Issuu

Too scared to make a joke about possible hurricanes out there; inbox might get flooded.

FLOAT TO FREEDOM

Cubans attempting crossing on the rise | P.20

MEET LAVARSKI Newly named director is a Keys man | P.7

PATRIOTIC PAPERBACKS

A list of 4th of July reads | P.31

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT KEYS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY? Call The Grego Team for information on two income producing businesses. Whether you're a water lover or a foodie, we've got you! Florida Keys

David Grego, Realtor® OWNER, BROKER, GRI

Carly Herman, Realtor® Lauren Bacon, Realtor® 305-743-8328 David@Islandbreezerealty.com

www.islandbreezerealty.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

We are ready to help you find or manage your Oasis. Keys Ocean Vacation Rentals strives to give every customer the true Keys experience; we don’t just book homes, we book vacations of a lifetime. Ranging from large single family homes to cozy condos, we are here to find what you are looking for. Don’t delay, please contact us today!

OUR SERVICES 24/7 CONTACT | ADVERTISEMENT PROPERTY INSPECTIONS | SALES TAX COLLECTION COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS | GUEST CONCIERGE SERVICE MAINTENANCE STAFF | HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

UP TO DATE MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY We are constantly striving to meet market demands with the newest technology. We have Premier Partner status on HomeAway/VRBO with most of our properties.

Our mobile app provides guests all the information they need about their vacation rental.

IN HOUSE SERVICES Our team of cleaning, maintenance, and contractors are always available. CONCIERGE Our guest can book different activitiesthrough us for a one of a-kind trip. 24/7 SERVICE Inspections before and after guests allow us to keep the house in optimal shape.

10035 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305-735-4095 Ext. 2

www.KeysOceanVacationRentals.com

I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

JUST SOLD LISTINGS! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER & SELLER!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYERS!

1552 73RD STREET OCEAN #A

701 SPANISH MAIN DRIVE #542

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

LARA RUTSKIN MARTIN, REALTOR ®

305.289.6559

swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLER!

27387 MARTINIQUE LANE JOSH MOTHNER

(305) 942-9519

josh@soldinthekeys.com

TERI HILLER

488 88TH STREET

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER & SELLER!

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

Best Realtor

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

305.289.6559

hapynkeys@gmail.com

35 SOMBRERO BLVD. A16

(305) 481-0361

terihiller@cbschmitt.com

305.240.4905

305-766-1745

WWW.AMYPUTO.COM

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER & SELLER!

35 SOMBRERO BLVD. # A1

swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

305-766-1745

WWW.AMYPUTO.COM

WE SELL MORE PROPERTIES THAN THE NEXT 6 COMPANIES COMBINED. CALL US TO FIND OUT HOW 11050 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FL 33050

305-743-5181

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

500 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

The number of Cubans attempting to cross the Straits of Florida is on the rise in homemade ‘chugs.’ Many blame the mounting crisis on the pandemic and food shortages in Cuba. See story, page 20. CONTRIBUTED

The number of non-native species reported in the state of Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. About 80% of these species have been introduced via the live animal trade, with more than 130 established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild.

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com

DON’T WAIT UNTIL DARK

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Charlotte Twine charlotte@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Director of Digital Media

Chanice Dos Santos chanice@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

The fireworks blast off from the west end of Sombrero Beach, just steps away from spectators sitting on the beach, as well as those on boats just outside the swim buoys. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

sk any resident of Marathon, and they will tell you the Middle Keys city has the best fireworks in South Florida. It’s a huge show that can last up to 45 minutes. Better yet, it’s a “sky concert” — the fireworks are set to a music concert that is simulcast on 97.7FM. But don’t wait to head over to Sombrero Beach until dark … the fun starts much earlier. First up is a parade. Parade participants line up at Marathon High School starting at 10:30 a.m. It’s a pretty democratic affair, with everything from

clubs and politicians represented on all manner of vehicles -- flatbed trailers, pick up trucks, convertibles and even some groups on bikes. The procession starts off at 11 a.m., headed southwest (toward the beach) on Sombrero Beach Road. At noon, the Independence Day celebration kicks off with an opening ceremony — usually a couple of dignitaries make some speeches. The rest of the day is filled with live music and games for kids, organized by the City of Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department. The Marathon Rotary Club handles the food and beverages — selling beer, soda and hot dogs — for its biggest fundraiser of the year to support its scholarship program.

Beach-goers should be patient and considerate while finding parking. Don’t park in front of driveways. Please back into the spaces, so as to ease traffic as everyone heads home at the end of the night. Many spectators anchor just outside the swim buoys in front of the beach. Again, safety and consideration of others is paramount for mariners. Expect extra traffic congestion on Overseas Highway and at the local boat ramps. Also, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has asked that guests and visitors NOT call 9-1-1 if they see or hear fireworks in their neighborhood, unless something is on fire. Law enforcement wants to keep the phone lines clear for actual emergencies. Happy Fourth of July!

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

Walter represented the Sellers of: 421 121st Street Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Walter Ceballos | 305.562.0819 | walter@keysrealestate.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

Your next move could be next level. SOLD

Successfully Negotiated. Artfully Sold. SOLD

5057 Sunset Village Drive Duck Key Sale Price: $495,000

Represented by: Shannon Butler, 305.395.1700

95 Coco Plum Drive, Unit 1A Bonefish Yacht Club Jo Ann Cook, Managing Broker 305.360.7968 Debbie Smith, Broker Associate 305.432.0992

If you are thinking about buying or selling an exceptional residence, contact us. Local knowledge with global exposure. Nothing compares.

If you are thinking about buying or selling an exceptional residence, contact us. Local knowledge with global exposure. Nothing Compares.

305.735.4095 | oceansir.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

M A R A T H O N 5 1 0 1

O V E R S E A S

H W Y ,

C O M M U N I T Y

M A R A T H O N ,

J U L Y D O O R S

O P E N

2 ,

6 P M

WE FOLLOW CDC COVID-19 GUIDELINES Customers that are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask while shopping in our stores. Please continue to wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinate d.

F L

3 -

C I N E M A

M A R A T H O N C I N E M A . C O M

& 7 P M

6 S H O W T I M E

KEY LARGO

STORE CLOSED

ON SUNDAY,

4th of July Sale! P In-Store & Online! p

JULY 4TH

MARATHON

STORE HOURS

JULY 4TH: 11-4

25 OFF TAKE

Entire Stock of Regular * Priced Merchandise *Excludes Gottex Lifestyle, Habitat, IBKUL, Lisette,

Look Mode, Oli & Sofia, San Soleil, Spanx and Tango Mango

Plus, in-store only, take an additional

25% OFF CLEARANCE LIMITED TIME OFFER. Cannot be combined with any other discount. No adjustments made on previously purchased merchandise. A clearance item is one that has been reduced at least twice and has a price ending of $.97.

Key Largo (M.M. 98-1/2) • 305-852-4515 Marathon (M.M. 50) • 305-743-5855

STORE HOURS: MON – SAT 9:30-5:30 • SUN 12:00-5:30

SHOP OUR ONLINE STORE! anthonysfla.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

‘OPEN TO BETTER’ Lavarski Smith takes helm of Coca-Cola in the Keys

ffective Saturday, July 3, Lavarski Smith will be the newly minted director of Coca-Cola in the Florida Keys. He’s a homegrown, true-blood, Middle Keys local, married to the same. Together they have three children and live on Duck Key. Here’s a little more about the mover and shaker popping up on local boards (Community Foundation of the Florida Keys) and local clubs (Rotary Club of Marathon), who is deeply invested in the Keys, his work and his family. People always ask me, “What’s your first name?” When I say, “Lavarski,” they are very confused because it sounds like a Polish last name. My mom had a friend with a similar name, but I don’t have any Polish blood. But it’s the kind of situation that breaks the ice. It’s unique. I remember the smell of Sue Moore Elementary when we moved to the Keys from Miami when I was 5 years old. It just smelled like fresh breakfast. At that time, my family pooled everything they had and moved to the Keys. Both my mother and father worked at Hawks Cay Resort for more than 30 years. I remember driving the golf cart and hanging out in the entertainment room for employees. It was a different lifestyle. I look back now and realize how different my life would have been if we had never moved. My wife, Sopheap, taught me how to swim when we were both in the 6th grade. As our grade-level graduation celebration, we went to the Cabana Club on Key Colony Beach. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I jumped in. I guess I thought I could walk across the bottom of the pool. Sopheap (pronounced “Sopea”) taught me how to swim that day. We went through phases from there — hating each other on and off, to dating in high school. We’ve been married 13 years and have three children. The last baby, my princess, was a Christmas present. Without my wife, I would be lost. She is the strongest person I know. I sold perfume out of the trunk of my car at hotels at 3 a.m. in Miami, while going to college during the day. Then I sold cars, things like that. I would commute on the weekends to visit Sopheap, who was working at Publix since she was 14 years old and going to College of the Florida Keys. (She is now a manager at the new Islamorada Publix.) I thought to myself, “I got to figure something out.” Within six months, I was living in the Keys and working two jobs. Eventually, I got a route that provided organic goods to Winn-Dixie and Publix. When Coke was hiring employees for merchandising, I made the switch. I worked for three years before I had the first promotion to account specialist. Then I moved up to sales manager and then district manager. Now, as district director, I oversee all the sales on the local level and if customers have a problem, I solve it. I am also part of community outreach — coordinating big events like the distribution of our product at Fantasy Fest or the Seafood Festival, plus managing employees and the warehouse on Big Pine Key. I am working at 1 a.m. But I have learned to schedule my emails so that they send in the morning. Our gross product sales in the Keys is about $13 million per year — nothing compared to Orlando’s $100 million a year, but our sales are more profitable. We have less grocery business and more hotel and restaurant business. Our young people need help with mental health. There are steps to take to get better and be better. I had a rough patch with anxiety and I want to talk about it to help the younger generation. They are dealing with a lot — relationships, COVID-19, etc. But I am worried about our younger generation. They think they can get famous on YouTube and make a career out of it. I wish they could understand my father’s generation. My dad, 76 years old, still works by choice. He always told me, “If you have two legs, use ’em for what they are meant to be used.” What he said rubbed off on me. I still have two legs and so I work. Now, I tell my son, “This is what Pops told me.”

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

‘NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE’ Community comes together for mom with stage III cancer

CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

athy Elmore, 33, is your typical Keys busy mom on the go. She has a full life with two children — Cailyn, age 15, and Austin, age 10 — her job at the tax collector’s office, her Marathon home and animals. Her husband Ben, 42, is a road-patrol sergeant for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Sometimes, he has to spend time at command-officer development school at the University of Louisville, and Kathy has to juggle responsibilities on her own a bit. But the family manages. They still find leisure time on the water and bring out their shaved-ice food truck for local special events to have some fun and make a little extra money. Then, in May, all activity stopped. Kathy was hit with recurring stomach pain. The pain was so severe, she went to Mariners Hospital to have it checked out. Doctors said she had an abscess, so she had immediate surgery to have it drained. But the pain unexpectedly came back. The doctors prescribed exploratory surgery. On May 15, she received an unexpected diagnosis: Stage IIIC colorectal cancer. The family is shocked, especially since she’s so young. “I have no family history of this type of cancer,” she told Keys Weekly. “My family is now doing genetic testing for my brothers.” Kathy is also not a smoker. The cancer appears to be random.

An intense treatment plan started immediately. Kathy wears a port to administer chemotherapy. After a few more weeks of that she’ll receive radiation therapy, all in hopes to shrink the tumor before surgery to remove it in a few months. “I try not to let myself worry or stress,” she said. “It won't help my body. It helps that my oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute is very confident in my treatment plan. As the chemo builds up, I’ll feel more side effects. Right now, it’s manageable.” “The uncertainty sucks,” said Ben. “It leaves a lot up in the air. And we don’t Google. Our doc said the surveys on Google are not accurate” about survival rates. The expenses have started adding up, such as the out-of-pocket maximum for health insurance and medical supplies. Also, Kathy has had a loss of income from her tax collector’s job because she has run out of sick days, though she is extremely grateful that her boss, Sam Steele, is very patient about her needing time off. “He’s amazing. He said, ‘If you’re feeling well enough to come in, come in. If not, not.’” Her best friend Stephanie saw the stress the family was under and stepped in. “Kathy Elmore is the sweetest, kindest person with the biggest heart,” she said. “I’ve known Kathy and Ben for eight years, since our kids were about 2. We met at a playground and learned that

Kathy Elmore was your typical Keys busy mom on the go, until she got diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. CONTRIBUTED

our husbands work together. I lost my mom to brain cancer in 2006. I'm just trying to do my part and be there for my friend. I also want Kathy to know that no one fights alone.” Stephanie asked the family if she could start a crowdfunding campaign on Facebook so they could cover their outof-pocket maximum. To the Elmores’ surprise, the account, called Spotfund, raised $5,505 almost immediately. Then, Stephanie got connected to the staff of Marathon’s Overseas Pub & Grill, which is known for running fundraisers in such situations. “I got in touch with Andy, and he brought to fruition the vision I had in my mind,” said Stephanie. Andy Sharf, the bar manager of the Overseas Pub & Grill, said, “This is the fifth time I’ve done this since 2010, the second time for a police officer. We help the helpers. This is what I’m trying to do. Kathy works for the tax collector, and Ben is a police officer. On average for the fundraisers, we get $30,000 to $40,000. We’re a locals’ restaurant. From the mayor to a pauper, we know everybody. We’re one big smaller family. Ever since Hurricane Irma, I’ve seen the best in people. I like to live that way. And I can’t do this without the staff — from the servers to the kitchen to the boss.” All the money raised, between the Spotfund and the Overseas Pub & Grill fundraisers, will be placed in a special account just for medical-related expenses at Centennial Bank. Married for 12 years and with the support of the community, the Elmores are facing their uncertain future. “This has brought us together stronger,” said Ben. The Overseas Pub & Grill fundraiser for the Elmores will take place on Saturday, July 10, from open to close, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. The bar staff will donate 100 percent of their tips from that day. There will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffles that will include fishing charters and a stay at the Hyatt as well as other prizes from businesses up and down the Keys. Bands will play from 4 to 10 p.m., and deejays will spin from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The pub is located at 3574 Overseas Highway, Marathon, bayside. For information, call 305-290-4666. To donate to the crowdfunding campaign, go to Spot. fund/helpkathyfightcancer.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

