Marathon Weekly 21-0401

11

¢

Things are getting … foolish. Check us out online on Thursday.

FLORIDA PANTHERS

EASTER LOVE

See local events | P.12

BED TAX BOUNCE

| P. 32

The numbers for January look very, very good | P.8

TAKING ROLL

More than 2,200 students are back full-time in Keys | P.4

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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73%

In the U.S., 73% of people over 65 have already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, according to a tweet from Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from 2015-2107.

ON THE COVER It took veteran explorer and photographer Carlton Ward Jr. five years to capture the defining photographic body of work of the endangered Florida panther in the April issue of National Geographic. See story, page 32. CARLTON WARD JR./Contributed

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News Deadline

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Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

Most students (or parents) opt for full-time, in person SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

O

n Monday, March 29, Monroe County’s roster of inperson, full-time students swelled by about 2,200 kids in middle and high school.

That’s not a perfect number. An institution, like a cruise ship, can’t turn on a dime.

“Those numbers will probably fluctuate some,” said Becky Herrin, the COVID-19 spokesperson for the Monroe County School District, of the numbers collected on the first day of the new regime by school principals. Some students, she said, might return in the next few days.

Currently, there are 8,749 students in the district. Since September 2020, elementary students have been in school five days a week. As of March 29, middle and high school students in the Keys have the option of returning to full-time, in-person instruction or staying on the A/B schedule.

Stephanie Ganim’s son is back in school full time.

“My son is thrilled,” said Ganim, mother of a junior at Coral Shores High School. “He thanked me yester-

day for everything I did to get him back into school.”

Marathon’s Eric Myrmel said his granddaughter, a seventh grader at Marathon Middle School, is also pleased.

“She’s excited to be back in school,” Myrmel said. “Though she said her ‘new’ class of 18 students seems to be weirdly crowded; she’s used to having five or six kids in each class.”

Myrmel said the social aspect of school is important to both students and parents.

Ganim has been credited with the grassroots petition that snagged the attention of Richard Corcoran, the state commissioner of education. In early March, he ordered the Monroe County School District to reopen in favor of full-time, in-person instruction to every family who wanted it. Ganim said it wasn’t an easy position to take.

“I did what I thought was best for our kids and our parents in the community,” she said. “I’ve had positive and negative feedback. Some of the negative feedback included mean, abrasive texts.”

Some of the district’s elected school board members were con-

founded by the state order on how to reopen schools. Chairman John Dick, Sue Woltanski and Bobby Highsmith said the order went against the district’s own pandemic plan, especially as it concerns advice from the state Department of Health in Monroe County. “(The state) acts like we did something wrong, but in their executive order it states that school districts should be open for every student five days a week … with the approval of the local health department,” Dick said. “We still have concerns from the local health department. How are they alleviated now?

But to act like we did something wrong is incorrect. I will challenge them at any time.”

Woltanski said the state wanted schools open, “subject to the advice of local health departments. Now the commissioner of education wants us to ignore our health department’s advice.”

Students in Monroe County can continue to opt for all-virtual school. Currently, about 370 students have done so, and that number hasn’t shifted. Some of the middle and high school students are still attending on an A/B sched-

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

ule — 782 on A day and 787 on B day. That is down from a mid-February spot check that revealed 1,932 on A day and 1,874 on B day.

School officials had some idea what to expect on the day all students could re-enter the classroom. The district reported that it received 3,000 surveys asking families four simple questions: whether the child will return to school, stay on the A/B schedule or stay completely virtual, and whether the student needs transportation to school.

The transition to welcoming potentially every student back to inperson instruction wasn’t too hard, according to Amber Acevedo, the district’s coordinator of community relations and professional development.

“These kids already know the flow; there’s just more of them in it,” she said. “The principals said everything went smoothly.”

On March 19, the CDC made new recommendations for social distancing in schools educating students in kindergarten through high school, reducing the guideline from 6 feet to 3 feet.

In the Keys, teachers and the COVID-19 task force reassessed the schools prior to reopening. Acevedo said some adjustments in classrooms were necessary to make room for students by devoting every available space to student seating and getting rid of, for example, unnecessary book cases.

Also, Keys high schools reinstated a rule allowing juniors and seniors (with prior authoriAccording to an expert writing zation and permission) to leave for Atlantic magazine, the best campus for lunch to reduce way to prepare your student pressure on the cafeterias. At for return to school buildings: some schools, students can eat “Start off by discussing with lunch in places other than the your child what the change cafeteria, such as courtyards will mean for his day-to-day and the gymnasium. Cafeteria rhythms. Safety measures staff continue to prepare meals such as social distancing, mask that are handed over as one wearing, and COVID-19 testing piece, rather than students will have significantly altered moving down a serving line. how his/her classroom operAcevedo said the district’s ates compared with the last biggest worry — school bus time he/she was in school. crowding — was not a problem.

Make sure he/she understands “At the moment we don’t that increasing vaccinations think we will need to add and declining case rates in your routes,” she said. “Right now, state and much of the country most are opting for private have made returning to the transportation, but after the classroom safe for students. first few days they might start But as part of this conversariding the bus. We can address tion, emphasize that these that if needed.” other measures are nevertheIn the Keys, teachers and less still necessary.” staff are self-reporting their vaccination status to the district.

According to the district, approximately 600 teachers and staff of about 800 have been vaccinated. On March 13, 220 school employees ages 50 and over in the Keys were vaccinated at sites in the Lower, Middle and Upper Keys.

Pepe Gonzalez is dad to two younger children enrolled at Sigsbee Charter School at the Navy Base in Key West, in second and sixth grades. They’ve been full-time, in-person students for months.

“I think the only difference is they don’t have recess, so they get out of school a little earlier,” Gonzalez said. “Considering where we live and what goes on in Duval Street, I think it was a no-brainer to put our kids back in school.”

Gonzalez is a fishing guide and he said there is no way he can “hide” from exposure and still continue to provide for his family.

“We all need the vaccine. We need to get back to normal,” Gonzalez said.

The KCB run in 2020 was one of the last bits of fun before pandemic lockdown. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

KCB RACE IS NO JOKE

O

rganizers are holding the 7M(eter) Sadowski Bridge Run on Thursday, April 1, at 2 p.m. but it’s not an April Fool’s joke. It really will happen.

As usual, costumes are encouraged and there is no registration fee. Masks are recommended, particularly for those who are not vaccinated or especially vulnerable. Runners and walkers should assemble near the “What’s Your Hurry You are Here” sign by 1:50 p.m. No parking is permitted on the causeway or any walkways. Parking within KCB is available but somewhat limited; participants are encouraged to walk or bike to the race.

There will be a post-race celebration and music at Sunset Park and guests are advised to BYOB. A limited number of prior year race shirts will be available for purchase at half price ($5) at the sign-in table on race day and, if there are leftovers, at Sunset Park.

— Weekly staff report

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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“P

CHANGES @ CHURCH St. Columba undergoing hurricane repairs SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

From Top: With the partition removed, the long space that includes the parish hall and sanctuary is revealed. New arches are being installed soon. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly Alberto Cruz Sr., left, and Alberto Cruz Jr., of Cruz in the Keys, are managing the renovation.

When construction is complete, the church will have a new 2,200-squarefoot addition and a bell tower.

ut that in,” said Rev. Canon Debra Maconaughey. “These are hurricane repairs.”

In mid-March, St. Columba Episcopal Church began repairs to the structure that was damaged in 2017’s Hurricane Irma. The sanctuary and the parish hall have been gutted, revealing the building’s surprisingly large footprint and calling attention to the beautiful stained glass windows at both ends.

Cruz in the Keys Construction Company is overseeing the work at the Marathon church. They’ve taken out the windows, demolished the partition between sanctuary and parish hall (it’s going back in later) and poured footers for new beams.

In addition to those repairs, the church is building a 2,200-square-foot addition that will contain new restrooms, additional meeting and storage space and a communal kitchen.

Until Easter, services will continue to be held in the open-air pavilion, adjacent to the sanctuary. Afterward, they will move to the abbey, to what’s called the Summer Chapel at St. Columba.

“For those unfamiliar with the abbey, it’s where we have the $5 a bag sales now,” said Macounaghey. “We’re spiffing it up, it’s going to be very nice.”

Construction is expected to take six months.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

BED TAX COLLECTION

FY 2020 JANUARY VS. FY 2021 JANUARY

24%

DAC 2 Lower Keys

15.9%

DAC 3 Marathon

3.5%

DAC 4 Islamorada

BED TAXES BOUNCING BACK -27.2% DAC 1 Key West

Lower, Middle Keys seeing the most growth in 2021

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

O

ne of the best measures of tourism and the Keys’ economy is our so-called “bed tax.” The most recent report reveals an astonishing snapshot of how different areas of the Keys are faring.

In January, the most recent report available, Key West’s bed tax collection is way down, while the Lower Keys and Marathon are way up, especially the Lower Keys. Key Largo and Islamorada, meanwhile, are holding steady. That’s a complete turnaround from what normally happens. Key West’s district, DAC I, usually rakes in the most money, followed in descending order by Marathon DAC III, Key Largo DAC V, Lower Keys DAC II and Islamorada DAC IV. “We’re up almost 16% in DAC III, Marathon, in January compared to last year,” said Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Dan Samess. “It’s important to note that these numbers for 2020 are for the months before the pandemic really hit us in March, but especially April,” said Samess. “It was already shaping up to be a great year.”

But the real rock star of the pandemic is the Lower Keys DAC II region that measures from the west end of 7

Mile Bridge to Cow Key Channel just outside of Key West. The number of visitors staying in hotels, campgrounds or vacation rentals in January 2021 was up 24% over the number staying in hotels in January 2020. In October, it was 51% higher.

It’s possible that the surge in reservations in the Lower Keys district specifically is tied to visitor preferences during the pandemic — the wish to stay out of the more populated areas of the Keys and easier access to the water for kayaking and boating. It also presented options for groups who wanted to travel, but also stay in their own bubble whether at boutique hotels on Stock Island, campgrounds or the RV park on Sunshine Key. In the Lower Keys, the bed tax collection for January was higher than in any year since 2014, including the general bump the Florida Keys received in 2019 when the Keys were largely rebuilt after Hurricane Irma in 2017. For the month of January, the Lower Keys collected $289,779 in 2019, $319,502 in 2020 and $388,988 in 2021.

The Middle Keys saw similar growth of bed taxes in January — $572,702 in 2019, $676,684 in 2020 and $768,002 in 2020. December was an even better month in the Middle Keys; the district was up more than

-2.7%

DAC 5 Key Largo

-11.2%

TOTAL Monroe County

$100,000 in bed tax collections when comparing December 2020 to December 2019.

