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“Land of the free” — even more free if you’re wealthy.

June 10, 2021

HAVE A SEAT... CITY EMBRACES SIDEWALK CAFES | P. 4

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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A little more than 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, according to the Permaculture Research Institute. The largest ocean — the Pacific — covers 30% of the Earth’s surface on its own. This expanse and depth accounts for roughly 97% of all the water on the planet.

ON THE COVER

Key West business owners and city officials are working together on a sidewalk cafe program. See page 4.

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MANDY MILES has been living in and writing about Key West and the Florida Keys since 1998. She lives in Old Town with her husband, Capt. Stan Miles, a longtime charter fisherman.

hoa, wait a second. What just happened? Did a whole bunch of Key Westers just manage to agree on something? Did city government employees, politicians and business owners just sit down, on the same level, without tirades or time limits, and realize they all want the same thing — a classy and attractive outdoor

dining scene? It happened June 8 at City Hall, where 30 or so people met to discuss the city’s popular Sidewalk Cafe program that, since COVID, has allowed restaurants to place tables on city sidewalks at no cost to the restaurants. The city now plans to start enforcing the program’s regulations — and charging restaurants to participate — come Oct. 1. Many restaurant owners said they are willing to pay for the right to use the city sidewalks, but the fees the city initially proposed —

Key West officials and restaurant owners are working together on a Sidewalk Cafe program. CONTRIBUTED

$500 per seat per year, plus a onetime impact fee of $592 per seat spread out over five years — were impossibly high for all but two upscale restaurants that signed on. A dozen or so restaurant owners respectfully made their case Tuesday when meeting with City Manager Patti McLauchlin and Assistant City Manager Todd Stoughton, as well as Commissioners Greg Davila, Jimmy Weekley, Clayton Lopez and Mayor Teri Johnston. The owners reminded officials they can’t use outdoor seats all the time due to rain and heat. They also pointed out that they don’t make any additional money on outdoor seats unless the indoor tables are completely full. Otherwise, they’ve just relocated, rather than added seating. Johnston understood the distinction and said, “If the restaurants aren’t adding any seats, but just relocating them outside, then does there even need to be an impact fee?” she asked attorney Ron Ramsingh. “Because they’ve already paid an impact fee for each existing seat.”

Ramsingh is now in the process of researching what impact fees the city can legally waive or reduce. There is greater flexibility in the annual licensing fee that will likely be reduced from the $500 per seat per year. “The purpose of this meeting is to make this program better for you,” Stoughton told the business owners. “We didn’t have this much input from the business community when we were coming up with this program before, so we’re glad to have it now. Give us your input and we’ll take it back to make this better for residents, guests, businesses, everyone.” Stoughton and McLauchlin emphasized, “The city is not looking at this as a revenue generator.” “We’re going to make sure we’ve captured your concerns,” McLauchlin said. The mayor also asked a small group of owners to meet with the city to help determine reasonable fees and bring them into line with other Florida cities, which charge from nothing to $200 per seat per year, compared to Key West’s $500 fee. “I think the business community and our local government have a little bit of a fractured relationship, and I think this is a very good way to heal that fracture,” said Bill Lay, owner of La Trattoria restaurant on Duval Street. Tuesday’s hour-long meeting was a civil and respectful exchange of ideas among reasonable, rational adults — and they did it without a single frenzied Facebook group. Imagine.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

THE RULING ON THE FIELD...

BOARD AWARDS 7TH STRAIGHT CONTRACT TO AJAX

High school stadium contract could be under review. CONTRIBUTED

nd the stadium makes seven. Monroe County school board members on June 8 awarded Ajax Building Co. a seventh consecutive contract — this one at $15 million for Key West High School’s new athletic stadium — despite a state law that requires government agencies to spread the wealth among qualified firms. The state statute aims to discourage government entities from giving large contracts to the same companies over and over again. Public entities must “consider the volume of work previously awarded to each firm … with the object of effecting an equitable distribution of contracts among qualified firms,” the law states. In the case of the stadium project, the other qualified firm is Gulf Keystar, a joint venture between Gulf Building and the Key West-based Keystar, which is owned by the prominent Spottswood family. Ajax’s seven school district contracts total $140 million. No one, including the Spottswoods, has questioned Ajax’s reputation, qualifications or past successful projects. But Gulf-Keystar asked the school board to reconsider giving Ajax its seventh consecutive contract. Keystar co-presidents Charles “Chas” Spottswood and Robert Spottswood Jr. sent a letter last week to the school district outlining their concerns. Robert Spottswood Jr. reiterated those concerns at the school board meeting, where, he said, he expected the board to discuss and consider staff’s recommendation of Ajax, not simply award the contract to Ajax.

“My reading of the statute is when you have multiple qualified firms, the intent was to require an equitable distribution of work to avoid the appearance of favoritism,” he told the board, emphasizing that his letter was not implying any wrongdoing. “In looking at the scoring parameters of the RFQ, I didn’t see anything about the equitable distribution of work,” he said. “I just want to know that the board has considered the fact that the last six consecutive projects have gone to the same firm — and this one being the seventh is still not going to another qualified firm. I was hoping to hear counsel’s position and staff’s outline of how this was considered.” Spottswood also emphasized that Keystar is a local company that employs local workers and keeps its proceeds in the county. No board members responded to Spottswood’s comments, which were made during the public input segment of the meeting, before consideration of the stadium contract. During the specific public hearing on the contract, Spottswood was not permitted to speak again.

School board attorney Dirk Smits told the board members that Keystar’s letter did not constitute a formal bid protest, “which is the proper way you attack something that is inappropriate in a bid,” Smits said. “We issued a notice of intent to award, and the time period to challenge that expired without a challenge,” Smits said. “Therefore, staff brought it forward with a recommendation to approve it as it is.” Smits told the board members they had the option to “put a pin in this” and they could decline to approve the bid until they reviewed the selection process themselves. No board member moved to do so, and chairman John Dick said, “The actual challenge of a bid should have been done the way our attorney just described.” In the days preceding Tuesday’s board meeting, the Keys Weekly fielded more than a dozen calls from local residents questioning several elements of the bid and selection process. A selection committee from the school district ranked the responses to the district’s Request for Qualifications. Ajax was ranked first and Keystar was ranked second, 17 points behind Ajax out of a possible total of 400 points. One source speaking anonymously to the Weekly on Monday, said he is most concerned that a local company — and local employer — with similar qualifications was being passed over. “We have a local company with local workers,” said the caller. “We continue to preach about kids coming back to Key West after college, but when they do, we continue to farm bids outside of the county. I have no issue with Ajax. They seem to be a good company. But with a bid this close, why give them another job that will literally take tens of millions of dollars out of the local community?”

School board members award the KWHS stadium contract to Ajax Building Co., not the Key West-based Keystar. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

EXTRA HELPING COOKING WITH LOVE DELIVERS MORE THAN 200 HOT MEALS A WEEK

“I

s it Saturday already?” “Just a minute; I’m looking for my glasses.” “Oh my, I can’t eat this much. Could someone else use it?” “I’ll see you next week, God willing.” These and other exchanges occur every Saturday on nearly 200 front porches in Key West, where volunteers from the Cooking with Love program deliver a hot, healthy meal to elderly and infirm residents who are unable to cook or shop for themselves. For nearly a quarter-century, Cooking with Love has been a mission of Metropolitan Community Church on Petronia Street, serving (literally) the underserved residents of this community. And that’s exactly how it was designed, said Joan Higgs, who remembers how the program began in 1996 or ’97. “A group of us from here at MCC had been helping with Saturday meals for the homeless at St. Mary’s when Dorothy Sherman ran the food pantry and meals program over there,” Higgs said. “But since there were already programs in place to feed the homeless, we wanted to find the underserved population in our community and provide a nutritionally excellent meal for them at least once a week.” And they have. “A lot of our senior citizens can no longer drive to the grocery store, and if they live alone, they don’t feel like cooking for just one person, so Cooking with Love ensures they receive a hot, healthy meal once a week,” Higgs said on a recent Saturday morning while dishing out 200 helpings of pasta, stuffed chicken breasts, mixed vegetables and fresh pineapple. The completed meals then get packed into insulated bags and organized for volunteer drivers to collect and deliver. “Our drivers have known some of the people on their routes for more than 10 years,” said Rev. Steve Torrence, pastor of MCC. “They’ll always

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request the same routes so they can check on ‘their’ people. And their compassion has even saved a few lives when our volunteers knocked and didn’t get an answer. They called the police and found a resident had fallen or become ill. I know a few of them are alive today because someone cared enough to check on them and bring them a meal.” Higgs, who’s also the church’s director of outreach services, recalls the early days of Cooking with Love, when all the meals were prepared in a single residential oven and stove top. A fire in the kitchen led to its replacement with a commercial kitchen in the late ’90s. Cooking with Love’s first clients came from the former Helpline charity, whose volunteers staffed a 24-hour crisis hotline and made daily welfare calls to a list of 21 sick or elderly, shut-in residents. “When we told Helpline we wanted to find the underserved people in our community, 20 of their 21 daily call recipients jumped at the chance to have a hot meal delivered,” Higgs said. “Then those people all told our volunteers about someone else who couldn’t get out, or whose wife had just died, and he wasn’t eating.” The list continued to grow for nearly 25 years and had reached 160 meal recipients when the pandemic struck, said Rev. Steve Torrence, pastor of MCC “Then our numbers swelled to more than 200 during the pandemic,” Higgs said. “We haven’t told anyone no.” “But,” Torrence said, “We do all this with church money and private donations. We get only a very small amount of food from government subsidies. We also get help and donations from chefs and local restaurant owners who help us plan, cook, package and deliver meals. It’s been an amazing community project over the years and we’re so grateful for our team of volunteer cooks, assemblers and drivers. We couldn’t do any of this without them.”

1. John Eller and Mark Lenkner prepare stuffed chicken breasts on a recent Saturday. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 2. Cooking with Love volunteer Lynn Obringer dishes out pasta in olive oil. 3. A team of volunteers spends Saturday morning cooking, serving and delivering more than 200 meals. 4. Joy Taylor ensures each recipient gets a healthy portion of mixed vegetables with roasted pecans.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021 BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

GOP WHIP VISITS KEYS Q&A WITH STEVE SCALISE

Steve Scalise. CONTRIBUTED

ithin the ever-shifting ranks of power that is the United States Congress, the majority and minority whips remain atop the hierarchy of influence within their respective parties. Netflix’s hit series “House of Cards,” sensationalized the position of whip in contemporary culture, following as it did a fictional congressman, Frank Underwood, on his exploitative rise to power. New Orleans native Steve Scalise, who represents Louisiana’s 1st District in the U.S. House and serves as the real-life minority whip for the Republican Party, chuckles at the comparisons he and his Democratic counterpart, majority whip Jim Clyburn, receive from the hit show. Scalise’s influence within the Republican party is undeniable. After serving 12 years in the Louisiana House of Representatives, he made his way to D.C., where he was quickly anointed majority whip of the Republican House — a position he held until Republicans lost their majority in 2018. He was named minority whip in January 2019. Today, for those who serve in the nation’s capital, no one is equidistant from the growing divide of opposing political ideologies. Scalise is constantly thrust into the public eye on every major news network across the nation, tasked with vocalizing the Republican Party’s agenda and talking points. But no matter what side of the aisle one subscribes to, the intrigue and respect for Scalise’s influence on his party is well documented in political circles.

