination petition formsonmay be obtained the FKEC Tavernier Headquarters.

A copy of the FKEC bylaws may be obtained from FKEC offices.

Nomination petition forms may be obtained from the FKEC Tavernier Headquarters. A copy of the FKEC bylaws may be FKEC publicity offices. prior to the election date.

The election willobtained be given from widespread

The election will be given widespread publicity prior to the election date.

By Order of the Board of Directors Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.

By Order of the Board of Directors Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.

Position Opening: Full-Time City Administrator The City of Key Colony Beach is seeking a Full-Time City Administrator. Candidates must have the equivalent training, education, and experience of a Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in a related field and the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to carry out the essential functions of the job in accordance with the job description.

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This is a contract position with a salary range of $80,000 $100,000 dependent on qualifications and experience. The job description is available upon request to City Clerk Rebecca Todd.

The job application is available on the City’s website, www.keycolonybeach.net/forms/. Interested candidates must submit a completed application, resume and at least 5

CHECK OUT OUR DAILY CUPCAKE SPECIALS

references to City Clerk Rebecca Todd at cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net. Questions may be directed to the City Clerk at 305 289-1212, ext. 2.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

NEW TAX COLLECTOR SWORN IN

Sam C. Steele is sworn in as Monroe County tax collector by the Hon. Tim J. Koenig at the Freeman Justice Center in Key West on Jan. 5. CONTRIBUTED

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

AT 33, STEELE IS THE YOUNGEST IN MONROE COUNTY TO TAKE THE OFFICE

F

or Sam C. Steele, becoming the Monroe County tax collector was a top goal upon his arrival in the office in 2017. Fast forward to 2021: the 33-year-old was recently sworn in as the top tax official.

“They said if you’re young, you don’t have the experience. But I beg to differ,” Steele said. “I think it’s quite an accomplishment. I look at Attorney General Ashley Moody, who became the youngest judge at 32. That’s an inspiration.”

Sworn into office on Jan. 5 at the Freeman Justice Center in Key West by the Hon. Tim J. Koenig, Steele was joined by his wife, Lauren, 3-year-old son, Carter, and Audrey, who turns 1 later this month. He now leads an office with branches from Key Largo to Key West, which handle everything from property taxes and concealed weapon permits to motorist services and transient rental fraud complaints.

“It was one of the most incredible experiences. It’s an honor and a privilege,” Steele said regarding the ceremony. “I wish it could have been a large ceremony, having the employees come and more people attend.

But given the situation, I was glad I was able to get sworn in in person.”

Steele served as tax manager before deciding to run for tax collector in June 2019, following news that tax collector of 31 years, Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez, would seek another county office. Henriquez ended up retiring as tax collector on Aug. 21.

With the office up for election, Aileen Galvan, director of operations at the tax collector’s office, also jumped into the race. She later ended her campaign, leaving Steele, a Republican, as the only candidate.

“The friendships and bonds that were created along the way are invaluable,” Steele said. “I kept focused on the finish line.”

Steele’s a Florida State University graduate who was introduced to the Keys by his wife 10 years ago. He lives with his family in Key West.

Before becoming a county employee, Steele was a commercial real estate appraiser for Cushman & Wakefield from 2013-17.

As an appraiser for one of the largest real estate firms in the world, Steele forecasted income and expense statements and projected 10-year cash flows for multimilliondollar properties daily.

While employed at the tax collector’s office, Steele ultimately worked his way up to tax manager, where he was in direct communication with the tax collector and worked closely with departments to assist in daily operations.

Steele looks to continue effective and efficient service throughout the island chain, all while dealing with an ongoing coronavirus pandemic and combating illegal vacation rentals.

“We’re known and we have a great reputation for our customer service,” Steele said. “People don’t exactly wake up in the morning and say, ‘I can’t wait to go to the tax collector’s office.’ We try to make it as pleasant and efficient as possible.

“Moving forward, we’re always looking and thinking of ideas of how we can make things easier for the customers and staff,” he continued. “We just want to collaborate and bring teamwork to the table.”

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

GASTESI: 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

W

hen we entered the new decade on Jan. 1, 2020, Monroe County looked forward to building a resilient community. We never imagined how that would morph only two months into the year. There is nothing more important to our county staff than the health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. Our staff, alongside our residents, learned what adaptation really means as we all navigated these challenging and uncertain times with innocence, innovation, and creativity. We continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19, a global pandemic that has affected every facet of our lives, and go into 2021 with a renewed hope as we strive to enhance the quality of the lives of our citizens, business owners, and visitors.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, I am proud of the work county staff completed this past year in addition to the day-to-day operations.

Emergency Management partnered with the Florida Department of Health Monroe County, community partners, and the municipalities and will continue to do so for the vaccination rollout. Activating for three storms this hurricane season, Solid Waste led a month-long cleanup in Key Largo following Tropical Storm Eta. Information Technology helped staff move to remote work, taught us how to Zoom, and helped automate services.

The Office of Sustainability and our county commissioners continue to lead the country in climate change and sealevel rise adaptation conversations. To mitigate flooding issues, the Engineering and Roads Department tested temporary barrier systems in two Upper Keys neighborhoods, while repairing and replacing county-maintained roads and bridges throughout the county.

Through the Community Rating System, Monroe County flood insurance policyholders continue to save approximately $5 million annually.

Facilities Maintenance always strives to maintain the highest cleaning standards at county-maintained properties and buildings and increased the frequency of our cleanings, especially in high traffic areas like our county parks, which we were able to keep open throughout the pandemic.

Project Management continued capital projects at Marathon library, Plantation Key Courthouse, and others with new protective measures in place. The airports, despite a decline in travel worldwide, thrived with new projects and even a COVID-19 germ-fighting robot and is leading the nation in rebounding from the pandemic.

Legislatively, the county allocated millions of CARES Act dollars to local renters, homeowners, small busi-

nesses, and nonprofits. Budget and Finance simultaneously advocated for reimbursements of storm-related expenses while producing and administering the $460.3 million FY21 budget. Social Services, Veterans Affairs, and Guardian ad Litem advocated for our most vulnerable residents, many of whom are in even greater need due to the pandemic.

Being on the frontline of COVID-19, Monroe County Fire Rescue and Trauma Star continued to provide a record number of lifesaving services and flights to the mainland, all while transporting our residents with no out-of-pocket costs. Fire Rescue also graduated its third “Hot Shots” class waiving tuition fees for residents at its fire training academy.

From Ocean Reef to Key West, our services continued. Building permits were issued without physical contact. Planning and Environmental developed new technology for damage assessments after storms and implemented mobile marine sewage pumpouts to protect our marine environment. Code Compliance focused on illegal vacation rentals, sewer hookups, unsafe structure abatement, and illegal clearing of our critical habitat. Fleet continued maintenance of county vehicles. Safety procedures were put into place by Employee Services to keep our employees healthy and county services in operation. The County Attorney’s office stayed fully engaged.

The Extension Service continued seamlessly with virtual classes. And our five libraries stayed open for call-in/ pick-up/drop-off activities, proving they are community resource centers, even virtually.

In my 30 years of public service, five major hurricanes, an oil spill, flesh-eating flies, and several other public health emergencies, 2020 was by far the most challenging. Despite its uncertainty, our purpose remains steady, Monroe County is committed to creating a better life, every day, for everyone in the Florida Keys. In 2021, Monroe County will continue to have open and courageous communication to help you in your decisions regarding your family and work life. We will be here for you. This is a community we can all be proud of and we will continue to strive to make our island home a safe place to live, work, and play.

Cheers in paradise, Roman Gastesi Monroe County Administrator

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

RED KETTLE COLLECTION BETTER THAN EVER

W

e just completed another remarkably successful season for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Program in Marathon. I want to thank Winn-Dixie and Publix for allowing us to station our kettles at their stores.

Winn-Dixie and Publix are very community-oriented and are gracious to provide this space to help us help others.

Thank you to each and every volunteer. You are the heart and soul of the Red Kettle Program. Approximately 40 helpers stepped up this year to Ring the Bell. Volunteers included the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Rotary members, Isla Bella Resort employees, Marathon Fire Department, Habitat for Humanity, City of Marathon employees and council, Publix employees, and many individuals from our town and surrounding areas.

The Marathon volunteers go above and beyond to create their own Christmas costumes, bring music, play live music, share pictures on FaceBook, engage passers-by to “get into the Spirit of Christmas” and to give to others. We increased our donations this year by over 60% from last year, even in the middle of a most challenging year.

Thank you to every one of you; thank you to everyone who put something into the kettles, from loose change to big dollars. Every donation counts and is so appreciated.

And, what we collect here stays in our own area.

We look forward to making the Red Kettle program bigger and better each year.

Thank you so much.

Loretta Geotis, Red Kettle Program coordinator The Salvation Army

from page 4

VACCINATIONS UNDERWAY IN MONROE COUNTY, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY DeSantis also announced new actions to increase vaccinations across the state through expanding vaccinations with additional state-supported sites, adding 1,000 more contracted nurses to support vaccination efforts and accelerating vaccinations at longterm care facilities.

With limited vaccine supplies, the local health department is urging the public to not frequent Florida Department of Health in Monroe County locations without an appointment for services, including COVID-19 vaccines.

The health department says the vaccine will not be provided to anyone without an appointment.

“As expected, congregating, including outside of these health department facilities, increases the opportunity for person-to-person transmission of the virus,” a statement released on Jan. 6 reads. “We continue to ask for everyone’s patience and cooperation as our phone lines have become jammed and emails continue to come in to all department staff from residents asking for this vaccine.”

Vaccination clinics by appointment only were held Jan. 6 at Key West's Gato Building, the Roth Building in Tavernier and in Marathon. More clinics are set for Saturday, Jan. 9, also by appointment only.

There’s no definitive date when more vaccines will arrive in the Keys, but the health department anticipates additional doses “in the near future.”

DeSantis said in a press conference on Jan. 6 that another vaccine shipment is expected next week. A website and hotline for people to register will be ready by next week, according to the health department.

Eadie acknowledged people's frustration with a lack of a statewide online appointment or reservation system.

"We're told a statewide reservation system will be up and running. Our county system and phones have been absolutely overwhelmed," he said.

"We're doing the best we can, trying to get them into as many people as possible."

A little more than 200 new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Keys Florida Health Department since Dec. 30. Seventy-one came out of Key West.

Thirty-eight confirmed cases by noncounty residents were reported.

— Mandy Miles contributed to this report.

11

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

VILLAGE EXPLORES ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS Affordable housing allocations slim as village approaches 2023 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

D

iscussions recently started over the potential to include accessory dwelling units within Islamorada’s workforce-affordable housing initiative.

Councilman Mark Gregg brought forth the subject during a December meeting of Islamorada Village Council. Following a roughly 30-minute discussion, the dais directed staff to explore more to see if it’s a tool the state would allow the village to use.

Gregg said he’s looking to generate conversation and political ambition to solve an affordable housing crisis within the village, which has 18 affordable housing allocations available until 2023. So far, a number of new affordable housing projects need about 50 housing allocations.

According to a village memo, if the village uses remaining allocations for all remaining years through 2023, the village will be short in meeting the immediate demand. With an accessory dwelling unit, the idea is to permit the downstairs unit of an existing single-family home to serve as affordable housing units.

Gregg said accessory dwelling units could only be done where downstairs enclosures aren’t in violation with FEMA. “I’m hopeful we can start out slow and easy and pluck lowhanging fruit,” Gregg said. “My idea is to again keep it simple and start out by looking at existing downstairs enclosures we have already in place, either occupied or easily capable of being occupied.”

Councilman David Webb said the topic deserves serious consideration and asked for workshops where village officials and the public could discuss further.

Webb said he would like talks to figure out how to best enforce what he called “our best intention.”

Webb briefly alluded to his Port Antigua community, comprising around 300 residences. He said there are no village-issued vacation rental permits, yet he found a number of homes being used as vacation rentals.

“I can’t support anything until I see a clear path we’ll be able to achieve what we set out to achieve,” he said.

While a workshop would be part of the process council would go through, Gregg said he’d like village staff to put out feelers and get feedback from the state Department of Economic Opportunity to develop criteria. Gregg, who discovered accessory dwelling units several years ago, said it’s part of the all-of-above approach to solving the affordable housing problem in the village.

“Before we get to the end of the line, we would like to know objections or things we should pursue,” he said. “I find it puzzling that they would impose on us statutory obligation to provide affordable housing and come back and slap us down and say, ‘no you can’t do this.’

I certainly think there’s legislative authority to do this, there’s statutory authority and there’s practical need.”

Further discussion is expected at a later meeting.

Village council will next meet on Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center. The public will be able to view the meeting via Zoom, with only essential staff and council members allowed in the council chambers.

Islamorada Administrative Center was closed effective immediately on Jan. 4 after staff were confirmed to have been exposed to coronavirus during the holiday season. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ISLAMORADA VILLAGE HALL CLOSED TO PUBLIC AFTER FOUR STAFFERS CONFIRMED WITH COVID-19 JIM McCARTHY

I

jim@keysweekly.com

slamorada Administrative Center closed down to the public on Jan. 4, following four confirmed cases of COVID-19 among village staff.

Village officials say staff confirmed with COVID-19 were exposed outside of the building during the holiday season. Village hall is expected to be closed to the public through Jan. 19 as a coronavirusrelated precaution.

“The closure of the Administrative Center is deemed necessary as Islamorada acts to protect the health of residents, customers and staff following confirmed exposure of staff who work in village hall,” a village statement reads. Mary Swaney, public information officer, said they’re still conducting business as usual.

Hard-copy building permits aren’t being accepted at this time, but electronic plan review and building permit applications will be processed, reviewed and issued through the CityView portal.

“Nothing will slide,” Swaney said. “We won’t miss a beat.”

Village staff will complete work remotely as possible while a limited number of staff will still be working in the village hall. Village council is still slated to have its first meeting of the year on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Due to the size and configuration of the Founders Park Community Center, which serves as council chambers, only council members and essential staff members will be in physical attendance.

Remaining staff and the public will be able to view and participate in the meeting via Zoom.

To offer the ability for existing permitted work to continue, contractors and property owners may hire professional engineers, architects and private providers to perform building inspections at their expense.

Planning and Biological Department inspections may not be conducted by an engineer, architect, or private provider. If a job requiring a pre-development biological inspection has not yet started, it is on hold until the inspection by village staff can be completed. More information is available from Ty Harris, Development Services director, at 305-570-9524 or planningdirector@ islamorada.fl.us with questions for the Planning Department.

Each department remains available to the public with the following email and phone numbers: • Village Clerk: Clerk@islamorada.fl.us or 305-664-6413 • Building Department: Evelyn.

Fraley@islamorada.fl.us or 305-6646436 • Sheriff non-emergency: Karla.

Vasquez@islamorada.fl.us or 305664-6480 • Fire Department non-emergency: Debbie.Naiser@islamorada. fl.us or 305-664-6490 • Finance Department: Deb. Guenther@islamorada.fl.us or 305664-6446 • Public Works and Wastewater Utility: Kasandra.Benavides@ islamorada.fl.us or 305-664-6450 • Code Compliance: Code.

Compliance@islamorada.fl.us or 305-664-6435 • Human Resources: HR@ Islamorada.fl.us or 305-664-6448 • Public information questions: Mary.Swaney@islamorada.fl.us or 305-998-9461

12

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

SCHOOLS: ‘IT’S THE SAME MESSAGE’ Traveling students told to quarantine after holiday

The Middle Keys’ first Marathon in Marathon and Key Colony Beach is the brainchild of Lara Rutskin-Martin and Terri Swanson. Rutskin-Martin formed the local Hapynkeys Running group, pictured, and Swanson is a certified running coach. The event is set for Saturday, Jan. 16. Deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 8.

MARATHON’S HALF-MARATHON First-of-a-kind race in Middle Keys SARA MATTHIS

I

sara@keysweekly.com

t’s always been something of a tragedy that the city of Marathon has never hosted a marathon or half-marathon running race. Now, there’s balance in the universe.

On Saturday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 a.m. a group will take off from the parking lot of Keys Strength & Conditioning (Beall’s Outlet), heading east toward Key Colony Beach and around its streets, and then back to the parking lot. It’s a two-distance race: Runners can choose the 10k (6-mile race) or the half-marathon (13.1 miles).

