Key West Weekly 21-0128

“So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.” — L.K.

January 28, 2021

KEY WEST CALLS A FOWL CITY MAKES IT ILLEGAL TO FEED CHICKENS | P. 13

OLYMPIC-SIZED DRAMA TOP 10 SIGNS SOUTH FLORIDA WILL HOST SUMMER GAMES | P. 38

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 28, 2021

BREASTFEEDING INITIATIVE Give your baby a healthy start with just one drop!

BENEFITS FOR MOM: • Lowers the risk of: ovarian cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and breast cancer.

• Gives the mother one on one time between herself and her baby.

• Can save on healthcare cost over time.

BENEFITS FOR THE BABY • • • • •

Provides key nutrients Easier to digest than formula Gives the baby of sense of security Lowers risk of SIDS Lower rates of contracting diabetes, leukemia, obesity, lymphoma, high cholesterol, type 1 diabetes, asthma & Hodgkin's disease.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN MONROE COUNTY WIC OFFICE

WIC is an equal opportunity provider

Offers breastfeeding and nutrition consultations to those who qualify

KEY WEST 305-676-3852 MARATHON/TAVERNIER 305-676-3933

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marahon Editor

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com

MORE VACCINES COMING, BUT IN SMALL QUANTITIES

Upper Keys Editor

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West Editor

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Statewide reservation website not expected until next month

Web Editor

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Se habla español

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

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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OVID-19 vaccines are trickling into Monroe County, as Publix pharmacies in Islamorada and Key West administer another round to residents this week.

A total of 600 doses were allocated to the Keys this week and next week as the state dishes out shots to healthcare personnel and those 65 or older. Five hundred doses will be split between Publix stores in Key West and Islamorada. The remaining doses are headed to the Florida Health Department in Monroe County.

Bob Eadie, Monroe County’s top health officer, said doses are divided based on the number of people over 65 in the county. An estimated 23,000 residents in the Keys, about 17% of the population, are over 65.

Eligible individuals seeking a vaccination through Publix must sign up at publix.com/covid-vaccine. Online reservations will be available to book online starting at 6 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29 for appointments from Monday, Feb. 1 to Wednesday, Feb. 3. Appointments cannot be made by calling Publix or the pharmacy, Publix officials emphasized.

Only Florida residents can get the vaccine at this time, per an order signed recently by the state surgeon general, Scott Rivkees. Individuals must show proof of residency with a driver’s license or ID card. Those possessing neither must present two forms proving residency through a utility bill, deed or mail from a financial institution, to name a few.

While supplies are limited, Eadie said they’ve received enough doses for people needing their second vaccination.

“The good thing so far, the second dose doesn’t appear to have any fluctuation at all. Someone who’s received the initial dose will get the second dose on time,” Eadie said. “We’re in the process of notifying those people who got their first shot as to when their appointment is.”

Eadie said the health department is ready to move quickly when enough supplies come into the county to allow for mass vaccinations. But the timing of that remains to be seen.

“I’m frustrated as much as people who want the vaccine,” Eadie said.

Both ends of the county are receiving vaccines, leaving the middle islands including Marathon without a location to get vaccinated. Eadie said he’ll be pushing to distribute whatever they can to Marathon.

“I haven’t determined how we can do it since we have to vaccinate first-line medical people and finish vaccinating EMTs,” he said. “If I can, I will allocate more vaccines to Marathon.”

With limited supplies also comes a delay in the state’s online reserva-

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tion system, where people can go to sign up for an appointment. According to the Florida Department of Health, a website with registration links and telephone numbers isn’t expected to be ready until Feb. 12. It’s due to an unanticipated lag in the arrival of additional COVID-19 vaccines.

“When the online state scheduling system becomes available, it will allow those who are eligible to register for an appointment for the vaccine using their smartphone, computer, or tablet, and – for those who do not have internet access— an 800- number will be shared,” says the Florida Department of Health.

So far, 1.6 million vaccines have been administered throughout the state. Of those, just over 1.4 million people received the first dose. Close to 176,000 people have received the second dose.

Approximately 5,800 people in Monroe County have been vaccinated, according to the latest data, with 5,400 obtaining their first and 350 receiving both doses.

On Jan. 25, the White House and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis traded jabs about distribution and supply of the vaccine. See opposite page.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK According to a study by OnePoll, one-third of Americans cook dinner in less than 10 minutes. Respondents say they use tricks like incorporating pre-made ingredients into the recipe or prepping part of the recipe in advance.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

SERVING THE UNDERSERVED

Small, local agencies make a big impact on pandemic SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

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s the pandemic has the nation’s attention, so do the large health care and assistance providers. Hospital systems like Baptist Health South Florida and Jackson Health System grab headlines with their efforts to combat the coronavirus.

But in rural areas like the Florida Keys, the smaller agencies are working just as hard to serve the residents of Monroe County.

In fact, it was Community Health of South Florida (CHI) that was the first to offer COVID-19 testing to the public in Miami-Dade County as well as Monroe County.

“That was back in March,” said Marianne Finizio, the face of the clinic in the Keys. Her official title is Vice President of Community Relations.

CHI has two facilities in the Keys and nine on the mainland and offers care ranging from mental health to obstetrics to dentistry. Naturally, they’ve been busy with the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Finizio, CHI has screened 1,300 residents of Monroe County for the virus and tested about 1,000. It offers free testing twice a week at its Marathon location (Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m.).

Beyond that, they offer follow-up care.

“One of our patients, a 73-yearold gentleman, tested positive for the virus at one of our facilities and ended up being admitted to an ICU for care. He’s out now, and is scheduled to come back for another test,” Finizio said. As patients are tested at CHI, they are entered into the system, and follow up care is offered such as diabetes screenings, high blood pressure tests, etc.

Although CHI doesn’t have vaccines to offer the public (yet), they are putting a plan in place, including hiring more clinicians.

“We are writing those plans right now,” she said, “figuring out who will give the vaccinations and a location. We will be following the state mandate to vaccinate those 65 and older first.”

She said part of CHI’s success is due to the partnerships they’ve formed with the Department of Health, the College of the Florida Keys, municipalities and Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

Unbeknownst to many, the AHEC agency supplies school nurses to the Monroe County School District. According to CEO Michael Cunningham, they have five nurse practitioners delivering services in nine schools in the Keys. Since March 2020, AHEC also has been testing students for COVID. “We’ve provided more than 1,000 tests, most of them to students,” Cunningham said. “We are continued on page 14

Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition supports new parents and families in the Florida Keys with parenting classes, clothing, diapers, formula and mental health support. KEYS HEALTHY START/Contributed

FLORIDA GOVERNOR, WHITE HOUSE SPAR OVER VACCINE ROLLOUT Biden administration says state holding back 50% of vaccines JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the new administration in Washington D.C. are trading jabs over the rollout of vaccines in the state.

While President Joe Biden’s administration says half the vaccines distributed to Florida are being held back, DeSantis is defending the state’s plan while touting 1 million shots in the arms of the elderly.

It all stemmed from a press conference on Jan. 24, when Biden’s Press Sec. Jen Psaki cited Centers for Disease Control data that showed vaccinators in Florida only gave out 50% of the state’s allotted shots.

“So, clearly, they have a good deal of the vaccine. That supply will need to continue to increase as they are able to effectively reach people across the state,” Psaki said.

She went on to say that supply will need to increase, but part of the challenge is having vaccinators and vaccine distribution sites that are reaching people in communities.

“And the president is going to be focused on that in a bipartisan manner, regardless of what any elected official may have to say,” she said.

DeSantis fired back the next day.

“The insinuation that Florida is underutilizing vaccines is totally disingenuous. Florida is number one in the country among the top 10 most populous states for vaccine doses per capita,” he said. “Florida

is averaging more than 300,000 first doses per week but we are not going to divert second doses away to other people.”

DeSantis added that the state is ready to double output if they’re given additional first doses.

Later in the day on Jan. 25, DeSantis learned that the federal government would be doling out 307,000 first dose vaccines to Florida next week — up from approximately 260,000 the state usually gets.

Jabs between the Biden administration and DeSantis go back a week ago when the president said he had plans to tap FEMA and the National Guard to assist in the vaccine rollout. Expressing disagreement with such a move, DeSantis said that unnecessary layers of government would be added.

“I can tell you, that’s not necessary in Florida. All we need is more vaccine,” he said.

During a visit to Key Largo on Jan. 22, DeSantis reassured those who received their first dose would receive the second shot. He told reporters the state Department of Emergency Management keeps a small cache of doses for situations when someone needs additional shots to administer second doses.

“We have a small amount to troubleshoot,” he said. “There are not massive amounts.”

More than 1.6 million vaccines have been administered in the state, with 1 million administered to those over 65 years of age.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

REMEMBER THE CAY CLUBS PONZI SCHEME? Trump commutes 40-year prison sentence of its mastermind ‘Dave’ Clark

CITIZENS INSURANCE RATES LIKELY TO INCREASE

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

D

oes the name Cay Clubs ring a bell?

Anyone who lived in the Florida Keys from 2004 to 2014 likely recalls the now-defunct real estate investment and development company that was buying up scores of properties in the Caribbean, Nevada and Florida, including several purported resort projects in the Keys.

Cay Clubs had plans for properties such as Sombrero Cay Club in Marathon, Marathon Manor nursing home, Harris School in Key West, A & B Marina, Turtle Kraals and Half Shell Raw Bar restaurants in Key West and several vacation rental resorts in the Upper Keys, to name a few.

Just as memorable was the Clearwater-based company’s very public downfall around 2013, when the U.S. Justice Department labeled the whole operation a Ponzi scheme and indicted the top executives, including CEO and mastermind Fred Davis “Dave” Clark, who was arrested in Central America while moving from Honduras to Panama.

Clark was charged with conspiracy and obstruction charges, along with mail fraud and wire fraud. He was sentenced in 2016 to 40 years in prison and ordered to repay $179 million in restitution.

Despite the 40-year sentence, Clark is now a free man living in Orlando, according to a recent article from the Tampa Bay Times.

Then-President Donald Trump on Jan. 13 commuted Clark’s sentence — a week before Trump left office.

The commutation order states, “The ends of justice do not require (Clark) to remain confined until his currently projected release date of August 14, 2048 and the safety of the community will not be compromised if he is released.”

Dave Clark in 2014

This despite a July 31, 2020 judge’s order denying Clark the bond he had requested in May 2020 because Clark was a significant flight risk, the judge’s order stated.

Clark had requested bond due to his risk of contracting COVID in the Federal Correctional Complex, where he was imprisoned near Wildwood, Florida.

In denying his bond, the judge wrote that after Clark was indicted in 2013, he “moved his family overnight from the Cayman Islands to Roatan, Honduras upon his belief that the Securities and Exchange Commission could reach his assets in the Caymans,” the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Clark’s commutation does not eliminate the $179 million Clark was ordered to repay in restitution, and the commutation did not include David Schwarz, Clark’s business partner who was also sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2017 for his role in the scheme, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Schwarz was released on bond on Oct. 1 pending his appeal, according to court records.

“Beginning in 2004, Clark raised more than $300 million from 1,400 investors who were promised steady rental income and an upfront leaseback payment of 20 percent of the sales price of the units.

“The operation was really a Ponzi scheme that used sales proceeds from new investors to pay overdue obligations to earlier participants, according to the U.S. Department of Justice,” the Tampa Bay Times story states.

I

f the state Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) accepts recommendations from the Citizens’ Insurance board, wind insurance premiums will increase by 8.2% for Keys residential customers. Condo homeowners will see their rates go up by 9.4%. (Those are average rates, as each home’s risk is calculated individually.)

If the OIR accepts the recommendations, residential policyholders in Monroe County will have the highest rate hike in the state — 7,219 policies will go up in price, while only 162 policies will be less expensive. The next biggest rate hikes are for Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties with a percentage change of 7.9%. The average premium price for Monroe County residents, if adopted, would be $3,842 — about $400 higher than this year.

And that’s the good news.

Recently, Citizens has been under pressure to ensure its policies are on par with prices charged by private insurance companies. That was the intent of establishing the staterun, quasi-public insurance company — that it be an insurer of last resort for markets like the Keys, where private insurers are reluctant to do business. But recently, Citizens’ rates have been far below the private market because of a state-imposed 10% cap on annual premium increases, making Citizens an attractive alternative for homeowners, condo owners and owners of commercial properties. While a few years ago Citizens’ had 400,000 policies in Florida, there are now close to 600,000.

So the Citizens’ insurance board and the OIR are under pressure to abandon the 10% glide path cap on insurance premiums and adopt prices that are actuarially sound. That calls for a 25.9% statewide increase for personal policies and a whopping 84.3% increase for commercial policies. The board voted 7-2 to

recommend that new policyholders pay actuarially sound rates instead of benefiting from the same capped premiums that existing Citizens policyholders receive. If approved by the OIR, the recommendation would increase rates for new businesses by an average of 21%.

“We’ve held the rates for a year or so, and longer for Monroe County,” said Bette Brown, the only Citizens’ insurance board member who lives in the Keys. Brown made a strong suggestion to the board that the Keys be exempt if the state legislature remove the 10% cap on how much policy premiums can increase in one year. The Citizens’ board voted 6-3 to maintain the caps for new business in Monroe County at 10% over the rate charged to renewing policyholders.

The OIR will make the final determination on the rate that goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2021.

“Monroe County is so unique, and things that happen here eventually become big issues in the rest of the state like affordable housing. It starts in the Keys because we are a microcosm,” Brown said.

The most recent report from Citizens to the state revealed one other startling figure: Citizens’ largest operational cost — about 52% — is spent on litigation and costs associated with “nonweather” water claims in “assignment of benefits” cases. That’s when an attorney persuades a homeowner to allow the firm to sue an insurance company for water leaks that aren’t caused by hurricanes.

“This type of case started popping up three or four years ago, mainly in Miami-Dade County,” said Brown, adding that this type of case hasn’t proliferated in the Keys. “The attorneys sue insurance companies to make these fixes. Some are fraudulent and some are not, but the attorneys are making money on it.”

Brown said she’s proud that Citizens led the charge on identifying these claims and reducing the frequency of the lawsuits.

“Now it’s slowing down,” she said.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

KEYS SCHOOLS & LOCAL LEADERS CELEBRATE LITERACY WEEK

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ilitary commanders, business owners, newspaper editors and other “celebrity guest readers” celebrated Literacy Week 2021 at Florida Keys schools by reading stories aloud to elementary students online and in-person.

The Florida Department of Education coordinates the event each year and encourages K-12 schools to create age-appropriate events to highlight the benefits of reading, writing, poetry and storytelling through online and real-life platforms.

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They wrote poetry, updated their personal profiles and made reading recommendations to other students.

— Mandy Miles/Keys Weekly staff report

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces $16 million for infrastructure and hardening projects in Monroe County. He was joined by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Dane Eagle, as well as other state and Monroe County officials. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

MONROE COUNTY GETS MILLIONS FOR RESILIENCY PROJECTS Key Largo storm surge issues get just over $1M

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

R

ecovering and building back stronger than before: Those were the goals emphasized by Gov. Ron DeSantis in a Jan. 22 visit to Key Largo, where he announced a longterm, multimillion-dollar resiliency investment in the Florida Keys.

Flanked by state and Monroe County officials, the governor said $16.7 million would be making its way to the island chain to address flooding and enhance stormwater systems, among other projects. It’s part of $100 million in Rebuild Florida funds being doled out by the state to 24 communities affected by storms.

Of the funds allotted locally, $1.3 million will assist homeowners in Key Largo vulnerable to storm surge. A total of $5 million will help Key West improve its stormwater and wastewater systems.

Monroe County will get just over $10.4 million for sea level rise and flood prevention projects.

It’s unknown what specific projects will receive the state funding.

The funding for the Keys comes from the state Department of Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Florida program, which aims to make investments in areas like the Keys and the Panhandle hit hard by hurricanes Irma and Michael.

