Upper Keys Weekly 21-0204

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#Frozen in Florida

Seniors Lucia Rodriguez, left, and Riley Dobson have played hoops together since their middle-school years.

CONTRIBUTED

BUCKETING MEMORIES

A LIFT TO STATES

Canes weightlifting sees success | P. 54

DOING PASCAL PROUD

Reliving senior night | P. 43

Community honors boy through service | P. 26 + 32

WATERFRONT DINING & TIKI BAR HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 4-7PM

BIGGEST SUPER BOWL PARTY IN THE UPPER KEYS ON THE BAY FEBRUARY 7, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

A NEW HOME? WE JUST FOUND OURS! ANNOUNCING BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE DESTINATIONS IN KEY LARGO, FL. Star Properties of The Florida Keys is ready to create exceptional real estate experiences for buyers and sellers by becoming Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Destinations. Known for being a forward-thinking, high-tech real estate agency with agents embodying the qualities of integrity, honesty, extra effort, and knowledge, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Destinations now has the marketing power of a brand that has been part of the American home for over 90 years.

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305-451-1020 | www.bhgdestinations.com © 2021 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard.

It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

TRANQUILITY. PRIVACY.

The enchanting sounds of the waterfall welcome you to this remarkable 3+ acre oceanfront estate located in Key Largo. Offering four bedrooms and four and one-half bathrooms, this home is rich with style. For ideal privacy, three of the guest suites are separate from the main residence. The outside offers just as much as the interior with an enclosed patio, outdoor shower, zero-entry pool with jacuzzi, a covered outdoor sitting area, and a covered grill/outdoor dining alcove that mirrors the property's aesthetic. The most majestic part of this residence is the mangrove enclosed walkway with trek decking that leads to open water views of Dove Key and Rodriguez Key. It also includes dockage and a boat lift, providing the perfect backyard getaway for kayaking or snorkeling.

KEY LARGO | $7,750,000 | Listing ID 593919

305.712.8888 | oceansir.com

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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

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STATE LAUNCHES PRE-REGISTRATION SITE FOR COVID VACCINE APPOINTMENTS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

W

hile delayed for a few weeks, a pre-registration system launched last week for those 65 and older and frontline workers who are looking to reserve an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.

By visiting the Florida Health Department’s myvaccine.fl.gov, individuals can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area. Vaccine supplies remain limited, however, and appointments may not be available for several weeks. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida would be getting 307,000 vaccines from the federal government, which is an increase from the roughly 260,000 a week the state received. It’s unknown if

that’ll mean more for Publix stores in Islamorada and Key West, which are getting 250 each a week. The Florida Health Department in Monroe County is receiving about 100 doses a week.

The Florida Health Department says the website will allow individuals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be contacted when vaccine appointments are available at state-supported vaccination sites.

On the website, residents can select their county and submit their contact information. Once appointments are available, individuals will be contacted by phone, text or email and will be assisted in scheduling an appointment.

Additionally, as part of the statewide registration system, each county has a designated phone number that individuals can call and pre-register if they do not have internet access.

Whether a resident calls by phone or visits myvaccine.fl.gov, their place in line will be reserved reliably using Sharecare software.

On Jan. 21, State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees issued a public health advisory prioritizing vaccines in Florida for Florida residents. Individuals must show proof of residency through a driver’s license or identification. 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,” he said.

Around 1.7 million COVID-19 people have been administered the vaccine in Florida. Just over 1.3 million received their first dose, while 372,200 obtained their second shot. Just over 1 million individuals ages 65 and older received their first dose.

Around 6,800 residents in Monroe County have been vaccinated, per the health department’s data on Feb. 2. Of the total number, around 6,100 received their first dose and just over 670 were administered the second dose.

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

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

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

50

According to Monroe County officials, 23,000 residents of the county are 65 years or older. They are being vaccinated at a rate of 500 per week through Publix distribution. At this rate it would take 50 weeks to vaccinate them all, including an extra four weeks for everyone to receive the second dose.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

College of the Florida Keys student nurse Teresa Rodriquez gives fellow student nurse William Thompson a COVID-19 vaccine at the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. Both are among the CFK nursing students and staff assisting with vaccinations in the Keys. CONTRIBUTED

W

hile anticipation grows for a sufficient, steady flow of COVID-19 vaccines to the Keys, the College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is collaborating with multiple organizations in Monroe County to prepare for a widespread rollout.

College President Jonathan Gueverra has been working to position the college as a fighting force against the pandemic in the Keys. With an army of more than 200 students enrolled in the associate degree and bachelor’s degree nursing programs — the largest enrollment in CFK history — the college is poised to help in the vaccination effort.

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe), the Medical Center at Ocean Reef, the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, Monroe County Emergency Management, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Key West, Monroe County School District, Lower Keys Medical Center, Curative, and Community Health of South Florida (CHI) are among the stakeholders working with the college.

In recent weeks, DOH-Monroe and the Medical Center at Ocean Reef have quickly depleted their state-allotted vaccine supply to protect frontline healthcare workers and people 65 and older. Student nurses from the college, under the direction of Dean Mark Roby and Dr. Carla Fry, director of nursing and health sciences, are providing the shot in the arm necessary to staff both efforts.

Gueverra initially arranged for the college to receive vaccine doses from Baptist Health, but that plan ended when the state’s distribution model changed. Gueverra connected with the Medical Center at Ocean Reef during the December holiday break while Fry connected with DOH-Monroe to arrange for student nurses to administer the first doses of vaccine.

“CFK nursing students were so eager to help with this historic vaccine endeavor, many of them returned on a moment’s notice to assist before their winter break ended,” Fry said. Alongside Fry and Roby,

COLLEGE READY FOR LARGE-SCALE VACCINE ROLLOUT STUDENT NURSES HAVE HELPED WITH 85% OF SHOTS

nurses from the health department and the staff at the Ocean Reef Medical Center, CFK nursing students have administered over 4,000 vaccines, about 85% of the total administered in the county.

Eager to build on the success of these first rounds, elected and organizational leaders have aligned resources, expertise and services to ready the Keys for larger-scale vaccination endeavors. Plans include transporting and storing the vaccine, scheduling and staffing vaccination sites, as well as administering doses to the public.

The college recently entered into an agreement with the DOH-Monroe to become an official vaccination site. When doses become available, CFK will provide ultracold storage and areas on the Key West campus with sufficient space will be designated for the public to complete paperwork, receive the vaccine and wait 15 minutes following their vaccination. Nursing students, under the supervision of Fry and Roby, will administer the vaccines.

CFK signed up on Florida Shots to receive its own allotment of vaccine to distribute to the community.

“Through participation with Ocean Reef and DOH-Monroe, we have honed the vaccine process to keep operations running smoothly,” said Fry of the college’s involvement in vaccinations thus far, particularly at the Ocean Reef Medical Center, which was set up to administer 100 shots an hour. “The college is now capable of operating on our own and/or continuing to help our community partners. We stand ready to respond however future vaccine distribution should flow.”

Additional partners have committed support. The City of Key West will contribute volunteers, trained first responders, an ambulance for emergencies, as well as law enforcement support at CFK’s Key West campus. Across the street, Lower Keys Medical Center will provide needle disposal service, supplies and volunteers.

In the Middle and Upper Keys, Monroe County School District is making space in two schools for vaccination sites. Sheriff

Rick Ramsay has committed to law enforcement support for traffic and crowd control at those locations.

“I am thankful to see how supportive each and every one of our partners have been and continue to be in the face of this crisis,” said Bob Eadie, administrator and health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. “The number of healthcare providers who have committed to supporting this endeavor continues to grow.

We could not beat this virus without their continued assistance.”

In the county’s northernmost community, the Medical Center at Ocean Reef continues to host CFK, DOH, Community Health of South Florida, and Curative to demonstrate their vaccination protocols and to help them adapt their processes for larger vaccination events.

Additionally, the Ocean Reef Community Foundation’s (ORCF) COVID-19 Relief Fund, which has contributed almost $800,000 to local nonprofit organizations assisting Monroe County residents, is now focusing on increasing access to the COVID-19 vaccine. ORCF has committed to funding supplies, staff, logistical and other needs.

“It is amazing public-private partnerships such as this that make Monroe County an incredibly resilient community,” said Monroe County emergency management director Shannon Weiner. “In this county, we consistently accomplish great things by leveraging resources and partnering together.”

As soon as the vaccine becomes available in the Keys, eligible Florida residents will be able to sign up for an appointment through an online scheduling system. At the Florida Health Department’s myvaccine. fl.gov, individuals can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area. Vaccine supplies remain limited and appointments may not be available for several weeks. Information about vaccination locations, times, and scheduling will be shared broadly across multiple media platforms.

— Contributed

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

BUDGETING IN BILLIONS SPENDING PLAN INCLUDES RESILIENCY FUNDS, CRITICAL KEYS DOLLARS

A

budget proposal unveiled by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week showed $4.3 billion more in spending, with $2.6 billion accounting for costs of the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response and hits to the economy and families.

Allocations for key environmental projects were included with the governor’s spending plan, as well as $1 billion to deal with sea level rise and funds for teacher salary raises.

Standing inside the Florida State Capitol, DeSantis said his “Florida Leads” budget places $6.6 billion in total reserves, which is more than 6% of the total budget. He said that leaves ample resources for unforeseen expenditures related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the hurricane season that begins June 1.

DeSantis said a proposed budget increase comes following several actions taken last year, which included the vetoing of roughly $1 billion in the state’s $93.2 billion budget last year to prepare for unknowns related to the pandemic. In addition, he said the state maximized $4.5 billion in federal funding for the pandemic.

State agencies were also asked to set aside 6% of their budgets to give financial flexibility, and that amounted to $800 million to deal with pandemic expenses.

“In December, we saw revenues exceed the estimate by over $300 million. We expect in January to see at least $100 million more than what was forecast.”

— Gov. Ron DeSantis

DeSantis’ remarks also honed in on actions to keep Florida open, which he said resulted in a $2.1 billion increase in revenue since a worst-case revenue scenario was released in August.

“We didn’t need to dip into the budget stabilization fund or reserve funds to stay afloat,” he said. “In December, revenues exceeded the estimate by over $300 million.

We expect in January to see at least $100 million more than what was forecast.”

DeSantis said his budget remains committed to providing the best education experience while building on pay raises for teachers. Around $550 million is included to continue raising the minimum K-12 teacher salary to $47,500, as well as salaries of other instructional personnel.

A total of $110 million aims to address student mental health through the pandemic. Other investments include $10 million in the Work Florida Student Success Incentive Fund, as well as $10 million for the Pathways to Career Opportunities grant program and nearly $510 million in funding to support workforce education programs.

As for the environment, $473 million is proposed for Everglades restoration, $145 million for water quality improvements and $25 million to combat harmful algal blooms and red tide.

“This is a priority. It’s something that we have to continue momentum and it’s something our budget shows commitment to doing,” he said.

DeSantis’ budget also addresses sea level rise through the establishment of a $1 billion, four-year Resilient Florida program.

State and local governments would receive grants to fund projects to address impacts of intensified storms and localized flooding.

“We believe this makes a lot of economic sense when you look at how an insurance market would view property insurance and to see how Florida is leading in trying to get ahead of these impacts. We think it’s a smart thing to do,” he said.

The budget proposal also includes more than $31 million for adults and children who suffer from mental illness and emotional disturbances; $50 million for Visit Florida’s marketing programs; and $9.47 billion for the State Transportation Work Program for new highway construction, bridge repairs, and seaport, aviation and transit program improvements.

New state Rep. Jim Mooney acknowledged that sticking to DeSantis’ budget would be “wonderful.” However, Mooney said some budget items and appropriations won’t see forward movement this year.

“At the end of the day, you can follow whatever kind of budget you want, but the reality is it still has to come out balanced,” he said. “There’s going to be things that are not funded 100%. It’s just going to be a tough budget session.”

Several appropriation bills sponsored by Mooney are seeing movement in committee, including House Bill 2147 that requests $200,000 for Monroe County’s Baker Act public receiving facility that provides psychiatric care 24/7. According to the bill, which sits in the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, the facility requires modernized security upgrades to safely care for the increasing severity of illness/violence among a higher number of clients.

“There’s going to be things that are not funded 100%. It’s just going to be a tough budget session.”

— State Rep. Jim Mooney

Three other appropriation bills by Mooney await consideration in the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee. Requests include $750,000 for construction of 20 affordable housing units on two sites in the Upper Keys by Habitat for Humanity; $250,000 for repairs at the Truman Little White House; and just over $994,000 to harden the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s standby power system to ensure potable and sanitary water is sent to residents and visitors of the island chain during emergencies.

Monroe County commissioners and Mayor Michelle Coldiron expressed their appreciation for a budget proposal that includes funding for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which was slashed last year as part of the governor’s vetoes. Funds from the stewardship act go to water quality projects.

“We look forward to working with the governor’s office and the Florida legislature to see these significant funds in the governor’s budget are included in the state’s final budget,” Coldiron said.

Committees are well underway in lead up to legislative session that begins March 2.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, FREEBEE AND FILLS ON VILLAGE AGENDA JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

n update regarding the pedestrian bridge project at Founders Park and discussion related to the Fills are among the topics set for Islamorada Village Council’s meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4.

On Jan. 14, council members were unanimous in a decision to authorize Mayor Buddy Pinder to write to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Department of Transportation officials urging a halt to the $4.68-million pedestrian bridge project. The letter sent late last month yielded a conversation between Pinder and FDOT District 6 Secretary James Wolfe. Pinder says he’ll provide an update regarding that meeting.

The letter says 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.

A push to stop bridge construction, which FDOT officials said is slated to begin in the next few weeks, started after the seating of five new council members in late November 2020. Utilities were recently moved to make way for the steel truss bridge with stairs and elevators. So far, FDOT says it has spent $1.1 million on the project.

In other matters, council members will receive an update on the Fills, which awaits a qualified consultant to develop a management/master plan.

Last year, the village entered into a 5-year sublease with Florida Department of Environmental Protection to manage property on the Fills. A 5-year lease was also signed between the village and FDOT to manage use of property at the Fills, which spans from MM 77.6 to MM 79.6.

Discussions ensued through the months over possible improvements

to the Fills, from barriers and paid parking to a permanent boat ramp and pedestrian underpasses, with the plan to submit a master plan to FDOT. Last August, Public Works Director A.J. Engelmeyer presented three fencing options – cable, timber with rope, and guardrail – along the three islands for council to discuss. The cable option was the least expensive at an estimated cost of $322,000.

A 2020-21 adopted budget shows $49,100 in personnel costs at the Fills and $159,000 for rentals, leases and operating supplies. A Fills master plan engineering and construction project for $350,000 is among the items listed in the capital projects fund.

