Key West Weekly 21-0513

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“I’m a cynical idealist.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

May 13, 2021 ONWARD & UPWARD

COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS HOLDS GRADUATION | P. 24

JOB SECURITY

‘MS. GLADYS’ REFLECTS ON 35 YEARS AT THE KEY WEST CHAMBER | P.6

SUMMERTIME! KEYS SUMMER CAMPS OFFER OUTDOOR FUN | P. 10

BETTER HEARING MEANS BETTER OVERALL WELLNESS!

As part of Better Hearing & Speech Month, we’re encouraging you to be more aware of your hearing health.

Where can you go to get qualified hearing healthcare?

is Better

Hearing & Speech

Scan this on your phone to connect directly with CALL TO START YOUR HEARING JOURNEY! MIAMI 17670 NW 78th Avenue #201

Month

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Michelle and her team today!

A comprehensive hearing evaluation is essential in promoting healthy hearing. It can help detect hearing loss early enough to treat it successfully!

(305) 403-9325

www.hear4uaudiology.com www.heardrmichelle.com

KEY WEST 513 Fleming Street, Suite 11 (2nd floor accessible via elevator)

(305) 809-6041

MARATHON 11399 Overseas Highway - Suite 7 The Exchange Building

(305) 747-7750

HOMESTEAD Towers Professional Plaza 151 NW 11th St., Ste. W-301

(305) 809-7663

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

(305) 247-8227

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

Don’t miss our

HAPPY HOUR

7 DAYS A WEEK! 1PM-7PM

LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 12AM-1AM

Key West’s Newest

LUNCH 11AM-5PM DINNER 5PM-11PM

HOT SPOT!

This Week’s Live

ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, May 13th LOCALS 20% OFF EVERYDAY!

Tuesday

TACO TUESDAY!

ALL DAY!

Two Tacos for $7.00

Wednesday 50% OFF

Thursday 7PM-12AM

F riday

LIVE MUSIC!

Sunday 11AM-5PM

SERVICE INDUSTRY DAY

For All Service Industry Employees

LONG ISLAND ICED TEA NIGHT $3 Each • DJ KYD 10pm

LIVE MUSIC! LIVE MUSIC! See Facebook or Website

SUNDAY FUN DAY!

with Laurie & Tim

Check out our Live Entertainment schedule at www.facebook.com/marylinskeywest

Nina Newton • 7-10pm

Friday, May 14th

Seth Kessel • 7-10pm

Saturday, May 15th

Seth Kessel

Saturday’s a Drag!

3 Shows! Showtimes at

12pm, 7:30pm & 10pm

Sunday, May 16th

Bingo with Beatrix Dixie Starting at 12pm Terri White • 3pm

Nina Newton

Monday, May 17th Karaoke with Laurie • 8pm

Tuesday, May 18th

Beatrix Dixie

Seth Kessel • 7-10pm

Wednesday, May 19th Drag Queen Trivia with Scarlet • 7-10pm

Scarlet

For Reservations 305.440.3577 320 Grinnell Street • Key West

www.MarylinsKeyWest.com

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

REDEFINE DOMESTIC BLISS

If Architectural Digest designed a home in the Keys–this would be the final product. This one-of-a-kind stunning solar home has been tastefully curated and provides an art deco modern feel, all while staying true to the coastal and laid back Keys vibe. This elevated, ICF foam block constructed home offers three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms spread out on two floors. The residence offers unobstructed views with endless windows (with roll-down blinds) to ensure you do not miss one slice of its remarkable location with a spacious and open floor plan. The master bedroom is sleek and classy with a desirable Swanstone shower, Toto toilet, Jack and Jill sinks, walk-in closet, and privacy windows. The additional bedrooms all have ensuite baths, built-in dressers, and private balconies. The outdoor area is just as pristine as the inside, with an outdoor shower, boat lift on a 40-foot concrete dock, a heated pool with chiller and fountains, and a shaded area to provide cover from the hot summer days.

BIG PINE KEY | $2,899,000 | Listing ID: 595891

305.294.1117 | oceansir.com

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

ON THE COVER

According to AAA, more than 2 million Florida residents are expected to take a trip during the Memorial Day holiday. Last year, fewer than 1.3 million residents traveled. AAA says top road trips are Las Vegas, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Denver and Nashville. In the U.S., more than 37 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more between May 27 and May 31. That’s a 60% increase from last year, when 23 million traveled.

Key West kids enjoy a day at the beach during COAST’s outdoorfocused summer camp. Explore this year’s Keyswide camp options on Page 10. COAST/Contributed

2 MILLION

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

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Se habla español

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

BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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News Deadline

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MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

E-BIKES & CITY MANAGER SEARCH TOP CITY AGENDA COMMISSION MEETS MAY 19

A

fter they hear an update about the search for the new city manager at their meeting on Wednesday, May 19, Key West officials likely will pass a longawaited law governing electric bikes on the island.

The proliferation of the electric bikes and scooters prompted concerns and a need for regulations, and lawmakers in February approved the proposed regulations in the first of two required public readings.

Key West officials are expected to finalize regulations of electric bikes at their May 19 meeting. CONTRIBUTED

While the electric vehicles reduce the number of cars on the road and can be a fitness option for those who actually pedal them, they’re also fast, cumbersome on sidewalks and all but silent when approaching a pedestrian or fellow bicyclist.

From March to August 2020, sales of e-bikes nationwide increased by 70%, according to an August 2020 story in The New York Times.

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

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

In other upcoming commission activity, officials are expected to approve an agreement with the county school district so the Key West Fire Depart-

ment can provide fire academy training to Key West High School students.

The fire academy has been offered at the high school for the past eight years with significant success.

“These students will graduate at Firefighter I level in the State of Florida certification program,” states the city agenda. “The city has enjoyed much success recruiting from the pool of students who enroll and complete the academy and obtain their certification.”

Officials also are expected to accept a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to fund most of the planned extension and upgrades to the Mallory Square dock. The work will extend the pier from 115 feet to 200 feet and will cost about $3.4 million. The state will pay 75% and the city will pay 25%.

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

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

An early diagnosis.

A better prognosis.

At Miami Cancer Institute, we know that your peace of mind is important, now more than ever. That’s why we’re observing all protocols to ensure a safe environment for patients and medical staff, including Covid-19 screening, testing, contact tracing and infection control. Don’t delay regular screenings and appointments, which can be critical for early detection.

Don’t delay care. Better cancer care is here.

MiamiCancerInstitute.com

Better. For You. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence. For giving opportunities, visit BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.

6

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

35 YEARS AND COUNTING ‘MS. GLADYS’ MARKS 35 YEARS AT THE KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“G

ood afternoon, thank you for calling the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce in the wonderful Florida Keys. How may I help you today?”

Gladys Clarks repeats her phone greeting dozens of times every day — and has for more than three decades — but the smile never fades from her voice.

Clarks, who will turn 81 on Halloween, just marked her 35th year with the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce, where she still staffs the front desk every Saturday and Sunday.

“The chamber has been so good to me, and the staff and board of directors are like my family. I can’t imagine what else I’d do, or where else I’d work,” said Clarks, her smile as big and as permanent as the colorful flower pins she wears each day.

On the recent Mother’s Day, Clarks wore a white flower in memory of her mother and a purple one for herself.

Clarks laughs when people comment on her upbeat attitude and thousand-watt smile.

“People ask me what I secretly have in my morning coffee,” she said. “But I’ve never had a drop to drink in my life. Not a drop, no ma’am.”

“She always has a hug that makes everything OK,” said Greg Sullivan, a former chamber president and longtime board member.

Clarks was born and raised in Key West,

The Island Holistic Trainer COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATIONS

Gladys Clarks is nearly 81 years old, and has worked at the Key West Chamber of Commerce for 35 years. She is still at the front desk every Saturday and Sunday. CONTRIBUTED

atop Solares Hill to be precise. She was born in a house, not a hospital, and was the youngest of seven children. She’s also the mother of grown twins — Fred and Linda — and grandmother to two grown grandsons.

“When I was growing up, we ate fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and we always had fruit trees in the yard — mangoes, key limes, avocados, things like that,” she recalled. “I never tasted soda growing up because my mom always had a pitcher of lime-ade from the Key lime trees out back.”

Clarks grew up in a segregated Key West — a far cry from the city that now prides itself on its One Human Family.

“I went to St. Frances Xavier Catholic School — for black students — until sixth grade, then I went to Frederick Douglass High School — the black high school,” she said. “There were drinking fountains for white people and black people and there were lunch counters where we weren’t allowed to sit down.”

Clarks was a stay-at-home mom with her own two kids, and started working at the chamber in 1986, when she was hired by Vir-

ginia Panico, who was the board’s president at the time.

“She goes above and beyond,” Panico said in 2011 when celebrating Clarks’ 25th anniversary. Panico remembers Gladys regularly traipsing up and down Duval Street during her lunch break, because a tourist had called having forgotten to buy a certain souvenir during their vacation.

But one of Panico’s favorite memories is of her “job interview” with Clarks, which took place at Panico’s Key West home.

“I’ll always remember how Gladys sat there playing with my dog, and really, not paying a bit of attention to a word I said. But I could tell from her spirit and attitude that day; she was the lady we needed. I knew she would bring visitors to the Chamber.”

And she’s been doing it ever since.

As the front-desk receptionist and tourism information phone operator, Gladys’s enthusiasm is contagious. Whether she’s on the phone with a potential visitor, or helping a hopeful tourist find a hotel room, Gladys has a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye.

“I just have so much fun,” she said after the anniversary luncheon. “I’m blessed to be able to meet so many people; to love them and be loved.”

Kerry Baker, the chamber’s associate executive vice president, has worked with Clarks for 29 of her 35 years.

“You will never meet a more genuine person, and her heart is 100% in everything she does,” Baker said. “I have grown up with Gladys, and can always count on her contagious smile to brighten my day. We always joke in the office as she has her own fan club of visitors who come back year after year to visit her. I have seen her go above and beyond so many times. There is no question she will not find an answer to. Gladys is more than my coworker, she is part of my family and I have had the pleasure to share every one of my memories with her over the last 29 years.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

ASSISTEDLIVING FACILITY NEEDS ASSISTANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONER CRAIG CATES HAS A PLAN

P

oinciana Gardens, the hard-won assisted-living facility on Key West’s Duck Avenue, was a long time coming, but has struggled since its opening in July 2018, when only nine of its 106 units were occupied — and those residents were paying $3,000 per month for apartments.

Rents were much higher than anticipated under the original management company, making the brand new units too expensive for most Keys seniors.

In 2019, the Key West Housing Authority, which owns the property, found a new management company that lowered rents and increased occupancy, but the facility continues to operate at a loss that the housing authority can no longer afford.

Monroe County and the city of Key West each have contributed about $400,000 in the past two years to keep the doors open, and the county is now considering taking over the operations of Poinciana Gardens from the housing authority — with some financial support from the city.

Nothing has been finalized yet, but the county commission will discuss the situation at its meeting on Wednesday, May 19.

County Commissioner Craig Cates calls the new management arrangement “a nobrainer.”

Monroe County could soon assume responsibility for Poinciana Gardens assisted-living facility, with some financial support from the city of Key West. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Cates told the Keys Weekly that Monroe County is spending $1 million a year to operate Bayshore Manor on Stock Island, which can only accommodate 16 residents. “And I think there are only nine or so residents there right now,” Cates said.

“If we can move the Bayshore Manor residents to Poinciana Gardens and close Bayshore Manor, we’ll have a million dollars a year to put toward Poinciana Gardens.

Plus, we’ll get the space back at Bayshore Manor. We’re currently spending about $250,000 to rent office space at the Professional Building and other locations in town.

We can move those offices to the Bayshore Manor property that we already own to save another quarter-million dollars a year.

To me, it’s a no-brainer. I hope the other commissioners see it as clearly. Plus, there’s space at Poinciana Gardens to have senior day care services and other activities.

“I do think everyone — at the county and the city — understands how critical the need for senior housing is in our county,” Cates added.

He said he hopes the commission will agree on Wednesday to direct County Administrator Roman Gastesi to pursue discussions with the housing authority and the city so the county can take over Poinciana Gardens.

If the county gives the green light, then Key West City Commissioner Greg Davila said he’d “be happy to sponsor a resolution for the temporary agreement, or partnership, with the county as a stopgap measure to keep that facility here and open. Otherwise, the closest assisted-living facility is in Tavernier or Homestead, and as people age, they need to be closer, not farther, from family and everything that’s familiar.”

Like Cates, Davila said, “It just makes sense to move Bayshore Manor residents to Poinciana Gardens. To me, the math is easy.

And I think this community needs more services for seniors.”

Cates’ initial thought would be for the city to contribute $400,000 the first year, $300,000 the second year and $200,000 in the third and final year of the partnership to give the county time to close Bayshore Manor and increase occupancy at Poinciana Gardens.

Again, no decisions have been made.

The county commission will discuss the situation on Wednesday, May 19. The city commission likely will discuss it in early June.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

Keys Weekly staff report

BOSS, ARE YOU WEARING A MASK? BUSINESSES RESPONDING DIFFERENTLY TO STATE ORDERS

T

hroughout the pandemic, we’ve seen it happen — or done it ourselves. We stride toward a business with purpose and then freeze just outside the door. We’ve forgotten our mask. We start patting our pockets, pawing through our purse or do an about-face and head back to the car.

Now, in May, we are still approaching the front doors of local businesses with caution. To mask or not?

At King Seafood retail and restaurant market in Marathon, the signs are still up about wearing a mask or social distancing. But inside, it comes down to personal choice.

“I encourage the retail employees to wear masks, because it keeps them more safe,” said owner Judith Silva. “But as far as customers, it’s up to them to decide what to do.”

In fact, just as she says this, two customers who are clearly together approach the door. One is wearing a mask, one isn’t.

