Upper Keys Weekly 21-0902 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

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Louisiana on our minds. Thirteen U.S. service members in our thoughts.

CASH FOR TRASH

CANAL CLEANUP Restoration in the hundreds of millions | P. 12 MISSION INSPIRE New curriculum at schools | P. 16

First debris pickup competition set | P. 18

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

JOLENE’S HIDDEN TREASURES & BOUTIQUE

LABOR DAY SALE!

CHECK OUT MANY NEW TREASURES THAT WON’T BE HERE FOR LONG!

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

DON’T JUST LOOK FOR A PLACE DISCOVER A HOME

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

25,000 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

Hurricane Ida’s powerful winds knocked out power to more than 1 million residents in Louisiana this past week. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said 25,000 utility workers were in the state to help restore electricity. Entergy said more than 2,000 miles of transmission lines were out of service, as well as 216 substations.

Locals Kristin Anderson and JD Reinbott join Island Ventures’ monthly Dive Against Debris trip and remove trap debris. ISLAND VENTURES/Contributed

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More than 40,000 people in Florida have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Contributed

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

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TRACKING COVID-19 DEATHS 63 reported in Keys since pandemic broke out JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

eaths related to COVID-19 infections stood at 63 in Monroe County on Aug. 31. Of those deaths, two were among individuals who were vaccinated, per the county’s top health official. Bob Eadie said the Keys have seen an uptick in deaths since a spike in COVID-19 cases shortly after the Fourth of July. Of the total deaths, the majority, if not all, had underlying health conditions. “The thing to remember is those conditions were managed well, and they wouldn’t have died on that day were it not for the COVID infection,” he said. “I don't want to minimize the fact that COVID is really dangerous, and for people who just say, ‘They would have died anyway,’ it’s disingenuous in the sense that they could have lived longer.”

A final case count report provided by the local health department to the public on May 21 reported 49 deaths from the first confirmed COVID-19-related death on April 2, 2020. That means 14 deaths from COVID-19 have been confirmed from late May to the end of August. While May 21 marked the local health department’s last daily case count update, people were still able to view deaths, new cases and other data by county on the Florida Health Department’s website. By June 4, publishing of COVID-19-related deaths by county came to an end. Today, weekly reports issued by the Florida Health Department, out of Tallahassee, every Friday detail total deaths statewide. Between Aug. 20 and Aug. 26, the state reported 389 deaths. Case and vaccination data is provided by county further down in the report, but deaths by county aren’t shown.

When asked if he received any explanation from the Florida Health Department in Tallahassee behind the move, Eadie said, “I can answer that in one word. No.” Eadie added the local health department keeps track of deaths from daily census reports from hospitals. “They will also report any deaths in the previous 24 hours,” he said. The Weekly reached out to the State Health Office of Communications to inquire about COVID-19-related death data and how many deaths since a surge was seen in the Keys after July 4. No response was received before press time. Statewide, the health department’s latest weekly report, issued Aug. 27, shows 43,979 COVID19-related deaths out of the more than 3.1 million cases since the pandemic broke out. That’s a case fatality rate of 1.4%. Data from the U.S. Centers for

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Disease Control on Aug. 31 reported 230 deaths in the last seven days and a total death count in Florida of 44,561. The Florida Health Department and CDC have gone back and forth in recent weeks over the way case and death data is being reported. New COVID-19 infections in the state appear to be plateauing, with 151,749 confirmed cases reported Bob Eadie between Aug. 20 and Aug. 29. The week before saw 150,236 cases. In Monroe County, 386 new COVID-19 cases were reported. That’s down from the previous week when 491 new infections were seen. A little more than 700 shots were administered to bring the total number vaccinated to 52,347, or 76% of the county population. “There’ve been a lot of conversations about people who’ve been vaccinated and who have been hospitalized or come down with a serious case. Those are really small compared to the number of people actually vaccinated,” Eadie said. “No vaccination is going to be 100% effective for the population, but it’s been really effective.” Baptist Health South Florida said it was caring for five patients with COVID-19 in Monroe County on Aug. 31. Throughout its network from Miami to the Keys, 656 patients were being treated. Gina Halley-Wright, spokeswoman for Baptist, said an overwhelming majority of positive patients at the hospitals are unvaccinated. “We have seen a steady decline in the number of COVID cases across the system,” she said. “We are hopeful and continue to encourage the community to remain vigilant.” Lower Keys Medical Center remained in yellow status on Aug. 31. Thirty-six COVID-19-positive patients were being cared for, of whom eight were in intensive care and seven receiving ventilator care. Those with compromised immune systems are beginning to receive a booster shot. Eadie said there’s still some controversy whether a booster shot is needed for everyone with the vaccine’s effectiveness. But he said the CDC determined that it’s a good idea to get one. “And I would agree,” he said. “Those who have real issues concerning their immune system, they can go to any of the pharmacies and fill out a form, make appointments online and receive the vaccine.”

“I don't want to minimize the fact that COVID is really dangerous, and for people who just say, ‘They would have died anyway,’ it’s disingenuous in the sense that they could have lived longer.”

Alana Corradi received the COVID Warrior Awards during a virtual reception hosted by the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services on Aug. 25. CONTRIBUTED

COVID WARRIOR AWARD

Local counselor honored

ighteen individuals from around the state — including Alana Corradi of the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter located in Tavernier — were recognized at the COVID Warrior Awards virtual reception hosted by the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services on Aug. 25. The Florida Network is a not-for-profit statewide association representing 31 member agencies and various other programs that support runaway, homeless and troubled youth ages 6 and older and their families. Leadership at the network’s various agencies and programs were asked to identify an employee who best exemplifies the resiliency, grace and determination needed to best serve their communities’ youth and families, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. These individuals were recognized during a Zoom reception on Aug. 25. Corradi was chosen by Florida Keys Children’s Shelter leadership to receive the COVID Warrior Award. “During the height of the pandemic, our team lost their coordinator abruptly due to relocation, and Corradi volunteered to cover the coordinator’s duties. She showed amazing resolve, took charge of her post and was promoted to residential coordinator without hesitation. Alana truly stepped up when her community needed her the most,” according to a nomination by Florida Keys Children’s Shelter CEO Ben Kemmer. “The Florida Network is proud to have staff at our member agencies like Corradi whose resounding bravery and resilience during these challenging times will serve as an inspiration for all,” said Stacy Gromatski, Florida Network president and CEO. “Given the extraordinary circumstances of the past 18 months, we decided to do something different with our annual awards process. Today and always, we are proud to honor leaders at our agencies and programs that have gone the extra mile during the coronavirus pandemic and continued to work every day to change the lives of Florida’s youth, build stronger families and improve our communities.” — Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

JOHN JACOB HOUSMAN, PART II WRECKER KING OF INDIAN KEY Back when a Keys house cost $30

to pass the legislation was denied. The bigger threat to the territory and the Keys was the acob Housman is remembered as 1835 escalation of the the Wrecker King of Indian Key, Seminole War. As the among other things. threat of Indian attack After sailing to the West Indies increased, Housman from Long Island, New York, as a BRAD reached out to military young man of about 23, he settled on BERTELLI and government Key West in 1822 and became a Florida officials, only to be wrecker. Understanding the monopoly ... is the curator ignored. Working to Key West had created on the wreckfor Islamorada’s protect the island and ing industry, as well as the money it Keys History & Discovery Center. his investments, he was bringing into the island, Housman A published auassembled every ableworked to create his own wrecking emthor of six books, bodied man living on pire. He set his designs on Indian Key. his favorite subthe island and created Housman left Key West and moved jects are Indian Company B, 10th Regito Indian Key circa 1830. On Nov. 19, Key and skunk apes. ment Florida Militia. 1830, Housman purchased a home Housman appointed from William Johnson for $30. The onehimself Company B’s captain. The initial story building had two rooms. It also had a separate kitchen building. In those company consisted of 24 men who enlisted for a term of 40 days. days, kitchens were often separately The militia worked to create protecconstructed, free-standing structures in tive barriers around the island. They order to insulate the main house from also placed a combination of six twelveboth the additional heat created by pound and six-pound cannons at stratecooking and the resulting threat of fire. gic locales around the island. It was not his last purchase. On Once a day, or so it has been reJuly 5, 1831, Thomas Gibson sold all ported, Company B fired off one of the his rights to properties and interests cannons as a warning. on Indian Key to Housman for $5,000. Florida Delegate Colonel Charles Gibson, Housman’s brother-in-law, had Downing observed, “In January 1836 purchased Silas Fletcher’s general store, I was on Indian Key and found a wall two-story house, kitchen and outhouse around it, built of every sort of matein 1828 for $2,500. By the time Housrial imaginable necessity could furnish. man bought Gibson out, his properties A vessel belonging to Jacob Housman had been improved to include the genwas prepared with port holes, a bulwark eral store and two-story house, a home now operating as a hotel, plus a nine-pin around the decks, and armaments, and moved a short distance from the bowling alley, billiards room and table. island as a place of refuge for the men Housman was Indian Key’s single and women in the event of a successful largest property holder. Over the next attack.” decade he worked to replicate what Key West offered the wrecking industry. Housman saw to the construction of warehouses and wharves, but also worked to have Indian Key declared a port of entry. According to the Wrecking Act of 1823, all property salvaged in Florida territorial waters had to be reported to a Florida port of entry. At the time, St. Augustine and Key West were the only two ports of entry along the east coast of the Florida Territory. The introduction of a port of entry at Indian Key, a substantially more convenient locale along the reef than Key West, would have devastated the Key West economy and altered the history of the Florida Keys. Fortunately for Key West, each attempt

The island community would suffer during the Seminole War. On Aug. 7, 1840 some 130 Indians attacked the island. Six people were killed and many of the buildings looted and burned. Housman and his wife, Elizabeth Ann, would survive the attack and move to Key West. According to accounts by Charles Howe, who remained on the island after the attack, Housman returned to Indian Key in September. Though urged to return and reopen his general store, he went back to Key West at the end of October. In a letter written by Howe, “he cleared out for good — took everything he had left, to Key West … to sell at Auction — his Negroes — Boats — vessels & I think I see his object, he is as usual very schemey, he is a good deal in debt…” Housman would be working a shipwreck during what was reported to be a period of turbulent weather on May 1, 1841. According to stories told about him, while attempting to move from one ship to another, he was caught between the two ships and crushed to death. Housman’s widow, or so the story suggests, retrieved her husband and returned him to Indian Key where his body was interred beneath a marble tombstone. The inscription reads: “Here lieth the body of Capt. Jacob Housman, formerly of Staten Island, State of New York, Proprietor of the island, who died by accident May 1st, 1841, aged 41 years 11 months. To his friends he was sincere, to his enemies he was kind, to all men faithful. This monument is erected by his most disconsolate though affectionate wife, Elizabeth Ann Housman. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi.”

