Key West Weekly 21-0318

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“You may say I‘m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” — J.L.

March 18, 2021

MARCH MARCH 2020 2021 A YEAR OF COVID IN THE KEYS | P. 6

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

SOUTHARD SQUARE RESIDENCE AWAITS YOU

Don't miss this finely appointed two-bedroom condominium featuring a nicely remodeled kitchen and baths with two large upper-level balconies off each bedroom. Complete with impact resistance doors and windows, new paint throughout the home, and new upper-level carpet. The main floor features attractive polished travertine flooring, one assigned parking spot right outside the door, neutral decor, and a brand-new washer and dryer! Southard Square is located in a high-demand area of historic Old Town Key West and features a shared pool and clubhouse. This home makes a great owner-occupied residence or monthly vacation rental! Furnishings are negotiable.

KEY WEST | $799,900 | Listing ID 595050

305.294.1117 | oceansir.com

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

1.38%

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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Key West closed its iconic Southernmost Point monument March 17, 2020. Exactly one year later, the usual camera-toting crowds were back. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE EXPEDITED TRUMAN WATERFRONT HOUSING FACES SOME OPPOSITION MANDY MILES

Account Executives

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

The Wall Street Journal reports that Florida isn’t seeing the off-the-charts population growth that other news outlets are reporting. Yes, Florida is growing, but only by about 300,000 residents since the start of the pandemic in April 2020.

ON THE COVER

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mandy@keysweekly.com

t’s taken 20 years, but most Key West city commissioners seem poised to take decisive action and finally build affordable housing on the infamous 3.2 acres at Truman Waterfront that are intended to benefit the adjacent Bahama Village neighborhood.

But a Bahama Village advisory committee voted against the housing proposal, as it would name the nonprofit organization AH Monroe as the developer without the usual requestfor-proposal process to identify other potential contractors.

The commission was slated to vote March 16 on a proposal from AH Monroe to build 80 to 100 units of affordable housing on the infamous 3.2 undeveloped acres. But the city’s failure to advertise the meeting forced its cancellation. That meeting now will take place Wednesday, March 31.

Five of the city’s seven elected lawmakers are co-sponsoring the housing resolution, which authorizes the city manager and attorney to negotiate a contract with AH Monroe and forgo the usual RFP process. (Commissioners Greg Davila and Clayton Lopez are not co-sponsors.)

City Manager Greg Veliz is recommending the city pursue the partnership with AH Monroe and bypass the competitive procurement, or RFP process due to “exceptional circumstances” that include federal deadlines for funding applications and the required voter referendum to authorize a long-term land lease to AH Monroe.

Such things take time, and an RFP could add an additional six months, which would mean the city would miss the April 2022 federal funding deadline and would have to wait until April 2023 to apply for funding.

“It’s already been 20 years; what’s another year if it means giving other possible developers a chance to bid on the project?” said Aaron Castillo, who chairs the Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee. “Everybody else always seems to know what’s best for us in this community. We’re asking the people of Bahama Village to come to the meeting (March 31) to voice their support for an RFP.” Castillo emphasized that he’s not opposed to AH Monroe, but rather the absence of a bidding process. His concerns are shared by Bahama Village religious leaders Pastor Charles Major and Bishop Derrick Anderson.

“We have black contractors; why can’t they get an opportunity to bid?”

Major said.

In a March 4 letter to the Bahama Village Advisory Committee, Commissioner Sam Kaufman asked for their support, as the AH Monroe proposal provides for 100% affordable units, unlike private sector developers who need to build a certain number of market-rate units in order to finance the affordable ones.

“I sincerely understand the importance of the competitive bid process via the formal request for proposals,” Kaufman wrote to the committee.

“There are very rare exceptions … and this is just one instance. … Private developers have repeatedly stated … they would not be able to develop a 100% affordable housing project and that they would not be able to include low or very low income units, unlike the AHI proposal provides. We, as a commission, have never had any other group propose a 100% affordable housing development such as this proposal. Their proposal far exceeds goals the city has contemplated for any affordable housing project in recent memory and specifically for ... the Truman Waterfront 3.2 acres.”

Kaufman emphasized the value of the current proposal when reached by phone by the Keys Weekly.

With the undeveloped 3.2 acres at Truman Waterfront behind them, Bahama Village activists Derrick Anderson, Aaron Castillo and Charles Major call for a competitive bid process to identify potential housing developers. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

“The AHI plan … even includes a 20% set aside for home ownership. It is a remarkable proposal hitting all of the marks needed in our community,” Kaufman said. “AHI is a known and proven local not-for-profit agency. AHI has the skills and knowledge to complete the financing and construction for this project within reasonable time frames. This plan is truly in the best interests of our residents and therefore an exception to the competitive bidding process is warranted.”

For the complete agenda, visit cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

KEY WEST CANCELS COMMISSION MEETING EVENT WAS NOT PROPERLY ADVERTISED MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West officials had to cancel the March 16 city commission meeting 30 minutes before it was due to start. The meeting had not been properly and publicly advertised, so elected officials were prohibited from taking any official actions.

City Manager Greg Veliz told the Keys Weekly that the meeting would be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 31.

The agenda is a lengthy one, and will include a discussion of how the city will find a replacement for City Manager Greg Veliz, who has submitted his resignation to accept a job with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Veliz’s contract as city manager requires him to give the city 90 days notice before leaving.

His contract started Aug. 21, 2019 with an annual salary of $180,000.

Commissioners are expected to discuss the process by which they’ll seek and select candidates for the city’s top position on March 31.

The Keys Weekly last week requested copies of any resumes, applications or letters of interest that were received from interested candidates. Assistant City Manager Patti McLauchlin reported that no such applications had been received, as the commission first needs to decide on a selection process.

HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD EXPANSION? Also on tap for the commission meeting that was rescheduled for March 31 is a discussion of Mayor Teri Johnston’s proposal to add two seats to the Key West Housing Authority board.

Florida state law allows a city’s mayor to appoint five to seven members of a commission or board.

Johnston has said she would rather add to the current housing authority board rather than replace anyone currently on it.

“What better way to add ideas and expertise to that prominent

board than by expanding it rather than replacing anyone?” the mayor said.

Johnston also said she is looking for people with an understanding of the current state of affordable housing, available funding sources and the potential for “infilling,” meaning adding units to existing housing authority sites such as at Poinciana Plaza and Porter Place.

Commissioner Sam Kaufman told the Keys Weekly this week that current housing authority board members have been lobbying against the expansion of their board.

ELECTRIC BIKE REGULATIONS While the city’s new ordinance regulating electric bicycles originally was slated for its second and final public hearing at the rescheduled March 31 meeting, the item has been postponed until April 6. The first approval occurred at the Feb. 17 commission meeting.

E-bikes, as the vehicles are known, can reduce the number of cars on the road and are a viable fitness option. But they’re also fast, cumbersome on narrow sidewalks and all but silent when approaching a pedestrian or fellow bicyclist.

Electric bikes have been increasingly popular on the island for two to three years, with residents purchasing them and businesses renting them to visitors. And since the start of the pandemic, sales of e-bikes have increased by 70% nationwide, according to an August 2020 story in The New York Times.

As it stands now, e-bikes will be prohibited on city sidewalks other than North and South Roosevelt boulevards and Atlantic Avenue. On North Roosevelt Boulevard, they must remain on the water side of the road, the ordinance states. In all other areas, they must ride on the street. The bikes must also be parked in designated bicycle parking areas, the ordinance states.

The new law, as currently written, also limits the speed of e-bikes to 15 mph everywhere in town, despite their ability to travel between 20 and 30 mph.

OH BUOY...

NOAA LOSES WEATHER DATA FROM 150 MARINE BUOYS MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

A

burst pipe in Maryland has affected marine weather reports up and down the East Coast, reports Data Center Dynamics, and Key West commercial fisherman “Lobster Lee” Starling. There is no estimate for when the problem will be fixed.

“A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data center used to process data from marine buoys has suffered an outage caused by a burst pipe,” Data Center Dynamics reported on March 16.

The pipe burst on March 9 in the building that contains the servers for NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center and NOAA’s 90 weather buoys and 60 Coastal Marine Automated Network stations have not been reporting weather data since then, according to Data Center Dynamics.

NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center was brought offline by the flooding, knocking out a critical early warning system and data point for mariners.

“Locally, the snorkel and dive charters depend heavily on that weather information to make informed decisions about which locations they’ll choose on a given day,” Starling said. “It’s hard to believe a burst pipe in Maryland could have such far-reaching impacts. Just a few degrees’ difference in wind direction can determine whether a vessel will head to the reef or not.”

The burst pipe caused extensive flooding at National Weather Service headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, which caused an outage at the data center housed in the building, the National Weather Service said in a statement, first reported by gCaptain, a maritime and offshore news site: “NOAA’s ocean/marine buoy data are processed on servers located in the affected data center, causing the current buoy data outage. The building is currently being dried out by the building owner and manager, Foulger Pratt. Extensive coordination is taking place

Local mariners, fishermen and watersports operators depend on weather data collected at Sand Key and other marine weather stations operated by NOAA. NOAA/Contributed

between NOAA and Foulger Pratt to develop a comprehensive plan for a full damage assessment, to inspect and restore systems in the building, and to ensure the building is fully repaired and safe for employees to return to their offices.

“This process will take time to complete, and we do not have an estimation at this time for when the marine buoy data will be available.

Alternate solutions to restore buoy data flow are being worked,” the weather service said.

Data has yet to be restored, and the previously hourly updates to buoy data have not been changed since the incident.

The weather buoys and stations measure wind speed, direction, and gust; atmospheric pressure; and air temperature; while some also measure sea surface temperature and wave height and period.

This information is used to help spot potential extreme weather events and improve general forecasts. Commercial and recreational mariners also use the data to help plan whether they should venture out to sea.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

THE PANDEMIC IN REVIEW SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

C

onchs acknowledge St. Patrick's Day — March 17, 2020 — as the day the pandemic came to the Florida Keys. But even before that, there were serious warning signs on the horizon: what was happening in Italy and New York City and the cruise industry’s voluntary cessation of operations on March 14.

Here’s a look back at some island milestones: March 17 — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis orders the closure of all bars and nightclubs and limits restaurant capacity to 50%.

March 20 — Monroe County orders hotels to shut down and vacation rentals to cease.

March 27 — A roadblock is put up at the top of the Keys, turning away anyone who wasn’t a resident or couldn’t prove employment in the Florida Keys.

March 30 — Monroe County School District begins full virtual instruction for all students.

April 4 — Fake re-entry placards are spotted by deputies by non-residents attempting to enter the Keys.

April 7 — The third Keys resident death from COVID-19 is reported.

June 1 — The roadblock is removed and tourism immediately picks up.

June 5 — DeSantis says bars can reopen, but they close again 19 days later.

June 24 — Cases almost double in the month since the highway opens, going from 108 to 174 COVID-19 cases.

June 29 — Keys businesses scramble to apply for first wave of PPP loans. About 1,500 Keys businesses were approved for loans totaling $100 million in the first wave of grants.

July 4 — The county and municipalities close most parks and beaches to keep visitors away over the Fourth of July weekend.

July 16 — By mid-July, officials are keeping count of how many patients are being hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Keys.

Sept. 25 — The state enters final phase of reopening, lifting occupancy limits on businesses.

Oct. 22 — County reopens parks for youth sports.

Nov. 17 — Florida Keys averaging 32 new cases a day.

Dec. 4 — City of Key West announces curfew for New Year’s Eve. Jan. 4 — COVID-19 outbreak closes Village of Islamorada administration offices.

Jan. 5 — First vaccines are administered in Monroe County.

Jan. 21 — Publix begins giving vaccinations in the Keys.

Feb. 4 — Keys Weekly reports that the 7 Mile Bridge Run will occur on April 17, 2021, one of the first big events in the Keys since the pandemic began.

March 7 — State orders Monroe County to reopen schools fully for in-person instruction to all students who want it.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects.

The facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories: Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions Set Forth in the Florida Statute The deadline for receipt of applications is April 27, 2021 and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecountybids.com) For more information please call the TDC Administrative Office at 305-296-1552 and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

PA RT

THE STORY OF DR. HENRY PERRINE DOCTOR THROWS SHADE ON KEY WEST, FAVORS CONCHTOWN (MARATHON) Editor’s note: This is the third in a four-part series on Dr. Henry Perrine. Read the first two at keysweekly. com.

D

r. Henry Perrine’s 10-year post as U.S. consul at Tabasco, Mexico, ended in 1837. Because he had followed President John Quincy Adams’ directive regarding the study of local flora and had worked BRAD to establish two tropical plant nurseries in the BERTELLI Florida Territory, sub-tropical South Florida was to become his new home. ... is the curator After sailing away from the Yucatan Penfor Islamorada’s insula, the doctor visited Key West. During his Keys History & one-month stay, he met Judge James Webb, who Discovery Center.

A published aujoined Perrine and Charles Howe of Indian Key, as thor of six books, partners in the Tropical Plant Company. In letters, his favorite subPerrine revealed Webb “was the only reputable jects are Indian resident, whose character and condition comKey and skunk bined the circumstance essential for a co-trustee apes. of any tropical plant company.” It would not be his last jab at the people of Key West.