Discussion will be heard over Freebee ridesharing services in the village with a presentation by Jason Spiegel, managing partner. The free electric vehicle ridesharing service began operation in November 2018. Service was limited to Upper Matecumbe Key until last year, when more vans provided transportation to riders from Plantation Key to Lower Matecumbe Key. The fiscal year 2020-21 budget shows $300,000 in village spending for professional services with Freebee.

As for resolutions, the dais will consider approval of an executive search firm to conduct the process to fill the vacant village manager position.

Last August, council accepted the resignation of Seth Lawless due to health reasons. Finance Director Maria Bassett has been acting village manager.

A request for proposals from qualified firms generated nine responses, with Colin Baenziger & Associates, out of Daytona Beach, ranked the highest at a cost of $26,500.

Council chambers are limited to council members and essential staff members due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The public is welcome to attend the meeting by watching on Comcast channel 77, online via Zoom or the village website. If assistance is needed, please contact the village clerk’s office at 305-664-6413 no later than the day before the meeting.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

City of Marathon City Council Agenda 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, February 9, 2021 5:30 P.M.

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

SECOND STATE REPORT VERIFIES COMPLAINTS AGAINST NURSING HOME

City Council Items *A. Approval of Minutes B. Flag Ceremony March 5, 2021 (Senmartin) C. Discussion of Citizens Insurance 10% rate increase cap (Bartus) City Manager Report A. Marina Report B. Marathon Fire Rescue Report C. Park Report D. Public Works Report E. Code Report F. Building Report G. MSCO Marathon Substation Report H. Wastewater Report Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment A. Ordinance 2021-01, Amending Chapter 2, Article II Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon (“City Council”) By Creating Section 2-20, Provide For Procedures For Filling A Vacancy In Candidacy Caused By Death, Withdrawal, Or Removal From The Ballot; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.

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

B. Ordinance 2021-05, Amending Chapter Five Section 5-23 Entitled Dog-Friendly Restaurants, Repealing The Automatic Yearly Expiration Of Licenses; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Of Ordinances Found To Be In Conflict; And Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date.

C. Ordinance 2021-06, Amending Chapter 107 Article 12 Entitled Floodplain Management; Providing Criteria For Accessory Structures In Flood Hazard Areas And To Specify Elevations Of Manufactured Homes In Flood Hazard Areas; Amending Chapter 110 Definitions; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Of Ordinances Found To Be In Conflict; And Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date.

D. Ordinance 2021-07, Amending Chapter Fourteen Article 4 Entitled Water Conservation, Providing For Local Implementation Of The Mandatory Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Conservation Measures Rule Of The South Florida Water Management District (40e-24, F.A.C.); Providing Definitions; Providing For The Applicability Of The Ordinance; Providing The Landscape Irrigation Schedule; Providing Exceptions To The Landscape Irrigation Schedule; Providing For A Requirement To Operate Technology That Inhibits Or Interrupts An Irrigation System During Periods Of Sufficient Moisture; Providing For Variances From The Specific Day Of The Week Limitations; Providing For Enforcement Of The Ordinance; Providing For Penalties For Violation Of The Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Of Ordinances Found To Be In Conflict; And Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date.

E. Ordinance 2021-08, Amending Chapter 3, Article II (“Fair Housing”) Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon By Amending Section 3-24; To Remove Chapter 5, Section 5-10 (“Seizure Of Animals By Property Owners Or Tenants; Delivery To Department Manager; Impoundment And Disposal; Standard Of Care To Be Exercised By Seizing Party”) In The Entirety And Provide For The Re-Numbering Of Subsequent Sections; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.

F. Ordinance 2021-09, Establishing A Hybrid Code Enforcement System Utilizing A Special Magistrate And A Code Compliance Board; Amending Chapter 10 (“Code Compliance”) Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon By Amending Sections 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8 And 10-10; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.

Resolutions For Adoption A. Resolution 2021-10, Adopting The 2020 Update Of The Local Mitigation Strategy As Required By State And Federal Regulations To Qualify For Certain Mitigation Grant Funding; Providing For An Effective Date.

B. Resolution 2021-11, Approving An Amendment To Agreement I0094 Between The City Of Marathon And The Florida Department Of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Provided As Funding For The Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Voluntary Home Buyout Program (CDBG-DR VHB); Modifying The Agreement To Reflect Changes To The Deo Agreement With The U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development And Providing For An Effective Date.

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

Stephanie Matlock Fouts, left, with her mother, Nancy. Fouts said this is how her mother looked before her falls and

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

n investigation into the reported maltreatment of an 81-year-old who was once a resident at Crystal Health and Rehab Center was recently verified in a report by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

It’s the second report to come out by a state agency that confirms maltreatment by the facility in Tavernier. The first report came out last fall by the state Agency for Health Care Administration, which sustained complaints that daughter Stephanie Matlock Fouts brought over the care of her mom, Nancy.

Within the DCF report, the investigator assigned to the case concluded there was inadequate supervision of Nancy after she fell out of her bed twice last August. No injuries were sustained in the first fall. The second incident, however, led to a pelvic fracture.

“There is enough evidence to support the allegations that the facility failed to take sufficient measures to ensure the (vulnerable adult’s) care and protection,” the report states.

In addition, the investigator concluded maltreatment for inadequate supply of food. According to the report, the facility failed to provide Nancy with the needed nutrition as requested by her dietitian.

The dietitian recommended she receive no-sugar shakes twice daily for an additional 400 calories and 14 grams of protein. Records show, however, that the no-sugar shakes were never ordered by facility staff. And records state that the facility’s director of nursing said the communication system between the dietitian and nursing staff was broken.

Further, the nursing director said she and her staff were not reading the emails sent by the dietitian, leading to a delay in the ordering of the shakes.

It wasn’t until a Facetime call Matlock Fouts had with her mother in late August that she started noticing her mother’s deteriorating health. Matlock Fouts questioned staff, who assured her she was fine and in good health. By late September, Matlock Fouts noticed some serious problems over her mom’s appearance.

That night, Matlock Fouts was informed her mother was vomiting. She asked the nurse how much she weighed and was told 123 pounds. Months before, Matlock Fouts said, she weighed around 140 pounds.

On Sept. 29, 2020, Nancy was transported to the emergency room at Baptist Hospital in Homestead after she was found to have gastrointestinal bleeding.

It wasn’t the only issue Nancy had, as Matlock Fouts said her mom’s liver enzymes and kidney enzymes were elevated. She had renal failure, and her weight was around 100 pounds. Matlock Fouts said her mother also had a stage 2 pressure injury, which is an open ulcer, or bedsore, to the sacrum. She also had deep tissue injuries to her heels and elbows.

In response to the reports, the nursing facility said licensed and registered nurses were reeducated on completing weekly weighing when recommended by the registered dietitian. The facility, within its corrective action plan, also said that nurses were re-educated on the importance of appropriate interventions in place to prevent resident falls and injury.

“Licensed/registered nurses will receive ongoing quarterly education, ensuring appropriate interventions are completed and documented in clinical record,” the facility states.

Matlock Fouts said her mom is now residing in a different nursing facility in Florida.

WHAT’S THIS?

Affordable housing construction underway in Marathon BOAT WORKS RESIDENCES Marathon, Florida

What: 52 units of affordable housing featuring a majority of two-bedroom, two-bath apartments, but also onebedroom and one-bath apartments and three-bedroom, two-bath apartments. Market rate homes will be developed on the oceanfront (gulf) in a separate phase. Building is three stories over parking.

Where: Corner of Louisa and 39th streets.

What used to be there: boat yard.

When: Scheduled to be complete by late summer.

How much? Rent is calculated based on household income and number of bedrooms based on rules by Florida Housing Finance Corp., a state-run entity. The units at Boat Works are intended to serve locals who earn 80% of the median income of $81,400. A two-person household earning $64,480 would qualify for a two-bedroom apartment that rents for $1,814.

How can I apply for residence? Registration is handled by the AGPM Management team and company officials say there is already a waiting list of 300. For more information, visit the office at 624 73rd Street, call 305-9165416 or email 73oceanmgr@ agpmanager.com.

SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

SINGING PRAISES OF

Community Foundation hosts virtual celebration

T

he Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) will honor the efforts of volunteers from 83 local nonprofits at its Unsung Heroes virtual celebration at noon on Friday, Feb. 5.

Everyone can join in this year’s party, which will be a free virtual celebration livestreamed on Facebook and at cffk.org.

No reservations are necessary.

In addition to the honorees, the virtual event will feature special guests, including national philanthropy expert Sara Konrath from the Indiana University School of Philanthropy.

She will share surprising reasons giving can actually improve people’s health.

The Unsung Heroes celebration is sponsored by the Lower Keys Medical Center and promotes civic engagement throughout the Keys.

"The not-for-profit organizations and their volunteers are so vital to the health and well-being of our communities,” said David Clay, CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center, which is sponsoring the celebration.

“The Unsung Heroes event See the 2021 commemorative is our chance to celebrate Unsung Heroes program, prothe giving nature of the duced by Keys Weekly, inside Keys and the people who this very newspaper. work tirelessly to help their neighbors.”

Nearly 1,400 volunteers have been recognized since the event was started 21 years ago. Keys volunteers donate their time and services to our community, including cleaning up beaches, supplying food to children and families in need, fostering animals, mentoring students, assisting at homeless shelters, and much more. More information is available at cffk.org.

For 25 years, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys has been connecting people, resources and needs through philanthropy. The foundation helps individuals and families leave a legacy in the Keys by inspiring giving and by investing in people and solutions to benefit every resident from Key Largo to Key West. Over $30 million in grants have supported scholarships, arts and culture, beautification and preservation of the Keys, health and human services, hurricane relief, and youth programs. More information is at 305-292-1502 or cffk.org.

— Contributed

LOVE LETTERS MCT mainstage production celebrates romance, friendship SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

In one sense, characters Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd are star-crossed lovers, failing to connect meaningfully in a “real relationship.” On the other hand, they spend five decades crafting a very intimate connection through correspondence.

A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” takes the mainstage at Marathon Community Theater beginning its run on Friday, Feb. 12 and ending on Saturday, Feb. 27. Director Mike Wagner has put a special twist on this story, however. Each week, a different couple will take the stage to perform. In order of appearance they are Robert Farthing and Noelle Belden (Feb. 12-14), Christine Leird and Bill Heffernan (Feb. 19-20) and Maresa Casey and Charles Casey (Feb. 26-27). Curtain is at 8 p.m. except for the matinee on Valentine’s Day (Sunday, Feb. 14), that begins at 3 p.m.

The local actors make this romantic friendship come alive on a simple set — the two actors sit in cozy chairs or behind desks and let their words describe a world of emotion. According to one reAll three onviewer, “‘Love Letters’ is a tender, stage couples are tragi-comic and nuanced examination of the shared nostalgia, dating or married missed opportunities and deep in “real life.” closeness of two lifelong, complicated friends.”

The show debuted on a Connecticut stage in 1988, starring the playwright Gurney opposite Holland Taylor (Judge Roberta, “The Practice”) Since then, the show has been performed on and off Broadway with top names like Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Earl Jones, as well as Carol Burnett, Brain Dennehy, Mel Gibson, Sissy Spacek, Liza Minnelli and Desi Arnaz Jr. MCT’s production team includes Wagner, assistant director Jerry Nussenblatt and co-producers Bev Flowers and Karen Diehl.

Tickets are $25, before sales tax and ticket fees, and are on sale via the Marathon Community Theatre’s box office by calling 305743-0994 or online at www.marathontheater.org.

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

CLICK, CONTRIBUTE AND EDUCATE NAME THAT DUCK

Rotary goes virtual to replace flea market

Fundraiser will pay for fowl’s upkeep SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

he Pigeon Key Foundation is adopting two ducks from the Marathon Wild Bird Center. Both ducks have disabilities, meaning they can’t be rehabilitated and released into the wild. In order to provide the animals a home, and care for them, the foundation is having a naming contest.

“Yes, name that duck,” said Kelly McKinnon, foundation director, laughing. “We thought it would just add another layer to the experience of visiting Pigeon Key.” Pigeon Key is the island in the center of the 7 Mile Bridge, once home to workers constructing the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Right now, the birds go by “Duck 1” and “Duck 2.” For a measly $30, citizens can submit a name. For $50, they can submit names for both ducks. The deadline for submission is Sunday, Feb. 28. Then the voting begins, at $10 per vote.

According to McKinnon and staff at Pigeon Key Foundation, the ducks have distinct personalities. Duck 1 is a male Muscovy missing the bottom half of one leg. He’s a “short flyer,” explorer and a fast friend of the other duck. Duck 1 is shy, but friendly and curious and loves a little snack of dog food. Duck 2 is a female Indian Runner and very outspoken. She has a “club foot” and, like the rest of her species, doesn’t fly. When the other duck is exploring, she’s lonely.

To submit names — and we’re betting on at least one Duck Norris, Ducky McDuckface or Aflac — visit www.givinggrid.com/ adscpv. Make a donation and type the proposed duck names in the comment box. For example: “Duck 1 = Duck Norris” and “Duck 2 = Daisy Duck.” The Marathon Weekly will reveal the winners early next month!

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

I

t’s arguably the largest event in the Keys with some 300 vendors, thousands of shoppers and nearly a quarter-million dollars raised at Islamorada’s Founders Park.

But for the first time in 26 years, Upper Keys Rotary Club’s Gigantic Nautical Flea Market cannot be held in person due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Last November, Islamorada Village Council members heeded the advice of Bob Eadie, Monroe County’s top health officer, in not allowing large-scale events to take place until the pandemic is under control. The dais was unanimous in suspending special event permits in the village until April 1.

Now, Rotarians are reaching out to the community for support.

The need remains to raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors, current college students and those pursuing career technical education.

“Without the 2021 event, which annually provides more than $200,000 in scholarships to students in the Upper Keys, we had to find another avenue to raise these much-needed funds,” said Rotarian Frank Derfler, who is active with Coral Shores High School’s Interact Club and Rotary’s Scholarship Fund.

“High school and college students rely on us and we need to rely on our community to help.”

Those wishing to donate can visit www.keysrotary.us or send a check payable to Upper Keys Rotary

Foundation to P.O. Box 1514, Tavernier, FL 33070.

In addition, go to the Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Flea Market’s Facebook page or Instagram (upperkeysrotarynauticalfleamarket) where viewers can watch video appeals from current and past scholars, as well as graduating seniors and others.

“By using video and written messages posted on social media platforms, we hope to appeal for donations,” said Jill Miranda Baker, Upper Keys Rotary Club president.

“Please share our social media posts with your friends and contacts. Be sure to join the Facebook group, Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Flea Market.”

Donations can be made by texting 786-244-2468 with the word “scholarships.” A link will be provided that takes users to the donation platform.

The goal is to raise $100,000 and a match of $50,000 is secured.

Any amount donated helps, Miranda Baker said. Funds from the flea market have gone to support local high school grads in mechanical engineering and applied physiology and kinesiology fields, to name a few. The money also has helped those entering trades.

