Key West Weekly 21-0930

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“If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” — Rita Mae Brown

September 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

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Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Editor

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Charlotte Twine charlotte@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

48,802

That’s the square footage of the new concourse building coming soon to Key West International Airport. Monroe County officials have hired a contractor who expects to break ground in the coming weeks with a targeted completion date of October 2024.

2 ARRESTED IN ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULTS

REPORT SAYS MAN RESCUES WOMAN FROM ASSAULT, THEN ATTACKS HER HIMSELF MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

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Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

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Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

Billy Kearins of COAST and Michael Gieda of the Key West Art & Historical Society have big plans for the new event lawn behind Fort East Martello Museum. Page 14. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

Kerry ‘Calvin’ Gasag

H

Jorge Calderon Nunez

e rescued a tourist from a rapist, then attacked her himself behind Key West’s most iconic landmark.

The anguished account of a Key West tourist, sexually assaulted twice in the span of an hour, is being told around the world: A woman walks from her hotel to Duval Street around 10 p.m. She has dinner and a few glasses of wine, then heads to a sports bar.

The woman tells police her memory is foggy after the sports bar, but shortly after midnight on Sept. 11, near the courthouse on Whitehead Street (A on map), the woman accepts a ride from a man in a silver SUV, later identified as Jorge Calderon Nunez. The woman later told police she quickly realized she was “in a bad situation,” and demanded to be let out of the car.

The victim told police Nunez instead pulled her to the ground outside of his car and raped her.

A passing Uber driver, later identified as Kerry “Calvin” Gasag, reportedly sees and halts the attack on Fleming Street (B on map), offering to take the woman back to her hotel.

During that encounter, the woman’s phone records a seven-minute

video that records Gasag asking the woman if she wanted to have sex and telling her he could have had sex with her “back in the bushes.”

Gasag then reportedly drives to the Southernmost Point buoy (C on map), takes the woman’s phone, drags her behind the monument and allegedly sexually assaults her.

The woman’s phone was later found in a planter near a timeshare resort.

Police interviewed her at her hotel and took her to Lower Keys Medical Center, where a rape kit was completed.

Both men have been arrested.

Nunez, 30, of Key West, is suspected of the first attack, but was arrested on a prior warrant for burglary and assault while police continue the investigation.

Gasag, 37, of Key West, was arrested at his home the same night for the attack that occurred at the Southernmost Point, where a webcam recorded the whole incident.

Webcam footage reportedly shows Gasag dragging the woman in a headlock behind the monument, pulling his pants down and thrusting his body forward, the police report states.

The footage also captured Gasag retrieving the victim’s jean shorts from the buoy after she had sprinted away wearing only a shirt.

Gasag faces three felony charges of sexual assault, false imprisonment and tampering with evidence.

A police dispatcher in Boston happened to be watching the Southernmost Point webcam at the time of the attack. He called Key West Police and, according to the police report, told dispatchers in Key West, “I think I’m watching a rape in progress.”

Officers arrived within minutes and found the victim, who was stopped and helped by people at a neighboring guest house who had heard her yelling. Dispatchers also alerted the officers to the presence of the webcam footage.

Gasag was arrested a short time later at his home in Santa Clara Condominiums on Northside Drive. He admitted to being with the victim at the Southernmost Point, where they went to have “consensual sex,” but denied ever actually having sex with the woman despite webcam footage that appears to contradict his denial, the police report states.

Here’s what the Keys Weekly has learned about the two suspects through court documents: Jorge Calderon Nunez, 30, is also a suspect in a burglary and battery that occurred just before 4 a.m. on May 10, 2021, when Nunez, who was living in an apartment at 701 Southard St., allegedly entered a neighbor’s apartment through a kitchen window that she leaves open several inches to let her cat in and out.

The woman reportedly awoke to Nunez “sitting on the floor at the end of her bed squeezing her calf muscle. … There were dirty, bare footprints leading from the kitchen window to the foot of the woman’s bed,” the arrest warrant for Nunez states.

Key West Police questioned Nunez in May after the victim and her roommate had identified him.

He denied the accusations, and police declined to arrest him until they received the results of a DNA test.

In an arrest affidavit filed after the Sept. 11 sexual battery, Key West continued on the next page

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

OLD TOWN BLAZE OFFICIALS CONFIRM NO ONE WAS INJURED

B

A

A fire Sept. 28 engulfed the home at 620 Ashe St., but was largely extinguished within an hour. BARBARA CRESPO/Contributed

C A. Courthouse at 500 Whitehead St. (where the victim first accepted a ride) B. 300 block of Fleming Street (where the first attack occurred) C. Southernmost Point at Whitehead & South (where the 2nd attack occurred)

Police Detective Marcus del Valle states that he contacted Florida Department of Law Enforcement and was told the DNA results from the May incident would not be ready until mid-October.

“Since the time of the (May) incident, Nunez has been identified as a suspect in a forcible sexual battery on the 300 block of Fleming Street,” del Valle wrote. “Due to Nunez’s escalating behavior, and the fact that probable cause exists to charge him, waiting for the results of the DNA analysis will result in a danger to the community.”

Judge Peary Fowler signed an arrest warrant for Nunez on Sept. 17 and he was arrested that evening at 701 Southard St. Nunez was born in Cuba and previously lived in Lexington, Kentucky, according to court records. Nunez’s bond was set at $75,000

Gasag, who lives at Santa Clara Condominiums on Northside Drive, has no prior arrests in Monroe County, other than an arrest for driving unknowingly on a suspended license, which was later cleared. The police report states he works at a retail store on Duval Street and drives for Uber. Gasag is being held on a $175,000 bond.

Both men have applied for a public defender and are scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 7 before Judge Mark Wilson.

Police Chief Sean Brandenburg commended his officers and detectives for their work, telling the Keys Weekly, “I am proud of the men and women of the Key West Police Department. The detective bureau’s dedication, devotion and commitment to our community’s safety is commendable.”

Black smoke hangs over Key West Wednesday as firefighters work to extinguish a house fire at 620 Ashe St. JAN BLINCKMANN/Contributed

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

S

ocial media erupted the evening of Sept. 28 as sirens wailed through Key West’s Old Town neighborhoods, cutting through the thick black smoke that was visible to boaters miles away.

Early, unconfirmed reports from city officials said the home at 620 Ashe St. was empty when the fire started. Official repoorts did confirm no one was injured.

The fire was largely extinguished around 6 p.m., with firefighters still focusing on “hot spots.” city

The two-story home was bought in April 2019 for $1.6 million and is owned by a family trust in St. Louis, Missouri. MONROE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER/Contributed

spokeswoman Alyson Crean said.

Property records state the home has been owned by the Douglas Koch Living Trust, which is based in St. Louis, since April 2019.

The home, valued at $1.6 million, does not have a Homestead Exemption, which means it is not the owners’ primary residence.

The two-story home with an elevated foundation was built in 1938.

No further information was available as of presstime on Sept. 28. Visit keysweekly.com for updates.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

READY FOR TAKEOFF COUNTY HIRES FIRM FOR $80M PROJECT AT KEY WEST AIRPORT MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

ired of overcrowded departure areas and an outdated baggage claim at Key West International Airport? Not for long.

Monroe County has selected a jointventure firm, MV2A Gulf Keystar, as the lead contractor for an estimated $80 million airport expansion with a targeted completion date of October 2024.

Despite the beloved island charm of Key West International Airport, the days of passengers walking across the tarmac when arriving and departing soon will be gone.

“I completely understand. We all don’t want things enclosed, and we like our smalltown airport, but it really is a liability issue, having people walk outside and across the tarmac,” County Mayor Michelle Coldiron said following a meeting earlier this year, when airports director Richard Strickland presented the expansion plans.

He said the project will include a new concourse at the Key West airport that also will include a new security checkpoint, new gates, a new “hold room” for departing passengers, new concessions, a new baggage claim area, a new rental car facility and glassenclosed jet bridges, or jetways, to connect the planes with the building.

“There will be much more space to spread out and the new design overall will enhance the customer experience and the services we can provide,” Strickland told a crowd of about 75 people at the Marriott Beachside Hotel in April. “People won’t all be crunched together and on top of each other while waiting to depart or while waiting for their baggage. It’s the right amount of facility MF_KWWeeklyAd_1.pdf

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2/24/21

Monroe County has hired NV2A Gulf Keystar, a joint venture of the Miami-based NV2A Group and the Key West-based Gulf Keystar, to expand Key West International Airport. The project will add enclosed jetways, a new concourse, baggage services, concession areas and rental car facilities. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

for the projected numbers of passengers we’re dealing with.”

Now that it has been selected, NV2A Group describes the project on its website, which states: “The future Concourse A complex at Key West International Airport consists of an open, modern and efficient concourse building totaling 48,802 square feet including spaces for gates/hold rooms, circulation, restrooms and support areas.

“The building’s design by McFarland Johnson … features a single-story concrete structure with clerestory windows on the south side … to allow natural lighting and give a sense of transparency while enhancing the passenger experience. The new concourse will be accessed from the main terminal by an extended pedestrian bridge.

Below the new concourse, there will be an additional baggage area and device, airline ramp spaces, and ramp equipment storage.

“Additionally, the existing landside

terminal building will be renovated and improved to accommodate an expanded security checkpoint with four lanes and added support spaces at the existing restaurant location. Concourse A will provide expanded concession opportunities within the new construction. A new extended passenger bridge located beyond security will connect the existing landside terminal building with the new Concourse A. It will also provide passengers with direct access to the lower-level baggage claim area. At the existing ground level Concourse, a planned baggage-claim expansion will provide efficiency to support the increased baggage operations.

“A new rent-a-car facility area and baggage service offices will be provided within the ground level expanded baggage claim hall and airline ramp level support offices will be centralized at the ground level.”

Design work has already begun, and an official groundbreaking will likely occur in summer 2022.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

FINANCE DIRECTOR WARNS OFFICIALS TO ACT QUICKLY TO RECOUP REVENUE

KEY WEST PASSES 5.5% TAX HIKE F

irst, the good news: It’s looking as if the Key West powerboat races will be allowed to proceed, following last year’s cancellation due to COVID. Organizers of special events in November through the end of the year have submitted COVID plans to the city manager, who reserves the right to cancel events if necessary.

City Manager Patti McLauchlin told the city commission on Sept. 23 that she had attended a luncheon the day before, where health department administrator Bob Eadie and Lower Keys Medical Center CEO David Clay spoke about COVID. “They both said COVID isn’t going away, but Monroe County is 79% vaccinated,” McLauchlin said.

“My question is do we cancel events forever?”

McLauchlin said enforcement of an organization’s COVID plan for masking is a big concern.

Commissioner Sam Kaufman pointed out that the city has limited control over downtown crowds and hotel pools, and he questioned whether the city should “be a hammer against small events that draw 100 or 200 people, when the bigger problems are out of our control. I’m not saying we throw up our hands, but how much can we control?”

Kaufman said.

Mayor Teri Johnston suggested that any events that take place without enforcing their COVID plan will have their event permit canceled for the following year.

And now for the budget...

Key West city commissioners last week voted 5 to 2 to approve a 5.5% property tax hike, a significantly lower increase from the 8% that was proposed in August. Commissioners Sam Kaufman and Billy Wardlow objected.

Finance Director Mark Finigan told the commission he’s “comfortable” with the budget that was approved on Sept. 23, but warned them not to delay any of the additional revenue-generating operations that are included.

“This budget is based on a set of assumptions that have to work out and be implemented as soon as possible to work out,” Finigan emphasized. “Yes, it has some flexibility, but what it doesn’t have is six months of waiting before we start to do something that we’ve committed to do.”

The revenue increases that enabled the balanced budget include a program that will charge a “reasonable rate” for weddings on the city-owned Smathers Beach. The city commission also agreed to increase some regulatory and licensing fees, and the installation of additional parking collection kiosks in the 500 to 900 blocks of Whitehead Street, Finigan said.

“One thing this budget doesn’t address are legal fees that may come up as the city attorney gets into negotiations with an attorney, whoever that may be (for the cruise ship issue). We know it will be more rather than less of an expense and we’ll have to lose some of our reserve days for that.”

Kaufman and Wardlow also opposed the first reading of the budget earlier this month.

“This budget includes 13 new positions, an unprecedented number of increased positions for the city in recent memory,” Kaufman said. “This budget includes $2.7 million in staff raises across the board without any relationship to merit or performance standards.”

“I believe the majority of these new positions and staff increases could be implemented without any tax increase if phased in over a twoor three-year period. Tax increases from the various local government entities add an expense to property owners. I am especially concerned about our non-homestead residential property owners who will receive a greater share of the tax burden and then likely pass on the additional expense to tenants renting in the city.”

The approved budget sets a tax rate of $2.14 per every $1,000 of assessed property value. By levying this amount of property tax, the city will collect 5.5% more tax revenue than last year.

“This is a robust budget,” City Manager Patti McLauchlin said. “It allows us to move forward with the community’s priorities as laid out in our strategic plan. And it allows us to bring our employees up to competitive pay levels, as defined through the recent Evergreen study. This combination means the community can look forward to a productive year.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

NEW FLOOD INSURANCE RATES ‘DEVASTATING’ Homeowners could see $3,200 jump JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

M

onroe County homeowners could see a hefty hit to their bank accounts if new flood insurance rates imposed by FEMA take effect Friday, Oct. 1. That's according to Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe, a nonprofit watchdog group, which said recently that flood insurance rate increases could range anywhere from $100 to $9,000 annually.

“Rate increases of this size will be devastating to the economies of coastal communities, like Monroe County, and the increases could force homeowners to drop coverage — an action that would then compel the lender to force-place flood coverage, or even worse, lose their homes,” Mel Montagne, FIRM president, said in a statement.

FEMA’s latest National Flood Insurance Premium (NFIP) Risk Rating 2.0 calculates premiums based on the value of policyholders’ homes and the flood risk of individual properties.

Through the risk rating, FEMA said it will reduce disaster-related suffering and costs by leveraging best practices, technology and flood-risk modeling and mitigation efforts.

According to FEMA, 96% of current policyholders will see either an immediate decrease or $20 less per month in their premiums under the new pricing system. But FIRM said its database analysis shows something vastly different.

“Monroe County flood policy owners could expect increases averaging $3,200 annually,” FIRM states. “FIRM’s rate analysis is thousands of dollars higher than FEMA’s projected increases and contradicts them sharply. FEMA has said rates should increase about $240 annually for almost 93% of Monroe County policy holders.”

FIRM developed its database using privacy-coded Monroe County residences with and without elevation certificates. The database includes 48 single-family homes and condos, which are classified as commercial. The properties were run through the new FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 software to calculate the new and significantly higher premium rates.

Montagne said FEMA contends that Risk Rating 2.0 provides more accurate and transparent flood insurance pricing. However, the “untested proposal” is a huge, unregulated rate

A bar graph comparing FEMA’s projections of flood insurance rate changes in Monroe County under the new system compared with analysis by FIRM after analyzing 48 properties. FIRM/Contributed

increase causing millions of flood policy holders to face extremely significant premium increases.

Over the last 50 years, FEMA said it has collected $60 billion in NFIP premiums, but has paid $96 billion in costs, including losses, operating expenses and interest. As a result, taxpayers and policyholders are adversely impacted when the program does not generate the revenue needed to pay claims.

Florida accounts for the largest number of NFIP policies in the country at just over 1.3 million. Texas is second with a little more than 661,800.

In Monroe County, there are 30,799 active NFIP policies. Of those, 90.1% will see an increase, while 9.1% will see a reduction or no charge.

“A key part of developing nationwide preparedness is transforming the NFIP to ensure disaster survivors and communities can recover more quickly and more fully following flooding events,” FEMA said. “Under Risk Rating 2.0, rate increases will not continue indefinitely.”

FEMA acknowledges, however, that each policyholder will be affected differently under the new pricing plan based on individual flood risk.

“Some premiums will go up, some will go down, and some will stay about the same,” FEMA states.

Monroe County Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson said the county’s closely monitored FEMA’s development and planned implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 since its introduction several years ago.

“The impacts are heavily skewed against coastal communities, and we will continue to be a part of the nationwide discussion and its effects on Monroe County policyholders,”she said.

“Protecting affordable flood insurance is the number one federal legislative priority for Monroe County.”

Montagne said details surrounding FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 are “confus-

ing” and “limited.” And he said they’ve offered very little transparency or explanation as to how the new flood insurance rate methodology will work.

FEMA plans to implement Risk Rating 2.0 on Friday, Oct. 1, for new businesses and on April 1, 2022, for all flood policy renewals.

Per federal statutes, NFIP annual increases are capped at 18% for primary residential properties and 25% for second homes and commercial properties. The Risk Rating 2.0 increases cannot exceed the rate caps; however, Tennyson stresses that the current annual rate caps are already unaffordable for most Monroe County homeowners.

“Nationwide, the average policy is about $800; in the Florida Keys, people are paying $3,000, $4,000 and$5,000 for their policies. Annual rate increases of 18% are unsustainable,” she said.

“Monroe County’s main focus will continue to be on lowering the rate caps to under 10%.”

Policyholders in unincorporated Monroe County will see a 35% discount that will continue to be applied after Risk Rating 2.0 goes into effect. That’s due to Monroe County’s participation in the Community Rating System.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio signed onto a letter with fellow Democratic and Republican senators urging FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to delay the new NFIP rating system. The letter states that FEMA’s estimating 900,000

policyholders, or nearly 20% of all policyholders, will drop out of the program over the next 10 years in large part due to unaffordable premiums.