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

Alicia represented the Buyers of: 201 E. Ocean Drive #3-103, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Alicia Lund | 305.431.0577 | alicia@keysrealestate.com

Castaways Against Cancer landed in Key West on Friday, June 18 to finish their 22nd

WILLS, TRUSTS BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS • ASSET TITLES POWERS OF ATTORNEY • MEDICAID PLANNING ASSET PROTECTION PLANNING

KATHLEEN HENDRICKSON ATTORNEY AT LAW LLM ESTATE PLANNING

5701 Overseas Hwy Suite 12, Marathon • 305 393 2598 ZOOM CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE

MARATHON'S NEWEST BOUTIQUE

• Casual & Career Wear • Certified Fair Trade & Designer Brands • Sizes XS to 3X • Plus Swimwear • Jewelry & Accessories 65 53rd Street, Marathon (next to Publix) SUMMER HOURS: MON * TUES * THURS * FRI * SAT 10am-6pm. Closed Wednesdays & Sundays

annual kayak trip from Miami to Key West, a journey of 160 miles in 7 days. We partnered with Sylvester Cancer Center again this year to donate 100% of our fundraising, $172,000+, which Sylvester is matching. A total of $344,000+ will be going to fund two grants in the fight against cancer. I thank everyone who donated to me. I kayak the Keys with this group, 108 miles, and I can’t think of more dedicated people to share a week of my life with. Thanks to all the sponsors, individuals & businesses, that helped make this all possible. Suzy Curry

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

BRIEFLY Monroe County Sheriff’s Office asks locals not to report fireworks Monroe County Sheriff’s Office would like to spread the message that the 911 line is intended for residents to report immediate emergencies, not to report the use of fireworks. Every year, 911 staffers receive hundreds of non-emergency fireworks calls, which inundate deputies on patrol and impact response times on more serious calls. MCSO asks locals to only call 911 regarding fireworks if there is an immediate safety issue or injured person. A law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year states that shooting fireworks is not a state crime. Nonetheless, it’s best to leave the fireworks to professionals. 16th Judicial Circuit will host meeting for nominations The Judicial Nominating Commission -16th Judicial Circuit will host a public meeting on Wednesday, July 7, at 11 a.m. via Zoom at https://mcbocc. zoom.us/j/86558513490 and at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office conference room, 1111 12th Street, Suite 410, Key West. The topics will include the annual organizational meeting, a discussion of applicants, and schedul-

SAVE THE DATE ing interviews for the current judicial vacancy. For information and ADA assistance, call 305-292-3470. If you are hearing or voice impaired, please call “711” by 4 p.m. on July 2. School board member Woltanski given leadership role in consortium Monroe County School District board members Sue Woltanski and Andy Griffiths recently attended the Florida School Board Association Conference, where approximately 350 school board members, district superintendents and other education leaders gathered for professional growth and an opportunity to network with colleagues. At the conference, the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards elected Sue Woltanski as the new secretary/treasurer. Griffiths served as president of the same organization two years ago. The consortium has 11 member districts representing the southern coastal communities. “The consortium is a fantastic organization and I am honored to be asked to serve in a leadership role,” stated Woltanski.

July 1-5 Key Lime Festival at various venues, various times in Key West. keylimefestival.com. July 1-5 Key West Mermaid Festival at various times and venues. keywestmermaidfestival.com. July 2-3 Rams Head presents David Shaw at 8 p.m. at the Key West Theater. Saturday, July 3 Independence Day celebration gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m., at Big Pine Community Park, MM 31. Sunday, July 4 4th of July celebration with parade starting at 10:30 a.m., fireworks at 9 p.m., Sombrero Beach, Marathon. Saturday, July 10 Cancer Fundraiser for Kathy Elmore at the Overseas Pub & Grill, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., featuring raffles, silent auction and more. Donate at Spot.fund/helpkathyfightcancer. Saturday, July 10 City of Marathon Parks and Recreation “Fishing Fun” event, 10 a.m. till noon, ages 4-14 at Oceanfront Park, Marathon.

Saturday, July 10 Monroe Fire Rescue’s “Beat the Heat” event for kids of all ages from 10-11 a.m. at Layton Community Baptist Church Sunday, July 11 37th Annual Underwater Music Festival at Looe Key Reef, in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Broadcast on local station US1 104.1 FM. July 17-18 Florida Keys Brew BQ, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Marathon Community Park near MM 49. $5/$50 VIP. Saturday, July 17 Rams Head presents Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater. Saturday, July 17 Monroe Fire Rescue’s “Beat the Heat” event for kids of all ages from 10-11 a.m. at Big Pine Community Park

ida Sun Op y - T en & Sa hur Da tu s rd 11a ily ay m11a 9p m m -10 pm

great gifts toys books Bake Shop & Ice cream gluten free treats too! sweetsavannahs.com

305-743-3131

voted best

Key lime Pie in Marathon! 8919 O/s HWY

mm 51.8

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

WE’VE GOT YOU

COVERED

BRAND NEW WIGGINS FORKLIFT ON SITE, RATED FOR 30K LBS

Mouth watering BBQ Over 20+ craft beers+ Amateur BBQ Live Entertainment Competition Shopping Kids Activities

STORE YOUR BOAT WITH US! BEST PRICES IN TOWN! NEW COVERED DRY RACK STORAGE FULL SERVICE MARINA CERTIFIED YAMAHA MECHANIC

WHARF

MARINA 305.240.9739 4681 Overseas Highway, Marathon

July 17 & 18, 2021 Saturday 11am-~10pm Sunday noon~5pm

Marathon Community Park 200 Ocean, 36th St, Marathon

www.KeysBrewBQ.coM

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE SENDER: FOUND! KEY WEST WOMAN CONNECTS THE DOTS IN 17-YEAR-OLD MYSTERY

“I

t was really quick, believe it or not,” said Emma Starr, the Key West woman who tracked down Olivia Brooks after reading the “Message in a Bottle” story on keysweekly. com. Starr, who is an artist and also the board secretary of the Key West Art & Historical Society, said she was reading another article on the newspaper’s website, when she stumbled across this one. “Anything with ‘mystery’ in the title is going to get me. I love cold cases and that’s why I jumped down the rabbit hole, searching for Olivia.” Starr has experience tracking down long-lost relatives for her own personal genealogical research. She said she Googled Brooks’ name, and added the U.K. county of Essex. “On the first page of results, I found a man with the same last name, from the same county, who posted a tweet about his young niece starting a balloon company,” Starr said. She followed the link to Instagram and sent Brooks a private message. On June 23, Brooks called the Weekly office in Marathon. “Yes, that’s me,” said the young woman with a delightful accent, who launched the message in a bottle 17 years ago in the Middle Keys while on holiday with her parents. “I don’t think we ever spoke or thought about the message until this day. You leave to go home and you forget about it really. It gives me chills.”

In the years that have elapsed, Brooks has grown up. She works at the headquarters of French Connection clothing store and has that side hustle, making balloon sculptures for special occasions. She said she and her parents have fond memories of the Keys, although they only returned one other time, years later, to visit Islamorada. Daniel Lonergan, who found the message in a bottle, is amazed by the power of the internet. “I haven’t had the chance to speak to Olivia yet, but I am going to send her that postcard she asked for all those years ago,” he said. Lonergan, owner and operator of Caribbean Kayaking, was picking up “trash” on one of his tours when he found the bottle in September of 2020. It was floating near the junction of Whiskey Creek and Sisters Creek, not far from where Brooks, then 4 years old, launched it into the ocean in 2003. He reached out to the Keys Weekly Newspapers for a story to widen the net. For her part, Starr said she’s thrilled with the sleuthing results. “I love connecting people; that’s what it’s all about. Whether it’s matching people through their creative or business interests, I am always enthusiastic about it,” said Starr.

U.K. resident Olivia Brooks, then 4 years old and visiting the Keys, launched a message in a bottle in 2003. CONTRIBUTED

Key West artist and natural-born sleuth Emma Starr went looking for Brooks after reading a story on keysweekly.com about the mystery.

Daniel Lonergan, who found the message in a bottle, is preparing some postcards to mail to the U.K.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

5206 Dogwood Dell

Congratulations to our Sellers! Buying or Selling in Paradise? The Grego Team is here to help! Let our experience work for you.

David Grego, Realtor®

Call us today!

www.islandbreezerealty.com

Amy Puto REALTOR®

OWNER, BROKER, GRI

Carly Herman, Realtor® Lauren Bacon, Realtor® 305-743-8328 David@Islandbreezerealty.com

I am happy to announce that my luxury listing just SOLD! Under contract in 5 days ! |Thinking about selling or buying in the Keys? Give me a call today!

305.766.1745

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

CHARTER FISHING RETAIL REPAIR & MORE

305.289.0540 1901 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON WWW.THETACKLEBOX.COM Facebook: The Tackle Box Marathon Fla Keys Instagram@thetackleboxmarathonflakeys

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021 1038 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach

• MARBLE, PAVERS, TILE & MOSAICS

Congratulations to our Buyers!

• NATURAL STONES

Buying or Selling in Paradise?

• QUARTZ & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

The Grego Team is here to help! Let our experience work for you.

David Grego, Realtor®

• FLOORS, BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Call us today!

OWNER, BROKER, GRI

Carly Herman, Realtor® Lauren Bacon, Realtor® 305-743-8328 David@Islandbreezerealty.com

• POOL TILE & OUTDOOR PAVERS

Florida Keys

www.islandbreezerealty.com

• SALES, INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS • SERVING KEY WEST TO KEY LARGO • FREE ESTIMATES SHOWROOM 6465 O/S Highway Suite 1, Marathon Monday -Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

EXPERT CARDIAC CARE 305.743.5562

SP3229 | LICENSE#19-00032329

SAME OR NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS

• The ONLY Ivy League affiliated cardiology practice in South Florida, backed by Columbia University. • Close to you with TWO convenient locations in the Keys

KEY WEST MARATHON

• Named one of Healthgrades TOP 5% of hospitals in America for 2020 and 2021

Y A D N U F Y A 563 SUND RD

1 2 0 2 , 4 Y L U J SPEND THE WHOLE WEEK ON OUR OCEANFRONT POOL DECK AND HAVE FUN AT OUR POOLSIDE TIKI BAR!! GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK • World Famous Cheeseburgers • Chorizo Guacamole Queso Burgers • Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches • Grilled Bratwurst • Chili Cheese Dogs • BBQ Baby Back Ribs • Bacon Wrapped Shrimp • Bacon Wrapped Scallops • Bacon Wrapped Lobster • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches

MEECTOME THE

CRUZA G N FOR IRLS TRESAPTECIAL S!

VOTED BEST SUNSET & BEST WATERFRONT DINING

DRINK SPECIALS CARDIOLOGY OF THE KEYS Physician and location subject to availability.

305.674.CARE

• $2 Coors Light • $6 Mango Painkillers • Red White & Blue Flag Yards • $2 Red White & Blue Jello Shots

WATCH ALL THE MLB, NBA AND NHL PLAYOFF ACTION ON THE LARGEST HD SCREEN IN THE FLORIDA KEYS POOLSIDE!

305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

OBITUARY

CRYSTAL CATES

n Thursday, June 24, Crystal Cates, loving daughter, sister and aunt, passed away at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She fought valiantly since November after being diagnosed with

COVID. Crystal was born July 19, 1985 in Hollywood, Florida. She moved to Key West when she was a year old. She graduated from Key West High School in 2003 and after a few years of traveling and college, she landed at Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, where she worked for 10 years. She enjoyed working there and loved her coworkers. She was passionate about being healthy and never turned down a dance-off on Dance Revolution! She loved her family fiercely and was the proudest aunt to her nieces and nephews. The love of her life was her high-maintenance dog, Mako, who will now drive her father, Craig, crazy for the rest of his spoiled doggy days. Crystal was preceded in death by her mother, Cheryl Cates. She is survived by her father, Craig, her two sisters, Tammy and Nicole, her brother-in-law, Raymond and her nieces and nephews, Taylor, Riley, Trevor and Andrew. There will be a service at Key West United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 1. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Crystal’s honor to Jackson Health Foundation, Attn: Flavia Llizo, 1500 NW 12th Ave, Suite 1117, Miami, FL 33136. The doctors, nurses and therapists became her family and friends these last seven months and we are forever grateful.