Key West is still king, though, when it comes to bed tax raw numbers. Even when the reservations are down by 27.2%, the district still collected $1.7 million in January 2021 — more than one-third of all the collections up and down the Keys that month. In 2019, the last complete fiscal year before the pandemic, the Keys as a whole collected $39.8 million. In 2020, that was down by about $8 million. Right now, the Keys look good to exceed the 2019 numbers.

The bed taxes are allocated to advertising the Keys as a tourism destination, promoting events and building “brick and mortar” tourism attractions.

The Keys are not alone in increasing revenue collections. According to the Florida Legislature’s Office and Demographic Research, the state’s general revenue collections came in almost $300 million above the forecast for February. According to a report, that was the seventh consecutive month that revenues beat the revised (and reduced) forecast published in August, compiled during the economic uncertainty of the pandemic shutdown.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

‘IT’S GREAT TO BE HOME AGAIN’

Library staffers, patrons ‘ecstatic’ to have hustle and bustle again CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

T

he Monroe County Public Library System began reopening to in-person visits on a staggered schedule starting the week of March 22, with Key West and Big Pine Key being first. Their schedule is Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“It’s been really nice to have patrons back in the building,” said Key West Branch manager Michael Islamorada Library branch manager Walt Nelson. “One of the patrons said, Johnson and library technician Susan ‘It’s great to be home again’ since McKee discuss a fairy house display in it’s part of their daily routine.” anticipation of reopening to in-person visits Marathon, Islamorada and on Tuesday, April 6. CHARLOTTE TWINE/ Key Largo branches, working to fill Keys Weekly staff vacancies that resulted from COVID-19 cutbacks, will have different schedules. For example, the Islamorada branch will reopen three days a week starting Tuesday, April 6; the schedule will be Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility will return to a full schedule upon filling vacancies.

Upper Keys resident Jennifer Pullar used to take daughters Chloe, 5, and Celeste, 3, to the Islamorada branch for Story Time every week before the pandemic, and she asked staffers often when the library was going to allow visits again.

“My kids have missed the library so much, they can’t wait for the reopening. We’re so excited!” she said.

Islamorada branch manager Walt Johnson said the staff has missed faceto-face interaction with the community. “We’re not the only ones excited — even the fairies are coming out,” he joked, with a tongue-in-cheek reference to their outdoors fairy house display that his staff created specifically for the reopening.

Library technician Susan McKee spearheaded the fairy-house project and is grateful for the help of local artists Angela and Pasta Pantaleo, Pam Gode and Michelle Nicole Lowe, as well as library volunteers Elizabeth and Sofia Jolin, Micah Gardner and John and Roxie of Bill’s Garage.

McKee said the whole family will enjoy seeing the displays and will be invited to take home a free fairy-house kit so they can either contribute to the library’s project or display at their home. The kits will be available as long as supplies last and the fairy houses will be on display until the summer months.

The Key Largo branch is scheduled to begin a whole-building recarpeting project to repair Hurricane Irma damage that should take about 30 days to complete. The branch will reopen three days a week at the completion of the project and will return to a full schedule upon filling vacancies.

The Marathon branch is in the midst of a major move into its new facility. The former branch facility will remain closed to the public but will host a “Goodbye Week” April 26-30, welcoming the public to say goodbye to the old facility and asks that patrons consider helping library staff move by checking out up to 50 items from the collection and returning them to the new building when it opens in June.

Curbside services will continue to be available six days a week at all branches, which will continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines for patrons’ safety. As restrictions continue to relax, the library system will add to the available services and spaces.

For more information, visit www.keyslibraries.org, call your local branch or follow your favorite branch on social media for updates. To arrange picking up a free fairy house kit, call the Islamorada branch at 305-664-4645.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

Drew Grossman, new chief executive officer for Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals, stands outside Mariners Hospital next to the restored Fishermen’s anchor, which will return to the new hospital in Marathon once open. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

COMPASSIONATE, QUALITY CARE A FOCUS FOR NEW CEO Staff, specialist recruitment a priority for Grossman JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

rom testing and patient care to vaccines, two Florida Keys hospitals within the Baptist Health South Florida system remain at the forefront of an ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Add in construction of a new Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon and the entrance of a new chief executive officer, and plenty of activity is unfolding at Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals.

The departure of the hospitals’ longtime leader, Rick Freeburg, left Baptist searching for a successor to lead the two Keys hospitals. Following a search, in came Drew Grossman as the next chief executive officer on Feb. 25.

For the past month, Grossman has spent mornings visiting staff inside the hospital in Marathon and the labs and rooms at Mariners. Between all the warm welcomes and familiarizing himself with staff, Grossman said the move to Baptist’s hospitals in the Keys is one of the better transitions he’s experienced in his 23 years in the industry.

“What’s most impressive is the Fishermen’s crew,” he said. “Just to the fact that they’ve been operating in a smaller, modular unit ever since the devastation of the hospi-

tal (from Irma). We’re on the cusp of being in a great, new facility.”

Grossman is no stranger to the region, having served in leadership positions at Cleveland Clinic in Weston and Parkway Medical Center in North Miami Beach, which is also where he completed his administrative residency. He also served as CEO of Broward Health Coral Springs and Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital.

He was CEO at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, Missouri, before taking the top position at Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals. Married with two children, Grossman is in the middle of purchasing a home in the Islamorada area.

“What I really like is it’s Florida, it’s home and it’s where my friends and family are,” he said. “The Keys are just a special place the way I look at it. I got accustomed to it pretty quickly just by the fact I was living up in the other counties and coming down here to spend a long weekend.”

In his time with various hospital networks, Grossman said his vision always centered around “compassionate and quality care.” Carrying that to the Keys, Grossman said, it’s not always about how nice the facility looks from outside. It’s the care patients experience inside.

Grossman said he’s always asking patients about their care as he makes his rounds through the hospitals. He said he hasn’t come across an unsatisfied customer yet.

“These will be known as top-notch hospitals,” he said. “I’m all about creating a process here that we all know how to do it right from start to finish. These are our patients and one of our greatest assets. But one of the other top priorities is our staff.”

One of the challenges Grossman is set to confront is recruitment and retention of nurses and specialists. Grossman, who was away from Florida for two years, said he’s seen a dramatic change in the cost of living. Ensuring competitive salaries will be a key in bringing staff and specialists to work and live in the Keys.

“It’s good that they (specialists and physicians) come down from other Baptist facilities a day, two or three days, but I’d like to see people get recruited,” he said. “That’ll be one of the bigger challenges, but I know it takes time and we’ll get there.”

While dedicated to patients, Grossman also spends time serving the community. He’s been on several boards, including the Blue Springs Economic Development Council. He was also chair of the Broward County March of Dimes and held board positions at Coral Springs and Parkland chambers of commerce. Grossman said he’s looking to get involved in the Keys community and visit various organizations to speak.

“That is the job of the CEO, not just the logistics and running of your facilities. It’s to really understand who your community members are and reaching out and making sure people understand we are here to help,” he said.

As for the pandemic, Grossman said Baptist has handled everything from care and vaccinations at a high level.

“They’ve done nothing but adhere to the state protocols for the logistics, making sure they have the right amount of vials and making sure the sites had the assistance of nurses and those who are approved to administer a vaccination,” he said. “Living in South Florida and the Keys, people should be proud and excited that they’ve got Baptist in their backyard.”

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T Good Friday: April 2nd - 6:00pm Easter Sunrise Service: April 4th - Sombrero Beach - 7:00am Easter Service: April 4th - 10am Pastor: Mary Ashcraft Office Hours: T, W, Th 10AM - 2PM Sunday Service: 10AM Wear a mask • UV Filter Light Zoom: Facebook.com/MarathonUMC

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Students from Ms. Flor’s class at the Community Co-Op Preschool in Marathon show off some of their Easter crafts. ALI ADAMS/Contributed

THE EASTER BUNNY IS COMING It’s not the egg-stravaganza it normally is in the Middle Keys, but Easter celebrations are on the books for 2021:

www.IslandBreezeRealty.com

Florida Keys

Sunrise service set for Sombrero Beach Local churches are joining forces to put together an Easter “Sonrise” service at Sombrero Beach in Marathon on Sunday, April 4 at 7 a.m. Church of God, Church of Christ, Community United Methodist, Kirk of the Keys and St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal will participate. Usually, the leaders of each church participate in the sermon. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair, socially distance themselves and wear a mask.

Easter egg hunt at First Baptist The First Baptist Church of Marathon is having an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 3 starting at 11 a.m. The hunt is for children ages 2 to 12 years old and the Easter Bunny will be present for photos at the church on 62nd Street.

Aquarium hosts egg hunt The Easter egg hunt at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is free with paid admission for children 12 years old and under. Eggs will be filled with candy, feed tokens (for the fish) and prizes for free aquarium packages. The hunt is on Saturday, April 3 beginning at 9 a.m.

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

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

Bunny raises funds for Christmas Join the Easter Bunny at Havana Jacks on Sunday, April 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Key Colony Beach egg hunt will help raise funds for Presents in Paradise, which provides Christmas for underprivileged children in the Florida Keys. This event is outside, and participants are asked to maintain distance from one another.

— Weekly staff report

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

Honoring Our Doctors

On this National Doctors Day, we take the time to recognize and appreciate the physicians who have made, and continue to make, South Florida a healthier community and a better place to live. The dedication and sacrifice of our selfless doctors is why we can offer the quality and compassionate care you deserve at Baptist Health South Florida.

We honor our doctors every day, but especially in times like these.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

WHAT CAN REPLACE KMART IN THE KEYS?

On March 29, Marathon’s Kmart was mostly empty. Shoppers were unaware of the closure. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

Poll will discover readers’ top retail wants and needs

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n March 29, reports of Kmart closings began percolating in the Keys community. According to reports, the Key Largo and Marathon stores are set for closure in about a month. Which just begs the question … what will go into those vast retail spaces?

The Keys Weekly is conducting a poll to see what readers want — not just in the “Big Box” category, but other national offerings such as fast food and grocery store chains.

This list takes into consideration that we are already What big box store should open in the Keys?

Choose your favorite.

• Target • Walmart • Amazon fulfillment center What warehouse club should open in the Keys?

Choose your favorite.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club • Costco • Sam’s Club What general goods (home store, electronics, etc.) store should open in the Keys?

Choose your favorite.

• IKEA • HomeGoods • Michaels • BrandsMart USA What fast food chain should open in the Keys?

Choose your favorite.

• Panera Bread • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Chick-fil-A • Pollo Tropical What chain dine-in restaurant should open in the Keys? Choose your favorite.

• Bonefish Grill • Buffalo Wild Wings • Olive Garden • Texas Roadhouse • The Cheesecake Factory • Carrabba’s Italian Grill

The back of the store in Key Largo where barricades are placed.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

well-served by Publix, WinnDixie, The Home Depot, Walgreens, CVS, etc.

