Key West Weekly 21-1014

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Beam me up, Scotty Bezos.

October 14, 2021

CRUISE SHIP COMPROMISE?

WHERE HAVE WE HEARD THIS BEFORE? | P. 4

‘TIS THE SEASON

FOR A YEAR- ROUND CHRISTMAS SHOP | P. 26

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS HAPPY HAUNTINGS & SPIRITED FUN | P. 7

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

ULTIMATE WATERFRONT LIVING

Located on the Riviera Canal with ideal depth for a flats fishing boat, this elevated, waterfront property is the perfect place to call home. The open living area and the wraparound balcony have tranquil views of the mangroves. The home has three bedrooms with ensuite baths. There is plenty of covered parking for multiple cars and a large storage area underneath the home.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

ON THE COVER

KEYS

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

$699.8M

A Powerball winner in California is about to become wealthy. A single ticket sold in the Golden State matched all six numbers drawn on Oct. 4. The top prize grew since early June when a ticket sold in Florida won $286 million.

For a Powerball prize of this size, the winner can take the cash option, which would be $496 million after taxes.

Emmett Briening poses proudly for photographer Nick Doll at the MARC Pumpkin Patch.

NICK DOLL/Contributed

Publisher

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Editor

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

CRUISE SHIP COMMON GROUND? COMPROMISES WERE DISCUSSED IN 2020 — WHY ARE THEY JUST BEING CONSIDERED NOW?

Charlotte Twine charlotte@keysweekly.com Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Circulation Manager

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

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

Director of Digital Media

Chanice Dos Santos chanice@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

POSTMASTER:

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

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

K

ey West city officials last week started talking about compromises with regard to the cruise ship dispute and a potential lawsuit from the owners of the privately owned Pier B, which has given the city 25% of its cruise ship revenue for the past 30 years.

Commissioner Greg Davila on Oct. 5 suggested bringing to the table representatives from Pier B and Safer Cleaner Ships, the committee that led the voter-approved 95% cruise ship reduction. Commissioner Sam Kaufman raised the possibility of formal mediation, while Commissioner Billy Wardlow questioned the wisdom of poking the private-sector bear of Pier B, which is likely to sue the city if it can’t welcome cruise ships to the pier it built for that reason.

On Oct. 10, five days after the city commission meeting, the Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships sent an update to its members, stating, “Commissioners Davila and Kaufman are both well-respected attorneys and we respect their sug-

gestion. Our Committee has always shown our willingness to meet with anyone. Recently we’ve sat down with executives from Carnival Cruise Lines and Virgin Voyages to discuss the threats their large ships pose to our sensitive marine environment, and their obligations to act ethically with regard to the vote of our community.

“We would also gladly meet with representatives for Pier B Development Corporation, the Mark Walshcontrolled entity which leases Pier B from the State of Florida. While the City clearly possesses full legal authority to limit cruise ships at Pier B, nothing can prevent antagonistic lawsuits filed to harass and preoccupy the City. If we can work out an agreement that helps the City avoid such lawsuits, while codifying cruise limits supported by our community, we could support such an outcome.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, Safer Cleaner Ships treasurer Arlo Haskell told the Keys Weekly, “At no point have we said we are willing to compromise from the limits which the voters enacted.”

But some of the compromise conversations started sounding vaguely familiar and prompted the Keys Weekly to return to its archives of cruise ship coverage.

As far back as May 2020 — six months before 62% of voters approved the drastic reduction in ships and a year before the state legislature invalidated those voter initiatives — business owners and city commissioners were considering common ground and compromise.

CIRCLING BACK Here’s what people were saying in May 2020, back when the fledgling Safer Cleaner Ships Committee was still gathering the required petition signatures to have the cruise ship questions on the November 2020 ballot: “I truly believe there is still a fighting chance for diplomacy and compromise,” downtown business owner and Tourist Development Council board member George Fernandez said in May 2020, when he suggested the city consider a “feasible three- to five-year, long-term plan that would include a gradual limitation in the number of port calls and passengers.”

Fernandez also suggested 17 months ago that the city increase the required minimum stay for cruise ships to allow passengers time to visit and benefit more businesses.

“Many passengers on average are only able to spend 3.1 hours on their shore visit, while research showed that an ideal nine-hour ship visit would increase passenger purchases by 50%,” Fernandez wrote in May 2020.

He proposed black-out days with no cruise ships to alleviate downtown crowding during peak tourism events such as New Year’s and Fantasy Fest and a gradual increase of per-passenger disembarkation fees paid by the cruise lines.

Finally, Fernandez emphasized, “We must hold all cruise ships ac-

continued on page 8

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

Breast cancer screenings declined by 87 percent among Hispanic women during the pandemic.* Facts that save lives.

Request a mammogram: Visit BaptistHealth.net/Mammo or call 844-971-2791.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re offering special pricing on 3D mammograms and breast ultrasounds for patients without health insurance.

If further care is needed, Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute offers cancer expertise, advanced technology and personalized treatment to provide the most comprehensive care.

Screening Mammogram A physician’s prescription is required.**

*Source: CDC.gov **If you don’t have a referring physician to write a prescription for you, call 786-596-2464 and we’ll connect you with one. Offer expires October 31, 2021.

Diagnostic Mammogram

Breast Ultrasound

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

PICK A PUMPKIN

MARC’S ANNUAL PATCH MEANS FALL IS IN THE AIR

Ladia Evans, almost 1, picks her favorite pumpkin in the patch (but can’t quite pick it up). BECKY EVANS/Contributed

It takes both Wise sisters, Ella, who’s almost 3, and Paislee, 5, to heft their pick at the MARC pumpkin patch. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

T

he MARC House Pumpkin Patch, 1401 Seminary St., is a sure sign of fall in the Florida Keys. The patch opened Oct. 2 and is open daily through Halloween — or until all the pumpkins and gourds are sold.

Assorted sizes and colors are available, including miniature pumpkins, white pumpkins and green gourds. The attached MARC plant store continues to provide all manner of plants and outdoor decorations for the holidays and every day.

For more than 50 years, the nonprofit Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens has provided day training programs for developmentally disabled adults, who work in the nursery and plant store while also learning life skills and participating in community events.

For information about the plant store, call 305-296-9556.

— Weekly staff report

The Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens teamed up with the Florida Keys SPCA to offer Photos with Fido at the MARC pumpkin patch. For a $50 donation to the SPCA, dog owners received professional pet portraits by Nick Doll.

NICK DOLL/Nick Doll Photography

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

HALLOWEEN HAUNTINGS & HAPPENINGS FOR ADULTS OR KIDS, PLENTY OF WAYS TO GET YOURSELF SCARED SILLY

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othing has been “as usual” since the first positive COVID tests showed up in the Florida Keys in March 2020.

The pandemic has hijacked holiday travel plans, canceled concerts, classes and cherished community events.

Halloween is no different. Shortly after the announcement was made that Key West’s Fantasy Fest parade and some other events would not happen, officials also canceled the popular Children’s Day event that takes place annually at Bayview Park.

But never fear, there are still some Halloween happenings to keep the kids entertained — and chock full of candy.

Of course, there are plenty of adult parties occurring during the 2021 Fantasy Fest. Check fantasyfest.com for a complete and updated schedule.

And here is a sampling of kid- and familyfriendly Halloween-themed events.

Daily through Nov. 30 SCARECROWS IN THE FOREST The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden’s event features locally designed scarecrows from individuals, students, creative pros, organizations and businesses. Scarecrow creators use natural and recycled materials. See the scarecrows during any visit to the garden through November.

Daily through Halloween PUMPKIN PATCH is open at the MARC Plant Store, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1401 Seminary St. Saturday, Oct. 16 through Halloween HAUNTED HALLWAYS at 618 Duval St. Enter if you dare, but it’s fun for all ages. (Younger children will be given a glow-in-the-dark necklace so actors know not to scare them). Open nightly 4-11 p.m. $15 for adults, $10 for kids.

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden’s Scarecrows in the Forest exhibit features handmade scarecrows that populate the garden through November. CONTRIBUTED

Friday, Oct. 29 DIVE-IN SCARY MOVIE at the Casa Marina Resort’s family pool, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1500 Reynolds St., Key West Saturday, Oct. 30 FREE MINIATURE PUMPKIN-PAINTING at the Casa Marina Resort, along the water walk by the family pool, 2-4 p.m., 1500 Reynolds St., Key West.

Sunday, Oct. 31 CHILDREN’S DAY AT ISLAND FARM presented by Island Farm and Historic Tours of America is a family-friendly event featuring food, games, music, pony rides, archery, arts and crafts, and face painting located on Island Farm, end of 5th Street on Stock Island. 12-5 p.m. Call 305-2928912 for information and registration.

Offered nightly year-round GHOSTS & GRAVESTONES TOUR, a chilling adventure perfect for this haunted holiday aboard the Trolley of the Doomed.

A ghost host takes participants on an eerie ride to the most famous ghostly sites on the island. Visit ghostsandgravestones. com/key-west.

NEW PRIVATE LOCKDOWN WITH ROBERT THE DOLL — Are you brave enough to conduct your own paranormal investigation with the world’s most haunted doll? Sloan’s Ghost Fort Adventures provides cutting-edge ghost-hunting gear, investigation tips and access to Robert’s toy box filled with “trigger objects.” $400 for up to 8 people. 6 and 11 p.m. nightly.

These are private events, so there’s no age limit, but parents are urged to use their best judgment before exposing children to uncertain paranormal forces. Visit ghostfort.com for reservations.

CIVIL WAR FORT GHOST HUNT featuring Robert the Doll at 8:30 p.m. nightly. $45 general admission, $85 VIP admission includes a bonus hour of independent hunting at the fort. Ages 12 and up only.

Visit ghostfort.com for reservations.

KEY WEST’S ORIGINAL GHOST HUNT features nightly ghost hunts through historic Old Town with the ghost tour company that started it all.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021 continued from page 4

countable as necessary for water quality and their environmental impact by periodically evaluating management actions and validating quantitative models used to closely monitor and fine those culpable with punitive monetary repercussions to be paid to the City of Key West, and suspend their future port visitation status for a period of time.”

The new FlixBus service provides transportation to the Florida Keys from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. CONTRIBUTED

NEW SOUTH FLORIDA AIRPORT OPTIONS FlixBus now services Miami & Fort Lauderdale airports

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ravelers flying into Miami and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood international airports now have a convenient car-free option for getting to the Florida Keys. FlixBus, a well-known European intercity mobility company that offers bus and rail services in 36 countries, has added Florida and the Keys to its network.

FlixBus passengers can ride from the two Florida airports to stops in Islamorada, Marathon and Key West. Plans call for adding stops in Key Largo and Big Pine Key later this year.

Travel from the Keys locations to the two airports is offered as well.

The transportation service operates six days per week and uses single-level motorcoaches with seating for 56 passengers. Buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, an on-board entertainment portal, power outlets for charging phones and other devices, reclining seats with extra legroom, ample luggage space and a restroom.

To enhance the sustainability of their bus travel, FlixBus passengers can offset their carbon emissions with “CO2 Compensation” tickets.

Travel can be booked at flixbus.com or through the company’s app, available free at the Apple App Store or Google Play. Ticket prices start as low as $7.99 per person.

— Contributed

COMMISSIONERS ALSO CONSIDERED COMPROMISES City commissioners back then also were willing to explore compromise.

“I’m excited that we can reimagine tourism,” Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover told the Keys Weekly on May 20, 2020, but said now is not the time to be limiting any sort of revenue coming to the city or its private businesses.

“Any changes would have to occur over a lengthy period of time to allow business owners to adjust their business plans,” Hoover said.

“There are a lot of other things we’re going to have to deal with in the wake of this pandemic — suicide, substance abuse and physical abuse — and I don’t believe that taking people’s livelihoods away should be one of them.”

Commissioner Jimmy Weekley had agreed with a gradual implementation of any changes to the city’s cruise ship policies.

“This discussion is long overdue and one we need to have,” Weekley said in May 2020. “I’ve only heard a few people say, ‘Let’s get rid of cruise ships completely.’

But any changes made need to be done gradually. Perhaps we should, in fact, be marketing to the smaller, more upscale cruise ships, but we need to fully understand the economic impacts of any decisions.”

Weekley said at the time, ”To my knowledge, the city has no control over what ships dock at the privately owned Pier B, which is owned by the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina (now Opal Key Resort & Marina). But there’s nothing to stop us from negotiating with the owners of Pier B to see what sort of agreements we can negotiate.”

Mayor Teri Johnston declined to discuss her position on the issue in May 2020, before it came before the voters.

“Our job is to educate our voting public on both sides of the issue,” Johnston said in May 2020.

“Just like channel-widening, the height referendum and every other referendum that has come in front of us as elected officials, we are not allowed to take a side because we represent both sides of the issue, so we are educators.”

Johnston said in May 2020 that she was sitting down with both sides of the issue and trying to gather as much data as possible and to understand both sides of the issue.

“Our role is to provide facts so the public can make their own voting decision on this issue,” she said.

PROPHETIC PREMONITION Five months later, in October 2020, a month before the election, Key West restaurateur Bill Lay wrote a letter to the editor at Keys Weekly, stating, “SCS members signed a petition to put these referenda on the ballot with no alternative plan in place (2,500 people). If it passes, the lawsuit will be filed against the city of Key West. … It would then become the responsibility of the city to defend the referenda position, not SCS. If Pier B wins the case … the payout would come from the city, not SCS. “All of this is avoidable, by voting No No No you would stop any of this from happening. Then we can all sit down and negotiate some common-sense solutions that would help everyone without hurting any of our citizens and their families. … Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem,” Lay wrote.

But two mobths before that, around July 2020, shortly after Safer Cleaner Ships had submitted their signatures to get the ship limits on the November ballot, Lay had met with representatives of Safer Cleaner Ships.

“We asked them for a two-year stay of these limits, to give people time to get their ducks in a row,” Lay told the Keys Weekly. “Their answer was no. And when I asked one of the Safer Cleaner board members, ‘What do I tell people who are going to be out of work without cruise ships?” he told me, ‘Tell them to go be good at something else.’

