Marathon Weekly 21-0812

11

¢

Is it just me, or did Mom seem a little too happy about the first day of school?

BACK TO SCHOOL

From mask policy to new teachers | inside

VOTE THIS NOVEMBER 2ND!

Great new eatery prospers on Grassy Key | P.22

Fred takes aim at the Keys | P.9

PAID BY GREG COLDIRON FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

2

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Our Community

The Businesses

The Food & Drink

Best Place to take the Kids Best Event Best Bathroom Best Sunset Best Place to Have a Wedding Best Elected Official Best Tourist Attraction Best Local Celebrity Best Non-Profit Organization Best Place to Take a Date Best Band Best Place to Take a Selfie Best Summer Camp Best Sport Coach Best Educator

Best Resort/Hotel Best Accounting Firm Best Law Firm Best Gift Shop Best Fishing Guide Best Dive Shop Best Bait & Tackle Shop Best Customer Service Best New Business Best Healthcare Professional Best Landscape Company Best Auto Repair Best Photographer Best Marina Best Vet Best Realtor Best Real Estate Office Best Bank Best Salon Best Contractor Best Jewelry Store Best Clothing Store Best Place to Work Out Best Family Owned Business Best Business

Best Key Lime Pie Best Fish Sandwich Best Fine Dining Best Ethnic Food Best Lunch Best Breakfast Best BBQ Best Cup of Coffee Best Bar Best Bartender Best Happy Hour Best Waterfront Dining Best Live Music Venue Best Pizza Best Margarita Best Late Night Spot Best Food Delivery Best Overall Restaurant Best Taco Best Food Truck Best Seafood Best Steak

Presented by

Winners & Awards to be presented Saturday, Sept. 25th at

MARATHON CITY HALL

All proceeds to benefit: Marathon Rotary Club Sponsored by:

Nominations start on August 13th and close on August 27th

Final Voting Begins Sept. 3 Concludes Sept. 17

3

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Anchored to your health and our community.

Diane and Anthony Culver Program Director and Executive Director, Marathon Rec Center

The care you deserve, right in your neighborhood.

A new and improved Fishermen’s Community Hospital is now open and will continue to be an anchor of health and wellness in the heart of the Florida Keys.

The state-of-the-art facility offers the specialized services you need, brought to you by the most trusted healthcare provider in the region, including:

The original hospital, built in 1962, was founded by compassionate residents who understood that a quality hospital was necessary for a successful community to grow. When the hospital was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, Baptist Health stayed committed to the Florida Keys, approving an entirely new hospital to meet the community’s needs, now and into the future.

• 24/7 emergency care with on-site helipad • Diagnostic imaging • Inpatient care

Built from the ground up on the foundation of the original hospital, the new Fishermen’s Community Hospital is designed to withstand wind speeds of a Category 5 hurricane.

• Intensive care unit • Outpatient laboratory • Rehabilitation

Services including oncology care, surgery and endoscopy, will be available at a later date.

And telestroke services are available to give stroke patients 24/ 7 emergency access to board-certified neurologists. Additional services are offered at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, also part of Baptist Health.

Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Fishermens

4

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

$208 MILLION 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Florida lawmakers set aside about $208 million in CARES Act funding to distribute one-time relief payments of up to $1,000 to over 193,000 first responders. Payments will go to more than 49,000 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,000 EMTs, 35,000 firefighters and 33,000 paramedics across the state, as a show of appreciation of their sacrifices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Best of Marathon awards is underway after a hiatus (thanks, COVID). Take a look back at some of the winners from 2019. See story, page 10

CITY DISCUSSES LAUNCH FEES, OLD HIGH-RISES Volunteer staff said visiting boaters expect to pay

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com

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

The city-owned boat ramp at 33rd Street was a hive of activity on the Fourth of July weekend. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

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. 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.

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

A

funny thing happened on the way to the boat ramp. As City of Marathon staff and volunteers approached the drivers lining up to launch at the Quay boat ramp, to distribute educational materials the Saturday before lobster miniseason, drivers were reaching for their wallets … at the free ramp.

“They are used to paying elsewhere. They were coming up to us and asking how much,” said Councilman John Bartus, who volunteered at the ramp.

“They had their billfolds out,” said Mayor Luis Gonzalez.

The discussion item was placed on the Aug. 10 agenda of the Marathon City Council by Councilman Dan Zieg.

He proposes to charge visitors $50 per “round trip” — boats going in the water and boats coming out of the water — and a $10 annual permit for locals to launch.

“Residents would need special treatment in this matter; maybe we could charge $10 for an annual permit to launch. They would need to have a driver's license with a Marathon

address and a boat registration and trailer registration that matches it,” Zieg said.

Zieg also said that an informal poll of the boaters waiting to launch on the Saturday before lobster mini-season found that 75% were staying in Key Colony Beach.

“By tweaking our own resolution, we can encourage Key Colony Beach to service their own rentals and we can relieve a safety and congestion issue on U.S.1,” Zieg said. “And it would encourage boaters to use private launches and take pressure off the City of Marathon boat ramps at the Quay and 33rd Street.”

Just before lobster mini-season, the city of Marathon declared the Harbor Drive boat ramp off-limits to boats on trailers with more than two axles. It also reserved the right to close the one parking space at that ramp. The city owns two other ramps: at the Quay and 33rd Street.

The City of Crystal River began charging fees in August of this year.

That city is also charging for daily parking.

Marathon City Council directed staff to work on a proposal that would also address how and when to staff the boat ramps and how to collect fees.

Old high-rises Effective immediately, any commercial or high-rise building that is more than 17 years older will have to be inspected and recertified every 10 years. The Marathon City Council passed the ordinance on Aug. 10 in response to the June 24 tragedy in Surfside, the collapse of the The Champlain Towers South condo building that killed 97 people.

Marathon’s law does not apply to residential units that are considered “minor” — occupied by 10 or fewer people, or 2,000 square feet or less.

When they receive notice, building owners will have 90 days to submit continued on next 18

CORRECTION The Marathon Weekly Newspaper incorrectly reported the date Marathon City Council candidate Trevor Wolsey moved to the Keys. Wofsey’s family moved to the Lower Keys from Clearwater when he was 13 years old in 1989. A graduate of Key West High School, he moved to Marathon nine years ago.

5

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

JUST SOLD LISTINGS! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

7940 TUNA DRIVE, MARATHON

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

305.289.6559

Listed and Under Contract in 23 Days! Sold for $2,225,000 Brand New Construction Prestigious Stirrup Key. Luxury Marina Home 5 Bedrooms 5 1/2 Baths & 100 ft Concrete Seawall.

swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

If you are considering buying or selling a property give Lara a call today at 305.240.4905

Lara Rutskin Martin “HAPYNKEYS” REALTOR®

305.240.4905

hapynkeys@gmail.com

11050 Overseas Hwy., Marathon ©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.

2000 COCO PLUM DRIVE, #203, MARATHON

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

305-766-1745

WWW.AMYPUTO.COM

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYER & SELLER!

333 29TH STREET, OCEAN, MARATHON

AMY PRUMO & TOM CARDEN, REALTORS (305) 289-6562

#1 Listing AND Selling Agent in Marathon 10 years in a row! If you want the most aggressive, effective agent in your market that will get you top dollar for your property, call or text (305) 942-6069.

aprumo.realestatefloridakeys.com

(815) 329-5220

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

Sam Williams REALTOR®

Sam - 305.289.6559

Sam.williams@coldwellbanker.com 11050 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

www.swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com

35 SOMBRERO BLVD, A14, MARATHON

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

©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.

305-766-1745

WWW.AMYPUTO.COM

6

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

LAYING BRICK SINCE 2005 INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573

We open the door to everything you long for SOLD

35 Sombrero Blvd, A14 Sombrero Marina Sale Price: $135,000

Sold by: Laurie Keiling, 305.363.9484 If you are thinking about buying or selling, contact me.

Local knowledge with global exposure. Nothing compares.

305.735.4095 | oceansir.com

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

DJ BERT FROM MIAMI ON THE OCEANFRONT POOL DECK FROM 1 PM TILL 5 PM

Y A D N U F Y A 569 SUND

E N A C I HURARSONPPOAORTLY SE AUGUST 15, 2021 TH

Florida Keys Mosquito Control kills millions of mosquito larvae before you get to work in the morning.

To download our treatment notification app or to make a service request go to www.keysmosquito.org or call 305.292.7190.

GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK • Complimentary Lobster Grilling Services • World Famous Cheeseburgers • Chorizo Guacamole Pepper Jack Tortilla Burger • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Lobster • Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp • Bacon Wrapped Scallops • Grilled Bratwurst • Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches • BBQ Baby Back Ribs • Chili Cheese Dogs

WE WILL GRILL YOUR LOBSTER CATCH FOR FREE

TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF LOBSTER SEASON IN THE FLORIDA KEYS 1PM TO 5 PM AT THE POOLSIDE GRILL VOTED BEST SUNSET & BEST WATERFRONT DINING

DRINK SPECIALS • $2 Coors Light • $5 Hurricanes • $2 Jello Shots 305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

7

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

COVID CASES ON THE RISE Local doctor’s office flooded with patients

N

ew COVID-19 cases increased for a fifth straight week in Florida. In the Keys, hospitalizations are going up while local doctors’ offices see more positive tests.

Monroe County’s top health officer, Bob Eadie, told Keys officials during an Aug. 11 emergency management call that 101 new positive cases were reported in Monroe County. Of those, 20 were minors.

“We’re seeing more out-of-county residents who are ill,” he said.

Data from the Florida Health Department showed 134,506 new COVID-19 cases in the state from July 30 to Aug. 5. That’s up from just over 110,400 positive cases the week prior and 15,998 positive COVID-19 cases reported between June 25 to July 2.

Of the total number of new cases, around 44,700 are Florida residents between 30 and 49 years of age. Those ages 20 to 29 account for 23,946 of positive cases, while 13,858 are among those ages 12-19. Around 13,500 new positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in kids 12 and under.

Dr. Stan Zuba’s pediatrician office continues to see a flow of patients — 180 in the past two weeks.

“We’re all tired,” Zuba said as he read a positive COVID-19 test on a 17-year-old girl.

“We’re clearly seeing more children and positive tests.”

Monroe County reported 388 new cases in the week spanning from July 30 to Aug. 5.

That’s an average of 55 new cases a day. The week before saw 249 new positive cases, or about 35 new daily cases, in the county.

Data by the Centers for Disease Control showed no COVID-related deaths between July 25 and Aug. 9.

As of Aug. 10, Baptist Health South Florida said 844 COVID-19 patients were being treated across its system , which covers from Miami to the Keys. Eleven COVID-19 patients were being treated at Mariners Hospital. Eadie said Mariners Hospital isn’t able to send patients to its affiliated hospitals in Miami-Dade County at this time.

Lower Keys Medical Center census counts are fluid with patients being admitted and discharged throughout the day. As of Aug. 10, 13 inpatients were COVID-19 positive.

“At this time, while the hospital is busy with a mix of patient conditions, we have

Health care workers at a drive-through COVID-19 testing event at Founders Park in August 2020.

WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

works and helps.” sufficient staffing, supplies and equipment,” Current vaccines appear to be helping, said Lynn Corbett-Winn, LKMC marketing but Morrison said there’s no one thing in director. the history of medicine that treats a disease.

Intensive care units in the Keys had five Morrison said treatments offered by some patients being treated, as of Aug. 11. clinics include Ivermectin, which treats paraEven with soaring new case numbers, sitic worms, and hydroxychloroquine.

Zuba said the total count is probably signifi“It’s an important thing to say that the cantly lower than the actual amount, due to vaccine does seem to work in the sense that at-home testing. He said those tests aren’t people are not sick as long, but it does not necessarily reported by people to the health department and Centers for Disease Control. protect the community. It protects you,” he said.

Those who test positive with an over-counThe Florida Health Department said ter, home test are asked to contact their those who feel sick should isolate and seek health care provider for guidance and seek a COVID-19 test. But those tests are getting additional testing with a doctor’s office. hard to find, as some local Zuba said there are CVS and Walgreens pharalso instances where macies have acknowledged parents have called acthat they’ve been running knowledging they tested “People who don’t out. Urgent cares from Key positive, and that means mask and aren’t West to Key Largo, Rural children should be quarvaccinated are Health Network and Comantining. munity Health South Florida “They can’t start putting my life and (CHI) are offering tests. The school,” he said. “I have others at risk.” local health department has serious doubts they — Dr. Stan Zuba developed a list of COVID-19 will quarantine. That’s testing locations. Eadie what is happening in the said the department is also state.” working to bring back CuraA little over 920 tive vans for testing in Islamorada and the county residents were vaccinated from July Lower Keys.

30 to Aug. 5. That brings the number of Those testing positive should isolate vaccinated residents in the Keys to 49,387, for 10 days from when symptoms began, roughly 72% of the population. the Florida Health Department says. People “We’ve got to push vaccinations more who’ve been in close contact with someone and more because that’s the way we get out with COVID-19 should also quarantine 10 of this. There’s nothing else to say,” Eadie days from last close contact. said.

Zuba said the most important thing Past COVID-19 infections have seen people can do at this time is “wear a mask.” symptoms that include headache, loss of Several restaurant workers and store emsmell and taste and fatigue. With the latest ployees have gone back to wearing masks. strain, Dr. Tom Morrison said, aches and “Freedom of choice should not put my pains, significant fever and pulmonary comlife or anybody’s health at risk,” he said. plications are among the ailments.