Scan the QR code with your phone below to take the survey online. The Keys Weekly will publish the results next week.

What chain grocery store should open in the Keys?

Choose your favorite.

• Trader Joe’s • Walmart Neighborhood Market • Whole Foods Market • Aldi What chain outdoor shop should open in the Keys?

Choose your favorite.

• Cabela’s • Dick’s Sporting Goods • Academy Sports + Outdoors Write in your favorite, favorite, favorite store — in any category — you wish would open in the Keys.

By Sara Matthis and Jim McCarthy

GOODBYE, KMART Job sites advertise positions in Marathon, Key Largo for ‘store closing’

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here are no signs on the doors or going-out-of-business sales, but the Kmart stores in Marathon and Key Largo appear to be on the way toward closure. Ads have been posted to Transformco, the parent company of Kmart and Sears, and various job sites with titles like “temporary customer service, apparel — up to 40 hrs/week, store closing.”

The job postings are for the Marathon and Key Largo stores, but Key West is not listed.

When the Sears store closed in Key West in the summer of 2020, the community learned of the news by similar job postings.

For months, there have been unsubstantiated rumors that the stores in the Keys were closing. According to Forbes, the two Keys locations and a Kmart store in California were all put on the chopping block quietly on a Friday evening, March 26. When the stores are fully shuttered, next month or in May, according to Forbes, there will only be 21 Kmarts and 28 Sears stores left in operation. The parent company is Transformco.

Yurani Nibir, a Kmart shopper in Marathon, said the store’s quality has been deteriorating since 2015.

“There are no towels, no shoes, no socks,” she said, “People only really come to look at the sales, which is a shame because people who live here need a Kmart.”

In recent months, parts of the Marathon store — the former toy department, for example — have been blocked off. Instead of a selection of small appliances, entire aisles are filled with the same make and model of microwave, for example.

The same is true at the Key Largo store, where blocked-off areas have shrunk the store. While the toy and clothes departments remain, the seasonal section, electronics area and outdoors department were barricaded.

Remaining supplies from those departments were placed on racks in other aisles.

The Marathon store reportedly opened in 1977 and the Key Largo store in 1987, according to Michael Lisicky, a self-described department store historian.

As news of the closings spread, locals began commenting on social media with replacement options ranging from a roller rink to Target to Walmart, although some decried the idea of another big box store. The Marathon store is approximately 56,000 square feet.

Across the country, many abandoned big-box stores have been transformed into Amazon fulfillment centers.

The Keys Weekly reached out to Transformco’s public relations director for comment. No response was received before press time.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

COUNTY SIGNALS ‘NO’ TO MORE DEVELOPMENT Discussion arises during workshop to familiarize new elected officials with ROGO and hurricane model CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

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n March 31, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners met for a workshop meant as a refresher course for the three new commissioners and the public on the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO), a.k.a., the rate at which the county can dispense building permits. But when county officials explained that an upcoming state hurricane evacuation model may result in the state giving the county more building permits, the hackles of commissioners were raised.

Commissioner Mike Forster interrupted the presentation to say, “I don’t want to put the perception out there that we’re looking for more ROGO allocations.” He said his fear is that the state is going to give out more ROGOs (a.k.a. building permits) rather than “put skin in the game” for takings lawsuits.

Forster firmly stated that he doesn’t want any more allocations “because I live in gridlock every day.”

Other commissioners jumped in to agree with Forster, with Commissioner David Rice stating, “We all know we’re pretty well maxed out,” and citing the traffic fatality rate on Overseas Highway as an example.

Mayor Michelle Coldiron added that her “blood pressure was going up” at the thought

of more ROGOs from the state, and told Forster she was glad that he stopped the presentation.

“We’re not doing this workshop to find ways to get more ROGO allocations. … We need to find ways to purchase more properties to get them off of the books,” said Coldiron, emphasizing that the infrastructure is already strained.

The comments came after Emily Schemper, senior director of planning and environmental resources for Monroe County, told the commissioners that the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity and the Department of Emergency Management will run an evacuation model after the compilation of the 2020 Census data, sometime in 2022-23.

This model may result in more building permit allocations, or it may not.

Schemper also noted that a deficit of building permit allocations may trigger takings suits against the state, county and/or cities, if no additional permits are authorized based on the 2020 Census hurricane modeling.

“Takings suits” are when landowners sue because the state and local governments are gutting the value of their investment by preventing them from building on their vacant lot. County officials have estimated it will have 8,000 undeveloped lots when buildout, as dictated by the state, occurs, which is now scheduled for 2023.

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY OPENS TO THOSE 18 AND OLDER APRIL 5 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

C

OVID-19 vaccinations will be open to all adults ages 18 and older beginning April 5.

Gov. Ron DeSantis released a nearly three-minute video on March 25 announcing vaccine eligibility expansion to those 40 and older beginning March 29. A week later, the eligibility opens up to adults 18 and older.

“We’ve made progress and I look forward to continuing to work hard to make sure everyone in Florida who wants a shot can get a shot. No mandate, but access for all,” he said.

Within his remarks, DeSantis said Florida’s “Seniors First” vaccine strategy resulted in 3.2 million people aged 65 and older obtaining their shots. DeSantis said that equates to about 70% of that age population.

“If you look at the hospital and case rates, they have plummeted since the ‘Seniors First’ strategy,” he said. “We want to keep that momentum as we expand eligibility to other age groups throughout the state of Florida,” he said.

Vaccine opportunities continue to grow, with more pharmacies providing the two-shot series in Moderna and Pfizer, as well as the one-shot Johnson & Johnson.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Moderna vaccine for individuals 18 and older.

Authorized emergency use for the Pfizer vaccine is for individuals 16 and older.

As for the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the FDA authorized its use for those 18 and older.

Close to 23,000 Monroe County residents received at least one dose of the vaccine, while just over 12,000 completed their series.

Monroe County Emergency Management, Walgreens, Islamorada and the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County partnered for three vaccination events on March 25. About 800 residents who signed up on myvaccine.fl.gov were vaccinated at the three sites — Bernstein Park on Stock Island, Big Pine Park and Founders Park in Islamorada.

DeSantis said the reception is positive among those who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson.

“It was little concerning because of the way it was characterized as not as good as Moderna and Pfizer, even though the clinical data showed 100 percent effectiveness to prevent death and serious illness. It turns out any time we’ve done these J&J drives, people love it,” he said.

In Marathon, appointments opened up for shots at Marathon City Hall for the week of March 29.

A total of 400 vaccines will be administered by Baptist Health South Florida.

Adding to the pharmacies in the Keys providing COVID-19 shots is the CVS Pharmacy on Stock Island and the Walgreens Pharmacy at MM 99.5 in Key Largo. More information is at cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine.

Winn-Dixie pharmacies in Tavernier and Key West are providing the vaccine, as well as Publix pharmacies in Islamorada and Key Plaza Shopping Center.

The Florida Health Department also continues vaccination clinics for those who signed up online via myvaccine.fl.gov.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

Karen

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:

KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS !!

Bill

BONEFISH MARINA DOCK Live aboard deeded slip in private marina. 25’X 51’220 volt/50 amp service, water, cable TV/WiFi. Pump out at slip, workshop, fish cleaning stations, tiki bar, showers, bathrooms, laundry on site dock master. Direct ocean access. $340,000 ML593893

GRASSY KEY 2 bedroom. 2 bath stilt home on double lot (1/3 acre).

Cathedral ceilings, fireplace, open rear veranda. Lots of room for a garden. Workshop and covered parking. A FIXER-UPPER ML594229 $450,000

HALF DUPLEX 2 bedrooms, 1 bath 900 sq ft unit. Truly affordable living or great investment. Near banks, restaurants, 2 miles to the beach.

ML585142 $238,000

WATERFRONT LOT Marathon residential building lot. Second from ocean.

Beautiful 80’concrete travertine marble surfaced dock w/decorative columns and two davits. Permit applied for. $420,000

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.

305-743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson 4860 Overseas Hwy - Marathon

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

DEDICATED TO SERVING ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY

ETHAN SAUDERS Freshman / Baseball

DEDICATED TO SERVING ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY

How long have305.743.0033 you been playing on the team? Growing up I always wanted to play baseball, and my family has always been 9805 Overseas Highway • Marathon really into the sport. In fifth grade www.ci.marathon.fl.us I decided to join the team. Now, as a freshman, I play on the varsity team.

Describe one of your best moments in athletics. One of my best moments was last year in a big game against Miami Country Day. I had been struggling at the plate and then I hit a grand slam.

It was a great feeling and the team was so happy for me.

305.743.0033 9805 Overseas Highway • Marathon www.ci.marathon.fl.us What do you enjoy about being on the baseball team? I enjoy being around all of my friends. We are always making jokes and having a good time together. It has helped me to make closer friends.

Supporting the future of our Community

Coach Joey says ... Something meaningful Joey says to me is that he believes in me and thinks that I have a lot of potential. It makes me feel good to know that my coach believes in me even when I make a mistake.

Visit us online @ www.keysweekly.com/aow

NEW QUIZ WINNERS ARE ...

M

onroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron (top) won the latest quiz in the Marathon Weekly newspaper’s local-eatery contest!

Nope, we’re not joking. Coldiron is the randomly selected — and last — winner of the month-long quiz published in the Weekly magazine, The Table. Like the other three winners, Coldiron received gift certificates from Brutus Seafood, Castaway, Driftwood Pizza and Sweet Savannah’s. “It’s nice to actually win a chicken dinner,” said Coldiron, who then joked that she was going to hoard all the gift cards to herself rather than share. “All the restaurants are really good,” she said, then gave shout-outs to Brutus for its ribeye steak sandwich, Sweet Savannah’s for its ice cream, Driftwood for yummy pizzas and Castaway for sushi. At presstime, Marathon resident Jazmin Lopez (bottom) arrived to collect the last and final collection of gift cards.

Congratulations to both! CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

BRIEFLY Helicopters to inspect electric lines along U.S. 1 Florida Keys Electric Cooperative will conduct its annual helicopter inspections and maintenance along U.S. 1 starting the week of April 5.

The project is scheduled to continue throughout April depending on weather conditions. The aerial work will be performed from about 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the daily location, between Marathon and Ocean Reef, will be determined by wind and traffic conditions.

Business owners and residents along U.S. 1 from the Monroe County Line to Marathon are asked to secure any loose, unattached items such as furniture, plants or other goods displayed near or below the main transmission lines.

FKEC cautions motorists to drive safely while this inspection is in progress, and focus on the road and not the helicopter flying overhead.

FKEC members with questions can call member service at 305-852-2431.

You can also check for updates at fkec. com/news-and-info/press-releases/.