“In light of this information, we are extremely concerned about the administration’s decision to proceed forward with the implementation of this program without first determining an alternative that avoids the prospect that hundreds of thousands of families will be inclined to forfeit flood insurance on their homes.”

U.S. Rep Carlos Gimenez also signed onto a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy that expressed concern over the rate hikes.

“Our constituents and those involved in implementing FEMA's rate hikes need more time to get the answers they deserve,” the letter says. “The additional burden of up to double-digit rate hikes by FEMA for our constituents, especially those in lowand moderate-income communities, is too much for them to bear.”

John El-Koury, Realtor with Coastal Realty, said he’s set to do a closing with first-time home buyers within the next week. If they in fact close next week, flood insurance would be $600. The week after that? $3,800.

“For somebody who’s a first-time buyer, that’s a lot of money,” he said.

“It’s crazy.”

FIRM said the new rating system won’t use flood maps and zones to determine a homeowner’s premium rate. It will use a series of models that will fundamentally change a property’s individual flood risk assessment and therefore its premium.

Data of first-floor elevation, replacement cost value, construction type, foundation type and more are determined by FEMA’s undisclosed “internal data sets,” rather than elevation certificates. And FIRM said FEMA has no guidelines for appealing the information that its tools have provided.

FIRM has joined other concerned organizations, including the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance based in Louisiana, in encouraging FEMA to delay the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 until both methodology and rate structure effects are more thoroughly reviewed.

Montagne encourages Monroe County home and business owners to contact their insurance agents to determine the rate increases for their specific properties. He also suggested they have an elevation certificate and have flood insurance in place to help offset anticipated increases. Contacting members of Congress asking for their assistance in delaying implementation is also important, he said.

10

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

STATE SAYS PARENTS DON’T HAVE TO QUARANTINE KIDS

Feds protect school districts using COVID-19 protocols

T

he Florida Department of Health has issued a new emergency rule declaring that parents now have a choice whether or not to quarantine a child who has been exposed to COVID-19 and is not showing symptoms. A quarantine is no longer mandatory.

In addition, in a display of escalating tension between the federal government and the state of Florida, the U.S. Department of Education has started awarding state-penalized school districts funding from an initiative called Project SAFE. The funds are meant to protect the districts that are mandating protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but are penalized by Florida for doing so.

The emergency rule announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sept. 23 states, “Because of the importance of in-person learning to educational, social, emotional, and mental health and welfare, removing students from the classroom for lengthy quarantines

should be limited. Under Florida law, parents and legal guardians have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, healthcare, and mental health of their minor children and have the right to make healthcare decisions for their minor children.”

The Monroe County School District (MCSD) released a response: “MCSD will comply with the Emergency Rule, signed by new State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo.

The district urges all parents, particularly those with students who are known to have been exposed to COVID-19, to continue to monitor those students closely for symptoms of COVID-19 and to keep them home if they show any symptoms at all.”

"Our main goal is to keep students and school staff safe from disease so they can continue to attend school every day," said Superintendent Theresa Axford. "We need everyone to work together toward that goal.

We encourage everyone to continue to wear

According to the state’s department of health, parents no longer have to quarantine children who are not showing symptoms.

KELLY SIKKEMA ON UNSPLASH/ Contributed

masks while indoors, practice safe distancing, cleanliness, and to be vaccinated if eligible. These are the steps we know will help us to reach our goal of keeping our schools healthy and operating at their full capacity."

Ladapo, who was appointed by DeSantis on Sept. 21, said the governor and he share a similar vision when it comes to weighing the costs and benefits of public health policies. He said the recent rule is an example of that.

“We must make sure that we are doing what is right for parents and for students,” he said. “There’s not a single high-quality study that shows that any child has ever benefited from forced quarantining policies, but we have seen demonstrable and considerable harm to children. It’s important to respect the rights of parents.”

School board member Sue Woltanski, who has continuously expressed concern about the COVID-19 rates in Monroe County and advocated for wearing masks in schools per American Academy of Pediatrics recomcontinued on the next page

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

COAST GUARD NABS 2 SMUGGLERS mendations, expressed her thoughts about the state’s emergency rule.

“The new rule came out yesterday, and all the schools were notified today and parents were notified by robo calls,” she said. “We’re counting on parents to keep kids at home if they show symptoms of COVID and continue to encourage people to wear masks.

My advice to people is that this is one more reason kids should be wearing masks in schools while COVID rates are high in the community.”

The chairman of the school board, John Dick, agrees with the emergency rule.

“I think it's a good thing,” he said. “I think parents can have more control over what's going on with their child. They can take their temperature and keep the child at home if they have a slight fever or symptoms of the flu. Because from last year's quarantining, we found there really wasn’t a spread amongst the children.”

The complete emergency rule can be found on the Florida Health Department’s website. A Florida Health Department report released Sept.

24 recorded 56,325 new cases of COVID-19 across the state between Sept. 17 and Sept. 23.

That’s down from the previous week, when the state reported 73,847 cases and Sept. 3 when 100,033 new COVID-19 cases were seen.

Monroe County saw 188 new cases of COVID-19, according to the recent report. Meanwhile, 383 people received a vaccine.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education announced on Sept. 23 that it has “awarded the school board of Alachua County $147,719 in funding under the new Project to Support America’s Families and Educators (Project SAFE) grant program.

“This is the first award under Project SAFE, and funding will support the Florida school district’s efforts to protect students as they return to safe,

in-person learning,” the department said, “despite the state’s actions to prohibit implementation of strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19 consistent with science-based guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Project SAFE program was announced as part of President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan to combat COVID-19 and safely reopen schools for in-person learning.

“As part of the program, school districts have been able to apply to the Department of Education to restore funding withheld by state leaders — such as salaries for school board members or superintendents who have had their pay cut — when a school district implemented strategies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.”

For the week of Sept.

27, the positive COVID-19 cases in the Monroe County School District saw a big drop from the previous week as of presstime. Per the district’s COVID-19 statistics dashboard on its website, there are 8 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the school district so far this week, all students: two each in Coral Shores High School and Plantation Key School, and one each in Gerald Adams Elementary, Horace O’Bryant School, Sigsbee Charter and Treasure Village Montessori. Last week, there were 44 confirmed cases in the school district, 37 of whom were students, four were teachers and three were staff.

In total throughout the school year, there have been 336 positive cases: 282 students, 28 teachers and 26 staff.

"The district is working hard to keep students and staff safe under the current circumstances, and I think the relatively low number of cases in our schools show our efforts have been, so far, effective," said school district COVID-19 spokesperson Becky Herrin.

— Jim McCarthy contributed to this report

INTERDICTION IN CARIBBEAN BRINGS SEIZURE OF $7.5 MILLION IN COCAINE

The Coast Guard Cutter Kathleen Moore crew apprehended two smugglers Sept. 25, 2021, in waters south of the Dominican Republic. RICARDO CASTRODAD/Contributed

T

he Coast Guard Cutter Reef Shark transferred custody of two smugglers and offloaded some 250 kilograms of cocaine at Coast Guard Base San Juan on Sept. 25, following Key West-based Coast Guard Cutter Kathleen Moore’s interdiction of a go-fast smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea. The apprehended smugglers are Dominican Republic nationals, who were charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine aboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The cocaine seized has an estimated wholesale value of approximately $7.5 million dollars. U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant United States Attorney Jordan H. Martin is in charge of the prosecution of this case.

The interdiction resulted from multi-agency efforts in support of U.S. Southern Command’s enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere and coordination with the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF).

During a routine patrol on Sept.

22, a U.S. Maritime Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) detected a suspect go-fast vessel, about 145 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic. Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan diverted the cutter Kathleen Moore to carry out the interdiction. With the assistance of the cutter’s small boat, the crew of the Kathleen Moore interdicted the 25-foot vessel that was carrying two men and 10 bales of suspected contraband onboard, which tested positive for cocaine.

“The crew did a great job working with interagency partners and Coast Guard watchstanders

preventing this drug smuggling gofast from making landfall,” said Lt. Andrew R. Collins, cutter Kathleen Moore commanding officer. “We are glad to help keep these drugs off the streets, and we will continue to work diligently with fellow Coast Guard units and our interagency partners to stop these drug-smuggling attempts in the high seas.”

The seized drugs and detainees were transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez and then to the Coast Guard Cutter Reef Shark for transport to Puerto Rico, where federal law enforcement agents from the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force received custody.

Cutters Kathleen Moore and Heriberto Hernandez are 154-foot fast response cutters respectively homeported in Key West and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Cutter Reef Shark is an 87-foot coastal patrol boat homeported in San Juan.

The CCSF is an initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office created to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean. CCSF is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force that investigates South American-based drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics using the Caribbean as a transshipment point for further distribution to the United States. The initiative is composed of HSI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Coast Guard, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Police Department’s (PRPD) Joint Forces for Rapid Action.

— Contributed

12

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

GOVERNOR APPOINTS RASCHEIN TO COUNTY COMMISSION SEAT Former state official says announcement ‘bittersweet’

POWER LINE WORK WILL AFFECT TRAFFIC ON U.S. 1 CREWS ARE REPLACING INSULATORS FROM MM11 TO MM28

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

ormer state Rep. Holly Raschein is back serving Florida Keys constituents, this time as a county commissioner.

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Raschein, of Key Largo, to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners’ District 5 seat on Sept. 24. Raschein, who served eight years as state representative and serves as government relations director for AshBritt, will fill the seat of Mike Forster, who passed away from COVID-19 on Sept.

6. Raschein submitted her application to the governor’s office for Forster’s seat on Sept. 13.

Raschein will serve through 2022.

An election will then take place for the remaining two years of the term for District 5, which serves Key Largo and Tavernier.

Raschein told the Weekly that it’s a bittersweet appointment for her. She said she was made aware of DeSantis’ decision an hour before the announcement went public. She was officially sworn in Sept. 28.

“It’s surreal, and it hit me Monday afternoon when I had a moment of meditation and thinking about Mike and this amazing community,” Raschein said.

Raschein had 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.

“A brilliant public servant was taken from us far too early, and no one will ever fully fill the shoes of Mike Forster,” Raschein said. “But the people of Monroe County deserve Mike’s legacy to be continued, and I am deeply humbled and grateful that Governor DeSantis is entrusting that task to me.”

Among those recommending Raschein to DeSantis was Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron.

“I thought that people in the Upper Keys right now are hurting because of the loss of Mike. Holly and Mike’s philosophies are similar, and people who voted for Holly also voted for Mike all these years,” she said. “It made perfect sense to appoint Holly.”

Monroe County District 5 Commissioner Holly Raschein is sworn in by Deputy Clerk Jennifer Belz. Her son, Drake, was present at the ceremony. CONTRIBUTED

Serving as a member of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation board of directors, Raschein is also on the boards of the Mariners Hospital Foundation, Leadership Monroe County, and Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition. She’s a past member of the Florida Defense Support Task Force and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University and master’s in public administration from Florida International University.

“I have spent almost my entire adult life serving the Florida Keys,” she said. “Our people gave me that privilege for eight years in the (state) Legislature, and I will use their gift to continue our common fight for a better environment and more resilient community.”

Coldiron said she foresees Raschein being ready once commissioners gather for a regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 20 at the Marathon Government Center.

“I know Holly; she will do what I did, which is have lots of meetings with staff, meet with department heads and hear directly from departments on what their issues are,” she said. “She’ll read up on the travel study we’re doing, ROGOs and what county commissioners voted on to spread them out to 2024 and 2026. She’ll also see where our priorities are and then decide her priorities too.”

Raschein, who will be at the Oct. 20 meeting, said she’s keeping Forster’s executive assistant, Corie McGraw-Abel.

“Mike had a lot of irons in the fire, and I want to stick to that promise and continue his projects,” Raschein said.

“She knows what’s been going on since Mike brought her on board, and there’s no better choice than her.”

Crews working on the main power line throughout the Lower Keys will redirect traffic in one location at a time through November. CONTRIBUTED

A

multimillion-dollar project to replace more than 1,400 insulators along the electrical transmission line, or tieline, within Keys Energy Services (KEYS) service area (between Key West and the Seven Mile Bridge), is nearing its final stretch. Remaining work is scheduled for October and November and, when complete, will increase the lifespan of the main source of power for the Lower Florida Keys.

Insulators are protective equipment that prevent conductors (electric wires) from contacting one another or the support tower or pole. This project uses a polymer insulator specifically designed for high contamination areas. The insulators being replaced were installed in 1998 and are showing signs of deterioration.

In April 2020, the Key West Utility Board approved a contract of about $4.5 million to Grays Power Supply LLC for the replacement of the tieline insulators. As part of this work, Grays and subcontractor BHI

Energy are working on 486 poles to replace some 1,400 insulators. This work is being performed on fully energized power lines and has been completed on 462 poles.

In October contractors will be working between mile markers 11 and 28, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Traffic will only be affected at one location at a time. Work will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will require Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and related lane closures.

Where lanes are closed, flaggers and alternating traffic will be deployed.

No work is scheduled to take place Friday through Sunday per Department of Transportation (DOT) restrictions.

Additionally, no work will occur the week of Oct. 25 due to expected heavy traffic related to Fantasy Fest events. Given that this work is being performed on fully energized power lines, nighttime work is not possible out of an abundance of caution for the safety of workers.

— Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

THE COAST IS CLEAR THE REVIVAL OF LIVE MUSIC & THE REBIRTH OF A HISTORIC VENUE BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

O

n Dec. 4, the band Black Pumas, along with acclaimed artists such as Phosphorescent, Langhorne Slim, Rayland Baxter and others will command the stage at the newly renovated Parade Grounds at Fort East Martello.

But to understand how an elite, ascending band such as the Black Pumas, recently nominated for four Grammy Awards (including Album of the Year in 2021) were booked to headline this year’s Coast is Clear Music and Arts Festival — one must first appreciate the rigorous journey and beautiful collaboration between Billy Kearins and Michael Gieda — and how the completion of one of Key West’s most historic venues is about to be reborn.

THE VENUE When Black Pumas and other celebrated artists take the stage on Dec. 4, they will be the first to do so within one of the most historic venues in the U.S.— culminating an eight-year project to repair the grounds and create a marquee event space for Key West.

The Parade Grounds at Fort East Martello, managed by the Key West Art and Historical Society (KWAHS) and located along the Atlantic side of the Key West airport, was once the cultural epicenter of the local arts scene dating back to 1949. The field behind the Civil War-era fort-turned-museum, was dedicated as East Martello Park in 1983 and funded by donors such as Margo Golan and Ross McKee. However, after the KWAHS shifted its focus to properties like the Key West Lighthouse and Custom House, much of the Parade Grounds fell by the wayside in the ‘90s.

“We started using the fort again about 10 years ago,” said KWAHS Executive Director Michael Gieda, who took the position around 2012. “We started having concerts and events again, but when it rained it would drastically flood.”

Yet seven years ago, fate unapologetically fueled a movement to bring art and music back to the Parade Grounds.

“The Zombie Bike Ride had outgrown Stock Island and Evan Haskell approached us about using the fort as a new starting point,” said Gieda. “Not long after, he and Marky Pierson started talking about using the grounds for shows and concerts.”

From there, outdoor concerts featuring acts like JJ Grey, Donavon Frankenreiter and Amy Helm took place, showcasing the fort’s unique appeal for concerts, festivals and events.

“Historically, the property has been a center for festivals, community events and concerts,” said Gieda. “So we are continuing on with several of the aspects of the operation we were not doing for years.”

Today, KWAHS, which manages four museums (including the Key West Lighthouse, The Custom House and Tennessee Williams Museum) will roll out the newly renovated Parade Grounds at Fort East Martello at the Coast is Clear Music and Arts Festival in December. As of now, the venue, which is owned by the county, has newly repaved parking lots and drainage systems, and will soon boast various seating capacities for events and concerts —funded by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

BILLY KEARINS COAST Founder and Creative Director When Billy Kearins, founder of COAST in Key West, created the Coast is Clear Festival in 2017, he never imagined the symbolic meaning behind his music festival would transcend beyond hurricane relief for his hometown. At the time, Hurricane Irma had devastated much of the Keys and like most, Kearins had evacuated to safety.

“The idea for the festival arose from the devastation of Hurricane Irma,” said Kearins.

“I was far away and watching the disaster back home in Key West and wanted to do something to lift spirits.”

Michael Gieda, left and Billy Kearins at Fort East Martello. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

Kearins wanted to offer his Keys family a way to “celebrate after a tough time,” but he was also weary of another storm occurring on the heels of Irma.

“I had to go back and refresh my knowledge of hurricane season,” said Kearins. “I realized hurricane season didn’t end until Dec. 1, so that date became a fitting way to weave our COAST brand with the ‘Coast is Clear’ theme to celebrate a moment of rebirth and new beginnings.”

Kearins, who previously produced concerts at Coast’s previous home in the rustic confines of Stock Island, utilized his relationships with names like G Love and Raymond Baxter to produce shows in Key West at a time when larger names were scarce in the Southernmost City.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

So in late spring of this year, both men wanted to revisit the Coast is Clear festival.

At that time, other shows were just beginning to launch again in Key West.

Four-time Grammy nominee Black Pumas will peform in Key West Dec. 4. JODY-DOMINGUE/ Contributed

“Ultimately, we got some major shows under our belt in 2013,” said Kearins. “Mason Jennings was one of our first and then G Love in 2013. It proved there was a demand for live music in Key West.”