This is John Jacob Housman’s tombstone on Indian Key. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/ Keys History and Discovery Center

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

HELP WANTED NEEDED Keys hotels lose staff to labor investigation

By Mandy Miles and Sara Matthis

recent federal investigation and indictment of contractors who hire foreign workers and get them jobs in American hotels and restaurants has led to crippling shortages at Florida Keys hotels and restaurants that rely on these workers. A press release from the U.S. Department of Justice last week announced the federal indictment of “three men who operated labor-staffing companies in Florida with conspiracy to harbor non-resident aliens and induce them to remain in the country and with conspiracy to commit money laundering. “According to the indictment, Mykhaylo Chugay, Oleksandr Morgunov, Volodymyr Ogorodnychuk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in southern Florida … between August 2007 and July 2021. “The indictment charges that the defendants, through these staffing companies, facilitated the employment in the hospitality industry of nonresident aliens who were not authorized to work in the United States,” the press release states. In other words, these labor-staffing companies are accused of hiring illegal aliens who are not allowed to work in the United States, and getting them jobs in hotels and restaurants. As a result of the indictment, the targeted staffing companies — and others concerned about similar legal actions — shut down, leaving hundreds of illegal workers without income and often without their employer-provided housing. “It’s a bad situation, but it’s a bad situation that’s absolutely necessary,” Jodi Weinhofer, president of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West, told the Keys Weekly on Aug. 20. “I know that during COVID, two local contract labor companies left the Keys or moved to the mainland. And I heard another staffing company is leaving or out of business. This couldn’t possibly come at a worse time. Between losing contract workers and COVID, I don’t know how businesses are doing it.” One employee of an affected Marathon resort, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Keys Weekly she and her husband are each missing three paychecks representing a month and a half of work at $13 an hour. The couple, who are not U.S. citizens, have been on the housekeeping team for seven months and said all the housekeepers were affected. “At a meeting on Aug. 19, the resort said they would try to pay us back for at least one paycheck,” she said. According to one Key West business owner who has dealt with the federal investigations, the business owner can be held responsible for two or three years of back pay to such workers, even if the owners were assured by a contracting company their workers were all legal. The Marathon employee said when she signed with the labor agency they didn’t explain U.S. labor laws nor ask her for any identification or proof of her eligibility to work in the United States. Another employee, speaking from a balcony of a Marathon resort’s employee housing compound on Aug. 19, said she doesn’t know what she’ll do next, and added that most of the employees in the workforce housing complex had already moved out, although she had understood that the deadline to do so was Aug. 23. A mid-level hotel manager of one of the Marathon resorts said nearly 95% of the employees at the Marathon resort were contract laborers, and another property is probably down 40% of its employees. “I know I will be cleaning toilets tomorrow,” that person said. The situation has left dozens of Keys hotels without housekeepers, dishwashers and other crucial positions, prompting a string of increasingly negative reviews on travel websites such as TripAdvisor.

A review posted on Aug. 20 about a Marathon resort is titled “Legal issues” and states in part, “...We went for dinner and were turned away due to no table seating, so we had to eat off-property every night. The service was unacceptable for a four-star resort. It was obvious they were understaffed, trying to tell you it's due to COVID. … But on our last day at the resort we overheard two employees talking about having to send home 90% of their staff because they were illegal immigrants because they ran into legal issues. … Now there is absolutely no staff at this resort. Please don't be conned into coming here because you won't get any service of the sort.” A review posted the same day summarized shortcomings at an upscale Key West resort. The reviewer acknowledged that things were not as bad as some others had reported, “HOWEVER all is not perfect and ... at these prices the following just should not occur: Why did the food bags my neighbor left in the hall remain there for three days? ... Why did I have to call and/or visit the front desk four times to get my room made up only to have two towels dropped off? NO ONE BUSED THE POOL AREA FOR AN ENTIRE DAY on Saturday. Plates and leftovers were piled high (did NO ONE notice the three-foot-high stack of dishes on a table at the family pool? There was food and dishes everywhere, drink garnishes all over the place, birds swooping down and grabbing the leftovers right over everyone’s head. How can you run out of pool towels and not replace them for an entire day? … Honestly, you have a refuse and sanitation issue ...” The thorny situation has existed quietly for decades in the Florida Keys and other tourist destinations. Business owners and managers depend on the workers these labor-staffing companies provide, but

Some Florida Keys hotels face crippling labor shortages following a Department of Labor investigation and indictment of a company that recruits foreign workers to work in American hotels and restaurants.

they have no access to the workers’ immigration status or verification. In most cases, the business owners don’t even have a worker’s address or phone number, and are always directed to call the staffing company with any questions or concerns, Weinhofer said. But ignorance of a worker’s illegal immigration status is not an acceptable excuse, and business owners share the responsibility — and potential penalties — of employing illegal workers. Business owners can be made to pay fines and/or two to three years of back pay. “I don’t know what we’re going to do if we can’t get legal contract labor here,” Weinhofer said.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

NOW

IS THE TIME TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH BROADWAVE

E-WHAT? Florida law imposes penalties on businesses for undocumented workers SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

t was one of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign promises when he was running for office in 2018. In 2019, the Florida legislature passed into state law a requirement for local governments and some private employers to use E-Verify starting on July 1, 2020. E-Verify is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Internet-based system that allows agencies and businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees, U.S. or foreign citizens, to work in the United States. An estimated 76,500 businesses in Florida of 2.5 million are using the system. The newest Florida law was an amendment to an existing law that only applied to state “executive agencies” and their subcontractors to use E-verify. Private businesses that do not use E-Verify must retain copies of the identity and employment authorization documents presented for the I-9 form — for U.S. citizens and non-citizens — for three years. According to lawlogix.com, the penalties for violating this law are harsh. If a private employer “does not follow the rules with regards to employment verification, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) shall require them to provide an affidavit stating that a, they will comply with the verification requirements; b, they have terminated the employment of all unauthorized workers in the state; and, c, they will not intentionally or knowingly employ an unauthorized worker in the state.” If the employer doesn’t respond with the affidavit within 30 days, the state will suspend all applicable licenses held by the private employer until they submit the affidavit. Any employer that violates the above three times in any 36-month period faces the permanent loss of business licenses. At the time the law passed, DeSantis said the purpose was twofold: “... it’s about fairness for lawful immigrants and nativeborn workers, and it’s about public safety.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

LABOR DAY SERVICE GOES VIRTUAL

Remember lives lost in the 1935 hurricane

The American flag flies at half-staff at the Upper Keys VFW Post 10211 and Arthur’s Island Kitchen in Key Largo on Friday, Aug. 27. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

FLAGS ORDERED HALF-STAFF FOLLOWING KABUL ATTACKS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

.S. flags across the country were lowered to half-staff beginning on Aug. 26, following the attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan that left 13 U.S. service members dead, around 80 Afghan civilians deceased and many more injured. In the Keys, veteran and Key Largo resident Brian Mundey stopped by the Upper Keys VFW Post 10211 to lower the flag not long after reports came in of the attacks. Mundey, who’s a trustee at the VFW post, served three combat tours as an Army Airborne Ranger. He served in Afghanistan in 2005 and Iraq from 2006 to 2007. Mundey said a flood of thoughts and emotions ran through him as the news broke of the attacks. “Anybody has gone through loss, whether it's a close family member or grandparent. When it comes to the military and losing a brother you start thinking about their families,” he said. “You start thinking about the logistics of that doorbell, the Thanksgivings and Christmases that will never be the same. “Even those who were wounded, and it may not have been physically but psychologically, it weighs heavy on you and never goes away. Ever.” he continued. “You start to think about the guys in Vietnam and what they went through.” Mundey said he immediately put his flag at his house to half-staff. He then reached out to VFW Post 10211 Commander Dennis Ward to do the same. “Ward said ‘Absolutely, 100%.’” Flags were at half-staff at government buildings, public places, embassies and other facilities until sunset on Aug. 30 to honor the U.S. service members killed in the Kabul bombing. “What it’s about right now is those families who are forever changed, those service members who are going to come back different and just making sure we can do as much as we can from here,” Mundey said.

he Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold its annual Labor Day service in memory of the civilians and war veterans who lost their lives in the Hurricane of Sept. 2, 1935. The service will be recorded and shared virtually due to the new outbreak of COVID-19 in the area. To view the service, visit Matecumbe Historical Trust Facebook, Tony Hammon on Facebook or on islandcommunitychurch.org on the morning of Sept. 6. The service will include a presentation by Hammon, pastor emeritus. Guest speakers will include Islamorada Councilman Henry Rosenthal,

Bob Johnson of the American Legion Post 145, and Islamorada resident Sue Miller. The service will include the invocation, presentation of colors by the Islamorada Village of Islands Fire Rescue and Boy Scout Troop 912. The national anthem and “America the Beautiful” will be sung by Leah Sutter. There will also be the placing of the memorial wreath, taps and the benediction by Pastor Bob Pavey, of the United Matecumbe Methodist Church. The wreath is sponsored by Centennial Bank. For more information, please contact Barbara at 305-393-0940.