DNA testing at home: What you need to know Monroe County Public Library and Books & Books are teaming up to present a virtual author event about the cultural phenomenon of home DNA testing, which is redefining family history. The gathering, to be held on Tuesday, April 6, at 6 p.m., will draw on writer Libby Copeland’s years of research for her new book “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are” (Abrams, 2020), which The Wall Street Journal calls “a fascinating account of lives dramatically affected by genetic sleuthing.” To register, click on the “Events” link at Keyslibraries.org.

Guidance center offers suicide prevention webinar The WestCare Guidance/Care Center and Maureen Dunleavy, LMHC, NCC, will provide suicide prevention training in a free live 60-minute webinar on Thursday, April 8 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The topics will include identifying suicide risk, warning signs, communication and actions to assist.

Register by email to training@westcare.com, using the subject line “GCC Suicide Prevention+Date.”

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

INVESTIGATORS INTERVIEW PERSONS OF INTEREST IN PELICAN STABBING JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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A photo released by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center of the brown pelican that was stabbed multiple times.

It was humanely euthanized by bird rehabilitators due to the severity of the injuries. CONTRIBUTED

n investigation into a deadly pelican stabbing in Islamorada is ongoing as investigators have zeroed in on two persons of interest.

Leads and information have flowed into the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation office and Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center following the release of video footage, which shows two men believed to be behind the attack. No charges have been filed yet and names haven’t been released, but Bobby Dube, FWC public information officer, said they have zeroed in on the two men seen in the footage.

“They have been interviewed by investigators. We’re waiting for them to piece the whole investigation together,” Dube said. “We got some great leads. All of them led to these two individuals.”

On March 8, FWC officers were called to Tea Table Relief Bridge for the report of a wounded brown pelican stabbed multiple times. According to officers, the pelican suffered a

CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

EAA treasurer Mary Ellen Operchal, left, and Florida Keys Flight Academy owner Sol Bradman show off the check that Marathon High School student Molly Prince, center, is receiving as part of a $3,000 scholarship toward a pilot’s license. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

Marathon High School Student gets a scholarship for a pilot’s license

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n March 29, 16-year-old Molly Prince received the first check for her EAA Chapter 1241 youth flying scholarship at Marathon Airport. For the Keys Weekly photo opp, she wore mirrored aviator sunglasses while flight instructor Sol Bradman handed her a check and gave a thumbs-up, in true Top Gun style.

number of stab wounds — its pouch was cut severely and placed over its head like a hood.

Injuries sustained in the gruesome stabbing were too severe to save the pelican. According to Jordan Budnik, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center executive director, stab wounds were forceful enough to puncture the skull and the roof of the mouth and nasal cavity.

Photos of the pelican’s injuries were released by the wild bird center to the Keys Weekly in hopes that someone would provide information leading to the arrest of the attackers.

“People have been coming forward with names, and we’ve been passing it on to FWC,” Budnik said.

“We’ve also had people reaching out to check on us and donate to the reward fund. It lets us know people are stepping up to resolve issues of animal cruelty.”

A reward fund established by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center has generated more than $7,000.

All we needed was Maverick and Ice Man in flight suits to saunter on by, and the scene would have been perfect.

But it’s perfect enough for Prince.

“I feel really blessed,” Prince told Keys Weekly. “It’s really cool. Especially being one of the few women in the field.”

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Chapter 1241 in Marathon is devoted to promoting the spirit of aviation to the community. To that end, EAA vice president and youth coordinator Fred Fink helps give out $3,000 scholarships to Keys youth like Prince who would like to fly. He says attaining a pilot’s license costs about $10,000, so the scholarship would cover a part of that. About five local youths, including Prince, are currently pursuing a pilot’s license with the chapter’s help. The scholarships are funded by donations to the chapter.

“It takes six months to a year to get a license, depending how much time the scholarship ward devotes to flying,” said Fink. “We were looking for a solid academic background and motivation to learn to fly. It requires stick-to-ittiveness. Molly is good academically and motivated, and most importantly,

very interested in aviation. She’s a good kid.”

Prince plays basketball at Marathon High School and just toured college campuses on her spring break.

One school she is interested in is Southeastern University, which has both aviation and basketball programs.

So far, she has taken two hours’ worth of flight lessons. She loved them, and said she wasn’t scared a bit.

“She’s been fearless her whole life,” said her grandmother, Beverly Patterson. “She white-water rafted in the Amazon when she was 8.”

On March 29, Patterson, along with Prince’s parents, Christina and Matthew, watched Prince get the scholarship check.

“We’re so thankful to the EAA for this opportunity,” said Matthew Prince.

Sol Bradman runs Florida Keys Flight Academy, which will be giving Prince lessons. “She’s great. Talented and smart,” he said. “There will be no issues at all.”

For more information about these scholarships or to donate to the EAA’s scholarship fund, call Fred Fink at 901-485-0181 or email ffredpilot@ bellsouth.net.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

SOUTHERNMOST SKUNK APE SOCIETY REPORTS 1929 SIGHTING AT BAT TOWER

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

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

Editor’s note: Brad Bertelli’s column this week was written especially for the Weekly’s April Fools edition. It is a mash-up of fact and fiction.

Enjoy. Please direct questions or comments to whypanic@aol. com.

Perky’s Bat Tower 1929-2017 BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

n the summer of 1977, documents indicating the presence of a large, hairy, bipedal creature with a strong odor in the Florida Keys were discovered in the attic of a Key West home. The documents reported events dating back to the 16th century. The Southernmost Skunk Ape Society was established to investigate these found documents and augment them with additional research and analysis where possible. The short-lived society ceased following the unexplained disappearance of its co-founder on October 18, 1977.

Among the items discovered were notes about Sugarloaf Key’s Bat Tower. For decades it was one of the great roadside attractions along the 115-mile ribbon of asphalt known as the Overseas Highway. Sadly, 2017’s Hurricane Irma destroyed the tower. Located at Mile Marker 17, the tower was built by Clyde Perky. In the 1920s, Perky purchased land on Sugarloaf Key with the hopes of commercial development. One of his projects was creating a fishing camp. The monkey wrench in the idea was the same one that made life difficult up and down the Florida Keys — mosquitoes.

Fortunately, Perky read about Dr. Charles Campbell of San Antonio, Texas. The doctor had published a book called “Bats, Mosquitoes, and Dollars” that detailed the vital role bats play in controlling mosquito populations. To combat the blood-thirsty hordes, Campbell promoted a bat tower of his own design because some bats dine extensively on small flying insects like mosquitoes. Perky took the advice and sent away for the doctor’s set of bat tower instructions. When the manual arrived, and the timbers were hammered and bolted into place, the tower was fitted with a plaque that read, “Dedicated to good health at Perky, Fla., by Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Perky, March 15, 1929.”

In addition to the instructions, Perky bought Dr. Campbell’s special bat attractant to lure the bats to the tower. The attractant was bat poop, officially referred to in the bat world as guano. With the tower constructed and the guano set in its place, all that was left were the bats. The Florida Keys are home to at least one indigenous species of bat, the velvety freetailed bat. Not wanting to wait for a colony to show up on its own, in addition to the instructions and the guano, Perky sent away for a mail-order supply of bats. When they arrived, Clyde set the colony free in the general area of his guano-infused tower.

As the story is historically told, the guano’s stench failed to attract the bats to the tower, and they simply flew off and away.

According to documents in possession of the Southernmost Skunk Ape Society, at least one person in the Sugarloaf Key area kept a closer eye than most on Perky’s experiment. In the days that followed, increased activity at the bat tower site was noted in the copy of a letter found in the Skunk Ape File boxes. The letter read: “The bats came back after three days. As dusk fell on the fourth day, I watched them fly out of the tower like a slow, seeping cloud and, toward the end, when just a few bats were still flying out and into the night, something else happened that I found terrifying. A large hairy figure stepped out of the trees and walked over to the tower. It must have stood all of eight feet tall and walked slowly around, staring up and down and then, here and there, reaching up and pushing at the tower’s side with those big hands. At one point, it reached up at the corner and started shaking it a little. I thought the tower would topple over. The last few bats flew out and off over the trees. That was the last time I saw either one, the big thing or the bats.”

According to the society’s records, the Bat Tower event was just one of scores of events documented in the Florida Keys. In 2021, the society’s surviving co-founder, Cliff Curry, finished compiling the Skunk Ape Files manuscript that recorded the historical context and narrative behind 50 of the most fantastic Skunk Ape-related events associated with the Florida Keys. The resulting book, “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” is now available on Amazon or through the Southernmost Skunk Ape Society page at www.bradbertelli.com.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

7 MILE BRIDGE WORKERS RESCUE BOY, 10 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

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From top: Jackson Clark, 10, and his father Doug Clark were pulled out of the water by Landy Rodriguez Perez, left, and Ricky Locklear, second from right, as well as Josh Locklear and Willy Arazola (not pictured). SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly Erin Clark hugs Landy Rodriguez Perez, while Doug Clark shakes hands with Ricky Locklear. The accident happened on

March 25 in the morning, and the family and heroes met up a few hours later.

The Clark family of Michigan vacations in the Keys every year. “That’s why we come, the people,” said Erin Clark.

hen Jackson Clark’s flip-flop fell in the water near Sunset Grille on March 25, he jumped in after it. Unfortunately, the 10-year-old underestimated the force of the current next to the 7 Mile Bridge. He was swept away, along with his father Doug Clark, who dove in after him.

Jackson Clark presented handmade “We were alerted to the cards to his rescuers. problem by a man that came running along the sidewalk under the 7 Mile Bridge,” said Landy Rodriguez Perez, who works for a subcontractor on the restoration of the Old Seven MIle Bridge.

“He was yelling that a little kid was drowning,” said Ricky Locklear, another of the heroes.

Doug had managed to get his son up onto one of the bridge pilings. Though the little boy was safe, aside from some scrapes and scratches from the rough concrete, Doug was unable to boost himself to safety and was losing his grip.

Landy got to the ring buoy first, and threw it. Doug passed it to his son, Jackson, and together Landy, Locklear, his brother Josh Locklear and Willy Arrazola pulled the father and son to safety.

“I just want to say thank you. Mom has to say thank you. Can I hug you?” Erin Clark was visibly upset hours later when she was able to thank two of the rescuers in person. “We learned an important lesson today about the current.”

“Yes, we have a new respect for the water,” said Doug.

The Clark family visits the Keys every year at this time (though they missed 2020 due to the pandemic). Besides Jackson, the family has three other children — Aubrey, 13, Shawn, 11 and Adaline, 5.

“This is why we love the Keys and why we keep coming back,” Erin said, “the people are so incredible.”

“If the life ring didn’t work, we would have thrown ourselves into the water. A little boy’s life was at stake,” said Rodriguez Perez, a Marathon native. “It is what anybody would do.”

Erin said that as soon as her son and husband were safe and she had time to collect herself, she called her pastor. Then she set out to find the men who had saved her family so as to thank them in person.