Perrine returned to his family in New York. Due to the second escalation of the Seminole War, escalations that included an attack on the Cape Florida Lighthouse in 1836, Joseph R. Poinsett, Secretary of the Navy and a friend of Perrine’s, advised against his return to the Florida Territory. Poinsett wrote to the doctor, “The war had again broken out and it would not be prudent to go onto the land.”

Perrine insisted. Eager to move closer to his plants, Indian Key seemed, to him, far enough away from the hostilities. When the Perrine family arrived on Christmas Day 1838, they stayed in a house owned by Charles Howe. James Egan built the two-and-a-half-story home in 1832. By April, Egan’s building was advertised in Key West as a boarding house promising to “Render satisfaction to those who may favor him with their company.”

Egan would sell the house to Jacob Housman. Housman, in turn, sold it to Charles Howe, who lived in a large, single-story house close by.

In a letter to the editor of “The Farmer’s Register” dated April 23, 1839, Perrine discussed Morus multicaulis, the mulberry tree. Native to China and India, the leaves of the Morus alba, the white mulberry, are the silkworm’s primary food source. The mulberry, introduced to Mexico, was one of some 72 species Perrine shipped to the United States.

In 1833, Perrine sent a dozen mulberry trees to John Dubose, keeper at the Cape Florida Lighthouse. The trees thrived and survived the 1835 hurricane. Using his connections with Poinsett, the mulberry trees were to be dug up and returned to Perrine. Navy lieutenants Shubrick and Coste were assigned the task of delivering the trees. Neither officer fulfilled his duty.

According to a letter written by Dr. Perrine, Shubrick and his team pulled several large mulberry trees and

planted them at Soldier Key, one of the nearly 50 islands located north of Key Largo. Lt. Coste, too, retrieved several mature mulberry trees at Cape Florida and sailed with them, not to Indian Key and the Tropical Plant Company, but to the nearby Tea Table Key. Perrine wrote, “Be it understood Lieut. Coste occupies and claims this Key as his own, from the fact that since September last, he has been clearing it, improving it, and building on it, with governmental means of men and materials; that he is converting said Tea-Table Key into a town-site for a rival port of Indian Key, under the apparent patronage of the inimical proprietors and public offices of Key West; and that hence, not content with speculating in town lots, he is determined to speculate also in tropical plants by the abuse of the same governmental means.”

By 1838, Key Vaca, more easily recognized as the heart of Marathon today, became home to a community of some 200 people. Known as Conchtown, it consisted of about 50 homes with half of the buildings constructed of wood and half with palmetto thatch. There was also a small school. When Perrine visited, he introduced the community to both the mulberry and Sea Island cotton.

The cotton had already been growing on the islands.

Perrine wrote, “these two precious staples will be able to afford ample funds for schools and churches.”

According to Perrine, the people of Key West referred to this group as “lazy konks.” According to Dr. Perrine, “I am now fully satisfied that our agricultural statesman would promptly pronounce that the humblest grower of sweet potatoes at Key Vacas is an infinitely more useful citizen of South Florida than the haughtiest of office-holder in Key West.”

Next week: In the last of this four-part series, Perrine’s decision to venture to Indian Key will prove disastrous.

This is the former Egan boarding house purchased by Dr. Perrine’s partner Charles Howe. FLORIDA MEMORY PROJECT/Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

LIMITING LIVEABOARDS?

PROPOSED BILL WOULD MAKE VESSELS MOVE EVERY 3 MONTHS

Gov. Ron DeSantis during a COVID-19 press conference in April 2020.

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/Contributed

DESANTIS RESCINDS FINES IMPOSED

BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

By Jim McCarthy and Mandy Miles

Liveaboard boats anchored in Florida Keys waters that are not inside a managed mooring field, such as those surrounding Wisteria Island off Key West, could be subject to a potential new law that would prohibit a vessel from anchoring in the same location for more than 90 days. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

F

lorida Keys residents who live on boats anchored outside of managed mooring fields may soon find themselves moving every three months.

A proposed bill making its way through the Florida Legislature and its various committees would designate Monroe County as an “anchoring limitation area within which a vessel may only be anchored in the same location for a maximum of 90 days,” states House Bill 639, a 78-page bill that also includes provisions for alcohol testing of boat operators, removal of derelict vessels and other regulations that would apply statewide. But Monroe County is the only area specified in the section that deals with a 90-day time limit for anchored vessels.

If passed, the new rule would not apply to vessels anchored in an approved and permitted mooring, but it would significantly affect boats outside Keys mooring fields, such as those that have long been anchored around Wisteria Island off Key West.

County Commissioner Craig Cates told his fellow commissioners on Wednesday that he is aware of residents’ concerns. Cates said perhaps longer stays can be arranged,

but only in designated areas.

Concerned residents gathered for a recent protest of HB 639 in Key West, saying the new rule would exacerbate Monroe County’s affordable housing shortage.

There are many unanswered questions surrounding the bill, including a determination of how far a vessel must move in order to fulfill the relocation requirement.

“Five yards or five miles?” opponents have asked.

The bill is trying to target derelict and nuisance vessels, but laws already exist for such issues, said Key West commercial fisherman “Lobster Lee” Starling.

House Bill 639 does state that vessels may remain inside anchoring limitation areas longer if a mechanical failure poses a risk to the vessel or people on board; during imminent hazardous weather or an approaching hurricane.

House Bill 639 was introduced by state Rep. Tyler Sirois, who represents the area of Brevard County on Florida’s Space Coast.

The bill is being considered by the House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, State Affairs Committee and the Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee.

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ndividuals and businesses in Florida facing fines for violating city- or county-imposed restrictions in the last year won’t need to pay up.

An executive order signed by Gov. Ron Desantis on March 10 canceled fines that were issued between March 1, 2020 and March 10, 2021. DeSantis’ order states that it comes following “unprecedented local government restrictions” on people and local business over the past year.

“I don’t think it’s liberal or conservative. I just think those fines are out of control,” DeSantis said during a recent news conference in Lake City. “Most of the restrictions have not been effective. That’s just the reality. The numbers are on that.”

In June, Monroe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance requiring masks and other similar face coverings when entering restaurants and other businesses in the Keys. The sunset date for the ordinance is still a few months away, June 1.

The ordinance requires operators and employees of business establishments to ensure customers comply within the establishment.

While the facial covering ordinance applies throughout Monroe County, local municipalities have the ability to impose different protective measures.

When the county bolstered the ordinance with fines last July, an executive order by DeSantis on Sept.

25, 2020 suspended the collection

of fines associated with COVID-19 restrictions.

Through the county ordinance, businesses that were in violation faced fines up to $500.

Code officers were also able to issue an administrative notice of violation with fines of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for a repeat offense.

Monroe County Code Compliance investigated a number of cases related to violations of the county’s mask ordinance. Most locations that generated complaints were compliant upon investigation, said County Attorney Bob Shillinger. Six cases resulted in imposition of fines totaling $3,000, of which all were collected before DeSantis’ order.

Key West Director of Code Compliance Jim Young said the city had 20 COVID-19 violation notices that were issued to businesses to appear before the code magistrate. Of those, five paid fines for a total of $2,000. Eleven cases have outstanding fines, and four cases had findings of guilt but no fines assessed.

“We are still attempting to verify with the Clerk of Courts the total amount collected for individuals cited,” Young said.

No fines were issued to individuals or businesses in Islamorada or Marathon.

The executive order does not apply to any COVID-19-related orders or enforcement taken by the state. It also does not rescind fines imposed on assisted living facilities, hospitals or health care providers.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

Bernstein Park on Stock Island. FILE PHOTO

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

RAISES FOR TWO COMMISSIONERS’ AIDES APPROVED

COUNTY RESTARTS PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR SEARCH

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onroe County commissioners gave the go-ahead to reignite the search for a parks and recreation director during a March 17 meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Raises for two county commissioner assistants were also approved to move their salaries to the same level as other commissioner aides in Monroe.

A parks and recreation director position was posted for hiring last year, but a pandemic that unfolded a year ago brought a freeze.

Many applied for the position — around 80 — according to commissioner Mike Forster, who brought the subject back to the commission for discussion.

“I think it’s time to concentrate a little more on the parks of Monroe County. I believe they’re diamonds in the rough. We just need to massage it,” he said.

Budget and Finance Director Tina Boan said the county should be able to find money for the position with sales tax revenue pleasantly rising to 2019 levels and money saved over the last year.

County Administrator Roman Gastesi said he’d like to see the next director take the county’s 21 parks to the next level. The facilities maintenance department and director William DeSantis currently maintain the parks and beaches from Stock Island to Key Largo in unincorporated Monroe. Public works also provides assistance. There’s currently no county parks and recreation department.

“There’s pieces of a parks and rec department throughout two or three departments, and my idea is for that person to start picking away and make a department,” he said.

Commissioners unanimously approved $8,000 raises for County Commissioner Craig Cates’ assistant, Amanda Leggett, and County Commissioner Eddie Martinez’s assistant, Eurie Sarimento. That brings their salaries to $60,000 a year.

Mayor Michelle Coldiron pulled the two items from the consent agenda to address issues raised by constituents and staff, whose raises were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coldiron’s remarks acknowledged how much the commission values staff. In addressing misconceptions, she said aides to commissioners work full-time — and that can mean seven days a week if needed.

“They’re on call at all times for their commissioner,” she said. “It’s contracted labor, and they’re not eligible for career services and tuition reimbursement and other benefits that some of our other staff have.”

Cates said the raises make all commissioner aides’ salaries equal. In addition, he said their jobs aren’t always guaranteed for the long term.

“If they (the commissioner) don’t run or get elected, that doesn’t mean the job will continue,” he said.

In other matters, a brief COVID-19 update

by Shannon Weiner, emergency management director, and Bob Eadie, health officer for Monroe County, highlighted average cases per day and current vaccination efforts. Weiner said the county’s seeing 16 new cases a day for March with three hospitalizations a day for the past week. In total, 17,374 residents in Monroe County have been vaccinated.

Assistant County Administrator Christine Hurley said permitting offices except Ocean Reef will open for in-person intake beginning April 12. Hurley, who oversees building and permitting, noted that the department has counted 1,600 incomplete applications since an evaluation was done Nov. 1.

County Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson told commissioners that a bill in Tallahassee that would increase the sales tax in Monroe by a penny won’t advance, as it didn’t get the support from Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls. The sales tax increase looked to aid a road elevation program in Monroe County to address flooding. While disappointing, Ten-

nyson said, it sometimes needs more than one session to gain traction.

“We thank our representative (Jim Mooney) and senator (Ana Maria Rodriguez) for at least starting the conversation. No doubt, that conversation will continue,” she said. “We’re just in a more advanced place than the state is. We’ve done our studies, we know what we need to do and we know what it costs. The state just hasn’t gotten there yet.”

Tennyson said a bill in the Florida House was filed to provide $100 million for a Resilient Florida program to help local governments fund projects to address flooding and sea level rise issues.

Gastesi announced that Monroe County Fire Chief James Callahan will be retiring May 15. Taking his place as fire chief is the current deputy chief, Steve Hudson. Callahan has served as fire chief since January 2009. He began his career with fire rescue as battalion chief in January 2006 and served as interim fire chief for two years.

“The fire department is in as good of a position as it’s ever been,” Callahan told commissioners via Zoom. “Hudson will absolutely move the organization forward and make it stronger and better.”

Hudson said he’s grateful for the opportunity to succeed Callahan and lead the men and women within the fire department. Hudson has been serving Monroe County Fire Rescue’s residents since December 2012 as a battalion chief before being promoted to deputy chief of operations in June 2015.

“He brought me on eight years ago and we’ve grown together as a department. He leaves behind big shoes to fill,” Hudson said. “I look forward to the opportunity ahead of us, as well as challenges.”

Discussion and direction regarding Poinciana Gardens Senior Living Facility in Key West was postponed to a future meeting. The county is examining an opportunity to manage the facility through the social services department.

A comprehensive report is expected to be presented at the next meeting.

The board of county commissioners will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. An agenda for the meeting hasn’t been released.

County commissioners support Key West voters, oppose state’s port preemption bill.

See page 31 for details.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

THEIR MISSION CONTINUES A group of 16 retired Navy SEALS from the nonprofit Beyond the Teams trains for a 300-mile trek, raising money while paddling an outrigger canoe from Key West to Fort Pierce in May. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

RETIRED NAVY SEALS PLAN 300-MILE PADDLE TREK FROM KEY WEST

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group of about 16 Navy SEALS may be retired from active duty, but are still serving their country and its people, having accepted a new mission as members of the nonprofit group Beyond the Teams.

Mike Charbonnet started Beyond the Teams — named for the various SEAL Teams that undertake dangerous, classified and livesaving missions around the world (does SEAL Team 6 sound familiar?)

— for SEAL life after active duty.

“Beyond the Teams is a group of former Navy SEALs who have teamed up to undertake a new kind of mission,” said Charbonnet, whose son, also a SEAL, became paralyzed from the waist down during a parachuting accident and needed neurological rehabilitation at a clinic in San Diego, California.

