Upper Keys Weekly 21-0610

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” — Jacques Cousteau

1¢

PROTECTING A TREASURED RESOURCE Oceans affect lives | P. 14

CONFRONTING A DISEASE Stony coral tissue loss reaches Dry Tortugas | P. 16

! ’ r a e H ‘ s i r e m Sum

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

YOUR NEXT MOVE COULD BE NEXT LEVEL

Rare offering with this idyllic bay front estate opportunity to own two homes situated on White Marlin beach directly across from one another. The canal home has protected deep water dockage while the “beach home” is on the most highly sought after street, on Gulfview Drive in Islamorada. 254 Gulfview, known as the “sugar sand beach” home, offers five private bedrooms, five bathrooms, media room, dining, and family room on 2 levels, plus a large garage with a ground floor elevator servicing the entire home. Loft cathedral ceilings add to the elegance and charm of the “great room” and custom island kitchen overlooking the Florida Bay. Exterior stairs from the main living level lead you to the beautiful and private back yard complete with an outdoor grill deck, cabana bathroom, outdoor shower, and plenty of space for a pool. Guests at 253 Gulfview can safely launch their boat using the private boat ramp or dock the boat in deep water using the 14k boat lift.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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70

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.

A school of silverfish and bermuda chubs, as well as some sergeant major damselfish and a parrotfish, swim on Grecian Rocks reef during a MarineLab boat trip. MARIA LAUKAITIS/ Contributed

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JULY FOURTH EVENTS RETURN

Parade and fireworks set in Upper Keys JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

ourth of July celebrations are coming back in the Upper Keys following a year that saw little to no festivities due to a coronavirus pandemic.

In Key Largo, the annual procession of floats, classic vehicles and fire trucks on U.S. 1 is moving ahead.

Added to the festivities is a fireworks display set for later in the evening.

With mask restrictions and other COVID restrictions loosening came the emergence of event planning in time for the Fourth of July in the Keys. All approvals and permits were received for the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce’s 45th annual Fourth of July parade. Set for 10 a.m., the procession will commence from Anthony’s Clothing Store, located in the median at MM 98.2, heading north to the end point at Laguna Avenue.

Parade goers will have the opportunity to gather along the northbound lanes of U.S. 1 as floats created by businesses and civic groups and cars pass by — some throwing candy while others cool the crowd with water. This year’s parade theme of “Celebrating Freedom” is a reminder to all what the country and the Keys endured last year and the progress made to get back to celebrations.

Grand marshal for the parade is former state Rep. Holly Raschein, who will be escorted by Dennis Caltagirone, chamber board chairman.

A picnic will not follow the parade this year, but event planners are working to add an evening fireworks display on Blackwater Sound to July 4 activities in Key Largo. The park will open

Kids throw water balloons during the 2019 Key Largo Fourth of July parade. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

This year’s parade theme of “Celebrating Freedom” is a reminder to all what the country and the Keys endured last year and the progress made to get back to celebrations.

around 6:30 p.m. with the display going off around 9:30 p.m. Volunteers will help with parking to ease congestion. People attending the fireworks display will need to bring a lawn chair.

The fireworks display, which will be visible to businesses and residents in the area, is made possible thanks to sponsors by area businesses, the Key West/Florida Keys Airports and County Commissioner Mike Forster. For years, the event was put on by the Key Largo Merchant Association, and Bobby Stoky. The chamber says it’s honored to carry on the tradition this year.

“Now that we have this back, I’m very excited,” said Elizabeth Moscynski, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce president. “I think there’s going to be a lot of enthusiasm from not just spectators, but also businesses. I think we’re going to have just as many people as we’ve had in the past enjoying the parade.”

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities or entries in the parade may contact Eileen Eadie, Key Largo Chamber vice president, at 305-4511414 or at vicepresident@keylargochamber.org.

More information is at keylargochamber.org.

In Islamorada, plans are in the works to return Fourth of July activities to Founders Park. Organized by the Upper Keys Rotary Club, the festivities include food, drinks, music and a fireworks display.

There will be no games this year, to avoid sharing and touching of equipment.

“We made it as appealing as we could,” said Terry Abel, incoming president of the Upper Keys Rotary Club. “There’s twice as much space for people to come and sit and chill.”

The Carousers will provide music during the festivities at Founders Park. The national anthem will be sung by 2021 Coral Shores graduate M. Belle. Fireworks will be lit once the sun sets.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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

Islamorada Village Attorney Roget Bryan is presented a Home Rule Hero certificate by Scott Dudley, field advocacy director of the Florida League of Cities, during a June 3 meeting. Mayor Buddy Pinder took a moment to say a few words. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

HOME RULE PROTECTOR Village attorney recognized by Florida League of Cities JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

L

egislative session in Tallahassee brought various attempts to preempt local decision-making on several fronts. With help from the Florida League of Cities and local officials and attorneys, including Roget Bryan, those attempts were thwarted.