“After that, any attempt to meet was to no avail,” Lay said. “My message since day 1 has been let’s sit down and figure this out.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

NEW TOLL RATES AT CARD SOUND

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new toll rate on Card Sound Road took effect on Oct. 1.

The toll adjustment follows the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.

Two-axle vehicles, such as cars, pickup trucks or motorcycles, will now pay $1.60 when crossing the Card Sound toll near Alabama Jacks. For three axles, the toll is $3.15, and each additional axle is $1.05.

The toll is completely electronic, using Toll-By-Plate, SunPass, or other highway passes like E-Pass or EZ-Pass. No cash is accepted at the toll. The toll helps fund maintenance costs of the road and future repair and replacement of the five bridges along Card Sound Road.

Two discount programs are available for Monroe County residents with a two-axle vehicle and a good-standing SunPass account.

Monthly Discount Program: Drivers do not need to sign up for the monthly discount program and will automatically receive a 40 percent rebate on their SunPass account after any calendar month that 28 or more one-way trips are made through the toll.

Annual Pass: The annual pass is for frequent users and allows for unlimited trips through the toll. The fee is $385 per year and runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2022. The annual pass will be available for purchase in December and January.

Additional annual pass program details will be released later this year.

More information on the toll and discount programs is at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/cardsoundtoll.

— Contributed

An aerial view of Card Sound Bridge. Vehicles traversing Card Sound Road between Miami Dade and Monroe counties pay a toll, which is located near the bridge. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

By Jim McCarthy, Charlotte Twine and Mandy Miles

PROTECTED SPECIES OR EATING MACHINES? FWC proposal to relax goliath grouper ban outside most of the Keys prompts debate

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n abundance of goliath grouper in Florida has prompted state wildlife officials to consider allowing a limited harvest of the giant protected fish in state waters — including sections to the north of the Florida Keys. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently approved a proposed draft rule to provide access to goliath in certain areas, but it’s not a done deal.

The draft rule approved earlier this month would allow the recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath grouper per open season from March 1 to May 31. Of those 200, up to 50 could be taken from Everglades National Park.

An angler would need a recreational goliath grouper harvest permit and tag that would be issued via a random-draw lottery.

Lottery winners would be allowed one fish per person, per open season. Harvested goliath would need to measure within a slot limit of 20 to 36 inches total length.

Harvest would be permitted in state waters, but nearshore areas from Palm Beach County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys and within Dry Tortugas National Park are off limits. A map depicting allowable areas for harvest, however, shows bayside waters to the north of the Keys as open.

Harvest of goliath would continue to be prohibited in federal waters, where FWC does not have management authority for the fishery. Applicants could only receive one permit and tag per open season. If selected in the lottery, anglers would be required to pay a $500 special use permit fee. FWC said the proposed fee offsets the cost of materials and staff time needed to conduct this program. Permits and tags would be nontransferable.

An FWC report on the draft rule proposal states that fishery managers, researchers and fishermen are seeing increased goliath grouper numbers in Florida.

“Goliath is a rebuilding stock that is becoming more abundant in many parts of Florida and is a species that serves an important role in the marine ecosystem,” an FWC report states. “As the abundance of

The FWC may lift the 30-year ban on fishing for the goliath grouper.

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION/Contributed

goliath has increased, so has the frequency of interactions and conflicts with fishermen and divers.”

Keys locals with an interest in the fate of the goliath grouper — conservationists, commercial fishermen and charter boat captains — differ widely in their opinions about the FWC’s proposed draft rule and its prohibition in the Florida Keys.

Don DeMaria is a Ramrod Key-based commercial fisherman for marine life tropical fish with a passion for conservation.

“This is FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood’s pet project. He wants to kill them (goliath grouper),” DeMaria told Keys Weekly.

“And he’s ignored all data that the population is in decline. The FWC has cherry-picked data. REEF data shows the population is going down. It’s not wise what the FWC is doing.”

“Conservation is not about closing a resource forever,” said Spottswood in response. “It’s about closing it as a management measure and giving access back when we can.I believe we are at this point, and it is a small and productive step in the right direction.”

Islamorada-based commercial fisherman Jesse Hayes, who catches stone crab and lobster, believes that the population needs to be curbed.

“I’m absolutely in favor of lifting the ban,” Hayes said. “Goliath grouper are a pain for both my target species. They’re worse than cockroaches out there. When there is an

overabundance of those fish, it takes a lot of biomass to keep and sustain and grow an animal of their size. Their sheer size requires a lot of food. They are down there vacuuming sea life. I promise you, an average Goliath grouper harvests more seafood than I do.”

Capt. Stan Miles, who has been a charter captain in Key West and Marathon for more than 35 years, said goliath grouper is an example of a conservation success story that has now become too successful.

“We’re seeing 400-pounders in 8 feet of water. Adults and juveniles are on all the wrecks and reef sites, eating lobster and snapper from several different areas. They have no predators and their abundance now is negatively impacting other species,” Miles said.

Conservationist and Islamorada resident Xavier Figueredo is the founder of Florida Bay Forever and a catch-and-release sport angler. “I’m dead set against this opening up.

I’d like for the ban to stay in place. … Though 200 fish statewide is not a huge issue. That’s a nice compromise.”

When asked about the plight of commercial fishermen who possibly compete with goliath grouper for stone crab, Figueredo said, “I feel bad for stone crabbers. But I feel maybe the amount of stone crabs taken by groupers is overestimated. … The bigger

continued on the next page

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

COAST GUARD RESCUES 10 CUBANS

continued from previous page

The Coast Guard discovered this rustic vessel traveling toward Anguilla Cay, Bahamas, on Oct. 7, 2021, as seen in a video still. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

Shipmate Tommy Thomas with a goliath grouper speared by Don DeMaria before the ban was instituted, at the Marquesas in December 1978. DON DEMARIA/Contributed

problem we have is we are overfishing. The population of anglers has exponentially increased.”

Richard Stanczyk is the coowner of sportfishing marina Bud n Mary’s in Islamorada.

Though he would like to see the goliath grouper remain protected, he points out that a lot of sportfishermen don’t like goliath grouper as they’ll “lose a yellowtail or snapper because the goliath grouper will engulf it.”

Attempts to quantify the goliath’s growing numbers through a traditional stock assessment were rejected by independent expert reviewers and the federal fishery management scientific advisors.

FWC’s report states that it’s because of unknowns surrounding the goliath’s life history and uncertainty about maximum age, as well as the absence of long-term data and lack of information about the stock outside the southeastern U.S. Goliath has never been listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In 2006, NOAA Fisheries removed goliath from their Species of

Special Concern list when a status report showed a significant increase in abundance in the U.S. population, with goliath reestablishing themselves in their historical range.

FWC said it has gone through an extensive stakeholder engagement process, with staff conducting 16 public workshops throughout the state. Since 2017, FWC said, 8,000 comments came back regarding goliath management.

Feedback varied from allowing limited harvesting to maintaining the status quo of catch-andrelease.

With initial approval by FWC, staff will gather public feedback on the draft rule and return for a final public hearing at the March 2022 commission meeting. Staff also recommends returning in three to five years after final approval with an update.

In this video still, Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew located a vessel with 10 migrants landed on Anguilla Cay, Bahamas, Oct. 7, 2021.

The aircrew dropped food, water and a radio to coordinate the rescue of the people.

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oast Guard crews rescued 10 Cubans stranded on Anguilla Cay, Bahamas, on Oct. 9, and safely transferred them to Bahamian authorities the next day.

Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.’s crew arrived on scene and brought the migrants aboard, due to safety of life at sea concerns.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew identified and notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel that made landing with 10 people aboard on Oct. 7 at about 3:40 p.m., on Anguilla Cay, Bahamas. The aircrew dropped food, water and a radio to coordinate the rescue of the people.

“Coast Guard crews patrol the Florida Straits, Windward Passage and the Mona Passage to save lives by removing migrants from unsafe environments and deterring dangerous illegal migrant activity,” said Ensign Gabby Busching, a duty watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Key West. “Seas, weather and water conditions can all change in an instant; you should expect the unexpected.”

No injuries were reported among the migrants.

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. Throughout the interdiction, Coast Guard crew members were equipped with personal protective equipment to minimize potential exposure to any possible case of COVID-19.

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews have rescued 13 Cubans compared to: • 5,396 Cuban migrants in 2016 • 1,468 Cuban migrants in 2017 • 259 Cuban migrants in 2018 • 313 Cuban migrants in 2019 • 49 Cuban migrants in 2020 • 838 Cuban migrants in 2021 Coast Guard assets involved in the rescue: • HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew from Air Station Miami • Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. • Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton • Coast Guard Cutter Ibis • A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircraft was also involved in the rescue.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

METEOROLOGIST SAYS WE’RE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET THIS HURRICANE SEASON

WE’RE NOT JINXING YOU, WE SWEAR

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The Maryland-born warning coordination meteorologist Jon Rizzo has been working for the National Weather Service out of Key West since 1999. CONTRIBUTED

The World Meteorological Organization oversees the hurricane naming system. According to meteorologist Jon Rizzo, the year 2017 was a particularly active year for storms over the Keys because the Bermuda High pressure system, which normally protects the area, moved north and east. WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION/Contributed

on’t put away those hurricane shutters or eat those canned beans in the cupboard yet. Yes, we’ve gotten through the month of September — a nerve-wracking time of year that Keys locals remember as when the Hurricane of 1935 and Hurricane Irma came through. But historically, October can be an active month, as well.

Full disclosure: Keys Weekly staff was worried that writing this story would “jinx” the Florida Keys and make a storm come toward the Keys, when otherwise it would not have.

When told about this possible jinx, meteorologist Jon Rizzo laughed.

“No, there’s still a lot of season to go,” Rizzo responded. “Historically, October is busier for places like the Western Caribbean and South Florida. It’s not over yet. True, we’re past the peak of the annual season, but locally a lot of storms occur during this part of October.”

Rizzo should know. The Maryland-born warning coordination meteorologist has been working for the National Weather Service out of Key West since 1999. With Hurricane Irene coming through that year, he got experience working on tropical storms immediately. Though that storm didn’t cause an enormous amount of damage, he has certainly cut his teeth through devastating storms like Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Speaking of Wilma, that storm came through in the second half of October.

“We are in an active season, with 20 named storms,” he said. “For perspective, that ties with 1933 as the third most active Atlantic hurricane season on record.”

Rizzo said that though more names are still available if needed, only one name is left on the designated main list for 2021: Wanda. Then, an auxiliary list is pulled out with 21 more names.

“Whenever there’s overflow, every season we’re prepared with two 21-name lists,” he said.

In the event of a devastating storm, a name is retired. An active storm season may exhaust all names on the main list. The World Meteorological Organization, which oversees this naming system, used to use Greek letters to name storms when all names were used on the main list. But the two auxiliary lists with 21 names are now referred to instead.

Rizzo also pointed out that storms occur throughout the season in a particular geographical pattern.

At the beginning of hurricane season in June and July, storms tend to form in the Western Caribbean. Then in late August and September, the Atlantic basin gets active. In October to early November, the storms tend to form once again in the Western Caribbean.

Rizza said a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean called the “Bermuda High” has acted as a protective barrier for Florida this year.

“Storms have to go west or east because the high pressure has been sitting near or over us,” he noted. “That’s what’s been protecting us this season. The Bermuda High also protected us last season. In certain years, like the year of Irma, the High was further north to the east and allowed storms to track west over us.”

And though the Bermuda High has been our security guard this far in 2021, Rizzo said that could change.

“The Bermuda High can move. This is the issue with late-season storms,” he said. “You’re getting cold fronts in the Eastern U.S., and that’s shifting the Bermuda High. What these cold fronts do is break down the ‘fence’ this time of year. We don’t look toward Africa any more for formations of storms. We look toward the Western Caribbean. The position of the high pressure system really determines where storms go over us, and it’s been fortunate for us (recently) here in the Keys.”

Rizzo has one last reminder for Keys locals.

Even if we dodge the bullet of a major tropical storm, it’s still rainy season, meaning there is still a potential for floods.

“We want to be careful about flooding and the king tides,” he said. “That can still have a big impact on us.”

To keep abreast of storm forecasts, Rizzo recommends going to Weather.gov/key or following the National Weather Service Key West Florida on social media.

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

An open letter to the Monroe County Community: During a visit to a Baptist Health facility, patients may receive medical services provided by one or more physicians or physician groups, representing a variety of specialties. Some of these physicians are independent, private practice physicians and are not employees of Baptist Health. SHI Keys is the group of emergency room physicians contracted to provide emergency care at Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital. Together, we are proud to care for the Keys community.

A part of caring is to ensure that communications and billing are simple and straightforward for our patients.

Patients who are seen by an independent physician, including a member of the SHI Keys group, may receive a bill for professional services rendered by that physician or group.

Physician groups that are contracted to see patients at Baptist Health facilities should be in-network with the same insurance companies as the facilities. We were recently made aware of patient billing concerns related to SHI Keys out-of-network status with several insurers that serve Monroe County.

SHI Keys is pleased to let our community know we have reached an agreement to become in-network providers for Florida Blue and Cigna. In addition, SHI is working diligently to become in-network providers for other insurance plans that are currently contracted with Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital, including Aetna and United Healthcare. We are confident that these matters will be resolved very soon.

In the meantime, SHI Keys is committed to ensuring that emergency patients at Mariners and Fishermen’s Community Hospitals can promptly obtain an explanation and resolution to billing questions and that no patient incurs additional cost because of the group’s out-of-network status.

Please know that balance billing will not occur. Patients of SHI Keys physicians in Monroe County will not pay more for emergency services out-of-pocket costs than what’s indicated by their insurer. Additionally, in accordance with Florida law, emergency care is always delivered to any patient who requires this care. Please do not hesitate to seek emergency care when you need it.