“People who don’t mask and aren’t vaccinat“One thing that helps is a high dose of ed are putting my life and others at risk.” steroids for 10 days with oxygen supplementation,” he said. “People are going home and getting better. We don’t know why, but it

8

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

‘HEATED ISSUE? AN UNDERSTATEMENT’

School board votes unanimously to mandate masks; parents may opt out

Cudjoe Key resident Cindy Dreson was one of many impassioned speakers at the Aug. 10 school board meeting. Dreson strongly opposed the mask mandate, claiming, ‘More people die on U.S. 1 every year than will ever die of COVID.’ CONTRIBUTED

CHARLOTTE TWINE charlotte@keysweekly.com

S

ignaling the long discussion about masking in schools that was to come in the Aug. 10 board meeting in Marathon, Monroe County Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford opened with, “To say this is a heated issue throughout the state is an understatement.” Axford also said she had participated in a conference call the previous day with other Florida superintendents and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has prohibited mask mandates in Florida schools.

During the mask discussion, at least a half-dozen emotional public speakers expressed their opinions — both pro and con — about a mask mandate, then board members explained their own thoughts and concerns before they voted.

In the end, the board unanimously approved a mask mandate for anyone on school property — but included an opt-out option for parents who sign an official document acknowledging that their decision is in direct opposition to the strong recommendations of the

school board and health department.

The school district’s attorneys were drafting the document on Wednesday following a meeting between Axford and the local teachers union.

At the start of the meeting, Bob Eadie, administrator and top health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, shared his thoughts about protecting children from COVID. “Fortunately, we are now able to vaccinate 12-year-olds and up. Any recommendation I have is for all of us to push for vaccinations as far as we can,” said Eadie. “For the last 10 days, we’ve had 575 positive cases of COVID recorded for Monroe County.

Eighty-four of those were 18 and under, which is 14.5%. And if we go back to January, we only had 9.2% that were positive under 18 years old.”

Eadie also pointed out the breakdown geographically of the positive cases over the past 10 days: 53% were in the Upper Keys, 14% were in the Middle Keys, and 33% in the Lower Keys. This marks a shift from the early days of the pandemic, when Key West typically saw the highest percentage of cases.

Eadie recommended vaccinations for everyone 12 and older, but also

suggested that all students, teachers and staff wear masks on school property, but with the provision that parents can opt out. He said he wouldn’t recommend getting into a confrontation with parents over masking.

“I think it’s counterproductive,” Eadie said. “Just acknowledge the world as it is. You can’t mandate masks.”

A group of public speakers expressed their opinion both by phone and in person about a mask mandate.

Key Largo’s Herve Pullar is a clinical laboratory scientist in Monroe County who performs antigen tests for COVID, and he has seen an increase in positive test results for children. He also has a 5-year-old daughter in the school system.

“I’m urging the board to mandate masks for the school year,” he said.

“The Delta strain is much more virulent and infectious” than the strain from last year.

Parent Melissa Ptomey said, “Parents want to be able to feel like their kids can be kids again, not be prisoners in their own schools. … These young children are learning that their fellow humans can’t be trusted.”

Nick Rodriguez of Key Largo is a parent of two Monroe County students and a husband of a Monroe County teacher. He said he supports a mask mandate. “Today is the day for the school board to decide for the safety of students and side with science,” he said.

Cudjoe Key resident Cindy Dreson said passionately, “I was more than a little upset about Bob (Eadie) advising to have the children vaccinated and wear masks. For one thing, this is an experimental vaccine. We don’t know what the outcome is in seven or eight years. We don’t know if these kids will end up sterilized. … More people die on U.S. 1 every year than will ever die of COVID.” (Editor’s note: Twelve people died in Monroe County crashes in 2020, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The final 2020 report by the local health department, issued on Dec. 30, 2020, showed 35 deaths from COVID. More than 600,000 people in the U.S. and 4.3 million worldwide have died of COVID, according to the World Health Organization.)

“I’ve seen more COVID cases in children than in the entire first year of the pandemic,” proclaimed pediatrician Stan Zuba. “I urge you to go against this governor. Take a stand.

Call his bluff and mandate masks unless there’s a medical reason.”

In the end, the decision came down to the four school board members who were present: John Dick, Bobby Highsmith, Sue Woltanski

and Andy Griffiths (Mindy Conn was absent).

Woltanski said, “I think my perspective is different because I’m a pediatrician and my husband works in the emergency room. … It’s disappointing to me we don’t have a robust virtual option for parents this year.”

“I am disappointed to see national political type issues drawn into this discussion,” said Highsmith. “A lot of the tenor of emails I’ve received said, ‘If you don’t agree with me, it’s politics.’

I’ve studied, and I looked for science and data. … COVID is here. It’s not going anywhere.”

As the members started to agree on a mask mandate with an opt-out for parents, Griffiths pushed for a limited liability waiver that should be signed.

“At least they’ll read some facts and information before opting out,” he said. “There may be a small group that may make a different decision.”

Woltanski said she was concerned that an opportunity for stronger messaging has been missed, as students have already met their teachers for the new year and were not advised by the district to wear masks.

“The horse has left the barn,” she said, adding that signs on school doors only said masks were optional.

Dick responded, “I think the horse that got out of the barn is called freedom.”

With their unanimous vote to support a mask mandate for students, teachers and staff on school property, as well as a signed disclaimer from parents who want to opt out, Axford said the district would have to act fast to spread the news before school starts on Thursday, Aug. 12.

On Aug. 11, Axford released a statement that included the following: “...effective immediately, facial coverings will be required for everyone inside Monroe County schools and on buses for the next two weeks. The status of the virus will be reexamined on Aug. 24 and every school board meeting thereafter. Parents and guardians may choose to opt-out of this requirement. To do so, they can visit the district webpage and fill out the opt out form, which is on the Covid Resources page. District staff must wear a facial covering indoors and on district transportation with no option of opting out.

“Visitors will not be allowed on district property for the first two weeks of school unless otherwise coordinated through school administration.

“We will continue to work closely with the medical community to monitor the level of infection in our county.

We will revisit this issue at each school board meeting and may make changes as the situation requires it.”

9

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

TROPICAL STORM FRED FORMS Keys to see rain Friday evening JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

E

xpect heavy rains and some possible tropical stormforce winds in the Keys this weekend.

Tropical Storm Fred approached the Dominican Republic on Wednesday morning, as Keys officials gathered for a storm call via Zoom. Fred was expected to weaken to a tropical depression on Aug. 11 as the core passed through Hispaniola, said Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service out of Key West. There’s uncertainty, however, over the storm’s organization after it emerges to the northwest of Haiti.

Rizzo expressed confidence that the storm will likely approach Florida as a weaker tropical storm or a tropical depression. Heavy weather impacts will be felt in the Keys beginning Friday evening. Conditions could mirror those witnessed in Key West with Tropical Storm Elsa, Rizzo said.

“One signal we are getting in the models is that this could be a heavy rainfall producer. We do have the potential for street and poor-drainage-area flooding,” he said. “A lot of times with these weaker storms, a lot of that intense rainfall comes in rain bands.”

Rizzo said there’s been very little adjustment to the storm’s track, which shows it traveling through the Straits of Florida and to the Gulf of Mexico. Rizzo said there’s a chance the storm will stay north of Cuba, meaning interaction with land in the next few days may not be as high as forecasters thought when it was a disturbance.

There’s currently a 20% chance for tropical storm-force winds for the Lower Keys. Rizzo said the Keys could get 6 to 8 inches of rain Friday evening through Sunday.

“As the storm moves into the Gulf of Mexico, it kind of turns more northwest and north. And sometimes we get stuck, just like we did with Elsa, with that tailing squall,” Rizzo said. “Wherever that sets up is going to get several more inches of rain than that.”

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

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

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 Tropical storm-force winds could be seen in the Florida Keys on Friday evening. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER/Contributed

65 53rd Street, Marathon (next to Publix) SUMMER HOURS: MON * TUES * THURS * FRI * SAT 10am-6pm. Closed Wednesdays & Sundays

10

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

THE BEST IS BACK!

B

est of Marathon turns 14!

The historical significance and cultural impact of the Best of Marathon cannot be overstated and starting Thursday, Aug. 12 the nomination process begins for the 2021 people’s choice awards.

Since 2008, the celebration of Marathon’s best and brightest has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities while cementing some of the town’s most notable establishments and personalities firmly into the pantheon of Marathon folklore.

This year’s voting process takes on a special meaning as our community emerges from the pandemic stronger than ever — a true testament to the resolve of Marathon’s citizenry that always triumphs over adversity, coming back stronger than ever.

Get online and nominate your favorites.

Tell your friends and neighbors and let’s showcase what makes the Marathon community such a wonderful place to call home.

— Jason Koler

1 2

3

1. “You never expect to win,” said Marathon Councilman Mark Senmartin, pictured second from right after he won “Best Elected Official.” His 2019 win was the second for the councilman. He sat at a table that received a healthy pile of awards, pictured from left: Elise Mucha of Brutus Seafood (Best Lunch), Joanna and Frank Varello of Frank’s Grill (Best Ethnic Food), Lily Senmartin and Beatrice Sierra of Isla Bella (Best Place to Have a Wedding).

2. Standing ovations are few and far between at the Best of Marathon, but beloved veterinarian Dr. Mike Dunn receives one every year. He has captured “Best Vet” every year since the inception of Best of Marathon.

4

5

3. In 2019 Cheddar Getz took home the coveted “Best Bartender” award.

Pictured with Overseas Bar and Grill owner Dallas Cook. In addition to Cheddar’s win, the Overseas took home trophies for “Best Bar” and “Best Late Night Spot.”

4. Someone points the finger at the incomparable Willie Gonzalez as he accepts the “Best Place to Work Out” award on behalf of Keys Strength and Fitness. Gonzalez is a multiple award winner in the “Best Landscaper” category.

5. Weekly publisher Jason Koler emcees the 2019 event with help from the Marathon Rotary Club president Patrick Stevens. The awards ceremony is laced with a sense of humor that comes from living in a small community where everyone rises and falls with the same tides.

11

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Successfully Negotiated. Artfully Sold.

THIS WEEK’S

SOLD

ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, AUG 12 DAVID KERRIGAN 6:30PM FRIDAY, AUG 13 MIKE V 3PM THOSE GUYS 7PM SATURDAY, AUG 14 ABSTRACT RADIO 8PM SUNDAY, AUG 15 DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 6PM MONDAY, AUG 16 ON THE FLY GUYS 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

1289 91st Court, Marathon Sale Price: $1,325,000

TUESDAY, AUG 17 LUKE SOMMERS 7PM WEDNESDAY, AUG 18 PIRATE KARAOKE WITH JR JONES 7PM

ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS

Represented by: Debbie Smith, Broker Associate 305.432.0992

• COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

If you are thinking about buying or selling an exceptional residence, contact me.

Local knowledge with global exposure. Nothing Compares.

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

305.735.4095 | oceansir.com

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY & THURSDAY 7PM-10PM

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

LIVE MUSIC

THURSDAY & SATURDAY 6PM

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

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

12

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021 800 Camino Real

Congratulations to my 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!

OWNER, BROKER, GRI

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

www.islandbreezerealty.com

Florida Keys

101 Avenue G

Congratulations to my Sellers and Buyers!

Buying or Selling in Paradise?

The Grego Team is here to help!

Let our experience work for you.

David Grego, Realtor®

www.islandbreezerealty.com

Florida Keys

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

COME CELEBRATE SUNSET WITH LIVE CANNON SALUTE AND COMPLIMENTARY SHOTS!

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

Bonefish Storage has added new climatecontrolled units on the east end of Marathon.

BRING YOUR THINGS New storage facility opens in Marathon

Call us today!

OWNER, BROKER, GRI

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

Karen and John Wolfe said all four of their children are stakeholders in the business that will be operated by Alex and his wife, Joy, holding baby Sydney. SARA MATTHIS/ Keys Weekly

SARA MATTHIS

I

sara@keysweekly.com

t’s climate-controlled. That’s a huge selling point for the current and future clients of Marathon’s improved storage facility, Bonefish Storage. Located just east of Vaca Cut, the facility is an expansion of existing self-storage which now totals about 350 units, more than half of which are the new climate-controlled models.

Climate controlled spaces start as small as 3 by 5 feet ($105 monthly) and go up to 10 by 25 feet ($425) with non climate controlled options up to 10 by 25 feet ($425).

The operation is owned by the Wolfe family, and Alex and his wife Joy are on the onsite managers.

“People want climate-controlled storage to combat the humidity,” Alex said. “And everyone needs more storage.”

“It’s a concern when people are storing electronics or artwork or delicate fabrics,” said Joy. “Plus, it’s just a lot more enjoyable to move things in and out of units that are air-conditioned.”

The Wolfe family purchased the existing storage units in 1997. Then, after the passing of Marathon icon and former high school principal Kay Graddick, the Wolfe family purchased the woman’s adjoining property. (A remnant stand of hammock has been preserved smack dab in the middle of the business’ footprint and will be formally dedicated to Graddick soon.)

Construction of the additional storage units started about a year and a half ago.