However, COAST relocated from Stock Island in 2018 to its current home on Whitehead Street in Key West. Without a permanent venue, Kearins was forced to rent concert spaces at locales like the San Carlos Institute, but was in need of a partner.

“In 2019 I asked Michael [Gieda] if we could use the Lighthouse grounds for the Coast is Clear concert,” said Kearins. “We weren’t necessarily partnering, but it got the dialogue going. That got Michael and I talking about live music moving forward. And then COVID happened.”

Michael Gieda – Executive Director: Key West Art & Historical Society Michael Gieda says the faucet turned off in March 2020. After years of success, COVID and shutdowns threatened the existence of the 65-year-old KWAHS. Ask anyone in the know, and they’ll quickly tell you Gieda and his staff of about 25 employees had rejuvenated the organization into one of the most respected organizations in the Keys.

In addition, Gieda had placed a renewed focus on the organization’s mission to steward four museums, while educating the local community and visitors with art exhibits, architecture and history.

Gieda also had another idea, which was to recall the days of the Cayo Carnival, which showcased art and music at the Parade Grounds at Fort East Martello.

“It was our responsibility to take care of the grounds and it wasn’t happening,” said Gieda. “We don’t own these properties, we are caretakers and these locations are meant to be used by the community as educational centers. So whether it’s a concert, event or educational program for kids—we want them to learn something about the culture and history of the Keys.”

COVID & CANCELLATIONS Gieda says the pandemic pushed KWAHS to the brink of bleak outcomes, but he credits his dedicated staff and community support for persevering through the organization’s greatest challenge to date.

“We went from a high point to the lowest of lows,” said Gieda of KWAHS. But we salvaged and persevered. We reevaluated and reprioritized from the darkness…more than anyone could have ever predicted.”

Billy and Michael both wanted to revisit the Coast is Clear Festival, but at the time, Mason Jennings had canceled and other shows were just beginning to launch again in Key West and around the country. But at some point around June of this year, the two brought the conversation back up.

“I knew there was some work going on out at the fort and we decided it was best to be patient,” said Kearins. “Shows were coming back and there was this huge pent-up demand for music. I just didn’t want to jump back in and compete with everyone and felt a concert in December would be better.”

BLACK PUMAS

By June, Kearins and Gieda decided to partner up for the first time on the Coast is Clear Festival as a way to introduce the new space and collaborate on an upscaled production. And with a bigger space and collective resources, a plan was taking shape.

As far as who was going to play, Kearins had five or six artists that he was familiar with and had booked over the years. From there, he and Gieda collaborated on the scope of a larger concert.

“We knew this was not just another Coast show capped at 250 or 500, so that’s when we got into talks about who else might be a headliner,” said Kearins. “That’s a new space, because you’re dealing with artists who are going to demand more in every aspect of the production.”

At the time, Kearins used his contacts to reach out to Black Pumas. He admittedly says he didn’t think they would land the band. After all, the band was coming off four recent Grammy nominations and had just performed at the inauguration before tens of millions on live television around the world.

“They were at the top of their game so it was no surprise it wasn’t going to happen,” said Kearins. “And for a while, it wasn’t.”

Gieda says he was in a board meeting when Kearins texted him from Copenhagen.

The text was simple. It read, “Black Pumas are in.”

“I’m still in disbelief,” said Gieda. “The hardest part was keeping the cat in the bag.

We already had bands who could easily headline, like Phosphorescent. And now we had the Black Pumas.”

THE MISSION Billy and Michael are both quick to point out the sensitivities surrounding COVID, but admit the “Coast is Clear” theme will hopefully take on an entirely new meaning this December. For both men, the concert and show symbolize much more than ticket sales and money.

“One of the things I love about Key West is we are sort of sheltered from what I call mainstream influences and style,” said Kearins. “I always say Key West is a time warp where ‘cool’ is not a thing, which is awesome, but it’s also tricky when you’re trying to introduce bands that are relevant and hip right now. But at Coast, we are trying to introduce people to new styles of music and art — and that transcends money or ticket sales.”

Gieda has a similar, grounded approach to the festival, saying the evening is a celebration of the KWAHS mission.

“This isn’t just a concert venue. This is a community space,” said Gieda. “Our mission and purpose differ from those who just promote shows. The new space is to be used for the betterment of this community, whether it’s a concert, special event, fundraiser or children’s educational activities.”

Gieda and Kearins both emphasized they have great appreciation for others who produce shows around Key West, but added, “We aren’t going to do a concert just to do a concert. There has to be a meaning and a mission, which brings people to the property and exposes them to the arts.”

NOTE: Limited tickets for The Coast is Clear Arts & Musical Festival can be purchased at: Coastisclearfest.com.

From now until the end of October, those purchasing tickets can use one of 10 promo codes on the site and 20% of the ticket sales will benefit the corresponding local non-profits (all can be found on coastisclearfest.com.)

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

SPORTS & MORE RALPH MORROW

NEW CONCH BASKETBALL COACH SEEKS CHAMPIONSHIPS

W

hen Chris Ellis accompanied his daughter, Zoe, to the College of ... a veteran sports the Florida Keys, he put in some columnist, says constructive time for himself — the only sport applying to be a teacher in Key West schools. he doesn’t follow is cricket. That Scott Meier and Steve Vinson, who interleaves plenty viewed him, said, “Come on board. You can of others to fill teach middle-school language arts at Horace his time.

O’Bryant School.” With that out of the way, his ralphmoro1936 next step was applying to be the boys’ basket@gmail.com ball coach at Key West High School.

“It’s what I do,” he told me as we chatted at HOB recently. “I’m a coach.”

Dave Perkins at the high school agreed. That was in June. “I believe he offered me the job right then,” said Ellis. “I thought about it over the weekend and accepted the offer.”

Now, he’s teaching. He has met with the prospective players and will soon be picking a team.

Next month, he will be directing the players as they begin their schedule of games. Ellis says his objective is the same as it always has been, through a lengthy career as coach of boys and girls teams in high school and college in the St. Louis, Missouri area: Win championships. He is no stranger to wins or to championships.

His resume shows 652 victories. It’s obvious he’s proud of every one.

Ellis was born nearly 60 years ago in Washington, D.C., but moved with his family to the St. Louis area when he was 3 years old. After being an all-Metro player in high school, averaging 17 points a game, he says, he moved on to nearby Maryville College, where the 6-foot5-inch Ellis played for three years. “I didn’t play my senior year,” he recalled. “I was a role player and I was ready to teach and coach.”

That he did, first at Valley Park, outside St. Louis, then at Parkway West and at Webster Grove. “Parkway South summoned me to coach the girls’ varsity from 1992.”

Successful at all of those stops, he moved to the college ranks — coaching the girls basketball team at his alma mater, which by then was Division II Maryville University, from 2001 through 2016.

He was named St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference coach of the year for four consecutive years as his teams went undefeated in league play each of those years. And he added pro coaching to his resume when he led the St. Louis River Queens of the Women’s Basketball Association for a season.

By that time, his son, Drew, was playing high school ball, “so I took a year’s hiatus so I could watch him play.”

After a year off, he went to coaching (and teaching) in Festus, Missouri before becoming associate women’s head coach at St. Louis Community College. After a year, he thought he was retiring, but got the coaching bug again when he visited Key West.

Chris Ellis is Key West High School’s new boys’ basketball coach, and Horace O’Bryant School’s new language arts teacher. RALPH MORROW/Keys Weekly

Once he was hired at HOB (teaching five classes) and appointed head coach, he selected Letter Parks as his assistant. Ellis says he’s already working 50 hours a week. “It’s what I came to do,” he said. “I don’t mind putting the time in. I know what it takes to rebuild a program. I’ll stay as long as it’s working for both of us.”

CONCH FOOTBALL EVENS RECORD BEFORE ROAD TRIPS

Key West High evened its football record at 2 wins, 2 losses when it took care of Miami International Academy, 47-12, on Sept. 24, at The Backyard field.

Next up is Friday, Oct. 1 at Gateway in Fort Myers, the first of three straight away games.

Key West grad Mekhi Sargent gained two yards the only time he carried the ball in his Tennessee Titans 25-16 victory over Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 26. The first-year player has now gained four yards in two carries.

Key West High’s volleyball team had won 7, lost 8 after losing 2-0 to Treasure Coast and defeating Westminster Academy, 3-0, on Sept. 25.

On Sept. 21, the Lady Conchs lost, 3-0, to American Heritage.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Happy solar return, Libra! As a gift to yourself this year, decide on one single thing you want. This want must belong solely to you, to exist beyond the demands and expectations of your loved ones. I need you to want this enough to defend it from compromise of any kind, as concessions are temporary solutions that pave the long road to resentment. Refuse that course and stand instead, unflinching, in the power of your own desire.

Notable Libra: Halsey/Sept. 29, 1994

is a middle child and Taurus Fire Tiger named after a stigmatic saint.

She divides her time and affections between New Orleans and Key West.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Everybody hurts, as the song says, but for you, Scorpio, the ache often lingers. As Libra season and mercury retrograde dredge the sea of your hurts and lay heavy on the triggers of your past, I bring you the hard-boiled wisdom of Bruce Lee: “Pain will leave once it has finished teaching you.” Until then, attend to it like the ghostly guest lecturer it is, listen patiently, bring it praise, feed it fear and let your gratitude for the lessons it bears be the key to its banishment.

Notable Scorpio: Travis Barker/ Nov. 14, 1975 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 I recently took a moonlight bike ride with Erika, a timeless Sagittarius. She confided, “I am constantly in love. I fall in love with strangers, smiling children, with my garden.

I stay in a state of perpetual appreciation.” As fall takes form and doubts take shape, fall in love as routinely as possible. In the presence of absolute wonder, despair has no home.

Notable Sagittarius: Don Cheadle/Nov. 29, 1964

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Mercury retrograde asks you, sweet, stubborn sea goat, to reflect upon your associations of value and worth. Hurl yourself into self-expression whether it is writing a novel or decorating the birthday cake of a stranger. The cosmos is conspiring to teach you that creativity exists beyond currency and time well spent cannot be monetized. Lose yourself in something and come back rich in the right way.

Notable Capricorn: Zayn Malik/Jan. 12, 1993 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 You are the master of nothing but your own trajectory toward wholeness, water bearer. To move toward totality, resign yourself to being a student of others. Take it from boundary-breaking, fasterthan-sound and tougher-thannails Chuck Yeager: “There is no such thing as a natural born pilot.

Whatever my aptitudes or talents, becoming a pilot was a lifetime’s learning experience. The eagerness to learn how and why is everything.” May you come hungry but humble to the days ahead.

Notable Aquarius: Katharine Ross/Jan. 29, 1940 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 Libra season asks you fish folk to evaluate the relationship you have with yourself and your own innate potential. You’re not a competitor, Pisces, but you are a contender.

Take it from certified bad bitch Erykah Badu who maintains, “I’m only in competition with my last level.” The time is nigh to break on through to the higher version of you.

Notable Pisces: Madam Lalaurie/March 19, 1787

ARIES March 21 to April 19 The sun in Libra asks you to consider the ways you have been marked and made by your other halves. What patterns have you developed, and defenses have you mastered? If you are seeking a new way of being and the strange shore of a different kind of intimacy, apply the wisdom of fellow Aries and damn American legend Louis L’Amour: “A ship does not sail with yesterday’s wind.”

May you be cast by and toward brand new breezes.

Notable Aries: Alec Baldwin/ April 3, 1958 TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Bring on the balance, my bull babies. The sun in fellow velvetwearing, Venusian-ruled Libra, beckons you to explore the relationship you have with rewards and punishment, recklessness, and restriction. There’s an energy of scarcity at hand when indulgence takes over, which it often does for your ilk. If you wholeheartedly believe that the good times, and their spoils, will find you again, there’s no need to overdo it.

Notable Taurus: Joan Miró/ April 20, 1893 GEMINI May 21 to June 20 I was recently kept company by the wisdom and perfect eyebrows of a Gemini by the name of Jared.

He confided that in relationships he considers the effect someone has on his central nervous system. Do they make his heart race or steady? Does he feel fight or flight impulses? How does his body respond to the proximity of theirs? As Libra season brings relationships into focus for you, Gemini, consider the practice of young Jared. For a sign known to be more cerebral than physical, listen first and only to the reaction of your corporeal form.

Notable Gemini: Albrecht Dürer/May 21, 1471

CANCER June 21 to July 22 Moon children tend to view their homes not as places to gather, but caves in which to retreat from the world. Yet, Libra season asks that you roll aside the rocks and make room by your proverbial fire for friends and those auditioning for the role. I’m not suggesting you be social; I am insisting you be hospitable. And, if you’ll allow it, metaphor follows pragmatism: to let someone in, you must open the door.

Notable Cancer: Sky Brown/ July 12, 2008 LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 You thrive on striving, Leo, and find oxygen in accomplishments and the afterglow they afford you.

Yet, you are often hard on yourself and wrestle feelings of unworthiness in the space between those moments. There is wisdom to be found in seeing your soaring peaks and lowly valleys as pieces of the same topography of your selfhood. You can’t have, and wouldn’t be able to appreciate, either without the presence of the other.

Notable Leo: Dua Lipa/Aug. 22, 1995 VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 British comedian and fellow Virgo Stephen Fry writes, “Heightened self-consciousness, apartness, an inability to join in, physical shame and self-loathing — they are not all bad. Those devils have been my angels. Without them I would never have disappeared into language, literature, the mind, laughter and all the mad intensities that made and unmade me.”

As Libra season encourages you to reflect upon, and retreat into, the reaches of yourself, I hope you will find inspiration in isolation and halos amid horns.

Notable Virgo: Ruby Bridges/ Sept. 8, 1954

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Mainstreaming

D

aniel Craig’s fifth and final installment as 007 (“Bond.

James Bond.”) is about to hit theaters, with a buzz of anticipation unlike anything we’ve seen since the preCOVID era. Critics are already hailing “No Time to Die” as a potential “franchise best,” which says a lot considering the rich cinematic history that includes the likes of Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Roger Moore.

For those who have been patiently waiting for a legitimate blockbuster to lure them back into a movie theater, the Oct. 8 release of Craig’s final Bond performance appears to be the film movie lovers have been longing for. And yet for many Bond fanatics, the prolonged release and agonizing wait has possibly sent some fans over the edge, so we offer —

10. You are adamant that Ted Lasso should be the next James Bond.

9. You’ve been using the phrase “shaken ... not stirred” in inappropriate ways at the office.

8. You firmly assert that Dr. No is based on Dr. Fauci.

SIGNS YOU ARE WAY TOO EXCITED ABOUT THE NEXT JAMES BOND FILM

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

READ | “PERIL” “The transition from President Donald J. Trump to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. stands as one of the most dangerous periods in American history. But as internationally bestselling author Bob Woodward and acclaimed reporter Robert Costa reveal for the first time, it was far more than just a domestic political crisis.

“This study of Washington takes readers deep inside the Trump White House, the Biden White House, the 2020 campaign and the Pentagon and Congress, with vivid, eyewitness accounts of what really happened. “‘Peril’ is supplemented throughout with never-before-seen material from secret orders, transcripts of confidential calls, diaries, emails, meeting notes and other personal and government records, making for an unparalleled history.”

— Amazon

7. You’ve been in a recent fistfight over someone’s assessment that “Timothy Dalton is the greatest Bond of all time.”

6. While being tailgated on U.S. 1 you find yourself looking for the oil slick button on your Kia’s dashboard.

5. Your Google search history goes something like this: Halle Berry, stainless steel teeth, Jane Seymour, deadly top hats, sharks with lasers, Michelle Yeoh, golden guns…

4. Your Apple ID is “Pussy Galore.”

(Note: for non-Bond fanatics, relax, this is a direct reference to a movie title).

3. When your name is called in Zoom meetings, you keep spinning around in your office chair with an imagined Walther PPK in your hand before reading over line items from an Excel spreadsheet.

2. You’ve been using a British accent to order takeout.

1. You are still trying to convince people you were an extra on the set of “Licence to Kill” in Key West, even though you moved to the Keys in 2012.

WATCH | LULARICH Amazon’s docuseries “LuLaRich” details the rise and fall of LuLaRoe, a leggings empire. Yes, a leggings empire. But the four episodes are binge-ingly good, with all the latest must-have elements for a streaming documentary: big personalities, outrageous behavior, gullible victims and bizarre details. Leggings with a hamburger printed on the crotch, anyone? Oh, and let’s not forget the clothing that smelled like “dead farts.”

In the end, LuLaRoe was the victim of its own ambition, growing too fast and ending up with pyramid-scheme lawsuits. In other words, Must See TV. LISTEN | THESE THINGS HAPPEN TOO Bay area rapper G-Eazy says he “really went crazy, goddamn it,” on his latest album with the likes of Lil Wayne, Demi Lovato and Anthony Hamilton, to name a few. And Apple Music said it’s hard to know whether he’s referring to his actual sanity or just puffing out his chest to celebrate the heights of music stardom he’s seen. The album offers support for either premise, the Bay Area MC dedicating plenty of time to the stresses he knows as a hiphop star (“Wanna Be Myself,” “I, Me, Myself,” “Breakdown”) and also how good it is to be G-Eazy (“Instructions,” “Origami,” “Solar Eclipse”). Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

COME WORSHIP WITH US

‘‘The churches of Christ greet you.’’ Romans 16:16 NKJV ENGLISH SERVICE

KIDS LEARN FIRE SAFETY, PREVENTION MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE, SPARKY THE FIRE DOG VISIT SCHOOLS

Sunday Bible Study 10am (on site) Service 11am (on site) Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm (via teleconference)

KREYOL SEVIS Dimanch Klas Biblik 7pm (on site) Adorasyon 8pm (on site) Vandredi Klas Biblik 7:30pm (via teleconference)

Minister | Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

1700 VON PHISTER ST KEY WEST

‘‘rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;’’ Romans 12:12 NKJV For those who wish to attend via teleconference dial 774.258.4149 or alternate # 716.293.9794 at the times listed above.