If you are a patient with questions about your bill from SHI Keys, please call SHI Keys directly at 386-516-5582. Patients may also call Baptist Health’s Central Pricing Office with questions at 786-662-7181 or email CentralPricing@BaptistHealth.net.

SHI Keys, Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital are committed to working together to serve you.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

ISLAMORADA URGES STRICTER SCHOOL MASK MANDATE VILLAGE RESOLUTION SUGGESTS ONLY MEDICAL OPT-OUT CHARLOTTE TWINE charlotte@keysweekly.com

A

t the Oct. 12 Monroe County school board meeting, board members were taken aback at a resolution passed by the Islamorada Village Council that asked the district to consider a mask mandate with medical opt-out only for students. This mandate would go against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order, which states that only parents have the right to decide whether children wear masks in schools.

“I don’t understand why they did it, and I wish they would have called me,” school board chairman John Dick told Keys Weekly. “We can John Dick talk one board to another. Asking us to break the law and go against a large amount of the desires of a large amount of their constituents? It’s bizarre.”

Dick pointed out that two schools within Islamorada have high mask optout rates: 47 percent of Plantation Key School’s students opt out from wearing masks, while Treasure Village Montessori’s rate is at 43 percent.

Monroe County School District’s current masking policy is a mandate to wear them on school properties for teachers, staff and students, with parental opt-out.

The news about Islamorada Village Council’s resolution came out in the board’s “Report” section at the end of the meeting. The resolution, dated Sept. 30, reads as follows: “The Village Council hereby expresses its support for the Monroe County School Board’s policy of requiring facial coverings for all students while on school grounds and/or utilizing school transportation. The council further expresses its support for the School Board implementing an “outout” (sic) policy on facial coverings only for medical necessity.”

The resolution was considered in the first place because a village resident requested, at a Sept. 2 meeting, that the Village Council formally express its support for the school board to institute a mask mandate for students with medical opt-out.

“We’re all elected to do the jobs we’re elected to do, and we’re not really (supposed) to get in the way of other elected members with their jobs,” school board member Mindy Conn said in response to Islamorada Village Council’s resolution. “I personally try very hard to stay out of the business of elected members of other boards.”

The village’s resolution passed 4 to 1, with Councilman Henry Rosenthal casting the opposing vote.

“I was concerned about one government body imposing a regulation on their board after they’ve already voted on it,” Rosenthal told Keys Weekly about his opposing vote.

Councilman Mark Gregg said the resolution supporting masks came following council members’ concern for children who attend one of three schools in Islamorada. He said he wanted to express support for safety measures with COVID-19 transmission still occurring. Gregg, who has six grandchildren in Upper Keys schools, said his support for the resolution was based on scientific information and not political preference.

“It was not our intention to tell them how to do their business. It was merely to provide them with our position on the matter since we, too, represent a portion of the population that the school board represents,” he said.

“Our job as elected officials is to carry out the intentions of the community, and that was an overwhelming feeling I got talking with folks.”

But the village’s resolution may have had the opposite effect. Dick proposed that the school board consider voting on making masks completely optional in the next meeting.

“Let’s make masks optional. The numbers are very good. We’re not having spread in the schools. I really want our students and staff to start to have a normal school year and get back to normalcy,” he said.

“I definitely think ‘masking optional’ is worth discussing,” said Conn. “I don’t think masking forever is the answer.

I’m truly concerned with the well-being of both our students and teachers. Our teachers are overwhelmed, balancing the emotional well-being of our students along with academic needs and the catchup they have to play because of the last couple of years of COVID.”

UPGRADES AND OUTSOURCING

KEY WEST OFFICIALS TACKLE STAFFING SHORTAGES, HOMELESSNESS, CRUISE SHIPS MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

A

$4.3 million grant could help rebuild Key West’s homeless shelter on College Road, while extreme staffing shortages may cost the city up to $400,000 in consulting fees, as the city’s planning department no longer has any planners on staff except the planning director.

When they meet on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m., the Key West city commission is expected to approve the grant application to rebuild the Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter into a “permanent, storm-resistant, concrete and steel facility. The current facilities are dilapidated and beyond their useful life,” city documents state.

The hoped-for grant would come from federal coronavirus funding designated to help communities prepare for the impacts of the pandemic. In this case, the new KOTS would help “in anticipation of individuals displaced by evictions that are a result of unemployment caused by the pandemic and will help (Key West) respond to the pandemic by providing centralized case management to help residents through the pandemic.”

Discussions of unemployment sound incongruous with the entire country seemingly shorthanded, and the city of Key West is no different.

Commissioners will likely approve a contract extension with the Corradino Group, consultants that will handle the city’s planning department responsibilities until sufficient staff can be hired.

The initial contract with Corradino was for a onemonth stopgap period, but now will be extended for a year.

“This contract was initiated when one planner remained, but since that time, staffing has shifted,” the Oct. 19 agenda states. “The planning department is currently finalizing arrangements with the consultant to fully engage in nearly all aspects of departmental work.

At this time, Corradino Group staff are reviewing major projects to begin submission of staff reports to the planning director.” The contract has a cap of $400,000.

In other upcoming city commission activity, lawmakers are expected to approve a 10-year lease of the new recreation building at Bayview Park to the Southernmost Boys and Girls Club, which provides affordable after-school care for working families.

Finally, a cruise ship discussion is likely, as the Tuesday agenda includes an item that would enable City Attorney Shawn Smith to “negotiate a letter of representation with a law firm for services related to the cruise ship ports referendum, ordinances or issues.”

No law firm has been named in the pending resolution, and Smith said at the last meeting that he would not hire a firm without the commission’s knowledge and approval, even though some commissioners have voiced their confidence in Smith’s decision.

The commission meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19 at Key West’s City Hall, 1300 White St. For the complete agenda, visit cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

18

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

CELEBRATING

MIKE FORSTER Ashes to be spread on Florida Bay

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

celebration of life is set for the restaurateur and former county commissioner who devoted his time and energy to a community he loved.

More than a month has passed since news spread of Mike Forster’s passing after a battle with COVID-19.

A community grieving with the loss in the days after took time to place flowers outside his cafe. Others posted heartfelt messages on social media of Forster’s impact on their lives.

A number still honor Forster in various ways. On Facebook, Forster would post influential messages every morning. And some still carry on that tradition.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m., friends and those who considered Forster close family will have the opportunity to honor and remember Forster on Florida Bay. Organized by Pastor Tony Hammon and Forster’s sister, Jo-Ann, people can join in the remembrance by meeting behind Mangrove Mike’s. People are encouraged to bring flowers to toss into the bay in honor of Forster. A spreading of ashes will then follow to remember Forster, whose nirvana was fishing in the Everglades.

“Certainly everyone expressed a desire to be able to honor him and have some type of service for Mike,” Hammon said. “I think this is good to have a gathering out on the water in Islamorada in the general area of Mike’s restaurant. It gives everyone, including Mike’s staff at the cafe, the chance to get out on the boat and remember Mike.”

Hammon added that they hope to have a virtual tribute for Forster online

by Thursday, Oct. 21, which would have been his 62nd birthday. Those who have a short video clip of Forster can send it to Hammon at hammon@ bellsouth.net.

To honor Forster’s memory, a foundation board will be created to continue his legacy of serving the entire Keys community. Donations can be made to Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors Paying Forward, P.O. Box 1459, Islamorada, FL 33036. To support his efforts in Uganda, donations can be made in his memory to Island Community Church, 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33070, or via www.islandcommunitychurch.org/give. Donations can also be made to United Way of Collier and the Florida Keys and Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition.

WINDJAMMERS ON WHITE STREET Dear Editor, The “windjammers” were in full force at the City Commission meeting on Oct. 5. There was so much warm air blowing from the dais, Captain G.R. Steadman, my grandfather and original master of the Schooner Western Union, could have sailed the old cable repair ship right up White Street.

Lots of words, little said.

Nevertheless, two important revelations regarding the cruise ship controversy were brought to the forefront at that meeting. First, credible allegations of violation of Florida state law by the mayor and city officials were entered into the public record via my letter to the commission. Let the record show those officials have been actively imposing the ship restrictions set forth in last November’s referenda, violating state law 311.25, which invalidated those same referenda. State officials have been notified of these unlawful actions by the City of Key West.

Secondly, it appears that at least some of the commissioners have finally recognized that the referenda, written by Safer Cleaner Ships (SCS), will never stand up in a court of law. Nor will the excessive restrictions, driven by deceptive arguments, withstand additional legislative correction from Tallahassee. The state of Florida will simply not allow a local government to virtually shut down 95% of ship traffic in an important deep water port.

The legislation that overturned the referenda last summer was a second chance for the city commissioners to resume their duties as a Port Authority, which they had consigned to SCS. During discussion of the city attorney’s report, Commissioner Sam Kaufman, to his credit, spoke of the need to bring all “stakeholders” to the table to work out a negotiated or mediated agreement about cruise ship traffic in Key West. Predictably, the mayor remained quiet on the efficacy of a mediated settlement — another missed opportunity for her to finally take a meaningful leadership role.

I endorse the premise of a negotiated settlement. In July, I urged the commission to form just such a citizens’ working group on cruise ship tourism that would consider

input from all parties. That panel must include the local maritime community, which has been excluded from the conversation.

Therefore, I am open to participating in a process to sort out a solution acceptable to all parties. I merely ask for the following prerequisites: Safer Cleaner Ships must publicly recognize that their two referenda detailing passenger/crew number restrictions are unsustainable as written. Their leaders should declare they are open to reasonable compromise.

The mayor and city manager must reverse their current unlawful policy of application of the referenda restrictions to cruise lines wishing to call on Key West in the interim, then communicate that reversal to those companies.

The mayor, commission and SCS should publicly encourage Key Westers to welcome all tourists, regardless of how they arrive on the island. Ugly demonstrations against any tourist group, especially those that include children and elders, will sully the image of Key West to all potential visitors.

A negotiated/mediated settlement may be the last best way out of the cruise ship referendum debacle – the city could avoid exorbitant legal fees, further state pre-emption and the probability of a bankrupting court ruling. The maritime community could return to what it does best – attend to the important cruise ship industry in Florida by assisting the maritime trade that has been an important part of Key West’s tourism economy for decades.

The Western Union may never sail the Windward Passage again, but there is always White Street.

John E, Wells Jr. Ships’ Agent

19

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

RED BARN THEATRE UNVEILS NEW SEASON

SOUTH FLORIDA PREMIERE INCLUDED

T

he Red Barn Theatre has announced its 42nd season of professional theater in Key West, with a line-up of four mainstage shows that will include a South Florida premiere of a brand-new play.

“And we’ll be ‘Doin’ it for Danny,’ dedicating the season to the memory of the oh-so-extraordinary and never to be forgotten Danny Weathers,” said Joy Hawkins, artistic director of the Barn. “He was special to all of us, and is already sorely missed in our theatrical community. It will be impossible to step on a stage this year and not think of him.” Weathers, the former artistic director of the Waterfront Playhouse who spent his early years in Key West acting and directing at the Red Barn, passed away earlier this year.

The season kicks off with the mock-docu-comedy “Cats Talk Back,” by award-winning New York playwright Bess Wohl, from Dec. 28, 2021 through Jan. 29, 2022. In the show, several actors who supposedly spent a good part of their lives performing in one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals reminisce about their experiences as felines on stage. There are a few surprises, however, so be ready.

And be ready for a show under the stars, as the Red Barn will present “Cats Talk Back” outside in their Zabar courtyard.

“Safety and health are the watchwords this season,” said managing director Mimi McDonald, “and what better way to keep our patrons and actors safe than to present our first show outside under the stars in our courtyard.”

Seating will be assigned according to patrons’ needs, and grouped to maintain social distancing guidelines.

Next, from Feb. 15 through March 12, it’s the South Florida premiere of Hy Conrad’s new comedy, “Quarantine for Two.” Conrad, the well-known Key West resident who wrote a good many of the “Monk” episodes, as well as “White Collar,” and the recent hit, “The Good Cop,” has taken the trials and tribulations

of our pandemic quarantine and turned them on their heads. The play mixes comedy, intrigue, (and of course) murder, and a neckbending twist that you won’t see coming.

From March 22 through April 16, the Barn will present “Hurricane Diane,” the new comedy from Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George, in which the Greek god Dionysus returns to the modern world disguised as the butch gardener Diane, whose secret mission is to seduce mortal followers and restore the earth to its natural state. Where better to begin than with four real housewives from New Jersey? There are some very significant ideas buried within the laughs.

And the new season wraps up April 29-May 1 with “How To Eat Like a Child and Other Lessons in Not Being Grown Up,” starring a host of Key West’s finest young and playful actors. The show, a limited run, is based on a book by Nora Ephron, who also wrote the play, along with music and lyrics by John Forster. It’s a romp through the joys and sorrows of being a child, and will touch the child inside everyone in the theater. Our child actors give 23 lessons in subjects like how to beg for a dog, how to torture your sister, how to act after being sent to your room and how to laugh hysterically.

The Red Barn has been certified as a Covid Compliant Theater, which involved the staff attending the classes at Arts and Science LLC, and following all safety protocols outlined there. The theater will be cleaned and disinfected before each performance, and all attendees will be asked to follow basic Covid safety protocols.

Tickets for the new season will be available soon. Watch the Red Barn’s website at redbarntheatre. com or check its FaceBook page for more information.

— Contributed

EASTERN ORTHODOX SERVICES VESPERS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 6 PM DIVINE LITURGY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 10 AM

SERVICES ARE IN ENGLISH AND ALL ARE WELCOME! CONFESSIONS, HOUSE BLESSINGS BY APPOINTMENT

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

S

Mainstreaming

ure, there’s Jon Gruden and his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad emails. But what about Roger Goodell? The irony of reactions to different acts by different NFL people? And what about those several hundred thousand other emails?

THINGS WE LEARNED ABOUT JON GRUDEN AND THE NFL AFTER LEAKED EMAILS...