“VIP Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic doesn’t accept insurance because they don’t want to have to turn away someone who’s not insured, so all their funding comes from donations, grants and fundraisers,” said Charbonnet. He made the clinic the first recipient of the first Beyond the Teams epic fundraiser in 2019, when the team embarked on a 1,000-mile bike ride from Virginia Beach to Fort Pierce, Florida, where the Navy SEAL Museum is located.

“Members of Beyond the Teams conduct fund-raising events for organizations and causes that help people with physical disabilities, cultural disadvantages and practical needs going unmet because they are the ‘little guys,” the organization’s website states.

This year’s fundraiser puts the SEALS back in the water, or at least on it. They’ll be paddling a sixperson outrigger canoe 300 miles, from Key West to Fort Pierce, from May 25 to May 31. The team will paddle about 50 miles a day and stop for the night in Marathon, Key Largo, Miami, Boca Raton and Fort Pierce.

Each night’s stop will include a meet-and greet, silent auction and raffles, said Mel Veazey, a Cudjoe Key resident whose husband, Allen, is also a retired SEAL. The local couple is helping Charbonnet assemble the plans and coordinate hotel rooms, meals and evening event venues in the Keys.

“We have guys coming in from Hawaii, Houston, California and other places for this paddle event,” Charbonnet said. The paddle will start from Key West or Stock Island, depending on water conditions, and La Trattoria Oceanside will host a sendoff event for the guys before they shove off and start paddling north.

“Any money we save on hotel rooms, meals and venues will mean more money for this year’s recipient charity,” Charbonnet said. “We’ll take any help we can get. Be it hotel rooms, a vacant home, an evening event venue or silent auction prizes.”

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Navy SEAL Museum’s charitable umbrella, known as Trident House Charities, which provides scholarships for children of the Special Operations community, family support for medical needs not covered by federal funding, a Trident House respite home for families and SEALs readjusting to life after deployment and a K9 project that provides specially trained assistance dogs for veterans.

To help Beyond the Teams, email hello@beyondtheteams.org.

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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14

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021 The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Goldman was commissioned March 12 at Coast Guard Sector Key West. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

WELCOME ABOARD COAST GUARD COMMISSIONS NEW CUTTER IN KEY WEST MF_KWWeeklyAd_1.pdf

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2/24/21

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ttendance was limited for the March 12 commissioning of the new Coast Guard Cutter Robert Goldman, but the colorful and patriotic ceremony was live-streamed.

Vice Adm. Scott Buschman, the U.S. Coast Guard’s deputy commandant for operations, presided over the ceremony to formally commission the 154-foot USCGC Robert Goldman, the agency’s 42nd Sentinel-class cutter that will depart for service in Bahrain later this year.

The cutter was built at Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana, and operates with a crew of 22 men and women, according to Bollinger Shipyards’ website.

Mrs. Eleanor Goldman is the ship’s sponsor.

The Robert Goldman is the second of six fast-response cutters (FRCs) planned for service in Manama, Bahrain. The cutter is named after Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class Robert Goldman, remembered for heroic and selfless actions as a member of the joint forces serving in the Pacific theater during World War II. Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished himself or herself in the line of duty. Robert Goldman enlisted in the Coast Guard in October 1942 as a pharmacist’s mate. In 1944 he reported for duty aboard the Coast Guard-manned, 328-foot Landing Ship, Tank-66, taking part in a campaign to retake the Philippines from the Japanese. On Nov. 12, 1944, a Japanese kamikaze plane flew straight for the men gathered on the starboard side of the landing ship’s stern. Goldman watched the enemy fighter crash into the deck and explode. His back was on fire from the aviation fuel; his right leg received shrapnel from the crashing fighter, and he suffered severe shock from the sudden crash and resulting carnage. Disregarding his own injuries, Goldman courageously treated the wounded and dying. For his heroic deeds, Goldman received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals.

The Coast Guard took delivery of USCGC Robert Goldman on Dec. 21, 2020, in Key West.

It will transit to Bahrain later this year with sister ship the Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141), delivered on Oct. 22, 2020, and commissioned on Jan. 21, in Portsmouth, Virginia.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

REDA WIGLE

www.keysweekly.com

ROLLING THE DICE IN PARADISE CASEY ARNOLD DEVELOPS MONOPOLY KEY WEST EDITION

C

apitalist Conchs rejoice: the city of Key West is getting its very own Monopoly board. Local business owner Casey Arnold began developing the Key West edition of the iconic board game after a trip to his home state last year. “I saw a University of Kentucky Monopoly board and it caught my eye.

I saw how customized it was and how beautiful the imagery was. I immediately dreamed of how successful that could be for us in Key West.” Arnold contacted Hasbro Gaming, the game’s manufacturer, and got the wheels turning — or the little silver tokens moving, so to speak.

Everything about Arnold’s forthcoming Key West edition is tailored to reflect the island. Game tokens will include a Kino sandal, a slice of Key lime pie, a rooster, a conch shell, a manatee and a fishing boat. The board is color coded: green squares are dedicated to famous houses, mansions and inns of Key West; yellow is resorts and hotels, red is familynamed businesses, orange is real estate, pink is restaurants and the remaining squares represent attractions and eventplanning services.

YOU’RE BROKE SKIP YOUR TURN

Arnold declined to divulge the complete list of affiliated businesses. “Everybody wants to know who has Boardwalk and Park Place. That’s the secret and I’m not telling. You have to wait until the game is released.” That release date is slated for late fall, just in time for Christmas.

Arnold said that because Monopoly is, at heart, a game for children, bars, liquor stores, dispensaries and strip clubs are notably absent.

He did reveal that in lieu of owing the traditional luxury tax, players will pay The Pool Man of Key West for pool-cleaning services.

For Arnold, choosing the right businesses for the board took serious consideration. “It’s an iconic timepiece. It is of the utmost importance for the city, and to these businesses, that the integrity of this game is the highest it can be. It’s also my project and my baby so it’s going to be a lot of reflections of me.” Those reflections include Arnold’s long-standing relationship with the Conch Republic Seafood Co. His first job on the island was waiting tables at the restaurant and he now serves as director of marketing and events. In addition, Arnold is the owner of Key West Team Building and Southernmost Scavenger Hunt.

The many hats he wears and hands he shakes as a businessman prepared him for his most recent role as a Monopoly ambassador. “My favorite part of the whole process is the people I’ve met.

These business owners who have lent me their time, which is your most valuable asset, and have heard what I’ve said. To be believed in, and fully supported by people in this community, is the most humbling.”

Arnold is reciprocating that support by donating a portion of proceeds from each game sold to local charities, including Reef Relief. “They’re all about educating children and tourists about our waters and I thought that would be such a great fit.”

Casey Arnold plays for keeps with Key West.

REDA WIGLE / Keys Weekly

Love of the game runs deep for Arnold, who grew up on a farm in rural Kentucky. “We didn’t have any kids in our neighborhood; it was me and my sister.

We had to keep each other entertained and we always played Monopoly.” Admittedly, he doesn’t always play fair. “I’m very competitive. I’m not a cheater if I don’t get caught,” he laughed.

Arnold has been on a winning streak since relocating to Key West 10 years ago.

“This town has done nothing but reward me and accept me and make me such a better person. I started out as a server and became a business owner and I’ve really developed myself here. I will be a lifelong Key Wester. I love this island.”

Arnold plans to use the earnings from the game to further deepen his roots in the Keys community. “My goal with this project is to purchase my very first home here in Key West so I can tell everybody I bought a house with Monopoly money.”

To preorder a Key West Monopoly game, visit keywestmonopoly.com.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

THE CONNECTION Coastie and Cuban émigré reconnect 50 years after rescue

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

o hear Pete Hernandez tell it, it was a grand adventure. For two days, he and his family and friends — altogether, 30 refugees — floated around the Gulf of Mexico before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1970.

One of his rescuers was Key West’s Doug Helliesen, a former Coastie.

The tale has all the elements of a good story — a political prisoner whose sister was married to a fisherman, a midnight rendezvous, an antique revolver from the Spanish American War that wouldn’t fire, engines that crapped out, dolphins, seasickness and then, finally, the rescue off the Marquesas Keys and eventual landing in Key West.

On March 11, Helliesen and Hernandez met for the first time in 50 years in Miami. That’s where Hernandez lives now and Helliesen was visiting for a doctor’s appointment.

They reminisced for more than two hours.

“I told him our back story of how we came to escape,” said Hernandez.

“And then we talked about our families and made plans for my wife and I to visit Key West in a few weeks.” Hernandez said he’s bringing Helliesen a gift, too, but it’s a secret and not for publication.

Hernandez and Helliesen connected a few months ago, at the height of the pandemic. Instead of learning how to bake bread, Hernandez started researching more details about his trip. He joined a Facebook group page and uncovered archived news stories about the crossing in the Herald, and another Spanish-language newspaper.

The story made the papers because of the size of the party and the timing — a full decade after Castro assumed power in Cuba and many were jailed for their opposition. Among them was Manolo Garcia, a friend of one of Hernandez’s uncles.

“We would never have left Manolo behind,” another member of the Garcia family told the Herald.

Pete Hernandez, about 6 years old in the photo, escaped from Cuba three years later with his whole family. CONTRIBUTED

Fifty years after the rescue, Hernandez began searching for more details about his flight from Cuba when he was just 9 years old. CONTRIBUTED

Helliesen served aboard the Cape York cutter in 1970.

Manolo’s sister was married to a man who worked on a big, 61-foot state-owned Cuban fishing boat. The plan was for the fisherman to take the rest of the crew hostage, disembark them, and embark the other Cubans escaping to Florida.

“We left our house at midnight and walked for an hour or two to a bay near our city, Mantua, on the western coast of Cuba in the Pinar del Rio province,” Hernandez said. “We had to wait until daybreak and then the boat came into view.”

Hernandez said that aboard the boat, the escaping crew member threatened the rest of the crew with the antique revolver obtained from the local doctor. (The only problem: no bullets. Eventually, bullets were found but not of the right caliber. They were shoved into the chamber anyway, held in place with pieces of wadded up paper. By the way, it was a friendly hostage taking, Hernandez recalled.

The rest of the crew was disappointed only that they weren’t prepared to defect too.)

The boat, named El Cacique (meaning chief or boss) headed north

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

Key West’s Doug Helliesen, left, reconnects with Pete Hernandez 50 years after Helliesen’s Coast Guard crew saved Hernandez’s family escaping from Cuba.

CONTRIBUTED

for a few hours before releasing the non-defecting crew into a little skiff to make their way back to Cuba.

Then the boat headed west toward Florida.

Did they know their location?

“All we knew was that we were somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico,” Hernandez said.

On the first full day at sea, the boat’s engines failed and the captain raised the sails. Of the 19 men, 6 women and 5 children, only the children escaped mal de mer. Hernandez said he was having a ball.

“I was just a kid, 9 years old at the time. I remember the captain taking me up to the front of the boat where a pod of dolphins was playing in the bow wake. I wasn’t sick at all and I had never been on a boat before,” he said.

On the second night at sea, the crew spotted lights in the distance. A protracted discussion was held to decide whether they should approach.

“At one point, the crew member with the pistol took it out and tried to fire it to see if it would work in case it was needed,” Hernandez said. It didn’t, and was summarily chucked into the sea.

The lights ended up being a couple of boats carrying fishermen from Texas. Hernandez said he thinks they were 90 miles off the Marquesas Keys. The fishermen radioed the Coast Guard and they arrived the next morning on the Cape York cutter. The women and children were taken aboard the government vessel while the men stayed on Cacique and were towed to shore in Key West.

The event, naturally, stuck in Hernandez’s head. Of all the family members who escaped, only Hernandez and a cousin are alive today.

But the name of the boat, Cape York, stuck with him and other members of that fateful trip. Hernandez started researching the boat and eventually stumbled over a list of the crew at that time. He painstakingly searched each one on Facebook. The only one he found, Hernandez said, was Helliesen.

For his part, Helliesen was in just as unlikely a place that fateful day in 1970. He said it was “join or be drafted.” So he joined the Coast Guard after he graduated high school in Key West. After basic training, he had three options — take a job on an icebreaker, an ocean station vessel or, of all things, return to his hometown to serve.

“I was teased by all my friends that I joined the service to get away from home and ended up back home,” Helliesen said. “I didn’t care;

though, it would have been my worst nightmare to have a job on an icebreaker.”

And, like Hernandez, the connection between the two men has been a trip down memory lane. The only other Coastie Helliesen stayed in touch with over the years was “Smitty,” the cook, stepfather to Key West Realtor Bascom Grooms.

Helliesen has a hysterical story about the cook entering a bank with a blood-spattered apron and a fistful of colleague’s checks to cash, leading many to believe an awful event had occurred. (It hadn’t.)

Helliesen mustered out after three years in the Coast Guard. As many Key Westers know, he was a lifelong boat builder and now woodworker. He’s made everything from a commercial vessel to custom gingerbread work to the hand-turned, fine art, wooden pens he makes now.

In fact, Helliesen has discovered, he comes from a long line of boat builders in the home country of Norway.

“It’s kind of in my blood, the wood and the water,” he said.