“Please consider supporting our continued mission of providing these much-needed scholarships that high school seniors and current college students have come to rely on for their continuing education.

Click. Contribute. Educate,” Baker said.

The Upper Keys Rotary Club, established in 1967, meets weekly at noon at Capt. Craig’s Restaurant.

More information is at KeysRotary. com, on Facebook or from Miranda Baker at 305-304-0052.

15

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

ANNE McKEE ART AUCTION KEEPS KEY WEST CREATIVE ART SALE IS AS VALUABLE AS ITS NAMESAKE

Will Fernandez

O

riginal. Elegant. Valuable. Lasting.

Irreplaceable.

The same words that describe the original creations in the upcoming Anne McKee Art Auction also accurately characterize the auction’s namesake.

McKee, who will turn 98 in July, created the Anne McKee Artists’ Fund in the mid1990s to help cultivate — and support — Key West’s creative spirit. McKee knew artists were constantly asked to donate original creations that would be auctioned or sold to help various charities. But the Newfoundland native with a background in banking also knew that plenty of the island’s artists could scarcely afford paints and canvases.

They certainly weren’t always in a position to donate their livelihood. And yet many of them always did.

McKee created the fund to provide grants that enable Key West artists — painters, sculptors, writers and performers — to complete specific projects. The fund’s biggest annual fundraiser is a fine art auction of original Key West works. Since its inception, the Anne McKee Artists’ Fund has distributed more than $300,000 in grants to local artists.

But no one is asked to donate paintings, sculptures or photographs.

The sale proceeds of each piece are divided evenly between the artist and the fund, which uses the money raised to distribute more grants in a beautiful and beautifying sort of circle.

Martha Depoo

As COVID changed everything, organizers were forced to alter this year’s auction, usually a one-night live gala, into an online event.

“We’re actually hopeful that this makes the auction and its artwork available to everyone, anywhere in the world, rather than those who happen to be in Key West the night of the live auction,” said co-organizer Roberta DePiero. “If this works as well as we’re hoping, we may consider doing a hybrid event next year. But we’ll see. Who knows what next year may bring?”

This year’s online auction will take place Feb. 4-17 with online viewing and bidding available at mckeefund.org.

Up for bid are original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry and more. Collectors can choose from the works of celebrated and renowned local masters to fresh new talents.

“Think of all the galleries, exhibition openings and artist talks that make our community so culturally rich. That only happens if together we support our art makers,” said McKee Fund board president Kalo Clarke.

For those who do happen to be in Key West and would like to see the artwork in person, The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., is showing the work from noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

For viewing art, auction link and other information, visit mckeefund.org.

Jason Fort

Poochie Myers

Dawn Wilkins

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

1

FLAGSHIP FALTERS

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he once stately schooner Western Union, flagship of Key West and the state of Florida, is an unrecognizable shell of her former self, nearly indistinguishable from the other propped-up vessels “on the hard” at Robbie’s Marina on Stock Island.

The 1939 schooner once serviced the underwater telegraph cables that enabled communication between Key West, Cuba and the Caribbean. In all, she laid 30,000 miles of underwater telegraph cable before being converted to a passenger vessel in 1974. The 130-foot schooner participated in the nation’s bicentennial celebration in New York City in 1976 and later played the role of the ship Amistad in the movie of the same name. She served as a sailing school for troubled kids and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Schooner Western Union returned to Key West in 1997 and for 10 years was operated by Historic Tours of America, offering sunset sails and private charters from the foot of William Street, next to Schooner Wharf Bar. For 10 years, HTA lost $100,000 a year to the vessel, and eventually donated it to the nonprofit Schooner Western Union Preservation Society, which had been formed by Key West businessmen to save the flagship.

But time had taken a grave toll on the old wooden boat. A partial restoration got the ship sailing again in 2011, but Western Union failed a 2014 Coast Guard inspection.

Starting in 2016, she spent three years at a boatyard in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where shipwrights and preservationists worked to restore the ship using funds raised by the preservation society as well as Tourist Development Council grants and $1.24 million in state funding secured in 2019 by then-Florida Keys State Rep. Holly Raschein.

But funding ran out and storage bills accrued in Tarpon Springs. Western Union was

towed back to Key West in December 2019 without sails, masts or rails around the deck.

One person close to the project and familiar with the industry described the schooner’s struggles as three-fold: First, the project lost three of its restoration leaders in short course — Bill Barry, Capt. Frank Holden and Richard Manley of Manley deBoer. In addition, the captain who was hired to oversee the restoration in Tarpon Springs was entirely unfamiliar with wooden boats and was ill-equipped for the responsibility, he said. Finally, COVID hit and challenged all nonprofits to raise any funding.

“We had three deaths of the restoration leaders, an inexperienced person overseeing the work and then the pandemic,” our source explained. “We now have the expertise of master shipwright Harold Burnham, who led the $12 million restoration of the historic wooden ship Ernestine.”

Preservation Society treasurer John DolanHeitlinger provided an update last month to the Key West Bight Board, saying the schooner remains on the hard at Robbie’s Marina on Stock Island. “The schooner is towards the back of Robbie’s Marina with its stern facing the water supported by heavy timbers and boat stands,” Dolan-Heitlinger reported in January. “Robbie’s management will allow her to remain at Robbie’s and be worked on for no charge. We are trying several combinations of equipment to keep the schooner regularly washed down with seawater to preserve the wood of the vessel. We are developing plans for this next stage of the restoration and meeting with potential shipwrights,” the report states. “We are researching opportunities for grants and other support. We have discussed additional preservation and funding efforts … including protectively wrapping the boat hull.

The Massachusetts shipwright Harold Burnham is working on dividing the restoration plan he developed for us into four sections that can be used to pitch requests for support to different potential funding supporters,” Dolan-Heitlinger’s report states.

GROUP STRUGGLES TO SAVE SCHOONER WESTERN UNION

2

3

1 and 2. A shell of its former self, schooner Western Union is currently ‘on the hard’ at Robbie’s Marina on Stock Island, where preservation plans are still being considered and funding is still being sought. CONTRIBUTED 3. Schooner Western Union, flagship of Key West and the state of Florida, sails off Key West in better days. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR Sam Steele

IT’S ON! Volunteers cheer Jonathan Pitchford as he wins the 2019 7 Mile Bridge Run. The contest was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

7 Mile Bridge Run to take place in April SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

here’s a sense in the Keys that things are returning to normal, finally: the 7 Mile Bridge Run will take place in 2021. Organizers have announced that the 40th annual contest is a go for Saturday, April 17, but only for those who secured a bib for the canceled 2020 race.

“It is open to those that were successfully registered (and were not disqualified for various reasons) for the 2020 run,” said a statement posted on the run’s Facebook page. “We understand that some registered 2020 runners may choose not to participate; however, there will be no deferments and no transfers.”

Details about registration, mitigating COVID-19 controls and race details will be communicated via email to last year’s registered runners this week.

It was a sobering moment on March 13, 2020, when the 7 Mile Bridge Run was canceled due to fears surrounding the spread of COVID-19. As locals know, it takes a lot to stop this massive, concerted, choreographed moment when a federal highway is shut down for three hours and 1,500 racers storm across. Organizers didn’t return the 2020 race fees as much of the organizational costs had already been spent. T-shirts and medals, however, were mailed out about a month after the event was to have happened.

Many dedicated 7 Mile Bridge runners ran a “virtual race” in 2020, mapping out a similar distance in cities around the country and posting them to social media.

Registering for the race, capped at 1,500 runners, is a very competitive process. The field is usually filled in minutes when registration opens.

Organizers have pledged to follow all the coronavirus safety protocols for 2021’s 40th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run. “ The seriousness of COVID-19 weighs heavily on our organization. The decisions made up to this point have been carefully vetted and not taken lightly,” organizers said in a prepared statement.

“These decisions have been based on our love for our community and knowing we would never act in a manner that would reflect poorly on those who have graciously supported us for the past 40 years including our runners, volunteers, staff, City of Marathon personnel, or event sponsors. You can trust we will make every effort to make this year’s run a safe and fun run.”

In 2019, Marathon local Jonathan Pitchford was the first runner to cross the finish line, in 39 minutes flat. The year prior, it was local Aydan Child who placed first.

Proceeds from the 7 Mile Bridge Run support Marathon Middle High School and Stanley Switlik Elementary’s athletic and academic programs, as well as other local nonprofits. In 2018, race organizers donated a total of almost $95,000.

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000

FEBRUARY • As of January 31st, the current tax roll is 83% collected, or $259,960,737.70

• Reminder that mobile home registrations expired on December 31st and are required to be renewed

• Taxes paid in February will receive a 1% discount

• Report illegal vacation rentals anonymously by calling 1-855-422-4540

• 2020 real estate and personal property tax reminder bills, as well as the 4th installment bills, are being mailed out • Delinquent local business tax reminder bills are being mailed out Follow us on

• In observance of Presidents’ Day, all of our offices will be closed on Monday, February 15th • The Big Pine Key Satellite Office will be opening this month

for more important tax information.

20

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021 TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

GETTING THE WATER RIGHT EVERGLADES RESTORATION WILL FIX MYRIAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

I

t’s all about getting the water right.

That was the message that Steve Davis, senior ecologist and vice president of communications and engagement for The Everglades Foundation, gave at the most recent virtual talk hosted by the Keys History and Discovery Museum.

“I’ve spent much of my career studying Florida Bay and the connection between the Everglades and the Bay,” Davis explained. “And really, it’s a connection through fresh water — fresh water running off the landscape and flowing off into this shallow bay ecosystem.”

Davis explained how polluted water from Lake Okeechobee is currently sent east and west, causing harm. Very little flows south to the Everglades and Florida Bay, where it is desperately needed.

“Restoration means meeting the needs of those ecosystems by delivering water down the coast to the Everglades and the Florida Keys,” Davis said.

According to The Everglades Foundation, clean water and intact peat soils are essential ingredients to effective restoration.

Clean water is free of phosphorus contamination and the presence of other chemicals. Everglades habitats are very sensitive to phosphorus pollution, which is present in common fertilizers, untreated sewage and animal waste. When phosphorus gets into the waterways and the Everglades, it transforms the natural ecosystem full of wading birds, frogs, turles, fish and more into an algae-dominated barren.

Davis pointed to a massive seagrass dieoff in 2016. Polluted waters flushed into Florida Bay, killing off the seagrass and leading to turbid water and algal blooms.

“Anglers throughout the Florida Keys saw this and know its impact on fisheries health Bay-wide,” Davis said.

To avoid and remedy this, Everglades restoration projects plan to use a new “Everglades Agricultural Area” to filter polluted water from Lake Okeechobee, avoiding polluted discharge to the east and west coasts. This “engineered wetland” will treat polluted waters through the marshes and could reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges by 55%, Davis said. Critically, it could also restore 120 billion gallons of clean water flow to the south annually.

The more water that can flow through the marsh, the more it will reduce the stress on Florida Bay, Davis said.

Peat soils are the dead plant matter that accumulates in wetlands over time. In the Everglades, these soils build up over the limestone and act like a “massive blanket” 10 to 15 feet deep that helps usher water south to the Everglades and Florida Bay.

“These peat soils took thousands of years to develop,” Davis said, “and as we drained peat soil, it began to break down.”

This resulted in a drop in elevation and drying out of peat soils. Unfortunately, this also released critical stores of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Davis estimated that 760 million metric tons of stored carbon have been lost from the ecosystem due to changes in water flow.

“Thinking of climate change, restoring flow of water could be very important as climate mitigation,” Davis said.

As the water has dried up and the peat disintegrated, the Everglades’ landscapes have also changed. This has been devastating in particular for shore birds that depend on seasonal water level changes to find food.

At the height of the wet season, small fish and crayfish swim across the landscape. Then, as the dry season starts, water recedes and the fish, crayfish and other wading bird food concentrates in water pools, where birds can more easily eat their fill.

“That concentration effect is one of the emergent properties of the Everglades. It is really one of the targets of restoration of flow,” Davis said. “Recreating this food concentration will give rise to massive wading bird populations that the Everglades were once known for.”

Restoration will also help rebalance inequities in water management and build up much needed resilience to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion in South Florida. It does this by decreasing vulnerabilities in the system and keeping things in balance.

Davis added, “This interaction of landscapes and balance took centuries to develop and get the water right.”

So, where do we stand with Everglades restoration projects?

Projects are a 50/50 partnership between the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with equal cost sharing — in theory.

20 years after their start, the state of Florida has outspent the federal government 3-to-1 in this “supposed 50/50 partnership,” Davis said. Turns out that the plans are there, but the money is less certain. Federal appropriations at much higher levels than are currently available are needed to even up spending. The historic and current funding deficit has delayed this much-needed restoration.

Still, Davis remains hopeful.

“If the Army Corps gets funding, projects remain on track. But the fact is we’ve never been on track,” he said. “If we get restoration construction back on track, we will generate jobs and realize the benefits of these projects sooner. Our economy depends on that.”

1. Alligators are some of the most infamous inhabitants of the Everglades ecosystem.

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 2. In the Everglades, cypress domes often enclose pools of water naturally made by alligators thrashing their tails about.

21

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021 A Reddish Egret, hunting in its dance-like manner on Sugarloaf Key. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

REDDISH EGRET: DANCE IS LIFE

MARK HEDDEN ... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

I

was reading a species account of the reddish egret the other day, when the authors described the bird as a “charismatic species,” which kind of stopped me in my tracks. Charismatic?

A species account is basically the scientific lowdown on a bird – what it looks like, where it lives, what it eats, its sexual proclivities – all that good stuff.

This one was in “Birds of the World,” produced by the heavy hitters at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Not the kind of people who throw around admiring superlatives willy-nilly.

Was there a technical usage of charismatic that differed from how you would use it to describe, say, George Clooney?

The term was in the introduction, just after a long section quoting John James Audubon’s description of the first time he saw reddish egrets, which was here in the Florida Keys.

The birds were in the distance, but Audubon’s hired guide told him, “You may soon see them close enough, as you and I will shoot a few by way of amusement.” And then they shot more than a dozen and got closer looks. (In his defense, Audubon did need to study them to paint them, and there were no binoculars at the time.)

Anyone who’s read a lot of contemporary writing about animals has heard the term “charismatic megafauna.” The concept gets thrown around in environmental and conservation biology circles to describe large critters that garner a lot of public interest, sympathy and oftentimes, donations. Think pandas, elephants, tigers, whales … animals that are often used as the standardbearers of the (usually threatened) ecosystems in which they live.

Animals that also usually make good cartoon characters.

A bit of research (fine, Googling) took me down a rabbit hole that led to the conclusion that a charismatic species is not an empirical term. In my travels I did, though, run across an excellent paper in which the authors tried to make science by nailing down a more precise definition of the term.