COVID ALTERS 9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONIES

recent COVID-19 surge is changing plans for upcoming 9/11 ceremonies. The Key Largo Fire Rescue and EMS District, the Key Largo Fire Department and Key Largo Ambulance Corps recently canceled its 20th Anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the North Fire Station No. 25, 220 Reef Drive. Islamorada Fire Rescue will not have their annual remembrance ceremony open to the public on Sept. 11. The ceremony can be viewed by visiting Islamorada.fl.us or on Facebook, Islamorada Fire Rescue Department, on the morning of Sept. 11. — Weekly staff report

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

STIFF SENTENCE Judge hands Hialeah man jail time and more for undersized fish, spearfishing violations

Investigation by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Investigators Chris Mattson and William Thompson of a vessel near Rodriguez Key found one undersized black grouper, two undersized mutton snapper, eight undersized hogfish and great barracuda over the 36-inch maximum. FWC/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Hialeah man arrested in May for spearfishing in a restricted area and possessing an array of undersized fish will spend 60 days in jail, following a sentence handed down by Monroe County Judge Sharon Hamilton on Aug. 25. Not only will Alejandrio Ruiz, 47, serve jail time, but he’ll also be on probation for two years and must complete 240 hours of community service. His fishing license is also suspended for two years, and he can’t be on the water for the duration of his probation. Ruiz must also take a Florida Fish & Wildlife course. Monroe County State Attorney Office’s Jorge Jaile, who prosecuted the case, said such violations can bring 90 days jail time, two years probation and 200 hours of community service. “I believe he was well aware of what he was doing because he had been convicted of spearing lobster in 2006 in this county,” Jaile said. “I put it to the judge that this is an egregious act of poaching.” The case dates back to May 8, when Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation investigators Chris Mattson and William Thompson were on an unmarked water patrol near Rodriguez Key, roughly 1.5 miles from Key Largo, around 3:30 p.m. While patrolling, they noticed a man loading a speargun within a 3-mile restricted area. The two investigators made their way to the vessel where they boarded to find Ruiz, another man and one juvenile. Inspection by investigators revealed a cooler that contained a

“This guy came down here and just didn’t care and was kind of looking to rape and pillage.” — Monroe County State Attorney Oﬃce’s Jorge Jaile

number of different fish species that appeared undersized. Contents within the cooler had one undersized black grouper, two undersized mutton snapper, eight undersized hogfish and two barracuda over the 36-inch maximum. Ruiz also didn’t have a valid saltwater fishing license. “This guy came down here and just didn’t care and was kind of looking to rape and pillage,” Jaile said. “Taking eight hogfish when you’re only allowed one, and all of them were undersized, that’s pretty bad.” Jaile added that Hamilton’s sentencing was one of the stiffer ones for a resource case that he’s seen in his two-and-a-half years as a prosecutor in the Keys. “I was very happy. Through the plea negotiations, if he was willing to enter a plea, I offered the defense attorney 30 days jail followed by a year probation and only 60 hours community service. He rejected that and open pled and more than doubled my best offer on the case. The judge did good.”

BRIEFLY COVID-19 vaccine event in Key Largo on Sept. 3 The Key Largo Chamber is partnering with Health Hero Florida to open a one-day COVID-19 vaccination site at the Key Largo Chamber/ Visitor Center, MM 106, on Friday, Sept. 3. This public vaccine site will help increase access to COVID-19 vaccines near North Key Largo. The vaccine site will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering free Pfizer vaccines. All individuals 12 years and older can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12 and up, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of the vaccination. There is no registration required, just show up for onsite registration. Village budget hearings scheduled this month The first fiscal year 2021-2022 budget hearing will be held Friday, Sept. 3 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center. The proposed budgets for the general fund, special governmental funds and enterprise funds were reviewed and discussed during budget workshops held in August. Direction from the village council provided during the workshops brought a proposed budget and proposed millage rate of 3.000 for consideration at the first public hearing. A final budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center. The millage rate for November 2021 tax bills is finalized upon adoption of the final budget. For questions or more information, contact Maria Bassett, finance director, at 305-664-6445. Gimenez demands Investigation into Afghanistan withdrawal Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-26) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives on Aug. 24 demanding a full Inspector General investigation into President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. The resolution was introduced with 11 original co-sponsors. Gimenez said Biden has made “categorically false statements to the American people, including lies that the American embassy in Kabul was secured and prepared for the withdrawal.” “If the President of the United States is not going to be straight with the American people, all while American lives are being left in Afghanistan at the mercy of the Taliban, then Congress has both the

moral and constitutional obligation to demand accountability of any and all Biden Administration officials who deliberately put American lives at risk. I urge my colleagues to support this investigation,” he said in a statement. EPA approves comment for Oxitec project in California The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Aug. 31 that the opening of a 30day open public comment period in the Federal Register for an Experimental Use Permit (EUP) application to pilot Oxitec technology in California. With support from many of California’s mosquito control districts, this represents the next step in making Oxitec’s non-biting male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes available for pilot projects in the state. This expansion to California follows the launch of Oxitec’s pilot project with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District in the Florida Keys beginning April 2021 after regulatory approvals by the US EPA and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). As part of the EPA’s standard EUP application process, the comment period gives the public a 30day opportunity to provide opinion on the application. Oxitec says its mosquitoes are a safe and proven tool to combat the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Previous projects in the Brazilian city of Indaiatuba found that Oxitec’s mosquito suppressed disease-carrying Aedes aegypti by up to 95% in urban, dengue-prone environments following just 13 weeks of treatment, as compared to untreated control sites in the same city. “We’re thankful for the strong local support we’ve received throughout California, and we look forward to getting to work once the EPA and state regulators complete their approval process. Our need for Oxitec’s technology is becoming increasingly urgent as the threat of Aedes aegypti grows and as governments seek new, highly effective solutions that don’t damage the environment,” said Oxitec CEO Grey Frandsen.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 JIM McCARTHY

Canal 148 between Sea and Ocean lanes on the oceanside on Lower Matecumbe Key.

jim@keysweekly.com

long-term plan to improve water quality and reduce sediment buildup in 63 village canals could cost well over $300 million. That’s according to a recent report that ranks each canal based on restoration needs and identifies technologies recommended to improve water quality. Backfill and culvert work for a little more than 10 canals within the Port Antigua community on Lower Matecumbe Key, has an estimated cost of $41 million. Identified in the report as canal 150, it’s the project with the highest price tag and No. 23 on the rankings list. In the report prepared by Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions Inc., canals ranked at the top for restoration were based on a number of factors, which include water quality, evidence of nutrient accumulation and likelihood of toxicity. Canals discharging into Florida Bay or the Atlantic Ocean scored higher, and restoration technology, cost, homeowner interest and public benefit were also taken into account. A canal located on Lower Matecumbe Key scoring the highest is recommended to undergo weedgate, organic removal and backfilling. Estimated restoration costs for canal 147, between Leserra and Atlantic lanes, are around $2.2 million. An injection well and backfilling recommended for canal 132, the second-ranked project located between North and South drives on Plantation Key, shows costs around $2 million. Peter Frezza, village environmental resources manager, said the rankings list will evolve based on a number of factors. “It will change a lot based on the updated water quality information we receive,” he said. “We’re going to have changes in technology and homeowner interest,” he said. “These projects won't happen if we don’t have good support from residents.” Implementation of a canal restoration program started in the village in 2014 to address poor water quality canals. One of the first steps was to objectively and scientifically select canals for water quality improvements.

CANAL RESTORATION COSTS OVER $300 MILLION Report ranks projects and technologies to improve water quality

Canal 145, located between Columbus and Cortez drives, on Lower Matecumbe was a public-private partnership that saw an air curtain installed at the canal’s mouth.

THE HISTORY What began as a push to address septics and cesspits through implementation of a central wastewater system has now transitioned to canal restoration. It’s all part of the Florida legislature’s designation of the Keys as an area of critical state concern in the early 1970s. With the intent to protect the natural environment and property rights also came assurance that a Keys population could evacuate 24 hours before a Category 3 or higher storm. Work plans were adopted for Monroe County and cities with specific tasks for each local government to achieve. Each program was developed in recognition of the fact that these communities contain an important habitat that needs protection. With a central sewer system in place per a state requirement, and millions spent to get it done, municipalities including Islamorada are shifting focus to canal restoration. In 2011, the state identified the lack of dissolved oxygen in canal systems as a key issue needing to be addressed. A canal master plan was approved, which provided a framework to examine some 500 Keys canals. By 2014, Keys municipalities initiated a canal demonstration program — funded locally — to identify and implement technologies best suited to improve water quality. Five technologies were identified: organic removal, backfilling, culverts, air curtains and pumping. Meanwhile, Florida International University researchers were measuring water quality and benthic habitat improvements associated with canals within the demonstration project.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Hurricane Irma shifted restoration to recovery, as municipalities received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove marine debris and sediment from the canals. That was completed toward the late stages of 2020 and early 2021. “I think we’ve made some great progress over the past few years, but I also feel like we're just getting started with the canal restoration work plan,” Frezza told council members during a recent council meeting. COMPLETED CANAL PROJECTS Several canal restoration projects within the village saw completion, including canal 148 located between Ocean and Sea lanes on Lower Matecumbe Key, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Greg Corning, lead engineer with Wood Environmental Solutions, said an air curtain, weed barrier was installed. Diffusers placed along the bottom of the canal’s mouth will prevent seaweed from entering and filling up and causing water degradation. Canal 145, located between Columbus and Cortez drives, on Lower Matecumbe was a publicprivate partnership that saw an air curtain installed at the canal’s mouth. An air curtain and aeration system upgrades within the basin were installed at canal 137 at Treasure Harbor on Plantation Key. Canal 114 located at Tropical Atlantic Shores on Plantation Keys saw the installation of a gravity injection well, also known as a vertical culvert. “Basically what we’re doing is we’re turning those culverts that we’re going to connect horizontally to dead-end canals, and we’re flipping upside down and we’re going to connect to the water below it,” Corning said.