Alex, who has a degree in computer science, designed the facility to

be state of the art. A self-serve kiosk allows customers to choose a storage unit, pay and sign the contract and will then dispense the lock and keys.

Customers can also call the facility or visit the website to conduct much of their business remotely, or just come to the front desk. The facility also has a backup generator capable of running locks, lights and cameras in the event of a power outage. The family said the old units didn’t flood in recent memory and the new units are built 9 feet above flood level; all are fitted with doors rated to 180mph wind force.

Karen Wolfe, the matriarch, said the units are renting quickly. “Alex and Joy have been calling people on the waitlist,” she said.

So, what’s the strangest thing they’ve ever stored?

“A giant blow up raft that was being used for a magazine shoot,” said Joy, smiling.

“Oh, and all that beer! Remember that? I think it was like 500 cans,” said Karen.

The Wolfe family said quite a few of their customers are local businesses, storing inventory such as plumbing supplies. Others are storing classic cars.

“Some people just want to get the stuff out from under the house; that’s not a safe place to store items in hurricane season,” said John Wolfe.

The storage units are accessible 24/7 and moving supplies are sold in the front office. For more information, visit bonefishstorage.com, call 305743-4633 or drop by the facility located at 12693 Overseas Hwy. in Marathon.

The office hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Clara Mayette, GRI INC

305-395-2095

claraflakeysproperties@gmail.com www.keysproperties.com

YOUR MIDDLE KEYS REAL ESTATE EXPERT.

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

435 114th St, Ocean

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 4:20 -11

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

One of the least expensive 2 Bedroom 1 Bath non waterfront homes on the market. Great starter or vacation home, well maintained with a step saver kitchen & nice Bathroom, beautiful Terrazzo floors & Carport. Good Storage outside with a Ted Shed, situated on a corner lot. Low maintenance yard with Palm Trees & Pea Rock. Re roofed in 2010. Close to Banks & Restaurants. MLS#597196 $375,000. Call Clara 305-395-2095

LYNNY FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL VOTE FOR ‘LYNNY’ ON NOVEMBER 2ND 2021 PAID FOR BY JODY ‘LYNNY’ DEL GAIZO FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

14

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 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 Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others. - 1 Peter 4:10

3010 Overseas Highway

305-743-5107

800 Camino Real

Congratulations to my Buyers!

Alexia Mann

Closings are a Breeze with Alexia...

Call today at 404.988.2259

BROKER ASSOCIATE REALTOR®

Direct: 404.988.2259 Office: 305.743.8328

Alexia@IslandBreezeRealty.com

www.IslandBreezeRealty.com www.MyKeysRealEstate.com

Florida Keys

15

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

A ‘HIGHER EDUCATION DESERT’ NO MORE New center brings opportunities for college students JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

C

ommunity leaders stood on the second floor of the College of the Florida Keys new center in Key Largo on Thursday afternoon.

With a glass of champagne raised, a toast made by President Jonathan Gueverra marked a new era of education and opportunities for students, employers and the Upper Keys community.

Once deemed a “higher education desert” for graduating students in Key Largo and Islamorada, Gueverra now calls the northern islands an “oasis” with the college’s state-of-the-art Upper Keys Center. Located not far from the gateway into the Keys at MM 106, bayside, the new center delivers a wide range of programming — from marine science and hospitality to nursing and apprenticeships in trades.

Basic law enforcement training at the center offers aspiring officers the ability to complete a 770-hour program. A correctional basic training course at the center will prepare students to become corrections officers in Florida, pending passage of a state exam.

Students with intellectual disabilities and autism will be able to receive personalized programming, all while earning industry certifications and developing skills, through Project ACCESS. “This is only the beginning. It is a beginning that represents hope and opportunity for quality education close to the home that results in social and economic ability for our Upper Keys community,” Gueverra told attendees during a celebration on Aug. 5. “The magnitude of what we did, in our doing, didn’t resonate with me until a few days ago when I looked at where’s the nearest institution to this community. It might as well be an eternity.”

Built by Thornton Construction Company, the $20-million facility features nursing and biochemical labs, an auditorium, testing center and library. In addition to learning spaces, lounges allow students and employees a comfortable place to learn and work. It also features a student activities room and a patio deck.

Construction began roughly a year ago in anticipation for completion by the start of the school year later this month. Despite a COVID-19 pandemic and material shortages, the project was completed ahead of schedule. Dagoberto Diaz, executive vice president for Thornton Construction, said construction crews worked some 18-20 hours in three shifts for the past two months.

Above: College of the Florida Keys President Jonathan Gueverra leads a champagne toast on the Upper Keys Center’s patio.

Below: College of the Florida Keys’ Upper Keys Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

“I’m excited about this campus, it’s going to be an opportunity for citizens, for future jobs, to have better paying jobs and hopefully to stay local and be a part of the community.”

Private and public donations, as well as a $16-million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, helped fund the Upper Keys Center. Bobby Stoky, chair of the college’s foundation board, said finishing the project wasn’t possible without the support of the Ocean Reef community.

“We needed $2.5 to $3 million and Ocean Reef came in,” he said. “I’d love to say this is done, with the building done, but the real work begins. Bring on the students and the future of the College of the Florida Keys.”

Former state Rep. Holly Raschein worked diligently in Tallahassee to change the college’s name to the College of the Florida Keys. Raschein praised the work of Gueverra and the college for bringing an “exemplary” building to the Upper Keys.

Bringing a new college facility to the Upper Keys goes back several

years, when Gueverra spoke to community clubs up and down the Keys regarding a bigger and better facility in the Upper Keys. It kicked into motion in August 2018 when the college purchased commercial property in the old Shell World. A deal the college could afford was inked between Gueverra and owners Jim and Cyrie Waterman.

The new facility replaces the college’s former home at Coral Shores High School.

“Over seven, eight years ago, we started this conversation. And I have one regret: We should have made a deal such that everyone who said to me, ‘When are we going to get the Upper Keys Center,’ you would have to hand me $1,000,” Gueverra joked.

A majority of the men and women within the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received training through the college, including Sheriff Rick Ramsay. In a time where employers are struggling to find personnel, Ramsay said the sheriff’s office will be able to attract people from the Upper Keys and South Florida.

“I’m excited about this campus,” Ramsay said. “It’s going to be an opportunity for citizens, for future jobs, to have better paying jobs and hopefully to stay local and be a part of the community.”

Training and keeping nurses in the middle and upper Keys will look to bolster the local hospital system. Jay Hershoff, chairman of the board of trustees for Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals, said the need for nurses is “incredible.”

“We’d like to grow our own nurses here and grow our own medical support teams and keep them here,” he said. “At the same time, if they get a degree and skills and go somewhere else, Baptist will make sure there's an opportunity somewhere within the system to use skills they learned here.”

Hershoff added that the health system is looking at possibly providing faculty to teach at the Upper Keys Center and give up-and- coming nurses an “even better chance to get skills.”

Open houses on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 allowed visitors the ability to tour the new center and learn about the expanded academic and workforce training opportunities.

Fall classes start Aug. 19.

16

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

NEW TEACHERS

Stanley Switlik Elementary ushers in a new crew

S

tanley Switlik Elementary is welcoming a dozen new faces at the Middle Keys for the 2021-22 school year. They range from newly credentialed locals to transplants. If you see them at the grocery store, give them a Keys welcome.

MIRIAM HRIBAR Class: PreK, 3-4 years old, Headstart Teacher Hometown: I am from Argentina, but I’ve been a citizen since 2003. I’ve lived in Marathon since 2000.

Degree from: bachelor’s in natural science, Argentina / master’s of education in TESOL, Miami SUASM-University of Turaloo (Puerto Rico) How long have you been in the Keys: 21 years Why did you decide to become a teacher: I decided to become a teacher when I was a teenager; I love to teach science!

What is your teaching style/philosophy: Discover the world, take care of it because it’s our home.

What are your hobbies outside of school: I love to travel, spend time with my friends, draw whatever is around me and watch my novelas.

REGLA CALANDRA Class: 5th Grade Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida Degree from: Nova Southeast-

ern University How long have you been in the Keys: 3 months Why did you decide to become a teacher: To instill a love of learning What is your teaching style/philosophy: Building connections and helping to both guide and inspire lifelong readers.

What are your hobbies outside of school: Reading, softball, beach MISTY REININGER Class: 3rd Grade Hometown: Poplar Grove, Illinois Degree from: Eastern Illinois

University How long have you been in the Keys: 4 years Why did you decide to become a teacher: I’ve always enjoyed spending time with kids and it’s why I want to guide them toward academic success.

What is your teaching style/philosophy: I believe in connecting with each individual student on some level, then tailoring my teaching to fit their needs.

What are your hobbies outside of school: My hobbies include spending time with my husband and three kids outside, on the water or at baseball games.

ROXY F. MURPHY Class: ELL / Reading Intervention Hometown: Odessa, Ukraine Degree from: Mechnikov Na-

tional University How long have you been in the Keys: 12 years Why did you decide to become a teacher: I come from generations of professional educators and teachers.

What is your teaching style/philosophy: Staying true.

What are your hobbies outside of school: Mastering the art of doing nothing.

JESIKA BAN Class: Computer lab manager Hometown: Marathon, Florida, born and raised Degree from: Currently working towards bachelor’s at FIU. How long have you been in the Keys: My whole life.

Why did you decide to become a teacher: I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.

What is your teaching style/philosophy: My teaching style is very open and engaging, ensuring everyone gets what they need.

What are your hobbies outside of school: Outside of school I enjoy relaxing with my family.

TOM BALLANGER Class: 5th Grade, Emergency sub for Ms. Gonzalez Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma Degree from: Northeastern State University How long have you been in the Keys: 1 month Why did you decide to become a teacher: I love helping young people succeed.

What is your teaching style/philosophy: The school is the student’s, I’m just a facilitator.

What are your hobbies outside of school: Reading, running, SCUBA SELENA GONZALEZ Class: Nurse Technician Hometown: Marathon, Florida Degree from: College of the

Florida Keys How long have you been in the Keys: My entire life.

Why did you decide to become a nurse tech: I just graduated nursing school and I have a passion for helping children and I wanted to explore the area of scholastic nursing.

What are your hobbies outside of school: I enjoy spending time with my husband and family and playing with my dogs.

AMELIA BUCHANAN Class: Title 1 Interventionist Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida Degree from: St. Petersburg

College How long have you been in the Keys: 5 years Why did you decide to become a teacher: I have always enjoyed helping others. Becoming a teacher means I get the opportunity to work with and help kids become the best they can be.

What is your teaching style/philosophy: I wholeheartedly believe everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams with the right amount of support, hard work and perseverance.

I am lucky enough to help kids reach their goals every day.

What are your hobbies outside of school: I enjoy being out on the water.

I also enjoy trying out new recipes at home.

BILL ELLER Class: Guidance Assistant Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania Degree from: Berk’s Technical Institute How long have you been in the Keys: 1 year Why did you decide to become a teacher: Everyone should enjoy watching children learn and develop. It’s exciting to watch them grow!

What is your teaching style/philosophy: Every child is an important part of our community, we must pay close attention to each and every one!

What are your hobbies outside of school: Football, fishing, boating, snorkeling, exploring

17

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

TURNING THE PAGE RETIRED NFL PLAYER GIVES BACK-TO-SCHOOL PEP TALK FOR TEACHERS IN THE KEYS

“B

ANNETTE MAXWELL Class: K-2 ESE Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan Degree from: Central Michigan University How long have you been in the Keys: 4 years Why did you decide to become a teacher: To help children learn and grow.

What is your teaching style/ philosophy: Learning follows trust in the teacher. Love your students and make them feel safe.

What are your hobbies outside of school: Fishing, reading and driving my 1993 Jeep YJ REGINA SALLERPASKIEWICZ Class: 4th Grade Hometown: Marathon, Florida (Originally New Jersey, but have lived in Marathon since I was a kid) Degree from: St. Thomas University How long have you been in the Keys: 40 years Why did you decide to become a teacher: I enjoy being around children and seeing them light up when something “clicks.”

What is your teaching style/ philosophy: Since this is my first full year teaching, my style/ philosophy is a work in progress.

Respect for self and others will be a big theme this year.

What are your hobbies outside of school: I like to read, spend time with my husband and kids, and boating.

TRACY GARCIA Class: Kindergarten Hometown: Grantsville, West Virginia How long have you been in the Keys: 35 years Why did you decide to become a teacher: I love working and spending time with children and I want to make a difference in their lives.

What is your teaching style/ philosophy: I believe all children learn in different ways so I use large groups and hands-on learning to ensure all children learn.

What are your hobbies outside of school: Baseball games, volunteering in the community and spending time with family and especially my grandbabies

e the coffee beans.” It was an odd but effective message to come from a former New England Patriots wide receiver. But then again, Malcolm Mitchell’s career trajectory has also been odd, but extremely effective.

Mitchell spoke Monday at a backto-school rally for Monroe County School District teachers, staff and members of the high school football teams. He was at Key West High School early Monday morning and at Coral Shores in the afternoon.

Having excelled at sports, particularly football, while growing up with a single mom and two siblings, Mitchell and his family moved in with his grandmother in Valdosta, Georgia.

“Before we moved to Valdosta, Georgia, I lived in Tampa, Florida,” Mitchell told the packed auditorium.

“My mom had gotten divorced and we were a little lost, with nowhere to go, staying in friends’ homes and on couches. Then my grandmother saved us. She invited us to live with her in Valdosta. When I was 15, my grandmother told me she’d be around long enough to see my dreams come true.

