Upper Keys Weekly 21-0506

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Mother (n): One who does amazing things. See also Saint, Wonder Woman.

MARVELOUS MOMS The inspirations of our lives | P. 16

ONE YEAR LATER Pascal’s life and legacy | P. 17

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

Honoring Our Nurses This week marks National Nurses Week, when we raise awareness of and celebrate all nurses and the vital role they play in healthcare as well as our society. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, and their dedication to their patients and community cannot be overstated.

Take a moment this week to thank a nurse for everything they do, especially during these difficult times.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

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A large brush fire in Miami-Dade, which shut down Card Sound Road earlier in the week, has burned around 13,000 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service-Everglades. Smoke and flames could be seen last weekend as Miami-Dade County and Florida Forest Service worked to contain the blaze. Card Sound Road reopened Tuesday evening, alleviating heavy traffic seen north and south during work hours.

The Florida Forest Service said the fire is 80% contained.

Cheryl McBay, Florida Keys Brewing Co. owner, drives her boat alongside her cocaptains Rose, left, and Arlo, right. CONTRIBUTED

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GOVERNOR ENDS COVID RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REPEAL MASK ORDINANCE JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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ask-wearing mandates and other local government COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and individuals in Florida are no longer in effect, per a pair of executive orders signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 3.

And on the morning of May 5, Monroe County followed suit. A special meeting of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners saw unanimous approval of a repeal to a local ordinance that requires everyone to wear a mask upon entry into a restaurant or business.

It was set for a June 1 sunset, but DeSantis’ orders immediately ended that local restriction.

Business owners can still require masks when patrons enter their establishments, but DeSantis’ orders override any approved decision-making and oversight by city and county governments over COVID measures that infringe on rights or liberties.

The first executive order signed by DeSantis suspends all local COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on individuals and businesses through the end of June. Come July 1, a second executive order goes into effect officially invalidating emergency orders by local munici-

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs Senate Bill 2006 during a May 3 press conference in St. Petersburg. He also signed two executive orders that suspend and invalidate local government COVID-19 restrictions. CONTRIBUTED

palities in relation to COVID-19 emergencies that restrict the rights or liberties of people and businesses.

Executive orders that end local mask rules don’t apply to schools, per the Florida Department of Education. Orders only pertain to city and county government restrictions on individuals and businesses. The Monroe County School District will continue to require masks for students and staff.

DeSantis signed the executive order following a May 3 press conference in St. Petersburg, where he also signed legislation that disallows states and local governments from closing businesses or preventing students from receiving in-person instruction at school. The bill passed through the House and Senate before the end of session last week.

Executive orders and legislation signed into law only apply to pandemics and other public health emergencies. It exempts orders in response to a hurricane or other weather-related emergency.

Per the bill DeSantis signed, any ordinance or measure depriving a person of a right, liberty or property requires a governmental entity to prove that the measure is “narrowly tailored” and serves a “compelling governmental interest” through the “least intrusive means.” It also authorizes the governor or legislature to invalidate a city or county measure that “unnecessarily restricts a constitutional right, fundamental liberty or statutory right.”

Citing the vaccines’ success and effectiveness, DeSantis said his orders that end local mandates are the “evidence-based things to do.” Just over 9 million Floridians received continued on the next page

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021 from page 4

either the one-dose Johnson & Johnson or the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer series, as of May 5. More than 5 million of those are over 55 years of age.

Local actions that restrict inschool instruction or close business must satisfy demanded and continuous justifications, DeSantis said.

“I think folks that are saying that they need to be policing people at this point, you really are saying you don’t believe in the vaccines, you don’t believe in the data, you don’t believe in the science,” he said. “We’re no longer in a state of emergency.”

County Mayor Michelle Coldiron, who called the special meeting, said she wished to stay in lock-step with DeSantis’ executive orders.

“It’s up to each individual to wear their mask or not,” she said.

“Any private owned business can still require that you don a mask when you enter their premise.”

Commissioner David Rice said that while he believes there’s an obligation to follow the governor’s orders, the risk of community spread hasn’t terminated just yet.

He went on to say that people should pay close to attention to friends and family whose immune systems are suppressed.

“I, for one, would not go around one of them without a mask, out of concerns of their fragile health,” he said.

Commissioner Mike Forster said he’s not in agreement with everything that’s taken place during the legislative session in Tallahassee.

“I think in most cases, we’re best to determine what’s best for the community,” he said. “We can fight it but it’s a fight we’ll lose,” Forster said regarding DeSantis’ orders.

Monroe County’s mask ordinance repeal also applies to the City of Marathon and Village of Islamorada, as neither wrote their own ordinance. (The City of Key West did.) That means masks will no longer be required in either city hall or the county buildings.

County Administrator Roman Gastesi said during the special meeting that the move by DeSantis was premature. He said employees can still wear masks.

“You can all go through life how you want to go through your life,” he said. “No one’s going to say you can’t wear a mask.

“We still have to be careful, be smart and be safe out there.”

Key West city attorney Shawn Smith told city commissioners at their meeting on the evening of May 4 that they need to let their mask mandate expire. “Once again, Tallahassee has preempted you from acting,” Smith said.

Courthouses, however, are under a different jurisdiction. Rules regulating them are written in the state capital, Tallahassee.

New cases of COVID-19 in Monroe County are averaging just over 10 a day. Those in the Keys receiving vaccines are approaching 38,000.

In total, cases of COVID-19 in the Keys since the pandemic began total 6,946. Of that number, just over 6,500 are residents and around 400 nonresidents.

Key West has led in total cases with just over 3,200 since the pandemic began. Cases in Key Largo since the start are just over 1,000, while Marathon has seen just over 780 cases since the beginning.

DeSantis’ executive orders addressing local COVID-19 restrictions go back to September 2020, when he suspended collection of local fines and penalties associated with COVID-19 regulations on individuals. In March, another executive order by DeSantis’ canceled all fines on individuals and businesses related to city and county COVID-19 restrictions.

In late March, DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 72, which provides liability protection to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, churches and health care providers for liability claims related to COVID-19. And just a month later, he extended a state of emergency to ensure students remained in school for the rest of the year, while also quashing any vaccine passport requirements “as a condition of participating in everyday life.”

“We worked very hard particularly since summer to jettison policies, and we focused on lifting people up, getting people back to work and we wanted to get kids back to school,” DeSantis said during the press conference. “We thought that it was important that parents have the ability to send their kids to school, and we wanted our economy to be healthy and society to be healthy. We wanted people to be happy living in Florida.”

STATE SESSION SUCCESSES AND SINKS Keys get funding; cruise ship vote overturned JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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egislative session in Tallahassee yielded millions of dollars for vital programs and projects in the Florida Keys. It also saw insertion of language to overturn a Key West vote that sought to limit cruise ships coming and going there.

First-year state Rep. Jim Mooney said while he wanted more funding for the College of the Florida Keys, a $20 million appropriation for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act passed through the legislature in a victory for the island chain. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget recommendation included the full funding amount after a $10 million cut last year due to the pandemic.

Mooney, a Republican, said it took some work to get money approved on the House and Senate sides.

“To get the $20 million appropriated for stewardship was huge. The program took the single biggest hit last year,” Mooney said. “There was nothing originally on the House or Senate side. Then we got a million on the Senate side, and I went to Jay Trumble and said ‘it would be nice if you could at least match that $1 million.’ Then finally it got fully funded.”

State funds for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act go toward land acquisition and water quality projects in the Keys. The money also supports stormwater projects and canal restoration. The appropriation awaits DeSantis’ signature.

Mote Marine Laboratory is receiving $1 million from the state for its coral restoration efforts through development of technologies and on-land and in-water nurseries, among other things. Mooney said about $400,000 was approved for a building renovation project for the College of the Florida Keys.

All in all, Mooney said the legislative session was productive. Next year, Mooney said, he’ll fight hard to bring in more funding for the College of the Florida Keys.

“When I started looking at funding for different state colleges, I was like, ‘Wait a minute, why are we second lowest and lowest in some areas?’

The college received just over $7.3 million for operating funds and

State Rep. Jim Mooney describes the $20 million state appropriation for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act as huge, but he also says he wanted more funding for the College of the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED

approved baccalaureate programs — the second lowest received, next to North Florida Community College’s $6.9 million. Around $41,000 was also allocated for the Work Florida Student Success Initiative, which helps align career education programs with statewide and regional workforce demands, and just over $15,000 for the 2+2 Student Success Incentive, which support students in associate’s degree programs by completing critical college credit courses and transferring on to baccalaureate programs.

Millions of dollars were also approved for water quality projects.

Mooney said a lot of money is going to support septic-to-sewer efforts throughout the state.

“It’s a little too late for the Keys to get reimbursed for that. We just like to lead the way,” Mooney said. “I preach up there all the time, ‘Don’t tell me you can’t do it because we did it.’ I’m not saying it wasn’t a little painful every now and then, but we’re there.”

Mooney said the seaport bill was one of the biggest surprises after it appeared dead and was inserted in a separate transportation bill. He argued against the amendment before the bill passed.

“When it did come back, it did come back a little less harmful to the overall port scene and also gave options of county or city commissioners to do their gig. Key West can say in theory no more cruise ships, this is how we’re going to do it.

“I’m not sure how it’s going to pan out,” he continued. “I fought and that’s all I could do. I knew I had one shot at it, and that was in debate. That was my only hope of swaying votes.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

COUNTY UPDATING PLAN FOR FIXING CANALS PUBLIC COMMENTS BEING ACCEPTED NOW CHARLOTTE TWINE charlotte@keysweekly.com

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onroe County is seeking public comment on its plan for managing the quality of canals in the Keys. But time is running out.

At the April 21 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Monroe County’s Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag presented a canal management master plan, which will have to be approved and brought to the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity. The BOCC will accept public comment on this project through May 12.

The county is formalizing the selection and ranking criteria as required in its canal work plan. This will be provided in the county’s annual progress report to the state. A lack of progress on the new canal restoration tasks will result in a penalty from the state: a reduction of 20 percent of the county’s Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) allocations.

“We’re happy (Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office) is interested in our water quality and that the state provides funding and wants accountability,” Haag told Keys Weekly. “That’s good news for water quality in the Keys, and it ensures consistency that local agencies are doing their share.”

In her presentation on April 21, Haag said the county started cleaning up Keys canals voluntarily in 2012 to address the abundance of muck and lack of circulation. Among the steps were the formation of a water quality subcommittee and the canal management master plan, all funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Canal 266 in Big Pine Key was known as being particularly bad due to its smell. “It was one of the worst in the county because residents couldn’t sit in their backyard or sell their house because of that problem,” said Haag.