Mask-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. At a special meeting, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously repealed a local ordinance that required 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.

The Key West city attorney told the city’s lawmakers at their May 4 meeting they had to let their mask mandate expire on May 5, due to the governor’s order.

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.

Outside on Duval Street, Key West’s main tourism thoroughfare, masks look to have become a thing of the past for tourists, although many businesses, including the iconic Sloppy Joe’s bar and Half Shell Raw Bar at Key West’s Historic Seaport, are still strictly requiring the face coverings.

“You can’t come in without a mask,” a host at Sloppy Joe’s told two women on Tuesday afternoon who were wanting to look inside for their friends. “As long as you keep your masks on, you can come in and look for them.”

The bar and restaurant has limited entry to one door and installed signs requiring masks all over the property.

Down the street, at It’Sugar candy store, large pink signs tell patrons that masks are still required, and at the Half Shell Raw Bar, COVID concerns are still very much at the forefront for the staff and patrons.

Other bars and restaurants have celebrated the lifting of the restrictions and are happy to welcome patrons with a visible smile.

“It’s really become a personal choice for people, which I think is a good thing,” said one downtown bartender, who asked not to be identified due to the polarizing nature of the mask discussion. “I’m fully vaccinated, so I certainly don’t miss the masks. They were hot and it was tough to hear people’s drink orders. But I absolutely understand and agree with the reasoning behind it. I’m just hoping we can soon put all of this negativity and division behind us.”

Food for Thought co-owner Blair Shiver said she was happy about the mask mandate at the height of the pandemic, and equally happy to be able to put them away now.

“We’re thankful for the mandate that required masks and helped keep infection rates relatively low in a vulnerable community like the Keys,” Shiver said. “We’re also thankful to be able to greet our customers with a welcoming smile again while we continue to ensure cleanliness.”

At C & C Wood Fire Eats in Key Largo, owner Mike Atwell said they’re loving the mask mandate’s ending.

“People can see faces and smiles again. It’s a big deal,” he said.

Mom and pop businesses in the Keys are more likely to have dropped mask requirements.

Big chains — Home Depot, Walgreens and Publix — are still requiring the face coverings.

“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve implemented many changes in our stores to safeguard the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Maria Brous, director of communications for Publix. “At this time, no changes are being made to our mask policy.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

Walgreens also requires masks.

But according to a spokesperson, stores will not stop customers without a mask from shopping.

“Walgreens management may gently remind customers who are shopping without masks about the requirement, but out of concern for our employees’ safety, we do not stop these customers from shopping.”

It is, indeed, a volatile subject for some.

Mike Forster, county commissioner and owner of Mangrove Mike’s in Islamorada, said the governor’s orders were a preemption without the support of the medical community. While he’s personally ready to take off the mask, he’s asking what happened to getting 70% of the population vaccinated before lifting restrictions.

“It is what it is,” he said. “I still don’t like ... Tallahassee taking away home rule.”

A Facebook group created following DeSantis’ orders is keeping track of businesses and restaurants that are making masks optional.

Forming on May 4, roughly 300 members have joined the “Free To Breathe The Florida Keys” page to see what restaurants and businesses are “welcoming and friendly to non-mask-wearing patrons.”

The Marathon Chamber of Commerce is also taking the middle road at its visitors center.

“We will keep our ‘masks required to enter’ signs up, but if a patron arrives without a mask on we will offer them a free mask, and if they still refuse will not ask them to leave,” said Chamber CEO Daniel Samess. “My staff will be wearing masks when around and/or interacting with patrons, and we will keep our sneeze/protective guards up and in place as well as our social distancing signage. I have discussed the policy with staff, and I made it clear my number one priority is their safety and comfort.”

Islamorada Chamber of Commerce is keeping its mask-wearing in place when visitors enter. Those who don’t have a facial covering will be provided one. Judy Hull, chamber executive director, said it’s a “mixed bag” when looking at businesses in the village either requiring masks or making it a personal choice.

Elizabeth Moscynski, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce president, said many businesses are still requiring facial coverings. At the chamber, however, she said the message is now “masks recommended.”

“Our staff wears masks if we cannot social distance and, most importantly, when visitors enter the building,” she said. “For the most part, our visitors enter wearing masks.”

At Fairfield Inn & Suites, masks are required inside the building, but not outside around the pool.

“We must follow the policies of Marriott International,” said general manager Michael Weber.

At the Monroe County school board meeting on May 11, board members acknowledged the “hot button” issue of masking inside the schools.

Superintendent Theresa Axford said, “We’re going to keep the mask policy in place until the close of the school year.” But then the board and Bob Eadie, administrator and health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, had a long discussion about whether children should mask up during the summer school sessions.

Eadie said, “Our numbers have been so low as far as new cases, and vaccinations go up and up.”

Therefore, he supported parents making their own choice as to whether children wear masks during the summer sessions. However, he said, it’s recommended that masks be worn per Florida Department of Health guidelines.

In the end, the five members of the board unanimously voted in support of the following motion: “The Monroe County School Board is recommending that the summer sessions be ‘masks optional’ subject to further direction from the Monroe County Health Department.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021 Reef Relief’s summer camp has repeatedly won the Bubba Award for Best Key West summer camp. This year’s camp is currently full. CONTRIBUTED

Keys Weekly staff report

S Y E K

S P M A C NG I H T E S O M V E RYO N E FOR E

The school year is drawing to a close, and summer camps are gearing up for another season of education and excitement. From art and sailing to watersports, there are plenty of activities for children in the Keys this year.

KEY WEST AND LOWER KEYS BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB Registration is still open, but spaces are limited and filling up quickly, for the Key West Boys & Girls Club’s summer camp for kids aged 5 to 17.

The camp includes weekly field trips to the community pool, splash pad and botanical garden and other places. The rest of the time is spent at the club’s new headquarters in Bayview Park, where campers participate in outdoor, field day activities and other programs.

Cost is $95 per week for the first child, and $47.50 per week for siblings. There is also a one-time, $10 membership fee. Call 305-2962258 or visit bgckeywest.org.

COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS Summer Adventure Camps Registration is open for the College of the Florida Keys’ Summer Adventure Camps.

Designed for 7- to 11-year-old children, the one-week sessions provide opportunities to learn, create, and have fun. CFK Summer Adventure Camps run Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 45-minute lunch break. Camps will begin June 7 and run each week through July 30. Interested

parents can learn more at cfk.edu/summercamps or by emailing summercamp@cfk. edu.

Art Camp - Discover your artistic capabilities while creating paintings, stories, and sculptures! June 7 - 11, June 21 - June 25, & July 26 - 30. $175 Code Breakers I - Discover the basics of computer programming, coding, and design using a Raspberry Pi. June 14 - 18 & July 12 16. $225 Code Breakers II - Discover advanced computer programming, coding, and design using a Raspberry Pi2. Campers must have completed Code Breakers I prior to enrollment. June 28 - July 2 & July 19 - 23. $225 COFFEE MILL DANCE STUDIO Children’s Summer Dance Classes and Mini Dance Camps enrolling now at the Coffee Mill Dance Studio. Classes start June 1.

For boys and girls ages 3 and up. New and returning dancers are welcome and no experience is necessary. Call 305-296-9982 or come by The Annex Studio at 804 White Street from 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays to pre-register and get on the list; spots are limited. Full schedule at coffeemilldance.com.

Along the COAST Camp is back after selling out in the summer of 2020. CONTRIBUTED

COAST CAMP Along the COAST Camp is back after a safe and sold-out summer in 2020. Weekly sessions throughout June from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children ages 6-10 years old. Cost is $250 per child. The program is set up as a five-day trek around Old Town with a focus on local knowledge, secret spots, native marine and natural environments, plant and wildlife identification, but mostly fun! Each day is a new, immersive adventure “along the coast” with different departure points and destinations each day. Full details, registration, and contact info at www.coastprojects.com/camp

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

reef fish identification, invertebrate collection, snorkel at Sombrero Reef and around Pigeon Key, participate in dissections, fish, play field games and relay races, and enjoy their own private island. More information and registration forms at pigeonkey.net, email casey@pigeonkey.net.

BIOLOGIST FOR A DAY Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. All summer for three consecutive days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children ages 10 and up • Camps are one-day ($150), two-day ($300) or three-day ($400) and include lunch. Spend the day with a marine biologist learning subjects like corals, or sharks and stingrays, and experience in-water encounters. Requires 4 participants per camp session. Email info@ floridakeysaquariumencounters.com or call 305-407-3262, ext. 2 for information and availability.

Camp Bravo will teach drama skills, leading to a performance at session’s end. CONTRIBTUED

CAMP BRAVO June 1-25 - Keys Community School of the Arts presents its 13th season of Camp Bravo Summer Musical Theatre Camp for kids at the Williams Hall & the Key West Theater! For grades 3-12, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Time to sing, dance and perfect your drama skills this summer with a performance of “The Wiz Jr.” in the final days of camp!

Limited spots available. Camp Bravo offers partial scholarships to families with limited resources. Go to keyscommunityschoolofthearts.org to register or call 305-296-9982 or email bravotheatre@aol.com for more information.

KEY WEST GOLF CLUB Two age groups limited to 30 kids in each age group, June 7-11 Group 1 ages 6-10, 8:30 -9:30 a.m.; Group 2 ages 11-15, 10 to 11 a.m.

Kids learn woods, irons, chipping and putting on a real course, $70 single, $120 family of 2, $155 family of 3, includes membership after completing the course. Sign up at Key West Golf Club Pro Shop or call 305-294-5232

arts, and more. Activities change frequently.

Camp themes change weekly and are incorporated into all aspects of the camp: crafts, games, activities, and lessons.

For more information, visit keywestsportsacademy.com or call 305-896-2458.

AVIATION BASICS CAMP Florida Keys Flight Academy hosts summer camp for youth ages 16 and up. Dates to be announced, from 10 a.m. to noon in classroom, and 1 to 3 p.m. flight training in afternoon, based out of Marathon airport • Cost is $3,500 and includes 15 hours of flight instruction • For more information, email floridakeysflightacademy@gmail.com or call 1-888-KEYS-AIR.

LOST BEACH AT ISLAND FARM Get outside and into nature. FarmCamp is for children ages 7-15 beginning June 7 for 9 weeks through this summer. Registration is open at www.islandfarmhoney.com. It is $50 to register and $315 to enroll a camper for a week. Discounts are applicable for additional siblings and 3-week sessions. Call Natalie about Counselor In Training program for ages 14-16 at 305-600-7823. Enriching and empowering campers through agriculture, farm animals encounters, boating, art, music, wellness, hiking, sports and archery and more. Join our island farm family for an unforgettable and inspirational summer.

MARATHON

KEY WEST SAILING CAMP (Full with wait list.) Ten one-week camps, May 31 through Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 5-17. All different skill levels learn sailing and racing on a variety of boats including Opti prams, Hobie Waves, Sunfish, Lasers and 420s, depending on age group. $250/week.

Register online at keywestsailingcenter.org.

For more information email kwseducation@ gmail.com or call/text Ben Hermelin at 314349-9929

MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK CAMP One-week sessions starting June 7 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Ages 5-10 • $80/week, $60 for each additional sibling • Tuesday/Thursday field trips • Camp headquarters will be the Marathon Community Park’s main pavilion and activities include arts and crafts, water activities, field trips • Call 305-743-6598 or email villatorog@ci.marathon.fl.us. Applications available at city website at ci.marathon. fl.us.

KEY WEST SPORTS ACADEMY Nine one-week camps, full day only, June 1-Aug.9. All camps are Monday through Friday with flexible scheduling available.

KWSA Summer Camps are filled with high energy, structured activities for your kids and incorporate open play, organized games,

MARINE SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP At Pigeon Key. July 26-30 and Aug. 2-6 (day camp, ages 8-16), July 12-16 and July 19-23 (overnight camp, ages 10-16). Day camp runs Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., costs $375.

Overnight camp runs 9 a.m. Monday to 5 p.m. Friday, costs $975. Campers will learn

The sailing camp has instruction for all levels of experience and culminates in a regatta in late July. CONTRIBUTED

BOOT KEY SAILING CAMP Five sailing sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced sailors in Marathon.

June 7-18, June 21-July 2, July 12-23 and July 26-Aug. 6 for beginners and early intermediate sailors, $200 per student per two-week session, or $350 for two siblings.; July 5-9 for intermediate and advanced sailors, $150 per week per student, or $250 per week for two siblings. A regatta for all youth Keys sailors is scheduled for July 18. Financial scholarships available. For more information or to sign up, visit www.MYCEF.education.

Continued on page 12

12

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

Continued from page 11

UPPER KEYS VILLAGE SUMMER RECREATION CAMP Summer camp at Islamorada’s Founders Park. June 7-30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camp is for children ages 6-10. $95 per week. $75 sibling discount. Activities include games, arts and crafts, sports and contents, movies, swimming at the beach and pool and more. Bring masks, snacks, lunch, water bottle, sneakers, swim suit, towel and sunscreen. Open enrollment begins for all May 15. Islamorada residents priority access available now through May 14. See registration instructions on islamorada.fl.us and click the “Summer Camps” tab. For more information, call 305853-1685.

JUNIOR SUMMER TENNIS CAMP Presented by Tiki Tennis, camp dates are June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, July 12-16, July 19-23 and Aug. 2-6 at Founders Park.

Full-day camp, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is $225 per week. Half-day camp, 9 a.m. to noon, is $125 per week. Tennis camp is for children ages 6 and up. Activities include matches, free pizza Fridays, swimming, dodgeball and more. Be sure to bring facial covering, racquet, court shoes, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, swimsuit and towel and lunch Monday through Thursday. Pre-registration is required. Contactless registration preferred by visiting islamorada.fl.us and clicking on “Summer Camps’’ tab. For more information call 305-853-1685 or Susie Jannach at 954290-7502.