Hernandez has prospered in the U.S. After landing in Key West, the group of 30 was shuttled to Freedom House in Miami, an old Army barracks repurposed for Cuban refugees and operated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami. As was the custom, Cubans were sent to other parts of the country. One of the families on the boat was sent to Boston. He and his family were sent to California via train — first to New York City, then Chicago and then California.

“It took one earthquake and we started making our way back to Florida,” Hernandez said.

His cousin, who made the trip as a 5-year-old, recently retired as a captain from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Hernandez has been married for 35 years and has two grown sons.

He has an office job — purchasing supplies and scheduling operations for a HYUGE (wink, wink) golf club on the mainland.

Hernandez said he has no need to revisit Cuba because his whole family was able to come to the U.S. at the same time. And while he doesn’t judge friends who do, he said he refuses to support communism with the American tourist dollar.

“You know how bad things are in Cuba when you risk your life to leave it. I’m so thankful that my family made that decision 50 years ago and I was able to grow up here,” Hernandez said. “The United States is going through some tough times right now, but in my opinion it is still the greatest country in the world.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE Hellfire and hotpants, it’s Aries season. The infernal majesty of this fire sign is a welcome respite from the tidal feelings and easily triggered tears of Pisces. While Pisces season was about reflection and release, Aries season is all about action.

As the first sign in the zodiac, the ram symbolizes beginnings and forward momentum. Ushered in by the spring equinox, Aries season is the true start of a new year and a new cycle of growth. It offers us all the chance to burn what was and begin again, to be born whole and wholly alone. As the Aries poet Octavio Paz writes, “No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone’s path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.” May many fires light your path.

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.

PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Famed surfboard shaper Fletcher Chouinard struggled with dyslexia as a child. Chouinard, like many dyslexics, took a natural shine to sculpture and the art of board shaping.

The moral of the story is this: Gaps in understanding are not so much what’s missing, but the space in which something else can expand.

Notable Pisces: Javier Bardem / March 1, 1969 ARIES March 21 to April 19 Artist and fellow Aries Toko Shinoda used sumi ink, an old-school and famously temperamental substance, to create her abstract calligraphy paintings. “It is necessary to finish one’s work very quickly. So the composition must be determined in my mind before I pick up the brush.

Then, as they say, the painting just falls off the brush.” Begin each project with determined vision, quick execution and no fear of failure.

Notable Aries: Gina Carano / March 24, 1982

TAURUS April 20 to May 20 My favorite Taurus recently imparted the following advice: “We should all operate as the CEOs of our own lives; free to fire, hire, downsize or expand at will.” Apply these principles to the enterprise of your own existence, Taurus. Treat your happiness as an essential business, cut losses and invest carefully to reap maximum satisfaction and minimal suffering.

Notable Taurus: Queen Elizabeth II / April 21, 1926 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 This week, Venus, planet of love and attachments, is moving into Aries in your 11th house of friendship.

This transit could mean a platonic friendship accelerates into a physical relationship; relatability with a current partner might increase or you may find yourself feeling abundant, unsexy adoration from your friend group. Recognize that love exists as nourishment and you can be fed, and made full, beyond the bonds of romantic partnership.

Notable Gemini: Peter Sutcliffe / June 2, 1946 CANCER June 21 to July 22 Every “yes” that has ever crossed the boundary line of your lips has led you to the place you are today.

That’s a heavy truth to bear, crab.

The good news is you are entitled to retract any yes and usher any outright nay. Rather than wallowing in how you got here, push those claws into the ground and dig yourself out with definitive boundaries, steeled reserve and the knowledge that you will be loved in spite, and perhaps even because, of your ability to say no.

Notable Cancer: Mindy Kaling / June 24, 1979 LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 The next few weeks are a vital time for the lion pride as a fellow fire sign is ruling the skies. The area of your chart associated with

philosophy and mind expansion is activated during this cycle. Will you take ayahuasca or an online cooking class? Learn to make your own toothpaste or astral project? Whatever it is, be guided and engulfed by curiosity. As Plutarch reminds us, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

Notable Leo: Meghan Markle / Aug. 4, 1981 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Fellow Virgo Nick Cave battled a bout of writer’s block last year.

Across the pond, his friend, the artist Thomas Houseago, was suffering from a similar lack of inspiration.

The two made a deal. “If he painted me a picture, I would write him a song. I have found that it can be helpful to remove oneself from the creative process and do work in the service of others.” Do something necessary for yourself, Virgo, even if you have to approach it as an offering to another. Perhaps best of all, a future iteration of yourself.

Notable Virgo: Prince Harry / Sept. 15, 1984 LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 A full moon in your sign at the end of the month heralds a time of extremes for you, Libra. Usually one to think rather than feel, unruly emotions are active and actively seeking release at this time. As the sign of balance, this intensity may feel unsettling. Trust that everything is shifting for the ultimate purpose of preparing the path ahead and clarifying your true purpose.

Notable Libra: Steven Spurrier / Oct. 5, 1941 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 My favorite Scorpio recently confided that in her faith practice, “guilt is not real and completely useless to personal, human revolution.” She explained that guilt cannibalizes time, muddies communication and cripples progress. She advised, as I advise you now, to replace feelings of guilt with an impetus to change

and a charge toward action. Do not repeat your wrongs, and honor your potential by moving forward toward humbled self-improvement.

Notable Scorpio: Lucky Luciano / Nov. 11, 1897 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Sage old Socrates wrote, “beware the barrenness of a busy life.” As you, archer, move through this season with alarming speed and admirable intensity, if you don’t pause, you’ll have accomplished much but missed more. Take time, take quiet and take in the sweetness of the fruits of your labors before they spoil.

Notable Sagittarius: Emily Dickinson / Dec. 10, 1830 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Independence taken to an extreme is, in and of itself, evidence of deep trust issues. Does your independence look or feel more like exile than healthy distance? Adjust your boundaries accordingly. Until you are willing to gamble and place your faith in the care and competence of your fellow man, you’ll remain a stranger to the tender surprise of being proven wrong.

Notable Capricorn: Tiger Woods / Dec. 30, 1975 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 Fellow Aquarius Pico Iyer writes that travel is akin to a love affair. “All good trips are like love, about being carried out of yourself and deposited in the midst of terror and wonder.” I hope the weeks ahead find you on the road to somewhere or at the very least traveling toward the strange shores of another person.

The terrible wonder and wonderful terror that await you possess the power to transform you from who you are into who you might yet become. Buy the ticket, take the ride.

Notable Aquarius: Jimmy Hoffa / Feb. 14, 1913

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

VIRTUAL AUCTION TO BENEFIT CFK

E

veryone loves to be offended. In fact, being offended has become the new, unofficial pastime for most Americans on social media and in grocery aisles. Most recently, we at The Weekly received a letter from a concerned reader that we failed to fact-check a Top 10 we published about Oprah’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. That’s when we realized: maybe we should offer some tips to help certain readers better stomach our weekly attempt at humor. Always here to help — we offer...

SIGNS YOU ARE THE TYPE OF PERSON OFFENDED BY THE WEEKLY’S TOP 10 10. You’re a troll who uses a fake name on social media accounts, while referring to yourself as a “social crusader” because you can make a cat meme.

9. You like to fact-check.

(Dude, we do not adhere to facts in the Top 10. It’s humor. Get on board and turn that sad frown upside down. If not for us, do it for the kids.)

8. You believe in conspiracies. (“They’re using the Top 10 to let illegals vote twice!”)

7. You insist all news is fake news. Except for the three sites you frequent on the dark web.

6. You pretend to be offended by anything The Weekly does, because you work at another media company (we know who you are).

5. You take anything and everything seriously when it fits your narrative — and then bask in your own selfaffirmation alongside the eight people who like your posts.

4. You’re sober when you read the Top 10. (Not recommended.)

3. You’re offended when someone else is more offended than you. (“I’m offended that you’re more offended that they’re not offended.”)

2. You’re someone who: Despises the sound of children’s laughter, hates puppies or serves on an HOA board.

1. At some point you’ve verbally assaulted someone working for minimum wage. And when someone explained to you what a “Karen” is, you took it as a compliment.

Bonus: You just got offended because you think the term “Karen” is offensive.

(Retraction: Harry and Meghan did not get $7 million for the interview.)

CFK’s Seaside Soiree auction items will include Golf vacation packages in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Sonny’s BBQ whole hog catering for 50, a romantic dinner at Latitudes, and a L2Fish standup paddleboard. CONTRIBUTED

T

he College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) annual fundraiser, the Seaside Soiree, is going virtual this year with an online auction that will run Monday, March 22 through Saturday, April 3. Items up for bid include art, jewelry and sports equipment, as well as adventure and travel packages. Participants can go to cfk.edu/ soiree to access the auction website to view auction items and place bids starting at noon on March 22.

Throughout the auction period, new items will be introduced. Bidders are encouraged to visit often.

Bidders will receive email notices if they have been outbid.

Sponsored by Centennial Bank and Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company, the Seaside Soiree auction proceeds will benefit the students and programs of the college. For more information about the Seaside Soiree or to contribute auction items or financial gifts to the CFK Foundation, contact Frank Wood, CFK vice president of advancement and executive director of the foundation, at frank.wood@ cfk.edu or 305-809-3287.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

SATURDAY, MARCH TH, TIME: PM GENERAL SEATING:

LUNAR

VIP SEATING:

*Ticket prices include the Pig & Fish Roast and entertainment.

All beverages are additional. Buffet will close at 8:30 pm.

Existing Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina Members, as well as all VIP Ticket Holders, will each receive One (1) Complimentary Drink Ticket with the purchase of their Lunar Beach Bash ticket.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

KEY WEST ESCAPE

1 2

BREAKERS & BIKERS FILL THE ISLAND

W

ith colleges either closed for a recent week or offering the freedom of online attendance, plenty of students found time to escape to the Southernmost City.

The sunburned frenzy packed Smathers Beach during the day and Duval Street at night, with police and code compliance officers closely monitoring the crowds and enforcing the city’s mask mandate. Barricades were erected on some nights as needed to eliminate vehicles on Duval Street and give the nighttime crowds room to spread out.

Meanwhile, U.S. 1 saw an influx of motorcycles making their way to Key West as hundreds of two-wheeled visitors extended their Daytona Bike Week vacation to include a southern swing.

— Weekly staff report

3

4 5

1+2. Despite scheduling shifts and some schools canceling the traditional spring break due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, plenty of college students are finding their way to the Florida Keys. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly 3. A trio of visiting college students get an aerial view of the Southernmost City. LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly 4. Riding in style. LANCE HILL/Keys Weekly 5. There was no shortage of motorcycles on U.S. 1, as Daytona Bike Week visitors added a southern stop to their two-wheeled itinerary. LANCE HILL/ Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

CELEBRATING SENIORS KWHS LACROSSE TEAMS HONOR GRADUATING TEAMMATES

K

ey West High School’s lacrosse teams celebrated Senior Night on March 12.

The girls’ and boys’ teams both soundly defeated Palmer Trinity. The girls won 13-2, and the boys won 14-3. A halftime ceremony recognized seniors Sofia David, Gemma Egan, Ocean Leto, Barbara Lopez and Ericka Tunay. The boys team honored seniors Bailey Maun, Justin Hill, Nick Henriquez, Wilderson Ulysse, Corey Vanderhoof and Dylan Olive, who was named player of the game with three goals and four assists.

— Weekly staff report

1 2

3

1. Kyle Reichard heads for the goal during Key West’s March 12 lacrosse game. LANCE HILL/ Keys Weekly

4

5

2. KWHS men’s lacrosse coach Alberto Picero stands with some of his graduating players during the team’s March 12 Senior Night ceremony. CONTRIBUTED 3. Key West junior Jackson Gregg heads for the goal. LANCE HILL/Keys Weekly 4. Goalie Gemma Egan had eight saves during the March 12 game against Palmer Trinity.

SARAH BAXTER/Contributed 5. Senior lacrosse players get a special send-off from teammates, coaches and parents during the March 12 Senior Night ceremony. From left are seniors Sofia David, Gemma Egan, Ericka Tunay, Barbara Lopez and Ocean Leto. SARAH BAXTER/Contributed

6

7

6. Dylan Olive, pictured with Coach Alberto Piceno, got the job done on March 12 as Player of the Game. CONTRIBUTED 7. Paul Crespo takes a shot. LANCE HILL/Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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28

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

GOVERNOR APPOINTS RASCHEIN TO HOUSING FINANCE BOARD

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

WASTE MANAGEMENT DONATES FREE PAINT FOR GRAFFITI CLEAN-UPS

F

lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed former state representative and Key Largo resident Holly Raschein to the Florida Housing Finance Corp.

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) was created by the state Legislature 40 years ago to assist in providing a range of affordable housing opportunities. The state provides financing for multifamily development programs (or rental housing programs) including State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) and Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

Raschein is director of government relations for AshBritt Environmental and a former member of the Florida House of Representatives. Previously, she spent time with Mariners Hospital and First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Raschein has volunteered with Leadership Monroe County, Young Philanthropists of Baptist Health, Rotary Club of Key Largo and the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University and a master’s in public administration from Florida International University.

DeSantis also named Mario Facella of Loxahatchee and Ronald Lieberman of Ocala to the board. Facella is a senior lender with TD Bank.

