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This one’s for you, Mike Forster.

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REMEMBERING MIKE FORSTER | P. 6 Hearing loss left you feeling puzzled?

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

According to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report, 841 manatees died between Jan. 1 and July 2 of this year. That surpasses a previous record of 830 total manatee deaths in 2013. Reported deaths so far in 2021 are twice the number of deaths — 354 — recorded in that same period in 2020. This year’s die-off was attributed to starvation — the FWC notes “a reduction in food availability, seagrass” — and a spike in boat strikes.

FORMER STATE REP. RASCHEIN APPLIES TO FILL FORSTER’S SEAT

When not at Mangrove Mike’s Cafe or fulfilling county commissioner responsibilities, Mike Forster would spend his day fishing in the Everglades. Read more about Forster’s life and the influence he had on pages 5 and 6. CONTRIBUTED

Former state Rep. Holly Raschein has submitted an application to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office for the vacant county commission seat in District 5. CONTRIBUTED

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community continues to grieve following the loss of Mike Forster from a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. His passing on the morning of Sept. 6 remains fresh and in the hearts of many, as social media posts remember his community spirit. As the healing continues, the process begins for Gov. Ron DeSantis to decide who will fill Forster’s county commission seat through November 2022. An election would then take place for the remaining two years of Forster’s term. While a timetable for a decision remains unknown, those interested in serving can now apply. One of the people applying for the seat, which represents Key Largo and Tavernier, is former state representative for the Florida Keys, Holly Merrill Raschein. Serving on the Keys’ behalf for eight years in Tallahassee, Raschein is no stranger to the political scene and the issues facing the island chain. Last December, she started her new job with AshBritt Environmental as director of governmental relations. And she remains an active community member in the Keys, with service on the Monroe County Education Foundation’s board of directors, Key Largo Rotary Club and Young Philanthropists of Baptist Health. Raschein said she’d known Forster since her early days in politics as a legislative aide. Forster’s public service began in the early 2000s as an Islamorada Local Planning Agency member. He would then serve five terms, or 12 years, as an Islamorada council member before going on to become a county commissioner in November 2020. Raschein submitted her application to serve Forster’s remaining term on Sept, 13. “I wish I did not have the opportunity to serve as the governor’s appointee to the Monroe County Board

of County Commissioners. I wish Mike Forster were still alive; that COVID had not taken him too soon as it has taken far too many,” she wrote in her application. “He was doing an outstanding job, and I will never take his place. “However, I would like to believe that out of this tragedy, I can continue his legacy by leveraging my two decades of service to the Florida Keys. I know our people, our issues, our past and our potential. If given the opportunity, I will work tirelessly to make Mike proud,” she continued. Raschein added that serving in office has been a big part of her life, so much that she missed it. And she said her base is the Upper Keys, a place she’s built her life around. “It’s something that I actually know how to do,” she said. “I know the issues, obviously, and I know most if not all the players. And it’s in my backyard.” Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron and current state Rep. Jim Mooney are among the elected officials who sent recommendation letters for Raschein to the governor’s office. “Commissioner Forster and former Rep. Raschein not only collaborated on many unique issues within the Florida Keys — they were friends who supported each other, and it is my belief that Commissioner Forster would be comforted to see Holly as his replacement,” Coldiron wrote. As the governor’s decision looms, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners gathered for a regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 15 at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. “I know Mike would appreciate it and would support it,” Raschein said following her decision to submit her name to the governor. “Forster deferred to me before he even ran (for county commission).”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

OBITUARY

MIKE FORSTER, AKA MANGROVE MIKE and MR. ISLAMORADA

orn into a family of anglers, Mike came into the world with a fishing rod in hand on Oct. 21, 1960, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Milton Forster and Penny Joseph. The youngest of five siblings, he could be found fishing in his backyard, on piers and along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay throughout his youth and teenage years. Into adulthood, fishing continued as his passion, serving as the driving force with all he did, including landing in Islamorada in 1990 after living for a short time in Miami. At a young age, he was driven to serve those in need and continued with that drive until his passing on Sept. 6, 2021. Mike spent most of his years living in Islamorada yet served those in need throughout the Upper Keys and eventually throughout the Florida Keys. Long an Islamorada resident, he moved to Key Largo in 2020. In his down time, he enjoyed fishing and boating, and knew how not to be found somewhere in Florida Bay, a place he fought to preserve, and Everglades National Park, enjoying fishing in his nirvana, where he once spent an unfortunate night stranded without fuel. Mike was never without his “Makau” or Hawaiian fishhook necklace, always reminding him of its important symbolism – “ensuring a safe passage over water and bringing good fortune and strength to those who wear it.”

After stints at several Upper Keys restaurants including Pilot House and Melon’s, Mike opened the popular Mangrove Mike’s Café and Catering in 1998, opening a second location at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in 2020. Public service called on Mike in the early 2000s when he first served on the Local Planning Agency for the Village of Islamorada, soon followed by his initial campaign for the elected office of Village Council in 2002. After a break, he campaigned again in 2008, ultimately serving five consecutive terms for 12 years before terming out. He set his sights on the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, winning the District Five seat in November 2020. In addition to his elected public service, Mike served on the board of several not-for-profits including United Way of Collier and the Florida Keys, Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, MARC and Islamorada Chamber of Commerce. He was made an honorary member with the Key Largo Sunset Rotary in 2020. One of his most cherished and celebrated missions involved traveling with a group of locals led by Pastor Tony Hammon to Uganda, Africa, to serve hundreds of children living in orphanages, making annual treks from 2016 through 2018. He provided cows, food, soccer balls and bikes, as well as Shoes That Grow to several hundred children during the trips. Using excess campaign funds, he purchased equipment and built the Rick Strong Children’s Playground in memory of his “brother-from-another-mother” Rick Moeller. Mike formed special bonds during these trips with Dr. Miguel Diaz and Pastor Tony, who saw him through his final weeks on earth. Practicing random acts of kindness was part of Mike’s DNA, helping hardworking individuals and families when they most needed a boost. Whether he found out through the welcoming place of his café or out on the street, his offers to help came as a comfort to countless people. In the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017, he opened his café immediately, feeding first responders and those in need for several weeks for free.

After many years of giving to organizations and others, Mike established his own foundation, Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors Paying Forward, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a mechanism for donations to provide food for those in need, first responders and healthcare workers, while also arranging for deliveries to be made by others or himself. Always a dog lover, he has owned, or really, they have owned him, several dogs over the years, including several vizslas, a breed Mike favored. He leaves behind brother-and-sister duo Henry and Ms. Joy, named in memory of the late Capt. Hank and Joy Brown, now in the care of the Caceres family in Key Largo. A virtual Celebration of Life is being planned to be shared via social media. Per Mike’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered in his favorite fishing hole in Florida Bay, the place where he sought and found his peace, joining other legendary fishermen and guides who he loved and admired. To honor Mike’s memory, a foundation board will be created to continue his legacy of serving the entire Keys community. Donations can be made to Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors Paying Forward, P.O. Box 1459, Islamorada, 33036. To support his efforts in Uganda, donations can be made in Mike’s memory to Island Community Church, 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, 33070, or via www.islandcommunitychurch.org/give. Donations can also be made to United Way of Collier and the Florida Keys and Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition. Mike loved sharing inspirational quotes daily on Facebook, with many of his friends near and far looking forward to these each morning. His final post read, “The past is in your head. The future is in your hands.” Let’s put Mike’s legacy in our hands to continue to his selfless giving for years to come. As Mike said, “It’s all about giving back, man.”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Mike Forster and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officer Bobby Dube prepare pulled pork during a food drive in Key Largo last year. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

REMEMBERING MIKE A man with a heart and a will to tackle various causes JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

lown-out windows from Hurricane Irma didn’t stop Mike Forster from opening his cafe to feed the many who responded to the disaster. A complete closure of the Keys to visitors during the early stages of the COVID-19 affected businesses and paychecks, propelling the Mangrove Mike’s Cafe owner to step up and help out in a time of need. Ask Forster’s close friends what made him special to a tight-knit Upper Keys community, and they’ll say it was his heart. An animal lover whose nirvana was fishing in the Everglades, Forster inspired many people by his many causes, from a student’s education to shoes for Ugandan children. Island Community Church Pastor Tony Hammon met Forster more than a decade ago. Their relationship would begin with the two on opposite sides on village issues. But over time, the respect grew, and so did a close bond when Hammon would show Forster pictures of his mission trips to Africa. Forster would end up participating in three mission trips to Uganda. “Every time I’d show him pictures of the kids he’d tear up,” he said. “In 2016, he talked about really wanting to go.” Hammon recalls a moment at the Atlanta airport on the way to Africa, when Forster and he received a phone call with news that Rick Moeller passed away after a bout with cancer. Both were wearing Rick Strong bracelets at

the time. While grieving, Forster told Hammon he wanted to honor Rick, and thus came the “Rick Strong” playground. “Doing all those things together, a real friendship developed. Then he moved into a house right next door to me,” Hammon said. “He had a great relationship going with (my wife) Colleen’s mom, who was 96 years old. You would have thought Mike was her son. “Everyone who knew Mike, he was their best friend, or they were his best friend. I have said dozens of times he was sort of the catalyst for the heart and soul of Islamorada in so many ways,” he continued. Former village councilwoman Deb Gillis met Forster in the early 2000s when she purchased Sunset Inn, located next to his cafe. Having served on the dais for a number of years with Fortser, Gillis said he was communityminded, well educated and made sound decisions based on his beliefs in what would benefit everyone. “I never got the impression it was for him or to enhance his goals,” she said. “It was always about the community.”