An air curtain and aeration system upgrades within the basin were installed at canal 137 at Treasure Harbor on Plantation Key. VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed

THE FUNDING “I know you're thinking we have to do $319 million in a 10-year program? No, it’s showing progress,” Frezza told the dais. “It’s all about looking at potential funding availability that the village has to implement projects.” There hasn’t been specific funds for the canal work plan or sources designated for canal restoration projects. But Frezza said funding from the Florida Keys Stewardship Act could be a major funding source for projects. “We’re identifying other funding sources. We have a project program with the Army Corps of Engineers where we could get some significant funding for the rest of the projects,” Frezza said. “There are other state and federal grants as well that can fund these projects.”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY? Key West building official wants proof that condo is ‘safe for habitation’ By Mandy Miles and Sara Matthis

New Town condo association has until Friday, Sept. 3 to prove its building is "safe for habitation.” The city of Key West's chief building official, Raj Ramsingh, sent a letter to Santa Clara Condominium Association on Friday, Aug. 27, demanding confirmation from the association’s engineer "that all or part of the building is safe for habitation.” The 111-unit Santa Clara complex at 3312 Northside Dr. "is obviously in serious need of repairs, to the extent that I don't think the repairs can be completed safely while the building is occupied," Ramsingh wrote on Aug. 27. "I do not want to condemn this building because doing so would necessarily displace so many residents, but if I have to, I will." The letter states that on Aug. 25, Ramsingh received an engineering report from JL Sanders that was dated nearly a month earlier, on July 28. In that report, JL Sanders describes a rapidly deteriorating building and an estimated $8.8 million of repairs that are immediately necessary. The condo association’s board is holding an emergency meeting on Thursday, Sept. 2 to discuss the city’s latest letter. The board held a previous Zoom meeting with unit owners earlier in August to discuss the building’s deteriorating condition. “We’ve been acutely aware of issues with our building,” said Travis Doll, a unit owner and vice president of the condo association’s board. “But it’s now gotten to the point where bigger repairs are needed and we’ve started talking with banks about getting an association loan for the $8.8 million.” In order to repay that loan, condominium owners would have to pay $80,000 to $90,000 per unit, or an additional $600 to $650 per month in condo fees, Doll said. Those fees currently range between $600 and $860 per month depending on the size of the unit. The fees bring in about $800,000 a year, prompting some owners to question what the property managers have been spending money on each year. “We’ve reiterated with the ownership at large and with the city that we have completed major projects every

year for the last several years,” Doll said. “Those projects and the increasing costs of construction and labor in Key West are where the owners’ money and dues are going.” One unit owner who asked not to be identified said they are no longer staying at the unit they own. “I’m afraid we are in dire straits of a building collapse,” the owner told the Keys Weekly, while pointing out a crumbling stairwell, a laundry room ceiling propped up by steel beams and exposed rebar in several places. “"We've been pressuring our property management company, ICAMCO, to expedite the repairs to our more urgent projects, like those concerns mentioned by the city,” Doll said. "We've recently learned from a few of our main service vendors that ICAMCO has delayed certain projects that the board had already approved. Additionally, just a few days before the city’s visit and the recent letter from the city, we requested updates from ICAMCO on the prioritized projects.” Property manager Daniel Garcia, who works for ICAMCO property management company, did not return multiple phone calls and text messages from the Keys Weekly. Doll said on Sept. 1 that Santa Clara had just received notice that ICAMCO was canceling its management contract with Santa Clara. “Obviously everyone’s really nervous, given the tragedy in Miami,” Doll told the Keys Weekly. “Surfside has spooked everyone, but that is very much not the case with Santa Clara. We have no parking underneath and no pool leaking under the building. The engineers are using some scary language to spur a sense of urgency, and we’re stepping into high gear. “The city has said they’ll help us with expediting permits,” Doll said. “The last thing the city wants to do is displace so many owners and tenants given the housing situation in Key West.” Ramsingh acknowledged his reluctance to condemn the building in his Aug. 27 letter to the association. Ramsingh ended his letter by writing, “Should the engineer recommend an evacuation of all or part of the building, the city will work with the board to help in any way we can in order to find a solution. … We are here to help, and most importantly, keep our citizens and residents safe. “There is also an immediate safety concern with the access to the roof. I was able to get on the rooftop with ease as there is no locked door at the

One condo owner at Santa Clara told the Keys Weekly the ceiling of the fifth-floor laundry room has been ‘propped up’ by metal beams for at least three years.

top of the stairwell. Children, or anyone for that matter, can access the unsecured rooftop and fall 7 stories down. This needs to be addressed immediately.” The condo board had previously “asked ICAMCO to replace the locking door hardware on the roof. That was not done and we found the door secured with rope,” Doll told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 1. Santa Clara is not alone Santa Clara Condominiums is not the only structure in Key West that concerns building officials. Immediately after the Surfside collapse on June 24, city officials conducted cursory inspections of about 38 aging Key West properties. The city’s building department notified the owners of nine of those properties of specific concerns and the need for an engineering report. In addition to Santa Clara, according to documents received from the city of Key West, the other eight properties whose owners received letters from city building officials include: Ocean Walk apartments, Key Plaza shopping center, 1800 Atlantic Condominiums, La Concha Hotel, the Professional Building on 12th Street, Winn Dixie Plaza, Key Plaza Publix and the city-owned Park ’n’ Ride garage on Grinnell Street. Engineering assessments are being collected and reviewed for each of those properties. Marathon takes action as well The city of Marathon also has taken action in the wake of the Surfside collapse that killed 98 people when most of the building collapsed. On Aug. 10, the Marathon City Council passed a law requiring inspections of commercial and high-rise buildings erected more than 17 years ago. 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. According to Marathon Planning Director Brian Shea and Building Director Noe Martinez, the city is preparing the groundwork by coming up with form letters and ensuring engineers can sign in to the city’s software that governs building, code and permitting. More than 400 condo units have been targeted, as well as about 200 other commercial buildings in Marathon. Shea said the notices will probably be sent in batches, over a period of time. Noe said the 17-year age requirement is based on his decades of experience in the building industry. “If you move into a new home or building, it usually takes an average of 14 to 17 years before the owner begins renovating or fixing it up, and it also takes into account our aggressive climate,” Martinez said, adding that he knows the inspections, findings and fixes may be cumbersome for private owners. “I don’t have the luxury of special enforcement when it comes to health and safety.” Martinez said he has already observed some older, two-story concrete buildings in Marathon with “bulging” walls that could indicate structural problems.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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‘MISSION INSPIRE’ Classrooms go beneath the surface and on the bay JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

nside Monroe County classrooms, students will take their learning beneath the depths as they explore the world’s only underwater research and education laboratory. Through data collected by Florida International University scientists, young learners will also interpret and analyze water quality data from Biscayne Bay, where excessive amounts of phosphorus and high water temperatures have led to massive fish kill. Interactive lessons and engaging activities have arrived inside Keys classrooms through FIU’s “Mission Inspire.” The Monroe County School District is the first to adopt and take part in this new FIU curriculum, which includes digital courses, or “expeditions, that utilize research to make lessons relevant. Elaine Pritzker, director of education outreach for FIU, said the new “Mission Inspire” simplifies concepts and provides real world examples to connect what they’re learning. Comprehending gas pressure laws can be a tough concept to pick up on, but applying it to scuba diving can help learners understand the importance of pressure at various depths. “Mission Inspire” also shows that science is not just for researchers and lab technicians. “It requires a lot of different people,” she said. “Even if you see yourself as a communicator, there’s still something you can do and you can

be part of this. We’re also showing the exploratory nature of science and how you don’t always get it right the first time, and that we learn when something doesn’t go the way we expect it.” FIU’s education outreach program prepared for a series of in-person field trips in early 2020 for Monroe County Schools, thanks to funding from Royal Caribbean. After the first few, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing the team to pivot to virtual field trips. When those concluded, the school system wanted to continue the partnership, mentioning their teachers needed more interactive content and curriculum for their classrooms. Education outreach decided to expand their programming — and came up with “Mission Inspire.” The team created everything that goes into each module, including lesson plans and other supplemental materials, like videos, and made sure each lesson in the learning modules ties back to research conducted by FIU scientists. FIU’s new curriculum includes “Expedition Ocean,” which takes students

Florida International University’s Aquarius Reef Base. CONTRIBUTED

In 2014, Fabien Cousteau spent a record-breaking 31 days underwater at Aquarius Reef Base. MISSION 31/Contributed

to Aquarius Reef Base to learn more about the coral reef ecosystem, issues of coral bleaching and sea level rise and what scientists do in the underwater research lab. Deployed 60 feet beneath the surface of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Aquarius provides unparalleled means to study the ocean. It also serves as training grounds for specialized divers and astronauts. “Aquarius is something that is so unique. Anyone who has read about “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” or seen “Atlantis,” the idea of living underwater is something we thought would be exciting. That would give us a hook to touch on other issues we knew were core to what students are trying to learn,” Pritzker said. Everything from water quality data to the loss of mangroves due to development are examined in “Expedition Biscayne Bay.” Students will also learn the detriments surrounding marine debris and how human activity plays a role in wildlife, the community and tourism. “These are really big problems that are going to require a lot of different people working on a lot of different levels,” Pritzker said. “It’s inspiring not only students, but also parents. It’s a whole community effort that they’re

most invested in. We’re also trying to bring this outside of the Keys to places that are more landlocked, because they have a role in it too.” Pritzker added that it was a “nobrainer” for FIU to go to Mornoe with the new curriculum. “We're in their community. We feel that’s part of what we want to do. We want to help them understand what we’re doing in our backyard and what they can do,” she said Teachers like Joylyn Smith, a marine science and environmental science teacher at Key West High School, are excited to use the “Mission Inspire” curriculum in their classes. “I'm looking forward to using these lessons to foster a sense of ownership in our local environment in my students,” Smith said. “I am a huge advocate of place based environmental education and these lessons are incredibly relevant and well thought out.” Mission Inspire will be expanding to other schools soon. The Education Outreach team is also currently creating other courses, including Expedition Miami, Expedition Forensics, Expedition AstroScience and more. For more information, visit inspire.fiu.edu.