Lieberman is president of American Real Estate and Development Corporation and Steel Structures of Florida.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

— Contributed

Greg Sullivan, Michelle Maxwell and Sara Centonze were tired of seeing graffiti on Duval Street and used donated paint from Waste Management to cover it.

CONTRIBUTED

S

arah Centonze, Michelle Maxwell and husband Greg Sullivan this week grew tired of seeing a certain display of graffiti on Duval Street, so they took it upon themselves to get rid of it.

Sullivan manages Waste Management in Key West, and the company donates recycled paint to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, where Maxwell works, for just this purpose.

When people discard paint, Waste Management keeps it out

of landfills and donates it to local residents for graffiti removal and other projects.

The sheriff’s office keeps 10 gallons of paint at every substation for graffiti clean-ups.

“I love to see outstanding residents take pride in their neighborhood,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

“Michelle, Greg and Sarah got out there and worked to be a part of the solution by making their community cleaner and safer. Great job!”

— Contributed

29

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

WE MOVE YOU RELAX

RUNNING OUT OF SPACE?

SARA MATTHIS

‘ARE YOU KIDDING ME?’

Patron leaves staff a $10,000 tip on $193 meal at Castaway in Marathon

KHARA WILSON/ Contributed

It's a little bit blurry, but one staff member snapped a shot of the credit card receipt for prosperity. CONTRIBUTED

“It was a party of 10 and they were waiting on a few more guests to arrive, it was a busy morning, but I had a little time so I chit chatted a little bit — Khara Wilson

T

his happens sometimes, but never here, never to “us.”

On March 16, a woman named Pam left a $10,000 tip on a $193 breakfast bill at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Marathon.

“It was a party of 10 and they were waiting on a few more guests to arrive,” said waitress Khara Wilson. “It was a busy morning, but I had a little time so I chit chatted a bit — where they were from, when they were leaving. I got the impression that she was visiting with her kids and grandkids.”

Wilson said the benefactress said she was from Oklahoma and mentioned she would be flying out of the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport on a private plane.

“And then I went about my business,” Wilson said.

Later the woman approached Wilson and asked how many people were working in the kitchen.

“She could see how many people were working on the floor. I asked her why she wanted to know and she told me it would be a surprise,” Wilson said, “but that I needed to share with all the staff.”

It was. The credit card slip ended up being handed to a trainee. Wilson said she handed over the receipt with big eyes.

“I looked at it and said, ‘Are you kidding me?’”

Fourteen Castaway employees will be sharing in the largesse. Wilson said she’s going to use her portion to pay the bills and put a little aside for an already planned trip to Costa Rica.

Castaway is a popular waterfront restaurant in Marathon in the Florida Keys owned by John Mirabella, a leader in the community who personally hunts the lionfish often featured on the menu.

On March 16, the guests were additionally entertained by a family of manatees frolicking in the adjacent canal.

Wilson has been in the Keys for seven years and started working at the eatery just before the pandemic. In addition, she works at a Marathon breakfast restaurant and a steakhouse.

“I only have one day off a week. I am a busy girl,” she said.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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Selected by President Obama as the fifth inaugural poet in U.S. history, Richard Blanco is the first Latino, immigrant, and gay person to serve in such a role. Born in Madrid to Cuban exile parents and raised in Miami, the negotiation of cultural identity characterizes his four collections of poetry: How To Love a Country, City of a Hundred Fires, Directions to The Beach of the Dead, and Looking for The Gulf Motel.

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31

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

STATE SENDS RESOURCES TO VACCINATE SCHOOL PERSONNEL OVER 50

mandy@keysweekly.com

COUNTY COMMISSION BACKS KEY WEST VOTERS, OPPOSES STATE BILL TO VOID CRUISE SHIP LIMITS

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

S

tate resources are helping deliver vaccinations scheduled for local school personnel.

According to the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, the state’s Region 7 Incident Management Team visited the Keys to administer shots on March 13, for K-12 staff who are 50 years and older.

Per the Monroe County School District and Becky Herrin, communications coordinator for the district’s COVID-19 response, state-supported events on March 13 took place in the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. In total, the state expected to vaccinate 220 employees who are 50 and older who signed up to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest vaccine eligibility requirements allow educators 50 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Law enforcement officers and firefighters 50 years and older can also obtain the shot.

Vaccinations opened up to more people on March 15, as Gov. Ron DeSantis announced those 60 years and up are eligible to sign up for a shot. Florida has more than 1,000 vaccination sites, 11 in Monroe County, including pharmacies and state health department clinics.

The state’s vaccination system and eligibility for teachers differ slightly from the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, in which the federal government partners with national pharmacies to vaccinate people in the U.S. On March 2, President Joe Biden announced a new directive that all educators and childcare workers — regardless of age — could sign up for an appointment at over 9,000 pharmacy locations.

Publix, Winn Dixie and CVS are among the pharmacies participating in the federal program. No CVS pharmacies are administering vaccines yet in Monroe County, but some educators, including Coral Shores High School teacher Jennifer Webb, have found success on the mainland. She said she received the vaccine last weekend at the CVS Pharmacy in Homestead.

“I will feel so much more comfortable being at school every day after I get my second shot and it takes full effect.”

Nonetheless, teachers 50 and younger who want the vaccine are vying for appointments with other eligible groups. And in just a few weeks,

MANDY MILES

Monroe County students will have the choice to return to inperson instruction five days a week as opposed to following an A/B schedule.

The option for students to return to school full-time was mandated by an order by Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran recently to the Monroe County School District.

Corcoran said that an emergency order by the state provided for three learning modes: in-person, virtual and innovative. For those choosing in-person, the order says the school district must “continue to open brick and mortar schools at least five days a week for all students” who select that choice.

On March 29, parents of students in grades 6-12 will be given the option for their children to return to five days a week.

The school district was following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, which recommended administrators work with local public health officials to assess the level of risk based on the level of community transmission. It recommends they examine the number of cases per 100,000 in the past seven days.

CDC indicators deem more than 100 new cases per 100,000 in the past seven days as “high transmission,” which is where Monroe County currently sits.

“Monroe’s rate of COVID cases per 100,000 people remains in the CDC’s ‘High Transmission Red’ level, warranting strict mitigation efforts,” Monroe County school board member Sue Woltanski stated in an op-ed last week. “It is this data, concern about more new infectious variants and recent evidence of transmission within our Monroe classrooms, that led our local health department to continue to advise the A/B schedule, which allows appropriate social distancing.”

As for pharmacies offering vaccines to educators, Publix says it will administer shots to teachers, school staff, bus drivers and child care workers. Publix offers the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shot. More information is available at publix.com/ covid-vaccine/florida.

Winn Dixie said it’s also following guidelines to vaccinate all K-12 personnel. Stores on North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West and at MM 92 in Tavernier are taking appointments. Visit winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine/covid19-vaccine-availability. Winn Dixie says it’s administering the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

A majority of Key West voters want to limit large cruise ships, but a state bill would nullify their vote. CONTRIBUTED

W

ith no discussion and a unanimous vote, the Monroe County commissioners on March 17 approved a resolution by Commissioner Craig Cates to oppose a proposed state bill that would nullify Key West’s cruise ship limitations.

“The resolution expresses the BOCC’s support for home rule, a principle embodied in the Florida Constitution since 1968. Home rule authority allows for local governments to legislate within their jurisdictions to reflect and protect the interests of their respective communities based on the philosophy that the government closest to the people best represents the people,” the resolution states.

“The resolution also expresses opposition to SB 426 and HB 267, which broadly preempt local government regulation of commerce in seaports, preempting the authority to regulate port activity to the state.

Currently, all 14 ports in Florida, including the Port of Key West are controlled by local government entities, i.e., a city, county or local port authority.”

Senate Bill 426 is making its way through legislative committees and was most recently passed by the senate transportation committee. If it becomes law, SB 426 will nullify the November vote by about 62% of Key West voters to significantly reduce the number of cruise ships that can visit Key West.

32

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Key West has controlled its own waterfront for almost 200 years. But if two bills pending in the state capitol become law, the state of Florida would seize regulatory authority over all commercial activity in the port. This attack on the city’s right to govern itself is financed and orchestrated by Ed Swift, Mark Walsh, John Wells, and the Bar Pilots, headed by Robert Maguire, who want to overturn the results of last year’s election, in which 60% to 80% of local voters approved municipal limits on cruise ships. It’s an outrageous example of a few powerful businessmen seeking bailouts from big government in order to punish small-government decision-making and exploit our shared natural resources.

Unfortunately, their bill goes further than deregulating cruise ships. If it passes, the City may be prohibited from enforcing zoning laws, building codes, or city ordinances at some of the island’s most valuable property. This could impact City revenue, eliminate senior City jobs, and threaten numerous important projects, including affordable housing proposed for the Truman Waterfront.

The bill says city governments like Key West “may not restrict or regulate commerce in the seaports of this state, as listed in (Florida Statute) 311.09.” That’s bad enough.

But making matters worse, the geographic area of Key West’s seaport is not defined in Florida statutes. In fact, although it is the oldest port in the state, the area of Key West’s seaport is not described in any government document. Unlike other seaports, the Port of Key West appears to exist more as an idea than as an actual set of boundaries.

If Key West is prohibited from regulating commerce in its seaport, where exactly is the seaport? Historical maps suggest the port has been thought of differently at different times, sometimes limited to waters around Mallory Square and sometimes including all the navigable waters surrounding Key West, as well as the entire land area of the island. Since defined seaports typically include not just deep-water ports, but also adjacent upland property, state jurisdiction in Key West would likely extend beyond the waterline to the docks and potentially inland for several blocks.

Today, commercial activity in the port is regulated by Key West’s Port Director, Bight Management Board,

Planning Department, and Code Enforcement. But what will happen when the state seizes the City’s authority? Will port staff become state employees, or will they lose their jobs? Will the state tell us who can dock at City Marina and who cannot?

If this bill passes, the men responsible for it are expected to lobby another bill next session defining the seaport area. Swift and Walsh control valuable waterfront through Historic Tours of America and various hotel properties; Wells and the Pilots want more and bigger cruise ships. They would surely draw the seaport boundaries to favor these interests. They may even push to privatize the Port Director position, thus sidestepping the inconvenient truth that there is no statewide port authority and further consolidating their private control over commercial activity in the port.

The City’s planned rezoning and revitalization of Mallory Square is also at risk. This preemption bill could strip the City’s zoning power and even prevent it from licensing performers at the nightly sunset celebration.

Even worse, the bill threatens the City’s affordable housing proposal at the former Navy seaport known as the Truman Waterfront.

Defining this area as part of the seaport would cancel City regulations around Swift’s lucrative trolley route that ferries cruise ship passengers from the Outer Mole. But it would also block the City from issuing building permits for the much-needed housing. Instead, the state would determine the best use for this property.

State control of Key West’s seaport, however it may be defined, is an attack on Key West’s hardwon tradition of independence that threatens to tilt the scales even further in favor of a small group of wealthy and powerful men in our city.

Big government shouldn’t pick winners and losers in Key West.

The men advocating for this state takeover of our most precious asset made their fortunes a long time ago. They are now selling out their neighbors and our right to selfgovernment for a few extra dollars.

If they had any sense of decency, they would direct their minions in Tallahassee to withdraw this bill immediately.

Arlo Haskell Treasurer, Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships

Dear Editor, As a native Key Wester, and local ships’ agent, I want to share why Senate Bill 426 and House Bill 267 are a vital protection for Florida’s deep-water ports. As major economic drivers, not only for the region in which they are located, but the state as a whole, international and waterborne commerce should not be subject to shifting political winds.

During the last election, three local referendums were passed in Key West that significantly limit the size and capacity of cruise ships. These referendums effectively exclude 94% of all cruise ship traffic already scheduled into the Port of Key West.

This will have devastating impacts on local businesses, the workforce and Key West economy. According to data collected by the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce, cruise passengers account for more than 20% of tourist spending in Key West when you do not include the cost of lodging, and local cruise spending accounts for more than $90 million per year. This will be a significant loss to businesses and to the city’s budget, which will lose millions of dollars in disembarkation fees.

It is the hope of those who pushed for these referendums that the smaller cruise ships Key West is now expecting to attract and their passengers, who pay higher per diems, will be sufficiently wealthy to spend more in town. However, this highlights how the size restrictions they designed will exclude larger ships with lower fares that allow people of moderate means to enjoy a Key West port call. Intentional or not, the promotion of ships catering to the well-todo over those carrying people of modest income is a form of economic discrimination. And that is not what Key West and its One Human Family have ever been about.

These referendums were also billed as a necessary compromise to protect the environment, but their very language prevents the most environmentally advanced ships from calling on Key West because of the strict size restrictions. And those

that wrote the referendums that effectively shut down our port have never produced any data or scientific report that shows cruise ships cause damage to the Keys environment. In fact, even though ships have not visited the Keys since last March, our beaches have continued to be classified as having “poor” water quality by the Florida Department of Health. In reality, a report from Florida Atlantic University’s 30-year study cited land-borne pollutants as the absolute cause of the decline of Florida Bay and nearby coral reefs.