They also created a ranking of the top 20 charismatic animals in the world, based on surveys of the general public as well as assessments of how they were portrayed in zoo advertisements and posters for Disney and Pixar movies. The charisma scores were based on how rare, endangered, beautiful, cute, impressive and/or dangerous they were. Tigers just beat out lions to come in at the top (I doubt we’d know the names Carole Baskin and Joe Exotic if they raised iguanas). Whales came in at number 20. It was an interesting exercise, but I call bullshit because the list did not include any birds. Any list of the most charismatic species that doesn’t at least include penguins is obviously cripplingly flawed in its methodology.

Now that we know “charismatic species” is a subjective descriptive, the next question is why the reddish egret is considered so compellingly charming. To anyone who has seen them in action, the answer is glaringly obvious: It’s their dance moves.

A lot of birds have dance moves. Male and female sandhill cranes perform these high-speed, call-and-response ballets. Western grebes run side-by-side across the surface of the water, wings back, in matching anime ninja postures. (See: Naruto. Or just see western grebes.)

Male bearded manakins – actually, the males of a lot of manakin species – lounge about all day at rainforest leks, which kind of function like dance halls, and wait for female manakins to stop by, so they can compete to impress them with their leaps and wing snaps. The victor goes off into the bushes with the female for a couple seconds to exchange genetic material. That’s pretty much all male bearded manakins do with their lives.

But all these birds are dancing for – let’s call it romance. Reddish egrets – which are sometimes reddish and sometimes white – do perform courtship dances that involve leaping over each other, circling around each other, handing each other twigs and emitting what Audubon described as “hollow rough sounds.”

But they only do that a couple times a year. They perform a daily dance for a different audience: fish.

In the Keys you mostly see reddish egrets in shallow saltwater ponds or out on the tidal flats. Their dance floors tend to be mud covered by two to six inches of water.

Usually it starts with a run. Then maybe a change of directions.

Then a wing fake, or a head fake, or double wing fake. Then maybe a leap into the air and a look-at-me landing. Sometimes they’ll run with their head canted 45 degrees to the side. Sometimes they’ll fluff out the feathers on their neck to make themselves look bigger.

It’s a full-body commitment, all arhythmic, improvised, high energy, maybe a touch over-dramatic.

Imagine viewing something choreographed by Martha Graham or Alvin Ailey with the sound off. Throw in a tablespoon of the landlord’s interpretive dance quintet from the “Big Lebowski.”

It is, in fact, damn charming to watch.

The point, of course, is not to entertain the fish, but to scare them, confound them, confuse them. To keep them from knowing when a bill might stab into the water and grab them up.

Dance is life for some. Though, maybe not if you’re a fish.

22

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021 OBITUARY

Beverly Holmes

COMMERCE CORNER Sarah Brawer, M.A., LLC Sarah Brawer provides both mental health and substance abuse therapy, working with individuals and families, including children, teens and adults, using multiple treatment methods to best address each individual’s needs. Her practice accepts most major insurance carriers as well as private-pay clients.

“The key to my success is approaching therapy as a team effort, working together to help individuals and families achieve their personal goals,” Brawer said. “I care deeply that people are able to find strategies to live life to its fullest.”

Brawer has been in practice for more than 25 years and has specialized training. She is an EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), which is a specialized treatment used to address traumatic experiences, as well as PTSD. She also specializes in substance abuse treatment and is a Certified Addictions Professional.

Brawer is also the president and co-founder of Presents In Paradise, and a proud member of the Rotary Club of Marathon.

Location: 6803 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Phone: 305-304-6794 Website: SarahBrawer.com Email: Counselinginthekeys@gmail.com

Sharon Ann Burley Sharon Ann Burley, of Tavernier, FL, went to be with her Lord on Dec. 16, 2020, surrounded by her family, after a short struggle with aggressive cancer. Born in Spangler, Pennsylvania, to Ron and Lois Marshall on Feb. 8, 1962, she was a 1980 graduate of Cambria Heights High School. She is survived by her husband, Robert Burley, son Dylan, daughter Lindsey (Burley) Kaile, son-in-law Austin Kaile, and granddaughter Avery Kaile. She was preceded in death by her father, Ron, of Pennsylvania, and her son, Anthony, of Tavernier.

Sharon came to the Keys in 1980 and married her high school sweetheart Rob Burley on April 25, 1981. Sharon worked at Clear Channel radio in Tavernier as an administrative assistant for several years, and currently at Randy’s Florida Keys Gift Company in Key Largo. She was very active at Ocean Studies Charter School and Plantation Key School. Sharon was well known for her friendly outgoing personality and was always willing to help anyone she could.

A celebration of her life has not yet been scheduled.

It is with great sadness that the Holmes family announces the loss of Beverly C. Holmes, an over 40-year resident of Marathon, Florida and retired from the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s Office. She is survived by her spouse of 60 years, Matthew W. Holmes, Jr. and their three children, Jeannette Holmes, Nicole Maldonado and Matthew W. Holmes III. The family will have a small celebration Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, from 3 to 6 p.m. at San Pablo Church Hall, 550 122nd Street Ocean in Marathon, in honor of Beverly Holmes. The family plans to travel the following week to bury Beverly Holmes in her hometown of Syracuse, New York.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thank you, Marathon, for your support As I start my seventh year at Crane Point Hammock & Nature Center, I am reflecting on all the changes made to improve this beautiful, special place.

My staff and I are grateful for all the support from members, volunteers, donors, locals and benefactors. The outpouring of support is overwhelming; words can’t express our gratitude.

We at Crane Point just want to say thank you for all that has been done to support us and all that will continue to be done. Things are happening at Crane Point!

Charlotte Quinn, CEO

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 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!”

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24

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Congratulations to the new Owners and our Sellers!

Ready to Sell or Buy? Please give us a call!

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25

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

THE STORY OF ISRAEL LAFAYETTE JONES ENTERPRISING AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAKES HIS MARK ON SOUTH FLORIDA

I

BRAD BERTELLI ... is the curator for Islamorada’s Keys History & Discovery Center.

A published author of six books, his favorite subjects are Indian Key and skunk apes.

n the years before the Civil War, Arter Jones worked as a North Carolina farm laborer. He married at least twice and, while no records document his first wife, she bore him two sons, Israel and Samuel. Though their early family history is a bit murky, Israel Lafayette Jones was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1858, to parents who may or may not have been slaves. His younger brother Samuel was born in 1861. Both boys grew up working on a farm.

In 1892, Israel left the farm for bluer pastures.

He moved to the port city of Wilmington, where he worked on the docks, loading and offloading cargo.

Somewhere around 1893, Israel boarded a ship bound for Florida. His first job was working in the orange groves around Orlando. When a freeze devastated the citrus fields, Israel left for Tampa. From Tampa, he sailed to Key West because just about every 19th century Florida Keys story at some point involves the Southernmost City.

Israel ventured north, exploring opportunities in the burgeoning community of Coconut Grove. He found work as a handyman at the Peacock Inn. Originally called the Bayview House when it opened circa 1883, it is considered mainland South Florida’s first hotel. Mozelle Albury, one of the inn’s housemaids, caught his eye. She and Israel married in 1895, by which time Israel had made an impression on some early South Florida and Florida Keys landowners.

The Jones family on the porch of their Porgy Key home.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/Contributed

It started with Walter S. Davis II, who owned 500 acres of Key Biscayne. After being hired as his property’s caretaker, Jones worked to improve it. He cleared land for crops and built a two-story home for the Davis family. His hard work paid off. Two other local property owners, Ralph Munroe, founder and first commodore of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, and Dr. John Clayton Gifford also hired Jones to manage their properties. They would not be the last. Frank T. Budge, the owner of Miami’s first hardware store and its first brick building, also hired Jones. In addition to the brick store, Budge owned Totten Key, where he operated a 250-acre pineapple farm.

Israel and Mozelle’s first child was born in 1897 and named King Arthur Lafayette Jones. 1897 was also the year Israel Jones purchased his first island, the 63-acre Porgy Key, for $300. The following year, while stuck aboard a 22-foot boat smack in the middle of Biscayne Bay, Mozelle gave birth to their second child, Sir Lancelot Garfield Jones. The same year, Jones purchased the neighboring Old Rhodes Key. With his brother Samuel, Israel worked on Porgy Key and built a pier extending out over the shallows and into deeper, more navigable waters. They also cleared enough land to begin commercially farming pineapples and Key limes. Though the limes took longer to bear fruit, the pineapples began producing cash crops within two years. Circa 1902, Israel moved his family into a pre-existing two-story home on Porgy Key. And then, in 1906, a Category 3 hurricane struck the Florida Keys, with devastating results for the pineapple industry. It also caused the end of more than 200 lives, many of whom were men working to build Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad.

The hurricane destroyed the Joneses’ house on Porgy Key. Frank Budge’s Totten Key pineapple plantation also suffered tremendous damage. Rather than deal with his failed farm, in 1911, Budge sold Totten Key to Jones for $1 an acre. Jones deeded much of the island to his sons Arthur and Lancelot but sold 212 acres of Totten Key for $250,000. In 2021 terms, that $250,000 would be worth in the neighborhood of $6.8 million.

Jones, too, was a religious man. He was known in his community as Parson Jones and supported Miami’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He also helped create Jacksonville’s Negro Industrial School. The school, originally called the Florida Baptist Academy, was founded in 1892. It moved to St. Augustine in 1918 where the school underwent several transitions before moving to Dade County in 1965 and opening as Florida Memorial College in 1968. In 2004, the school became Florida Memorial University. Israel Lafayette Jones died in 1932 at the age of 74.

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

POSITIVE MESSAGES FOR PASCAL

Pictures show love, solidarity on boy’s 15th birthday

F

eb. 2 marked the 15th birthday of Pascal Weisberger, the boy who passed away in a tragic incident last May. To show love and solidarity that honors the young boy’s impact he made, pictures were shared using the hashtag “Pascal’s Way.� As Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father, told Keys Weekly recently, “‘Pascal’s Way’ refers to having care, compassion and kindness for others, animals and the environment, which is the way that Pascal lived his life.� — Weekly staff report 1. Wearing shirts honoring Pascal, students at Treasure Village Montessori spent the day cleaning up shoreline in the Upper Keys.

1 2

3

2. This owl at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier gave “Pascal’s Way� some love in honor of his 15th birthday.

CONTRIBUTED 3. The nonprofit Kinkatopia, located in Boca Raton, honored Pascal and his passion for animals and his kindness.

4. Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. founder Nicole Navarro, of Key Largo, took a moment to honor the young man with a picture of Penny the red fox looking down at a sign that reads “Pascal’s Way.� CONTRIBUTED

 Â? Â? Â

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

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27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

CORAL SHORES HOMECOMING COURT

The Coral Shores High School recently announced its 2020-21 Homecoming Court. From left are: Allie Adler and Angel Gutierrez; Lucia Rodriguez and Mario Menendez; Andrea Galvan and Gio Torres; Zareska Mazola Ortega and Hector Moreno; and Riley Dobson and Jackson Hilson. CONTRIBUTED

BRIEFLY Sanctuary Advisory Council meets virtually Feb. 16 The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet virtually on Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Council members will hear about accomplishments in the first year of Mission: Iconic Reefs to restore seven sites in the Florida Keys.

They will also hear from the acting assistant administrator of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Nicole LeBoeuf, and receive an initial report from the newly-formed Florida Keys and South Florida Ecosystem Connectivity Team.

Public comment will be accepted via email to floridakeys@noaa.gov during the meeting. An agenda and supporting materials will be posted at floridakeys.noaa.gov/sac.

Author explores illegal businesses and nightlife Keys History & Discovery Center presents “Al Capone’s Miami: Paradise or Purgatory,” a live virtual lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m., presented by author and journalist Sally J. Ling. You’ve heard of Alphonse

Gabriele “Al” Capone, also known as “Scarface,” who rose to become the undisputed king of the Chicago mob during the Prohibition era. You know he became one of America’s most infamous gangsters and earned the moniker public enemy No. 1. But less is known about his time in Florida. Join Ling as she shares tales of his time in South Florida, from his home in Miami Beach, where he spent time before and after his imprisonment in Alcatraz.

Hear tales of his illegal businesses, how he enjoyed the rich Miami Beach nightlife, entertained the famous and infamous alike, was harassed by local residents and law enforcement, and was arrested several times. It is also here he eventually died.

The lecture is free for members and $5 for non-members. Register in advance by visiting www.keysdiscovery.com/lectures. This virtual program uses GoToWebinar. For more information on this platform, go to www. keysdiscovery.com/virtual-platforms.

K9 Coral back at it, sniffing out drugs A man and woman were arrested on the evening of Feb. 2 on drug charges after a large amount of cocaine, marijuana and pills were found in a vehicle following a traffic stop on Big Pine Key. Antonio Diosmede Junco, 30, and Tho Lee Tharasy, 38, both of Big Pine Key, were both charged with trafficking cocaine and felony possession of marijuana. Tharasy was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance (Xanax) without a prescription.

Deputies stopped a vehicle for speeding and for having illegal window tint at about 8:30 p.m. on U.S. 1.

K9 Coral alerted deputies to drugs inside the vehicle. In all, about 4.5 ounces of cocaine, a pound of marijuana and five Xanax pills were found.

Junco and Tharasy were taken to jail.

Congressman Gimenez selected to committee U.S. Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez was selected to serve as a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee (SST) for the 117th Congress. The SST has jurisdiction over federal agencies involved in nondefense research and development, which includes key science-related agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve on the House Science, Space, and Technology committee. As South Florida continues to expand as a major tech hub across our country and throughout the Americas, I will work to ensure this committee pushes forward policies that will support the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of American technology,” Gimenez said.

28

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

ALL I MEAD NEW LOCATION, NEW MURAL BOOSTS BUSINESS FOR MEADERY

The operational staff of Keys’ Meads: from left, head distiller and beekeeper Jeff Wingate, co-owner and distiller Jeff Kesling, and bartender Devon Mederos.

Kesling said business got a huge boost from the mural

by Ginger Hill. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

L

ast week, Keys’ Meads co-owner Jeff Kesling and head distiller Jeff Wingate, known as “The Jeffs,” sat at a table and swirled amber-colored fluid in small snifters. They were preparing to sample their inventory. The three glasses on the table had taped labels indicating which barrel they had come from: 107, 102 and 006.

“The 006 was aged in a sour beer barrel.

Very good, but not in my taste palate,” said Wingate, thoughtfully. He sipped the 107 mead.

He tilted his head back. “Amazing. Tastes like heaven. Liquid sunshine.”

“Not gonna lie, it’s my favorite,” said Kesling, pointing at 102.

“It’s like biting into a crisp Gala apple. In used beer barrels, the meads are picking up the flavors of beer,” Wingate said, explaining that Keys’ Meads buys used oak barrels from other breweries to age their meads in, lending each a different flavor.

“We’re lucky if we have eight gallons of that one,” said Kesling. “Four for you, four for me.”

The men break into laughter.