Before a June 2 meeting at the Founders Park Community Center, Florida League of Cities’ Scott Dudley presented Bryan, attorney for Islamorada, with “Home Rule Hero” distinction for providing analysis and input throughout the 2021 session on bills with ramifications to local municipalities. Florida League of Cities formed in 1922 to shape legislation and share ideas and experiences.

Home rule allows a city to address its community problems with local solutions and minimal or no state interference. Home Rule Hero award recipients are local government officials — both elected and unelected.

With constant attempts to preempt home rule, Dudley said, the Florida League of Cities is a resource in Tallahassee to defend local governments’ abilities to make decisions that reflect the citizens’ views and needs.

Input from attorneys, like Bryan, assist the league of cities in understanding the impacts of legislation to a city.

“We can generally read legislation and say ‘We think that’s pretty bad for cities,’ (but) we’ll put a call out to city attorneys and managers,” Dudley said.

“Roget is one during the course of the legislation session, when we had questions about the impact of a bill in a municipality, he stepped up and let us know what the impacts were going to be in Islamorada.”

Bryan helped the Florida League of Cities with several complicated bills, including the Bert Harris Act that provides procedures and remedies to land owners whose property is inordinately burdened by local government legislation. The League of Cities has opposed changes that fail to consider everyone’s property rights or create one-sided lawsuits that shift financial burdens to local taxpayers.

Dudley said Bryan was also helpful with vacation rental and home-based business issues, as well as other legislation considered this year that “doesn’t help municipalities or citizens at all.”

“Roget helped us break it down and helped us understand what the impacts of particular pieces of legislation were going to be where the rubber meets road,” Dudley said. “I’m honored to be here to present to Roget a Home Rule Hero certificate.”

This is the third straight year that Bryan received the Home Rule Hero honor. Unanimously selected in 2013 by the village council to serve as the first in-house attorney, Bryan offers legal opinions regarding interpretation of village code and Florida statutes. He also represents the village in litigation, prepares and reviews contracts and agreements and assists in drafting ordinances and resolutions.

Bryan said it’s a privilege to advocate on behalf of not just Islamorada but municipalities throughout Florida.

“I’m a huge advocate for home rule,” he said. “I think this is the most effective layer of government. This is where things that impact citizens matter the most and this is where they are felt the most. To be able to help protect our ability to make those decisions for ourselves, it really is a privilege and honor.”

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

W

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

FWC SEEKS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN TARPON KILLING

I

nvestigators with Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation are seeking the public’s help in identifying three men who reportedly removed and killed a tarpon.

A photo obtained by FWC and released to the public on June 2 shows three young males holding the large tarpon. The incident occurred on March 15 at Calusa Campground, MM 101, bayside in Key Largo.

Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery, per state regulations.

Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water, “unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag,” FWC says.

FWC is asking the public to contact Wildlife Alert at 1-888-404FWCC (3922) or Investigator Chris Mattson at 305-619-6578.

— Weekly staff report

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

JIM McCARTHY

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

CONTRIBUTED/FWC

jim@keysweekly.com

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

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1 2

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DEALING WITH DERELICTS

COUNTY ON TRACK TO REMOVE 60 VESSELS THIS YEAR

T

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 33foot 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 eventu-

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

ally taken out of the water and dismantled.

The cost? $27,500.

“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 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.

For more on this story, please visit keysweeekly.com

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

GOP WHIP VISITS KEYS Q&A WITH SCALISE

Steve Scalise. CONTRIBUTED

W

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 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 graciously fielded questions about some of the nation’s most contentious debates. From his recent opposition to a formal inquiry on the Capitol riots, to his notable 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 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

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UPPER KEYS 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 investigation 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.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

BRIEFLY

EASING OUT INTO THE WORLD AGAIN Post-pandemic version of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles has a YouTube Channel, virtual exhibits, more shows and a new relaxed style CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

A

nnette Nina of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles said she was surprised by the amount and quality of the submissions to the 2021 Art Guild of the Purple Isles Summer Show, now on display at Tavernier’s Our Place in Paradise art gallery. The exhibit is the first one the guild has shown in the summer, outside of high season.

“The entries dribbled in,” said Nina, who is the show chair. But eventually 30 “impressive” artworks arrived to be displayed at the gallery.

“Other shows usually have a theme, but this was artist’s choice,” she said. “We hope this is a more relaxed show, with older work and giclées. We want to encourage part-timers to show as well.”

And the Summer Show represents another first — the show had an open house with light refreshments to kick off the exhibition for the first time since the pandemic.

“We’re easing out into the world again,” said Nina.