“In 2016, I was drafted by the New England Patriots. She died a month later. And today’s her birthday,” Mitchell said, pausing for a prayer for his grandmother.

But back to being the coffee beans.

Mitchell told a story his mother had told him when he was a kid: A little boy gets home from school very sad and upset. His mom sits him at the kitchen table and starts three pots of water boiling on the stove. She places a carrot in one, an egg in the next and a handful of coffee beans in the third.

After boiling for several minutes, the mother removed each pot from the stove.

“When facing adversity and obstacles and discomfort — such as boiling water — the carrot yields and becomes soft. The egg becomes hard inside and out. But the adversity didn’t change the coffee beans. Indeed, the beans changed their adverse surroundings.

“Be the coffee beans. Change the situation around you,” was Mitchell’s

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who now writes children’s books and sponsors a literacy foundation, speaks to Lower Keys teachers on Aug. 9 at Key West High School.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

message.

Mitchell revealed that when he had started college at University of Georgia, where he also played football, and showed up at his first English class, “I could only read at a junior high level. I couldn’t read nearly as well as the girl reading aloud in class. And the competitor in me wasn’t going to let that happen.”

Mitchell joined a monthly book club after meeting a woman in Barnes & Noble. He was the only man and the youngest in the group by a generation.

“I was called a nerd for the first time in my life, and it was a badge of honor for me,” he told the Key West High School audience. “When I was growing up, reading was for straightA students. Reading was for people who wore glasses. I didn’t realize its universal power for everyone. ... For me, reading broke down all the barriers that my statistics had predicted: Disadvantaged, African-American boy, from a single-mother home, no access to my father. But by learning to read, those statistics are no longer relevant.”

When knee injuries forced him to retire from the NFL after a stellar 2016 season and a 2017 Super Bowl win over the Atlanta Falcons, Mitchell found his true calling.

He wrote a children’s book, “The Magician’s Hat,” and created the Read With Malcolm literacy program and Share the Magic Foundation.

Read With Malcolm and its national sponsors provide free books to kids, as well as in-school lessons and virtual reading challenges. Since its inception, the foundation has served more than 293,000 students.

Before he left the stage, Mitchell reminded every teacher in the room, “We’re going to have to choose every day to be the coffee beans.”

18

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

from page 4

CITY DISCUSSES LAUNCH FEES, OLD HIGH-RISES a report to the city building official prepared by a professional engineer or architect registered in the state of Florida. And, if found deficient, the owner will have 150 days to complete repairs or modifications. If the professional finds any unsafe condition, the city’s building official must be notified immediately, and he can issue a stop work order and declare the “cessation of use” of the building.

The city has come up with a rough list of buildings to recertify that accounts for about 406 condo units, plus commercial businesses and multi-unit homes on 691 parcels in the City of Marathon. The list, however, is very preliminary.

“There are some still on this list that would no longer apply, such as Ocean Isles Fishing Village which is currently under reconstruction,” said Planning Director Brian Shea. “This also includes things built in 2005, which is 16 years, and not the 17 stated in the ordinance, just to be proactive.”

The list includes buildings like Bonefish Towers, the tallest in the Keys and built in 1975, but also restaurants and service shops and even multi-family compounds. Shea said the preliminary list will be refined as the process continues.

In other news: • All four candidates for Marathon City Council — incumbent Luis Gonzalez, Jody “Lynny” Del Gaizo, Greg Coldiron and Trevor Wofsey — have qualified to run for office. So far, Coldiron has the biggest war chest at $52,820. Luis Gonzalez has $13,020 and Del Gaizo has $6,700. Wofsey has a $0 balance.

The election is on Nov. 2, 2021.

• Marathon City Council is revisiting its decision to raise vacation rental taxes. Council asked staff to explain its reasoning for the higher fees.

• The Landry Sayer Clean the Curb day has been set for Saturday, Sept. 25. The Marathon 6-year-old proposed the cleanup at a council meeting in May. • There will be a 9/11 ceremony at the Marathon fire station to commemorate the event on Saturday, Sept. 11. It will begin at 8:30 a.m.

19

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Let Us Showcase Your Home

7202 Simran Lane

Congratulations to my Sellers!

Alexia Mann

Closings are a Breeze with Alexia...

Call today at 404.988.2259

PRICE REDUCED

29550 W Cahill Court | BPK 6 BD | 4.5 BA | 6,134 SF | Offered for $5,490,000

BROKER ASSOCIATE REALTOR®

Direct: 404.988.2259 Office: 305.743.8328

Alexia@IslandBreezeRealty.com

www.IslandBreezeRealty.com www.MyKeysRealEstate.com

Florida Keys

NEW LISTING

12399 Overseas Highway | Unit 10 | Marathon 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,360 SF | Offered for $1,150,000

PRICE REDUCED

250 92nd Street | Marathon Vacant Lot with TBR | Offered for $249,000

VOTE THIS NOVEMBER 2ND!

Ally Kelley Global Real Estate Advisor 727.459.0493 akelley@oceansir.com

PAID BY GREG COLDIRON FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

Jenna Chapa Global Real Estate Advisor 940.782.2622 jchapa@oceansir.com

all offices are independently owned & operated

20

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.

David Hertlein To Our Marathon Office

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

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO ON OUR MENU, MUSIC & EVENTS 5800 OVERSEAS HWY | 305.743.5888 MON-SAT 11AM-MIDNIGHT

(937) 725-4459 dhertlein@cbschmitt.com

HOUR HAPPY

$5

QUICK BITE HAPPY HOUR MENU

Realtor®

X2

Search for your home in paradise on my website! dhertlein.realestatefloridakeys.com I’ve joined the Marathon Team at Coldwell Banker Schmitt!

I can assist you in BUYING or SELLING your home in Paradise!

TEXT OR CALL ME TODAY!

4-6PM & 10-12AM

Stop by my new office at 11050 Overseas Hwy., Marathon FL, 33050 ©2019 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.

READY TO SELL? Please give us a call today!

SO

LD

UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAY

CONGRATS TO OUR BUYERS & SELLER

175 13th St, KCB Listed at $2,200,000

661 12th St. KCB. $1,375,000

SO

LD

SO

LD

CONGRATS TO THE NEW OWNERS & OUR SELLERS

CONGRATS TO OUR BUYERS

12235-37 O/S Hwy.,MTH $975,000

95 Coco Plum 2A, MTH. $1,210,000

LYNN O.

GOODWIN

BROKER/SALES ASSOCIATE

Cell: (305) 923-9487 lynngoodwinre@gmail.com

www.lynngoodwin.com

AIMEE

Key Colony Beach Realty, Inc. www.keysproperties.com

KORNETTI REALTOR ®

Cell 305-600-9726 aimeekornetti@gmail.com keycolonybeachproperties.com

21

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Karen

KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE

Bill

EXPERIENCE ISN’T EXPENSIVE…IT’S PRICELESS

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

11AM TO CLOSE - MON • THURS • FRI CLOSED - TUES • WED 10AM TO CLOSE - SAT • SUN

HAPPY HOUR 2-5:45PM $7 Menu 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

Call with your Questions

305-743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED

• Chicken Wings & Livers + 23 other delicious items including some sushi • 32 beers on tap 1/2 OFF from 3pm-5pm • $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM • Unique & interesting menu • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

If you want to be judged, attend court.

If you want to be accepted, attend St Columba!

All are welcome - Service is Sunday at 10am.

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

• Lobster Enchiladas • Diver Speared Local Fish • Prime Rib • Local Lobster • Cook Your Own Catch • Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar • Fresh Uni arrives on Wednesdays

32 BEERS ON TAP CASTAWAYFLORIDAKEYS.COM

MAKE RESERVATIONS AT OPENTABLE.COM

305-743-6247

22

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

BONGOS It defines island vibe in the Keys SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

P

Bongos is open for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. on weekdays and until 10 a.m. on the weekends. The “happy hour” menu is served from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 3 to 7 p.m. on weekends. Brunch is served weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The bar stays open until everyone goes home (or is carried off by bugs — bring your own spray), or they run out of beer!

icture this: a shady oasis of palm trees and tropical natives sheltering a grass-and-coral slab dining area interspersed with mismatched tables, swing chairs and little shade structures.

Dead ahead is a bar backed with 20 taps (mostly craft beer, but also some wine and other fun stuff) on a colorful mural wall. At a right angle is the kitchen and a little stage with a sand dance floor.

This is Bongos at The Lagoon on Grassy Key. The restaurant and bar “nails” island vibe in a way that’s unmatched in the Florida Keys.

“I love Bongos and I love all the good things I’ve heard from the community,” said owner Matt Sexton, who oversees not only The Lagoon and its many attractions (more on that later), but also the Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club just down the road. “It’s been something I wanted to do for such a long time. And it’s another reason for people to come out to the watersports park. Food and libations is probably something universal we can all agree on.”

Chef Andy Niedenthal signed on about a month ago.

“It’s not a hoity-toity place. It’s like going to your friend’s house to have a party. If you’re thirsty, you get up and get something to drink.

If you’re hungry, you get up and get something to eat,” he said. The atmosphere is casual, but the quality is not: the dishes and craft cocktails often incorporate food and herbs grown on the property, from figs to dill, among other fabulous details.

The menu is short and sweet and oh, so good. On a recent day, Niedenthal served up a “Betty Crocker” bento box — a muffin tin filled with three types of salsa and three types of chips; a trio of fresh shrimp tacos smothered in fresh mango salsa; and a sinfully good grilled cheese sandwich that has more in common with a cup of French onion soup.

The shrimp tacos come covered in fresh mango salsa.

They call it a “Betty Crocker” bento box. We call it a mix-andmatch appetizer.

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Chef Andy Niedenthal offers a unique take on island food, often incorporating ingredients grown on-property. SARA MATTHIS/ Keys Weekly

This grilled cheese sandwich is sinfully good, and better than that when dipped in the au jus sauce.

The papaya boat is a healthy brunch option that comes piled with fresh banana, Greek yogurt and homemade honey granola. CONTRIBUTED

“We have some off-the-wall items, and some that are normal and straightforward.

Like islanders tell new transplants, it’s not right and it’s not wrong, it’s just different,” Niedenthal said.

“Chef Andy is very inventive and unflappable,” said general manager Karen Thurman. “I think that comes from working in the islands; it gives us an edge. The day the bridge goes out, well, we can still pull off a party for 100.”

That, and plenty of experience, too. He’s worn the executive chef toque at places like Pierre’s at Morada Bay, Cheeca Lodge and Spa, the Green Turtle Inn, and the Islander Resort in Islamorada; the Marshall House in Georgia; and Scrub Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands. Niedenthal’s love for food began in Baltimore, where he helped his parents prepare Maryland crab feasts. As a teenager, he bussed tables at a Greek restaurant and later earned a degree from Baltimore’s International Culinary Institute. Since then, he’s cooked in the British Virgin Islands, Deep South and Puerto Rico. He has multiple TV appearances and a loyal following.

From a slow build, Bongos is now open seven days a week. Locals are raving about the brunch. Again, choose from something straightforward (and healthy) like a papaya boat filled with bananas, Greek yogurt and sprinkled with honey granola. (The papaya and bananas are grown on property, of course.) Or go wild, with a Pappy Van Waffle breakfast. It’s a Kentucky-fried quail served on a buckwheat waffle drizzled with hotbuttered, Buffalo Trace bourbon syrup. Oh. My. Goodness.

“When I’m not doing slave labor around the property, I love a good brunch,” said Sexton. “I day drink a couple of mimosas and have a low-cal breakfast. It’s perfect.”

The attention to detail is incredible — from the “robot dinosaur” pots with succulents on the table to the trash cans where customers sort their trash to reduce environmental footprint. Bongos features live music on weekends, two acts a night, from early afternoon until about 11 p.m. It’s not uncommon for kids to race between the bandstand and the giant Jenga game, their attention torn between two great options. Later in the evening, the crowd is adult but the age range is vast — from 20-somethings to great-grandparents.

Bongos has some picnic areas that are dotted on the lagoon’s shoreline, complete with shade and tables. Those are available for rent for private parties.

There are so many things happening at The Lagoon on Grassy Key: wakeboarding, a saw mill, a garden, a gear shop, great public art.

Might have to put Bongos near the top of the list.

Bongos is located at The Lagoon on Grassy Key, MM 59 on Overseas Highway, just northeast of Marathon.