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Divers float with the American flag on the wreck of the Duane. ERIC BILLIPS/Contributed

DIPPING ON THE DUANE WRECKS ARE LIVING REEFS CONSERVATION TIP THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Conditions this past week were a little mixed. The first part of the week we had a great dive on the wreck of the Duane while conditions remained nice. The Duane is known for its strong currents. Luckily, on our dive day, we hit it perfectly and were blessed with zero current. Frequent Keys divers know how rare this is for the Duane. Speaking of wrecks, remember that most of the ERIC wrecks in the Keys were intentionally sunk to create BILLIPS artificial reefs. It works! That’s why, when diving the wrecks, tread carefully. There are living corals and is the owner, tons of marine life that call them home. These wrecks captain and create ecosystems in and of themselves and the same instructor at Islamorada Dive rules apply as do on a living, natural reef. Center and Florida Pro Tip: Use the mooring balls to avoid anchoring Keys Dive Center. on wrecks. Also, watch where you place your hands He specializes in scuba, rebreather, and where your fin kicks land. Later in the week, winds and rain came in. These spearfishing and captaining in the were possible strands from Ida. You never know with Florida Keys. these storms which way they will go and what damage they can do. It’s always good to be prepared. NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT This upcoming week, we should be back to our “Keys” way of life, with amazing late summer weather. The seas are going to have just a slight chop this week, with forecasts for around 1 foot seas.

CONSERVATION UPDATE I.CARE is going full steam ahead! It’s critical to take advantage of great weather and conditions to get outplants out onto the reef. The endangered corals that I.CARE uses have been grown out in the Islamorada coral nursery run by Mote Marine Laboratories and I.CARE to a size healthy to put back on the reef. On outplanting dives, we use zip-ties and nails to reattach the corals to the reef. Eventually, the coral tissue will grow over the zip-ties and adhere to the reef.

When diving the wrecks treat the living corals and life that covers these wrecks just as you would any other living reef.

This week’s outplanting dives will take place on Saturday with Key Dives. Give them a call to join this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Wrecks attract a lot of marine life, including sharks. ERIC BILLIPS/Contributed

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

GRAB TRASH FOR A CASH PRIZE

First marine debris competition in Islamorada set

An inaugural marine debris cleanup tournament is set for Sept. 18 in an effort to clean the waters and nearshore lands. CONTRIBUTED

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

ollect debris on land or sea and vie for more than $5,000 in cash prizes. An inaugural marine debris tournament in Islamorada is seeking teams eager to fill as many garbage bags as possible. Set for Sept. 18, also known as International Coastal Cleanup Day, participants can compete in one of three divisions. A land division will see teams grabbing garbage from the shoreline up to 100 feet inland. An on-thewater division will have participants scooping debris from the shoreline out to the water, while another division will have competitors collecting debris underwater. Teams in each division bringing in the most trash will receive a first-place prize of $1,000. Second-place gets $500 and thirdplace $250. A cleanup competition in the Keys formulated more than a year ago, when State Attorney Dennis Ward posted a “Plastic Fishing Tournament” in Mexico. Sponsored by Corona, fishermen were paid to fish plastic out of the ocean.

Spotting Ward’s post was Islamorada’s Audrina Ennis, who’s founder of Shoreline Restoration Services. Since the nonprofit’s inception in 2015, Ennis has brought community stakeholders together to combat marine debris along the shores and on the water through a number of cleanups. Ennis said Ward’s post brought a flood of people encouraging such an event. “I reached out to him and let him know it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I never participated in a tournament, let alone held one,” she said. “He and I formed a committee of six people, and we’ve been getting together every week to bring this to fruition.” Participants in the inaugural debris collection tournament can clean any area from Tavernier Creek Bridge to Channel 5 Bridge. Each team entering the tournament can consist of up to four people. Teams should be ready for an 8 a.m. kickoff, and they must be back at The Postcard Inn by 3 p.m. for weigh-in. Official weighmaster is Islamorada Village Manager Greg Oravec. “Hopefully it will be well attended,” Ward said. “When you consider the fact that our whole economy is based on our waters and

what's in, on and below our waters, I think events like this are very important.” Registration for the tournament runs through Sept. 15. All participants must complete a registration form in order to be eligible. Registrations can be submitted to the Islamorada Moose Lodge, 81573 Old Highway, Islamorada, or online at srstournaments. org. The entry fee is $25 per individual team member. A captain’s meeting will be held Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at Islamorada Moose Lodge. At least one participant from each team should be present. Ultimately, Ennis and Ward said they hope to have an annual cleanup competition not just in Islamorada, but throughout the island chain also to bring marine debris awareness to the forefront. “We’ve had a lot of people doing cleanups like this professionally since the hurricane,” Ward said. “The committee agreed to keep in the parameters of Islamorada, but we want to grow it and get it going Keyswide where we can have various points where people can pick up trash they’re getting out of the waters and mangroves.” Visit srstournaments.org for more information on the event and the rules.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

WORKER WOES

Rhenna Surlyhorse has lived in the Keys for most of his life, in trailers, boats and vans. A self taught cartoonist, he also paints, sculpts in various media, and writes poetry on occasion. He likes to enjoy the Keys waters with his two dogs on anything that floats.

LIONFISH HUNT Derby brings prizes and preservation

apture and remove an invasive species underneath the Florida Keys waters for the chance to win prize money. Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s 12th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival, set for Sept. 9-12, is bringing lionfish hunting, dissection demonstrations, tastings, entertainment and more. Competitive divers will hunt for lionfish within the Apex Predators division, while causal divers will be in the Reef Defenders division. Division winners will receive prize money. Teams of two to four people can sign up before Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. Registration is $100 per team. The hunting begins at sunrise to sunset from Friday, Sept. 10 to Saturday, Sept. 11. Lionfish hunters can utilize netting or spears while scuba diving, free diving or snorkeling. Participants must follow federal and state

fishing regulations. Lionfish hunters must turn in their catches by 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12 at the scoring station located at The Postcard Inn Resort & Marina, MM 84, oceanside. REEF Campus in Key Largo, MM 98.3, media, and Mote Marine Laboratory's field station, near MM 24, on Summerland Key are other drop-off locations. A captain’s meeting will take place on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at REEF’s campus in Key Largo. Festivities at The Postcard Inn on Sunday, Sept. 12, are free and open to the public. With scoring and awards also comes music from The Copper Tones, games, raffle prizes, environmental booths and lionfish fillet and dissection demonstrations. Festivities conclude at 3 p.m. Visit reef.org for more information. — Weekly staff report

Kids get a close look at dissected lionfish at the annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

IT’S NOT GOODBYE (Not even for the bugs)

ack in 2012, I wrote my first story for the Keys Weekly that put me on the map, so to speak. Never SARA mind that I had MATTHIS already written tons of inforthinks commumative articles nity journalism about complicatis important, but not serious; likes ed planning matweird and wonters, the environderful children ment, education, (she has two). etc. My “big Occasionally she story” was about tortures herself with sprint-dis… bugs. Yep, tance triathlons, the millipedes. but only if she has Suddenly friends a good chance of beating her sister. and strangers, who never once mentioned reading any of my articles, were stopping me at the grocery store to talk about the yellow-banded “crunchy worms” that had shown up all over the Middle Keys. I have too many good things to say about the Keys Weekly Newspaper and Marathon community to put into words here, my last issue as editor. (Though I plan to be a frequent contributor for the rest of my life.) I know that I am leaving at the top of my game for the top news organization in the Florida Keys and I am proud of what we have all achieved together. I know that the friendships I have made at the paper, and through the paper, are forever. Mark and I will never leave Marathon — we love it way too much — but look forward to being able to get off the rock to see our family more often. Who knows, we might even begin to socialize at places other than the shop or the office. You know who else didn’t leave? The bugs. And so I’ll back slowly and quietly into the bushes a la Homer Simpson with this, the story that put me on the map, published in the Oct. 13, 2012 issue of the Marathon Weekly.

THEY’RE MILLIPEDES, DANG IT!