Through 2012-13, the county’s 502 canals were evaluated for health and water quality, and over the following years, demonstration projects cleaned some canals to test technologies. For example, Canal 266 was restored and has now an “air curtain” to keep out more floating seaweed.

In 2017, after Hurricane Irma, priorities changed due to the necessity to clean the marine debris created by the storm — a $50 million project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that wrapped up in 2020.

But then the state turned its attention back to the health of the county’s canals. DeSantis’ office proposed a 10-year canal restoration program to address 96 canals in unincorporated Monroe County with poor or fair water quality ratings that do not meet minimum state standards.

This ranking was created by Haag, with consultants from Wood, an environmental engineering company.

The ranking’s suggestion for which canals to address first may seem counterintuitive to the layman.

For example, three of the first five canals are labeled as “fair,” not “poor,” yet Haag’s team feels they should be fixed first. The reasoning? Funding.

In 2021, unincorporated Monroe County will get $5 million, if that, from the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. One of the worst canals on the ranking of 96 would cost $50 million to fix. Choosing which canal to fix first comes down to “more bang for the buck.”

“If you look at four half-milliondollar projects that might combine to spread the positive impact throughout a larger area, you could have 2 million dollars’ worth of expenditure that would far outweigh the benefit of a single $7 million project,” said Richard Fraxedas, senior Wood consultant.

Canal remediation techniques include organic removal, backfilling, culverts, weed gates and gravity-fed injection wells to improve the overall water quality of the canals. The initial price tag is estimated at $540 million to restore the 96 canals.

Public comment will be accepted on the Guidance Document and selection criteria through Wednesday, May 12. The final set of criteria will be submitted for approval at the regularly scheduled June 16 BOCC meeting.

For more information or to submit a comment, visit www.monroecountyfl.gov/canals. Comments can also be emailed to haag-rhonda@monroecounty-fl.gov or greg.corning@ woodplc.com with a subject line of “Canal Restoration Program – Public Comment.”

LEGENDARY ANGLERS RECOGNIZED

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust announces 2021 Circle of Honor inductees

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apt. Bob Branham and the late Capt. Bill Curtis are new Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Circle of Honor inductees. Recognized on April 22, they join other legendary anglers, fishing guides and conservation leaders who have made significant contributions to the conservation of the bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries.

The BTT Circle of Honor is housed as a permanent exhibit in the Keys History & Discovery Center, located in Islamorada on the property of the Islander Resort, and features an annually rotating exhibit on those honored as well as educational content about the significance of Capt. Bob Branham gets his first look at the flats fishery. the 2021 Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Circle “It’s fitting that these two of Honor through which he is recognized. pioneering guides of Biscayne Bay are enshrined in the Circle of The permanent exhibit is part of the Keys History & Discovery Center, a world-class Honor,” said BTT president and museum located in Islamorada on the CEO Jim McDuffie. “Not only did property of the Islander Resort. CONTRIBthey help establish South Florida UTED as a world-class fishing destination, they also played an integral role in conserving the resource and building BTT into the effective organization it is today.”

A Fort Lauderdale-area native, Branham began his fishing career in local canals and running a part-time flats guiding business with help from his fellow honoree, Curtis, an established guide who sent Branham his overflow business. Branham later left his day job to begin guiding full time in 1981.

An early proponent of banning nets in Biscayne Bay, Branham joined the board of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, and soon became a well-regarded liaison between its members and BTT, engaging guides in the organization’s conservation and research efforts. As a member of the BTT board, Branham has donated his time to guide scientists on tarpon tagging expeditions and to collect bonefish for broodstock in the organization’s bonefish spawning research.

Innovator, prolific guide, and passionate conservationist, Curtis was born in eastern Oklahoma in 1925. He piloted F-7s for the Army Air Corps during World War II, had a successful career as an advertising photographer, and then had a life-changing encounter with bonefish on the flats of Miami’s Biscayne Bay in the early 1950s. By the late ‘50s, he was guiding anglers to bonefish, tarpon and permit.

As his reputation grew, he received the attention in 1960 of then-U.S. Interior Secretary Stuart Udall and Commerce Secretary Luther Hodges who hired him to guide them in the Bay. From that fateful trip, and under Curtis’ subtle conservation influence, momentum built to establish Biscayne National Park, protecting the Bay’s fish-rich waters from what would have been a disastrous petroleum refinery on its shores. Noting a decline in bonefish populations in the bay in the 1990s, Curtis helped found Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited, which later became Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.

Curtis is credited with developing the first poling platform for flats skiffs in the 1970s, and created the Bimini Twist and Curtis Connection fishing knots. His yellow Hewes Bonefisher named “Grasshopper” was such a fixture at Biscayne Bay’s Old Rhodes Key that the area is forever known as “Curtis Point.” He passed away at age 91 on October 24, 2016.

— Contributed

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

REBOUNDING FROM IRMA Old Conch Harbor’s Chart Room returns in June JOHN CHRISTOPHER FINE www.keysweekly.com

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ost people would have thrown their hands in the air and given up following Hurricane Irma’s wrath in September 2017. But not George and Angel Cabrera, owners of Old Conch Marina & Giftshop in Tavernier.

Ocean water poured through the gift shop on the lower level — as much as 4 feet high — destroying inventory, fixtures and electrical conduits. Sand and noxious waste remained and had to be cleaned up. Old Conch Harbor docks and marina areas were devastated.

Old Conch Harbor is one of the area’s landmarks with a souvenir and gift shop, as well as a fresh seafood market with live lobster tanks where

boats bring in their catch every day.

The fishing boat marina is in a sheltered harbor. Now, almost four years after Irma, an adventure is about to emerge in the form of an expanded marina, restaurant, Cuban coffee shop, raw bar and Lobster Walk II — their signature fish and shellfish market.

The concept, planning, design and labor was done by the Cabreras, along with trusted workers who turned wreckage into functional beauty.

The Old Conch Harbor gift shop has been expanded on the first level.

Lobster Walk II is enhanced with large counter refrigerated displays and a new steamer to prepare their specialty, stone crab claws. Outside, the 32-foot catamaran Reef Roamer is moored, ready to sail with guests on charters and ocean sunset cruises. Slips and docks have been renovated to accom-

Nautical decor inside paneled walls of Chart Room give the sense and feel of being at sea.

Angel Cabrera reviews the new wall hangings. JOHN CRISTOPHER FINE/Contributed

modate more charter fishing boats.

Outdoor picnic spaces and parking has all been expanded and enhanced with plantings.

Upstairs, the Cabreras created the feel of a magnificent wooden sailing ship out of what was once a jewelry store, then a yoga studio.

“This is palope wood from Brazil. It is 30 times denser than red wood and seven times denser than teak,” Angel said of the long wood bar in the new Chart Room restaurant.

The entrance is through a cathedral-like archway of coquina brick.

The portico door was made on special order in Colombia. The bar is set with coquina brick, behind-bar porticos are artfully made with the same handcrafted bricks. Illumination is provided by antique ship’s lights and fittings.

Walls and the ceiling are paneled, carefully shaped to resemble the inside of a sailing vessel of yore. Nautical decor is everywhere along with a collection of art framed in lobster trap wood recovered from the ocean.

“We will serve lobster in season, stone crab claws, fresh locally caught seafood and jumbo Key West pink shrimp. None of our seafood will be imported,” Angel said. “There has been an overwhelming response from the local community asking when the Chart Room will open.”

In a special act of kindness, when husband and wife owners of Cuban Cafe were forced to move out when the property location they were in sold for development of a gasoline station, they were offered ground-level space at Old Conch Harbor. Specialty coffees and Cuban fare will continue their tradition just north and across the street from Cuban Cafe’s former location.

Terry and Cindy Adams, owners of Reef Roamer, will take guests on snorkel trips, social outings and sunset cruises. With capacity for 42 passengers, the charter catamaran is becoming a favorite among visitors to the Keys.

“Soon. Very soon. The Chart Room will be fully open by June,” Angel said.

“Cuban Cafe has most of their installation completed. We have a raw bar set up on the marina deck already and Lobster Walk II is open for business.”

More information is at www. oldconch.com or 305-853-1010. Old Conch Harbor is located at 90311 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

KEYS ROADS STARTED IN PATCHWORK FASHION S

ept. 1, 1854, was a Friday. It was also the day George Whiting Allen was born. The Allen family would move from Jacksonville, Florida, where George was born, to Key West.

George was sent to the family’s Ithaca, New York, home to attend school.

A young man of 14, he returned to Key West in 1868, where he would grow up to leave a substantial footprint on the historical record. Among his accomplishments, Allen served as a Florida state senator from 1878-1884. Leaving politics, he turned to banking and, in 1891, organized and became the first president of the First National Bank of Key West.

William McKinley, elected the 25th president in 1897 (and assassinated when two bullets fired at close range struck him in the belly in 1901), appointed Allen Key West’s collector of BRAD customs. It was a post he held BERTELLI until 1913.

In 1895, a decade before ... is the curator Henry Flagler began makfor Islamorada’s ing railroad tracks across Keys History & the island chain, Allen gave a Discovery Center.

A published auspeech advocating the necesthor of six books, sity of a road to bridge mainhis favorite subland Florida and Key Largo. jects are Indian Before a road ever appeared, Key and skunk Flagler’s men began to survey apes. the right-of-way for the Key West Extension of his Florida East Coast Railway. When the train arrived, it altered the landscape of the Florida Keys and the island chain’s culture.

Before daily rail service between Key West and the mainland was established, these islands had been strictly a boating culture. For Upper Keys farmers, the train presented an opportunity. The fruits of their labor had always been shipped to East Coast markets like Philadelphia and New York via the Atlantic Ocean. Boats, however, were not the most reliable form of shipping, especially for cargo with a limited shelf life. On any given trek from farm to market, one-quarter of the shipment would spoil in transit.

The original Card Sound Bridge was a wooden structure that swung open to accommodate boats and automobiles. KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER/Contributed

Should unfortunate weather patterns develop or, in a worst-case scenario, there was a shipwreck, entire shipments could be lost. The benefit of the Over-Sea Railroad was that it offered a significantly quicker delivery schedule with a substantially higher degree of reliability. The problem, for farmers, in particular, was how to transport their crops, not to the docks as they had done for decades, but to the packing houses becoming established near the line of the railroad.

While the first train arrived in Key West on Jan. 22, 1912, daily service had been established between Miami and Knights Key, at the foot of today’s Seven Mile Bridge in 1908. Once the train began roaring up and down the Upper and Middle Keys, pioneer life began to transition away from the long wooden docks extending from the edges of the islands to the railroad tracks stitched across the interior of the island chain and delivering conveniences like mail, ice, sundry goods, friends and family on a daily basis.