THE LEGEND OF SAFARI TIM CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

ometimes, bartender Tim “Safari Tim” Swann would just answer his customers’ orders with a grunt. Other times, he would simply hold up a cardboard sign with a handwritten message: “Loser!”, “Go the f*** home,” “Wrong Way A******,” among others. Still other times, he would flip people the bird from behind the bar. But the man was beloved. A whole crew of his friends and former customers gathered recently at Islamorada’s Angler House Marina to reminisce about him. And he was legendary enough to be mentioned in writer David L. Sloan’s book “The Florida Keys Bucket List.” Safari Tim passed on May 19 at age 60 after a years-long battle with vascular disease. He died in his sleep. “That’s our blessing,” said Krissy Carnahan about his peaceful death. Carnahan helped arrange the Angler House gathering and was one of his best friends. Swann came to the Keys from Louisiana in 1997, and after short spells at other hospitality venues, he ended up at the D.A.B. — the Dead Animal Bar, locals’ affectionate name for the Safari Lounge. He worked there for a long time, so long that he got the nickname “Safari Tim.” And he attracted a community of like-minded souls. Carnahan met him at the D.A.B. and recalls many a night that they hung out with the crowd until “the sun was coming up,” she said. “He said a lot by hardly saying anything. And he was a heavy pourer,” she said with a laugh. “The Dead Animal Bar was truly a Keys bar, and Tim was the heart of it,” said Carnahan. Swann’s best friend, Kenny White, recalls randomly running into someone in Canton, Ohio, who had visited the D.A.B. and remembered meeting the gruff yet soft-hearted bartender. Sloan listed visiting Safari Tim and the Dead Animal Bar as Number 37 in his book “The Florida Keys Bucket List.” “He was an amazing creature,” Sloan said. “His eyes told you he knew where all the bodies were buried, but the smile on his face said he wasn’t going to tell you.” Swann’s former coworker, Kevin Potter, said, “He would always try to do something special for friends on the side of the bar — never to draw attention — with words, or an object.”

Safari Tim was known to just grunt and answer customers by simply flipping the bird — yet he was beloved by many. CONTRIBUTED

White agreed, saying Swann once gave a bartender at the Whistle Stop a new pair of shoes simply because he had complimented Swann’s shoes a couple weeks prior. “And if you mentioned you liked a photo, he would have it put on canvas and slip it across the bar to you a couple weeks later,” said Carnahan. The Angler House gathering turned into a mini celebration of life, with friends shouting memories between tables. “No one ever saw him run,” said one. “The man never raised his voice,” said another. “He had this expression he always said,” said Beau Ricksecker, “‘Not my monkey, not my circus.’” “He was the nucleus of the community that started around the D.A.B,” said Potter. “He started a community of people who are still together now.” But times changed. The Safari Lounge closed after Hurricane Irma swept through. Swann eventually found work at the Angler House. Toward the end, Carnahan and White called Swann “their son.” He had stopped drinking and smoking a few years before he passed after warnings from doctors about his vascular disease. But he had an aversion to medical care, and he was supposed to go for surgery. Yet he didn’t. Swann’s family recognized that his Keys family was important to him, so they gave his friends half his ashes. Carnahan said they will organize a formal Celebration of Life and decide where to put his remains. “We found those old cardboard signs in his room,” Carnahan said, sadly. “And people are still texting me, ‘Where’s Timmy?’” Carnahan said that Safari Tim Swann’s Celebration of Life will be planned for when snowbirds are back in town, possibly around the first of the year. She suggests keeping an eye for announcements on Facebook.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

Iguanas: Less than one month left No Florida Keys pet owners have had their animals chipped by FWC CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) July 28 deadline is creeping ever closer for pet owners to chip their iguanas to come into compliance with the state’s bold effort to minimize the adverse impacts of the invasive species. Wildlife officials say they are encouraged that they have helped pet owners tag nearly 150 tegus and green iguanas in free events held throughout the state, because if caught out in the wild without a chip after a Oct. 26 caging deadline, they will be humanely killed. However, FWC staff report that none of the reptiles tagged thus far has been from the Florida Keys. “These events are meant to assist members of the public with new PIT tagging requirements for pet green iguanas and tegus, so every tagged pet is a success,” Michelle Kerr, spokeswoman for FWC. Per an FWC press release, new rules require owners of pet tegus and green iguanas to apply for a no-cost permit and mark their pets with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag, also known as a microchip. The FWC has held five Tag Your Reptile Day events throughout the state to offer owners an opportunity to have their pet green iguanas or tegus microchipped for free, at such locations as Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, UF College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, Zoo Tampa and South Florida Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach. One more free chipping event will be held in Fort Myers in July. Perhaps the distance of these events has been prohibitive, because when Keys Weekly asked Kerr about the attendance of iguana owners from our island chain, she replied, “There have been no owners from the Florida Keys at these tagging events so far.”

Another possible deterrent: the limit for iguanas/tegus to be tagged at these events is five. “We have noted multiple owners who brought five tegus/iguanas to receive a free PIT tags at these events,” said Kerr. The five-iguana limit was definitely a deterrent for a passionate local pet owner who spoke to Keys Weekly and asked to remain anonymous. The Florida Keys resident said she has 15 iguanas, so going to the FWC’s free event was not an option. “I took one iguana to the vet and asked them to show me how to insert the chip. I paid to watch them,” said the owner, who noted that the microchip gets inserted in the rear leg of the animal. “Then I bought 14 chips online to do the rest of my iguanas myself.” The iguana lover is also $1,000 into building an outdoor cage, another requirement from the FWC with a deadline of October 26. But she doesn’t mind all this effort for her reptiles. As she said, “They’re my babies.” Though it may seem counterintuitive to control reptiles in the wild by chipping pets that are living on private property, FWC communications rep Carli Segelson said this is a necessary part of the FWC’s multi-pronged approach.

“These species pose a threat to Florida’s ecology, economy and human health and safety,” she said. “Because they are high-risk to Florida, enhanced regulations are necessary.” Experts agreed at a February conference that enough data has been collected with the University of Florida to support removal of iguanas and other high-risk reptiles. Segelson also said that in the future, having these reptiles as pets will no longer be allowed in Florida. The FWC’s grace period ends July 28, and by that time all pet green iguanas and tegus must be permanently microchipped and owners must have applied for the no-cost permit. All other entities must come into compliance with the new rules by July 28 as well, including entities possessing the regulated species for research, educational exhibition, eradication/control or commercial sale purposes. Additionally, entities with these species will have to come into compliance with the new outdoor caging requirements. The grace period for upgrading outdoor caging ends Oct. 26, 2021. The last “Tag Your Reptile Day” event is Sunday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Dr, Fort Myers. More information is at MyFWC.com/ ReptileRule.

A green iguana being microchipped at one of FWC's Tag Your Reptile Day events. FWC/ Contributed

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

MULTI USE WAREHOUSE SPACE FOR RENT

New Construction • Storage space above flood • Metal Building Rated to 180 MPH • Bay is approx. 40x24 on interior. Garage door is 15ft wide • Centrally located in Marathon at 7010 Overseas Highway $1,400 monthly rental • Call Dave for details 760-917-1367

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

Karen represented the Buyers & Sellers of: 755 W. Ocean Drive #3, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Karen Raspe, PA | 305.393.9010 | karenraspe@bellsouth.net

BE A PART OF KEYS HISTORY Pigeon Key Foundation seeks part time historic tour guide. Upbeat, friendly and confident professional with ability to multi task and work outdoors in all seasons. Pigeon Key is a drug free work place. Please complete application at pigeonkey.net or email chris@pigeonkey.net.

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR TWO KEYS SCHOOLS Smiegel and Pais to head Key West, Key Largo schools

arry C. Schmiegel will serve as the next principal at Key West High School and Darren Pais will be the next principal of Key Largo School, according to Theresa Axford, Monroe County School District superintendent. Schmiegel currently serves as the principal of Poinciana Elementary School, and will take his new role beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. Pais steps into the role vacated by Laura Lietaert, who took over as principal of Coral Shores High School. In 2021-22, principal Wendy McPherson will continue to lead Marathon High School, as will principal Christine Paul at Stanley Switlik Elementary. Schmiegel has led various schools from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in Arizona, New York and locally, in Key West, for the past 15 years. He earned a doctorate in executive leadership from St. John Fisher College, where he studied teachers' perceptions of principal support. Schmiegel “is an advocate for students and puts them at the center of his decision-making,” said Axford. “I know that his management style will impact Key West High School in a positive way and will create a great atmosphere for success for students and staff.” Throughout Schmiegel’s tenure at Poinciana, the school earned an A rating. He said he recognizes the importance of the traditions of Key West High School and its importance to the community and is committed to engaging its stakeholders to reimagine schooling, post-pandemic. “The work ahead may be arduous and challenging at times, but together with the phenomenal KWHS staff, we will create a collaborative, supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to reach past expectations to realize their own potential,” he said. Pais most recently served as the assistant principal and technology specialist at Key Largo School, having started his teaching career there in 1993

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

after earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Florida. His taught elementary and middle Darren Pais school science and math. He began serving in the unique dual role of assistant principal and teacher after receiving a master’s in educational Larry Schmiegel leadership from Florida International University. “Darren Pais’ enthusiasm for being principal at Key Largo School is contagious,” Axford said. “He has boundless energy and knows the staff, students and parents well. I am happy to welcome him to our principals’ team in Monroe County Schools. He is definitely ready for the job.” Pais has spearheaded many initiatives and taken on lead roles including testing coordinator, exceptional student education support facilitator and Positive Behavior Support leader. His involvement on district level teams, presenting at state level conferences and participating in local activities gives Pais a well-rounded perspective on the needs of the school and community. Pais said he is proud he has taught students who have decided to pursue a career in education and return to Key Largo School, while also highlighting the mentors and colleagues he has had in every aspect of his journey as an educator. Along with wife, Myndie, a staffing specialist at Coral Shores High School (CSHS) and Plantation Key School, and son Aidan, a senior at CSHS, Pais is fully invested in the educational community. “I have had the privilege of serving the families of Key Largo School for 28 years and have come to realize what a special and unique school we have,” said Pais. — Contributed

LEADERSHIP MONROE COUNTY OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR CLASS XXIX

Leadership classmates Sam Steele and Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez walk alongside Key Largo students during an education session. CONTRIBUTED

ave you ever wondered why a single pipeline provides our water from Florida City on the mainland? Are you curious about our economic drivers, our county and municipal government, or the role of the U.S. military in the Keys? Leadership Monroe County (LMC) provides a series of in-depth, immersive one- and multi-day sessions, over an eight-month period, into the issues and policies that affect the present and help to determine the future. “This is a unique program for residents who have active leadership roles in the private, public or nonprofit sectors in the community and who aspire to become more informed and effective leaders,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, LMC board president. “The program offers an unparalleled opportunity for community leaders to experience and learn alongside a dedicated, committed group of peers and, through their engagement, measurably increase their future impact within the community,” he said. Leadership Monroe County is a non-profit education organization. Established in 1992, LMC provides a program that includes the history of the Keys while examining various sectors of the county, including tourism and the economy, the environment and natural resources, government, education, military, the law and judiciary, emergency management, arts and culture, health care and human services. More information is at 305-394-3804, apply@leadershipmonreocounty.org or www.leadershipmonroecounty.org. — Contributed

A trip through the Everglades during a Leadership session that focuses on the environment. CONTRIBUTED

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

RECONNECT WITH NATURE • 63 ACRES OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD HAMMOCK • 1.4 MILES OF WALKING TRAILS • NATURAL FISH PEDICURE STATION • BUTTERFLY GARDENS • NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM • THE HISTORIC ADERLY HOUSE • BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE BAY

CRANE POINT

Museum & Nature Center

305.743.9100 • 5550 Overseas Highway • Marathon MM50 at the stoplight • Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays • cranepoint.net

Come Fish with Us! 8:30am - 12:30pm 6:30pm - Midnight

MARATHON LADY DOCKS U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53, Marathon

305.743.5580

NOW HIRINGrs Educato

OPEN for programs MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 305-743-2552 FOR RESERVATIONS. 2396 Overseas Highway Gulf, Marathon Now accepting online reservations

www.turtlehospital.org

Want to Attract more Business? You can have this spot for only $100!

Marathon Lady • 73’ Party Boat Please make sure to call ahead for reservations.

www.MARATHONLADY.net

CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY!

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

A collection of ‘chugs’ retrieved from Keys waters in the past weeks. MCSO’s Willie Guerra is often tasked with removing the navigational hazards after their human cargo has been intercepted by federal agencies. CONTRIBUTED

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

FLOAT TO FREEDOM

CUBAN CROSSINGS ARE ON THE RISE

hey’re called “chugs” — homemade boats made by Cubans under the cover of darkness for a dangerous trip across the Florida Straits — because of the sound the crude engines make. Their construction, and the discarded items left behind, tell a nuanced story. In the past month, Willie Guerra of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has found about a half-dozen. He’s tasked with bringing them to shore. “Once the U.S. Coast Guard or Border Patrol finds the

Hearing solutions that are as

UNIQUE as you are.

Your hearing health is as unique as you are, and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to better hearing. Thankfully, there is a solution close to home! If you’re struggling to hear clearly, come discover the world of difference Dr. Michelle can make in your life.

chugs, they remove the people and set the boat afloat. It becomes a navigational hazard,” Guerra said. “By the way, those are just the chugs we’ve found in the Middle Keys.” Earlier this week, the Coast Guard found 11 Cubans in a rickety boat near Carysfort Reef (east of Key Largo). It’s hard to know exactly how many Cubans are attempting to cross the Straits of Florida from that island nation to the Florida Keys. (Guerra estimates that more than 90% are intercepted before they reach land.) Some reach shore safely and slip into the South Florida population unnoticed; others drown at sea. On May 28, the U.S. Coast Guard reported it had saved eight lives, recovered the bodies of two drowned victims and were still looking for eight others before the search was suspended. Since October, the Coast Guard has interdicted 512 Cubans to Cuba. The numbers are on the rise. That’s more than the number who were caught crossing the seas during the entire year of 2018

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

(305) 403-9325

www.hear4uaudiology.com www.heardrmichelle.com

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

(305) 809-6041

MARATHON 11400 Overseas Highway - Suite 209 Town Square Mall

(305) 747-7750

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

(305) 809-7663

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

(305) 247-8227

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

(259) and 2019 (313) and 10 times higher than those who crossed and were interdicted in 2020 (46). Why? They’re hungry. In 2020, a survey by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) revealed that 74% of Cuban families considered their diet deficient. This has two roots — restrictions by the U.S. government on remittances from U.S. residents to family members in Cuba, and the pandemic that knocked many of the same benefactors out of work. The pandemic also gutted international travel tourism, which the island nation relies on, and increased shipping costs. According to Reuters, Cuba traditionally imports by sea around 70% of the food it consumes. Guerra said Cubans attempting a crossing on a “chug” are not reliant on the “coyotes,” or professional human smugglers. But twice in the past month, the Sheriff’s Office has stopped two boats being trailered south in the Keys that were loaded with supplies suggestive of a smuggling operation. On June 7, a pickup was towing a 29-foot Scarab boat loaded with more than 200 extra gallons of fuel in barrels in the bow, as well as 18 life jackets. In the meantime, Guerra,and his federal counterparts will be watching the weather. “The next good stretch of weather, the crossings will pick up again,” Guerra said. “They are risking everything, including their lives, to get here.” The Coast Guard routinely warns against the dangers of the unauthorized crossings. If Cubans are intercepted, they are held at an undisclosed location and returned in groups to the island nation.