Household mystery bugs explained

By Sara Matthis Those little yellow and black-striped crunchy worms that seem to appear magically overnight INSIDE Keys homes have a scientific name. Officially, they are called the yellow-banded millipede. And we got ’em first. “The record states that they were found first in Monroe County in 2001,” said Kim Gabel, her very professional tone suggesting otherwise. Gabel, a horticulture agent with the University of Florida’s Monroe County Extension Service, said it’s not known how the Caribbean bug landed on our shores, but it has since spread to Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Gabel assures callers (me) that they are just a nuisance. They aren’t venomous or destructive. They don’t eat household plants or poison pets. They just make a really disconcerting crunching noise when stepped on — barefoot — in the middle of the night. Oh, and if you don’t turn on the light and clean it up right away, it’s gonna leave a mark. “I just sweep them up and put them back outside,” Gabel said. “They are part of nature’s brigade, so to speak. The bugs break down our wood chips and create a nice fertilizer for us.” For those seeking a more permanent solution, try adding some weather stripping to the front and back doors. Seal up the vents to the outside. It’s possible the bugs are seeking the light or moisture. Certainly, if the millipedes knew what they had coming to them, they wouldn’t want inside the house. “Once they enter the building, usually within 24 hours, they die due to the dry conditions,” reads one pamphlet. One last note: Monkeys in a Miami-Dade County zoo have been observed rubbing their fur with the yellow-banded millipedes. Some grackles (songbirds) have been seen to do the same thing. Apparently, millipede secretions act as an insect repellent. Eeeewww.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, Sept. 2 • Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Friday, Sept. 3 Islamorada Village Council budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. • COVID-19 vaccination event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, MM 106, bayside. Sept. 2-6 • The 10th annual Key West Brewfest at multiple venues and times around Key West. Tuesday, Sept. 7 • Storytime at 10:30 a.m. at Friendship Park, MM 101.3, Key Largo. Wednesday, Sept. 8 • Tech Tutor Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at Key Largo Library. • Lego Lab at 4 p.m. at Key Largo Library. Thursday, Sept. 9 • Islamorada Local Planning Agency meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. • Storytime at 10:30 a.m. at Friendship Park, MM 101.3, Key Largo. Sept. 9-12 • The Florida Keys Lionfish Derby and Festival by REEF at the Postcard Inn Resort & Marina in Islamorada beginning at 6:30. Saturday, Sept. 11 • Patriot Day • Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, Islamorada. Swimalligator.com. Sept. 10-12 • Robert James Sales S.L.A.M. Celebrity Anglers Tournament in the waters around Key West as a benefit to “Catch the Cure” for cystic fibrosis. Tuesday, Sept 14 • Final Islamorada Village Council budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Saturday, Sept. 18 • Inaugural “By Land And Sea” Marine Debris Cleanup Tournament from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Postcard Inn, MM 84, oceanside, Islamorada. Sept. 17-19 • The Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship in the Everglades National Park with awards at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. Thursday, Sept. 23 • Islamorada Village Council regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Sept. 24-26 • Take Stock In Children Backcountry Challenge in Key Largo. Saturday, Sept. 25 • Conch Scramble golf tournament, Islamorada. Conchscramble.com.

OBITUARY

Gerald Leonard Gerald Leonard passed away on Aug. 19, 2021 at the age of 85 in South Daytona Beach, Florida. Gerald died peacefully with his beloved wife, Arlie, by his side. Gerald was born in Miami on Sept. 25, 1935, to James Leonard and Rosanna Campbell Leonard. Gerald, his wife, and two children moved from Miami to Islamorada in 1961. They owned and operated several entities, most notably the Coral Grill. In 1987, he and Arlie moved to Orlando and started a new business venture in the residential construction industry. In 1991, he fully retired and soon settled into an equestrian community, to the delight of both of his granddaughters. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rosanna; brothers James, Robert, Frank and Paul; sisters Gertrude and Betty Jane. He is survived by his wife Arlie; children Michael and Michele; grandchildren Kalyn and Taylor; and great-grandson Douglas. The funeral service was to be held at Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange on Sept. 1, 2021.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 A juvenile northern harrier hunts in the field at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

ENCOUNTERS WITH THE GRAY GHOST

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

was not expecting the Gray Ghost, not expecting it to come up the way it did over my shoulder, not expecting it to move on ahead and around the low bank of trees and out of my life before I could really even fathom it was there. It moved as if guided by unseen forces, smooth, quiet and effortless. I saw it for about three seconds, too fast to even think about raising my camera. I had one of those moments where I was simultaneously ecstatic that I saw it and crestfallen that the experience had been so brief. In the years after my father died I had a series of dreams where I would run into him out in the world – in the parking lot of a grocery store or flipping through the jazz section at Tower Records – and he’d say something like, “Oh, hey, yeah, turns out I didn’t die.” And then he’d pause for a second and say, “But I am dying now.” Seeing a Gray Ghost always gives me the slightest twinge of that, a small and unpredictable swirl of joy and melancholy that fades in intensity faster than it rises. Which is a lot of spiritual baggage to project onto a bird that is just simply going about his day. The Gray Ghost is a nickname for the male adult northern harrier. The “gray” part is pretty obvious when you see them in a photo or an illustration in a field guide – their upper parts and face are a sort of a sleek ash gray. (They have some black wingtips thrown in for visual drama.) The “ghost” part has to be experienced in real life. It comes from the way northern harriers can appear out of nowhere, silent and assured, seemingly unaffected by gravity, as if existing on a different plane than our own mortal one. Part of this derives from harriers being some of the slowest fliers out there. It comes down to wing load – long wings and a relatively light body mass make it seem as if they can just hang there, almost stopping at will in midair. Their long tails act as powerful rudders, making them highly maneuverable. The downtempo speed facilitates their hunting habits. Nearly any account you read about the species describes them as owl-like because of their facial disks – concave groups of feathers that surround their eyes and direct sound to their ears, a bit like a parabolic mic. It allows them to hear things like mice scuttling through the grass – to track them as they start and stop, as they change direction, as they run full speed. It allows them to reach down with their long legs, seemingly out of nowhere, and grab their unsuspecting prey with needle-sharp talons. The name

harrier comes directly from their tendency to harry prey. A male northern harrier’s wings are about 10% shorter than a female’s, but they tend to be about 35% lighter. Which makes their wing load even lower and their slowest speed even slower, thus contributing to their ghost-like manner. Northern harriers breed across the upper half of the U.S., their range stretching all the way to northern Canada and Alaska. They are leapfrog migrants, meaning the southern part of the population tends to stay in the same territories year round, but the northern population migrates over and through to more southerly territories, extending all the way into the Keys and across the Caribbean and even to South America. According to the numbers from the Florida Keys Hawkwatch, an average of 635 northern harriers migrate into the Keys every fall. Last year was a record year, in which they counted 1,037 of them. (How many stay in the Keys and how many cross over to Cuba and points south is still unclear.) Most of the harriers seen in the Keys are young birds, brown, but with an orangey breast and belly. (Females look similar to juvenile birds, but with a pale breast and belly.) In the early 2000s I spent a couple seasons up in Marathon, trapping, banding and releasing migrating hawks. We managed to trap a few dozen northern harriers every year. Almost all were juveniles. Five or six times we caught adult females. Occasionally a Gray Ghost would come into the field where our mist nets were set up. Mostly they just moved on south without hesitating. Occasionally one would take a couple loops around the field, interested, but wary. Only once did we manage to catch an adult male and put a band on it. Most years, the Florida Keys Hawkwatch starts on Sept. 1. That tends to be when the migration really gets going. This year, mostly to see if there was a significant flight of swallow-tailed kites coming through the Keys, they started earlier, on Aug. 1. And there have been some interesting results – 648 swallow-tailed kites so far, and 724 osprey. Mixed in with all of that, they’ve caught sight of four northern harriers, all of them Gray Ghosts. It’s unlikely that four birds means much in a statistical sense, but it’s kind of interesting that all the ones that have come through this early have been adult males. And it’s nice to think of them moving around the Keys, gliding through people’s lives, both seen and unseen, specters that are as real as any of us. One of these days I might even get a photo of one.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CONCH TOWN MUSIC located at 1423 Boca Chica Rd, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-6355 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Key West, Florida this 25th day of August, 2021. By: MATHEW SMITH Publish: September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Sale of all goods to be sold on September 13, 2021 at 10:00 am at Tavernier Mini Storage Inc 135 Hood Ave, Tavernier, FL 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage Inc reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids. Publish: August 26 & September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

that it is submitting an application for a CDBGMIT-CIP grant for $4.6m to fund the improvements to the Cocoplum Beach area that will benefit all the local residents as well as visitors. Improvements include elevating roadways and drainage improvements to alleviate the loss of road access and floodwater inundation impacts due to sea level rise and storm surges. The implementation of this project is critical to this area, and they are based on recommendations on the FDEP Coastal Resiliency, Marathon Resiliency- Phase 1 grants completed in June 2019 and the Cocoplum Beach Area- Phase 2 study completed in June 2021. This project is an effort led by the City staff to mitigate any damage and future loss of property and lives and it is considered a strategic investment to minimize risks and reduce losses on a service area with over 60% of low to mid income residents. As shown in previous storm events, this area has been critically disrupted with severe flooding, and roadway failures. When this flooding occurs, residents and businesses in this area are trapped or prevented from doing business as usual. Frequent, prolonged inundation has damages roads, infrastructure, businesses and homes. During these flooding events, emergency response time are also increased, escalating the risk to the residents. Investing in mitigation projects like

this will improve the City’s resiliency by protecting our local residents and will enhance the CDBG-MIT community lifelines of safety and security, transportation and health and medicine. Public comments on this project must be submitted in writing by September 16, 2021. Email address covellim@ ci.marathon.fl.us Publish: September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

in your bid being rejected. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on October 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: September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Lock It Up Charters located at 37 Pompano Avenue, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Jason Calhoun Publish: September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice of Seizure Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 328.17, 713.78, 715.109, Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents on the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien: All contents of unit: B-8 Michael Flowers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Public Notice to Sell Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 328.17, 713.78, 715.109, Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, claims a Notice of Possessory Lien, Foreclosure of Lien on the following Vessel described as a 1987 Boston Whaler Montauk 17 BWCM6309F687 (No Trailer), owner unknown. Vessel to be sold on 9/13/2021 at 10:00 am at Tavernier Mini Storage Inc 135 Hood Ave, Tavernier, FL 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage Inc reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids. Tavernier Mini Storage Inc reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids. Publish: August 26 & September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC NOTICE Following the City of Marathon primary mission to safeguard the public, promote the health, safety and welfareof local residents and businesses, the City is communicating

Meeting Notice Monroe County Land Authority Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold virtual/hybrid public hearings on the adoption of a budget for fiscal year 2022. The hearings will be held using Communications Media Technology (CMT) in the form of a Zoom Webinar platform on September 8, 2021 at 5:05 p.m. and on September 15, 2021 at 5:05 p.m. Members of the public may participate in the September 8 hearing online by typing www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BudgetHearingSept8; or via telephone by dialing (646) 518-9805 and entering Webinar ID 886 1652 0256; or in person at the Harvey Government Center located at 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL and the September 15 hearing by typing www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BudgetHearingSept15; or via telephone by dialing (646) 518-9805 and entering Webinar ID 813 8240 4650; or in person at the Nelson Government Center located at 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. The meeting agenda, the proposed budget, and additional details about accessing the hearings are available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov. For additional information or to submit written or other physical evidence for consideration at the meeting, contact Dina Gambuzza via phone at (305) 295-5180; via email at gambuzza-dina@ monroecounty-fl.gov; or via mail to Monroe County Land Authority, 1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 207, Key West, FL 33040. ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711".