Mike Forster meets with children during a mission trip to Uganda. CONTRIBUTED

Gillis said she’ll never forget the times Forster was there for her after the passing of her husband, Larry, in 2014. “He was there by my side when that was going on. He became family. That’s what he did for everybody,” Gillis said. Former Islamorada councilman and current state Rep. Jim Mooney met Forster around the time of the village’s incorporation in 1997. Mooney said Forster would attend every meeting in the early days. Mooney and Forster served on the dais together in 2002 and from 2014 to 2020. Forster would go on to become county commissioner for District 5 following an election win in November 2020. Mooney won election to the state House that year. “He jumped into politics for the first time and he started his countdown days. He had a calendar crossing the days off until he could get out of there,” Mooney recalled with a laugh. “He got out of it for a bit there, and we became better friends. I ended up finding out he was a fisherman and we’d go out every now and then together.” Forster’s vision was working to make people’s lives better, whether it was clean water or workforce housing. “Those issues we still deal with today was his mantra,” Mooney said. “It’s hard to accomplish all the goals you want, but Mike was persistent and was good at it.” Hammon will remember the scene of Ugandan children surrounding Forster, who would hand out Jolly Ranchers. He’ll also look back fondly on the time spent during flights learning more about him. “I’ll remember hanging out around my boat trailer and skiff and talk about the day. It was not uncommon to pull up with the truck and ask for help unloading stuff, and it would be a load of vegetables from Farm Share,” he said. “When he addressed me, it would be ‘my pastor’ or ‘my spiritual adviser.’ I knew I was in for a project.” Judith Liggett spends half the year in the Keys. She said one of Mike Forster presents a plaque in honor of the highlights was returning to the Councilman Ken Davis during a Nov. 19, Keys and seeing Forster. 2020 meeting of Islamorada Village Coun“He was a kind and loving soul cil. The plaque is hanging at Fire Station 20 … a true humanitarian and generin Islamorada. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly ous to the core,” she said. “He will be missed so very much by all who had the honor to know him.” Gillis also won’t forget what Forster did for a mother and her child from the Bahamas who he found sitting at a grocery store with no place to go. Forster would get them a room at Sunset Inn for a couple days to help them out. “He didn’t know that woman,” Gillis said. “He always wanted to give. He took care of everyone else before he took care of himself sometimes. That’s what made him special. If there was a need he was going to figure out how to do something about it. “It doesn’t matter if you’re serving one person or 2,000 people,” Gillis continued. “If you can affect one person, that means a lot.” What made Forster special was his heart, Hammon said. “He would see a cause and he would tackle it. A lot of times we’d function alike. The plan would form as we were in the middle of the project,” he said. “If there was no food for anybody, well, here’s the plan: we're going to cook food and serve people. Think about all the causes from Florida Bay and MARC and everything in between, he was in 100%.” Capt. Skip Bradeen remembers the tent Forster put up in front of his restaurant during Irma and the constant donations of food, the personnel and the smiles he shared with the community. Bradeen, who’s a member of the Islamorada Boat Association, said he’s requesting members to dedicate the Blessing of the Fleet on Jan. 1, 2022 to Forster. “What a wonderful person and community citizen he was,” Bradeen said. “He was always so involved with projects that were near and dear to him and to make a difference for all of us.”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

‘A MISSING PIECE’ Commissioners take a moment for Mike JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A picture of County Commissioner Mike Forster and a poster with various pictures sit on his desk inside the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Mike Forster’s seat has his name tag and flowers during the Sept. 15 meeting of the Monroe Board of County Commissioners. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

n the second floor of the Murray Nelson Government Center is the office of Monroe County Commissioner Mike Forster. On the desk stood a picture frame of Forster and a poster with various images of his smile. On the first floor, a notable presence and voice was missing at the Monroe Board of County Commissioners Sept. 15 meeting in Key Largo. Forster’s seat to the far left next to Commissioner David Rice would still see his name plate and flowers. A video tribute to Forster would begin the meeting. “We are one man down today,” Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron said to kick off the meeting. “We are missing Mike. It’s impossible to sum up Mike in just a few minutes. “He wasn’t just a commissioner or councilman, he wasn’t just a (member of a) board of directors, he was our friend. He cared immensely about the community and he lived fully,” she continued. Commissioner David Rice said Forster was a friend to him and a friend to Monroe County. Commissioner Craig Cates said Forster was a “truly special person.” “He was so sincere and gave back to his community in public service and private life. He will be truly missed and there’s a hole in the community.” The easiest way to describe Forster, for Commissioner Eddie Martinez, was that he was a real, genuine person. “He said what he felt and felt what he said,” Martinez said. “There’s big shoes to fill with Mike gone.” Later in the meeting, commissioners received a COVID-19 update from Shannon Weiner, emergency management director, and Bob Eadie, top health officer for Monroe County. Latest data from Sept. 13 saw 40 new cases, six of those being minors. Average cases for the past week totaled 36. That’s down from the previous week, 44, and 55 the week before that.

“We’re experiencing a little trend here,” Weiner said. Twenty-seven patients with COVID-19 were being cared for at Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West as of Sept. 15. Four COVID-19 patients were receiving care at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. Weiner said both hospitals are operating in green status, with both providing monoclonal treatment. While Eadie said he’s encouraged by the downward trend in new cases, he raised concern over the number of children testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of patients in hospitals who are unvaccinated. “If you’re starting to feel ill, get health care attention as soon as possible,” Eadie said. “The monoclonal antibody treatment available has been very successful, but it has to be started after the onset of disease. If it progresses too far where people put off medical help, the efficacy of that treatment is diminished greatly.” A motion was approved by commissioners to reopen the small park on Bay Drive in Key Largo on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through November. The park has seen its issues of overcrowding and cars parked throughout the neighborhood over the years, as it became better known to visitors. Commissioners not only closed the park from June to Labor Day, but they also installed no-parking signs within the neighborhood with $200 fines for offenders. The boat ramp remains open. “I think this is a pretty clearly defined problem. You got a small neighborhood park that absolutely cannot meet the needs by the number of people who discovered it,” Rice said. Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson told commissioners that several groups are looking for space at the old Plantation Key Courthouse building. With a new Monroe County Government Center being constructed, the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, county clerk of the court, state attorney, sheriff's office and public works will be moving over. That leaves space at the old building available. Among the organizations desiring space are JOY, or Just for Older Youth, NOAA and juvenile justice. “We won’t be out of there until later this year or next year,” Wilson said. “There is a plan we’re going to have to put together. I’m a little leery trying to walk through judge rooms and say, ‘We’re going to put someone here and there.’ Let them operate until they move into the new courthouse, then we’ll handle requests.”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

aises for staff and law enforcement, as well as a new derelict-vessel removal program and a strategic plan, are among the items accounting for increased spending in Islamorada’s upcoming budget cycle. A second budget hearing held Sept. 14 inside Founders Park Community Center saw the dais adopting a finalized millage rate of 3.00 mills for 2021-22. The rate represents tax collections of $300 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.

VILLAGE BUDGET FINALIZED

Spending and revenue up from previous year

Based on valuations completed earlier in the year, the millage rate is a 5.3% increase from a rolled-back rate of 2.849. The rolled-back rate is based on current taxable values that would allow the village to bring in the same tax collections from the prior year. A 3.00 millage rate would bring in $12.3 million in ad valorem taxes. An adopted budget with a 3.015 millage rate last year brought in $11.5 million. “I think it’s important to point out to the public that revenue we collect from ad valorem increased dramatically this year due in large part to the amount of new value that came online from new construction, close to a quarter of a billion dollars,” Councilman Mark Gregg said. “We’re not charging more, we have more property to tax. That’s what’s happening.” Revenue from local government half-cent sales tax is budgeted at $1.3 million, while reimbursement from FEMA for Irma expenses is budgeted at $400,000. Franchise fees for solid waste are expected to bring the village $700,000.

The budget adds one public works employee and three law enforcement personnel. The budget accounts for a 7.86% increase for sheriff’s deputies, a cost of living increase of 5% for employees making less than $100,000 and a 3% raise for employees making over $100,000. Expenditures within the 202122 general fund total $17.9 million. That’s up from $14.8 million from last year’s adopted budget. Oravec attributed a spending increase to one-time expenditures, such as $300,000 for a new program to remove derelict vessels from the water. “What we really want with one-time expenditures is an adequate return on investment. We want to make sure we really get something out of those onetime expenditures,” Oravec said. “Whether it’s control or moving the community with purchase or acquisition, or it’s a 2023 road map or a strategic master plan that tells us where we’re going, those are the kind of things you want to use one-time money on.” Village council’s budget saw a $70,000 increase in order to provide donations to local nonprofit organizations. With a 3.00 millage rate, village Finance Director Maria Bassett said the village would use $639,500 from fund balance. Bassett said the unassigned balance would still be at 43% of budgeted expenses. “The millage rates were higher in prior years, especially as we were going through the Hurricane Irma recovery and then we started getting our Irma reimbursements,” Bassett said. “Our unassigned fund balance is very healthy.” A little over $12.4 million is budgeted for capital project expenses for 2021-22. A master plan for the Fills is included in the capital projects list at $300,000. Improvements to Green Turtle Hammock are budgeted for $750,000 and Key Tree Cactus Preserve at $300,000. Various canal restoration projects totaling $275,000 are also included in the capital budget. A FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant of $1.5 million will pay for safe room projects, which are designed to protect people in public and private structures from hurricanes, and floodproofing.