Show co-chair Paula Friedman pointed out that this show represents growth for the guild, which was started in 1966 and has over 100 members.

“We now have five shows a year,” she said. “We used to have one. The perception is that we’re a bunch of northern snowbirds. But 50 percent of the members are residents who live here. Now we want to keep it going.”

So guild members have introduced another post-pandemic change: The normal season in which it used to be active and having workshops and shows was November through March.

Now the members want to keep active throughout the year. Thus, the Summer Show.

As with many organizations throughout the world, the pandemic has encouraged the guild to think outside of the box to provide programming and connect its members. AGPI has made a virtual show of the exhibits, at agpi.us. And it now has its own YouTube channel.

And, Nina said, to encourage members to stay involved with the guild through the pandemic, “We waived the annual fee for 2021.”

Nina and Friedman are both displaying their work at the Summer Show. Nina is a photographer who has lived in the Keys since 1989. Her usual subject is street photography, but since she couldn’t go out during the pandemic, she focused on closeups of flowers. Her work displayed in the show is an intimate look at an Alstroemeria flower titled “Subtle Bliss.”

Friedman, who has lived in the Keys for 10 years, prefers oil and watercolor as her media, and chooses to focus on “intimate moments.” Her oil painting “Approaching Storm” is a distant perspective of a lone fisherman.

Many more member artworks are on display at Our Place in Paradise, using different media and depicting different subjects.

Our Place In Paradise Gallery cofounders Liza Moore and Joanne Cate Kolb are excited to have the show.

“We are honored,” said Kolb. “We support them any chance we get.

We are a nonprofit made to support artists, and we try to be encouraging spiritually to the community and the children. When we can, we highlight both our local artists and children.

That’s our greatest joy.”

A portion of the profits from sale of the art will be donated to nonprofits benefiting children, such as the local children’s shelter and Bluewater Surrender, a safehouse for abused

Two Keys curators get together for event A virtual program, “Cocktails with the Curator,” is being offered

by Keys History & Discovery Center on Wednesday, June 23, from 6 to 7 p.m., via Zoom, allowing the audience to have an open conversation with curator Brad Bertelli and his guest Cori Convertito, curator with Key West Arts & Historical Society.

The program is an open questionand-answer happy hour about all things Keys history. Topics of particular interest could include the U.S. Navy in Key West, Ernest Hemingway, the wrecking industry and the artist Mario Sanchez.

It is free to attend but capacity is limited. Advance registration is required at www.keysdiscovery.com/curatorconnections. Priority access is for museum members with session seats being assigned exclusively to members until the Monday before the event at 9 a.m. When the member priority access window closes, any non-members who have registered will be given remaining slots in the order in which they registered. Registrants will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to join the session when the virtual seat is assigned.

Cocktails with the Curator and Community Views, another program with Bertelli, which resulted from the extended stay-at-home order, will continue as part of the regular program offerings by Keys History & Discovery Center.

Program recordings are available on-demand on the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center YouTube channel.

In addition to Facebook and YouTube, Keys History & Discovery Center can be found on Instagram @ flkeyshistorydiscovery and Twitter @ keyshistory.

More information is at 305-9222237 or via e-mail to info@keysdiscovery.com.

J.O.Y. senior program reopens to in-person visits J.O.Y., which stands for “Just Older Youth,” is reopening for in-person events, though classes on Zoom will continue. The J.O.Y. Center is a place to play, learn, grow and connect, and meets every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, MM 87.5, bayside.

The programs are intended to sharpen the mind and improve physical and emotional well-being. In-person or Zoom sessions include: techsavvy seniors, gentle yoga, stretch, strength and balance, line dancing, art, creative writing, ukulele, drumming,

American Sign Language, book club, community garden and guest speakers.

Sign up to receive a weekly schedule by emailing justolderyouthinc@ gmail.com. Learn more at www.justolderyouthinc.org or www.facebook. com/justolderyouthinc. Just Older Youth (JOY) Inc. is a nonprofit. Community support, financial and in-kind donations are always welcome.

Sheriff’s Office sees uptick in marine thefts The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is reporting an uptick in marine-related thefts in the Upper Keys and urges anglers, divers and boaters to stow their gear and lock up their valuables.

This is the time of year the sheriff’s office generally sees an increase in such incidents. This year, thieves appear to be targeting Yeti coolers.

Owners are urged to place identifying marks on coolers and remove them from boats.

Like most property crimes, marine related thefts are primarily crimes of opportunity. If you provide the opportunity, a thief will take advantage of it. If you take away the opportunity or at least make theft more difficult, the thief will generally move on.

Here are some tips from the sheriff’s office: Keep valuable electronics in a secure location. Engrave your driver’s license number or make a distinctive marking on your valuable property for identification purposes. Take pictures and record serial numbers if available.