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: ENGINEERING SURVEY DATA COLLECTION LIDAR SERVICES IN THE FIVE MUNICIPALITIES OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request. In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on October 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: Engineering Survey Data Collection LiDAR Services, Five Municipalities, Monroe County, FL 10/14/2021 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 THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-217-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JON ROCKNE ALLEN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Jon Rockne Allen, deceased, whose date of death was December 28, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Monroe County Courthouse, Probate Division, 530 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 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 26, 2021. Personal Representative: GUY A. WILLIS 2432 Flagler Ave. Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: LAUREN Y. DETZEL Florida Bar Number: 253294 BRIAN M. MALEC Florida Bar Number: 41498 DEAN, MEAD, EGERTON, BLOODWORTH, CAPOUANO & BOZARTH, P.A. 420 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 700 P.O. Box 2346 Orlando, Florida 32802-2346 Telephone: (407) 841-1200 Fax: (407) 423-1831 Primary E-mail: ldetzel@ deanmead.com

LEGAL NOTICES Primary E-mail: bmalec@ deanmead.com Secondary E-mail: probate@ deanmead.com Publish: August 26 & September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-226-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF STANLEY PARKER CHAPMAN Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Stanley Parker Chapman, deceased, whose date of death was July 10, 2021, 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 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 26, 2021. Personal Representative: Ryland Chapman 6438 Tides Road King George, Virginia 22485 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: August 26 & September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-159-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CARLOS V. JOHNSON Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CARLOS V. JOHNSON, deceased, whose date of death was June 16, 2018,

LEGAL NOTICES 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 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 26, 2021. Personal Representative: DAISY JOHNSON 21611 Old State Road #4A Summerland Key, Florida 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Gregory D. Davila, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0886998 1111 12th Street, Suite 310 Key West, Florida 33040 Telephone: (305) 293-8554 Fax: (305) 294-9913 E-mail: gdavila@ keywestlawoffice.com Secondary E-Mail: e-filing@ keywestlawoffice.com Publish: August 26 & September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000198-K IN RE: ESTATE OF FRED ANTON MOORE Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Fred Anton Moore, deceased, whose date of death was June 6, 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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

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 26, 2021. Personal Representative: Laura A. Moore 1510 Duncombe Street Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Lisa G. Rowe, Esq. Florida Bar No: 88808 MARIA LESCANO, P.A. 20 S.E. 20th Street Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 Telephone: (954) 463-7877 E-mail: lisa@lescanolaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pleadings@ lescanolaw.com Publish: August 26 & September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Representative: Daniel J. Probst, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 896888 Brookmyer, Hochman, Probst & Jonas, P.A. 800 Village Square Crossing, Suite 214 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Telephone: (561) 624-2110 Fax: (561) 656-2099 Primary E-mail: dan@ probstlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: roe@ probstlaw.com Publish: August 26 & September 2, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000046-P IN RE: ESTATE OF RAFAEL E. DUYOS, JR., Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RAFAEL ENRIQUE DUYOS, JR., deceased, whose date of death was March 15, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: September 2, 2021. Personal Representative: Rafael E. Duyos III 804 Le Cove Ct Virginia Beach, VA 23464 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1015363 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com ROBERT STOBER, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 104043 E-Mail: RStober@HLYlaw.com HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156 Publish: September 2 & 9, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Yonela Yvonne Ndleleni, whose address is 3330 Northside Drive, Apt 207, Mariners Cove, Key West, FL 33040, on or before September 27, 2021, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: August 20, 2021 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Publish: August 26, September 2, 9 & 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: August 27, 2021 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shakia Mitchell Deputy Clerk Publish: September 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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

tips. Apply in person at Cabana Club, 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call April (305) 393-0631

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 21-DR-000129-M Division: Family RAUL LLANES, Petitioner, and ROSA I ARAMBURU INFANTE, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ROSA I ARAMBURU INFANTE Last Known Address: 2371 SW 13TH STREET, MIAMI, FL 33145 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on RAUL LLANES, whose address is 243 ORANGE AVENUE, MARATHON, FL 33050, on or before October 4, 2021, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL 33050, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You

Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20 hrs. per week, $20 per hr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 44-2021-CP-000079A001-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES F. MCCARTHY, JR. Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHARLES F. McCARTHY, JR., deceased, whose date of death was July 2, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The 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 26, 2021. Personal Representative: Daniel F. McCarthy 57 Andover Road Billerica, MA 01821 Attorney for Personal

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-2-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF NORMAN R. HINDS Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Norman R. Hinds, deceased, whose date of death was October 26, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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: September 2, 2021. Personal Representative: John R. Hinds 13395 NW 107th Ave. Miami, FL 33018 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney for John R. Hinds Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: September 2 & 9, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 21-DR-547-K Division: Family YONELA YVONNE NDLELENI, Petitioner, and DANIEL DILLION GUMBS Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: Daniel Dillion Gumbs Last Known Address: 4726 Wyresdale Street, Orlando, FL 32808 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed

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

BOATS FOR SALE 12' Jon Boat w/ 6 hp Nissan motor, and trailer. Located in Marathon. $1,400 305-395-1015 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!

EMPLOYMENT

All Keys Yamaha hiring Retail Parts/Counter Help. Marine outboard knowledge a plus. Quickbook experience a plus. Hours M-F 8a5p. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530 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

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 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 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 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

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. 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

HOMES FOR SALE MARATHON. 2 duplexes for sale. Non Waterfront, Year round rentals, each building 4 Bedrooms 2 Baths, good rent roll. Close to shopping, Post Office & restaurants. 305-664-1286

HOUSING FOR RENT Marathon - For Rent Small bedroom efficiency Conch House. Furnished, gated. $1,350/month year lease includes all utilities. F/L/S No Pets. 305-928-9057 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. Long term lease. 305-747-1700 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 LOT FOR SALE 100' x 100' - Venetian Shores, MM 86, Snake Creek Bridge views. Asking $1.3 Million. Call 5 6 1 - 5 7 9 - 8 3 9 9

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Joseph C. Kientzy working at home grading precious stones. P.S. Jimmy Buffett was playing in the background. JOSEPH KIENTZY/Contributed

Ms. Amanda is an amazing person who constantly goes above and beyond to ensure that every student has a wonderful start to their day. She is communicating with parents about the safety precautions that need to be taken in order to provide a safe and secure campus in the midst of a pandemic. TVM would not be the same without her. KELLY MANGEL/ Contributed

Grandpa ‘hard at work’ living the good life at Bahia Honda. JEFF HARRISON/Contributed

We were out boating and someone asked to send the Bombora vodka. We figured out a way to make a makeshift raft to accommodate their needs. Door dash delivers. Cheers! MICHELLE FREYDER/Contributed

Award-winning angler Sheila Knowles, pictured with Capt. Stan Miles, hooked, fought & caught it off Key West. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

It’s always a joy to see our friend Phil the postman with his never ending smile and contagious positive attitude! CITY MARINA STAFF/Contributed

GOOD ATWORK TIFFANY DUONG

n SEPTEMBER, we’re celebrating the people who are amazing at what they do! In honor of LABOR DAY, we’re shining a spotlight on anyone in the Keys who’s doing an excellent job. Love your local teacher/ fishing guide/mailman/nurse/newspaper reporter? Send us a picture of them and a sentence about why they rock! Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

tiﬀany@keysweekly.com

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

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • MISC. FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

OFFICE/COMMERCIAL

RV SITE FOR RENT

Lobster Certificates (B) with tags for sale. 217 at $200 each. Will absorb 10% reduction. 305-743-8326

Major Appliances For Sale. Gently used, from renovated condos in Key West. Dishwashers, Stoves/Ovens, Microwaves, Sinks/Faucets, Garbage Disposals, and more. Prices starting as low as $25. 3 0 5 - 7 4 7 - 1 7 0 0

Commercial Building 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

RV Site For Rent in Marathon. Full Hookup. No pets. $1600/month all inclusive. F/L/S 3 0 5 - 7 4 7 - 1 7 0 0

Jet Ski Engine 1100cc for sale in Marathon. Direct injection marine engine. Runs. $600.00 305-289-9884 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!

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

Two Bassett Sofas (cloth) For Sale - Excellent Condition. $350.00 each. 2 Recliners (cloth) For Sale - Good Condition. $150.00 each. Located in Marathon. Call 305-3952095 or 305-664-1286 Michelin Premier Tires & Rims - Set of 4 for sale in Marathon. 265/65/R17 $500.00 Call 305-289-9884

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

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

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT

is accepting applications for the following positions:

(2) FIELD INSPECTORS – MARATHON FIELD INSPECTOR – UPPER KEYS MECHANIC – MARATHON ON-CALL PILOTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IT ASSISTANT For more information visit: keysmosquito.org/current-openings

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

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

YARD SALES ESTATE SALE- ALL DÉCOR Rugs, art, accent pieces, dishes, platters, cookware and (4) plasma TVs. A few tools. New homeowners have downsized and need to re-home beautiful, designer goods purchased at high-end stores. Sale is Sat., Sept. 4 and Sun., Sept 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 271 8th Street, Key Colony Beach.