Swim & Dive combo camp.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

SUMMER SWIM CAMP Provided by the Florida Keys Swim Club, camps are June 7-11 and July 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (check-in at 8:45 a.m.) at Founders Park. For ages 6 and up. $175 per session. With instruction by four-time Olympic medalist Jon Olsen, camp includes stroke techniques, starts, turns, racing, water games and dry-land activities. Bring facial covering, goggles, fins, water, towel, snacks and sunscreen. Pre-registration is required.

Contactless registration preferred by visiting islamorada.fl.us and clicking on “Summer Camps’’ tab. For more information, call 305853-1685 or Olsen at 305-393-5855.

SWIM & DIVE COMBO CAMP Camp dates are June 21-25, June 28-July 2 and July 5-9 (Monday through Friday) from

9 a.m. to noon (Check-in at 8:45 a.m.) at Ron Levy Aquatic Center at Founders Park.

For children ages 6 and up. Session fee is $200. Introductory to springboard diving and dryland by coach Kelly Kater. Stroke techniques, starts, turns, dry-land activities and water games by coach Jon Olsen. Bring facial covering, towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, snacks and water. Limited space available.

Contactless registration preferred by visiting islamorada.fl.us and clicking on “Summer Camps’’ tab. For more information call 305853-1685, Kater at 215-622-6841 or Olsen at 305-393-5855.

SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING CAMP Session one is June 7-11 and session two is July 26-30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Monday through Friday) at Ron Levy Aquatic Center at Founders Park. $200 per week. Jump in and learn the basics of synchronized swimming. Bring facial covering, packed lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, cap and goggles, towel, extra swimsuit and two empty gallon jugs. Children must be comfortable and strong enough to swim on their own in deep water for enrollment. Contactless registration preferred by visiting islamorada.fl.us and clicking on “Summer Camps’’ tab. For more information call coach Isla Crawford at 856-473-4752 or Park Office at 305-8531685.

ART SUMMER CAMP Primitive art session June 7-11; ancient civilizations session from June 14-18; Renaissance art session from June 21-25; and modern art session from June 28 to July 2. All sessions go from 9 a.m. to noon at Our Place in Paradise, 88711 Old Road, Tavernier. Cost is $190 per week, per student. All supplies included. Led by instructor Veronica Gutierrez, this program will help to develop a child’s motor skills, concentration, self-esteem and creativity. Space is limited to six students.

For more information, call 305-916-5828.

KIDS SUMMER ART CAMP Camp dates are June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28 to July 2, July 5-9 and July 12-16 (Monday through Friday) from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 80891 Old Highway, Islamorada. For kids ages 6-12. $165 per week. Led by local artist Maxine Trainer, children will explore all mediums from acrylics, oil and pastels to chalk-based pastels, watercolors, pencils and more. All in a structured, safe environment with an emphasis on fun, creativity and play.

Bring lunch and a mask. For more information, call 321-652-6363.

OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP Camp dates are June 14-18 for ages 8-10, June 28 to July 2 for ages 11-13, and July 12-16 for ages 8-10. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $300 per camper, per week.

Price includes state park entry fees, activity and equipment and REEF T-shirt and water bottle. The camp hosted at John Pennekamp

State Park is heavily based outdoors. Activities include snorkel to the coral reef, kayak adventures along the mangroves, outdoor games and marine science lessons. For more information, email explorers@REEF.org or call 305-852-0030.

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING SUMMER CAMP Sailing camp dates are May 31 to June 11, June 14-25, June 28 to July 2, July 12-23 and July 26 to Aug. 6. Largo Conchs camp is for children ages 5-7, Learn to Sail camp for those ages 8-14 and Intro to C420 Sailing for ages 12-18. Prices vary. Sailing camps allow kids and teens to discover a new water sport that connects them to the marine environment. For more information, visit msysp.org or call 305-747-2600.

DOLPHINS KIDS SUMMER CAMP Dolphin Kids camp dates are July 5-9, July 12-16 and July 19-23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo. Camp is for those ages 6-10. $350, per student, per week. Upgrade options available for early and late care. Dolphin Kids is our week long marine science summer camp for kids ages 6 -10, hosted at our beautiful bayside facility in the Florida Keys. Campers learn about all sorts of subjects, from local ecosystem ecology to dolphin communication and behavior.

Camp water bottles, custom training whistles and snacks are included in each week-long session (lunch is not included Monday through Thursday). Register by calling the reservations department at 1-866-860-7946.

JUNIOR DOLPHIN EXPLORERS CAMP Camp goes from July 26-30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo.

For children ages 11-14. $350 per student, per week. Optional camp upgrades available for early and late care. Campers will investigate dolphin intelligence, flukes and flippers, majestic manatees, and even learn how to help stranded marine mammals. Camp water bottle, arts and crafts and snacks are among the things included (lunch not included Monday to Thursday). Register by calling the reservations department at 1-866860-7946.

MARINELAB Summer camp from June 8-12 and June 15-19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those in 4th through 8th grades. Camp will be held at the MarineLab campus in Key Largo. Each day, campers will be taken on a snorkel excursion guided by local marine biologists. They’ll participate in marine ecology discussions and hands-on labs with live sea critters. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The cost is $250 per camper for the week; additional siblings, $225 each. Single-day enrollment is unavailable. More info at info@marinelab.org or 305-451-1139 ext 201.

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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SUMMER DANCE AT THE COFFEEMILL

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Photo credit: Jim Fossum

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14

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

AN ARTFUL INVESTMENT

OCEAN BLUE GALLERIES ELEVATES LOWER DUVAL STREET

F

The gallery works with the exclusive agent to offer nostalgic Dr. Seuss’s paintings, drawings and illustrations, including this one of the loveable ‘Sneetches.’ MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Ocean Blue Galleries, 109 Duval St., features original, limited-edition and highly collectible fine art paintings, prints, sculpture and poured-resin photography.

Jay and Amber Shaffer opened the Key West location of their Ocean Blue Galleries on May 1 at 109 Duval St.

rom hypnotic blue oceans and bronze elephants to glass muppets and classic cartoon characters, Ocean Blue Galleries is making fine art a fun and affordable investment.

Owners Jay and Amber Shaffer opened the Key West location of their Ocean Blue Galleries on May 1 at 109 Duval St., after the pandemic put multiple Key West art galleries out of business.

“We brought on a lot of artists who just couldn’t keep their gallery doors open during COVID,” said Jay Shaffer. “Talented artists like James Coleman and Anna Sweet who had to close their Key West galleries would quickly have found homes for their work, but we wanted this to be their new home and we’re honored to be representing them.”

“We have 10 of the finest artists in the world here, but our philosophy here is to make fine art accessible to more people in terms of pricing,” Amber Shaffer said. “We really want people to be able to start their art collection here by getting an original piece they truly love for a few hundred dollars rather than several thousand.”

The Shaffers are also pleased to have “elevated” lower Duval a bit with their new gallery.

“This storefront used to be a $5 T-shirt shop, and we took it down to the concrete walls to renovate it,” Jay Shaffer said. “We’re thrilled to be here, and to be reinvesting in Duval Street while helping others invest in original art.”

And the 10 artists housed at Ocean Blue truly do offer something for everyone.

Anna Sweet’s fluid underwater photography is expertly and artistically enhanced with poured resin that shines with bits of diamond dust, sea glass and minerals in the liquid, said gallery director Ashleigh Facenda. Sweet also uses her proprietary poured-resin technique to create captivatingly blue oceans and white wave scenes.

James Coleman’s love for Key West is obvious in his original paintings of fish, boats — and yes, the legendary Green Parrot Bar. Coleman started his art career painting background scenery for Disney films. He worked on “Winnie the Pooh & Tigger, Too,” “Beauty and the Beast” and dozens of others.

“Coleman actually sold his first painting to Roy Disney and his second to Walt Dis-

ney while working in the mailroom at Disney,” Facenda said, pointing out Coleman’s layering techniques that create an almost three-dimensional look to his paintings that are then sealed behind a high-gloss resin.

And then there’s Nano Lopez’s extraordinarily colorful bronze animals.

“I just had a couple who was so excited to see that we had Nano Lopez works here, because they’ve been saving up to start collecting him, and they were thrilled to get a bronze turtle from Key West,” Facenda said, moving on to some of the most familiar faces from everyone’s childhood — Snoopy, Charlie Brown, the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss’s lovable Sneetches.

Ocean Blue Galleries works directly with the publisher who has the exclusive rights to “all of Dr. Seuss’s paintings, illustrations, political cartoons, everything,” Facensa said. “His widow wanted to protect his work, while also making it available to the public. So she found Chase Art publishers and since the late ’90s, they select a few original works each year to reproduce with the best technology. We’re one of a handful of authorized galleries that have access to these classic drawings and completed illustrations.”

And everyone smiles nostalgically when they see these classic characters, Jay Shaffer said.

The nostalgia — and fun — continue on the next wall, where Snoopy smiles silently from one wall in works by Tom Everhart, an expert art mimicker, who worked with Peanuts creator Charles Schulz to do all the illustrations for all Peanuts and Snoopy merchandise — including the lunchboxes we all carried as kids.

Ocean Blue also carries dozens of the Borowski brothers’ whimsical glass fish, giraffes and other animals that are lit from inside and sturdy enough to be placed outside.

The staff and owners are eager to help and expertly informed about each artist they represent. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

KEYS COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS CAMP BRAVO

Summer Theatre Camp for Grades 3 - 12 Locations: Williams Hall & The Key West Theatre Dates: June 1 - 25th Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm Performance of the Wiz in the last day of Camp!

for more information & to register please visit us on our website

www.KeysCommunitySchooloftheArts.org

SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMPS The College of the Florida Keys

CFK's Summer Camps, for ages 7 - 11, will be held in-person on the Key West Campus. Safety is top priority. Face masks and social distancing are required and camps will be limited in size.

Art Camp

Discover your artistic capabilities while creating paintings, stories, sculptures, and more!

Code Breakers I

Discover the basics of computer programming, coding, and design using a Raspberry Pi.

Code Breakers II

Discover advanced computer programming, coding, and design using a Raspberry Pi2. Campers must have completed Code Breakers I prior to enrollment.

Space is limited. Register today!

Visit cfk.edu/summer-camps for details including schedules, costs, and registration instructions.

Questions? Email SummerCamp@cfk.edu

16

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

HEADS AND TAILS

HOGFISH HOSTS CRAWDAD FESTIVAL

T

he Hogfish Bar & Grill is spicing things up on Saturday, May 15 for its first-ever Crawfish Festival, featuring the freshwater crustaceans that resemble miniature lobsters and turn bright red when cooked.

Hogfish owner Bobby Mongelli is having 400 pounds of live Louisiana crawfish flown in for Saturday’s traditional crawfish boil that should start around 2 p.m.

“A guy who does these things all the time, who’s from Louisiana and was the chef at House of Blues in New Orleans, approached me last year and asked if he could do a crawfish boil here at the Hogfish.

I said, ‘Absolutely,’” Mongelli said.

“It’ll be something different and a good way to spice things up. Now I’m just praying nothing happens with the flight or the shipment. We gotta keep these things alive until Saturday.”

Barry Cuda will be playing live music with some New Orleans flare throughout the day, and the crawfish will be boiled in spicy seasonings with corn on the cob, red potatoes and Andouille sausage, and served in three-pound servings with cornbread, Mongelli said.

“It should be a good time; we got these giant, professional crawfish pots to cook them in,” he said.

Crawfish are easily eaten by wringing their meaty tail from their body. And for the brave crawfish

veterans, the final step is to suck the spicy juice from the boiling water out of their head. (But that step is not a requirement for the newbies among us.)

Crawfish season in the American South can last from November to July, especially during an exceptionally warm and wet winter, but the most reliable months — and the time you’ll find the best crawfish — are spring and early summer, from late February through May. The critters are known by many names in different parts of the country: Crayfish and crawfish, crawdads up north (not in Louisiana), freshwater lobsters, and, formerly, mudbugs — due to their lives spent burrowing in the mud of the Louisian bayou.

“The earliest evidence of the use of the name ‘mudbug’ was in 1955, mostly in Louisiana and eastern Texas,” according to Sam Irwin, author of “Louisiana Crawfish: A Succulent History of the Cajun Crustacean,” on southernkitchen.com.

“However, farmers discouraged the term because it became misleading to the public. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture consulted a marketing firm to help raise awareness of crawfish. They strictly said, ‘do not use mudbug if you want to have a larger presence,’” Irwin said, adding that the city of Shreveport, Louisiana is the only one that still uses the term.

Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island will host a Crawdad Festival on Saturday, May 15 starting around 2 p.m. Four hundred pounds of live Louisiana crawfish will be prepared in a traditional, spicy boil, with corn on the cob, sausage and red potatoes. Conributed

109 DUVAL STREET | 305.296.7474 OCEANBLUE.GALLERY

BREATHTAKING ART

from around the world

17

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF

NATHAN BARROSO WINS BASEBALL’S 2021 JONATHAN WELLS AWARD

Key West High School’s starting center fielder Nathan Barroso, who will graduate this month, is the 2021 recipient of the Jonathan Wells Award, given by the Key West Winter Baseball League. CONTRIBUTED

K

ey West baseball player Nathan Barroso is the 2021 winner of the Jonathan Wells Award.

The award is presented by the Key West Winter Baseball League whenever “a Conch baseball senior exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, commitment, dedication,and community,” said league president Jack Niles. “On behalf of our board of directors we are proud to present this year’s award to Nathan Barroso. Every Conch baseball fan should know how dedicated Nathan is to Conch baseball and his teammates.”

Barroso’s journey through Conch baseball hasn’t always been that of a stat leader. His freshman and sophomore seasons were rather lackluster, Niles acknowledged.

But Barroso worked as hard as anyone and competed when given the opportunity. The results were less than impressive, but he continued to work through the summer and fall.

His junior year he was given the option of getting a lot of playing time on JV or staying with the varsity and not playing much.