Don’t leave fishing and diving equipment unattended outside.

Remove the keys from the boat; if it is on a lift, turn the breaker off in the house to disable it. Install motion sensor lights. Make sure areas around the boat are well lighted. Install surveillance cameras and make sure they will capture the face of an intruder. Cameras are often installed too high and only capture the top of a suspect’s head or the brim of the hat he is wearing.

Whether on a trailer or in a canal, make sure your boat can be seen by neighbors and/or deputies patrolling the neighborhood.

Remove the steering wheel if the boat won’t be used for a long time.

Install a GPS tracking device on your boat and/or engines. Install a boat alarm. Alarms are very effective at preventing equipment and boat thefts.

Disconnect the batteries to disable the trim/tilt function. Keep the engine down, touching the ground so the lower unit can’t be removed.

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UPPER KEYS 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

I

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.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

MARIA LA

UKAITIS

E

OTZK STEPH SIR

NIS

AUDRINA EN

IN THE WORDS OF THE OCEAN PROTECTORS A firsthand account of how the blue affected their lives

I

n recognition of World Oceans Day on June 8, the Keys Weekly spoke to three “ocean protectors” to hear firsthand how the blue waters have affected their lives and shaped their careers. Visit keysweekly.com for more on their stories.

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

STEPH SIROTZKE Grant administrator, Mote Marine Laboratory ‘The Lanikai Mermaid’ Growing up in Illinois, I always had bigger plans and a salty dream that seemed completely far-fetched. I knew from a young age that I wanted to study marine biology and live near the ocean and my parents were convinced it was just a phase that I would grow out of.

I have lived in Florida for 7 years now and the ocean is a part of me.

The sea brings a sense of peace and tranquility that is second to none.

Through life’s struggles, obstacles, grief and hard times, I find myself turning to the sea.

Getting in the water at the reef is like diving into another world. There is something incredible and so special about being underwater in the silence.

Since losing my boyfriend Jeff a year and a half ago, I also completely lost myself. I didn’t know what life was without my other half, or how to move forward. We always shared a love for the sea together, and I knew I had to focus on that — find that passion for adventure again and make him proud.

I moved down to the Florida Keys to be with Jeff, my pirate and other half. Here we built a life together based on love, adventure, lots of pizza and fresh fish, and our passion for the ocean. It has been more than a year now since he suddenly passed and each day has been a challenge.

Throughout college and the following years, I focused my career predominantly in marine education, conservation and outreach, then moving south to the islands to be with Jeff. and starting my career at Mote Marine Laboratory. Fast-forward to present day, I now assist with grant management at Mote, with a focus in coral restoration and research grants.

I have dreamed of connecting all of my passions into one greater goal and making a difference in our planet.

With The Lanikai Mermaid, bringing awareness regarding environmental issues our oceans face is the sole purpose. (visit thelanikaimermaid.com for more on this mission.)

I have no idea what the future has in store, but I am doing my best to live each and every day to its fullest.

MARIA LAUKAITIS Educator, MarineLab, Key Largo I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, so my childhood experiences with the water mostly focused on long days at the neighborhood pool until my hair turned green, and the occasional summer vacation to the beach. But I still loved the ocean from afar, and was amazed when I did my first scuba dive at 12 years old right here in Key Largo.

I got my open water certification right after that but it mostly sat unused for the next decade.

I pursued my undergraduate degree in the middle of the country at the University of Michigan. However,

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

during my junior year, I was lucky enough to spend a semester abroad in New Zealand, where I was able to explore marine science more deeply. After visiting beautiful places like the famous Poor Knights Islands and the town of Kaikoura that is known for its marine mammals, I was eager to learn more about the ocean.

I am the lead instructor, social media strategist, and teaching specialist at a marine science education nonprofit called MarineLab. We teach students from fifth grade through college age about marine ecology and conservation.

My favorite part of the job is seeing a student experience something new for the first time. It is so rewarding to watch a student fall in love with the ocean. And that is a huge component of MarineLab's mission. Of course we hope that they remember some of the lessons we teach, but it is more important to me that they remember how the ocean makes them feel rather than being able to identify every fish at the reef.

As for ocean escapes, a quiet mangrove paddle is bliss for me. The mangroves are such an underrated snorkel as well, and I could spend hours floating through the mangrove habitat finding dwarf seahorses.

My mission is really focused on helping people of all ages form an emotional connection with the ocean. Emotion creates the drive and lifelong passion we need as a community to take the practical steps for change. We fight for what we love.

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

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 4:20 -11

AUDRINA ENNIS Owner, Shoreline Restoration Services, Islamorada When I was a little girl my dad used to take me up and down the Oregon Coast during summer breaks. We did crabbing, I boogie-boarded, investigated tide pools, built sandcastles, and flew kites larger than I was while on the beach. It was there that I fell in love with the ocean. I developed a healthy respect for the power of water and realized how much our oceans provide for us as human beings.