There will be a sheriff’s deputy at the Overseas Highway and Sadowski Causeway to help runners cross the street safely. At the start of the race, runners will wear masks until the field spreads out.

The race is the brainchild of Lara Rutskin-Martin and Terri Swanson.

Swanson, a long-time Keys homeowner and now a full-time resident of the Middle Keys, needed to run a virtual

What: 10k & half-marathon When: Saturday, Jan. 16 @ 6:30 a.m.

Where: Keys Strength & Conditioning parking lot (Beall’s Outlet) to Key Colony Beach and back.

Cost: $10 Deadline to register: Friday, Jan. 8 How to register: email hapynkeys@gmail.com or TLSFitness@gmail.com

race to keep her Miami Marathon & Half-Marathon streak alive. She and about 70 other runners have competed every year since 2003.

“To keep our streak alive we need to do a virtual half-marathon. I told Lara about it and she took it and ran with it. I’m just along for the ride,” Swanson said, laughing.

Swanson is a certified running coach, and a nine-time Boston Marathon finisher — a handful of times she’s landed in the top five for her age group. That’s impressive. Swanson is also a trainer at Keys Strength & Conditioning. Ruskin-Martin founded the running group, Hapynkeys Running.

It’s a fluid group of mostly women who meet most Saturdays for a fun run, sometimes themed. The 10k/halfmarathon in Marathon is the biggest endeavor yet.

“You know me, always thinking!” she said. “This is the time of year that runners do their half-marathons or marathons and many have been canceled. I thought, ‘Well, I’ll do my own.’”

Key Colony Beach gave the goahead just last week and so the race is on. The bibs and finishing medals are ordered. As of earlier this week, 35 racers have paid the $10 entry fee to cover the sheriff deputy’s salary who will maintain order at the intersection of Overseas Highway and Sadowski Causeway and the portable restroom facilities. The race will be timed.

Rutskin-Martin said many businesses have stepped up to sponsor the race, and volunteers are coming out of the woodwork.

“This is something to motivate ourselves for the beginning of the year,” Rutskin-Martin said. “I’m super excited.”

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

O

n Jan. 4, the day before classes reconvened for the second semester, the Monroe County School District had a message aimed at students who traveled out of the county over the Christmas holidays. “The school district asks those students who did travel to consider staying home from school for 7-10 days. … Your absence under these circumstances will be considered an excused absence and you will be able to attend classes virtually.”

The message came as a surprise to some, but school spokesperson Becky Herrin said that is what the district has been saying all along.

“This is not a new message,” Herrin said. “It’s been our recommendation all along that people not travel and not do the things that the federal and state governments have been saying for months.”

Superintendent Theresa Axford said Horace O’Bryant fielded a few calls from parents who were concerned what the directive meant for students who had medical appointments on the mainland.

“Our intention was to tell students and parents who traveled to hot spots, or by train or boat or plane, to consider following the CDC guidelines out of an abundance of caution,” Axford said.

“It’s been the same message all along.”

Currently, there are 99 students, 20 teachers and 25 staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19 since late September when the district unveiled a “dashboard” to track the virus in the schools. The schools use contact tracing to notify students who may have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

Monroe’s teachers are not required to quarantine if they traveled over the holidays.

“They are essential workers,” Axford said. “Essential workers should come to work unless they are feeling badly, have symptoms or tested positive.”

Axford said Health Administrator Bob Eadie will be addressing the Monroe County School Board at its next meeting. She also said she will request that teachers be considered a priority for vaccination.

To see the district’s dashboard, visit keysschools.com and click on the link on the left side of the page. For information about local testing availability and other Monroe County resources, please visit the Monroe County Health Department’s website at monroe.floridahealth.gov/covid19

13

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

CHAMBER CHANGE Atwell leaves chamber, accepts sanctuary job MANDY MILES

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he Key West Chamber of Commerce will be seeking a new director — just a little over a year since its last hire.

Scott Atwell took the reins as the chamber’s executive vice president in October 2019 as successor to Virginia Panico, who retired after more than 30 years with the business organization. Atwell announced his resignation on Jan. 1 in an email to the chamber’s board of directors.

“I want to go on the record right now, and tell everyone that despite rumors, Virginia Panico is not coming back as executive vice president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce,” president Suzanne Moore told the Keys Weekly on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Moore said the chamber’s executive board will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 6 to discuss and decide on a path forward.

“We’ll revisit some of the candidates we discovered last year during the search for Virginia’s replacement,” Moore said. “I want to make sure we hire the right person who will fit with our community and what we want to achieve.”

After being chosen from more than 180 applicants in 2019, Atwell resigned following some internal discord with a few members of the chamber’s board of directors late in 2020.

Atwell made his decision official in a Jan. 1 email to the chamber’s board, saying he is “grateful for the extraordinary team,” referring to the chamber office staff, and adding that the board “should be rightly proud of their contributions.” Atwell cited an increase in membership during a pandemic, the launch of a new chamber website and finishing the budget year in the black despite the challenges of 2020.

“The turn of the calendar is a great time to establish new pathways in life, and one year ago today I did just that by returning home as CEO of the Chamber,” Atwell wrote. “In 2021, I will turn to the next chapter in my professional life. … I leave knowing we successfully helped the Chamber navigate a difficult year.”

Atwell will be communications and outreach manager for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, sanctuary

MON - FRI 9AM TO CLOSE • SAT - SUN 8AM TO CLOSE

SUSHI • HAPPY HOUR

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 2-6 officials announced on Monday, Jan. 4.

“I was approached about this job, and it really intrigued me as a national organization with such important local responsibilities,” Atwell told Keys Weekly on Jan. 5. “I hope whoever they bring in continues the community outreach we initiated. You just can’t continue the closed-off, chamber-ofyesterday mentality.”

Atwell said he was glad to be leaving on his own terms and looks forward to the new opportunity with the sanctuary.

The foundation said Atwell “will build and strengthen community outreach and engagement efforts in the Florida Keys while raising national and international awareness of the national marine sanctuary.”

A 1979 graduate of Key West High School, Atwell holds a communications degree from the University of Miami and worked in television in Tallahassee before serving in several communications positions at Florida State University and as president and CEO of the FSU Alumni Association, the release states.

“Scott’s involvement in the Florida Keys community makes him an asset to the foundation for engaging Florida Keys businesses and residents in the stewardship and management of this unique ecosystem,” said Kris Sarri, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

Atwell’s grandfather was a charter fishing captain in Key West as far back as the 1930s.

“The waters that fall within the sanctuary are the heart and soul of the entire Florida Keys community,” he said. “I’m privileged to be part of the team working to safeguard this resource for present and future generations to enjoy.”

• 35¢ Wings • Fried Chicken Livers!

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14

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

WHAT’S BITING AND WHERE?

L A U N N A T S R I OUR F

K 0 1

Fishing report website helps captains & anglers

N O H T A R ALF MA

MANDY MILES

H

mandy@keysweekly.com

S

Y A D R U SAT RY 16TH A U N A J 6:30AM

REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 8TH 2021 EMAIL HAPYNKEYS@GMAIL.COM OR TLSFITNESS@GMAILL.COM TO REGISTER OR IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR

Capt. Stan Miles shows off an amberjack caught off Key West. Miles then texted the photo and details of that day’s fishing report to keysfishingreports.com.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

FROM KEYSENGTH STR EY TO KONY COL CH BEA , WATER S B I B E C A R FRUIT, STATIONS, OOMS AND RESTRROVIDED WILL BE P

SPONSORS: HAPYNKEYS RUNNING • TLS FITNESS • KEYS STRENGTH & CONDITIONING • CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH • FOOD FOR THOUGHT • KEYS CAR WASH • MATIE PHOTOGRAPHY • TV88 CLIFF • ERIN ARNETT • PROMOTIONS GUY • NAUTICAL NANNY • MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE • KEYS WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS

ugarloaf Key resident Shawn Verne knows a thing or two about technology and fishing.

He also knows that despite their skills on the water, many charter fishing captains are significantly less skilled when it comes to social media, technology and digital marketing.

Verne also knows that many reservations and booking websites are now charging a 20% to 40% commission to book charters for local captains.

“With high fuel costs, reduced business from COVID, boat maintenance, etc., that commission makes it hard to stay afloat; no pun intended,” said Verne, who created keysfishingreports. com to help captains and anglers connect and to show visitors what fish are biting and where.

The website provides charter captains throughout the Florida Keys with a designated phone number to which they can send a simple text message and photo describing the day’s catch and including their contact information for charter bookings.

“The captains’ text messages get instantly posted onto the Keys Fishing Reports website from the area that they caught the fish,” said Verne. “The website is not a replacement for a full blog or website, but rather offers a short summary of the day’s catch.

Anglers get a heads-up on what is being caught and where so they can plan a great day of fishing. And because all reports are archived and placed into the online calendar, people can click on the month and day to see the species of fish that are being caught at that time of year. Environmentally, this will also show how the Keys fisheries are doing over time.”

The new Keys Fishing Reports website shows a map of the Florida Keys and individual fishing reports and photos from local charter captains to show users what’s biting, when and where. SHAWN VERNE/ Contributed

Keys Fishing Reports is 100% commission-free for every charter captain. They can include their contact information directly on the report so people can book charters directly with them, Verne said, adding that the site is completely free for all to use and enables users to simply click on a map of the Florida Keys to see fishing reports for each region.

Any Monroe County charter captains interested in participating with Keys Fishing Reports can go to the website, fill out the Charter Captain Application, and start sending in reports.

It is free to join and use.

15

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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TELL LYNNY YOU SAW HER IN THE WEEKLY!

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16

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021 Key Largo Salon owners Brittany Richards and Laura Rodriguez are grateful to serve their Upper Keys clientele. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

KEY LARGO SALON FOCUSES ON SERVICE TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

I

n June 2015, Laura Rodriguez opened Key Largo Salon & Day Spa to provide quality beauty and day spa services to the Upper Keys. Brittany Richards was there from the get-go, and bought out the salon’s other owner in May 2019. The dynamic duo have been running the show since, through the pandemic and all.

“The quality I wanted to put into a salon made it worth it to do in Key Largo,” Rodriguez said. “Our clients here appreciate the quality. We’re not getting cheap stuff, and our clients appreciate that.”

The salon offers lash extension (natural, hybrid and volume), hair (color, cut, extensions), nails, waxing, microblading and makeup services. Richards emphasized how clients really “get what they’re paying for” in terms of top-notch services that will last and look just as good two weeks after as when they leave the salon.

Beyond high quality products and services, Key Largo Salon also offers a different kind of atmosphere. Rodriguez loves the Keys and the people the islands attract.

Richards has been in the Keys her entire life and relishes her relationships with the salon’s clients. Both owners love meeting new people around town and sharing what the spa has to offer.

The clients are a healthy mix of locals, snowbirds who come down during the busy season, and some out-of-towners and tourists. Richards noted that they know their snowbirds very well and look forward to their return every year.

“It’s family here,” Rodriguez emphasized.

“When people come in here we know everything about them - about their family and their pets. And they know about us.”

The salon itself is bright and welcoming, with personal touches that Richards and Rodriguez execute themselves.

Key Largo Salon offers hair, manicure, makeup, waxing, microblading and eyelash services to clients of all ages, all while following strict COVID-19 protocols. CONTRIBUTED

The pandemic has been the “most challenging” event of their entire business career.

“It’s the only thing that’s been challenging, actually,” said Rodriguez. “Reception has been good since the beginning and steadily grown, COVID aside.”

With a 2.5-month forced shutdown, the owners said the hardest part was not being able to support their clients. They “heard from clients nonstop” and “the phone was ringing 20 to 30 times a day,” said Richards.

“People were going crazy and really needed something to make them feel good,” she continued. “When we finally reopened, the phones blew up. We went down the list for everyone who got canceled in March and April and just started trying to help people.”

Clients were coming in thankful to take care of pandemic-created roots, grown-out manicures, and everything in between.

“They didn’t even care if I was able to do highlights,” said Richards. “‘Just do something.

Please just do something to make us feel better,’ they’d tell me. A lot were going back to work and asking us to please make them look okay.”

For the hardworking stylists, happy clients have always been and remain their goal and their motivation. Rodriguez reminisced about when clients have received blow-drys or gotten their nails done, and then their husbands have taken them out to eat because they feel special that day. Richards said that when people leave the salon feeling and looking beautiful, it makes the long hours totally worth it.

“I’ve had people cry (after receiving their services),” she added. “No words can describe that feeling. That puts me on cloud nine for two months and it makes me so happy to know they’re happy when they leave here.”

Key Largo Salon & Day Spa is open weekdays and on Saturday by appointment only. Call 305-451-4343 to book a service.

17

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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19

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Accompanied by his mom, Leah, and dad, Zack, Zane Wampler walks from his home to Plantation Key School for the first time since battling MIS-C last July. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

The marquee outside Plantation Key School welcomes back Zane Wampler.

ZANE RETURNS TO THE CLASSROOM FOR THE FIRST TIME

YOUNG BOY BATTLED MIS-C, RECEIVED DOCTORS’ CLEARANCE

A

two-week holiday break came and went as students across Monroe County resumed their studies either in the classroom or at home from their laptops. For Zane Wampler, Jan. 5 marked a return to the classroom for the first time after being let out for spring break last March and battling a syndrome linked to COVID-19 months later.

Leaving his Islamorada home during the early morning hours, the fourth grader emits excitement as he prepares to see some of his friends for the first time since early last year. While he can’t wait to enjoy some recess and lunch time at Plantation Key School, he admits that he’s not one to wake up early in the morning.

“My backpack’s so heavy,” Zane says as he makes his way to school.

“Because you have a bunch of stuff in there,” his mom, Leah, says. “Now you have to carry your laptop to school every day. It’s a whole new world.”

It was July when doctors diagnosed the young boy with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C. Zane never exhibited symptoms associated with COVID-19, as three tests came back negative.

A positive antibodies test, though, led doctors to believe that he had MIS-C. While children eventually get better with medical care, Zane’s condition worsened as his face, eyes, lips and organs swelled.

He spent weeks at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, while some 20 to 30 doctors worked together to help him.

Zane’s condition made headlines and news locally and across the country.

Support rolled in from the Keys and other parts of the U.S. On Aug. 11, Zane returned home as he continued to recuperate and see doctors for follow-up visits. By mid-December, he was given clearance by doctors for a return to school.

His health improved and the swelling in his organs subsided. Doctors closely monitored an enlarged artery in his left lung and a heart murmur that developed through the illness.

“We had multiple people who cleared him. The last one was the cardiologist.

That one was the biggest deal,” Zack said.

“That was the one we were waiting on.”

Zane was allowed into the state’s Hospital Homebound program as he was hospitalized and homebound.

“We essentially home schooled him, but then had a teacher from PKS,” Leah said. “(Dr. Tina Cash) would help follow up with any questions and administer any testing that needed to be done. It was a really nice thing to have.”

Walking toward school, Zane received a few good mornings from kids who waited in a car line for drop off. Following a hug from his mom, Zane followed his dad, Zack, into Plantation Key School.

“It’s been a really long road … five months of a lot of worry and fear and unknowns,” Leah says. “It’s such an exciting day.

“I was thinking last night that it was almost when you take your kid to the first day of kindergarten,” she continued. “You wondered when and if it was ever going to happen.”

20

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

A NOVEL IDEA

THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST SHOWS WORKS BY CHRISTINE FIFER

P

Florida Keys health care workers and seniors are receiving COVID vaccines, though not as quickly as health officials would like. CONTRIBUTED

MONEY & MEDICINE

Key West officials allocate $500K to nonprofits, get update on COVID vaccine MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he Key West city commission on Jan. 5 voted unanimously to accept $1.3 million in CARES Act funding from Monroe County, which was tasked with doling out the federal money to local governments.

Lawmakers on Jan. 5 also directed the city manager and finance director to allocate up to $500,000 of the $1.3 million to local nonprofits. Those organizations, in turn, will distribute funds directly to residents to help with rent and utility bills as well as costs associated with COVID rapid tests so people can return to work as soon as possible.