LEADERSHIP MONROE COUNTY ANNOUNCES

CLASS XXIX

eadership Monroe County, the premier educational non-profit community leadership organization, announces its twentyninth year of programs with the selection of Class XXIX. The LMC program is aimed at residents who are active in leadership roles within the private sector, government, or community organizations. Through a series of single or multi-day sessions over eight months, participants examine the fundamental public and private segments throughout the county. The program also provides participants the opportunity for mutual awareness and discussion of issues affecting the Keys. These experiences help participants grow as Monroe County residents and leaders. Sessions will begin Friday, Oct. 1 in Key West with subsequent monthly classes throughout the Keys, culminating with graduation in May 2022. Sessions are led by experts and leaders in the respective fields covered in each session. The nine sessions include focusing on the challenges and opportunities that confront the dynamic tourism industry and the Keys economy; vital environmental issues from the Everglades to Florida Bay and the coral reefs; the Monroe County education system; the multi-levels of government; the judiciary and law enforcement system; the historical and present military significance in the Keys; emergency management and emerging best practices; an examination of the Keys health care and human services; the increasing impact of the arts and creative industries; the non-profit sectors, and the rapidly changing media platforms that inform the citizenry and affect and influence public policy. Established in 1992 to address the rapidly changing needs and concerns of the county, develop a group of well-educated leaders, help guide the community in a positive direction, and foster countywide effective and non-partisan alliances, Leadership Monroe County is an independent non-profit, governed by a countywide alumni member board of directors. Officers are president Chuck Licis-Masson, vice president John Johnson, secretary Bruce Shea and treasurer Bruce Halle, with program coordinator Michael Shields. CLASS XXIX MEMBERS ARE: Amber Acevedo, coordinator/community relations & professional development, Monroe County School District Nancy Alvarez, lieutenant, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Tyler Blanton, detective, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Brandi Card, owner, Island Pilates and Massage Paul Davis, drector, Parks and Recreation, City of Marathon Lindsey Fast, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys Marianne Finizio, VP, Community Health of South Florida Patricia Hann, owner, Florida Keys Marketing Group Brad Lutz, AVP, commercial lender, First State Bank of the Florida Keys Mandy Miles, editor, Key West Weekly Greg Oravec, village manager, Village of Islamorada Levi Pattinson, VP, First Horizon Bank Buddy Pinder, mayor, Village of Islamorada Nick Rodriguez, GM, Mrs. Macs Kitchens Michelle “Mick” Walsh, College of the Florida Keys Pang Xiong, patient care manager, Baptist/Fishermen's Community Hospital — Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

ALLIGATOR LIGHT ACQUIRED

Parts of the swim to Alligator Lighthouse feature “walls” of jellyfish. The race took place Saturday, Sept. 11. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

Parks Service gives local nonprofit historic lighthouse JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Off the Islamorada shores, boats circled Alligator Reef Light Station during a Labor Day weekend, which saw pristine conditions on the water. Activity at the iconic lighthouse continued last weekend, when more than 470 swimmers headed out to the 148-foot structure for the annual Swim to Alligator Light on Sept. 11. Event organizers Rob Dixon and Larry “Lighthouse” Herlth couldn’t have been happier with the race’s return after it was canceled last year due to COVID-19. More positive developments came their way earlier in the week, however, with an email coming to Dixon’s inbox notifying him that the federal government would be handing over its ownership of Alligator Lighthouse to his local nonprofit that puts on the eight-mile, roundtrip race. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland gave the final stamp of approval that granted ownership of Alligator Lighthouse to Friends of the Pool Inc. on Sept. 7. A recommendation was presented by the National Park Service to Haaland. “We’re going to embrace this. It’s been two years we’ve been waiting,” Dixon told the Keys Weekly. “This is our Statue of Liberty. A lot of our activities focus around Alligator Lighthouse. It’s our place to go and it would be tragic if it ever fell.” Herlth said it was almost as if he was dreaming when Dixon sent him the email. “I’m just so blown away and stoked that they would give us the honor to restore this lighthouse. And at the same time, it scares the hell out of me.” Herlth alludes to the time, work and price tag associated with stabilizing and restoring the lighthouse, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in December 2011. Estimates are around $9 million. “It’s a long road,” Herlth said. “We’re hoping the community steps up. Truly, I think they should. Alligator Light is of huge importance to this community. It’s on the seal of Islamorada. It’s amazing.” Efforts to secure Alligator Lighthouse go back more than two years, when the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security determined there was no need for them to own and operate it. That announcement also brought an end to lighthouse maintenance, which propelled several groups to apply to the National Parks Service to secure the lighthouse and initiate restoration.

Congress passed the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act in 2000 to establish a lighthouse preservation program. The General Services Administration, which preserves government buildings and manages real estate, sought nonprofits or government agencies to acquire Alligator Lighthouse at no cost, so long as they agree to preserve the light’s historic features and make them accessible to the public. Herlth, an advocate and artist who’s built lighthouse replicas, came before council on Nov. 29, 2018 to discuss a desire to acquire the lighthouse that’s located 4 nautical miles east of Indian Key, just north of Alligator Reef near the Matecumbe Keys. Built in 1873, it’s named after the U.S. Navy schooner Alligator, which was used to protect the Florida Straits against pirates and slave ships. The ship went aground in 1822 and was blown up after removing as much as possible, to prevent use by pirates. Dixon and Herlth visited the Islamorada dais in September 2019 to acknowledge interest in obtaining the historic marvel. “I think our application isn’t just going to be excellent and right in every way, but I also think it’s going to be a template for anybody that (NPS) ever wants to give a lighthouse to,” Dixon told council members. “We’re trying to set the standard and raise the bar to do everything to the best we can do, and you can see how that turned out with our swim.” An engineering survey is first in order for Alligator Lighthouse. “We’ve not been allowed to go on it. It’s kind of up in the air what needs to be done,” he said. “That’s our first and foremost, to actually make sure it’s stabilized.” Herlth usually participates in the annual swim out to Alligator. This year, he was in a kayak supporting Dixon as he participated in the race. “We’re completely honored to be part of saving this lighthouse,” Herlth said. “People have been engaged out there. People have been married out there. Countless locals have had their ashes spread out there, and my mother and younger brother are both out there.”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

n the mid to late 1800s, Captain Ben Baker was the king of the Florida wreckers. His 13ton, three-masted schooner Rapid was the pride of the Baker Wrecking Company. In 1850, he operated out of Key West and lived in a large, two-story house on the corner of Whitehead and Caroline streets. However, shipwrecking was rarely full-time work, and most wreckers maintained alternative sources of revenue. Baker’s side hustle became pineapples.

A PINEAPPLE SIDE HUSTLE Captain Baker’s haul worth $150,000

In the late 1850s, Baker and his sons sailed for the Upper Keys where they cleared land on Plantation Key and Key Largo. When the fields were ready, Baker left for Havana and purchased as many as 6,000 pineapple slips and suckers to plant on his lands. A firsthand account of Baker’s pineapple operation, written by Dr. J.B. Holder, appeared in an 1871 edition of Harper’s Weekly: “Plantation Key has considerable good soil; many of the trees here are seventy or eighty feet in height. Here was a large plantation of cocoa-nut palms, several hundred in number, and a patch of young pineapples. A late paper gives the account of the products of his patch, which have been materially increased since the writer was there. Mr. Baker, the owner, who resides at Key West, is reported to have realized seven thousand dollars this season from his crop of pine-apples. The great drawback is the prevalence of mosquitoes, throughout the whole year, in such swarms that few persons are willing to suffer the annoyance; otherwise these keys would richly reward the cultivator.” Today, the $7,000 Baker earned from his pineapple fields from that season’s haul would be worth about $150,000, and that seems like a pretty good side hustle. Before the fruit was shipped to market, it was picked two weeks

early. The green pineapples were packed in crates and shipped below deck in cargo holds. As the ship sailed to market, the fruit continued to ripen. On an average trip, 25 percent of the cargo rotted at sea. When Henry Flagler’s railroad pushed down the BRAD east coast to Miami in 1896, BERTELLI the link between the field and market was drastically ... is the curator for Islamorada’s reduced. The railroad proKeys History & vided a quicker and more Discovery Center. reliable mode of transporA published autation. Now fruit could be thor of six books, loaded on the 5 a.m. train his favorite subjects are Indian departing Miami on Monday Key and skunk and appear in New York apes. markets by Thursday. Flagler’s train did not stop at Miami, and the line continued pushing south across the Florida Keys until it came to its terminus at Key West. The tracks and bridges took years to build. The work was done piecemeal, with railroad construction sites operating up and down the Keys simultaneously. In total, 82 work camps were established between Key Largo and Key West. On Oct. 17, 1906, the eye of a Category 2 hurricane crossed Long Key, where one of those work camps was housing hundreds of railroad employees. Many of the men were housed in floating dorm rooms called quarter boats. On the shores of Long Key, where the Long Key Fishing Camp would come to national attention a few years later, two of these quarter boats were secured with six mooring lines and an anchor. When the hurricane blew ashore at approximately 5 a.m., the line anchoring both houseboats snapped, and the two vessels were tossed where the storm dictated. One of the houseboats washed out into the Gulf only to be pushed back onshore. House Boat No. 4, on the other hand, was blown out into the Atlantic. The vessel was pounded by wind and storm-driven swells until the vessel began to break apart. Only 83 of the 150 men on board survived. The situation was no better at a Lower Matecumbe work camp where two houseboats, each with 45 FEC workers on board, were also carried out to sea.