Thus goes a typical mead tasting at Keys’ Meads, educational and fun at the same time.

“The Jeffs’’ enjoy a breezy back-and-forth banter. Kesling said that one of the names they’re batting around for their new distillery is “Throuple Jeff,” because, believe it or not, the other co-owner, Kesling’s father, is named Jeff Kesling Sr. But the full-time bartender’s name is Devon Mederos. “We’re gonna give him the name tag ‘Not Jeff,’” joked Kesling.

However, Wingate and Kesling take meadmaking very seriously. “Mead is more versatile than wine, honestly, in terms of what you can do with flavors,” said Wingate.

“You can quote both of us as saying that,” said Kesling.

Kesling has lived in the Keys on and off since he was 6 years old, and he has made a living for the most part as an engineer. In 2014, he was inspired to start home-brewing mead because he’s not a huge fan of beer and wine.

If, when you think of mead, you imagine

2

Vikings sitting around a massive wood table, yelling “Argh!” and clinking metal cups in all those Netflix dramas, you can be excused.

But according to Delish.com, “While mead has gotten a medieval reputation thanks to movies and TV shows, its history stretches back much further. With its simple fermented honey plus water recipe, mead was one of the very first alcoholic beverages ever made, predating beer and wine — as far back as 3,000 B.C.” Starting his own meadery business was a natural decision for Kesling. “I’m an entrepreneur. I’m one of those people, ‘If I can, I will.’ I built the walls in this place. The floor. The walls.

Very literally,” he said.

The first Keys’ Meads business opened in 2017 on the second floor of an office building at MM 99.3 in Key Largo. But they just moved into a new, more accessible storefront, which is next to Mattress & Beyond at MM 99.4.

“We lucked into this location,” Kesling said.

“I came in to buy a mattress. I joked, ‘If you ever decide to close up, I’ll take your location.’ And he said, ‘Well, I’m trying to downsize.’ It wasn’t until I was here that I realized how much I was choking while at the last location.”

Kesling uses honey from Wingate’s Pirate Hat Apiary business. The duo met at a local home-brewing competition in 2014, and the rest is history.

“It was a friendship that began as a vendor supplier and now it’s blossomed into a partnership,” explained Wingate. “We may bring honey production in house.”

“Ah, my evil plan is coming to fruition,” replied Kesling.

In addition to selling bottles of meads and tastings, Keys’ Meads also sells a selection of Pirate Hat Apiary products that are made by Wingate and his wife. The items include candles, soaps, body scrubs, and the honey itself.

Kesling said business got a boost in September shortly after Keys’ Meads moved to the current location and artist Ginger Hill put the highly visible mural on the side of the building.

Passengers in cars can easily see the colorful painting while sitting at the nearby light.

“The outside mural brought people here.

It’s a landmark now,” Kesling said.

Keys’ Meads is located at 99411 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Hours are Monday to Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

For the full story on Keys’ Meads, visit keysweekly.com.

3

2. Co-owner Jeff Kesling shows off the selection of honeys available at Keys’ Meads. 3. Keys’ Meads bartender Devon Mederos.

4. Beekeeper and distiller Jeff Wingate prepares to render beeswax, a process to melt and purify wax from honeycombs in order to make candles, etc.

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29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

(

Free Valentine's

Day Delivery from mm 103 to 80 with a $50 purchase Key Largo 305-453-6613

Islamorada 305-440-3178

2021 Gigantic Nautical Flea Market:

Click. Contribute. Educate.

Upper Keys Rotary Club

NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET Scholarship Appeal 2021

The Show can't go on, but the Need Remains!

100K 90K 80K 70K 60K 50K 40K 30K 20K

No Gigantic Nautical Flea Market this year! Graduating seniors, current college students and those pursuing career technical education rely on the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation’s annual Scholarship Awards to help offset the cost of continuing education. Your help is needed more than ever!

Click. Contribute. Educate. Help us exceed

our goal of $100,000 with a guaranteed match of $50,000. Every dollar counts!

Ways to donate: • Go to www.keysrotary.us • Text-to-give: Text Scholarships to 786-244-2468 for link.

• Send check to Upper Keys Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 1514, Tav. FL 33070.

As of February 1, raised $46,265. Still time to sponsor! Call 305-304-0052 for details.

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30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

What’s your secret talent? Singing. I used to sing in the A.M.E. choir. My favorite hymn is “Yes, God is real.”

How long have you lived in Marathon? We moved here in 1953.

Back then you could play ball on the highway. There was a car that came by every now and then and we had to move to the side.

DOROTHY GOES THE DISTANCE

MARATHON WOMAN A PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY

I

f there’s a thread running through Dorothy Hawkins’ life it’s food. For almost three decades she cooked at Fishermen’s Community Hospital and then moved over to become a bus driver for the Monroe County School District. At 71, she’s a stalwart of Marathon, mothering the upcoming generations with the support she once received from the matriarchs of the Marathon community.

She’s retired now, and stays home most days because of the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean she’s idle.

She goes to the store and home and, when it gets too boring for words, she’ll hop in her car and drive down to the 7 Mile Bridge and back.

Do you have siblings? I’m the oldest of six. My mom died when I was 12 so I helped to raise my little brothers and sisters.

Do you have children and grandchildren? My sons Stacy and Josh live near Ocala. My daughter Ann lives in Marathon and works with Dr. Woltz. I have six grandchildren.

Is being a grandmother as great as they say? Oh sure, my kids bring ’em over and then when I’m ready I can send ’em off!

What was your favorite job? Definitely cooking at the hospital. I got close to the patients and I would go visit with them. I wasn’t supposed to, but I did anyway because everyone needs comfort.

What do you like to cook? Oh, anything — collard greens, okra, peas, beans, cabbage, mac and cheese, oxtail soup, pork chops ...

(At this point, her daughter Ann interjects: “She can make a meal out of anything, and not just any meal, something delicious. I don’t know how she does it.”)

What’s your favorite book? The Bible, of course.

What are some of your favorite memories of Marathon? Taking my kids fishing across the street.

I’d bring my chair and would tell the kids not to let each other fall in. One time Ann got wrapped in the fishing line.

What’s something you don’t like? Snakes! If I find one, I go in the opposite direction and don’t come back until someone else deals with it. I have a recipe with Snake-A-Way and mothballs that I sprinkle around the yard.

What’s your “at home” look?

Scrubs.

Who was one of your mentors?

After my mom died, it was the late Cora Picton. I would get in big trouble with her if she caught me shooting marbles with the boys. I was always looking over my shoulder to see if she was coming.

What’s your favorite thing? My birthday!

THU FEB 4 Webb & Davidson FRI FEB 5 Taylor King Band Michael Trixx @ Sunset SAT FEB 6 Static South SUN FEB 7 Abstract Radio MON FEB 8 The Carousers Michael Trixx @ Sunset TUE FEB 9 Harry French WED FEB 10 Webb & Davidson Michael Trixx @ Sunset

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WE ARE

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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You’ve heard of Alphonse Gabriele “Al” Capone, also known as “Scarface,” who rose to become the undisputed king of the Chicago mob during the Prohibition era. You know he became one of America’s most infamous gangsters and earned the moniker Public Enemy Number One. But less is known about his time in Florida. Join Sally Ling as she shares tales of his time in South Florida, from his home in Miami Beach, where he spent time before and after his imprisonment in Alcatraz. Hear tales of his illegal businesses, how he enjoyed the rich Miami Beach nightlife, entertained the famous and infamous alike, was harassed by local residents and law enforcement, and was arrested several times. It is also here he eventually died.

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6-7 p.m.

A live virtual lecture.

Sponsored in memory of Robert L. Mitchell.

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

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

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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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REMEMBERING PASCAL ON HIS 15TH BIRTHDAY Community gathers for park cleanup

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group gathered at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier on Feb. 2 for a community cleanup to remember young Pascal Weisberger’s compassion and kindness for others, wildlife and the environment. The day marked Pascal’s 15th birthday, and those who knew Pascal joined in on the cleanup. They included his fellow scouts with Troop 912, his friends from Ocean Studies Charter School and Treasure Village Montessori, as well as Monroe County sheriff’s deputies and former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. “Let’s do some good,” Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father, said to the group as they prepared to pick up debris along the shoreline. The cleanup was part of a community-wide event known as Pascal Weisberger Day of Service to honor the young boy’s inspiring acts of service to the community.

— Weekly staff report

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly 1. Monroe County sheriff’s deputies joined scouts and the community for the park cleanup.

2. Scouts Aidan Austin, Jordan Lubis and Zachary Woltanski hold buckets as they prepare to clean up the shoreline of Harry Harris Park.

3. Girl Scout Mallory Hughes maneuvers past some rocks to pick up debris.

4. Emma Haydocy, Florida Bay Forever executive director, presents Scout Troop 912 with medals for their efforts to clean the Florida Keys waters.

5. Former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell presents Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father, with a flag that was flown in Washington, D.C. to remember the young boy.

6. Scout Aidan Austin picks up an old can while cleaning up the shoreline of Harry Harris Park.

33

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34

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

REDA WIGLE

www.keysweekly.com

SAVE ROOM FOR THESE DESSERTS

S Better Than Sex is located at the corner of Simonton and Truman. LANCE HILL/Keys Weekly

Dani and Len Johnson of Better Than Sex BETTER THAN SEX/Contributed

Better Than Sex’s Lickin’ Love, a glass of pinot noir served in a Belgian chocolaterimmed wine glass.

Better Than Sex’s Cookie Nookie Pie.

cientists agree that early man developed a taste for sugar as a means of survival.

The “sweet tooth” is an evolutionary adaptation that ensured our ancestors consumed sugar-rich, calorically dense foods that fueled them to travel vast distances, outrun predators and make love.

Key West‘s pastry power couple, Dani and Len Johnson of Better Than Sex dessert restaurant, have been honoring and elevating that survivalist sweet tooth for nearly 13 years. What began as a pocket-sized drinksand-dessert experience on Key West’s Petronia Street has expanded to a larger, but equally intimate, local space, plus locations in Savannah, Orlando and Dallas.

A Los Angeles outpost is slated to open when that city emerges from lockdown.

But success wasn’t instant for Better Than Sex. “We were open for about a year before we really had any business. We were dead,” said Len. “It’s the people here who got us to where we are now. We’re here; we’re blessed to be here. We never want to forget that.”

A spirit of adaptation and evolution has carried the couple through its slow start, Hurricane Irma and a global pandemic. With 60 reservations on the books the night of the initial shutdown in the spring of 2020, Better Than Sex immediately pivoted to take-out, something the couple previously had resisted. “I was apprehensive because I couldn’t stand the thought of our pretty desserts getting smushed into a box,” Dani said. “You don’t get to sit in our dining room and have the whole experience, with the exceptional service, the lighting, the décor. But COVID made it OK. Everybody is just happy to have this indulgence at home.”

Although the restaurant has returned to its usual hours and dine-in service, Better Than Sex still offers individual desserts to go, as well as 6-inch celebration cakes, miniature versions of its most popular desserts, which are available for nearly immediate pick-up.

To further enhance the takeout experience, the couple also designed Spark Cards, a series of questions meant to inspire intimate conversation while sharing an enchanting dessert at home.

(Personal favorite: If you were to be described as an ice cream flavor, what would it be?)

Better Than Sex radio, a Sirius station played at all BTS locations, is now available to home diners, and the restaurant’s almond and aphrodisiacscented Romance candle, handmade by former

employee Emily Shipman of Bella Laine candles, is available in the expanding retail space.

Clearly, the Better Than Sex crew — and clientele — celebrate change. Eight years ago, when the restaurant was moving to its current Simonton Street location, the couple relived the legend of Sloppy Joe’s by asking guests and staff to raise a glass and a chair. “We have pictures of guests and employees walking with chairs on their backs down Duval Street, wheeling refrigerators,” Len said, laughing at the memory.

The couple had initially envisioned a fondue restaurant. That plan was quickly extinguished when, as Dani remembered, “We had a fondue party at our house and almost caught the place on fire.”

Retiring, reviving and revising are all part of a typical life cycle for the restaurant’s dessert menu. “The Better Than Sex, a triple chocolate bread pudding, has been on the menu since day one. I’ve revised it four or five times because I love it,” Dani said. Her perennial favorite remains Man Flowers, a dark chocolate layer cake made with double chocolate stout and served with house-made Irish cream ice cream.

She and her pastry team’s newest experiment is a totally vegan dessert — vanilla bean cake layered between passion fruit mousse with strawberry coulis and freeze-dried raspberries.

The restaurant also now offers the gluten-free Caress My Carrot cake.

“Sick of sugar? Never. Sometimes I get burned out being in a kitchen, but our people keep it alive for me,” said Dani, the self-taught pastry chef. “From the beginning, we’ve tried to treat everybody as a person and the job they do for us as a gift.”

Last spring, COVID restrictions forced the couple to cut back to a skeleton crew. When the restaurant could reopen for dine-in service, “We were like, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got to get our people back.’ Nobody had left. Everybody waited.”

Dani and Len remain as devoted to the island community as to their staff, and Key West remains the spiritual home of the brand. “Better Than Sex was born here,” said Dani. “This was the right place to start because creativity is allowed and welcomed. Key West lets you be you.”

Skip dinner entirely, or save plenty of space for the sweet and satisfying combination of desserts, drinks and double entendres.

Better Than Sex, 926 Simonton St., and open for dine-in and take-out Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Find them online at betterthansexdesserts.com or on Facebook @betterthansexkw.

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

KEYS CRITTERS A Keys Disease guide to island wildlife

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isitors to our islands often notice that the various types of wildlife that inhabit these coral rocks are different than the species they have at home. No kidding. In that spirit, we here at Keys Disease Central are proud to present The Complete Simpleton’s Guide to Keys Critters.

No guide like this would be worth the paper it is written upon without mention of the kind of wildlife that truly gets up close and personal with humans. Two examples are the multiple species of mosquitoes and the incredibly irritating no-see-um. These insects desire what you are not necessarily inclined to share — namely, your blood. But take a moment and look at it from the insect’s perspective. The critters that normally offer their lifeblood to hungry mosquitoes and no-see-ums usually have fur or feathers in the way of their skin — not so easy for a small insect to navigate.

But here comes the relatively hairless human to the islands, and bloodsucking insects of the tropics rejoice — to them, we’re nothing more than all-youcan-eat blood buffets. To try and deter these insects from feasting upon us, humans have developed numerous types of repellents. My personal favorite is the coil that is ignited and burns for several seconds before our island humidity renders it useless. When they do work, however, the smell is reminiscent of the aroma of the thatch roof of your tiki hut slowly smoldering prior to total combustion.