It wasn't until I moved to Islamorada that I became aware of marine debris and the effects it was having on marine life and our community. So I started SRS. We chose to focus on removing marine debris that has been washed up on land or in mangroves because most anyone can participate and it doesn't take a lot of human made resources. I estimate that we have collected about 80 tons of trash. Some of the issues we discuss during our cleanups are micro plastics and human consumption, ghost nets, derelict vessels and coral reefs.

One of my favorite ocean escapes is Alligator Lighthouse. I can snorkel out there for hours. I also sneak on to one of our iconic oceanside resorts and watch the sun come up at least once a week. It keeps me centered and appreciative.

My mission and SRS’ mission is to create awareness and educate people, to encourage people to make little changes that make a big impact. We are making a continued effort to partner up with other like minded organizations because we believe that we can achieve more together than by ourselves.

“I have lived in Florida for 7 years now and the ocean is a part of me. The sea brings a sense of peace and tranquility that is second to none. Through life’s struggles, obstacles, grief and hard times, I find myself turning to the sea.”

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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

CORAL DISEASE REACHES THE DRY TORTUGAS

CORAL RESPONSE TEAM ‘ENTIRELY PREPARED’ TO ACT TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

S

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

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

disease response.

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.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021 SPONSORED BY:

SPORTY SEAS AND SHARK AWARENESS DIVES

CONSERVATION TIP

H

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

ERIC BILLIPS is the owner, captain and instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Keys Dive Center.

He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfishing and captaining in the Florida Keys.

THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Typically during this time of year, conditions are relatively calm. This week, the winds and water were fine throughout the week, but the wind picked up over the weekend. The seas were still diveable, but “sporty” as we like to call it. When diving in conditions that can be challenging, it’s important to remain aware, follow all safety protocols, communicate with your dive buddy and to stay within your comfort level.

NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Monday to Wednesday next week will still be pretty bumpy, but the winds will lay down nicely after that for at least a week. With summer approaching, days like those will be great for exploring our underwater world.

CONSERVATION UPDATE On Friday, we did our weekly shark awareness dive and educated over 30 divers on shark conservation. They had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out with numerous sharks of different species.

More importantly, they learned why sharks matter to the local ecosys-

tem and to the oceans in general. As apex predators, sharks help to keep populations of fish and other prey balanced and in check. If and when we remove predators, prey populations can explode. They then eat up all of their prey and the entire ecosystem falls out of balance. Scientists call this trophic cascade, and it can wreak havoc on the whole reef here.

If you come out with us for a shark awareness dive, you can earn your PADI shark awareness certification and become an ambassador for these beautiful creatures.

We also did a twilight dive trip for I.CARE. We left the dock around 4:30 p.m. Over 20 divers, including members of a dive shop from Columbus, South Carolina, helped to plant endangered corals on Victory Reef in Islamorada. This Saturday, we will be planting corals again at one of our favorite shallow planting sites, Rocky Top Reef.

One of the best skills to learn to help conserve and protect our living reefs is proper buoyancy. You can really master this skill by enrolling in a "Peak Performance Buoyancy" specialty class. It's a one day class and focuses on getting each diver properly weighted and neutrally buoyant, saving corals from inadvertent fin kicks, sculling of hands and crashing down onto them due to overweighting.

Corals can be planted at different depths of water, depending on the site and the species of corals. It’s important to work with scientists when choosing how and where to plant corals to ensure that coral restoration efforts are the most effective and to give corals the best chance of survival.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

1

CORAL CRAZE

2

In-person reef diving and some virtual learning

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3

4 1. Coralpalooza brings awareness, education and fun to the critical field of coral restoration. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 2. Ashley Schmidt of Long Key cleans a coral tree as part of CRF’s Coralpalooza Dive Day. 3. Coralpalooza creates one single day of massive action for the reefs.

4. Divers on Rainbow Reef’s “Tropical Legend” gather after two successful dives.

5. In Key Largo, divers with Rainbow Reef visit CRF’s Tavernier nursery.

6. A volunteer diver cleans algae and encrusting fire coral off a coral tree in CRF’s tavernier nursery.

7. CRF grows several types of corals in its coral tree nurseries.

ne of the largest coral outplanting events of the year might have been hindered due to conditions, but that didn’t stop the annual Coralpalooza

by Key Largo-based Coral Restoration Foundation on June 5. CRF interns and staff teamed up with dive companies and recreational divers from Key Largo and south to monitor reef sites. In Tavernier, a group of divers aboard Rainbow Reef’s “Tropical Legend” visited CRF’s coral tree nursery for a little cleaning. Divers used brushes to scrub the monofilament line that holds the coral fragments to a tree branch. Others used a metal scraper to clean algae and encrusting fire coral off trees. CRF has seven offshore coral tree nurseries, from Carysfort Reef to Keys West. Nurseries contain 11 different coral species.