24

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 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

A MIDDLE KEYS TRADITION THE WOODEN SPOON

BUILDING RIGHT INCLUDED

N

G TIINNG IISST L L WW NNEE

LIS EW

TIN

G

647 40th Street, Summerland Key

7,200 SF SF • MLS# 596709 • $219,000

LARGE COMPLETELY FENCED YARD GG TTIINN LLIISS W W NNEE

7007 Overseas Highway, Marathon 2 BA • 1,088 SF • MLS# 597173 • $1,299,000 ZONED FOR DUPLEX - ALREADY IN PBAS

185 B 25th Street

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

100' WIDE DEEP CANAL APPROXIMATELY 62' OF FRONTAGE

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

N

20 Kyle Way Lot, Marathon

8,050 SF • MLS# 596861 • $199,000

NEW 90’ CONCRETE SEAWALL

Lot on Bailey Street, Marathon

MLS# 595509 • $689,000

DEEP WATER DOCKAGE

SED

130 Coco Plum Drive Unit 401

G

18,731 SF • MLS# 596361 • $789,000

CORNER UNIT - BOAT LIFT - CANAL VIEWS PENTHOUSE UNIT

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

TIN

Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon

6,000 SF • MLS# 597067 • $95,000

CLO

12000 Overseas Highway

LIS EW

UN

DE

RC

T ON

RA

CT

39 Sadowski Causeway 4BD/4BA • 1,687 SF • MLS#596404 • $1,134,900

25

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

SAM WILLIAMS' RECENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY WHEELS TO GO IS WL NE

TIN

G

BRAND NEW ON A CRYSTAL CLEAR CANAL IS WL NE

5994 Overseas Highway, Marathon

TIN

G

207 E Bruce Court

5,879 SF • MLS# 597166 • $399,000

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

DIRECT GULF FRONT - AMAZING VIEWS

OCEANFRONT DOCKAGE - POOL BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

IS WL NE

TIN

G

12690 Overseas Highway, # 313, Marathon

306 Cypress Street

2BD/2.5BA • 1,352 SF • MLS# 597207 • $909,000

4BD/4BA • 2,768 SF • MLS#592992 • $3,600,000

UNDER CONTRACT

CLOSED

272 lime Ave • MLS#596971 201 E Ocean Dr. 3-101 • MLS#596904 1365 Marlin Dr • MLS#596959 334 & 336 22nd St • MLS#596068 110 Santa Barbara • MLS#592986 112 Santa Barbara • MLS#592987 11322 3rd Ave • MLS#596907 1070 52nd St • MLS#596610 126 Mockingbird Ln • MLS#596704

11284 3rd Ave. Ocean MLS# 596219 $1,249,000 540 96Th St. MLS# 595211 $706,000 664 50Th CT. MLS# 595448 $534,000 7840 Tuna Dr. MLS# 596048 $465,000 130 Coco Plum #401 MLS# 594136 $590,000 899 84th St. MLS# 592739 $600,000 15 Sombrero Blvd. 111 W MLS# 595411 $250,000

26

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

WE’VE GOT YOU

COVERED

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

SEER $250 16+ AMANA OFF SUMMER DEAL

This ad needs to be presented at time of sale | Cannot be combined with other offers

MEET MEL BOWMAN

Lic#CAC1813503

ELLINGTON KEYS AREA MANAGER Mel has been in the HVAC business for over 25 years.

He is originally from Texas and relocated to the Florida Keys in 2018, settling in Big Pine Key. Mel loves the small town feel of the Keys community and the comradery amongst the residents.

305.239.2344 10701 6th Avenue Gulf #1B | Marathon | www.ellingtonac.com

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

27

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

OUR DOCKS ARE OPEN! Come by Boat, Bike, Foot or Car!

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 !

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

NIGHTLY SPECIALS

Regular Menu Available and BRUNCH items including Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses of Champagne Sat 11am - 4pm Sun 11am - 3:30pm

Monday: Closed

HAPPY HOUR 4-6pm

Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila Roger Jokela Wednesday: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) Thursday: Prime Rib Night John Bartus Friday: Abstract Radio Saturday: Mini Brunch BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Roger Jokela Sunday: FUNDAY BRUNCH, LUNCH & BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Closed at 3:30PM

MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL TIME for Monroe County kids and I want to remind residents and visitors of a few things we can all do to help ensure our children stay safe coming and going from buses, vehicles and residences.

The biggest reminders are for motorists as some of the most dangerous infractions we see often come from those behind the wheel, so I will be brief: We have a zero tolerance policy for people who choose to speed in school zones and for those who illegally pass school buses.

Our Deputies will be out in force patrolling school zones and concentrating in areas surrounding schools and school bus stops. They will be writing tickets to all who fail to follow traffic laws.

Keeping our children safe should be priority number one for all of us. Give yourself plenty of time on the roads. Stay extra alert as kids will be excited to start their new school year and they may not be aware of traffic.

Our School Resource Officer staff recently underwent additional training with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. That underscores a very important part of my philosophy: To keep as highly trained staff as I can who are up to speed with the latest in law enforcement applications and knowledge — especially when it comes to school safety.

So, as we here at the Sheriff’s Office work to do our part, we can’t do it alone. Help me spread the word that school is back in session.

Here’s to a successful and safe school year!

LIVEIC MUS

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

Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay Download the MCSO App Today!

28

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021 CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

TOUGHEST BATTLE?

MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENTS’ STAFF TURNOVER

J

uly 21 was a proud day for recruits to Monroe County Fire Rescue. The newly hired firefighters — Morgan Anderson, Alexis Reyes, Nicolas Rangel and Ignacio Vargas — were pinned with badges, took an oath and met with commissioners in a ceremony at the board meeting.

“I just want to say congratulations,” said Mayor Michelle Coldiron. “It has been a goal of ours to have new firefighters and to have new people for rescue teams. I’m just so happy to see all four of you here today, and I expect to see you all for at least 20, 30 years.”

But will these firefighters stay in the Keys for 20, 30 years? That is the question.

Three of the recruits are graduates of Monroe County’s Hot Shots program: Anderson, Reyes and Rangel. Per Monroe County’s website entry about Hot Shots, “The purpose of this program is to decrease the high turnover rate of firefighters (now about 15 percent annually), which is costly and disruptive. Due to the high cost of living, Monroe County Fire Rescue has been hiring more and more firefighters who live on the mainland and commute to their assigned stations throughout the Keys. Non-residents also can enroll in the firefighting courses, but qualified local residents will receive preference in the enrollment process.”

Hot Shots provides free firefighting and first responder training for qualified Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to volunteer for three years or work as a firefighter anywhere in the Florida Keys. The program waives the $2,200 fee, which must be returned if the graduate decides to get a job out of the county.

Battalion Chief Charlie Mather is in charge of training for the Hot Shots program, and he says the turnover rate is actually higher than the website’s claim of 15 percent.

“The website was from a couple years ago,” Mather told Keys Weekly. “It was 30 percent turnover every year. The numbers were really bad.

Now we’re starting to see it slow down a little bit, trending in the right direction.”

Mather said the Hot Shots program, which is starting its fourth year of training, is still in its infancy, but he has reason to feel positive.

“We’ve hired a good 30 individuals from the program. All 30 of the individuals we’ve hired for Monroe County Fire are still employed with us.

That’s obviously a trend in the right direction.”

Chief Don Bock of Key Largo Fire has also experienced a lot of turnover, losing about 10 to 12 personnel a year who are either volunteers or paid staff.

“We lost paid staff last week to Miami-Dade,” he said. “Some years the turnover is higher, some lower.”

He said the main reason that staff leave is because Key Largo Fire can’t afford to pay better salaries and benefits. Key Largo is at the very top of its millage rate for property taxes that pay for emergency services, and raising the rate would require an act of legislation — a complicated process. Bock hopes that in 2022, the millage rate will be raised so staff can receive better pay.

“It’s not a pleasant situation, but you don’t fault anybody because they have better opportunities,” he said. “Money is the biggest factor.”

Chief John Johnson of Marathon Fire Rescue also wrestles with this issue.

“We normally have a lot of turnover this time of year, when the larger departments open up.

Cost of living here is very high, so it’s hard for firefighters to live here and raise a family.”

Johnson noted that when Miami-Dade and Broward counties get their budgets for the new fiscal year, usually around September, some of his employees get hired away, especially if they have family up north that they want to be closer to.

“I can’t blame them. The firefighters want to work for their community and raise a family,” he said.

But Marathon Fire Rescue has created a possible solution: a two-year fire academy at Marathon High School.

“We’re hoping by getting locals involved, learning the fire service, that we have better retention rates because their families are here,” Johnson said. “I hired one kid out of Marathon High School.

He is a local on the department for a year now.”

Perhaps Marathon Fire Rescue is on the right track. Chief Alan Averette of Key West Fire said the department has had great luck hiring graduates from the Key West High School fire rescue training program, which has been running for a few years.

“My deputy chief was in that class,” Averette pointed out.

But he also said there is a natural family feeling, a loyalty, to the Key West Fire department, with fathers and sons, and brothers, joining his staff. Averette’s employees often stay for 30 years and retire. He has one commander who is still working for the department after 34 years.

“We’re blessed to have a pretty good family,” he said. “They’re born here, raised here. That’s why they stay in Key West. I tell my young guys this job isn’t for everybody. But if it’s for you, you’ll enjoy coming to work. It’s the best job in the city.”

Chief Alan Averette of Key West Fire has had success with preventing staff turnover, partly by hiring local students from the Key West High School firefighters training program. Seen here, the 2021 fire academy graduation. CITY OF KEY WEST/Contributed

Monroe County owns and operates the Joe London Fire Training Academy, located on Crawl Key in the Middle Keys, and its Hot Shots program takes place here. It is one of 43 certified firefighting training centers in Florida. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 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 ,

F L

-

C I N E M A

MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE proudly presents:

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

o i t n a t i v to n I R

E D R MU

INTHEATERS

A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Event

AUGUST 13

Written & Directed by Charla Garrison Produced by Marianne Benvenuti

N I G H T L Y F R I ,

S A T ,

2 P M

M O V I E S

S U N

N E W !

Catered by Chef James "Jamie" Pruitt

&

T U E S

N E W !

of the Marathon Yacht Club

@

7 P M

N E W !

S A T U R D A Y

M A T I N E E

AUGUST 21, 22 & 28 @ 6PM DINNER AUGUST 29 @ 12:30PM BRUNCH INTERACTIVE THEATRICAL PRODUCTION INCLUDES A 3-COURSE MEAL PREPARED BY LOCAL CHEF JAMES "JAMIE" PRUITT

TIX: $50/EACH Available at 305-743-0994 or

$53.75 including sales tax

2 P M

D O O R S

O P E N

S U N D A Y

1 - H O U R

www.marathontheater.org

M A T I N E E

B E F O R E

S H O W T I M E !

Fr

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

30

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

EXPERT CARDIAC CARE

SAME OR NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS

Did you just purchase a property with cash?

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

Dr. Joan Homan

Dr. Ray Rodriquez

• The ONLY Ivy League affiliated cardiology practice in South Florida, backed by Columbia University.

• Close to you with TWO convenient locations in the Keys

Dr. Roger Steinfeld

KEY WEST MARATHON

Genelle Gordon

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

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

CARDIOLOGY OF THE KEYS Physician and location subject to availability.

• 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

305.674.CARE

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.

CHARTER FISHING

ORGANIC CAFE

& NATURAL MARKET

RETAIL REPAIR & MORE

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

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

BREAKFAST & LUNCH SMOOTHIES & JUICES GRAB & GO

WHETHER YOU’RE A LOCAL OR JUST PASSING THROUGH, WE CAN HELP GUIDE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY TO OPTIMAL HEALTH!

CLOSED FOR VACATION AUGUST 23-28 Store Mon - Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm (cafe closes at 5pm) 5800 Overseas Hwy, Ste 23 • Gulfside Village • Marathon www.foodforthoughtflkeys.com

31

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Nashville Skyline Exponential growth and opportunities in Music City

I

just got back from a week and a day in Music City, USA — Nashville, Tennessee! Every time I go there, I’m able to (ever so briefly) tap into the energy of that town. Everyone who’s anyone has recorded and played in Nashville, and Bob Dylan even named his country-influenced 1969 album Nashville Skyline. Nashville’s lifeblood truly is music, and its energy is palpable everywhere you go.

The last time I was in Nashville was five years ago, and it’s jaw-droppingly amazing to see how much that town has grown. My first visit there was in 1983, and I got back in 1996. Both of those times, I was impressed that Nashville felt like a small town even though it was substantially larger.

In 2016, Nashville had grown. A lot.

There was new building going on all throughout town, and downtown was booming. (Hattie B’s hot chicken was downright tasty as well!)

This year … well, let’s just say that the growth has increased exponentially. Downtown has expanded westward, and Broadway and West End are now home to many new steel and glass high-rises. A friend of mine who lives there told me that 60% of the tall construction cranes in the United States are currently in Nashville because of all the building that’s happening. Whatever the actual statistic is, Music City is quickly becoming Music Metropolis.

Bob Dylan would not recognize that skyline anymore.

What took me to Nashville this year was a songwriters’ conference spearheaded by legendary singersongwriter Rodney Crowell. Rodney has worked with the best, written songs that have been hits for both himself and others, and is a card-carrying member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Rodney put together a team of instructors and presenters that included other A-list talent in the music business. Among these were Peter Asher, half of the Peter & Gordon duo from the 1960s. Peter was a Beatles contemporary and a good friend of Paul McCartney’s, discovered James Taylor and became his manager and producer, and did the same for Linda Ronstadt.

Beth Nielsen Chapman co-wrote the monster Faith Hill song “This Kiss,” among many other songs recorded by legends like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Tanya Tucker, Crystal Gayle, Alabama, and so many more. She has

had success recording her songs for several of her own albums as well, and her song “Sand and Water” was sung

by Elton John on one of his American tours.

JOHN Mike Reid, who BARTUS had a Pro Bowl career in the NFL is a City of Marafor the Cincinnati thon councilman. He also is Bengals, returned a musician who to music and wrote performs around many hits for a varitown. For more ety of artists includsee johnbartus. ing Ronnie Milsap, com Alabama and Tanya Tucker. His biggest hit was likely his co-write of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” He has written several musicals as well, and is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Allison Moorer has had her songs recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert and Steve Earle. She is a successful recording artist as well, with 10 albums in her discography and an extensive live performance and collaborative career.