Monroe County’s Fire Rescue team and Sparky the Fire Dog visit Big Pine Academy during last year’s Fire Prevention Week. The same school visits will take place in the coming weeks. MARY MOELLER/ Monroe County Fire Rescue

M

onroe County Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” The sounds of fire safety include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The campaign works to educate everyone about necessary actions to keep themselves and those around them safe from fire.

Monroe County Fire Rescue will be doing outreach programs for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 3-9, in nine schools and daycares in Monroe County Fire Rescue’s jurisdiction to teach children the sounds of fire safety. There will also be a meet and greet with Sparky the Fire Dog and a fire truck tour.

“Understanding the sounds of an alarm makes a difference between a working detector or one that will potentially fail.

Look for the lights, listen to the beeps, and change your batteries regularly,” Monroe County Fire Marshal RL Colina

said. “When you hear an alarm activate, always put your plan into action and get out. We can all do our part in saving lives.”

According to NFPA, roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Safety tips for smoke alarms - Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Change batteries twice a year. A good reminder is when the clock “falls back” and “springs ahead.”

- Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

- Practice several ways on how to exit the house in case of a fire.

- Designate a meeting place outside of the home away from danger.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit .fpw.org.

— Contributed

21

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

‘TASTEFUL’ NEW VODKA QUENCHES IN KEY WEST MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

FOURTH & PRIDE VODKA DONATES 5% TO LGBTQ ORGANIZATIONS

W

hat are the owners of a legendary Manhattan dive bar — a gay dive bar — to do when their bar has to close due to COVID interruptus?

They start making their own premium vodka — and selling it in Key West, of course.

At least, that’s what Jesse Weinberg did when, after more than 30 years, his family had to close their Boiler Room bar on East 4th Street in the Village for an extended period.

Jesse Weinberg’s parents, Neil and Gina, opened the Boiler Room in 1991, quickly creating a second home for artists, drag queens, outcasts and friends with a comfortable pool table and familiar jukebox.

“I grew up around the bar and in that whole scene, which was an amazing experience,” he told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 28 from New York City.

“We had previously developed our own Fourth & Pride beer — an IPA and an

Sam Jindra is the Key West representative of Fourth & Pride vodka, which is available in more than a dozen Keys locations. CONTRIBUTED

ale — but then came the shutdown. So we decided to go back to the drawing board and spent all of 2020 developing our own premium vodka with a proprietary blend of grapes and corn,” rather than the usual rice, corn, rye or wheat, he said.

“We wanted a tasteful product, not just in terms of physical taste, but we wanted to do things right and give back to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies,” Weinberg said. “We just launched in early 2021. Then we came to the Keys in April and May. We needed an area that was still thriving during COVID, and that had a nice diverse community. Key West and the Florida Keys were an obvious choice.”

Despite the plethora of vodka brands on the market, free samples of Fourth & Pride in Key West, happily provided by company representative Sam Jindra, have met with surprised

smiles and eyebrows raised in delight at the liquor’s smooth drinkability.

“Fourth & Pride was founded in recognition of the spirit, vitality and camaraderie of the famous East Village Pride Bars and their patrons, which openly welcome like-minded people of all orientations seeking to come together and imbibe with pride,” states the company’s website, the vodka’s name an homage to the Boiler Room’s Manhattan address at 86 E. 4th St. and the gay pride movement that started less than a mile from it.

“Born less than one mile from the birthplace of Pride itself, Fourth & Pride is on a mission to change behaviors, conversations and lives for the better, one sip at a time.”

The company donates 5% of all sales to LGBTQ+ partner organizations that “work tirelessly to advocate, strengthen and advance the community.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

COVID-19 TESTING SITES IN MONROE COUNTY Updated as of Sept. 23, 2021 Email any changes to DOHMonroe@flhealth.gov Note: This list is subject to change based on testing availability.

Advanced Urgent Care (rapid test) 305-294-0011 Pre-register at urgentcarefloridakeys.com • Key West: 1980 N Roosevelt Blvd.

• Marathon: 13365 Overseas Hwy. #102 • Key Largo: 100460 Overseas Hwy. AHEC (rapid test) • 305-743-7111 Extension 210; Testing provided only to students, staff and limited family members of Monroe County Schools at all school sites. Rapid and PCR test provided.

CHI • Free Testing following screening.

• 305-252-4820 or email KeysCovid19@chisouthfl.org.

Appointments at www.chisouthfl.org • 2805 Overseas Highway, Marathon • Drive through Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 to 6 p.m.

Curative • Free Testing and self-collected.

• 87000 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada • Appointments at www.curative. com; walk-up daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CVS Pharmacy Minute Clinic • Stock Island: 305-295-2858; 5610 Overseas Hwy • Key Largo: 888-300-4419; 99434 Overseas Hwy • Appointments at Minute Clinic: www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid19-testing Doctors Test Centers @ JW Plastic Surgery (rapid test) • 1075 Duval St, Key West; 866865-7400.

• Appointments at: www.doctorstestcenters.com • Rapid testing with results in one hour Good Health Clinic • Free testing for current patients and those who qualify • Marathon and Tavernier Offices: 305-853-1788 • 91555 O/S Hwy, St 2, Tavernier, M-F 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Bayview Medical Building, 13365 O/s Hwy, St 101, Marathon, Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Islamorada Medical Center • (305) 852-9300; 90130 Old Highway, 2nd Floor, Tavernier John W Norris III MD (rapid test) • (305) 296-1022; 508 Southard St #103, Key West Key West Urgent Care • 305-295-7550; 1501 Government Rd. Key West • Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Keys Pediatrics • 305-293-4233. For established patients only • 1714 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West Key West Medical Center (rapid test) • 305-295-6790; 2505 Flagler Ave., Key West Marquesa Medical Group • 305-504-5611 • In home/office/mobile PCR testing, results in 1-2 days Serving Key West to MM 25 My Wellness Express (rapid test) • 305-901-2243 • 3428 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West • PCR, results in 1-2 days • By appointment, accept walk ins; Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ocean Reef Medical Center • For Ocean Reef Club members only.

• 305-367-2600; 50 Barracuda Ln, Key Largo Rural Health Network Monroe County (rapid test) • Free Testing following screening • Appointments call 305-517-6613, Ext 500 • Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; www.rhnmc.org • 3706 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Suite G, Key West Walgreens • 30351 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key • 5271 Overseas Hwy, Marathon • 10870 Overseas Hwy, Marathon • 99501 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo www.walgreens.com

KEY WEST CHAMBER AWARDS HONOR PEOPLE, PROJECTS MEMBERS MUST SUBMIT NOMINATIONS BY OCT. 29

T

he Key West Chamber of Commerce is asking its 500-plus members to nominate potential winners of several annual awards that honor people, projects and progress in the Southernmost City.

The awards will be presented at the chamber’s Dec. 15 membership luncheon at the Key West Marriott Beachside. To be eligible, all nominations must have an explanation as to why the individual was nominated. Email nominations to membership@keywestchamber.org by noon on Friday, Oct. 29. The executive committee will make the final selections.

Award categories are as follows: Preservation Award The Historic Preservation Award acknowledges an individual, organization, business or government entity who has been instrumental in preserving our historic resources and plays an active role in preserving and protecting our historic structures through renovation, restoration, and preservation.

Key West “Stars” Key West “Stars” to be presented to individuals who go above and beyond volunteering their time to either the chamber or other community organizations and sports leagues, etc., to make Key West a better place to live.

Business For Beauty Award Awarded for major capital projects or extensive renovation that add to beauty and contribute to the overall attractiveness of Key West. May be awarded to businesses, as well as non-business (government, civic, etc.) projects.

Venture Award Awarded for bold investment in a new business or enterprise that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and adds to the Key West atmosphere.

Franchises are not eligible for this award. Business must have been open for a minimum of 12 months to be considered.

Piece of the Rock Presented to dedicated individuals who have clearly gone above and beyond the scope of their normal responsibilities to help make Key West a better community through the years.

— Contributed

23

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

6 KEYS RESORTS MAKE FLORIDA’S TOP 15

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SCIENCE SAYS CRUISE SHIPS DON’T CAUSE CORAL DECLINE Dear Editor, I was delighted to see a response to my Letter to the Editor in the Sept. 16 Keys Weekly.

Mr. Boettger exactly illustrates my point with his comments.

His letter is yet another reiteration of the false propaganda that has been spread by Safer Cleaner Ships (SCS) since the beginning of the controversy.

One of the definitions of a cult is a group that adheres to a rigid dogma regardless of contrary information. Challenges to the dogma are met with vilification of those with the contradicting evidence. The anti-cruise ship cult (a wellfunded international group) is alive and well in Key West.

My example: Mr. Boettger supports the debunked SCS party line that cruise ships contribute to the environmental decline of Florida Keys waters.

Corals are the “canary in the mine” species for signifying decline of a tropical marine environment. Corals are indeed in serious decline up and down the Florida Keys barrier reef.

The cruise ship detractors point to ship-generated turbidity in the Main Ship Channel as a key cause of the decline.

The science proves otherwise. In the 2021 Florida International University report on turbidity near Key West, Dr. Henry Briceno (research professor and leader of the study) acknowledges that at the bottom of the water column (where corals live), the turbidity measured in 2020 was not different than 2019 and prior years in a manner that is “statistically significant.” A couple of pages later he clearly summarized his findings: “Therefore, turbidity at all reef sites, at the areas where coral live, was no different whether cruise ships ran or were absent and regardless how many cruise ships passed through the channel.”

It really can’t be any more succinct than that, even to mesmerized SCS true-believers. Mr. Boettger, Mayor Teri Johnston and SCS followers are, in fact, part of the problem of reef decline. By diverting attention and resources from the real cause of coral mortality, they deflect a possible long-term solution.

The 2019 report from Florida Atlantic University, after a 33-year study at Looe Key reef, revealed that runoff pollutants from land are what is really killing coral reefs: “Improperly treated sewage, fertilizers and topsoil are elevating nitrogen levels, which are causing phosphorus starvation in the corals, reducing their temperature threshold for ‘bleaching.’ These coral reefs were dying off long before they were impacted by rising water temperatures.”

To my knowledge, no monitoring or investigative entity, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, has ever indicated that ship traffic causes coral reef decline.

Is that solid enough scientific “peer review,” Mr. Boettger?

If you still don’t believe, take a dive under Mallory Pier to see the thriving coral community, which includes threatened species. Or just view the photos of those same corals inventoried in the recent studies on file with the city.

I stand by my earlier statement. As long as Mayor Johnston continues her vacuous recitation of the SCS misinformation used to hoodwink Key West voters, she remains a misleader.

John E. Wells Jr. Ships’ Agent

SUNSET KEY COTTAGES RANKS NO. 1

For the second consecutive year, Travel + Leisure readers name Sunset Key Guest Cottages the top Florida resort. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

R

eaders of Travel + Leisure ranked six Florida Keys properties among Florida’s top 15 resorts in the prestigious travel publication’s “World’s Best Awards 2021.” Open for voting from Jan. 11 through May 15, the “World’s Best” survey encouraged readers to reflect on travel experiences during a three-year period.

For the second consecutive year, Travel + Leisure’s readers awarded the No. 1 spot among “The Top 15 Resort Hotels in Florida” to the 27-acre Sunset Key Cottages, describing the property that features 40 standalone bungalows as “absolute paradise.”

“We’re thrilled that Sunset Key Cottages, our unique island destination resort just off downtown Key West, has achieved this prestigious honor for the second year in a row,” said Diane Schmidt, the property’s general manager. “Sunset Key truly is one of Florida’s most exotic resorts for privacy and luxury.”

Oceans Edge Resort & Marina on Stock Island, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa off Little

Torch Key, Ocean Key Resort & Spa in Key West, Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon and Key Largo’s Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, also earned spots among the top 15.

Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food and overall value.

“We’re tremendously proud that six of our resorts in the Florida Keys — by far the most of any single Florida destination — are recognized among the state’s top 15,” said Stacey Mitchell, director of the Florida Keys Tourist Development Council.

“Each of these well-regarded resorts continues to showcase our scenic wide-open spaces and our well-appointed, relaxed casual style of accommodations that visitors are seeking,” Mitchell said.

Visit travelandleisure.com/ worlds-best/resort-hotels-inflorida.

— Contributed

26

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

THANK YOU KEY WEST FOR VOTING US

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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Works Available on Approval & Concierge Services from Key West to Key Largo The Gallery on Greene | 606 Greene Street | Key West, Florida galleryongreene@gmail.com | galleryongreene.com | 305-304-2323

28

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VOTING US

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30

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

COLLEGE REVAMPS ITS CAMPUS CAFE

SERVING THE STUDENTS Taco Tuesday is a new hit at the Campus Cafe.

BRITT MYERS/ Keys Weekly

David Hinckley is manager of food services at the College of the Florida Keys’ newly renovated and revamped Campus Cafe, which is open to the public as well as students and staff from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Key West campus. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

P

izzas, salads, chili, lobster bisque and grab-and-go sandwiches.

Such was the Wednesday lunch menu at the Campus Cafe, Stock Island’s new — and affordable — lunch spot.

The Campus Cafe at the College of the Florida Keys, once a concession leased to a local business owner, is now an in-house department of the college, which enables lower prices and provides the college more authority to set the hours of operation.

The new and improved Campus Cafe opened about six weeks ago, with David Hinckley as the new manager of food services. Hinckley was formerly a food and beverage director at the Perry Hotel.

“We really want to make this a lively hub for students on campus to meet friends between classes and feel more connected to their school.

We’re going to add student artwork on the walls, and this cafe is connected to the student center next door,” said Amber Ernst-Leonard, executive director of marketing and public relations.

“Plus, the cafe is open to the public and we have meal plans in place for students in the residence hall and others who are on campus for full-time classes.”

College of the Florida Keys student Kenzie Everett and several fellow students grab lunch on campus. The college offers meal plans to resident and full-time students. AMBER ERNST-LEONARD/College of the Florida Keys

Ernst-Leonard added that the college also now offers its employees a discounted lunch program at the Campus Cafe as an employment perk.

“We try to offer a good combination of healthy options, plus food everyone likes,” Hinckley said, adding that the breakfast sandwiches are always popular, along with Taco Tuesday, Nacho Thursday and Wing Wednesday. And there’s always the old college staple — pizza.

“We’re also going to try a baked potato day and a Philly cheesesteak day soon. I’d also like to try offering some heat-and-eat meals, like lasagna, that students or anyone could order on a Wednesday and pick up on a Friday so they have a meal for the weekend,” said Hinckley, who’s awaiting the results of a campus-wide survey that asked students and staff for feedback on the new Campus Cafe.

“It’s very cool to be accountable to the students and staff rather than stakeholders,” Hinckley said.

“It’s much different when my responsibility is feeding people rather than making a profit.”

The Campus Cafe is in the center of the College of the Florida Keys’ Key West campus, just off the courtyard. A daily lunch menu is available at cfk. edu/campus-life/campus-cafe.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA TREATMENT ON LOCAL’S DAY A serene haven encouraging a Key West state-of-mind, The Spa at Pier House is the premier island retreat for visitors looking to unwind, relax and restore well-being.

As Key West's only full-service spa, The Spa melts away distractions with an expansive menu including a variety of body treatments, facials and facials and massages.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

BRIEFLY

Penny, left, and Jasper were rescued from a Minnesota fur farm in July 2020.

They’re living in Key Largo with owner Nicole Navarro. CONTRIBUTED

A TALE OF TWO FOXES Penny and Jasper get new enclosure

H

i friends! Reef the fox here with another weekly installment of “Reef’s Report.” I’m not sure how I could top last week’s interview with K9 Coral but here we go.

So my human was away last week for a few days. I thought I would be cool with it, and be a big, tough independent teenager.

Well I sure was not. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a momma's boy and I missed my mom.

Our human grandma took care of us and that was OK. But I may or may not have torn some things up and peed on the brand new area rug in mom’s room to accurately display how upset I was. But my human is back now and all's right with the world.

Two other foxes that live with us, Jasper and Penny, are getting a brand new enclosure at the end of the month. Mom was busy fundraising all of September and our friends and fox-lovers came through. Jasper and Penny were saved from a fur farm in July of last year and came to live at Pawsitive Beginnings on July 17, 2020. Penny is in good shape. Jasper is another story. Jasper spent the longest time on the fur farm; he turned 5 this year with us. He has some bad arthritis and his brain doesn’t work so well so mom has to help him eat sometimes. Jasper has a personal veterinarian that comes to see him once a month and he gets laser acupuncture and massages. I mean, I’m happy for him, but can’t

this foxy boy get a massage?

Now for some really good news, before I get to local news. Kering, the luxury fashion house REEF behind Gucci, Yves Saint LauTHE FOX rent, Alexander Reef is a red fox McQueen and that was saved Balenciaga, has from a fur farm. banned the use He now lives in Key Largo with his of animal fur human, Nicole across all of its Navarro. brands by fall of 2022. How amazing is that? Obviously, I take this personally because my friends and I were saved from fur farms, and if mom hadn’t given us a home, we might have been someone’s fur coat. So it was a good week, with this major announcement.