In addition to diving, CRF held a free virtual Coralpalooza Digital Day to bring scientists, celebrities and others in on the event that promotes ocean preservation and raise awareness of World Oceans Day, which is internationally recognized on June 8 each year.

— Weekly staff report

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

CITIZEN DIVERS ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION I.CARE dive a thumbs-up AMY STOGNER

www.keysweekly.com

A

scuba diving trip and planting corals is something I’ve wanted to do with my son, Jacob, for a long time, but I never anticipated just how amazing an experience it would turn out to be. It was so incredible that I was buzzing on a natural high from it for the entire day afterward.

On the morning of May 30, we met up with a group of three interns from I.CARE (Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education) at the barn at Bud n’ Mary’s for the educational portion of the day. The interns, McKenzie Kawahara, Alene Nelson and Nathan Greenslit, have all completed their bachelor’s degrees and are all passionate about helping to save our coral reefs.

We learned that I.CARE plants and maintains corals, monitors them and conducts surveys before and after the plantings. We also learned that corals support 25% of ocean life — in addition to being a huge part of the “blue economy.” The main threats to our coral reefs are warming waters, a decline in water quality, disease and predation.

After the presentation and some hands-on experience in how we were going to go about planting the staghorn corals, we got a tour of the site of the future coral nursery that I.CARE, in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory, is going to have near the Bud n’ Mary’s barn. Tanks are all set up there with a system that filters water sourced directly from the ocean.

Then, it was time for a lunch break and to get ready for the fun part of the day — the diving trip to plant corals. We stopped off at home for lunch, then got all our gear together and headed over to Islamorada Dive Center. There,

we had the pleasure of meeting Kylie Smith, co-founder of I.CARE, who went along on the dive.

As the boat made its way to our dive site, an area of the reef called Rocky Top, we began to get our gear on and prepare for the dive. I got certified with my children, Jacob and Claire, a few years ago, mainly because Jacob was so interested in diving and wanted me to do it with him. Although it was a bit outside my comfort zone, I have grown to love the sport. And, after the I.CARE dive, I can truly say I’m hooked.

Admittedly, I still feel a bit clumsy when it comes to diving, especially when compared with Jacob, who seems so at home in the ocean. However, once I get past clomping across the boat with the heavy tank strapped to my back, and entering the water via the “giant stride,” the fun part begins.

Once we begin the descent into the water, we enter a completely different world. I think the magic of diving is that you never know what you’re going to see. Whether it’s a huge school of fish, glowing in the water and the sunlight, a shark or a giant eel, each trip is different.

Nothing so far has topped the experience of preparing the rock bed, hammering in the nails and attaching the corals with zip ties. It’s one of those surreal moments in life where you think to yourself, “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.”

Greenslit worked with us to suc-

cessfully plant five baby corals. As we surveyed our work afterward, I felt a sense of pride that we had planted a little garden there in the ocean and were doing our own small part to help restore the reefs.

Since we had air remaining in our tanks, we got a personalized tour of the reef, writing down the names of different corals as we went. Greenslit is a brilliant young scientist who wants to write his master’s thesis on the reproduction of corals. His passion for corals showed through as he took us around this underwater kingdom.

After surfacing and switching out our tanks, we did our second dive at the same site to collect yellow-footed snails, which eat corals. Although we managed to bag a few of them, Greenslit wrote on his paper that there weren’t many that day and proceeded to take us on another guided tour of the reef. Seeing the passion that he, Smith, and the other interns exude about the reefs gives one hope for the future of our planet.

What an incredible experience, not only to be able to participate in this, but to do so with my son, who also has a deep love of the ocean and aspires one day to be a biologist himself. I feel honored that not only does he love to dive, but he loves to dive with his mom.

No diving trip would be complete for us without our traditional meal out afterward at Lazy Days.

Exhausted after the diving and the hard work of planting the corals, we reflected on what an amazing experience it had been.

A thanks goes out to I.CARE not only for what they’re doing for our reefs, but for allowing lay people such as ourselves to get involved. It’s a great honor and privilege to get to experience this magic and we can’t wait to get back out and do it again. Next time, my daughter, Claire, will be joining us as well.

Jacob participates in the I.CARE dive experience at Rocky Top Reef off Islamorada. AMY STOGNER/Contributed

21

UPPER KEYS 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.”