“We know COVID has taken an extreme economic toll,” said Leah Stockton of the United Way of Collier and the Keys. “We also know that more than one-third of our residents were already struggling, living paycheck to paycheck with no savings. Local social service agencies have never seen a need like this, including after hurricanes.”

Suzanne Moore, president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce, told the commissioners, “The biggest need is rent, utility and medical assistance for workers, not businesses. This is an opportunity for you to help the workers of this community, your constituents, and show them you care.”

What about vaccines?

Health department administrator Bob Eadie and Lower Keys Medical Center chief of staff Dr. Jack Norris updated lawmakers on the vaccination process in Key West.

The health department has received 1,300 vaccine doses; the hospital received 300.

“I didn’t know any of the doses were coming; they just sort of showed up,” Eadie told the commission. The same was true at the hospital, Norris said.

“We can’t request any additional doses. I’ve been told that as we use them, they’ll be replenished.

I wish I had a better report for you, but as of now, we’re playing the cards we’re dealt,” Eadie said, adding that the health department just has to wait for the next batch to arrive. He estimated the health department will have administered all of its 1,300 doses by Saturday, Jan. 9.

First responders and senior citizens are first in line, Eadie said, and as of next week, he expects to have a reservation and appointment system in place to handle the demand.

Norris said the hospital is prioritizing its doses for personnel working in the hospital’s ICU, COVID unit and emergency room.

“We’re doing the best we can, trying to get them into as many people as possible,” Eadie said, adding that the second doses of the vaccine “shouldn’t be an issue.”

As soon as someone receives the first shot, they’re given a follow-up appointment date for the second shot and are instructed to download an app that tracks any adverse reactions to the vaccine. Norris said he had not heard any reports of adverse reactions as of the Tuesday meeting.

ainter and sculptor Christine Fifer’s work synthesizes skill, idea and material into fantastic creations. More broadly known for her extravagant costume-making, Fifer channels the same luxuriant energy and artistry into her exhibited work.

“A Novel Idea,” a collection of Fifer’s best and most innovative work, is on display at The Studios of Key West Jan. 7-28.

“A Novel Idea” embodies storytelling and features Fifer’s more recognizable book paintings. Since the beginning of her career, she has used the canvas like a library of sorts, painting realistic stacks of books that converge on a symbolic theme. The novels balance nicely with quirky things like prayer cards, animals, timepieces and even lily pads. Illustrated with an intense nod to realism, there are also subtle surrealist tones as Fifer mixes and matches the unusual.

The overall effect is the figurative discovery of meanings and messages. It’s a visual treasure trove she concocts just for the viewer.

“It’s a twofold challenge,” said Fifer. “To get the right objects and then get the right composition.”

Her canvases are an architectural feat, inviting the eye to dance around for a resting place. And when it does, a delight awaits, be it Chinese lanterns or a tiny butterfly cocoon. The books are first editions, which could seem stodgy, but the situations she thoughtfully places them in are more creative, humorous and active. For example, the painting “Time Consuming” is a delightful combination of clocks and book titles such as “A Wrinkle in Time” decorated with a nest of eggs, a bird, a peach suggesting the longevity of life. Fifer takes the stagnation and complacency out of the commonplace still life.

While the paintings are broadthemed, Fifer has cleverly slipped more personal sculptural works into the show. “They are like a million little self-portraits to me,” said Fifer of “Smallways,” her series of hanging book pieces. They are actual books carved with an altar-like window with a miniature doll nestled inside. The effect is powerful and can be interpreted

Christine Fifer’s painting ‘Red Envelope’ is enamel on canvas; $5,500. CONTRIBUTED

as our childish selves mirrored in a book. Her other book sculptures, collectively called “The Bookmark Series,” also highlight for the viewer the power found in books.

Fifer places photos, bits of paper, small, sentimental objects on and in the books, suggesting curiosity and importance of what a book contains.

Fifer’s work is fulfilling, like a good story from beginning to end.

Her work is a playground of messages and a delightful tale of an artist at work.

“A Novel Idea” is on view from Jan. 7-28 at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Other January shows at The Studios include “None of the Above” by Sally Binard, “Color Cuts” by Cynthia Back and “Creatures of the Deep”

by David Dunn. The Studios’ gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and all the work is available for online viewing at tskw.org.

New this month: The Studios is also offering “Sundays in the Gallery,” an opportunity to book a private reception for up to 10 people on a Sunday morning or afternoon. Visitors start with mimosas or a glass of wine on the rooftop, then walk through the galleries with a knowledgeable guide.

The fee is $125 for 2 to 4 people and $250 for 5 to 10 people. (Fee will be refunded in the event of an art purchase).

— Contributed

21

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

Karen

KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE

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We will see you when we can take off our masks, put on our kilts and dance together again!

22

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

OLD CAR, NEW LIFE Restored train car anchors Marathon museum SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

his project has been a labor of love for Lynn Voit. Although she doesn’t have any formal ties to Crane Point Museum, she does have tons of panache and a love for Marathon.

“It’s a landmark everyone in Marathon can be proud of,” Voit said.

“And everyone has had so much fun transforming this vision to fruition.”

Voit and Crane Point Museum’s Charlotte Quinn hatched a plan to transform the vintage train car’s presence on U.S.1 to highlight the attraction’s entrance — landscaping, a new coat of paint, dramatic lighting.

“Sometimes angels come out of the woodwork, and Lynn is one of them,” said Quinn.

For many years, the train car was located on Pigeon Key. In December of 2018, it was relocated to its current location which is in the exact same spot of Marathon’s original train station, circa 1908.

Voit found many professionals who shared her passion for the project who discounted or donated their services to the non-profit museum. That included O.R. Painting owner Oscar Rodriguez, who is a Henry Flagler buff; landscaper Mike Dworniczak, who installed the planters and paintings with the help of Jorge and Howdy; Alex Perez of Alex Landscaping and Lawn Service with the help of Corey Qualls, who supplied the trees, boulders and soil; Makale of Sherwin-Williams, who sold the paint at cost and is also a Henry Flagler aficionado; and Charlie Brown and his team from Arlington Electric, who designed a dramatic light installation.

The train car will serve as museum office space and a boardroom.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

GIFT, WRAPPED CSHS honor society students raise funds for REEF organization

Most of the boat dealers in the Keys as well as several manufacturers in south Florida will be showcasing their newest boats in this year’s Island Boat Show, set for Jan. 22-24 at the Hawks Cay Resort & Marina at Duck Key. CONTRIBUTED

ISLAND BOAT SHOW AT HAWKS CAY SET

I

sland Community Church will be holding the 2021 Island Boat Show Friday-Sunday, Jan. 22-24 at the Hawks Cay Resort & Marina at Duck Key, MM 61. This will be the sixth consecutive annual event and is being presented by Golden Boat Lifts and Marine Systems.

The Island Boat Show is entirely an outdoor event and will be using recommended COVID safety protocols.

Entry for all three days is $10 and parking is free, with shuttle service available.

Most of the boat dealers in the Keys as well as several manufacturers in south Florida will be showcasing their newest boats — everything from fishing skiffs to large, offshore center-console boats will be on display. For the serious buyer, sea trials may be arranged. The event also features exhibitors selling marine-related gear and merchandise. People can bid on items in a silent auction and purchase tickets for a chance at winning a cooler loaded with fishing tackle. Food is available for purchase at an outdoor grill or at the Angler & Ale Restaurant on location.

All proceeds benefit Upper and Middle Keys college scholarships and missions/ministries of Island Community Church. Last year’s event proceeds helped support several worthy causes, with $20,000 in college scholarships distributed among 29 deserving students. Over 800 meals were delivered to needy people in the Keys through the Thanksgiving Outreach program and over 200 shoeboxes were packed with toys and healthcare items and sent to needy children through the Operation Christmas Child program. These are just a few examples of what the boat show proceeds help support.

Island Community Church offers a worship service at 10 a.m. every Sunday morning, in-person at 83250 Overseas Hwy or online (Facebook or YouTube). More information is at www.islandcommunitychurch.org.

More information about the boat show is at www. islandboatshow.com.

— Contributed

National Honor Society members from Coral Shores High School wrapped presents in front of Divers Direct in Key Largo for donations for REEF. RANDY KLEIN GROSS/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

F

or the second year in a row, a local teen raised funds for REEF Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) over the holiday season by wrapping gifts in front of the Divers Direct in Key Largo.

“I got the idea after doing similar three years ago for my band class,” said Oceana Gross, organizer of the fundraiser. “It felt like such a great way to raise money while also making people get in the holiday spirit and not have to worry about their wrapping. I adapted it and organized my own.”

While she executed the fundraiser by herself during the 2019 holiday season, Gross was relieved and grateful to enlist the help of over 10 fellow National Honor Society (NHS) members for this most recent effort. The stellar student was accepted into NHS this past school year, and when the group was brainstorming fundraiser opportunities, she “jumped” at the chance to get help and grow her fundraiser, she told the Keys Weekly.

Gross settled on REEF to be the recipient of donations because the nonprofit organization is “such a large part of our community” and

Local families brought gifts for wrapping to Divers Direct in exchange for donations for local nonprofit REEF. RANDY KLEIN GROSS/Contributed

because the work that it does is “integral” to the health of the local environment.

REEF aims to conserve the world’s oceans through citizen science, education and research.

Locally, their mission includes their well-known fish count surveys, lionfish derbies to combat the invasive species on the reefs and REEFfest, an annual celebration of marine conservation.

Randy, Gross’ mom, said, “As a parent, scuba instructor and lionfish jewelry maker, I was very proud that Oceana, my daughter, picked REEF as the focus of her fundraiser. She has always been an artistic perfectionist, so wrapping presents is a lot of fun for her.”

Randy credited Oceana’s learning to dive at an early age and her daughter’s travels with instilling in her a love of the oceans and a desire to protect them.

In the end, the teens raised $430 for REEF. Gross concluded, “Despite current health and safety restrictions, we were able to have an incredibly successful fundraiser and I’m grateful to everyone who brought their presents to be wrapped and to my fellow volunteers for lending their time.”

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

Key West’s

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC JANUARY 2, 2021 LUNCH

DINNER

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JOIN OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS A

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE APPOINTMENT OR PRIVATE SECTOR BUSINESS MEMBER

The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is seeking individuals to join our Board of Directors as a governor’s appointment or private sector business member (volunteer) from Monroe County.

A private sector business member must meet the following requirements: An owner having at least a 10 percent ownership interest in the business entity; or The chief executive or operating officer of the business entity; or A business executive or employee of the business entity who is at the management level or higher with optimum policymaking or hiring authority; or An individual who previously met one of the above criteria but who is retired from the business entity.

MORE INFO? Please contact Lisa Sanabria at lsanabria@elcmdm.org Gubernatorial Appointment Application https://www.flgov.com/gubernatorial-appointment/ Private Sector Application Visit www.elcmdm.org to download the application.

About the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe: The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that children in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties have an opportunity to receive high-quality early education. The organization was established following the enactment of the 1999 School Readiness Act. The Early Learning Coalition supports the school readiness of more than 50,000 children ages birth to 12 years old through a variety of innovative prekindergarten and early learning programs, while also encouraging parental involvement in the quest for educational success. Through a community-based, collaborative approach, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami- Dade/Monroe is committed to promoting early learning, advocating for better public policies on behalf of children, and preparing every child for success in both school and life.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

School Readiness and VPK Early Care and Education Partners in Monroe County Do you need help paying for childcare? The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe can assist with childcare costs at any of the listed early learning programs.

For more information, call 305-646-7220 or visit us at www.elcmdm.org • MM 1 - Gonzalez Family Day Care Home 301 WHITE ST. APT. 1C KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-896-1636X

• MM 30.2 - Big Pine Academy Early Learning Center 30070 POND LANE, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043 • 305-872-2432

• MM 1 -The Learning Center of Key West, INC 201 TRUMAN AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-292-0440

• MM 48.6 - Stanley Switlik Elementary 3400 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-289-2490

• MM 1.1 -Boys and Girls Clubs of the Keys Area, Inc. 1316 REYNOLDS ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-2258

• MM 49.2 - Grace Jones Community Center, Inc. 230 41st ST. GULF, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-743-6064

• MM 1.2 - Inez Martin Child Care Center 1100 VARELA, KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-809-5055

• MM 49.4 - Kreative Kids Christian Academy 4711 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-743-7165

• MM 1.3 - Montessori Children’s School Of Key West 1221 VARELA, KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-294-5302

• MM 51 - Marathon Lutheran 325 122ND ST, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-735-4762

• MM 1.6 - Horace O’Bryant Elementary 1105 LEON, KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-5628

• MM 51 - Community Cooperative Preschool Inc. 550 122ND ST. OCEAN, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-735-4762

• MM 2 - Barbara Alvarez Family Day Care Home x 2689 N. ROOSEVELY BLVD. #4 KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-731-9476

• MM 82.4 - Islamorada Child Care 82681 OVERSEAS HWY, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 • 305-910-7228

• MM 2 - Sunbeam Christian School 1311 5th ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-294-6018 x325 • MM 2.5 - Maria Lamadrid Family Day Care Home 1524 5TH ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-294-6311

• MM 86.6 - Treasure Village Montessori Charter 86731 OVERSEAS HWY, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 • 305-852-3482

• MM 2.5 - Moreno Family Day Care Home 1659 REORDAN CT. APT. 4 KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-3247

• MM 87.6 - St. James Children’s Center 87500 OVERSEAS HWY, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 • 305-852-2161

• MM 2.5 - Key West Preschool Cooperative, Inc. 2610 FLAGLER AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-4749

• MM 89 - Plantation School 100 LAKE ROAD, TAVENIER, FL 33070 • 305-853-3281

• MM 2.7 - Grace Lutheran School 2713 FLAGLER AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-8262

• MM 92.9 - Burton Memorial Child Development Center 93001 OVERSEAS HWY, TAVERNIER, FL 33070 • 305-852-0250

• MM 3.2 - Poinciana Elementary School 1407 KENNEDY DR. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-1630

• MM 93.2 - Dolphin Montessori Children’s Inc., South 735 GROUPER LANE, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-453-3787

• MM 3.8 - NAS Child Development Center V-187 ARTHUR SAWYER RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-4498

• MM 98.8 - First Baptist Church, Jack Hill Child Care 99001 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-451-2125

• MM 3.8 - NAS Key West Youth Center V-187 ARTHUR SAWYER RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-2098

• MM 99.8 - Upper Keys YMCA 550 ST CROIX PLACE, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-453-3422

• MM 5 - Gerald Adams Elementary 5855 COLLEGE RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-1609

• MM 103 - Montessori Academy of the Upper Keys 5 TRANSYLVANIA AVE., KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-451-7077

• MM 5.1 - Lighthouse Christian Academy, Inc. 5580 MACDONALD AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-292-5582

• MM 104.8 - Key Largo School 104801 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-453-1255

• MM 5.2 - Temple Christan Preschool 5727 2ND AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-216-5556 • MM 19.3 - Sugarloaf Elementary 255 CRANE BLVD., SUGARLOAF KEY, FL 33042 • 305-745-3282 • MM 22.9 - Banana Cabanna 22673 PIECES OF EIGHT RD., CUDJOE KEY, FL 33042 • 305-745-1400

• MM 105 - Dolphin Montessori 104960 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-852-2225 • MM 105.5 - St. Justin’s Martyr Preschool 105500 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-451-6415

Monroe County: 1111 12th St., Suite 206, Key West 305-296-5557 • ELCMDM.ORG

office of Learn Early. Learn for Life.

Early Education. Lifelong Success.

27

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021 A flamingo, spotted off Sugarloaf Key on New Year’s Day, is a good omen for local birders in 2021. KRISTIE KILLAM/Contributed

STARTING 2021 IN THE PINK

1

0:22 a.m. and the year was still pure. I had not seen a bird.

I was in the living room, staring at my laptop, trying not to look at the bits of blue sky out the window, because if I did a turkey vulture might fly through it, and then the first bird of the year would be a turkey vulture – a bird MARK HEDDEN that eats rotting dead things for a living and whose main form of ... is a photograself-defense is projectile vomiting. pher, writer, and Not a good omen or start. semi-professional There was a chance, if I stared birdwatcher. He into the blue sky, I might see a has lived in Key West for more short-tailed hawk, which would than 25 years and be a great omen. But there are, may no longer like, five short-tailed hawks flying be employable in around Key West this time of year the real world. He and about 1,000 turkey vultures, is also executive director of the so the odds were not in my favor.