The House minority whip visited Key West this past week, alongside U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez, who represents the Keys and Florida’s 26th Congressional District in the U.S. House. During his stay, the Keys Weekly caught up with Scalise, who fielded questions about some of the nation’s most contentious issues. From his recent opposition to a formal inquiry on the Capitol riots, to his remarkable recovery following the 2017 shootings at a congressional baseball game, Scalise offered us full access on a range of notable topics. Below are excerpts from the full interview, which can be read in entirety at www.keysweekly.com KW: For those who only know the “whip” from watching “House of Cards,” how do you explain what you really do? S.S.: (laughing) If you watch “House of Cards,” you are very afraid of crossing me (continuing to laugh). As much as I hate to burst everybody’s bubble, the real job is not like that. The best part of the job of being whip is you work with all of the members of the Republican conference. I’m the Republican whip. And every now and then I work with the Democrat whip, Jim Clyburn. He and I have a very good relationship. The main job is to bring everyone together on items that you are either supporting or opposing as a conference. I spend a lot of time helping educate members on questions about part of a bill they either support, want to change or oppose. You work a lot of policy and you build a lot of relationships. That’s what I love about it most. KW: In recent years and months, we’ve had many prominent Republican leaders visit Key West, including Mick Mulvaney and John Boehner. Are Key West and the Florida Keys becoming a strategic political location for the party?

S.S.: Well, Florida is wide open right now and you still have a lot of states like New York and California that are mostly closed. If you are planning events it’s a lot easier to come down to Florida because you know it’s open. I just got in (to Key West) yesterday and I leave tomorrow. But it’s just beautiful down here. You’ve got great weather, you’re right at the southernmost tip of the country with a really well run state. It’s just nice to be here. KW: You said something interesting regarding the good relationship you have with your Democratic counterpart, Jim Clyburn, that offers a good segue. The wound that seems to be deepening is the polarity of American politics. Can we heal this problem and is there an answer to our differences? S.S.: It’s really unfortunate that we are at such a toxic and divided point in our nation’s history. We’ve been here before, but it’s not often and we need to get back to building those relationships to find common ground. And what I’ve always found is that we all have differences with each other. But in politics today I feel that too many people are making their differences personal. And once you start attacking someone personally because of a political difference, that’s when things break down. And I think we need to tone down the rhetoric. KW: Everyone is talking about the Capitol riots right now and an investigative commission that you voted against. I want to ask you, why not a commission? And if not, what is the appropriate response? S.S.: There are many criminal investigations already going on and hundreds of arrests, as there should be, on the people that illegally broke into the Capitol that day. They need to be held accountable and many are already being held accountable and there are trials going on. But one of the things we raised concerns

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise returns for the 57th Congressional Baseball Game for Charity at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., a year after being shot during a congressional baseball game in 2017. CONTRIBUTED

about long before Jan. 6 was the violence we were seeing throughout our country. Every major city was having violent outbreaks. There were riots. They burned buildings down. Cops were murdered. Civilians were murdered during protests. Some might have been peaceful, but many were violent and deadly and there has been no investigations into that. So we wanted to broaden the scope to look at all forms of political violence that we have seen in this last year. And it seems like (House Speaker Nancy) Pelosi wants to turn a blind eye to all of those other things that happened. KW: It now seems that both sides are starting to ask more questions around a theory that COVID-19 originated in a lab in Wuhan, China. Can you tell us more about this theory, whether you are receiving credible information and what it means if this ends up being a credible claim? S.S.: Many of us have been calling for an investigation for more than a year because we were hearing early in 2020 the virus was started in a lab and there was not a normal bat-to-human transfer, which is what we were being told at the time. Just in the last few days, some shocking and revealing emails have come out from Dr. Fauci that shows that even he was made aware that the virus was possibly made in a lab. And he didn’t share that with the president’s coronavirus task force, from people I’ve spoken to. And many people were calling us conspiracy theorists just for promoting the suggestion it might have been started in a

lab — and it turns out now that it may be true. And even now Speaker Pelosi won’t call a hearing on this. I’ve been very vocal, as many others have, that Speaker Pelosi needs to have a full investigation into the origin of this virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of people in America and millions of people locally — that it may have actually been engineered in that lab in Wuhan and we ought to know about that and get those answers. And she and President Biden should want to know about that. KW: Inflation seems to be looming over us as a nation as prices rise on everyday consumer items. What is being done, at least from your side, to protect Americans from this threat and can we avoid a repeat of the inflation we faced in the late ’70s? S.S.: Unfortunately President Biden is bringing a lot of the failed policies from the 1970s back here to America in the way of gas lines and higher prices at the pump. If you’re trying to build a house right now it’s 25 to 30% more. Lumber alone is 400% higher than it was a year ago. Even if you go to the grocery store, just basic food items are more expensive. And President Biden has pushed policies that are paying millions of people not to work right now when there are millions of job openings and that’s really disrupted the supply chain and made things more expensive for people. And we’ve got to get back to a normal, traditional economy and stop printing money like it’s going out of style, because that’s what’s making inflation higher.

KW: It’s impossible to speak to you and not ask about your horrifying experience in June 2017, when you were shot at a congressional baseball game. Did that change your approach to politics and how did it affect your view on life outside of politics? S.S.: The shooting in 2017 was nearly catastrophic. The shooter wanted to kill every Republican on that ball field and had the weapons to do it. And fortunately, we had a lot of miracles that day, and we had two brave Capitol Police officers with me as part of my security detail as majority whip (David Bailey and Crystal Griner) who are the textbook definition of true heroes. They both got shot during the shootout and took the shooter down. But in terms of my outlook, I spent the next two months fighting for my life and having to learn how to walk again and it really put into perspective the things that are really important in life. For three and a half months, I was in the hospital and I couldn’t even go to work. But I had to put all of my energy into what was important during that time and it was spending time with my family, who gave me incredible strength. And prayers from people all across the country gave me strength. I have a strong faith and it probably sharpened my faith and sharpened my focus on the things that are really important in life. You know, each day you can wake up and find 10 things that are bad, and really focus on that…or you can focus on the blessings that we do have that are good. Visit www.keysweekly.com for more of this interview.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

SCHOOL DISTRICT TALKS HOUSING AT TRUMBO ROAD — AGAIN An aerial photo shows the school district’s Trumbo Road property on the left. School buses are visible beyond the Steam Plant condominiums, identifiable by their rooftop pools. CONTRIBUTED

School district, city of Key West, sheriff’s office, navy and housing authority officials on June 8 tour the school district’s headquarters on Trumbo Road, where workforce housing has been planned for nearly two decades. ALYSON CREAN/City of Key West

HOUSING PROPONENTS WANT TO KEEP MOMENTUM GOING MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

he Monroe County School District has talked for 20 years about building workforce housing at its waterfront headquarters in Key West. They’ve created and then disbanded a task force to study the matter. They’ve built a new facility on Stock Island to house the school buses and offices that were formerly located at Trumbo. They’ve decided repeatedly that they need to ask the city for a zoning change to allow up to 40 units per acre. Now they’re getting serious. The school district on June 8 hosted a discussion and tour of the Trumbo Road property, including officials from the city of Key West, the sheriff’s office, the Navy and the housing authority, which owns the adjacent and newly renamed Lang Milian public housing complex.

The various entities have largely agreed to work together to develop housing at Trumbo Road, and they want to maintain the momentum prompted by Tuesday’s discussion. Many of the same issues were raised: zoning, density, height restrictions, flood plain elevations, deed restrictions and pricing. “We’re ready to go forward; it’s been a long time,” school board chairman John Dick told the Tuesday group that also included developer Ed Swift, City Attorney Shawn Smith, housing authority spokesman Peter Batty, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Mayor Teri Johnston and all city commissioners. “This is my seventh year on the board,” school board member Bobby Highsmith said. “In my first year, I met with Ed Swift, who had a binder on this property that dated back to 2003. The school district has taken a big step in moving the school buses and several staff members to the new Stock Island facility.

I think our board is serious about this and I hope our community partners will support us as well.” Swift told the group of about 30 people, “I just hope to see this built before I die.” Smith added, “Moving the school buses from here was a gigantic first step. Now there has to be a next step. I think the zoning change to allow 40 units per acre and a height of 40 feet is crucial.” Smith suggested that the school board consider a referendum to get voter approval for those changes. Task force member Bryan Green also strongly suggested that the school board decide quickly how many units it will need for teachers, because the city will have to set aside building permit allocations for the affordable housing development. The group collectively agreed to capitalize on the renewed momentum and make something happen.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

SUMMER EXHIBITIONS ON VIEW JUN 3-JUL 29, 2021

MANGO MADNESS Summer Members’ Show

The mango is not only a fruit best savored under a tropical sun—it’s also a metaphor for the annual bounty of our island, meant to be shared with friends and neighbors. It’s the perfect symbol for our members summer exhibition!

Nearly 100 works of art on display across all four gallery spaces by local artists!

An exquisite dining experience. Join us for a truly unique experience. Intimate dining where the ocean meets the sand on our private beach. Where Chef’s 6-course tasting menu is as impressive as our iconic sunsets. Our carefully curated menu highlights the abundance of fresh seafood from our shores and seasonal provisions. A memory you will treasure.

Your dining experience includes: Intimate Dining Area • Sparkling Wine Toast • 6 Course Tasting Menu Composed tiered wine pairings, available as add-on. Advanced Reservations Required.

Images: Lynne Bentley-Kemp (top), Susann D’Antonio, Elio Hinds, Mary Jean Connors

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

LOOKING BACK ON THE BUBBAS

FOUNDER BRITT MYERS REFLECTS ON YEARS OF CHARITY & HILARITY

his year marks the eighth installment of The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards. Over that span, nearly 1,000 winners have been named, while over $100,000 has been raised for local nonprofits. Earlier this week, we asked Key West Weekly owner and publisher Britt Myers which elements of the Bubbas he’s most proud of, and it was an easy answer… “Obviously when you are able to raise money for any of our local nonprofits, it always gives you a broader sense of community and reminds you of what’s important here at home,” Myers said. “Outside of that, my favorite part of the Bubbas has always been the event. A lot of people think we love to get on stage and revel in the attention. The truth is, that part brings me the most anxiety every year. I literally dread it until we are up there, as I’m always more comfortable behind the scenes. But the best part of the evening is always the people at the event. It’s the one evening that so many different people, from different walks of life, come together and laugh with one another. It’s a night when everyone can simply check their egos at the door and let their guard down.” As the nomination process continues this week at keysweekly.com, we took a look back at some memorable faces during the past eight years. Some we hope to see again … while others we remember and celebrate for all they contributed to Key West and our community. Either way, we remind everyone to have fun with this contest. After all, winners are subjective. But the experiences and bonds of a community are enduring. Thanks for allowing us to play our small part here in Key West and we look forward to an evening of smiles and laughter on July 24. — Weekly staff report

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

UPCOMING EVENTS

REBIRTH BRASS BAND AT KEY WEST THEATER

JUNE 16 2021 TH

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

WRECKER’S CAY TAKES SHAPE

Developers and county officials break ground on the new Wreckers Cay development on Stock Island. Pictured from left are: Richard Toppino of Charley Toppino & Sons; Everett Atwell Jr. of Ironwood VG; Nelson Stabile and Victor Ballestas of Integra Investments; County Commissioners Michelle Coldiron, Mike Forster and David Rice; and Robert Spottswood of the Spottswood Companies. CONTRIBUTED