The less said about fire ants, the better. Moving along …

Our avian friends certainly deserve mention in our guide. Many visitors notice that our birds are somewhat different than the bluebirds of happiness that inhabit most of the continental United States. First, we have our longnecked shore birds like the heron and the egret. These birds are often seen where the highway is close to water, and as such, egrets and herons are responsible for more traffic accidents than any other bird (“Look Myrtle! An egret is right here on the side of the…

SCREECHCRASHTINKLE!”) Pelicans are quite the popular local bird, but they have a downside: they’re shameless beggars. It’s sad to see what once was a proud fishing species being reduced to panhandling for fish scraps at docks.

Other noteworthy local birds include our ospreys, hawks and the occasional eagle. These raptors, or birds of prey, are exceptional creatures because they can catch and keep fish

without any regard to size, weight, or slot limits. It can be very frustrating for a fisherman to watch an osprey carry off a prize fish while his line remains undisturbed.

JOHN On Big Pine Key BARTUS (and a few other “Lower” Keys), the is a City of Maraprotected Key deer thon councilroam freely. A small man. He also is sub-species of the a musician who performs around common whitetown. For more tail deer, the Key see johnbartus. deer have taken com advantage of their isolation on our islands to evolve slowly into miniature versions of their former selves. This process is illustrated in the Discovery Channel documentary “Honey, I Shrunk the Herd.”

Other endangered and protected species that call the Keys home include the Key Largo wood rat, the Key Largo cotton mouse, and the Lower Keys marsh rabbit. What people would consider pests “back home” are protected here in the Keys.

Unfortunately, the Keys have fallen victim to “invasive” or “exotic” species that have found the Keys to be particularly habitable. Notable offenders include the green iguana, the Burmese python, the dreaded lionfish, and the extra-large Canadian Speedowearing beach creature. Each of these species threatens local wildlife, or perhaps just the view.

Finally, let’s devote a few words to our friendly neighborhood scorpions.

It seems that damp, humid, moldy piles of debris make the perfect scorpion hangout. Many Keys residents say you haven’t lived until you’ve stepped on a scorpion in your bare feet, or had one pop you in the hand when you’re cleaning up that pile of garbage in the backyard.

Well, here we are at the end of the Guide, and no mention of land crabs, coral snakes, or eastern diamondback rattlesnakes! Another time, perhaps.

Sleep well …

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

THIS MONTH IS DEDICATED TO YOUR HEART

Spoiler alert: This has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day

I

n 1964, President Johnson declared February as American Heart Month, 9 years after his heart attack.

Since then, every DR. JOHN president has WOLTZ continued with … is a preventative the February tradition. Why health physician with Baptist does heart and Health Primary cardiovascular Care in Marathon. disease have its own month?

According to the American Heart Foundation and its website heart. org, “Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke combined) kills about 2,300 a day. Obesity in both youth and adults is at an all-time high, youth are being diagnosed with heart disease earlier than ever and people just ZIP codes apart can live 25 years less than their neighbors because of disparities in health.” Some interesting additional facts from Heart.org: Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined.

Heart attacks affect more people every year than the population of Dallas, Texas.

83% believe that heart attacks can be prevented but aren’t motivated to do anything.

72% of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease.

And 58% put no effort into improving their heart health.

Go back and reread those facts. 83% aren’t motivated to do anything? 58% put no effort into improving their heart health?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Each year over 650,000 Americans die of heart disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But there are some preventions that you can put into place, and we all know what they are … healthy diet, exercise, controlling blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol and no excessive alcohol use.

Smoking is another huge risk for heart disease, among other diseases it contributes to.

Medicine has improved significantly over the years in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and the cardiovascular emergencies including heart attacks and strokes.

But the best way to survive heart disease is to not get to the point where you need angioplasty, stents, bypass grafts, etc.

Where do we start? I would recommend seeing your provider, getting your cholesterol and sugar checked. Start eating a hearthealthy diet, exercising and stop smoking. Your provider has many tools and access to other specialists that can help you accomplish these goals.

There’s no time like the present to start putting your health first, and maybe putting a dent in the number one killer in the United States.

Have a great week, and be healthier today than you were yesterday!

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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

Karen represented the Buyers of: 440 10th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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

MULTI USE WAREHOUSE SPACE FOR RENT

City of Marathon City Council Executive Session Notice Notice is hereby given that the City Council consisting of Mayor Luis Gonzalez, Vice-Mayor Senmartin and Councilmembers John Bartus, Steven Cook and Dr. Daniel Zieg, City Manager George Garrett and City Attorney Steve Williams, and Special Counsel Mike Burke will meet in an Attorney-Client Session, pursuant to Section 286.11 (8), Florida Statutes to discuss the following case: Rodney Shands vs. City of Marathon, a Florida Municipality; Monroe County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida; and Department of Community Affairs, an agency of the State of Florida; Case No. 2007-CA-99-M pending in the Circuit Court for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and For Monroe County, Florida.

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The meeting will be held on February 9, 2021 at 4:30pm at the Marathon City Government Offices, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Mainstreaming

A look at what they're doing on the mainland

NOW TRENDING Here are a new take on wall decor, a serious look at a complex issue and a second season of a drama taking place on a train.

WATCH | SNOWPIERCER Seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, the remnants of humanity inhabit a perpetually-moving train that circles the globe, where class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out. Season one was released in May 2020. Out of the second season, which premiered on Jan. 25, emerge new power struggles, causing a dangerous rift as people are divided between their loyalty to Layton and to Mr. Wilford, who has a new train, new technology and a game plan that keeps everyone guessing. On TNT. BUY | Wall decals These used to be kind of tacky — the options were limited to “Live, Love, Laugh” word art or a garish tropical beach. Now, the sky’s the limit when it comes to wall decals that are easy to apply to drywall and remove without damaging the surface. Shoppers can hone in on a category of art — abstracts, wildlife, landscapes, Disney and sports. Decals are available from all the major home stores including wayfair.com and The Home Depot; prices vary. (They are far superior to stencils. See page 45.)

You have to be living under a rock not to know two things: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos is retiring from his job as CEO and founder of Amazon, and the Keys always need more help.

We offer you …

TOP TEN FLORIDA KEYS JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR JEFF BEZOS 10. Associate broker, Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management 9. Sandwich artist, Subway 8. Chief technology officer, Dion’s Quik Chik Chicken

READ | It Ends with Us At first blush, this is a romance. Until it isn’t. The main character’s love interest turns abusive suddenly. This is a complex issue that the author, Colleen Hoover, treats as a serious subject. She delves into the nuance of abusive relationships as they pertain to the victim, children and extended family without falling back on the overly simplified “just leave him” argument so many naively espouse. Available for free on Libby app, supported by Monroe

7. Grand marshal, Fantasy Fest parade 6. Buyer’s agent, Kirby’s Closet

5. Village manager, Islamorada 4. Rick Scott stunt double 3. Spokesman, Addison’s Barber Parlor 2. Director of leisure activities, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 1. Executive assistant, Ed Swift

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Join us in person or on Facebook Live @ 9:00am and 11:00 am this Sunday.

We are streaming our Daily Devotions at 8am, Compline at 9pm & Sunday Prayers at 9am on our Facebook page @stcolumbamarathon Don't forget The Incredible Fruit Stand Saturdays 9:00 am!

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40

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

KAYLA SIPE Weightlifting / Junior

Describe one of your best moments in athletics. This entire season has been filled with best moments. Every week at each meet I have worked hard pushing 5 pounds better than the last. In November I was maxing 65 pounds at clean-and-jerk and 60 pounds on bench. I have put in a lot of work and I am now at 100 pounds on clean-and-jerk and 80 on bench in just two months.

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How long have you been part of the weightlifting team? This is my second year on the team. I joined to get stronger for other sports and ended up really loving the sport and so I have stuck with it.

What do you enjoy about weightlifting? I enjoy the fight to be better than your last lift. I also enjoy how much all the girls, no matter what school you're from, always support and cheer for each other. It’s a really great feeling.

Coach Schubert says… “Just breathe.” Schubert always has encouraging words, but these are some of the most important ones.

It determines how well you will do, and keeps you focused on what you need to get done.

Visit us online @ www.keysweekly.com/aow

Karen

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

2 FOR STATES

What organizations and activities are you involved with at Coral Shores and why are they important to you? Right now I am involved with the wrestling team because I want to learn how to defend myself against anyone. I am looking for new opportunities, though! I would like to be more involved here.

Chapa, Brabenec represent MHS at weightlifting championship CLARE MERRYMAN www.keysweekly.com

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or most Lady Fins, the weightlifting season is over. But Rylan Chapa, who is ranked seventh coming into the state championship, and Allie Brabenec, who is ranked 15th, are both advancing to the highest level of competition in Florida. The state championships will take place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13, and will be held at Suwannee High School in Gainesville for the 1A and 2A classifications, which includes smaller schools such as Marathon High School, and at St. Cloud High School for the 3A class, or the bigger schools. It’s the first time the state championship has been split between two sites — to provide proper social distancing.

The regional championships were held this past weekend at Lemon Bay High School in Englewood. Six MHS girls placed in the regional event: Rylan Chapa in first place, Allie Brabenec in fourth, Emily Suarez in fifth place, and Carly Childress, Clare Merryman and Sara Kratzert in sixth place.

The MHS team tied for fourth place at the regional meet.

“This season has been one of our best yet,” said coach Jessie Schubert.

The team is the largest it has ever been, he said, and the Lady Fins are now two-time district champions, and have had the most girls place at regionals in the team’s history.

Sophomore Aaliyah Torres is a fan of the sport and the team.

“The girls have always been incredibly supportive and positive, and have been there to cheer my teammates and I on since day one,” Torres said.

The team also credits Schubert.

Senior Jilly McGuire said, “He has become more than just a coach to us all. He’s been in the weightroom every day ready to help in any way we may need, whether we were struggling mentally or physically.”

— Clare Merryman is the Marathon Weekly’s high school student intern and also a top weightlifter on the team.

Effortless hearing, tailor-made for you.

What are your plans after high school? I plan to go to the University of Florida. I know it is hard to get in there, but that is what I am shooting for.

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

LUCAS MYERS SOPHOMORE What is something most people don’t know about you? I wasn't born in a hospital. I was born in a hot tub at my house in Islamorada.

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Ruiz, my Spanish teacher, because she was like a mother figure to me and she gave me food all the time.

She was always nice and very funny.

What does “a good education” mean to you? When you have fun learning. I like when we get to do group work so I can talk with my friends.

What is the dumbest rule at your school? The best?

The dumbest is that you can't put hoods up on hoodies. Sometimes it is cold! The best is that we have to wear masks to keep us safe.

What is something you know now that you didn’t know when you were a freshman? How important it is to try your hardest. It is hard to come back from bad grades. I always try my hardest, but it is important to catch up quickly if you start falling behind.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? With my girlfriend Maggie. We like to binge-watch Netflix shows and bake.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home? Why or why not? No, I will not, because when I grow up I want to move to Toronto, Canada and live in the city. Toronto is the best!

What three things would you like to accomplish before your 10-year reunion? I want to have a good education, be successful in whatever career path I choose, and have a life partner.

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42

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

MARATHON HOSTS KEY WEST IN HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Conchs mount comeback to defeat Dolphins 1

2

3

4

5

M

arathon hosted Key West in a basketball matchup on Jan. 29.

The 5-8 Key West High School Conchs were held to just 4 points in the first quarter but opened up in the second half, winning the game 46-28. “We wanted to keep the score low and we did that,” said Marathon coach Kevin Freeman. “They turned up the pressure and forced some turnovers, but overall I was happy with our performance and effort.”

Both teams have away games Feb. 5, with Marathon traveling to play Coral Shores and Key West traveling to Ransom Everglades.

— Weekly staff report

BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly For more game photos visit www.

ShadyPalmPhotography.com 1. Key West’s Ethan Levering prepares to swat a layup by Fins guard Jordan Rodriguez.

2. Key West and Marathon battle for a loose ball.

3. Key West’s Ethan Levering (14) works against Marathon’s Fisher Coleman (10).

4. Conch senior Kervens Nelson — 6’3” — goes for the dunk.

6

5. Marathon’s cheerleaders perform at halftime during the Jan. 29 game.

6. Marathon’s Michael Tate (23) drives through the Key West defense.

43

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

A BALL OF A SEASON

Senior night: Guard gets 1,000th point, power forward nails a three

Senior power forward Riley Dobson looks up to the hoop as she works to secure a rebound.

CONTRIBUTED

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

T

wo basketball standouts, whose friendship and court running date back to middle school, won’t forget the Jan. 27 senior night matchup against rival Marathon.

One senior point guard reached a scoring milestone as family and friends watched. Meanwhile, a senior power forward’s dream to shoot a 3-pointer came true — and it ended in epic fashion.

Before that memorable game, the Canes traveled to Miami the night before to square off against a tough opponent in Terra Environmental Research Institute. Point guard Lucia Rodriguez, who’s averaged 16 points a game this season, was on the cusp of the 1,000-point mark in her career.

Rodriguez finished the night with 19 points — just one score away from the milestone. And even with senior power forward Riley Dobson in foul trouble, the Canes pulled out a 58-44 win over Terra. Dobson secured a double-double in the victory, with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

The girls basketball team returned home the next day to face Marathon in what was an emotional senior night, with coach Pat Meyers not in attendance due to personal reasons and having learned that the Canes secured the No. 1 seed in districts. Not only did Rodriguez register her 1,000th point in her career in a 55-35 win, but Dobson rose to interim coach Jarrod Mandozzi’s challenge of registering three steals in the second half in order to get her shot at the 3-point line.

“It’s hard to even quantify what those two mean to the Coral Shores basketball program over the years,” said Mandozzi, who serves as the boy’s basketball coach. “Them, along with coach Meyers, played a huge part in turning the program to where it is today.”

Captains for the Canes, Rodriguez and Dobson look back to their early years when they became friends to the time they took to the courts together.

“It goes back to sixth grade when we started playing basketball,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve been friends for longer than that though.”

“We’ve known each other since fourth grade,” Dobson said. “Some of the people that are here on the team, we’ve played with them in Key Largo in sixth to eighth grades.”

Lucia Rodriguez shoots a free throw.

CONTRIBUTED

Through their time on the courts, the two have developed quite the chemistry — as witnessed during games.

“I can read her mind,” Dobson said. “She looks at me and she wants a pick, and I’m like ‘all right.’ Or, she drives in and I try to get open.”

“Most of my assists are to her,” Rodriguez said.

Finishing senior night with 22 points, Rodriguez said it’s the fondest memory she’ll have looking back on her career. Following the game, she received a basketball to mark her 1,000th point. Mandozzi said it was special to see her reach the mark with her family in attendance.

Dobson finished the night with 15 points and a 3-pointer banked in off the glass.

“In sixth grade, I said I will make a three when it’s my senior night,” Dobson said. “I’ve always wanted to shoot a three, but I never had the ability to do that.”

With four steals, Mandozzi drew up a play for Dobson to get her chance at a three-point shot.

“We set a cross-screen play for Riley. She caught it and knocked it in.