Now for some local fun! This Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3, down at Islamorada Brewing & Distillery is ROCKtoberfest. The party starts Saturday at 11 a.m. and ends Sunday at 9 p.m. There’s going to be Beerlympics, coconut painting, live music and lots of food.

That’s all from your favorite fox this week! Remember you can find us at pawsitivebeginnings.org and you can always email me personally at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org for any fox-related questions you have.

Until next week, Reef, over and out!

Upcoming vaccination events set in the Lower Keys The state of Florida and multiple organizations in Monroe County are hosting community COVID-19 vaccination events.

Events are open to the public.

No appointments, walk-up only.

Those aged 12-17 for the Pfizer vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Friday, Oct. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Perry Hotel, 7001 Shrimp Road, Stock Island. All three vaccines will be provided at this event, including Pfizer, Moderna and J&J. • Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Frederick Douglass Gym, 111 Olivia St., Key West.

All three will be provided at this event, including Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J. For more information, visit: monroe.floridahealth.gov/vax.

Decorate your digs to win big in Fantasy Fest Facade contest Transform your home, office or business — and enter to win the Reddy Ice Fantasy Fest Facade Competition. Prizes will be awarded based on creativity, representation of theme and wow factor.

Entries must be received by Oct. 18, 2021. Email your completed form to info@fantasyfest. com or send/bring it to the office at 922 Caroline St., Key West, FL 33040.

Eligible entries will have the street-side exterior of their building and/or grounds decorated and on display for judges on Monday, Oct. 25.

Entrants will be updated with the exact time that judging will take place. $2,000 in cash prizes are provided by the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce.

Bulk trash pickups available by calling Waste Management The City of Key West reminds residents and landlords of a free service for bulk trash pickups.

Often, when people move, there is bulky trash left behind in the city’s right-of-way. Fast, free unlimited pickup is available for all Key West residents, and it’s just a phone call away.

Before piling old furniture, appliances or other large trash items on the street, call Waste Management at 305-292-8297 and schedule a bulk waste pickup. They will set an appointment within a few days. On the appointed day, put the trash out.

When you call for your pickup, they’ll explain that you need to separate appliances from furniture and other bulky items.

There is no limit on the frequency of pickups.

Not only will you help beautify the island, but your neighbors will appreciate you.

Bertha Street detours start Oct. 7 Due to the ongoing roadwork along Bertha Street, which becomes 1st Street across Flagler Avenue, as of Thursday, Oct. 7, 1st Street will be open to southbound traffic ONLY from Vivian Lane to Fogarty Avenue. Northbound traffic on 1st Street will be detoured at Fogarty Avenue to 5th Street and back to North Roosevelt Boulevard. Traffic on Flagler Avenue can use 5th Street to access North Roosevelt Boulevard. The closure is expected to last until Nov. 30. There are additional closures and detours in this area taking place. Updates can be found at monroecounty-fl. gov/roadprojects.

Man arrested with cocaine and firearms Early on Sept. 23, the Key West Police Department Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at 1640 Morgan Ct. Apt. 3. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the search warrant.

As a result, Rodney Corwin Conliffe, 60, was found to be in possession of cocaine, three firearms and 687 rounds of ammunition. Conliffe is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. He was taken to jail and faces two felony charges.

33

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

NEW LISTING!

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(305) 294-0102 11:30 AM – 10 PM 629 Duval St, Key West When you’re on Long Island be sure to visit our new location in Wantagh.

Call ahead for Daily Specials 516-900-1400.

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SHAD KNAPP REALTOR® Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 603.715.4698 shadknapp@gmail.com

PAUL HAYES PRINCIPAL BROKER Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 305.587.6767 paul@kwreal.com

NEW LISTING!

515 Palm Drive | Key West | MLS # 597480 Private home located at the end of Palm Drive, and surrounded by protected native vegetation and few neighbors. The mobile home has east facing French doors in the living room and kitchen providing an abundance of natural light. Roof was replaced in 2014 with a lifetime warranty. Handicap ramp in place and three sheds for storage. Keep as your new home, a rental investment and build a new home in the future. $279,000 DARLENE THOMAS REALTOR® Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 305.304.1043 darlenekw@aol.com

34

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

35

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

TOO OLD TO ROCK AND ROLL? COASTAL STORM RISK STUDY MOVES FORWARD Definitely not too old to die!

FEDERAL STUDY, PLAN WILL REDUCE RISKS OF COASTAL STORM DAMAGE

The aftermath of Hurricane Irma in September 2017 highlights the Florida Keys’ vulnerability to coastal storms. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

T

he powers that be in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have signed off on the Florida Keys Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Study and recommended it for congressional authorization.

The study and plan significantly add to Monroe County’s efforts to promote resiliency and reduce the risks of coastal storm damage. The study began in October 2018 and addressed critical infrastructure, protection of the U.S. 1 evacuation route, and reduction of structure damage in response to coastal storm risks while considering sealevel change.

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners signed the required documents to accept the feasibility study developed by the Army Corps in February 2021. Monroe County is not required to contribute funding for the project until Congress has appropriated funding for implementation and a formal agreement is executed between the Army Corps and the county.

The recommended plan includes the following measures to reduce coastal storm risk and damage throughout the Florida Keys: • Shoreline stabilization with six rock structures in six different locations along Overseas Highway identified as having risk of damage due to erosion and/or wave energy during a storm event. These six structures range in height from four to 10 feet and are designed to reduce damage to the road by stabilizing the shoreline and reducing the risk of washout.

• Dry floodproofing 53 critical public infrastructure buildings identified as at risk to damage from coastal storms. Dry floodproofing will reduce the damage caused by storm surge so emergency and critical services can resume more quickly after a storm event.

• Nonstructural measures to reduce coastal storm damage by elevating 4,698 residential homes and dry floodproofing 1,052 commercial structures at risk throughout the Keys. Nonstructural measures are applied to reduce damage from storm surge flooding. Participation is voluntary for the recommended nonstructural measures (elevation and floodproofing).

The study funds were appropriated at a federal cost of $3 million.

The project is estimated at $2.6 billion, split 65% federal ($1.7 billion) and 35% non-federal ($893 million).

Non-federal funds can come from state, county, municipalities and other non-federal entities.

“We are already committed to making Monroe County as resilient as possible against the effects of future storms and sea-level rise,” said Roman Gastesi, Monroe County administrator. “This partnership with the Army Corps will allow us to tap into federal money to help offset resiliency costs to Florida Keys residents.”

To learn more about the project, visit saj.usace.army.mil/FloridaKeysCSRMFeasibilityStudy.

— Contributed

W

ay back in the day (well, 1976), UK rock band Jethro Tull released a song (and album) titled Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young to Die! That was 45 years ago; Jethro Tull (now Ian Anderson and some really great musicians) has begun a European tour that will last through November of next year. I saw them perform about 13 years ago, and they were nowhere close to “too old to rock and roll.”

Some of that sentiment may have stemmed from the distrust of the older generation that Boomers growing up in the Vietnam era possessed. “Don’t trust anyone over 30” and “Hope I die before I get old” were popular sentiments among hippies and flower children — until they (we) passed the age of 30 and started growing old. As the resident “senior columnist” here at the Weekly Newspapers, I’m happy to report that those of us old enough to remember the Vietnam era certainly haven’t decided to head out to pasture.

I also attest that our age and experience more than qualify us to keep rocking.

As mentioned in a previous column, live performance is probably the best way — in some cases, the only way — for a musician to get paid for his or her music. As we struggle out of this pandemic, past one determined anti-vaxxer at a time, some acts are coming back to live shows. We already saw Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, and James Taylor with Jackson Browne this year. A number of other artists are finally touring again, and for that I am grateful.

One of the biggest tours right now is the Rolling Stones “No Filter” Tour, which started up recently in St. Louis.

This is their first tour without longtime drummer Charlie Watts, who, along with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, had played on every Stones tour since 1963. Charlie passed away last month at 80; he had encouraged the Stones to go out on the road with replacement drummer Steve Jordan before he died. Mick, Keith, and Ron Wood honored their former bandmate with an emotional tribute and dedicated this tour to him.

Mick Jagger still pranced and strutted around the (very large) stadium stage like it was still 1975, not seeming to have lost a thing to time. (He’s 78.)

Keith and Ron still wield their guitars like twenty- or thirty-something rock stars, and they bring along some amazing musicians and singers to flesh out their sound. I dare any whippersnapper out there to tell Keith Richards

that he’s too old to rock and roll. At the rate he’s going, he may outlast all of us and dance on our graves. And Mick has hinted that the Stones may embark JOHN on a 60th anniverBARTUS sary tour next year.

The Doobie is a City of MaraBrothers are on thon counciltheir 50th Anniverman. He also is sary Tour, featuring a musician who performs around original members town. For more Tom Johnston see johnbartus. and Patrick Simcom mons, with famous replacement Doobie Michael McDonald in the band as well. Woodstock alumnus and guitar legend Carlos Santana is on tour with his eponymously named band, and this tour will continue into next summer where they’ll be joined by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Donald Fagen is resurrecting Steely Dan for a tour next year. Hall and Oates are out now and still kicking out the jams well into their 70s. Foo Fighters are rocking out arenas, and Guns N’ Roses are doing the same.

KISS is on their (alleged) farewell tour, with 42 dates booked into next year.

Bob Dylan just announced his worldwide Rough & Rowdy Tour beginning in November and stretching through 2024. Other “ancient” rockers on tour include Rod Stewart, Eagles, Elton John, Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, Chicago, Styx, Ozzy, Yes, Jimmy Buffett, Foreigner, and the Beach Boys.

88-year-old Willie Nelson has tour dates stretching into April of next year.

Willie will turn 90 in 2023; I wouldn’t bet against him playing a 90th birthday show. And why shouldn’t he?

All the musicians mentioned here still bring it to the table just about as well as they ever did — and in some cases, better. It’s a gift to those of us who love the music that they still really want to come out and play. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

As an aging musician myself, I admire all those who keep playing. I’m inspired to do the same — I have no intention of ever laying down the guitar. As Mick Jagger sings, “If you start me up I’ll never stop!”

Catch John Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Friday at Boondocks and on Facebook Live, and Saturday night at the Key Colony Inn. Music wherever you get your streaming or downloads. www. facebook.com/john.bartus

36

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

KEY WEST VOLLEYBALL DEFEATS MARATHON

1

LADY CONCHS SERVE UP A WIN

K

ey West girls volleyball, under Coach Sarah Eckert, hosted — and defeated — the Marathon Dolphins 3-0 on Tuesday, Sept. 28.

The win comes after the Lady Conchs lost 2-0 at Treasure Coast on Sept. 25.

The Lady Conchs will face Lourdes Academy on Friday, Oct. 1 in the Florida Christian Tournament.

— Weekly staff report

2

5

6 BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly More game photos are available at ShadyPalmPhotography.com.

1. From left, Emiri Ichijo, Monika Jaroszewicz, Jocelyn Alfar, Lucie Bublakova, Amya Boose, Lindsey Clausen, Victoria Pavlik, Bridgette Sweeney, Elsie Warwick and Samantha Ventimiglia.

3 4

7

2. Jocelyn Alfar (9) and Bridgette Sweeney (1) block a Dolphin shot.

3. Amya Boose (14) bumps the ball forward.

4. Elsie Warwick (20) spikes the ball.

5. Lindsey Clausen (12) prepares to serve.

6. Jocelyn Alfar (9), Bridgette Sweeney (1) and Elsie Warwick (20) form a defensive wall.

7. Emiri Ichijo (8) keeps her eye on the ball.

37

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 16th century bronze cannon on exhibit at the Keys History & Discovery Center. Brad Bertelli/Contributed

FATHER KNOWS BEST Menendez’ son didn’t listen to his dad about storms

H

urricane warnings: sometimes you listen and sometimes you do not.

This time of year always makes me a little anxious. Not only is it hurricane season, but it is the heart of the season when the water has heated up and is primed for tropical, weatherrelated phenomena.

First thing every morning, I check out the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center's webpage to peek at what might be developing and what might be falling apart out in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

I have been in South Florida since 1989 and have lived on Plantation Key for 20 years. Only once, in 2017, did I get into my Jeep and head for somewhere safer, higher and farther away when a hurricane was threatening. But in 2017, Hurricane Irma’s path wobbled like a drunken sorority girl trying to walk home after a Halloween party.

Watching her trying to fall into her path was scary. I would not have evacuated in 2017, but my wife told me we were leaving at two o'clock in the morning on the day before the storm slammed the Florida Keys. I did what I don't always do when she tells me things: I listened, and we packed up both dogs, the cat, and drove for the mainland.

People do not always listen to their loved ones, and often the ramifications are negligible. Sometimes there is a price to pay, as was the case when Pedro Menendez gave his son a piece of advice that was ignored.

Commander General Pedro Menendez might be best remembered as the man given credit for founding St. Augustine in 1565. He had been sent to La Florida to BRAD dispatch French inBERTELLI terlopers who had established Fort ... is the curator Caroline in a Spanfor Islamorada’s ish-held territory.

Keys History & With St. Augustine, Discovery Center.

A published aunow considered thor of six books, the oldest continuhis favorite subally occupied city in jects are Indian the United States, Key and skunk established and the apes.

French defeated, Menendez went looking for his missing son.

Commander General Juan Menendez de Aviles was in charge of the military escort of the New Spain Fleet's 1563 trans-Atlantic crossing from the New World home to Spain. Juan Menendez had grown up sailing with his father, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, to Central Europe and the Americas.

The younger Menendez gained valuable experience and, like his father, was considered a marine and military expert. Following in his father’s footsteps, he achieved the rank of general before he was 30 years old.

In 1563, Menendez was in command of the lead ship in the military escort of the New Spain Fleet. The lead ship was known as the el capitana. The almiranta, a ship of war like the capitana, guarded the rear of the

convoy. In 1563, the El Capitana La Conception was a 500-ton armed galleon escorting a convoy of 12 ships between Havana Harbor and Seville. One of the pieces of advice the elder Menendez gave his son was not to attempt to navigate the Bahama Bank, the Florida Straits, after July because of the increased chance of encountering hurricane forces.

Husbands do not always listen to their wives, and sons do not always listen to their fathers (or daughters to their mothers). For the young Commander Menendez, contrary weather patterns delayed ships sailing up from the lower Caribbean to Havana. By the time the last two Honduran merchant ships arrived at Havana, July had turned to August. On Aug. 15, the weather was clear, and Commander General Juan Menendez ordered the fleet to sail.

The first few weeks offered smooth sailing. Then, a hurricane swept across the Bahama Bank during the first days of September.

La Concepcion was last reported seen on Sept.10.

More than 450 years later, no one can say for sure what happened to Menendez and his ship.

Like Pedro Menendez looking for his son, a Florida Keys family and their friends have been looking for that wreck for decades.

They think it sank off the coast of the Lower Keys in the area of the American Shoal Lighthouse.

Artifacts from a wreck site thought to be associated with the 1563 Fleet have been recovered and are currently prominently displayed at two museums in the Keys. The artifacts are two bronze cannons that may be from the wreck of the Angel Bueno, one of the ships registered with the 1563 fleet. One cannon is on exhibit at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West. The other can be seen at the Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada. As for what happened to Juan Menendez and at least two ships from the 1563 New Spain Fleet, there may soon be more to tell about that story, and it might even come with a little Skunk Ape twist.

38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Gratitude expressed for bringing justice to 2017 murder Eddy Lopez-Jemot

ARREST MADE IN 2017 KEY LARGO MURDER

A

54-year-old man has been arrested in the Oct. 21, 2017 murder of Mary Bonneville.

Deputies and firefighters responded to a house fire at 720 Ponce De Leon Blvd. where Bonneville was found dead on the floor in a hallway.

She had knife wounds to her throat. Autopsy reports revealed those wounds caused her death and her death was determined to be a homicide.

DNA evidence was used to link Eddy Lopez-Jemot to items from Bonnevile’s home such as a beer can and a towel. Lopez-Jemot was also in the area of Bonneville’s home the night of the murder. He was arrested the same day of the murder for threatening to cut a woman’s head off at the nearby Veterans of Foreign Wars building, about 660 feet from Bonneville’s home.

Miami-Dade Police arrested Lopez-Jemot on Sept. 13 after obtaining an arrest warrant from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Lopez-Jemot was charged with murder and arson of an occupied dwelling.

“I want to thank our Major Crimes Unit for their relentless work on this case,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said. “It took countless hours of police work to put this case together. I hope this provides some closure to the family and friends of the victim as well as to everyone in the Upper Keys.”

The Major Crimes Unit worked closely with the State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in the investigation.

Lopez-Jemot is being held on a $1.25 million bail.

— Contributed

Sheriff Rick Ramsay and State Attorney Dennis Ward never forgot the brutality of a murder committed upon beloved VFW Post 10211 Auxiliary member, Mary Bonneville. Their collective determination, relentless effort and integrity of purpose recently secured the arrest of the alleged murderer.

For the last four years Ramsay, Ward and their extraordinary investigators left no stone unturned as they diligently pursued, procured and scientifically assessed all evidence related to Ms. Bonneville's murder. Their deliberative and steadfast criminal investigation provided the definitive data necessary to make an arrest and proceed with the prosecution of her alleged murderer.

This was a difficult case to solve, as post-Hurricane Irma damage provided an opportunity for the "roofers from hell" types to descend upon the Keys and victimize those in need of home repair and landscaping assistance.

The murder victim was a 70-year-old lady who loved her country and the veterans that served and sacrificed to preserve her way of life. She exhibited love, compassion and kindness to everyone that crossed her path.