HOUSING COMPLEX TO INCLUDE 280 APARTMENTS

iami-based real estate investment and development company Integra Investments has broken ground for Wrecker’s Cay Apartments, one of the largest workforce housing communities in the Florida Keys in more than 50 years. The privatelyfunded, 280-unit development, located on Stock Island, will provide much-needed housing to the Florida Keys upon completion in 18 months. Wrecker’s Cay Apartments spans across nine waterfront acres at 6125 2nd St., Key West, and will introduce 70 low-income units, 98 median-income units, and 112 moderate-income units. The developMF_KWWeeklyAd_1.pdf 1 2/24/21 1:50 PM

ment, which has garnered positive local support, will combat the market’s housing crisis at a time when serving the lower to moderate income population has never been more vital. “Understanding the importance of high-quality, market-rate housing development in any community with an active workforce, this project brings Key West one giant step closer toward promoting protracted economic growth,” said Integra Investments principal Victor Ballestas. “We have taken great pride in working alongside city leaders and thank them for their mutual commitment as we initiate construction.” Wrecker’s Cay will feature a variety of floorplans, including one-, two- and threebedroom apartments. The complex will include a range of community amenities, including a children’s playground, a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center,

a clubroom with catering kitchen, an expansive pavilion with outdoor kitchen, and a resort-style pool overlooking the shoreline. Situated near the entrance of Stock Island, Wrecker’s Cay Apartments will afford swift access to Key West’s core, multiple transportation hubs for local workers and the main thoroughfare of Overseas Highway. Integra Investments’ development of Wrecker’s Cay Apartments aligns with its long-term commitment to address affordable and workforce housing shortages in South Florida. The company is behind other ventures, including the Aventura ParkSquare mixed-use development in Aventura, Florida; Hallandale Beach’s apartment community ArtSquare; and Bella Vista Apartments in Lauderhill Lakes. — Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

SUZY: OUR VERY OWN CASTAWAY Marathon local paddles every year for a cancer cure

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

restaurant owners (that’s Curry), etc. any years, she’s the only woman on this team of They are bonded together by one core belief: “Light a intrepid paddlers that tackle a 160-mile, 7-day adcandle instead of cursing the darkness,” a sentiment that origiventure that spans the waters from Key Biscayne nates with O’Brien, who lost his mother to cancer. (near Miami) to Key West. On Saturday, June 12, Castaways supporters, whose numbers are legion, can Suzy Curry will set out for the 22nd annual Castaways Against elect to support an individual paddler (like Curry), or donate to Cancer paddle. the entire team. It’s all done digitally, via the group’s website For the Marathon local, it will be her seventh year particicastawaysagainstcancer.com. pating. She will be celebrating 10 years cancer-free. For many years, Castaways Against Cancer participated in “This year in June, at the start of our trip, I will be a 10-year the American Cancer Socibreast cancer survivor,” Curry said. “This mission has ety’s Relay for Life fundraisbeen so inspiring to me, kayaking with people who are er. In 2021, the Castaways so dedicated to ending cancer. It’s also a time of soul FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS have partnered with the searching; I’ve spent many hours on the water contemSylvester Comprehensive plating things and praying for those fighting cancer and How far out to sea do you go? Cancer Center of the Unifor those we have lost.” Our route through the Keys versity of Miami. The cancer Curry said she’s dedicating this paddle to all cancer takes us through back bays, chanfacility matches every dollar survivors and victims, but especially a dear childhood nels, and out into the Atlantic. The the Castaways donate, friend of her husband and Marathon’s Bonnie Cucchi. furthest we ever get from land is and the money is directed “She is so strong, fighting so valiantly,” Curry said of only a couple of miles. However, toward specific research Cucci. on the first day of the journey, we projects that resonate with In 2017, Curry did the whole 160-mile paddle. Now, are actually 5 to 10 miles from any not only the paddlers, but she “just” does 110 miles — with the group for the cerhelp or civilization. also the donors. emonial start, then peeling off and driving back to the Why do we see the team salute “We kayak. You doKeys and joining the group when they reach Key Largo. with their left hand? nate. It’s that simple,” said The paddlers travel up to 24 miles a day, stopping Your left hand is closest to O’Brien. “And we all pray for for breaks and sleep. They camp out the first night, but your heart and your right hand a cure.” the rest of the time they stay in donated hotel rooms in should be holding a drink. At least, The kayakers will arrive the Florida Keys and are supported by a land crew that that’s what we learned from the on Smathers Beach in Key travels ahead to prepare for their arrival. They are due Conch Republic Navy. In 2011, the West on Friday, June 18 to arrive in Key West on Friday, June 18. CRN realized that the team of misat 2 p.m. This year, some It’s a special adventure and a special mission: to fits that invaded their waters each cyclists will also be making fund cancer research. Since its inception 22 years ago, summer for over 10 years was not a trek of their own from the group has raised $1.2 million dollars. Yes, million. giving up the fight and gave the the mainland. They will be The group was founded by Steve O’Brien, and PatCastaways the official designation arriving on the same day rick Linfors and Greg Trainor have also been involved of: Flotilla of the Northern Terat Barbary Beach Hotel at from the beginning. In 2021, there will be 14 paddlers, ritories. about 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., both including Curry. Although the roster varies from year to How do you go to groups will converge at year, they define themselves as a “rag-tag group of seathe bathroom? Smathers Beach for a final hippie friends,” who come from all walks of life — teachSome things will just have to ceremony. ers, firefighters, lawyers, bankers, scientists, former remain a mystery. For now, we'll say ... very carefully.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

WEIRD FATHER’S DAY GIFTS

6 sketchy gift ideas for the family man

et this article serve as a reminder that Father’s Day is right around the corner — Sunday, June 20. Start planning now. Also, the Keys Weekly will be full up on photos of Dad and family in the Keys Weekly Newspaper issue publishing on June 17. So, send your pictures to mandy@keysweekly. com in Key West; sara@keysweekly.com in the Middle Keys; and jim@keysweekly.com in the Upper Keys. Photos must be submitted by Monday, June 14 and emails must include contact information. Getting your dad’s pic in the paper will earn you some serious brownie points, possibly negating the need to buy one of the ridiculous gifts listed below. DAD SHOES Seriously, type “dad shoes” into Google and an image of these white leather New Balance shoes comes up. (Which stings a little bit, because, well, we MIGHT have someone in our lives — who’s male and a dad — cough, Mark, cough — who wears these exclusively.) Not sure when these became the ultimate symbol of fatherhood, but here we are. They cost about $60, and are best paired with jorts or cargo shorts. THERAGUN What is this? Is it a car repair tool? A clamp? No, no. It’s a “theragun” — like a massage tool. Specifically, a “percussive therapy deep tissue muscle treatment massage.” Okay, fine. And whose dad doesn’t do a little complaining about aches and pains? It’s 400 bucks, though, so he better like it. If he doesn’t, rest assured his progeny will weaponize the device. SAINT CANDLE All dads are good dads, but some more than others. Commission an Etsy artist to make a saint candle emblazoned with his face. The candle can be lit when he is in need (“How am I gonna pay this hecking water bill? What, are your showers one hour long?”) or when he is in need of a miracle (“My wife and two daughters are all currently menstruating.”) About 20 bucks, or almost free if you DIY.

PORTRAIT Oh, hell YES! Celebrate dad by commissioning his portrait in a ridiculous costume of a third-world, despotic tyrant. Hang it in the living room. Get copies for his children to hang in their homes. The only reason not to buy this is because it might go to his head, enforcing some king-like behaviors, such as eating too much rich food and getting gout. Then, no. Prices vary.

MEAT BOUQUET Say it with salami. Order online, or assemble from your local deli or grocery, a fantastic arrangement of not just meat, but cured meat! If salami isn’t your guy’s thing, then get some super good steaks for the guy and a chance to show off his grilling skills on Father’s Day. Prices vary.

BABY GOAT Hear us out. Does he NEED a goat? Probably not. But does he WANT a goat? Also, no. But will a goat make his life BETTER? Again, no. But will it effectively deflect his ire from the human subjects in his home? Oh, yes. We have no idea if it’s legal or advisable to own a goat in the Florida Keys. However, no matter what you get dad for Father’s Day, you can always tell him what you almost got him, a goat, and he will be grateful for what he got because it’s not a goat. You’re welcome, dad. Costs range from $100 to $800, and do not include veterinary bills, divorce lawyer fees or goat food.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

SAVE THE DATE June is Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month, so Best Friends Animal Society is offering expert advice on adopting a feline friend, as well as visual assets below. Visit fkspca.org for more information.

This week, we send you across the Atlantic, where a Scot, a Brit and an Irishwoman await you.

READ | REMEMBERINGS

Sinéad O’Connor still inspires strong reactions, for the negative memories of her tearing up a picture of the pope on “Saturday Night Live” or for the sheer power and beauty of her voice, in a career that started when she was in her teens. This new autobiography feels as though she is sitting in the room telling stories – maybe not directly connected to one another, possibly not linear, but captivating nonetheless. Don’t miss the chapter about Prince – astonishing if true.

Through July 29 • Mango Madness Members Art Show at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Mondays and Tuesdays through June 29 • Painting Boot Camp with Rick Worth, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Wednesday, June 16 to Sunday, June 20 • I Love Stock Island festival. Food, drink, art, history and more at various venues on Stock Island. Visit ilovestockisland.org. Wednesday, June 16 • Rams Head Presents Rebirth Brass Band, 7 p.m. at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. Friday, June 18 • Rams Head Presents Past II Present - A Toto Tribute Band, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater. Saturday, June 19 • Tropical Fruit Festival, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Truman’s Little White House. Mango and fruit tastings, tropical drinks, cooking demos and more. Trumanlittlewhitehouse.com. • Native plant sale, 9 a.m. to noon at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.

LISTEN | ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE Eric Idle adds to the rich trove of Monty Python autobiographies with this memoir. Any Python fan will love it, but it’s a special treat to listen to the audio version, which is read – and, here and there, sung – by the author. As someone who recently spent a lot of time on the road, listening to Idle read this was like having endless episodes of Python for an entire day.

Sunday, June 27 • Conch Town Music Presents Ericson Holt, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater. Monday, June 28 • Free health screenings and education, 7 to 9 a.m. at Lower Keys Medical Center, 5900 College Road, Stock Island. Blood pressure checks, glucose screening, nutrition education, stroke and early heart attack care, hands-only CPR education, and smoking cessation information will be offered. Register by emailing Education@LKMC.com. WATCH | CRAIG FERGUSON Ferguson has a new game show on ABC, “The Hustler.” Haven’t seen it. But, go to YouTube and type Craig Ferguson into the search bar. Click on anything. You can’t miss. There are so many compilations. From flirty interviews with any number of actresses to a hilarious opening salvo with Don Rickles, you will waste far more time than you think you will.

July 1-5 • Key Lime Festival, America’s favorite citrus celebration. Various venues around Key West. Visit keylimefestival.com. July 17-18 • Florida Keys Brew BQ, Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. at Marathon Community Park, Visit keysbrewbq.com.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

FITZPATRICK WORE MANY HATS IN KEY WEST Early settler helped set county boundaries, created salt ponds and served as town’s auctioneer

f you have ever purchased a pair of one of the Southernmost City’s premier cultural contributions, Kino sandals, you have been within a coconut’s throw BRAD of Fitzpatrick Street. The same could be BERTELLI said if you had ever ... is the curator had a cold beverfor Islamorada’s age at Capt. Tony’s Keys History & Saloon, though it Discovery Center. A published auwould take a stronthor of six books, ger throw. Richard his favorite subFitzpatrick is the jects are Indian street’s namesake. Key and skunk Born circa 1792 to a apes. wealthy plantation family in Columbia, South Carolina, Fitzpatrick was one of Key West’s early, early residents. By the time he arrived circa 1822, he was working as a lawyer. In Key West, in addition to his law practice, he served as the island’s auctioneer when it came time to sell off, among other things, cargoes salvaged during wrecking operations. In 1830, he entered the salt game — a valuable commodity. Fitzpatrick leased 100 or so acres on the southeastern side of the island from William Whitehead. The land was subject to saltwater intrusion and the perfect place to create salt ponds. He developed his operation by dividing the land into individual pools measuring 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. Each pool, or pen, was corralled by two-foot-tall rock walls. Wooden flood-gates interconnected each pen, and when they opened, each flooded.