The gym went nuts,” Mandozzi said.

“It’s so cool because she’s obviously done all the dirty work the last four years around the basket.”

Dobson has committed to Louisburg College in North Carolina to play Division 1 volleyball, while Rodriguez is currently uncommitted as she mulls her options.

The Canes, 10-4, returned to their home court to play St. Brendan on Feb. 3. Results weren’t available before print time.

44

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Loving the gorgeous sunsets on the ocean side. DEBRA LONDON/Contributed

Neighborly love shows with an impromptu concert by Sunset Hammock residents “Jay by the Bay.” BARBARA OVERTON/Contributed

Hen with babies on South Street.

MAXINE DALE MAS/Contributed

Love on the rocks and by the mangroves: roseate spoonbill and tri-color heron hanging out and fishing together in Buttonwood Bay. LYNN DILS/Contributed

Love is adventure! Rhys is learning to sail aboard Danger Charters with dad Robbie Hogan and Captain Bronza Fox. JAMIE OLWELL/Contributed

Love is everywhere in the Keys, you just have to be looking in all the right places. JO-ANNA MARY/Contributed

It’s not every day you end up engaged to your high school sweetheart and enjoying paradise together! SAMANTHA DELLILO/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

O

ur 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 in the Keys.

Photos can be images that have been published before.

No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark,

copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.

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

45

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

I HATE STENCILS SARA MATTHIS

ANOTHER MISGUIDED ATTEMPT AT ARTISTRY

I have a redhot hatred for thinks commustencils. I know nity journalism that’s an inflamis important, but not serious; likes matory statement, weird and wonbut hear me out. derful children Stencils are, (she has two). or should be damOccasionally she mit, the last port tortures herself with sprint-disof safety for mistance triathlons, guided “artists” but only if she has like myself. When a good chance of beating her sister. you’re reduced to stencils you’ve already admitted a couple of things like “I can’t draw,” or “I can’t paint,” and “God help me; this shouldn’t be so hard,” and “I don’t think they make erasers big enough for this current disaster.”

So it makes me especially bitter that when I am finally reduced to the genre of art tailored to meet the needs of paste eaters, well then, I think I have earned the right to nail it.

Yet, I still can’t do it. I don’t put enough paint on, or I put too much paint on, or the stencil slips.

There’s a separate section of hell for stencilers like me, though, the ones who think they can “fix” the ruined stencil attempt. I’ll just add a little more paint over here, I think, and then just straighten up this geometry a teensy bit, a little dot over here. … Pretty soon my mandala looks like it took a hit of LSD on its way to a Dumpster fire. Yes, that’s my professional stencil skill level.

It’s infuriating.

Even more so because I “practiced” stencils. You see, I’m not the overly arrogant type of I’ve-got-this artist. I move in carefully. I choose my tools. I get the lighting down. Okay, none of those things is true. In reality, I throw the stencil down on top of a dusty paver and hit it with the dregs of a mostly used can of

spray paint. When that doesn’t work out — shocker! — I think I can improve the outcome by going FASTER, hurrying down a path of stepping stones in quick succession with an increasingly mangled stencil tool and the glue-like remains of paint in the bottom of the can. (Spoiler alert: that 100% doesn’t work. Also, it lasts a long time; those pavers mock me every day.)

I’ve also tried to slow down the process by taking out a big piece of practice paper, pouring a glass of wine, choosing a round foam-tipped brush, taking a sip, dipping the brush in the paint and gently dabbing the excess paint off on a paper towel, sipping, and then carefully blotting the paint on top of the stencil. That doesn’t work either, but the wine makes it less painful in the short term.

You know those DIY videos?

Those cheery little four-minute Facebook episodes of someone turning a basement bargain dresser into a beautifully stenciled masterpiece? Oh, I still watch those but I’m squinting bitterly and making disparaging sounds in my throat. I try to spot the editing — surely there’s a rough cut in there somewhere that represents a three-hour time lapse where the artist is doing magic things off-screen to make the stencil come out properly.

Honestly, this pretense that I have even one artistic speck in my body has to stop. Which brings me to wall decals. It’s a new low for me, personally.

The nice ones cost about 50 bucks and the only skill involved is peeling the designs off the backing and sticking them to the wall. After my latest stencil fiasco, I am cautiously ambivalent about the wall decals. No doubt they require some sorcery as well.

THANK YOU sponsors for supporting the Key Largo Boat Parade Avenue Subs HNO Productions Key Largo Fisheries Mrs. Mac's Pirates on the Water Riva Motorsports Sands of the Keys Sharkeys Tower of Pizza Allen-Beyer Funeral Home American Caribbean Bayside Plumbing Boat Depot Coral Reef Title Dennis and Lee Caltigirone Doc's Diner Houston Insurance Agency IOA Insurance Islander Resort Key Largo Chocolates

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46

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE Six planets will reign this month in the sign of Aquarius, provenance of humanity, rebellion, technology and radical change.

Among them is Mercury, slipping through its first retrograde of the year. The incessant speed of modern life makes retrogrades seem negative or dangerous. In fact, they are a necessary stalling that asks us to question the pace and purpose of our lives. The focus this go-round, or turn-back, is our relationship to work. Do you labor for, or out of, love? Does work bring you joy or simply security?

Are you operating in a way that benefits your fellow man? If your answers trouble you, I suggest a restructuring of energy and attachment. Make time for contemplation and space for doubt.

Breathe slowly, plot thoughtfully and be the midwife of your own human revolution.

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

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

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 Venus, planet of love, enters your sign and your first house of persona and individuation. This current planetary placement asks you to uncover what kind of partner you are to yourself and how that primary relationship can and will shape your reality. Heed the wise words of Kimbo Slice: “Your mind, your heart, and your balls gotta be in one accord.” Three cheers for alignment.

Notable Aquarius: Maya Harris / Jan. 30, 1967 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Love planet Venus is moving through your 12th house of the unconscious. This passage will bring past emotional pains into the clarifying light of the present.

It will help, even if it hurts. You are actively learning to trust yourself, to be attuned to warning signs

and dubious patterns and to discern animal instinct from psychic intuition. Shakespeare said, “Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie.”

Here’s to your healing.

Notable Pisces: Grimes / March 17, 1988 ARIES March 21 to April 19 Poet Seamus Heaney writes, “So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be/Old bridges breaking between you and me/Never fear./We may let the scaffolds fall/Confident that we have built our wall.” May these lines illuminate any discord in your closest relationships. Scaffolds, like strife, give shape to, but cannot shake, a fortified foundation.

Notable Aries: Charles Baudelaire / April 9, 1821 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Poet Skye Jackson writes, “sometimes/your hands/remind me/ that/my body/is/made/of stars.”

As you move through a season of change, challenge and doubt, keep company with, and only with, those who remind you of your own ancient beginnings and infinite possibility.

Notable Taurus: Jane Jacobs / May 4, 1916 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 When diplomat, writer and fellow Gemini Romain Gary learned in the 1960s that his wife was having an affair with Clint Eastwood, Gary challenged Eastwood to a duel. Eastwood declined and was ultimately out-cowboyed by Gary.

Address any injury or insult directly, fearlessly and with flourish.

Notable Gemini: Jamaica Kincaid / May 25, 1949 CANCER June 21 to July 22 After a decade of young marriage, subverter of gender norms, smoker and author George Sand left her husband for a series of

male and female lovers. Sand called it her “romantic rebellion.”

Indulge in a romantic rebellion of your own. I’m not endorsing infidelity, rather a reassessment of what makes you feel most loved and alive.

Notable Cancer: Marie-Thérèse Walter / July 13, 1909 LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 Your animal nature and preference for immediate expression can make you impulsive, especially when it comes to communication and romantic relationships.

The danger is acting on what feels right, right now, as opposed to what makes sense in the long term. Bite your tongue and hold your horses, mon petit lions. Put mind to meditation and pen to paper. Conceive your future with grand imagination and work toward it with strategic temperance.

Notable Leo: P.L. Travers / Aug. 9, 1899 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Fellow Virgo and repentant aristocrat Leo Tolstoy wrote, “The truth is obtained like gold, not by letting it grow bigger, but by washing off from it everything that isn’t gold.”

This sentiment will resonate deeply. As the resident excavator of the zodiac, you are charged not just with identifying what is true but what is of true importance.

Here’s to finding what shines.

Notable Virgo: Corky Lee / Sept. 5, 1947 LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 I recently met a goateed Libra who claimed to be a simple man interested in a simple relationship. He went on to reveal that his current girlfriend stabbed him with a kitchen knife on Christmas Day and his ex-wife is an escort in Reno. Practice being whatever it is you hope to attract.

Notable Libra: Ta-Nehisi Coates / Sept. 30, 1975

SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 One of painter Georgia O’ Keefe’s favorite subjects was Cerro Pedernal, a mesa visible from the front door of her home. “I painted it often enough thinking that, if I did so, God would give it to me.”

After her death, her ashes were scattered at the top of it. O’Keefe gave herself to the very thing she wanted to be given. Whatever you love, whomever you want, don’t ask for it, give yourself to it.

Notable Scorpio: Future / Nov. 20, 1983 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Actress and fellow Sagittarius Cicely Tyson’s recent obituary in the New York Times included the appraisal, “She seemed delicate. But only ‘seemed.’ She was delicate the way a ribbon of steel holds up its part of a bridge.” This sentiment applies to you and your own metaphorical bridges, archer. If you hold tight to the ribbon of optimism that runs through the steel of you, you will carry every burden beautifully.

Notable Sagittarius: Frank Zappa / Dec. 21, 1940 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 In 1966 American enigma and fellow Capricorn Howard Hughes moved to the top floor of the Sands Inn. When management sought to evict him, presumably to make room for high-rolling gamblers, Hughes retaliated by buying the hotel outright. He went on to purchase most of the Strip and within a year was the largest landowner and private employer in the state of Nevada.

As you face challenges and opposition in the coming weeks, let spite spur you to suffuse your empire.

Notable Capricorn: Marlene Dietrich / Dec. 27, 1901

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

47

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.

Our staff is passionate about the community and performs duties collaboratively. We are in need of a marketing professional or writer who is creative and organized with a high level of attention to detail to fill this full-time salaried position. $40,000 - $50,000 starting salary THE RIGHT PERSON WILL HAVE: • Ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Strong writing skills and/or marketing experience.

• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills as well as the ability to work independently.

Please send your confidential resume to: jobs@keysweekly.com.

48

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Florida and The Keys Homes R.E. located at 516 NW Serene Meadow Way, Pt. St. Lucie, FL 34986, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Monica Quinn, P.A. Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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

between the hours of 8:30 A.M.---5:00 P.M., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at such meetings or hearings, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Dated this 29th day of January, 2021.

Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Dated this 29th day of January, 2021.

Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the February 23, 2021 regular meeting of the District II Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/87590508009 Meeting ID: 875 9050 8009 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +13017158592,, 87590508009# US (Washington D.C.) +13126266799,, 87590508009# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C.) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 875 9050 8009 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on February 19, 2021.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89671296375 Meeting ID: 896 7129 6375 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +13017158592,, 89671296375# US (Washington D.C.) +13126266799,, 89671296375# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C.) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 896 7129 6375 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on February 19, 2021.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711" Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

+19292056099,, 83212485707# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C.) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 832 1248 5707 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on February 19, 2021.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: 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 02/13/2021, 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: 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 02/14/2021, 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on February 22nd, 2021, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. 33037. Names And Last Known Addresses are as Follows: William Parent Unit 1425 $2,124.23 William Parent Unit 1165 $962.30 Francis Baggott Unit 1207 $593.31 Publish: February 4 & 11, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on WEDNESDAY, February 10, 2021 beginning at 2:00 P.M., a PUBLIC MEETING will be held at the Key West International Airport Administrative Conference Room, 3491 South Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, Florida 33040 and via Communication Media Technology (CMT) using a Zoom Webinar platform. A meeting will be held by the SELECTION COMMITTEE for the REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR Professional Architectural and Engineering Key West International Airport Concourse A and Terminal Improvements Program The selection committee will evaluate the proposals received in response to the Request for Proposals issued for the abovenamed project. The evaluation and recommendation of the selection committee are to be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners.

Persons interested in this issue are invited to attend.

For more information, please contact Beth Leto, Deputy Director, Airport Finance and Admin. via email to: leto-beth@ monroecounty-fl.gov Join Zoom webinar Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/92379615049 Or iPhone one-tap : US: +16465189805,, 92379615049# or +16699006833,, 92379615049# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 518 9805 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 923 7961 5049 International numbers available: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/u/acrthex6S5 ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on WEDNESDAY, February 10, 2021 beginning at 10:00 A.M., a PUBLIC MEETING will be held at the Key West International Airport Administrative Conference Room, 3491 South Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, Florida 33040 and via Communication Media Technology (CMT) using a Zoom Webinar platform. A meeting will be held by the SELECTION COMMITTEE for PROPOSALS FOR Construction Manager at Risk Services For Monroe County Key West International Airport Concourse A and Terminal Improvements Program The selection committee will evaluate the proposals received in response to the Request for Proposals issued for the abovenamed project. The evaluation and recommendation of the selection committee are to be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners.

Persons interested in this issue are invited to attend.

For more information, please contact Beth Leto, Deputy Director, Airport Finance and Admin. via email to: leto-beth@ monroecounty-fl.gov Join Zoom webinar Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/99760802351 Or iPhone one-tap : US: +16465189805,, 99760802351# or +16699006833,, 99760802351# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 518 9805 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 997 6080 2351 International numbers available: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/u/ac8J9qHRI ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 A.M.---5:00 P.M., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at such meetings or hearings, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, that person

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the February 24, 2021 regular meeting of the District I Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/87924496957 Meeting ID: 879 2449 6957 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +19292056099,, 87924496957# US (New York) +13017158592,, 87924496957# US (Washington, D.C.) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington, D.C.) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 879 2449 6957 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on February 19, 2021.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the February 24, 2021 regular meeting of the District III Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the February 23, 2021 regular meeting of the District IV Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83212485707 Meeting ID: 832 1248 5707 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +13126266799,, 83212485707# US (Chicago)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the February 23, 2021 regular meeting of the District V Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/87528164498 Meeting ID: 875 2816 4498 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +13126266799,, 87528164498# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 87528164498# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C.) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 875 2816 4498 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov,

49

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on February 19, 2021.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 will be followed and observed.

This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings.

Members of the public who wish to view virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212 option 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 14 (8) for a 4’0” height variance for a new one dwelling unit residences.

Current building height is 30’0”.

Interested parties may appear at the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from Parker Family Trust 07/15/2008, owner of 330 13th St. Social distancing, the wearing of a facial covering and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 will be followed and observed.

This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings.

Members of the public who wish to view virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212 option 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 14 (8) for a 4’3” height variance for a new one dwelling unit residences.

Current building height is 30’0”.