Ms. Bonneville was particularly generous and uplifting towards those who needed a helping hand. Unfortunately, her benevolence and graciousness may have triggered the predatory interests of the criminal element that had descended upon us post Hurricane Irma.

Mary Bonneville was a dear friend. I was consumed with tracking down her killer. Sheriff Ramsay and State Attorney Ward deserve our deepest thanks for unraveling a complicated and difficult case, so that Mary's murder might be equitably resolved.

John Donnelly, Key Largo

FISHING TOURNAMENT FIGHTS CYSTIC FIBROSIS BUFFALO MAN WINS WITH A 43-INCH PERMIT

Jim Bokor Jr.’s permit wins the Sales S.L.A.M. tournament in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

A

ngler Jim Bokor Jr. of Buffalo, New York, fishing with his friend Dwayne Wesolowski of Buffalo and Capt. Richard Black of Islamorada, won the 2021 Robert James Sales S.L.A.M. Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series in Key West, which kicks off the annual Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series.

(S.L.A.M. stands loosely for Southernmost Light Tackle Masters.)

The series aims to catch a cure for cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs, and has contributed millions of dollars since 1999 for cystic fibrosis research. Bokor Jr. was runner-up in 2019 when the tournament was last held, when he caught 20 bonefish and five tarpon. The 2020 tournament was canceled due to COVID. Species sought in the S.L.A.M. are bonefish, tarpon and permit. The S.L.A.M. is followed by the Redbone Celebrity Tournament the first weekend in November and the Redbone Sunset/Sunrise Tarpon Tournament in April.

Cloudy weather made sight-fishing difficult this year. Bokor’s team ran north to catch tarpon and caught seven out of 10 seen. Capt. Black said Bokor Jr. caught about five on shrimp and a couple on artificial tackle.

The team found bluer skies “much farther north” than Key West, and after about 15 minutes of looking for permit, Bokor had a 43-inch permit that ended up being the tournament’s largest in two days of competitive fishing.

Next, they fished for bonefish to complete a “slam of tarpon, permit and bonefish,” and Bokor’s proficiency at fishing a bank nabbed three out of the four bonefish spotted using live shrimp as bait. They had their “slam” by 11 a.m. which enabled them to make their way back to Key West, where the cloudy conditions continued. Still, Bokor caught another bonefish near Key West.

The next day, the team aimed for additional points and Bokor caught four bonefish on artificial tackle, and Wesolowski caught four bonefish on bait. Bokor also caught another permit giving him two “slams.”

Black had guided Wesolowski and Bokor Jr. in the Keys last winter casting for redfish, so Wesolowski was relatively new to sight fishing and recognized the difficulty and enjoyment of it.

Bokor Jr. earned awards in nine out of 15 categories including the runner-up team category. He plans to fish the Redbone Celebrity Tournament set for Nov. 5-7 in Islamorada again with Capt. Black.

Carmen Perez Padron of Miami also had a great tournament. She not only won first place among women anglers, but team grand champion title with Paulo Firmo of Miami and Capt. Dave Denkert of Islamorada.

William Collier of Atlanta, guided

by Capt. Justin Rea of Sugarloaf Key, was the fly division champion.

— Contributed

39

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

CASH INCENTIVES EXPAND TO MORE PROGRAMS SCHOOL DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH FOUNDATION TO REWARD STUDENTS

DOES YOUR CURRENT INTERNET SPEED MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE THIS? NOW IS THE TIME TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH BROADWAVE Monroe Computes, which offers cash incentives for certification tests in various computer programs, is joined by Monroe Skills. CONTRIBUTED

F

or seven years, Monroe County schools have partnered with local philanthropist John Padget and his Golden Fleece Foundation’s Monroe Computes program to offer cash incentives to students who complete certification tests in various computer programs.

Students can earn $50 to $300 for completing the certifications in programs such as coding, JavaScript, social media strategies, Adobe and QuickBooks.

This year, Padget’s foundation has expanded its role and now offers the Monroe Skills program and incentives for students who earn industry certification in career and technical education such as culinary services, health careers, automotive mechanics, outboard marine repair and firefighting.

“Students can earn hundreds of dollars, while learning the valuable skills necessary to be career ready in today’s global economy,” said Padget.

“We are honored to partner with the Golden Fleece Foundation once again to encourage students to take advantage of the national and state industry certification opportunities available in our schools,” Superintendent Theresa Axford said

this week. “Monroe Skills builds upon the success of Monroe Computes, the groundbreaking program that has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in incentives to our computer science students earning industry certifications.”

Monroe Skills will offer cash incentives ranging from $150 to $300 to students earning such industry certifications as Certified Food Safety Manager, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Firefighter 1, Emergency Medical Responder and Entry Level Automotive Service Excellence accreditations. In addition to the incentives, many of these certifications earn college credits at Florida colleges and universities.

“We have seen a huge increase in the number of students earning computer science industry certifications with the incentives provided by Monroe Computes,” said Sibba Mira, MCSD career and technical education coordinator. “We anticipate that Monroe Skills will add an additional layer of motivation in our other courses as well.”

— Contributed

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

40

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 JIM McCARTHY

SAVE THE DATE

jim@keysweekly.com

LEGISLATIVE SESSION NEARS

Thursdays through the winter • Glow Hours, 6 to 8 p.m., sunset cocktails at Hugh’s View, the rooftop terrace atop The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St.

FUNDING AND HOME RULE AMONG MESSAGES TO STATE OFFICIALS

S

tate Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez met with municipalities up and down the Keys via Zoom on Sept.

28 to hear their requests and priorities with another legislative session in Tallahassee approaching.

Full funding for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, tackling derelict vessels and maintaining home rule were among the common messages local governments told Mooney and Rodriguez to advocate for as they prepare for the session in January.

Last year’s session, at a closed state capital due to COVID-19, saw the legislature approving and Gov. Ron DeSantis subsequently signing a budget, which included $20 million in stewardship funding and $5 million for land acquisition.

Keys officials are again asking for full funding for a program that supports local water quality projects and land acquisition.

“I hate to ask you to do it all over again, but we need you to do it all over again,” Monroe County legislative affairs director Lisa Tennyson said.

She also discussed a continuing push to combat derelict vessels off the Keys waters. Last session, the Florida House and Senate passed a bill that allowed for 90-day anchor limits. While calling it an effective strategy, Tennyson acknowledged that it would be hard to enact with a condition in the bill for Monroe County to place 300 mooring balls.

Local officials examined mooring sites following the state bill that requested 300 more mooring buoys. It doesn’t go into effect until the county approves, permits and opens new moorings for public use, at least 250 moorings, within a mile of the Key West Bight City Dock and 50 at the Key West Harrison Bight Mooring Field.

“We worked closely with stakeholders and cities and talked about the need for new balls there, but not 300,” she said.

On the funding side, Tennyson said the county is looking to secure funding through a new Florida program for coastal resiliency projects. Monroe County is placing six projects in the program portal, and those include the Key Largo communities of Twin Lakes and Stillwright Point where flooding during king tides is seen.

“Those projects are important to us,” Tennyson said.

Wind insurance rate caps that are seeing 1% increases over five years and protecting local control over vacation rentals were also highlighted during the delegation meeting.

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston is seeking help from state officials to secure some funding for a new crushed glass repurposing effort. She said the city produces an incredible amount of

Through Nov. 30 • Scarecrows in the Forest Art Exhibit and Contest at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, 5210 College Road, Stock Island Saturday, Oct. 2 • 24th Annual Key West Paddle Classic. A 12-mile paddle around Key West.

Visit paddleguru.com for entry details and information.

State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez

State Rep. Jim Mooney

glass through crushed beer bottles that’s transported some 176 miles for disposal.

“We have a real opportunity to repurpose glass in Key West and Monroe County,” she said.

Johnston, too, relayed the importance in securing more funding for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. She also discussed the Sadowski Trust Fund and affordable housing.

“We just attended a Housing Authority meeting, and you want to know how bad affordable housing is?” Johnston said. “We have a waiting list of 128 years. That includes locals and those outside of Key West requesting housing.”

Marathon City Manager George Garrett said his list of issues for upcoming session is in line with Monroe County’s agenda, including local regulation over vacation rentals.

“We will certainly continue to fight for it,” he said. “If we have to go on the defense to protect our ability to do that, then we will.”

Islamorada, too, is seeking to protect its grandfathered vacation rental ordinance. The village also asked state officials to preserve the village’s vessel exclusion zone off White Marlin Beach to maintain residents’ quality of life.

Entering his second year as state representative, Mooney ventured to Tallahassee where committee meetings kicked off last week. He received his committee assignments by the house speaker, and they include Pandemics and Public Emergencies, State Affairs, Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations, Early Learning and Elementary Education, Finance and Facilities, Post-Secondary Education and Lifelong Learning, Environment, Agriculture and Flooding.

Mooney and Rodriguez were also assigned to serve as members of the State Redistricting Committee in the House and Senate. Entering her second year as state senator, Rodriguez said she’s excited to be part of a redistricting process that takes place every 10 years.

“We’re just excited to get the session started and hear the priorities,” Rodriguez said.

Regular session convenes Jan. 11, 2022.

The 60-day session concludes March 11, 2022.

Tuesday, Oct. 4 • Key West Theater Presents Comedy Coven w. Kathy Gilmour, Gwen Filosa & Aubrey Urban, 8 p.m., 512 Eaton St. Oct. 8 - Nov. 7 • “A Mixed Up, Muddled Up, Shook Up World”: Fantasy Fest photography exhibit

by Mark Hedden at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Saturday, Oct. 9 • Rancho Relaxo LIVE Presents Mishka Unplugged, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. Sunday, Oct. 10 • Rams Head Presents Justin Hayward - Nights Tour, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. Oct. 14-29 • Rocky Horror Show at Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St. at Mallory Square Oct. 22-31 • Fantasy Fest in Key West with events at various venues. Visit fantasyfest.com for details.

Saturday, Oct. 23 • COVID vaccinations, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Douglass Gym, 111 Olivia St. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be available. Vaccines are open to everyone, and no insurance card is necessary.

The event is walk-in only, no appointments necessary.

The Smallest Parade in the Universe 2021, online event broadcast live from The Studios of Key West, 7 p.m. Visit marchouse.org for details.

Oct. 26-29 • Key West Burlesque Presents Harriette Potter & the Enchanted Tassel, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. Saturday, Nov. 6 • Rams Head Presents ZZ Top, 7 p.m. at The Key West Amphitheater

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

$500 OFF

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UV sanitizer and 4” whole home filter | Cannot be combined with other offers

MEET MEL BOWMAN

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We are thrilled to welcome all snowbirds back to our little island home!

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

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

And whether local or visitor, we are excited for you to FEEL GREAT and have a BEAUTIFUL season!

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

a hair salon for women + men now now at at southernmost southernmost nail nail bar bar 3229 flagler ave.

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saltty oy sal oyster salt sal ty oy oyster dockside bar + grill Daily: 11am-8pm Happy Hour: 4-6pm

Call 305.674.CARE for an appointment

Friday – Sunday: 12pm-10pm Happy Hour: 5-7pm 7001 SHRIMP RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 TEL: 305.294.3939 • Mattsstockisland.com

3401 Northside Drive, Key West, FL 33040

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42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

LOCALS ENJOY ENTIRE 20% BILL OFF 5-10PM DAILY

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

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

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

MIKE GARCIA 305.304.4188 CONCHROOFING@GMAIL.COM WWW.CONCHCONSTRUCTIONANDROOFING.COM

Household Hazardous Waste

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Drop-off Day SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2021

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Residential ONLY Paint, stains, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, roofing compounds, waste oil (five gallons maximum), resins and solvents, adhesives and caulks, corrosives and acids, cleaning products, and automotive fluids.

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43

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Now Open

to the Public LUNCH

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Sunday 10:00 am-2:00 pm

6000 Peninsular Avenue Key West, FL 33040 305.292.3121, ext. 3 stockislandyc.com

THE BEST FOOTBALL PARTY IN TOWN

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BY T $7 WINE ELL LIQUOR $4 W FT BEER $4 DRA ESTIC $3 DOM LES BOTT

SUPPORTS VETERANS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL COME EARLY FOR PRIME RIB DINNER $20

NFL SUNDAY TICKET GAMES, PRIZES, FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

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44

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

ON PAR...

KEY WEST HOSTS MARATHON IN GOLF MATCH

C

oach Josh Bassett’s Key West High School Conchs hosted the Marathon Dolphins in a golf match on Sept. 28.

Match results and player rosters were not available as of presstime.

Bassett is new to the school’s program this year, but has three strong returning male players to help guide the team, including senior Jason Yarbrough and juniors Rocco Twyman and Devon Gilday.

The Lady Conchs also welcome back seniors Caroline Timura and Brooke Slegel as well as junior Savannah Oropeza.

— Weekly staff report

Key West High School’s boys and girls golf teams hit the links at the Key West Golf Course on Tuesday, Sept. 28 against the Marathon Dolphins. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly More sports photos are available at ShadyPalmPhotography.com

45

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO FORECLOSE To: All persons listed below, their guardians, heirs and assigns, record owners of the unit week(s) as showing, all located in Monroe County, Florida comprised of Unit Weeks as more particularly defined in and governed by that certain: Declaration of Condominium for Florida Bay Club of Key largo, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq. Public Records, Monroe County, Florida.

You are hereby given Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose on behalf of THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. a Florida not-for-profit corporation. You may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured by the Association’s lien on your unit week(s) as showing below in cash or certified funds to Timeshare Trustee™ at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale.

UnitWeek A01/31 A01/41 A01/48 A09/44 A05/01 A05/01

Owner Name David L. Brooks Francisco U. Espaillat Don E. Drinkhahn Don E. Drinkhahn Joseph F. LaTorre Charles R Nagel

Co-Owner Name Mae L. Brooks Dionna Olexa Espaillat Glenda E. Drinkhahn Glenda E. Drinkhahn Ruth Myers-LaTorre Marjory Rayline Nagel

305.743.0844

If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in section 721.855, Florida Statutes. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AS A MATTER OF LAW TO SEND TO THE TRUSTEE WRITTEN NOTICE THAT YOU OBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE. UPON THE TRUSTEE’S RECEIPT OF YOUR OBJECTION, THE FORECLOSURE OF THE LIEN WITH RESPECT TO THE DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE ONLY. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest by the TRUSTEE are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

STAACK, SIMMS & REIGHARD, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE™ 900 DREW STREET, SUITE 1 CLEARWATER, FL 33755 PHONE: 727-441-2635 FAX: 727-461-4836 Website: www.staacklaw.com

Address

City

State

Zip 33055 32825 29669 29669 08401 34491

Default Year 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020

Amount Due $4,526.71 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $5,892.62 $5,892.62

Per Diem 2.263355 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 2.94631 2.94631

17310 NW 41st Ave 1235 Crane Crest Way 423 Saddlebred Dr 423 Saddlebred Dr 311 Atlantic Ave 10155 S.E. 175th Ln

Miami Gardens Orlando Pelzer Pelzer Atlantic City Summerfield

FL FL SC SC NJ FL

Altamonte Springs Altamonte Springs Altomonte Springs Thorton Thorton Miami Key West

FL FL FL CO CO FL FL

32701 32701 32701 80241 80241 33055 33045

2020 2020 2018 2020 2020 2020 2020

$4,526.71 $4,526.71 $4,526.71 $5,171.49 $5,171.49 $5,171.49 $6,173.53

2.263355 2.263355 2.263355 2.585745 2.585745 2.585745 3.086765

Port Charlotte Hollywood Ft Lauderdale Garoabaer 210, Iceland Garoabaer 210, Iceland Miami Hialeah Princeton Key Largo Lauderhill Jacksonville Homestead Homestead St Augustine 210 Gardabaer, Iceland Waldorf 210 Gardabaer, Iceland Clanton

FL FL FL

33954 33024 33331

FL FL FL FL FL NC FL FL FL

33177 33017 33032 33037 33319 28540 33031 33031 32095

MD

20601

AL

35045

2020 2019 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2020 2019 2020 2020 2020 2020

$4,526.79 $6,210.98 $5,171.49 $4,526.71 $4,526.71 $4,526.71 $4,968.46 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,273.53 $5,128.98 $5,128.98 $6,173.53 $6,173.53

2.263395 3.10549 2.585745 2.263355 2.263355 2.263355 2.48423 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.136765 2.56449 2.56449 3.086765 3.086765

$6,173.53 $6,173.53 $4,606.89 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $4,345.01 $5,014.76

3.086765 3.086765 2.303445 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 2.172505 2.50738

Individuall & as Trustees of The Charles R. Nagel and Marjory Rayline Nagel Family Trust Under Trust Dated May 6, 1993 A06/14 A07/49 A08/49 A06/24 C02/02 C02/02 A06/25 A06/25 A06/37 A07/46 A08/30 A08/43 B03/41 B03/41 A08/44 A08/51 A08/51 A08/51 A08/51 A09/12 C01/47 A09/16 A10/15 A10/15 B01/17 B01/17 B02/37 B05/02 A10/34 B01/10 B01/10 B01/10 B01/10 B01/11 B01/26 B01/30 B01/30 B01/31 B02/06 B02/06 B02/22 B02/22 B02/51 B02/51 B03/51 B04/17 B05/08 B05/10 B05/18 B06/26 B06/33 B06/51 C01/14 C01/29 C02/52