The four men are employed by one of the subcontractors, Cekra Inc., working to restore the Old 7 Mile Bridge. The bridge is expected to be complete, and open to foot traffic, by March of 2022. The $41 million project began in 2017.

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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24

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

BARGES BYPASS BRIDGES

Business finds a way on Duck Key SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

here’s a popular meme (internet joke) with a man holding up a finger to his forehead, a knowing Mona Lisa smile on his face. It reads, “Modern problems require modern solutions.”

That’s exactly what’s happening on Duck Key, just north of Marathon. In October 2020, the bridges were closed to heavy traffic (work trucks, garbage trucks, etc.) by emergency order. Currently bridge traffic is limited to four tons (Harbour Drive and Seaview bridges) or 10 tons (Bimini Drive Bridge) due to fears for their structural integrity.

That’s a big obstacle for homeowners and contractors who seek to buy, sell, renovate or build.

Cue the barge.

LPS Utilities loaded three full-size moving trucks, one at a time, on its barge on March 23 to move the Williamson family.

“We were so happy with the barge,” said homeowner Teresa Williamson. “We thought we were going to have to offload the moving trucks onto flatbed trailers to cross the bridges — that would have taken a week or more.

“Instead, they had us moved in one day,” she said.

Trent Myer of LPS Utilities, a marine construction company, said the company purchased the barge two months ago, specifically for this use.

“We already have other barges that we use for our main work, but we added one more to the fleet,” Myer said. “It’s been really nice to serve the island where we all live.”

Myer lives on Duck Key and is prevented from driving his work truck, weighing 8,000 pounds, and parking in the driveway in front of his home.

A moving truck is loaded onto a barge to deliver furniture to Duck Key. The locally owned barge is moving construction materials and home contents to homeowners while bridges on the island undergo structural repairs.

CONTRIBUTED

“I thought, ‘This is going to be a problem.’ I knew if we bought another barge we would be able to help a lot of people until the bridges are fixed and still have use for it when this is all over. It’s all gain and no loss,” Myer said.

The barge is loaded at a boat ramp on Grassy Key, near the former JoJo’s property. The trucks drive onto the barge and then are pushed across the bay by a custom made flat-bottom boat.

The cost for renting the barge is determined on a case-by-case basis, but already the schedule is filling up and the barge is booked for the next three weeks — in one case, to haul a cement truck with materials for a new swimming pool.

According to Monroe County, the “strengthening” of Bimini Drive Bridge is set to be complete by mid-April and all of the work on Bimini Bridge will be complete by the end of June 2022. Once Bimini Bridge is stronger, simultaneous work on Seaview and Harbor Drive bridges will begin.

The temporary traffic signal at Schooner Drive is being removed.

All remaining traffic signals are being reprogrammed to accommodate the removal of this signal and allow for quicker access across the Bimini Bridge. The road has been temporarily closed in this area as a result of safety concerns. All traffic is to follow the detours onto Corsair Drive and use the traffic signal there to cross the bridge.

More information about the barge is available at 305-240-9882 or email info@lps-contracting.com.

Bridge updates are at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/duckkey.

25

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE 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.

Welcome to the thick of Aries season. As the cardinal and brashest of the fire signs, Aries energy is actionoriented.

It dares to fail a nd moves, relentlessly and sometimes gracelessly, but always forward. Go forth with force and determination, but not without consideration for the effect you have on others.

CANCER June 21 to July 22 Yung Pueblo has four phrases commonly called upon by the brave and the wise: “I don’t know. I’m sorry. Thank you. I love you.” As discord on the home front emerges for you crab folk in the coming weeks, greet this opportunity to grow by being direct and willing to listen, admit, apologize and forgive.

Notable Cancer: Nikola Tesla / July 10, 1856

ARIES March 21 to April 19 A very wise Aries recently said, “Your anger loves you,” she said. “It wants better for you and from you.” I invite you, fellow rams, to love your anger back. Listen to it, and allow it to deliver its message to you, rather than through you.

Notable Aries: Cesar Chavez / March 31, 1927

LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 Mercury, patron planet of communication, enters Aries in your ninth house of philosophy and mind expansion. Your belief systems tend to be somewhat inflexible, guarded by a leonine belief that you have all the answers.

This is an opportunity to learn, accept and integrate the knowledge of others into your life.

Notable Leo: Henrietta Lacks / Aug. 1, 1920

TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Marjorie Cameron was a fixture of the ’50s West Coast art and counterculture scene. Her peyote-induced drawing of two serpent-tongued figures embracing was branded lewd by the LAPD, who shut down her gallery show. Cameron made art for the rest of her life, but never again showed it commercially. Follow a similar trajectory. Do what you are meant to do while abiding by your own defiant definition of success.

Notable Taurus: Jack Nicholson / April 22, 1937 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 The late Larry McMurty wrote, “If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.” As you move through a season of possibilities bolstered by the power of the sun in Aries, remember there is no such thing as the right or perfect time, only now.

Notable Gemini: Sasha Obama / June 10, 2001

VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Dale Chihuly suffered two accidents that could have ended his career. A car crash left him blind in one eye and lacking depth perception while a shoulder injury made it impossible for him to hold a glass-blowing pipe. He began directing a team of assistants to execute his visions on a larger scale. He recalled, “Once I stepped back, I liked the view.” A similar change in perspective might bring about an accidental renaissance in you.

Notable Virgo: Amy Winehouse / Sept. 14, 1983

LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 As the sign of scales and balances, you are often seeking a perfect relationship.

Enough. Poet and fellow Libra Rupi Kaur writes, “You are not alone /alone would be if/ your heart no longer beat/ and your lungs no longer pulled/and your breath no longer pushed/ how are you alone if an entire community lives in you.” Remember, you are never alone and you are always enough.

Notable Libra: Ilhan Omar/ Oct. 4, 1981 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 At 67, fellow Scorpio and domestic abuse survivor Emma Gatewood became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in a single season. Gatewood’s daughter recalled, “I’m not sure she was walking towards something so much as she was walking away.” You won’t know until you go what can be left behind and what lies beyond.

Notable Scorpio: Elizabeth Smart / November 3, 1987 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 A dark new moon in Aries coupled with the movement of Venus into its home team sign of Taurus asks you to consider the ways in which your own health is related to the health of your relationships. Self-care and selfimprovement are the foundation of your ability to care for and support the growth of others.

Notable Sagittarius: Patricia Krenwinkel / Dec. 3, 1947

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Mars, jock planet of sex, aggression and fist bumps, is making the rounds in Gemini in your sixth house of health and help. This lends itself to self-doubt and the desire to “fix” others. Resist. Tune in, turn inward and remember the work you do on yourself is essential to the work you do for the world at large.

Notable Capricorn: Justin Trudeau / December 30, 1975 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 As the most future-focused, master plan-oriented sign in the zodiac, being present in, and grateful for the present can be a challenge. An Aquarius recently imparted the following wisdom, “True freedom is being radically present to whatever arises, whatever it may be.” Whatever the present may be for you, may you find freedom in standing still in it.

Notable Aquarius: Bobby Brown / Feb. 5, 1969 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Heed and adopt the attachment style and philosophy of fellow fish and my personal favorite Beatle, Mr. George Harrison: “I fell in love, not with anything or anybody in particular, but with everything.” If you can believe that all things and all people deserve it, you will never doubt your own ability to find and receive it.

Notable Pisces: Sasha Grey / March 14, 1988

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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

WILLS, TRUSTS BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS

Karen represented the Sellers of: 211 10th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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31

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

NEW THINGS HAPPENING AT CRANE POINT

MULTI USE WAREHOUSE SPACE FOR RENT

Now you can really get back to Nature!

O

ne would have to be a fool not to notice all the wonderful things happening at Crane Point Hammock. The arrival and complete renovation of the old Flagler Railroad train car, all the new and wonderful upgrades to different features at the attraction, the fish pedicures, even the cool public art pyramid out front — these are results of the new and progressive leadership of the board of directors at Crane Point.

Only a fool would think that all this progress would stop here. Ground is being broken on the next phase of Crane Point’s grand development scheme, with the completed project scheduled to open on April 1, 2022. The Crane House, a historic mid-century architectural building and former home to the Crane family, is being completely restored to its former glory. One completed, this building will become part of a larger, eco-friendly destination resort — a place where one can really, truly and fully get back to nature.

It would be foolish to think that the Middle Keys don’t need a new way to attract wealthy visitors. The Crane Point Naturist Resort will open its doors to a special upscale clothing-optional clientele that wants to get back to nature in the most natural way possible. The resort will feature 66 suites, and will be constructed using a huge amount of impact glass for the most open and revealing rooms anywhere. “There’s no reason to shut out nature just by going into your room,” Crane Point board member George Garrett said. “This way, our guests will be able to appreciate nature just as nature will in turn be able to appreciate our guests.”

The glass suites will be constructed adjacent to the Crane House to take advantage of the awesome Gulf views at the Point. “It would be foolish to waste that view on just open space,” Garrett said. “And the fact that we have 67 acres of hammock means we can clear a couple to build this resort.”

In addition to the spectacular views for the guests, passing watercraft will be able not just to enjoy the sight of this amazingly large sparkling glass building, they’ll also enjoy viewing the naturist guests in their natural habitat.

Only a fool would believe that this won’t become a major tourist attraction as well. And just imagine the sensations as the fish pedicure feature now becomes a full-body immersion treatment!

Only a fool would think that this new development would detract from Crane Point’s mission. “We have always encouraged our guests to become

one with nature,” Garrett said. “With all our trails and mini-ecosystems within the park, a guest can ‘expose himself’ to all kinds of nature. And that’s what Crane Point is JOHN all about.”

BARTUS One of the is a City of Maraproposed activities, thon councildestined to become man. He also is incredibly popular, a musician who will be the naturist performs around druid ceremonies town. For more at the Public Art see johnbartus.

Pyramid every day com between 4 and 7 a.m., during the time when local watering holes are closed. One would have to be a fool to think that this won’t become as popular as the nightly sunset celebrations throughout our islands — and Marathon will be the only place it happens! (The Sheriff’s Office is already planning for parking and crowd control.)

It would be foolish to believe that this new destination resort will harm our fragile local ecosystem. “Our success depends upon our natural attraction’s health and well-being,” Garrett said. “One of the measures we’re implementing is the requirement to use reef-friendly sunscreen to cover the … um, areas not usually exposed to nature. And it will be available at our gift shop.”

So be sure and mark April 1, 2022 on your calendars for the Grand Opening of the Crane Point Naturist Resort.

Only a fool would miss it! ****** No fooling here: Havana Jack’s and Glunz Ocean Beach Resort is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for the little ones to benefit Presents In Paradise! The Hunt happens this Sunday, April 4, from 1 to 3 p.m., and the Easter Bunny will be there! There will be separate areas for the younger and older children, and it will be a fun outdoor event! Hope to see you this Easter Sunday at Havana Jack’s!