“Nathan put his pride in his back pocket and elected to play with the JV,” Niles said. “It was important to him to play regardless of where. As long as he had a Conch uniform on he would be grateful.

Fast forward to 2021, when Nathan is now a senior, but still has to fight for his shot to play. Nate would make the most of his opportunities.

In the last game he would ever play as a Key West Conch inside the Rex (Weech baseball stadium), Nate would go 2 for 2 and drive in two runs as the starting center fielder for his beloved Key West Conchs.”

Barroso finished the 2021 season as the second-leading hitter for the Conchs with a .326 batting average and tied for second in RBI. “I would like to thank my parents, family and friends for all their support and Coach Ralphie for believing in me when not many did,” Barroso said.

— Contributed

BRIEFLY FIFTH-GRADER CHARGED OVER STABBING INCIDENT AT SUGARLOAF An 11-year-old Sugarloaf School student was charged with two counts of aggravated battery on May 11 after two students were stabbed with scissors.

There were no life-threatening injuries reported in the May 7 incident.

One injured student, also 11, received six stiches to close the wound on his arm. The other student, age 10, received cuts that did not require stitches.

Early reports indicate there was a verbal altercation that day among the suspect and one of the injured students.

The Department of Juvenile Justice booked the suspect student the afternoon of May 11.

VAZQUEZ JOINS SCHOOL DISTRICT The Monroe County School District has appointed Alfredo Vazquez as the new director of safety and security starting immediately. Vazquez is a retired 30-year veteran of the Key West Police Department who is familiar with the Keys and the school district.

He has worked with agencies Keyswide during his tenure with KWPD and was part of the team that looked at school security improvements several years ago. Vazquez brings experience, knowledge and a passion for keeping our students safe to the position.

“I want to make a difference here in the school system, using my skills and knowledge of the schools and communities,” said Vazquez.

His immediate duties will be to review security measures, school safety and security plans as well as conducting annual safe school assessments require by the State.

BOTANICAL GARDEN STARTS SPEAKER SERIES ON MAY 20 The Key West Botanical Garden Society presents Lily Otero Pujol, at 1 p.m.

Thursday, May 20. Pujol is a member of the Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey team as a biological scientist. She will discuss “Pests of Concern for South Florida and the Importance of Early Detection.”

This meeting will be provided online only.

For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit keywest. garden.

SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM SEEKS PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR A Positive Step of Monroe County seeks an instructor/job coach for the 2021 Idle Hands Summer Youth Employment Program. Work begins in June, concludes in August, and would be ideal for someone with a teacher’s aide or coaching background. Pay is $20 per hour. Responsibilities include helping to review applications of Key West High School students seeking summer jobs with the City of Key West, helping to develop a job readiness orientation curriculum, intermittent visits to student job sites, liaison between job supervisors and students, and light book-keeping. For more information, visit the APSMC Facebook page or its website at APSMC.org. Send resumes to Billy Davis at apsmccrp@ aol.com.

18

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

1928: THE OVERSEAS HIGHWAY 1.0

I

t is undeniable that Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad BRAD altered the history of the BERTELLI Florida Keys. One of the things it accomplished, at least ... is the curator for islanders who had hisfor Islamorada’s torically relied on the Atlantic Keys History & Discovery Center.

Ocean to engage the outside A published auworld, was to turn their focus thor of six books, away from the long, thin docks his favorite subextending out from the shorejects are Indian line. Instead, they turned to the Key and skunk apes. railroad right-of-way established along the interior of the island chain.

The train made commuting to and communicating with the outside world reliable. The train to Key West proved culture-changing, too. No longer was the island chain only accessible by shallowdraft schooners. Now, a train was roaring up and down the island chain, twice a day, and offering scheduled deliveries of mail, ice, and sundry items like flour and coffee, as well as the convenient arrival of family and friends.

Though the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway became the first conduit to link the mainland to the island chain, it was not the last.

The next would become State Road 4A, more commonly known as the Overseas Highway. Less official names for the road included the Fishing Route, because the road led to the fertile fishing grounds surrounding the islands, and Old Bumpy, a local name based on the fact that for every mile one drove along the road, the car (and its passengers) bounced a halfmile up and down.

Whatever it was called, the road was an instrumental component to the development of what would become a staple to the economy of the Florida Keys, tourism. Chairman of the Monroe County Commission J. Otto Kirchheiner is credited as the first person to traverse the inaugural Overseas Highway, driving from Key West to the mainland on July 18, 1927. The road would officially open to public transit on January 25, 1928.

The original road entered the Keys via what is today Card Sound Road. It is also the path that passes by Alabama Jacks, home to some of the most famous conch fritters ever to be fried in the Sunshine State. Version 1.0 of the Overseas Highway was a far cry from the strip of asphalt and concrete people drive down today. It was longer, followed a less precise track between Key West and the mainland, and it was incomplete.

An automobile ferry system was used to bridge a 40-mile gap in the highway.

When driving from the mainland, the road came to an end at a ferry terminal on Lower Matecumbe Key. Three ferries had been purchased from Gibb’s Shipyard in Jacksonville for $850,000. Each was capable of transporting 20 cars at a time. Vehicles less than 14 feet long were charged $3.50, while those longer than 16 feet cost $6.50. Ticket prices included the driver, but passengers were assessed an additional charge of $1 each. From Lower Matecumbe Key, the ferry traveled to No Name Key. The trip between the two terminals took about four hours, weather permitting. Ferries departed twice daily from both terminals, at 8 a.m. and then again at 1 p.m.

While it was possible to reach Key West in 1928, the Upper Keys were significantly more convenient for those drivers venturing from the mainland. Fishing camps, hotels and restaurants began to appear along the side of the road. That this first version of the highway was less than ideal was not a secret. To bring more cars to Key West, the ferry system needed to be eliminated. In 1930, officials brought in the Army Corps of Engineers to assess the costs associated with building a continuous system of automobile bridges to connect Key West and the mainland.

The resulting plans were submitted to the United States Congress under the project name “Oversea Highway” and had an estimated price tag of between $7.5 million and $13.7 million. The plan went unrealized.

The Overseas Highway 1.0 also ignored the Middle Keys. Circa 1932, road projects were funded that included two additional ferry terminals, one on Grassy Key and the other on Hog Key, as well as 13 miles of road to connect them.

The collapse of the American economy and the emergence of the Great Depression thwarted further efforts to bridge the gap. Still, Monroe County officials held on to the belief that a solid bridge system connecting Key West to mainland America could represent a potential boon to the economy and, in 1934, a plan was set into motion. That story, the Overseas Highway 2.0, will unfold next week.

Automobile Ferry at the Lower Matecumbe Terminal. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Keys History & Discovery Center

19

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE The best and brightest news this week is the movement of lucky, jolly Jupiter into water sign Pisces, where it will remain until late July. The effect of this home stay can be felt in flexible collaborations, relentless good vibes and heightened intuition. The whole scene is a lot like a Lisa Frank illustration, albeit with more nudity, thanks to Taurus still hanging out in the heavens until May 20. Jupiter will return to Pisces next year, so think of these next few weeks as a buoyant preview of the good times to come.

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

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

TAURUS April 20 to May 20 My dear friend and sometimes guru always leaves me with the same mantra, the brief, powerful advice to “get it while you can.” As we bull folk are closing in on the final week of our ruling season, I invite you to apply this creed to your own life. Do not waver in your wanting and do not hesitate when it comes to taking.

Notable Taurus: Tony Hawk/ May 12, 1968 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 Bauhaus artist Laszlo Moholy Nagy was a painter, poet, sculptor, photographer, industrial designer and filmmaker. He coined the phrase Neuses Sehen, or New Vision, to describe the camera lens as a tool that operates as a revolutionary second eye for looking at the world. My wish for you, Gemini, is that you remain open to the possibility that a new way of looking at the world is not only possible, but looking for you, too.

Notable Gemini: Aung San Suu Kyi/June 19, 1945

CANCER June 21 to July 22 Poet and fellow crab Ingeborg Bachmann professed, “I am writing with my burnt hand about the nature of fire.” This scorched sentiment is a reminder that only by walking through trauma are we granted the vantage to understand it. And only through sharing the experience of that fire can we light the way for others. As you walk through trials, errors, fires and floods, remember it’s better to live with a scarred hand that can write than an unblemished one with no words to move it.

Notable Cancer: Florence Ballard/June 30, 1943 LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 One of my favorite Leos, reflecting on being pitted against an adversary, remarked, “I don’t compete, because I’ve already won.” I am all for this swinging-mane swagger and hope you adopt it in the weeks ahead. Recognizing that you have no competition to stand against and nothing to prove is the only kind of success worth seeking.

Notable Leo: Elizabeth Báthory/ Aug. 7, 1560 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Architect and fellow Virgo Tadao Ando claims, “My objective is to design a space that nobody else can come up with while using the material that anyone can use.”

Ando’s objective may help guide your own in the weeks ahead. Your greatness lives in your ability to transform the ordinary into the never-before-seen.

Notable Virgo: Temple Grandin/ Aug. 29, 1947 LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Famed front man, wearer of zebra leggings, perfector of the onstage split and fellow Libra David Lee Roth argues, “If you stick your head above the crowd, eventually somebody will throw a rock at it.” Lesser mortals might crouch in fear of

that possibility but you, Libra, are not only capable of, but called to stick your neck out and your head up. Whether your bravery is in service of yourself or others, you would do well to remember there is no reward without risk.

Notable Libra: Italo Calvino/ Oct. 15, 1923 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 This week the sun connects with Pluto, your ruling planet and agent of regeneration and spiritual change. This meeting encourages deep, unblinking, conversations with yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to shed light and share your own darkness. As sculptor and fellow Scorpio Isamu Noguchi writes, “We are a landscape of all we have seen.” Believe me when I say the topography of yours is one to behold.

Notable Scorpio: Ayaan Hirsi Ali/Nov. 13, 1969 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 This week, your ruling planet, abundant drunk uncle Jupiter, moves into dreamy Pisces, activating your fourth house of home, immediate family and familial traditions. You are poised to build the home and home life you have always needed and were possibly denied as a child. The word home itself derives from the Old Norse for world and now, more than ever, the home you create can serve as the foundation for the world you are capable of shaping.

Notable Sagittarius: Ted Nugent/ Dec. 13, 1948 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 The planet of war is in your house of partnerships this month, Capricorn, but its presence doesn’t mean you have to do battle or arm yourself for it. Instead, channel the energy of Mars into changing the way you address conflict by charging toward a more compassionate style of engagement. You

can (I promise) quiet quarrel and invite resolution through thoughtful dialogue and well-timed tongue biting.

Notable Capricorn: Patsy Ramsey/Dec. 29, 1956 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 Designer, inventor of bent plywood furniture and fellow Aquarius Alvar Aalto writes, “Nothing old is ever reborn, but neither does it totally disappear. And that which has once been will always reappear in a new form.” As you move through a season of shifting forms and personal transformation, remember that to become who you will be, you’ll need everyone you’ve ever been.

Notable Aquarius: Verner Panton/Feb. 13, 1926 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Architect and fellow Pisces Luis Barragán utilized raw materials and dramatic lighting to create “emotional architecture,” spaces and places that supported contemplation and serenity. He prioritized feeling over functionality and thus proved the necessity of the former.

I hope you will apply his approach to the work you do and the work you are doing on yourself. Let feeling guide your scaffolding.

Notable Pisces: Josef Sudek/ March 17, 1896 ARIES March 21 to April 19 There is perhaps no word less sexy, interesting or inspiring than budget, but that, my ram babies, is exactly what you need. Restraint in spending and forethought in saving will take you far this month.

You tend to be more invested in living full tilt in the present than investing in or for the future, yet this is an excellent time to show yourself just how satiating delayed gratification can be.

Notable Aries: Charles Sobhraj/ April 6, 1944

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

H

ouse Republicans ousted Rep. Liz Cheney from her post as a GOP leader on May 12, reportedly as punishment for refusing to credit former President Donald Trump’s claims that the election was stolen.

That’s not the REAL reason.

SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL ‘GROW ITS OWN’ WORKFORCE REAL REASONS LIZ CHENEY WAS REMOVED AS GOP CONFERENCE CHAIR 10. Refusal to share Disney+ login credentials with fellow legislators.

9. Failure to use the new cover sheets on her TPS reports.

8. Tested positive for a betamethasone – a substance banned by the Federal Horse Racing Commission.

7. Because “truth bombs” can be incredibly ironic sometimes.

6. Stealing office supplies (later recovered by the FBI in Alaska).

5. Was a “no-call, noshow” at the Jan. 6 pep rally held at our nation’s capital.

4. Daily Mail reported she was spotted canoodling with James Carville at Key West’s Bull & Whistle.

3. Using technological aids to steal signs, tweets and text messages during the 2018 World Series.

2. This was the only way to stop the radical Democrat agenda from destroying the country.

1. She keeps inviting Kevin McCarthy to go quail hunting with her father.

NEW PROGRAM HELPS EMPLOYEES FURTHER EDUCATION

T

he Monroe County School District, like many Florida Keys businesses and government agencies, faces a continuing difficulty finding qualified employees for professional positions within the district. What better way to fill these internal positions than encouraging current employees to expand their educational horizons?

With that goal in mind, Superintendent Theresa Axford has established a professional development program aimed at helping current employees to further their education and obtain a college degree.

The new “Grow Our Own” program, or “GO2,” is a local effort between MCSD and the College of the Florida Keys to give employees the opportunity to earn college degrees or certifications in their area of specialty. Whether it is earning an education, finance, or human resources degree, or vocational or technical certification, the district wants to invest in its employees and help build a stable workforce of local talent.

For more information about GO2, contact Harry Russell, the school district’s executive director of personnel support and instructional leadership, at Harry.Russell@ KeysSchools.com or call 305293-1400 ext. 53329.