John Jorgensen is a legendary guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has played with some of music’s elite.

He has been part of The Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters, and has played with a who’s who list of musicians including Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bob Seger, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Barbra Streisand, Luciano Pavarotti, Roy Orbison, Peter Frampton and Bonnie Raitt.

J.D. Souther wrote (and co-wrote) some of the Eagles’ big hits like “Best of My Love,” “Heartache Tonight” and “New Kid in Town.” He had a hit with “You’re Only Lonely” and co-wrote and sang with James Taylor on “Her Town Too.” He co-wrote (with Don Henley and Mike Campbell) one of my favorites of all time, “Heart of the Matter.”

These were the people I got to hang out with all last week in Nashville.

The conference was a very immersive experience, with some great classes and performance opportunities. I really appreciate everyone who was there, both instructors and attendees, and am grateful for the opportunity and some personal career advice I got from Rodney Crowell.

I can’t wait for my next trip to Nashville…

John’s new CD, After The Storm, is available at John’s shows and wherever you get your streaming or downloads. www.facebook.com/john.bartus

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

Karen represented the Buyers of: 101 E. Ocean Dr. #C201 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

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

COMMERCE CORNER Established in 2017, Rebel Payments is a payment-processing company.

Its Sunshine State Merchant Relief program utilizes a change due to an ongoing lawsuit against Visa and Mastercard. Merchants are now no longer viewed by the amount of volume they process. Rebel Payments can now reduce merchants from a Tier 4 pricing to a Tier 1 just like the big box stores.

The Company also donates a portion of the fees to ocean conservation charities. Its motto: “Your Fees Save the Seas, at RPS we put Florida First!”

The secret to Rebel Payments’ success is it truly sets out to rebel against an antiquated industry. While its competition seeks to create programs to prey on small business owners to maximize their profits, Rebel Payments created programs with fair pricing, a charitable aspect and a true small business partnership.

Location: Orlando Phone: 844-333-5101 Website: www.rebelpayments.us Email: Statements@Floridamerchantrelief.org

32

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Mainstreaming

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects within DAC’s II, IV and V. The facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories: Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions Set Forth in the Florida Statute The deadline for receipt of applications is September 21, 2021 and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecountybids.com) For more information please call the TDC Administrative office at 305-296-1552 and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

READ | “THE DEATH OF EXPERTISE”

BY TOM NICHOLS Technology has exposed people to more information than ever before. These societal gains, however, have also helped fuel a surge in narcissistic and misguided intellectual egalitarianism that has crippled informed debates on any number of issues.

Today, everyone knows everything. With only a quick trip through WebMD or Wikipedia, average citizens believe themselves to be on an equal intellectual footing with doctors and diplomats. All voices, even the most ridiculous, demand to be taken with equal seriousness, and any claim to the contrary is dismissed as undemocratic elitism. Tom Nichols shows how this rejection of experts has occurred: the openness of the internet, the emergence of a customer satisfaction model in higher education, and the transformation of the news industry into a 24-hour entertainment machine. The increasingly democratic dissemination of information, rather than producing an educated public, has instead created an army of ill-informed and angry citizens who denounce intellectual achievement. ​​ ISTEN L BLACK EYED PEAS The kings of hip-hop have just released a new single, “Hit it,” that has clubs and Soul Cycle written all over it.

The lyrics are bilingual and feature the vocal stylings of Saweetie and Lele Pons. In 2020, the Black Eyed Peas released the “Translation” album that housed three No. 1 hits — “Ritmo,” with J Balvin, “Mamacita” with Ozuna and J. Rey Soul and “Feel the Beat” with Maluma.

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

WATCH | “VAL” The time has come for all of us to set aside our differences with Val Kilmer. His self-titled documentary is mesmerizing, using four decades of home movies and personal videos the actor shot throughout his career.

The raw footage offers a rare glimpse into one of Hollywood’s elite, following a young Kilmer backstage on Broadway with names like Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon — to the infamous movie set of “The Island of Dr. Moreau,“ where he acted alongside his idol, Marlon Brando, and infamously clashed with director John Frankenheimer. The documentary is narrated by Val’s son, Jack Kilmer, who speaks for his father, after Val’s recent battle with throat cancer. The film humanizes the mystique that surrounded the actor for most of his career. No matter which Kilmer you loved on screen, from “Top Gun,” “Tombstone,” “The Doors,” “Heat” and other great films—you’ll love the real Val Kilmer as he exposes his soul. A must-watch for any movie fan. Amazon Prime

33

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

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.

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A TWIST

ADMISSION

By Julie Buxbaum

THE GIFTED SCHOOL

By Bruce Holsinger

Chloe Berringer is a senior at the most prestigious (and expensive) private high school in Los Angeles. The SAT pressure is in full force and her beautiful, celebrity mother and handsome, successful father are cast as the helicopter parents from hell. Chloe’s grades are mediocre at best and her mom hires “the” college consultant to get the job done. Chloe is more focused on her longtime crush and spending weekends with her best friend but figures that whatever makes her parents happy and gets them off her back is fine by her. The morning the FBI comes banging on the door is the day her life turns upside down. The high-priced college assistance turns into the debacle of the decade. Chole’s mother is facing federal charges along with a slew of other rich, entitled parents who claim they were naively trying to help their beloved children. Not only has Chloe lost everything she loves, she faces the reality that her parents did not believe she could succeed on her own. They risked her future and her sister’s to ensure their own bragging rights. Loosely based on the recent news that rocked the nation, this YA fictionalized account was impossible to put down.

Four families in the fictional town of Crystal, Colorado find themselves fighting for a few precious spots in the new “gifted school” being developed in their neighborhood. Part of a small community, they have been close friends for years. As their children get older it becomes more difficult to evade the constant rivalry thrust into their lives — from travel soccer (best in state) to IQ tests required for acceptance into this prestigious program. The competition to read younger, speak multiple foreign languages and perform both on and off the field increases with each passing year, as do the buried secrets and escalating lies to get ahead. Through painful divorce, untimely death and the financial strains of keeping up with the Joneses, these friends desperately struggle to keep their once close and treasured relationships intact. Written with uncanny humor, this fictionalized reality is filled with our nation’s absurd race to nowhere and the reminder that it is vitally important to re-examine parenting behaviors on- and offline. A seventh grade variation of the recent and shocking FBI college sting, “The Gifted School” reveals unimaginable behavior that proves painfully and frighteningly accurate.

GIRLS WITH BRIGHT FUTURES

By Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman Welcome to the elite private high school called Elliott Bay Academy, in Seattle, Washington. Tech influencer CEO Alicia Stone has the entire school staff wrapped around her little check-writing finger. As her daughter Brooke begrudgingly finalizes her Stanford early admission application, Alicia will do everything in her power to guarantee her acceptance. Alicia’s long time assistant Maren also has a graduating senior named Winnie. Although she is attending EBA through the good graces and deep pockets of her mother’s boss, Winnie is ranked top in the class. At the same time, PTA commander-in-chief Kelly is confident her offspring Krissie will attain the coveted spot. Cheating, score inflation, backstabbing and bribery are only a few of the crimes these Crazytown overbearing moms are willing to commit. The day one student is mysteriously run off the road in a hit-and-run electric scooter accident, the entire house of cards comes tumbling down. Timely, suspenseful and filled with dark humor, this mama drama will have you on the edge of your seat.

34

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

HOW A KEY VACA CONSTRUCTION PROJECT LED TO THE TROPICAL HOTEL T

he American period begins with the Adams-Onis Treaty that transferred the Florida Territory from Spanish ownership in 1821. Indian Key is a small 11BRAD acre island in the Upper Keys surrounded by BERTELLI the Atlantic shallows about one mile offshore of Lower Matecumbe Key. Key Vaca is the island at ... is an author, speaker, and Flor- the heart of Marathon, and Port Monroe was one ida Keys historian. of its earliest communities. During the American His latest book, period, the history of Indian Key starts at the “The Florida Keys small Key Vaca outpost of Port Monroe.

Skunk Ape Files,” Joshua Appleby and Captain John Fiveash is a fun blend of two of his favorite established Port Monroe circa 1822. A handful subjects–Florida of families lived at the outpost, including Silas Keys history and Fletcher, his wife and two children. Appleby the Skunk Ape. would partner with a man named Solomon Snyder to establish a general store on Indian Key. They hired Fletcher to build and operate it, and, in 1824, they packed a schooner with building supplies, and Fletcher sailed north.

Indian Key had advantages over the Port Monroe location. First, it was located more favorably along the Florida Reef and farther from the superior harbor and stores at Key West. Indian Key, too, had a convenient approach from Hawk’s Channel and a relatively deep natural harbor, which is not a common feature in the Florida Keys. Whether Appleby and Snyder realized it or not, Indian Key also had something going for it that not every island in the chain can claim. Because its position is just far enough offshore of the Matecumbe keys, the Atlantic breezes work to keep Indian Key relatively mosquito-free.

Fletcher hired Joseph Prince to accompany him to Indian Key. The two arrived in April 1824 and constructed the island’s general store, its first business. They also built a two-story structure to house Fletcher, his wife Avis, and their children, William and Abigail. Fletcher is considered Indian Key’s first permanent settler in the American period.

It seems fitting that his family and Prince should be lumped into that category as well.

Fletcher and Prince would have an interesting history, as would the two-story house they built for Silas and his family. In January 1825, Fletcher and Prince made a pact, joined forces, bought out the financial interests of Appleby and Snyder, and became formal partners, buying “the store belonging to Snyder and Appleby, and all their interest and claim in and to Indian Key.” The Fletcher and Prince partnership would prove short-lived. Five months into their arrangement, Prince sold his interest in the general store, making Fletcher the sole proprietor. Prince, having dissolved his partnership, packed up and moved to Massachusetts.

He would return several months later to open a second, competing general store on the island.

On Nov. 13, 1828, Silas Fletcher sold his general store, a two-story house, kitchen, and outhouse and his rights and claims to Indian Key for $2,500, to Thomas Gibson of Staten Island, New York. Gibson did not move to the island until 1830. Gibson would improve his properties, and by the time he sold his holdings and interests to his brother-in-law Jacob

Housman several years later, the price had doubled. The July 5, 1831, transaction included a one-story store, twostory house, nine-pin bowling alley, billiards room and table, outhouse, and kitchen. The price was $5,000.

Fletcher’s former two-story home began operating as one of the Florida Keys’ earliest hotels and the first outside of Key West. Samuel Spencer was hired to run the operation and, by 1835, he was considered the proprietor of the hotel. The following advertisement for the Tropical Hotel was printed in the St. Augustine Herald, Charleston Courier, Philadelphia Saturday Courier, and New York Advocate and dated Indian Key, Monroe County, Territory of Florida, Nov. 7, 1835:

A newspaper advertisement for the Tropical Hotel. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Keys History & Discovery Center

“The subscriber having settled himself on Indian Key, have determined to open a House for boarding and lodging, and believing it to be one of the most favorable situations in the United States for persons who are suffering from pulmonary, dyspeptic and numerous chronic diseases, and obliged to seek refuge from the chill blasts of a northern winter, he feels safe in saying that Indian Key cannot be surpassed for beauty, health and climate. Frost has never been known here — the thermometer seldom below 55 or 56 in winter, nor up to 90 in summer. It is entirely exposed to the sea from every point of the compass. The fare of his table and bar shall be as good as the market will afford, and attended by experienced servers. Private rooms for lodging gentlemen, ladies, and families neatly arranged. The undersigned hopes by diligent attention and industry to merit the custom of his friends and the public generally. S. A. Spencer (proprietor).”

Though he would continue to manage the hotel until the Aug 7, 1840, Indian attack, records indicate Spencer sold his interest in the hotel to Key West’s Pardon C. Greene and Fielding A. Browne in 1838.

35

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

RECONNECT WITH NATURE

NOW HIRINGrs Educato

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

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

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

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

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

be part of the florida keys history at pigeon key DISCOVER THE ENGINEERING TRIUMPH OF THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD! GUIDED HISTORY TOURS, SNORKELING, MUSEUM AND FISHING PIER CATCH THE FERRY AT FARO BLANCO 305.743.5999 | PIGEONKEY.NET

POSTCARD PIGEON KEY IN THE 1930’S

www.MARATHONLADY.net

36

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021 CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

CAPTAIN OF COPPER KEYS ARTIST TURNS METAL INTO SEACREATURE SCULPTURES

Powers made the copper “Manta Mandolin” for the Underwater Music festival in 2004. CONTRIBUTED

Powers shows how he starts each sculpture — with a simple sheet of copper and a heavy-duty pair of scissors called aviation snips. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

I

t’s funny, the turns a life can make because of a simple gift. Keys resident August Powers had been making a living for years in food service for the Seacamp on Big Pine Key and as a sailing instructor, among other things. But he always liked working with his hands. So in 1990 for a birthday gift, his mother gave him a welding art course at the Florida Keys Community College.

“And she said, ‘I want a fountain,’” Powers

told Keys Weekly.

In the course, he used oxy-acetylene welding on copper with silver braze. He made his mother a fountain, and loved doing it.