Approximate boundary between Monroe and Miami-Dade counties, 1836-1866. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Keys History & Discovery Center

When the gates were closed, the water was trapped, and evaporation became its only escape. When the water was all gone, salt crystals remained. Those measuring one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch in size were harvested for sale. Salt baron, auctioneer and lawyer were not his only titles. Following in his father’s footsteps, Fitzpatrick also worked to become a plantation owner. On Dec. 1, 1830, he purchased a Miami River homestead for $400. Before he was done, he would own four square miles along the Miami River and one square mile around the New River (Fort Lauderdale). In 1830, he also threw his hat into the political ring and was elected to represent Monroe County as its state senator in the Territorial Council for the 1830-1832 congressional sessions. It was during this term that a bill was introduced to create the North American Salt Company. Not only would it be established on Key West, but it would compete with Fitzpatrick’s own production company. Fortunately, he held a position of power and argued against the idea in front of the men elected to vote. The vote against the formation of the North American Salt Company fell in favor of Fitzpatrick. His salt ponds remained the only significant active source of salt produced on the island.

He was elected to a second term to represent the best interests of the people of Monroe County as a state representative in the Territorial Council. During the 1835-1836 session, Fitzpatrick was elected president of the Legislative Council. In the early days of January 1836, Fitzpatrick presented a bill that, when it passed, was going to blow the good people of Key West away. The bill proposed the creation of Pinckney County. It was accompanied by a supporting petition signed by 133 residents of the three major territorial communities outside of Key West, Indian Key, Key Vaca, and Cape Florida, as well as those outposts that had been established along the Miami and New rivers. One argument in favor of the bill involved the civic obligation of jury duty. Because Key West was the county’s most populous city, it served as the county seat and, therefore, the center around which all government affairs would travel. The court system, for instance, was located in Key West. When the county’s citizens were called for jury duty twice yearly, they were summoned to Key West. One of the reasons the bill passed was that it was determined that traveling to Key West was too big a burden for those living in Monroe County’s northern settlements. The bill passed in no small part due to Fitzpatrick’s efforts. However, by the time it was officially approved, on Jan. 28, 1836, the new county’s name had been changed to honor Major Francis L. Dade, killed weeks prior in an exchange sometimes identified as the spark igniting the second escalation of the Seminole War. The new Dade County started north of Bahia Honda and stretched to Lake Okeechobee. With a new county, a new county seat was needed. Because Indian Key was the largest community in Monroe County not named Key West, and the largest in the newly formed Dade County, it was declared the county seat. Court proceedings, however, would not be solely limited to Indian Key. At least once a year, the county court would be scheduled to convene at the Cape Florida community on Key Biscayne. As a last note, the jury duty argument presented by Fitzpatrick in 1836 still resonates. As an Upper Keys resident, being called to jury duty in Key West is still inconvenient, and now there are cars and the Overseas Highway, and the trip is only two hours, more or less, each way.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE The summer solstice arrives June 20, bringing the year’s longest day and briefest night. At high noon our shadows will appear shorter than at any other point this year. However, thanks to the lingering stationing of Mercury retrograde, the shadow side of our selves is casting itself long. The only way out is through. Retrogrades work to our advantage when we seek to honestly heal our past rather than force our future forward.

LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 Leo Hubert Selby Jr. was a high school dropout riddled with TB and leaning on an opiate addiction when he became a writer. Told he didn’t have long to live, Selby eschewed grammar, skipped quotation marks and replaced apostrophes with forward slashes (they were closer on the typewriter). He wanted nothing to edge between the words in his head and the page in his hands. Even, and especially if, it means shaking loose tradition, let nothing separate your mind from your message. Notable Leo: Marcus Garvey/ Aug. 17, 1887

GEMINI May 21 to June 20 Apology derives from the Greek apologia, “a speech made in selfdefense.” The Latin mea culpa translates to “through my fault.” In the Roman Rites of Catholic Mass, the Latin phrase was repeated three times and accompanied by the penitent beating their heart with their fist. In this tradition, atonement begins with the admission of failure and a prayer for, not an expectation of, forgiveness. May every “sorry” you speak sound more like deference than defense. Notable Gemini: Jose Riza/ June 19, 1861

VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 As Mercury is your ruling planet, its retrograde is likely to heighten your emotions. High highs and low lows are forecasted for the Virgo ilk during this transit. Feelings and fears must rise to the surface before they can ultimately, and blessedly, be released. A healthy balance of rollicking joy and crippling despair can be found by seeking small, quiet moments and practicing gratitude for simple graces. Notable Virgo: Anne Bancroft/ Sept. 17, 1931

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.

CANCER June 21 to July 22 Taskmaster astronaut Saturn is in Aquarius and taking up space in your eighth house of intimacy for the next 18 months. Saturn is the mean dad who wants what’s best for you, and this positioning suggests what’s best is an inner circle of people as powerfully connected in the world as they are wholly dedicated to your causes. To align with that personal best, you may have to cut ties with those who don’t, or renegotiate your standards of belonging to include the rogue and the risky. Notable Cancer: Roald Amundsen/July 16, 1872

LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 You are adept at anticipating the needs of others, often at the expense of clearly identifying your own. Take very good, very consistent care of your animal self: eat well, sleep deep, take your body for a walk and your mind for a clearing. Do not confuse self-care with overindulgence and do your best to avoid petty distractions, cheap charms, expensive liquor, empty calories and mindless conversation. Notable Libra: George Floyd/ Oct. 14, 1973 SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 In his novel, “The One Inside,” late, great Scorpio Sam Shepard writes

of running barefoot alongside a half grown horse and a galloping herd of cattle. “I feel as strong as I’ll ever be.” Whether you are running wild through the streets or standing still in your mind, I hope the same feeling finds and fortifies you. Notable Scorpio: Julia Agrippina/ Nov. 6, 15 A.D. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Doomed Romantic and fellow Sagittarius William Blake has a thing or two to teach you about rigidity and receptivity. “The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.” Whatever is suggested to, spoken or asked of you in the weeks ahead, keep the river of possibility flowing free and beware the crocodile of a closed mind. Notable Sagittarius: Scott Joplin/Nov. 24, 1868 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Capricorn Stephen Hawking writes, “If the rate of expansion one second after the Big Bang had been smaller by even one part it would have re-collapsed before it reached its present size. On the other hand, if it had been greater by a part in a million, the universe would have expanded too rapidly for stars and planets to form.” Consider the singular miracle of timing in your own life. Revere what you have done with yours, rather than lament what you haven’t. Notable Capricorn: Paul Revere/Jan. 1, 1735 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 This week your two ruling planets, strict daddy Saturn and punk rock Uranus, form a square. You will likely feel this tension as a pull between stability and impulsivity. In regard to love, astrologist Kate Rose explains, “Saturn looks like an obligation, but Uranus appears as a conscious choice.” This squaring calls you to choose, however

terrifying, that which feels warm and right rather than dutifully continuing on with anything that doesn’t. Notable Aquarius: Farrah Fawcett/Feb. 2, 1947 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 My friend Max, a multifaceted gem of a man and a fellow Pisces, recently advised that we would all be better served by serving our instinctual selves. “Trust in lust” is his creed. Take up his mantle and move in the direction of whatever or whomever brings heat to your cheeks, sweat to your palms and an insistent quickening to your pulse. Notable Pisces: Madame Mao/March 19, 1914 ARIES March 21 to April 19 This week your ruler, warrior planet Mars, moves out of breezy Gemini and into the bold land of Leo and your fifth house of games and gratification. The time is nigh to get what you want but with Mercury in retrograde, asking requires more diplomacy than you are accustomed to. Personal requests, like handshakes, hand jobs and handmade furniture should be firm yet inviting. Notable Aries: Henry Ossian Flipper/March 21, 1856 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Chain-smoking, cocaine-sniffing Taurus daddy Sigmund Freud assures us, “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” Nothing is more offensive to the people of the bull than allowing vulnerability to pull itself up from under their stoic hooves and defensive horns. As every two-bit shrink will tell you, you can’t be known until you are seen and you can’t be seen as strong or otherwise until you are willing to reveal what has, can or could harm you. Notable Taurus: Glenda Jackson/May 9, 1936

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

Transgender high school graduate receives love and support during Pride Month

‘BE YOURSELF’ A small scholarship ceremony took place on June 2 at the beginning of Pride month. This was not an unusual occurrence, considering that Florida Keys’ high schools held similar celebrations a few days prior. But this gathering at Keys Weekly’s Tavernier office was intimate, with little fanfare and just four attendees: scholarship recipient and Coral Shores High School graduate Brent Johnson; his mother Priscilla Johnson; Monroe County Commissioner Mike Forster; and Alexis Alba, chief operating officer of Tiki Water Sports. As Alba and Forster gave Brent checks worth a combined total of $2,500, Forster looked at the young man. “Everybody speaks very highly of you,” Forster said. “Your former culinary teacher, Corie Abel … college counselor Chris Harris … Ms. Z (Zofchak) the drama teacher,” Forster ticked through a long list of names. “We are embracing the community and letting others know they are not alone,” Forster continued. “I saw a bigger story. I felt I needed to offer that to you because it is of value to you, the Keys and the community. It’s Pride Month. You’re going to have your haters. I have haters, and that’s OK. I don’t engage with them. I’m excited for you and your future.” Eighteen-year-old Brent Johnson does have haters. Yes, he’s a scholarship recipient. Yes, he’s a future aeronautical space engineering major at the University of Central Florida. Yes, he’s a theater group member and a euphonium player in the high school band. But Brent was also born as a girl named Brianna, and is currently transitioning to become a man. Brent, who was adopted into Priscilla Johnson’s family, said, “I’m extremely lucky I grew up around here, where it is extremely accepting.” “I first questioned my gender identity at the end of seventh grade,” he explained, describing his years of self-discovery as “harsh. It took years, with lots of crying, to get the confidence to be sure.” With his mother, he researched the difference between homosexuality and gender dysphoria. Mom Priscilla said she always supported his search for his authentic identity. “Your own gender identity has nothing to do with sexuality,” Brent said. “I don’t have a preference for gender in terms of sexuality. I feel discomfort seeing myself as a girl with a

High school graduate Brent Johnson received a combined $2,500 in scholarship money from Monroe County Commissioner Mike Forster and Alexis Alba, the chief operating officer of Tiki Water Sports. From left: Forster; Brent’s mother, Priscilla Johnson; Brent; and Alba. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

girl’s voice and breasts. One day, when someone called me ‘Sir,’ it felt good.” Gender dysphoria is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as “clinically significant distress or impairment related to a strong desire to be of another gender, which may include desire to change primary and/or secondary sex characteristics.” Very few people are diagnosed with gender dysphoria. According to the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, about 0.005% to 0.014% of males at birth and 0.002% to 0.003% of females at birth have gender dysphoria. After much deliberation, he changed his name from Brianna to Brent in the ninth grade. He wants to start the physical journey to manhood with “top surgery” for gender confirmation, in which the breasts are removed. He is still deciding on whether he should do the “bottom surgery.” But Priscilla said she is firm that he must consult with doctors to make sure he is “mentally checked” before he gets such serious surgeries. Brent has also been in counseling for anxiety and depression, though mostly unrelated to his gender discovery process. Brent said he knows about five other kids in the Upper Keys who are wrestling with their gender identity, and they have come to him for advice on how to physically resemble a boy, such as lowering their voices or flattening their breasts. “I’m an open book,” Brent said. “I absolutely don’t mind answering any type of questions.” Since Brent suffers from anxiety, when it came time to fill out scholarship applications for college, he felt mentally blocked. “One scholarship required an essay about how his involvement affected someone else positively,” Priscilla said, looking at her son. “My child finds that difficult.” Brent missed the deadline on all the scholarship applications. Brent’s father, Chris Frails, reached out to Forster for help, explaining his son’s situation. Forster had gotten to know the family during

the pandemic, when he rallied together the community to distribute food to those in need. Frails and his family were some of Forster’s volunteers. Forster immediately offered up $2,000 from his own pocket, to be repeated every year if Brent keeps up a B average at UCF. And Alba, Frails’ employer at Tiki Water Sports, gave Brent $500. “I was over the moon,” said Priscilla, a wide smile on her face. She recalled with emotion the times when money was tight while she was going to nursing school. She couldn’t afford to give Brent singing lessons. “But my kid’s going to Orlando and is going to stay in dorms,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief and wiping tears from her face. Meanwhile, Brent’s goal is to fly planes, whether for the Navy or a commercial airline. He does not see his transgender identity as an impediment, though the road in front of him may not be a smooth one, and future surroundings may not always be as accepting as that of the Florida Keys. “I have not experienced any bullying,” Brent said. “It happened once, and he apologized to me later. But I’ve seen it done to other people.” A recent Human Rights Campaign press release said, “2021 has already seen at least 27 transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means.” The HRC describes itself as “America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people.” “If you’re not sure of your identity, it’s not set in stone,” said Brent. “Even in your 30s, 40s or 50s, you don’t have to know. There are places on the internet you can connect with worldwide. You are not alone. Go at your own pace. Be yourself. There are people in the world who are going to hate yourself for being yourself. But your attention should go toward the people who love you.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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SOMEWHERE UNDER THE RAINBOW