In 1908, Upper Keys residents asked Monroe County to fund road projects that would enable better access to the train.

The county responded in 1917 when it issued $100,000 in bonds to build roads on Key Largo and Big Pine as well as a bridge linking Stock Island to Key West, but no bridge linking the Keys to the mainland.

In 1919, lobbyists supporting the Miami Motor Club also worked to establish a road linking the mainland to the Keys in an effort to provide their winter tourists with access to additional “suburban” fishing grounds. It was 1922 when Monroe County officials allocated $300,000 for road projects that included work in the Lower Keys and on Key West but also helped to create better access to the railroad for Upper Keys farmers.

County monies were again allocated for road projects in 1926. This time, Monroe County issued a more significant investment in the project, a $2.5 million bond for projects that included the construction of a wooden bridge connecting Little Card Point (on the mainland side) to the existing road that had been built on North Key Largo.

On the Dade side of the county line, commissioners agreed to finance 11 miles of road that would link Florida City to what would become the Card Sound Bridge at Little Card Point. The original bridge was designed as a swing bridge to accommodate both automobile and boat traffic. When a boat wanted to pass through the waterway, the bridge tender would come out of his house, walk out to the middle of the bridge, and begin to physically crank the bridge open, turning and turning until the bridge began to swing open.

In September 1926, the Great Miami Hurricane devastated the city but also washed out the Card Sound Bridge. According to Fern Butters, who would open a small motel and restaurant with her husband on North Key Largo in December, the Card Sound Bridge reopened in November. The repaired bridge had been raised several feet to help combat any future washouts. As for George Whiting Allen, who first called for a road linking mainland Florida to the Keys in 1895, he would never see the idea come to fruition.

He died on May 30, 1922.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

THE FLORIDA KEYS ® BOARD OF REALTORS ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

2020 WINNERS 2020 REALTOR® OF THE YEAR AWARD The Newman Team MARGO, BRETT AND REBECCA Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate

2020 AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR ROYAL FURNITURE, Gina Amato

2020 RISING STAR AWARD ERIN KIEL Better Homes and Garden RE Destinations

SHARON KELLY-BROWN, 2021 PRESIDENT | MICHAEL KANIK, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT JENNIFER MILLER, PRESIDENT-ELECT | CLAIRE JOHNSON, SECRETARY/TREASURER DIANA FIDDES, DIRECTOR | WENDY IVES, DIRECTOR | KAREN WILIAMS DECASTRO, DIRECTOR KATHE KAILE, DIRECTOR | MYKAEL MARINELLI, DIRECTOR CHRISTINE GARCIA-CASTELLANOS, DIRECTOR DEB BENNETT, DIRECTOR | LYNDA ANTHONY, CEO

2020 HUMANITARIAN AWARD DIANA FIDDES Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR Sam Steele

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000

MAY • Delinquent property tax will be advertised in the newspaper on May 12, 19, and 26 • Delinquent tangible personal property tax will be advertised in the newspaper on May 14 • Property tax must be paid with certified funds in person by 4:45 pm on May 28 or online with credit card only by May 31 at 5:00 pm • The tax certificate sale will be held electronically on June 1 at 8:30 am. To register, please visit lienhub.com.

Follow us on

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)

DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• If you suspect an illegal rental, you may call our anonymous tip line at 1-855-422-4540 • All of our offices will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day • To sign up for BillExpress and have your bills sent electronically, please visit monroetaxcollector.com

for more important tax information.

The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District’s Board of Commissioners is soliciting resumes to fill a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners.

Resumes must include contact information including telephone number and email address.

The term of office will expire following the 2022 general election.

Individuals must be a registered voter, residing within the boundaries of the District consisting of Key Largo, extending from east of Tavernier Creek, up to and including Cross Key. Resumes must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

The Board of Commissioners will consider all resumes at a public meeting scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

You are welcome to attend the meeting and to address the Board.

You can participate several ways: - GoToMeeting on your computer, enter www.gotomeet.me/KLWTDClerk/board-meeting - Phone, dial 1 (866) 899-4679 or 1 (571) 317-3117, Access Code: 605-219-813 - In person, KLWTD administrative office located at 103355 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Resumes may be submitted by mail to the District’s administrative office located at 103355 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037 or by email to clerk@klwtd.com.

For further information, please contact the District Clerk at 305-451-4019 Ext. 210 or via email at Diane.Bockelman@klwtd.com Note that all resumes are considered public records and are available to anyone upon request.

12

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

VILLAGE APPROVES PROPERTY PURCHASES, REZONING FOR EMPLOYEE HOUSING JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

P

roperty purchases for workforce housing in Islamorada and a rezoning for employee housing at the Florida Sea Base were among items receiving unanimous approval during the village council’s April 29 meeting.

Council members said “yes” to purchase property owned by Overseas Center LLC, located at MM 88.6 and zoned as residential single-family, for $850,000. The dais followed that up by approving the purchase of three single-family lots located near MM 88.6 on Overseas Highway for a price of $951,000.

Pursuing the vacant Overseas Center lot began in early April when village council directed Acting Village Manager Maria Basset and Village Attorney Roget Bryan to inquire about the owner’s selling interest. After confirming the owner’s intent to sell, the village proceeded to draft an agreement for the lot purchase with the plan to develop into affordable/workforce housing, pending allocation for BPAS units.

Purchase of the property will take it off the village’s vacant lot inventory for 2021, Bassett said.

While approving the agreement, Councilman Henry Rosenthal expressed some concerns over the process as far as the purchase not being contingent on an appraisal.

“I’m not prepared to vote against; it’s just a question how you go about these types of things,” he said. “I just thought there’d be a little more in-andout and counter-proposals.”

Bassett said an agreement to purchase three single-family lots on Overseas Highway near MM 88.6 is contingent on an appraisal. The contract can be terminated if the seller isn’t willing to accept a lesser appraisal amount.

If purchased, Bassett said, the three lots would be added to the inventory for potential development for affordable/workforce housing, pending allocation of BPAS units.

Lot purchases were met with praise by residents Susan Raffanello and Linda Giordano, as both acknowledged more affordable housing opportunities in the village.

“It puts families in the neighborhood and not a commercial building.

I applaud your leadership on this,” Giordano said.

Council members unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone Florida Sea Base property, located at MM 73.8, from a residential singlefamily to a residential duplex to allow for development of a duplex for employee housing. The property that’s currently vacant is approximately 10,000 square feet in size.

Keith Douglass, recently-retired facilities director and current consultant for the Sea Base, said the rezoning provides flexibility for employees who are or aren’t married.

“We’re really looking forward to continuing to improve the campus on Lower Matecumbe Key,” Douglass said. “We continue to bring an ocean of adventures to many scouts and leaders in years to come. The request simply allows us to build a duplex rather than single-family homes, which is different from homes on Wampler Way.” In other matters, village council approved a change order pertaining to an agreement with Arbor Tree and Land Inc. for sediment removal from five residential canals on Lower Matecumbe Key. Per a report to council, more sediment needed removal than the original estimate of 4,930 cubic yards. The change includes an additional 6,001 cubic yards of sediment for removal. Nearly all additional sediment is located within Canal 157 (Sunset and Iroquois Drives) where Hurricane Irma impacts were most significant to canals on Lower Matecumbe.

Council members also unanimously approved a resolution to spend $129,945 for design and permitting work for improvements at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve. Property that was acquired by the Florida Communities Trust in 2006 and deeded to the village to maintain and provide amenities is in the third phase of enhancements. Remaining components include an ADAcompliant kayak launch and dock, improved access from the upland area to the waterfront, a pavilion/ observation deck, a restroom and improved parking.

BRIEFLY

Orchid club hosts Rivenbach on May 11 The Florida Keys Orchid Society will host Mac Rivenbach of Mac’s Orchids at 6 p.m. at the Key Largo Civic Club (MM 99.5, one block behind High Tide Diner, bayside). Bring your mask, a beverage and enjoy some social time, raffles and information with folks who love beautiful plants. Everyone is welcome.

Lecture covers folk art in South Florida An upcoming Keys History & Discovery Center lecture welcomes historian and museum professional Thomas Lockyear on Wednesday, May 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. Lockyear will discuss the history and cultural importance of the forms of folk art found in South Florida. Topics will include the work of Keys artists Mario Sanchez and Stanley Papio, Everglades painter Dick Jay, Rob Storter, the Highwaymen, and more.

Lockyear, who is with the Museum of the Everglades, will introduce participants to unlikely historians, aspiring entrepreneurs, and even a few bonafide creative geniuses who expressed their unique ideas through the art they created – many with ordinary items and materials found around the house or even scavenged from junk piles.

Ranging from crude sketches to true masterpieces, the artwork discussed in this presentation will challenge the audience’s definitions of what makes something art and why art is important.

The lecture is free for members and $5 for non-members. Advance registration is required at www.keysdiscovery/lectures. The virtual program uses GoToWebinar. More information is at www.keysdiscovery.com/virtualplatforms, 305-922-2237 or via e-mail to info@keysdiscovery.com.

United Way distributes millions during challenging year Nearly $10 million in assistance to individuals and charitable organizations was granted in the first year of the newly-formed United Way of Collier and the Keys.

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic and recession, housing and food insecurity became acute problems for South Florida communities.

UWCK responded by assisting the city of Key West and Collier County with the distribution of some $7.5 million in housing aid and more than $500,000 in food assistance. As unemployment peaked during Monroe County’s lockdown, United Way of Collier and the Keys’ food assistance fed nearly 10 percent of the county’s population.

United Way of Collier continues to assist survivors until they are made whole. Over the past year, a grant from Volunteer Florida enabled UWCK to repair or rebuild more than 50 homes that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Since Hurricane Irma made landfall in 2017, UWCK has helped to distribute more than $19 million in disaster relief in Collier and Monroe Counties.

Despite facing a challenging fundraising landscape, United Way of Collier and the Keys made good on its commitment to provide more than $1.2 million in funding to 42 local not-for-profit agencies for programs enhancing the education, health, and financial stability of residents.

“Given the excellent work our board, staff, and partners have done this year, I’m very excited about the future of our United Way. It was inspiring to see everyone come together to serve our communities during this difficult time,” says Steven Sanderson, president and CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys.

Grammy winners, top songwriters at Key West festival More than 30 shows featuring over 100 top performing songwriters — including 2021 Grammy Award winner Lori McKenna and seven-time chart topper Lee Brice — await music lovers during the 25th annual Key West Songwriters Festival. An annual tradition for many of America’s leading country and pop music hitmakers, the festival is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, May 5-9.