Before 1995, all Cubans who reached the territorial waters of the U.S. were brought to the U.S. to apply for asylum, excepting some felons. The “wet foot, dry foot” policy took effect in 1996; if Cubans could reach U.S. soil, they could apply for asylum after one year. In 2006, 15 Cubans were found clinging to a piling of the Old 7 Mile Bridge. Because the bridge was defunct, officials repatriated the Cubans. That decision was later overturned by a judge as “unreasonable,” and 14 of the 15 Cubans returned to the U.S. The “wet foot, dry foot” policy ended in 2017.

CUBAN ART EXHIBIT OPENS IN KEY WEST

“L

iberty, in the Shadow of Silence,” an exhibition of contemporary Cuban Art, curated by Alaen Ledesma Fernandez, opens Thursday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the historic Gato Building in Key West. The exhibit represents the artwork of more than 50 prominent Cuban artists. The Gato Building is steeped in Cuban heritage. Jose Marti gave a historic presentation during his first visit to Key West in 1891, and the building was originally a Cuban cigar factory. The new exhibition functions as a sort of restart, a new opening for Cuban artists in the United States. The exhibit is part of the Arts Council’s Art in Public Buildings program, designed to offer an

opportunity for artists to exhibit their work beyond a traditional gallery space and enhance the environment of those who work and visit the Gato Building. The show will continue through Oct. 1, and the Gato Building is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking is available, and both the building and show are ADA accessible. This exhibit is sponsored in part by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the State of Florida: Division of Cultural Affairs, as well as other supporters. Additional support comes from donations by show visitors. — Contributed

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

he July 4th holiday is upon us. And with our nation’s celebration of independence comes fireworks, burgers & dogs, beverages and of course — music. Whether you’re relaxing poolside or lounging at the sandbar this weekend, it is important to cultivate the appropriate playlist. Always willing to help, the Weekly staff offers 10 songs that embody the spirit of July 4.

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

SONGS FOR YOUR JULY 4 PLAYLIST

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 4:20 -11

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

YEARS STRONG

INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!

10. Small Town — John Mellencamp (1985): Mellencamp’s Scarecrow album is still considered an eradefining record. And long before Mellencamp dropped the “Cougar” from his name, he encapsulated the beauty of heartland values and the fulfillment of “small town” living.

5. Fortunate Son — Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969): This is another late ’60s song that defined an era of anti-war protests during the Vietnam War. Creedence leader John Fogerty was particularly criticizing the privileged class of Americans who were able to use their wealth to avoid the draft.

9. Free Fallin’ — Tom Petty (1989): From Petty’s debut solo album, Full Moon Fever, Free Fallin’ became Petty’s love/hate mainstream anthem. But it has been embedded into American culture across generations and music genres.

4. Freedom — Kenny Chesney (2005): Masterfully written and beautifully performed, it’s the connection and longing for freedom that all Americans share.

8. This is America — Childish Gambino (2018): Donald Glover is talented. So let’s start there. The actor, writer, musician and entertainment mogul inserted a refreshing sound into music and politics with a song about the blunt realties around everyday life for black Americans. 7. Star-Spangled Banner — Jimi Hendrix (1969): Yes, this version is controversial when discussing the contrasts between patriotism and the violence of war. But the late ’60s was a time of extreme polarization in our nation and Hendrix’s Woodstock performance is a defining moment from that era. While this version still symbolizes a different meaning for many, the genius of his artistry is undeniable. 6. B.O.B.— Outkast (2000): This song was often mistaken as a pro-war anthem, but the Gulf War reference was actually a symbolic challenge for artists (at that time) to commit to authenticity over commercialism. Why should it be on your 4th of July playlist? Listen to it and tell us why not.

3. Suit and Jacket — Judah & the Lion (2016): In essence, “Folkhop’s” mixtures of bluegrass, country, rap and hiphop into one music genre embodies the American ideal of a cultural melting pot. And “Suit and Jacket” reminds us to live life without yielding to conformity and cultural expectations, while maintaining our youthful spirit. 2. American Country Love Song— Jake Owen (2016): No protests. No complaints. It’s the song you want to turn up on the boat and celebrate our freedom’s and many of the little things we often take for granted.. 1. Born in the U.S.A. — Bruce Springsteen (1984): The song, which offered a contrasting political view to Reagan’s America at the time, is one of the most iconic anthems of modern Rock N’ Roll. The album of the same name is regularly regarded as one of the best in rock history, so feel free to let the entire thing play.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

WELCOME TO PARADISE! RARE OCEANFRONT ESTATE

WATERFRONT VIEWS GALORE!

OCEANFRONT PERMITTED LOT BUILD TODAY

208 W SEAVIEW CIRCLE 4 Bed 5 Bath | $7.2m

392 E SEAVIEW DRIVE 5 Bed 5 Bath | $4.2m

58438 OVERSEAS HWY Permitted Lot | $769,000

HAWKS CAY RESORT BEAUTY

DUCK KEY CANAL LOT

DEEDED BOAT SLIP & 7 DAY RENTAL

4204 MARINA VILLAS 3 Bed 2 Bath | $829,000

122 N INDIES DRIVE Canal lot | $795,000

12399 CORAL LAGOON #8 3 Bed 3 Bath | $1,095m

NEW ON MARKET

UNDER CONTRACT

RECENT CLOSINGS

58438 Overseas Hwy, Marathon $769,000 122 N Indies Drive Duck Key canal lot $795,000 4204 Marina Villas, Duck Key $829,000 12399 Overseas Unit 8 $1,095,000 392 E Seaview Drive, Duck Key $4,200,000 208 W Seaview Circle, Duck Key $7,200,000

170 14 Street, Key Colony Beach $3,200,000 152 N Indies Drive, Duck Key $3,787,000

KRISTEN BRENNER Principal Broker MARGIE CASEY Broker Associate CALL OR TEXT 305.783.3395

140 N Bahama Drive, Duck Key $95,000 223 Schooner Lane, Duck Key $145,000 2000 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon $266,500 8203 Marina Villas, Duck Key $630,000 8301 Marina Villas, Duck Key $650,000 421 121 Street Marathon $925,000 311 Calzada de Bougainvillea, Marathon $992,000 333 63 Street, Marathon, $1,015,000 162 S Indies Drive, Duck Key $1,450,000 419 121 Street, Marathon $1,799,000 308 Pinetree Street, Duck Key $3,500,000

DUCK KEY REAL ESTATE CO FLORIDA KEYS REAL ESTATE GROUP VACATION RENTALS OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 11287 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON FLAKEYSREALESTATEGROUP.COM

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

Sam Williams PA, REALTOR

Sam Williams

Sam.Williams@ColdwellBanker.com

Zillow Premier Agent 41 Reviews 75 sales in the last 12 months

305-289-6559

CANAL FRONT - 55FT OF DOCKAGE TURNKEY

DEEP WATER DOCKAGE WW NNEE

NGG STTIIN LLIIS

N CO

TRA

540 96th Street

3BD/2BA • 956 SF • MLS#595211 • $749,500

LARGE COMPLETELY FENCED YARD GG TTIINN LLIISS W W NNEE

39 Sadowski Causeway 4BD/4BA • 1,687 SF • MLS#596404 • $1,134,900 NEW CONSTRUCTION CUSTOM CONCRETE HOME

N CO

TRA

LOT CAN BE SUBDIVIDED

CONDO WITH POOL AND DOCKAGE

CT UN

899 84Th Street

185 B 25th Street

2BD/2BA • 946 SF • MLS#596423 • $302,000

T ON

CT UN

15 Sombrero Boulevard, # 111W

T ON

664 50Th Ct.

3BD/2BA • 1,350 SF • MLS #592739 • $589,000

1BD/1BA • 685 SF • MLS#595441 • $255,900

2BD/2BA • 1,120 SF • MLS# 595448 • $529,000

NEW 90’ CONCRETE SEAWALL

CORNER UNIT - BOAT LIFT - CANAL VIEWS PENTHOUSE UNIT

CHARMING 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH CBS HOME COMPLETELY FENCED YARD

12000 Overseas Highway MLS# 595509 • $689,000

T ON

130 Coco Plum Drive Unit 401

2BD/2BA • 1,360 SF • MLS#594136 • $610,000

T ON

7940 Tuna Drive 3BD/2BA • 1, 326 SF • MLS#596048 • $489,000

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

SAM WILLIAMS' RECENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY CUSTOM CONCRETE HOME - 40’ DOCK

BRAND NEW ON A CRYSTAL CLEAR CANAL IS WL NE

11284 3rd Avenue

TIN

207 E Bruce Court

3BD/2BA • 1,201 SF • MLS #596219 • $1,249,000

4BD/4BA • 2,110 SF • MLS#596600 • $1,949,000

ESTABLISHED 2 BEDROOM 3 BATHROOM RENTAL IN KEY COLONY BEACH

OCEANFRONT DOCKAGE - POOL BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

451 4th Street, Key Colony Beach

306 Cypress Street

2BD/3BA • 1,155 SF • MLS#596035 • $1,249,000

UNDER CONTRACT 115 Stirrup Key 3 4A1 MLS# 596407105 Ave D #102 MLS#595854 540 96th St MLS#595211 1552 73rd Street MLS#592827

4BD/4BA • 2,768 SF • MLS#592992 • $3,499,000

CLOSED 5053 Sunset Dr MLS#595691 $480,00

11095 5th Avenue Ocean MLS# 593840 $1,250,000.

218-220 66th St MLS#592680 $419,000

800 & 810 10Th Street KCB MLS# 593184 $1,450,000.

305-& 315 109Th St, MLS# 593921, $365,000

308 Jasmine St MLS# 592991 $2,500,000.00

218 66Th, MLS# 592680, $419,000

201 E Ocean Dr. 3-310 MLS# 592149 $435,000.00

480 88th St, MLS# 595309, $1,000,000

Lot 89 Stirrup Key Blvd. MLS# 595209 $351,000.00

899 84Th St, MLS# 587804, $125,000

2600 Overseas Hwy #80 MLS#593257 $570,000

2000 Coco Plum Dr. # 1102 MLS# 594234 $357,100.

7549 Gulfstream Blvd MLS#593367 $1,4000,000

11328 2nd Ave Ocean MLS# 593572 $345,000.

Lot 14 100th St MLS#590579 $525,000

2105 Sombrero Blvd. MLS# 594940 $1,4500,000.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

Brought to you by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon

GEORGE GARRETT

JAMES RIFKIN & JANE PACKARD

LINCOLN ITURREY, P.A.

GUILLERMO TORRES

MIKE & LINDSEY LEONARD

SINGH FAMILY

Keys Animal Hospital

APPRAISAL CERTIFIED CUNNINGHAM, SERVICES MILLER, RHYNE, PA

DAVID L MANZ

ERIC & MEG WEINBERGER

GLEN BOE & ASSOCIATES

MIKE HOWIE & MARY ANN ROYSE

NATALIE ARDIS

TERI HILLER & JOSH MOTHNER

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

SOMBRERO BEACH, MARATHON, Thursday July 4 11

TUNE INTO MYFM, 97.7

Larry & Alice Anderson Sarah Cizmas Sunbelt Rentals Sarah Brawer

First State Bank of the Fl Keys

Cash Flow Jewelry

Ally Kelley

3rd Generation

Lara Rutskin Martin

Marathon Aviation Associates

Douglass Marine

Coconut Cay Resort

Marathon Boat Yard

Main Attraction

Marathon Lady

Regan Insurance Agency

Greg Keiffer, M.D.