“Controlling water has been a challenge that Florida has faced throughout the entire history of the state, and it’s one we’ll continue to face. But it’s one we’re

going to deal with head on,” DeSantis said.

“We feel excited to be able to do it, and we’re excited to help out the good folks of Monroe County. The folks here are resilient. They understand, unfortunately, storms are part of life. When it happens we want to be there to be able to offer our support.”

County officials are facing a $1.8 billion price tag to address the Keys’ anticipated sea level rise in 25 years, and are wondering how to foot the bill. They’re also tackling flooding issues witnessed during the late stages of the year in communities including Twin Lakes Subdivision and Stillwright Point in Key Largo. While barriers installed in both communities last year aimed to provide a short-term solution, residents and county officials seek a long-term fix — and it’s going to take millions of dollars in funding.

Former state House member Dane Eagle took over as executive director of DEO in September, following the departure of Ken Lawson. Brought in to deal with an unemployment surge from COVID, he also was instructed by DeSantis to hand out the Rebuild Florida funds quickly to communities in need. Funds were given to the state in 2019 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eagle said they have six years to spend the funds. “(The governor’s) challenge to me was to get money into communities as fast as possible,” he said. “These are taxpayer dollars. It does no good sitting in government coffers. Get them back into communities where they are going to assist residents.”

Eagle said he’ll be working closely with local leaders to ensure funds are administered quickly and effectively. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron said the money will help the entire county by deleting part of the debt incurred in raising roads throughout the county.

“We’ve had workshops where we really tried to brainstorm how we’re going to achieve the $1.8 billion that it’s going to take for us to fix our infrastructure. Every million that we receive helps,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, a frequent visitor to the Keys with a home in Islamorada’s Executive Bay, said the investment shows the governor’s continued commitment to addressing issues critical to the Keys.

“Resiliency, sea level rise, water quality and all those things that have been a priority of this administration since Day 1.

We’re pleased to be here, we’re pleased to announce it and we look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Monroe County,” Nunez said.

County Commissioner Mike Forster, who represents Key Largo, said the funding announcement was a great surprise.

“The fact that there’s only $100 million and we’re getting 16% of those dollars for a small community of ours with 75,000 constituents, that just shows the governor has faith in us as far as projects ready to go for resiliency and sea level rise,” Forster said. “We’ve shown with sewers we can do it. We’ve shown best management practices and we definitely take care of their money.”

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

BRIEFLY

Letter asks governor to halt pedestrian bridge JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

letter sent recently by the Islamorada mayor is urging the Florida governor and the state transportation department to cancel construction of a multi-milliondollar pedestrian bridge over U.S. 1 in Islamorada.

Building activities related to the bridge foundations are expected to begin in several weeks near Founders Park, according to Florida Department of Transportation Outreach Specialist Sergies Duarte. The village has received no formal response from FDOT to the letter sent on Jan. 20.

Council, at its Jan. 14 meeting, was unanimous in its decision to allow Mayor Buddy Pinder to write a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis and FDOT’s District 6 Secretary James Wolfe to request a halt to the state-funded, $4.68-million pedestrian bridge. It came following talks dating back to last November over the project, which brought questions and more information from a new council.

The letter states that FDOT’s stated objective for the pedestrian bridge is to improve safety by providing a pedestrian connection over U.S. 1. But the letter also refers to a 2016 feasibility study FDOT conducted that determined the bridge, then estimated to cost $1.2 million, was unwarranted.

The project proceeded, however, when FDOT correspondence to the village recommended a pedestrian bridge with elevators.

“Based on the significantly increased project cost, the recent concerns raised by our current elected officials about the need for this project and the visual impact to our community aesthetics, the Village Council is

requesting that FDOT reconsider this project before construction advances further,” the letter states.

Pinder’s letter to state officials also encouraged FDOT to seek alternative options for enhanced safety near Founders Park. So far, FDOT has spent a little more than $1.1 million on the pedestrian bridge project.

Calls to cancel the project came with questions and concerns about whether FDOT would invest in future infrastructure projects in the village. It drew Lisa Siegel, resident of Old Highway who lives directly across from the bridge's proposed location, to reach out to state officials including Wolfe.

A response came back from Wolfe, which stated that the outcome would have no “bearing on any other transportation funding for the village or county.”

Three official actions were taken by the past village council related to the pedestrian bridge. The first was on Feb. 1, 2018, when a resolution was passed accepting FDOT’s recommendation for a steel truss pedestrian bridge with stairs and elevators.

Council also agreed to maintain the elevator with a forthcoming agreement for approval.

On Dec. 13, 2018, council approved a resolution for the bridge’s design. On June 27, 2019, a resolution for a maintenance agreement between FDOT and the village was approved.

That expense is estimated around $3,500 a year.

First State Bank donates to nonprofits First State Bank of the Florida Keys has donated $15,000 to local food banks and children’s non-profit organizations serving the Florida Keys community.

Due to the economic strain caused by COVID-19, an unprecedented number of Monroe County residents turned to local nonprofits for help in 2020. In true Keys fashion, these organizations worked tirelessly to meet community needs by providing meals and essentials, efforts that may continue well into 2021, despite the fact that most if not all of their annual fundraising events were cancelled or diminished.

“We are proud of our local nonprofits who have done so much for so many in this very dark hour of need,” said Karen Sharp, President and CEO. “We have donated these funds in support of these outstanding organizations. We are forever grateful for the help they provided and continue to offer to our friends and neighbors during these most trying times.”

First State Bank was pleased to make donations to the following organizations to help them continue their outreach to those in need: • KAIR - Keys Area Interdenominational Resources • Star of the Sea Foundation • Burton Memorial Food Pantry • Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors • Kids Come First • Florida Keys Children’s Shelter • Wesley House Family Services • Feeding South Florida Free eye exams for local kids Free eye examinations will be given to financially disadvantaged students by licensed optometrists in a fully equipped mobile optometric unit operated by the Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program in collaboration with the Monroe County School District,.

The Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program is administered by Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired in collaboration with a network of more than 1,100 optometrists throughout the state.

Five Heiken Program mobile eye-care units take primary eye care directly to Florida’s school children. Each year, more than 1,000 schools from Tallahassee to Key West refer underserved children, so that the Heiken Program can provide free dilated eye examinations and prescription glasses to needy children whose families cannot afford these services.

The exams will be offered at the following locations: • Mon, Feb. 1; 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Horace O’ Bryant School 1105 Leon St. Key West • Tues, Feb. 2; 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Key West High School 2100 Flagler Ave. Key West • Wed, Feb. 3; 8 a.m.– 3 p.m.

Sugarloaf School 255 Crane Blvd.

Summerland Key • Thurs, Feb. 4; 7:45 – 10 a.m.

Marathon Middle/High School 350 Sombrero Beach Rd. Marathon • Thurs, Feb. 4; 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stanley Switlik School 3400 Overseas Hwy. Marathon • Fri, Feb. 5; 8 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Key Largo School 104801 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo Utility board receives FEMA funds for Irma FEMA has approved a grant of $1,055,864 for the state of Florida to help the Key West Utility Board defray costs associated with Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the city for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm.

The program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

12

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West workers need to earn $33 an hour to afford Key West rents, said Anne Ray of the University of Miami’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies.

Ray was a panelist at the city’s latest affordable housing workshop on Jan. 25.

That’s right, Key West’s longest conversation continued this week during yet another community meeting about the critical shortage of workforce housing.

The problem hasn’t changed: Hourly wages often aren’t commensurate with monthly rents. Land is limited and therefore precious. Long-term rentals for workers are being converted to vacation rentals. Multifamily properties are becoming single-family estates for wealthy second homeowners.

Construction of rent-restricted housing isn’t profitable for developers. City zoning laws and height restrictions limit the number of units that can be built on properties in various parts of town.

So officials once again are holding workshops, gathering input, compiling surveys, debating income limits, finding funding sources and changing zoning restrictions.

But this time they’re serious.

So say today’s city commissioners and Mayor Teri Johnston, who has repeatedly said she’s tired of talking about piecemeal solutions that take decades, if ever, to get done. Johnston is hoping the commission will support her in hiring a designated housing director whose only job will be to make housing happen.

“We’re still having the same conversations,” Johnston said. “That’s not a criticism, but I think it shows the need for a sole person to move our housing needs forward with some urgency.”

Johnston, as well as Commissioner Clayton Lopez, point frequently to the infamous 3.2 acres at Truman Waterfront. The city received the full 17-acre waterfront property from the U.S. Navy nearly two decades ago in 2002. The parcel initially included 6.6 acres that were designated from the start for workforce housing and other development that would benefit the neighboring Bahama Village community.

KEY WEST TACKLES AFFORDABLE HOUSING — YET AGAIN OFFICIALS CONSIDER ADDING HOUSING TO BOULEVARD SHOPPING CENTERS

Officials in Key West want to meet with the owners of Overseas Market, Searstown and Key Plaza to discuss the addition of apartments at and/or above the shopping centers on North Roosevelt Boulevard. CONTRIBUTED

Those 6.6 acres have since shrunk to 3.2 acres, but the priority — housing — hasn’t changed. It also hasn’t been built.

So what’s new?

One new idea mentioned at the Jan. 25 workshop is the addition of apartments at or above the shopping centers on North Roosevelt Boulevard — Searstown, Key Plaza and Overseas Market. But the owners of those centers were not present at the workshop.

“We need the owners of the three biggest shopping centers to have a seat at the table,” said Melissa Paul-Leto of the city’s planning department.

Meanwhile, the planning department is urging residents to complete a housing survey that’s posted on the city’s website at cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

Commissioner Sam Kaufman agreed with Paul-Leto.

“Let’s meet with the shopping center owners,” he said. “We’ve already heard that Publix is interested in building employee housing. And there looks to be a ton of space behind the Winn Dixie center.”

Other ideas included zoning changes that would increase density and/or height limits so more apartments can be added to existing neighborhoods at Poinciana Plaza and Porter Place.

Kaufman and Commissioner Clayton Lopez also supported an exploration of home ownership options such as those provided

by Habitat for Humanity, as well as downpayment assistance and other programs.

“Key West’s home ownership rate is more than 20% lower than the rest of the state, and more than 10,000 jobs in Key West pay less than $40,000 a year,” Lopez said, referring to figures Ray provided from the Shimberg Center.

In addition to Ray, the Jan. 25 affordable housing workshop included panelists Randy Sterling of the Key West Housing Authority and Scott Pridgen of AH Monroe.

Sterling reviewed the city’s current inventory of affordable housing units and public housing projects such as George Allen, Porter Place and Fort Village, as well as the two- to four-year wait lists for each.

Pridgen explained the funding mechanisms AH Monroe has used to successfully create more than 100 affordable apartments at Poinciana Royale on Duck Avenue and the new Marty’s Place on Bertha Street.

“We’d be more than happy to work with the housing authority on building new units, or redeveloping existing properties,” Pridgen said.

Ray detailed the challenges Key West faces when it comes to the local workforce, wages and housing costs.

Finally, the commissioners seemed to agree that a streamlined process to allow owners to rent out accessory dwelling units on their properties, commonly known as mother-in-law cottages, would provide additional rentals for workers as well as additional income for owners, as long as the spaces are rented long-term to local workers, and not used for unlicensed vacation rentals.

As the meeting was a workshop, no votes were taken and no formal decisions were made. The workshop video is available on the city’s website at cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

13

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

GAME OF CHICKEN KEY WEST OFFICIALS ARE MAKING IT ILLEGAL TO FEED THE ISLAND’S CHICKEN POPULATION MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West’s unofficial mascots are messy, especially in areas where well-intentioned residents feed them regularly. But the island’s resident chicken population will now have to fend for themselves and find their own food.

The Key West City Commission on Jan. 20 unanimously passed a new ordinance that makes it illegal to feed wild chickens within the city limits. The new law does include an exception for those who own and keep chickens on private property as long as they’re kept in proper coops that are cleaned daily.

“One resident in my neighborhood, between Whitehead and Thomas streets, near the city pool and park, is feeding chickens from a 50-pound bag of feed,” resident Patricia Eables told the commissioners. “I reached out to code enforcement and learned there was no ordinance prohibiting this. But you can’t walk up my stairs or touch the railings without touching chicken feces. The same is true for the playground equipment and benches at the park. It’s really a health issue.”

New Town resident Charles Malta echoed Eables’ concerns about a neighbor who scatters chicken feed on the ground in his Patterson Avenue neighborhood.

“Their population is exploding,” he said. “And when you ask someone to stop feeding them, it’s as if you’re asking for their first born. I trapped 22 chickens in 10 days to take to the Key West Wildlife Center, which keeps them for a month and then sends

them to a guy in Central Florida who takes care of them and sells their feces for fertilizer, which is great.”

Commissioner Clayton Lopez championed the new ordinance, saying it is long overdue.

Commissioner Sam Kaufman suggested that an education campaign accompany the new law.

“I don’t think the offenders realize the harm they’re doing,” Kaufman said.

“How do we educate the public? Maybe we talk to the businesses that sell the big bags of feed.”

Several towns at the Jersey Shore for years have faced a similar problem of visitors feeding the resident seagulls, which also become extremely aggressive. Such towns started placing small signs in local businesses, telling people not to feed the birds and outlining the health and safety concerns.

In order to be cited for feeding Key West’s chickens, a code officer must witness the violation, said assistant city attorney Natalia Mellies.

Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover has been meeting with residents in her neighborhood who have said they’d be willing to assist code officers by calling immediately when they see someone feeding the chickens.

“A lot of these people who are feeding them are well-intentioned,” Kaufman said. “They think they’re helping, but they don’t realize the harm it’s doing.”

The ordinance passed the first of two required public readings on Jan. 20 and will be officially implemented with the expected passage of the second reading next month.

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

PUBLIC RECORD SEEKERS IN VILLAGE GET 30 MINUTES FREE CLERK’S OFFICE SEEING INCREASED REQUESTS

T

hose requesting records from the village of Islamorada didn’t have to pay for the time spent by staff until the first hour hit. Recent action by council, however, has decreased the amount of time it’s free to record seekers to 30 minutes.

Discussion over the matter was first heard during a Nov. 19 meeting of council, when Vice Mayor Pete Bacheler asked Village Attorney Roget Bryan if there was a way to limit public records requests due to the time staff spent to fulfill them. Village Clerk Kelly Toth told the council that since she’s held the position, staff’s been generous with their time by not charging the public for the first hour of staff time spent to fulfill records requests.

Florida statute provides rights to records access of state and local governments. When requested, staff must not only locate and gather records requested, but they also must comb through the info and redact confidential information, such as financial or personal information.

Over the past year, Toth said the village clerk’s office has seen an uptick in records requests such as building permits for large commercial properties, as well as email searches for dates that span several years and yield thousands of records. Toth said Florida statute addresses voluminous records requests where there’s extensive use of technology and clerical time through a special service charge. But statute doesn’t identify an hourly rate.

After reviewing other municipalities’ service charges and the time they give for free, the council elected to decrease the amount of time a requester has free to 30 minutes. Toth said the hourly rate for a records request is $26.44 an hour.

“Staff believes the budget impact is favorable as revenue generated from extensive records requests offsets some labor costs

associated with fulfilling the request,” she said. “It doesn’t cover it. It just offsets it a little.

“We have found that when we advise people of the fee to produce a request, they change their request to only the documents they actually needed,” she continued.

Toth alluded to a recent example of a records request for the building file containing all the permits to a specific piece of property. When advised of the fee, the requester acknowledged that only house plans were needed.

“Retrieving the house plans will probably take about 5 to 10 minutes versus pulling all the files for that property on OnBase and CityView and then going through all the pages and reviewing them for info that needs to be redacted,” she said. “Staff’s recommendation is to change the process to begin charging after 30 minutes of staff time. If the requester breaks up their request into smaller ones to avoid paying a pay fee, we aggregate them and charge it as though it were one request.”

While council agreed to the recommendation, Councilman Mark Gregg said he’d like to see a procedure where someone who might not have the means to pay could apply for a waiver.