22

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 5:30 P.M., the Local Planning Agency of Islamorada, Village of Islands will hold a public hearing at Founders Park Community Center located at 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida and via Communications Media Technology. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69 and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) social distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the June 14, 2021 Local Planning Agency Meeting will also be conducted utilizing Communication Media Technology (CMT) via a Zoom video conferencing application. For additional information regarding options for viewing the meeting and participation through public comment please contact the Village Clerk at 305-664-6412 or via email at clerk@islamorada.fl.us.

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF ANDREAS B. HOPMAN, TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY (R1) TO RESIDENTIAL ESTATE (RE) FOR THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, LOCATED ON LOWER MATECUMBE KEY, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBER 00395180-000000, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN AS LOTS 23, 24 AND 25 OF BLOCK 2 AMENDED AND EXTENDED PLAT OF MATECUMBE OCEAN BAY SUBDIVISION SECTION ONE; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 2).

The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the following items:

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF MICHAEL MURPHY, TO AMEND THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION (RC) TO MIXED USE (MU) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE EAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF OVERSEAS HIGHWAY AND CORAL AVENUE, AT APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 88.7, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBERS 00415850-000000 AND 00415860-000000,, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 4).

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF ANDREAS B. HOPMAN TO AMEND THE VILLAGE’S FUTURE LAND USE MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM (RM) TO MIXED USE (MU) FOR THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, LOCATED ON UPPER MATECUMBE KEY, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBER 00404690-000200, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 1).

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF ANDREAS B. HOPMAN, TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FROM SETTLERS RESIDENTIAL (SR) TO HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL (HC) FOR THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, LOCATED ON UPPER MATECUMBE KEY, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBER 00404690-000200, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 1).

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF BJB FLORIDA KEYS I, LLC., TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY (R1) ZONING DISTRICT TO RESIDENTIAL ESTATE (RE) ZONING DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 82539 OLD HIGHWAY, AT APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 82.5, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBER 00401250-000000, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 3).

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF BJB FLORIDA KEYS I, LLC., TO AMEND THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM (RM) TO RESIDENTIAL LOW (RL) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 82539 OLD HIGHWAY, AT APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 82.5, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBER 00401250-000000, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 3).

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF ANDREAS B. HOPMAN TO AMEND THE VILLAGE’S FUTURE LAND USE MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM (RM) TO RESIDENTIAL LOW (RL) FOR THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, LOCATED ON LOWER MATECUMBE KEY, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBER 00395180-000000, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN AS LOTS 23, 24 AND 25 OF BLOCK 2 AMENDED AND EXTENDED PLAT OF MATECUMBE OCEAN BAY SUBDIVISION SECTION ONE; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 2).

AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE REQUEST OF MICHAEL MURPHY, TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FROM NATIVE RESIDENTIAL (NR) ZONING DISTRICT TO HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL (HC) ZONING DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE EAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF OVERSEAS HIGHWAY AND CORAL AVENUE, AT APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 88.7, WITH REAL ESTATE NUMBERS 00415850-000000 AND 00415860-000000, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (SEE MAP 4).

A copy of the items may be reviewed at the Village Administrative Center and Public Safety Headquarters, 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida.

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

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

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

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

Ty Harris, Development Services Director

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

A SPIKING CELEBRATION

OceanView Inn celebrates 25 years, donates to Hurricanes’ athletics Emma Haydocy, Florida Bay Forever Save Our Waters executive director, in front of the historic Russell Cottage, where the nonprofit will operate. FLORIDA BAY FOREVER/Contributed

FOREVER HOME Bay nonprofit operating out of

I

Green Turtle Hammock

slamorada-based nonprofit Florida Bay Forever Save Our Waters has found a new home at the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve.

Located in the heart of Islamorada, the 11-acre conservation property is complete with a trail system and direct access to Florida Bay. In February, the Islamorada Village Council approved the final operating agreement with the environmental nonprofit.

“We are elated to reach this milestone and are thrilled to execute our vision at the site,” said Emma Haydocy, executive director of Florida Bay Forever. “We have been working with staff for over a year to develop an agreement that honors the existing property requirements and exercises the full potential of the site as an environmental learning center for the village, its residents and the many visitors to our island chain every year.”

Florida Bay Forever is basing operations at the Russell Cottage. The local historic landmark will be transformed into the Florida Bay Eco-Center, a nature center where the nonprofit will immerse visitors in the environment of the Florida Keys and offer educational programs year-round.

Florida Bay Forever Save Our Waters Inc. is an Islamorada-based nonprofit that has worked remotely since its inception in 2016 to provide Florida Bay and restoration focused conservation initiatives locally in the Florida Keys. Moving operations to Green Turtle Hammock Nature Pre-

serve is the next step to build upon existing programs and amplify the organization’s impact at a brick-andmortar location for Florida Bay in the Florida Keys.

With the agreement finalized and approved, the nonprofit is launching a stewardship campaign and developing site plans for the Florida Bay EcoCenter.