Florida Keys AuduI’m not big on superstition, bon Society. but perhaps because 2020 was so crappy for so many, I wanted my first bird of the year to be a good one. I wanted a sign that 2021 was going to start tracking in a different direction, if only a few degrees.

There had been an American kestrel klee klee-ing around the neighborhood since November, and you can’t go wrong with the smallest falcon in North America. She liked to perch hunt from the telephone pole near the baseball field, which I could see from the backyard. But the small mob of Eurasian starlings that roam the neighborhood also like to hang out there, and sure, Mozart may have taught a starling to sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” but they’re still an invasive exotic species and an agricultural pest — not where I wanted to start the year.

Leaving the house might bring a good bird. There’s a trio of common ground-doves that like to peck around in the street, just below the front steps, and I still hold an irrational and unsubstantiated suspicion that common ground-doves are actually adorable automatons, like something from “Blade Runner,” so that would be a nice start. But more likely I’d catch sight of the Eurasian collared doves (yawn) or the mourning doves (stifled yawn) that spend hours every day on the wires over the neighbor’s place. And even if I managed to get into a car or onto a bike without seeing such things, there was no way to get to Edward B. Knight (White Street) Pier or Fort Zach or Indigenous Park without seeing something, well, boring.

A post on the Florida Birding and Rarities Facebook page finally got me to move.

A guy named Matthew Jolley had reported an American flamingo on a flat off Sammy’s Creek Park on Sugarloaf that morning.

I texted Amanda Chestnutt, one of the artists-in-residence at The Studios of Key West this month, and asked if she wanted to go look for a flamingo. She gave the only sane response a person of quality can give to that question: Sure.

I picked her up, and we were on Palm Avenue, talking about photography, New Year’s Eve misbehaviors and stuff, when I looked up onto the wire and saw a northern mockingbird and, probably a bit too loudly, yelled, “Dammit!”

I mostly know Amanda from online, so I spent a while trying to reassure her I wasn’t, in fact, a crazy person prone to excessive sudden outbursts, and explaining about wanting the first bird of the year be a good bird, and how a northern mockingbird wasn’t a bad bird – they’re some of the most gifted mimics in the natural world – but how

they were so common it was harder to not see them than to see them, so it was all a bit of a disappointment.

When we got to Sugarloaf, we went straight to the top of Sammy’s Creek Bridge.

I scanned with binoculars. Amanda looked around and snapped a few pictures. It’s one of the more beautiful spots in the Keys – minimal traffic, with mangroves and a deepwater creek to the north, and open water all the way out to the Alligator Reef Light and beyond to the south. But there were no pink birds in all that expanse.

We went down into the park and walked to the rip-rapped edge of the water.

I scanned some more, maybe a little impatient for some kind of high-quality harbinger.

“Well, no pink things here,” I said.

“Isn’t that a pink thing?” Amanda said, pointing.

I lifted my binoculars and there it was, very far out, walking slowly, belly-deep in the windblown, milky green water.

We set up the scope and took turns looking. We even showed this nice English couple who happened to be there.

Wild flamingos were thought to be wiped out at the beginning of the 20th century by the plume hunters. They were hardly seen in Florida for close to a century, despite their omnipresence in tourist kitsch and on lottery tickets. They’re not common yet, but they’ve been seen more and more in recent years. There were six seen on Big Torch this summer. And now there was this very real one to start off the new year – pink, 4 feet tall, sticking its head underwater for a long time to feed, then lifting it up to breathe and look around.

That had to be a good sign.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

CES OPENS SECOND BRANCH IN KEYS

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY HOUSE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

RENTABOARD Christopher Rodriguez, left, and Jaime Naranjo are ready to welcome the public at City Electric Supply in Marathon. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

C

ity Electric Supply (CES) has just opened the doors in Marathon, located in the building formerly occupied by Windswept Appliances.

“Contractors and even homeowners in the Florida Keys are excited to have CES Marathon nearby. They don’t have to drive an hour south or an hour north to get electrical supplies. They can just walk right in,” said CES Marathon branch manager Jaime Naranjo.

The new 7,000-square-foot store is prepared to serve as the one-stop-shop for the entire community.

“Business is just walking through the door,” Naranjo said. “It says a lot about the service we provide; we can help anyone. It doesn’t matter if they’re a contractor or just a homeowner needing to grab a few things, we’re here to supply the entire community.”

Naranjo and his branch are looking forward to making things easier for contractors not just in Marathon, but in all of the Florida Keys.

“It’s tough for the people who live and work here,” he admitted. “If a contractor has to leave a job to pick up a part, they’ll be driving all day. It could cost them an hour or two easily. CES Marathon has an opportunity to supply a large portion of the Florida Keys.”

And the customers have already stopped by the new branch to get their hands on some products, from one-off items, like tape, screws and extension cords, to carrying all the stainless-steel products. The team members at CES Marathon are happy to help customers in any way they can.

“Whether it’s tools or lights or anything else, people can come to us and we can help them out,” he said. “We have the experience to educate our customers and help them figure out exactly what they need.

That’s going to be important, especially during hurricane season.”

“We’re not just here to sell supplies,” he added. “We’re here to help people repair

their homes, finish their projects. We’re as much a part of this community as they are.”

It’s all about community, according to Naranjo. He and his team couldn’t be happier to be invested in communities throughout the Florida Keys.

“We’re truly blessed to have this opportunity,” he said. “We expect to have a big impact on the electrical community throughout the Keys. In three to four months, I could easily see us on track to becoming one of the top branches in City Electric Supply.”

And with a bunch of developments currently in the works, such as new hospitals, schools, libraries homes, and more, the opportunities are endless for the new CES store.

Through one of the most popular activities in town, fishing, the branch could even expand into the marine market in the near future.

“I’d never dealt with the marine side in Miami, but people always have their boats on the water here,” he said. “It’s a yearround business, so we’re expanding into that market as well.”

As for what Naranjo is looking forward to the most, it’s building relationships with each customer who comes through their doors.

“We have a chance to help every community here, from Marathon to Key West to Key Largo. That’s probably what I’m looking forward to the most,” Naranjo said, who operated a CES branch in Miami for four years. “Just interacting daily with people who live here, not just contractors.”

CES is a family-owned electrical wholesale distributor headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company was founded in 1951

by Tom Mackie in the United Kingdom and expanded to the United States in 1983. Today, CES employs more than 3,000 people in over 500 branches across the U.S. It also has a branch in Key West.

— Contributed

PADL OPENS STATION ON FIESTA KEY

PADL has four boards for rent by the hour on Fiesta Key. Users download an app and create an account, much like bike sharing programs in urban areas. CONTRIBUTED

I

t’s like bike sharing, but with stand-up paddleboards.

PADL has opened its seventh station in the Florida Keys at the Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina.

“In fact, it was our highest performing location over the holidays,” said COO Felipe Jauregui.

It’s similar to bike-sharing programs. Users download the app, create an account and the stand unlocks the paddleboard. Rentals cost $15 per hour, but there’s also a monthly membership for $25. The boards have a GPS feature installed and when users return the board to the stand, the app will let users know how long they paddled and how far, plus show them a map of their travels.

“There’s no need to haul around a huge paddleboard in your car or truck,” said Jauregui. He said the idea was born when he and his friends, all avid paddleboarders, moved into apartments. “There was nowhere to store it. Our primary focus is to get people out on the water, enjoying the ocean and lakes and rivers.”

The sport of stand-up paddleboarding is easy to learn.

Many are growing the sport by using the boards for yoga sessions or even to go fishing.

PADL has plans to grow its own business by branching out into kayaks and other water toys in many locations. For more information about PADL, visit padl.co, or look them up on Instagram. The company is also expanding by seeding a second round of investment via crowdfunding. For more information, visit www.seedinvest.com/padl.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

DOLPHIN 2 DOLPHIN

It’s a little late but, you know, COVID-19. Last year’s graduating class from Marathon High School, Class of 2020, arranged for a parting gift for the high school, installed on Jan. 4. It’s a mural painted of dolphin fish, the school mascot, by famed coastal artist Pasta Pantaleo. (He is the same man who designed the school’s window coverings.) It’s traditional for seniors to install a tree, or bench, to commemorate their graduation. The graduating officers of the Class of 2020 are Taylor Sokolosky, president; Holly Frederick, vice president; Micah Farrell, secretary; and Yuli DeLeon, treasurer. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

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KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER PRESENTS

History in Images:

Dry Tortugas National Park

Presented by James A. Kushlan and Kirsten Hines Isolated 70 miles west of Key West, the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park appear to arise as if by magic, floating atop the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Juan Ponce de León named the islands, making “Tortugas” the second oldest persistent place name in North America. Join Kushlan and Hines as they share some of the diverse stories of Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas that they have uncovered in their book, Dry Tortugas National Park.

You’ll hear about the lighthouse built in 1826, the nation’s most ambitious masonry fortification Fort Jefferson and its role in the Civil War, as well as Dr. Samuel Mudd and the other Lincoln conspirators imprisoned there. You’ll see images of its waters, coral reefs and aquatic life, which remain among the most biologically intact in the American tropics.

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 6-7 p.m.

A live virtual lecture.

Sponsored by Max & Anne Makowsky.

The lecture is free for members and $5 for non-members.

Advance registration is required. To register, go to www. keysdiscovery.com/lectures. This program utilizes program utilizes GoToWebinar. For more information on this platform, go to www.keysdiscovery.com./virtual-platforms.

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

Keys History & Discovery Center is operated by Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021 Boats traverse Whale Harbor Channel during the annual Blessing of the Fleet on New Year’s Day. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

FLOATING INTO THE NEW YEAR ANNUAL EVENT BLESSES FLEET

A

fleet of boats took to Whale Harbor at MM 84, oceanside, in Islamorada for the annual Blessing of the Fleet on New Year’s Day. Sponsored by the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, the procession went through Whale Harbor Channel to the bridge. Flags flew proudly as onlookers positioned themselves along the shoreline to view the procession.

— Weekly staff report

1 2

3

4

1+2. The Predator fishing vessel makes its way back out to sea via Whale Harbor Channel after participating in the annual Blessing of the Fleet 3. Chipper Worley and Gina Giro wave to the Blue Chip Too fishing vessel as it makes its way to Whale Harbor after participating in the annual Blessing of the Fleet.

4. The Warbird fishing vessel makes its way back out to sea via Whale Harbor Channel.

33

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE UPPER KEYS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

A

t the June 2020 board of directors meeting of Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys Inc., Jack Niedbalski announced his retirement. It was voted unanimously that he would be replaced by Lindsay Fast as the next executive director.

Niedbalski has been the executive director of the local Habitat affiliate for nearly 10 years and has contributed greatly to the growth and development of the non-forprofit during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Upper Keys affiliate constructed 11 affordable housing units and has undertaken the 16- unit Windley Point development currently nearing completion at MM 84. He announced that he intends to retire at the end of 2020.

The board and members of the community are deeply appreciative of his contributions and accomplishments.

Fast, who has been employed as crisis manager and compliance officer since April 2020, immediately assumed the executive director responsibilities. Niedbalski has been supporting her in this transition, serving as executive director emeritus through the end of the year. After that, he will continue his support of affiliate activities and his advocacy for the Habitat mission.

Fast has a lifelong history with the Upper Keys and lives in Islamorada with her husband and daughter. She received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Miami. Her most recent professional experiences include tourism director for the town of Surfside

The Keys History & Discovery Center’s next virtual lecture on Jan. 13 will highlight Dry Tortugas National Park. CONTRIBUTED

Lindsay Fast is the new executive director for Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys. CONTRIBUTED

and trade marketing manager for Club Med North America. Fast received numerous leadership awards and recognitions in each of these capacities. “We are very appreciative of the leadership provided by Jack and are extremely pleased to have been able to recruit someone with the experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the Habitat mission that Lindsay brings to the affiliate,� said Dirk Smits, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys president and chairman of the board.

Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-for-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty and substandard housing worldwide. — Contributed

KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER EXPLORES DRY TORTUGAS Shared images detail national park

T

he Keys History & Discovery Center will host an online presentation about Dry Tortugas National Park next

week. “History in Images: Dry Tortugas National Park,� a live virtual lecture by James A. Kushlan and Kirsten Hines, will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Isolated 70 miles west of Key West, the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park appear to arise as if by magic, floating atop the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Juan Ponce de LeĂłn named the islands, making “Tortugasâ€? the second oldest persistent place name in North America.

Kushlan and Hines will share some of the stories of Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas that they have uncovered for their book, “Dry Tortugas National Park.�

Attendees will hear about the lighthouse built in 1826, the nation’s most ambitious masonry fortification Fort Jefferson and its role in the Civil War, and Dr. Samuel Mudd and the other Lincoln conspirators imprisoned there. Also included will be images of its waters, coral reefs and aquatic life, which remain among the most biologically intact in the American tropics.

The lecture is free for members and $5 for non-members.

Advance registration is at www. keysdiscovery.com/lectures.

This virtual program uses GoToWebinar. More information on this platform is at www. keysdiscovery.com/virtualplatforms. — Contributed

 Â? Â? Â

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34

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

1

2

3

KITING THE KEYS Friends kiteboard for mental health

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

T

wo friends rang in the new year by kiteboarding more than 100 miles from their launch spot in Key Largo — all while raising money for a worthy cause.

Physically, Scott Gerke, of Sugarloaf Key, and Joe Tatangelo, of Michigan, knew they could kiteboard the length of the Keys for a two-day journey to Key West in an effort to raise awareness of mental health. From their launch in the Upper Keys, the two kited roughly four hours straight before stopping at Coco Plum Beach in Marathon. They then kited down to Little Palm Resort on Little Torch Key as the sun set. In total, the two kited roughly 70 miles on day one.

Winds weren’t in their favor as Gerke and Tatangelo reversed their trip on day two, with the launch taking place from Smathers Beach in Key West to the end point at Little Palm Island.

“We had to catch this storm in Key West,” Gerke said. “We had moments where our kites shouldn’t have been in the air, but we were just like angels out there giving us what we needed to keep our kites in the air. I landed on Picnic Island and Joey landed at a beach near Kiki’s.”

While the trip brought challenges, Gerke couldn’t help but note the number of “strangers turned friends” along the way. It all started the day before,

when Gerke and Tatangelo sought someone last minute to give them a ride to Key Largo. That’s when Cristine Verlardi came forward and offered help by driving them up and providing land support.

“She literally followed us the whole way using a GPS tracker,” he said. “I feel like, and Joey had the same feeling, that the universe recognized what we were doing and provided help when we needed it.”

Upon landing at Coco Plum Beach, Gerke and Tatangelo were met by a group of kiteboarders who heard about their excursion and offered them fruit to fuel up. Gerke even received assistance from a man who helped retrieve his kite after it landed in the mangroves during launch.

“If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have made it to Little Palm before sunset,” he said. “This whole trip was nothing but experiences with random people who helped make this happen, from raising money to organizing the trip.”

For Gerke, kiteboarding helped him get past some tough times in what he called a “sh** storm of a summer” in 2019. The idea came about late last year from Tatangelo, whom he met in Hood River, Oregon in 2018 as he was touring the U.S. in his minivan.

“He called me up recently and asked if I wanted to do what we call a downwinder, where we go from one place to another,” Gerke said. “I said, ‘Sure,’ and asked if he wanted to do it for a good cause, and he was like ‘yes.’”

A Go Fund Me page subsequently launched. So far, a little more than $2,000 raised will support mental health services in the Keys. Funds are going to the Guidance Care Center Inc., and Gerke said the money will help people obtain therapy, case management, crisis stabilization and other

4

services people need but can’t afford.

“My big thing is eventually, I would like to just have a bank account where people can pull from to get talk therapy,” he said. “That’s what I think is such a big thing … just having a professional you can talk to who has an unbiased opinion.”

With the 138-mile trip complete, Gerke said he’s looking to make it happen again this year. Through his journey, Gerke said, people are starting to notice that he’s not afraid to talk about the issues he had.