The storm accounted for approximately 193 deaths. The hurricane also inundated the Upper Keys with a tidal surge that swamped the pineapple fields of the Upper Keys, including fields on Key Largo and Plantation Key. The 1906 hurricane also marked the beginning of the end of the island chain’s pineapple industry. When daily railroad service was established between Miami and Knights Key, at the foot of what is today the Seven Mile Bridge, in 1908, Cuban pineapples began competing with produce grown by Keys farmers. Shipped from Havana, the pineapples were loaded onto refrigerated rail cars called the Cuban Fruit Express, capable of delivering pineapples to Chicago in 72 hours. Salting wounds inflicted on local farmers as the result of hurricane and a subsequent pineapple blight, the Florida East Coast Railway taxed Cuban farmers at a lower rate than local farmers. Hurricanes in 1909 and 1910 would continue to devastate the pineapple fields of the Upper Keys and swing the door open wider for Cuban pineapple exports. By 1909, cheaper Cuban pineapples flooded American markets and, by 1910, pineapple farming was on its way to becoming another failed Florida Keys’ industry.

Today, the $7,000 Baker earned from his pineapple fields from that season’s haul would be worth about $150,000, and that seems like a pretty good side hustle.

F.E.C. Railway quarter boat. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

‘A HAVANA NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM’ History & Discovery Foundation event returns

he Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation plans to hold its fifth annual signature event, “A Havana Night at the Museum,” with title sponsor, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. The event is Nov. 13, 6 p.m., at Keys History & Discovery Center and outside on the Islander Resort Conference Center’s Tarpon Terrace, MM 82. Guests will gather in the open air to visit 1940s Havana in its heyday as “America’s Playground” where tropical breezes flow and cabaret music excites. The event will include casino tables, dominoes and a toast with a specialty cocktail. There will be a cocktail reception, an elegant dinner with dessert, as well as opportunities to bid on trips, jewelry, personal indulgences and more, in the live and online auctions – all while experiencing “the Wonder-land of America!” Numerous sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. The signature event committee is also seeking items for the live and online auctions. This event sold out in advance in previous years; reservations are at https:// www.keysdiscovery.com/signatureevent. The annual fundraising event is being planned by corporate event professional Olivia Hammon of Frond + Feather Events with assistance from the committee. More information is at event@keysdiscovery.com or 305-922-2237. The event benefits the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which operates the Keys History & Discovery Center. Proceeds from the event will help support the operation of the museum including the Keys History & Discovery Presents lecture series. — Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

BRIEFLY Constitution contest to be held via Zoom The third annual Constitution Day School Contest/Celebration will be held on Thursday, Sept 23 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. There is no charge to attend but registration is required at www.upperkeyslwv.org/constitutionday. The Upper Keys League of Women Voters and the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women will host local students in a program on Zoom and Facebook Live, with $800 earmarked for contest winners. The event will include a trivia contest with questions taken from the civics test given to people who are applying for Naturalization, as well as videos and reading entries by the students. Written entries may submit an essay, story, or poem. Visual entries may submit a poster, painting, or video. Deadline for submissions was midnight Sept. 15. For additional information about the contest go to upperkeyslwv.org/constitution-daycontest-1 The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that works to secure democracy’s promise through voter education, issue advocacy and citizen outreach. Its focus this year is on civics education. The Business and Professional Women work to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Murray Nelson Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.) will be held at the Murray Nelson Government Center on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be free hot dogs and hamburgers for law enforcement, as well as a car wash for the officers’ vehicles. The event is “service for those who serve us.” It will be a family cookout with music and fellowship. All law enforcement, including Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Border Patrol, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation are encouraged to attend. The event is sponsored by the Republican Executive Committee of Monroe.

SAVE THE DATE Tech training for older residents Just Older Youth (JOY) Inc., a local nonprofit that seeks to empower seniors, will offer technology training to Upper Keys residents over age 50 during September. The three-part series will be held at the Key Largo Library on Sept. 21 and 28 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Register by calling 305-451-2396 or drop by the library located in the Tradewinds Plaza in Key Largo. Grant funding for these classes is provided by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. Learn about other classes and activities offered weekly at the JOY Center, the "Teen Center for People Over 50," at www.justolderyouthinc. org or on Facebook at justolderyouthinc. Its programs and services are intended to sharpen the mind and improve physical and mental well-being and empower seniors to remain active and independent assets within our community. Full-time openings for lifeguards in Islamorada Islamorada Village Parks and Recreation Department has openings for full-time lifeguards and senior lifeguards at the Ron Levy Aquatic Center. Training will be provided. Lifeguarding is a dynamic, challenging and rewarding job that entails patron safety in and out of the pool. Apply at islamorada.fl.us. County social services director appointed to committee Monroe County Social Services Senior Director Sheryl Graham was recently appointed by the National Association of Counties (NACo) president to the Human Services and Education Steering Committee as vice chair of the Aging Subcommittee due to her talent and leadership. She was also appointed as a member to the Programs and Services Standing Committee. “It is always beneficial for Monroe County to have a voice in these nationwide conversations,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “Congratulations to Sheryl and her appointment.” The committee will cover children, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and education issues. Graham has been with Monroe County since 2006 and the director of Social Services since 2008.

Thursday, Sept. 16 • Annual meeting and election of the Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance at 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Call 305-664-4503 for information. • American Red Cross blended learning lifeguard course from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Ron Levy Aquatic Center, Islamorada. • Morada Way Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts District, Islamorada. 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. • International Coastal Cleanup Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harry Harris Park, Tavernier. • Celebration of life of Mike Forster at 7 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada. Sept. 17-19 • The Herman Lucerne memorial backcountry fishing championship in the Everglades National Park with awards at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. Tuesday, Sept. 21 • Story time at 10:30 a.m. at Friendship Park, Key Largo. Wednesday, Sept. 22 • Lego Club at 4 p.m. at Key Largo Library. Thursday, Sept. 23 • Islamorada Village Council regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. • Constitution Day with Upper Keys BPW & Upper Keys League of Women Voters at 6 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government Center, Key Largo. Sept. 24-26 • Take Stock In Children Backcountry Challenge in Key Largo. Friday, Sept. 24 • American Red Cross blended learning lifeguard course from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ron Levy Aquatic Center, Islamorada. Sept. 25 • Conch Scramble golf tournament, Islamorada. Conchscramble.com. • American Red Cross blended learning lifeguard course from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ron Levy Aquatic Center, Islamorada. Oct. 2 • Good Health Clinic 9th annual Luau for Good Health from 6 to 11 p.m. at Dolphins Plus Bayside, MM 101.9, bayside, Key Largo. Oct. 8 • Islamorada Chamber of Commerce annual installation and awards banquet from 6 to 10 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada. Oct. 9-10 • Sixth annual Oktoberfest at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

MAN FACING CHARGES FOR UNDERSIZED LOBSTER FWC officers Josh Stallings and Jessica Diaz with lobsters reportedly caught by Ovidio Chirino, of Homestead, on Sept. 8 near Card Sound Road. FWC/Contributed

Homestead man is facing charges after Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation found him throwing over a number of undersized wrung lobster tails off a vessel on Card Sound Road. FWC Officers Josh Stallings and Jessica Diaz were patrolling on land just south of the county line on Sept. 8 around 5 p.m., when they saw a commercial lobster vessel enter a canal. Officers saw the vessel docking and noticed two people on board. Stallings appeared from the bushes and stepped onto the bow of the vessel from the shoreline to announce his presence. Upon officers’ boarding the vessel, a man was seen at the back of the vessel throwing spiny lobster off the back of the boat. Stallings yelled for the man, later identified as Ovidio Chirino, to stop throwing lobsters into the water. He also observed the other man, identified as Angel Garcia, reaching down into a vessel compartment. Stallings yelled for him to stop and remove his hands from the compartment. Stallings then made his way to the back of the vessel where the two men were. As he started moving back, he noticed Chirino dump a bucket containing multiple spiny lobsters off the back of the boat. Stallings immediately placed Chirino under arrest for obstruction. Afterwards, Stallings examined the area where Chirino threw the lobsters and observed about seven

FWC says wrung tails thrown overboard upon arrival

spiny lobsters and some wrung lobster tails in about 4 feet of water on top of the seagrass. Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Meg McCarthy arrived on scene to assist. Meanwhile, Diaz grabbed her snorkeling gear and entered the water and retrieved seven whole spiny Lobsters and seven wrung lobster tails that were found lying on the bottom of the sea floor next to the subject's vessel. Stallings questioned both subjects, and Chirino admitted that he was the person responsible for the wrung tails and all the other illegal lobsters. Diaz measured the seven spiny lobster that she retrieved from the water, and all of them measured less than the legally required minimum size limit of greater than a 3-inch carapace. Diaz and Stallings then measured the seven wrung Caribbean Spiny Lobster tails, and all measured less than the legally required size limit of greater than 5-and-a-half inches. Chirino was taken to the Plantation Key Detention Facility for booking. He faces a felony count for tampering with evidence, as well as seven courts of possession of undersized wrung tails; seven counts of possession of wrung tails on state waters; seven counts for possession of undersized spiny lobsters. The captain, Garcia, received some boating citations for various boating safety violations. — Weekly staff report

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.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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‘SPAYGHETTI AND NO BALLS’ SUPPORTS FURRY FRIENDS Coral and Reef get new ramps

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ello friends, Reef the fox here for another weekly edition of “Reef’s Report.” My friends at MarrVelous Pet REEF Rescue are gearing THE FOX up for their 10th annual “Spayghetti Reef is a red fox and No Balls Gala” that was saved from a fur farm. at Snooks Bayside He now lives in on Nov. 12. I borKey Largo with rowed my mom’s his human, Nicole laptop to look at Navarro. tickets and the VIP tables are going fast. Some are even sold out already. If you want to get tickets you better hurry. You can go to spayghetti. com to get yours! (Just a side note, I know all about the “no balls” thing. I had to wear the cone of shame for three weeks because of it. It was no fun!) The mission of MarrVelous Pet Rescues Inc. is to provide immediate, necessary counsel, care and treatment for animals abandoned, stray or in need. They seek temporary shelter in foster homes until permanent adoption into a compatible, loving, and caring home is achieved. MarrVelous promotes education for responsible animal care, spay and neuter, microchipping and training. Rainbow Reef Dive Center is hosting the September Dive Against Debris event Friday, Sept. 17 with the PADI Aware Foundation. PADI AWARE is an international marine conservation organization that works with volunteer divers to empower agents of positive change for the ocean. If you would like to reserve a spot you can call the dive shop at (305) 451-7171. Although my name is Reef, I prefer staying on land. This fox is not a fan of water. When mom has to give me a bath I throw quite the fit, which includes screaming at the top of my foxy lungs.