Frank’s Grill

Hampton Inn

John Bartus

Anna Banana Fishing Charters

Aquarium Encounters

AHEC

KCB Help Desk

Key Colony Beach Realty

Ernest Rhodes Plumbing

Porky’s Bayside

William J. Heffernan

Alex Palma

Homes & Land

Keys Contracting Services

Amedisys Hospice

Howard & Lily Leitner

Jessica Borraccino

Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce

Isla Bella Beach Resort

Law Office of Thomas D. Wright

Promotions Guy Florida Keys Air Conditioning

UPS Store Fl Keys Contractors Association Sherwood Construction

Richard Malafy Barb McKee

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

City Council Luis Gonzalez, Mayor Mark Senmartin, Vice-Mayor John Bartus, Councilmember Steve Cook, Councilmember Dr. Daniel Zieg, Councilmember

City Manager George Garrett City Attorney Steve Williams

Karen

KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE

Bill

EXPERIENCE ISN’T EXPENSIVE…IT’S PRICELESS

Please note that more than one Marathon City Council/Board/Committee member may participate in the meetings listed. To view the City of Marathon’s full calendar, please visit www.ci.marathon.fl.us/calendar

Observance of Independence Day 7/5/21

City Council Meeting

7/13/21 • 5:30pm City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

City Council Special Call Meeting

KEYS BY THE SEA 1BR/1BA waterfront mobile with addition. 28’ft dock. Boat ramp, bath house, laundry facilities and oceanfront tiki. Near restaurants, shopping, banks and two miles to beach. $347,500. ML595918

DUCK KEY GET-A-WAY One bedroom 1 bath w/fabulous ocean view. Boat ramp, marina and restaurant within walking distance. ML592653 $330,000

BONEFISH MARINA DOCK Live aboard deeded slip in private marina. 25’X 51’220 volt/50 amp service, water, cable TV/WiFi. Pump out at slip, workshop, fish cleaning stations, tiki bar, showers, bathrooms, laundry on site dock master. Direct ocean access. ML593893 $310,000

HALF DUPLEX 2 bedrooms, 1 bath 900 sq ft unit. Truly affordable living or great investment. Near banks, restaurants, 2 miles to the beach. ML585142 $238,000

7/14/21 • 5:30pm City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Code Compliance Hearing

7/15/21 • 2:00pm City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Planning Commission Meeting 7/19/21 • 5:30pm City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she 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. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. 6/30/21/hp

Call with your Questions

305-743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR

With FAITH like FIREWORKS, we can shine brightly, boldy and freely. Happy 4th of July! Service THIS WEEK ONLY 9:00 am Don't forget The Incredible Fruit Stand Saturdays 9:00 am! May the Peace of the Lord be always with you

WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

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

Sam Steele

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000

JULY • Local business tax may be renewed beginning on July 1, 2021. The 2021 business tax expires September 30, 2021. • Property tax installment bills must be paid by July 31. • There were 1,772 certificates sold during this year’s tax certificate sale for the amount of $7,051,803. In the previous year, there were 2,125 certificates sold. • The spiny lobster sport season (“mini-season”) begins at 12:01 AM on July 28 and ends at 12:00 AM on July 29. The bag limit for Monroe County is six per person per day. • Original/new passports may be applied for at the Harvey

Government Center. Please visit our website for more information. • A property that is being rented out for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account. • As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted. • To sign up for electronic bills, please visit our website or call our office for assistance. • All of our offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, in celebration of our Independence Day.

for more important tax information.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

LITTLE KNOWN INDEPENDENCE DAY STUFF Some amazing facts about American songs and traditions

his Sunday, July 4, marks the 245th birthday of the United States of America. John Adams, a founder and our second president, wrote of the holiday: “[It] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” As we celebrate the anniversary of American Independence, let’s ponder some amazing facts of our nation’s history and symbols. • To start, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem, was written by Francis Scott Key as he watched the flag still flying over Fort McHenry after a night of attacks by the British in the War of 1812. To be completely accurate, Key wrote the words. The melody assigned to these patriotic words came from a popular English drinking song called “To Anacreon in Heaven.” The original song was written in 1775 by John Stafford Smith to honor the Greek poet Anacreon, who allegedly really loved wine. It became our national anthem in 1916 by order of President Woodrow Wilson — and then was designated as such by Congress in 1931.

• One of our other patriotic songs, “America” (My country ’tis of thee), was set to the melody of the English song, “God Save The Queen/ King.” It must have JOHN truly chapped the BARTUS hindquarters of Redcoat soldiers to is a City of Marathon councilhear those unman. He also is washed colonists a musician who sing “profane” lyrics performs around to their national antown. For more them! And the song see johnbartus. “Yankee Doodle” com was originally sung by British troops to mock the disheveled colonial “Yankees” — but by 1781, the song had turned from being an insult to a song of pride of the American soldiers. • Betsy Ross probably didn’t design any American flag — the honor of the first recognizable Stars and Stripes likely goes to Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, naval flag designer and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Several other versions of the flag were designed throughout the history of our nation, with the current 50star flag being designed by a then-16year-old student named Roger Heft as part of a class assignment. He used a 48-star flag, plus some blue cloth and white iron-on material. His design got a B-minus. He challenged the grade by sending his design to then-President Dwight Eisenhower. Once his design was selected, his teacher rightfully changed his grade to an A. The flag design was officially adopted in 1960. • The vote to declare independence from Great Britain actually happened on July 2, 1776. The declara-

tion was officially adopted and published in newspapers on July 4. And here’s a kicker: July 4 wasn’t declared a federal holiday until 1870! • Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both founders, died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826 — the 50th anniversary of American Independence. • According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, there is such an organization), Americans will eat 150 million hot dogs on July 4. That is “enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times.” Hope they don’t run out of mustard… • And the City of Marathon along with the Rotary Club of Marathon are hosting an Independence Day extravaganza on Sombrero Beach. The official events begin with a parade that departs Marathon High School for Sombrero Beach at 11 a.m., opening ceremonies at noon, and afternoon music from Jade Storm unplugged (Adrienne Z and yours truly) as well as The Original Lady A Blues Band! Rotary will be selling burgers, dogs, beer, sodas and water (and commemorative T-shirts), with proceeds going to the Rotary Club’s scholarship fund. Our Independence Day celebration is capped by the best smalltown fireworks display in America — chief pyro Randy Mearns and his crew are going all out to make this year’s show the best ever! It’s a great way to celebrate our Independence, and we hope to see you there! Catch John Wednesdays at Herbie’s, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Friday on Facebook Live, Saturday afternoon at Boondocks, Saturday night at the Key Colony Inn, and Sunday on Sombrero Beach for July 4. Music wherever you get your streaming or downloads.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

OUR DOCKS ARE OPEN!

ORGANIC CAFE

Come by Boat, Bike, Foot or Car!

& NATURAL MARKET

OPEN FOR LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR & DINNER 11AM – 10PM VOTED

BEST HAPPY HOUR 11 YEARS IN A ROW! ALSO VOTED

B E S T M A R G A R I TA !

Regular Menu Available and BRUNCH items including Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses of Champagne Sat 11am - 4pm

NIGHTLY SPECIALS Monday: Closed Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila Roger Jokela Wednesday: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) David Kerrigan Thursday: Prime Rib Night John Bartus

HAPPY HOUR 4-6pm

Friday: Abstract Radio Saturday: Mini Brunch BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Roger Jokela Sunday: Closed for the 4th

MON Panini lunch combo TUES Crunch Wrap WED Daily special THURS Quesadilla FRI BBQ Sandwich SAT Pizza DAILY HOMEMADE SOUPS!

WHETHER YOU’RE A LOCAL OR JUST PASSING THROUGH, WE CAN HELP GUIDE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY TO OPTIMAL HEALTH! Store Mon - Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm (cafe closes at 5pm) 5800 Overseas Hwy, Ste 23 • Gulfside Village • Marathon www.foodforthoughtflkeys.com

HAPPY HOUR DRINKS $3.50 WELL DRINKS $4 HOUSE WINES $3 DOMESTIC BOTTLES $2 OFF DRAFT BEER!

$5 LIVEIC MUS

QUICK BITE HAPPY HOUR MENU

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO ON OUR MENU, MUSIC & EVENTS

We w cook yoilul r catch and lob, sfitsh er. Please

bri cleaned & ng legal.

www.sparkyslanding.com 305-363-2959 MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Fairfield Inn

BREAKFAST & LUNCH SMOOTHIES & JUICES GRAB & GO

5800 OVERSEAS HWY | 305.743.5888 MON-SAT 11AM-MIDNIGHT

HOUR HAPPY

SATURDAY

4-6PM & 10-12AM

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

LET FREEDOM S READ!

SOME PATRIOTIC TOMES FOR THE LONG WEEKEND

ummer is heating up and it’s the perfect time to enjoy lazy days, backyard BBQ’s and spectacular fireworks. If you are feeling particularly patriotic, check out one of these revolutionary reads to celebrate Independence Day.

KAREN NEWFIELD ... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

BOOK OF AGES The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin By Jill Lepore In 1712, Jane was born into a large bustling family in Boston of 12 children. Jane was the favorite and closest confidante, then student, of her brother, Ben Franklin. (Generally, higher learning wasn’t available to women at this time, but Ben taught little Jane well.) As the years passed, this dedicated brothersister duo were the last of their clan and spent the better part of their long lives sharing correspondence, friendship and loyalty. Ben, perhaps one of the most remarkable Americans since the birth of our nation, had, in Jane, his one link to family and his past. He exchanged ideas, writings and philosophies with his sister at a time when women were on the outskirts of education and politics. Author Jill Lepore brings to life their private world and presents a carefully studied glimpse of the American War of Independence. Ben Franklin transformed not only our nation’s politics but the alphabet, written word, printing press, magazines, newspapers and libraries. The massive changes that took place for education were a revolution all its own.

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST By Alexis Coe Carved in the history books as the father of his country, General George Washington played a critical role during the Revolutionary War, Constitutional Convention and for two terms as the first president of the United States. Most people don’t know that he was raised by a struggling single mother, his teeth weren’t wooden, and he lost more battles than he won. While sharing an array of shocking and remarkable facts about George Washington, this author inserts humor and wit to help us visualize George, the man. A tall and handsome fellow, faithful to his mother Mary, he started off as a surveyor and received his military training during the French and Indian War. He miraculously survived smallpox, malaria (six times!), diphtheria, tuberculosis, dysentery and pneumonia, living a full life until the ripe old age of 67. A leader, survivor and our president, this brazen biography is not your everyday cup of tea but an alternative view of his life. Controversial it may be — but as George himself never really said, “I cannot tell a lie …” — but I liked it!

AMERICA’S DAUGHTER By Celeste De Blasis Addie Valencourt and her twin brother have never left each other’s side for their entire lives. Thick as thieves, they got into all sorts of mischief together. In 1773, as war is brewing in Boston, they sneak out to witness the Boston Tea Party and quickly realize things will never be the same again. Adrian cannot resist joining the rebels to fight the British, while the women painfully step aside, feeling helpless. Addie’s English-born, Loyalist father has raised and educated his smart independent children to think for themselves. Although he loves them dearly, he could never separate himself from the Crown. When her brothers and (secret) childhood crush Silas meet up to aid General Washington, there is no turning back for these determined brave souls. From the wide acre plantations of Virginia to the crowded streets of New York and Boston, America’s dramatic fight for independence is filled with epic battles and revolutionary romance that light up the summer sky.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

he Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and the Monroe County School District celebrated the new state-ofthe-art Monroe County Library System Marathon Branch and Adult Education Center on June 26 with a ribbon-cutting, family activities, and library tours. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron and Mayor Pro Tem David Rice attended the ceremony with Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi, county staff, and Monroe County school board members. After the ribbon-cutting, the public explored the new space, including the holds locker available for after-hours access to items requested, tablets and laptops available to borrow while in the library, a self-checkout system, small group study/meeting rooms, and a large community room. The new library also has a Redbox-style media box for DVD selection and an upstairs light and airy children’s area. The upstairs also has a teen room for gaming, study room, homework center, and activity center with a 3-D printer, Cricut, sewing machines, watercolor painting and more. Also notable are the solar panels. Before opening, the library ran “offgrid” for a day. The panels will continue to supplement the electrical grid at the location now that it is fully open. The library will be offering interactive programs like storytime, art classes, and yoga for children, teens, and adults. Marathon branch library services are available Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The new branch is located at 3490 Overseas Highway, Marathon. To learn more about Countywide library services, visit www.keyslibraries.org. — Weekly staff report Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly and KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County 1. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron and Monroe County School Board Chair John Dick cut the ribbon at the Marathon library branch grand opening. They are joined by Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Project Management Director Cary Knight, Monroe County Library Director Kimberly Matthews, Mayor Pro Tem David Rice, and school board members Mindy Conn and Sue Woltanski. 2. Mark Belile, 4, and his “woke” mom, Charlene, are up at 6:45 a.m. because he didn’t want to miss the grand opening. He was beyond excited to check out his new favorite place and received a library card.

‘COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM’ NOW OPEN

Residents attend Marathon library ribbon-cutting ceremony

1 2

3. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron places a painted rock commemorating the day in a time capsule to be opened in 25 years. She shows the rock to Tiffany and Joe Moore. 4. Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi makes a short speech before the ribbon cutting. 5. The library shares space with the Adult Education Center. It is slated to open in August with GED preparation classes, English classes and other programs for adults.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021 BRIEFLY Yoga classes offered at Sombrero Beach Experienced yogi Angela Thorn is teaching donation-based yoga classes for students of all levels by the volleyball court at Sombrero Beach in Marathon every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, starting at 9 a.m. Marathon Parks and Rec hosting “Fishing Fun” for youth On Saturday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, the City of Marathon Parks and Recreation Department will host a free “Fishing Fun” event to introduce youth ages 4 to 14 to the sport of fishing. This gathering will take place behind Marathon City Hall (between 98th and 99th Streets) in Oceanfront Park. Covered topics will include casting, bait and tackle, turtle safety with the Turtle Hospital, bird safety with the Marathon Wild Bird Center and taking care of a fishing pole. Florida Fish and Wildlife will also be on hand to introduce fishing guidelines to the participants. Bait for the event is courtesy of the Organized Fishermen of Florida Marathon Chapter; poles for the event are from the Fish Florida organization; and caps for the event will be donated by Gray Farms in Church Hill, Kentucky. All equipment for the event is included. For more information, contact the Marathon Parks and Recreation Department at 305-743-6598 or email adamsa@ci.marathon.fl.us. Sheriff’s Office captain honored by professional women's group Capt. Lee Ann Holroyd was recently honored with the 2021 Glass Ceiling Award from the Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women. Holroyd was nominated by the Business and Professional Women/Upper Keys chapter, of which she is also a member. “I am honored to have Capt. Holroyd on my staff,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “She is an outstanding leader and role model.” Holroyd has been serving the public as a member of the law enforcement community for nearly 40 years, beginning her journey in the early 1980s. She began her career in a temporary staff support role. She was quickly offered a permanent spot as an assistant to the Criminal Investigations unit. She would go on to become an Upper Keys deputy and was quickly promoted to sergeant. She joined the newly created School Resource Officer program and was asked to be the supervisor for the unit. Eventually, she spent more than 10 years commanding a federal narcotics task force focusing on the location and seizure of laundered narcotics proceeds.