“These kinds of things happen to everybody, and everybody processes these feelings in a different way. It’s really OK,” he said. “Everyone’s going to notice that it’s normal to have these feelings and it’s normal to talk about it.”

Visit Gerke’s Go Fund Me page to donate and Kite the Keys Facebook page to learn more.

5

1. Joe Tatangelo and Scott Gerke kiteboard to raise mental health awareness.

The two started in Key Largo on Jan. 1 and worked their way south to Key West.

2 The idea to kiteboard the Keys for mental health originated late last year from Joe Tatangelo, whom Scott Gerke met out in Oregon in 2018.

3. Scott Gerke takes a selfie with Joe Tatangelo as they prepare to launch their kiteboards.

4. Scott Gerke and Joe Tatangelo joked about going on a pizza diet. Gerke said “we kind of did that for a week before the trip.”

5. Joe Tatangelo and Scott Gerke hold a sign to show the funds raised for mental health during their kiteboard from Key Largo to Key West. CONTRIBUTED

35

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

BACK IN MY DAY...

Where shall we start?

C

OVID? Cruise ships? Excruciating campaigns? Unbearable elections?

Hell no, I’m just kidding. I’m as tired of typing all those words as you are of reading them, so I’ll spare you the pain of yet another writer’s wrap-up of 2020. I also promise not to use the word “unprecedented” anywhere (else) in this column. Instead, let’s go back even further in time, 30 years or so.

MANDY I’ve been thinking recently about my MILES own personal timeline of existence, and have come to the conclusion that I’m thrilled with has been living in and writing about my position on it. I love that I’ve lived a preKey West and and post-Internet life. the Florida Keys Thanks, Mom and Dad, for having your since 1998. She second child in May 1976. It really put me — lives in Old Town and everyone else over the age of 40 — in a with her husband, Capt. Stan Miles, a great position to watch what happens when longtime charter technology advances at warp speed and forfisherman. ever alters our global society. Don’t we all feel a little wiser, a little more authentic for having managed in a world without Google, Amazon, touch screens, swipes and social media? Sure, it’s great to have the answers to every question, the ability to settle any bet, instantly with our smartphones. But we’ve also lost something organic, personal and visceral.

I love that I grew up with a social life instead of social media.

I’m glad I wasn’t a profile growing up. The only “likes’ in my life were about favorite foods, middle-school boys and friends I invited to my birthday party.

I’m glad I… Had to write down directions to a place, follow them and then reverse them to get home.

Had to make plans to meet up with friends at a designated place and time — and actually show up.

Had to take photos on film and get them developed at a drugstore. (Actually, scratch that. Those photos never looked good, couldn’t be edited and cost a fortune in high school terms.)

Remember the days when Amazon only sold books, real, hard-copy books.

Learned the patience of the rewind button on audio cassettes and VHS movies.

Met and spoke with guys in bars, not online.

Waited in line all night for concert tickets. (Actually, that’s a lie. My parents never let me do that.)

Had a Blockbuster video card, and one of the early Netflix subscriptions when they’d send us three us DVDs in the mail — the actual mail.

Remember the advent of caller ID and call waiting. God, the busy signal was a nightmare.

Spent my high school and college nights laughing uncontrollably around someone’s kitchen table rather than someone’s screen.

I learned penmanship, wrote letters and used proper grammar, with no emojis or stupidly shortened words.

I recall our first portable phones, our first car phones and our first cell phones, back when “minutes” cost a small fortune.

Remember the nightmare of “anytime minutes” and “nighttime minutes?”

I was around to celebrate the advent of CDs, when we could jump to and repeat our favorite track; As we embark on a new year and start looking ahead to brighter days, let’s not forget the authenticity, simplicity and personal connections that made us who we are. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have news feeds to scroll, shoes to order, morons to unfriend and memes to share. Where’s my phone?

SIX-STRING SYMPHONIES

Spotlight on some of my favorite Keys axe-slingers

I

n a New Year that’s dawning with political chaos and football incidents (not to mention the ongoing pandemic), I thought I’d take some time to showcase some of my favorite Florida Keys guitar players. All of these pickers has developed their own styles and unique talents, and I am privileged to know them and to have shared stages and projects with them.

My first gig in the Keys was in February 1984, and that was the same time I first heard Freddie Bye play at the Brass Monkey. I had heard a bit about him before I went; it didn’t prepare me for the shock and awe of Freddie’s note-perfect rendition of Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption.” I was blown away at the fact that a mere mortal guitar player at a bar in the Keys could play faster than I could even think and do unimaginable things to a guitar.

Fast forward three years, and I’m in the band at the Brass Monkey with Freddie, Ronnie B on drums, and Robyn Robins (from Seger’s Silver Bullet Band) on keyboards. I mostly played bass in that band, and it was a really good musical education. I never got tired of hearing Freddie take off on “Eruption.” Freddie had an encyclopedic knowledge of all things guitar and rock and roll, and was quite adept at nearly everything from the Beatles to Hendrix to Skynyrd.

Fast forward three decades, and Freddie is still amazing them at the Brass Monkey. Generations of music lovers have enjoyed his guitar wizardry, and hopefully will for many years to come.

I first saw Steven Miller play in a nightclub in Islamorada that exists no more. I think it was an early version of his group Blackwater Sound. I was driving back from a Key Largo gig, pulled into the club’s parking lot, went in, and heard some guy playing the Eagles’ “Life In The Fast Lane” — and playing it right. His guitar tone was perfect, his execution was flawless, and I was blown away.

Fast forward those three decades again, and Mr. Steven Miller and I are playing in the same band! After several years of gigging with him, I can safely say that Steven is probably the best overall all-around blues and rock player I’ve ever worked with. His tone is spot on for whatever song we’re playing, and though he can shred like no one’s business, he is one of the tastiest guitarists I’ve ever known.

From stinging blues licks to incredible rocking rhythms and leads, Steven

Miller is a true firstclass talent.

Case in point: our old band (Storm Watch or Jade Storm) often got requests for Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”

JOHN There are a lot of BARTUS musicians, myself included, who don’t is a City of Maraalways enjoy every thon councilnote and every man. He also is minute of that a musician who performs around particular song.

When we did that town. For more see johnbartus. song, however, it com was good. Really good. I’d start with that trademark intro lick on my Stratocaster, Glenn Faast played the actual correct drum parts, Rob Garza would lock in and hold down the bass … and Steven would have those signature leads down — perfect in timing, tone and technique. I really miss playing with Steve … and the other guys, too! You can catch Steven Miller and RadioGhost in various Upper Keys hangouts.

Switching gears here, there’s a Lower Keys musician who has entertained so many since his arrival from Ohio in the very early 1980s. Terry Cassidy is a consummate country, folk and bluegrass picker. Adept at guitar and banjo, Terry’s love of music is apparent in his cover song choices and his original tunes. Terry does some cool bluegrass-inspired flatpicking, and will then turn around and lay down some very tasty fingerstyle songs to keep things interesting.

Terry’s love of music is also responsible for some other pretty good guitar players showing up here in the Keys. Terry has hosted internationallyrecognized guitar talent at his house concerts — names like Richard Gilewitz and Richard Smith. And he promotes the local acoustic music scene through his Monday “Terry & Friends” shows at Boondocks. You can often catch Terry at Boondocks, and be sure to pick up a CD or cassette (the 8-track is a bit suspect).

That’s all I have room for today … rest assured that there will be future installments, as we are blessed with some truly amazing musical talent!

Go out and support local live music — safely and in a socially distant manner!

- Catch John Wednesdays at Herbie’s, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Fridays on Facebook Live for the Social Distancing Concerts, and Saturday night at the Key Colony Inn. Music available wherever you get your streaming. www.facebook.com/ john.bartus

38

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

Manatees and their babies at the entrance to the Bogeys in Key Largo, Bayside. LYNN DILS/Contributed

Looking to the stars for guidance in 2021. DANIEL EIDSMOE/Contributed

What was only a dream 14 years ago became a reality for these two snowbirds. Rich and Deb Riolo enjoy a toast to new dreams for 2021 at Big Chill in Key Largo. DEB RIOLO/ Contribute The chickens in Key West are picking up a new habit for the new year: reading the Keys Weekly. WILLIAM GERSTEIN/Contributed

A lucky shot of Panda at the dog park shows how we should approach 2021 (with love). RANDY KLEIN GROSS/Contributed

Brainstorming new ideas for programming for the kids. Another day when I love my job. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Contributed

New horizons. FRAN DECKER/Contributed

Seasonal residents back in town for their first doggy paddle of the year.

BARBARA OVERTON/Contributed

As I came up on my one-year mark as manager of a health clinic, I received my first round of the COVID vaccine. BRITTANY PARKER/Contributed

Cabo San Lucas - a new place to fish! Marathon’s Johnny Maddox and friends, Rich Eten and Perry. CHAR HRUSKA/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

O

ur theme for JANUARY is FRESH STARTS. January always brings new year’s resolutions, fresh hopes, lots of workout gear purchased with the best intentions, and clearing of bad juju and holiday ham. Send us your favorite interpretation of a fresh start, whether that’s a new haircut, a snapshot of you at the gym, a new pet, or your first day back at work. We’re kicking 2020 way outta here and celebrating all the good things that 2021 has to offer us.

Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

Rules, schmules: • All photos must be original work and feature something or someone related to 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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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

MHS BOYS FALL TO PALMER Coach says team is working hard

2

T

he Marathon boys’ varsity basketball team lost to Palmer Trinity in a non-conference game at Marathon High on Jan. 5. “I thought we got off to a really rough start, but after the first quarter, I feel like we settled down and played better,” said Marathon head coach Kevin Freeman.

“We are going to work hard and hopefully start to play a little better.” Marathon’s next home game is against Colonial Christian at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8. ­— Weekly staff report

1

3

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BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly For more game photos visit www.shadypalmphotography.com 1. Dolphin Michael Tate (23) splits a pair of Palmer Trinity defenders.

2. Michael Tate (23) goes airborne for a rebound.

3. Dolphin head coach Kevin Freeman talks with the team during a time-out.

4. A flock of Falcons swarm Marathon’s Oscar Garcia (center).

5. Oscar Garcia (24) grabs another Dolphin rebound.

6. Marathon’s Jordan Rodriguez (3) muscles his way past a Falcon.

7. Marathon’s JP Paul (2) passes the ball up-court.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

K

eys infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Irma’s wrath continues to see repairs. Road crews repair embankment washouts and shoulder pavement at Sea Oats Beach on Lower Matecumbe Key — an area that was washed out by the storm. It’s part of a larger Hurricane Irma repair project by the Florida Department of Transportation, estimated at $6 million, to repair various embankments from MM 33 to MM 79 in Monroe County.

The work started last August.

Crews have also been working to repair the shoreline at the Fills. All work is expected to be complete by fall 2021.

— Weekly staff report

An aerial view of the repairs taking place at Sea Oats Beach, which saw heavy washout during Hurricane Irma. DAVID GROSS/ Keys Weekly

NOW HIRING: WEB DEVELOPER/ DESIGNER We're looking for an experienced website designer to work with our digital marketing company, on various web development and website maintenance projects (new and existing clients). Work can be performed remotely, with open communication for ongoing projects to be completed via conference calling, virtual meetings and email.

All candidates must be passionate about industry trends, and incorporating best practices into all work to be performed. We're looking for someone who is creative and organized with a high-level of attention to detail for website development, SEO and SEM, and reporting for all web design projects.

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

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YOU ARE LIVING THROUGH A PANDEMIC, A CONTENTIOUS ELECTION AND A RECESSION. TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND TRY YOUR BEST.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

GOING FOR HER DREAM Adrienne Z shares her original music after a songwriting spree during quarantine CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

Last Saturday at Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo, Adrienne Z sang and played her guitar in the corner of the outdoor deck of the bar-restaurant area. It was the evening of Jan. 1, 2021, and stray fireworks popped and sparkled every now and then behind her as the sky slowly turned from pink to black. Diners murmured and the bartender noisily shook icy cocktails a few steps away.

“It’s dark out, and I got a request for this really awesome song.

Was that you?” she asked, pointing to a customer at the bar. “A one-hit wonder,” she said with a chuckle.

Then she launched into a rendition of “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest, which, with her soft ethereal voice, became soulful and sentimental. As she finished the song, she looked at another firework shooting into the sky over the palm trees and the sandy beach.

“Yes, we’re all happy for 2021. That’s a fact,” she said.

As for many, the year 2020 was a game changer for Adrienne Z. For almost 20 years, the indie pop singer-songwriter — her given name is Adrienne Zolondick — has played regularly at gigs throughout the Keys at bars, restaurants, and resorts. “The quarantine stops everything, right?” Zolondick said. “So I wasn’t playing anywhere that whole time. When everything started going back to normal, when the bars were able to open, I was very, very gun-shy to get out there right away.

And the places I played before the pandemic weren’t hiring me. The gigs are starting to climb now.”

She said that audiences have been happy to have her back, such

as at the Jan. 1 gig at Baker’s Cay. “It was really, really good,” Zolondick said about that event. “More tips than I ever made there. Yeah, I couldn’t believe it. Wow. It’s nice to be appreciated. It means everything.”

Adrienne Z comes from a musical background. A New Englander, she remembers singing in harmony at home with her mother and sister. She attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and busked in Harvard Square, then developed a local following with her original music and playing clubs.

In 2001, she settled in the Florida Keys to make a living as a musician. During a “normal” high season, she could play five to seven gigs a week.

In the depths of quarantine, Zolondick chose to make lemonade out of lemons and dove back into songwriting, challenging herself to write a song a week. She also connected to her fans by livestreaming performances on Facebook, and she followed through with what she learned from a course in songwriting for film and TV that she finished in February 2020.

She had already made progress with film production companies picking up her work. In 2016, her song “Blue Day” off her CD “Chameleons” was in the Lifetime film “The Wrong Car.”

In the depths of quarantine, Zolondick chose to make lemonade out of lemons and dove back into songwriting, challenging herself to write a song a week. She also connected to her fans by livestreaming performances on Facebook.

“Right now, I’m exploring different ways to raise money and continue producing and writing my original music,” she said. “Living here in the Keys, playing for tourists, they want to hear songs they know. I get joy out of that. That was the path I took in life — playing a tourist environment. Now I’m wanting to spend more time making my own music. In the class I took, I met a lot of people who are excited about following their passion with their own music and trying to make money with it. There are so many more options than just getting their music streamed.

Also, I was doing a lot of [Facebook] Lives. I’m going to start again. I really enjoyed it. You really get to touch people who are trying not to go out.

And there are also people who have known me for years and want to see me play.”

Zolondick has a bunch of songs in the can, and she plans to release one single every six to eight weeks.

On Sept. 23, 2020, she dropped a single called “We’re Coming,” which was inspired by the songwriting-class students going for their dreams. “On Christmas Day” was released on Dec. 4.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

City of Marathon City Council Agenda

BRIEFLY Key West Garden Club resumes normal hours The Key West Garden Club, 1100 Atlantic Ave., has resumed its normal hours of operations, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Admission is free to the garden club, which is located within the Civil War-era West Martello Tower adjacent to Higgs Beach.

A new labyrinth has opened at the garden with a gorgeous ocean view. Plants are for sale in the courtyard. The club is an open space to enjoy plants, flowers and butterflies.

One of local musician Adrienne Z’s original songs is featured in a Lifetime Channel movie. CHEHALIS HEGNER/Contributed

“There’s a lot of need for Christmas music,” she said. “I was thinking about writing a song that would be used in a film. I was inspired also by the pandemic and what it meant for people who weren’t able to be together.”

Zolondick has a goal to release another song at the end of January.

Fans who’d like to keep track of her singles and livestreams should follow “Adrienne Z” on Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as her website adriennezmusic.com.

To catch Adrienne Z live, she’ll be playing Faro Blanco Resort’s Lighthouse Grill in Marathon on Friday, Jan. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Zolondick is also excited to be playing a songwriter night of all-original music at Boondocks Grille in Ramrod Key on Valentine’s Day from 6 to 9 p.m. with Juliana MacDowell and Caitlin Rushing.

Zolondick hopes that with all this activity, more people will hear her music. “I didn’t spend much of my life being proactive getting my music out,” she said. “Now that I’m older, I really want to share my music and get my music out there.”