The five-day songfest is hosted by radio and television personality Storme Warren. Most shows — many of them free to attend — feature a rotating group of writers/artists who play their hits, introduce new melodies, share creative insights and relate the stories behind their songs.

In addition to McKenna and Brice, the festival’s talent roster includes blues/gospel and “sacred steel” virtuoso Robert Randolph, six-time Grammy nominee Brandy Clark, legendary guitarist Steve Cropper of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and the Blues Brothers Band, and superstar songwriters and festival veterans Liz Rose, Scotty Emerick, Bob DiPiero, Dean Dillon, Chuck Cannon and Jeffrey Steele.

Music lovers can purchase tickets to individual shows or VIP multishow passes at keywestsongwritersfestival. com. Ticket prices begin at $40 per person.

13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Save-A-Turtle does not endorse Oxitec project

I

t has come to the attention of Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys that Oxitec Inc. has used our logo/imagery with apparent attempt to imply that our upstanding Keys non-profit — dedicated to helping sea turtles and their habitat, and educating people about sea turtles in the Keys — endorses the GM mosquito experiment.

Save-A-Turtle does not endorse this experimental project, nor has it ever been involved in any way with Oxitec or FKMCD. We have demanded retractions from Oxitec for their misuse of our organization, images and intellectual property; however we ourselves want to take every opportunity to publicly state that this is not true. Oxitec is well aware of this as they never contacted our organization, nor does anyone from our board have any position or input with Oxitec or FKMCD. Neither Oxitec nor FKMCD have rights or permission to use Save-A-Turtle’s name, Wyland’s name (who designed and registered our logo for Save-A-Turtle) or any other related aspect of any intellectual property or volunteers from Save-A-Turtle in any way whatsoever.

We find it reprehensible that any company would do what Oxitec has done in this situation, using our good name and imagery for their own gain, making it look like we are part of an “official” endorsement and support team, which is completely false.

Harry Appel President Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys Inc.

BRIEFLY

College of the Florida Keys to hold outdoor commencement ceremony The College of the Florida Keys will hold its 62nd commencement exercises for the spring class of 2021 in an outdoor ceremony beside the Gulf of Mexico on the Key West Campus on Friday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. Sixty-nine graduates will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. The College expects to award more than 150 bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificates to the spring class of 2021.

Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron will deliver the Keynote Address to the class. Madison Nasser, who earned an Associate in Science in Nursing, will present the Student Address. The graduates will also hear from the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus, Captain Andrew Tipler, a 2003 graduate of the Marine Engineering, Management, and Seamanship program.

Graduation ceremony attendance will be limited to ticketed guests. The event will be streamed live to reach a broader audience on the College’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys.

Guidance Center offers suicide prevention training On May 14, 2021, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Guidance/Care Center’s free live 60-minute webinar will provide suicide prevention training including identifying suicide risk, warning signs, communication and actions to assist. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and practical coping methods will also be presented and discussed. Please come with questions about how to approach discussion with others about suicide. Brought to you by the Guidance/Care Center and Maureen Dunleavy, LMHC, NCC. Register by sending an email to training@ westcare.com and use the subject line “GCC Suicide Prevention + May 14.”

Power of travel can help drive America’s economic rebound

T

ravel’s ability to bounce back after periods of economic hardship — and inject much-needed revenue directly into our Keys economy — is why the theme of this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is the “power of travel.”

NTTW (May 2-8), the 38th annual celebration of the U.S. travel industry’s contributions, is an opportunity to remind visitors and residents of the incredible value the travel industry holds not just for our local economy and workforce, but to our community’s identity and culture—and to remind policymakers of travel’s ability to help power recovery efforts.

Travel and tourism is such an important part of who we are as a community. One need only recall how visitors to our destination delighted in visits to our reefs and surrounding waters. Nationally, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S. in 2019.

However, this vital revenue source stemming from business and leisure travelers was severely diminished amid the pandemic.

In 2020, the entire U.S. travel industry lost half a trillion dollars in travel-related spending — 10 times the economic impact of 9/11. Nationally, total travel-supported jobs accounted for a staggering 65% of all U.S. jobs lost amid the pandemic.

With such disparate losses, it is clear that a broader economic recovery hinges on a recovery within the travel industry.

While the rapid pace of vaccinations has provided hope that a return to normal is on the horizon, a resurgence in travel demand is not inevitable. Without aggressive federal action to reopen the travel economy and spur demand, the travel industry’s recovery is expected to take as long as five years — far too long to wait for the workers whose livelihoods depend on this vital industry.

But with the right measures in place, we can get people moving again in a safe and healthy way, restore our workforce and help power a broader economic recovery. The travel industry needs sustained relief to ensure businesses can maintain operation and workers can stay on payrolls until sustained demand can truly take hold.

Importantly, policymakers must also identify the path to reopening our borders and safely restarting international inbound travel, as well as restarting professional meetings and events; these are crucial segments of our local economy, without which we cannot fully recover.

The road ahead is challenging, but the travel industry is resilient and has an incredible ability to bounce back from hard times. We recovered after Hurricane Irma and more, after 9/11, after the 2008 financial meltdown, and after health scares such as Zika, Ebola and SARS. This is the toughest challenge the U.S. travel industry has ever faced, but we know travel is one of the best-equipped industries to lead a revival.

If lawmakers act now to jumpstart recovery efforts and get Americans moving, then all of us in the Florida Keys can get back to doing what we do best more quickly providing quality job opportunities for Americans of all background, reconnecting family and friends, and showing the world what makes the U.S. the best place to visit.

Barbara Cimmarusti Coral Reef Travels Dream Vacations, Key Largo

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

‘FISH OUT OF WATER’ Virtual 5K Supports Ocean Conservation TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

R

GRILLIN’ WITH GRATITUDE

Centennial recognizes National Teacher Day The iconic Centennial Bank food station made its way to Coral Shores High School to grill up hamburgers and hot dogs for teachers and staff as part of Teachers’ Day on May 4. “Words are hard to express our gratitude for all they do for our children, parents and community — so we express our thanks with Centennial’s famous hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks,” said Mary Beth Harris, senior business development officer.” Pictured from left are Blake Fry, Coral Shores High School principal, Harris, and Scott Springfield, Centennial Bank grillmaster. CONTRIBUTED

ROTARY FOUNDATION GIVES TAKE STOCK $30,000 Upper Keys Rotary Foundation presented a $30,000 donation to Chuck Licis of Monroe County’s Take Stock in Children during its May 4 meeting at Capt. Craig’s in Tavernier. Take Stock in Children provides not only mentorship to qualifying students, but also scholarships to attend college or trade school. Pictured from left are Jill Miranda Baker, Upper Keys Rotary president; Licis; Autumn Hager, Upper Keys success coach; and Zareska Mazola, Take Stock graduating senior who will be attending the University of Central Florida to major in criminology. CONTRIBUTED

eef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) will host the second annual ‘Fish Out of Water’ Virtual 5K to support ocean conservation, and everyone’s invited.

Traditional 5K (3.1 miles) races involve running, competition and strict rules. The objective of REEF’s event is more free-flowing: to engage people who don’t like races or running in their mission to save our oceans.

To that end, the event will be held June 7-13, 2021 to overlap with World Oceans Day, which falls on June 8.

Participants can choose how they want to move for the oceans (run, walk, bike, hike, swim or any combination of activities). They complete the 5K at their own pace, either in one day or over the course of the week.

Participants choose one of five “Fish Teams” to join that represent an iconic fish species monitored by REEF’s citizen-scientists around the world. REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project operates in 11 regions worldwide helping scientists monitor ocean health and biodiversity through these surveys.

Participants may report their 5K times if desired, and after the race, each Fish Team’s results will be shared.

This year, friends, family, dive buddies or coworkers can additionally form a “Fish Shoal” at no additional cost and no matter what Fish Team they are on.

“Shoals are groups of fish that contain different species, while schools are the same fish species who swim together in a synchronized way,” said Amy Lee, REEF engagement and communications manager.

Every participant still registers for the 5K individually, but Shoal members can get creative with costumes and themes.

REEF piloted the idea of the more relaxed, virtual fun run last year, during the height of the pandemic, to engage people around the world.

“We had a great response to the first Fish Out of Water 5K. Nearly 500 people participated, representing 37 states and 9 countries, including US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, England, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland,” said Lee. People got moving by running, walking, biking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and rollerblading. Last year’s race

The Virtual 5K can be completed by running, biking, swimming, rollerblading, and any other way of moving for our oceans.

STACEY HENDERSON/REEF

The Virtual 5K can be completed by running, biking, swimming, rollerblading, and any other way of moving for our oceans.

Friends, family and co-workers can join together to create a “Fish Shoal.”

raised nearly $10,000, Lee shared. This year, REEF aims to have 700 participants.

Registration is currently $45 and is open until May 28. Two registration packages are available: the Starting Line package includes a limited-edition shirt, finishers’ medal, and race bib, and the Finish Line package will receive a shirt, medal, bib and a retro fanny pack and sticker set. Supplies are limited, so early registration is highly encouraged.

Fish Out of Water 5K proceeds support diversity in ocean exploration through REEF’s "Oceans for All Fund."

The fund provides inclusive, oceanfocused educational opportunities for underserved communities and those with financial need who are traditionally underrepresented in science, diving, and conservation, Lee explained For more information or to register online, visit www.REEF.org/5Krace.

Tag your photos from the race on social media using #FishOutOfWater5K and #REEFRace.

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

Divers on the downline, getting ready to descend onto the wreck of the Eagle. ERIC BILLIPS/Contributed

SPONSORED BY:

CONSERVATION TIP Watch your anchorage.

Try and drop anchors on sandy bottom only, and use mooring balls when available.

STUNNING SATURDAY Remembering a friend and raising money for the kids

ERIC BILLIPS

H

ere in the Keys, we’re spoiled with yearround diving and a tropical coral reef as our playground. There’s so much to see and do, so we wanted to highlight some of the most important things going on each week.

THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Conditions this week were decent, but Saturday is the owner, capwas exceptional — one of those days on the water that tain and instrucyou don’t forget. It coincided with opening day for the tor at Islamorada grouper and hogfish seasons in the Florida Keys, which Dive Center. He specializes in we now celebrate in honor of our late friend Capt. Jeff scuba, rebreather, Leonia. spearfishing and For the 2nd annual Jeff Leonia Reel & Steel Classic, captaining in the we hit the Eagle and Conch wall. While it was a fishing Florida Keys. tournament to see who could catch the biggest fish, the real mission of the day was to raise money for the Florida Keys Sea Camp for Kids. This amazing organization will help get the next generation of anglers and divers out on the water early and often — a cause that was dear to Jeff.