OBITUARY

Juliet Carlson

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

1922-2021

Juliet Carlson passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2021, with family by her side. She was less than a month from her 100th birthday. Julie was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 65 years, Robert Carlson. She is survived by her three daughters, Susan McDonald (and the late Arthur) of Barrington, Rhode Island; Pam Lucker ( and Lars) of Oakland, California; and Roberta Bakshi (and Surjit) of Kailua, Hawaii. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Lynne Wexler, Julie Realejo, Brendan Lucker, and Kate Lucker, and by seven great grandchildren. She leaves dear friends from her homes in Marathon, Florida, and Hingham, Massachucetts as well as her past homes in Barnstable, Massachucetts, and Weston, Massachucetts. Julie was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts and was the youngest of five girls. She and her twin Harriet Gordon Blanchard both graduated from Bridgewater State College and remained close throughout their lives until Harriet’s death in 2019. After graduating from Bridgewater State College, Julie went on to a short career in teaching before marrying the love of her life, Bob Carlson. Julie had a passion for life that was expressed in the things she made. She was a member of the Bayberry Quilters Guild of Cape Cod for many years and her award-winning quilts had been featured in many quilt shows. She was an accomplished Nantucket basket weaver, beaded jewelry maker, seamstress, and knitter. Julie had an inquisitive mind and loved learning new things throughout her life. She found great joy in dancing, swimming in the ocean, collecting treasures on the beach, gardening, and being with her family. Julie was a strong woman right up to the end. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Juliet's memory to the NVNA and Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061.

Jody & Lynn represented the Sellers of: 102 Sunrise Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Jody Owen 305.923.1902 jodyowen@me.com

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Lynn B. Lucas 305.393.0559 lynn@keyshomehunter.com

COMMERCE CORNER Established in 1983, with 3,400 plus employees and 520 plus locations, City Electric Supply is a family-owned electrical wholesale business dedicated to providing personalized service and support for customers in the residential, commercial and industrial marketplace. Their “customer service first” core value has allowed them to grow continually for over 30 years while keeping their founding principle of empowering people to make local business decisions. Even though they are a large company, they continue to provide their customers tailored services for all their electrical supply needs. All of their branches have the freedom to serve and meet the needs of its individual marketplace, and the autonomy to price and stock items based on customers’ needs. This gives their branches the opportunity to build local relationships within their communities. Location: CES Marathon | 2735 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 CES Key West | 121 Us Hwy 1 Units 7 & 8 Key West, FL 33040 Phone: Marathon: 786-652-2542 / Key West: 305-783-5135 Website: www.cityelectricsupply.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

hy is the shallow collection of corals about 5.5 miles south of Ramrod Key called Looe Key and not Looe Reef? Well, when the H.M.S. Looe wrecked there on Feb. 4, 1744, a narrow stretch of land was out near the reef. The captain of the Looe, a man named Utting, described the offshore islet as some 300 yards long and 100 yards wide. The Looe in question was the fourth of six British ships of war given that particular name between 1696 and 1763. BRAD Captain Utting’s Looe was built in a Snelgrove shipyard in the London area. On Dec. 12, 1741, the Looe was launched on the BERTELLI River Thames. The ship was 124 feet in length and had a beam ... is the curator of 36 feet. A ship of war, it was armed with 44 guns. for Islamorada’s The territories of South Carolina and Georgia were unKeys History & der British control. La Florida belonged to Spain, and Spanish Discovery Center. privateers had begun venturing into Georgia's waters to attack A published author of six books, ships flying British flags. In 1744, the H.M.S. Looe was sent to his favorite subCharleston, South Carolina, to help protect the coastline and jects are Indian the Florida Straits. Key and skunk While patrolling the Florida Straits on Feb. 2, 1744, Captain apes. Utting spied through his glass a suspicious-looking ship near Cuba. It was flying a French flag. When the Looe approached, crew members observed a large oilskin packet being thrown overboard. The crew of the Looe was quick to scoop the packet out of the water and deliver it to Captain Utting. Upon its reading, Utting learned that while the vessel was flying a French flag, the ship was identified as the captured English merchant vessel, Billander Betty. The ship was being used for Spanish purposes by Spanish operatives. In response, Utting assigned a crew to board and marshal the Betty while the Looe escorted the captured ship to Charleston. It was night two on the trek when the Looe sailed past the island recognized as Cayo Hueso on period charts and Key West today. Because of the nature of the environment, the Looe crew began dropping sounding leads every 30 minutes. Sounding leads were weights attached to lines that were dropped overboard to measure the water's depth. Around midnight, on Feb. 4, after several measurements and satisfied that the ocean floor recorded a depth of several hundred feet, Captain Utting went below deck to his cabin. As the ships navigated the narrow straits, the Gulf Stream gently pushed them in a slow westerly direction. Suddenly, the men on watch saw waves breaking over a shallow reef. An alarm was sounded. Evasive actions were taken. The Looe’s rudder struck the reef, broke off, and the ship, unable to steer, was pounded by swells and beaten against the coral beds. The ship was taking on water. To make matters worse, a few minutes later, the Billander Betty struck the reef, too. The sailors aboard both ships were able to escape to a narrow spit of land. When the sun emerged over the Atlantic’s horizon, there must have been a mixture of emotions percolating among the 274 survivors crowding the thin layer of sand rising about a foot out of the clear turquoise waters. The survivors managed to salvage the ship’s auxiliary boats, 20 bags of bread, and 6 barrels of gunpowder. When a Spanish sloop sailed past the wreck site, Captain Utting ordered three boats manned with armed marines to capture the ship at all costs. No one came back that night. The sloop sailed up with the three boats in tow the following day. With the help of the captured Spanish sloop, every man stranded on the islet would sail away to safety. The wrecked H.M.S. Looe left an indelible mark on the Florida Reef. The little spit of land where the sailors of the Looe and the Billander Betty sought refuge has long since washed away and disappeared into the ocean. However, the name Looe Key is still used to identify the shallow reef system where, on Saturday, July 10, the shallow offshore reef will be home to one of the quirkier festivals found in the Florida Keys, The Looe Key Underwater Music Festival. First conceived in 1985, the festival is an effort to educate as well as entertain. Coral reefs are important biological and ecological marvels and not merely beacons for divers, snorkelers, and the coffers of the tourism industry. As such, in addition to the four hours of commercial-free music played through underwater speakers out at the reef, recorded public service announcements from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary promoting diver etiquette and coral reef awareness are broadcast. The event is simulcast live on the radio and streamed over the internet worldwide from U.S. 1 Radio, 104.1 FM.

Boats anchored at Looe Key. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION/Contributed

WHERE IS LOOE KEY?

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

ALL YOU CAN EAT MAHI MAHI FISH FRY EVERY FRIDAY 5PM - 9PM

COME CELEBRATE SUNSET WITH LIVE CANNON SALUTE AND COMPLIMENTARY SHOTS!

Got spare time and don’t know what to do with it? Here’s a god, a Chicago cop far away from home and Miley Cyrus teaming up with The Kid LAROI.

WATCH | LOKI The mercurial villain Loki resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” In this television series created by Michael Waldron, Loki is faced with a choice: Face being wiped out of existence or help fix the timeline and stop a greater threat. Watch on Disney Plus. READ | THE SEARCHER Newly discovered (to us) author Tana French writes a misty, earthy, green mystery set in Ireland featuring a former Chicago cop in “The Searcher.” The American is drawn deep into a missing-person case by a young teenager searching for a brother. What sets this book apart is Cal’s struggle to understand his place in the rural burg while struggling making sense of the difference between morals, manners and etiquette. Read for free on the Libby app.

LISTEN | WITHOUT YOU (WITH MILEY CYRUS) We dare you to listen to The Kid LAROI’s version of his song “Without You” with Miley Cyrus and not put it on repeat. Yes, The Kid LAROI is one of those TikTokers and Miley is … well … Miley, but this heartbreaking song, with lyrics like “And it hurts for me to think about what life could possibly be like without you” is solace for those going through a split and moving to those who aren’t. And whatever you may say about Miley, the chick’s got vocal chops.

Now serving breakfast $7.00 Tues - Sun • 8:30am - 11am

TACO TUESDAYS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 6 NIGHTS A WEEK 1688 O/S HWY. • MM 48, GULF (BEHIND BLUEGREEN) • 305.289.6706

NOW

IS THE TIME TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH BROADWAVE

TWO MONTHS FREE

INTERNET WHEN YOU SWITCH YOUR BUSINESS TO BROADWAVE

INTERNET | WIFI | PHONES | CAMERAS CALL OR EMAIL TODAY: 305.767.1467 - INFO@BROADWAVE.COM WWW.BROADWAVE.COM

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021 12 E. Kyle Way

Congratulations to our Sellers! Buying or Selling in Paradise? The Grego Team is here to help! Let our experience work for you.

Call us today!

David Grego, Realtor® OWNER, BROKER, GRI

Carly Herman, Realtor® Lauren Bacon, Realtor® 305-743-8328 David@Islandbreezerealty.com

Florida Keys

www.islandbreezerealty.com

July 17. & 18, 2021 . Saturday 11am- 10pm Sunday noon 5pm

Mouth watering BBQ

Over 20 Craft beer

FLORIDA REALTORS HELP HABITAT

The Middle and Lower Keys Association of Realtors recently awarded $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity. Ryan Elwell, board director of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, left, MLKAR president Lisa Joseph, and Habitat’s Meghan Richardson and Kristina Welburn have dedicated the grant toward building affordable housing locally. CONTRIBUTED

Marat hon C ommu ni t y P ark 200 OCEAN, 36TH ST, MARATHON

THIS WEEK’S

ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, JULY 1 MOOSE 7:30PM FRIDAY, JULY 2 THOSE GUYS 7:30PM SATURDAY, JULY 3 DAVID KERRIGAN 3PM MAASAI 7:30PM SUNDAY, JULY 4 DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM MONDAY, JULY 5 TIKI SEEKERS 3PM TONY NOVELLY 6:30PM

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

TUESDAY, JULY 6 DOCKSIDE COUNTRY JAM 6PM WEDNESDAY, JULY 7 LUKE SOMMERS 6:30PM

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

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

KEYS WEEKLY’S JIM McCARTHY NAMED SUNSET ROTARY PREZ A new Key Largo Sunset Rotary board and a new president, Upper Keys Weekly editor Jim McCarthy, were installed during a June 28 ceremony inside Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill. In attendance were Rotary District 6990 Governor Joe Schumacker and Governor-Elect Michael Kesti. Rotary District 6990 encompasses clubs from southeast Florida, the Florida Keys and Grand Bahama Island. Schumacher installed two new members in Maryanne Warren and Tom Morrison, board members and the club’s second president in McCarthy. “As president of the club, I’m looking forward to a year of growth and excitement with an amazing group of people,” he said. “With Rotary, it’s service above self. I believe this club truly embodies that.” The board is composed of Lisa Feliciano, past president; Dennis Caltagirone, president-elect; Nicole Blanche, secretary (not pictured); Sandi Haab, treasurer; James Jeske; John Ribble; Scott Ward (not pictured) and Jim Hiatt (not pictured). Barbara Cimmarusti was named Rotarian of the Year, while Monroe County Sheriff’s Sgt. James Hager was named Police Officer of the Year. Eleven members received their Paul Harris awards. The club meets every first and third Monday at 6 p.m. at Denny’s Lounge in Key Largo. — Contributed

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

MARATHON COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T

Pastor: Mary Ashcraft Office Hours: T, W, Th 10AM - 2PM Sunday Service: 10AM Wear a mask • UV Filter Light Zoom: Facebook.com/MarathonUMC Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12

3010 Overseas Highway

305-743-5107

LIVE MUSIC

THURSDAY & SATURDAY 6PM

17257 E. Dolphin St., Sugarloaf Key

Congratulations to our Buyers! Buying or Selling in Paradise? The Grego Team is here to help! Let our experience work for you.

David Grego, Realtor®

Call us today!

OWNER, BROKER, GRI

Carly Herman, Realtor® Lauren Bacon, Realtor® 305-743-8328 David@Islandbreezerealty.com

Florida Keys

www.islandbreezerealty.com

Mile Marker 48 • 1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon • 305.434.9039 Dinner reservations recommended • Find us on

Did you just purchase a property with cash?

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY &

It’s time to take advantage of Centennial Bank’s “Delayed Financing Program”.