ISLAND HOUSE WELCOMES WOMEN — JUST FOR A BIT

he Oxford dictionary defines a pilgrimage as the “act of journeying through a strange country to a holy place.” Throughout human history people have made their way to sacred sites: Lourdes, Mecca, Dollywood. Last week, I made mine to the Island House. The famed resort permits the fairer sex behind its hallowed doors on only two days each year, during Fantasy Fest and Pride. Since I first learned of the Island House it has existed in my imagination as a place of wild abandon, replete with nudity and very reputable crab cakes. Folks, it did not disappoint. On Wednesday, the resort played host to myself and a slew of other enthusiastic, neon-clad women. As owner Bobi Lore explains, “Island House has for decades led Key West Pride with our All Welcome Kickoff Party. Proceeds go The Island House’s to assist the business guild Bobi Lore. REDA which of course assists us WIGLE/Keys Weekly and all LGBTQ businesses here. It’s a very symbiotic relationship. We all help each other.” Lore is a Brooklyn native who has owned the Island House for three years. Lore’s late partner Jon Allen purchased the property in 1999 with the intention of fostering a haven for freedom. In the process he created the most lauded gay men’s guest house in the world. When I asked what the Island House means to him, Lore noted that the spirit of the place begins with, and belongs to, all those who visit. “It’s more than what it means to me, it’s what it means to a world of people, now including yourself. Anyone who has an open mind and comes here will recognize that it’s a special place. I’ve been tasked with stewarding it and I don’t take that lightly. It’s a sanctuary. It’s a statement to the world.” It’s a sanctuary Lore is happy to share, on occasion, with us lady folk. “It’s a very welcome chance for us to open our doors to women. There’s no reason why they can’t share in the goodness of this place, the simple fact that it exists.” During the Pride party, the goodness of the place was in full swing and on full display. The sun was shining, house music was blasting, and a battalion of beautiful men in little more than bow ties and booty shorts passed bottomless glasses of champagne. Asked if this was business as usual for the Island House, one local coolly explained, “It’s usually more sex and less people.”

On the condition that I cease recording of any kind, Lore was kind enough to give me a tour of the Island House’s infamous video lounge. Cold as a meat locker and painted red as the devil’s toenails, the lounge welcomes visitors through a corridor of funhouse mirrors into a room with tasteful glory holes, television screens and a sex bench. “This is the multicultural center,” joked one reveler. On Wednesday, in lieu of pornography, the video screens played Island House promotional videos. This substitution was among the only measures of modesty taken by the resort for the coed event. As Lore explained, “We’re a clothing optional establishment and even during an event like this we intend to stay clothing optional.” As the evening progressed, nudity, for men and women alike, became the favored option, with the pool and dance floor happily awash in bare skin. A veteran of the Island House had some choice wisdom for me and anyone looking to strip down, “Honey, don’t take your shoes off around here — they’ll disappear.” As the sun set, I made my way home, shoes in hand and glitter everywhere else, having lost nothing but my Island House virginity. Pilgrimage complete, I am grateful to have been a guest where carnality is celebrated and freedom is exalted. As Lore maintains, “There has to be someplace like this, and thank god there is — and when I say god I say it with a small g.” Praise be for Pride with a capital P, and blessed be the Island House.

Island House all-male guest house reveals welcomes the fairer sex two nights a year. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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1. A vessel found floating in the waters near Rodriguez Key, located east of Key Largo. CONTRIBUTED/FWC

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2. A derelict vessel submerged along the mangroves in the Upper Keys. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly 3. A derelict vessel off the waters of Key West. CONTRIBUTED/Monroe County

1 2

DEALING WITH DERELICTS

COUNTY ON TRACK TO REMOVE 60 VESSELS THIS YEAR

hirty-four derelict vessels have been removed from the waters off the Florida Keys since the start of 2021. Roughly 60 vessels junked and abandoned will be removed by year’s end through a multi-agency effort. With frigate bird sightings and dolphins seen swimming alongside boats also come views of marvelous mangroves and eyeopening water clarity, if conditions allow. But it’s also common to witness severely damaged boats submerged along the mangroves or floating in navigational waterways. Combatting derelict vessels left by their owners is no easy task, taking manpower and money. And it doesn’t involve one agency, but several. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation’s Jason Rafter heads up derelict vessel enforcement out on the Keys waters. Derelict vessels are those left stored or abandoned and in a wrecked state or substantially damaged condition. Vessels are defined under state law as watercraft that provide a means of transportation on water. Rafter, in an interview with the Weekly, said an ugly vessel isn’t necessarily a derelict vessel. When a derelict vessel is spotted, however, FWC’s work begins to identify and investigate the last known address of the registered owner. “Once we get the ID of the owner, we have to find that individual,” said Rafter, a 15-year FWC officer who has spent the last 10 years as the head supervisor of the

derelict vessel program in the Upper Keys. “If they’re here in Monroe County, we physically go there. If they’re out of county or state, we send derelict vessel rights packages to that address.” Rafter said a third of derelict vessels go back to Monroe County addresses, with the remaining two-thirds out of county or state. “We also look in jails if an owner is not on board. That’s pretty standard,” Rafter said. “We recently found one derelict vessel in Islamorada, and we found the owner to be a woman who was in the Ocala jail.” A derelict vessel spotted recently on the oceanside at Rodriguez Key posed a navigational hazard. Checking the numbers on the boat, Rafter reached out to the Coast Guard to see what they knew. “They got back to me and said they spotted that in Naples 30 days prior,” he said. Once owners are found, they’re not only charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, but they’re also forced to pay back removal costs. Finding the owners is no easy task, however. “It’s not unusual for us to track down three ‘owners of the boat,’” Rafter said. “The law requires you to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that they sold their vessel within 30 days of the sale. And vessel buyers also have 30 days to transfer the title.” FWC investigators worked diligently in identifying the owners of two derelict vessels, one a 55-foot boat and the other a 33-

4. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron and Brittany Burtner, of county marine resources, recently went out with Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officials to scope out derelict vessels. CONTRIBUTED/Monroe County

foot boat a few hundred yards apart on Lake Surprise in Key Largo. Investigators weren’t able to find the owner or responsible party. Vessel removal authorization forms were sent to the Monroe County Marine Resources Office. The two boats were eventually taken out of the water and dismantled. The cost? $27,500.

“We also look in jails if an owner is not on board. That’s pretty standard.” — Jason Rafter, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation’s

“These two were removed and I swear two more were replaced. There are times when it feels like you’re holding back the tide with your hands,” Rafter said. “Any individual officer in the Upper Keys could make derelict vessels a 20-year career. In Marathon, it could be 25 years. The further down the chain, the more DVs you get.” Celia Hitchins serves as senior administrator for the county’s marine resources office. Once FWC exhausts all abilities to hold the derelict vessel owner accountable, they’re referred to the county marine resources and requested for removal. On average, the removal of 60 derelict vessels

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

a year equates to about $238,000. Around $2.6 million was spent to remove derelict vessels between 2010 and 2020. “We use Boating Improvement Funds, generated from vessel registration fees, and/or grant funding from the state to pay for these removals,” Hitchins said. “We have ongoing contracts with pre-qualified marine contractors to handle removal and disposal activities.” Vessel owners must repay the removal cost within 30 days, or else they lose the ability to register or renew a vessel or vehicle until repaid. In fiscal year 2020, the county received around 5% reimbursement from repayments. “It’s been a mildly effective tool to reduce our total cost,” Hitchins said. State funds to remove derelict vessels became available starting in 2019. In the past 12 months, about $340,000 in supplemental funding was provided to Monroe County. That’s allowed the county’s Marine Resources Office to fund additional removals and free up funding for other important boating-related services. A historical analysis from 2008 to 2013 shows around 50% of derelict vessels removed from the Lower Keys, mainly Key West and Stock Island. The other half is split between the Middle and Upper Keys. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron and Brittany Burtner, county marine resources worker, recently joined FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood, FWC Capt. David Dipre and officials from Key West and Marathon to scope out derelict vessels in the Key West area. Coldiron said the trip allowed her to view the different stages derelict boats are in, as well as the fact that some are not inhabited and mainly used for storage. “Derelicts are definitely a problem,” she said. “When you have boats not properly anchored and storms come, they break free and roam and cause damage. The goal is to get derelicts off the waterway, which improves the quality of water and safety for all.” Coldiron said officials also examined mooring sites following passage of a state bill that designates Monroe County as an anchoring limitation area, allowing a vessel on state waters to be anchored in

the same location for 90 days maximum. It doesn’t go into effect until the county approves, permits and opens new moorings for public use, at least 250 moorings, within a mile of the Key West Bight City Dock and 50 at the Key West Harrison Bight Mooring Field. “FWC wanted us to come out and look and see where mooring balls could be placed. Do we need 300? To me, we do not,” she said. “We saw vacant mooring balls, and with boats almost derelict or already derelict, I could see some sites not needing mooring balls.” Hitchins said there are many challenges with derelict vessels that range from boating safety and environmental issues to socio-economic concerns and funding limitations. The county marine resources office focuses its efforts on preventing derelict vessels through anchoring and mooring management. Monroe County participated in the FWC Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program several years ago that tested a variety of management tools, including identification and non-criminal citations for vessels displaying pre-derelict conditions. Hitchins said it later became a statewide law with civil penalties for vessels that display ‘at-risk’ vessel conditions which has been a successful means of deterring derelict vessels. The county commission also supported a state bill this year which included the creation of a Statewide DV Prevention Program which will go into effect on July 1. Hitchins said it includes the potential creation of a Vessel Turn-In Program that allows a vessel owner to relinquish ownership of a vessel at the useful end of it’s life prior to the vessel becoming derelict. “It’s a management tool that has worked well in other states around the country,” Hitchins said. Rafter hopes that program returns, as it helped at-risk vessels from reaching derelict status. “It’s an outstanding preventive measure,” he said. “If somebody had vessels they couldn’t take care of and knew it was an issue, they could turn it in.” Next week, read more about at-risk vessels and what FWC is doing to prevent them from becoming derelict.