The grand champion of the tournament was Brett Roach, with a 46-pound black grouper. We are so proud to uphold Jeff’s legacy and to “Live Like Jeff” every day here in the Florida Keys.

NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Conditions next week look great!

Winds should stay down all the way through Saturday to make for some amazing diving. I’d recommend getting out and enjoying the water, however you can.

CONSERVATION UPDATE Coral plantings with I.CARE will take place on Saturday with Key Dives. As always, they’ll be focused on restoring local Islamorada reefs with the help of local and visiting divers.

It’s a community effort to make our home more resilient and beautiful.

Calm waters and clear visibility make for amazing diving.

When you teach the next generation about the corals and why they matter, you invest in the long-term survival of the reef.

16

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

MOM’S DAY Caretakers, boaters, fishers and superheroes

M

oms put on many hats and wear many outfits. They’re more than caretakers who try to get us out of bed and teach us right from wrong. Moms are role models who we look up to from a young age. They’re superheroes who do things that inspire us to go out and be great. After all, where would we be without mom? The Keys Weekly asked our readers what makes their mom or being a mom special.

MARI NOVO Originally from Miami, the Novos recently made their way to the Keys where they now live and adventure.

Mom Mari said she loves to paint coconuts with her daughter, Lucia, and find adventures to go on. One of the best lessons Mari was taught by her mom?

She says “passing it forward.”

GINNY O’BYRNE From the nominator, Mary Carroll, “I call her my ‘other mother.’” From the Bronx, Ginny enjoys all sorts of activities. She’s funny and she’s one of the fastest sandwich makers. She can locate any lost item, and she’s a guru at putting babies to sleep. Ginny’s a mother figure and a cheerleader for many, as she helps people at turning points in their lives while sharing her experiences and hope. The best lesson from Ginny? Caroll says it’s “Not to offer any advice unless asked.”

CHERYL MCBAY Nominators Arlo and Rose say while they love to do anything on the water with their mother, they especially enjoy looking for shells. As for her superpower? Arlo and Rose say, “She can always tickle the bad mood out of us and make us laugh!” The best lesson they were taught from their mom is how to make the best tie-dye shirts.

DIANE RAGAN Nominator Samantha Cockerham, daughter of Diane, loves to shop with her mom. From Miami, Cockerham says her mom is always there for her.

“As a kid I don’t have a memory of mama not being present, and knowing how important that was to me, I’m doing the same with my own kids,” she said. She also has amazing grandma superpowers, with granddaughters Olivia, 4, and Ella, 2, who love to hang out every weekend. Cockerham says the best advice she’s received from her mom is “Everything is temporary, the good and the bad, so just enjoy the moment because one day you will look back at it and laugh.”

“DR. SHRIMP” From the nominator, the young, yellow-crowned night heron known as “Octopus,” Foster mother “Dr. Shrimp” is the best at hide-and-seek. Her camouflage makes it hard to find her in the shoebird enclosure. “Dr. Shrimp” is teaching the young bird how to be a yellow-crowned night heron so she can return to the wild.

17

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021 Troop 912 and students and families from Ocean Studies Charter School hosted the inaugural Pascal Weisberger Marine Debris Derby on Earth Day. ARI POHOLEK/Contributed

1 YEAR LATER

Celebrating Pascal Weisberger’s life and continuing his legacy of care TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

O

n May 7, 2020, the Upper Keys community was rocked by the tragic death of Pascal Weisberger, a 14-year-old student, scout and all-around “good human.” Weisberger grew up in the Keys and was beloved by all who knew him. One year later, the pain of his loss remains, but those closest to him continue to cope and to honor his legacy.

“Every day is a new challenge and really hard,” said Weisberger’s father, Ari Poholek. “I’m doing the best I can, but a lot of the time I feel like I’m dying inside.”

Poholek was injured in the same event that led to Weisberger’s death. Since that day, the former has worked to find purpose and hope in his family’s new reality, and to help Weisberger’s older brother, Daniel, do the same.

“When Daniel feels despondent and full of grief, I counteract that for him, and he does the same for me,” Poholek said. “We tell each other that Pascal’s life is over, and he doesn’t get a chance to live it. But we do — and we have to use our opportunity to live and do good things for him and for ourselves. It’s what Pascal would want.”

To that end, Poholek — and many others who were touched by his son’s life and death — have tried to “do right” by Weisberger. The teenager was best-known for his love of the environment, animals and people, and, in the last year, there have been hundreds of tributes to him to continue that legacy.

Weisberger’s scout family has also grappled heavily with how to remember and honor him while missing him.

Aidan Austin, 15, one of Weisberger’s best friends, told the Weekly, “It was my greatest honor to carry Pascal’s casket. We all threw our (scout) kerchiefs into the grave when he was buried. I haven’t had a neckerchief since, but I don’t care. I gave him a piece of me to remember me by.

I’ve never been a firm believer in religion, but if there is a heaven, that’s just in case.”

Austin and other Troop 912 scouts and parents took up Weisberger’s STEM fair project documenting the change in marine pollution levels that the pandemic caused. Always giving his friend credit for the idea, Austin said, “I/we placed first for both my school and the Florida Keys as a whole, for my division, grade level and category. It felt great. I think he’d be proud.”

Above all, Austin misses talking to his friend about upcoming movies, and being kids together. He and the other scouts have Nerf gun fights when they gather to remember Weisberger because it was one of their favorite shared activities. When they pick up marine debris, they think about their friend and know he’d be happy that they joke and mess around while doing good, like they Pascal Weisalways used to. berger loved the “The hardest part is that he isn’t environment and here, not just because he can’t be here was dedicated to for us but the fact that he can’t expericleaning it up. ence the world in his own way with us,” Austin said. “If I could tell him one thing, it’d be that we love him.”

Poholek concluded, “For me, his legacy will always be love, kindness and empathy. Everything that mattered to him boils down to that, and I want to be more like him in every way possible.”

On Friday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m., a celebration of Weisberger’s life will take place at Burton Memorial. Anyone interested in attending can contact Ari Poholek at 305-8792118. The scouts and friends will volunteer beforehand at Upper Keys Humane Society and enjoy a pizza and movie night afterward to remember Weisberger properly, maybe capped off with a Nerf gun fight.

For more on this story, see keysweekly.com.

TVM students, Troop 912 scouts and the community gather with the Keys to Peace bell honoring Pascal after the 2021 Day of Service.

18

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

Bring in this ad to get $50 CASH BACK when you open a new Keys Totally FREE CASH BACK Checking Account or Auto, Boat or Personal Loan at our new Tavernier Branch next to Winn Dixie in Tavernier Towne Center!

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Visit us in Tavernier at 91200 Overseas Hwy. in Tavernier Towne Center. We’re open Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm

*E-statements, e-receipts, a Debit Mastercard, S1 savings, S15 checking, loan, mortgage or credit card with a balance required. Specific transactions required for each reward level. ^Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. †Offer valid through 6/30/21 on one new closed auto, boat or personal loan over $1,000.00 or one new KTFCB Checking Account. Valid in our Tavernier branch only and cannot be combined with any other offer. See us for details. NCUA Insured. Everyone who lives or works in the Keys is eligible to join.

NIGHT TARPON FISHING WITH CAPTAIN JIMMY JOHNSON MARCH THRU MAY WE HOOK UP OR YOU DON'T PAY FLY FISHING IS ALSO AWESOME AT NITE! Call or email for reservations 305.393.2500 | jimmy@captainjimmyjohnson.com

‘CANES SPORTS STANDOUT The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with the Coral Shores Athletic Department to highlight this week’s “Canes Sports Standout.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications of academic excellence, academic standing and community involvement. We thank our future leaders and the CSHS Athletic Department for allowing us to share a little “Hurricane Pride.”

MARIO MENENDEZ The four-year basketball and baseball player says his athletic experiences have taught him life lessons and the notion that “not everything is going to go your way.” Menendez is a twotime recipient of the coach’s award in basketball and the coach’s award and MVP in baseball. His favorite athletic moment as a Cane is from his junior year, when the team beat Marathon in overtime. His favorite sport is basketball because “the people I look up to are basketball players, and they taught me a lot.” He plans to work in the summer and attend a community college.

He ultimately hopes to get into the medical field and physical training for sports. Along with his talents and skills on the court and the baseball field, Menendez says he’s a skilled video gamer who knows how to cook and dress. His advice to younger athletes?

“Do not take it for granted. Grind while you have the chance and enjoy it while you’re here because once it’s gone you are going to wish you did things differently.” Menendez said he hopes to be remembered as the kid who always gave it his all and never stood down to any challenge that came his way.

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. George E. vonHilsheimer, M.D.

Have You Scheduled Your Annual Skin Exam?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer affects 1 out of every 5 Americans. More than three and a half million new cases are diagnosed each year, which is why it’s so important that you have an annual skin exam.

KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER PRESENTS . . .

Spring Season sponsored in loving memory of Bernadine “Bernie” Cooper

Eye of the Beholder: An Overview of Sunshine State Folk Art Presented by Thomas Lockyear, Historian and Museum Professional

Join Lockyear as he explores the rich history and cultural importance of the many forms of folk art found in South Florida. Topics will include the work of Keys artists Mario Sanchez and Stanley Papio, Everglades painter Dick Jay, Rob Storter, the Highwaymen, and more.

Lockyear, who is with the Museum of the Everglades, will introduce you to unlikely historians, aspiring entrepreneurs, and even a few bona fide creative geniuses who expressed their unique ideas through the art they created – many with ordinary items and materials found around the house or even scavenged from junkpiles.

Ranging from crude sketches to true masterpieces, the artwork discussed in this presentation will challenge the audience’s definitions of what makes something art and why art is important and ultimately leaving all with the understanding that the answers to those questions are truly in the “Eye of the Beholder.”

Sponsored in memory of Robert L. Mitchell

Wednesday, May 12, 6-7 p.m.

A live virtual lecture.

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

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

This program utilizes GoToWebinar. For more information on this platform, go to www.keysdiscovery.com/virtual-platforms.

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

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

Skin cancer screenings are an effective way to identify skin abnormalities early on and improve your odds of treating cancer successfully. In most cases, skin cancer is curable when detected early and properly treated.

Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam Today!

20

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

More than 147 million people in the U.S. have been vaccinated against COVID-19. That’s more than half of the eligible adult population. But not everyone wants that shot in the arm. For them, we offer:

A witness to a crime. A girl coping with visiting the home of her mostly absent father. And DJ Khaled makes it an even dozen — albums, that is.

WATCH | THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW Confined to her home by agoraphobia, a psychologist becomes obsessed with her new neighbors — and solving a brutal crime she witnesses from her window. Amy Adams stars in this psychological thriller with Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore and Anthony Mackie. Based on the bestseller, the film is coming to Netflix on Friday, May 14.