“What could be better for our district and our students than to encourage and assist our own employees in their goals of attaining a degree?” said Axford. “Investing in our own, and giving our students a chance to see the educational process work, would be a winning situation for us all and would be a dream come true for me.”

Requirements for the program include: • A regular full-time MCSD employee who has one or more years of continuous service.

• Degree or course must be business or job related.

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or a technical/vocational program.

• Earn a passing grade of “C” or better.

• Up to $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and supplies.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

TRAFFIC LIGHT GETS THE GREEN LIGHT SIGNAL RETURNS TO COLLEGE ROAD AND U.S. 1

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER REMAINS COMMITTED TO CARE & COMMUNITY Dear Editor:

The intersection of U.S. 1 and College Road (north) soon will have a traffic light to better enable turning onto the highway. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

R

emember the “temporary” traffic light at U.S. 1 and College Road North that was installed during the Cow Key Bridge construction?

It’s coming back — permanently.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay and officials from the Florida Department of Transportation confirmed for the Keys Weekly that a traffic study was completed, and the light will be reinstalled.

The temporary signal actually belonged to the contractors who were heading up the bridge reconstruction project that required several months-long lane shifts.

Now FDOT will install its own signal. No timeline had been established as of last week, but a two-man crew was seen surveying the area on May 11.

College Road is the horseshoe-shaped road that joins U.S. 1 in two places. Along the road are Key West Golf Course and residential homes, Lower Keys Medical Center, Key West Health & Rehabilitation Center, Florida Keys Mosquito Control offices, College of the Florida Keys, the Florida Keys SPCA, Gerald Adams Elementary School and other city facilities.

The city of Key West is also building a new affordable housing neighborhood near the south entrance to College Road.

The new, permanent traffic signal will make it easier for motorists to turn from College Road onto U.S. 1, where, without the light, a left turn is nearly impossible.

I write today with hope for the future and gratitude for the resilience of our provider team at Lower Keys Medical Center. The pandemic has demonstrated how interconnected we all are in our community, the impact each of us can have and the benefit of working together for a common cause. We care deeply about our community and remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver safe, quality healthcare services.

The arc of life is always present in a hospital, but its frailty has been very clear this past year. Patients continued to receive the medical care they needed thanks to our physicians and health care professionals who provided direct care to patients, kept our facilities clean and sanitized, ensured the safety of our patients and staff and worked tirelessly to maintain hospital operations and access to services. Our family of caregivers put aside their personal concerns and came to help every single day, with bravery and courage. We will continue to support our community and grow the services provided in the Lower Keys.

In the last official report of patients served, submitted to the state of Florida in 2019, Lower Keys Medical Center touched the lives of our patients through the emergency department, inpatient services, births, surgeries and outpatient visits with more than 100,000 encounters. Parents welcomed 400 babies. Our emergency department served 22,900 patients, the hospital admitted 3,100 patients and 2,700 surgeries were performed.

Lower Keys Medical Center supported civic resources and community services through $1.68 million in property and sales taxes and over $80 million in charity and uncompensated care, local spending, payroll and donations and outreach.

In 2020, the hospital continued to expand access to care, adding five providers to Keys Medical Group in primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology and psychiatry. We combined cardiology, gastroenterology and ENT/ otolaryngology into one specialty office location for access and convenience for patients. We offered telehealth services from most of our providers and added outpatient diagnostic testing in cardiology.

Lower Keys Medical Center achieved accreditation from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association as a Primary Stroke Center. Also recognized as a Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology, the hospital added new cardiac MRI equipment.

We can’t thank our staff and medical staff enough for their dedication through challenging times, and our community for its outpouring of encouragement, prayers, appreciation and concern for all the members of the Lower Keys Medical Center family. Together we will continue to recover and work toward a stronger and healthier future.

Sincerely, David Clay CEO, Lower Keys Medical Center

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE

CONTRIBUTED

COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS HONORS GRADUATES

T

he College of the Florida Keys held an outdoor ceremony on May 7 to celebrate the spring graduating Class of 2021 on the Key West. The event, which featured a Jumbotron to display videos and closeups, was streamed live on the College’s Facebook page to reach family, friends and even students who were not in attendance.

Approximately 70 students received diplomas on stage, but the Col-

lege expects to award more than 150 bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificates to the spring class of 2021.

The ceremony featured a student address by nursing graduate Madison Nasser, an alumnus address by 2003 marine engineering graduate and Lower Keys charter Capt. Andrew Tipler, and a keynote address by Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron.

During the ceremony, the College

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2/24/21

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honored the nursing students and leaders for their extraordinary contributions to COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the Keys. College President Jonathan Gueverra conferred President’s Awards to the key players of the effort: Dr. Carla Fry, the college’s director of nursing and health sciences; Mark Roby, dean of science and nursing, and the college’s Student Nurses Association.

— Contributed

1. The spring graduates of the class of 2021 gather at the front of the Key West campus for their May 7 graduation ceremony.

2. CFK President Jonathan Gueverra gives Madision Nasser her diploma for an associate in science degree in nursing. The Air Force veteran also gave the student address and was recognized for her leadership in vaccination efforts throughout the Keys with her fellow nursing students.

3. College of the Florida Keys President Jonathan Gueverra speaks at the 62nd Commencement Exercises on May 7. Also pictured, from left, are Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron, College board chair Stephanie Scuderi, distinguished alumnus Capt. Andrew Tiipler, board vice chair Kevin Madok and vice president of advancement Frank Wood.

4. Jalyssa Martinez accepts her diploma after earning a Project ACCESS certificate as well as certifications as a guest services specialist and rooms division specialist. Project ACCESS is a vocational training program for students with intellectual disabilities.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS RACIAL SLUR AT SUGARLOAF SCHOOL

FIXING THE FLOODING

A new stormwater collection system on Key West’s Bertha Street will help reduce flooding on the road that runs from Flagler Avenue to Smathers Beach. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

ROAD PROJECT WILL IMPROVE DRAINAGE ON BERTHA STREET

A

major road project is underway to fix flooding issues on Key West’s Bertha Street, which runs from Smathers Beach to Flagler Avenue. The project will also include improvements on 1st Street, which is the continuation of Bertha Street, from Flagler Avenue to North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Monroe County started the 1st Street and Bertha Street project last month. The two roads will be rebuilt and resurfaced. A new stormwater collection system will be installed on Bertha Street and the stormwater system on 1st Street will be improved.

In addition, the county partnered with the City of Key West to rebuild existing sidewalks, add additional sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps, and install landscape cut-outs.

An asphalt base will be used in the road reconstruction instead of typical limerock, to minimize deterioration due to high groundwater and future sea-level rise impacts, states a press release from Monroe County.

The work, scheduled for completion in June 2022, will require lane closures and detours for extended periods.

Bertha Street traffic will be detoured using Venetia and George streets. And eastbound traffic on Atlantic, turning left onto Bertha Street to go toward Flagler, will be detoured to George Street, to Venetia and back onto Bertha. Detour signs will be well marked.

Additional information about lane closures and detours will be shared as it becomes available at monroecounty-fl.gov/roadprojects.

“Crews will make an effort to minimize disruptions. Work areas will remain accessible to emergency vehicles, local traffic and residents,” the county’s release states.

The county has coordinated with the City of Key West and Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority to allow additional infrastructure improvements to occur concurrently with the project to minimize disruptions.

Monroe County’s Engineering and Roads department held a meeting with area residents in November 2019 to discuss the long-awaited project.

— Contributed

CONCERNED PARENT SAYS SUPERINTENDENT & ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ACTED QUICKLY MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

S

chool district officials acted quickly on May 7 to investigate allegations of racism at Sugarloaf School.

“We have zero tolerance for bullying and harassment in our schools,” Superintendent Theresa Axford told the Keys Weekly at 6 p.m. that day.

Investigators then interviewed 23 students and four employees.

“Action needs to be taken and will be taken,” the lead investigator told the student’s mother, Jwanna Powell on Wednesday, May 12.

Superintendent Theresa Axford told the Keys Weekly investigators had “confirmed inappropriate use of a racial slur.”

Axford added that students and staff will receive education in cultural sensitivity. It is unknown whether individual students have been punished.

Powell, the mother of two black students at the school — one in middle school and one in elementary — told school officials and the Keys Weekly about the two incidents on May 7 after she had spoken with her daughter.

First, Powell said, a male student in her daughter’s eighth-grade class had drawn caricature-like pictures of George Floyd on a classroom dry-erase board. One or more students in the classroom were allegedly “making fun” of Floyd, the black man who was murdered by a Minnesota police officer in May

2020. The teacher was in the hallway at the time and did not see the drawings or hear the comments, Powell said.

“The student erased the drawing before the teacher came in, but my daughter had already taken a picture of it,” said Powell, who posted the photo on Facebook, but obscured the identity of the student standing next to it.

“Then in fourth period, in the cafeteria, another student called my daughter (the N word). I told my daughter to have her fifth-period teacher call me immediately, and she did. Then the assistant principal called me and so did the superintendent.”

Powell said one of the students is white, and the other student has one white parent and one Hispanic parent.

“They told me the two students had been removed from class and they had launched an investigation,” Powell said.

In addition to the investigation, Axford said, “We are developing a plan with social workers for small-group and large-group counseling to promote appropriate and sensitive behavior as it relates to cultural identities.”

Powell said this is not the first incident of racism at Sugarloaf School. She called it “generational conditioning that starts at home.” Powell said she asked the school district to issue a public apology and wants teachers included in the sensitivity training so they are prepared to recognize, prevent and stop racist behavior.

“My daughter said the Nword is used so loosely on the Sugarloaf bus, it is completely unacceptable,” Powell told the Keys Weekly.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

Dolphin pairs at Theatre of the Sea. DEBRA HOLLIS/Contribtued

8-year-old Zoe Townsend of Sigsbee Charter plays “mom” to a duckling at Island Farm in Key West to help it get accustomed to children. MARJORIE TOWNSEND/Contributed

Mom Osprey caught a huge fish, flew up to our cell tower, and fed her baby. TRISHA MIHAIU/Contributed Josef Borski and mom Jill enjoy fishing for tarpon in Islamorada. TIM BORSKI/ Contributed

New mom. DEBRA BABICH/Contributed

A mom and fawn Key deer share a tender moment. VALERIE PREZIOSI/ Contributed

Mockingbird nest in our bougainvillea … three babies coming. SUSAN McKEE/Contributed

My mom Sharon and me. I love you mom. MARTINA DRESSLER/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

O

ur theme for MAY is MOMS. We’re showcasing all the Keys moms out there, whether human, biological, furry or foster. Send us your favorite pictures of your Keys mama, manatees and their calves, Key West hens and chicks, or any other scenes inspired by the super moms all around us!

Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

Rules, schmules: • All photos must be original work and feature something or someone related to the Keys.

• Photos can be images that have been published before.

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

rights of privacy of any entity or person.

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

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

Honoring Our Healthcare Heroes To celebrate National Hospital Week, we want to express our gratitude and appreciation to all the staff and healthcare heroes who dedicate themselves every day to making our community a healthier and safer place to live. We’re especially grateful to these selfless medical professionals for their care, guidance and stamina during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s because of them that we know we’re in good hands and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We celebrate all our healthcare heroes today and every day.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

BUSINESSES MUST GET FIRE INSPECTIONS CHECKS ARE CONDUCTED FOR FREE UNTIL OCT. 1

The is the site rendering of the affordable housing project at Sugarloaf School, proposed by development firm Gorman & Company. CONTRIBUTED

SCHOOL BOARD WANTS LOWER RENT FOR WORKERS

Officials talk Sugarloaf housing and budget CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

A

t the May 11 Monroe County School Board meeting, board members decided to continue gathering information from for-profit developer Gorman & Co. about its proposed affordable housing project at Sugarloaf School, provided that the firm can arrange rents much lower than previously discussed.

Also on the docket on May 11: a presentation about the “good news” 2021-2022 budget and welcoming the new safety and security director.

School district lawyer Gaelan Jones reported to the board about his meetings with Gorman & Co. At issue: a $600,000 access road. Jones said Gorman & Co. is paying the $5.1 million it will cost to build the 20-unit affordable housing project, but if they cough up another $600,000 for an access road, the rents will have to go up.

So, Jones said, Gorman & Co wants to know: Will the school district pay $600,000 for the road in order to keep rents low?

The members came to a consensus: They will consider subsidizing the road only if school employees can afford to live at the housing project.

The members requested that Gorman & Co. aim for rents that are affordable for people earning 80% of the area median income, which is used to calculate income eligibility for affordable housing.

At the previous board meeting, members were disappointed by Gorman & Co.’s proposed rents that were 100% to 120% AMI, meaning, a onebedroom unit would cost $1,700 to $2,100 per month, two-bedroom units would cost $2,000 to $2,500 and threebedroom units would cost $2,400 to $2,900 per month.

Eighty percent AMI would lower the rents to $1,628 for a one-bedroom unit, $1,831 for a two-bedroom unit and $2,034 for a three-bedroom unit.

Board member Mindy Conn was firm about keeping the rents affordable. “We all know how much affordable housing is needed, but my concern is that the people who want to live here can’t. I know an employee who needs a 3/2, but she can’t afford the rent.”

Jones said he would take this request to Gorman & Co., then report back to the board at the July meeting.

On another topic, Beverly Anders, the district’s executive director of finance, said she had “good news” about the budget for the 2021-2022 school year. The 2020-2021 year’s $86 million budget will go up by $167,000 next year. The total funding per student went up by $39, and continued funding for teacher raises will be available.

Board members were particularly pleased to hear that the millage rate may go down; the millage rate is what determines property taxes for Monroe County residents based on property values.

But Anders said the millage rate won’t be confirmed until the tax roll is certified in July. Currently, the Monroe County millage rate is 1.564. But that rate may be lowered to 1.48, based on the initial information from the state, Anders said.