Sheriff’s office seeks help finding stolen paintings Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detectives are asking for the public’s help regarding three paintings reported stolen from Hawks Cay Resort on Dec. 10.

The three paintings are each valued at $300 for a total of $900.

They are marine abstract paintings signed by artist BJ Royster.

Each painting is 10 inches by 8 inches and each was in a 16-inch by 14-inch white frame. They are titled “My Ocean,” “Pink & Blue Fish,” and “Pink Fish.”

The paintings were hanging on the wall of the lobby. It does not appear tools or force were used to remove them. Additionally, there did not appear to be any force used to enter the building. It is believed the theft occurred during daylight hours.

Anyone with information about this case may contact Detective Matthew O’Neill at 305-289-2430.

Key West Library launches virtual lecture series Jan. 18 The Friends of the Key West Library’s popular speaker series will launch its 2021 season on Monday, Jan. 18. All lectures will be presented online due to the pandemic. As in past years the lectures are free and open to all, but participants must register to receive the link.

“A Night of Mystery” will kick off the series on Jan. 18, featuring Hank Phillippi Ryan, Rhys Bowen and Julia Spencer-Fleming – all award-winning writers of mystery and suspense novels.

Registration is required in advance with details posted on the Friends website and the Key West Library’s site at friendsofthekeywestlibrary.org/registration.

9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, January 12, 2021 5:30 P.M.

(* Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval Of Agenda) Public Comments taken on all items and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter or after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

City Council Items *A. Approval of Minutes B. Library Update (Kimberly Mathews) C. Keys 100 Ultra Marathon Request D. Lobster Mini Season Update (Councilmember Bartus) City Manager Report A. Marina Report B. Marathon Fire Rescue Report C. Park Report D. Public Works Report E. Code Report Regarding Code Board F. Building Report G. MSCO Marathon Substation Report H. Wastewater Report Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings: A. Considering The Second Amended And Restated Development Agreement Between The City Of Marathon And Marlin Bay Yacht Club, LLC, For The Redevelopment Of Property, Which Is Legally Described As Block 6 Lots 1 Thru 5 & The N 100' Of The S 430' Of Lot 6 And Adjacent Filled Bay Bottom, Marathon Beach Sub PB2-16 And Block 2 Lots 1 Thru 6 Amended Plat Of Yacht Basin Tracts Real Estate Number 00337010-000000, Providing For Conditions And Requirements Of Development, Including But Not Limited To, Buffers, Building Heights, Setbacks, Up To One (1) Year Tenancies At Marina Wet Slips, And Other Requirements; Providing For The Potential, But Not As Yet Approved, Conversion Of Market Rate To Transient Residential Units; Considering The Possible Conversion Of Affordable Deed Restricted Units Through Payment Into The Affordable Housing Fund; And Providing For An Effective Date.

B.

Resolution 2021-01, Consideration Of A Request By Brian Thorton Of Racetrac Petroleum, Inc. For A Conditional Use Permit Pursuant To Chapter 102 Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (LDRs) Entitled “Conditional Use Permits” For The Development Of A 5,411 Sq. Ft. Convenience Store With 16 Self-Service Fuel Positions And 3 High Capacity Diesel Delivery Positions On Property Located At 3896 Overseas Highway, Which Is Legally Described As Lot 1, The South 200 Feet Of Lot 2, The South 200 Feet Of Lot 3, Square 3 And Pt Of Govt Lot 3 Marathon Beach Subdivision PB 2-16, Marathon, Florida; Having Real Estate Number 00336770-000000.

Ordinances For First Public Hearing A. Ordinance 2021-01, Amending Chapter 2, Article II Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon (“City Council”)

By Creating Section 2-20, Provide For Procedures For Filling A Vacancy In Candidacy Caused By Death, Withdrawal, Or Removal From The Ballot; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.

B.

Ordinance 2021-02, Amending Chapter 22, Article II (“Collection And Disposal”) Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon By Amending Section 22-20 To Create Subsections A Through C, To Provide For Uniform Trash Receptacle Use And Placement Throughout The City; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.

C.

Ordinance 2021-03, Amending The Zoning Designation From Residential High (RH) To Mixed Use (MU) For The Property Described As Block C Lots 6 and 7, Sheryl Subdivision #2, Key Vaca, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Numbers 00340010-000000 and 00340020-000000; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Economic Opportunity; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The State Department Of Economic Opportunity.

D.

Ordinance 2021-04, Amending The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) From Residential High (RH) To Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C) For The Property Described As Block C, Lots 6 and 7, Sheryl Subdivision #2, Key Vaca, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Numbers 00340010-000000 and 00340020-000000; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Economic Opportunity; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The State Department Of Economic Opportunity.

Resolutions For Adoption *A Resolution 2021-02 Denying An Appeal Held Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 17, “Appeals,” Filed By Roger Bolon And Alexandria Wolff Seeking To Overturn The Decision Of The City Of Marathon Planning Commission Whose Decision In A Similarly Crafted Appeal Hearing Sought To Overturn The Decision Of The Public Works Director Who Issued A Permit To The Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, Inc. To Move Electric Transmission Poles From The South Side Of Aviation Boulevard To The North Side Of Aviation Boulevard In A Distance Extending From 8146 Aviation Boulevard To 109th Street, Gulf Then Toward Us 1 Ending 117 Feet North Of US 1 And 109th Street; And Providing For An Effective Date. *B. Resolution 2021-03 Pursuant To The Departments Of Veterans Affairs And Housing And Urban Development, And Independent Agencies Appropriations Act Of 1990 And In Support Of The City’s CDBG-DR Grant With Said Agencies And The Florida Department Of Economic Opportunity Hereby Adopting And Agreeing To Enforce A Policy Prohibiting The Use Of Excessive Force By Law Enforcement Agencies Within The Jurisdiction Of The City Of Marathon Against Any Individual(s) Engaged In Nonviolent Civil Rights Demonstrations; And Providing For An Effective Date. *C. Resolution 2021-04, Approving A Lease Agreement Between The City Of Marathon, Florida As The Owner, And Harbor House Condominium Association As The Lessee For Submerged Lands Identified By Real Estate Number 00355400-000000; Including, But Not Limited To Establishing A Lease Area, Lease Amount, Lease Duration, And Terms Of Liability; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Lease Agreement On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date. *D. Resolution 2021-05, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Release Of Unity Of Title On Behalf Of The City In The Form Attached To This Resolution Concerning Property Described As Lot 6, Block 1 And The South One-Half Of Lot 5, Block 1, Farara Shores Subdivision And Lot 14, Coral Colony Subdivision Together With The Southerly 10 Feet Of The Easterly ½ Of That Portion Of Keystone Road Lying Northerly Of And Contiguous To Lot 14; And Providing For An Effective Date. *E. Resolution 2021-06, Accepting The Responsible Bid And Approving A Contract Between The City And Sea Tech of the Florida Keys, Inc.; In An Amount Not To Exceed $388,895 For Community Park Parks & Recreation Office Expansion Project; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date. *F. Resolution 2021-07, Approving The Acquisition Of A Parcel Of Right Of Way And Declaring A Public Use Function And Public Need For The Right Of Way Located Adjacent To The Service Area 7 Wastewater Treatment Plant And Belonging To The Florida Department Of Transportation; And Providing For An Effective Date. *G. Resolution 2021-08, Approving Engineering Services for “Service Area 3 to 4 Force Main CEI and Area 3 Shallow Well RAI response and geotechnical investigations” to the Weiler Engineering Corp. in the amount of $226,284.50. Authorizing the City Manager to Execute The Contract; And Provide For An Effective Date. *H. Resolution 2021-09 Management Agreement Between the City Of Marathon, Florida And Drew E. Caterson & Cora Elizabeth Baggs Approved To Allow Management Of City Conservation Property (Lot 10, Amended Plat of Dorsett Subdivision; RE No 00376240-000000) Contiguous With The Caterson-Baggs Property (Lot 11, Amended Plat Of Dorsett Subdivision; RE No. 00376250-000000); And Providing For An Effective Date.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

Mainstreaming

A look at what they're doing on the mainland

NOW TRENDING

You’ve got your Stephen King short story based on a painting, a unique audiobook performed by a cast and a mockumentary about the year that just ended — you know, the year we swore we’d never mention again.

READ | IN SUNLIGHT OR IN SHADOW What an idea: ask authors to write a short story based on a painting by Edward Hopper, get 17 responses. The denouement in the very first entry, “Girlie Show”

by Megan Abbott, will make you catch your breath. Jill D. Block’s tale comes next, full of sorrow and, perhaps, joy. And you’ve still got Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Lee Child and Craig Ferguson to go.

The candles and lights and wrapping paper are all put away.

Hell week is over. Take a deep breath while we give you:

TOP 10 REASONS TO CELEBRATE THE CONCLUSION OF THE HOLIDAYS: 10. With the kids back in school, we can finally get some quality time on that Playstation 5.

9. Publix is a pleasure again.

LISTEN | THE SEA IN THE SKY This novel by Jackson Musker, was pronounced by audible.com as “like no other sci-fi listen we’ve heard before.” It’s performed by a cast, not a single narrator, and is both heartfelt and haunting and humours. The story is composed like a fictional podcast that details a marine biologist’s explorations of the waters of a distant moon.

8. Travel time through Islamorada is back to the standard 45 minutes.

7. Virtual holiday parties are dumb.

6. We can focus on what’s really important – protests and arguments on social media.

5. We’re five long months from hurricane season!

4. Glitter and tinsel are super spreaders.

3. The Ohio State Buckeyes Rule!

2. Great deals on slightly used exercise equipment.

1. We’re sick and tired of finding new and exciting ways to pose that ^$%$# elf and then lying to your kids about what he does all day.

WATCH | DEATH TO 2020 From the creators of “Black Mirror,” this Netflix original production takes comedic and satiric aim at all the “mad glory” of this infamous and terrible year we’ve shared — toilet paper, vaccines, Karens and all. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant and Lisa Kudrow, this British mockumentary will help ease the pain of thinking back on 2020 and add some lighthearted banter on serious circumstances.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

Key West police officers use horses, motorcycles and mobile command vehicles to enforce the city’s curfew over the New Year weekend, sending crowds back to their homes and hotel rooms, ending alcohol sales and closing nonessential businesses at 10 p.m. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Individual lights and fireworks, viewed from the 86-foot-high observation deck of the Key West Lighthouse, light the sky over Old Town Key West at midnight on Dec. 31. Though Key West observed a 10 p.m. curfew over New Year’s weekend to help curtail COVID transmission, locals and visitors were invited to participate in an “Illuminate Key West” virtual event that included a Florida Keys Media radio simulcast countdown broadcast and invited one and all to shine individual lights into the sky at midnight to welcome in the New Year. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

Police used horses, motorcycles and a mobile command vehicle to enforce the city’s curfew and clear the crowds from Duval Street at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

We’ve Got the Keys owner and event director Nadene Grossman Orr, center, Florida Keys Media radio host Bill Hoebee, left, and general manager Rick Lopez, right, banter on the air with one another and a series of Key West’s favorite local personalities who called in during Thursday night’s “Illuminate Key West” New Year’s Eve socially distanced special event. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

49

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

CLOSING TIME..

I

One of the arrestees on New Year’s Eve was Key West restaurant owner Joe Walsh, who allegedly violated the curfew by not closing Fogarty’s bar & restaurant at 10 p.m. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

Police chief: 16 arrests over 3 nights; no rubber bullets or crowd control devices were used

n an effort to limit the continuing spread of COVID in the community, Key West Mayor Teri Johnston enacted and police enforced a 10 p.m. curfew for the three nights of the New Year weekend — Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2.

Police officers on horses, motorcycles and mobile command vehicles announced the curfew and began clearing Duval Street between 10 and 10:30 p.m.

Officers faced profanity and belligerence from drunk — and mostly unmasked — protesters who lined the intersection of Greene and Duval streets, camera phones in hand, recording all police actions.

Officers did not deploy rubber bullets or other crowd control devices, Police Chief Sean Brandenburg told the Keys Weekly on Sunday, Jan. 3. He added that there were 16 total curfew-related arrests over the three nights.

“I’m extremely proud of the hard work and professionalism our department showed during the weekend,” he said. “We’ve faced a lot of interesting challenges in this pandemic and I’m very proud of each of our officers.”

One of the arrestees on New Year’s Eve was Key West restaurant owner Joe Walsh, who allegedly violated the curfew by not closing Fogarty’s bar & restaurant at 10 p.m. Walsh has been a vocal opponent of the city’s mask mandate. His businesses have received multiple code compliance citations for mask violations and he has questioned the mayor’s authority to enact and enforce the mask rules and the curfew.

Online jail records show that several people, many of them couples and relatives from New Jersey, were arrested in the early-morning hours of Jan. 1 at 430 Duval St., which is the intersection of Duval and Fleming streets, near La Concha Hotel.

Multiple curfew arrests, according to jail records, also occurred at 200 Duval St., the intersection of Duval and Greene streets, near Sloppy Joe’s and Rick’s / Durty Harry’s entertainment complex.

The curfew violations are recorded in online arrest records as second-degree misdemeanors for violation of a disaster preparedness/ emergency management order.

Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg said no rubber bullets or other crowd control devices were deployed to enforce the New Year curfew. LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly

Drag queen Sushi completed her traditional New Year’s Eve descent in a highheeled shoe, but only for a small and socially distanced crowd at a private event in the Garden Bar behind Bourbon Street Pub. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

50

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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305.250.2152 SEE NEWS HAPPENING IN THE KEYS? SEND US A TEXT — AND A PHOTO KEYS WEEKLY'S NEWS TIPS feature lets our readers report breaking news.

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51

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

‘VAGINA MONOLOGUES’ OPENS ON MCT MAIN STAGE ON THURSDAY

“V

agina Monologues,” a series of monologues performed by local actresses, will debut on Thursday, Jan. 7 at Marathon Community Theatre.

Jackie O’Neil is the director.

“I think it’s very empowering for women because it has the power to change the way women feel about themselves,” she said. “The monologues are based on interviews with women recounting real experiences. It makes women realize that they are not alone, and they learn how others handle what happened to them. A few of the monologues are horrific. And then another one will come along and it will be funny, but still have meaning.”

O’Neil admits she’s a bit nervous about directing this production.

“Usually, I’m involved with comedies. This is way out of my comfort zone,” O’Neil said.

The pieces will be performed by Diane Dashevsky, Charla Garrison, Trish Hintze, Terry Israel, Michele Licause, Donna Nussenblatt, Jennifer Powell, Marilyn Tempest, Cheryl Wilcox and Joanne Zimmerman.

“Vagina Monologues” author Eve Ensler introduces a wildly divergent gathering of female voices, including a 6-year-old girl, a septuagenarian New Yorker, a vagina workshop participant, a woman who witnessed her best friend give birth, a Bosnian survivor of rape, and a feminist happy to have found a man who “liked to look at it.” The show deals with multiple aspects of the feminine experience, touching on subjects such as sex, body image, love, rape, menstruation, masturbation,

birth, orgasm and the various alternate “common” names for the vagina. A recurring theme is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. Please note: “The Vagina Monologues” contains adult language and themes and is for mature audiences only.

More than 30 years old, the show has been performed thousands of times in theaters around the world.

Originally created to “celebrate the vagina,” it has become the forefront of a movement to stop violence against women called “V-Day” that is also a non-profit organization that has raised $100 million. Ensler has received numerous awards for her contributions to the arts and entertainment world, as well as raising awareness for women’s health and safety.

“Vagina Monologues” is suited for pandemic conditions. The women rehearsed independently with the director, and only met twice for a group rehearsal. The cast and crew wear masks backstage until it’s their turn on stage. The audience is seated by group at about 50% capacity, with empty seats between each group.

The show will be performed as a reading on Marathon Community Theatre’s main stage. It opens on Thursday, Jan. 7 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 23. Evening shows with an 8 p.m. curtain are performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and there will be a matinee on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 each before sales tax and ticket fees. Buy tickets online at www. marathontheater.org or call the box office at 305-743-0994.

— Weekly staff report

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

SMOOTH SAILING INTO 2021

Let’s add “READ MORE” to your list of New Year’s Resolutions! You can start with these three superb recently released and upcoming books about sailing. Anchors Aweigh!