Robert Abernethy Wendy Abernethy 625 Maple Oak Cir #109 Robert L. Abernethy Wendy Abernethy 625 Maple Oak Cir #109 Robert Abernathy Wendy Abernathy 625 Maple Oak Cir, #109 E. Ralph Foote Janet S.Foote 2726 E 132 2nd Pl Ralph Foote Janet S. Foote 2726 E 132 2nd PL Jeffery A. Reed 5558 NW 200 Terr Michelle Blades Risha Golby PO Box 2752 Real Estate Restyle, LLC a Florida Limited Liability Company Guillermo Madero Teresa C. Madero 16078 Arcaro Ave Richard Black Penny Black 251 NW 67th Ave John W. Harrell Jr. 18360 SW 57th St Maria Hjaltadottir Holtsvegur 29 Maria Hjaltadottir Holtsvegur 29 Judith S. Abell 12251 SW 191 Terrace Willie D. Ragin Gloria A. Ragin PO Box 172235 Richard Lovett Rosie Lovett 24355 SW 142 Ave Florida Bay Club 103500 Overseas Highway David Sherman Brenda Sherman 4470 NW 74th Ave Lynette Vaughn 718 New River Dr Alfio Cavallaro Nancy S. Cavallaro 18475 SW 280 ST Alfio Cavallaro Nancy S. Cavallaro 18475 SW 280th St Weston Rocheford Becky Rocheford 2979 Las Calinas Blvd Magnus Kristjansson Jonina Kristjansdottir Reynilundur 5 Malcolm R. Becker Dorothy Becker 4570 Young Rd. Magnus Kristjansson Jonina Kristjansdottir Reynilundur 5 Alex T. Hayes Thongchua M. Hayes 206 Martha St. Alan Hayes Rachel Hayes Magnus Kristjansson Jonina Kristjansdottir Reynilundur 5 Magnus Kristjansson Jonina Kristjansdottir Reynilundur 5 Todd Dambach Natalia Dambach 3211 11th Ave N. Merrick A. Pavlick Helen L. Pavlick 5550 Painted Mirage Rd. Ste320 James M. Patton Gudrun M. Patton 16040 SW 103rd Pl Time No More, Inc a Georgia Corporation PO Box 138 Timetravel Traders, Inc. a New Jersey corporation 52 Waverly Pl Mitzi H. Hopper 2640 S 6th St #D Juan C Plaza Jr. Blanco P. Plaza 442 Harbor Point Blvd Jennifer Plaza Odila Costa 2126 B Pierce St. Norberto Perez-Urria 815 W 69 Pl. Juan Villalobos Rosa Villalobos 1001 SW 100 Court Timothy Henderson Susan Henderson 1703 Oak Hill Rd Harold J. Starling 10101 NW 26th Ave. Thomas P. Cason Sr. Lynne R. Cason 5150 Cypress Links Blvd Thomas P. Cason Jr. Samuel A. Stanley Patricia A. Stanley 1981 NW 180 St. John M. Rodriquez Wendy M. Rodriguez 16 Robert Ave Joseph N. Provost 35 Morningside Dr. Thomas M. Patience 232 Dalton Dr Rubbie L. Laughlin Jr. Dorothy H. Laughlin 19841 NE Miami Ct Mark E. Franklin Nancy L. Franklin 17003 Longleaf Dr Juan Ly Carmen R. Ly 2612 SW 32nd Ave Sherry Lynn Rorabaugh 152 Villiage Green Ave Grace M. Sita 100 Mountain View Dr Enrique M. Fueyo Elizabeth Fueyo 3312 W Knights Ave Melvin H. Rosenthal Arlene R. Rosenthal 3437 36th St N. Juanita Jones Debra Recupero 11394 SW 226th St Roberta J. Beasley 19615 119th Ave James E. Hauser Charlene E. Hauser 6800 SW 40th St , #360 Estate of Charlene Hauser

210 Gardabaer, Iceland 210 Gardabaer, Iceland Saint Petersburg Las Vegas Miami Cleveland Matawan Springfield Orlando

FL NV FL GA NJ IL FL

33713 89149 33157 30528 07747 62703 32835

2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020

Hollywood Hialeah Miami Bryant Miami Elkton

FL FL FL AR FL FL

33020 33014 33174 72022 33147 32033

2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020

$4,526.71 $4,526.71 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53

2.263355 2.263355 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765

Miami Salem Wilmington Raleigh Miami Bowie Miami Jacksonville Clifton Tampa St. Petersburg Goulds Saint Albans Miami

FL NH MA NC FL MD FL FL NJ FL FL FL NY FL

33056 03079 01887 27615 33179 20716 33133 32259 07013 33611 33713 33170 11412 33155

2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2019

$6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $4,849.10 $6,173.53 $5,098.08 $5,171.49 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $6,173.53 $4,849.10 $7,192.93

3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 2.42455 3.086765 2.54904 2.585745 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 3.086765 2.42455 3.596465

46

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Keys All Area Roofing & Construction, Inc. located at 12235 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Keys All Area Roofing Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

& Press located at 1048 82nd Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Stacie Gonzalez Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of J & S Print

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Clever Adults Therapy Center located at 1 Bowen Drive, Suite 1, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State,

LEGAL NOTICES

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Clever Kids Therapy Center, Inc. Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Dated at Key West, Florida this 28th day of September, 2021.

By: Mathew Smith Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CONCH TOWN RECORDS located at 1423 Boca Chica Road, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 330406355 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will convene on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Marathon Government Center.

Public Participation will be via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom webinar platform.

Due to Covid-19 and social-distancing guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC),

members of the public are to attend the meeting and participate via CMT by using the Zoom webinar or dialing in on the phone numbers provided below.

Monroe County Tourist Development Council Meeting (TDC) Time: October 19, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83558908653 Meeting ID: 835 5890 8653 One tap mobile +13017158592,, 83558908653# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,, 83558908653# 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 September 10, 2021 The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more County Commissioners may

be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711".

Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE TO REGISTERED VOTERS Pre-election test of the automatic tabulating equipment for the November 2, 2021, City of Marathon Election, as required by Florida Statute 101.5612, will be held at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC room, 2798 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl, on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.

AVISO A LOS VOTANTES INSCRITOS La prueba preelectoral del equipo de tabulación automática para la Elección de la Ciudad de Marathon, 2 de noviembre del 2021, según lo exige el Estatuto de Florida 101.5612, se llevará a cabo en Marathon Government Center, BOCC room, 2798 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL, el viernes 8 de octubre a las 11:00 a.m.

R. Joyce Griffin, Supervisor of Elections 530 Whitehead Street #101, Key West, Florida 33040-6577

VOTE BY MAIL / ABSENTEE BALLOTS

ARE NOW BEING MAILED The elections office has started mailing the Vote by Mail Ballots for the November 2, 2021, Marathon City Election. If you requested to have ballots mailed to you and have not received your ballot, please call the Supervisor of Elections offices at 305.292.3416, 305.289.6017 or 305.453.8740.

You may still request a Vote by Mail Ballot. For your request to be complete the following information is needed: the voter’s name, address, date of birth, Florida Driver’s License number or last 4 numbers of your social security number, address where the ballot should be mailed, and signature if the request is in writing. Please include your daytime phone with your request. You may call the office with your request at: 305.292.3416, 305.289.6017 or 305.453.8740. Email requests may be sent to info@keys-elections.org. A request for Vote by Mail / Absentee ballot to be mailed must be received prior to 5:00 p.m. October 23, 2021.

LAS BOLETAS DE VOTO POR CORREO/VOTO SIN PRESENTARSE YA SE ESTÁN ENVIANDO POR CORREO POSTAL La oficina de elecciones comenzó a enviar por correo postal las boletas de voto por correo para las elecciones del 2 de noviembre del 2021. Si solicitó que se le envíen boletas por correo y no ha recibido la suya, llame a las oficinas del Supervisor Electoral a los números de teléfono 305.292.3416, 305.289.6017 o 305.453.8740.

Aún puede solicitar una boleta de votación por correo. Para que su solicitud esté completa, se necesita la siguiente información: el nombre del votante, la dirección, la fecha de nacimiento, el número de licencia de conducir de Florida o los últimos 4 números de su número de seguro social, la dirección donde se debe enviar la boleta por correo y la firma si la solicitud es escrito. Incluya su teléfono durante el día con su solicitud. Puede llamar a la oficina con su solicitud al: 305.292.3416, 305.289.6017 o 305.453.8740. Las solicitudes por correo electrónico se pueden enviar a info@keys-elections.org. Se debe recibir una solicitud para que se envíe por correo / boleta de voto en ausencia antes de las 5:00 p.m. 23 de octubre de 2021.

R. Joyce Griffin, Supervisor of Elections 530 Whitehead Street #101, Key West, Florida 33040-6577

NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON THE CITY OF MARATHON FIREFIGHTER PENSION BOARD Notice is hereby given that the Marathon City Council is soliciting applications from those interested in filling a vacancy on the Marathon Firefighter Pension Board; the terms of the City Council appointed member will be 2 years. The volunteer membership on the Board is open to voter registered City of Marathon residents. The Board meets once a quarter or as needed at the Marathon Fire Station or other noticed location. Members will be required to file Ethics Form 1.

Application forms are available in the office of the City Clerk, or online at www.ci.marathon.fl.us/application. Completed applications must be filed with the office of the City Clerk no later than 3:00 pm, October 20, 2021.

City of Marathon REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR SPECIAL MAGISTRATE SERVICES The City of Marathon, Florida, is soliciting qualifications from licensed Florida attorneys to provide services in accordance with City of Marathon Ordinance 2017-03 and Florida Statutes Chapter 162.

The City is seeking the services of qualified individuals interested in providing Special Magistrate services for the City. The Special Magistrate shall serve a term of one (1) year from the date of appointment by the Marathon City Council.

Special Magistrates may be reappointed for an additional one (1) year term at the discretion of the Council. There shall be no limit on the number of terms a person may serve as a Special Magistrate.

To be considered, please submit three (3) sealed statements of qualifications (“Qualification Package”) in one sealed envelope entitled “RFQ # 102721DC Special Magistrate” to the City Clerk, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 by 11:00AM on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Late submittals and facsimile or email submissions will not be considered. The respondent shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission. Information submitted in response to this RFQ will become the property of the City and is subject to Florida public records law.

Qualification Packages shall be prepared, addressed and submitted in compliance with detailed instructions as set forth in the RFQ documents. RFQ documents may be examined and obtained online at www.demandstar.com.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities, technical errors and formalities, and to award the contract as it deems will best serve the interest of the City.

Prospective respondents shall not contact or otherwise communicate with City Staff or City Officials except as follows: Inquiries, clarifications, or interpretations of the RFQ package shall be made in writing prior to October 20th to the City Clerk, cityofmarathon@ci.marathon.fl.us

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Monroe County Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the following: A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE “HURRICANE IRMA VOLUNTARY HOME BUYOUT PROGRAM”: The State of Florida has allocated $15 Million to Monroe County through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Voluntary Home Buyout Program. The goal of the program is to reduce the risk of flooding through the purchase of properties impacted by Hurricane Irma. At the Public Hearing scheduled for October 20, 2021, at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Monroe County is seeking citizen participation to identify additional interested parties to sell their homes to the County through the Voluntary Home Buyout Program.

Information about the program is available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ homebuyout and pending Board Approval, interested individuals will be able to register for the program at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ homebuyout.

Public participation will be via Communications Media Technology at: Zoom webinar: https://www.monroecountyfl.gov/BOCCMeetingOct20.

To report problems with the broadcast or Zoom webinar, please call (305) 872-8831.

The October 20, 2021, Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL will be a hybrid format with the County Commission meeting live at the Monroe County Government Center in Marathon. The public will be able to participate via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform.

The meeting will commence at 9:00 A.M and the Public Hearing will commence at 1:30 P.M.. Below are the various options available to the public to view the live meeting and/or to make public comments on certain

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agenda items during the public portion of the meeting.

The public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV on Comcast Channel 76 or AT&T UVerse Channel 99. Also, if a citizen has a Roku device, they can search for and add “MCTV” to their personal lineup. Monroe County’s “MCTV” is also provided via the Monroe County mobile apps for iOS and Android and through our streaming web portal @ https://monroefl.vod.castus. tv/vod/?live=ch1@nav=live Citizens can listen to audio only from their phone by dialing (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID# 894 3023 1994 followed by the # key.

The public can watch the Zoom webinar on the County’s web portal, as done prior to COVID-19, by visiting the County’s meeting portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx and selecting the “Watch Live” banner. This option allows you to view the live meeting with live closed captioning on an integrated page that includes the agenda and agenda backup.

The public can comment on a particular item(s) on the public portion of the agenda either by phoning in or using the live Zoom webinar link (see instructions for each option below). a) To comment on an item by phone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID# 894 3023 1994 followed by the # key, then *9 to “Raise your hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host. b) To comment on an item using the live Zoom webinar link: Open this live Zoom webinar link @ https://www.monroecountyfl.gov/BOCCMeetingOct20 (that also appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet). When prompted, enter your email address and name to join the webinar. When the Mayor calls for speakers on the item(s) you wish to comment on, or when the Board is nearing your item(s) as the meeting progresses, select the “Raised Hand” feature that appears at the bottom of the Zoom webinar screen to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host.

The Zoom webinar host will request the item # you wish to speak on and enable your participation when the Mayor calls for public speakers on your item. To report problems with the broadcast or participation in the Zoom webinar, please call (305) 872-8831.

A person may submit written comments or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the BOCC meeting via email to Liz Yongue @ yongueliz@monroecounty-fl.gov, County Administrator’s Office, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Monday, September 13, 2021.

The email must include the submitter’s name, address,

phone number and email address and the agenda item number the documents/ comments are regarding. For additional assistance, please call (305) 292-4441 or email your inquiry to: yongue-liz@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decided to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, such person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: Monroe County will make reasonable accommodations and services necessary for sensoryimpaired and disabled citizens at the public meeting.

Additionally, language translation services may be offered upon request and availability; if you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodation 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., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Live Closed Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 24th day of September, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: September 30 & October 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

propiedades impactadas por el Huracán Irma. En la Vista Pública pautada para octubre 20 del 2021 a la 1:30pm, o tan pronto el asunto se audicione, el Condado de Monroe está buscando participación de los ciudadanos para identificar personas interesadas para vender sus hogares al Condado a través del Programa Compra de Hogar Voluntario. Información sobre el programa está disponible en www.monroecounty-fl. gov pendiente de aprobación por el Comité; personas interesadas podrán registrarse para el programa en www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ homebuyout.

La participación pública será por medio de comunicación tecnológica en: Zoom Webinar: https://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BOCCMeetingOct20. Para reportar problemas con la transmisión o el Zoom Webinar, por favor llame al (305) 872-8831.

La reunión del 20 de octubre del 2021, de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de la Florida, será en un formato híbrido con la Comisión del Condado en una reunión en vivo en el edificio de Monroe County Government Center en Marathon. El público podrá participar por medio de comunicación tecnológica utilizando la plataforma de Zoom Webinar. La reunión comenzará a las 9:00 am y la Vista Pública comenzará a la 1:30 pm. Abajo encontrarán varias opciones disponibles para el público para observar la reunión en vivo y/o hacer comentarios en algunas partes de la agenda durante la porción pública de la reunión.

Se recomienda fuertemente que observen la reunión en el canal de la televisión del Condado de Monroe (MCTV por sus siglas en inglés) a través de Comcast canal 76 o AT&T Uverse canal 99.

También, si el ciudadano tiene el dispositivo Roku, pueden buscar y añadir “MCTV” a su menú principal. MCTV del Condado de Monroe es también provisto a través de la aplicación móvil del Condado de Monroe (Monroe County apps) para iOS y Androide, y a través de nuestra transmisión del portal Web en https:// monroefl.vod.castus.tv/ vod/?live=ch1&nav=live.

Los ciudadanos pueden escuchar el audio solamente del teléfono llamando al (646) 518-9805 o (669) 900-6833 y cuando conteste, entre el ID del Webinar 894 3023 1994 y luego la tecla de #.

El público puede ver el Webinar de Zoom en el portal de la web del Condado como se ha hecho antes del COVID-19 visitando el portal de la reunión del Condado en http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx y seleccionando la opción “Watch Live”. Esta opción le permite ver la reunión en vivo con subtítulos en una página integrada que incluye la agenda y agenda “backup”.

El público puede comentar en ítems particulares en la porción pública de la agenda,

igualmente por teléfono o utilizando el enlace de Zoom Webinar (vea instrucciones para cada opción debajo). a) Para comentar en un ítem por teléfono: llame al (646) 518-9805 o (669) 9006833, y cuando conteste la grabación, entre el número de identificación del Webinar 894 3023 1994 seguido por la tecla de #, luego oprima *9 para “levantar su mano” para ser reconocido por el que controla el Webinar de Zoom. b) Para comentar en un ítem utilizando el enlace del Webinar de Zoom en vivo: Abra este Webinar de Zoom en vivo en el enlace: https:// www.monroecounty-fl/ BOCCMeetingOct20 (Esto también aparece en ambas, la Agenda publicada y el paquete de la Agenda).

Cuando obtenga respuesta, entre su dirección de e-mail y su nombre para conectarse al Webinar. Cuando la Alcaldesa llame a los oradores de los ítems en el cual usted desea comentar, o cuando la Junta esté cerca de su ítem a medida que la reunión progresa, seleccione la opción “Raise Hand” que aparece en la parte de debajo de la pantalla del Webinar de Zoom para que sea reconocido por el que maneja el Webinar de Zoom.