10. Jon Gruden is a POS. No matter how much you love his frat boy, “Tell it like it is” persona, he’s the antithesis of progress.

9. Roger Goodell and the NFL are spineless. Of the 650,000 “leaked” emails, we are supposed to believe only Gruden’s made it to the press?

8. The only winner in the Gruden email scandal is Urban Meyer. At least no one is talking about his next coaching job … for now.

7. The Raiders will likely fade away this season. And after signing Gruden for $100 million and finally being considered as a serious Super Bowl contender — this is the most Las Vegas thing that could have happened.

6. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But when you’re a racist, even things you said 10 years ago can and will be used against you.

5. It’s “locker room talk” when you’re president of the United States. It’s career oblivion when you’re not.

4. Many fans boycotting the NFL over a player kneeling during the anthem won’t bat an eye at Jon Gruden’s racist and misogynistic emails (insert irony here).

3. Many of the same people who will boycott the NFL over Gruden’s racist and misogynistic emails won’t bat an eye at Facebook and Instagram — which specifically targeted teens with harmful content and used algorithms deliberately to bolster divisions and weaken democracy, according to reports by whistleblower Frances Haugen.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

NOW TRENDING

We’ve got something new, something old and something useful whether you’re into reds or whites.

LISTEN | “STAR-CROSSED” BY KACEY MUSGRAVES “Kacey Musgraves’ chronicle of marriage and divorce looks to the stars but takes pains to stay grounded,” states a review of the new album on Pitchfork.com.

“Writing in the plain language of someone desperate to be understood, she sounds alternately vulnerable and triumphant.”

WATCH | “HALLOWEEN KILLS” Michael Myers returns on Oct. 15. The nightmare isn’t over as unstoppable killer Michael Myers escapes from Laurie Strode’s trap to continue his ritual bloodbath. Injured and taken to the hospital, Laurie fights through the pain as she inspires residents of Haddonfield, Ill., to rise up against Myers. Taking matters into their own hands, the Strode women and other survivors form a vigilante mob to hunt down Michael and end his reign of terror once and for all.

2. Jon Gruden is likely the tip of the iceberg. The NFL will do everything it can to keep the other 649,840 emails out of the public eye.

1. An NFL owner of the winningest franchise in the modern era can solicit prostitutes in Florida and somehow get his surveillance evidence tossed in court (although the women who were solicited have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law) and ESPN goes radio silent. So if you want to know the difference between a billionaire and millionaire … now you know.

BUY | WINE BOTTLE “COSTUMES” “Drink up, witches.” And dress up your Halloween spirits with festive Halloween costumes for your wine bottles. These machine-washable, 100% cotton bottle covers come in various designs and are sold in pairs. Pack them full of wine, Halloween candy or other gifts for friends and family, or use them to store small kitchen tools during the Halloween season. $11 on Amazon.

21

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BENEFITS

UNITED WAY, PUBLIX HELP STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SUCCEED

From left, a Nick News reporter, Bette Zirkelbach, Tom Higgins and Richie Moretti watch Skeeter’s return to the ocean as a Nickelodeon film crew documents the release. LARRY BENVENUTI/Keys Weekly

HOMEWARD BOUND Skeeter, a juvenile green sea turtle rescued off Big Torch Key in March, returned to her ocean home on Saturday, Oct. 9. Skeeter was treated at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon for fibropapillomatosis. After a treatment including tumor removal surgeries, broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of greens and mixed seafood, Skeeter is now tumor free and back to good health. She was released off Sombrero Beach in Marathon at noon with an enthusiastic crowd cheering her on. A crew from Nickelodeon filmed Skeeter’s release for an upcoming Nick News segment that will air on Nov. 10.

— Contributed

Skeeter’s release crew celebrates her seven-month journey to recovery.

Staff and students from Sugarloaf School join officials from United Way and Publix in the Stuff the Bus campaign to provide funds and school supplies for students and teachers. CONTRIBUTED

F

or students throughout the Florida Keys, school just got a little better. The United Way of Collier and the Keys announced that over $45,000 was raised to help Monroe County students this year.

The money is the result of the United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign, coordinated with Tools for Back to School from Publix.

“This year the amount of money raised by Stuff the Bus and Publix’s Tools for Back to School is legendary,” said Superintendent of Schools Teresa Axford. “This is such a great thing the community does to support the needs of our kids.

The school district can’t say enough about this program and we have a big heart full of thanks for Publix and United Way of Collier and the Keys for all of their support.”

United Way of Collier and the Keys’ annual Stuff the Bus program is the largest back-to-school campaign in Monroe County. It provides supplies for each of the 16 public schools in the county. 100% of the funds were passed directly to the schools so that they may purchase the exact supplies their students and classrooms need.

Tools for Back to School funds were distributed as Publix gift cards and Stuff the Bus funds were given as

Amazon.com gift cards, allowing schools lots of flexibility in meeting their students’ needs.

“We are grateful to our customers and associates for their support of our Tools for Back to School campaign. Together, we raised more than $4.2 million to help students who may not have basic learning materials such as pens and paper,” said Robyn Hankerson, Publix community relations manager. “In some classrooms, teachers use their own money to provide these resources to students. With Tools for Back to School, teachers and students can have the tools they need to be successful.”

“As always, the generosity of our community is amazing,” said United Way of Collier and the Keys Florida Keys Area President Leah Stockton. “Through the collaborative efforts of supporters, United Way, and Publix, we help ensure that every child is equipped for academic achievement. Ultimately, this program strengthens local families and our Monroe County community.”

— Contributed

22

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

SPORTS & MORE PILLARI STRENGTHENS KWHS WEIGHTLIFTING PROGRAM

S

tacey Pillari’s resume could fill several ... a veteran sports pages, but the job columnist, says the only sport that counts right he doesn’t follow now is weightlifting is cricket. That coach at Key West leaves plenty High School. (She’s of others to fill also a real estate his time. ralphmoro1936 agent with Coldwell @gmail.com Banker Schmitt.)

This year’s team roster at KWHS includes 25 girls — the most ever in the program’s four-year history. Seniors Marina Goins and Chloe Knowles have been there since the start, when both were freshmen.

“We thought weightlifting would make us stronger for softball,” Knowles said about why the two decided to take up the school’s newest sport.

Last year, Goins was the district and regional champion and placed fifth at the state level in the 169-pound weight class.

“They’re what I want the other girls to strive for,” Pillari said. “I want to make these young women as strong as possible physically and mentally in hopes that this will help them with everything they do in life and give them the confidence to do whatever their goals and dreams may be.”

The preseason started Oct. 11, while the first meet is Wednesday, Nov. 3 at Marathon.

Marathon and Coral Shores have boys and girls weightlifting teams, while Key West has only a girls team.

“It’s a shame not to have a boys team, but it’s a Title IX thing,” said Pillari.

“There has to be an equal number of sports for the boys and the girls. Adding a boys team would put that out of sync.”

Before she was a coach, Pillari was a professional and competitive bodybuilder with the impressive photos to prove it. “I competed for several years and I coached a team of bodybuilders,” she recalls. “I started exercising by lifting weights when I was 15.”

Now 56, she retired as a competitor in 2012.

Pillari is married with a son, Domenic Pillari, who is her assistant weightlifting coach. She was born in Durham, North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina.

She has worked as a personal trainer. She played flag football. She was a hurdler, a diver and a cheerleader and the only girl in a high school fitness class. Pillari also owned a thera-

RALPH MORROW

BRIEFLY

Key West weightlifting coach Stacey Pillari is at home in the school’s weight room. RALPH MORROW/Keys Weekly

peutic horse farm in North Carolina, where she worked with autistic children.

Upon moving to the Florida Keys, Pillari volunteered to take care of the horses for the Key West Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit, and even accompanied them to Orlando during Hurricane Irma.

She also lived for a while in Panama, where she owned a farm and taught bodybuilding.

Pillari has competed in powerlifting, fitness competitions and, of course, bodybuilding with the International Federation of Body Builders, winning numerous awards.

“All along, I coached, never stopped coaching,” she said.

But that’s not all. She was a blues singer who opened for the Neville Brothers 20 years ago. At one point, she had her own line of clothing, and she authored a children’s book, “Nana’s Year of the Wild and Crazy Animal Adventures.”

Talk about girl power.

FOOTBALL: CONCHS SCORE EARLY, BUT LOSE TO THIRD-RANKED KILLIAN

Key West High’s football team scored early, but the Conchs lost, 46-7 on Oct. 9 at Miami Killian against the powerful Cougars, ranked third among the state’s 5A teams. Key West was ranked 36th and will face 49th-ranked Jackson (2-4) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15 at Miami.

Key West turned the ball over three times at Killian, but gained a respectable 234 yards, while giving up 348 to the unbeaten Cougars.

The Conchs are 3-4.

Key West City Commissioners Gregory Davila and Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, AHEC Executive Director Michael Cunningham, and Commissioners Sam Kaufman, Billy Wardlow and Clayton Lopez share a proclamation honoring AHEC. CONTRIBUTED

City officials commend AHEC for community COVID testing At the Oct. 6 city commission meeting, Mayor Teri Johnston and the commissioners commended the Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC) for providing free COVID-19 testing for residents.

“We want to thank the city leadership and the mayor and commission for having confidence in us to deliver this program,” said Michael Cunningham, AHEC executive director. “It was the right decision at the right time.”

In January the city presented AHEC with a check for over $171,000 for rapid Covid-19 testing. The money was a portion of the $1.3 million reimbursement from Monroe County for a portion of the losses experienced due to the pandemic.

Cunningham said that, during the drive-through rapid testing at Key West High School, they would see as many as 160 people during a three-hour period.

“AHEC has been an integral partner throughout the COVID-19 pandemic providing testing, insight and assistance in the City’s various programs to aid local citizens and businesses,” reads the commendation. “AHEC has provided direct medical, community health and education services through communitybased collaborative partnerships; and continues to provide primary and oral health care to children/ students, tobacco cessation services to all residence and accredited professional education programs.”

SPCA hosts wellness event for pets and people Get your pet microchipped and protected from fleas and ticks while getting your own COVID vaccine during a Pets & People Community Wellness Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 at Frederick Douglass Gym, 111 Olivia St., Key West.

Suggested donations are $35 for dogs and $25 for cats. Visit fkspca.org for more information.

Key West matriarch honored by city commissioners Several generations of Sands and Butlers attended the recent city commission meeting, where Mayor Teri Johnston and the city commission proclaimed Mother Jerline Butler Day in honor of the 107-year-old matriarch.

“Mother Jerline E. Sands Butler, daughter of Bahamian immigrants and one of our city’s most senior and most loved citizens, was born in Key West in the year 1914,” reads the proclamation.

“She married Robert Henry Butler in 1936 and they had six children, two of whom are deceased; 21 grandchildren, one deceased; 47 great grandchildren, two deceased; and 38 great-great grandchildren, one deceased.

Mother Butler was unable to attend, out of an abundance of caution due to the pandemic.

23

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021 Cuban refugees arrive at Smathers Beach by boat last Sunday. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

RECENT MIGRATIONS

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

T

here was a small flock of red-winged blackbirds up in the casuarinas over

by East Martello. They looked to be all female, but they kept moving around. I couldn’t get an exact count.

There were also a good number of warblers. If I’d had my binoculars I might have been able to identify them down to species, but I hadn’t thought to bring them when I left the house. Migration was still going on, so it was hard to say if these were birds that were going to overwinter in the Keys, or if they were just taking a small break before heading to Cuba.

Down below the casuarinas, a handful of police officers were watching over two picnic tables full of people who had just come from Cuba, though “just come from” might not be accurate – they’d spent four days on a homemade chug crossing the Florida Straits.

My wife is a radio reporter, and Warren Leamard had called her about a half-hour earlier to tell her about the landing. Then he sent a video.

Leamard is a caterer, one of Key West’s great people, someone you’re always happy to see in a crowd, particularly when there’s a tray of his unbelievably flaky Jamaican beef patties around. I’m not sure why he was up and out at the beach that early.

The video, which a good number of people have seen online by now, showed one of those achingly beautiful Keys sunrises – the soft filtered light, the distant row of pastel clouds, the still water. And then, stretching out from the shape of a very small boat on the horizon, a line of figures moved toward the shore, some carrying packs on their heads, some tripping on the bay bottom, at least one person pushing an inner tube.

The Key West Police Department was there, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, their cruisers, lights rolling, parked on the bike path.

When the figures got close to the sea wall, people, officers included, began reaching down. Hands grabbed hands. The Cubans were pulled out of the water one by one, drenched, exhausted, elated. They sat in a row on the cement curb.

Leamard was gone by the time we got there, but the scene was pretty much the same, if a little more crowded. More police had arrived, and joggers and cyclists, slightly mystified, regularly weaved their way among them and the Cubans. Everyone had bottles of water. Blue lights flashed. People drove by in cars and yelled encouragement in Spanish and English.

Everyone was even-tempered and kindly towards each other. The only yelling I heard was one of the officers, but that was because he wanted to make sure traffic was being stopped as they moved the Cubans in small groups from the seawall across four lanes to the picnic tables under the casuarinas.

One of the officers’ wives had brought them all breakfast (Cuban toast!) and the group seemed pretty happy, eating, joking, giving thumbs up, washing themselves with the bottles of water. There were 17 of them, 15 men and two women, one of whom was swinging her feet absently under the table.

All this was, of course, a fermata, a small pause before things went into motion again. These 17 people were mostly going to be repatriated to Cuba in the coming weeks, if not days.

I had mixed feelings when the Obama administration ended the wet foot/dry foot policy that allowed Cuban migrants who made it to shore to stay in the United States.

It had always seemed blatantly political and horrifically unfair that Cuban refugees were automatically allowed to stay, while undocumented refugees from other nearby countries, who faced equal, and often greater, dangers at home, were not. (See: Haiti.)

I did not think more restrictive immigration policies was the answer.

The only clear benefit was that ending wet foot/dry foot seemed to deter people from crowding onto frail, homemade boats and attempting to cross 90 miles of dangerous ocean. Until recently.