Catch John Wednesdays at Herbie’s, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Friday at Havana Jack’s and Facebook Live, Saturday afternoon at Boondocks and Saturday night at the Key Colony Inn. Music wherever you get your streaming or downloads. www.facebook.com/john. bartus

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COMMERCE CORNER Southern Pine Lumber Company is a building material supplier, catering to the marine and outdoor construction industry. The company has been proudly serving the state of Florida for over 33 years, and the Florida Keys regularly for well over a decade.

“We specialize in high quality building materials, particularly outdoor and marine type applications,” said Sam Maroni. “But we are also one of the largest suppliers in the state for synthetic decking products such as Azek, Envisions, Fiberon, LumbeRock, MoistureShield, TimberTech and Trex. We are also the exclusive dealer of ThruFlow Grated decking in the state of Florida.”

Maroni said Southern Pine Lumber Company consistently delivers high quality products at competitive prices to customers around the state.

Location: 100 Industrial Rd, Big Pine Key Phone: 786-901-5400 Website: www.southernpinelumber.com Email: sam@southernpinelumber.com

32

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

FLORIDA’S CHARISMATIC CATS Photographer urges measures to save endangered panthers TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

“H

ow America’s most endangered cat could help save Florida.”

The headline in National Geographic (NatGeo)’s latest feature on the rare and endangered Florida panther kindles an ambitious hope for the future of the big cats and the humans they’re forced to live with us, Floridians.

In the April 2021 NatGeo issue, the story unfolds through maps, timelines, words and photos. They follow the path of the panther across the state and through time.

It took veteran explorer and photographer Carlton Ward Jr. five years to capture the defining photographic body of work on these elusive, endangered animals. A proud eighth-generation Floridian, he knows that the panther’s future is necessarily intertwined with our own. He sat down with Keys Weekly to share what he learned.

“The lead image for the story, a panther jumping across a log around a flooded section of swamp, that picture took two years to capture,” he laughed.

Florida panthers are a subspecies of mountain lion — the only one remaining in the Eastern U.S. Also known as cougars or pumas, the big cats’ historic range once extended from Florida to Louisiana, along the Gulf and up to Arkansas.

Now, wild Florida panthers can only be found in the tip of southwestern Florida.

Hunting and habitat loss decimated the once-healthy populations, and the species was among the first to be added to the U.S. endangered species list in 1973. At that time, fewer than 30 individuals remained, and many thought they were a lost cause, Ward said.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

A massive, groundbreaking conservation effort involved the introduction of eight Texas mountain lions to breed with the native Florida population, which had become dangerously inbred. Five successfully did, injecting fresh genetic diversity into the population and saving them from the brink of extinction.

This effort catapulted the Florida panther to the main conservation stage, and the charismatic cat became the state animal in 1982 by overwhelming vote of students. So, does this success story have a happy ending?

Not yet, Ward cautioned.

Today, there are roughly 200 individuals scattered in the wooded and swampy areas south of the Caloosahatchee River down to the Everglades. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in order to eat, mate and live, Florida panthers require large, contiguous lands to roam up to 200 square miles of territory per cat. This is particularly concerning given the current increases in development and continued loss of open ranches and lands.

Which brings us to this latest NatGeo feature. Throughout, the message is clear: save our wild and open spaces to save the Florida panthers; save the cats to save Florida, as we know it.

Ward’s image of a young female mother and her kitten at Babcock Ranch Preserve renewed hope that the cats are pushing north to extend their territory. This is a critical move if the species is to survive. The image proved that breeding females and kittens and the future of the population were indeed moving beyond their current, limited lands. Ward told the Weekly, “The most important image is the picture on Babcock Ranch Preserve of a female panther with kittens. She’s significant because she’s the first female documented north of the Caloosahatchee, which has been the northern border of panther region.”

Ward added, “This sets up an awesome opportunity where the panther can go from a south Florida conservation challenge to a statewide conservation opportunity and hopefully inspire Floridians to save enough of these wild places for the panthers to reclaim their natural territories.”

As more people move to Florida, continued development and new housing threaten the remaining panther habitat. According to NatGeo, loss of land increases cat-on-cat territorial spats and car collisions — the two leading causes of panther mortality. Roughly 25 cats are struck each year by vehicles, "a reflection of how development and road construction threaten the species at a time when roughly 900 people are moving to Florida every day," the story says.

Ward captured this tense border battle between humans and nature with images of a young male panther stepping through barbed wire and another, captured with infrared cameras, walking under a highway overpass at night.

On top of these threats, scientists are studying a neurological condition called feline leuk-myelopathy, which is affecting Florida’s panthers and bobcats. Animals suffering can have trouble walking, become paralyzed, starve and even die.

So, what can we do?

“To protect panthers, wildlife corridors including ranches, pastures, orchards, etc. need to be preserved, not turned into subdivisions/parking lots,” tweeted NatGeo reporter Douglas Main, who authored NatGeo’s feature piece. “This will help the bevy of animals that depend on the same lands, such as alligators, bears & more.

And it will help humans too.”

Conservationists have created a patchwork of protected public and private lands throughout Florida’s interior called the Florida Wildlife Corridor. They hope this will encourage the panther to keep moving north.

Ranchers, a vanishing breed themselves, own much of this private land. Popularly pitted against the panther, Florida’s cowboys are actually, generally, in support of its conservation. Both share the “common enemy” of development, particularly new subdivisions. Every day, ranchers are offered big bucks for their land, without which they and panthers cease to exist.

“The land is still there,” Ward said. “We have a moment right now where we can choose to conserve it. There’s hundreds of landowners on the list that are open to conservation as an alternative to development. They’re waiting on conservation easements and to sell their land for national parks. We need to meet this opportunity.”

The photographer closed with his favorite thing about the animal he followed for thousands of miles through Florida’s swamps and backcountry: their perseverance.

“This animal exists against all odds,” he said. “We have one of the fastest growing, most populated states in the country. We have the watery landscape of the Everglades. And we still have the last large cat in the eastern United States right here. That’s their ability to scratch out an existence on the margins, on the edge of development and landscapes criss-crossed by roads.”

He added, “We can help them and ourselves. Florida has a chance to be a national leader here, if we choose to protect these places while they’re still here.”

For more, visit Nat Geo (nationalgeographic.com).

Wildlife veterinarian Lara Cusack handles more kittens belonging to FP224. These young cats were measured and given immunity boosters while their mother was hunting away from the den. When panthers have space and protected habitats, their populations can grow. Only about one in three Florida panther kittens survives to adulthood.

CARLTON WARD JR. / National Geographic Society

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

T S JU OLD S

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305.304.8591 kimmieinthekeys@gmail.com

305-766-1745 www.AmyPuto.com

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

T S JU OLD S

SAM JUST LISTED & SOLD THIS PROPERTY! Congratulations to both my buyers and my sellers!

6

1172 W 75TH ST

Thinking of selling your property?

Contact me and let’s work together to price it properly in today’s market and get it sold in the time frame you want!

T S JU OLD S

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLERS! Let my passion for real estate and the Florida Keys work for you to help you BUY, SELL or INVEST in your very own piece of Paradise!

6

6

109 AVE D 307

Give me a call today and let's get started

Michele Cook

Sam Williams REALTOR® 305.289.6559

305-783-8342 michelecook@cbschmitt.com

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

ST D U J OL S

SAM’S LISTINGS JUST SOLD!

6

240 KEY HONEY RD

Congratulations to my sellers!

977 84TH ST

T S JU OLD S

Jessica’s listing just sold!

Congratulations to my sellers!

6

11710 5TH AVE OCEAN.

Sam Williams

Jessica Borraccino

REALTOR® 305.289.6559

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

T S JU OLD S

305-289-6503 jessica@cbschmitt.com

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

RICK & MONICA JUST SOLD THIS LISTING!

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340-350 E OCEAN DR.

Energy & experience sets our team apart. We get your property SOLD; NOT just listed.

Give US a call today!

Rick Servais & Monica Barrett REALTORS

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

®

Rick 305-731-5010 Monica 305-433-0349 ServaisBarrettRealEstateTeam.com

Upper Keys Weekly 91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

ST D U J OL S

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYERS! Contact us today to get your home or lot sold in less time and for more $!

6

“When we sell you a house, your dreams come true in Paradise.” Give us a call today!

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7058 HARBOR VILLAGE DR

TEAM PHILLIPS Rick & Sheryl Ann Phillips

Realtor®/Broker Associate

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

hookedonthekeys@aol.com 305.942.6771

T S JU OLD S

WANDA’S LISTING JUST SOLD! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLERS!

6

5091 SUNSET VILLAGE DR.

My goal is to conduct business with integrity & honesty while providing you with the best experience for your real estate needs!

Two Awesome Agents, One Result SOLD! When you have passion, vision, drive, and inspiration, you have the foundation for a team that’s destined to win… Add in an engaging environment and a lifetime of experiences with some Florida Keys grit and you have Ashkarian/Ardis Team.

Reach out 305-395-0814/305-481-3317, www.SearchFloridaKeysHomes.com

Wanda Brock REALTOR® “The Brock Team”

305.304.8862

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

wbrock.realestatefloridakeys.com ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

Congratulations to both my sellers and my buyers on this transaction!!

Sam Williams

Congratulations to My Client on her beautiful new Keys Condo!

Lara Rutskin Martin REALTOR®

REALTOR®

305.240.4905

305.289.6559

hapynkeys@gmail.com

swilliams@samdwilliams.com

Www.realestatefloridakeys.com 11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

11050 Overseas Hwy., Marathon ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

36

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

GOT BRICK?

AT THE LAGOON CABLE PARK

Looking for FUN PEOPLE to join our team!

LEAD LINE COOK

BAR R BAR E SUPER TEND VISOR

INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING

Apply in person at Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club, 58182 Overseas Hwy or email resume to Karen@grassyflats.com

paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!

125 BRIAN RD MARATHON, FL 33050

SOLD!!

Congratulations to my buyers and now homeowners in the Florida Keys!

THIS WEEK’S ENTERTAINMENT

In a multiple offer situation, we were able to secure this completely updated, like new paradise home with custom details and finishes from the Oasis backyard to the high-end interior decor.

THURSDAY, APR 1 DWANE HAGGY 6:30PM FRIDAY, APR 2 LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY, APR 3 JOHNNY LIVE 2PM ABSTRACT RADIO 7:30PM SUNDAY, APR 4 DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM MONDAY, APR 5 WYATT HURTS 3PM

My customer's Real Estate goals are my priority, please let me know how in the world I can help you achieve yours.