THURSDAY 7PM-10PM

• We can replenish your funds just like a purchase transaction • Any funds borrowed must be repaid and reflected on Closing Disclosure • Purchase must be an arms-length transaction • Title must show no liens on property • Source of funds to purchase property must be documented • Must have made purchase in the last 6 months

Genelle Gordon

Mortgage Loan Originator Centennial Bank NMLS 911227 561-676-0619

Michael Howell

Mortgage Loan Originator Centennial Bank NMLS 450481 786-413-1271

Doug Wunsch

Mortgage Loan Originator Centennial Bank NMLS 385998 954-610-3528

We make it simple. You make it home. My100Bank.com HomeBancShares Company (NASDAQ: HOMB)

All loans subject to credit and property approval. Terms subject to change without notice. Not a commitment to lend.

locals save 15% at il postino and the beach bar sunday - thursday 1 knights key boulevard, mm 47 1-305-481-9451 islabellabeachresort.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

Rosie Taylor is forever dreaming of endless summer in the Keys. One of her favorite things to do is watch the sunrise and the sunset on the same day. This sunset is from Little Torch Key. ROSIE TAYLOR/Contributed

Tarpon fishing in the summer. RACHEL ROWLAND/Contributed

Happy hour at the 7 Mile Bridge. GABRIELLE CHAMPOL/Contributed

A patriotic sunrise in Key Colony Beach. KAREN RASPE/Contributed

One of my favorite sunsets from over the years, from Cudjoe Key. PATRICIA SQUIRES/Contributed

Straight and narrow from Pigeon Key. DANIEL EIDSMOE/Contributed

During summer, even the pups get in on the water action. LISA LITTLEFIELD/ Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiﬀany@keysweekly.com

n JULY, we’re highlighting what SUMMER in the Keys means to you. We’re thinking: BBQs, sandbar trips, scenes from diving, family vacations and even a hurricane party or two. Send us the shots that make you smile and think about this sunny season. Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

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

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

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Milan Event Floral & Decor located at 909 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Rodriguez Floral Design, LLC Publish: July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Hose And Hydraulics located at 13371 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Coastal Marine Products, LLC Publish: July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Zoom webinar platform. Due to Covid-19 and socialdistancing guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), members of the public are to attend the meeting and participate via CMT by using the Zoom webinar or dialing in on the phone numbers provided below. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85936979986 Meeting ID: 859 3697 9986 One tap mobile +19292056099,, 85936979986# US (New York) +13017158592,, 85936979986# US (Washington DC) Please contact Ammie Machan to submit written i

nformation or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at MachanAmmie@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305) 2961552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on July 16, 2021 The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting. All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Publish: July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

for such purpose, that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Dated this 24 th day of June, 2021. Publish: July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecountyfl.gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on July 29, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Sale of Surplus Property-Fire Rescue 07/29/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMBBIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecountyfl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on July 29, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer – client privilege in Florida Statutes Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative. Any interested person on whom a copy of the Notice of Administration is served who challenges the validity of the will or codicils (if any), venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objection with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the date that is three(3) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person; any objection that challenges the validity of the will, the venue, or the jurisdiction of the court. The three (3) month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 733.212(3), all objections to the validity of a will (if any), venue, or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an order of final discharge of the personal representative or one (1) year after service of the Notice of Administration. The persons who may be entitled to exempt property under Section 732.402, Florida Statutes, will be deemed to have waived their rights to claim that property as exempt property unless a petition for determination of exempt property is filed by such persons or on their behalf on or before the later of the date that is four (4) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such persons or the date that is forty (40) days after the date of termination of any proceedings involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property; and That an election to take an elective share must be filed on or before the earlier of the date that is six (6) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse, or an attorney in fact or guardian of the property of the surviving spouse; or the date that is two (2) years after the date of the decedent’s death. That under certain circumstances, and by failing to contest the will (if any), the recipient of the Notice of Administration may be waiving his or her right to contest the validity of a trust or other writing incorporated by reference into a will. Personal Representative: AGUSTIN ARROYO P.O. Box 281 Brooksville, FL 34605 Attorney for Personal Representative: ANDRE J. PATRONE, Esquire

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Coastal

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Meeting Notice The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will convene on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Harvey Government Center. Public Participation will be via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”) using a

NOTICE OF HEARING TO IMPOSE AND PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF STORMWATER SERVICE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will conduct a public hearing to consider imposing stormwater service assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2021, against properties located within the incorporated area of the City, to fund the cost of stormwater management services, facilities and programs provided to such properties and to authorize collection of such assessments on the tax bill. The public hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. on July 22, 2021 at the City Hall Auditorium, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments. All affected property owners have a right to appear at the hearing and to file written objections with the City Commission within 20 calendar days of the date of this notice. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. It is the policy of the City of Key Colony Beach to comply with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons who need accommodations in order to attend or participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk at 305-289-1212, option 2, at least 48 hours prior to this meeting in order to request such assistance. The Stormwater Service Assessments are proposed to fund the City's cost to provide Stormwater Management Services in the area shown above. The Stormwater Service Assessments are imposed upon each lot and parcel within the City for services and facilities provided by the stormwater management utility. For purposes of imposing the Stormwater Service Assessment, all lots and parcels within the City are classified into the following two customer classes: (1) Residential, which includes vacant properties zoned residential and (2) Commercial, which includes governmental, hotels and other. The Stormwater Service Assessment imposed shall be the rate of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) per residential unit or residential vacant lot or one hundred thirty dollars ($130.00) per commercial parcel. The total annual stormwater assessment revenue to be collected within the City of Key Colony Beach for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $102,750. Copies of the ordinance and other legal documentation for the assessment program are available for inspection at the City Clerk's office, located at City Hall - 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051. If you have any questions, please contact the City at 305-289-1212, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The assessments will be collected on the ad valorem tax bill to be mailed in November 2021, as authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the property which may result in a loss of title. CITY COMMISSION OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA Publish: July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on THURSDAY, July 8, 2021 beginning at 4:00 P.M., a PUBLIC MEETING will be held at the Key West International Airport Administrative Conference Room, 3491 South Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, Florida 33040 by the| SELECTION COMMITTEE for PROPOSALS FOR Construction Manager at Risk Services For Monroe County Key West International Airport Concourse A and Terminal Improvements Program The selection committee will evaluate the proposals received in response to the Request for Proposals issued for the above-named project. The evaluation and recommendation of the selection committee are to be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners. Persons interested in this issue are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Beth Leto, Deputy Director, Airport Finance and Admin. via email to: letobeth@monroecounty-fl.gov ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 A.M.---5:00 P.M., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at such meetings or hearings, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that,

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY-FIRE RESCUE MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Surplus Equipment Sale – FY 2021 #3 County ID Description VIN/Serial # Est. Value Location Contact Phone 4287 1999 Ford F450 Ambulance 1FDXF46F9XEB99283 $10K Big Pine Joe Maus 786-647-9463 4581 1988 Spartan Rescue Pumper 1S9CT6D02JC185676 $15K Tavernier (ST22) Joe Maus 786-647-9463 4586 1988 E-1 Aerial Platform 1F9DBBA89J1037252 $20K Tavernier (ST22) Joe Maus 786-647-9463 5098 2006 Sterling Ambulance 2FZACFCS76AV92511 $10K Big Pine Joe Maus 786-647-9463 5806 2007 Sterling Ambulance 2FZACFCS37AX62073 $10K Big Pine Joe Maus 786-647-9463 6813 2009 Ford E450 Ambulance 1FDXE45P19DA83131 $10K Big Pine Joe Maus 786-647-9463 6845 2009 Ford E450 Ambulance 1FDXE45P79DA90438 $10K Big Pine Joe Maus 786-647-9463 Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request. In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening

IN THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-136-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CECILIA M. BARCELO, Deceased. The administration of the estate of CECILIA M. BARCELO, deceased, File Number 21-CP-136-K, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL, 33040. This is an intestate estate. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

Florida Bar No. 348724 PATRONE, KEMP & BENTLEY, P.A. 12661 New Brittany Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907 Telephone: (239) 278-1800 andre@apatronelaw.com debbie@apatronelaw.com JULIAN D. GONZALEZ, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1007967 PATRONE, KEMP & BENTLEY, P.A. 12661 New Brittany Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907 Telephone: (239) 278-1800 julian@apatronelaw.com debbie@apatronelaw.com Publish: July 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

JULIAN D. GONZALEZ, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1007967 PATRONE, KEMP & BENTLEY, P.A. 12661 New Brittany Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907 Telephone: (239) 278-1800 julian@apatronelaw.com debbie@apatronelaw.com Publish: July 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FILE NO.: 19-CP-000143-P IN RE: ESTATE OF SHARON M. PLEZIA, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Sharon M. Plezia, deceased, whose date of death was October 8, 2019, 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 names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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 the 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) YEAR OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is July 1, 2021. Personal Representative: Scott Cycan 56473 Jewell Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48315 Attorney for Personal Representative: David Hutchison, Esq. Florida Bar No. 997420 Hutchison & Tubiana, PLLC P.O. Box 371262 Key Largo, Florida 33037 Tel: (305) 451-0013 Fax: (305) 451-0024 info@floridakeyslegal.com Publish: July 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 1, 2021. Personal Representative: Ian A. Laux 420 Thumper Thoroughfare Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Patricia Gessel, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84328 Patricia Gessel, PL 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@ keylargolaw.com & alonso. at12@aol.com Publish: July 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 24, 2021. Co-Personal Representatives: Athena Skellion Borders 11005 Pete Carr Ridge Road Silver Point, TN 38582 Joanna Hoffman Borders 9507 SW 118th Court Miami, FL 33186 Attorney for Personal Representative: IRAMA VALDES, P.A. IRAMA VALDES, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 85543 11020 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 204 Miami, FL 33176 T (305) 477-1111 (786) 4414404 ivaldes@probatelawmiami. com Publish: June 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Co-Personal Representatives: Howard M. Goheen, III David L. Goheen Angela D. Goheen Estate of Frances J. Goheen c/o Cynthia F. Civil, Esq. CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A. 5196 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 (305) 743-5884 cfc@ccivillaw.com Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, ESQ. Florida Bar No.: 0082988 CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A. 5196 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-5884 Email: cfc@ccivillaw.com Publish: June 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-136-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CECILIA M. BARCELO, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CECILIA M. BARCELO, deceased, whose date of death was April 8, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 21-CP-136-K; the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CREDITOR 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: JULY 1, 2021. Personal Representative: AGUSTIN ARROYO P.O. Box 281 Brooksville, FL 34605 Attorney for Personal Representative: ANDRE J. PATRONE, Esquire Florida Bar No. 348724 PATRONE, KEMP & BENTLEY, P.A. 12661 New Brittany Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907 Telephone: (239) 278-1800 andre@apatronelaw.com debbie@apatronelaw.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000091-P JUDGE GARCIA IN RE: ESTATE OF GARY JOSEPH LUSTIC, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of GARY JOSEPH LUSTIC, deceased, whose date of death was June 12, 2020, and whose Social Security Number is ***-**-2841, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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: July 1, 2021. Personal Representative: Jennifer Lustic 7 Sunset Drive, Unit 1 Key Largo, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Steven K. Schwartz, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 187976 STEVEN K. SCHWARTZ, P.A. 20801 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 506 Aventura, FL 33180-1400 Telephone: 305-936-8844 Ext 106 Telefax: 305-936-1804 E-mail: Steve@stevenkschwartzpa.com Publish: July 1 & 8, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 21-CP-000056-P IN RE: ESTATE OF LYNNEA M. LAUX A/K/A LYNNEA MARIE LAUX, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of LYNNEA M. LAUX A/K/A LLYNNEA MARIE LAUX, deceased, whose date of death was March 27, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required

IN THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 2020-CP-000198-K IN RE: ESTATE OF NIDIA FUENTES BORDERS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of NIDIA FUENTES BORDERS, deceased, whose date of death was April 30, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-000044-M IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FRANCES J. GOHEEN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of FRANCES J. GOHEEN, deceased, whose date of death was June 27, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File No.: 2021-CP000044-M, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is June 24, 2021.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-000119-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LOUISE M. EDWARDS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of LOUISE M. EDWARDS, deceased, whose date of death was February 24, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File No.: 2021-CP000119-K, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is June 24, 2021. Personal Representative: Cindy Baker Estate of Louise M. Edwards c/o Cynthia F. Civil, Esq. CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A. 5196 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 (305) 743-5884 cfc@ccivillaw.com Attorney for Personal Representative:

LEGAL NOTICES CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, ESQ. Florida Bar No.: 0082988 CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A. 5196 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-5884 Email: cfc@ccivillaw.com Publish: June 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO. 21-CP-000069-K JUDGE KOENIG IN RE: ESTATE OF GORDON FRIIS-PETTITT, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Gordon FriisPettitt, deceased, whose date of death was February 15, 2021, and the last four digits of whose social security number are -8797, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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 24, 2021. Personal Representative: Debra Friis-Pettitt Attorney for Personal Representative: Amy C. Kelley, Esq. Fla. Bar No. 119148 KELLEY & KELLEY, P.L. 43 Cincinnati Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084 Tel: (904) 819-9706 Fax: (904) 819-9707 sean@kelleyandkelley.com amy@kelleyandkelley.com pleadings@kelleyandkelley. com Publish: June 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000019-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FELIPE JESUS DIAZ,

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of FELIPE JESUS DIAZ, deceased, whose date of death was April 21, 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 24, 2021. Personal Representative: EVELIN MELTZ 157 NE 104 Street Miami Shores, Florida 33138 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 Secondary E-Mail: eca@ suarezlawyers.com Publish: June 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 24, 2021. Personal Representative: Curtis M. Pesanka 4001 Fairfield Avenue Munhall, PA 15120 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Patricia Gessel, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84328 Patricia Gessel, PL 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@ keylargolaw.com & alonso. at12@aol.com Publish: June 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Fulltime and Part-time Office Assistant. Computer and people skills required. Accounting/ Bookkeeping experience desired. Please call for an interview appointment 8 4 3 - 6 9 6 - 5 2 1 7

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

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!!