Gregg said the village manager could consider and grant the requisition based on the person’s situation.

“I feel an obligation to someone who might not have the money and wants the information,” he said. “I think we can trust the manager to make the right call.”

In Key West, records request charges are $16.98 per hour after 30 minutes. Marathon charges $14 per hour after 15 minutes for a standard request. Monroe County charges after 30 minutes using a compounded hourly rate of the person fulfilling the request, and the lowest hourly rate charged is $31 per hour.

14

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021 from page 5

BRIEFLY United Way, Key West have $250k to give out United Way of Collier and the Keys is excited to announce a partnership with the City of Key West to assist with approximately $250,000 in aid to residents affected by COVID-19.

During the Jan. 5 City of Key West Commission meeting, a stopgap proposal was made by local health, nonprofit, faith-based and business representatives to assist the Key West community during the next few critical months of the pandemic. The goal is to keep community members healthy and safe, stabilize households and retain residents here in Key West.

United Way will work alongside nine other local non-profits to connect the City’s support to our residents. To be eligible for any of the programs below, residents must have documented significant financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and be a City of Key West resident or a Stock Island resident who works in Key West.

To date, funds have been earmarked as: • $164,000: Rent To apply, residents should contact ONE of the intake agencies: AH of Monroe (305-293-3670), all languages available) Catholic Charities (305-292-9790 ext.4, Spanish available), Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (305-293-8189), Samuel’s House (305-296-0240), or Sister Season Fund (305-304-9828).

Each agency will be using the same application process: compiling all client documentation such as a lease, proof of income and photo ID, etc, and completing all required forms.

Apply as soon as possible. Assistance is available first come, first serve until funds are exhausted.

• $31,220: Food Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, Loaves and Fishes: drive through or walk up food pantry, 2221 Patterson Ave., 305-295-7580 Metropolitan Community Church, Cooking with Love: meal and grocery delivery for homebound residents, 305-294-8912 Star of the Sea Foundation, Outreach Mission: drive through or walk up food pantry, 5640 Maloney Ave.,

305-292-3013 • $19,000: Utilities, basic needs Up to $500 per household available for approved assistance with utilities and basic needs such as food, prescriptions, childcare, transportation, limited medical expenses and other critical safety net services.

Apply at KeysHelp.org to be connected to case managers at the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition.

• $27,300: Free medical services The Guidance/Care Center: free inpatient mental health services for crisis stabilization intended for resolution of acute crisis and suicide prevention; 1205 4th St, 305-4347660, Ext. 8.

Womankind: free necessary medical services including provider visits, diagnostics and prescriptions; 1511 Truman Ave., 305-294-4004.

According to the United Way ALICE Report, over one third of Keys residents were struggling to make ends meet and living paycheck to paycheck, even before the pandemic. A survey of local nonprofit organizations in Key West, conducted

by United Way in December 2020, showed a gap in funding available to continue to assist these residents with COVID-19 testing, rent, food, utilities, medical and other essential needs. However, to keep Key West open, safe and economically stable, people need to have these safety nets available. This gives residents the financial ability to follow quarantine recommendations and to carry them through income losses that many of our working families have suffered for months. Thus, this support from the City will help reduce COVID spread and stabilize our community.

UWCK is leading this collaborative effort through the multiple assistance channels above to meet the greatest needs currently identified in the community. As the situation evolves, funds will be directed accordingly to continue to address these needs. More information on these programs and a complete listing of health and human services information and resources can be found at KeysHelp.org.

SERVING THE UNDERSERVED running a higher positivity rate than the county, at about 18% to 19%.”

When a student tests positive, AHEC kicks into high gear, addressing the infection with the entire family and putting patients in touch with other resources in the county.

AHEC was recently awarded a grant from the City of Key West to perform rapid COVID-19 testing to residents of that city, or employees of Key West-registered business.

“That’s why we were offered the contract,” Cunningham said, “because we’ve been testing students since last March. We’re very familiar with it.”

Like CHI, AHEC is challenged to provide the rest of its mission despite the load of pandemic work.

In addition to being the frontline workers at schools, AHEC also runs tobacco cessation programs and is ramping up to provide dental care to school-age children as well.

Rural Health Network of Monroe County also is working to continue its pre-pandemic mission of providing primary medical care and dental care to insured, uninsured and underinsured residents of Monroe County, but is also now offering free COVID swab tests to anyone who makes an appointment. And as of Wednesday, Jan. 27, the agency is also offering a fee-based COVID rapid test. Both tests are available to anyone, but they must make an appointment by calling 305-517-6613, said Elizabeth Baker, RHN’s director of marketing and community outreach.

“We are also on the list to become a COVID vaccine provider site; we’re just waiting for the vaccines to show up from the state,” she said, urging people to stay tuned to the agency’s website (rhnmc.org) and Facebook page or to call 305-5176613 for testing appointments.

On Feb. 1, Rural Health will begin offering appointments for its new pediatric dentistry program.

And later this year, the nonprofit healthcare organization will hit the road in its 40-foot mobile van to provide primary medical care and general dentistry throughout the Florida Keys.

But before kids need a dentist, or even have teeth, they — and their moms — need plenty of other care.

Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition can help pregnant women, new mothers and the tiniest residents of

the Florida Keys with prenatal care, breastfeeding classes, parenting classes, plus diapers, formula and car seats.

“If you’re pregnant, or have a little one at home, just call us,” said Arianna Nesbitt, CEO of Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, the only nonprofit organization in the Keys that exists to help moms and babies.

“Let’s talk about what’s going on in your life; what you need and what you don't even know you need. So many people don’t even know the ways we can help. We provide some sort of assistance for three out of four babies born in Monroe County.”

Nesbitt said COVID has increased the need for services and has driven more people to seek help since March. The need for diapers alone has quadrupled since March, she said, adding that they’re delivered every Friday to those who need them.

“We’re hearing from a lot of people who have never needed help before,” she said. “They’re not in the system. They don’t know where to start.”

Start with a phone call — 305-293-8542 — or a visit to keyshealthystart.org.

Stressed-out moms have difficult pregnancies, Nesbitt said. “Just call us. You don’t have to be in crisis to get help. We’re here to help prevent that crisis.”

The pandemic has put additional pressure on new parents, Nesbitt said.

“Maybe grandma can’t travel now to help with the new baby; maybe dad lost his job; some families have had to give up their vehicles, and others can’t afford wipes and diapers, but they need those to enroll their child in daycare,” Nesbitt said. “There’s so many things that have happened and have put people in a position they never expected.”

An estimated 2,500 Keys families each year receive help from the coalition. Nesbitt emphasized that applications do not require income or IRS information or immigration details.

— Mandy Miles contributed to this report.

15

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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16

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

“It’s chaos when a saltwater sportfish eats a fly, it’s like a bomb going off versus a firecracker when compared to freshwater fishing.”

—Travis Katski

17

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

THE FLY HAS BEEN CAST New space opens in Middle Keys, devoted to fly fishing

For simplicity’s sake, we’ll call it a fly shop. But it also retails clothing and coolers and is a guide clearing house, fishing travel concierge, gathering spot, conservation messenger and art house. Oh, and visitors can practice fly casting in the shallow, man made pond just outside its doors adjacent to a fire pit lounging area.

On Monday, Feb. 1, Seven Mile Fly Shop, will open its doors to the public in Marathon. A more formal affair is planned for March 13.

Seven Mile Fly Shop is the creation of Travis Katski. A native of Maryland, Katski fell in love with the “Walker Cay Chronicles” as a young man, and then again in 2017 on a visit to Hawks Cay Resort. He loved the action and the environs so much, he and his family made another home on Duck Key. Nothing, he said, beats fly fishing.

“It’s chaos when a saltwater sportfish eats a fly,” he said, “it’s like a bomb going off versus a firecracker when compared to freshwater fishing.

You have to have accuracy — choose the right fly, put in the right spot while taking into account what way the fish is moving, how to strip the line, set the hook. There’s a lot to it.”

Katski and manager Joe Dahut have been designing the space for about a year now, and envisioning all that it can be. Yes, it will sell rods by makers like Sage, R.L. Winston, TFO, Redington and Thomas & Thomas. But it will also host fly tying classes and casting clinics, too.

“That happens in this space,” said Dahut. “We want to bring in fly experts who are willing to pass along their

knowledge. The sharing and teaching that happens in the fly fishing community is one reason why I love it so much.”

“Our goal is to make this a community hub for fly fishing in the Florida Keys,” Katski said.

Seven Mile Fly Shop has an alcove dedicated to fly tying materials for the DIYer. It will also sell ready-made flies by top makers as well as a selection from local tie-ers. It also carries reels (Abel, Seigler, Bauer) and apparel (Free Fly, Howler Brothers, FisheWeaer) plus sundries like sunscreen lotion and accessories like Yeti coolers. Women anglers are not neglected in this venture — feminine apparel and right-sized tools to serve the female professional are also for sale.

Katski is determined to put Marathon and the Middle Keys on the fly fishing map, so to speak.

“Fly fishing in Marathon has always been here and it’s always been good and there are many well-known guides,” Kratski said. He said he envisions the shop functioning as a matchmaker between anglers looking for guides in the Keys, as well as arranging whole trips including accommodations, transportation and even dining.

“So we want people to come and enjoy fly fishing here, but we also want to share an important conservation message with our customers. There is an inshore flats and backshore fishery in the Middle Keys that needs our attention. We need to help the environment because we see it deteriorating at a rapid pace. This shop will give us a platform to spread awareness.”

The conservation message comes through loud and clear in the carefully designed space with fantastic details.

Tarpon scales are embossed on the retail counters and flank the rod holders. Huge tarpon swim on an oversize plate of greenish-hued glass. A pierced metal reef scene grows out of the top of the fly island. Katski created a partnership with former local artist Caleb Goins.

Owner Travis Katski, center, is flanked by Joe Dahut, left, and Tyler Bowman.

“Travis is such an incredible friend and client and he’s allowed me a lot of artistic freedom throughout this project because we had a deeper purpose than just opening a fly shop,” said Goins. “We wanted to build this in a way that shows appreciation for nature and the species that we all love chasing around in our dreams and in real life. We have true passion and care for this lifestyle.”

The Seven Mile Fly Shop will also be a fine art gallery, with rotating artists displayed prominently throughout the store. Katski said the art aspect of the business plan is just as important as the fishing element.

“It’s going to be incredible,” he said. We think so, too.

The Seven Mile Fly Shop is located at 1638 Overseas Highway in Marathon, in front of The Hammocks Resort on the west end of town. Follow them on Instagram (@sevenmileflyshop) and on Facebook (Seven Mile Fly Shop). The phone number is 305-440-3406.

18

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

KNACK FOR NURSING Stough offers tips to keeping children well during pandemic CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

D

oes your little one have a case of the crankies, and you’re at your wit’s end? Bring him or her to Aimee Stough, the new nurse practitioner at Dr. Stanley Zuba’s pediatrics office in Tavernier.

“When I worked in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), I was known for being able to calm any baby,” Stough told Keys Weekly.

“Babies with addictions and surgeries. I’ve helped a couple of moms with a couple of things I do for colicky babies. You see their face — ‘Oh my gosh, I’m gonna get some sleep tonight!’ Being able to help their baby is very rewarding.”

But also, in this time of the pandemic, she has some wellness tips for your children, and she wants parents and families to know that you should always feel free to come in for a consultation.

“When it comes to COVID, kids’ symptoms are different,” she said. “If parents are concerned about their child, then I’m concerned.”

Stough (pronounced “st-OW,” to rhyme with “ouch”), age 45, just moved to the Keys from Little Rock, Arkansas, in November with her husband to be closer to family. She has two sons. Her 15-year-old son is with her in the Keys, while her 24-year-old son is away at college.

“My husband brought me here 19 years ago when we first started dating, and he said, ‘I want to live here one day.’ And here we are,” she said. “The people are amazing, and the atmosphere. It very much has a country vibe to it.”

She has been a nurse for eight years, having gotten a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Arkansas.

She also is certified in pediatric primary care and pediatric acute care.

Aimee Stough, age 45, just moved to the Keys from Little Rock, Arkansas, in November with her husband to be closer to family. FLORIDA KEYS PHOTO/Contributed

“One of my teachers in high school said that if I found a job I love, I would never work a day in my life. After my first day in the NICU, I called my husband and said, ‘I’ll never work another day in my life.’”

— Aimee Stough

“Many people get the terms confused, as over time being a ‘doctor’ has become attached to the physician role,” Stough said. “I am a doctor, as in DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice. I am not a physician or an M.D.” She noticed that while she was nursing at an Arkansas hospital during the pandemic, there was an uptick in children with mental health issues. “At the hospital I came from, the number of children dropped in the ER, but there were twice as many psych patients.”

Stough said lots of kids nationwide of all age groups have been dealing with depression in 2020, while in the past, mostly teenagers would need mental health consultations. “Now I see kids from school age to adolescents,” she said. “They are having a hard time adapting to the new normal.

They are not getting enough sunshine, and they know they can’t see their grandparents.”

She has some mental health wellness tips for the kids: “Make sure they’re getting 30 minutes of activity outside in the sunshine.

Exercise naturally balances our bodies’ hormones. If someone comes in feel-

ing down, I always ask how much activity they get a day. You aim for an hour a day but start with 30 minutes.”

“Also, a regular sleep schedule. You don’t want them playing games all night or watching TV. It’s not good for your body’s chemistry.”

“Limiting junk food and limiting screen time is important. A lot of kids are on their phones, and that screen time is like sunshine for the brain. So kids are having trouble sleeping. Limiting screen time an hour before bed will help them sleep.”

And if you are concerned about your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to bring them in for a consultation.

“I feel like a broken record, but everybody needs to hear it sometimes,” Stough said about bringing children into her office for guidance. “Parents need that support from the provider, so that kids hear it and know that the parents aren’t just being mean. We’re helping the parent have the empowerment to say, ‘Give me that phone, get off the couch, and go for a walk.’”

Even though she has only been here since just before Thanksgiving, Dr. Zuba is already very pleased with Stough’s work.

“Aimee is wonderful,” he said. “In the short time we have worked together, I have come to know her as an exceptionally committed caregiver. Her pediatric and adolescent clinical skills are outstanding. She is kind and compassionate and goes the extra mile for her patients.”

Stough credits her work ethic to a natural passion for nursing.

“When I was younger, I remember one of my teachers in high school said that if I found a job I love, I would never work a day in my life. After my first day in the NICU, I called my husband and said, ‘I’ll never work another day in my life.’ Being in the emergency room gave me a unique opportunity to see all stages of life struggles. It was really rewarding.”

Stough works every other week at Dr. Zuba’s office right now, but hopes eventually to be there full-time and work extended hours and Saturdays as demand dictates. More information is at “Florida Keys Pediatric and Adolescent Center” on Facebook.

A web page is coming soon.

19

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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20

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

Mike Howie is about to get the vaccine at the Publix pharmacy in Islamorada.

CONTRIBUTED

INOCULATION ANTICIPATION Feeling lucky to get the COVID vaccine

I

am not a morning person.

But last week, I set my alarm and wandered into the living room in the dark.

5:50 a.m.

The night before, I left my MICHAEL computer open to HOWIE the signup page for the Publix COVID Mike Howie is the Keys Weekly’s copy vaccine distribution. editor. He likes Now, the web page long walks on the is about to go live. beach.

It feels like trying to buy concert tickets. Except right now, if I had to pick between this and the Rolling Stones, I’d pick this.

I’m in the queue. That has to be good news, right?

There it is: the “book an appointment” button.

Ooh, here’s a slot at the Publix in Key West.

Fill out the information. Click.

Dammit. Someone else gets there first.

This could be a little more intuitive.

And the site keeps some but not all the information in place once you’ve filled it in, even if you don’t get the slot you’re looking for.

Refresh.

Wonder how many other people are out there, clicking and clicking.