305.743.0844

RECEPTIONIST

*$500 SIGN ON BONUS FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATE* Wesley House Family Services is seeking a F/T Bilingual Receptionist at our Key West office. This position has the primary responsibility for providing support to agency staff, departments and clients. High School Diploma required with two years of experience in an Administrative or Managerial Office Support. Must be bilingual in English and Spanish. Position pays $16.00/hour and we offer competitive benefits: 80% paid medical and dental insurance, 12 paid holidays, Birthday paid day off, retirement plan with employer match and much more.

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR ASSISTANT *$500 SIGN ON BONUS FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATE*

CHARLEY TOPPINO & SONS IS HIRING Begin an exciting career with one of the most established and reputable companies in the Keys

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

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

Wesley House Family Services is seeking a Seasonal six-month contract position assisting the Development Coordinator with event planning, preparation, and marketing. Assist with social media campaigns and community outreach. Assist with accurate record keeping. Must be computer savvy and have your own car. Creativity and fundraising experience a plus! $20/hour. Position begins in October.

P/T KITCHEN AIDE

*$500 SIGN ON BONUS FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATE* Wesley House Family Services is seeking a P/T Kitchen Aide assisting with preparing, portioning and delivering food for Inez Martin Child Development Center. High School diploma required. Knowledge of the Department of Health Nutritional guidelines and standards a plus. $15/hour. Interested candidates can email resume to HR@wesleyhouse.org. Wesley House is an EEOC employer and Drug Free Workplace.

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Risk Management Assistant 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.

Monroe County Attorney’s Office has a full-time opportunity available for a highly motivated individual to support the Risk Administrator. This position is responsible for the review and analysis of insurance documentation for compliance with county contracts and use of county property; processing claims for general liability, auto physical, county property and auto liability. Assistant will maintain current insurance records, perform daily administrative duties and a variety of office support tasks. Associates degree with minimum 2 years of experience working in Risk Management or Safety required. Salary range $38,030 - $58,947 depending on qualifications and experience. Contact Human Resources at Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov or at (305) 292 – 4557. Applications are available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov. Deadline – Open until filled, E.O.E.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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

CITY CLERK FULL-TIME Serves as City Clerk for the City and Commission. Maintains city records. Supervises City elections. Coordinates activities of commission, committees, and citizens. Provides review of financial services including monthly financial statements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and audit support. Coordinates annual budget process under direction of the city Administrator. Provides Risk Management and Human Resources services for city. Provides support to other city departments when needed. Reports to and works closely with City Administrator to support daily operations. Salary: $58,000 minimum, DOQ Benefits include: medical, dental, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave and holidays; and retirement (employee only PLEASE READ QUALIFICATIONS Qualifications: Business-related Associates Degree; Experience working in government at a responsible level; knowledge of Microsoft Office and QuickBooks; familiar with use of internet; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with commission, staff, and public. Requires a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FULL-TIME Department: administration Salary: $52,000.00 Benefits include: medical, dental, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave and holidays; and retirement (employee only) Job Description The Code Enforcement Officer conducts inspections and investigates complaints for compliance with City codes and ordinances, including the inspection of short term (vacation) rentals, and enforcement of short term (vacation) rental codes and ordinances. The Officer seeks to obtain compliance with City codes through citations or warning notices while assuring due process to violators. The position is required to prepare letter and written documentation necessary to take violators to hearing for enforcement action and to provide testimony before the Code Enforcement Adjustment and Appeals Board. This position reports directly to the Code Enforcement and Vacation Rental Manager. Work is performed under general supervision which requires initiative, independent judgment, and organizational skills. The Code Enforcement Officer must deal effectively with the public, property owners and contractors to obtain compliance. Job Responsibilities - Administers and enforces the City’s short term (vacation) rental ordinances and actively manages the City’s program to register, inspect and monitor short term (vacation) rentals within the City. - Investigates complaints regarding code violations pertaining to building, housing, zoning, tree, sign, and other City codes by conducting field investigations and property research. - Regularly attends and provides testimony before the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board or Special Magistrate regarding code violations. - Provides violators of City codes with citations or notice of violation and gives the violator due process to comply with City codes. - Routinely patrols designated area for potential code violations, including violations of the short-term rental ordinances, overgrown lot and untagged or inoperable vehicle, and all other applicable local civil laws and submits weekly inspection reports to the City Administrator. - Maintains records regarding code violations via a computer-aided tracking system, and documents files until compliance is obtained or a lien is imposed. - Prepares letters for notice of violation and notice of hearing, clearly identifying code violations and appropriate corrective action. - Conducts follow-up inspections to previously identified code violations to ensure that code compliance is maintained. - Assists with permitting and inspection to the degree certification is necessary and obtained from the CITY of KCB. - Maintains vehicles and equipment used in the code enforcement process in good working order. - Nights, weekends and holiday work will be required, floating 40 hours per week. - Typical day 2 hours office 6 hours on the road. - Performs other related duties as assigned. Education, Training and Experience - High school diploma required. Experience using computer software and applications. Good written and verbal communication skills, and excellent public relations skills are a necessity. Two years’ experience performing public contact work and demonstrating written, verbal, computer and organization skills is required. - Driver's License Requirement: Valid Florida Driver's License Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to effectively communicate and exchange information with others. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and crouching throughout the day in varying climate conditions. The employee must frequently lift or move items up to 40 pounds.

Submit resume and completed online application to: City of Key Colony Beach City Hall, Attn: City Administrator 600 West Ocean Drive, PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Or email to: cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net Application form: https://keycolonybeach.net/apply-for-a-job Equal Opportunity Employer

OPEN POSITIONS AT BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA • Dietitian, $5K Sign-On Bonus • First Cook, Dietary, $2K-5K Sign-On Bonus • Floor Technician, Environmental Services, $5K Sign-On Bonus • Mechanic • Medical Staff Asst, $2K Sign-On Bonus • Monitor Technician, Cardiac Telemetry • Pharmacy Technician, $4K Sign-On Bonus • Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy • Phlebotomist, $2K Sign-On Bonus • Phlebotomist, Laboratory – Per Diem • Security Officer • Sleep Tech, Cardiopulmonary Apply and learn more: careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

Part time & Full time Opportunities!

Sous Chef Housekeeping Room Attendant 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 position:

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

EVENING FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR

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

Previous hotel experience required

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

GREAT PAY, HEALTH & TRAVEL BENEFITS

Medical Technician

(Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time. Permanent)

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

Apply in person at: Courtyard Marriott Marathon 2146 Overseas Hwy, Marathon Or email resume to: jtyson@shanercorp.com, 305.289.2100

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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

Join Our Team! 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

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

Construction Foreman Experience in high-end residential; finish carpentry, drywall, windows/ doors, understanding of building systems & construction techniques.

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

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

Warehouse & Delivery Crew

Retail & Online Banking • Accounting • IT Maintenance • Business Development Excellent Starting Salary Quarterly Cash Proﬁt Sharing

Landscape Designer

Great Hours - Closed Sundays An outdoor design specialist that works well with clients— Paid Holidays, & Sick producing designs, selections, Vacation and processing sales.

Time

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

401K Employer Match Lead AV Technician AV and Home Automation Tuition Reimbursement installations. Knowledge of electrical/ electronic components.

Entry Level - Management Positions Available

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

Apply Online! KeysBank.com/Careers

Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license (CDL a plus) and be on time. Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE 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) *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.

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.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Lic No. SP1481

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

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

OUT DOOR LIVING SPACES

Key West 305-292-2666

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy. A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

SP3102

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

FREE ESTIMATES | WILL NOT BE UNDERBID

305.896.3599

When It Rains It Pours!

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

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

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 MANDY MILES

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ANNOUNCES TEAM WALTERS

Key West Brewfest organizers Brad Lutz, Sue Fowler and Charlie Mench practice their beer-tasting talents ahead of this year’s Key West Brewfest.

BOTTOMS UP KEY WEST BREWFEST IS BACK

he Key West Sunrise Rotary Club is making its third attempt to hold its 10th annual Key West Brewfest. The pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s event, and the threat of Hurricane Dorian put the kibosh on the 2019 event. But as of Sept. 1, this year’s 10th annual Key West Brewfest is a go, said Charlie Mench, one of the organizers of the sudsy event that raises money for the Rotary club’s local scholarship programs and other charitable endeavors. They certainly make it easy to support a good cause, when the signature tasting event on Saturday, Sept. 4 offers scores of beers, hard ciders, seltzers and other adult beverages. The $40 general admission fee includes a tasting glass that can be filled and refilled at dozens of booths that pack Key West’s South Beach in the 1400 block of Duval Street for the tasting event. The $100 VIP tickets include early admission into the tasting booths, a T-shirt and passed appetizers. Always looking out for each other, Sunrise Rotary is also selling Designated Driver tickets for $25 each. Those tickets come with unlimited soft drinks and water as well as a complimentary meal for the responsible driver. Key West Brewfest starts Thursday, Sept. 2 with a kickoff party, and continues with pool parties and beer pairing dinners at restaurants and venues all over town. A complete schedule and tickets for individual events are available at keywestbrewfest.com. “Key West BrewFest has grown to be the largest event put on by Key West Sunrise Rotary,” the club’s website states. “The multiday festival hosted by Southernmost Beach Resort includes beer pairing dinners, pool parties along with other activities around town culminating with the signature tasting event. Each day offers things to do with events taking place at many restaurants, hotels, and bars all over Key West.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 2, 2021