SB 426 and HB 267 will effectively undo these illconceived referendums in Key West and protect our port from similar issues in the future.

After all, the economic benefits of maritime commerce extend far beyond the locality in which a port is located, contributing $117.6 billion in economic value to the state, and our ports should be regulated with that statewide impact in mind.

Just as important as what the bills do, is what they don’t do. The bill does not hand control of ports over to the state or any agency and it does not prevent port authorities from continuing to conduct their business operations. If passed, the only change would be that city governments and local referendums would no longer be able to alter international, waterborne commerce in Florida.

Senator Keith Perry, during a recent Senate committee hearing on the issue, was rightfully concerned that Key West’s referendums could open a Pandora’s box that threatens the continued flow of commerce in Florida. That is why I encourage the Florida House and Senate to pass, and all Floridians to support SB 426 and HB 267.

John E. Wells Caribe Nautical Services, chair Native Key Wester

33

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

ELIZABETH MILLER JOINS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AS NEW CFO

Liz Miller joins the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys as CFO. CONTRIBUTED

L

ong-time Key West resident Elizabeth Miller will become the new chief financial officer of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) beginning May 17. A certified public accountant, Miller has been senior vice president and controller of Spottswood Companies and has more than 20 years’ experience working in financial management and accounting.

As the Community Foundation’s CFO, Miller will be responsible for managing all aspects of CFFK’s finances, including budgeting, reporting, accounting, overseeing adherence to investment and financial policies, and compliance.

Additionally, Miller will be cultivating relationships with and providing support to current and prospective fund holders at the Community Foundation, including individuals and families, nonprofit leaders and board members. The foundation manages over 150 funds.

Miller succeeds Mark Songer, who is retiring in June after six years of service.

“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, the opportunity to

augment our team with such a knowledgeable financial professional will help us take the Community Foundation to the next level,” said Jennifer McComb, CFFK’s president and CEO. “As our first-ever full-time CFO, Liz will make a difference in the Florida Keys indefinitely as we increase our assets under management to ensure a future of strong grantmaking to nonprofits.”

The Community Foundation connects people, resources and needs through philanthropy and works with donors to grant and invest more than $1 million annually to nonprofits throughout the Keys.

Miller has lived in the Keys for almost 15 years. In addition to working at Spottswood Companies for nearly seven years, she worked previously for Keys Energy in Key West and Turner Broadcasting Systems in Atlanta. She has a master’s degree in business administration from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in marketing from the University of Florida. She is a graduate of the Community Foundation’s Leadership Success Academy and has worked with Take Stock in Children and the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League. She has also served on the advisory board for the Florida Keys Council of the Arts and volunteered with Reef Relief.

More information about the Community Foundation and its programs and services is at cffk.org.

— Contributed

LUNCH IS SERVED

KEY WEST RESORTS THANK FIREFIGHTERS & FIRST RESPONDERS WITH LUNCH

The management of the Casa Marina and The Reach resorts in Key West serve lunch on March 10 in appreciation to the Key West firefighters and the city’s first responders. CONTRIBUTED

T

he management team of the Casa Marina and The Reach resorts in Key West showed their appreciation for Key West’s firefighters and first responders by delivering 25 hot meals to a Key West fire station on March 10.

The lunch packages included hot meals prepared by chef Kevin Spencer and the Four Marlins team. The packages also included two special spice blends and a gift certificate for the firefighters, ambulance team and paramedics for a buy-one-get-one-free dinner entrée so they can treat a significant other to dinner to thank them for the sacrifices they make that allow them to serve our community.

— Contributed

From left, Isaac Bixler, John Trovato, Fire Chief Alan Averett, chef Kevin Spencer, Brandon Kocis, Tyrone Cervantes, Tom Bellingham, Angelina Maltese and Aramis Bello enjoy a March 10 lunch delivered by the chefs and managers of the Casa Marina and The Reach resorts.

34

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

Loving the Salt Life outta Marathon. DARLENE HOSTETTER/Contributed

Inspired by the butterflies on the trees in our backyard. Done by Ray Molina at Fire and Ink Tattoo in Key Largo.

THOMAS HOEFT/Contributed

My turtle honors both my parents, who were in the Navy during World War II. The turtle’s tattoo is the symbol of the Redfin submarine my dad was on, and the waves are for my mom who was a WAVE. Very proud of them both. JOELLYN LAZAREK/ Contributed

Here’s my fifth tattoo done last year.

Designed by my talented son who was born in Key West in 1986. KRIS GREENE/Contributed

My son Drake’s footprint at birth, with his initials and birth date in the heartbeat lines. He was born with elevated PKU levels and not breathing. He’s our little warrior. Now he’s a perfectly healthy 7-year-old. JULIA HAGEN/Contributed

This one came from Southernmost Tattoo (Marissa Olney) about a month ago! ADAM BALL/Contributed

I waited 2-1/2 years to have the courage to do this one, at Southernmost Tattoo. NONNI CANFIELD/Contributed

My tattoos show my love for my Antique Jeep, with a fishing pole and a Conch Republic flag in the background, my design. ANDREA HALEY/ Contributed

Our Upper Keys Weekly editor shows off his ink representing his family lineage, which goes back to the Mac Cárthaigh clan and the Kingdom of Munster, and the belief in eternity and eternal life. Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

O

ur theme for MARCH is ADDICTED TO INK. Get a head start on APRIL’s THEME: MOTHER NATURE! We’re showcasing how gorgeous, scary, incredible and finicky weather in the Keys can be. Just in time for Earth Day, send us your favorite rainbows, April showers, Key deer, flowers blooming or ways to spend a day out in nature.

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.

35

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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36

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021 A painted bunting lurks in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT PAINTED BUNTINGS

T

he name bunting comes from a Scottish word that basically means plump. That seems judgmental. If they are plump, they are pleasingly plump, and no one talks about their shape anyway.

What we talk about when we talk about buntings is the color – the way the blue of an indigo bunting hums like the sky behind the sky; the way a painted bunting strikes a lingering chromatic visual chord, the MARK way a lazuli bunting makes you think, “Oh, that’s what HEDDEN lazuli looks like.”

Lazuli buntings aren’t really a factor in the Keys, ... is a photograbecause they’re rarely seen west of the Mississippi. pher, writer, and semi-professional Indigo buntings will start showing up late next month, birdwatcher. He moving around in buzzy little flocks just out of decent has lived in Key photo range, before heading north. Painted buntings, West for more than 25 years and though, have been sneaking around the Keys all winter long. may no longer be employable in I’m always slightly surprised that such a brightly the real world. He colored bird can be so stealthy. With the females, you is also executive get it. Their plumage is a sort of citrine green reminisdirector of the Florida Keys Audu- cent of the way sunlight comes through a leaf, which is great camouflage when you spend your days lurkbon Society. ing about in bushes and trees.

The males, though, are a kind of kaleidoscopic remix of other birds’ greatest hits – the blue head color-matched from a hyacinth macaw, the hue of the red belly lifted from a scarlet tanager, the yellow in its back and wing-coverts sampled from its chlorophyllic mate. It all creates an effect, something visually greater than the sum of its parts.

The English name painted bunting does not do it justice. The French name is passerin nonpareil, meaning basically, songbird without equal. The Dutch name is sateenkaarikardinaali, or rainbow cardinal. In Mexico and Central America they call the bird the azulillo sietecolores, which means the bluish seven colors (though I can never count more than five).

In Cuba, where they are something of a regular rarity, they call it the mariposa, which also means butterfly. Mariposa is derived from the phrase Maria posa, Maria in reference to Santa Maria, a.k.a. the Virgin Mary, and posa meaning resting. Basically, the sight of a painted bunting (or a butterfly) is reminiscent of the miracle of seeing the Virgin Mary, just sitting there.

There are two breeding populations of painted buntings – a large one centered on Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, and a smaller one stretching from Northern Florida to North Carolina, though 85% of those birds live in coastal Georgia and South Carolina. In the winter, most of the eastern population migrates to South Florida, with a smattering continuing on to the Bahamas, Cuba and Jamaica. David Sibley, in “The Sibley Guide to Birds,” said it’s been suggested that the two populations, which don’t really mix, might be separate species, but that the differences were indistinguishable in the field.

I didn’t realize what a southern specialty bird they were until a few weeks ago when someone forwarded me a story about a painted bunting showing up in Maryland and people getting all excited about it. (Such a brightly-hued bird in a bleak winter landscape may have also contributed to the enthusiasm.)

Beauty, though, can be a liability. People have a tendency to want to own it, to keep it close by, to admire it against its will.

When the first Europeans came to North America, they caught painted buntings by the hundreds and shipped them back to Europe to live out their lives as cage birds.

Even in modern times painted buntings are often victims of the illicit bird trade in South Florida, captured in traps and sold illegally for $50 to $200 in impromptu markets in parking lots and rented hotel conference rooms. Occasionally these markets are raided and dealers are arrested, but the penalties are never enough to stop the trade, or even really slow it down.

Between the trapping and the loss of shrubby breeding habitat, their population has been in a long and steady decline.

All of this adds up to make each sighting feel akin to banging a gong, experience-wise.

I had one in my driveway once for about five minutes, and I still check the same spot for it every time I go out the door. I took an OK photo of the bird, and when I looked it up, realized it’s been four years since that five minutes and I don’t think I’ve seen one since.

It is not such a rarified experience for everyone. Buntings are seed eaters, so if you have feeders and the right density of foliage around your place, you might see them more often. (You will definitely see many more doves.)

For the last couple years my friend, Geoff, has been telling me about the painted buntings that come to his feeders every day, saying maybe I should stop by if I needed a fix. The other day, I finally did.

The feeders were hanging from a damn lovely Brazillian rain tree with lots of twisting branches and thousands and thousands of tiny lacy leaves. All the shadows and light made me think of the word chiaroscuro and wonder if I was pronouncing it right in my head. (Turns out I was not.)

After several waves of doves and red-winged blackbirds at the feeders I saw some movement high up in the tree, small birds, arguable plump birds, keeping to the shadows.

They came lower and lower, showing themselves, a male and a female, their color gaining saturation as they moved into the brightness.

The female came into the feeder, grabbed a gullet full of seed, flew back up. The male, sitting in a beam of light in all his technicolor glory, declined to come any closer, maybe a little wary of a human watching him so intently.

37

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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39

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of 1:20 Vet located at 102411 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: 1-20 TO 4-20, LLC Publish: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Zoo Necessity located at 102411 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Zoomar Necessity LLC Publish: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING Meeting Notice The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 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 April 7, 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: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89561081835 Meeting ID: 895 6108 1835 One tap mobile +13017158592,, 89561081835# US (Washington D.C) +13126266799,, 89561081835# 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: 895 6108 1835 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 Thursday 5:00 P.M. on April 1, 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,

LEGAL NOTICES call “711”.

Publish: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING Meeting Notice The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 6, 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 April 6, 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: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81635745852 Meeting ID: 816 3574 5852 One tap mobile +13017158592,, 81635745852# US (Washington D.C) +13126266799,, 81635745852# 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: 816 3574 5852 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 Thursday 5:00 P.M. on April 1, 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: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING Meeting Notice The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 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 April 7, 2021 meeting of the District

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 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: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/87274032408 Meeting ID: 872 7403 2408 One tap mobile +13017158592,, 87274032408# US (Washington D.C) +13126266799,, 87274032408# 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: 872 7403 2408 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 Thursday 5:00 P.M. on April 1, 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: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

+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: 839 7509 8772 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 Thursday 5:00 P.M. on April 1, 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: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 April 29, 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: KWIA NOISE INSULATION PROGRAM KWBTS BLDG A-PHASE 2; 04/29/2021 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: omb-purchasing@ 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 April 29, 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: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

proposals/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 April 15, 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: Notice of Calling for Bids of Surplus Property 04/15/2021 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: omb-purchasing@ 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 April 15, 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) Surplus Equipment Sale – FY 2021 #1 County Fleet ID Description VIN or Serial # Est. Value Mileage/Hours Location ID 531 0920/531 1992 Crossley-small open trailer 1C9B0081625769453 $100.00 N/A Rockland Key 2215 1807/2215 2005 Ford E350 Metro Bus 1FDWE35P65HA40770 $1,500.00 165588 miles Rockland Key 5343 0903/5343 2005 Dixie Chopper 0-turn 6060349 $150.00 802 hours Rockland Key 5408 1005/5408 2006 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12206NA96007 $1,200.00 101424 miles Rockland Key 5409 1005/5409 2006 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12226NA96008 $1,200.00 67787 miles Rockland Key 5411 1001/5411 2006 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12276NA96005 $1,200.00 60000 miles Rockland Key 5456 1809/5456 2006 Ford Focus 1FAHP37N26W207020 $1,632.00 55226 miles Rockland Key 5638 0902/5638 2006 Ford E150 Club-wagon 1FMRE11W16DA49500 $2,500.00 42322 miles Rockland Key 5861 1401/5861 2007 Chevy Malibu 1G1ZS58N67F208110 $2,125.00

PUBLIC MEETING Meeting Notice The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 6, 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 April 6, 2021 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: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83975098772 Meeting ID: 839 7509 8772 One tap mobile +13126266799,, 83975098772# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 83975098772# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

PUBLIC MEETING Meeting Notice The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 6, 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 April 6, 2021 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: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/82305331633 Meeting ID: 823 0533 1633 One tap mobile +19292056099,, 82305331633# US (New York) +13017158592,, 82305331633# 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: 823 0533 1633 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 Thursday 5:00 P.M. on April 1, 2021 All District Advisory Committee Meetings/workshops of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member

NOTICE OF PROPOSED FLOOD ELEVATION DETERMINATIONS DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Monroe County, Florida and Incorporated Areas The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Monroe County and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/ or FIS report for Monroe County and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at https:// www.floodmaps.fema.gov/ fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877336-2627).