Melina Miller stands for a photo shoot with a puppy during the Nov. 9, 2018 Spayghetti and No Balls gala. MARY GRIFFIN/Contributed

Another cool event to help the environment is happening this week is the first annual By Land and Sea Marine Debris Cleanup Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 18 down at the Postcard Inn. Shoreline Restoration Services is hosting this one and you do have to register for it at srstournaments.org, but I see there are prizes. I love prizes. I especially love tearing apart brand new toys that mom gives me. She brought home a huge Lambchop toy the other day and I had the squeaker removed in under 30 minutes. Not my best time on squeaker removal, but I’m working on it. Now for some Fox News. My little sister, Coral, and I got some brand new ramps and platforms built this past weekend in our huge outdoor enclosure. Coral and I both jumped from the tippy top and scared mom really good. You can keep up with all of our shenanigans if you go to our website and click the social media links in the footer: pawsitivebeginnings.org If anyone has any fox-related questions you can always email me at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org and I will answer them here the following week. I told mom I need my own personal email, and I got one! I am a VIF (very important fox). That’s all for this week’s Reef Report. I hope you enjoyed it. Until next week, Reef, over and out!

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

‘I AM FOREVER CHAN

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

UPPER KEYS ARTISTS CREATE STUNNING ART DURING MONTH-LONG RESIDENCY AT DRY TORTUGAS

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“W

e feel like the luckiest guys on Earth,” Austin Armstrong said. “Guys buy private islands to fish all day, and we got a taste

of that.” Armstrong, a traditional Japanese fish print artist, and conservation photographer Ian Wilson-Navarro spent all of August living on Loggerhead Key, the most remote island in the Florida Keys and the largest of seven islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Both are Upper Keys natives, artists, fishermen and friends. The pair are also the most recent artists-in-residence at the park. The artist-in-residence (AiR) program is a collaboration between National Park Arts Foundation and the National Park Service. It aims to connect the world’s most talented artists with America’s most remote National Parks to capture and share their beauty. The most recent Dry Tortugas AiR program was specifically for local artists and partially funded in collaboration with Key West Art and Historical Society. The residency included the rare opportunity to live in the historic lighthouse keeper’s residence on Loggerhead Key. With 98% of the park being underwater, the duo focused their projects around fishing and boating — two of their favorite hobbies. They spent their days repairing and pushing the limits of “Dorito,” an inflatable red dinghy they brought with them. The abundance of the marine environment

quickly caught their attention, with “impressive size fish for native Keys species,” Armstrong said in a presentation on his final night at the park. “It is so clear that protecting natural resources like they are really good at doing in the park makes such a drastic difference from where Ian and I are from in the Upper Keys. We saw it in everything, from the amount of life to the size of the fish to the health of the reef.” As for their creations, the artists showcased the rich abundance of the area in very different, but complementary, ways. Armstrong took every fish the pair caught into his care, cleaning it, painting it with black, non-toxic ink and creating a traditional-style Japanese gyotaku print of the fish. This was how fishermen could capture the exact details of fish they caught “for bragging rights with their buddies,” Armstrong said. He used the same methods to create realistic, exact representations of what he and WilsonNavarro caught and then ate.

Wilson-Navarro was rarely without his camera. With his natural freediving and fishing abilities, he captured incredible moments above and below the water, including baby sea turtles emerging from a nest and historic Fort Jefferson framed between a meteor shower and a tropical storm. His epic photographs serve as a record of what life is like on the remote islet now, and what it may have been like throughout the Keys in decades long gone. “It was like jumping into a time machine,” he said. “There are things here that I never thought I would see in my life. … I am forever changed. My life will never be the same.” Their month away from everything inspired the artists to share what they’ve learned with fellow Conchs throughout the Keys in hopes of inspiring future conservation efforts. “I’m glad we were able to find people so close to home that were the perfect candidate for this.,” said Cori Convertito, museum curator for Key West Art and Historical Society. “They’re home-grown and understand the shifting ecosystem and why that matters.” Introducing the artists for their final presentation, Curtis Hall, lead park ranger for interpretation, education & volunteers said, “These guys fully captured the essence and resources of the park. … Our national parks are wonderlands where we strive for balance between conservation, preservation and use.” The artists will exhibit at the Islamorada Art Walk on Thursday, Sept. 16 as well as throughout the Keys in upcoming months. WilsonNavarro, who also shoots for the Keys Weekly, is planning a coffee table book “that will live on forever and inspire action in the rest of the archipelago to bring things back.” Follow Armstong on Instagram at @armstrong_originals and Wilson-Navarro at @ianwilsonn.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

NGED’

5 1. Traditional Japanese fish print artist Austin Armstrong stands with one of his final prints. CONTRIBUTED

2. Dry Tortugas National Park artists-inresidence spend one month on the remote islet Loggerhead Key, which boasts a historic lighthouse and hundreds of nesting sea turtles. IAN WILSON-NAVARRO/Keys Weekly 3. Armstrong and Wilson-Navarro spent their days fishing in permitted areas and experiencing all the local waters have to offer. IAN WILSON-NAVARRO/Keys Weekly 4. Dry Tortugas National Park boasts some of the best dark skies and astrophotography around. IAN WILSON-NAVARRO/ Keys Weekly 5. The artists presented their final works to representatives from the Key West Art and Historical Society and Dry Tortugas National Park. CONTRIBUTED 6. The artists, already accomplished fishermen, scored some noteworthy catches over their month in residence. IAN WILSON-NAVARRO/Keys Weekly 7. Ian Wilson-Navarro and Austin Armstrong are all smiles after a month spent creating art at Dry Tortugas National Park. CONTRIBUTED 8. Ian Wilson-Navarro and Austin Armstrong, both Keys natives, opted to stay on the island through tropical storms and bad weather in order to experience and capture the island’s dogged perseverance. IAN WILSON-NAVARRO/Keys Weekly

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 SPONSORED BY:

Invasive lionfish are decimating Keys reefs. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

AWESOME CONDITIONS FOR CONSERVATION DIVES CONSERVATION TIP THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Summer is definitely here, and we are all about it. Conditions remained ideal throughout the week, into the weekend. Winds started picking up on Saturday, as we got on the water for REEF’s 12th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. This bi-annual event is important to galvanize awareness of the invasive lionfish problem we have in the Keys. For the tournament, we hit up spots where we’d ERIC been seeing lionfish regularly. Lionfish are dangerous BILLIPS for local reefs because they have a voracious appetite and can clear out a reef head of critical benthic fish in is the owner, a very short time. captain and These fish can live in shallows or deep waters, so instructor at Islamorada Dive we look for them whenever we dive. They also have no Center and Florida natural predators in the Keys and Caribbean, so once Keys Dive Center. they’re here, it’s really hard to get rid of them. That’s He specializes in scuba, rebreather, where REEF’s derbies come in and other events that raise awareness and get divers in the water focused spearfishing and captaining in the on lionfish eradication.

that we participate in, but more most consistent efforts involve coral restoration with I.CARE. You’ve heard me talk about these dives; now, come join one! If that isn’t enough, Saturday, Sept. 18, is also a marine debris cleanup tournament hosted at the Postcard Inn Resort. Basically, there are so many ways for you to participate in critical citizen-science and diving with a purpose. If you aren’t sure which will work best for you, give us a call and we’d be glad to help you.

It's a constant battle keeping our oceans and shorelines clean of debris. Please be responsible with your trash and help keep our oceans clean.

This Saturday, Sept. 18, Islamorada Dive Center will host the I.CARE coral planting trips.

Florida Keys.

NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Conditions this week are forecasted to be much the same as last week. There will be minimal winds and good visibility. These really are the best months in the Keys to dive, so get out there! CONSERVATION UPDATE The Keys are full of fun ways to dive and give back to our beautiful ocean environment. Invasive species removal is one facet of reef care

Winning team ‘Forever Young’ with a tournament record 564 lionfish harvested over the two-day tournament this weekend. TONY YOUNG/ Contributed

Proud supporters of conservation efforts across the beautiful Florida Keys

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY sponsored by Republican Executive Committee of Monroe

FUN FAMILY COOKOUT FREE CAR WASH MUSIC AND FELLOWSHIP All law enforcement (MCSO, FHP, Border Patrol, FWC) are encouraged to show up so we may show our appreciation for their invaluable service to our beautiful Florida Keys community!

Paid for by the Republican Party of Monroe, c/o Nick Mulick, 91645 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070.

THERE’S NO FURNITURE SHORTAGE AT ROYAL!