I start up a second laptop. (I know…)

Refresh.

Refresh.

All available slots in Key West are full.

Well, I guess that’s that. I’ll have to wait till next time. Wish there was a waiting list. Who knows how many more times it will take before – Wait:

Refresh.

There are slots in Islamorada? 9:24 a.m. the next day? I’ll take it.

Please don’t let someone else be a quicker clicker.

Holy crap, I got in!

The next day brings one of those beautiful Keys mornings. It’s cool out but not cold. The rich blue sky has a few wispy clouds. I leave Marathon early enough to account for the normal morning traffic on the Overseas Highway and the possibility of the Snake Creek Bridge (thanks to my colleague Jimmy McCarthy for that warning). But there are no issues. It is, as always, a beautiful drive, and I pull into the Islamorada Publix parking lot a half-hour early.

The pharmacy isn’t open. What if I’m in the wrong place? A friendly Publix employee reassures me.

Workers are setting up a table with clipboards, pens and forms – just one page and not even both sides. I check the boxes and settle in to wait a bit.

People are walking their carts up and down the aisles, filling them with groceries, as though there’s nothing going on. Don’t they know? Science is about to happen over here.

It turns out my appointment is the first of the day. I walk into the pharmacy, sit down and hand my phone to a helpful person who takes a camera shot before I get the shot.

I can’t watch a needle going into my arm, so I look straight ahead. Very slight discomfort when the needle goes in and then it’s over. I’m told I should sit and wait for 15 minutes in case there are any side-effects from the shot.

There are none.

I have a little card that tells me to come back in four weeks for the second shot.

I go out to my car and just sit there for a moment, then start the engine and head back to the highway.

There is a feeling of jubilation that I did not expect. I want to pump my fist into the air.

The thoughts that come to you.

For the better part of a year, I have been getting tested every week or so.

Forewarned is forearmed.

My family has been touched more than once by the disease. My extended family has had reason to grieve.

Although I will wear one until the recommendation is lifted, I can now see a time when I won’t check my pocket or the car for a mask before I go anywhere.

The tunnel does not seem endless any more, and that might be a gleam at the far end.

As I head back to Marathon, my thoughts go to my childhood, standing in a long line at a school gym, waiting for the sugar cube with the red dot on it that meant I wouldn’t get polio, sensing the wave of relief from my parents.

This feels every bit as big.

POSITIVELY POSITIVE KIDS OPINION: CHILDREN’S RESILIENCY IN PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO AMAZE

A

s we entered March of 2020, nobody could have imagined how quickly or how drastically the world was about to change. Now looking in the rear view mirror at the first few chapters of this continuing story, we have some sense of disbelief and still we come to grips with just what a pandemic can do. All of these changes bring a seemingly overwhelming list of stressors. Our work schedules, our daily routines, our friendships and families, all altered by what has happened. Frankly speaking, much of what we have gone through has been ugly. Our social climate as a nation, political polarization, and all the rest, only adds to what ails us today. Now, we shall move on to something positive, and no, not the COVID-19 test results.

We are currently building within our children something quite special. We might easily overlook this as adults going through this difficult time. We grown-ups encouraged our children for years, all children, to go out and play with friends, join the sports team and get into the action, be part of the club our afterschool program. Be a Boy Scout or Girl Scout and have some fun out there. We limited screen time and TV time as good parents should. We even explained our rules by citing science and studies that tell us too much screen time is terrible. Young eyes do not develop correctly with extended hours of blue light, right? Hours of screen time can cause headaches, fatigue and perhaps far worse.

So we acted accordingly for many years; to our children, it was for their entire lifetime.

Then without warning, we turned the world upside down. We changed all the rules and we encouraged or even required online classes for long hours daily, followed by TV and games on a device

because we were all tired of parrotteaching on their shoulder while they typed away in the Google Classroom and chatted in distancelearning windows. Everything they knew changed. Even upon returning to the in-person format, we continue to ask them not to hug, high-five, or show any physical affection at all. We are now all about staying apart, something that conflicts with the inherent nature of humans, especially young ones.

So, what special thing are we building?

We have been unknowingly setting the stage for a generation of people who will have built into them a level of resiliency and adaptability unlike anything we adults ever knew. Not unlike Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation” who went through the Great Depression and world wars and came away with a new perspective, these kids will too. The trauma they have gone through can’t be underestimated nor discounted. It has changed them and continues to change them as we face these challenges together.

I feel they will shock us all as they face every new challenge they meet. Life’s trials and tribulations will likely have no chance to derail this new crop of young people.

This experience has left so many of us as adults feeling helpless, depressed, anxious, and some folks have given up. All this while the children smile and push on through. Just imagine how this has changed our young people and then consider that these changes may turn out to be positively positive! Time will tell, and history will someday tell incredible success stories born out of all this. Of that, I am quite positive.

— Shannon Paul Wiley, is art teacher at Stanley Switlik Elementary in Marathon.

21

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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Victor, a juvenile leatherback sea turtle convalescing at The Turtle Hospital was returned to his ocean home recently in the Gulf Stream, offshore of the middle Keys. The turtle was released in an area where jellyfish, the leatherback’s natural food source is plentiful. Victor is the first leatherback sea turtle to be rehabilitated at the Turtle Hospital in 35 years. CONTRIBUTED

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BEAUTY AWARD Crane Point Museum’s Charlotte Quinn, right, receives the Marathon Garden Club Monarch Sanctuary Certification on Jan. 21, presented by Suzy Curry of the Marathon Garden Club. Curry heads up the club’s Butterfly Committee. CONTRIBUTED

22

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

I

slamorada native Buddy Pinder didn’t think a run for political office was in his future, let alone sitting center on the dais.

“My father was in politics.

He was on the mosquito control board for 18 years,” Pinder said.

“He was a constable. He was involved with the sheriff and Harry Harris, the county commissioner.”

His first taste of politics was in 2014 when he ran for a village council seat against Deb Gillis, who won the race by 45 votes.

Fast forward to a victory on election night 2020, followed by

NEW MAYOR SETTLING IN KEYS NATIVE NEVER THOUGHT HE WOULD RUN FOR OFFICE

Buddy Pinder is sworn into office during a Nov. 19 meeting of Islamorada Village Council.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

a unanimous vote to name him mayor, and Pinder is settling in with his four fellow councilmen — all facing decisions that will drive the village’s future.

Pinder reminisces on his younger years fishing, and to the days of longtime Keys resident Ted Williams, Hall of Fame baseball player who also was named to the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame. Pinder is a sixth-generation resident with a passion for water quality and the village.

A former businessman, Pinder’s private excavating company has worked on many large infrastructure projects in the Keys.

“I guess I was kind of bored,” Pinder said of his decision to run. “We sold our business and our partner took off on a sailboat. I said I’m way too young to retire.”

The qualifying period to run for village office was dwindling. August 11 was approaching, and Pinder said he didn’t see anybody’s name qualified for seat 3. He decided to throw his hat in the ring.

“When I went over to the village office, no one had qualified. I kept calling clerk Kelly

(Toth) saying ‘Did anyone qualify?’ The answer was ‘no,’ so I went over and qualified.”

He ended up qualifying, but saw an opponent in Jenny Bell-Thomson. Pinder secured the victory on Nov. 3 with a total of 2,311 votes — the most among all candidates who ran for seats.

Donning a mask, he was sworn in on Nov. 19 and chosen as mayor. Since then, Pinder has navigated meetings that cover a host of issues. They include the pedestrian bridge project near Founders Park, an ongoing pandemic that closed the administrative building to the public for a few weeks, and a search for the next village manager.

“I think we’re off to a great start,” Pinder said. “I just think we have to concentrate now on the village manager search.

We should, on Feb. 4, pick a search agency. Hopefully we will hire an agency and get on it.

“I’m learning a lot along the way, and that’s why I’m spending a lot of time over at village hall with (acting village manager) Maria Bassett and (village attorney) Roget Bryan,” he continued.

During a Jan. 14 meeting, the village council authorized Pinder to pen a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis and James Wolfe, District 6 secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, requesting a halt to the pedestrian bridge construction near Founders Park (see page 11 for more). The letter was sent last week and the village is awaiting a response. Pinder said he’s expected to hop on the line with Wolfe regarding the matter on Jan. 28.

Pinder said he wasn’t sure how council was going to vote. He was against the idea of an elevated walkway across U.S. 1 since day one, saying the structure is contrary to the village’s mission statement and inconsistent with the community’s character.

“It was 5-0 on that bridge. I didn’t expect that,” he said of the unanimous vote to oppose the bridge and send a letter to state leaders.

Moving ahead, Pinder said he hopes the council finds the next village manager who’ll serve for many years to come. He’s also looking forward to seeing how the council addresses the affordable housing shortage in the village. Village council convenes on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. for a virtual meeting. Residents can tune in via Zoom, Comcast or Islamorada’s website.

23

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

NEW CEO FOR FISHERMEN’S, MARINERS

Drew Grossman to take the reins from Rick Freeburg

D

rew Grossman has been named chief executive officer of Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital, both part of Baptist Health South Florida. Grossman will assume his position on Feb. 25, following the retirement of longtime leader, Rick Freeburg.

Grossman earned a bachelor of science from The Pennsylvania State University and a master of health services administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. After completing his administrative residency at Parkway Medical Center in North Miami Beach, Grossman moved to Southern California to serve as assistant administrator at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, an acute care hospital serving Los Angeles and the South Bay regions. He returned to Florida in 2002 serving in leadership positions at Cleveland Clinic in Weston and Parkway Medical Center in North Miami Beach. Grossman then joined Broward Health as CEO of Broward Health Coral Springs and Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital. Grossman came from St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, Missour.

Under his leadership as CEO, St. Mary’s Hospital has reached new levels of patient satisfaction, safety, quality and efficiency.

“Jay Hershoff, chair of the board of directors, and I are pleased to announce the appointment of Drew Grossman as the CEO of Baptist Health’s two hospitals in the Florida Keys,” said Bo Boulenger, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “Drew is an experienced executive who understands the value of balancing patient experience, quality, physician relations, employee engagement, finance and community involvement.”

Hershoff added, “He has been a dedicated leader in each of the communities he has served. We are excited to welcome him to Baptist Health and back to South Florida.”

Grossman currently serves on several boards including the Blue Springs Economic Development Council. He was also chair of the Broward County March of Dimes and held board positions at Coral Springs and Parkland Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association as well as board vice chair of the Coral Springs Economic Development Foundation.

Grossman is married with two children, one in college at University of South Florida in Tampa, and the other an accomplished high school lacrosse athlete. His wife Melissa works remotely with a firm in Fort Lauderdale. The family is looking forward to returning to South Florida and becoming very active members of the Keys community.

— Contributed

Kerry G Shelby, FKAA Executive Director

KERRY SHELBY APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FKAA

T

he Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Board of Directors selected Kerry Shelby on Jan. 26 to take the helm as executive director.

Shelby has been at the Authority for Shelby has been at FKAA for more than 25 years and brings extensive experience to the position. During his tenure, FKAA has won multiple awards for budgeting and financial reporting.

He was also instrumental in the utility’s initiative to provide centralized wastewater to the Florida Keys.

As executive director, Shelby will manage the operations of the water and wastewater utility. FKAA is the sole potable water supplier for the entire Florida Keys serving more than 77,000 residents and millions of visitors per year. Additionally, it provides wastewater services in portions of the Lower and Middle Keys which is critical infrastructure in the effort to protect nearshore waters and the imperiled coral reef.

Noting Shelby’s 17-year tenure as deputy executive director, FKAA Chairman J. Robert Dean said, “The Aqueduct is fortunate he has agreed to step-up as the new executive director, and personally I think there is not a finer gentleman on the island.”

In addition to his previous service with FKAA, Shelby has been involved with many cultural and charitable organizations since moving to Key West in 1991. He has served on the boards of the Tennessee Williams Theatre, AIDS Help, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Key West Art & Historical Society, and The Studios of Key West.

Shelby is a licensed CPA in the state of Florida and graduate of the University of Tennessee. The appointment is effective immediately.

— Contributed

Lynn Kaufelt accepts the Golden Mango Award from her home during The Studios of Key West's 2021 Virtual Patron Brunch.

JACKSON KAUFELT/Contributed

ARTS PATRON’S EFFORTS BEAR FRUIT Lynn Kaufelt receives Golden Mango Award from The Studios of Key West

T

he Studios of Key West recently honored Lynn Kaufelt with its 2021 Golden Mango Award, presented annually to an outstanding leader who has furthered Key West through significant contributions to the arts.

Kaufelt was recognized during an online version of The Studios’ Annual Patron Brunch on Jan. 6.

Each year, the recipient of the award — established to recognize persons who make contributions to the island arts community and reputation — also receives a striking contemporary sculpture designed by Key West artist Helen Harrison.

“Lynn has such style and humor she makes it all seem easy,” said Jed Dodds, executive director of TSKW. “But she’s like Zelig. She’s been everywhere in this cultural community for years – often in leading roles, and always supportive. Every single one of us has benefited from the work she’s done.”

Since moving to Key West more than 20 years ago with her son Jackson and her late husband David, Lynn became active in many community organizations. She has served as president of the Key West Art and Historical Society, a director of the Tennessee Williams Fine Art Center Founding Society, and as the first executive director of the renowned Key West Literary Seminar, which David Kaufelt founded in 1983.

Lynn Kaufelt has also served as a fundraiser, mentor and public advocate for Take Stock in Children. She helped establish a base of operations for Wesley House in 1997, and went on to help develop its popular Valentine’s Day silent auction.

She has helped The Studios of Key West become the beacon of cultural activity that it is today. Involved since the organization’s inception, Kaufelt was one of the four original founding board members of Pebbles, the arts organization that evolved into The Studios. Since then, she has served on the board of directors and currently chairs The Studios’ advisory board.

— Contributed

24

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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

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MLKAR INSTALLS NEW BOARD Middle and Lower Keys Association of Realtors recently installed its new board for 2021. Pictured, from left: directors Laurie Keiling, Alexia Mann, Deborah Smith, Taron Wirth, Lynny Thompson, Crystal Gutierrez, Halley Haack; treasurer Anneliese Dietrick; president Lisa Joseph; secretary Ally Kelley; CEO Wayne Carter; past president Sandra Tuttle. (Not pictured: Caitlin McKinney, past president and secretary and Yvette Toledo-Baste, director.) In other news, MLKAR raised $10,000 dollars for the MLKAR Wesley House Adopted Families this year. CONTRIBUTED

Middle Keys Residential Dec 2020

Established in 1989, Monroe County Bail Bonds is a local, family-operated bail bonding agency that is fully licensed and insured. Professional bondsmen are available to assist residents and visitors of Monroe County 24-hours a day in locales including Plantation Key, Marathon, and Key West.

The agency has statewide bonding authority and handles all state and federal criminal bonds as well as immigration bonds.

“Our number one key to success is availability,” said Eric Vigil. “Monroe County Bail Bonds always has at least one licensed bail bondsman on call ready to answer your questions and post bond for your loved no matter the time of day or night.”

Vigil warns the public to do business locally. “Do your research and steer clear of any advertisements lacking clear addresses. The last thing you want is to have to hunt down a shady, fly-by-night agency to retrieve any property you may be required to place for security,” he said. “Furthermore, when dealing with a non-local company, the bail process can be postponed for hours while they journey from the mainland.”