Keys to receive $25 million for nearshore water improvements, land acquisition

FULL FUNDING

Gov. DeSantis meets with Monroe County Commissioners in January. Florida’s FY22 budget was signed today and includes the full appropriation of Stewardship Act funding for the Florida Keys environment. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

hen Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the fiscal year 2022 state budget, it included record Florida Keys Stewardship Act funding benefiting Monroe County. The county received the full appropriation of $20 million in Stewardship Act funding and $5 million for land acquisition. “This is the first year the county secured the entire $25 million request for stewardship,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “This is record funding from the governor and delegation for the protection of the Florida Keys.” In addition to the Stewardship Act funding, the state budget includes $1 million for Monroe County’s vessel pump-out services that help protect the Florida Keys marine environment. “I am so pleased the governor signed the budget, which includes critical funding for Monroe County,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron. “In addition to the funding for Everglades restoration, this budget shows us DeSantis is invested in our economic stability and the future of the Florida Keys.” The state legislature enacted the Florida Keys Stewardship Act in 2016. This one-of-a-kind legislation acknowledges the importance of protecting the Florida Keys’ unique and fragile resources, including its coral reef, seagrass beds and mangroves. Florida Keys communities use the funding to implement water quality projects to protect these resources. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

CORAL DISEASE REACHES THE DRY TORTUGAS

CORAL RESPONSE TEAM ‘ENTIRELY PREPARED’ TO ACT TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

tony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) — an infectious, water-borne coral disease that has devastated Florida’s Coral Reef and others around the world — has been found in Dry Tortugas National Park. The park’s coral response team has begun treatment and still holds hope for the future of these endangered species. SCTLD started near Miami in late 2014. It moves rapidly, affecting hard coral species and decimating entire reefs in a matter of weeks or months. By 2016, the disease had spread north to Palm Beach County and south to Lower Matecumbe. In May 2018, reports of disease events had reached the Lower Keys, and it became clear that this was an “unprecedented” disease outbreak, both in its broad geographic range, as well as its extended duration, high rates of mortality and number of coral species affected. Scientists weren’t initially sure about what caused the disease. They now hypothesize that bacteria likely plays a role, because antibiotic treatments have proven effective. In August 2018, the “mystery killer” was finally given a name. It continued to spread south to Key West and the Marquesas. It was observed off Rebecca Shoal Channel in August 2020, and the Dry Tortugas were the only section of reef in the Keys that remained unaffected. With discovery of the disease at the national park, SCTLD has now been confirmed throughout the entirety of Florida’s Coral Reef and sections of the Caribbean. “We knew it was inevitable, that it was just a matter of time,” said Florida Sea Grant agent Shelly Krueger. “There’s still a sense of heaviness because the Dry Tortugas are so far removed from land-based activities. You think about this area as pristine, but we’re all connected by the water, and this connectivity is why we knew it was basically inescapable.” Krueger’s agency collaborates with state, local and university partners in the disease response.

A biologist on the NPS Coral Response Team treats a coral infected with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. RACHEL JOHNS/National Park Service

A coral within the Dry Tortugas treated with an antibiotic paste to combat Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/Contributed

The coral response team first observed SCTLD on 11 coral colonies within the park on May 29 during a routine disease survey. A May 6 survey of that same location had shown no evidence of the disease. Several highly susceptible corals in the same area still appear to be healthy, and the park service estimates that only 3% of susceptible colonies in the area are affected. The disease appears “concentrated” in one area of the park 2.5 miles east of Fort Jefferson. “Until now, Dry Tortugas National Park was the only remaining section of Florida’s Coral Reef to not show signs of the disease,” said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks. “Finding it early is significant, because without treatment, the disease has the potential to destroy the park’s underwater gardens, as affected corals have a nearly 100% mortality rate.”

SCTLD manifests as white patches where the disease has consumed live coral tissue, exposing bright white coral skeleton. While only “stony corals” are affected, these species of coral are critical to Florida’s Coral Reef and underpin its structure and health. Near Fort Lauderdale, an iconic and gigantic coral head lovingly known as “Big Mama’’ had survived for more than 300 years; it succumbed to SCTLD in just four months. Rachel Johns, coral biologist and lead of the Coral Response Team, told the Weekly, “When we found the first colony (in the Dry Tortugas) with SCTLD, the stark, white lesions of disease, which expose patches of the coral animal’s bare skeleton, seemed to glare back at us. SCTLD is distressing to observe, so I felt motivated to do everything possible for that colony, and I was thankful that our coral response team was entirely prepared for that moment.” The Dry Tortugas has the largest and most active coral response team of any organization throughout the Keys, Johns said. Her team trained in SCTLD intervention methods and has been actively surveying the park for disease since September 2020. “To say we were ready is an understatement. If there was ever an opportunity to beat SCTLD, it’s now,” Johns said. Johns and her team treated infected corals with the most effective treatment available: an antibiotic paste using amoxicillin. This slows the spread of the disease and increases coral survival. The team will focus treatment efforts on “high priority” corals, including threatened species, large and reproductive corals, and areas with high coral cover and biodiversity. The team will also increase reconnaissance surveys to confirm where and how severe any outbreaks are within the park. “Besides continuing disease reconnaissance and treatments, our coral response team along with our state and federal partners are committed to monitoring Dry Tortugas reefs through the course of SCTLD and beyond, documenting and studying any changes we find along the way,” Johns said. Johns and Krueger both anticipate a shift from disease response to large-scale reef restoration in the coming years, especially with NOAA’s Mission: Iconic Reefs efforts well underway. “Personally, I have hope because of the incredible team of individuals I work alongside. There are intelligent, caring people both inside and outside the NPS who are committed to ecological stewardship and service,” Johns said. “So long as they exist, the corals have hope.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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1. Around 40 participants, kids and adults, came together to clean up Indian Key Fills. People drove in from as far away as Miami and Key West to participate. MARITZA THIBOS PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed 2. Participants could clean up via paddleboard, kayak or on foot. MARITZA THIBOS PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed 3. Reid Wisnewski of the Upper Keys joined Dee Dee Green of Key West Beautiful and Whitney Wemett of Surfrider Florida Keys to clean up Indian Key Fill in Islamorada. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly

4. Many of the participants were kids wanting to help keep their homes clean. WHITNEY WEMETT/Contributed

PROTECTING THE OCEAN

5. Reid Wisnewski floats back to the cleanup headquarters with a bag full of trash pulled from critical mangrove habitat. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

DOZENS COME TOGETHER FOR A CLEANUP 2

n anticipation of World Oceans Day, Surfrider Florida Keys hosted a paddleboard and shoreline cleanup at Indian Key Fill in Islamorada. Community members and ocean lovers, from Miami all the way to Key West, came together to participate and do their part. Otherside Boardsports in Islamorada and Keep Key West Beautiful collaborated with Surfrider, bringing enthusiasm, collection buckets, and help. In just under 3 hours, around 40 people collected over 600 pounds of debris — old tires, discarded line and, of course, plastics. “Thank you to everyone who made yesterday such a success,” said Whitney Wemett, Surfrider vice chair and the event organizer. “I feel so grateful to be a part of a community that has the opportunity and desire to play such a hands-on role in protecting our marine habitat in the Keys.” — Weekly staff report

6. In the Keys, old, discarded line from fishing traps is a big marine debris problem. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 7. Keys Weekly representatives Tiffany Duong and Gabby Tejeda joined the Surfrider cleanup to help their local community. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

8. Representatives from Lignumvitae Key State Park sorted and weighed all collected debris to quantify what the trash problem looks like in the Keys. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021 A Stygian owl seen in Key West in 2018. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

THE AFTERNOON THAT NEVER ENDED

t was mid June and hot as Hades and I was on the sidewalk outside of Harpoon Harry’s after lunch. This was three years ago. The heat was that all-encompassing, shirt-soaking, spirit-abusing heat that made you wonder how, exactly, you were going to make it through the next five months. I looked at my phone and saw that Em had tagged me in a short video on Facebook. MARK “Mark Hedden, what the hell is this??? Sounds like HEDDEN a Tarzan movie!!!” She said it was some place over on Seminary Street. ... is a photograIf it was someone else I might have waited to look pher, writer, and at it on a bigger screen in a room with suitably arctic air semi-professional conditioning. But Em was Emalyn Mercer, considered birdwatcher. He has lived in Key by many of us to be something close to a real world West for more saint, famous, at least among my Key West crowd, than 25 years and for her kindness and her cheese grits, for the gaggle may no longer of other people’s kids she loved to take care of on be employable in Saturday nights, for her honey-smooth drawl and her the real world. He is also executive uproarious laugh, for her willingness to chain herself to director of the the occasional tree that she didn’t think the city should Florida Keys Auduchop down, and for the fact that every time this one bon Society. well-known homeless man went off his meds and got arrested she would go out to the jail and put money in his canteen account to make sure he could buy cigarettes. She’d survived a bout of breast cancer and seemingly decided she wasn’t going to waste a minute of her life after that. She was one of those people who made you want to be a better person, and you didn’t even resent her for it, largely because she was also hilarious. If Em asked you a question about a bird, you wanted to answer it. That day on the sidewalk there was too much glare to really see what was going on in the video, but I could hear a bird screaming that sounded kind of like a hawk, which got me curious. We see a lot of wintering hawks in the Keys, but they’re usually long gone by June. But Cooper’s hawks, once known as chicken hawks due to their fondness for barnyard poultry, had been expanding their range down the Florida peninsula, and it seemed logical, given Key West’s overabundance of chickens, that they would take up breeding here eventually. When I parked on Seminary Street I perhaps slammed the car door too loud, as two birds that were, in fact, Cooper’s hawks took off and disappeared into the middle of the block. I sighed, and considered how long I was willing to stand there sweating to see if the hawks came back. Which is when I noticed the dark brown shape deep in the leaves of one of the trees. I was pretty sure it was a bird. I kept an old pair of binoculars in the car, but the car was such a mess I couldn’t find them, so I had to drive the six blocks home for my Swarovskis and my camera. With my binoculars I could see it was an owl – tall, dark, and skinny, with long ear tufts on top of its head and unsettling bright yellow eyes. I took a couple pictures, thinking briefly it might be a long-eared owl, which I’d only seen once before, and which would be very rare in these parts. But the long-eared owl had orange patches in its face, and the bird I was looking at was a more uniform chocolate brown. I flipped through my Sibley app and realized it didn’t match any of the other North American owls, either. I called some other local birders I knew, then ran home again for my Cuban and Caribbean field guides, and for my scope and my tripod.