Crystal Gutierrez,P.A. C2EX

Direct: 786.602.6110 Crystal@LuxuryKeysRealEstate.com LuxuryKeysRealEstate.com

S o ci a l d is ta n ci n g w it h ta b le s 6 ’ a p a rt

TUESDAY, APR 6 COUNTRY JAM 7PM WEDNESDAY, APR 7 RANDALL 6:30PM

ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS • COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

OPEN SUN THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM | FRI-SAT 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR

37

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

APPLY ONLINE AT www.TREASUREVILLAGEMONTESSORI.com

Tel. 305-852-3482 86731 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 kelly.mangel@keysschools.com

NOW ENROLLING STUDENTS APPLY ONLINE APRIL 12 - 23

Our vision is to empower Montessori students to aquire, demonstrate, articulate and value knowledge and skills that will support them, as life long learners, to participate in and contribute to the global world.

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

Aloe vera, Matheson House, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. LU DODSON/Contributed Mangrove sunset on Summerland Key. JENNIFER CHANDONNET/Contributed

Nature, Milky Way, kayak, Curry Hammock State Park. DAN EIDSMOE/Contributed

Earth Day every day. SANDY SCHNEIDER/Contributed

Inspired by Mother Nature. After watching the beautiful Keys sunset and palm trees, I knew what I wanted my first tattoo to be. MELISSA GREER/Contributed

Cotton candy skies and mirror images over Islamorada. CAITLYN MARIE/Contributed

For me, one of the greatest gifts of the Florida Keys is our beloved Key deer, truly a wonder of nature.

Remember, don’t feed & don’t speed.

JESSE KOBLENTZ/Love & Light Photography

Solar halo, taken May 2, 2020 at my home in Cudjoe Key. MARCE JO TOLL/ Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

O

ur theme for APRIL is 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 or someone related to the Keys.

• Photos can be images that have been published before.

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

rights of privacy of any entity or person.

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

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

FREE CUSTOM BANNERS! just pay shipping ($12)

May the promise of Easter fill you with faith, hope and love.

Join us for Easter Services at 9:00 am and 11:00 am.

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

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

May the Peace of the Lord be always with you WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

2 Ways to Order: - promotionsguy.com/deal-of-the-month - email info@promotionsguy.com

St. Columba Episcopal Church 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl 305 743-6412 • www.stcolumbamarathon.org

40

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

1

2

3

CANES SHUT OUT DOLPHINS Pitchers record 18 strikeouts in the win

C

4

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly 1. Hurricanes pitcher Tyler Rodriguez is met with fist bumps following a five-inning, 12-strikeout performance on the mound versus the Marathon Dolphins.

5

2. Marathon Dolphins sophomore Enmanuel Polanco awaits a pitch.

4. Menendez slides safely into second base.

3. Dolphins pitcher Mathew Kratzert throws over to first base as Canes runner Mario Menendez retreats

5. Dolphin shortstop Gavin Leal fields a ball.

oral Shores starting pitcher Tyler Rodriguez pitched five innings and recorded 12 strikeouts in a 4-0 shutout over the Marathon Dolphins at Founders Park on March 29. Rodriguez was dealing as he mowed down eight of the first 10 batters he faced through his first three innings.

The Hurricanes offense jumped out in front, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first against Marathon’s Mathew Kratzert.

Following the first inning, Marathon’s Kratzert settled in by not allowing another hit through his outing, picking up five strikeouts in total. Marathon added hits by Corbin Neller, Enmanuel Polanco, and Dylan Globe the rest of the way. The Dolphin shortstop, eighth-grader Gavin Leal, did all he could keeping the Dolphins in the game defensively. The Canes’ Dylan Bloom struck out the side in the sixth and seventh innings to secure the victory. The Hurricanes and Dolphins turn right back around and meet up again when the Fins host the Canes Friday, April 2 at 7 p.m.

— Contributed

41

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FAT TUESDAY located at 305 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: 190 Octane Retail LLC, 1115 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 200, Mandeville, LA 70471 Publish: April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 5:00 P.M. on June 1, 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: FY 2022 Destination and Turnkey Event Funding 06/01/2021 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 5:00 P.M., on June 1, 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: April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on May 13, 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: Workers’ Compensation Third Party Claims Admin. Serv.

05/13/2021 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 May 13, 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: April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on April 22, 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: Sale of 3 County-Owned Density-Reduction Duck Key Lots 04/22/2021 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. Bid deposits of 10% of the bid must be mailed to Monroe County Purchasing Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Room 2-213, Key West, Florida prior to the bid opening.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 22, 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: April 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

notice, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the Decedent’s Estate, including unmatured or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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. FIRST DATE OF THE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: March 25, 2021.

Personal Representative: Aaron Ronald Voog 75 Highstone St. East Taunton, MA 02718 Attorney for Personal Representative: Regina W. Drennan, Esquire Law Offices of Jason Turchin 2883 Executive Park Drive Suite 103 Weston, FL 33331 Telephone: 954-515-5000 Facsimile: 954-659-1380 Florida Bar #: 64792 Publish: March 25 & April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC SALE NOTICE OF SEIZURE JC Rentals LLC 92425 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents on the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All Contents in Yard 14 - Tony Romero Tavernier Mini Storage Inc. 135 Hood Ave, Tavernier, FL 33070, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents on the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All Contents in Yard 3 - Gordon Young Upper Keys Commerce Center 97300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 330037, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents on the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All Contents in Unit 10 - Brandi Wolf Sale of all Goods: April 21, 2021 at 10:00AM Publish: March 25 & April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, April 30, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FY 2022 DESTINATION AND TURNKEY EVENT FUNDING MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: WORKERS’ COMPENSATION THIRD PARTY CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES 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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed bids for the following: THE SALE OF THREE (3) COUNTYOWNED NON-CONSERVATION DENSITY-REDUCTION LOTS ON DUCK KEY WITH A DEED RESTRICTION PROHIBITING THE CONSTRUCTION OF HABITABLE SPACE 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. More information may be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ duckkeybids.

In response to Covid-19, the

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000015-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RONALD T. VOOG, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Ronald T. Voog, Deceased, whose date of death was 11/30/2020; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 21-CP-000015-K; and the address of which is Monroe County Clerk of Court, 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040.

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

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2017-CP-153-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ARLEAN MATTHEWS-WALTON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ARLEAN MATTHEWSWALTON, deceased, whose date of death was February 15, 2017, Case: 17-CP-153-K is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: March 25, 2021.

Personal Representative: ALZATA THURSTON c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

LEGAL NOTICES 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: March 25 & April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2021-CP-57-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ESMOND DAVID DE BEER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Esmond David De Beer, deceased, whose date of death was November 19, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 FOR THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 25, 2021.

Personal Representative: Carol De Beer 20 Plaza St., Apt. F3 Brooklyn, NY 11238 Attorney for Personal Representative: Luis Davila, Esq. Davila & Torres, P.A. 911 N. Main St., Ste. 5 Kissimmee, FL 34741 Telephone: (407) 933-0307 luis@davilaandtorres.com Publish: March 25 & April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-24-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF RALPH S. DIPADOVA Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Ralph S. Dipadova deceased, whose date of death was January 3, 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

LEGAL NOTICES 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 25, 2021.

Personal Representative: Evelyn S. Lau 437 122nd Street Ocean Marathon, Florida 33050 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 25 & April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 21-CP-000062-K IN RE: ESTATE OF PAUL E. BEKAVAC Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Paul E. Bekavac, deceased, whose date of death was February 4, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME 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 25, 2021.

Personal Representative: Anthony J. Bekavac 201 Oakcrest Lane Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15236 Attorney for Personal Representative: Carl B Zacharia Attorney Florida Bar Number: 50784

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES 111 W. McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15367 Telephone: (724) 942-6200 Fax: (724) 942-6202 E-Mail: czacharia@ pittsburghelderlaw.com Publish: March 25 & April 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-28-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF PHILIP SPIEGEL aka PHILLIP SPIEGEL aka PHILIP M. SPIEGEL aka PHILIP MORTON SPIEGEL BRODY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Philip Spiegel aka Phillip Spiegel aka Philip M. Spiegel aka Philip Morton Spiegel Brody, deceased, whose date of death was April 11, 1992, 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. HENCE, NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS NOTICE, ALL CLAIMS FILED IN THIS ESTATE WILL BE BARRED SINCE MORE THAN TWO YEARS HAVE ELAPSED AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 1, 2021.

Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner 12221 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 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: April 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 21-CP-000022-P IN RE: ESTATE OF R. N. THOMPSON A/K/A ROBERT NILE THOMPSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of R. N. Thompson

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

a/k/a Robert Nile Thompson, deceased, whose date of death was June 5, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 1, 2021.

Ancillary Personal Representative: Robert N. Thompson, Jr. 12226 Wayside Road Indianapolis, IN 46256 Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Patricia Gessel, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84328 Patricia Gessel, PL 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw. com & alonso.at12@aol.com Publish: April 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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

HOLDINGS, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2018/1685 Alt Key No: 1632821 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00513520-000000 Description of Property: BK 3 LT 3 PARADISE POINT PB316 KEY LARGO OR75-278 Name in which assessed: MCNELLY ELWOOD W MCNELLY CATHERINE W All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: May 19th, 2021 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 1st day of March 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2018/1453 Alt Key No: 1563005 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00459470-000000 Description of Property: BK 4 LT 4 KEY LARGO TRAILER VILLAGE KEY LARGO PB4-43 OR627-854 OR981-1203P/R OR998-804AFF OR998-805D/C OR998-802/03 OR1525-1327 OR1667-159 OR1667-160 OR2537-1180 along with MOBILE HOME: TITLE NUMBER: 1170962 YEAR: 1962 VEHICLE NUMBER: 50101494 Name in which assessed: GARCIA MAURICO GARCIA DEISY All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: May 19th, 2021 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 1st day of March 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

The Art Studio/Coffee Loft hiring full time barista/ art studio staff. 40hrs a week. Apply in person 12535 Overseas Hwy, Marathon or (305)289-9013

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2021-03 Notice is hereby given that FCAP AS CUSTODIAN FOR FTCFIMT, LLC FL TAX CERT FUND I MUNI TAX, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2018/1637 Alt Key No: 1619477 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00501610-000000 Description of Property: BK 2 LT 10 KEY LARGO BEACH PB2-149 KEY LARGO OR543867 OR719-764/65 OR894-28 OR1023-293 OR1583-1100 OR1583-1101/02 OR2270829/30 OR2541-2005/09C/T OR2584-702/03 OR2725-561 OR2725-562 OR2858-574/75 OR2976-1153 Name in which assessed: GARCIA DOMINGA All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: May 19th, 2021 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 1st day of March 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2021-06 Notice is hereby given that MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2018/573 Alt Key No: 1202738 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00157130-000000 Description of Property: BK 3 LT 22 AND 23 GULFREST PARK PB4-119 BIG COPPITT KEY OR506-803 OR764-1599 OR1070-342D/C OR25721558D/C OR2583-704 OR26081013/14 along with MOBILE HOME: TITLE NUMBER: 3648224 VEHICLE NUMBER: MF2979C YEAR: 1969 Name in which assessed: BUIRLEY ANITA LYNN BUIRLEY KENNTH All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: May 19th, 2021 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 1st day of March 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 hereinafter described; from said POINT OF BEGINNING,

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2021-01 Notice is hereby given that VINMAS HOLDINGS, LLC VINMAS HOLDINGS, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2018/1686 Alt Key No: 1632848 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00513540-000000 Description of Property: BK 3 LT 5 PARADISE POINT PB3-16 KEY LARGO G69-167 OR750-937D/C (CASE #83-1136) OR932-2011/2012PR OR933 Name in which assessed: MCDOWELL TREVA ALBERT WILLIAM SUTTON RICHARD MURRAY KATHRYN GIBBS ODA JANE All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: May 19th, 2021 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 1st day of March 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2021-02 Notice is hereby given that VINMAS HOLDINGS, LLC VINMAS

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2021-05 Notice is hereby given that MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it

AUTOS FOR SALE 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! 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. Runs well, cold A/C, new tires. Located in Key Largo. $1,950 305-8523471 or cell 305-393-1587 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK! Keys Cruiser - 2006 Chrysler Sebring. Runs, A/C works, located in Key Largo. $1,500.00 OBO 305-304-4989 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK! 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 1989 Grady White Seafarer 22' In storage 3 years. $5,000 firm.