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 21-CP-000064-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ANITA PESANKA, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ANITA PESANKA, deceased, whose date of death was December 12, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their

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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 7th day of July, 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: LOT 7 AND THE WEST ½ OF LOT 8, BLOCK 13, OF PLANTATION KEY COLONY ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 182 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Pursuant to ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESCHEDULE FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 12th day of April 2021 Style of which is: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-OC4, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006OC4 Plaintiff VS. JOSE COTO, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA-64-P WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 23rd day of June, 2021. KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an 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 24 & July 1, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS FOR SALE 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, Silver, 90,000 miles, runs great, cold A/C. Located in Marathon. $2,300 OBO 305-417-0871 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! Place your Car For Sale ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Car!!

BOATS FOR SALE 2004 Pro Kat CC twin 115 hp Yamaha hard T top re powered 2011 then low hours out of water since 2017 outriggers electronics radar 2 gps 400 + local fishing marks fish finder with side scan and down imaging. Needs minor repairs and TLC to bring boat back to fantastic fishing boat it used to be. Looking for offers over $15,000. Email for more details and viewing in Marathon. rdngd@aol.com. 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 Busy, established Marathon bar/restaurant seeking qualified, hard working people to fill the following positions: line cook, dishwasher, server, bartender, busser, runner, host. Please inquire to marathonalehouse@ gmail.com or text or call 609-408-0400 Jill of All Trades hiring PT cleaners Key Largo thru Islamorada. Great pay + bonus for weekends! Please message/call Sheri 786.649.9337

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 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 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 Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com. 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. 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

Serve/Bartend on the ocean FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at Cabana Club, 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call April (305) 393-0631. Place your Employment ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and get the job filled! Help Wanted-Lawn M a i n t e n a n c e Drug-Free, Apply in Person at Dot Palm 5200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon FL 33050 305743-3090 HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

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

HOUSING FOR RENT 1 Person Small Efficiency for rent in Key Largo. No Pets. F/L/S $850.00/ month includes water & electric. 954-214-4970 Place your Housing For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today! 2 BR / 1 BA Unfurnished home available in Marathon. Long term. $2,200.00/month First/ Last 305-417-0346 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!

HOUSING FOR SALE 3 Market Rate Units + RV for sale in Marathon. 1.5 acres waterfront w/potential dockage. Potential redevelopment for 10 additional market rate units. MM 54. $1.9 million 305-928-9057

LOT FOR SALE LOT FOR SALE 100' x 100' - Venetian Shores, MM 86, Snake Creek Bridge views. Asking $1.3 Million. Call 5 6 1 - 5 7 9 - 8 3 9 9 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!

YARD SALES HUGE FISHING GEAR SALE - Penn 20 30 50 Spinners, Electric deep drop reels, Trolling jigs Wahoo etc. Sat. July 3 from 8am-2pm. 706 Copa D'Oro, Flamingo Island, Marathon Place your Yard Sale ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Stuff!!

Senior Male Looking for Studio/1 Bedroom apartment in the Key Largo - Tavernier area for Jan., Feb. and March 2022. No Kids, No Pets, Non-Smoker, No Visitors, Quiet Guy. Contact Dick at 607-624-3570 or dfroiseth@gmail.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

Our award winning resort is

currently hiring for the following hourly positions:

ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR

Previous hotel experience required.

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Full-Time Position

CITY CLERK Serves as City Clerk for the City and Commission. Maintains city records. Supervises City elections. Coordinates activities of commission, committees, and citizens. Provides financial services including monthly financial statements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and audit support. Coordinates annual budget process. Provides Risk Management and Human Resources services for city. Provides support to other city departments. Reports to and works closely with City Administrator to support daily operations. Salary: $58,000 minimum, DOQ

EVENING MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR 3 pm – 11 pm

ROOM ATTENDANTS

$500 Bonus after 90 days.

Great Pay, Health & Travel Benefits. Apply in person at:

Courtyard Marriott Marathon, 2146 Overseas Hwy, Marathon FL 33050 or email resume to jtyson@shanercorp.com • 305-289-2100

Qualifications: Business-related Associates Degree; Experience working in government at a responsible level; knowledge of Microsoft Office and Quickbooks; familiar with use of internet; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with commission, staff, and public. Requires a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.

Professional customer service skills and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and overtime as needed, are required

Application form can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “City Government” then “Forms” Equal Opportunity Employer

City of Key Colony Beach City Hall 600 West Ocean Drive & 7th St. P.O. Box 510141 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Attn: City Administrator Or email to cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net

ASSISTANT CITY CLERK

Great pay, benefits and tips!

Duties include but are not limited to: bookkeeping: includes accounts payable, multiple bank reconciliations, deposit coding, payroll processing including funding federal deposits and filing quarterly reports, credit card reconciliations, petty cash disbursements and reconciliations. Process rental applications, schedule safety inspections and issue business tax licenses. Administer property manager certification course and issue certifications. Attend committee meetings and record and transcribe minutes of proceedings. Provide staff support to code enforcement and law enforcement officers. Respond to public questions and requests.

10am-7pm

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

Salary: $51,000 minimum, DOQ Benefits include: Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance; Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays; and Retirement Qualifications: Business-related Associates Degree; requires high level of financial/accounting skills; must be proficient in QuickBooks and Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook; excellent customer service skills; ability to multi-task, ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; requires a high degree of initiative and independent judgment; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with commission, staff, and public. Application form can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “City Government” then “Forms”

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

Pay rate $17-$19/hr depending on experience, excellent beneﬁts, and a fun work environment

Submit resume and application by mail or in person to:

Houseman OR Housekeeper

1118 Fleming Street, Key West

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

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Full-Time Position

Alexander's Guesthouse

FULL TIME OPENING

Benefits include: Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance; Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays; and Retirement

NOW HIRING: Stop in to fill out an application at:

305.743.0844

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

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

Contact Will Zimdars will@marathonaviation.com

Submit resume and application by mail or in person to: City of Key Colony Beach City Hall 600 West Ocean Drive & 7th St. P.O. Box 510141 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Attn: City Administrator Or email to cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net

EOE/Drug-free workplace

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT/SALESPERSON

CES KEY WEST & MARATHON Is hiring for all FULL-TIME positions:

Warehouse / Driver Counter Sales Branch and Operation Managers with Electrical/Distribution Experience

To apply please contact us or email resume to:

The Key West Chamber of Commerce is seeking a part-time Office Assistant/Salesperson who is proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, and Outlook including Outlook Calendar and the Internet including social media platforms, and website marketing. All employees of the Key West Chamber of Commerce are cross trained to handle all areas of the office including answering the phones, assisting visitors in person, over the phone and via email inquiries and our membership data software ATLAS. Once trained in all areas of operation this position will assist in membership sales, advertising sales for various print publications, and website ad sales. The individual needs to be organized, dependable, articulate, able to multi-task and able to represent the Chamber. Must have transportation and a valid driver’s license.

CES Key West Ph. (305) 783-5135 Em. Keywest0628@Cityelectricsupply.Com

Hours: Monday thru Friday up to 25 hours. Flexibility on hours, however, must be a set schedule. Qualifications: A minimum of two years sales experience and be familiar with the Key West community. Starting salary: $22 per hour.

CES Marathon Ph. (786) 652-2542 Em. Marathon0542@Cityelectricsupply.Com

Please forward resumes to Kerry Baker, Associate Executive Vice President: membership@keywestchamber.org

NOW HIRING Full or Part Time Dive Instructor

Responsible for safely guiding guests through in-water encounters. Must enjoy working with people and have a passion for marine life. Please apply in person at

Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY

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

Ralons Security 786-615-5522 Lic# B1500167

The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea is looking for someone who will continue to ignite the hearts of parishioners with the fire of Christ's love through the gift of music. The Music Minister performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami. Requirements for Candidates: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Music or equivalent. Previous employment as part or full-time Director of Music Ministries preferred. Experience as a part-time or volunteer musician may be considered. Fluency in Spanish is preferred. For complete job description go to: www.miamiarch.org/CatholicDiocese.php?op=Job_Openings To apply: Send resume with cover letter to Rev. John Baker, Pastor, at stmary@stmarykeywest.com. Subject line should read: Parish Director of Music Ministry. Deadline to apply: July 8, 2021.

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN Location: Middle Keys – Lower Keys

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

MUST HAVE an active Journeyman Electrician License. Duties: Install, inspect, test, repair, and maintain all new and existing generators, motors, transformers, motor controllers, and associated equipment throughout our system, with base location in the middle keys. Minimum qualifications: Journeyman’s License, emphasis on electronics, industrial electrical, pneumatics, controls, building automation, fire alarm and HVAC systems, load calculations, conduit requirements, thorough knowledge of NEC requirements, minimum 6 yrs experience. Must be able to operate and use computers with various software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be able to communicate and comprehend the English language. $55,876. - $88,506. DOQ On-line app: http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm Deadline: Open until filled. EEO, VPE, ADA

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

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

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

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

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

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

We’re on a path to better healthcare.

Join us. Landscape Designer Career Opportunities for:

Architect Lead AV Technician Finish Carpenter

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

Registered Nurses (RN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Lead AV Technician

Interior Designer

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

Landscape Designer

New Enhanced Warehouse & Delivery Crew

Draftsperson Warehouse & Delivery Associate

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

Rates!be MustCompensation have reliable transportation, on time and organized. Must have a Full-Time, Part-Time valid driver’s license. CDL a plus.and

PRN, Day and Night Shifts Available Apply online at: http://joinwellpath.com/keywest

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! Bell Staff-Relief Concierge Engineer General Maintenance

Valet Parking Attendant Front Desk Agent Housekeeping Room Attendant Laundry Attendant Line Cooks 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

PT CASHIER PT DOCKHAND Apply in person Pancho’s Fuel 1280 Oceanview Avenue, Marathon

305-743-2281

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 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

Restaurant General Managers

KITCHEN TEAM Pastry Chef Chief Steward Overnight Cook Fine Dining Chef Restaurant Chef

HOUSEKEEPING TEAM

Day & Overnight Houseman Room Attendant Public Area Attendant AM & PM Supervisors

OPERATIONS TEAM

Bellman Watersports Reservations/Front Desk Agents AM & PM Shifts Available Apply At: www.bungalowskeylargo.com/ careers

KeysBank.com

Join Our Team!

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring! IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Key West Maintenance Technician Full Time Teller Accountant Treasury Management Representative

Accounting Manager (Full-Time/Permanent)

Big Pine

Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time/Permanent)

Full Time Teller

Human Resources Manager

Marathon Branch Management Full Time Teller

(Full-Time/Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time/Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

(Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/Permanent)

Key Largo

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

Full Time Teller

Full job descriptions available at

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Email cover letter, DRC application & 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

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

Maintenance Technician

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) 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).

• Great Pay for Great People • Excellent Hours and Paid Holidays • 401k Matching and Cash Profit Sharing • Affordable Insurance Benefits

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

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

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

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

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

Leslie Christensen

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

OWNER

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

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

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Sportfishing Adventures

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

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.

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

305-481-3259

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

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

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

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

Serving Key Largo to Key West

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Will Campbell President

Liz Samess Interior Designer

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

Marathon, FL 33050

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

TEAM SCHUTT ANNA J SCHUTT

REALTOR® | Luxury Specialist

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

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

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

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

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

START EARNING 305 3902315

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

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

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

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

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

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

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

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

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

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

Appliance and Air Conditioning

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

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

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

305

Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Lic## RF11067168

EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

We Do Installations! Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES JARED FRANK

OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

Butch and Barbara Hewlett

AIMEE

KORNETTI REALTOR ®

Cell 305-600-9726 aimeekornetti@gmail.com

www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

SPALLING

PC 606

Lic# ENG II 305E

The Weekly Newspapers

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar

Lic#SP-3562

Rachel Sanderson

NOW HIRING!

keycolonybeachproperties.com

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

Key Colony Beach Realty, Inc.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 1, 2021

Jody L. Owen, P.A. 305-923-1902

Lynn B. Lucas, P.A. 305-393-0559

jodyowen@me.com

lynn@keyshomehunter.com

Over $46.2 Million SOLD in the last 12 months If you want TOP dollar for your proper ty, now is the time. Put the Best Real Estate Sales Team in the Middle Keys to wor k for you. Call us today!

Vaca Cove - 12555 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Offered for sale is Vaca Cove complex comprised of 7 stilted waterfront homes built in 2016. Each home is 1,740 Sq. Ft., 4 bedroom, 3 bath, open floor plan living area, large laundry, water front porches with open water views, private spas and covered parking. On site amenities include: Trex pier dockage accommodating up to 40' boats for each home, resort sized custom salt pool, fishing dock and kayak launch all situated on 1.42 acres with over 700 linear feet of water frontage. This is an active and fully licensed vacation rental property with established management and increasing numbers. Please do not go to property unscheduled. Call today for more information and schedule a private walk-thru. 28 bedrooms / 21 Full Baths ● 12,180 SF ● MLS# 594168 ● Offered at $6,900,000

116 N. Indies Dr., Duck Key

Lot 93 Stirrup Key Blvd., Marathon

13,475 Sq. Ft. Lot ● Gulf Frontage ● Open Water Views Building Permit and Fishing Pier/Dock Permit applied for ● Call for more info ● Build your dream home in this gated community MLS# 593710 ● Offered at $415,000

RARE FULL DUPLEX ON DUCK KEY. This is duplex is located just over the first historic arched bridge on exclusive Duck Key. Both sides have been completely updated and offers 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms per side with: tile flooring throughout, stone countertops, stone backsplashes, custom cabinetry, updated bathrooms, PVC wainscot and baseboards, new sliders and PGT casement windows. The exterior offers: covered parking, mature landscaping, landscape lighting, a custom in-ground heated salt pool, paver decking, large Tiki hut with built-in grilling station, mosquito mister system and 75’ of seawall dockage with fish cleaning station. 4/4 ● 2,108 SF ● 7,500 SF Lot ● Offered at $1,499,000

©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.