Mark Whiteside and Ellen Westbrook arrived and we puzzled it out to be a Stygian owl, a species hard to find even in its native South American and Caribbean habitat. But a bird that rare makes you nervous to report it, just in case you’re having some cognitive misfire and misidentifying something much more common or obvious, so I sent pictures out to people more familiar with the species. And yes, it was a Stygian. The species had only been seen in North America twice before during a pair of brief single-day sightings in Texas in the 1990s. I posted pictures of the bird on Facebook, knowing what I was triggering. For anyone hoping to add Stygian owl to their life list, this was probably a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Birders would be buying last-minute plane tickets, birders would be jumping into cars and driving overnight. There would be a small crowd at sunrise the next morning. But for anyone who didn’t live here, such efforts were for naught. The bird was gone by nightfall. In the time before it left, though, we set up a spotting scope and had the chance to show the bird to about 20 people, including the mailman, a passing landscape architect, my wife, the people who lived in the house whose yard the tree was in, several local birders, and one neighbor who was convinced we didn’t know what we were talking about – he saw Stygian owls all the time. At one point Emalyn stopped by, parking her convertible VW by the curb. I told her it wasn’t the bird in the video she posted, but it was what the bird in her video was screaming about. (Owls are notorious nest predators and nobody likes them in their breeding territory.) She spent some time looking through the scope, and she was laughing as she got back into her car, seemingly pleased to have triggered the finding of such a rare bird, or, more likely, to have triggered the finding of a little more happiness in the world. I got one of those Facebook “3 Years Ago Today” reminders of all this last week, even though I didn’t need it. That afternoon comes back to me every time I walk or ride my bike through that neighborhood, even though there are new people living in that house, and the place has been totally renovated, and the tree the owl was in has disappeared. And even though Emalyn is gone now too, the cancer coming back and taking her faster than anyone thought imaginable, leaving a pretty gaping hole in the lives of a lot of people. Because if you keep moving and you don’t think about it too hard, that afternoon is still happening.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

Wishing my husband Patrick D’Amico (and our son Luke) a happy first Father’s Day. JEANINE D’AMICO/Contributed

RD Goodman is the father to Hurley Dale & River Marie as well as the charter captain of the Huntress. The best part about being a dad: Hoping one day Hurley can throw the cast net for me, and hearing River say, ‘Daddy, I love you!’ ERIKA GOODMAN/Contributed

My dad has always encouraged me to live life to the fullest while simultaneously reminding me that everything works out the way it should. We both enjoy the outdoors, live music, long distance running, cowboy boots and red wine. If I was home for Fathers Day, we would probably be sharing a bottle of red wine over a charcuterie board while watching a tennis match after a day of fishing. Happy Father’s Day to my dad and all the other dads out there! Live Large! HAYLEY BURLESON/Contributed

Having visited Key West for the time in 1996, (my wife Julia Davis and I) moved here in 1999 and were immediately accepted and loved by the gay — and straight — community. That is Key West Pride to us. EDIE HAMBRIGHT/Contributed

I don’t have a coming-out story because I’ve always known I was different. I never hid it. I was never ‘in.’ In first grade, I discovered red bubble gum candy could be used as a lipstick, so I put it on my lips — at an all-boys Catholic school. MAYA MONTATA/Contributed

Jim Dad, the man that supports all my crazy adventures near and far, thank you for your unconditional love and support always. There’s no one else I’d rather share this wonderful life with. Happy Father’s Day, Daddy. WHITNEY WEMETT/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

ur themes for JUNE are PAPAS and PRIDE. June is Pride Month, so show us what it means to have pride in the Keys (we’re looking at you, Key West). Father’s Day is June 20. Send a tribute to the dad in your life, or tell us what your favorite thing about being a dad is! Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

Rules, schmules: All photos must be original work and feature something in the Keys. Photos can be images that have been published before. No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

OLIVIA BROOKS, WHERE ARE YOU?

LOCAL FINDS 17-YEAR-OLD MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE OFF MARATHON

eeking: 22-year-old United Kingdom woman named Olivia Brooks, who vacationed in Marathon in September of 2003 as a little 4-year-old girl. That’s the mystery that Daniel Lonergan of Caribbean Kayaking wants to solve. “I found it in early September of 2020, floating at the junction of Whiskey Creek and Sisters Creek in Marathon,” said Lonergan. “It” is the Keys version of a unicorn — a legit message in a bottle. Lonergan found the bottle while he was working; he owns and operates a kayak and paddle tour company in the Middle Keys. As is his habit, he collects trash every chance he gets. Except this wasn’t trash. “I found it and then forgot about it because of the whole COVID-19 thing. But now I want to see if I can find her,” Lonergan said. The message was written in 2003 and has some compelling details — her full name, her address, her age, and the fact that she was staying at a now defunct resort, Crystal Bay (sic) Resort. Olivia (or

her parents) gave all the necessary information, and she signed her name to the note that came out of the green bottle in childish script. The family even enclosed $2 for postage so the finder could send word that the bottle had been found. But 17 years have elapsed. Lonergan said he did a couple searches of the property — 47 The Uplands, Loughton, Essex, England — and found web advertising that suggests the house has since changed hands. Twice. “I’ve run out of clues,” said Lonergan. “I want to put this out there now. I hope I find her.” He ends on a poetic note: “This message in a bottle has been just floating on the Marathon tides waiting to be found for 17 years.”

In 2003, a 4-year-girl from the U.K. launched a message in a bottle. Seventeen years later, a local picked it up. Do you know Olivia Brooks? CONTRIBUTED

Daniel Lonergan found the message in a bottle when he was working; he owns and operates Caribbean Kayaking in the Middle Keys. CONTRIBUTED

In the 1500s, Queen Elizabeth I of England created an official position, “Uncorker of Ocean Bottles.” Anyone in England finding a bottle with a message was to bring it directly to the crown. The English had figured out ocean currents enough to use them as a conveyance for messages from spies. “Uncorker of Ocean Bottles” is also the name of a children’s book by Michelle Cuevas, published in 2016.

“Hi my name is Olivia (Brooks). I am a little girl. I am 4 years old. I am in America on holiday. The day I sent this is 27 September 2003. Please send me a postcard to tell me you found it. I have enclosed 2 dollars for a stamp.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of StorQuestKey West located at 13 Calle Tres, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Big Coppitt Storage, Ltd. Publish: June 10, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

representation or guarantee of mechanical condition. All sales are, as is, no warranty. All sales are final. Publish: June 10 & 17, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice of Seizure Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents on the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien: All contents of unit: B-22 Catherine Regan To be sold on June 28, 2021 at 10:00 am at Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, 135 Hood Ave, Tavernier, FL 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage Inc reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids. Publish: June 10 & 17, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF SALE Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be selling a number of surplus vehicles by sealed bids. All bids must be received by 10:00am on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021. The bids will be opened publicly on Wednesday at 10:30am on June 30th, 2021. A list of vehicles to be sold may be viewed on our website; www.keysso.net. Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building 1st floor reception, or by contacting: Michael Cabot 305-293-7477 305-797-0115 Michael Griffin 305-292-6832 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 5525 College Rd, Key West, Fl. 33040 The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Headquarters building at 5525 College Rd., Key West, Fl. 33040 22 – VEHICLES On the following dates and times: June 22nd, 2021 9:00am – 11:00am June 24th, 2021 2:00pm – 4:00pm The Sheriff’s Office makes no

LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the South Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee (SoFlaLEPC) announces the availability of the following information: Hazardous Chemical Inventory (Tier2) Forms, Hazards Analyses for Facilities with Extremely Hazardous Substances, SoFlaLEPC Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, How-to-Comply Information for Hazardous Materials Users and other public education materials. The SoFlaLEPC serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. To obtain information, please contact the SoFlaLEPC Coordinator at (954)924-3653. Publish: June 10, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@ keysarts.com Cultural Umbrella Committee Meeting Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 11:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 824 9010 5110 Passcode: 113825 Art in Public Places Committee Meeting Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 04:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 864 0442 6197 Passcode: 094421 Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, June 24, 2021, 04:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 812 5179 2085 Passcode: 166309

LEGAL NOTICES Publish: June 10, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 16, 2021, at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE, PROVIDING FOR CORRECTIONS TO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE SECTIONS REFERENCED, PROVIDING FOR REVISIONS TO THE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL RATES AND PROVIDING FOR REVISIONS TO THE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS TO CONFORM WITH F.S. 197-3632; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; Please note that public participation in these meetings may be conducted via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”). The connection information for members of the public who wish to attend or participate in the Public Hearing(s) via a Zoom virtual platform will be posted on the Monroe County website at @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior

Randy Fink, MD, practicing at 8700 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 208, Miami, FL and 103301 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL will be ending his medical practice in Florida effective July 3, 2021. Patients of the practice are invited to continue their care with other providers at these locations, and records will continue to be stored there. Medical records can also be transferred to any provider of your choosing upon request. For information, please contact 305-515-5425 or email info@miamiobgyns.com. Publish: June 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

to the scheduled meetings; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 2nd day of June, 2021. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: June 10, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: June 10, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A 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 the first publication of this notice is June 10, 2021. Personal Representative: JUDITH DELUCIA 339 Third Road Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: RODOLFO SUAREZ, JR., ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 013201 Suarez Law 2950 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 100 Miami, FL 33133 Telephone: (305) 448-244 E-Mail: rudy@suarezlawyers. com Publish: June 10 & 17, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

All creditors of the decedent and any other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is June 3, 2021. Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN CAMPBELL Florida Bar # 443972 CAMPBELL & MALAFY 10887 Overseas Highway Suite #201 Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-2492 305-743-2432 (fax) Personal Representative: JOHN CAMPBELL Care of: CAMPBELL & MALAFY 10887 Overseas Highway Suite #201 Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-2492 305-743-2432 (fax) Publish: June 3 & 10, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 16, 2021, at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 19-4 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE PROVIDING FOR REVISED TOLL RATES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Please note that public participation in these meetings may be conducted via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”). The connection information for members of the public who wish to attend or participate in the Public Hearing(s) via a Zoom virtual platform will be posted on the Monroe County website at @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meetings; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 2nd day of June, 2021. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-000043-P IN RE: ESTATE OF VICTOR S. FALK, III, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of VICTOR S. FALK, III, deceased, whose date of death was February 9, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorneys are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 10, 2021. Personal Representative: LINDA R. FALK 7 Angelfish Cay Drive Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorneys for Personal Representative: DUNWODY WHITE & LANDON, P.A. William T. Muir, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0319074 Jeremy P. Leathe, Esq. Florida Bar No. 983268 550 Biltmore Way, Suite 810 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 529-1500 Fax: (305) 529-8855 E-Mail: wmuir@dwl-law.com E-Mail: jleathe@dwl-law.com Secondary e-mail: aacosta@ dwl-law.com xnunez@dwl-law.com mstreet@dwl-law.com Publish: June 10 & 17, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000042-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HELEN L. CAMPBELL, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of HELEN L. CAMPBELL, deceased, whose date of death was September 8,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2021-CP-010-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DOUGLAS STRIPP, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of DOUGLAS STRIPP, Deceased, Date of Death: December 31, 2020, File Number 2021-CP-010-M, is pending in the Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All persons of whom this notice is served and who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the petitioner, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000138-K IN RE: ESTATE OF TAMMY DALE KNOTT, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Tammy Dale Knott, deceased, whose date of death was January 18th, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES this notice is: June 3, 2021. Personal Representative: Anthony Wayne Knott Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6642, Key West, FL 33041 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE MIKLAS, P.A. 88765 OVERSEAS HWY TAVERNIER, FL 33070 (305) 852-7225 Florida Bar No. 163915 Email Addresses: joe@ flkeyslawoffice.com admin@flkeyslawoffice.com Publish: June 3 & 10, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 21-DR-372-K Division: Family IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF JUDY KAY SMITH, Petitioner/Wife, And FRANTISEK FRYSTACKY, Respondent/Husband. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT_ - CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE TO: FRANTISEK FRYSTACKY Whose Last Known Address Is: 11117 N. Wolverine Road, Palmer, Alaska 99645 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Judy Kay Smith, whose address is 604 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040, on or before July 12, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: June 1, 2021 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Publish: June 10, 17, 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

YARD SALES

the undersigned. Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 22ND day of June 2021, at 11 o’clock a.m., 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 property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: A tract of land in a part of “PARRISH SUBDIVISION”, as recorded in Plat Book 2, at Page 18, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the West line of Section 9, Township 66 South, Range 32East, and the Southerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway No. 1, bear North 85 degrees and 15 minutes East, along said right-of-way 1850 feet; thence bear South, 230.27 feet; thence bear South 85 degrees and 15 minutes West, 115.03 feet; thence bear South, 630 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the tract of land hereinafter described; thence continue South 90 feet; thence bear East, 144.29 feet; thence bear North 90 feet; thence bear West, 144.29 feet, back to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Plus Boat Slip # 25 A one-twenty-fifth undivided interest in a tract of land and water in “PARRISH SUBDIVISION”, as recorded in Plat Book 2, at Page 18, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the West Line of Section 9, Township 66 South, Range 32 East and the Southerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway No. 1, bear North 85 degrees and 15 minutes East, along said rightof-way, 1850 feet; thence bear South, 200.17 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the tract of land and water hereinafter described; from said POINT OF BEGINNING, bear South 85 degrees and 15 minutes West, 289.62 feet; thence bear South, 719.95 feet; thence bear West, 110 feet to the West line of Block 1 of PARRISH SUBDIVISION, extended South; thence bear South, 593 feet, more or less; thence bear East, 428.29 feet; thence bear North, 583 feet, more or less, to a point that is 962.26 feet South from the Southerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway No. 1; thence bear West, 144.29 feet; thence bear North, 720.00 feet; thence bear North 85 degrees and 15 minutes East, 115.03 feet; thence bear North, 30.10 feet, back to the POINT OF BEGINNING, LESS the following described tract of land a tract of land in a part of PARRISH SUBDIVISION, as recorded in Plat Book 2, at Page 18, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the West Line of Section 9, Township 66 South, Range 32 East, and the Southerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway No. 1, bear North 85 degrees and 15 minutes East, along said right-of-way line, 1850 feet; thence bear South 230.27 feet; thence bear South 85 degrees and 15 minutes West, 145.13 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of

the tract of land hereinafter described: from said POINT OF BEGINNING, continue bearing South 85 degrees and 15 minutes West, 114.39 feet; thence bear South, 720.00 feet; thence bear East, 114 feet; thence bear North, 729.47 feet, back to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Pursuant to DEFAULT FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AGAINST DEFENDANTS, TU BALU GROUP, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, F/K/A, ELITE SKY HOLDINGS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ADMINISTRATIVELY DISSOLVED AND SUBSEQUENTLY REINSTATED WITH IMMEDIATE CHANGE OF NAME ON 11/22/19 AND UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10TH day of May 2021 Style of which is: JUDITH SILVA Plaintiff VS. TU BALU GROUP, LLC, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2020-CA101-M WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 12TH day of May 2021 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming as interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: June 10 & 17, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Help wanted - Big Time Discount Bait and Tackle in Marathon- competitive wages and working 2535 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199

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.