From October 2019 to October 2020 the Coast Guard stopped 49 Cuban refugees from entering the United States by boat. From October 2020 to October 2021 they stopped 838.

The boats they are building to get across are getting flimsier and flimsier. Most of what you used to see were at least modified rowboats and small fishing boats with gunnels raised with sheet metal and seams filled with foam. Several of the more recent chugs I’ve seen on beaches have been little more than metal frames stretched with PVC tarps. A few sparks off an improvised motor and…

You think about how many boats get found floating empty out in the Gulf Stream, about how many boats leave from Cuba, never to be heard from again.

You may question why I’m writing about all this in such a disorganized way in a column that is allegedly about wildlife.

The short answer is, I fill this space most weeks by going out into the world and seeing what there is to be seen, and maybe contrast the non-human and the human.

And last Sunday morning I saw this. And to not be moved by the sight of these people experiencing a little joy in the brief respite between making a hellacious journey to get here, and being sent back to the situation that inspired them to make such a journey, would be as hard-hearted as it gets. There is no one more human than those people sitting on those benches that morning.

Borders are intellectual constructs enforced with maps and guns. Cultural differences, nations? They don’t exist in the bird world. Or among all the other species on the planet, save ours.

As a species, we need to do better.

26

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

Naughty & Nice...

Jenn Stefanacci-Portier and Grant Portier fill Twisted Tinsel with year-round holiday spirit. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

I

Twisted Tinsel business partners Grant Portier, Jenn Stefanacci-Portier, Sam Heuer and Russell Stumpf celebrate the season. CONTRIBUTED

TWISTED TINSEL CELEBRATES THE CHRISTMAS SEASON ALL YEAR LONG

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — inside The Shops at Mallory, at least, where some familiar faces have opened Twisted Tinsel, a year-round Christrmas shop with a decidedly Key West flare.

Jenn Stefanacci-Portier and Grant Portier, of Poke in the Rear and 22&Co. fame, joined forces in Twisted Tinsel with business partners Sam Heuer and Russell Stumpf.

The new shop opened Oct. 1, less than four months after the Portiers happened upon a Christmas shop in Savannah, Georgia.

“It happened to be June 25, exactly six months before Christmas,” Jenn recalled. “And as soon as we walked in, I looked around and asked, ‘Where’s the countdown to Christmas? Where’s the music? Where’s the snow machine?’”

Grant was smiling and nodding throughout her diatribe.

“We still spent $100 in the place,” he said. But by the time the pair had left the Savannah shop, their next business venture was taking shape.

The foursome signed a lease at The Shops at Mallory (the building formerly known as Clinton Square Mall) on Aug. 1 and started ordering inventory.

“Every day was like Christmas morning for us, as boxes kept arriving,” Grant said, laughing while touring the store and exploring all its offerings like, well, a kid at Christmas.

Twisted Tinsel has everything that was missing from the shop that inspired it.

On Oct. 11, the countdown accurately read “75 days til Christmas.” Inside the shop, a holiday movie was playing, as were Christmas carols. A snow machine sits high on a shelf and a children’s desk is set up for kids to write letters to Santa — with a good chance they’ll get a response, Jenn said with a wink and a smile.

The shop is packed with ornaments, classy home decor, elegant nutcrackers, Santa hats, irreverent wrapping paper and cards, and glittery Christmas balls in the rainbow of colors that Key West has come to expect from Stefanacci-Portier.

“And my favorite part is that most of this stuff is not available on Amazon,” Portier said, “especially not these Keys-specific ornaments that are printed here in town on a 3-D printer.”

He picked up a perfectly miniature Key West Conchs baseball hat, and a downsized Mile 0 sign.

Jeff Marsh, a local who owns a company called The Maker, creates all manner of objects with the high-tech printer and this week was delivering his third batch of Key West Conch hat ornaments to Twisted Tinsel.

He has also made, exclusively for the new store, ornaments depicting Fred, the tree on the Seven-Mile Bridge, and a silhouette of “Douglas,” the Key West jogger who hefts an American flag throughout his entire route and waves merrily to every passing car that honks in support.

Artificial Christmas trees hang upside down from the ceiling, and the walls are covered in mirrored tinsel, giving the shop the feel of ice and snow, while candles by local Bella Laine impart the cozy scent of the holidays.

“We hung the trees just for decoration at first, but now everyone wants to buy them,” Jenn said. “This place has just taken off like gangbusters, and it’s such a fun place to be. We still have new inventory coming every day. We knew that if we waited until it was perfectly finished to open, we’d never open. So it’s still a work in progress, but has turned out great. We’re getting an amazing response from locals and visitors.

Who doesn’t buy a Christmas ornament in each place they visit?”

But Twisted Tinsel isn’t exclusively about Christmas. There are plenty of Chanukah decorations as well, along with a table that will change based on upcoming holidays. This week, it featured Halloween- and Thanksgiving-themed items, while come spring, it’ll include Easter items.

One thing that will never change inside Twisted Tinsel is the shop’s mission statement that hangs on the wall, printed on green paper: “To provide the community with an offbeat and irreverent experience while acknowledging the spirit of the holidays in an inclusive manner. All are welcome. All are respected. All year long.”

27

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

HONORING LIVES, NOT DEATHS KEY WEST DEDICATES BENCHES TO LOST YOUTHS

7 8

1 MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

2

1. Twelve benches at Nelson English Park in Bahama Village have been dedicated to loved ones killed by violence.

3

2. Key West City Manager Patti McLauchlin speaks at the rally against youth violence.

4

3. Plaques and benches at Nelson English Park in Bahama Village honor the lives of young people from Key West who have been killed by violence, either in Key West or elsewhere.

“I

t is our duty to ensure no child gets lost. These children had names.

These children had loved ones who still think of them daily. We’ll continue to celebrate their lives and not how they passed,” parent Phyllis Jackson told a crowd of about 200 people Saturday at Nelson English Park in Key West’s Bahama Village neighborhood.

The event was held to honor the lives of 12 young Key Westers who lost their lives to violence, either in Key West or elsewhere.

Organized by a new group of which no one wants to become a member, Grieving Families of Youth Violence.

“None of these parents wanted to be a member of this club,” Jackson said following the dedication of 12 park benches now adorned with plaques honoring lives that ended too soon.

The names and lives honored are as follows, although some plaques are still being created and installed: Jeannette Laray Clark, Daniel Lamont Thompson, Gwendolyn Louise Smith, Tennille Antonette Richardson, Trevon Dondre Albury, Marques Eugene Butler, Donté Lamont Chapman, Creighton Kendall Miller, Cpl. Don Michael Staffney Jr., Gerald Dean Waldon, Shammika Lashay McDowell and Jossue Emmanuel Gomez.

4. Friends and relatives of Jossue Gomez, who was killed earlier this year in Bahama Village, honor his life and achievements with a bench and plaque at Nelson English Park.

5. Pastor Rayshon Lyons of Bethel AME Church says an impassioned prayer.

6. Phyllis Jackson, one of the founders of Grieving Families of Youth Violence, speaks passionately about ensuring no child gets lost in the Key West community.

7. Key West City Commissioner Clayton Lopez speaks at the park bench dedication on Oct. 9 in the Bahama Village neighborhood.

8. Marques Butler, who was killed during Fantasy Fest in 2009, is honored by his mother, Fleasher Hall, and his brother, Michael Hall.

5

6

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

LIKE THE ALLMAN BROTHERS, THE BIG HOUSE IN MACON IS A GEM

BEN SOLOVE

The Tudor-style home known as The Big House was once shared by the entire Allman Brothers Band, and is now a museum honoring their musical contributions.

I

spent a lovely September in Ohio visiting family and ... is a local radio friends. I drove up and had personality and music promoter planned to drive back down who loves to share to Key West in early October his passion for to catch the Dead & Company music. concerts in West Palm Beach and Tampa. Unfortunately, those shows were canceled. So I made the most of my return road trip by making a few unplanned stops. I spent some time in Nashville and visited the Johnny Cash Museum, which was fantastic. I also enjoyed the Smoky Mountains in gorgeous Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

My final planned stop was, of all places, Macon, Georgia for the Allman Brothers Band Museum, known as the Big House.

They’re one of my all-time favorite bands, and they all lived together in a beautiful house from 1970 through 1974 that has since been converted into a wonderful museum.

Having done my research and having recently finished reading the Gregg Allman autobiography, “My Cross to Bear,” I learned of another gem in Macon where I stopped before hitting the museum.

The H&H Restaurant in Macon is a soul food diner that has been in operation since 1959. The Allmans so loved the place that once they made it big, they brought its cook, Mama Louise, on tour as their official cook.

The diner is a humble, almost unnoticeable building. But the food was outstanding: fried chicken, fried pork chops, collard greens, mac and cheese and corn bread. And the walls are covered with photos of the Allmans

and other famous regulars from the Macon music scene like Otis Redding and the Marshall Tucker Band.

I then took my full belly over to The Big House, just five miles down the road. I pulled into the parking lot behind the house and could immediately feel the musical mojo.

The first floor of the house, which is set up for self-guided tours, is a timeline of the Allman Brothers’ career, filled with memorabilia. Some of the highlights included Gregg’s Hammond B3 organ, Jaimoe’s drum kit, Butch Trucks’ drum kit, a pool table that belonged to Gregg and his then-wife Cher, the original notepad scribblings of “Blue Sky” and “Ramblin’ Man,” many guitars and amps, photos, concert posters, silver, gold and platinum records, outfits worn by the band, and so much more.

As a huge fan, the first floor was already giving me goosebumps. Then, I headed upstairs where several bedrooms are all still set up just as they were in the early ’70s. In Berry Oakley’s room, a pair of his custom-made jeans still hangs in the closet alongside one of his bass guitars. There were several other rooms that served as museum displays for even more amazing memorabilia. Then I found the room that touched my soul.

Duane Allman, who died in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 29, 1971, had his own bedroom in the house. It is still set up as it was when he died. In his closet sits his very first guitar, a Gibson Les Paul Jr., along with its case. Duane’s shoes and other personal belongings are also in the closet.

Two of his electric guitars are on display in a case on the wall. Next to Duane’s bed is a notepad with his New Year’s Day (1969) resolutions written out in his handwriting.

On display at the Allman Brothers museum in Macon, Georgia, is a handwritten list of New Year’s resolutions made by Duane Allman, two years before he died in a motorcycle accident. BEN SOLOVE/Keys Weekly

He had resolved to “be more thoughtful of my fellow man,” “to take love wherever I find it and to offer it to whoever will take it” and “to be the best man I possibly can.” At this point, I felt tears rolling down my face. I told the nice gentleman working the gift shop that Duane’s room brought me to tears. He smiled and told me, “Don’t be embarrassed, I’ve seen many a burly biker blubbering tears after visiting that room.”

The Big House may be the finest and best-kept museum I have ever visited. The Allman Brothers are an iconic American band and a huge part of American music culture. I left The Big House and drove fewer than 3 miles to Rose Hill Cemetery, where I paid my respects to Gregg and Duane Allman, Berry Oakley and Butch Trucks, who are all buried on the same plot in this beautiful and massive cemetery. I was alone there, and it will remain a very intimate and unforgettable spiritual experience.

BEN’S LIST 5 GREAT MUSIC MUSEUMS 1. The Big House, Allman Brothers Museum (Macon, Georgia) 2. Johnny Cash Museum (Nashville) 3. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland) 4. Chess Records Studio (Chicago) 5. Country Music Hall of Fame (Nashville)

36

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021 The Island Home, namesake of Islamorada.​​

Origins vary when reading the Keys’ famed past

T

here is a reason the history of a place like the Florida Keys can be written so many different ways. Some writers rehash the local legend and lore. Some writers delve a little deeper into the historical record. The resulting stories can tell wildly different accounts.

The origin of the place name Islamorada is a wonderful example. According to the man who created the original Islamorada townsite, William J. Krome, the name means Island Home.

Krome would be the ultimate authority as he was the one who chose the name circa 1907.

Still, people claim Islamorada means the Purple Isles, because of some Spanish conquistador’s admiration for the purple water, purple snails, or the purple leaves of the bougainvillea. It is pure myth.

But, it is a great story to tell and a hard one for people to relinquish. The fact that there are zero documents backing the story is meaningless to those purple hardliners. At least the Chamber of Commerce changed their Purple Isles pitch and embraced the real story of the origin of the Islamorada name. Unfortunately, the Purple Isles story is endlessly repeated by travel writers, bloggers and even the Florida Keys’ own Tinsley Advertising, the group responsible for making those commercials designed to tempt visitors in our direction. That they continue to promote Islamorada as the Purple Isles is frustrating for a local historian, especially since they have been told the real origin story on more than one occasion.

Over the last 15 years, I have read a thing or two about the local history and have learned more about this island chain, the people who settled here, and the industries they ignited than the average resident. For whatever reason, it never BRAD gets boring. It also provides BERTELLI endless fuel for my stories about the Florida Keys. For is an author, speaker, and Flor- the last eight years, I’ve ida Keys historian. been able to focus all of that effort on Islamorada’s His latest book, “The Florida Keys Keys History & Discovery Skunk Ape Files,” Center. Creating a museum is a fun blend of two of his favorite from scratch has been a subjects — Florida thrill, and I’m proud of every story, artifact and exhibit Keys history and the Skunk Ape. displayed at the facility. It has, in fact, been a freaking thrill, and executive director Jill Miranda Baker has been the perfect partner in crime.

For someone who moved to the Keys 20 years ago to work on a novel, the transition to local historian was an unexpected turn of events. It is also one of the best things to have ever happened. There are a ton of stories still to tell as well as a doozy about that mythical pirate named Black Caesar, whose legend continues to unfold.

The latest discovery is the fifth version of a man identified as Black Caesar. This makes four hulking brutes named Black Caesar associated with Elliott Key, the northernmost of the Florida Keys: three pirates, and a fourth identified as the strongest worker on a pine-

apple farm. The other Black Caesar also had a piratical history of sorts, but it was off in the Southern Hemisphere and is connected to Australia.