“We are asking far and wide within the greater Islamorada community to support this exciting endeavor,” Haydocy said. “We have the opportunity to provide the experience of Florida Bay to our visitors and residents from the nature’s classroom at Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve.

“Everglades National Park is our backyard, and we want to establish the Florida Keys gateway to the largest wilderness area east of the Rockies,” she continued. “It’s a unique opportunity, and we are dedicated to creating a site and experience unlike any other in Islamorada.”

More information is available from Haydocy at 786-572-7051 or via email at info@floridabayforever.org.

— Contributed

Pictured from left are Eddie Dunn, Gary Dunn’s son; Larz Tatro, Ocean View Inn manager; Gary Dunn, Ocean View Inn owner; Rich Russell, Coral Shores athletic director; Joey Naples, of Sun 103.1; and Ken “Sarge” Kiedel. CONTRIBUTED

O

cean View Inn & Sports Pub in Islamorada marked its 25th anniversary on May 22 with a little celebration and donation of funds to support Coral Shores athletics.

Owner Gary Dunn presented an $8,000 check to The Upper Keys Foundation, a nonprofit whose principal mission is to underwrite athletic programs at Coral Shores. Dunn, who has been a significant financial supporter of Coral Shores athletics for 25 years, designated that all proceeds from his “anniversary commemoration” be used to help with Coral Shores’ athletic expenses.

“I certainly understand the importance of athletics and I’m proud to help when possible,” Dunn said. “My son and daughter both had excellent athletic experiences at Coral Shores and now it’s time to help ensure that the current group of student-athletes enjoys the same kind of success.”

Richard Russell, Coral Shores’ athletic director, expressed his appreciation for Dunn’s support.

“Everyone knows Gary from his 12 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers; he was a two-time Super Bowl winner and was selected team captain by his peers,” he said. “What many may not know is that he is one of the most community-minded individuals in the Upper Keys. I can’t begin to tell you how much help he’s provided our (athletic) programs over the years.”

— Contributed

24

UPPER KEYS 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

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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

25

UPPER KEYS 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

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

YARD SALES

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.

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

WEEKLY BRINGS ON NEW SALES REP TO UPPER KEYS OFFICE

G

abriela “Gabby” Tejeda has joined the staff as account executive of the Keys Weekly Newspapers’ office in Tavernier.

“The Weekly continues to grow and we are bringing on more locals to our family. Our goal is to bring the best possible service to our partners and the best content to our readers week in and week out,” said publisher Jason Koler. “The success of the Keys Weekly Newspapers has always been measured through the efforts of our team and Gabby is a welcome addition to our staff.”

Raised in Athens, Georgia, Tejeda recently graduated from Boston College with a degree in biology and English. She came to the Florida Keys in 2020 as a marine conservation intern for REEF in Key Largo — her interest in business and conservation peaked when living in Australia and working at the Melbourne Zoo. She integrated herself into the Keys community through fre-

quenting local businesses, attending local events like Third Thursday Artwalk on Morada Way and farmers markets, diving and fishing with friends.

“I’m excited to be a part of a locally-run business that — regardless of the battles it faces from catastrophic hurricanes to worldwide pandemics — continues to support and build up its community in many ways,” Tejeda said.

Tejeda loves photography and the outdoors, and she’s especially ecstatic to live in a place where the Everglades are in her backyard. She plays violin and guitar, and can’t wait for concerts and music festivals to resume once again.

Most recently, she bought a boat, and looks forward to getting out on the water this summer.

To reach Tejeda, please call the Tavernier office at 305-363-2957 or email at gabby@keysweekly.com. ­— Keys Weekly staff

Salon & Wellness Center

Adding opportunities for

Salon Assistants, Hairstylists, Nail Technicians, Spa & Massage Therapists Please contact Boni at info@oohlalaorc.com for further details.

Ooh La La Salon & Wellness Center is located in Ocean Reef, Key Largo

27

UPPER KEYS 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

28

UPPER KEYS 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

29

UPPER KEYS 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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

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

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

OUT DOOR LIVING SPACES

Key West 305-292-2666

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.

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

SP3102

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

FREE ESTIMATES | WILL NOT BE UNDERBID

305.896.3599

When It Rains It Pours!

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

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

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

305-481-3259

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

Key Largo, FL 33037

24/7 Certified Caregiver Provided

Oceansideseniorcarekeys@gmail.com 305-930-0194

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Inspired Living Through Custom Design Finishes for Your Home!

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

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

Oceanside Senior Care BEATRIZ MORENO OWNER

TLC Interiors & Exteriors, Inc. 305.803.5220 | tlcdesignfl@gmail.com tlcdesignstudio.net

Lic#SP-3562

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021

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

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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

3

I

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

4

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

5

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

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7

8

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 10, 2021