Location: 10 High Point Road, Suite A, Plantation Key Phone: 305-451-2593 | Website: www.flkeysbail.com Email: eric@floridakeysbail.com

Total Active Key/Island 2019

2020

New Listings %

2019

Number Sold

2020

%

2019 2020

Average Sale Price

%

2019

2020

%

Residential: Marathon

242

200

-17

47

30

-36

21

43

104

929,295

641,360

-30

Key Colony

95

71

-25

17

7

-58

7

10

42

1,200,000

835,316

-30

Duck Key

55

72

30

10

6

-40

3

9

200

669,167

821,761

22

Conch Key

7

2

-71

2

0

-

1

0

-

1,000,000

0

Long Key

14

8

-42

1

1

0

1

2

100

565,000

401,500

-28

TOTALS

413

353

-14

77

44

-43

33

64

94

872,692

674,984

-23

-

Lower Keys Residential Dec 2020 Total Active Key/Island 2019

2020

New Listings %

2019

Number Sold

2020

%

2019 2020

Average Sale Price

%

2019

2020

%

Residential: Big Pine Key

91

61

-32

17

15

No Name

1

0

-

1

0

Big Torch

6

4

-33

0

0

-11

7

17

142

448,214

654,000

45

-

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Middle Torch

0

1

+

0

0

0

0

0

0

Little Torch

28

30

7

6

11

83

2

8

300

0

0

0

542,000

692,125

27

Ramrod Key

24

9

-62

4

2

-50

3

3

0

783,750

583,000

-25

Summerland

42

29

-30

7

5

-28

3

7

133

991,667

1,458,714

47

Cudjoe Key

76

42

-44

13

10

-23

4

16

300

595,000

637,869

7

Sugarloaf

36

25

-30

6

4

-33

1

7

600

740,000

1,265,786

71

Big Coppitt

36

21

-41

4

4

0

3

3

0

332,333

313,667

-5

TOTALS

340

222

-35

58

51

-12

23

61

165

633,281

800,737

26

SPACER

25

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021 CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

LOST AND FOUND

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER CELEBRATES DEDICATION OF NEW ANTIQUITIES COLLECTION

J

1

2

3 4

an. 20 was a significant day for the United States, but it was also an important one for the Keys Jewish Community Center in Tavernier. As Rabbi Richard Agler noted to KJCC members in the online dedication ceremony of the Beiner Collection of antiquities that evening, “It’s a historical day in our country. If you watched the proceedings, you heard dates and times mentioned: 9/11, the Great Depression, the Civil War. American history goes back to, maybe, 1492.

The newest object in our antiquities collection predates all those dates by many centuries.”

The collection was just donated to the KJCC by the rabbi and his wife, Mindy Agler, in honor of Judith and Stephen Beiner, and it will be permanently displayed in the center’s lobby in Tavernier. Many of the artifacts in the collection were found in Israel in archaeological digs and date from the Neolithic period (10,000 B.C. to 450 A.D.) through the Islamic period (700 to 900 A.D.). The collection includes an arrowhead, a fertility goddess statue, storage containers for wine and grain, a perfume oil dispenser and oil lamps — all common, everyday objects that show ancient beliefs, customs and practices of daily living.

Apparently, the ancients needed a little faith, bread, wine and perfume to get through their day. And who can’t relate to that?

The objects, found far away in a pile of dirt, bring sacred texts like the Torah to life.

1. Authentic Astarte antiquity from early middle Bronze Age, ca. 2750 – 1900 B.C. CONTRIBUTED 2. Rabbi Richard Agler and Mindy Agler stand next to the display case of their donated Beiner Collection.

3 + 4. Antiques within the collection on display at the Keys Jewish Community Center in Tavernier.

“Typically, when we learn in Jewish life, we study texts from various eras in history,” Agler told Keys Weekly. “We might study the patriarchs, the matriarchs, the prophets … just texts, not illustrated. Just black and white words. In the Hanukkah story, there’s the oil lamp, for example, and these (in the Beiner Collection display) are what they look like. When we hear about carrying water from a well, one of those jugs could be what was used.

It has a way of adding a dimension to the texts we study.”

Marcia Kreitman is a KJCC member and an artist who helped create the display cases for the objects, along with fellow member Gloria Avner. Kreitman describes being awestruck by holding the artifacts.

“It’s amazing to think these were handled by other people and actually used thousands of years ago,” she said. “They’re a connection to other human beings who were putting oil on themselves and drinking wine. It was a wonderful experience and an honor. We were so careful handling things, trying to secure it and make sure it’s not going to slide.”

Elizabeth Hayden is the KJCC’s adult education chairman and kicked off the online dedication ceremony by saying, “This collection is unlike anything else in the Keys. It has traveled a long time and distance to be here.”

The Aglers chose to dedicate the KJCC collection to the Beiners.

“They were the ones responsible for my passion, enjoyment and love of archaeology,” said Rabbi Agler. “And they are wonderful human beings.

We miss Stephen, who passed on, and we are still blessed to have Judith in our lives.”

Judith Beiner noted in the ceremony that the Israel Antiquities Authority has strict guidelines for buying ancient artifacts. “In Israel, the Antiquities Authority comes in when a construction site starts digging up things (like artifacts). … The authority delegates pieces to museums, but many pieces are allowed to be given to licensed antiquities dealers. Everything is done on a legal basis.”

The IAA is so detailed with documenting artifacts, that if some grains of wheat are found in an ancient jug, the tiny grains are catalogued in addition to the jug.

During the online presentation, Agler showed photos and described each artifact while Judith Beiner added historical facts about them.

For example, the pilgrim flask was used to carry wine while traveling (an ancient Yeti tumbler, if you will).

“Israelites used the wine to purify water that might have been contaminated,” said Beiner. “But they were not big beer drinkers. The Egyptians were the beer drinkers of the ancient world.”

Another artifact in the collection is a statue called an “Astarte,” which was used as a fertility goddess.

“They were found buried under window ledges and door posts [of residences] and were considered omens to help women have fertility,” said Beiner, adding that the modern-day name “Esther” is derived from the word “Astarte.”

For many members, these everyday objects also symbolize a deep pride in their faith and the resilience of their people. “You know, in Jerusalem you can walk on the Cardo,” said Hayden, who explained that she lived in Israel for 10 years and is a citizen. “You have to go down about 15 feet from modernday level, and you actually can stand on the stones of the Cardo. It was the main north/south road of Aelia Capitolina, the Roman city founded

by Hadrian after Titus destroyed Jerusalem.

“I was so happy to stand with my husband, who was a Russian immigrant to Israel, and listen to the guide explain how the Romans planned to wipe us and Jerusalem off the face of the planet,” she continued. “The guide spoke in Hebrew, which was a ‘dead’ language until resurrected in Israel. It gave me goosebumps. We are still here, and the Romans are long gone.”

28

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

GALLOPING TOWARDS HERSELF New York Times reporter discusses her book ‘Horse Crazy’ at upcoming Islamorada Library talk TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

"Horses are, of course, the story, but are they always the whole story?"

Sarah Maslin Nir quoted the above as she previewed the magic of her new book, “Horse Crazy,” for the Keys Weekly. She will unravel the genesis of her braided memoir in a Zoom talk hosted by Islamorada Library on Saturday, Feb. 6. “‘Horse crazy’ ‒ it’s like ‘boy crazy,’ but for horses. It’s about people like me who find horses to be this incalculable, ineffable, compelling creature,” she said.

Published in August 2020, the book is the result of Nir’s lifelong love of the animals. She began riding when she was 2 and fell in love immediately after falling off her first horse.

“My first horse memory … I fell off the horse I was riding. I thought I would be crushed, but the horse jumped over me,” she said. “It imprinted on me the idea that horses would always take care of me.”

This mindset and various horses on her journey have guided Nir ‒ through fractured family experiences, loneliness and learning to feel comfortable in her own skin. As such, each chapter of the memoir details a different horse as the framework through which she comes to understand something deeper about herself.

As an acclaimed New York Times reporter and 2016 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Nir also traveled the world documenting the news and meeting other horse aficionados along the way. “Horse Crazy,” includes their stories and epiphanies alongside her own.

“I collect stories as a reporter for the New York Times, and everywhere I go, all over the world, when I put down my official notebook, I pick up my other one and go find the horses and the people who love them,” she said.

“That’s my compulsion. I’ve found horse people like me in Rajasthan, in Senegal, and even in the arctic wilderness. I realized I was really searching for myself and what compels me about these

Sarah Maslin Nir’s “Horse Crazy’ was published in August 2020. CONTRIBUTED

animals.”

Her book is the culmination of these explorations, a love letter to her beloved equines and the people who, like her, find their “true north” in horses. More than that, it is a coming-of-age story and an exploration of identity, with Nir and her other characters coming to terms with who they are as they mount up and canter onwards, always guided by their own horse crazy.

She uncovers the lost legacy of black cowboys in the American West.

Although one of every four cowboys was Black, they’ve all been “totally erased” from our western origin narrative. Nir explained, “If Black people came into the American story, they came under a whip and chains. That’s not the America we wanted to remember, but we need to.”

Nir learned of the role Black cowboys played in taming the West through her experiences in a small

Sarah Maslin Nir wore her full kit (complete with hoof-splashed mud) through the streets of New York City to autograph copies of ‘Horse Crazy’ at an independent bookstore. CONTRIBUTED

horse barn on Randalls Island in the middle of the Harlem River.

Its owner, one of the last Black cowboys of New York, told her about the Black cowboy’s erasure from history.

“The Black cowboys were here long before we were having discussions on Black Lives Matter and inclusion,” she explained.

While they seemed like outsiders in the western tales that had omitted them, they weren't.

In the same way, Nir came to understand that she was just as much of a part of the world of horses as the elite equestrian clubs, where she feared she would never belong.

“Identity is what you make of it,” she said. “You can own it, and not let anyone else erase you from the story.”

Nir also talks about how she galloped alongside fox hunters with a woman who was simultaneously riding away from a broken marriage. And about the time she befriended a British socialite who became the “Marwari’s steward across the Atlantic.” This woman came to raise 12 Marwari horses, illegal to export from India, on Martha’s Vineyard after smuggling the horse breed’s semen across the seas for 30 years, lining up with her 30-year affair with the safari guide who took her on her first, life-changing Marwari ride.

These stories and others guide Nir’s readers through their own journeys, into their passions and what drives them.

“It’s not just a book for horse nuts. It’s a book about obsession and understanding obsession.

Obsession isn’t derogatory to me; it teaches us about who we are and what we care about. It’s about belonging,” Nir said.

For a Zoom invitation for the talk, email caria-charlotte@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

29

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

Tes�ng Now Available

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AH Monroe Marty’s Place and Poinciana Royale

M & F-10 AM to 2 PM

Frederick Douglass Gym Thurdays-10 AM to 2 PM

Thursdays 4 PM to 7 PM *See website for Schedule

Tes�ng also available at Many of our Local Health Care Provider Loca�ons for those Needing Addi�onal Medical Care

See our website for Days, Times & Locations

Appointments Recommended...Walk Ups Welcome *Proof of residency and/or employment required

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1435 Simonton St. | reachresort.com | 305 293 6250 | Reservations Recommended Social distancing must be maintained. Masks are required when not seated. Schedule subject to change. Must be 21 or older to order and consume alcohol. Please consume responsibly.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

A KEY WEST FAMILY TRADITION IN FINE FOODS SINCE 1926

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31

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

HOME Is More Important Than Ever

Locally owned and operated family business for over 60 years.

Whether ready to remodel, searching for the perfect piece of furniture, or looking to design your dream home—D’Asign Source knows what it takes to design, build, finish and furnish your space. Inside and out.

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• Free Hearing Evaluations • 60-day Trial with 100% refund • 3-Year Warranty; including Loss and Damage Coverage • Reasonable Prices every day!

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at Tropical Optical, 81933 Overseas Hwy, MM 82, Islamorada Wednesday appointments available.

12-Month No Interest Financing Available

Home Decor & More!

11500 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | MM 53 | 305-743-7130 | DAsignSource.com

32

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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

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33

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

Royal Furniture in Key West is looking for motivated, hardworking people to join our sales team COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS AVAILABLE

Call Christopher: 305-481-1790

drivers needed WE ARE LOOKING FOR PT DRIVERS We offer benefits, medical, dental, vision and 401K. No CDL is required but must have prior driving experience with a 26ft. flat bed truck.

RATE FOR OUR DRIVERS IS $20 AND UP based on experience.

Must complete a drug test and background before hiring.

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

Royal Furniture in Key West is looking for a motivated, hardworking store manager COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS AVAILABLE

Call Christopher: 305-481-1790

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

CHRISTY CAMPOSANO Human Resource Manager 305.459.9920 ext. 215 christy@premierproducefl.com

www.premierproducefl.com

34

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

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

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

SAME OR NEXT DAY

APPOINTMENTS

• The only Ivy League affiliated cardiology practice in South Florida, backed by Columbia University.

• Close to you with two convenient locations in the Keys.

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

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

www.everyonelovesagentledentist.com

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

Dr. Joan Homan

IMPLANT COSMETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY

Dr. Ray Rodriquez

Dr. Roger Steinfeld

CARDIOLOGY OF THE KEYS

Key West • Marathon • 305.674.CARE Physician and location subject to availability.

SUN-SUN STADIUM AT CASA MARINA Serving the Keys for 20 Years!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 6PM-10:30PM

ARTISTIC CONCRETE DESIGN

GOT CONCRETE? We can Preserve, Protect & Beautify ANY Concrete Surface For more information go to www.keysdecoconrete.com or call 305-923-0654

E! OUS H HE PIT IN T M FIRE UST S T R U SEA PREMI ABLE. M400 PE T L S $ I .

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ALL-INCLUSIVE WRISTBAND (FOOD, BEER & WINE): $75/PERSON

CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER: $25•Contact Jennifer Robino for tickets at Jennifer.Robino@waldorfastoria.com or 305.296.3535 ext. 7865

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Licensed & Insured SP#3136

Social distancing must be maintained. Masks arerequired when not seated. Schedule subject to change. Weather permitting. Must be 21 or older to order and consume alcohol. Please consume responsibly.

35

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

LOCALS SPECIAL Thursday-Sunday 5pm - 7pm | Free Parking Select 1 Starter, 1 Entree & get 50% OFF Dessert

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OPEN FOR DINNER 5P-9P PIER HOUSE RESORT & SPA ONE DUVAL STREET KEY WEST | FLORIDA 33040 305.295.3255 | PIERHOUSE.COM

It’s time to get back to the basics of good recycling 1

2

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

3 Keep food and liquid out.

Recyclables go directly into the cart.

NEED A BAGGSTER?

Purchase one from your local hardware stores, then call the 800 number to set up a pickup.

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS and PORTABLE TOILETS available.

Call us at 305.296.8297.

CHANGING LIVES ONE SMILE AT A TIME! From left to right: Dr. Hector Guzman D.D.S, Dr. David McDonald D.M.D Dr. Natalia Vazquez-Marrero D.M.D and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez D.M.D

Located at 2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West, FL 33040 Phone 305.294.9914 • Fax 305.295.9691 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com

36

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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

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37

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

The Tackle Center team won the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship Series.

CONTRIBUTED

TACKLE CENTER WINS FLORIDA KEYS GOLD CUP SAILFISH CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

L

ocal Capt. Charlie Scoble is back in the saddle again. It was a tight battle during the series that started with the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, which led to a second-place finish for the Tackle Center in December.

The series continued at the Islamorada Fishing Club’s Captain Cup Sailfish Tournament and concluded at the Cheeca Lodge and Spa Presidential Sailfish Tournament.

Scoble would lead local anglers Donny and Brad Lange along with Fritz Zeher and Jeffery Dickman to victory in the series. The team released nine fish in the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament and two in the Islamorada Fishing Club tournament. With the help of mate/ angler Travis Butters, the team released six fish to conclude the trifecta by winning the Cheeca Lodge Tournament.

Lange, owner of Tackle Center of Islamorada, proudly hoisted the perpetual Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish trophy, which will be displayed at his store. The team took home Caribee Boat Sales and Yamaha Outboards sponsored gold cups, trophies for the captain and mate along with a check for $23,000.

Team Contagious anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett, both from Charleston, North Carolina, Travis Bennett and Andy Cone, from Tavernier, and Greg Tolpin, from Key Largo, would take second-place honors with a team total of 15 fish. The Contagious won the first leg of the series with 11 releases. Their luck did not hold in the Islamorada Fishing Club’s one-day tournament where they were unable to find any sails. Capt.