“And it just took off from there,” he said. “Copper just worked. I tried steel, but it never worked. Copper will last forever, but steel will rust and be gone.”

When he started working with copper after the course, the hobby was a part-time pursuit. He made fountain after fountain, each with different creatures and plants on it: stems, leaves, snails, frogs and lizards. Finally, Powers displayed his fountains in Big Pine Key’s Artists in Paradise gallery. He observed the artwork within the gallery.

“I looked around and saw all the fish, including a barracuda,” he recalled. “So I made a couple of barracuda sculptures. The gallery had a show and they both sold.”

In 1995, the Wild Side Gallery in Key West asked Powers if he’d like to join their gallery.

“It was a match made in heaven. The more I made, the more they wanted it. And it went on like this for 25 years.”

And so, the self-taught artist was able to leave the food industry and make a living selling his sculptures. “And I can’t draw,” he said, half-jokingly.

Powers gravitates toward making sea creatures because of his lifelong love for the ocean. He starts a sculpture with a sheet of copper that he buys from a roofing company in bulk. He begins with an idea for a marine animal — sometimes he’ll wake up in the middle of the night with a vision for the next copper fish he’ll create — then he cuts out forms in the copper with heavy duty scissors called aviation snips.

Next, depending on what kind of creature it is, he’ll add electrical wire or copper tubing bought from Ace Hardware and braze the materials together with a torch.

“You have to look at the flat piece of copper and figure out with the brute force of your hands how to make it become a living thing,” he said, explaining his artistic process.

He will sometimes create a new welding process to, say, turn a soft coral sculpture red.

And all sculptures are one-offs, made completely by hand. No shortcuts with expensive plasma cutters to bulk cut the copper.

“He’s driven and determined,” said his long-time significant other, Robin Halevy. “He’s invented tools and techniques.”

For example, in order to turn some of his sculptures green, he experimented until he came up with a solution of household ammonia and pool acid that turns copper the perfect color of antique green.

In 2003, Powers started volunteering to make the whimsical copper sea-life instruments that are used for the Underwater Musical Festival. He made new instruments for the event through 2019.

“I liked that I donated my supplies, time and effort to an event that promotes reef awareness,” he said.

And he hasn’t lost any inspiration yet for creating his art. “I always go, ‘The next one is the best one.’”

Powers is represented by Shady Palm Art Gallery in Marathon and has a limited number of works at Key West Art Center and Artists in Paradise Gallery on Big Pine.

37

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

Key Largo Dentists, Dr. Travis Bennett and Dr. Sandy Brito are dedicated to quality dental care. At our beautiful offices we offer a wide array of dental procedures including CT scans, implant /gum surgery, implant prosthetics, full mouth restoration, same day in office crowns and bridges, fillings, orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), teeth whitening, smile makeovers and many other services. “No sell dentistry, state of art office with a staff that cares!”

Thank you!

Dr. Travis W. Bennett, D.M.D. Implant and General Dentistry

KEY LARGO 102965 Overseas Hwy. | 305.451.2616 Monday thru Friday 9AM-5PM

Dr. Sandy M. Brito, D.M.D. Family and General Dentistry

TAVERNIER 90290 Overseas Hwy. | 305.852.5099 Tuesdays and Thursday 9AM-5PM

www.everyonelovesagentledentist.com

IMPLANT COSMETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY

The year 2021 has been exceptional and we are so grateful for all the realtors, buyers and sellers for trusting us with your closings.

305.743.9858 | 6807 Overseas Highway | Marathon www.marathonlaw.com

LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY AUG 14TH NOON VICTORIA LEE

Marathon’s newest Dock & Dine spot!

Boats up to 25’

SUNDAY AUG 15TH NOON KEN FAIRBROTHER 4PM ABSTRACT RADIO

Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner, fun drinks.

2146 Overseas Highway • Marathon, FL

2146 Overseas Highway, MM 48.5

SUNSET CELEBRATION NIGHTLY BEGINNING 1 HOUR BEFORE SUNSET

OPEN FOR BREAKFAST DAILY STARTING AT 7AM BRUNCH EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10AM - 2PM THE LAGOON AT GRASSY KEY • 59300 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY • MARATHON

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

FLORIDA KEYS TABLE

T

ture to highlight the food, libations and local personalities that define our “must-try” destinations across the Florida Keys. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or fifth-generation local, be sure to indulge in something new or revisit a familiar favorite. And above all, support the local owners and employees who are vital to our Keys communities.

At Castaways in Marathon, Chef Bo Hammett’s tuna nachos is a play on the classic appetizer using sushi, with fresh tuna, avocado, honey sriracha sauce, homemade pico de gallo and a base of wontons. “And Guy Fieri loved it,” said Hammett, explaining that Castaways was on a recent episode of Fieri’s television show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” on the Food Network. “Our tuna nachos is our most popular appetizer,” said Hammett.

Dotty Cunningham has been a familiar face at Bobby Mongelli’s Key West and Stock Island restaurants for the past 25 years. She started at the now-infamous PT’s Late Night on Caroline Street, and moved to the Hogfish Bar & Grill about 17 years ago, shortly after it opened on Stock Island.

“I love meeting customers from all over the world, as well as seeing my regulars from PT’s follow me over to the Hogfish. Plus it’s nice to be in the open air and just steps from the water.” Dotty’s favorite dish? The stuffed hogfish, of course.

Jill and Mike Atwell, co-owners of Key Largo’s C&C Wood Fired Eats, started their restaurant originally for their love of wine.

They found this rosé on a wine-tasting trip in Oregon: Elk Cove Vineyards 2020 Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir Rosé. “Seriously, we are always in rosé season in Florida. This is a great food wine that pairs well with everything.” The restaurant is featuring this label because they only get a few cases at a time.

Come quick to try it — after the summer, it’ll be gone.

U PP

ER

FO

OD

, FU

S

VO

F R O

TH

LO E F

RID

E A K

RATH O

YS

MA

KE YS

FOOD, FUSION & FL AVOR OF THE FLORIDA KE YS

LA & F ION

N

In addition to the eats, the skilled professionals who define our local hospitality industry do much more than mix unique cocktails and serve delicious meals. These men and women are also our ambassadors, social directors, travel advisors and unlicensed — but often effective — therapists.

To celebrate our unique culinary culture, Keys Weekly brings you this bi-weekly fea-

KEY WEST

he Florida Keys boast some of the most iconic eateries and bars in the world.

Creative culinary minds elevate local seafood to new levels and celebrate contemporary fusion, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian, French and other international influences. Our chain of islands is one of the world’s top food and drink destinations.

sizzle MAKE YOUR SUMMER

FO

OD

, FU S

ION

& F LA

VO

R O F

THE

FLO

RID

A K E

A GRILLING GUIDE TO SKEWER THE COMPETITION

KO

TO A BYGONE BAR’S BEST DRINK

HOT TS SPO AN

INSIDE

R’S

GUIDE

TO LOC

EETH SWO T TO ICE TE, !

OLA CHOC … OH MY & PIE

CRE

AL STO

HEAT UP & CHILL OUT KEY WEST’S BAR & RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

PS

TROPICAL LIVING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS | SUMMER 2021

AM

PICAL TRO

NG LIVI

IN THE

MER S | SUM A KEY RID FLO

202

1 TRO PICA L LIVI NG

YS

For more, visit our Keys Table Magazines online at keysweekly.com/table/. Our Florida Keys Table Magazines are published nine times a year in the Upper Keys, Marathon and Key West.

For more information email: Stephanie@keysweekly.com.

A NOSTALGIC NOD

WN S RO BILLIE KEY MEG THE ES & HO TY JAM

IN THE

FLO RIDA KEY S | SUM MER

202 1

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 / AUGUST 12, 2021

39

40

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Bonefish Storage located at 1275 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Wolfe Unlimited LLC Publish: August 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Creekside Inn Islamorada located at 90611 Old Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: LAH Creekside Opco LLC Publish: August 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Garden View Apartments located at 5220, 5224, 5228, & 5230 College Road, Key West, Florida 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: The Housing Authority of the City of Key West, Florida Publish: August 12 & 19, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on August 26th, 2021, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. 33037. Names And Last Known Addresses are as Follows: William Parent Unit 1165 $1,205.58 Michael Harrington Unit 1223 $567.68 Incorporated Football League Unit 1736 $1,414.40 William Parent Unit 1425 $2,538.45 Publish: August 5 & 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FULL MAINTENANCE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on September 14, 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: Full Maintenance Fire Protection Systems 09/14/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

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

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on September 14, 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: August 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 August 12, 2021.

Personal Representative: Mary Jo Geopfert Estate of MARTHA ROSE GEOPFERT 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: 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: August 12 & 19, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-000012-M IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARTHA ROSE GEOPFERT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of MARTHA ROSE GEOPFERT, deceased, whose date of death was October 14, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File No.: 2021-CP-000012-M, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-0000153-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARIANNA Z. MARIN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of MARIANNA Z. MARIN, deceased, whose date of death was December 14, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File No.: 2021-CP-0000153-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

LEGAL NOTICES 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 August 12, 2021.

Personal Representative: David G. Marin Estate of MARIANNA Z. MARIN 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: CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, ESQ. Florida Bar No.: 0082988 CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A. 5196 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-5884 Ema Publish: August 12 & 19, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-000155-K IN RE: ESTATE OF BARBARA G. MUELLER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: The administration of the estate of Barbara G. Mueller, deceased, whose date of death was November 3, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against 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) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is August 12, 2021.

Personal Representative: DENNIS BUCKLEY 10101 NW Maple Rd. Stewartsville, MO 64490 Attorney for Personal Representative: ROBERT B. TRUMBO, JR., ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 283088 340 North Causeway New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169 Tel: (386) 423-1110 Email: baileyandtrumbo@gmail. com Attorney for the Personal Representative Publish: August 12 & 19, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-000065-M IN RE: ESTATE OF BOBBY JOE HALL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of BOBBY JOE HALL, deceased, whose date of death was December 4, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All 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 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: August 5, 2021.

Personal Representative: Elizabeth H. Hall 61 Trinitie Trail Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 Attorney for Personal Representative: Bradley J. Davis Attorney for Elizabeth H. Hall Florida Bar No. 136559 Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A. 300 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1400 Orlando, FL 32801 Telephone: 407-872-7300 Email: bdavis@rumberger.com Publish: August 5 & 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-75-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ADOLPH H. ROBINSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Adolph H. Robinson, deceased, whose date of death was February 17, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 50 High Point Road, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

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 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.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 5, 2021.

Personal Representatives: Lee W. Robinson 210 Sonny Road Islamorada, Florida 33070 Elaine M. Robinson 123 Valencia Drive Islamorada, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: August 5 & 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: August 5 & 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-67-M IN RE: ESTATE OF KENNETH DAVIDSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Kenneth Davidson, deceased, whose date of death was June 9, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 5, 2021.

Personal Representative: Benjamin Davidson 1501 Fairview Run Kendallville, Indiana 46755 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000049-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DONTA RASHA BRUEIN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DONTA RASHA BRUEIN, deceased, whose date of death was October 1, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 21-CP-000049-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. The Fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in s.

90.5021 FLA. STAT. applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, 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 the 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 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: August 5, 2021.

Personal Representative: Norman Bruein, Jr. 29D 11th Avenue Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Nakeitha Sweeting Hodrick, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0079847 ROBERSON SWEETING Sweeting Law, P.A. 633 NE 167th Street, Suite 1125 North Miami Beach, Florida 33162 786.279.4841 Publish: August 5 & 12, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

41

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOMES FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

Gulf Atlantic Bank in Key West is growing and is looking to hire a Loan Operations Specialist.

This position generally requires understanding of booking loans including managing related insurance and appraisal duties, processing loan payments, and creating loan documentation along with other responsibilities.

Word and Excel knowledge is required.

Prior Banking experience a benefit but not needed.

Competitive pay, health benefits, and positive work environment with room to grow within the company Please send resumes to SBriening@ GulfAtlanticBank.com

Marathon Auto looking for full-time general laborer. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

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

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.

Marathon - For Sale: 1.5 acre - House & Duplex and Mobile Home rights.

Waterfront - oceanside, dock possible, gated.

Appraised $1.9 million.

3 0 5 - 6 1 0 - 8 0 0 2

Gently used major appliances from renovated condos in Key West.

Dishwashers, Stoves/ Ovens, Microwaves, Sinks/Faucets, Garbage Disposals, and more.

Prices starting at $25.

3 0 5 - 7 4 7 - 1 7 0 0

BOATS FOR SALE 39' Key West #1 Hull SportsFisherman Detroit 871 Twin Turbo Northern Lights Genset 6.5 kw. Located in Key West. $40,000 All offers considered. 305-360-3538 38' Lindsey Motor Sailer Ford Lehman engine, Kohler generator, fuel/ water tanks (140 gallons each). Located in Marathon. $25,000 609-602-4619 12' Jon Boat w/ 6 hp Nissan motor, and trailer.

Located in Marathon. $1,600 305-395-1015 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!

BUSINESS FOR SALE Lobster Business For Sale.

Includes 45' #1, 892TI, 2400 Trap Certificates-$150.00 each, 1300 Traps, 100 5X6 pallets, 2016 Cat 6K Diesel Fork Lift, Live Wells & much more. $450,000 305-289-0792 Leave message if no answer.