In other news, the board members were introduced to their new director of safety and security, Alfredo Vazquezz, a retired 30-year veteran of the Key West Police Department.

Vazquez is “familiar with the Keys and the school district. He has worked with agencies Keyswide during his tenure with KWPD and was part of the team that looked at school hardening several years ago,” states a press release.

Lower Keys Deputy Fire Marshal Thomas Rossano provides a free Fire and Life Safety Inspection to Manny Perez, owner of the Tindahan Asian Market on Big Pine Key. Inspections are free until Oct. 1, 2021. CONTRIBUTED

S

tarting on Oct. 1, all commercial businesses in unincorporated Monroe County will require an annual Fire and Life Safety Inspection.

The inspections are being conducted for free now, but businesses that wait till after the new rule takes effect will face costs of $100 to $400.

The Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office is performing free Fire and Life Safety Inspections for commercial properties in unincorporated Monroe County until Oct. 1, 2021. The check includes fire alarm and monitoring systems, exit signs, fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and fire suppression systems, among other things.

Some businesses, like vacation rentals and daycares, already require these annual inspections for licensure. But starting Oct. 1, all commercial business in unincorporated parts of the county will be required to have them.

Fees range from $100 to $400 and the complete breakdown is available at www. monroecounty-fl.gov/fireinspections.

The municipalities — Marathon, Islamorada, etc. — have

their own inspection programs and this program is just for the unincorporated areas of Monroe County and Ocean Reef.

Once the inspection is completed, property owners will be provided with information to correct any fire hazards, if necessary.

Fire and Life Safety Inspections and pre-fire planning are part of the county’s fire prevention program focused on the welfare and safety of the public while minimizing potential fire and life safety hazards.

“These inspections are necessary for the safety of the individuals and patrons of the inspected building to ensure preventable incidents may be averted,” said Monroe County Chief Fire Marshal RL Colina.

“Our goal is to enhance the safety of commercial occupancies for the owners, visitors, and residents in Monroe County.”

To schedule a commercial property Fire and Life Safety Inspection in unincorporated Monroe County, call 305-2896020. Fire and Life Safety Inspection information and the upcoming fee schedule can be found at www.monroecountyfl.gov/fireinspections.

— Contributed

33

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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35

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

NEW & IMPROVED HOSPITAL

FISHERMEN’S HOSPITAL IN MARATHON NEARS COMPLETION The newly renovated Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon is set to open in 25 days. The Keys Weekly Newspapers received an exclusive first look at the facility earlier this week.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

36

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

1

2 3

CONSERVATION AND THE COUSTEAUS JACQUES’ GRANDSON FABIEN HELPS CLEAN UP KEYS WATERS

H

ere in the Florida Keys, we’re no strangers to underwater cleanup dives – both why they’re needed as well as how much good they can do, especially for local reefs. This month, we were lucky to host Fabien Couteau, grandson of famed underwater explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, on a few such dives in our waters.

Learning to dive on his fourth birthday and joining Jacques on his legendary ships, the Calypso and Alcyone, it seems as if Cousteau was born to continue his grandfather’s legacy. The latter was PADI certificate 001, Cousteau recalls, describing a very different time for the oceans and for those wanting to save them. Now, he builds upon the family legacy in ocean exploration and conservation with local efforts and initiatives like the cleanup dives that brought him to the Florida Keys.

“We’re here in the Keys to help” Cousteau told the Weekly. “We came down with a group of very distinguished supporters to partake in the marine debris clean up with Ocean Reef Club and to look for future synergistic opportunities where we can help the local community.”

Jesus Gudino from The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef Club (ORC) welcomed Cousteau, his team from the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center (FCOLC) and locals on two cleanup dives at Turtle Reef, off iconic Carysfort Reef in North Key Largo. The divers pulled up derelict lobster

traps, discarded rope and line and other marine debris from the ocean floor.

“We unfortunately did great,” Gudino told the Weekly. “We got 664.8 pounds of debris.”

Cousteau playfully interjected, “We smashed the old record!”

The Dive Shop has cleaned up this area several times before, each time pulling up a few hundred pounds. That shows that cleanups need to occur regularly because human activity and ocean currents constantly introduce new debris into the oceans, even in areas that have been cleaned up before.

Because of that, these “Dives Against Debris” happen throughout the community every month, thanks in large part to a unique collaboration piloted between the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) and local waterbased businesses. Starting in 2017 as a response to Hurricane Irma, NMSF began funding select dive shops through the “Goal Clean Seas: Florida Keys” program to remove debris from the water.

All work conducted under the program is permitted, and the shops, called “Blue Star Diving Operators,” are trained in best practices for marine debris removal. The collaboration has been a thriving success, with some shops like Key Dives in Islamorada surpassing 11,000 pounds of debris removed, scientists coming to

the Keys to study what animals live on debris and the program being expanded to include snorkel and fishing boats as well as scoping dives to identify “debris hotspots” like the one that Cousteau and his team cleaned up.

Blue Star Operators funded and trained through the program educate their customers on best practices to keep the local coral reef safe and can pass on their savings to their clients, sometimes offering free and discounted trips to locals. In this way, the entire community has been able to get hands-on in making a difference.

ORC resident Nick Davies regularly joins the cleanup dives run by The Dive Shop. He said, “They’re really rewarding and I would encourage everyone who lives down here or visits here to get involved.”

Of the day’s record haul, Davies described it as “rewarding” but also “depressing” that so much remains out there in need of cleaning. He implored, “Even if you’re not diving or snorkeling, come out and help us identify debris and spread the world that there’s a hell of a lot of it down there and we need as much help as possible to keep our oceans clean.”

When asked why he decided to join the effort in the Keys, Cousteau replied with a quote his grandfather had taught him long ago: “People protect what they love, they love what they understand, and they understand what

37

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

1. Fabien Cousteau with his pioneering grandfather, Jacques Yves Cousteau.

FABIEN COUSTEAU/Contributed 2. Keys Weekly joins Fabien Cousteau to remove marine debris in the Florida Keys and to talk about the future of the oceans. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

4

3. Keys Weekly reporter Tiffany Duong joins Fabien Cousteau and FCOLC members Martín Molina Castellnon and Pamela Fletcher for a marine debris cleanup on Turtle Reef. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

5

4. Locals join Fabien Cousteau and his team from the FCOLC for a marine debris cleanup dive in the Florida Keys.

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 5. Fabien Cousteau and members of the FCOLC remove 664.8 pounds of debris from coral reefs in the Florida Keys. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 6. In 2014, Fabien Cousteau spent a record-breaking 31 days underwater at Aquarius Reef Base. MISSION 31/ Contributed they’re taught.” The efforts that day would help to spread the message about the many different challenges currently facing the oceans, and, more importantly, what each person can do to help.

“The only way we’re getting out of this is if we fill the proverbial bucket together one drop at a time — one action at a time,” Cousteau said. “We’re all responsible for what we see today, so the solution isn’t from one source like myself or an individual doing their best, it’s all of us pitching in.”

His grandfather’s mantra also underpins all that Cousteau and his team at the FCOLC do. One of the most exciting endeavors they’re working on is a new underwater research laboratory called Proteus. Situated 60 feet below the surface in Curaçao, it will be the world’s largest and most advanced underwater habitat.

“A lot of science will be coming out of it,” Cousteau told the Weekly. “Educational components and broadcasting will be for the social good, for the benefit of humanity and the planet.”

Conceptualized after the International Space Station, Proteus will be modular, customizable and run on renewable energy. It will allow for cutting-edge marine and climate science to take place underwater for durations of time not currently attainable and for education about the oceans to reach more people than ever before imagined.

Proteus was inspired by Cousteau’s prior Mission 31 to Aquarius Reef Base, the underwater habitat run by Florida International University. Aquarius is the most recently built underwater habitat and the only one still functioning.

He said, “In 2014, I did a mission deemed impossible called Mission 31. We spent 31 days in Aquarius studying the effects of a lunar cycle on a coral reef... It was a really interesting exercise in long-term stay underwater.”

The mission – in both its achievements (a record-breaking 31-day stay underwater) and its limitations (with around 400 square feet of living and laboratory space) planted the seeds in Cousteau that eventually grew into Proteus.

The concept design for the latter is even inspired in part by spiraling coral structures.

As for what’s next for the aquanaut, he kept a tight lip, but did hint, “We’re working on something locally. It’s going to be good. You’ll have to stay tuned to see.”

As a final piece of advice to our Keys Weekly readers, Cousteau said, “It’s a privilege and responsibility to share the adventure and the passion (of our oceans) with others. It’s something a lot of people won’t get the chance to do, but that we, at the Ocean Learning Center, and you, in the Keys, can do every day.”

7. Proteus is a new prototype underwater research station that could revolutionize how research is conducted and what it can uncover. YVES BÉHAR/ Fuseproject

6 7

38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

STATE OF FLORIDA Lieutenant governor

talks elections bill, COVID actions

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez

JIM McCARTHY

A

jim@keysweekly.com

60-day legislative session in Tallahassee brought more than 260 pieces of legislation to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.

Last week, he signed two bills related to the state’s elections and COVID-19 recovery, as well as two executive orders.

Joining DeSantis in his signature of election legislation, Senate Bill 90, during a press conference in West Palm Beach last week was the state’s No. 2 in charge, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. The first Hispanic female lieutenant governor, elected in 2018, Nuñez was tuned in to the issues during the session.

With the signing of the 48-page election bill on May 3, DeSantis said he assured ballot integrity and a fair election in Florida. Specifically, the bill allows drop boxes to be open at a supervisor’s office outside of early voting hours, but only if monitored in person. Language within the law also states drop boxes be geographically located to provide all voters in a county with an equal opportunity to cast a ballot.

In addition, legislation requires a voter to provide a valid Florida driver’s license number, state identification card or the last four digits of their Social Security number when requesting a mail-in ballot or changing political party.

Nuñez, in an interview with the Weekly, said the bill ensures that ballot harvesting and mass absentee ballot mailings won’t happen under the DeSantis administration. Florida residents who are registered can cast their votes either by voting early, submitting an absentee ballot or going to the polls in person on election day.

“I don’t think anyone with a straight face can say that this bill impedes your ability or restricts your ability to vote,” she said. “You still have all of those mechanisms to vote.

You just need to do it the right way, so we wanted to make sure that we were being transparent ... that people are not going to prey on our senior population, in particular with regard to ballot harvesting, we’re going to address that.”

Nuñez said legislation signed

by DeSantis also prohibits private money for election-related expenses, so “supervisor of election offices cannot be funded by what the governor called ‘Zucker bucks.’”

While supporters say the bill strengthens election security, dissenters say it disenfranchises voters.

State Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says the legislation is a “solution looking for a problem.”

“This governor has infringed our rights once again,” she said.

Several lawsuits were filed after the signing, including one from the Florida League of Voters.

“The legislation has a deliberate and disproportionate impact on elderly voters, voters with disabilities, students and communities of color,” said Patricia Brigham, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida.

In response, Nuñez said she’d like those opposed to point out the “actual line in the bill” that oppresses or suppresses certain voters.

“You still have two weeks of early voting, 7 (a.m.) to 7 (p.m.) at least in Miami-Dade County. I know other counties can tweak the times,” she said. “Many counties have two full weeks.”

Just days before signing the election bill, DeSantis announced the suspension and invalidation of local COVID-19 mandates, like mask wearing, through two executive orders.

The governor also signed Senate Bill 2006, which authorizes the governor or legislature to invalidate local measures during an emergency that “unnecessarily restrict a constitutional right, fundamental liberty or statutory right.” Legislation, which takes effect July 1, exempts orders in response to a hurricane or weatherrelated emergencies.

Per the bill, emergency orders are limited to seven days, instead of 10, and renewals of an order are limited to five. It also requires the governor to provide specific reasons

if a decision is made to close schools or businesses during a public health emergency.

Nuñez said legislation allows private businesses to choose whether to keep mask mandates for employers and their customer base. Government cannot operate under a cloud of emergency orders any more, she said.

“As we get more and more vaccinated, you can’t have it both ways.

You can't say ‘Get vaccinated, do your part, be a good America, but oh, it doesn’t really work so you have to keep your mask on and keep your distance and still have people shut out of business,” she said.

While measures within the executive orders and bill don’t apply to schools, Nuñez said the governor would support an evaluation among school districts as they move into the summer and next school year.

“Risks are much less for children and young adults than for seniors.

That’s why the governor said we support having options for parents,” she said. “He would support for it to be optional. The school districts can make their decisions.”

As for the state session, Nuñez called it “strange” because people weren’t allowed inside the capitol building due to COVID. Not all issues reached the finish line, but Nuñez said revenue estimates are exceeding projections heading further along into 2021 — a byproduct of an open economy and decisions throughout the last year.

Legislators in the House and Senate passed a $101.5 billion budget before the session concluded April 30.

“From a budget standpoint, at no point during the COVID pandemic did we have to touch our ‘rainy-day’ fund,” she said. “We doubled down on it to ensure our reserves are strong and our financial footing is strong.

“Sustainability is going to be key, as we continue to have areas of the economy that are still impacted, for example the cruise industry,” she continued. “Those are all things that as we continue to get further away from COVID and further towards what we were, which from my opinion we were on a path to prosperity, I think you will see a much different outcome than what it could have been had the 2018 election outcome been different and had the governor had made different decisions along the way.”

39

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021 A black-whiskered vireo in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO: THE ‘YOU-LOOK-GOOD’ BIRD

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

I

t’s not often that an animal messes with you just for the fun of it.

Stuart, my half pit bull, used to do it. If you took him for a walk up the Keys, he would sometimes find a really long stick, balance it in his mouth, run up behind you and hit you in the back of the legs with it. Then he would stand there with a kind of Fozzie Bear look on his face, like it was the funniest thing in the world. (He did this once with an 8-foot two-by-four. Hilarious.)