Publish: March 11 & 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NOISE INSULATION PROGRAM CONSTRUCTION OF KWBTS (KEY WEST BY THE SEA) BUILDING A—PHASE 2 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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: NOTICE OF CALLING FOR BIDS OF SURPLUS PROPERTY 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/

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

96941 miles Rockland Key 5863 1005/5863 2007 Chevy Malibu 1G1ZS58N77F211310 $2,125.00 72930 miles Rockland Key 5867 0903/5867 2007 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12227NA37798 $1,250.00 104592 miles Rockland Key 5876 0903/5876 2007 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12247NA37804 $1,200.00 130000 miles Rockland Key 5877 1002/5877 2007 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12277KC19613 $1,200.00 158080 miles Rockland Key 5932 0940/5832 2006 Bandit 1890 Chipper 002043 $3,000.00 4502 hours Rockland Key 7486 0920/7486 2013 John Deere Gator ATV 1M04X2XDJCM080630 $200.00 880 hours Rockland Key 6798 0901/6798 2009 Chevy Impala 2G1WB57K291288767 $2,500.00 81517 miles Rockland Key 7045 PRO7045 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid 1FMCU4K32BKB66345 $2,895.00 49331 miles Rockland Key 9834 2401/9834 2006 John Deere Tractor w/ loader LV5525R256195 $7,500.00 76 hours Rockland Key 1327 2401/1008 2002 Dodge 1500 pickup 1D7HA16K22J224761 $600.00 102105 miles Rockland Key 4925 2401/4925 2005 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12275NB96023 $900.00 15228 miles Rockland Key 5921 2401/5921 2007 Ford Explorer 1FMEU63E67UB03538 $1,975.00 13040 miles Rockland Key 5366 0920/5366* 2006 Ford F150 pickup 1FTRF12226NA92685 $300.00 59881 miles Rockland Key 6508 0920/6508* 2008 John Deere Gator ATV W04X2SD031840 $200.00 1432 hours Rockland Key (* Possible Hurricane Irma damaged units) For information or to schedule a viewing of the units & equipment listed above – please contact Jay Knostman at 305850-8122 2010 0976/055 1997 John Deere 244E Front Loader T6244ED000303 $2,500.00 1020 hours Cudjoe Key Transfer Station For information or to schedule a viewing of the front loader listed above, please contact Mike Basham at 305-797-0879 Publish: March 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

MICHAEL JAMES LEBOEUF, DECEASED. NOTICE OF TRUST MICHAEL JAMES LEBOEUF, a resident of Monroe County, Florida, who died on September 26, 2020, was the Grantor of a trust entitled the MICHAEL LEBOEUF REVOCABLE TRUST, dated April 21, 2010, which is a trust described in Section 733.707(3) of the Florida Probate Code, and is liable for the expenses of the administration of the decedent’s estate and enforceable claims of the decedent’s creditors to the extent of the decedent’s estate is insufficient to pay them, as provided in Section 733.607(2) of the Florida Probate Code.

The name and address of the Trustee is set forth below.

The clerk shall file and index this notice of trust in the same manner as a caveat, unless there exists a probate proceeding for the Grantor’s estate in which case this notice of trust must be filed in the probate proceeding and the clerk shall send a copy to the personal representative.

Signed on October 8, 2020.

DEAN LEBOEUF, Trustee 909 East Park Avenue Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 20-CP-000099-P IN RE: ESTATE OF

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FILE NO. 21-CP-17-M PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF CRESFUL W. HORNE, JR. A/K/A CRESFUL WILLIAM HORNE, JR. A/K/A CRESS HORNE, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The ancillary administration of the Estate of CRESFUL W. HORNE, JR., deceased, whose date of death was December 18, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PULICATION 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 March 11, 2021.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: MARK T. LOWE c/o Moore & Van Allen, PLLC 100 N. Tryon Street, Floor 47 Charlotte, NC 28202 ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: SARA PAGE WAUGH, ESQ. Attorney for Petitioner MOORE & VAN ALLEN, PLLC 100 N. Tryon Street - Floor 47 Charlotte, NC 28202 Telephone: 704/331-1000 E-mail: sarapagewaugh@ mvalaw.com Florida Bar No.: 0121726 Publish: March 11 & 18, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000018-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN CHIODO Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOHN CHIODO, deceased, whose date of death was January 25, 2021, 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) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 11, 2021.

Personal Representative: Patricia J. Chiodo 662 97th Street Ocean Marathon, FL 33050 BILZIN SUMBERG BAENA PRICE & AXELROD LLP Attorney for Petitioner 1450 BRICKELL AVENUE, 23RD FLOOR MIAMI, FL 33131 Telephone: (305) 374-7238 Facsimile: (305) 351-2272 Jennifer J. Wioncek, Esq. Florida Bar No. 31564 Telephone: (305) 350-7238 Facsimile: (305) 351-2272 E-mail: jwioncek@bilzin.com eservice@bilzin.com Publish: March 11 & 18, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-18-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JANET S. WHEELER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JANET S. WHEELER, deceased, whose date of death was November 28, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

305.743.0844

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COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 18, 2021.

Personal Representative: NANCY W. COLLOTTI PO BOX 125 Richland, NJ 08350 Attorney for Personal Representative: Urban J. W. Patterson, Esq. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar Number: 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-21-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD A. CARLSTRAND Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Richard A. Carlstrand, deceased, whose date of death was January 20, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 18, 2021.

Personal Representative: Anna Mae Carlstrand 116 Primrose Lane Long Key, Florida 33001 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: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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: March 18, 2021.

Personal Representative: Andrea Brome 7159 Overseas Highway, Apt. 401, Marathon FL, 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Marc J. Gold Esq., Florida Bar Number: 360848 ADDRESS:1645 S.E. 3rd Court Ste. 101 Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441 Telephone: 954-698-0039 Fax: 954-698-0170 E-mail: mjgoldlaw@gmail.com Secondary E-Mail: marygoldlaw@gmail.com Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FILE NO.: 20-CP-000082-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DEE C. MEEKS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Dee C. Meeks, deceased, whose date of death was January 11, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

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

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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: March 18, 2021.

Personal Representative: Beverly Jo Meeks 975 Lemon Bluff Rd. Osteen, Florida 32764 Attorney for Personal Representative: James W. Collins Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0173444 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Suite 300 SARASOTA, FL 34240 Telephone: (941) 373-1432 Fax: (941) 451-7082 E-Mail: jim@lojwc.com Secondary E-Mail: jim54@ comcast.net Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 21-CP-000011-M DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM WILSON LEADBETTER DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The ancillary administration of the estate of William Wilson Leadbetter, deceased, whose date of death was August 1, 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 name and address of the ancillary personal representative and the ancillary 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 PULICATION 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 March 18, 2021.

ANCILLARY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Beth L. Gordon 128 Dam View Rd. Media, PA 19063 ATTORNEY FOR ANCILLARY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Deborah Doliner Deborah Doliner P.A. Florida Bar No. 705985 7875 S.W. 104th Street, Suite 202B Miami, Florida 33156 Telephone: (305) 662-9997 Email address: dolinerlaw@ bellsouth.net Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-15-M IN RE: ESTATE OF SIMON WILSON Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Simon Wilson, deceased, whose date of death was July 23, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000005-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARITA PERKINS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARITA PERKINS, deceased, whose date of death was July 28, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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: March 18, 2021.

Personal Representative: JAMES C. WHITE 106 Spoonbill Road Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 VMiranda@HLYlaw.com Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2021-000049-K JUDGE: KOENIG LD DEVELOPMENT LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, v.

LEONARD E. WESTDALE, JR., and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under or against Defendant(s), whether living or not and whether said unknown parties claim as heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or in any other capacity claiming by, through, under, or against the named Defendant(s).

Defendant.

NOTICE OF ACTION CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE TO: Leonard E. Westdale, Jr. 3521 South Applecrest Ct. Ada, Michigan, 49301 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to Quiet Title on the following described property: A parcel of Land in a part of Lot 25 of “SUMMERLAND ESTATES”, as recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 167, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the Northwest Corner of Lot 25, bear North 72º and 29’ East, 264.75 feet; thence bear South 17º 31’ East 90 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the parcel of land

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES hereinafter described; from said POINT OF BEGINNING, continue bearing S17º 31’ East, 90 feet; thence bear North 72º 29’ East 264.75 feet; thence bear North 17º 31’ West, 90 feet; thence bear South 72º 29’ West, 264.75 feet back to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Property Identification Number: 00200670-000000 Property Address: Vacant Land located at Katherine Street Summerland Key, Florida 33042 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard Lorenzo, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is The Law Office of Richard Lorenzo, P.A., 4649 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Suite #301, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, and file the original with the Clerk of the above styled Court, Monroe County Courthouse, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040, on or before April 12, 2021, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice on the March 11, 2021, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief prayed for in the complaint or petition.

This notice shall be published once each week for four consecutive weeks in the Keys Weekly.

Witness my hand and the Seal of said court at Key West, Florida, on this 3rd of March, 2021.

(Circuit Court Seal) Kevin Madok, CPA As Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: March 11, 18, 25 and April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000830-K DIVISION: Civil JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Lise S. Haupt, et al.

Defendants.

Notice of Sale as to Count(s) II Notice is hereby given that on April 5, 2021 at 11:00AM, the below named Clerk of Court will, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5132, Week 22, Annual Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-18403) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on January 27, 2021, in Civil Case No. 19-CA000597-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of February, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish:

LEGAL NOTICES March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000830-K DIVISION: Civil JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Lise S. Haupt, et al.

Defendants.

Notice of Sale as to Count(s) III and IV Notice is hereby given that on April 5, 2021 at 11:00AM, the below named Clerk of Court will, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5824, Week 51, Annual Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-19754) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on January 27, 2021, in Civil Case No. 19-CA000830-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of February, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000830-K DIVISION: Civil JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Lise S. Haupt, et al.

Defendants.

Notice of Sale as to Count(s) IX and X Notice is hereby given that on April 5, 2021 at 11:00AM, the below named Clerk of Court will, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5131, Week 48, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-11495) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant

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to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on January 27, 2021, in Civil Case No. 19-CA000830-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of February, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-20559) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on January 27, 2021, in Civil Case No. 19-CA000900-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of February, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IMMEDIATE HIRE: Help Wanted: Cooks & Service.

Experience preferred but willing to train. Afternoon and evening shifts. Apply in person at Barnacle Barney's 1688 O/S Hwy. Marathon 3 0 5 - 2 8 9 - 6 7 0 9

Fl Keys Diesel - Marathon now hiring: Diesel Technician - Competitive compensation package.

Exp in the marine field preferred but not necessary. Exp w/ Caterpillar and Cummins Marine Engines a plus.

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

Motivated candidate willing to learn a new trade or expand current skills.

Company willing to train.

Qualified applicants please call 305-2892070 or email resume to neil@allkeysdiesel. com . Drug Free and valid Drivers License a must.

Snooks Bayside now hiring Floor Manager, Daytime Host, Experienced Servers & Bartenders.

High volume restaurant in Key Largo. Apply in person at 99470 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000830-K DIVISION: Civil JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Lise S. Haupt, et al.

Defendants.

Notice of Sale as to Count(s) XIV Notice is hereby given that on April 5, 2021 at 11:00AM, the below named Clerk of Court will, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5332, Week 44, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-20472) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on January 27, 2021, in Civil Case No. 19-CA000830-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of February, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: March 18 & 25, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000900-K DIVISION: Civil JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Michael Ross Wilson, et al.

Defendants.

Notice of Sale as to Count(s) I Notice is hereby given that on April 5, 2021 at 11:00AM, the below named Clerk of Court will, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5132, Week 31, Annual Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

Seeking Security Guard for Marathon Fairfield Marriott - 40 hrs a wk overnight position. $15/hr to start. Must have security license. Call Ralons Security 786-615-5522 Concrete Field Testing Technician needed. Fulltime. Year round. No experience necessary. We train you to go to various job sites and collect samples. Vehicle provided.

Must speak English, live in Marathon and have clean driving record. Starting pay $16/hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. 305-393-0643 NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for all shifts. Please apply in person at 8919 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

AUTOS FOR SALE Keys Cruiser - 2006 Chrysler Sebring. Runs, A/C works, located in Key Largo. $1,500.00 OBO 305-304-4989 2007 LXR Cadillac, 14,000 miles, Silver, Located in Key West, $34,000. 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 1993 Boston Whaler 24 ft. Outrage $19,500 Call Kenny 305-394-7507 Located in Key Largo.