2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon 305-289-9884 12' Aluminum boat with trailer plus 6hp Nissan motor +60 lb. thrust electric motor. Located in Marathon. $2,200 3 0 5 - 3 9 5 - 1 0 1 5 2005 21' Triumph Chaos.

Great fishing boat, has electronics, center console w/T-top.

150 4-stroke Yamaha engine w/800 hours. New dual axle Rocket trailer. Located in Marathon. $15,000 330-219-6774

Marathon FT Receptionist/

Admin Assistant, Bishop, Rosasco & Co, CPA’s – Strong computer, customer service, reliable, pass background check a must. QuickBooks a plus.

Benefits.

Email resume, salary requirements to tara@keyscpa.com.

EOE The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a Full-time Court Program Specialist I in Key West.

The essential function of this position within the organization is to assist in the administration and case management of a variety of cases including circuit civil and mental health cases in the Lower Keys Division of the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Knowledge of the legal system is required. Salary is $31,780.92 annually, plus State of Florida benefits. See complete job description at www.

Keyscourts.net. Interested applicants should submit a State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts. net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications and complete job description can be found at www.

Keyscourts.net.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

Charter Captain/Mate Busy fishing charter business in Marathon looking for experienced fishing Captain/Mate.

Busy boats and location.

Offshore, Inshore, Reef/ Wreck. Send text or call 305-481-3259

1999 World Cat 27' with twin 175 Suzuki motors.

Runs good. Dual stations.

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

LPS Contracting NOW HIRING: State-Licensed Land Surveyor & Field Techs.

Located in Marathon, FL. Email: info@ LPS-Contracting.com Call: 305-240-9882

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!!!

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 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!

NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for all shifts. Please apply in person at 8919 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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.

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.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

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.

2BR/2BA Large Apt. 10824 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon. $1,900/month plus utilities.

F/L/S. Taking applications.

Call (305) 394-4545

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.

Carpenter and Laborer needed in Upper Keys.

Must have valid driver's license and transportation.

Call 305-852-3002

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

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!

• Visual Communications Staff • Guest Services Staff • Facilities Maintenance Apprentice • Education Program Host

OFFICE SPACE 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 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

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!!

DAYCARE TEACHER Grace Jones Daycare is a well-respected day care facility in Marathon looking for additional staff. We are dedicated to providing memorable experiences, quality child care, and excellent learning opportunities. This is YOUR opportunity to join our team of energetic and friendly teachers. We are looking for a caring, qualified, and professional full time teacher to join us in creating a positive learning environment. If you are, or wish to become, a qualified and passionate early childhood teacher, call the Executive Director, Kelly Ullrich, at 305-743-6064 during normal work hours.

SUDOKU

SOLUTION

305.743.0844

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

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays.

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

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

Call 305-743-0844 and get your office space rented!

Email cover letter, DRC application and & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

Outdoor Private Estate Houseman (Islamorada) Full time, Tu – Sat 7am - 3pm Compensation: $16.00 - $20.00/hr. depending on experience Benefits: Holidays & PTO Job Description and tasks include but are not limited to: Maintain cleanliness of all outdoor common areas, outdoor furniture & pool Some requirements are • English speaking • Your own vehicle • Pass background check & drug screen

Send resume & references to: Resume c/o Post Net 88005 Overseas Hwy, Suite 10, Box # 162 Islamorada, FL 33036

City of Key Colony Beach

FULL TIME POSITION

Police Officer The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL TIME Police Officer. Applicants must possess a current Florida certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and psychological exams. Salary range $52,000 — $55,00 depending on qualifications.

Mail resume to: Chief of Police P.O. Box 510141 Key Colony Beach, FL. 33051

Or Call for additional information—305-289-1212 Equal Opportunity Employer

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Working Warehouse Manager Manage all Customer & Job deliveries, pickups and inventory. Must be organized, have good communication & basic computer skills.

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

Interior Designer 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.

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.

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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

NOW HIRING Floor Manager Daytime Host Experienced Servers Experienced Bartenders High volume restaurant in Key Largo.

Apply in person at Snooks Bayside, 99470 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL

NOW HIRING! SIGN ON BONUS UP TO $ 1,500 NEEDED: INSTALLERS, APPRENTICES AND SERVICE TECHNICIANS PAY RANGE: $15  $30 PER HOUR BASED ON EXPERIENCE LOOKING FOR A LONGTERM CAREER? COME JOIN OUR TEAM, WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING: Competitive pay | Work Life Balance Continued Training | Opportunity for advancement Paid time off | Medical | 401K Apply via email: Joey@ellingtonac .com Call to schedule a meeting for employment 321.482.3158

NOW HIRING: Hosts Waitstaff Bartenders Bar Backs Bussers Line Cooks Dishwashers

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

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

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 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.

NOW HIRING: Maintenance Manager Accounting Coordinator Banquet Coordinator Front Desk Agent Bell/Valet Fine Dining Busser/Runner Licensed Massage Therapist (Now offering sign on bonus!)

Licensed Nail Technician

Apply online at: www.noblehousehotels.com/careers Apply in person at: Zero Duval St.

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

EOE

Home Care Agency Founded in 2007

NOW HIRING! Experienced personnel from Key Largo to Key West!

RN/LPN P/T , O/T & Speech Therapists Social Workers Private Duty Aides

Please email your resume to: Vanessa@amerihealthhomecare.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

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

HIRING

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

Or call for appt. 305-481-3067

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

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.

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

45

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

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

NOW HIRING RESTAURANT HOST

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

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

• Visual Communications Staff • Guest Services Staff • Facilities Maintenance Apprentice • Education Program Host

Email cover letter, DRC application and & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

MARATHON

Housekeeper Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) 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

We offer 401k, profit sharing, educational reimbursement, health/dental plans, life insurance, holidays and paid time off for full time employees.

Member FDIC

IS HIRING!

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

Apply Online at: KeysBank.com/Careers

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

KEY WEST Case Manager (Adult, Forensic)

Marathon Full Time Teller

Full job descriptions available at

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

KEY LARGO

Key West Information Technology Technician Maintenance Technician Full Time Teller Part Time Floating Teller Commercial Loan Processor Residential Loan Processor

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays.

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

Case Manager (Adult, PT) Substance Abuse Counselor (PT) Client Advocate

Join Our Team!

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.

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

phone: 305-743-6881 AmericanCoastalRentals.com Leslie@AmericanCoastalRentals.com 9141 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service Phone: (305) 743-5288

Fax: (305) 743-6887

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

• SINCE 1989 •

305-289-1150

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

“We Clean Your Place, Like it Was Our Place”

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

Serving Key Largo to Key West

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Will Campbell President

Liz Samess Interior Designer

(954) 801-7883 Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com CELL:

Marathon, FL 33050

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

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

TEAM SCHUTT ANNA J SCHUTT

REALTOR® | Luxury Specialist

11050 Overseas Hwy, Marathon keyswaterfrontspecialist@gmail.com teamschutt.realestatefloridakeys.com Each office is independently owned and operated

Alicia Lund, P.A., MBA, ABR

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Nails by Ivis

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

305.923.9226 BUTCH "BLAST" SCHUTT REALTOR® 305.743.1979 Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

Keys Real Estate Hablo Español!

Specializing in First Time Homebuyers 9141 O/S HWY, Marathon, FL 33050 305-743-7636 OFFICE 305-431-0577 CELL alicia@keysrealestate.com www.KeysRealEstate.com A member of the franchise system of BHHS Affiliates LLC

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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 MARATHON • KEY COLONY OWNERS

START EARNING 305 3902315

WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM OFFER YOUR ENJOY EXPERT MAXIMIZE GUESTS A VIP PROPERTY YOUR INCOME EXPERIENCE MAINTENANCE POTENTIAL

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

Petersen Repair & Maintenance • Flooring • Inside Trim Work • Door Replacement • Landscaping • Fencing

• Plastering & Stucco • Masonry & Spalling Repair • Waterproof & Roof Painting • Interior & Exterior Painting • Parking Lot Striping

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

SP# 4434, 4435, 4436, 4437, 4438. 4439. 4448, 4449, 4450, 4451

Charlie Petersen 920-371-3107 | PetersenRepair@yahoo.com Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

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

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

When It Rains It Pours!

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

Appliance and Air Conditioning

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

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops

305

Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Lic## RF11067168

EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon (Across from Beall’s Outlet)

289-3019

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES JARED FRANK

OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

Butch and Barbara Hewlett

AIMEE

KORNETTI REALTOR ®

Cell 305-600-9726 aimeekornetti@gmail.com

www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

SPALLING

PC 606

Lic# ENG II 305E

The Weekly Newspapers

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar

Lic#SP-3562

Rachel Sanderson

NOW HIRING!

keycolonybeachproperties.com

305-394-5530 bnbfishing@comcast.net 3900 Overseas Hwy, Marathon FL 33050

Key Colony Beach Realty, Inc.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 1, 2021

MARATHON SEAWALLS & DOCKS

From the Crew at Marathon Seawalls & Docks

Complete Marine Construction • Docks • Seawalls • Vinyl Sheets • Dredging

Boulder Walls • House Foundations • Boat Lift Installation • Auger Cast Injection Piles

305.289.9393

www.marathonseawallsanddocks.com