The latest revelation comes from a story written by staff writer Bruce L. Henry at the Miami Daily News. According to his story, dated April 5, 1936, the pirate washed ashore at Elliott Key after escaping from a ship wrecked by a hurricane. While his story has a familiar ring to it, it also has the pirate named Black Caesar arriving in the late 1500s. The account predates the story of Black Caesar, the African chieftain who became a trusted lieutenant of Captain Edward Teach, Blackbeard himself, by 100 years.

One of the things that is of particular interest about this slice of local lore is not just that the pirate history of Elliott Key starts circa 1585 and wraps up at some point in the early 1800s; each version of the pirate essentially tells the same story. Unraveling the legend of Black Caesar continues to be a personal favorite, and it would not surprise me a bit if there were a book in the works that breaks down all of the myths, legends and lore of the greatest Florida Keys pirate who never existed.

Because I will no longer be serving as the curator at the Keys History & Discovery Center, I will have a great deal more time to spend working on a handful of book projects that will likely include The Black Caesar Files. While I will still be affiliated with the museum, serving as the historian and helping promote the local history, I’m pretty easy to find if anyone is looking for a writer and historian with a curatorial background.

37

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

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Key West city commissioners Jimmy Weekley, Clayton Lopez and Greg Davila (back row), along with local soccer coaches, players and parent Jim Gilleran celebrate the new, soon-to-be-opened Matthew Gilleran Recreational Field at Truman Waterfront. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

A

nyone who swears Key West is a “baseball town” hasn’t met the players, coaches and parents involved in the island’s youth soccer programs.

The group started lobbying hard for a regulation-sized soccer field at Truman Waterfront more than 16 years ago when plans for the park were still coming together.

They’ll see the fruits of their labor and lobbying and efforts next month, when the Matthew Gilleran Recreational Field — named in memory of a young soccer player who died in 2013 at the age of 14 — opens at the waterfront. Matthew’s father, Jim Gilleran, led a tour of the new facility for city commissioners Greg Davila, Clayton Lopez and Jimmy Weekley on Oct. 15.

Former Key West Mayor Craig Cates sponsored a resolution in 2018 ensuring that the name Matthew Gilleran Field would be transferred from the temporary field at Truman Waterfront to the new one.

Only in Key West is a “temporary” soccer field used for 16 years.

Nevertheless, crews are just putting the finishing touches on the brand new, high-performance Matthew Gilleran Recreational Field.

“It’s gorgeous,” Jim Gilleran said. “And it’s built to FIFA regulations and will never be used as a parking lot for concerts and other events. It can’t be. That would tear up the turf and cost thousands of dollars to replace.”

An official ribbon-cutting is being planned for next month.

— Weekly staff report

Soccer players from the Check Electric travel team break in the new field at Truman Waterfront before it officially opens next month.

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38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

QUEEN OF THE LIONS Marathon’s Rachel Bowman captures 2021 Lionfish Challenge title ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

F

or most people, 700 pounds of fish constitutes a monstrous bounty from the sea. For 2021’s commercial Lionfish Challenge champion Rachel Bowman, it’s “not my best year.”

At their October meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) honored the winners of the 2021 Lionfish Challenge.

Now in its sixth year, the program incentivizes removal of the venomous, invasive Indo-Pacific fish for both recreational and commercial harvesters. A free contest, the challenge offers prizes for winners, automatic rewards for reaching set lionfish removal goals, raffle drawings, and even the chance to earn tokens used to harvest an extra spiny lobster during mini season.

As this year’s commercial champion (and first-ever female winner) with 730 pounds of lionfish removed in 2021 alone, Bowman sees the challenge, and lionfish harvesting in general, as a financial and ecological win. Introduced to Caribbean waters, the venomous fish have no consistent natural predators, a high reproductive rate, and a highly damaging effect on local fish and crustacean populations.

So when Bowman dives on her many hotspots in the Gulf of Mexico, complete eradication is her top priority. “If I get there and the spot’s loaded, that’s great for my bank account,” she says.

“And if it’s empty, that’s great for the environment.”

According to Amanda Nalley, FWC’s public information specialist for marine fisheries, the example set by Bowman and others has grown the number of people aware of the lionfish problem by leaps and bounds. “I’m really excited for Rachel,” said Nalley, also a longtime friend of Bowman’s. “She’s been such an inspiration to many with her involvement. She’s been so involved from the beginning, and she deserves it.”

Bowman prefers to dive in Florida’s panhandle, where many isolated artificial structures yield high fish densities.

She explains the differences between Keys diving and the waters of the panhandle with a perfect analogy. “When we go up there, it’s like scooping change out of a mall fountain. When we dive down here, we’re looking for loose coins under cars in the parking lot.”

Although she is a commercial harvester, Bowman always has the

CATCHING THE CURE

Rachel Bowman, left, celebrates her 2021 commercial Lionfish Challenge win with Amanda Nalley. CONTRIBUTED

environmental roots of the competition on her mind. It would be easy to harvest large fish while leaving smaller individuals to keep a site stocked for future trips, but she is strongly opposed to this practice. “If I find a spot with lionfish on it, you won’t find them when you go there.”

Once harvested, she sells the fish to local restaurants or to Whole Foods, the company that gave her her first sale in May 2016. Before the business took an interest in the fish, Bowman said, sales were low and usually netted only $2 to $3 per pound. In the years since, the value of the fish has increased significantly. “They added validity to what we’re doing,” she said.

Ironically, Bowman also now works as a bartender for one of Whole Foods’ largest seafood distributors: Keys Fisheries.

As individuals and businesses increase the demand for the white, flaky fish (and stop confusing them with potentially poisonous pufferfish), Bowman said, many harvesters are anecdotally observing declining populations. However, there seem to be other factors at play. “I would love to say it’s because of divers and lobster traps, but it isn’t,” she says.

While these factors certainly help, she also points to an ulcerative skin disease that emerged in late 2017.

According to a 2020 Scientific Reports paper, remotely operated vehicle surveys of natural reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico from 2016 to 2018 indicated a 75% population decline on natural reefs in 2018. This comes following a period in August 2017 when an estimated 40% of all studied fish were affected by the disease.

Redbone fish tournament in 33rd year

A

2021 Redbone Tournament winner Paulo Firmo, of Miami, releases a bonefish, one of his six bonefish matched up with 20 redfish in two days of fishing.

CONTRIBUTED

nglers are invited to fish for redfish and bonefish in the 33rd annual Redbone Celebrity Fishing Tournament, which aims to catch the cure for cystic fibrosis. In 1988, four years after Gary and Susan Ellis of Islamorada learned their daughter, Nicole, was born with the genetic disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems, they set about gathering friends and celebrities to fish in the Florida Keys and to fund research for a cure.

The Redbone features a silent auction, guest speakers and celebrities along with camaraderie and the sharing of great fishing stories. Redbone tournaments worldwide have contributed more than $26 million to cystic fibrosis research.

Kicking off Friday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. is the registration for anglers, guides and celebrities at the Islamorada Fishing Club. The silent auction and kick-off dinner is at 6 p.m. The silent auction closes at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 6, at 6 a.m., a continental breakfast and reading of the rules starts the tournament at the Lorelei Cabana Bar. There are awards in fly, artificial and bait categories. By 6:30 a.m., guides must sign in with the scorekeeper, prior to departure at 7 a.m. A brief moment of silence in honor of longtime sponsor, Jim Bokor Sr., of Buffalo, N.Y. and Islamorada, and the traditional Blessing of the Fleet precedes fishing.

Lines must be out of the water by 3 p.m. and a celebrity dockside party at the Lorelei Cabana Bar continues through 5 p.m.

On Sunday, Nov. 7, it’s more of the same fun with a 6 a.m. continental breakfast at the Lorelei and a 7 a.m. departure for anglers. Lines out is at 3 p.m., and from 4 to 6 p.m. is the dockside awards party at the Islamorada Fishing Club.

The participation fee is $3,700 per team and includes the guide for two days of fishing and social functions for each angler and their guest. $1,850 is a tax-deductible donation.

Tournament sponsors are Robert James Sales, Tom Thumb Food Stores, Lorelei, Pilar’s Rum, Islamorada Fishing Club, Mercury, Costa, Pure Fishing, Breezy Palms, Image Graphics and Rich Products.

For more information, call 305-664-2002, email susan@redbone.org or visit www.redbone.org. ­— Contributed

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OCTOBER • The 2021 property tax bills will be mailed out October 29, 2021 • Local business tax applications may now be completed electronically from your computer, smartphone, or tablet • As of October 1, 2021, a 10% penalty has been added to all unpaid local business tax receipts • We are hiring for two positions to work at both our Marathon and Big Pine Key locations. Please visit our website or any office to obtain an application.

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40

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

FILLS MEETING GETS HEATED

Islamorada Village Manager Greg Oravec speaks to Ken Gentes and Adriana Cuomo.

Residents voice concern over development of property JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

group of concerned citizens visited village officials and engineers to offer their vision on the future of the Fills — the islands connecting Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys — during an open house on Oct. 6. Criticism over the meeting’s notice to the public and concerns over potentially developing the land were heard before residents sat down one-on-one with consultants leading the master plan process.

A public input workshop afforded residents the opportunity to share their ideas with consultants from CPH Inc., the firm hired by the village in March to lead a master plan effort. Before that began, residents Capt. Ed Davidson and Van Cadenhead spoke out over the meeting format and the way it was advertised. Davidson acknowledged that notice of the meeting on short notice wasn’t adequate.

Cadenhead said what was occurring was an “insult to the people of Islamorada.”

“There’s no record of this. There’s no public video record of this,” Cadenhead said.

Village Manager Greg Oravec stepped in to offer the reasoning behind the meeting and told public members in attendance to come together to figure out a way to make the Fills better than its current state.

“I think it’s a low bar because right now we have 1,000 orange cones and a bunch of rope,” he said. “My hope as village manager is that we have a community-driven process that results in everyone owning a piece of this plan. And it might not be perfect in the end, but if we work hard, smart and together it’ll be better than rope and orange cones.”

Anger and frustration over use of the Fills, owned by Florida Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection, came to a boiling point soon after Memorial Day in 2019. With vehicles and people packing space on the small land came issues of immense trashing and safety concerns as people would cross a busy U.S. 1. Residents flooded village hall during a meeting to relay concerns and the need to quell the chaos, and several measures were taken to mitigate some of the issues.

Instances of overcrowding were still seen a year later in June 2020, when daytrippers and visitors ventured to the popular spot for a day by the water. The Fills, which were closed since mid-March 2020 as a COVID-19 protection measure, reopened to visitors along with the rest of the Keys. And with the reopening of the area came increased activity, illegal parking, citations and complaints.

In an effort to gain control of state property, the village approved and executed two five-year sublease agreements with FDOT and DEP in April 2020. Months later, the former dais said “yes” to initiate a master plan per a

Islamorada Village Manager Greg Oravec addresses community members during a public meeting on the Fills on Oct. 6 inside Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Capt. Ed Davidson, pictured center, provides input to Todd Hendrix, of CPH, Inc. during the public meeting.

requirement within the subleases. Last March, council members approved CPH Inc. to assist the village in creating a master plan.

“We don’t have a plan set of what’s going to happen,” said Todd Hendrix, of CPH Inc. “We want to gather information, facts, concerns and interest before getting to work.”

Resident John Timura recalled the 2019 village meeting when many residents filed into village hall to discuss the Fills. Others who couldn’t get in sat outside from bleachers watching a TV as the concerns were heard.

Two years later, Timura said the village hired a company to make potential changes to property that many were up in arms about back then.

“I think we’re all happy with the state of things (at the Fills) right now,” he said. “All we need is nice pilings and rope.”

Resident Barry Wray acknowledged that there’s anxiety over the Fills, and rightfully so following the many years of activity that degraded the area.

“I think we’re all driving the master plan.

It wouldn’t have changed if it wasn't for this community driving the master plan,” he said.

“That was from the reaction that happened back when we shut down the Fills.”

Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director Judy Hull said there’s an opportunity to beautify the Fills through the master plan.

“Orange cones are the opposite,” she said.

“We want to see improvements.”

With the community input session complete, a community survey on the Fills went out to village residents beginning Oct. 11. Surveys are due back Nov. 1, with results posted thereafter. The next public input session is set for Dec. 1 to discuss concepts based on what people envision based on the initial outreach.

From there, a concept would be developed in January 2022 with another public workshop set for February 2022 to present three to five ideas. A presentation would then take place for the council to view and vote on.

Councilman Mark Gregg said the village is taking the right approach by involving the public through various workshops, allowing the final product to contain community input and not just council and staff recommendations.

“Everyone has buy-in through this process, and that’s a good thing,” he said.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

1

K

ey West High School swimmers took on Coral Shores last week in Key West.

The Conch boys won 192 to 74, while the Key West girls lost 147 to 136.

— Weekly staff report

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMERS TAKE THE PLUNGE CONCH BOYS SINK CORAL SHORES; GIRLS LOSE A CLOSE ONE 9 BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly More photos are available at shadypalmphotography.com 1. The Key West Conchs prepare to swim against the Coral Shores Hurricanes.

2. The Key West High School swim team sings the national anthem.

4 5

3. Russell Hoyt does his part for the boys 200-meter relay.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

RALLYING AGAINST FUR IN FASHION Survivor stories hang overhead at the Clothesline Project. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly A picture of Reef and foxes that found sanctuary in Key Largo is held up during a protest against fur in fashion in New York City last weekend. CONTRIBUTED

Reef and friends take center stage in New York City

H

i friends, Reef the fox here with another weekly edition of “Reef’s Report.” Over the past weekend, my human mom, Nicole Navarro, flew all the way to New York City to participate in a march through Manhattan with over 100 other animal lovers to speak out against fur being used in fashion.

Mom got home Oct. 10 and showed me pictures and wow, what an event it was. People I don’t even know were holding signs with my face on it and the faces of my five fox friends that live here with me. Can you believe that people still wear real fur?