1999 World Cat 27' with twin 175 Suzuki motors.

Runs good. Dual stations.

Located on Duck Key. $40,000 OBO 305-481-1316 1973 36' Dufour Fiberglass Hull Sailboat.

Located at 15th Street Marina in Marathon Contact Marina Manager, Ronnie at 305-3930383. Asking $4,000.00.

SOLD IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!

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

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Sous Chef to assist our Executive Chef. Please call us at 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Lead Server. The lead server will be responsible for overseeing the servers and training new staff.

Full time - competitive salary and guaranteed 20% gratuity in the tip pool. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

LOWER KEYS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Area Specialist 10- 5, 5 days/wk Do you know and love the Lower Keys? Do you have a professional image?

Are you computer literate (ex. social media, email, Mailchimp newsletters, limited website maintenance)?

If so, please call 305-872-2411 for further information.

To apply: visit with resume/ letter of introduction.

31020 Overseas Highway, Big Pine..

Open 10-5 daily. Salary commensurate with ability.

Carpenter and Laborer needed in Upper Keys.

Must have valid driver's license and transportation.

Call 305-852-3002 Full-time Construction Workers needed.

Superintendents, Carpenters, Painters and Laborers. Top dollar for the right individuals. Start tomorrow. Apply in person, Dooley Construction, MM 88.5 Oceanside DK’s Beach Boutique is looking for a part time team member for Fri. & Sat. 303 Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach 3 0 5 - 9 2 2 - 2 4 9 3

Keys Fisheries Fish House hiring Accounts Receivable. Also looking to hire Process Foods Manager, pie makers (night shift), process food workers (night shift), fork lift drivers and day & night shift supervisors to expand production of products we are now selling to supermarkets.

Full time positions will be eligible for a benefits package. Restaurant hiring for all positions. Apply within at 3390 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon 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.

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

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

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

Digital Marketing Consultant needed. Great growth opportunities.

Will train right person.

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

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

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

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

F/L/S. Taking applications.

Call (305) 394-4545 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!

OFFICE SPACE 1,082 SF office space.

Renovated Corner Unit for rent in Islamorada. $ 3 , 0 0 0 / m o n t h Call 305.712.8888 Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @ MM92. Call 305-394-0530

YARD SALES MOVING SALE Fri March 19 & Sat March 20 from 8am-3pm.

Indoor & Outdoor Furniture, Misc.

Household Items. 49th Street Ocean, Marathon Place your Yard Sale ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

Salary $17.15 – $24.15/hour Key West, Sugarloaf, Marathon and Upper Keys (4 work locations) No Experience Required, Benefits, CDL Training Provided – work as a Bus Aide while training, Full Time or Flexible, Part Time Hours - 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

FOREMAN, CARPENTERS & LABORERS WANTED

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS

CHARLIE, OUR BAKER IS RETIRING!

Experience Required. Paid per trip plus tips & sales commission.

The Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources Department is seeking a qualified, detail oriented person with a strong background in regulatory permit review in both biological/environmental AND planning disciplines. Technical skill in plan review for compliance with land development regulations is essential. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related field & 4 years prior experience in permit and plan review -OR- Master’s degree in related field & 3 years experience in permit and plan review. Comprehensive knowledge of the flora and fauna native to the Florida Keys preferred. Salary $61,277.81/40 hpw (based on experience).

To apply, please contact Human Resources at careers@monroecounty-fl.gov. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV. 305-292-4557. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

If you are willing to work and are looking to develop and grow in the trade, we would love to speak to you. We work on a variety of projects including new builds and renovations.

Work skills include building, installing, repairing and renovations.

Depending on experience, Carpenters can expect $22-$28/hour and Laborers $12- $18/hour.

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

A small residential construction company in the middle keys is seeking skilled carpenters and general laborers for full-time work.

If interested, please text 305-853-6056 or email acqe4C@gmail.com

DO YOU LOVE TO BAKE? UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY to bake for Pepe’s Cafe, making our Sweet Bread of the Day and Desserts.

This opportunity could be absorbed into an existing bakery or could be taken on by an individual.

LET’S TALK. CALL 305-766-0339 Or email pepescafe@aol.com for a proposal.

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Project Administrator

TEMPORARY MARINE PUMPOUT WORKER KEY WEST  TPGM100 Monroe County BOCC is seeking an applicant with a dynamic personality and who is quick to adapt, a competent multi-tasker, and can communicate effectively for a new temporary position. Primary function is to assist marine captains with pump-out services for anchored vessels. Qualifications: Florida driver’s license, fluent in English (Spanish fluency helpful), and 1 to 2 years boating experience. Salary: $17.50 per hour. To apply, please contact Monroe County HR at: Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT: WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV. 305-292-4557. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E

Full-time Drivers and Helpers Needed For Leading Ground Delivery Company

(KEY WEST)

ERGI, Inc. is adding full-time drivers and helpers to provide transportation services to FedEx Ground. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with an industry leader.

Qualifications:

SOLUTION

Landscape Design/Sales An outdoor design specialist that works well with clients—producing designs, selections, and processing sales. Follows through with support for install teams.

- 21 years or older

Interior Designer

- Drug screen, background checks, physical required

Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess an interior design background and history of achievement in quality projects.

- Motor Vehicle Record* Screening

- Customer Service Skills

SUDOKU

Assists with construction project timelines, contracts, budget management & other administration tasks. Reports on project’s regularly to executives.

- No equipment necessary

Architects

- CDL is not required

We are seeking architectural staff at all levels—Intern Architects, Production Architects, and Project Architects. Experience in High End Residential design is a plus.

- One year commercial driving experience strongly preferred * May include DOT roadside inspection history

Forward all inquiries to: ERGI, Inc. Fax: 305-743-5152 Email: Ergiinc@gmail.com

Finish Carpenter Framing & drywall repairs, kitchen & bathroom remodeling, etc. Must present high attention to detail; the finish work must be perfect!

43

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

JOB

www.spottswood.com/careers 401(K) Match (Up to 4%) after 1 Year - Paid Time Off

FAIR LUNCH PROVIDED

March 19, 2021

10 am - 5 pm

Key West Marriott Beachside 3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West

Medical - Dental - Vision

FRONT OFFICE

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Shuttle Drivers (CDL Required) Bellperson Guest Service Agent Security Guard

Line Cooks/Prep Cooks Servers Food Attendants/Runners Host/Hostess Bussers Dishwashers

MANAGEMENT

CONSTRUCTION

Area Director of Sales & Catering Banquet Manager Restaurant Manager Reservations Manager Housekeeping Manager

Maintenance Engineer Landscaping Manager

HOUSEKEEPING TEAM

- ALL POSITIONS

Signing bonus of $1200 for Housekeepers who stay on board, in good standing, for 6 months.

OPEN TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY! 11AM-4PM

PRIVATE SHOPPING PARTIES AVAILABLE

BY RESERVATION VINTAGE | EXCELLENT CONDITION | PRE-LOVED & NEW WOMEN’S CLOTHING | ACCESSORIES 218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977 PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO MARGARITAVILLE RESORT

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @KIRBYSCLOSETKW

44

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

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

NOW HIRING State-Licensed Land Surveyor & Field Techs Located in Marathon, FL Email: info@LPS-Contracting.com Call: 305-240-9882

NOW HIRING: 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

FULL-TIME ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE The FKSPCA Marathon Campus is hiring a F/T Animal Care Associate. Join our awesome team and work directly with animals! Qualifications include HS Diploma, a valid driver’s license, a safe driving record and must be 21 years or older. The right candidate is passionate about animal welfare, compassionate and professional. Ability to pass a criminal background check is required. Generous benefit package including employer paid medical insurance. Salary DOE. Email cover letter & resume to: Tara@fkspca.org

GUEST SERVICES Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time & Part-Time Temporary positions for Guest Services. Duties are multifaceted including welcoming guests, taking reservations and photo sales. Job description available at: www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to: drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

Hosts Waitstaff Bartenders Bar Backs Bussers Line Cooks Dishwashers

Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

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!

Of�ice (305) 596-0137 AHCA License #299992897

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning...Caring

NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED PLUMBER

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

Benefits included.

305-906-1384

License # CFC057294

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Dolphin Research Center has a FT opening for a Facility Maintenance Apprentice. Must work well with animals, in order to support Medical & Animal Care & Training departments & participate on Manatee Rescue Team.

Must be physically fit, able to lift 75 lbs., possess general “handy-man” skills, have a clean driving record & be diver certified or willing to become certified – knowledge of dive equipment maintenance is a plus. Successful candidate will be responsible, organized, & motivated with excellent team player skills.

Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation & paid holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

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

HIRING

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

Or call for appt. 305-481-3067

NOW HIRING:

F & B Manager Front Desk Agent Bell/Valet Line Cook Fine Dining Busser Room Attendant Pool Attendant/Resort Services Licensed Massage Therapist Spa Nail Technician Apply online at: www.noblehousehotels.com/careers Apply in person at: Zero Duval St.

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

EOE

45

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 NOW HIRING: EXPERIENCED MAINTENANCE MAN (MARATHON)

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

NOW HIRING RESTAURANT HOST SERVERS BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT LAUNDRY ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN LINE COOKS SOUS CHEF BAKER

WATERSPORTS MAINTENANCE APPLY AT: bungalowskeylargo.com/careers Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

NOW HIRING Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel Reservations Manager Busser Food Runner Dishwasher Morning Prep Cook Banquet Manager Security Guard Line Cook Shuttle Driver Night Auditor Bellperson Front Desk Agent

Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina Dishwasher Evening Line Cook Morning Prep Cook Pool Bar Server Pool Bar Runner

Spottswood Companies

Area Director of Sales & Catering Housekeeping Manager Room Inspector Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Excellent Benefits Package EOE M/F/D/V Apply online: www.spottswood.com/careers

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Substance Abuse Counselor (PT) Client Advocate

KEY WEST Case Manager

Prevention Specialist Motivational Support Specialist (base location flexible) Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult) FL LCSW,LMHC, LMFT

MARATHON

Driver (CDL required) (FT) Temporary Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Drop In Technician (PT) *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT/FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *No experience necessary. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus.

If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

Background and drug screen req.

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

NOW HIRING

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

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

Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-4pm & On-Call Availability Requirements:

• Work experience with Condominium Association general maintenance or Hotel general maintenance position • Proven knowledge of condominium (or similar) infrastructures and interactions with security and fire systems • Attend and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings • Working knowledge of use and maintenance of hand and small electric and gasoline tools • Ability to maintain schedule for routine tasks • Self-motivated • Organizational skills to prioritize • Pool maintenance and certification preferred (will provide training) • Hi lift certification preferred (will assist in obtaining qualifications) • Valid Florida driver license, good driving record and current auto insurance • Ability to Multi task and switch priorities easily • Excellent knowledge of safety procedures/protocols and documentation as required • Friendly demeanor, strong social interacting and communication skills • Work with central oversight • Good physical condition - Ability to lift ~ 50 pounds • Knowledge of Covid precautions and prevention • Integrity and professionalism • Must speak, read, write and understand English • High school degree or equivalent • Willing to be on-call for emergencies after hours

Responsibilities:

• Weekly Operations/Maintenance Meetings with progress reports • Log and communicate the need for property repairs with office / Log completed tasks • Carry out daily property observation rounds for maintenance needs • Perform a wide range of tasks including landscaping, sanding/painting, caulking, routine maintenance • Perform and follow-up on preventive maintenance throughout • Perform general cleaning including sweeping, pressure washing, trash removal as needed • Emergency door, entrance gate preventive maintenance • Irrigation/sprinkler head oversight and maintenance • Interact and communicate with property vendors

Interested applicants please call 305-393-5798

46

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

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

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

NOW HIRING!

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953

305

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

PC 606

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

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

Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service - Installation 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

• SINCE 1989 •

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

305-289-1150

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

When It Rains It Pours!

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

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

Will Campbell President

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

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

UNDER CONSTRUCTION NOW! LUXURY WATERFRONT HOMES WITH BOAT SLIPS 37 Key Haven Road

4 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath 2,331 Interior Sq. Ft. 27,915 Sq. Ft. Lot $2,499,000

41 Key Haven Road

4 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath 2,517 Interior Sq. Ft. 29,158 Sq. Ft. Lot $2,749,000

Custom Package Includes: • New Luxury Home and Large ½ Acre + Lot • 45’ Boat Slip in Private Key Haven Estates Marina • Observation Dock Behind Home • 15 x 30 Foot Heated Pool with Sun Shelf • Travertine Pool Deck

• • • • •

Tropically Landscaped and Irrigated Yard Driveway Pavers and Fenced Yard 10’ Ceilings and 8’ Doors Throughout Luxury Kitchen and Bath Finishes Elevated Home with Garages

CALL FOR A SHOWING TODAY! Presented by:

Debbie Swift Batty Realtor, CAM 305-509-1958

Nancy Swift Realtor, CPA 305-849-2455

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 18, 2021

FAMILY, FOOD & FUN

DELIVERY AVAILABLE TO KEY WEST & STOCK ISLAND

Join us daily 4-6pm for $3 small plates, domestic drafts, wine & liquor!

And don’t miss our Live Music! Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 5-8pm