Interested parties may appear at the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from Dingle Deborah M Rev Trust 5/22/2008, owner of 721 8th St. Social distancing, the wearing of a facial covering and other Centers for Disease

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from Dingle Deborah M Rev Trust 5/22/2008, owner of 731 8th St. Social distancing, the wearing of a facial covering and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 will be followed and observed.

This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings.

Members of the public who wish to view virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212 option 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 14 (8) for a 4’0” height variance for a new one dwelling unit residences.

Current building height is 30’0”.

Interested parties may appear at the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk

LEGAL NOTICES CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday February 25, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from Crawl Key Development, owner of Lot 11 15th Circle. Social distancing, the wearing of a facial covering and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 will be followed and observed.

This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings.

Members of the public who wish to view virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212 option 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 10 (5) for a 30 feet rear setback variance for a porch. Current setback is restricted to 50 feet.

Interested parties may appear at the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday, February 25, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING To: Property Owners within 300 feet of 421 8th Street From: Key Colony Beach City Commission Subject: Variance Request NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday February 25, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from Yuna Leary, owner of 421 8th Street.

This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings.

Members of the public who wish to view virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212 option 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 26 (11a) for a 5 feet side set back variance for a pool. Current setback is restricted to 10 feet.

Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such

LEGAL NOTICES purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday, February 25, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on February 17, 2021; March 17, 2021; April 21, 2021; May 19, 2021; and, June 16, 2021 at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider possible amendments to the following County ordinance, the County’s mask ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 032-2020 AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE

BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 014-2020, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE 022-2020 AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE 024-2020 AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE 026-2020, TO MANDATE THAT INDIVIDUALS WEAR A FACE COVERING IN PUBLIC IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM COUNTY-WIDE REQUIREMENT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF A MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR DISPOSITION OF FINES BY THE CLERK; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND SUNSET DATE. Please note that public participation in these meetings may be conducted via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”). The connection information for members of the public who wish to attend or participate in the Public Hearing(s) via a Zoom virtual platform will be posted on the Monroe County website at @ http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meetings; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES 25th day of January, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on February 17, 2021, at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to adopt the following County ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________-2021 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR A SEA LEVEL RISE FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM; CREATING AND ESTABLISHING A MONROE COUNTY ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT AND SEA LEVEL RISE AND FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT (“MSBU”) TO FINANCE THE IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE IMPOSITION AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS AGAINST PROPERTY WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF MONROE COUNTY AND SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT

BY ORDINANCE OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF ANY AFFECTED MUNICIPALITY THE MSBU MAY INCLUDE THE BOUNDARIES OF A MUNICIPALITY; ESTABLISHING THE PROCEDURES FOR IMPOSING ASSESSMENTS; ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR NOTICE AND ADOPTION OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS; PROVIDING THAT ASSESSMENTS CONSTITUTE A LIEN ON ASSESSED PROPERTY UPON ADOPTION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING THAT THE LIEN FOR AN ASSESSMENT COLLECTED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 197.3632 AND 197.3635, FLORIDA STATUTES, UPON PERFECTION, SHALL ATTACH TO THE PROPERTY ON THE PRIOR JANUARY 1, THE LIEN DATE FOR AD VALOREM TAXES; PROVIDING THAT A PERFECTED LIEN SHALL BE EQUAL IN RANK AND DIGNITY WITH THE LIENS OF ALL STATE, COUNTY, DISTRICT, OR MUNICIPAL TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS AND SUPERIOR IN DIGNITY TO ALL OTHER PRIOR LIENS, MORTGAGES, TITLES, AND CLAIMS; AUTHORIZING EXEMPTIONS AND HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE; PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF OBLIGATIONS SECURED BY ASSESSMENTS AND PROVIDING FOR THE TERMS THEREOF; PROVIDING THAT THE COUNTY’S TAXING POWER SHALL NOT BE PLEDGED; PROVIDING REMEDIES; DEEMING THAT PLEDGED REVENUES SHALL BE CONSIDERED TRUST FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR THE REFUNDING OF OBLIGATIONS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THIS ORDINANCE TO BE LIBERALLY CONSTRUED; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS AND CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; PROVIDNG FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public can participate in the February 17, 2021,

LEGAL NOTICES meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform by following the detailed instructions below. The public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV on Comcast Channel 76, AT&T U-verse Channel 99 or on the County’s web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Simply select the “Watch Live” banner to view the live meeting with live closed-captioning on an integrated page that includes the Agenda and Agenda Backup.

If a citizen has a Roku device, they can search for and add “MCTV” to their personal lineup.

Monroe County’s “MCTV” is also provided via the Monroe County mobile apps for iOS and Android and through our streaming web portal @ https://monroe-fl.vod.castus.tv/ vod/?live=ch1&nav=live.

Citizens can listen to audio-only from their phones by dialing (646) 518-9805 or (669) 9006833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID 995 7249 8241 followed by the # key.

The public can comment during the live Public Hearing either by phoning in or by connecting to the live Zoom webinar link using the following instructions: a) To comment on an item by phone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID 995 7249 8241 followed by the # key, then *9 to “Raise your Hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host. b) To comment on an item using the live Zoom webinar link: Open this live Zoom webinar link at https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/99572498241 (that also appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet).

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

The Zoom webinar host will request the item # on which you wish to speak and enable your participation when the Mayor calls for public speakers on your item. To report problems with the broadcast or participation in the Zoom webinar, please call (305) 872-8831.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 22 day of January, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the

LEGAL NOTICES Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: MONROE COUNTY HISTORIC JAIL DOOR AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT 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 2, 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: Monroe County Historic Jail Door & Window Replacement 03/02/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening.

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 2, 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:

50

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES February 4, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers 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 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

LEGAL NOTICES 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: 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 FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-07-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF NELLIE MATLOSZ Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Nellie Matlosz, deceased, whose date of death was August 31, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE 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: February 4, 2021.

Personal Representative: Michael M. Matlosz 1061 Caribbean Drive E Summerland Key, Florida 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Florida Bar Number: 283134

LEGAL NOTICES 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: February 4 & 11, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000003-P IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE WIELANDER, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of GEORGE WIELANDER, JR., deceased, whose date of death was October 13, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 21-CP000003-P, the address of which is 50 High Point Road, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The name and address 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 the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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 the first publication of this notice is February 4, 2021.

Personal Representative: NICHOLAS WIELANDER Petitioner Attorney for Personal Representative: BART H. CHEPENIK, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0038962 Primary E-mail: bchepenik@ ctllp.com Secondary E-mail: service@ ctllp.com JESSICA S. POMERANIEC, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0070631 Primary E-mail: jpomeraniec@ ctllp.com Secondary E-mail: service@ ctllp.com Chepenik Trushin LLP Attorneys for Petitioner 12550 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 805 Miami, Florida 33181 Telephone: (305) 981-8889 Facsimile: (305) 405-7979 Publish: February 4 & 11, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000295-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CYLIA ANN DANIELS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Cylia Ann Daniels, deceased, whose date of death was

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

October 9, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and 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 PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 4, 2021.

Personal Representative: Tommy Lee Daniels 20952 6th Avenue West Summerland Key, FL 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Justin Stivers E-mail Addresses: info@probatefirm.com paralegal@probatefirm.com Florida Bar No. 109585 The Probate Law Firm 1395 Brickell Ave. Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131 Telephone: 305-456-3255 Publish: February 4 & 11, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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: February 4, 2021.

Personal Representative: Claire Griswold 180 Venetian Way Islamorada, Florida 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: February 4 & 11, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-08-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES W. GRISWOLD Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Charles W. Griswold, deceased, whose date of death was December 20, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

NICOLE “NIKKI” FRIED COMMISSIONER

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000005-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES MARTIN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JAMES MARTIN, deceased, whose date of death was August 14, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for 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 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)

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Aquaculture

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND Section 253.69, Florida Statutes – Rule 18-21.021, F.A.C.

NOTICE OF AQUACULTURE LEASE APPLICATION Proposed Live Rock Lease Area in Monroe County

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 253.70, Florida Statutes, that the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund has received an application (44-AQ-2017) from: David A. Curls, of 119 West Plaza Del Sol, Islamorada, Florida. The applicant is requesting approval of a sovereignty submerged land aquaculture lease preempting 1.0 acre, more or less of sovereignty submerged land, in the Atlantic Ocean in Monroe County, Florida to conduct live rock aquaculture. The proposed lease is not located in an aquatic preserve, but is located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. A map identifying the location of the proposed activity accompanies this notice.

Anyone having any questions or comments regarding the proposed project should file them in writing with the Division of Aquaculture, 600 South Calhoun Street, Suite 217, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, on or before 5:00 pm on the 6th day of March 2021.

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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

BOATS FOR SALE

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 4, 2021.

Personal Representative: Walter Donitzen 6115 Kirk Rd. Canfield, OH 44406 Attorney for Personal Representative: Douglas J. Neuman Email Address: neumandouglas@gmail.com Florida Bar No. 268283 761 N. Cedar Ave., STE 1 Niles, OH 44446 Telephone: 330-652-1749 Publish: February 4 & 11, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

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

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

Dated: 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

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

1999 World Cat 27' with twin 175 Suzuki motors.

Runs good. Dual stations.

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

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

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

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

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

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 22nd 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 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

AUTOS FOR SALE 1988 Buick Park Avenue $2,500 Gray 271k miles.

Great 2nd family car.

New battery, vinyl top.

Marathon 305-923-0266 2007 LXR Cadillac, 14,000 miles, Silver, Located in Key West, $38,000. Call 419-467-0788 Place your Car For Sale ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Car! 2001 XK8 Jaguar Red Convertible. 74k miles.

Excellent condition.

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

BOATS FOR SALE 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

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 Seeking Security Guard in Marathon -40 hrs a wk overnight position. $15/hr to start. Must have security l i c e n s e .

Call Ralons Security 7866 1 5 - 5 5 2 2 Part-time Office Assistant needed in Marathon. Duties will include answering calls, clerical, dispatching and scheduling.

Call 305-248-6149.

Dishwasher & Kitchen Helper needed.

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

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

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

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

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!!

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 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!!!

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!!!

MISC. FOR SALE

NOW HIRING MATE FOR SNORKELING BOAT

Captain Pip’s in need of a dedicated mate for our busy snorkeling boat. Great customer service is a must as part of our job is to enhance our client’s experience. We usually run three trips a day. Some days are long. This is a per trip pay schedule. Best salary paid in Marathon. 1099 status.

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the office at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon between 10 am and 2 pm to fill out an application. No phone calls please, as we are a very busy office.

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM.

NOW HIRING ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE HELP Fast paced, busy resort in need of Office Help. Must be able to multi task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Most important be dependable. We are a small office and don't need any drama. Saturday or Sunday is a required day, so if you cannot work Saturdays or Sundays, no need to apply.

If you want to be part of a great team, please apply! 3 to 4 days a week.

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the office at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon between 11 am and 2 pm to fill out an application. No phone calls please.

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM.

52

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 MISC. FOR SALE

OFFICE SPACE

Place your Miscellaneous Items For Sale here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!

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

Call 305-394-0530

STORAGE SPACE 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!!!

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 in Marathon Teller II We are seeking a motivated Teller II in Marathon.

This position requires at least one year of teller experience. You need to be detail oriented and a self-starter and must have great communication, organization and cash handling skills.

To apply, please go to www.my100bank.com, then click Careers.

For assistance contact HR@my100bank.com.

EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disabled

NOW HIRING:

Front Desk Agent Housekeeping Associate Pool Attendant Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) Kitchen Steward/Dishwasher Line Cook Apply online at: www.noblehousehotels.com/careers Apply in person at: Zero Duval St.

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

EOE

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

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

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 Social Workers Private Duty Aides

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.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 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

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

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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

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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.

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54

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

LADY CANES LIFT THEIR WAY TO STATE FINALS

T

he Coral Shores’ girls weightlifting team, under the coaching of Erin Hamilton, is sending a county-best four contestants to the FHSAA State Finals next weekend in Live Oak. Moving on from regional competition are junior Annavera Peixoto and seniors Alison Woltanski, Kaylee Stoky and Amber Stevens.

Peixoto, who competes in the lightest lifting division, finished third in her grouping with a bench press of 90 pounds and a clean-and-jerk of 90 pounds. Woltanski, competing a division up, advanced with a bench of 95 pounds and a clean-and-jerk of 125 pounds.

Stokey, lifting three classes higher, had a bench of 120 and a clean-andjerk of 155 pounds. Last to lift for the Lady Canes was Stevens, who distinguished herself with a bench of 165 pounds followed by a 155-pound clean-and-jerk to finish second in her division.

“I was so proud of our girls. They really rose to the occasion,” said Hamilton.

Woltanski, who joined the weightlifting team last year, acknowledged she wasn’t sure how well she’d perform — much less be good enough to reach states.

“Seeing all the girls on our team and other teams who all look so different and are all so strong is amazing.

There really isn't a ‘one-size- fits-all’ approach to the sport, and that's why I love it so much,” Woltanski said. “Making it to states along with my co-captain, Amber Stevens, and teammates after vigorously refreshing the FHSAA webpage for hours was the best feeling, and I'm excited to have one last meet with my girls.”

Stevens added, “There was a ton of improvement from the whole team and lots of old personal records broken.”

The team, in only its third year of existence, had 16 members, of whom 13 advanced to regional competition.

That group included Peixoto, Stevens, Woltanski, Stoky, Samara Quintana, Diana Diaz, Makena Woolet-Stockton, Astrid Rivas, Madeline Langley, Emily Brown, Angelina Bello, Brooke Barrow and Juniper Crumb.

“The girls had an amazing season.

I am so proud of all their hard work,” Hamilton said. “They dedicated much time and effort to gaining strength and lifting heavier weights. The changes I saw from last season to this season were remarkable. I also want to thank my two amazing assistant coaches, Jake Hurst and Debbie Lindsey. Their help was imperative this year with such a large group of girls.”

Coral Shores athletic director Rich Russell credited coaches and the team for bringing the program forward.

“In talking to coaches from other programs, they are amazed that our third-year program has experienced so much success,” Russell said. “I can’t say enough about coach Hamilton’s efforts. She’s unrivaled as a trainer.

Beyond that, she and her staff have done an amazing job of motivating our young ladies while developing a model for ‘team spirit.’

“Most importantly, in my eyes, our ladies have further developed some essential life skills,” he said. “At the end of the day, developing a healthier self-esteem, a better work ethic, goal orientation and coping skills should be the objective of every one of our programs. Those qualities are enduring; they will serve our ladies throughout their entire life.”

— Contributed

Lady Canes Weightlifting finalists: Weightlifters from Coral Shores High School who qualified for state finals, from left, Annavera Peixoto, Ali Woltanski, Amber Stevens and Kaylee Stoky. CONTRIBUTED

55

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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56

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 4, 2021

“We must cultivate our own garden.”

- Voltaire

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