Can you believe that I was destined to be someone’s fashion accessory? So gross. Anyway, my mom really loves me and even though I can be a turd sometimes, I really love her too. So this is your reminder to not buy anything from any companies that still sell real fur.

There are some really cool things going on in the Upper Keys in the next few weeks leading up to Halloween.

The Witches Ride is back on Oct. 23, so dust off your hats and grease up those bike chains because this is going to be a good one. The first 100 witches/ warlocks to register will receive a goody bag filled with tricks and treats.

Registration is a $25 donation and you can register at The Catch or at the Caribbean Club. The ride starts at 1 p.m. from The Catch and will end at the Caribbean Club for a big party in the backyard. This fox doesn’t know how to ride a bike but maybe mom will let me watch from the front yard.

On that same day, Marine Lab is having their Haunted Lagoon. Located

at 51 Shoreland Drive in Key Largo, they will have land and water spooky tours going on.

Land fun starts at 5 p.m. and the snorkel tours REEF start at 6 p.m., THE FOX and it’s only $5 to snorkel the Reef is a red fox haunted lagoon. that was saved There will be from a fur farm.

He now lives in a selfie station Key Largo with his with a shark, human, Nicole mystery boxes, Navarro. games, treats and drinks. This fox doesn’t know how to snorkel either so I’ll be skipping this one but it sounds like so much fun.

Starting Thursday, Oct. 14, REEF Fest is happening with its diving, snorkeling, kayak eco-tours, oceanthemed seminars and social events.

Since 2015, REEF has hosted REEF Fest each fall in the Florida Keys.

Divers, snorkelers and ocean lovers attend to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation. Go to reef.org to register and learn more about this event. I wonder why I don’t have my own reef.com website? I think my mom forgot about it. I mean, I am very famous and might deserve a website dedicated to just how awesome I am.

Anyway, that’s all for this week.

You can learn all about me and the other five foxes that call Pawsitive Beginnings home by visiting pawsitivebeginnings.org and you can email me directly for any fox-related questions at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org.

‘YOU ARE WORTHY’

Clothesline Project honors stories of domestic abuse survivors ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

T

hey’ve hung their stories out for all to see … literally.

That’s what visitors can expect when they visit the Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys’ Clothesline Project, running through October at Marathon Community Theatre. Designed to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Clothesline Project allows survivors of domestic violence to give a visual or written representation of their experiences by decorating shirts that are hung on a clothesline in public spaces.

A topic often avoided due to its complex and uncomfortable nature, domestic violence is far more common than most would expect; one in three women, and one in seven men, will become a victim at some point in their lives. “It’s stunning,” said Jennifer Powell, board president for the Domestic Abuse Shelter. “Domestic violence is such a secret, private topic. Most women are too afraid or don’t have the opportunity to talk about it. People around them don’t want to hear about it, and victims aren’t believed.”

Beyond the uncomfortable conversations, Powell said, many don’t fully understand the scope of domestic violence. “Victims are experiencing as-

sault or coercive behaviors that include physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse that one partner asserts over the other. It’s any choice that a partner makes to disrespect, demean and hurt their partner in order to control or manipulate them.”

The Clothesline Project’s origins trace back to the 1950s and ’60s, when housewives believed that the only safe place to talk about their experiences was in the backyard while hanging up laundry. The national project covers not only domestic abuse, but related topics like sexual assault and attacks based on sexual orientation, race and political views. Typically, the project occupies a large public space with dozens of shirts decorated by survivors. Different colored shirts denote the types of abuse each participant survived.

At MCT’s Clothesline Project, Monroe County participants who have used the Domestic Abuse Shelter’s services tell their stories on shirts through written accounts, powerful sayings, or even painted pieces. The shirts range from anguished accounts and stern warnings (“You said you loved me!” and “Don’t get burned by the same flame twice!”) to reminders of hope and a better future for survivors: “You are worthy of healthy love.” Some have even courageously paired their names with their stories by signing their work.

While the project is primarily designed to bring awareness, there are several opportunities to support the Domestic Abuse Shelter’s work.

Miniature T-shirt pins made by volunteers are available for purchase, and although it wasn’t originally intended, most of the exhibited shirts are now for sale after inquiries from guests.

In addition, raffle tickets are available for a “Lunar Celebration” Wyland lithograph valued at $1,995. Raffle tickets are $100 and can be purchased through a DAS board member or by visiting go.rallyup.com/recover.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 Lilly & Lola’s Pet Boutique located at 1025 White Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Linda Turek, Managing Sole Member on behalf Hogan & Budde, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: October 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Monroe County is seeking citizen participation to allow for discussion of the Rowell’s Waterfront Park site project located at 10455 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, Florida. The project will include installing facilities for the park that are designed to function as a COVID-19 testing or vaccination site, if necessary.

The facilities include a walking path extension that can be converted to a vehicular traffic queue, parking facilities, site lighting, a new restroom facility including minor attached office space, and on-site public Wi-Fi. The application is anticipated to be submitted on October 29, 2021, but no later than November 1, 2021. A copy of the submitted application may be viewed at https:// www.monroecounty-fl. gov/1243/COVID-19-Recovery.

The following approximate amounts are being pursued for this purpose: Activity Name CDBG Funding Request Total Project Cost Grant Administration $38,400.00 $38,400.00 Construction $2,918,120.00 $2,918,120.00 The October 25, 2021, meeting is specifically for the purpose of discussing and allowing public input for this pursuit.

A person may submit written comments on this application

for consideration at the meeting via email to Jordan Salinger, Monroe County Public Works & Engineering Project Management Department, at salingerjordan@monroecounty-fl.gov.

The email must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number and email address and include CDBGCV in the subject line. For non-project related meeting assistance, please call (305) 292-4443 or email your inquiry to: ballard-lindsey@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

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 meeting, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4443, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m. prior to 5:00 pm on October 22, 2021; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

You may also email Lindsey Ballard at ballard-lindsey@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

Publish: October 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

AVISO A QUIEN PUEDA INTERESAR que el lunes 25 de octubre de 2021 a las 2:00 p.m., o tan pronto como se de audiencia al asunto, en la Sala de la Junta de los Comisionados del Condado (BOCC por sus siglas en ingles) en el Centro de Gobierno Murray Nelson, localizado en 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, el personal del Condado de Monroe, Florida, tiene la intención de considerar lo siguiente: UNA AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA CON RESPECTO A LA "SOLICITUD DE ASISTENCIA PARA FINANCIAMIENTO DE LA FDEO CDBG-CV": El Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas del Estado de Florida (FDEO por sus siglas en inglés) tiene fondos disponibles para la búsqueda competitiva a través del Programa CV (CDBG-CV) de asistencia en bloque para el desarrollo comunitario de pequeñas ciudades del año fiscal 2021.

En la audiencia pública programada para el 25 de octubre de 2021, a las 2:00 p.m., o tan pronto como se de audiencia al asunto, el Condado de Monroe está buscando la participación del ciudadano para permitir la discusión del proyecto del Rowell's Waterfront Park localizado en 10455 Overseas Hwy , Cayo Largo, Florida. El proyecto incluirá la instalación de facilidades para el parque que están diseñadas para funcionar como un sitio de prueba o vacunación de COVID-19, si es necesario.

Las instalaciones incluyen una extensión de sendero para caminar que se puede convertir en una reserva de tráfico vehicular, instalaciones de estacionamiento, iluminación del lugar, una nueva instalación de baños que incluye un espacio pequeño de oficina adjunto, y Wi-Fi público en el lugar. Se prevé que la solicitud se envíe el 29 de octubre de 2021, pero a más tardar el 1ero de noviembre del 2021. Se puede ver una copia de la solicitud enviada en https://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/1243/ COVID-19- Recovery.

Se están solicitando las siguientes cifras aproximadas para este propósito: Nombre de la actividad Solicitud de financiamiento de CDBG Costo total del proyecto Administración de asistencia $38,400.00 $38,400.00 Construcción $2,918,120.00 $2,918,120.00 La reunión del 25 de octubre del 2021 es específicamente con el propósito de discutir y permitir la participación del público para esta solicitud.

Cualquier persona puede enviar comentarios por escrito sobre esta solicitud para su consideración en la reunión a través de correo electrónico a Jordan Salinger, Departamento de Gestión de Proyectos de Ingeniería y Obras Públicas del Condado de Monroe, en salingerjordan@monroecounty-fl.gov.

El correo electrónico debe incluir el nombre, la dirección,

el número de teléfono y la dirección de correo electrónico del remitente e incluir CDBG-CV en la línea de asunto. Para obtener asistencia para reuniones no relacionadas con el proyecto, llame al (305) 292-4443 o envíe su consulta por correo electrónico a: ballard-lindsey@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

ASISTENCIA ADA: El Condado de Monroe hará acomodos 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 acomodo especial para participar en esta reunión, comuníquese con la Oficina del Administrador del Condado, llamando al (305) 292-4443, entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. antes de las 5:00 pm del 22 de octubre de 2021; si tiene problemas de audición o de voz, llame al “711”. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Lindsey Ballard a ballardlindsey@monroecounty-fl.gov Publish: October 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV on Comcast Channel 76, AT&T U-verse Channel 99 or on the County’s web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Simply select the “Watch Live” banner to view the live meeting with live closed-captioning on an integrated page that includes the Agenda and Agenda Backup.

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:// monroe-fl.vod.castus.tv/ vod/?live=ch1&nav=live.

Citizens can listen to audioonly from their phones 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 comment during the live Public Hearing either by phoning in or by connecting to the live Zoom webinar link using the following instructions: 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://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/89430231994 (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) on which you wish to comment, 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 # on which you wish to speak 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.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he 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: 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 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, 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 8th day of October 2021.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: October 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 2:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray Nelson Government Center BOCC Room, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, staff of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the following: A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE “FDEO CDBG-CV GRANT FUNDING PURSUIT”: The State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) has funding available for competitive pursuit through the FFY 2021 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant-CV (CDBG-CV) Program. At the Public Hearing scheduled for October 25, 2021, at 2:00

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA POR LA PRESENTE SE DA

EARLY VOTING

CITY OF MARATHON ELECTION NOVEMBER 2, 2021 Starts: Monday Oct. 18, 2021 Ends: Friday Oct. 29, 2021 Early voting site will open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed on weekend Location: Supervisor of Elections office 10015 Overseas Hwy., Marathon M.M. 52.5

VOTACIÓN ADELANTADA

PARA LA ELECCIÓN DE LA CIUDAD DE MARATHON EL 2 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL 2021 Inicia: lunes 18 de octubre del 2021 Termina: viernes 29 de octubre del 2021 El centro de votación adelantada se abrirá de las 8:30 a.m. a las 5:00 p.m.

Cerrado el fin de semana Lugar: Oficinas del Supervisor Electoral 10015 Overseas Hwy., Marathon M.M. 52.5 R. Joyce Griffin, Supervisor of Elections 530 Whitehead Street #101, Key West, Florida 33040-6577

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on 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 Hwy., Marathon, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, PARKS AND RECREATION, OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE, TO RENAME SUNSET POINT PARK AS THE MIKE FORSTER MEMORIAL PARK; AMENDING MONROE COUNTY CODE SECTIONS 18-3(b)(8), 18-27(a), 18-27(l)((1), AND 18-27(m) (5)n. TO REFLECT THE PARK NAME CHA NGE TO THE MIKE FORSTER MEMORIAL PARK IN THOSE SPECIFIC CODE SECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public can participate in the October 20, 2021, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform by following the detailed instructions below. The

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000109-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL FORTSTER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MICHAEL FORSTER, deceased, whose date of death was September 6TH, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: October 14, 2021.

Personal Representative: DAVID MANGIERO 12790 S. Dixie Highway Miami, FL 33156 Attorneys for Personal Representative: Palmer Palmer & Mangiero 12790 S. Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33156 Telephone: (305) 378-0011 Florida Bar No. 818119 Email Addresses: eservice@ ppmpalaw.com david@ppmpalaw.com

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES Publish: October 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000111-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MINNIE B. MILLS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MINNIE B. MILLS, deceased, whose date of death was May 2, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: October 14, 2021.

Personal Representative: DOUGLAS J. MILLS 143 Airstream Lane Tavernier, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1015363 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com JAMES S. LUPINO, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 244481 E-Mail: JLupino@HLYlaw.com HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156 Publish: October 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-268-K IN RE: ESTATE OF KEVIN MAURICE SMITH,

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of KEVIN MAURICE SMITH, deceased, whose date of death was July 28, 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 who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEAR OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 14, 2021.

Personal Representative: BRIAN L. SMITH 35 Prospect Park West, Apt. 15E Brooklyn, New York 11215 Attorney for Personal Representative: LEONARD E. MONDSCHEIN, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 189899 The Elder Law Center of Mondschein and Mondschein, P.A. 10691 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 205 Miami, Florida 33176 Telephone: (305) 274-0955 Fax: (305) 596-0832 E-Mail: Lenlaw1@aol.com Secondary E-Mail: Lenlaw1@ bellsouth.net Publish: October 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate 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 Representatives: Kimberly D. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740 Frederic L. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740 Attorney for Personal Representative: Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0022751 3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E Tampa, FL 33624 Telephone: (813) 902-2119 Fax: (727) 290-4044 E-Mail: filings@ flprobatesolutions.com Secondary E-Mail: holly@ flprobatesolutions.com Publish: October 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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: October 7, 2021.

Personal Representative: DORCIE D. LANGE 198 Plantation Blvd.

Islamorada, FL 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1015363 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com JAMES S. LUPINO, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 244481 E-Mail: JLupino@HLYlaw.com HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156 Publish: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 21-CP-000063-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF TOM RICHARD DICKES A/K/A TOM R. DICKES DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Tom Richard Dickes a/k/a Tom R. Dickes, deceased, whose date of death was November 11, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000104-P IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM F. LANGE, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WILLIAM F. LANGE, JR., deceased, whose date of death was July 7, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-265-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DAVID MARTIN COTTAR, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DAVID MARTIN COTTAR, deceased, whose date of death was August 31, 2021, Case: 21-CP-265-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 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,

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES 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: October 7, 2021.