Brian Cone along with mates Sean O’Donnell and Justin Matson rebounded in the Cheeca tournament with four releases. The team received Gold Cup trophies and a check for $10,000.

Team Contagious finished second in the sailfish championship series.

Hell Reyzer would pressure the teams throughout the series. Capt. Ryan Alexander kept anglers Rey Acosta, Eric Darvill, Victor Paneda, all from Miami, fishing with Eric Juan (Johnny) Vilorio and Cap Hinckley, from Cutler Bay, in the hunt. The team released four sails in the first leg. They would find their groove and win the Islamorada Fishing Club’s Captains Cup Tournament with five releases and finish off the series at the Cheeca Tournament in second with six releases on time. The team would take home Gold Cup trophies and a check for $7,000.

It would be a close battle for the much sought after High Point Angler Championship Ring sponsored by Tackle Center of Islamorada. Bennett, a local dentist in Key Largo, would start on top with five releases in the first tournament. Juan Vilorio, aboard the Hell Reyzer, would be tied with him after the Fishing Club tournament with five releases. In the end, it would be angler Robert Richardson Sr., from McKinney, Texas, aboard the Yabba Dabba Doo with Capt. James Hagen at the helm that would bring home the championship ring with a total of nine releases. Although many others have won the ring, Richardson Sr. will be the series only four-time champion angler.

Team Hell Reyzer finished third in the sailfish championship series.

In total, 165 sailfish were released by the 113 anglers participating in this season’s event. The Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series is a fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. The series would like to thank the major sponsors, Caribee Boat Sales, Yamaha Outboards, Tackle Center of Islamorada and Mangrove Mike’s Cafe for their continued support.

The hosts of the events included Whale Harbor Restaurants and Marina, Cheeca Lodge and Spa and the Islamorada Fishing Club. The series will be kicking off again next year with the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament Dec. 2, 2021. For more information on the series contact Dianne Harbaugh at (305) 852-2102 or visit us on the web www. islamoradasailfishtournament.com — Contributed

38

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

Mainstreaming

COOL STUFF

READ | THE DARKEST EVENING For readers who like the Louise Penny novels, Ann Cleeve’s Vera Stanhope novels fall into a similar category — just a little less cutesy.

The novel is set in the U.K. (instead of Canada) and features a female lead detective chief Vera instead of chief inspector Armand Gamache.

Similarities, though, stretch to tidy, rural towns and townspeople with deep secrets. Found on Libby smart phone app, free.

Florida’s CFO made a surprise bid to steal the postponed Summer Olympics away from Tokyo.

We think this idea has legs.

WATCH | LUPIN Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. Netflix has released the first five episodes; each one is about 45 minutes long.

The show was filmed in French, but the English voice overs are pretty seamless and impressive.

Or watch it in French with English subtitles. Available on Netflix.

SIGNS THE 2021 SUMMER OLYMPICS ARE COMING TO FLORIDA!

10. Michael Phelps inks lucrative endorsement deal with Circle K to promote its new 96-ounce Polar Pop. 9. ESPN releases a 30for-30 documentary chronicling the early days of “gator wrastlin.”

8. New events like the 3,000-meter Barefoot Pearock Relay, MixedDoubles Pickleball and Manatee Eventing.

7. Governor DeSantis suddenly starts dishing out money for channel markers and motorized, floating tiki bars.

BUY | EGG WEIGHTS Many people have difficulty making time for an adequate workout routine that includes both cardio and resistance training. With Egg Weights, combine both of these elements into single exercises for greater convenience and better overall results from your workout. The weights are a perfect way to take charge of your own cardio and weight training routines. Found on Amazon for $39.95.

6. Eschewing Disney’s “generosity” to host the games, the state legislature authorizes a development agreement to construct a sprawling 300-acre sports complex in the heart of the Everglades.

5. Dave Barry becomes relevant again.

4. Texas starts grumbling about “malfeasance,” and how “Florida always gets the good stuff.”

3. The International Olympic Committee taps Tito’s Vodka as an official Olympic sponsor.

2. Social media lights up with famed Floridians and their Olympic doppelgangers — like Marco Rubio & Greg Louganis, Rick Scott & Caitlyn Jenner and Carole Baskin & Mary Lou Retton.

1. No more mosquitos.

39

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

A new way to relax! BTW FitFam clients have access to a wide array of training and recovery tools, including a new, luxury massage chair to accelerate fitness progress. CHRIS MERRELL/Contributed

Every sunset is a chance to start again. Sunset at Snook’s Bayside in Key Largo. HEATHER MOOREHEAD/ Contributed

The fresh spray and the water in Key West. CODY ADAMS/Contributed

Finding new ways to smile (with some help from photoshop). MARI NOVO/Contributed

What a sunset to point my new 8mm fisheye lense at! Time to start playing with this neat little lense that can somehow capture an entire sky! RACHEL CRANE/Contributed

A mangrove making its way into the world. JENNIFER JUNIPER/Contributed

There’s always a rainbow after the storm. DEBRA HOLLIS/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

Our theme for FEBRUARY is LOVE ON THE ROCK. We want to know about what love is like in our islands (the good, the bad and the funny), so send us pictures of you self-quarantining on a Saturday night, your favorite selfie with your honey/kids/pets, the last time you went dancing at Hog Heaven, or “girls night out” in Key West.

Love hurts and love heals — let’s celebrate together!

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 28, 2021

• MARBLE, PAVERS, TILE & MOSAICS • NATURAL STONES • QUARTZ & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS • FLOORS, BATHROOMS & KITCHENS • POOL TILE & OUTDOOR PAVERS • SALES, INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS

The installation is part of the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

• SERVING KEY WEST TO KEY LARGO • FREE ESTIMATES SHOWROOM 6465 O/S Highway Suite 1, Marathon Monday -Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Artist Jamie Emerson began the installation at the start of the pandemic. He returned last week to complete the work. LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

DELAYED, DELAYED AND DONE Marathon art installation now complete SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

he universe must have a special plan for “The Red Nun,” an art installation in the Middle Keys. Or maybe it’s just a testament to artist Jamie Emerson’s perseverance. He started the work in 2015, installed it in New York City in 2016. Then in 2017, it was dismantled to be shipped to the Keys as part of the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail.

Hurricane Irma delayed its actual installation until March of 2020, and then came COVID. This past week, the artist returned to Marathon to put the finishing touches on, and host an art seminar at Crane Point Hammock.

Essentially, all of the artwork on the inside of the triangle needed to be refreshed.

“It’s about 400 square feet,” said Emerson.

The columns were also installed and a new coat of sealant applied.

Emerson gave a seminar on Jan. 23 at Crane Point Hammock, explaining the piece’s origins and themes.

The Red Nun was renamed for its rebirth in the Florida Keys. Formerly called “Bridges,” the name was suggested to Emerson by a passerby as he was working on it next to Marathon’s busiest intersection.

“The man told me that Red Nun is a navigational term — the floating red markers have a peaked top,” he said.

“It’s part of the ‘red, right, returning’ mnemonic.”

Emerson said he will be returning to his home in France soon, with plans to work on a mobile theater project.

“This is the best incarnation of this sculpture,” Emerson said. “We’re really happy with it.”

The work, open to the public, is located in front of Crane Point Museum, 5550 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

MILES TO GO

‘FOOTBALL FOR DUMMIES’

Sundance selection ‘Cusp’ chronicles a year of teenage life for three friends in Texas, where liquor, drugs and guns are standard recreational accessories. It will show at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at Tropic Cinema. CONTRIBUTED/Tropic Cinema

SOUTHERNMOST CITY TO SHOW SUNDANCE FILMS Famous film festival selects Tropic Cinema as ‘satellite screen’

T

ropic Cinema is bringing Sundance to Key West.

The world-famous film festival typically takes over the ski town of Park City, Utah for the last week of January, screening world premieres of films in a variety of local venues.

Coronavirus forced organizers to reconfigure the 2021 festival by showing films on “Satellite Screens” in a handful of select U.S. cities. And Key West’s Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St., was chosen as a Sundance Satellite Screen, and will show a full lineup of Sundance films from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3.

“Our commitment to independent film and filmmaker events helped put us on the map for the Sundance Film Festival,” said Tropic Cinema’s executive director Carla Turner. “We had a conversation with Sundance about how our diverse programming and beautiful location sets us apart from other art houses.”

Festival films will be shown inside the Tropic Cinema with limited seating and strict enforcement of safety protocols.

Additional screenings of Sundance films will take place at local outdoor venues, including the Key West Lighthouse and the lumber warehouse at Manley deBoer/ Strunk Ace Hardware.

In-person single-film tickets for all Tropic Satellite Screenings are available at tropiccinema.com. Streaming passes are on sale at festival.sundance.org.

“These partnerships with local venues in select cities allow the festival to expand beyond its Utah home and bring feature films...to communities across the country,” states the Sundance website.

Key West viewers will be among the first in the world to see the exciting lineup of Sundance films as they make their world premiere, said Turner.

— Contributed

The Sundance Satellite Screen schedule for Tropic Cinema includes: Thursday, Jan. 28: “Strawberry Mansion,” 9:20 p.m. at The Warehouse at Manley deBoer and Strunk Hardware and Tropic Cinema Friday, Jan. 29: “Luzzu,” 4 p.m. at Tropic Cinema “Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided to Go For It,” 7 p.m. at Key West Lighthouse & Tropic Cinema Saturday, Jan. 30: “Sabaya,” 5 p.m. at Tropic Cinema “Superior,” 9 p.m. at The Warehouse at Manley deBoer/ Strunk Hardware & Tropic Cinema Sunday, Jan. 31: “Cusp,” 6 p.m. at Tropic Cinema “Misha and the Wolves,” 8 p.m. at The Warehouse at Manley deBoer/ Strunk Hardware & Tropic Cinema Monday, Feb. 1: “Users,” 6: p.m. at The Warehouse at Manley deBoer/Strunk Hardware & Tropic Cinema “Life in a Day 2020,” 8:30 p.m. at The Warehouse at Manley deBoer/Strunk Hardware & Tropic Cinema Tuesday, Feb. 2: “At the Ready,” 6:30 p.m. at Key West Lighthouse & Tropic Cinema “Marvelous and the Black Hole,” 9 p.m. at Tropic Cinema

OK, let’s talk football.

Wow. There’s three words I never thought I’d type.

Before we start, let me clarify.

This “talk” will be well beneath most of you whose knowledge of American football far surpasses mine.

I started just a few years ago actually paying attention to the college and pro games that fill our living room every Saturday and Sunday. Sure, I’d always known the goal was to get the ball past a line of snarling giants and into the end zone for a touchdown. But it was only due to Stan’s everpatient tutorials that I learned in recent years what the hell “third and seven,” or “first and goal” meant, or what it is to “go for it on fourth down.” It makes the game much more enjoyable.

Like all sports, football comes with its own language (not to mention a set of rules more tedious and complex than my old Calculus textbook).

And though I’m still learning the game myself, I thought a beginner’s lesson in “Conversational Football” could make the upcoming Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7 more pleasant for some.

We all know each team is fighting like hell to get that oddly shaped, inaccurately named “ball” into the painted end zone at the far end of the 100-yard field for a touchdown.

So, moving right along.

The touchdown itself is worth six points. Then the scoring team has a choice. Their kicker can kick the ball through the “uprights” for one extra point, or they can “go for two” by trying to run or pass the ball into the end zone again, past a line of 300-pound men who are paid to pulverize anyone who

drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should.

She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

tries to take the ball across that white line. If they make it into the end zone again, they get two points. (Depending on the score, teams usually opt to just kick the extra point.)

Now for a few more translations to help the uninitiated better understand the game: In short, a team gets four tries, or “downs” to advance the ball 10 yards whether by passing it or running with it. When that all-important 10-yard mark is reached, the team gets what’s called a “first down,” which gives them another four tries, or “downs” to go another 10 yards. And so on down the field.

So when the announcer says it’s “second and five,” it means the team with the ball is on their second attempt to go 10 yards, and they have five yards still to go for a first down, which will give them another four tries, or downs, to go another 10 yards. Are you with me, ladies? (Sorry, that was incredibly sexist. Some women, my mom included, are absolute football experts. Sadly, I didn’t inherit that gene.) If the team doesn’t make it 10 yards in four downs, they have to “punt,” or kick the ball back to the other team, which starts their own trek.

Now, if a team is on their fourth (last) down and is still too far from the end zone to likely score a touchdown, they may be in “field goal range.”

That’s when they trot out that poor little guy who can make or break the game by kicking the non-ball through the uprights from wherever the team was when they ran out of tries (downs).

Stop rolling your eyes, you gridiron gurus. This may all be second nature to most of you, but be patient with those still learning the language. Maybe now some of us will watch more than the commercials on Super Bowl Sunday. Go Chiefs!

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

MHS IS # 1

Keys girls advance to regional competition

M

The Marathon High School girls weightlifting team placed first in districts on Jan. 23. Every single member of the team who qualified for districts also advanced to regionals this coming weekend near Fort Myers. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

arathon High School hosted the girls weightlifting district competition in the gym on Jan. 23. All 20 girls who competed in Districts will be continuing to Regionals on Saturday, Jan. 30 in Englewood, Florida, just north of Fort Myers.

Girls from Coral Shores High School, Key West High School and Gulliver Preparatory also qualified for Regionals by placing in the top 6 of their weight divisions.

“Just to compete, well, that was amazing,” said MHS coach Jesse Schubert. Some of the weightlifting meets were virtual, even before the pandemic. In 2020, they were all virtual until the district competition this past weekend.

The MHS gym was staged with four stations, each serving a different weight class. About 100 girls came to compete. The audience was limited to two guests per competitor but the action was also live-streamed on YouTube.

“We simulate meets, and some of the seniors have experienced meets, but for the rest of the girls it was a new experience,” Schubert said.

According to Schubert, the team is already adding more weight, practicing for the upcoming meet.

“They are hitting their peak at the right time,” he said. “But what’s exciting to see is the girls coming into their own. This sport really gives the girls confidence.”

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

MEILANI REDRUELLO FIFTH GRADE

Who is your all-time favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is Ms. Jessica because she’s always understanding me, and we have a very good relationship.

What is your favorite subject? I have to say my favorite subject is probably ELA because I’ve always loved writing essays and being able to express myself instead of people having expectations.

T

he 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 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.

What is the best rule at school?

The best rule at school is probably no sugar because it’s a good effect on students’ life because it teaches you to eat healthier and take care of your body.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? My favorite food for lunch is probably breakfast food. I like a fried egg sandwich because breakfast is always my favorite

meal. Having it for lunch makes me feel better.

What do you want to be when you grow up? When I grow up I want to be a show jumper, a horse rider. I started riding a year ago and I really have always felt a special connection with horses and animals.

What is one favorite way you like to spend your spare time?

My free time, I spend mostly drawing in a sketchbook. I like spending time with my younger sister a lot.

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

I do not think this will be my home when I grow up. I think I want to live in North Carolina in a small cottage with stables in the back.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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How long have you been playing on the team? I’ve been playing basketball all my life, but I joined the school team this year.

I am really glad I did, because I’ve learned a lot, and made close friends doing it.

Coach Freeman says … “ We can do better.” This reminds me and my teammates that we need to hustle a little more and play a little harder, because we are there to win.

Visit us online @ www.keysweekly.com/aow CLARE MERRYMAN www.keysweekly.com

MARATHON’S FUTURE BRAIN SURGEON?

Kylie McDaniel dreams of a career in neurosurgery

K

ylie McDaniel, 15, is just like any other high school student.

She likes to watch Netflix, she plays on Marathon’s varsity softball team, she works at the local pizza restaurant, and does well in school, receiving straight A’s every quarter.