El que controla el Webinar de Zoom le preguntará cual número de ítem usted desea discutir, y activará su participación cuando la Alcaldesa llame al participante del público en su ítem. Para reportar problemas con la transmisión o participación en el Webinar de Zoom, por favor llame al (305) 872-8831.

La persona debe someter por escrito lo comentarios o alguna otra evidencia en el ítem en particular de la agenda para consideración en la reunión de la Junta de los Comisionados a través de e-mail atención Liz Yongue a yongue-liz@ monroecounty-fl.gov, Oficina del Administrador del County no más tarde de las 3:00 pm del lunes, septiembre 13 del 2021. El e-mail deberá incluir el nombre del remitente, dirección, número de teléfono, dirección de correo electrónico y el número de ítem en la agenda de documentos/comentarios a que se refiere. Para asistencia adicional, por favor llame al (305) 292-4441 o envíe por e-mail su petición a: yongueliz@monroecounty-fl.gov.

Conforme a la Sección 286.0105, Estatutos de Florida, Se notifica que, si una persona decide apelar cualquier decisión tomada por la Junta con respecto a cualquier asunto considerado en dichas audiencias o reuniones, dicha persona necesitará un registro de los procedimientos y que, para tal fin, tal persona puede necesitar asegurarse de que se realice un acta literal de los procedimientos, que incluya el testimonio y las pruebas en las que se basará la apelación.

ASISTENCIA ADA: El Condado de Monroe hará las adaptaciones razonables y los servicios necesarios para los ciudadanos con

impedimentos sensoriales y discapacitados en la reunión pública. Además, se pueden ofrecer servicios de traducción de idiomas a pedido y disponibilidad; Si usted es una persona con una discapacidad que necesita adaptaciones especiales para participar en este procedimiento, comuníquese con la Oficina del Administrador del Condado, llamando al (305) 292-4441, entre las 8:30 am y las 5:00 pm, antes de la reunión programada; si tiene problemas de audición o de voz, llame al “711”. Los subtítulos en vivo están disponibles a través de nuestro portal web @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx para las reuniones del Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Monroe.

Fechado en Key West, Florida, el 24de Septiembre del 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Secretario del Tribunal de Circuito y ex oficio de la Junta de Condado Comisionados del Condado de Monroe, Florida Fechas de publicación: September 30 & October 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Solicitations for On Call Professional Engineering Services 11/18/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on November 18, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids.

Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@ monroecounty-fl.gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on November 30, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ON CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE CANAL RESTORATION AND RESILIENCE PROGRAMS 11/30/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMBBIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on November 30, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICIA DE VISTA PÚBLICA POR LA PRESENTE SE ENVIA UN AVISO A QUIEN PUEDA INTERESAR que el miércoles, octubre 20 del 2021 a la 1:30 pm, o tan pronto el asunto se pueda presentar, en Monroe County Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, La Junta de Comisionados del el Condado de Monroe de la Florida, intenta considerar lo siguiente: UNA VISTA PÚBLICA EN RELACIÒN AL “HURACÁN IRMA PROGRAMA COMPRA DE HOGAR VOLUNTARIO”: El Estado de la Florida ha asignado $15 millones para el Condado de Monroe a través de Asistencia en bloque para el desarrollo comunitario: recuperación ante desastres por sus siglas en inglés (CDBG-DR) Programa Compra de Hogar Voluntario. La meta de éste programa es reducir el riesgo de inundaciones a través de la compra de

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS FOR ON CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@ monroecounty-fl.gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on November 18, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Request for Competitive

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ON CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE CANAL RESTORATION AND RESILIENCE PROGRAMS MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available upon request.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office

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will receive and open sealed responses for the following: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN, PERMITTING, AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING INSPECTION SERVICES FOR CANAL RESTORATION PROJECTS RELATED TO THE MONROE COUNTY CANAL WORK PLAN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar

by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on November 17, 2021. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents.

Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN, PERMITTING, AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING INSPECTION SERVICES FOR CANAL RESTORATION PROJECTS RELATED TO THE MONROE COUNTY CANAL WORK PLAN 11/17/2021 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet,

at 3:00 P.M., on November 17, 2021. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: September 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 44-2021-CP-000252A001-KW IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN B. HILL, a/k/a JOHN B. HILL, SR., a/k/a JOHN BAXTER HILL, a/k/a JOHN BAXTER HILL, SR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOHN B. HILL, also known as JOHN B. HILL, SR., also known as JOHN BAXTER HILL, also known as JOHN BAXTER HILL, SR., deceased, whose date of death was August 3, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME 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 30, 2021.

Signed on this 23rd day of September, 2021.

Personal Representative: JOHN B. HILL, JR. Attorney for Personal Representative: CHARLES IAN NASH, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 296619

LEGAL NOTICES NASH & KROMASH, LLP Attorneys for Petitioner 440 South Babcock Street Melbourne, FL 32901 Telephone: 321-984-2440 Primary e-mail: cinefile@nlaw.com Secondary e-mail: Charlie@nlaw.com Publish: September 30 & October 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-00103 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN FRANCIS THOMPSON deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified than an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of JOHN FRANCIS THOMPSON, deceased, File Number 2021CP-00103, by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070; that the total cash value of the estate is $0 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Laurie Thompson 5 Goodsell Rill Road Redding, CT 06896 Timothy J. Thompson 4167 Crescent Court Naples, FL 34119 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: 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 within three months after the date of first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: September 30, 2021.

Attorney for Petitioner(s) Kirk A. Jaslow, P.A. Florida Bar 438146 Marcus Centre, Suite 218 9990 S.W. 77th Avenue Miami, FL 33156 (305)670-3055 kajaslowpa@bellsouth.net Publish: September 30 & October 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY,

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AUTOS WANTED

FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-81-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF KEVIN SCOTT WARD Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Kevin Scott Ward, deceased, whose date of death was July 27, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

Personal Representative: Joyce C. Corbin 23355 Jerry City Rd. Custar, Ohio 43511 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: September 30 & October 7, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: September 23, 2021.

Personal Representative: Brian G. Becker 5 Ivanhoe Circle Greenville, South Carolina 29615 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw.com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: September 23 & 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: September 23, 2021.

Personal Representative: CAROL ANN HARK c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: September 23 & 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-105-P IN RE: ESTATE OF THOMAS M. BECKER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Thomas M. Becker, deceased, whose date of death was August 15, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-248-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHARLES ZABRISKIE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHARLES ZABRISKIE, deceased, whose date of death was August 1, 2021, Case: 21-CP-248-K is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 21-DR-337-P Division: Family MARILYN J. ARIAS, Petitioner, and ALVARO A. ARAYA Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: Alvaro A. Aranya Last Known Address: 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 Marilyn J. Arias, whose address is 18 Miami Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037, on or before October 30, 2021, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070, 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: 9/22/2021 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer Zemmel Deputy Clerk Publish: September 30, October 7, 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

AUTOS WANTED

BOATS FOR SALE

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

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

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.

TAVERNIER ACE HARDWARE is hiring 1 FULL TIME employee (4 full day shifts per week.)

Please email: Stacey@ thehardwarestore.com

BOATS FOR SALE

City of Marathon – Job Openings: Right of Way Technician, Marina Custodian/Maintenance, Marina Technician/Pump Out Captain, and Utility Maintenance Worker. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Charter Captain / Mate Busy fishing charter business in Marathon looking for experienced fishing Captain/Mate.

Busy boats and location.

Offshore, Inshore, Reef/ Wreck. Also part-time Boat Cleaner needed for afternoons. Send text or call 305-481-3259

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work!

Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts.

Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com.

Fl Keys Diesel - Marathon now hiring: Diesel Technician -Competitive compensation package.

Exp in the marine field preferred but not necessary. Exp w/ Caterpillar and Cummins Marine Engines a plus.

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

Motivated candidate willing to learn a new trade or expand current skills.

Company willing to train.

Qualified applicants please call 305-2892070 or email resume to neil@allkeysdiesel.com . Drug Free and valid Drivers License a must.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

1994 Mako 241, 2016 Twin Mercury 4 stroke, trailer included.

Located in Marathon. $45,000 305-395-0000 30' C & C Sailboat for sale in Key West. $3,500 305-399-9525

$25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Boat!

BUSINESS FOR SALE Mobile A/C Business For Sale. Residential, marine & RV's. In business for over 16 years in the Middle Keys.

Email: diver329@aol.com 305-240-4030

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.

Absolute Auction RESTAURANT NEVER OPENED Tuesday October 5th @ 11AM 320 NE 183rd St., Miami, FL 33179

Moved for your convenience!

1970 Datsun 240z, 1958 Chevy, and a Honda Pacific Coast Scooter PLUS Chairs, Setee’s, Bar Stools, 1600lb Hoshizaki Ice Machine, 1600lb Miami Ice Machine, Roasting Pans, Assorted Stainless Steel Tables, Stock Pots, Glassware, Microwaves, Assorted Ice Bins, True 72” Sandwich Prep Table, Fagor 27” Sandwich Prep Table, S/S Corner Table w/ Plate Holders & Bread Warmer, Asber 93” Pizza Prep Table, Adjustable ADA Cocktail Tables, Sinks, 24x24 Equipment Stand, Bar Equipment, Podium, Antique Barber Chairs, Cleveland Dbl Stack Steamer, Vulcan Dbl Stack Convection Oven, Carving Stations, Glass Racks, Sheet Pan Racks, LARGE Quantity of Small Wares & MORE…

Bid Online @ Proxibid.Com/TobyNeverett

Toby Neverett Auctioneers www.neverettauctions.com 561-706-7218 * au872 ab628

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.com/ careers

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 The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire part time Bartenders/ Servers. $12/hr and guaranteed 20% gratuity - Employee Meals Private Club - Friendly Atmosphere - Tuesday Saturday 4pm to 10 pm - Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

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

Immediate openings for experienced plumbers and helpers (with or without experience - we will train the right person).

Must have a valid driver's license & clean driving record. Please apply in person at 10700 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerpinc@gmail.com

Place your EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED ad here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!!

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

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.

3 0 5 - 6 6 4 - 1 2 8 6 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

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.

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT is accepting applications for the following positions:

MECHANIC – MARATHON ON-CALL PILOTS IT ASSISTANT For more information visit: keysmosquito.org/current-openings

Plantation Key School Crossing Guard Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has an opening for a Plantation Key School Crossing Guard.

4 hour work days with split shifts of 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon.

Hourly rate is $17.57. Applicants must fill out the online preliminary application at: www.keysso.net. Contact Charles Slebodnick at 305-292-7044. EEO/AAP

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

I

in Marathon

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

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.

50

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •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 561-579-8399 MISC. FOR SALE Jet Ski Engine 1100cc for sale in Marathon. Direct injection marine engine.

Runs. $600.00 305-2899 8 8 4 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 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 in Marathon. Full Hookup.

Very quiet, gated property. Dock available.

No pets. 305-610-8002 RV Large Lot for Rent in Marathon. Available Nov. 1. $1,600/month + util.

Key RV, 6099 Overseas Hwy #15-E. 760-5657210 or 760-574-4915 Place your RV SITE FOR RENT ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

FULL TIME OPENING CUS TOMER S ERV I CE RE PRE S ENT A T I V E Coordinate aircraft transactions with customers and the line service technicians Professional customer service skills and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and overtime as needed, are required Pay rate $17-$19/hr depending on experience, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment

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

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

OPEN POSITIONS AT BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MEDICAL ASSISTANT or EMT, PRIMARY CARE $3,000 Sign Bonus, Upper Keys, FT, Shift Varies - 115394

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

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MEDICAL ASSISTANT or EMT, PRIMARY CARE $3,000 Sign Bonus, Marathon, FT, Shift Varies - 114744

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED!

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MEDICAL ASSISTANT or EMT, PRIMARY CARE $3,000 Sign Bonus, Marathon, FT, Shift Varies - 116074

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

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE 2, PRIMARY CARE Marathon 2 Office 1, FT, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM - 115026 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE 2, PRIMARY CARE Marathon 2 Office 1, FT, Shift Varies 116052 APPLY AND LEARN MORE: careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

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

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

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

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 We are now hiring for the following positions:

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

51

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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

To t h e V ic t or, t h e Sp oil s.

PL AT I N U M & G OL D W I N N E R S

in t h e 2 02 1

BE V E R AGE T E S T I NG I NS T I T U T E

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

b o mb ard ar um.c o m FR E E Nat ionwid e S hip ping

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THEN!

BOOK YOUR WAKE UP YOUR MAKE-UP PRIVATE PARTY GRAB YOUR GIRLS! BYOM & LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE!

REGULAR BOUTIQUE HOURS TUES-SAT 11-4

NOW FEATURING

KIRBYSCLOSET.COM VINTAGE | EXCELLENT CONDITION | PRE-LOVED & NEW WOMEN’S CLOTHING | ACCESSORIES 218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977 PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO OPAL KEY RESORT & MARINA

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @KIRBYSCLOSETKW @FRANKIEKEYWEST

52

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Better Than Sex’s Sophi Antia prepares the G-Spot like no one else does. CONTRIBUTED

Daniela is a super mom and an amazing wife. CHRIS MERRELL/Beyond Traditional Fitness Personal trainer and fitness coach Chris Merrell of Beyond Traditional Fitness believes in healthy lifestyle shifts and community. CONTRIBUTED

Capt. Shannon Fountain of the vessel Blue Heron hauls in an impressive dolphin off Key West. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly Richard Bush and friends had a great day on the water with Johnny Maddox Charters Sportfishing Adventures Show Me The Mahi. CONTRIBUTED

Emma Haydocy passionately communicates the importance of Everglades restoration to our Florida Keys community with stakeholders and elected officials and advocates for the protection and preservation of our fragile environment. FLORIDA BAY FOREVER/ Contributed

I

Upper Keys Weekly Editor Jim McCarthy and Ashley Schmidt go for their advanced open water certification with Islamorada Dive Center Instructor Chad. Jim says, ‘Chad’s the man when it comes to knowing what size BCD you need and weight you should have. The guy knows his stuff.’ CONTRIBUTED

n SEPTEMBER, we celebrated the people who are amazing at what they do! In OCTOBER, we’re welcoming the FALL. Send us pictures of your favorite Autumn things — kids/fur-babies in Halloween costumes, falling leaves and pumpkin patches, Fantasy Fest, and all things pumpkin spice! If it reminds you of the seasons changing, we wanna see it!

Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com.

In full lionfish regalia, Cassandra Clark is dressed to kill — literally. KURT TIDD/ Contributed

Kathy Shirley and Kat Wheatley of Key Largo Yoga always manage to soothe the mind, body and soul with their teaching and guidance. CONTRIBUTED

k r o w t a Good

RULES, SCHMULES: • All photos must be original work and feature something or someone related to the Keys.

• Photos can be images that have been published before.

• No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

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

53

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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

Join Our Team!

NOW HIRING BOGIE & BACALL'S SEA SENOR Restaurant Host Servers Bartender Food Runner

Restaurant General Managers

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

HOUSEKEEPING TEAM

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

OPERATIONS TEAM

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

PART TIME AND FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES HOUSEKEEPING Room Attendants, Laundry and Public Area

Careers Available In: Retail & Online Banking • Accounting • IT Maintenance • Business Development

Housekeeping Supervisor

Excellent Starting Salary

KITCHEN STAFF Cooks, Dishwashers, Food Expo and more!

Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing Great Hours - Closed Sundays

SIGN ON BONUS OFFERED FOR ALL HOUSEKEEPING AND KITCHEN POSITIONS!

Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

F & B POSITIONS Greeter, Server, Runner and more!

401K Employer Match

BELL/VALET

Tuition Reimbursement

RELIEF NIGHT SECURITY/ NIGHT AUDIT

Entry Level - Management Positions Available

SPA LMT’s and Nail Techs

APPLY TODAY!!!

Online at www.noblehousehotels.com/careers In person at Zero Duval St.

Apply Online! KeysBank.com/Careers

Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE.

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 Behavioral Health Counselor, FT (Children) Substance Abuse Counselor (PT)

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist, FT (Children, Adult) Behavioral Health Therapist, PT (Child Welfare) Clinical Coordinator, Adult Services 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.

54

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

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

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices George Cannon • 410-598-1913 cannonstage@gmail.com

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953

KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277

Appliance and Air Conditioning

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

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Call 305.495.6000

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.

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

305-289-1150

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

www.TewesMortgage.com

Serving Key Largo to Key West

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

Lic No. SP1481

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

When It Rains It Pours!

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

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

Will Campbell President

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

55

KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

UPCOMING EVENTS

BRETT ELDREDGE

JUSTIN HAYWARD

ZZ TOP

AT COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

AT KEY WEST THEATER

AT COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

OCT 10 2021

NOV 6TH 2021

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

1964: THE BEATLES TRIBUTE

JOHN FOGERTY

AT COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

AT KEY WEST THEATER

AT COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

NOV 14 2021

NOV 18 2021

NOV 19TH 2021

PETER MAYER

THE WOOD BROTHERS

WHO’S BAD

OCT 2

ND

2021

TH

STARS & PROMISES CHRISTMAS TOUR AT KEY WEST THEATER

NOV 28 2021 TH

TH

TH

AT KEY WEST THEATER

THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE

DEC 4 2021

AT KEY WEST THEATER

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DEC 9TH 2021

THEKEYWESTAMP.COM | THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

FAMILY, FOOD & FUN

Join us daily 4-6pm for $3 small plates, domestic drafts, wine & liquor!

And don’t miss our Live Music! Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 5-8pm