READ | HURRICANE SUMMER In this sweeping debut, Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family, and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane. Tilla has spent her entire life trying to make her father love her. But every six months, he leaves their family and returns to his true home: the island of Jamaica. When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, Tilla dreads the idea of seeing him again, but longs to discover what life in Jamaica has always held for him. Purchase on Amazon.

REASONS YOU’RE NOT GETTING VACCINATED 10. You have ZERO trust in the American government, which you simply refer to as “THEY.” 9. The entire pandemic was a hoax concocted by antifa to take away your right to bear semi-automatic assault weapons at youth baseball games.

8. In 2013, you got herpes after getting a flu shot.

LISTEN | KHALED KHALED Apple Music says that for hip-hop heads of a certain age, there’s an inescapable familiarity present throughout DJ Khaled’s 12th studio album, “KHALED KHALED.” Project opener “THANKFUL,” featuring Lil Wayne and Jeremih, borrows the flute line from JAY-Z’s “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love).” Updating great music for a new generation of listeners, the sounds he’s engineered are undeniable. Listen now on Apple Music and Spotify.

7. You have no confidence in American science, as evidenced by your belief, “The only reason I failed World Science three times in high school is because Mr. Johnson was full of shit.”

6. Your daily consumption of vodka prevents anything from living in your system.

5. Your prophet said, “Don’t get it. You’ll be fine. I’ll bring your daughter home tomorrow.”

4. It could affect your pickleball game.

3. The vaccine is “just a tracking device.” Yet you spend 15 hours a day on your cell phone — shopping with your debit card and buying everything Amazon decides you want.

2. All those “doctors” are just “slaves” to the pharmaceutical companies.

1. You’re waiting until everyone else gets it so you know it’s safe.

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Monroe County Guidance/Care Center provides suicide prevention training

S

ometimes our friends here in the Keys are gripped by such overwhelming moods and problems that they need help from others. In fact, the emotional black cloud can be so blinding, so confusing, suicide might seem like a viable op-

tion.

Recently, a 60-year-old male, let’s call him Mike, came to the Guidance/Care Center in a crisis. He had severe alcohol use, depression, anxiety, feelings of guilt and low motivation. Mike was admitted to GCC Marathon as an inpatient, then was connected to relapse prevention and psychiatric treatment after his discharge.

He now attends group and psychiatric appointments regularly.

Mike reports that his depression and anxiety have decreased and he feels much better. He has maintained sobriety, stable housing and employment since his discharge.

“Although sometimes a crisis does require an inpatient stay, it is not hopeless,” said Maureen Dunleavy, a licensed mental health counselor and regional vice president of the Guidance/Care Center Inc. “Our community neighbors can get through with a little help.”

Dunleavy told Keys Weekly that since 2014, Monroe County has seen some of the highest suicide rates in the state. Then Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, and the U.S. Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did a study to show the impact of natural disasters on suicide rates.

The upshot? Natural disasters have a huge impact on people between 40 and 60 years old, with renters being in the highest risk group. “Socioeconomic status doesn’t matter — just that you are a renter, and you don’t see a way out. We try to keep people from drinking when they feel that way.”

During this COVID year, Dunleavy saw national data about anxiety and substance abuse going up, so the clinic applied for funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for a suicide prevention campaign.

“We won an $800,000 grant last year, to be used for free mental health services and free suicide prevention training,” she said.

Monroe County residents can reach out for help when they are having a difficult time. Call the Guidance Care Center at 305-434-7660, option #8.

Dunleavy and the GCC are on high alert this spring. Studies have shown that not only does Monroe County have some of the highest suicide rates in Florida, but also that spring is a particularly vulnerable time. “There are fewer holidays in the springtime and fewer chances to connect with others. There’s also Seasonal Affective Disorder, add to that the pandemic, and hurricane season is coming.”

To combat this stressful time in the spring, Dunleavy and the GCC presented a suicide prevention webinar in April, with another scheduled for May. The free, live 60-minute suicide prevention training will be offered from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 14. Called a “Lunch and Learn BlueJeans Webinar Event,” the topics will include identifying suicide risk, warning signs, communication and actions to assist. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and practical coping methods will be presented and discussed. Participants are encouraged to prepare questions about how to approach discussion with others about suicide.

And because we all love success stories, Dunleavy gave Keys Weekly another reason for hope via email: “A 43-year-old female was admitted to GCC Marathon due to anxiety, depression and daily alcohol use. Following discharge, she was connected to therapeutic, psychiatric and case management services. She has been utilizing coping skills, maintaining sobriety and is experiencing decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even through the rest of this pandemic and while experiencing serious life stressors, she has been effectively coping now.”

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

If you are thinking of self-harm and suicide, or simply need help, you are not alone. Call the Guidance Care Center at 305-434-7660, option #8. The GCC has walk-in clinics in Key Largo, Marathon and Key West.

22

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

By Charlotte Twine and Mandy Miles

CAN WORKERS AFFORD AFFORDABLE HOUSING? School board questions costs of housing at Sugarloaf School

S

TOY HEROES Moose members recognized Ken “Sarge” Keidel, of Florida Keys Toys for Tots and an active member of the Islamorada Moose Lodge, and Krissy Carnahan, president of the Islamorada Moose Lodge, recently received the Toys for Tots award in the name of Marine Pfc. Bruce W. Carter, who received the prestigious Medal of Honor award posthumously.

The Toys for Tots award recognized the local bicycle drive during Christmastime, when the Moose donated around 70 bikes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Islamorada Moose members Brian Geblaw and Andy Rivers assembled a number of bikes before handing them over to the Toys for Tots. CONTRIBUTED

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS The 2021-22 members of Upper Keys League of Women Voters’ board of directors were recently announced. Pictured from left are Ginette Hughes, president; Chris Latronico, secretary; Judy Miller, treasurer; and Linda Kaplan, vice president. All vaccinated officers had their first meeting in the outside patio living room at Kaplan's home. The group planned goals and strategies for the upcoming year which were presented to the members at the May 3 meeting.

More information is at www.upperkeyslwv.org. CONTRIBUTED

chool officials are still planning to build 20 units of employee housing next to Sugarloaf School, but pumped the brakes during an April 27 update, demanding more information from the project’s for-profit developers, Gorman & Co. School board members liked the appearance of the apartment complex, but questioned the affordability.

A one-bedroom unit would cost $1,700 to $2,100 per month, Twobedroom units would cost $2,000 to $2,500 and three-bedroom units would cost $2,400 to $2,900 per month, based on the employee’s salary and how it compares to the AMI, or area median income, which is used to calculate income eligibility for affordable housing.

“Are we building affordable housing or are we just building housing?” school board member Andy Griffiths asked during the discussion. “This is a big disappointment.”

Board member Mindy Conn echoed his dissatisfaction and dismissed Gorman & Co.’s claims that the units would be brand new and built of high quality.

“But if they can’t afford it, it doesn’t matter how good the quality is,” Conn said. “I’m just worried that this is not going to be affordable.”

Further discussion revealed that many teachers earn too much to qualify for the income restrictions.

“Two teachers in one household couldn’t qualify to live here,” Griffiths said, noting the “minuscule” difference between the “affordable” rents and market rate rents. “Even two starting teachers would be right up against the eligibility limit.”

And then what happens when those teachers get raises each year?

Do they have to leave when their income exceeds 120% of the AMI? If employees can afford these rents, do they really need the school district to build this housing? How many employees earn enough to afford the rents, and how many of those earn too much to be eligible for the housing?

These and other questions dominated the discussion, although the board members each acknowledged the county’s desperate need for housing and the benefits of a brand new apartment with amenities and a landlord that’s not going to put the place

School board members question affordability of planned employee housing at Sugarloaf School. GORMAN & CO./Contributed

on the market in 30 days.

The hits kept coming when the board learned the project also requires the construction of a $600,000 access road.

Conn and board chair John Dick told the developers they need to come back with details about how many employees would qualify for the apartments.

“We need to know which workers would be able to go into these units,” Dick said.

“My issue is will people qualify?”

Conn said. “We’ve only spent $22,000 to date, and I’d like to stop this if our purpose is to house people who work for us, and those people make too much to live there.”

District 1 Board Member Bobby Highsmith said this affordable housing project has been on the drawing board since the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017, when many teachers lost housing. But discussions of employee housing at Sugarloaf School started as early as 2007 with former board member Duncan Mathewson.

“I’m impressed with the design,” Highsmith told Keys Weekly separate from the meeting. “The rents are higher than we hoped. We were hoping for a bigger discount exclusively for employees and staff.”

Dick pointed out that MCSD is not paying for the construction of the affordable housing units. The district is providing the land, while Gorman is finding the money for the construction, budgeted to be $5.1 million.

No votes were taken as the discussion was a workshop item, but the board members directed the developers to come back with more information about income and eligibility.

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

JVastola@VastolaLegal.com

Injured in the Keys?

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24

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5:30 P.M., the Village Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands will hold a public hearing at Founders Park Community Center located at 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida and via Communications Media Technology. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69 and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) social distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the May 20, 2021 Village Council Meeting will also be conducted utilizing Communication Media Technology (CMT) via a Zoom video conferencing application. For additional information regarding options for viewing the meeting and participation through public comment please contact the Village Clerk at 305-664-6412 or via email at clerk@islamorada.fl.us The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the following items: FIRST READINGS AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 30, LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; AMENDING ARTICLE V “SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS”, DIVISION 6 “LANDSCAPE STANDARDS”, SECTION 30-815 TO SPECIFICALLY AMEND AND ADD BUFFERYARD STANDARDS RELATING TO DRIVEWAYS; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL CODE PROVISIONS AND ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 34 “NATURAL RESOURCES,” ARTICLE II “WATER CONSERVATION” SECTION 34-31 “PURPOSE” SECTION 34-33 “DEFINITIONS” SECTION 34-34 “HOURS OF IRRIGATION; AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEMS” SECTION 34-35 “PROHIBITIONS” SECTION 34-36 “EXEMPTIONS” OF THE VILLAGE CODE TO REVISE LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL CODE PROVISIONS AND ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. SECOND READING AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF AEC BUILD ON BEHALF OF BOYS SCOUTS OF AMERICA TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FROM THE RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY (R1) ZONING DISTRICT TO THE RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX (R2) ZONING DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 73.8 WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBER 00391020-000000, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. A copy of the items may be reviewed at the Village Administrative Center and Public Safety Headquarters, 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida.

Affected parties may appear at the public hearing via the Zoom video conferencing tool for the public hearing, be heard and submit evidence with respect to the application.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the Islamorada Village Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, prepared by a court reporter at the appellant’s expense; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA Assistance: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the office of the Village ADA Coordinator at (305) 664-6448 (TTY 664-8890) at least three days prior thereto.