A couple years ago I was out in my boat and saw a pod of dolphins. I cut the engine to just watch them for a while, and they went into full-on magical sea creature mode, leaping out of the water, doing jumps and flips and all that acrobatic stuff dolphins do. They kept getting closer to the boat until one of them leaped toward it and did this high half-somersault, so the top of his flukes slapped the water a couple feet away from the stern, sending a perfect and inescapable wave across the boat, soaking me and everything on it, including the new GPS. It was such a precise move, there was no way it wasn’t deliberate.

Lately I’ve had my suspicions about a black-whiskered vireo in our neighborhood. Considering that humans rarely know what’s in the hearts and minds of other humans, much less their own hearts and minds, it’s probably unreasonable to believe that a black-whiskered vireo knows what’s in mine, and is using that secret knowledge to mess with me. But still.

We’ve lived in our house for close to 10 years, and during that time I’ve heard black-whiskered vireos calling all over the neighborhood, sometimes near, sometimes far. It’s usually a four- or fivenote sequence. To me, it sounds like a two-note question, followed by a two- or three-note answer. And it’s not one of those wan, delicate, songbird songs. Each note is a shot of espresso, or more accurately, a shot of bucce or cafecito, since the species breeds across the Caribbean and winters in northern South America. It sounds a bit like a mockingbird would if they were into that whole brevity thing.

Despite their loud and strong call, they can be hard to spot.

They like to sing from deep in the leaves, coming off as disembodied voices in the treetops. I’m not proud of this, and it wasn’t ethical, but once, when I was leading a tour of people who really wanted to see a black-whiskered vireo, there was one singing high up in a tall, skinny tree. I tried pishing (which is imitating a bird call) to draw it out, and when that didn’t work, I used a playback of the bird’s call.

Nothing. Finally, I walked up to the tree and shook it rather vigorously a couple times, thinking it would make the bird fly off so everyone could get a look. The bird didn’t move, just held its ground and kept right on singing.

You usually can catch sight of black-whiskered vireos when they’re foraging, hopping from branch to branch in search of fruit and insects. They’re not the flashiest of birds – a beige-ish brown-gray with a slate-y gray cap and eye stripe.

But their elusiveness and their quick movements give them a cachet. That and their nominal black whiskers, which make them look a bit like an avian version of Lemmy from Motörhead.

Their Cuban name is Bien-te-veo, which translates roughly to you-look-good. Some sources say the name is a mnemonic – kind of like the way an olive-sided flycatcher’s call is supposed to sound like “quick, three beers” in English. Though with their extroverted furtiveness, calling a bird “you-look-good” also makes a kind of sense.

Why do I want them to nest in our mahogany tree? They’ve been moving around the edge of my life for a long time. I guess I just want to have more chances to see a bird I hear so often, to watch their comings and goings, to hear the weird little sounds their hungry hatchlings make.

How are they messing with me? For the last two weeks at least one of them has been flying into the mahogany, singing for five or 10 minutes, then going quiet.

Birds generally sing for two reasons – to stake out turf and to attract a mate. It’s really early in the season, so the male should be singing his head off to either advertise the wonders of himself and his territory to a female. And if he found a female that said, “Sure, let’s do this,” he should be singing his head off to make it clear to other males that this is his territory, stay the (heck) out. This little routine of singing for a few minutes and going quiet seems disingenuous. And it’s not the first year that he – or one of his cohorts – has done this.

For a while I was thinking maybe he had a big territory and was ranging around it, singing in its far-flung corners. But I looked it up and black-whiskered vireos tend to sing within 75 feet of their nests, so if he was doing that, he would be 150 feet away at most. Even if he was atypical and doubled his range, he’d only be 300 feet away – still well within the block. And I would definitely be able to hear him.

So I don’t know what’s going on. I’m trying very hard not to take it personally. But if a couple of black-whiskered vireos would just nest in our mahogany tree, all will be forgiven.

40

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

WOMEN IN SONG

SHORTAGES A M

WHAT WE’RE MISSING IN THE PANDEMIC

ove over, toilet paper and make room for pepper. Really. Pepper. The pandemic just keeps giving … or in this case, taking away. In the spring of 2020 we collectively lost our minds about toilet paper and hand sanitizer and bought everything on the shelf.

Well, the global crisis is winding down, only to pour salt in our wounds with continued shortages. And we’re not talking about employees or the gas crisis SARA caused by hackers of the Colonial pipeline. (SeriMATTHIS ously, that’s not a thing for Florida; our gas comes on shipping tankers. Please, stop panic-buying.) thinks commuThe list is funny, but the real-world problems are nity journalism not. is important, but Some of the shortages are being caused by not serious; likes weird and wonsupply chain disruptions — i.e., manufacturers that derful children closed or scaled back during the pandemic and un(she has two). derestimated demand, such as the lumber and steel Occasionally she industries. That chip your new washing machine tortures herself needs? Turns out the supply of semiconductor matewith sprint-distance triathlons, rials needed to build it is delayed. That’s worrisome but only if she has because the typical mine takes about 16 years to dea good chance of velop to the point it can supply raw materials. Heinz beating her sister. is 12 billion ketchup packets behind the eight-ball due to the rise in takeout orders when dining rooms closed. Other markets are being affected by shipping; according to one industry report about 25% of the U.S. fleet is parked because there are not enough drivers.

So, what else? We polled business owners and managers and here’s what’s missing in the Keys: Kate Koler: Cake cones.

Jasmyn Carver: Linens, blenders, coffee makers, frying pans, towels.

Carolyn Anthony: Ketchup, horseradish.

Danette Baso Silvers: Nikon products.

Rachel Bowman: Liquor. (“Last week I couldn’t order Crown Royal. This week, it’s Patron. And Hennessy shortage is a big issue too.”)

Bette Zirkelbach: 1 cc Luer Lock syringes.

Carol Tedesco: Silver coins. (“I guess I can't blame COVID-19 for the lack of recent discoveries of silver Spanish colonial coins on shipwreck sites. Or can I?”) Chef “Flavor” Stanton: Nitrile gloves. (“The prices have gone from $7 a box to $34!”)

Dion Watson: Roofing supplies. (“Some are not available for 60 to 90 days, and what is available has risen in price anywhere from 40 to 60%”).

Leanys Carlson: Yetis, fishing boots.

Mark Senmartin: Guns and ammo.

Rachel Daniels: Paint, fiberglass filters, AC filters, kitchen appliances.

Aaron Osters: Trap wire, aluminum, watersports gear, fish hooks, chlorine.

Chanice Dos Santos: Chlorine.

Scott Newton: Amplifiers, speakers, routers, cameras.

Todd Childress: PVC pipe. (“The supply is getting bad and most has doubled or tripled in price from a year ago.”)

Baelee Pettry: Tackle.

Blair Shiver: Black pepper.

Chelsey Torres: Chlorine and rubber gloves.

Chris Bryk: Electrical meter cans.

Tiffany Duong: Dive regulator parts. (“Dive shops in the Keys couldn't get parts to do regulator service for months. Still looooong wait times.”)

Nicole Grego: Tires.

Shannon Gershowitz Silva: Boxes.

Elise Mucha Reid: Old Bay spice.

Danielle Lebo: Imported flowers.

The takeaway here is that we should kiss all the truckers, share and amp up our kindness and understanding and pass the ketchup.

And now… the bad!

lert readers from last week will remember that this column topic was suggested

by Weekly copy editor Mike Howie. Mike gave me the idea of writing a couple of columns about songs with women’s names in the titles — last week’s was the good, and this week features the not-so-good.

“Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond.

Okay, there are far worse songs. But how many times do we have to listen to “BAA BAA BAA!” each time someone plays that song in a bar? So good, so good, so good? No. Even Neil Diamond must be sick of this by now.

“Gloria,” The Them. G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria! Ugh. This was not one of Van Morrison’s best moments. And Laura Branigan’s song with the same title isn’t much better.

“My Sharona,” The Knack. The less time spent pondering this song, the better. Let’s move on.

“Lucille,” Kenny Rogers. If you were alive in the 1970s, you were sick of this song. Lucille was not a nice woman to leave behind four hungry children and crops in the field.

“Jennifer Juniper,” Donovan. One of the most annoying songs of the 1960s.

And it rivals “Hurdy Gurdy Man” as Donovan’s most annoying song.

“Angie Baby,” Helen Reddy. This is one of the strangest songs ever written. It’s about a seemingly mentally ill girl who has special powers to suck a neighbor boy into her radio, and she gets to take him out now and again when she needs to be satisfied. As the song says, “It’s so nice to be insane, no one asks you to explain.”

“Sylvia’s Mother,” Dr. Hook. This is a truly annoying song written in the voice of a pathetic loser having a phone conversation with his (ex-?) girlfriend’s mother, begging for just one more chance to speak with Sylvia.

The mother is the sympathetic character in the song — but that’s not really saying much. If you like whining and sniveling in a song, this one’s for you.

Sylvia should thank her lucky stars her mother intervened to keep her away from the singer.

“Elvira,” Oak Ridge Boys. “Giddy up oom poppa oom poppa mow mow” — what insightful lyrics. And the songwriter was accused of stealing them from an earlier song! The Boys should have just stuck with gospel.

“Think of Laura,” Christopher Cross. I’d rather not.

“Tell Laura I Love Her,” Ray Peterson. A 1960 melodrama where the boy dies … thinking of Laura.

JOHN BARTUS is a City of Marathon councilman. He also is a musician who performs around town. For more see johnbartus. com

“867-5309/Jenny,” Tommy Tutone.

I feel really bad for all the people in 1982 in each area code who actually had 867-5309 as their phone number. This song was all over the radio and annoyed most people named Jenny as well as those who had that number.

“Jane,” Starship.

Another 1980s song that might even be more annoying than “867-5309/

Jenny.”

“Barbie Girl,” Aqua. She should have just stayed in the Dream House with Ken. Then we might have been spared this song.

“Black Betty,” Ram Jam. Damn.

This is one of the most annoying songs of the 1970s, and it’s possibly about a rifle and not a woman. But who cares?

Bamb-a-lam.

“Lola,” The Kinks. Technically, this song might not qualify because Lola might not be a woman.

“Hey Paula,” Paul & Paula. Cloying, annoying, soul-destroying.

“If U Seek Amy,” Britney Spears.

Stupidity disguised as cleverness.

“Judy In Disguise (With Glasses),” John Fred & His Playboy Band. John thought the Beatles song was “Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds.” This hideous little song went to number 1 in 1968, so what do I know?

“Come On, Eileen,” Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Again, there are worse songs. And I’m sure this song means something more in the UK or Ireland.

But these lyrics: “Come on Eileen, too loo rye ay…” I’ll pass.

I’d like to thank Mike Howie for the inspiration for these last two columns.

It’s been fun to go back and think of these songs, both good and bad. I hope they brought back some musical memories and maybe a smile to your face. An occasional groan is also okay. Just a reminder, there’s no Social Distancing Concert this Friday on Facebook Live, but it will be back next week. See you then!

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

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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Covid-19 Antibody Testing • Quest Lab • Ultrasound • Echocardiograms Carotid Sonograms • Peripheral vascular studies • Holter Monitoring Dr. Augsten has been treating patients in the Florida Keys since 2008 and has privileges to admit and consult within the Baptist Health Network and leading medical facilities across the nation.

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42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

DEPUTIES SAVE STOWAWAY KITTEN ‘PAWFICER LUCKY’ IS GETTING TLC AT MARATHON SPCA

Impeccable dining on Key West’s only private, natural sand beach.

Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner and Sunday Brunch.

BREAKFAST Monday–Saturday: 7AM–11AM & Sunday: 7AM–10AM LUNCH Monday–Saturday: 11:30AM–3PM DINNER NIGHTLY 5:30PM–9:30PM

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Scan this code with your phone for menus

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

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY | LUNCH 11-2:30 | DINNER 5 -10

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 4:20 -11

WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY | LUNCH 11- 2:30 | DINNER 5 -10 LUNCH | BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11- 2:30

M

iddle Keys sheriff’s deputies saved a kitten recently after they found it hitching a ride — for several hours — under Deputy Jonathan Rodriguez’s patrol car.

The story began at 9:08 a.m. on May 10 when deputies received reports that a kitten was running close to southbound traffic near Mile Marker 47 on the Seven Mile Bridge. Rodriguez responded to find a deceased adult cat — suspected to be the kitten’s mother — in the road at the base of the bridge.

Rodriguez stopped. He saw the kitten run toward his patrol car and apparently leave the bridge, back to safety. He continued to look for the kitten near the base of the bridge to no avail. He alerted other deputies that there was a kitten near the base of the bridge that may reenter traffic. Other calls came in and Rodriguez had to leave the scene.

Hours later toward the end of shift, at about 6 p.m., Sgt. Joel Slough heard a cat meowing from under Rodriguez’s patrol car. After several minutes, Deputy Frank Westerband was able to see that the kitten was sitting on the rear axle.

A call went out throughout the Sheriff’s Office Marathon Substation as both day and night shift deputies went to work trying

to rescue the kitten. The Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was also called for assistance. Cat food was used in an attempt to lure the scared kitten out of the vehicle, but no luck. Both rear tires were removed from the car as the kitten kept retreating to a small void between the rear axle and the fuel tank.

Finally, Animal Control Officer Aryel Del Cueto was able to safely remove the kitten.

The kitten — nicknamed “Pawcifer Lucky” — is now resting comfortably at the FKSPCA in Marathon.

— Contributed

43

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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

44

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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A KEY WEST FAMILY TRADITION IN FINE FOODS SINCE 1926

DELIVERY & GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE 522 FLEMING STREET 1105 WHITE STREET WWW.FAUSTOS.COM

45

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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

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‘‘For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.’’ I Timothy 2:5 NKJV For those who wish to attend via teleconference dial 774.258.4149 or alternate # 716.293.9794 at the times listed above.