Yard Sale #5 of 6 - SAT. JUNE 12 from 8am-1pm RAIN OR SHINE. Getting closer to moving – all new items. Picnic table, pictures, lamps, mirrors, rugs (assorted sizes), cowhide rug, counter stools, bar stools, side table, fishing gear, some floor tile & many other items. 1134 Bulevar De Palmas, Marathon (Take Sombrero Beach Rd. to beach approx. 2 miles then turn right on Avenida Primiceria and follow the s i g n s . )

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: Fri. and Sat., June 11&12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. 302 Banyan Street, Duck Key. Vintage fishing rods and reels, rod holders, lures and tools. Brand new A/C and used compressor, plus two used hydraulic trap hauling rigs. Lots of orchids, clay pots, 2 twin beds, 1 full bed, dressers and dining table. Prices are low and items are designed to move. Don’t be late to this sale.

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

AUTOS FOR SALE 2001 Dodge Caravan, Silver, 90,000 miles, cold A/C. Located in Marathon. $2,500 OBO 305-417-0871

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! 1993 Hewes Redfish 18' - 115 hp - newly rewired Yamaha 2-stroke, Lowrance HDS8 Chart Plotter, Minn Kota remote trolling motor and Trailer. Located in Marathon. $14,000 OBO 970-331-4511 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! BOAT SLIP FOR SALE Indoor / Dry Boat Storage Rack / 155 Wind Code The Boat House Marina Condo - Marathon, FL. 36.5L X 12.7W X 16.2H Max Boat Size. $225K / FSBO/ No Realtors / Avail. Now. RGC2RGC@yahoo. com (M) 412-848-1272

EMPLOYMENT

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 & Low Voltage Techs wanted immediately TOP PAY! Email: admin@ checkelectricllc.com Call: 305-292-3369

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! Help WantedLawn Maintenance Drug-Free, Apply in Person at Dot Palm 5200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon FL 33050 305743-3090 HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! Pool service hiring PT 4/days a week cleaning pools & water testing. Marathon area. Call 305-395-0000 HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

The Cabana Club, an 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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

Charter Captain/Mate Busy fishing charter business in Marathon looking for experienced fishing Captain/Mate. Busy boats and location. Offshore, Inshore, Reef/ Wreck. Also part-time Boat Cleaner needed for afternoons. Send text or call 305-481-3259

Place your Housing For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers Full &/or part-time. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com. NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for all shifts. Please apply in person at 8919 Overseas Highway in Marathon. 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.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED Full-time reliable housekeeper needed for household in Key Colony Beach. Permanent employment – 6 days/week. Must have transportation. Hablamos Espanol. Call 305-731-1133

MM96 Buttonwood Bay 2BR/2.5BA furn. townhome. $2750/mo F/L/S app fee $60. No pets/smoking. Tropic Homes year lease. Debbie Taylor 305-394-9787 RENTED IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!

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 Place your Lot For Sale ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and sell your lot!

OFFICE SPACE Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92. Call 305-394-0530 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 Place your Office Space For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Interior Designer Landscape Designer An outdoor design specialist that works well with clients— producing designs, selections, and processing sales.

Lead AV Technician

SERVICES OFFERED

AV and Home Automation installations. Knowledge of electrical/ electronic components.

Mobile Boat Detailing from Key Largo to Key West - Chauffeur Tim 305-902-9135

Warehouse & Delivery Crew

YARD SALES

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

SEEKING SECURITY GUARDS IN MARATHON FT & PT avail. $16-$18/hr Must have D License

Ralons Security 786-615-5522 Lic# B1500167

NOW HIRING

We’re on a path to better healthcare.

FT Maintenance Supervisor 3 pm – 11 pm Great Pay, Health Benefits & Room Discounts

Join us. Career Opportunities for:

Registered Nurses (RN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus for Full-Time RNs & LPNs!

FIELD INSPECTORS

New Enhanced Compensation Rates! Full-Time, Part-Time and PRN, Day and Night Shifts Available

is accepting applications for the following position: Lower Keys Full-Time

IT ASSISTANT For more information visit Current Openings at: keysmosquito.org/current-openings/

305.743.0844

Apply online at: http://joinwellpath.com/keywest Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc. www.dynastymarine.net

BOAT WIRING/RIGGING ASSISTANT Kahuna Boat Wiring & Rigging, located in Marathon, is looking for a boat wiring assistant to help wire and rig boats. Great opportunity to learn a new trade which is in high demand in The Keys. Starting wage is $15 per hour and no experience necessary. 305-304-2600

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

Currently seeking a qualified SALES REPRESENTATIVE to fill a new full time position. This is an excellent opportunity to grow with an existing business in an interesting field. The successful applicant will have sales experience to build on existing accounts. A background in marine biology, or a working knowledge of marine animals, would be preferred. This position will primarily consist of in-house sales to existing and new wholesale customers around the world. Methods of customer communication will mainly be email but phone calls and the occasional site visit are also required. Compensation will be a combination of hourly and commission. A major bonus opportunity will exist by growing current and new accounts. Dynasty Marine will guarantee a higher hourly rate for the first 39 weeks to allow time for the representative to progress into their new position. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Email resume to sales@dynastymarine.net No phone calls please.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts. Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Monroe County School District

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

Apply in person at: Courtyard by Marriott 2146 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-2100 Or E-mail: jtyson@shanercorp.com

NOW HIRING:

F/T and P/T Bartenders & Servers 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

CoCo’s General Store

NOW HIRING: Full-time & Part-time Deli and/or Retail Sales. Must be available on weekends. Apply in person at 50 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon 305-743-7743

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

Million$ & Million$ in Inventory!

Coastal

CHIC

IN STOCK & READY FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY! Lexington’s Collection

Call 305-481-1790 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, or stop by any of our three stores:

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700

305-743-4397

305-295-6400

MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside

Searstown by Publix

BOOK YOUR PRIVATE SHOPPING PARTY! INFO AND RESERVATIONS AT KIRBYSCLOSET.COM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN Location: Middle Keys – Lower Keys

OPEN POSITIONS AT BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA • Clinical Partner (CNA), $3K Sign-On Bonus • Medical Assistant, $3K Sign-On Bonus • Medical Staff Asst • Fitness Center Manager • Phlebotomist, $2K Sign-On Bonus • Physician Practice Patient Representative, $1.5K Sign-On Bonus

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

• Patient Experience Advocate • Patient Flow Coordinator • Patient Scheduler • Environmental Tech (Housekeeping), $5K Sign-On Bonus • Floor Technician, $5K Sign-On Bonus • Mechanic • Food Service Worker, $5K Sign-On Bonus • First Cook, Dietary, $1K Sign-On Bonus • Security Officer Apply and learn more: careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

TEMPORARY MARINE PUMPOUT WORKER  KEY WEST 40 hours per week • $27.00 per hour Monroe County BOCC is seeking an applicant with a dynamic personality and who is quick to adapt, a competent multi-tasker, and can communicate effectively for a new temporary position. Primary function is to assist marine captains with pump-out services for anchored vessels. Qualifications: Florida driver’s license, fluent in English (Spanish fluency helpful), and 1 to 2 years boating experience (USCG Captain’s License helpful). Must be able to swim. To apply, please contact Monroe County HR at: Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT: WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV. 305-292-4557. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Full-time and part-time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours. Please stop by and fill out application or Fax resume to 305-852-9639.

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

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Experience Required. Paid per trip plus tips & sales commission. Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

NOW HIRING: Housekeeping Room Attendants – wages vary Cooks – wages vary

***Sign on bonus of $500 after 30 days of full-time employment & an additional $500 after 90 days Please apply online for our positions: islabellabeachresort.oasisrecruit.com or call # 786 638-8046 and ask for Human Resources 1 Knight’s Key Blvd (MM 47) Marathon, FL 33050

EOE • M/F/Vet/Disability

Part time & Full time Opportunities! Engineer

General Maintenance

Valet Parking Attendant Front Desk Agent Guest Services Manager Front Office

Housekeeping Room Attendant Line Cooks F & B Supervisor-Manager Food Runner/Barback Sunset Pier Server Reservations Agent Relief Night Security LMT, Nail Tech, Esthetician Sign on Bonus Offered!

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

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team! Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE.

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

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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

NOW HIRING BOGIE & BACALL'S SEA SENOR Restaurant Host Servers Bartender Food Runner

KeysBank.com

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

KITCHEN TEAM Sous Chef Line Cook Baker

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

HOUSEKEEPING TEAM

Visual Communications Staff

OPERATIONS TEAM

DRCTI Registration and Enrollment Specialist (Full-Time/Permanent) HR Assistant (Part-Time/Permanent)

Houseman Room Attendant Turndown Attendant

Bellman Watersports Reservations Agents

Apply At: bungalowskeylargo.com/careers Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

Join Our Team!

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

(Full-Time/Permanent)

Key West Information Technology Technician Maintenance Technician Full Time Teller Part Time Floating Teller Accountant Treasury Management Representative Big Pine Full Time Teller Marathon

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

Full Time Teller Branch Management

Full job descriptions available at

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

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

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

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor Substance Abuse Counselor (PT)

KEY WEST

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

MARATHON Care Coordinator

Maintenance Specialist Housekeeper Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Advocate (PT) *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT/FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *No experience necessary. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required. Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus. If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

Background and drug screen req.

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

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations $15 per hour to start FT Employees are eligible to participate in our health, dental, vision, Life Insurance. PTO and Profit Sharing is available to every member of our team (conditions apply). HOW TO APPLY: Go to mytomthumb.com or call Cleveland (786) 295-5307.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon IMMEDIATE OPENINGS:

FULL or PART-TIME EDUCATION PROGRAM GUIDES GIFT SHOP SALES Public Speaking & Retail/Sales Experience Helpful

FULL or PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT Experience with QuickBooks POS preferred

Send resume to: turtlehospitalmarathon@gmail.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

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

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

NOW HIRING!

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953

305

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

PC 606

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

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

Appliance and Air Conditioning

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

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy.

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

305-289-1150

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

www.TewesMortgage.com

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports. SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

When It Rains It Pours! Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

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

Will Campbell President

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 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