Two or more committee members from various committees may be present at this meeting.

Ty Harris Development Services Director

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Pursuant F.S. 328.17, United American Lien & Recovery as agent w/ power of attorney will sell the following vessel(s) to the highest bidder. Inspect 1 week prior @ marina; cash or cashier check; 18% buyer prem; all auctions are held w/ reserve; any persons interested ph 954563-1999 Sale Date May 28, 2021 @ 10:00 am 3411 NW 9th Ave #707 Ft Lauderdale FL 33309 V12864 1975 Buccaneer FL9515HK Hull ID# BLB093B70575 outboard pleasure gas fiberglass 27ft R/O Michael James McLaughlin Lienor: Pilot House Marina 13 Seagate Blvd, Key Largo, FL Licensed Auctioneers FLAB422 FLAU765 & 1911 Publish: May 6 & 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Zoning Committee of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida will hold a public hearing at City Hall commission room located at 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL, to review and take public comments on the proposed amendments to the Land Development Regulations, Article III. District Regulations, Section 101-10 – R-1A One dwelling unit residence district, Section 101-11 – R-1B One dwelling unit residence district, Section 101-12 – R-2A Two dwelling unit residence district, Section 101-13 – R-2B Two dwelling unit residence district, Section 101-14R-C Two dwelling unit residence district, Section 101-15 – R-3 Multiunit residence district, Section 101-16 – RH Resort hotel district, Section 101-17 – B-1 Neighborhood business district, Section 101-18 – PB Public buildings and grounds districts; and Article VIII. Floodplain Management, Section 101-95 Site Plans and Construction Documents.

Social distancing, the wearing of a facial covering and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) guidelines pertaining to COVID_19 will be accommodated but not mandatory. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net or call 305289-1212 option 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

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

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

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday May 19, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk Publish: May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 June 15, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: 16th Judicial Circuit Drug Court Program Services 06/15/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@ monroecounty-fl.gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on June 15, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meetin 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: May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

A TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE, AND; (3) REVISE SECTION 19-39 TO SET FORTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTORS PERFORMING WORK ON THE COUNTY’S RIGHT-OF-WAY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Please note that public participation in these meetings may be conducted via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”). The connection information for members of the public who wish to attend or participate in the Public Hearing(s) via a Zoom virtual platform will be posted on the Monroe County website at @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx.

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

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

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 5th day of May, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 19, 2021, at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, REVISING SECTIONS 19-6, 19-8 AND 19-39 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE. THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE WILL: (1) DELETE SECTION 19-6 PROVIDING REGULATIONS FOR LOOP ROAD, WHICH IS NO LONGER UNDER THE COUNTY’S JURISDICTION AS IT WAS ACQUIRED BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA; (2) REVISE SECTION 19-8 AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ENGINEER TO ALLOW TEMPORARY SHORT-TERM CLOSURES WHEN NEEDED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY REPAIRS OR PROJECTS THAT NECESSITATE

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 19th, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as may be heard, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at the Harvey Government Center, Historic Truman School, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040, and also via Communications Media Technology (CMT) using a Zoom webinar as described below, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 6-267, MEETINGS, PERMITTING THE CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD TO REDUCE ITS QUOROM REQUIREMENT TO THREE (3); PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Public Hearing will also be conducted via CMT using

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on May 24th, 2021, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. 33037. Names And Last Known Addresses are as Follows: Anthony Aromandi Unit 1354 $1,010.55 Francis Baggott Unit 1207 $837.15 Larry Watson Unit 1534 $850.20 Publish: May 6 & 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings and workshops via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend.Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Cultural Umbrella Committee Meeting Tuesday, May 18th at 10:00 am Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 885 0228 8817 Passcode: 871642 Art in Public Places Meeting Thursday, May 27th at 10:00 am Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 845 0324 9471 Passcode: 931379 Publish: May 6,2021 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ARTICLE III. DISTRICT REGULATIONS ARTICLE VIII. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 AT 9:30 A.M., the Planning &

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: 16th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DRUG COURT PROGRAM 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 available upon request.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

a Zoom Webinar platform @ https://www.monroecounty-fl. lgov/BoccMeetingMay19.

A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the BOCC meeting to: Lindsey Ballard, via email to: ballard-lindsey@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West, FL 33040.

The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M. on Friday, May 14, 2021, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, F.S., if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Live Closed Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 5th day of May, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West, FL 33040.

The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M. on Friday, May 14, 2021, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, F.S., if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Live Closed Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 5th day of May, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Lubbock, Texas 79424 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: May 6 & 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of FRANCESCA GAUL, deceased, whose date of death was January 10, 2021, Case: 21-CP-77-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: May 6, 2021.

Personal Representative: MICHAEL A. HAJEK 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. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: May 6 & 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 6, 2021.

Co-Personal Representative: JacLynne E. Frister 1792 Rock Oak Road Rio, West Virginia 26755 Michael Wayne Hurd, Sr. P.O. Box 150 Grenloch, New Jersey 08032 Attorney for Personal Representative: CARA HIGGINS Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0734241 CARA HIGGINS LAW 604 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Telephone (305) 294-6030 Facsimile (305) 292-9911 E-Mail: cara@carahigginslaw. com Publish: May 6 & 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 19th, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as may be heard, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at the Harvey Government Center, Historic Truman School, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040, and also via Communications Media Technology (CMT) using a Zoom webinar as described below, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 6-242, REQUESTS FOR RENEWAL OR REINSTATEMENT, IN ORDER TO ALLOW ADMINISTRATIVE RENEWALS TO BE APPROVED

BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Public Hearing will also be conducted via CMT using a Zoom Webinar platform @ https://www.monroecounty-fl. lgov/BoccMeetingMay19.

A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the BOCC meeting to: Lindsey Ballard, via email to: ballard-lindsey@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: County Administrator’s

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-33-M IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL O’HARA, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Michael O’Hara, deceased, whose date of death was April 18, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST 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: May 6, 2021.

Personal Representative: Sandra Ryan 11007 Gardner Avenue

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-32-M IN RE: ESTATE OF LOUIS JOHN GUNTHER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Louis John Gunther, deceased, whose date of death was December 20, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 6, 2021.

Personal Representative: Maureen J. Gunther 58590 Overseas Highway, Lot 7 Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: May 6 & 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-77-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FRANCESCA GAUL,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-118-K JUDGE TIMOTHY J. KOENIG IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ALTHEA RAE HYDE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ALTHEA RAE HYDE, deceased, whose date of death was December 21, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2020-CP-237-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT COHEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of ROBERT COHEN, Deceased, Date of Death: June 18, 2020, File Number 2020-CP-237-K, is pending in the 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 INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All persons of whom this notice is served and who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the petitioner, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All creditors of the decedent and any other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is April 29, 2021.

LEGAL NOTICES Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN CAMPBELL Florida Bar # 443972 CAMPBELL & MALAFY 10887 Overseas Highway Suite #201 Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-2492 305-743-2432 (fax) Personal Representative: MARY COHEN Care of: CAMPBELL & MALAFY 10887 Overseas Highway Suite #201 Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-2492 305-743-2432 (fax) Publish: April 29 & May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-28-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN J. CASTRONUOVO Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John J. Castronuovo, deceased, whose date of death was February 22, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, 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 29, 2021.

Personal Representative: Susan Castronuovo 16 Lynnwood Drive Loudonville, New York, 12211 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 29 & May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-39-P

LEGAL NOTICES DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT E. PAGE III Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Robert E. Page III, deceased, whose date of death was March 27, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, 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 29, 2021.

Personal Representative: Robin S. Page 87465 Old Highway Apt 107 Islamorada, Florida 33036 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 29 & May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-27-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH L. SCHWALBERT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ELIZABETH L. SCHWALBERT, deceased, whose date of death was March 11, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 29, 2021.

Personal Representative: EVERETT JOHN CASPER, JR. 1129 Caloosahatchee Drive Moore Haven, FL 33471 Attorney for Personal Representative: Urban J. W. Patterson, Esq. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: April 29 & May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

CHRISTINE A. NICHOLLS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHRISTINE A. NICHOLLS, deceased, whose date of death was January 8, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 29, 2021.

Personal Representative: LYNDA E. GARGANO 123 Tavern Dr.

Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Urban J. W. Patterson, Esq. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: April 29 & May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 §733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is the 29th day of April, 2021.

Personal Representative: Lisa Albury c/o Law Office of Jack Bridges, P.A. P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690 Attorney for Personal Representative: Jack Bridges Fla. Bar No. 175950 P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690 jack@jackbridges.us linda@jackbridges.us Publish: April 29 & May 6, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

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.

Experienced Electric & Low voltage Techs wanted immediately 401k/insurance/PTO Email: admin@ checkelectricllc.com Call: 305-292-3369

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-36-P IN RE: ESTATE OF

OPEN POSITIONS: Mariner's Hospital — Tavernier Fitness Center Manager, FT Line Cook, Per-Diem Patient Experience Advocate, FT Security Officer, FT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2021-CP-26-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PAUL EVERETTE ALBURY, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Paul Everette Albury, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was October 16, 2020 and the last four digits of whose social security number are 4796, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST

BOATS FOR SALE 1999 World Cat 27' with twin 175 Suzuki motors.

Runs good. Dual stations.

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

1998 Zodiac Inflatable Boat 11'2" plus 50hp 4-stroke outboard engine. Has been stored inside. Located in Key Colony Beach. $5,000 Call 305-743-7300 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!

1985 Albemarle 27' Express Twin V-8's with Volvo Duo-prop. Used regularly in Marathon. $6,000 Call 305-743-0783 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!

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 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER Multiple Positions open Salary $61,277.81/40 hpw (based on experience) Marathon, Stock Island, Key Largo locations (travel may be required between office locations)

The Monroe County Planning and Environmental Resources Dept is seeking qualified, detail-oriented candidates for these new open opportunities. Technical skill in plan review for compliance with land development regulations is essential; strong background in regulatory permit review in both biological/environmental AND planning disciplines, degree in related field and prior related experience required. Comprehensive knowledge of the flora and fauna native to the Florida Keys preferred.

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.

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

Tues-Sat 4p-10p.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

Immediate openings for experienced plumbers and helpers (with or without experience - we will train the right person). Must have a valid driver's license & clean driving record.

Please apply in person at 10700 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerpinc@gmail.com Experienced electricians needed in Marathon area. Email resume to superelectrickey@aol.com Experienced Boat Yard Help Wanted in Marathon.