APPLY IN PERSON AT THE GARDENS HOTEL 526 ANGELA STREET

46

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Keys AHEC Health Centers located at 5800 Overseas Hwy, #38, Marathon, FL 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Florida Keys Area Health Education Center, Inc. Publish: May 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Watermart Marine & Electronics located at P.O. Box 1404, Islamorada, FL 33036, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Island Life Ventures LLC Publish: May 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Riptide Surf Shop located at 912 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: 914 Duval, Inc. Publish: May 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers 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 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:

LEGAL NOTICES May 6 & 13, 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 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 AT 9:30 A.M., the City Commission 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 Thursday May 27, 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 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday May 27, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from Crawl Key Development, owner of Lot 11 Block 3 15th Circle. Social distancing, the wearing of a facial covering and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 10 (5) and Section 10 (8) for a 15 feet rear set back variance for a porch and a 4’ 0” height variance for a new one dwelling unit residence. Current setback is restricted to 50 feet and current building height is 30’0”.

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

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

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday May 27, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: May 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: May 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday May 27, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from Centko Jill Rev Trust 10/10/2019, owner of 185 & 195 15th Circle. Social distancing, the wearing of a facial covering and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 will be 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.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 10 (8) for a 4’0” height variance for existing one dwelling unit residence and addition. Current building height is 30’0”.

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

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

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday May 27,

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: KOEHN AND BIG PINE SHORES ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PROJECT BIG PINE KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on June 22, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: KOEHN AND BIG PINE SHORES ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PROJECT 06/22/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@ monroecounty-fl.gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on June 22, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156#

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: KEY LARGO COMMUNITY PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS DESIGN & INSTALLATION MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on June 10, 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: Key Largo Community Park Pickleball Courts Design & Installation 06/10/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening.

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on June 10, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

LEGAL NOTICES +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: May 13, 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-49-P IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD H. SMITH Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RICHARD H. SMITH, deceased, whose date of death was March 18, 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: May 13, 2021.

Personal Representative: CAROL L. SMITH 118 Dove Creek Drive 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: May 13 & 20, 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-50-P IN RE: ESTATE OF WALTER JARED BERNSTEIN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WALTER JARED BERNSTEIN, deceased, whose date of death was March 25, 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

LEGAL NOTICES 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: May 13, 2021.

Personal Representative: JARED T. BERNSTEIN 230 2nd Road Key Largo, FL 33037 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: May 13 & 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2021-CP-41-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOHN BERKY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of John Berky, deceased, whose date of death was December 5, 2020 and the last four digits of whose social security number are 5395, 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN §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

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES of this notice is the 13th day of May, 2021.

Personal Representative: Lynn Baron 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: May 13 & May 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-41-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL B. LITTY Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Michael B. Litty, deceased, whose date of death was April 10, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 13, 2021.

Personal Representative: Elizabeth Callion, Pers. Rep 543 74th Street Ocean Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: May 13 & 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-39-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ANN FRY RICHARDSON Deceased.

305.743.0844

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Ann Fry Richardson, deceased, whose date of death was March 23, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 13, 2021.

Personal Representative: Julie Ann Richardson Veenstra, Pers. Rep. 530 Broadway E. #511 Seattle, Washington 98102 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: May 13 & 20, 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.

Personal Representative: Sandra Ryan 11007 Gardner Avenue 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

E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: May 6 & 13, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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.

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

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-77-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FRANCESCA GAUL, 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 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA-000579-K DIVISION: CIVIL JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a corporation not-for-profit under the laws of the State of Florida Plaintiff, vs.

The Estate of Carol Butcher Parsons, et al.

Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE AS TO COUNT(S) I Notice is hereby given that on June 7, 2021 at 11:00AM, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5811, Week 17, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-17148) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on March 25, 2021, in Civil Case No. 20-CA-000579-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this

LEGAL NOTICES 7TH day of April, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: May 13 & 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000726-K DIVISION: CIVIL JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Frank John Sittnick, Jr., et al.

Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE AS TO COUNT(S) III Notice is hereby given that on June 7, 2021 at 11:00AM, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5314, Week 30, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-14594) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on March 25, 2021, in Civil Case No. 19-CA-000726-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 7TH day of April, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: May 13 & 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA-000080-K DIVISION: CIVIL JUDGE BONNIE J. HELMS Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

The Estate of Mary Ita Constantine, et al.

Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE AS TO COUNT(S) I Notice is hereby given that on June 7, 2021 at 11:00AM, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5612, Week 33, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of

LEGAL NOTICES Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-17799) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on March 25, 2021, in Civil Case No. 20-CA-000080-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 7TH day of April, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: May 13 & 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA-000084-K DIVISION: CIVIL JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Byron L. Patterson, et al.

Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE AS TO COUNT(S) III Notice is hereby given that on June 7, 2021 at 11:00AM, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5822, Week 26, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-21099) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on March 25, 2021, in Civil Case No. 20-CA-000084-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 7TH day of April, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: May 13 & 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000830-K DIVISION: CIVIL JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

Lise S. Haupt, et al.

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

OFFICE SPACE

Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE AS TO COUNT(S) V AND VI Notice is hereby given that on June 7, 2021 at 11:00AM, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5714, Week 30, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 2-16873) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on March 25, 2021, in Civil Case No. 19-CA-000830-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of April, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: May 13 & 20, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Luxury Trendy Salon & Spa located in Ocean Reef seeking Massage Therapist & Esthetician and all other technicians please apply as well.

Salary guaranteed. Email: Boni@oohlalaorc.com

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work!

Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts.

Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

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

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

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!

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!

EMPLOYMENT Help wanted - Big Time Discount Bait and Tackle in Marathon- competitive wages and working 2535 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199 Winning team looking for a Sales Person. Full-time and Part-time available.

Call 305-248-6149

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

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire someone for serving and bartending.

The position pays $12/hr and a guaranteed 20% gratuity in our tip pool. Hours are approximately 3pm to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday and the occasional Sunday.

Please apply in person at 825 33rd Street, Gulf, Marathon, FL from 11am2pm Tuesday-Friday.

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

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

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

Carpenter and Laborer needed in Upper Keys.

Must have valid driver's license and transportation.

Call 305-852-3002

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

YARD SALES MOVING SALE: Fri May 14 & Sat May 15 from 8am12noon. Furniture, rugs, lamps, art, kitchen items, & misc. household items.

900 Oleander Road, Key Largo, MM102 Oceanside

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

Place your Yard Sale ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Stuff!

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.

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

NOW HIRING

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

Interior Designer

Law Office

Finish Carpenter

Vacation Rentals

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

Paralegal/Real Estate Closer Cleaning Team-starting at $20/hour Excellent Benefits Package EOE M/F/D/V Apply online: www.spottswood.com/careers

Landscape Designer

HIRING

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

Pool service hiring PT 4/days a week cleaning pools & water testing. Marathon area.

Call 305-395-0000 HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

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!

Flooring Installer Warehouse & Delivery Crew

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.

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 HIRED!!

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

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

Or call for appt. 305-481-3067

SUDOKU

SOLUTION

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

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305.743.0844

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN Location: Middle Keys – Lower Keys

Join the winning Technical Services Dept team at the FKAA for future growth opportunities and an excellent working environment

MUST HAVE an active Journeyman Electrician License. Duties: Install, inspect, test, repair, and maintain all new and existing generators, motors, transformers, motor controllers, and associated equipment throughout our system, with base location in the middle keys. Minimum qualifications: Journeyman’s License, emphasis on electronics, industrial electrical, pneumatics, controls, building automation, fire alarm and HVAC systems, load calculations, conduit requirements, thorough knowledge of NEC requirements, minimum 6 yrs experience.

Must be able to operate and use computers with various software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be able to communicate and comprehend the English language. $55,876. - $88,506. DOQ On-line app: http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm Deadline: Open until filled. EEO, VPE, ADA

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

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

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE MECHANIC Salary Range: $46,347.98 – $70,968.11 Location: Middle Keys

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a fulltime Maintenance Mechanic to perform skilled maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, equipment, and pumps. MUST HAVE: high school diploma or GED; and at least two (2) years of experience and/or training that include construction trades, such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, or electrical. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Must be able to obtain an FDEP Level III Distribution License within 18 mos. of hire date. Great benefits like retirement, paid health, dental, vision & life insurance and much more! Must complete on-line application found at: http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm EEO, VPE, ADA

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.

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

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

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

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

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

NOW HIRING: F/T and PT Bartenders for BlueWaters Pool Bar and Wedding Event Bartenders

$10/hour Great Tips Health Benefits & Room Discounts Sign-on bonus Poolside setting with Gulf View Apply in Person, Start Today!

Courtyard Marriott Marathon 2146 Overseas Hwy • 305-289-2100

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

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

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

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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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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

FULL TIME OPENING CUS TOMER S ERV I CE RE PRE S ENT A T I V E Coordinate aircraft transactions with customers and the line service technicians

Part time & Full time Opportunities!

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

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

Elite Valet Arrival Agent Front Desk Agent Line Cook Hot Tin Roof Server- AM and PM Opportunities Night Auditor/Night Security LMT, Nail Tech, Esthetician – Sign on Bonus Offered!

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Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

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Home Care Agency Founded in 2007

NOW HIRING! Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District is accepting applications for a full-time, entry level, Plant Operations System Technician. Must have HS Diploma or equivalent and a valid Floria 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

Experienced personnel from Key Largo to Key West!

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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

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

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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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

NEW BOUTIQUE OPENS IN MARATHON

Owner emphasizes ‘fair trade’ brands “The project felt a whole lot more purposed when I chose the fair trade sara@keysweekly.com route,” she said. “It warmed my heart that I could sell quality pieces, made cute, swingy red and blue patfairly, at a good price.” terned skirt paired with a blue Reed said she has halter top tank. another driving desire: A tea length to offer work-appropridress in a modern batik ate clothes for women print. Those are just of all sizes. two of the options at “In the Keys, we the newly opened Curvy have a broad spectrum Conch boutique next to of what we can wear to Publix in Marathon on work that just wouldn’t 53rd Street. work in the Midwest,” Open one month, said the Indiana native, owner Melissa Reed pointing at her stylsaid the store is doing ish sandals. “There’s a better than her wildest big void in the market expectations.

Curvy Conch takes away for more conservative The shop carries a the guesswork by pairing clothes that are still selection of casual wear separates on storeroom fashionable and suited — dresses, coverups, mannequins. to this climate. And, shorts, T-shirts, skirts as when I hit the dreaded well as accessories like 50s, I realized there bags and jewelry and were sparse and sporadic choices for sunglasses. (She’s currently unpacking women who wear sizes 14 and up.” a line of cosmetology products called The clothes are selling like snow The Naked Bee.) cones on a hot day. Already, she’s “I’ve had people from Utah and Seblown through half of the (good qualattle, mostly vacation rental visitors, I ity) T-shirts and has more on order. think,” she said, standing in the middle Reed said she will be adding swimsuits of her bright and airy shop, two doors to the inventory soon, and long sleeves down from Big Mouth Eatery. and pants when cooler temperatures The store features a “fair trade” blow back into the Keys. inventory. Simply put, fair trade is The shop is open Monday, Tueswhen producers in developing counday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. tries are paid a fair price for their work to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 that helps communities prosper. Reed p.m. Check out the Facebook page: @ said she’d been dreaming of opening curvyconchclothingco. Free gift wrapa dress shop for years when she came ping is available. across a website featuring fair trade goods. Instantly, everything clicked into place.

SARA MATTHIS

One of the featured artists, festival openers Electric Piquete. EDWIN CARDONA/Contributed

AFRO ROOTS RETURNS TO ISLAMORADA

Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Morada Arts District to host concert series

T

he 23rd season of the award-winning Afro Roots Fest makes a second run to the Florida Keys on May 29-30 to the Florida Keys Brewing Company.

The event will feature live music on both days, with JUke and Electric Piquete on May 29 and Electric Kif and the Nag Champayons on May 30. It all begins at 6 p.m. both days. All ages are welcome and a donation of $10 will earn attendees an official festival swag item.

“It feels good to finally bring the festival back to Islamorada after a year where much of the musical programming in the Florida Keys was canceled,” said festival founder and musical curator Jose Elias, who also serves as the executive director for the presenting non-profit organization Community Arts and Culture (CAC).

“Our thanks go to the Florida Keys Brewing Co., Keys ICE, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.”

Elias is also the co-founder and guitar player in the Nag Champayons, one of the festival’s featured performers.

JUke is a four-piece “postblues” hybrid. Spearheaded by frontman/harmonica player/ singer Eric Garcia, the band’s content touches on non-traditional subject matter while simultane-

ously keeping the crowd moving with a smile on their faces.

Electric Piquete is a two-time Miami New Times Best of Miami “Best Latin Band” award-winning Latin funk outfit. The band has played virtually all major events in South Florida, and their influences are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them: from rock to jazz, funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B. Electric Kif is a Miami-based power quartet that explores the boundaries between rock, jazz fusion and electronic drum & bass. Made up of bassist Rodrigo Zambrano, keyboardist Jason Matthews, drummer Armando Lopez and guitarist Eric Escanes, the band describes its music as “post-nuclear,” a mash of hardhitting groove, high-octane riffs and cosmic melody.

Miami’s Afro Galactic / Tropidelic funksters the Nag Champayons blend African, Caribbean and North American influences. Its most recent release is the single and video for “Brazilian LSD,” which served as a follow-up to 2015’s Rising Sounds of a Sinking City.

More information is at floridakeysbrewingco.com, 305-6649722, www.AfroRootsFest.com and www.CommunityArtsandCulture.org.

— Contributed

A

Color, color, color! Much of the inventory is a riff on the modern batik.

Melissa Reed owns and operates Curvy Conch in Marathon. The boutique sells tropical clothing that locals will adore.

SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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

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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.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MAY 13, 2021

FAMILY, FOOD & FUN

DELIVERY AVAILABLE TO KEY WEST & STOCK ISLAND

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

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