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305-451-5700

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MM 99 Median

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Searstown by Publix

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

IN THEIR WORDS

FWC Officer Bobby Dube meets with a young girl during National Night Out. CONTRIBUTED

FWC OFFICER CALLING IT A CAREER 32 years protecting the waters and wildlife JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

obby Dube’s 32 years patrolling the Florida Keys waters brought everything from large drug busts and the arrests of lobster mobsters to meeting former presidents and actors. With his duties on the water as a Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officer, Dube also serves as the lobster mini-season regulations guru with videos and booths up before people take to the water. He’s also served as the agency’s public information officer in the Keys. Come November, Dube will conclude a journey that started in 1987. Two years later, he entered the academy and began his career as a Florida Marine Patrol officer in the Keys. (Florida Marine Patrol and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation merged in 1999). Dube originally wanted to be a teacher and a high-school sports coach, but a substitute gig in Homestead led to the realization that it wasn’t for him. His girlfriend’s dad was a Florida Marine Patrol officer, which led him to inquire about the profession. “It took me twice to get hired because it’s a very sought-after job. There were literally thousands of applicants,” he said. “I drove all the way to Tallahas-

see. I wasn’t high enough on the interview, but the second time the following year, I went and got chosen.” Dube sat down with the Weekly to look back at his career, the highlights and what’s in store for him following retirement. It sounds cliche, but I enjoyed protecting our resources and helping people. Especially down here in the Keys being tight-knit, where everybody knows everybody and you can see and feel yourself making a difference. My first drug case down at Anne’s Beach was over 3,500 pounds of cocaine. That was a very exhilarating early morning. In the back of the sheriff’s office truck was piled high with coke. I got to meet former presidents, vice presidents, high-ranking military personnel, governors, actors and actresses from “Bloodline” and “True Lies.” I had Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger on the boat. I got a signed autograph with George Bush Sr. The lobster information booth was started 32-plus years ago. I was down here when they first started doing it at the MM 106 at Shell World. It was an idea by a former officer to see if we could inform these people coming down, because the violations were rampant. This was before the internet and social media. It was basically the fishing regulation pamphlet we put out. That was it. No doubt, hands down, the amount of violations regarding lob-

ster have declined dramatically. Back in the hay day, of course it was a lot busier back then. Early ‘90s, I could go out and write 10 lobster tickets a day during the season. Everybody had a violation and you just don’t see it any more. I like to think it’s partially because of the lobster information booth, and I worked with TDC to get new brochures and social media. I would hate to think what the Keys would be like if we didn’t have the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 32 years ago. The mooring ball system, the special preservation areas. The little coral we have would be gone. It was so huge back in the day. Anchoring in the coral, I remember writing people tickets. I know throughout time that people have embraced the sanctuary and everything FWC has to do also. They recognize the value of the fisheries down here the coral reef tract, we’re a tourist based county. I remember people driving down the Old Highway saying ‘Say no to the sanctuary.’ That was when I first started. I was like what the heck did I just get myself into? I think those people against it would probably say it’s a good thing. The sanctuary, just like FWC, is here to conserve what we have left for future generations. I always felt proud of our agency in all the hurricanes we responded to, like Katrina. All the ones I’ve been deployed throughout Florida, they would send us to Gulfport, Mississippi, the panhandle and Fort Pierce. Keeping up with the ever changing laws and regulations, whether it be criminal law or conservation law enforcement. That’s the No. 1 complaint I hear all the time is we’re always changing rules and regulations, especially for fisheries. The FWC is all science based, so when they want to change a law for grouper or snook, they’re going by migratory and breeding patterns. FWC Officer Bobby Dube poses for a Sometimes, the fisherman picture with a small sea turtle. CONcomes to the FWC and TRIBUTED says something needs to change. We have a good working relationship with the public and commercial fishermen. It was July Fourth, I went out to Alligator reef light from Indian Key Fill. There was this white thing going across the horizon. I went out there and I’ve never seen that many boats at Alligator. I was jaw dropped. It was such a beautiful day. The water was gin clear. The most I've seen were 50, maybe 75 boats. There were easily a couple hundred. More people are hitting the water. As far as bad incidents, there’s a slight uptick. Boating under influence and rash of resource related arrests. More people are out there means more people doing stupid things. I’ll miss the people and my fellow officers. A good friend of mine who’s retired has a little saying and I love to use it: “I won’t miss the circus, but I'll miss the clowns.” Whatever agency you’re with, everyone’s different and fun to work with. There’s different characters and personalities. Over my tenure down here, I’ve come across good patrol officers with Marine Patrol and FWC. I have good friends in the Coast Guard I met 20 years ago that I’m still in contact with. I’m staying in town. Everyone keeps asking me are you staying or are you going. My son’s in 10th grade. I’m going to get him through high school and watch him play sports. I don’t have any concrete plans. I’ve got some offers, but I think I’m going to take off and travel for at least the first year. I plan to stay in the reserve program. It’s been a good ride. I highly recommend a career in conservation law enforcement. I don’t regret anything I did. The years have flown by.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

WHO’S YOUR DNA DADDY?

HE GETS THAT FROM ME By Jacqueline Friedland Life is busy for Maggie Fisher as she rushes to her job at Bed Bath & Beyond, leaving her toddler with Nick after his shift at the restaurant. This young couple struggles with time and money constraints, but little Wyatt is the sparkling center of their lives. After Maggie dropped out of school, she couch-floated, directionless for quite a few years. Falling in love with Nick and creating a new life in Arizona finally put her back on track. Maggie dreams of a college education to become a schoolteacher. Refusing to beg her estranged and disappointed parents, she finds a unique cash-earning opportunity. Tucked in the back of a magazine is an advertisement to become a gestational surrogate. KAREN After extensive research and an NEWFIELD uphill battle with Nick, Maggie is chosen by a New York couple ... a reader and named Chip and Donovan. A now a writer, has hundreds of book decade later the phone rings and the unimaginable becomes reviews at: www. readingandeatreality. Maggie is faced with deing.com. For cisions no mother should have questions and to make. A captivating story of comments, email family, trust and cutting-edge karen@newfield. science. org.

LITTLE PIECES OF ME By Alison Hammer Almost 40 years old, Paige Meyer is finally planning the wedding her mother has obsessively dreamed of. As the festivities approach, Paige is shocked to receive a random email from a DNA testing website notifying her of a parent match. Certain it must be a mistake, Paige dismisses the message. But the notifications keep arriving. After further investigation, she is horrified to learn that she is a nearperfect match with a man her parents’ age. After some heavy googling she learns Andy (the match) attended the University of Kansas where her parents met, married and began their family. Apparently back in 1975 her mother Betsy experienced a life changing secret she never revealed. Currently still mourning the recent loss of her husband Mark, Betsy refuses to even discuss Paige’s ridiculous accusations. Never having felt completely accepted by her rigid controlling mother, Paige is more determined than ever to uncover the truth about her beginnings, biological or otherwise. This surprising unexpected journey leads her back home.

Advanced genetic information services can uncover long-held secrets and complicated histories. Three meaningful novels explore identity, family and fitting in.

THE MAKING OF US By Lisa Jewell Daniel is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. After confiding in Maggie that he did in fact have children many years ago, he admits that he has never met them. Decades ago as a penniless student, Daniel was a sperm donor. As the laws and guidelines have evolved over more recent years, he deeply regrets having no information regarding these complete strangers who carry his DNA. Lydia, Dean and Robyn have always felt something was missing in their lives. All three grew up without any siblings and possess traits that always set them apart. In their 20s and living in London, they receive notice from a sperm donor agency and hesitantly agree to the possibility of meeting siblings matching their DNA. The protocols of finding additional family members and the chance of being related to the girl next door are both intriguing and a little frightening. Drawing the reader into the lives of these quirky lovable characters, author Lisa Jewel examines family connection through genetics and the people who raise you.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN Give Them This:

Instead of This:

.6875”

Debit 2.125” .3125”

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

SHOW YOUR HURRICANE PRIDE 3.375”

Teach your kids how to manage money while supporting CSHS with a Canes Pride FREE CASH BACK Checking Account! Your kids can access KOFE, our FREE financial education program while earning up to $15 CASH BACK and FREE nationwide ATMs every month! Plus, we match their CASH BACK to donate to CSHS!*

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

KEY LARGO 305-294-6622 • KeysFCU.org

Anyone 14 years and older, who lives or works in the Florida Keys, can open a Canes Pride Account at Keys FCU in Tavernier Towne Center – 91200 Overseas Hwy., in Tavernier at MM91.2. *E-statements, e-receipts, a debit card, savings and S15 checking account required. Specific transactions required for each reward level. Restrictions may apply. See us for details. NCUA Insured. Matching CASH BACK debit transaction donation to MHS ends 9/31/2021.

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

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

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IMPLANT COSMETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY

SQUARE GROUPER & MY NEW JOINT IN CUDJOE KEY WILL BE ON VACATION BEGINNING AUG 27TH & RE-OPENING THUR OCT 7TH

SQUARE GROUPER & SUNSET LOUNGE IN ISLAMORADA WILL BE ON VACATION BEGINNING MON SEPT 6TH & RE-OPENING WED OCT 6TH

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THEN!