But, since she was 12 years old, the Marathon High School freshman knew she wanted to pursue a career in neurosurgery. After her grandmother suffered from two strokes less than a year apart, Kylie said it really got her thinking. “I was emotionally drained; the accidents had really taken a toll on me,” she said. “I quickly realized that I have the ability to help people who are just like my grandmother and I should take advantage of the opportunity to help those around me.”

McDaniel said she immediately began researching specific fields. When asked by friends and family why she’d want to go into such a stressful and intense medical field, she said, “Because there is so much we don't know yet.

I want to help be the one to discover cures and treatments for hundreds of people and the diseases they struggle with.”

McDaniel plans on getting a jump start on her future. “I plan on getting all my credits to graduate within the next year or so. I will be starting all my AP courses shortly, and will take my SAT in early March,” McDaniel said. “I plan on filling out early college applications.” McDaniel said she hopes to attend an Ivy League school where she will study science with a focus on medicine.

— Clare Merryman is the Keys Weekly’s high school intern.

YOUR TALENTS ARE NEEDED! NOW HIRING: WEB EDITOR/ MARKETING SPECIALIST Keys Weekly, the only locally owned, community newspaper that covers the entire Keys, is seeking an experienced writer or marketing specialist to work with our editorial and sales teams on digital platforms including keysweekly.com, email blasts, social media channels and engagement campaigns. Work can be performed in one of three offices throughout the Keys with remote flexibility.

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46

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

MY FAVORITE MUSICIANS …are some of the ones I’ve worked with

N

ext month (February, for those who are counting) marks the 37th anniversary of my first gig in the Keys. It was JOHN with Sallie Foster BARTUS at the old Compass Lounge at the is a City of Maraold Holiday Inn in thon councilMarathon in 1984. man. He also is (Do you notice the a musician who performs around repeated use of the town. For more word “old”? I sure see johnbartus. did.) Back then, the com old Holiday Inn still had one of those old (perhaps the better word is “classic”) big Holiday Inn marquee signs, replete with all the neon and yellow lightbulbs.

I had already been playing music on the road a few years prior to arriving in the islands, but so much of my musical education happened here. I’ve met and played with some really wonderful musicians who turned out to be good friends as well. I mentioned Freddie Bye and Steven Miller in a column a few weeks ago — so I’ll concentrate on those I haven’t written about yet.

I first met Roy McAdams (probably) in 1985, and my ears certainly perked up when I heard him singing “The Reach” by Dan Fogelberg at the old (that word again) Driftwood Lounge. The Driftwood was a latenight hangout where many local musicians would end up and jam into the morning hours. So there was Roy, hours past midnight, singing one of my favorite Fogelberg songs to the always interesting Driftwood late-night crowd.

I’m not sure if we jammed together that first night, but it wasn’t long after that we started working together. Roy had the house gig at the old Landing, and he and I would perform together as the duo Death & Taxes. (I chose to be Death so I could have top billing.)

Roy had a strong and clear incred-

ible voice, he played brilliantly on his Yamaha 12-string, and he was quite the entertainer as well. Very rarely does a gig go by when I’m not reminded of some of the great times I had playing with Roy… and some of the funny things he used to say and do on stage. One of my favorites was whenever a kid came up to the tip jar with a one- or five-dollar bill, Roy would ask the kid to go ask Dad for one with a zero on it. Another is when I would play “The Boxer” and Roy would drop the mixer so that the spring reverb would make a huge echoey noise during the “Li li li…” parts.

Roy also had quite a few of those ribald and rowdy songs that were staples back in Keys watering holes in the 1980s — songs like “The Rodeo Song” and “The A*****e Song.” There was nothing quite like a bar full of people in various stages of inebriation singing along to the touching and tender lyrics found within “The Rodeo Song.”

Roy could be very serious at times as well. I loved playing Gordon Lightfoot and Crosby, Stills and Nash songs with Roy — our harmonies could be really good. And whenever he played “Wind Beneath My Wings,” the drunken rowdies at the bar would actually quiet down and listen.

Roy quit live performances several years ago. I still see him around town on occasion … and I hope one day he’ll drag out the 12-string again. I really miss those Death & Taxes days.

I also miss the Dead Parrot Society gigs as well. Roy and I originally started working with drummer Jeff Kangas (rest in peace, my friend) as a threepiece band at the old Landing. When Jeff moved, we found this “new” drummer named Glenn Faast. Glenn had played with a cool band called Savage Henry, and was quite adept at tasty timekeeping. We played gigs at the old Anglers Lounge at the old Faro Blanco, as well as Dockside. Originally named Papa’s Bastards, we renamed the band the Dead Parrot Society so that our band’s name might actually get printed in advertising (or something like that).

Glenn ended up being the longestlived musical partner in my entire career. For more than 20 years, Glenn and I went through the DPS, as well as various versions of our band Storm Watch, and later, Jade Storm. Glenn was solid, and not just as a drummer.

He was always the guy I could count on to help with the PA set-up and tear-down, the guy who was the best stage manager at the Seafood Festival and other festival gigs and events, and the guy who kept me playing in local bands as long as I did. His drums were always well-maintained and sounded great; he invested in the best drum microphones to carry that sound to the audience, and he was (and is) one of the most honest and best people I’ve known. Glenn and his wife Connie relocated to North Carolina, and I really miss playing and hanging with him.

In 2007, Glenn and I recorded basic tracks for a number of my songs, and those recordings still haven’t seen the light of day. I will finish them this year.

More to come…

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

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

2 3

1

FLAG FOOTBALL Middle Keys girls and juniors bring home trophy

K

ey West and Stock Island hosted the 30th Annual International Women’s Flag Football Tournament Jan. 22-24 at Bernstein Park. The match lasted for three days, and involved 13 teams and 24 football games.

In the women’s division, the Key West Loose Women came in first place. In the junior division, the team from Marathon earned the top spot and the Big Pine/Marathon girls division also placed first.

— Weekly Staff report

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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2. The 30th International Women’s Flag Football Tournament took place in Key West this past weekend.

3. The 2021 Tournament champions in the women’s division is the Key West Loose Women Team.

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4. Coach Sean Sayer is showered with a bucket of ice water after the girls flag football team from Big Pine and Marathon won its division. They are, from left, Ryleigh Garcia, Rilynn Richards, Madelyn Thornton, Julietta Calabro, Ashley Strama, Sailor Graham, Presley Graham, Adania Tome, Sutton Sayer, Sara Robinson, Shaina Robinson and Assistant Coach Allison Sayer.

5. The Marathon junior division champs were undefeated. In no particular order, they are Abrianna Marshall, Caylie Globe, Elena Eubank, Katelyn Renta, Kaysha Christian, Kiki Hewlett, Payton Junker, Piper Wilson and Sheynelle McGuire, coached by Tom Junker.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

WILD THINGS

YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE STANDARDS

I

t’s not that my wife hates birdwatching.

She just has very stringent standards for when she will go.

The idea of walking around for MARK hours, staring into HEDDEN bushes, hoping to see feathered ... is a photograthings, does not pher, writer, and appeal to her the semi-professional way it does me. birdwatcher. He has lived in Key She has far more West for more interest in sitting than 25 years and on the couch, readmay no longer ing, half-watching be employable in Premier League the real world. He is also executive soccer on TV. director of the She will tell Florida Keys Audu- anyone who asks bon Society. that I was not a birdwatcher when we got married, that I was in the closet, that she got duped. But she gave me my first pair of binoculars. She knew what she was getting into.

If she goes birding with me, certain criteria have to be met: 1.) It must be within five miles of the house. 2.) We have to be looking for a bird that has been seen fewer than five times in North America. As a result, she has one of the more exacting bird lists in North America.

The first bird to meet this standard was a loggerhead kingbird, a Caribbean member of the tyrant flycatcher family never before recorded in North America. It was found by Carl Goodrich and Ron Hamburger at Fort Zachary Taylor in 2007, and she stood with me in the parking lot for a half-hour until it flew over our heads.

The second bird on her list was a Cuban vireo in 2016. I’d just been booted out of the county jury pool for expressing strong opinions about

native trees (I’m for them) when I ran into Carl Goodrich, Tharon Dunn and Lee at Fort Zach. We’d walked a little distance, heard an unfamiliar call, and saw the Cuban vireo pop up in a bush by the staff campground. This was another bird never before seen in North America. My wife came over later that afternoon, the bird made a 10-second appearance, and boom, she had two birds on her list.

The third bird was a Stygian owl in 2018. Emalyn Mercer tagged me in a video on Facebook because she wanted to know why some bird was standing in a tree screaming its head off. It was June and the bird, I could tell, was a Cooper’s hawk, which wasn’t supposed to be here that time of year.

So I went over to Seminary Street and there was not one, but two Cooper’s hawks. They took off as soon as I got near to them, which was disappointing. But then I noticed the target of their screams — a bird called a Stygian owl. They’re elusive even in their native South American and Caribbean habitats. In North America there had been two brief sightings in the Texas hill country in the 1990s, and then this one. So I called my wife and she and about 20 other people saw it that day.

The folks who showed up at dawn the next day, to peer into the same tree, did not. In scientific terms it was what’s called a one-day wonder.

Last October some out-of-town visitors found a red-legged thrush at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Red-legged thrushes are common in Cuba, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands.

They’re usually hopping in gardens, or on lawns, or under landscaping bushes. They occupy the same visual niche, and a very similar ecological niche, as American robins up north and blackbirds in England. Their plumage is mostly gray, which would seem dull if it wasn’t for the dramatic red eye

rings and the slash of white feathers across the throat. And, oh yeah, the red legs.

There have been four records of red-legged thrush up on mainland Florida. The bird at the botanical garden was the fifth one seen in North America — just below my wife’s willingness-to-bird threshold.

I got in to see it the afternoon it was found, just before the botanical garden closed for the day. They weren’t long looks, but it was clear that it was, in fact, a red-legged thrush.

I worried it was going to be a oneday wonder, like the Stygian owl, but the bird stayed, moving around the garden, and getting reported regularly.

So eventually I went back with my wife.

It was the first time the bird wasn’t seen in a week. It was also the first time she’d gone to look for a mega-rarity seen within fives miles of the house and missed.

After that we kind of forgot about it for a while, what with work, home repair projects, a misbehaving dog, a global plague, high-tension elections, and the near-collapse of democracy.

I was at the botanical garden with some folks during the recent Christmas Bird Count. We spent an hour or so looking into every bush, not finding the thrush. At least not until Mark Songer stood by the entrance and said, “Oh, there it is.”

We all stared up. The red-legged thrush stared down. There was a solidity to that moment, the sense that the improbable had been made manifest, that if I just brought my wife out there one more time, she would no doubt be able to add the bird to her highly rarified list.

A few days later, this turned out not to be the case.

I don’t think the bird is gone. I think it’s just going to make us work a little harder to add to such an august list.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

OBITUARY

JULIE HOWIE THEO ALEXANDER DERLETH Oct. 21, 1987 - Dec. 10, 2020 Theo had personality much larger than his physical size.

He was a master blacksmith, pyrate, Civil War re-enactor, a minister, and pawn broker extraordinaire.

He lived life to its fullest, touching all of those around him.

He was everyone’s best friend.

As a son, he exerted love and respect for his parents and made them proud with everything he did.

He will be missed but not forgotten and live on in our hearts and our thoughts.

Theo Alexander Derleth’s viking burial at sea will be Monday, Feb.1, 2021 at 11 a.m. in Key West from the Jolly Rover schooner, docked in the Historic Seaport.

Private boats are welcome to join the procession. Please join us to honor our son’s life and say goodbye. For more details, call Theo’s parents at 305-766-3428.

Julie Frances LaCombe Howie – Mom, Nanny, and Herself, the Queen of Everything – died on Jan. 24, 2021 in Indianapolis.

Julie was born in Negaunee, Michigan, on Aug. 20, 1931, a daughter of Eileen and Oral LaCombe Jr. She attended grade school in Negaunee and high school in Danville, Illinois, where her family moved when her mother ran a neighborhood grocery store there.

While working as a carhop at the Steak ’n Shake at Main and Gilbert in Danville, she met a young sailor just home from World War II. She married that sailor, James Andrew Howie, on Jan. 27, 1951, in Danville. He died on Feb. 18, 2007.

Music was always present in her life. From Ave Maria to the Clancy Brothers, she played records that to this day resound in her children’s ears.

When the nest emptied, she joined the Danville chapter of Sweet Adelines and delighted in the shows and practices, especially in her spot-on impersonation of Mae West: “I used to be Snow

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White, but I drifted.”

She and her husband shared a passion for politics. Dinner conversation often revolved around which Democrat they wanted to vote for. Neither ever missed an election. In November 2020, she was happy to vote blue one more time, and smiled in her last days because Joe Biden – her candidate all along – was president.

She was a feminist before it was a thing. She was smart, wellread and well-informed. She held neither tongue nor temper. She knew her grammar, and pity the person whose preposition appeared at the end of a sentence.

She loved being the center of attention, and when she had a birthday, you ignored her call of “I’m opening!” at your own peril.

Survivors include six sons, James Howie of Danville; Michael Howie and his wife Mary Ann Royse of Marathon; Allen Howie and his wife Lisa of Lanesville, Ind.; Christopher Howie and his wife Julie of Urbana, Illinois; David Howie and his wife Cindy, of Champaign, Illinois; and William Howie and his wife Lisa of Massillon, Ohio; two daughters, Karen Stelzer and her husband Keith of Danville, and Laura Howie-Walters and her husband Gary Walters of Indianapolis; 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (with another on the way).

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Holy Family Church, 444 E. Main St., Danville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Holy Family Church.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

THANK YOU sponsors for supporting the Key Largo Boat Parade ELITE

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54

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

PARROT HEAD POWER KEY WEST CLUB DONATES $6,800 AMONG EIGHT LOCAL CHARITIES

VIRTUAL POLAR PLUNGE HELPS KEY WEST WOMEN’S SHELTER

SAMUEL’S HOUSE SEEKS ‘PLUNGE’ VIDEOS FROM SUPPORTERS

From left, Jennifer Chandonnet, Brian Vest and Matt Chandonnet of the Conch Republic Marine Army accept an $850 donation from the Key West Parrot Head Club. The organization started after Hurricane Irma to clean and protect the waters of the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED

T

he Key West Parrot Head Club brings together like minded people to promote friendships, organize social activities and support local charities. Each year the club selects eight to 10 local charities as the beneficiaries of the funds raised at various events.

Thanks to the efforts of its members and board of directors,

the club was able to raise and donate $850 to each of the following charities: Wesley House Family Services, SOS Food Pantry, Conch Republic Marine Army, Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation, Special Olympics of the Florida Keys, Sister Season Fund, Southernmost Boys & Girls Club and Bahama Village Music Program.

— Contributed

The Key West Parrot Head Club donates $850 to Wesley House Family Services, which helps with child care, adoption and foster programs. From left are Aleida Jacobo, Natasha Blanco, Grace Epperly and Morgan Smeraldi. CONTRIBUTED

Samuel’s House women’s shelter will host a virtual Southernmost Polar Plunge video contest throughout the month of February. Submit a short video of your own ‘plunge,’ however and wherever you choose. CONTRIBUTED

S

amuel’s House women and families shelter invites people everywhere to join this year’s first-ever Virtual Southernmost Polar Plunge and plunge their way, any way, however and wherever they desire — as long as they get wet.

The annual event typically takes place on one day at a local pool, as a spoof of the traditionally freezing plunges that occur in lakes and oceans in northern climes, where winter temperatures fall well below our more comfortable 73 degrees.

In adapting its fundraiser to COVID, Samuel’s House created an online plunge fundraiser and contest that will last the month of February.

Supporters are urged to sign up with a $30 entry fee, then film a short video of their own chosen “plunge,” and send it to Samuel’s House with their names and location information.

Prizes will be awarded for Most Unique, Best Costume and Best Group Plunge (featuring two or more people.)

Sponsorships are also available for $100 to $500 and include the sponsor’s name and logo on the official event tote bag, on social media promotions and on local signage in Key West.