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.

SHIPPED

By Angie Hockman Henley Evans has been marketing manager for a cruise line that offers exciting sea expeditions throughout the world. No one in the office exerts more energy or puts in longer hours.

Her nemesis Graeme works remotely, replies to emails in obnoxious oneword responses and has recently become a little too friendly with her male chauvinist boss James. While Henley and Graeme battle for the coveted director position, their boss decides to send the duo on a Galapagos cruise to brainstorm a genius campaign and winner takes all. Henley is out for blood, prepared to sink her competitor’s ship, but when she finally lays eyes on this gorgeous hunk in person, all her icy resolve melts away.

As hard as Henley tries she cannot resist this charming foe. Through a series of laugh-out-loud mishaps and oceans of steamy chemistry, the young marketing gurus make the most of this exhilarating adventure and unexpectedly figure out the complicated truth.

Pack your bags and dive in with this delightful romantic comedy!

THE TITANIC SISTERS

By Patricia Falvey In the green pastures of Ireland sits the charming town of Donegal. The Sweeney family lives on a small farm, working their fingers to the bone. Nora and Delia are sisters as different as the sun and the moon. Nora is spoiled by her beauty and mother’s attentions, expecting all the local boys to fall at her feet. Delia struggles with a stutter and often helps her hardworking Da on the farm. Incredibly shy, she finds solace in reading books. When a distant cousin passes, an opportunity to go to America presents itself. Nora will have the coveted position of governess to a wealthy man’s child and Delia is to be a maidservant at another home. Desperate to start new lives, they board the Titanic to cross the ocean. On April 12, 1912 they face circumstances they could never have imagined. Believing that Nora did not survive, Delia accepts the governess position in her place.

She quickly becomes attached to the beautiful child called Lily and fancies the sudden chemistry between herself and her new employer, the handsome Aidan O’Hanlon. When it’s revealed that Nora survived, Delia has a sinking feeling that everything she treasures is at risk. Family secrets and revenge make this inspired historical fiction a voyage you will never forget.

FLOAT PLAN

By Trish Doller Anna waits tables at a pirate-themed bar in Fort Lauderdale. She has spent the last year in a haze as she grieves the inconceivable loss of her fiancé and the life they charted. The sailboat they painstakingly refurbished sits idly at the dock, filled with memories of Ben. As the day for their would-be maiden voyage approaches, Anna decides to take her chances going solo and sets off toward the Bahamas. After an arduous first night at sea, Anna accepts that she cannot complete the planned journey without assistance.

She searches for an experienced sailor to get her to Puerto Rico and through the Caribbean. That is when she meets Keane, a gorgeous Irishman who fits the bill and more. Following Ben’s original itinerary, Keane and Anna work well together and they both learn much more about themselves than ever expected. Simply adored this romantic sea escape filled with breathtaking sunsets, dolphins and hidden treasure.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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2 Corinthians 5:17 ASV For those who wish to attend via teleconference dial 774.258.4149 or alternate # 716.293.9794 at the times listed above.

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54

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE Cosmically speaking I am compelled to wish you not just a happy New Year but a happy New Era. Powercouple planets Jupiter and Saturn have set up shop in freewheeling, air-dwelling Aquarius. And my stars, we are all in sore need of that fresh air. As the smoke clears, let us remember that life is both beautiful and brutal and time the only currency.

In this new year and in each new day, recall the meditation of Hermann Hesse. Eat well, shout your song, bow to the rising sun of the never before and the setting sun of the never again.

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

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

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 This month you may feel pressed between what the heart wants and what the grindstone demands. With Mars and Saturn at odds, swinging wildly toward whim or callously toward ambition will cost you. Schedule time for indulgence and duty in equal measure.

Notable Capricorn: Pete Buttigieg / Jan. 19, 1982 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 With Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter and the sun moving through your sign this month, the age of Aquarius is nigh indeed. Like the mythical Ganymede who fed drinking water to the gods, you have an offering to make. Whatever project you can propose or wisdom you can bestow, the time to share what you have, or hope for, is now.

Notable Aquarius: Babur / Feb. 14, 1483 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Nobel Prize-winning author and fellow Pisces John Steinbeck wrote, “In uncertainty I am certain that underneath their topmost

layers of frailty, men want to be good and want to be loved.

Indeed, most of their vices are attempted shortcuts to love.” May these words inspire compassion toward the frail wantings and bumbling shortcuts of others and move you, when it comes to love, to take the ever seeking, long way around.

Notable Pisces: Rick Bass / March 7, 1958 ARIES March 21 to April 19 Singer, scarf collector and fellow ram Steven Tyler says, “The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.” Impatience is your birthright, Aries. Direct your enthusiasm full stop at whom and what you want. Be the first to the feast of your own life.

Notable Aries: Adrien Brody / April 14, 1973 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Famed speaker, writer and Taurus Jiddu Krishnamurti writes, “One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.” This sentiment will resonate, Taurus, as you challenge long held conceptions of yourself as predictable and predictably obstinate. Uranus, planet of rebellion and upheaval, finds you breaking free and acting out in ways that will confound, and even frighten others. Now is the end of who you were and the beginning of the wild unknown of who you might yet be.

Notable Taurus: Gal Gadot / April 30, 1985 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 Famed psychoanalyst and fellow Gemini Erik Erikson believed into late adolescence that his stepfather was his biological father.

Erikson marked his moment of paternal revelation as one of deep confusion and betrayal. As an adult, he developed the theories of identity crisis and life-stage virtues.

Remember, Gemini, we heal ourselves not through quick doses or one-time cures, but through a lifetime of investigating and unlearning ourselves and our suffering.

Notable Gemini: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle / May 22, 1859 CANCER June 21 to July 22 A new moon in Capricorn and the alignment of Jupiter and Uranus activate/instigate intimacy and communication for you crab folk. The focus is on truth telling, revealing your own and creating space safe enough for others to entrust you with theirs. Your tactics of manipulation, emotional withholding, silent treatments and subtle psychological warfare have no place here. Lay your cards on the table. It’s the only game worth playing.

Notable Cancer: Robin Williams / July 21, 1951 LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 Actress and fellow lion Kate Beckinsale is one of very few marksmen who can fire a shot without blinking, a metaphorical reminder to you, Leo. You are courageous enough to face the shock and jolt of life with fierce curiosity and open eyes fixed upon what lies ahead.

Notable Leo: Princess Margaret / Aug. 21, 1930 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 January ends the arduous journey of Mars through your intimate, shadow-ruled eighth house. Since the summer’s solstice you’ve been cutting your teeth on the rough edges of your own heart. You’ve been plumbing emotional depths, old fears, childhood wounds and the fresh pain of recent triggers.

The stars are shifting and you are living in the sun again, buoyed by gratitude born from time spent in the dark.

Notable Virgo: Patsy Cline / Sept.

8, 1932

LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 The past few months have made for a season of separation for you, Libra, one of literal or metaphorical isolation, neither of which is a natural place for your sociable self.

Aquarius season will illuminate your fifth house of play, which rules wonderment and the unapologetic pursuit of good times and glad rags. Your time alone has prepared you for this walk in the park and hopefully, imbued you with the knowledge that you require no companion to reap the reward of joy. You are company enough.

Notable Libra: T-Pain / Sept. 30, 1985 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 This month’s new moon in Capricorn marks the beginning of a new cycle of communication for you, Scorpio. Cultivate a gentler approach to internal dialogue.

Speak to and about yourself with reverence. Hush the voice that urges you to criticize rather than create and react instead of reflect.

It will fast become a grace you give to others.

Notable Scorpio: Susan Rice / Oct. 27, 1940 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Guitarist, hedonist and fellow Sagittarius Keith Richards writes, “To me, life is a wild animal. You hope to deal with it when it leaps at you.” Have the low howls and bared teeth of life been having their way with you, archer? The best way to approach all wildness is not to fight, but to follow. Luck is on your side so long as your mind is hungry and your footsteps light.

Notable Sagittarius: Noam Chomsky / Dec. 7, 1928

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/CEO

GREATER KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Directors of the Board of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce are seeking a highly motivated executive to coordinate and direct the efforts of staff and committees of the chamber.

The successful individual will possess strong leadership skills, interest in and a desire to utilize technology, coupled with exceptional entrepreneurial talent. He/she must have the ability to drive membership and retain existing members while striving to make the chamber relevant and value driven.

Candidates will possess an astute awareness of the KW business community’s needs.

The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce is a business organization with over 500 members. Its mission is to serve members and maintain and promote a viable economy for the business and working people of Key West.

Interested parties should send their resume and salary history to: search@keywestchamber.org

55

56 BRIEFLY Keys Energy offers discounts to seniors & disabled veterans Enrollment is now open for Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) discount program for eligible senior citizens or disabled American veterans. Customers who have previously participated in the program must re-qualify by March 31. Once qualified, customers will receive a $15 discount on their monthly energy bills in 2021.

Seniors must be at least 62 years of age on the date of application and their annual household income must not exceed $37,776. Disabled American veterans must be 100% permanently disabled. The customer’s monthly consumption cannot exceed 2,000 kilowatt hours based on their previous 12-month history. All re-qualification applications for the discount must be completed, signed and returned to KEYS by March 31.

Applications for this program have been mailed to all KEYS customers who have previously qualified. New applicants may download an application form at keysenergy.com or by calling 305-295-1090 to request an application be sent by mail.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

CARLEY CHILDRESS Weightlifting Senior

What do you enjoy about being on the weightlifting team? I love lifting weights because I like to stay fit. Being on an actual team brings competition to the sport, which is my favorite part, because I really enjoy competing.

Key West Fire Department thanks epidemiologists The Key West Fire Department recently presented Florida Department of Health Monroe County epidemiologists Ysla Veliz and Angela Giquinto plaques of appreciation. Health Department medical director Dr. Mark Whiteside was on hand for the presentation.

“Thank you for your continued support of the Key West Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Alan Averette.

Since the pandemic first hit, they have been working closely and tirelessly with the city’s first responders to keep them safe and informed.

How long have you been on the team? This is my third year being on the weightlifting team.

A friend of mine let me know that the school had a team a few years ago, and so I tried it out and have loved working out with all my teammates ever since.

Seniors ride free on second Saturdays Key West Transit Department reminds the community that, on the second Saturday of every month, seniors ride free.

Anyone age 60 or over can just present ID to the driver and ride free on Saturday, Jan. 9. All city routes and the Lower Keys Shuttle are included.

Coach Schubert says … “Good job.” He says this after every meet, and so I use this to encourage myself toward doing more weight.

Describe one of your best moments in athletics. One of my best moments doesn't sound like a best moment, it was more of a motivational accident. I dropped the bar and hit myself, which as you can imagine really hurt. I used this accident to motivate myself to work even harder. I’ve gone from 65 to 105 pounds, and so I am really proud of my hard work.

The Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Key Largo’s Ocean Studies Charter School in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and more fortitude. We thank our future leaders and Ocean Studies for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of school pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

KAIYA VANDIVER FOURTH GRADE Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? My favorite is Ms. Chandler. I like Ms. Chandler because she’s good at being a math teacher and whenever we make mistakes, she always tells us we can always persevere.

What is your favorite subject and why? My favorite subject is math because Ms. Chandler teaches it and she’s really good at teaching math. I like learning from my mistakes. I also like division and multiplication.

What is the best rule at school?

The best rule is helping my friends and sometimes they need help like my friend Natalie who needs help with things, and I always tell her if she needs help. I also tell her some ideas and some advice.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? My favorite to eat for lunch is probably pimento and cheese. I also like tortilla chips.

What do you want to be when you grow up? An anthropologist or singer. I watch a show that gives me ideas about ancient bones and stuff, and it makes me really interested in it. I want to be a singer because singing is really nice. I also really like music because I always listen to it when I get home.

What is one favorite way you like to spend your spare time? Sometimes i like playing board games like Monopoly with my parents.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home in the future? Why or why not? I’m going to be moving to Costa Rica soon. I’m going to be helping my parents with customers.

I’m going to start helping other kids when their parents are working or having fun on vacation. My mom does jewelry and photography, so I always like to look at jewelry.

57

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Islamorada Pools located at 89210 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Islamorada Pool Service and Maintenance, LLC Publish: January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

library, which has a street address of 3251 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida and a portion of the parcel with ID number of 00102310-000000.

The County intends to convey a portion of that property (Parcel A) that has a legal description as follows: A parcel of land lying in Section 9, Township 66 South, Range 32 East, Marathon, Monroe County, State of Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows, to-wit: Commencing at the intersection of the Northeasterly right of way line of 30th Street, also known as Marathon Avenue, according to the recorded plat of Sombrero Subdivision No. 6, as recorded in Plat Book 2 at Page 93 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and the Southeasterly right of way line of U.S. Highway No. 1, also known as Overseas Highway, said point also being the Northwest corner of Lot B1, according to said plat of Sombrero Subdivision No. 6, thence N73°53'03"E along the Southeasterly right of way line of said U.S. Highway No. 1 for a distance of 352.00 feet to the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence N73°53'03"E continuing along the said Southeasterly right of way line of U.S. Highway No. 1 for a distance of 108.00 feet to the Northwest corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 2862, at Page 1081 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S16°06'57"E along the Southwesterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 2862, at Page 1081 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 400.00 feet to the Southwest corner of the said lands described in Official Records Book 2862, at Page 1081 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence N73°53'03"E along the Southeasterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 2862, at Page 1081 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.00 feet to the Southeast corner of the said lands described in Official Records Book 2862, at Page 1081 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S16°06'57"E along the Southwesterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 2862, at Page 1081 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 115.00 feet to the Southwest corner of the said lands described in Official Records Book 2862, at Page 1081 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S73°53'03"W for a distance of 197.00 feet to a point; thence N16°06'57"W for a distance of 160.50 feet to a point; thence N61°06'57"W for a distance of 28.28 feet to a point; thence N16°06'57"W for a distance of 137.00 feet to a point; thence N73°53'03"E for a distance of 20.00 feet to a point; thence N16°06'57"W for a distance of 98.00 feet to a point; thence S73°53'03"W for a distance of 13.50 feet to a point; thence N16°06'57"W for a distance of 67.50 feet to a point; thence N73°53'03"E for a distance of 2.50 feet to a point; thence N16°06'57"W for a distance of 32.00 feet back to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel of land contains 65,658.25 Square Feet or 1.51 Acres, more or less.

THE FISHERMEN’S HEALTH, INC. PROPERTY (Parcel B) The Fishermen’s Health, Inc. property is located at 2855 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida and has a parcel ID

number of 00321730-000000.

The legal description is as follows: Lots A-4, B-4 and D-14, of SOMBRERO SUBDIVISION NO. 6, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 93, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PROPOSED EXCHANGE The County and Fishermen’s Health, Inc. agree to convey to each other title to their respective parcels by good and sufficient deeds, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except that Parcel B will be encumbered by a restrictive covenant prohibiting the County or any successors in interest from developing or utilizing Parcel B for medical offices or medical related uses for a period of 15 years.

Fishermen’s Health, Inc. will pay off a sewer assessment lien on Parcel B in the amount of $7,981.82. Fishermen’s Health, Inc. will pay any and all documentary stamp fees required to be paid on both properties. The closing shall take place on the latter of thirty (30) days after the end of the 120 day inspection period or after the County has completed its new library and vacated Parcel A, unless extended in writing by the parties. The closing on each property is contingent on simultaneous closing on the other property.

Both properties are being conveyed “as is” with respect to physical condition.

Copies of the proposed Resolution and supporting documentation may be obtained from the County Attorney’s Office, 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040 or online at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Detail_Meeting. aspx?ID=1131 ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations to participate, contact (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 30th day of December, 2020.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: January 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 31, 2020.