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 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 Islamorada Fishing Charter located at 170 Hibiscus Street, Tavernier, FL 33070 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Haden Browning Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Program (FRDAP) grant program. The City of Marathon is asking for approximately $400,000 for planning and design at Rotary Children’s Park located in Marathon at 7575 Overseas Hwy. The City of Marathon will complete the project over a period of approximately 2 years, including design, environmental review, permitting and construction. The City of Marathon is responsible for the dayto-day maintenance and operation of Rotary Children’s Park. Staff will continue to maintain the facilities. Public comments on this project must be submitted in writing by October 1st, 2021. Email address covellim@ ci.marathon.fl.us There will be a public meeting held at Marathon City Hall on September 30th at 5:15pm to discuss this project with the community. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting. Please note that more than one Marathon City Council/Board/Committee member may participate in the meeting. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday October 20, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from William Blackwood owner of 57 7th Street. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101 Section 101 – 13 (8) height variance of 26’5”. Current maximum height is 20’0”. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning & Zoning Board with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record. CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

October 28, 2021 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record. CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 5, 2021 regular meeting of the District II Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District II Advisory Council Meeting Time: Oct 5, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81937801616 Meeting ID: 819 3780 1616 One tap mobile +13126266799,, 81937801616# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 81937801616# US (New York) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305)2961552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on October 1, 2021 All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 6, 2021 meeting of the District III Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District III Advisory Council Meeting Time: Oct 6, 2021 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86010085212 Meeting ID: 860 1008 5212 One tap mobile +13017158592,, 86010085212# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,, 86010085212# US (Chicago) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305)2961552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on October 1, 2021 All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District IV Advisory Council Meeting Time: Oct 5, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89280186040 Meeting ID: 892 8018 6040 One tap mobile +19292056099,, 89280186040# US (New York) +13017158592,, 89280186040# US (Washington DC) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305)2961552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on October 1, 2021 All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Island Storage, Inc., 10730 4th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon, Florida 33050, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents of the following units to satisfy delinquent storage liens. The following unit contains commercial kitchen items: Aaron Schneider Unit # 8 $903.01 Auction will occur from 8:00AM – 10:00AM on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Island Storage, Inc., 10730 4th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050. The terms of the sale will be cash only. Island Storage, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any bids. Publish: September 16 & 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Marathon is applying for the following project to be funded under the Florida Recreational Development Assistant Program (FRDAP) grant program. The City of Marathon is asking for approximately $300,000 for construction of a new concrete skate park located at Marathon Community Park 200 36th Street. The City of Marathon will complete the project over a period of approximately one year, including design, environmental review, permitting and construction. The City of Marathon is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and operation of the skate park at Community Park. Staff will continue to maintain the facilities. Public comments on this project must be submitted in writing by October 1st, 2021. Email address covellim@ ci.marathon.fl.us There will be a public meeting held at Marathon City Hall on September 30th at 5:00pm to discuss this project with the community. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting. Please note that more than one Marathon City Council/Board/Committee member may participate in the meeting. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Marathon is applying for the following project to be funded under the Florida Recreational Development Assistant

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Marathon is applying for the following project to be funded under the Florida Recreational Development Assistant Program (FRDAP) grant program. The City of Marathon is asking for approximately $50,000 for planning and design for the Grassy Key Birding Boardwalk Trail at mile marker 58 in Grassy Key. The City of Marathon will complete planning and design over the period of a year. Once complete, the City of Marathon will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and operation of the Grassy Key Birding Boardwalk Trail. Public comments on this project must be submitted in writing by October 1st, 2021. Email address covellim@ ci.marathon.fl.us There will be a public meeting held at Marathon City Hall on September 30th at 5:30pm to discuss this project with the community. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting. Please note that more than one Marathon City Council/Board/Committee member may participate in the meeting. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room to hear a Variance Request from William Blackwood owner of 57 7th Street. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101 Section 101 – 13 (8) height variance of 26’5”. Current maximum height is 20’0”. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday,

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 6, 2021 regular meeting of the District I Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District I Advisory Council Meeting Time: Oct 6, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81507388739 Meeting ID: 815 0738 8739 One tap mobile +13126266799,, 81507388739# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 81507388739# US (New York) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305)2961552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on October 1, 2021 All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”)

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 5, 2021 meeting of the District IV Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the October 5, 2021 meeting of the District V Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District V Advisory Council Meeting Time: Oct 5, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/84175033424 Meeting ID: 841 7503 3424 One tap mobile

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

+13126266799,, 84175033424# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 84175033424# US (New York) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305)2961552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on October 1, 2021 All District Advisory Committee Meetings/ workshops of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: September 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

The date of the decedent’s death is September 5, 2020. The date of first publication of this notice is September 9, 2021. Personal Representative: DONNA M. SEWALL 653 W Beverwyck PL Paramus, NJ 07652 Attorney for Personal Representative: WILLIAM S. FRAZIER, ESQUIRE Fla. Bar No: 0080373 1919-8 Blanding Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32210 (904) 384-1441 rgfpleadings@gmail.com Publish: September 9 & 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-98-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF BERTOLD KEIL Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Bertold Keil, deceased, whose date of death was August 6, 2021, 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 16, 2021. Personal Representative: Gregory W. Lewis 131 Zane Grey Creek Drive Layton, Florida 33001 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER 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 16 & 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF GEORGE A. PARKER, COUNTY OF MONROE, U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, FLORIDA and UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE PROPERTY TO: All unknown persons who may be heirs, devisees, legatees, grantees, lienors, creditors, trustees, assignees or other claimants of George A. Parker, deceased, Residence Unknown, if alive, and if dead, George A. Parker’s heirs, devisees, grantees, devisees, legatees, lienors, creditors, trustees, assignees or other claimants and all other parties claiming interests, by through, under or against George A. Parker, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclosure a mortgage on the abovestyled by the above-named Plaintiff and encumbering the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: Lots 26 and 27, Block 10, Harris Ocean Park Estates First Addition, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 139, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, as well as a 1969 68’ Single Wide Jami Mobile Home with Title Number 8195791 and Real Property Number R104643. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff’s attorney, Richard B. Storfer, Esquire, of the firm of Lorium Law, whose address is 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1800, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, on or before October 16, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purposes. Witness my hand and the Seal of said court at Monroe County, Florida this 1st day of September, 2021. Kevin Madok, CPA As Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer Zemmel Deputy Clerk Publish: September 16 & 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Wyresdale Street, Orlando, FL 32808 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 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

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 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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 21-CP-000071-M IN RE: ESTATE OF KARL H. SEWALL, Deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Ancillary Administration) The administration of the estate of KARL H. SEWALL, deceased, Case Number 21-CP-000071-M, is pending in the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Monroe County Courthouse, 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY CLAIM BE FILED LATER THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-91-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DALE ERIC MARK GODFREY Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DALE ERIC MARK GODFREY, deceased, whose date of death was July 30, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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 9, 2021. Personal Representative: AMY R. WENTWORTH GODFREY 167 Sam Wentworth Road Lebanon, Maine 04027 Attorney for Personal Representative: Urban J. W. Patterson, Esq. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: September 9 & 16, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CA-297-P CENTENNIAL BANK, Plaintiff, vs. ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO MAY BE HEIRS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, GRANTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, ASSIGNEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS OF GEORGE A. PARKER, DECEASED, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST HIM AND ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FILE NO.: 21-CA-000240-K PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOHN LEE PEPPARD Deceased. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: JOHN LEE PEPPARD, and ALL OTHER PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN LEE PEPPARD WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMENTS YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Order Declaring Death of John Lee Peppard, a Petition for Summary Administration and a Petition to Determine Beneficiaries has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Jessica Yero, Esq., attorney for Petitioner, at 1440 Coral Ridge Drive, #303, Coral Springs, FL 33071, and file the original with the clerk of this court on or before October 12, 2021 a date which is not less than 28 and not more than 60 days after the first publication of this notice, either before service on the Petitioner or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. DATED: September 3, 2021 Kevin Madok Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Lisa M. Pierce Deputy Clerk Publish: September 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

BOATS FOR SALE 30' C & C Sailboat for sale in Key West. $3,500 305-399-9525 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 Join Our TEAM! Busy Vacation Rental business in Marathon is looking for a team player. Have fun at work with flexible hours and excellent pay. Customer service to guests and homeowners. Please reach out via email to Scott@ IslandBreezeVacations.com for the full job description and income information. 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. 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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

he world is full of news coverage. It’s shoveled at us 24 hours a day through television, social media, streaming, online sites, print, radio and even smoke signals. And depending on which network or sources you subscribe to, much of what is relevant can be lost among biased sites, partisan coverage and sensationalized headlines. So here at the Keys Weekly, we took a look at the past week of major news headlines, using more than 15 recognized sites around the U.S., and filtered out what much of the world was likely reading and what the masses should have been paying attention to...

NEWS HEADLINES YOU DID READ — AND THE 10 YOU SHOULD HAVE READ 10. You read: Joe Rogan threatens to sue CNN for calling Ivermectin a “horse dewormer” Should have read: COVID cases 300% higher than a year ago

5. You read: Lindsey Graham tells stunned reporter, “We will be going back” to reinvade Afghanistan Should have read: China sees major opportunity in Taliban takeover of Afghanistan

9. You read: Donald Trump and his son to provide commentary for Holyfield Belfort boxing telecast Should have read: Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan traded millions in stocks in 2020

4. You read: Naked woman drives golf cart through armed standoff (Note: yes, of course, this was in Florida.) Should have read: U.S. Treasury secretary warns of likely October debt cliff

8. You read: Britney Spears’ father files to end her conservatorship Should have read: Top 1% evading $163 billion annually in taxes

3 . You read: Shirtless Vin Diesel suns himself on luxury yacht in Italy Should have read: You can never forget Michael K. Williams

7. You read: Parents recorded in chaotic parking lot brawl after school board votes for masks Should have read: 13 Miami-Dade school employees have died of COVID since mid-August

2. You read: Game of Thrones Actor “The Mountain” says he finally has a six-pack now that he does 300 sit-ups a day. Should have read: Details emerge about U.S.-funded COVID research at Wuhan lab

6. You read: QAnon Shaman’s lawyer’s new defense for client: “He had a fondness for Trump not unlike the first love a man may have for a girl.” Should have read: Job openings hit another record high in July

1. You read: Fan eats giant tub of mayo on live TV Should have read: U.K. is among first to increase taxes to cover COVID-19 costs