Personal Representative: DAVID M. COTTAR, JR. 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: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000069-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES BROGDON NICHOLS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of James Brogdon Nichols, deceased, whose date of death was August 15, 2020, 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: October 7, 2021.

Personal Representative: James Brogdon Nichols, Jr 7 Trowbridge Court Simpsonville, SC 29681 Attorney for Personal

LEGAL NOTICES Representative: Bruce A. McDonald Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 263311 Suite B, PMB # 137 707 E. Cervantes St. Pensacola, FL 32501-3286 Ph. 850-776-5834 bamcdonald@pensacolalaw. com Publish: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-28-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF PHILIP SPIEGEL aka PHILLIP SPIEGEL aka PHILIP M. SPIEGEL aka PHILIP MORTON SPIEGEL BRODY, Deceased.

NOTICE OF ACTION (formal notice by publication) TO: All parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the assets and estate of PHILIP SPIEGEL aka PHILLIP SPIEGEL aka PHILIP M. SPIEGEL aka PHILIP MORTON SPIEGEL BRODY YOU ARE NOTIFIED that Petition for Determination of Beneficiaries has been filed in this court. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are: RICHARD E. WARNER, 12221 Overseas Highway, MARATHON, FL 33050 on or before November 22, 2021, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of this court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded, without further notice.

Signed on this 1st day of October, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK As Clerk of the Court

By Shakia Mitchell Deputy Clerk Publish: October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers 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

LEGAL NOTICES 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 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE #: 2018-CA-000490-P NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 28th October 2021 AT 11:00AM on THE FRONT STEPS OF THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET in the City of KEY WEST Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Property Address: 157 Venetian Drive, Islamorada, FL 33036 a. Legal Description: LOT 15, BLOCK G, WHITE MARLIN BEACH, SECTION ONE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 184 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA b. Parcel ID No. 1481823 Pursuant to the ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESCHEDULE FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case in said Court, the style of which is: US Bank National Association as Trustee Successor Plaintiff

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

VS. Robert A Parks; Rosemary A Parks; John S Hooper; IberiaBank; Wells Fargo Bank National Association Successor by: Joiner Investments Corporation; White Marlin Beach Park Association Inc; Unknown Parties in Possession 1; Unknown Parties in Possession 2; City of Islamorada Florida Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 18-CA000490-P WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 9th day of September, 2021.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Hannah Goldsmith Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: October 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

22ND day of July, 2021 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: October 14 & 21, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

November, 2021 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5821, Week 17, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 22ND day of September 2021 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff, VS. THE ESTATE OF RICHARD CHARLES MCNULTY, et.al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2020-CA553-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of September, 2021 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 8TH day of September 2021 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff, VS. KEVIN MICHAEL WESTERKAMP, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2020-CC545-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 14TH day of September, 2021 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Line Cook. $18/ hr - Employee Meals Private Club - Friendly Atmosphere - Varying Hours TuesdaySaturday 10am to 10pm - Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2020-CC000243-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 1st day of November, 2021 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 231, Week 19, Sunset Harbor Resort, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 20TH day of September 2021 Style of which is: SUNSET HARBOR RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff, VS. LEON H. WOLNIEWICZ, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO GINA HOON, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2020-CC000243-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA-000571-K DIVISION: CIVIL JUDGE TIMOTHY KOENIG Sunset Harbor Resort Condominium Association, Inc., a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida Plaintiff, vs.

Robert Vaughn Gibbs, et al.

Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE AS TO COUNT(S) I Notice is hereby given that on November 1, 2021 at 11:00am, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 532, Week 21, Sunset Harbor Resort, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof as recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (hereafter the “Declaration”). (Contract No.: 1-18606) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on August 26, 2021, in Civil Case No. 20-CA-000571-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 14TH day of September, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2020-CA-553-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 1st day of

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2020-CA-545-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 1st day of November, 2021 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit F22, Week 20, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2020-CC-244-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 1st day of November, 2021 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit F13, Week 37, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to ORDER TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE SALE AS TO COUNT I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of August 2021 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff, VS. THE ESTATE OF FRED JOHN TOWLES, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2020-CC244-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 15TH day of September, 2021 KEVIN MADOK

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA-000071-K DIVISION: CIVIL JUDGE MARK WILSON Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Plaintiff, vs.

The Estate of Maria Castillo, et al.

Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE AS TO COUNT(S) I AND II Notice is hereby given that on November 1, 2021 at 11:00am, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5523, Week 28, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

(Contract No.: 2-9513) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on August 26, 2021, in Civil Case No. 20-CA000071-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 14TH day of September, 2021 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: October 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

BOATS FOR SALE

1994 Mako 241 Center Console, 2016 Twin Mercury 4 stroke, Trailer included.

Located in Marathon. $39,000 305-395-0000 12' Jon Boat w/ 6 hp Nissan motor, and trailer.

Located in Marathon. $1,400 305-395-1015 Place your BOAT FOR SALE ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Boat!

BUSINESS FOR SALE

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

E m a i l : diver329@aol.com 3 0 5 - 2 4 0 - 4 0 3 0 EMPLOYMENT

Paralegal wanted in Key West – certification unnecessary.

Must have litigation office experience and be reliable. 25 hours a week, excellent pay. Email resume to marston@ keywestlaw.net City of Marathon – Job Openings: Right of Way Technician, Marina Custodian/ Maintenance, Marina Te c h n i c i a n / P u m p Out Captain, and Utility Maintenance Worker. Full Benefits.

EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us Groundskeeper/ M a i n t e n a n c e 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.

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

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

The 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.

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

Please email: Stacey@ thehardwarestore.com RN’s needed for Crisis Stabilization Unit. PT/FT/ per diem. Open 24/7. Day & night avail with shift diff.

Drug screen. we s tc a re. co m NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for all shifts.

Please apply in person at 8919 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

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 Fl Keys Diesel Marathon now hiring: Diesel Technician - C o m p e t i t i v e 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.

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@ g m a i l . c o m .

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • HOBBIES/COLLECT.

OFFICE/COMMERC.

YARD SALES

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

Call 305-743-4578

1,082 SF office space.

Renovated Corner Unit for rent in Islamorada. $3,000/month Call 305.712.8888

MOVING SALE SAT. OCT 16 from 8am-3pm.

Rain or Shine. Hosted

by Sara's Estate Sales.

Various antique tables, household decor, furniture, white dining room chairs -2 arm, 4 sides, outdoor lounge chair with cushion, art, pictures, throw pillows, bedding, bar stools, painting supplies, plumbing supplies, assort. electrical, assort. wood strips, pipes, etc., rugs, many Coach purses - some new, some lightly used, artificial plants, 2005 Ford Van E-150 (180,000 miles) great condition & lots & lots of misc. items. 1134 Bulevar De Palmas, Marathon (Take Sombrero Beach Rd. to beach approx. 2 miles then turn right on Avenida Primiceria and follow signs.)

HOUSING FOR SALE

1.5 acres oceanfront lagoon, 120' X 640' parcel, existing 3+ MR, 5 meters, suitable up to 10 villas/homes, boat access, ocean bayview 2nd Floor.

Located in Marathon. $4.299 million.

305-928-9057 Duplex for sale.

2nd Avenue Gulf, Marathon 305-481-1316 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!

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 YARD SALE ad here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and sell your stuff!

Place your RV SITE 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 5615 7 9 - 8 3 9 9 DRY LOT ON DUCK KEY for sale. 106 S. Bahama Drive. Call 305-481-1316 MISC. FOR SALE

Golf Cart for sale.

Good condition, located in Marathon. $3,000 (305) 664-1286 Jet Ski Engine 1100cc for sale in Marathon.

Direct injection marine engine. Runs. $600.00 305-289-9884 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!

YARD SALES

MOVING SALE - Sat. Oct. 16 8am-1pm Furniture, fishing, tools, TV's, antiques, jewelry & misc. household items. 351 8th Street, Key Colony Beach BIG YARD SALE - Sat. Oct. 16 from 7am-2pm.

Tons of shit! Too many treasures to list. 1334 Marlin Dr. in Marathon

305.743.0844

NOW HIRING

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Duties to include: • Provide administrative support (legal or real estate closing background would be preferred but not required) • Additional tasks as needed and required • Proficient in computer systems, including Outlook, Word and Excel • Strong organizational skills • Strong work ethic • Team player Excellent Benefits Package EOE M/F/D/V Apply online at www.spottswood.com/careers

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.

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

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

NOW HIRING Full or Part Time Guest Services

Answer phones, take reservations, greet customers with a smile. Cashier responsibilities, must be able to multi task.

Please apply in person at

Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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

OFFICE/COMMERCIAL

SPACE FOR RENT

Marathon Commercial Space. US1-MM50. Ideal location at Mid Town Center-next to Wendy's.

2,800 sq ft divided into 11 offices, reception area, kitchen, 2 restrooms, 2nd floor, elevator, plenty of parking. Contact Jim Chaplin. 305-481-7557. jim@chappytimes.com

FULL TIME OPENING

I

in Marathon

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

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

50

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

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

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

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED!

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

Monroe County School District

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 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MEDICAL ASSISTANT or EMT, PRIMARY CARE $3,000 Sign Bonus, Marathon, FT, Shift Varies - 114744 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MEDICAL ASSISTANT or EMT, PRIMARY CARE $3,000 Sign Bonus, Marathon, FT, Shift Varies - 116074 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE 2, PRIMARY CARE Marathon 2 Office 1, FT, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM - 115026

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

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE 2, PRIMARY CARE Marathon 2 Office 1, FT, Shift Varies 116052

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

APPLY AND LEARN MORE: careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

Transitional Living Program – Key West

TLP CASE MANAGER AND TLP COMMUNITY SPECIALIST  FULL TIME  $46,000 TO $48,000

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

Assists youth (18-22) with job applications, money management, daily schedules, etc. Manages client files, assists youth toward transitioning into independent living. Collaborates with partner agencies and community resources as an advocate for homeless/street-dependent youth. Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience working with youth, runaway and homeless youth, or behavioral management preferred. Experience with HUD funding and housing programs knowledge strongly preferred.

Required to Live in the home, housing is provided while on duty. Couples are welcome to apply, they can live in the home together. Both will be screened, but only one will be hired for the position. Unfortunately, kids or pets cannot be accommodated.

IRA, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Gym Membership, Paid Time Off Please send resume via e-mail to: kandrade@fkcs.org

BOAT CAPTAINS

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

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

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

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

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

$1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

NOW HIRING:

F/T and P/T Bartenders & Servers for BlueWaters Pool Bar and Wedding Event Bartenders $10/hour Great Tips Health Benefits & Room Discounts Sign-on bonus Poolside setting with Gulf View Apply in Person, Start Today!

Courtyard Marriott Marathon 2146 Overseas Hwy • 305-289-2100

51

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 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

PART TIME AND FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

CULINARY F&B FRONT OFFICE RESERVATIONS OFFICE SPA TERRE To view job openings, please go to:

OPERATIONS TEAM

Apply At: www.bungalowskeylargo.com/ careers

Branch • Accounting • Maintenance Credit • Business Development

HOUSEKEEPING

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

Bellman Watersports Reservations/Front Desk Agents AM & PM Shifts Available

Careers Available In:

APPLY TODAY!!!

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

Starting Salary $18/hour

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

Fun, Fast-Paced Environment

Tuition Reimbursement

Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing

Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time

Great Hours

401K Employer Match

Apply Online! KeysBank.com/Careers

Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE.

Member FDIC

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

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)

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

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

52

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 2021

Boat crew and captains are known for being resourceful and creative, even with their Halloween decor. JD REINBOTT/Contributed

Cutest pumpkin in the patch. MICHELLE ZIMS/Contributed

We met in the spring, fell in love in the summer, got engaged in the fall, and married in the winter. SIMON TEZZA/ Contributed

I

Even skeletons have to stretch. Glow-in-the-dark yoga is a Halloween must. KEY LARGO YOGA/ Contributed

Hello Fall ... let’s play ball. Crews put the finishing touches on the new field at Truman Waterfront. JENNIFER JUNIPER/Contributed

n 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.

FALL

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.

Some years, you just feel inspired to get into character. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly

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 / OCTOBER 14, 2021

UNDER CONTRACT

It’s time to get back to the basics of good recycling 1

2

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

1116 Thompson St | Key West | MLS # 597602 A classic 3 bed/ 2bath CBS Midtown ranch home geared for outdoor entertainment with pool, hot tub, screened porch, tiki hut and covered patio spaces. Corner lot, tiled floors throughout, good storage and laundry room. $1,249,000

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

3 Keep food and liquid out.

Recyclables go directly into the cart.

NEED A BAGGSTER?

Purchase one from your local hardware stores, then call the 800 number to set up a pickup.

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS and PORTABLE TOILETS available.

Call us at 305.296.8297.

FEATURED LISTING LIC# CCC1329991

LIC# CGC032862

BEST CONTRACTOR NOMINATION

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

VOTED BEST CONTRACTOR 5 YEARS IN A ROW

Second Annual

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

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 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 / OCTOBER 14, 2021

THE SMALLEST PARADE IN THE UNIVERSE WILL GO ON IN 2021!

This fundraiser for MARC, the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens is an official Fantasy Fest event.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7PM LIVE-STREAMED FROM THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST

ALL FLOATS ARE AUCTIONED OFF AT THE END OF THE PARADE. THIS YEAR WE ARE PARTNERING WITH THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST AND THE FLOATS WILL BE EXHIBITED FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF OCTOBER IN THE MAIN GALLERY!

OCTOBER IS HERE! WE’RE YOUR

ONE STOP SHOP

REGULAR BOUTIQUE HOURS TUES-SAT 11-4

FOR

COSTUMES & MAKEUP!

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

56

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 14, 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