Call 305-735-4594 Property Manager, Part Time -Two Days per week, 12 hours per week, KCB, Sea Isle Condo, Hourly Rate of $23. Resume to HardingThomasL@ aol.com, 734-476-0531, 1101 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach Pool service hiring PT 4/days a week cleaning pools & water testing. Marathon area.

Call 305-395-0000 Full or part-time litigation paralegal needed in Tavernier. Bilingual a plus.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Email resume to Jeff Vastola at jvastola@vastolalegal.com.

Marathon Elks Lodge looking for Bartender.

Please call Rose at 305-393-9889 Luxury Salon & Spa in Ocean Reef seeking Stylists, Nail Technicians, Estheticians, & Massage Therapists.

Email: Boni@oohlalaorc.com

The Cabana Club, a ocean front private swim club, is seeking a part time line cook. Club is open 10am - 7pm daily. Located in Key Colony Beach. Hourly pay commensurate with experience.

Beautiful environment, small friendly staff, open year round. Apply in person, email resume or call 305 393-0631 ask for April.

Digital Marketing C o n s u l t a n t .

Great growth opportunities.

Will train right person.

Key West Office, more at TwoOceansDigital.com/ jobs 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 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 LPS Contracting NOW HIRING: StateLicensed Land Surveyor & Field Techs. Located in Marathon, FL. Email: info@ LPS-Contracting.com Call: 305-240-9882 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.

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

Fishermen's Community Hospital — Marathon Environmental Tech (Housekeeping), FT, up to $2,500 Sign-On Bonus Floor Technician, FT, up to $2,500 Sign-On Bonus Food Service Worker (Diet Concierge), FT, up to $2,500 Sign-On Bonus Patient Experience Advocate, FT Phlebotomist, FT, up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus

Apply at careers.baptisthealth.net 786-243-8507

TEMPORARY MARINE PUMPOUT WORKER  KEY WEST 40 hours per week • $27.00 per hour 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 (USCG Captain’s License helpful). Must be able to swim. 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

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Immediate openings: full / part-time Office Assistant Send resume to: turtlehospitalmarathon@gmail.com

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT Carpenter and Laborer needed in Upper Keys.

Must have valid driver's license and transportation.

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

Superintendents, Carpenters, Painters and Laborers. Top dollar for the right individuals. Start tomorrow. Apply in person, Dooley Construction, MM 88.5 Oceanside or call 305-852-8000 Fl Keys Diesel - Marathon now hiring: Diesel Technician - Competitive compensation package.

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

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

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

Company willing to train.

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

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.

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!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

Our award winning resort is currently hiring for the following hourly positions:

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Interior Designer

Must have reliable transportation, be on time and organized. Must have a valid driver’s license. CDL a plus.

Landscape Designer Finish Carpenter Framing & drywall repairs, kitchen & bath remodeling, etc. Must present high attention to detail; workmanship must be very high quality.

Architects - All Levels

NOW HIRING! SIGN ON BONUS UP TO $ 1,500 NEEDED: INSTALLERS, APPRENTICES AND SERVICE TECHNICIANS PAY RANGE: $15  $30 PER HOUR BASED ON EXPERIENCE

LOT FOR SALE

Apply via email: Joey@ellingtonac .com Call to schedule a meeting for employment 321.482.3158

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

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

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

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

Apply in person at Courtyard Marriott Marathon, 2146 Overseas Hwy or email resume to jtyson@shanercorp.com • 305-289-2100

NOW HIRING:

Hotel FT Accounting Clerk Monday – Friday Schedule

Process daily deposits, reconciliations, payroll, general cashiering and other hotel accounting duties. Accounting/office manager experience preferred. Great Pay, Health and Travel Benefits.

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

Email resume to jtyson@shanercorp or apply in person at Courtyard Marriott Marathon, 2146 Overseas Hwy 305-289-2100

DAYCARE TEACHER

NOW HIRING

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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.

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

Great Wages, Paid Health Benefits (hourly positions) and Travel Benefits. Hiring Bonus.

Warehouse & Delivery Crew

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

LOT FOR SALE 100' x 100' - Venetian Shores, MM 86, Snake Creek Bridge views. Asking $1.3 Million. Call 561-579-8399

EXPERIENCED BOAT YARD HELP WANTED 305-735-4594

Front Desk Agent Maintenance Prep Cook Bartender Server & Food Runner Room Attendant

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

FOR 3 POSITIONS Certified Public Accountant Full Charge Bookkeeper Receptionist/Admin Assistant Located in Marathon.

Health insurance & paid time off.

Please send resume & salary requirements to: Human Resources, 8085 Overseas Hwy, Marathon tara@keyscpa.com.

For an application call 305-743-6586.

EOE.

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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

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

NOW HIRING:

FULL TIME OPENING CUS TOMER S ERV I CE RE PRE S ENT A T I V E

Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District is accepting applications for a full-time, entry level, Field Operations System Technician. Must have HS Diploma or equivalent and a valid Florida Driver’s License. Must currently live within 25 miles of KLWTD Treatment Plant (100301 Overseas Highway, Key Largo). Hourly starting pay rate of $16.72/hr plus benefits. EOE Email your resume to: hr@klwtd.com

Coordinate aircraft transactions with customers and the line service technicians Professional customer service skills and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and overtime as needed, are required Pay rate $17-$19/hr depending on experience, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment

Contact Will Zimdars will@marathonaviation.com EOE/Drug-free workplace

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc. www.dynastymarine.net Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world.

FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT/LOGISTICS Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments. Must be proficient in Microsoft word, outlook and excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program.

Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

F & B Supervisor-Manager Maintenance Manager-Chief Engineer Engineer-General Maintenance Bell/Valet Attendant Front Desk Agent Night Audit/Night Security LMT, Nail Tech, Esthetician - Sign on Bonus Offered!

Hot Tin Roof Server/Bartender Food Runner/Busser/Barback 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

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

FULL TIME OPENING L I NE SERV I CE P E RSONNE L Greet and fuel aircraft Prior aviation experience preferred Clean driving record required Pay rate $17-$19/hr depending on experience, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment

Contact Will Zimdars will@marathonaviation.com EOE/Drug-free workplace

WESLEY HOUSE FAMILY SERVICES is seeking a Senior Accountant.

This position has the responsibility for maintaining and reporting on the agency’s grant contracts. Provides support services for the accounting and administrative functions of the Wesley House Family Services, Inc. Finance Department under direct supervision of the Controller. Develops, maintains and reports on Utilization models. Serves as backup for Raisers Edge program. Bachelor’s degree required in accounting or business and five years of experience with heavy emphasis on bookkeeping and general office skills.We offer competitive benefits package. Interested candidates can email resume to: HR@wesleyhouse.org.

Wesley House is an EEOC employer and Drug Free Workplace.

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

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

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

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

NOW HIRING RESTAURANT HOST

KeysBank.com

Join Our Team!

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

Key West Information Technology Technician Maintenance Technician Full Time Teller Part Time Floating Teller Customer Service Rep/Universal Banker Islamorada

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

Assistant Branch Operations Manager

Full job descriptions available at

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

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

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor Substance Abuse Counselor (PT)

KEY WEST Crisis Counselor

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

MARATHON

Maintenance Specialist Research Assistant Housekeeper Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) Driver (CDL required) (FT Temporary) Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Advocate (PT) *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT/FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *No experience necessary. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus.

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

Background and drug screen req.

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

NOW HIRING

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

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

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

Call Jeff: 305-395-2685

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Precision Pavers Belgard Brick | Clean & Seals | Old Castle Coastal WE WILL MAKE YOUR DRIVEWAY LOOK NEW AGAIN Brick Driveway | Patios | Pool | Decks | Retaining Walls

305.896.3599 OUT DOOR LIVING SPACES

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

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

Key West 305-292-2666

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

SP3102

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

FREE ESTIMATES | WILL NOT BE UNDERBID

When It Rains It Pours!

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

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

Serving Key Largo to Key West

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Will Campbell President

305-481-3259

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

305-743-0844

TLC Interiors & Exteriors, Inc. 305.803.5220 | tlcdesignfl@gmail.com tlcdesignstudio.net Inspired Living Through Custom Design Finishes for Your Home!

Faux Finishes | Venetian Plaster & Repair| Gold Leafing CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION!

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

Lic#SP-3562

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021 THE STUDENT OF THE WEEK

The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Ocean Studies Charter School faculty and staff in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and moral fortitude.

We thank our future leaders and Ocean Studies for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of school pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

SAPHIRA ARMIJO FOURTH GRADE What do you like about Ocean Studies Charter School? What I like here is all the environmental projects that we do in marine science and how we can protect the ecosystem.

What is your favorite subject and why? My favorite subject is ELA because I learn new strategies to figure out and comprehend what I'm reading.

What is the best rule at school?

Probably the dress code because at KLS, when I went there, you always had to wear a uniform and it was very uncomfortable.

Upper Keys Rotary Club

What do you want to be when you grow up? When I grow up I'm probably going to be a rockstar. A singer. I like Katie Perry.

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

On the weekend, I usually go play with my friends across the street.

And I also like playing with my cat, Betsy.

Who’s your favorite teacher?

Ms. Karen, because she teaches most of the classes and she makes all the classes super fun.

Scholarship Appeal 2021

Thank you to our sponsors and the community

for their contributions in raising more than $80,000 to award in scholarships to graduating seniors, current college students and those seeking career technical education. In addition to individual scholarships, financial support for scholarships is being provided to Take Stock in Children program and Key Largo Rotary Club.

PRESENTED BY:

What’s your favorite food for lunch? I like to eat pizza.

Upper Keys Rotary and its Foundation are grateful to be in the position to continue helping those seeking continuing education.

Your support made it happen!

We hope to see you in 2022 at the Gigantic Nautical Market, Feb. 26-27, at Islamorada’s Founders Park!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

ICOMMUNITY S L A CHURCH ND Bill & Elaine Gilbert

Zee Hopman Constructors • CenterState Bank • Kenny & Wendy Gentes • DHorton Construction Co. • Claire Johnson, Coastal Realty • Regan Roth Insurance Pete & Megan Ihrig • Riva Motorsports • Dick Barnes • In memory of Susan Lane Barnes • John Abell Corporation • GTB Boat Sales • Brian’s Property Maintenance Lindholm Construction • Forest Tek Lumber • Tricia & Jeff Hynes • Overseas Media Group • Kristin Rosendale

32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 6, 2021

If you have or even think you have a

HEART PROBLEM You can be certain Dr's Bruce L. Boros & Richard Berger are here for you!

Over 90 years of combined Cardiovascular experience in the Keys and Miami.

No Referral Needed!

Key Largo 100460 Overseas Highway 33037 1-877-525-2468 Most testing services on site KeysCardiologists.com Your  is in good hands