Personal Representative: Maryann Bokor 436 Sunshine Boulevard Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE MIKLAS, P.A. 88765 OVERSEAS HWY TAVERNIER, FL 33070 305-852-7225 Florida Bar No. 163915 Email Address: joe@ floridakeyslawoffice.com Publish: December 31, 2020 and January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Matt’s Mobile Services located at PO Box 514, Long Key, FL 33001, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Matthew Price Publish: January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 01/11/2021, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

1GNCS18W7YK161846 2000 CHEVROLET Publish: December 31, 2020 and January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCHANGE COUNTY PROPERTY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN PURSUANT TO F.S. 125.37 that the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida shall meet on January 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, or as soon thereafter as may be heard to consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing the exchange of a portion of real property owned by Monroe County, Florida, located at 3251 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida (Parcel A) for real property owned by Fishermen’s Health, Inc., located at 2855 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida (Parcel B). The purpose of the exchange is to provide for better health care and facilities for the citizens of Monroe County and to provide for additional office space for Constitutional Officers and County Departments.

Due to COVID precautions, the public can participate in the meeting via the Zoom platform by: Telephone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833. When prompted, enter the Webinar ID# 913 1016 8691 followed by the # key, then *9 to be recognized by the host when item is called.

Video Conference via Zoom link: http://monroecounty-fl. gov/BoccMeetingJan20.

When prompted, enter your email address and name. When the item is called, select the “Raised Hand” feature that appears at the bottom of the screen to be recognized by the host.

To report problems with the broadcast or participation in the Zoom webinar, please call (305) 872-8831.

COUNTY PROPERTY (Parcel A) The County property is the current Marathon branch

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000124-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES WILLIAM BOKOR, SR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of James William Bokor, Sr., deceased, whose date of death was November 9th, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 50 High Point Road, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-000048-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL DEAN MORELAND a/k/a MICHAEL D. MORELAND, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MICHAEL DEAN MORELAND a/k/a MICHAEL D. MORELAND, deceased, whose date of death was April 13, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 2020-CP000048-P, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

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

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOT WITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is December 31, 2020.

Personal Representative: LISA NICHOLS Attorney for Personal Representative: BART H. CHEPENIK, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0038962

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES Primary E-mail: bchepenik@ ctllp.com Secondary E-mail: probateservice@ctllp.com ADAM M. NICOLL, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 113370 Primary E-mail: anicoll@ctllp. com Secondary E-mail: probateservice@ctllp.com Chepenik Trushin LLP Attorneys for Personal Representative 12550 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 805 Miami, Florida 33181 Telephone: (305) 981-8889 Facsimile: (305) 405-7979 Publish: December 31, 2020 & January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-118-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ALLAN L. MCLEOD, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Allan L. McLeod, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was November 27, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation, 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 the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOT WITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is December 31, 2020.

Personal Representative: Julie Bressler Bank of America (successor to NationsBank, N.A.), as Personal Representative of the Estate of Allan L.McLeod, Jr. 50 Central Ave., Suite 750 Sarasota, Florida 34236 Attorney for Personal Representative: Bruce D. Green Attorney Florida Bar Number: 260533 GREEN SCHOENFELD & KYLE LLP 1380 Royal Palms Square FORT MYERS, FL 33919 Telephone: (239) 936-7200 Fax: (239) 936-7997 E-Mail: brucegreen@ gskattorneys.com Secondary E-Mail: lisaelliott@ gskattorneys.com Publish: December 31, 2020 & January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000093-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DONNA STUDENSKI, Decedent.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate if Donna Studenski, deceased, whose date of death was April 1, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88800 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative appointed by the Court 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 PERIOD 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 31, 2020.

Personal Representative: Shawn Turek 19195 Tamara Lane Jupiter, Florida 33458 Attorney for Personal Representative: Joseph S. Paglino, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0119776 2131 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 307 Hollywood, Florida 33020 Email: Joe@PaglinoLaw.com Ph. (954) 921-1448 Fax (954) 924-4933 Publish: December 31, 2020 and January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE # 44-2020-CP-000129-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DEBORAH HYATT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of, DEBORAH HYATT, deceased, whose date of death was 26 April 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

LEGAL NOTICES with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST 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 31, 2020.

Co-Personal Representatives: Lesley Hyatt 87465 Old Highway, Unit 108 Islamorada, FL 33036 William Duane Hyatt 18 North Riding Drive Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Publish: December 31, 2020 and January 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2020-DR-795-K Division: Family ELCANA ANILUS, Petitioner, and JEAN GEORGE DANY HOE, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: Jean George Dany Hoe Last Known Address: 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 Elcana Anilus, whose address is 6500 Maloney Avenue, Lot 16, Key West, FL 33040, on or before January 31, 2021, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 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

59

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 22nd day of December, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Tabag Deputy Clerk Publish: December 31, 2020 and January 7, 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Carlos Michael Aguera, Individually 20221 SW 48th Place Southwest Ranches, FL 33332 Last Known Address YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a claim of lien on the below described real property in Monroe County, Florida has been filed against you: Lot 33, Port Antigua Plat No. 1, according to the Plat thereof, Recorded in Plat Book 6, Page(s) 13, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Parcel ID 00394486-003300 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Complaint on Plaintiff’s attorneys, John. W. Annesser, Esq., Annesser Armenteros, PLLC, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 625, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 600-7446, service@ aa-firm.com, jannesser@aafirm.com, mconkey@aa.firm. com and lconley@aa-firm. com, on or before January 18, 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 or petition.

DATED on December 11, 2020.

Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk As Clerk of the Court By: Riza Tabag As Deputy Clerk Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 and January 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-CA-208-P NEPTUNE ATLANTIC BOAT LIFTS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, v.

CARLOS MICHAEL AGUERA, individually and as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, and ANA C. AGUERA, as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Carlos Michael Aguera, as Co-Trustee of The Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019 20221 SW 48th Place Southwest Ranches, FL 33332 Last Known Address YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a claim of lien on the below described real property in Monroe County, Florida has been filed against you: Lot 33, Port Antigua Plat No. 1, according to the Plat thereof, Recorded in Plat Book 6, Page(s) 13, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Parcel ID 00394486-003300 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Complaint on Plaintiff’s attorneys, John. W. Annesser, Esq., Annesser Armenteros, PLLC, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 625, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 600-7446, service@ aa-firm.com, jannesser@aafirm.com, mconkey@aa.firm. com and lconley@aa-firm. com, on or before January 18, 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 or petition.

DATED on December 11, 2020.

Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk As Clerk of the Court By: Riza Tabag As Deputy Clerk Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 and January 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-CA-208-P NEPTUNE ATLANTIC BOAT LIFTS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, v.

CARLOS MICHAEL AGUERA, individually and as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, and ANA C. AGUERA, as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, Defendants.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-CA-208-P NEPTUNE ATLANTIC BOAT LIFTS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, v.

CARLOS MICHAEL AGUERA, individually and as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, and ANA C. AGUERA, as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Ana C. Aguera, as CoTrustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019 20221 SW 48th Place Southwest Ranches, FL 33332 Last Known Address YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a claim of lien on the below described real property in Monroe County, Florida has been filed against you: Lot 33, Port Antigua Plat No. 1, according to the Plat thereof, Recorded in Plat Book 6, Page(s) 13, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Parcel ID 00394486-003300 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Complaint on Plaintiff’s attorneys, John. W. Annesser, Esq., Annesser Armenteros, PLLC, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 625, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 600-7446, service@ aa-firm.com, jannesser@aafirm.com, mconkey@aa.firm. com and lconley@aa-firm. com, on or before January 18, 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 or petition.

DATED on December 11, 2020.

LEGAL NOTICES Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk As Clerk of the Court By: Riza Tabag As Deputy Clerk Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 and January 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

CLASSIFIEDS AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

AUTOS FOR SALE 1997 Cadillac Sedan Deville for sale. Pampered FL car, only 83K miles, in great condition.

Located in Marathon. $2,750 305-904-4151 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 1999 World Cat 27' with twin 175 Suzuki motors.

Runs good. Dual stations.

Located on Duck Key. $47,000 OBO 305-481-1316 1997 Grady White 209 Escape 21’ center console.

New custom T-top, new rub rails. Brand new electronics and switches. 2 stroke Mercury outboard. $15,000 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!

SUDOKU

305.743.0844

BOAT LIFTS

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

MISC. FOR SALE

DECO 10,000 lb Boat Lift For Sale. Complete except motors & control. Located in Marathon. First $500.00 takes it. 339-832-0485

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

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

30" Maytag double-door refrigerator w/bottom drawer freezer $600.00.

30" Samsung Electric Range $300.00. Located in Marathon. 419-506-0246

HOUSING FOR RENT

Place your Miscellaneous Items For Sale here.

Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!

EMPLOYMENT 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 fork-lift driver to expand the production of the products that we are now selling to various large supermarkets.

These positions will be full time and be eligible for a benefits package. Apply within at 3390 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon 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!!

Looking for a daycare teacher. Will get trained and certified through the daycare if needed.

Mon-Fri 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!!

SOLUTION

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

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

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

Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com.

Digital Marketing Consultant needed. Great growth opportunities.

Will train right person.

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

Part-time clerical help needed in Marathon. 24 hrs per week. Filing, Customer Service, some computer work. Email: dbabbe@ accurateelevators.com HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

HARRY MM93, Air, No Lease.

Call

HARRIS PARK, 3BR/2BA, Central Pets, Long Term $1,800/mo F/L/S 786-493-7829

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

Trailer For Rent - 1BR/1BA 28' trailer w/slide-out. $1,200/month F/L/$600 security. Includes parking, Wi-Fi, Direct TV, water & garbage, you pay electric. No pets. No smoking.

Background check required. Come in person to view property Monday-Friday 8am5pm.

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!!!

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

SERVICES OFFERED Marine Canvas / Costumes / Dress Making / Alterations. Located in Key West. Contact Anne 504-453-4776 Email: ashwindy99@gmail. com Have a service someone needs? Place your ad here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!

RETAIL MANAGER

Position immediately available for an energetic store manager.

Retail experience required, supermarket experience a plus. Duties include managing inventory, hiring, training and scheduling of store associates, facility maintenance and other duties as assigned. Reports to the General Manager. Salary based on experience. Competitive salary and benefits. Applicants must complete company application form found on-line at www.faustos.com.

Applicants may also apply in person at Fausto’s Food Palace.

1105 White Street, Key West.

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

60

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

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

YARD SALES

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE - SAT. JAN 9 from 8am-1pm. Rain or Shine.

Furniture - indoor & outdoor, lamps, linens, bedding, throw pillows, liquor/bar cabinet, backgammon/checkers table, card table & chairs, pots & pans, flat screen tv's, , an eclectic assortment of art, pictures & misc. decor.

26 1/2 ft. Tiara Pursuit 1986, dive & fishing stuff, tools.

1134 Bulevar De Palmas, Marathon (Take Sombrero Beach Rd. to beach approx.

2 miles then turn right on Avenida Primiceria and follow signs.)

Garage Sale Saturday, Jan. 23,2021 from 10am to 3pm at Marble Hall (next to the Post Office) on Key Colony Beach.

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!

OPEN POSITIONS: Mariner’s Hospital - Tavernier: Pool Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy, Per-Diem, Shift Varies Registered Nurse, Surgery, FT, 6:30A-3P Clinical Partner 1, Multispec Acute Care Ctr, FT, 7P-7:30A Licensed Electrician, Facility Operations, FT, 8A-4:30P Medical Technologist 2, Laboratory, FT, Shift Varies Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Ultrasound, FT, 7:30A-04P

CoCo’s General Store

NOW HIRING: Full-time & Part-time Deli and/or Retail Sales.

Must be available on weekends.

Apply in person at 50 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon 305-743-7743

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, PT, 7P-7:30A Sr Phlebotomist, Laboratory, FT, Shift Varies Sr Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per-Diem, Shift Varies

Fishermen’s Community Hospital – Marathon: Biomedical Technician 2, Bio-Medical Engineering, FT, 8A-4:30P

Royal Furniture in Marathon and Key West is looking for a motivated, hardworking store manager.

COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS AVAILABLE Call Christopher: 305-481-1790

First Cook, Dietary, Part Time, Shift Varies Medical Technologist 2, Laboratory-Administration, FT, 6A-6:30P Up To $10,000 Sign-On Bonus Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Radiology, FT, 8A-4:30P Radiology Technologist 1, Radiology-Diagnostic, Per-Diem, Shift Varies

Apply at careers.baptisthealth.net

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

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

I

in Marathon

full -time Educational Program Guide /Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. 3 Send resume to:

Royal Furniture in Marathon and Key West is looking for motivated, hardworking people to join our sales team.

COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS AVAILABLE FLORIDA KEYS DIESEL - MARATHON

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.

The Turtle Hospital is looking for a full-time Office Supervisor who will organize and coordinate gift shop office administration and program tours. An energetic, well organized, flexible professional to enjoy the administrative challenges of supporting an office of diverse people. Pay commensurate with experience.

Send resume to: turtlehospitalmarathon@gmail.com

Call Christopher: 305-481-1790

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

61

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

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

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Case Manager (Children) Client Advocate

KEY WEST

Prevention Specialist Case Manager (Forensic, Adult) Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult) FL LCSW,LMHC, LMFT Crisis Counselor

MARATHON

Behavioral Health Counselor Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) Peer Support Specialist Drop In Technician (PT) *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.

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

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 $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.

www.dynastymarine.net Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world.

FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT/LOGISTICS Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments. Must be proficient in Microsoft word, outlook, and excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.

www.dynastymarine.net Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world.

QUALIFIED DIVER

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc. in Marathon, Florida is currently seeking a qualified DIVER to fill a new full time position. This is an excellent opportunity to grow with an existing business in an interesting field. The job requires hard work and long hours - approximately 50-60 hours per week. Individuals must be willing to accept diving in low visibility, cold water and rough conditions. A successful applicant should have at least 100 logged dives and knowledge of marine life is preferred. Compensation is dependent on experience with performance based incentive program. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

WE ARE

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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 15 YEARS UPPER KEYS

DISTRIBUTED KEYSWIDE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 7, 2021

HOME MADE KEY LIME PIE KEY LIME PIE ON A STICK

PREMIUM ICE CREAM MADE HERE!!

HAND MADE CHOCOLATES WHOLE KEY LIME PIES

KEY LARGO MM 100 1/2 BAYSIDE 100470 Overseas Hwy 305-453-6613

ISLAMORADA MM 82 OCEANSIDE 81933 Overseas Hwy 305-440-3178

keylargochocolates.com TROPICAL LIVING MAGAZINES (over 30 magazines annually)

NOW HIRING: WEB DEVELOPER/ DESIGNER We're looking for an experienced website designer to work with our digital marketing company, on various web development and website maintenance projects (new and existing clients). Work can be performed remotely, with open communication for ongoing projects to be completed via conference calling, virtual meetings and email.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

THE BEST OF MARATHON THE BUBBAS - Key West People’s Choice

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

A HOMETOWN PAPER YOU CAN BE PROUD TO CALL YOUR OWN Key West 5450 MacDonald Ave, Suite 5 305.453.6928

Marathon 9709 Overseas Highway 305.743.0844

Tavernier 91760 Overseas Highway 305.363.2957

www.keysweekly.com

All candidates must be passionate about industry trends, and incorporating best practices into all work to be performed. We're looking for someone who is creative and organized with a high-level of attention to detail for website development, SEO and SEM, and reporting for all web design projects.

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

• Proven proficiency in common UX, SEO and accessibility best practices • Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills as well as the ability to work independently.

• Front-end development + WordPress knowledge to develop high-quality, high-functioning and websites for clients as well as internal projects.

Please send your current resume and links to recent examples of your work to: Annie@overseasmediagroup.com WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONNECTING WITH YOU!

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LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 MARATHON • KEY COLONY OWNERS

START EARNING 305 3902315

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

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

Petersen Repair & Maintenance • Flooring • Inside Trim Work • Door Replacement • Landscaping • Fencing

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

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

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

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

FRESH FLORIDA LOBSTERS FROM

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

THE NICHOLS CREW DIRECT TO YOU

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

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

MM63 -MM74 | 305.393.1415

LIVE $10.00 A POUND TAILS $10.00 EACH

STONE CRABS ON REQUEST

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

When It Rains It Pours!

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service - Installation 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

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

305

Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

SPALLING EXPERTS

PC 606

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

Lic#SP-3562

Rachel Sanderson

NOW HIRING!

289-3019

QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES JARED FRANK

OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

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

Lic# ENG II 305E

Butch and Barbara Hewlett

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

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