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

WATCH | 9/11 DOCUMENTARIES “Planned in anticipation of 9/11’s 20th anniversary, three new nonfiction broadcast programs offer different takes, each valuable in their own way,” says WBUR, Boston’s NPR news station. “Frontline’s ‘America After 9/11,’ HBO’s ‘New York Epicenters 9/11➔2021½,’ a four-part docuseries by Spike Lee, and “Changed Forever 9/11,” the season five opener from the World Channel’s Stories From the Stage series, vary dramatically in focus and form. Yet the programs share the core tenet that one crisp, blue-sky morning 20 years ago has influenced everything since.” LISTEN | “SOLAMENTE” BY TAI VERDES | 2021 Tai Verdes is music’s most recent Cinderella story. Before finding success earlier this year, the artist was selling mobile phones to make ends meet. However, after making the cut for an MTV dating show and ultimately winning $50,000, Verdes funded his own career using Tik Tok and Spotify to gain tens of millions of downloads. His sound is contagious and not easily defined, other than to say shades of hiphop, reggae, ska and other vibes make it easy to play on the boat or at social gatherings. Give him a try and tell your friends you were ahead of the curve on this rising star. READ | “OWEN WILSON IS DOING GREAT, THANKS” — ESQUIRE (SEPTEMBER 2021) We typically reserve this segment for books, but journalist Ryan D’Agostino triumphantly nailed his latest article in Esquire, using several days of conversations, meals and bike rides with Owen Wilson. You don’t have to be a fan of the actor to appreciate the brilliance of D’Agostino’s approach to the piece, which brilliantly weaves his own personal dialogue into the article without overshadowing the essence of everything that is Owen Wilson. In the end, Wilson is everything we always knew he was, but the actor’s beautiful modesty and deeper layers never disappoint. Read online at esquire.com or grab a print copy today.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a Full-time Administrative Assistant II in Key West. The essential function of this position is to provide administrative and paralegal support for three circuit judges’ offices at the Freeman Justice Center in Key West. The position requires a working knowledge of the rules and procedures governing the various circuit court areas including civil, felony, family law, domestic abuse and repeat violence, probate, guardianship, delinquency and dependency. Salary is $36,500 annually, plus Monroe County benefits. Interested applicants should submit a State of Florida Application, cover letter and resume to Personnel@Keyscourts. net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications and complete job description can be found at www. Keyscourts.net. The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until September 27, 2021. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a Full-time Male Laboratory Technician (gender specific due to nature of job) in Key West. Primary functions of this position are to observe and collect specimen samples from male clients, analyze and record test results, perform onsite quick tests, and maintain and operate the lab equipment, including ordering chemicals and supplies. Salary is $33,500 annually, plus Monroe County benefits. Interested applicants should submit a State of Florida Application, cover letter and resume to Personnel@Keyscour ts. net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications and complete job description can be found at www. Keyscourts.net. The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

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

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.

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

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT

is accepting applications for the following positions:

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

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

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 Charter Captain / Mate Busy fishing charter business in Marathon looking for experienced fishing Captain/Mate. Busy boats and location. Offshore, Inshore, Reef/ Wreck. Also part-time Boat Cleaner needed for afternoons. Send text or call 305-481-3259 Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com. Fl Keys Diesel - Marathon now hiring: Diesel Technician -Competitive compensation package. Exp in the marine field preferred but not necessary. Exp w/ Caterpillar and Cummins Marine Engines a plus. Diesel Mechanic

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 Marathon - For Sale: 1.5 acre -suitable for up to 10 houses. On site: House, Duplex and Mobile Home. Waterfront - oceanside, dock possible, gated. Zoned MU. Appraised $1.9 million. 305-610-8002

HOUSING FOR RENT

305.743.0844

HOUSING FOR RENT Marathon - For Rent 1 small bedroom efficiency Conch House AND 1 large bedroom Conch House. Very quiet, gated property. Dock available. Year lease No Pets. 305-610-8002 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

OFFICE/COMMERC. SPACE FOR RENT 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 Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92. Call 305-394-0530

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV SITE FOR RENT RV Site For Rent in Marathon. Full Hookup. Very quiet, gated property. Dock available. No pets. 305-610-8002 Place your RV SITE FOR RENT ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today! up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

YARD SALES FREE YARD SALE!!! Moving and giving away lots of stuff FOR FREE! Sat. Sept. 18 from 8am - ?. 480 Margate Drive, Marathon. (One street west of Harbor Dr.)

MISC. FOR SALE Lobster Certificates (B) with tags for sale. 217 at $200 each. Will absorb 10% reduction. MAKE OFFER 3 0 5 - 7 4 3 - 8 3 2 6 Jet Ski Engine 1100cc for sale in Marathon. Direct injection marine engine. Runs. $600.00 305-289-9884 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK! OFFICE/COMMERCIAL

SPACE FOR RENT 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

STAFF ASSISTANT - 30hrs/week at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton, FL. KML supports research and academic programs conducted by universities/colleges throughout Florida, the US, and internationally. Duties include greeting scientists, faculty, and students; preparing invoices and correspondence; data entry; courier and delivery services; assist with scheduling and group arrival prep. To apply for this opening visit: www.usf.edu/work-at-usf and search for Staff Assistant job opening 28281

PART-TIME CASE MANAGER POSITIONS FOR BUSY NON-PROFIT 28 hours per week. Two positions open one serving Emergency Shelter and one Mentally Ill Adults. Must have excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills. Must be compassionate and professional. Bachelor’s degree and field experience a plus. Drug free workplace, EOE. Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No calls.

and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls.

in Marathon

full -time Educational Program Guide /Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. 4 Send resume to: Turtlehospitalmarathon@gmail.com

SEEKING SALES ASSISTANT

Currently seeking a qualified SALES ASSISTANT to fill a new full-time position. This is an excellent opportunity to grow with an existing business in an interesting field. The successful applicant must be proficient in Microsoft word, outlook, and excel. A background in marine biology, or a working knowledge of marine animals, would be preferred. Duties to include invoice entry, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts, and some customer service. This position requires a high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please email cover letter and resumes to Sales@Dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.

www.dynastymarine.net Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world.

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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

BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR 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

Edward Jones is a financial services firm focused on meeting the needs of individual investors. Our Marathon branch office has an opening for an entry-level administrative assistant. Excellent organization, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are required to perform. Administrative, marketing, and client service responsibilities. We offer competitive benefits and a comprehensive on-line training program. To be considered for this position apply online at careers.edwardjones.com Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Learn more by visiting our careers site, careers.edwardjones.com; search Branch Office Administrator / Job Number 59842BR.

• 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

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

LOCATION: MIDDLE TO UPPER FLORIDA KEYS The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is accepting applications for a Temporary Construction Inspector. Responsibilities: Ensure that contracted work performed on FKAA water and wastewater systems meet all applicable minimum standards and contract requirements. 3 yrs experience in municipal contracting/construction field, specifically water and wastewater utility construction. Valid Florida driver’s license required. Salary (depending on experience): $59,000. - $70,000. Online application: www.fkaa.com. EEO/VPE/ADA

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.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

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.

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

We are now hiring for the following positions:

BOAT CAPTAINS

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

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

Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

$1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

PART TIME AND FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES HOUSEKEEPING Room attendants, laundry, and public area Housekeeping Supervisor F & B POSITIONS Greeter, server, runner and more! F & B Supervisor

KITCHEN STAFF Multiple positions available BELL/VALET

RESERVATIONS AGENT

RELIEF NIGHT SECURITY/ NIGHT AUDIT SPA LMT’s and Nail Techs

Apply today to learn more about our sign on bonus program! Apply online at www.noblehousehotels.com/careers Apply in person at Zero Duval St. Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE.

Our award winning resort is currently hiring for the following hourly positions:

EVENING FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR EVENING MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR Previous hotel experience required GREAT PAY, HEALTH & TRAVEL BENEFITS 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 16, 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

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

Pastry Chef Chief Steward Overnight Cook Fine Dining Chef Restaurant Chef

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

HOUSEKEEPING TEAM

Finish Carpenter

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

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 • Accounting • Maintenance Credit • 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!

TOUR GUIDES NEEDED

KEY LARGO

Substance Abuse Counselor (PT)

KEY WEST

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)

BE A PART OF KEYS HISTORY

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

242424

*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

Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment

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 16, 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

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

FRESH FLORIDA LOBSTERS FROM THE NICHOLS CREW DIRECT TO YOU

MM63-MM74 | 305.393.1415

10/TAIL

LIVE CALL FOR PRICE

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

305-481-3259

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

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

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

Lic#SP-3562

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

We Do Installations! Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Help FKMCD FIGHT THE BITE by DUMPING THE WATER

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

20 Locally Brewed on Draft Authentic Mexican Food Truck Live Music Huge Outdoor Beer Garden Open Daily 11-11 11pm 11 81611 Old Hwy,, Islamorada MM81.5

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

POINT OF SALE IN MONROE COUNTY WHAT IS POINT OF SALE? When we say “Point of Sale,” we’re referring to marketing and promoting tobacco products in retail environments – like gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.

Point of Sale is the tobacco industry’s main marketing method.

SOME TACTICS THEY USE ARE: Discounting products, appealing to children and young adults. Paying retailers for prime product location and advertising. Targeting lower-income communities.

WHY IS POINT OF SALE IMPORTANT?

Studies show that tobacco use is associated with exposure to retail advertising and relatively easy access to tobacco products.

Schools with a higher number of tobacco retailers nearby tend to have higher smoking rates.

More cigarettes are sold in convenience stores than in any other type of store.

WHAT IS MONROE COUNTY DOING?

Monitoring compliance of the tobacco Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVCs) retailers by conducting inspections and noting potential violations. Findings will be provided to the National Association of Attorney’s General (NAAG) who will work with the retailers to make any necessary changes to ensure retailers maintain compliance. AVCs can signiﬁcantly limit the way tobacco can be marketed and sold at the point of sale in these retailer’s locations.

YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

CONTACT BRANDIE PERETZ AT 305-563-1107 OR BRANDIE.PERETZ@FLHEALTH.GOV FOR MORE INFORMATION.