To register for the plunge, visit the Samuel’s House Southernmost Polar Plunge event page on Facebook and click the registration link.

Then film your video (60 seconds or shorter) and follow instructions to upload it to Samuel’s House via wetransfer. com using the email address Tara.Salinas@samuelshouse.org.

In the message box, type #southernmostpolarplunge.

Share your videos on social media and with Samuel’s House.

Submissions will be accepted through the month of February.

For more information, visit samuelshouse.org.

— Contributed

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

TIMES ARE CHANGING NEWS HAPPENS FAST

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LOCAL NEWS | LOCALLY OWNED Key West 305-453-6928 | Marathon 305-743-0844 | Tavernier 305-363-2957

57

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

NEW LISTING!

1016 Duval Street | Key West Highly successful, five star rated, transiently licensed private home on Duval is waiting for its next owner. A spectacular 5 bed/ 4.5 bath home like this is rarely available and hits all the marks for an investment or to keep for an owner’s personal use.

This incredible property has been designed to maximize guest experiences with over 3,800 sq. ft. of living area covering 3 floors!

The home, seen on HGTV, features an open floor plan with living, dining and kitchen on the first level, opening to a large covered deck area that has been professionally landscaped and lighted, with a generous sun area around the heated pool. $3,950,000 SHAD KNAPP REALTOR® Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 603.715.4698 shadknapp@gmail.com

PAUL HAYES PRINCIPAL BROKER Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 305.587.6767 paul@kwreal.com

FEATURED LISTING

WORLD CLASS SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN, GEORGE CALDWELL MD NOW SEEING PATIENTS IN OUR MARATHON OFFICE. Dr George Caldwell has been a leader in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery of the shoulder, elbow and knee. He has been a team physician for the NFL, MLB, NHL and numerous sports programs. Following Princeton University, he attended Wake Forest Medical School. He trained at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the nation's number one orthopedic hospital. In addition, he completed two fellowships, one at the University of Pittsburgh and another in Switzerland. In research, Dr. Caldwell has developed groundbreaking anesthetic techniques to facilitate patients’ post-operative experience.

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1826 Fogarty Ave | Key West Lush tropical gardens surround this 3 bed, 2 bath home. A large lot, with pioneer trees providing shade and a little mystery. The floor plan feels quite spacious and one bedroom is currently set up as a home office or den with separate entrance. This house presents the perfect environment for working from home, relaxing and entertaining year round with lots of private garden space in which to safely distance. $749,000 DAWN THORNBURGH BROKER ASSOCIATE Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 305.304.1067 info@kwreal.com

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From left to right: William P McRoberts MD, Giuseppe Paese DO, Kalman Blumberg MD, Harold Dalton DO, Kevin Cairns MD, George Caldwell MD.

58

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of COIL Consulting located at 121 North 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Mark Jon Rubin Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Cayo Hueso Eco Tours located at 717 Emma Street, Unit C, Key West, FL 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Cayo Hueso Eco Tours, LLC Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Wild & Crafty Beaches located at 985 Chestnut Street, Freeland, PA 18224, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: The BooNey Chubby Mermaid, LLC Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The BooNey Chubby Mermaid located at 985 Chestnut Street, Freeland, PA 18224, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Carolyn Boone, Tammy Ney, Jason Boone and Michael Ney Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 01/30/2021, 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.

2T1BU4EE4DC929001 2013 TOYOTA Publish: January 21 & 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/08/2021, 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.

1FTFW1ET5DKD87124 2013 FORD Publish: January 21 & 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/13/2021, 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.

3VWJM71KX9M141926 2009 Volkswagen WBAPH5C53BF094299 2011 BMW Publish:

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Meeting Feb 17, 2021 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 812 7104 5803 Passcode: 889499 Development Committee Meeting Feb 24, 2021 11:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 838 0156 2773 Passcode: 254010 Executive Committee Meeting Feb 25, 2021 11:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 818 8726 0418 Passcode: 17073 Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/14/2021, 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.

3N1BC13E77L378622 2007 Nissan Publish: January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/22/2021, 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.

3GCPKSE75DG259854 2013 Chevrolet Publish: January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/25/2021, 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.

1B3CC5FB2AN234995 2010 Dodge Publish: January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/26/2021, 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.

2C4GM48L95R522082 2005 Chrysler Publish: January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/27/2021, 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.

3D7MX49C16G219061 2006 Dodge Publish: January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend.

Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@ keysarts.com.

Art in Public Places Meeting Feb 9, 2021 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 826 5393 3583 Passcode: 010892 Nominating Committee

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (From the city limits of Key West to the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, February 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has a vacancy for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, February 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR FLOOD HAZARD REVISIONS The Monroe County Building Department hereby gives notice of the County’s intent to revise

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

the flood hazard information, generally located between the intersection of Susan St and Overseas Highway and the intersection of Ave A and Overseas Highway. Specifically, the flood hazard information shall be revised along Florida Bay on the northwest side of Overseas Highway, from a point approximately 300 feet southwest of the intersection of Susan St and Overseas Highway to a point approximately 600 feet northeast of the intersection of Ave A and Overseas Highway.

As a result of this revision, the 1% annual chance water-surface elevations and 1% annual change floodplain shall increase, decrease, and be established within the area of revision.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the Monroe County Government Offices at 2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 300, Marathon, FL 33050.

Interested persons may call the Monroe County Floodplain Administrator at (305) 289-2866 for additional information from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 11, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: January 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-03-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ERNEST MASETO, SR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Ernest Maseto, Sr., deceased, whose date of death was December 13, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 21, 2021.

Personal Representative: Ernest Maseto, Jr. 152 Sands Place Stratford, Connecticut 06615 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: January 21 & 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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: January 21, 2021.

Personal Representative: Kerry Drake Young 1019 Silver Spring Rd. Drumore, Pennsylvania 17518 Attorney for Personal Representative: Alexander Platt Attorney Florida Bar Number: 119583 DI PIETRO PARTNERS, PLLC 901 E. LAS OLAS BLVD. Suite 202 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33301 Telephone: (954) 712-3070 Fax: (954) 337-3824 E-Mail: service@ddpalaw.com Secondary E-Mail: paralegal@ ddpalaw.com Publish: January 21 & 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: OUTSIDE COUNSEL FOR PFAS LITIGATION MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on March 11, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Outside Counsel for PFAS Litigation 03/11/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening.

Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2020-CP-072-M IN RE: ESTATE OF MARTHA J. GLEASON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of MARTHA J. GLEASON, Deceased, whose date of death was January 26, 2020, File Number 2020-CP-072-M, is pending in the Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All persons of whom this notice is served and who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the petitioner, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All creditors of the decedent and any other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is January 21, 2021.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN CAMPBELL Florida Bar # 443972 CAMPBELL & MALAFY 10887 Overseas Highway Suite #201 Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-2492 305-743-2432 (fax) Personal Representative: DONNA GREGORY Care of: CAMPBELL & MALAFY 10887 Overseas Highway Suite #201 Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-2492 305-743-2432 (fax) Publish: January 21 & 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000128-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JUSTIN T. DRAKE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Justin T, Drake, deceased, whose date of death was October 11, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-084-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID E. ANDERSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of David E. Anderson, deceased, whose date of death was June 18, 2020, and whose social security number is xxx-xx-4291, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils are December 11, 2008. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: January 28, 2021.

Personal Representative: Sheila A. Anderson 255 Guava Avenue Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com Publish: January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

59

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FILE NO.: 20-CP-96-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF NORMA J. BRIGHT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Norma J. Bright, deceased, whose date of death was November 24, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 28, 2021.

Personal Representative: Margitta A. DiGennaro 390 13th Street Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 Attorney for Personal Representative:

LEGAL NOTICES RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: January 28 & February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2021-CA-28-K CHARLES A. CHARTRAND, individually Plaintiff, v.

JONATHAN SIDNEY POWELL, f/k/a JOHN D. CHARTRAND, individually Defendant.

AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: JONATHAN SIDNEY POWELL f/k/a JOHN D. CHARTRAND 29238 Chickasaw Street Big Pine Key, FL 33043 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action in Partition on the following property in Monroe County, Florida: Lot 19 & 20, Block 40, PINE CREST SUBDIVISION, according to the Plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 1, page 131, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

More Commonly known as: 29238 Chickasaw St., Big Pine Key, Florida has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on David Van Loon, Esquire whose address is Highsmith & Van Loon, P.A., 3158 Northside Drive, Key West, Florida 33040 on or before the

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

BOATS FOR SALE

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

22 day of February 2021 and to file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

DATED on 1/14/2021 Kevin Madok As Clerk of the Court By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: January 21 & 28 and February 4 & 11, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

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

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

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

Dated: 1/5/2021 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Tabag Deputy Clerk Publish: January 14, 21 & 28 and February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

1999 World Cat 27' with twin 175 Suzuki motors.

Runs good. Dual stations.

Located on Duck Key. $40,000 OBO 305-481-1316

CEI Inspector needed in Marathon, FL. Fulltime position. Must have high school diploma or equivalent and valid driver’s license. Relevant construction experience is a plus. Email resume to: Pom.Chak k aphak@wsp. com

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

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

HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!!

nd

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 21-DR-2-K Division: Family JENNIFER LLAGOSTERA, Petitioner, and MARIO C. STEPHENS, II, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: Mario C. Stephens, II Last Known Address: Unknown 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 Jennifer Llagostera, whose address is 2307 Seidenberg Avenue, Key West, FL 33040, on or before February 15, 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

Key West PD, LLC d/b/a Island Private Care, which is located at 1720 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040, will close effective February 26, 2021. For a copy of patient records, please contact the Privacy Department at LHC Group, Inc., 901 Hugh Wallis Road South, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, (337) 233-1307.

Publish: January 28, February 4, 11 & 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

CLASSIFIEDS AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

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!

EMPLOYMENT Part-time Office Assistant needed in Marathon.

Duties will include answering calls, clerical, dispatching and s c h e d u l i n g .

Call 305-248-6149.

Dishwasher & Kitchen Helper needed.

Apply in person at King Seafood, 10925 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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!

Keys Fisheries looking to hire Process Foods Manager, pie makers, process food workers, lobster processors and forklift driver to expand the production of the products that we are now selling to various large supermarkets.

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

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!!

Carpenter, Laborer, Helper and Project Manager needed in Upper Keys.

Must pass background check, have valid driver's license and transportation.

Call 305-852-3002

BOATS FOR SALE

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

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

AUTOS FOR SALE 2007 LXR Cadillac, 14,000 miles, Silver, Located in Key West, $38,000. Call 419-467-0788

Never pay rent again!

1985 44' Gulfstar Cabin Cruiser for sale. Handyman's dream.

Engines have been removed. Currently in Boot Key Harbor. $4,500.00 305-289-9884

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

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.

Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic with knowledge of outboard motors Call 305-481-7006 Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers Full &/or part-time. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com.

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

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

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Bartender/Server. Hourly pay and guaranteed 20% gratuity. Private club – friendly atmosphere.

Tues-Sat 4p-10p.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

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!!

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!!

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

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT 2BR/2BA Large Apt. 10826 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon. $1,850/month plus utilities.

F/L/S. Taking applications.

Call (305) 394-4545 Key Largo Open Water Large 1BR/1BA Fully furnished.

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

305-801-3157 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!

HARRY HARRIS PARK, MM93, 3BR/2BA, Central Air, No Pets, Long Term Lease. $1,800/mo F/L/S Call 786-493-7829 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

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

NOW HIRING

FULL TIME CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Superintendents, carpenters, painters and laborers

TOP DOLLAR FOR THE RIGHT INDIVIDUALS START TOMORROW Apply in person, Dooley Construction MM 88.5 Oceanside

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HOUSING FOR RENT

MISC. FOR SALE

OFFICE SPACE

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

GE 4 burner electric Stove/Oven for sale.

Black. $175.00 Located in Marathon.

Call 260-750-6479

Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92.

Call 305-394-0530

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!!!

Place your Miscellaneous Items For Sale here.

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

Call 305-743-0844 today!

STORAGE SPACE

MISC. FOR SALE

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

30" Samsung Electric Range $300.00. Located in Marathon. 419-506-0246 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

HIRING

SERVER HOSTESS/BUSSER Apply at S.S. Wreck 58835 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key

Or call for appt. 305-481-3067

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Warehouse & Delivery Crew

D’Asign Source is looking for a hardworking Warehouse & Delivery Crew member. Must have reliable transportation, be on time and organized. Must have a valid driver’s license. CDL a plus.

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

Storage space located on Peter Jay Street in Marathon. 1,800 sq. ft. (2) 12X14 roll up doors. Small office with A/C. $2,400/ month 305-393-0643

NOW HIRING:

Reservations/Front Desk Housekeeping Associate Pool Attendant Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) Spa Nail Specialist (Nail Tech) Line Cook Apply online at: www.noblehousehotels.com/careers Apply in person at: Zero Duval St.

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

EOE

Assistant Manager/Store Manager Dion’s C- Stores is currently accepting applications for Store Managers and Assistant Managers at all locations from Marathon through Key West. Qualified applicants will provide prompt, efficient, and courteous service to our customers. Applicants must be able to work nights and weekends. Retail sales and customer service experience is preferred. Starting salary is commensurate with experience. All interested candidates can call Nina Simpson at 305-296-2000 Ext. 107 or forward a resume to nsimpson@dionllc.com. EOE/Drug Free Workplace

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

Home Care Agency Founded in 2007

NOW HIRING! Experienced personnel from Key Largo to Key West!

RN/LPN P/T , O/T & Speech Therapists Private Duty Aides Social Workers

Please email your resume to: Vanessa@amerihealthhomecare.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

AHCA License #299992897

PART-TIME PREVENTION PROGRAM MANAGER POSITION FOR BUSY NON-PROFIT 20 hours per week. Must have excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills. Must be compassionate and professional. Bachelor’s degree and field experience a plus. Spanish speaker.

Drug free workplace, EOE. Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls.

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR POSITION WITH BUSY NON-PROFIT. FT with benefits. Long-term position w/room for growth. Valid DL required.

Must have maintenance or related experience, computer skills and relate well with people. Very physical position, heavy lifting, heat, etc. Drug-free workplace, EOE. Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls.

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.

61

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

NOW HIRING RESTAURANT HOST SERVERS BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT LAUNDRY ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN LINE COOK SOUS CHEF BAKER APPLY AT:

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Case Manager (Children) Client Advocate

KEY WEST

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

MARATHON Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Drop In Technician (PT) *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT/FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *Night Monitor (FREE HOUSING!!!!)

Royal Furniture in Marathon and Key West is looking for motivated, hardworking people to join our sales team.

COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS AVAILABLE Call Christopher: 305-481-1790

*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!

bungalowskeylargo.com/careers

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

Background and drug screen req.

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

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

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.

Royal Furniture in Marathon and Key West is looking for a motivated, hardworking store manager.

COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS AVAILABLE Call Christopher: 305-481-1790

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Y a d n u S Bru– nch 8:00am

2:00pm

Unlimited Small Plates, Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys

$55/ PERSON Check out our other dockside bars & restaurants

saltty oy sal oyster salt sal ty oy oyster dockside bar + grill Daily: 11am-8pm Happy Hour: 4-6pm

Friday – Sunday: 12pm-10pm Happy Hour: 5-7pm

7001 SHRIMP RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 TEL: 305.294.3939 • Mattsstockisland.com

brunch-refresh-51082.indd 1

29161 Bougainvillea Lane | Big Pine Key 2 Bedrooms / 1 bath. Recently renovated; new dock, new boat lift, new roof, new windows and new wrap around deck. And only a 5 minute boatride to open water. Please call 305-509-0313 for an appointment for viewing.

12/30/20 12:54 PM

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

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 CALL FOR PRICE $11/TAIL

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

64

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 28, 2021

305.433.2020

FREE

DELIVERY 15% LOCALS DISCOUNT (WITH LOCAL ID)

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KEY WEST

WAHLBURGERS GOES 11 AM TO 11 PM

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