CENTENNIAL BANK IS HIRING! MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR MARATHON/KEY WEST GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Solicits residential first mortgages through contacts with Realtors, builders, and developers.

Interview loan applicants and makes credit decisions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Broad knowledge of such fields as accounting, marketing, business administration, finance, etc. Equivalent to a four year college degree, plus 4 years related experience and/or training, and 2 years related management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

To apply, please visit our careers page: www.my100bank. c o m / c a r e e r s

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Line Cook. Please call us at 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

RN’s needed for Crisis Stabilization Unit. PT/FT/ per diem. Open 24/7. Day & night avail with shift diff.

Drug screen. w e s t c a r e . c o m Night Monitor - The Heron. FREE HOUSING/ food stipend vs. salary.

Must be onsite 10p-8a.

Sleep OK. 5 days on 5 days off. Drug screen required. w e s t c a r e . c o m Support Worker for group home. Aid residents w/ Meals, Meds, Shopping.

No Exp req. 3 shifts (PT/ FT) $16 + eve or weekend differentials. westcare.com NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for all shifts. Please apply in person at 8919 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

NOW HIRING TOP PAY & BENEFITS Experienced Electricians & Low Voltage Techs E m a i l : c h e c k @ 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.

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/ HELP WANTED ad here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!!

HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & W a t c h e s .

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT Lower Sugarloaf 2BR/2BA w/den stilt home w/dock on oceanside, paved parking under home, open living roomdining-kitchen w/vaulted ceiling and tile floors.

Access to large balcony.

W/D No Pets. $3500/mo + util. F/L/S 305-747-1700

Place your MISC. FOR SALE ad here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Stuff!

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

LOT FOR SALE

Commercial Building with US 1 frontage for lease in Marathon. 2550 sq ft of office & warehouse space w/overhead door. Parking in front and secured parking & storage area with secured fencing in back. Call 305-743-4400

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

Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92.

Call 305-394-0530

MISC. FOR SALE FloridaKeysTravel.com can now be yours! Go to FloridaKeysTravel.com for details on how to purchase this exceptional domain name immediately for $399 or to make an offer.

OFFICE/COMMERCIAL

SPACE FOR LEASE

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/ Commercial Space for lease ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

RV FOR SALE

Ralons Security Key West Immediate Hire $16-$17/hr Class D License

Ralons Security 786-615-5522 Lic# B1500167

SUDOKU SOLUTION

REDUCED PRICE! 38'6" 2016 Wildwood Lodge FVWW RV Unit located in Bluefin RV Park in Key Largo. 2 Bedroom. $18,500 8 6 3 - 6 6 0 - 9 0 6 5 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!

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

305-743-2281

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

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

Business Data Analyst Technical expertise re: data models, database management, ODBC, data mining inquiry & reporting.

Finish Carpenter Must present high attention to detail; workmanship must be very high quality.

Landscape Architect Seeking a detail orientated and organized individual. Site design experience and License a plus. Must know Revit and AutoCAD.

Warehouse & Delivery Crew Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license (CDL a plus) and be on time.

Place your RV FOR SALE ad here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your RV!

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV Site For Rent in Marathon. Full Hookup.

No pets. $1600/mo F/L/S 305-747-1700 Landscape Design

An outdoor design spec that works well with clie YARD SALE producing designs, selectio A BIG processing Treasures sales. &

Trash Yard Sale - Rain or Shine - This Fri Aug 13 & Sat Aug 14 from 8am-3pm.

Something for Lead AVeveryone.

Bargains galore.

AllTechnici must AV and HomeBeach Automat go! 419 Sombrero RoadMask Required. installations. Knowledge of e

electronic componen

Place your YARD SALE ad here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 Warehouse & Deliver today and Sell Your Stuff!

Must have reliable transport on time and organized. Mus valid driver’s license. CDL

42

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844 SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

KeysBank.com

Join Our Team!

Key West

Salary $17.15 – $24.15/hour Key West, Sugarloaf, Marathon and Upper Keys (4 work locations)

Full Time Teller Maintenance Technician CSR - Online Banking Administrative Assistant Accountant I Business Development Specialist Call Center Manager

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

Big Pine

CHARLEY TOPPINO & SONS IS HIRING

Full Time Teller Marathon Assistant Branch Operations Manager Key Largo Full Time Teller

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

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

Begin an exciting career with one of the most established and reputable companies in the Keys 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.

EQUIPMENT OPERATORS Loader, Dozer, Excavator, Grader TRUCK DRIVERS W/ CDL CLASS A SKILLED LABORERS EXPERIENCED CONCRETE FINISHERS COMPETITIVE PAY  SIGNING BONUSES AVAILABLE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER For more information and inquiries, call 305-296-5606 or email Reym@charleytoppino.com

Maintenance Technician • General building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC repairs • 3 - 5 years of experience preferred • Ability to work outdoors and lift up to 50 pounds • Must have a valid driver’s license

Floor Manager Daytime Host Experienced Servers Experienced Bartenders

• Full benefits package for full-time employees

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

NOW HIRING

Equal Housing Lender

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

High volume restaurant in Key Largo.

Apply in person at Snooks Bayside, 99470 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

NOW HIRING: Hosts Waitstaff Bartenders Bar Backs Bussers Line Cooks Dishwashers

Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

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

43

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

SIGNED FOR SOFTBALL

M

arathon High School softball standout Cecily Ozbun, center, looks on as her parents add their signatures to her letter of intent. The graduate will attend Indian River State College in the fall on a softball scholarship. Her coaches said that her continued hard work with summer travel team (even after graduation) earned her this great opportunity. Good luck, Cecily. CONTRIBUTED

BRIEFLY United Way donates to Marathon Rec Center United Way of Collier and the Florida Keys granted $7,000 in funding to the Heart of the Keys Recreation Association, also known as the City of Marathon Parks and Recreation Department, to help support its 202122 after-school and summer programs. The grant will help fund daily activities at the center, which is located at 810 33rd Street Gulf, Marathon.

Veterans Affairs reopening Marathon office Monroe County Veterans Affairs has reopened the Marathon satellite office on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mon-

roe County Public Library Marathon Branch.

Some 760 Veterans live in Marathon and 500 live in Big Pine Key. The satellite office will offer all the services found at the Key West and Key Largo Veterans Affairs offices and will be staffed with an accredited veterans service officer.

Services include monetary compensation such as service-related disabilities and educational and vocational rehabilitation benefits; and nonmonetary benefits such as military service medal replacement or VA Healthcare application assistance.

Marathon library is located at 3490 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

Appointments are recommended but not required. Call 305-295-5150 to make an appointment.

Hearing loss left you feeling puzzled?

Boys & Girls Club fraud added as foundation topic The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys has announced that William Archer, former board chair of the Boys & Girls Club of the Keys, has been added as a featured presenter at its upcoming 2021 Leadership Success Academy. Archer will detail the story of the financial fraud that occurred at the club during a four-year span and led to the arrest of its former executive director.

The Community Foundation’s twoday signature “boot camp” for board members is Thursday and Friday, Aug. 19 and 20 at the Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West. It trains individuals working with or serving in an advisory capacity with a nonprofit organization or other community group.

The cost of the two-day program is $100 per person, or $200 for three people from one nonprofit, and includes all sessions, including the one with Archer, course materials and lunches.

Archer joins a line-up of seven speakers including nonprofit expert Alex Counts, servant leadership expert Dr. Susanne Woods, strategic planning expert Kimberly Matthews, fundraising expert Wendy Gentes and the Community Foundation’s CEO and CFO, Jennifer McComb and Elizabeth Miller. Registration is available at cffk.org/lsa or by calling 305-292-1502.

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

(305) 403-9325

Dr. Michelle, Florida’s leading hearing care expert, can help you put the pieces together and get back to hearing the way you want to!

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

44

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

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

CGC-040138

TOUR GUIDES NEEDED 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.

CARPENTERS Would earning $200 bucks extra every week be worth changing your job?

WE’RE HIRING: SKILLED CARPENTERS, JOURNEYMEN & MASTER CARPENTERS Advance your career with a reputable hands on employer established 2011 who appreciates your hard work. If you’re not happy at your current job we will match your current pay stub plus $200 per week, it’s that simple.

To see if we are a good fit let’s talk, 305-850-4736 Resume Appreciated All inquiries are kept confidential Framing | Hardie ColorPlus | Rough Carpentry | Plans | Cabinetry Truss | Strength | Precision Caulk | Finished Carpentry | Trim | Base | Crown Scribe | Windows | Doors | Stairs | PIP | Safety | Multi Family | High End Outdoors | Indoors | Team Work | Attention To Detail | Problem Solving Dexterity | Speed | Communication | Time Management | Key West

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

Part time & Full time Opportunities!

Sous Chef

Engineer - General Maintenance Line Cook Bell/Valet

Front Desk Agent

Reservations Agent

Relief Night Security

Dinner Busser/Runner - Hot Tin Roof

Dinner Greeter - Hot Tin Roof

LMT, Esthetician or Nail Tech.

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.

Our award winning resort is

currently hiring for the following hourly positions:

FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR

Previous hotel experience required.

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

45

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 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

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Accounting Manager (Full-Time/Permanent)

Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time/Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time/Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

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

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

Full job descriptions available at

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

THEME: TV THEME SONGS

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Substance Abuse Counselor (PT)

KEY WEST

Prevention Specialist Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) Peer Support Specialist Crisis Counselor Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children ) Motivational Support Specialist Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention)

MARATHON Admissions Specialist

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 Night Monitor (FREE HOUSING!) *Assisted Living Support Worker (PT/FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *No experience necessary. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus.

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

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

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

NOW HIRING

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

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

ACROSS 1. ____’s razor 6. Credit card-related acronym 9. Goes with rave 13. Garlic mayo 14. “Jack and the Beanstalk” exclamation 15. Echo sounder 16. Beauty shop 17. European Economic Community 18. Falstaffian in body 19. *”Scooby-Dooby-Doo, where are you?

We got some work ____ ____ ____” 21. *”So no one told you life was gonna be ____ ____” 23. Pocket watch chain 24. Uncouth one 25. Place to get a massage 28. Boozer 30. Pie nuts 35. Sharpen 37. Orange powder drink mix 39. Tennis-affected joint 40. Bright thought 41. Reputation-damaging gossip 43. Symphony member 44. Famous Beethoven symphony 46. Microsoft browser 47. “Young Frankenstein” leading actor 48. Dines at home 50. Telephoned 52. Up to present time 53. Neat 55. Diamond stat 57. *”Gee, our old ____ ran great, those were the days” 61. *”Let’s ride with the family down the street through the courtesy of Fred’s ____ ____” 65. Loosen laces 66. Opposite of vend 68. Kind of artery 69. One Beatle 70. Recipe amt.

71. Opposite of atonal 72. *”Where the kisses are hers and ____ and his, Three’s company too” 73. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 74. Rosetta Stone, e.g.

DOWN 1. Brewer’s kiln 2. “Ta-ta!” in Italy 3. *”If you’re out on the road feeling lonely, and so ____” 4. Remote in manner 5. S.S. ____ of “Gilligan’s Island” 6. Not many (2 words) 7. *”Movin’ on up to the east side, we finally got a piece of the ____” 8. Right-hand page 9. Schneider and Reiner 10. Afresh 11. Astronaut’s insignia 12. Three pointer 15. Evening party 20. Sad newspaper notices 22. Goes with skip and a jump 24. Without a trace of moisture (2 words) 25. *”Everybody’s got a special kind of story, everybody finds a way to ____” 26. Podium, pl.

27. Concerning, archaic 29. *”Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your ____” 31. Heidi’s “Magic Wooden Shoe” 32. The Beatles’ “____ Road” 33. Not a soul (2 words) 34. *”Sunny day, sweepin’ the clouds away on my way to where the air is ____” 36. “Good ____” cooking show 38. Lady nÈe Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta 42. Extend subscription 45. Infamous German leader 49. Naught 51. Barley kernels 54. Financial woes 56. Where there’s trouble?

57. Verdant 58. Initial stake 59. Hollywood Walk of Fame honor 60. A snob puts them on 61. Use a keyboard 62. Marine eagle 63. Bibliographical abbr.

64. *”Just sit right back and you’ll hear a ____” 67. *”Oh boy it’s swell to say, Good morning ____!”

46

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 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

Alexia Mann

BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR®

Direct: 305.209.5166 Office: 305.743.8328

Alexia@IslandBreezeRealty.com www.MyKeysRealEstate.com

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

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Florida Keys

www.IslandBreezeRealty.com

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

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

47

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 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

The Weekly Newspapers

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

www.KeysWeekly.com

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-743-0844

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

Lic No. SP1481

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

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

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

PC 606

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

Lic# ENG II 305E

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar

Lic#SP-3562

Rachel Sanderson

NOW HIRING!

AIMEE

KORNETTI REALTOR ®

Cell 305-600-9726 aimeekornetti@gmail.com keycolonybeachproperties.com

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

Key Colony Beach Realty, Inc.

48

MARATHON WEEKLY / AUGUST 12, 2021

Finding the right home starts with finding the right agent.

Call your FOREVER agent, today.

Marathon | 9141 Overseas Hwy. | 305.743.7636 Islamorada | 85992 Overseas Hwy. | 305.664.4444 Big Pine | 30085 Overseas Hwy. | 305.735.4962 Key West | 336 Duval St. | 305.294.5155 www.KeysRealEstate.com

© 2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol areregistered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.