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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Account Executive Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Charlotte Twine charlotte@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Copy Editor Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Director of Digital Media Chanice Dos Santos chanice@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Design / Web Master Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK Per a National Geographic article, 42 new species of dinosaurs were named in 2021. It keeps pace with the average of 45 new species announced yearly since 2003. Among the new dinos named is the Berthasaura leopoldinae, which lived some 70 million to 80 million years ago in what’s now southern Brazil. It belongs to a group called the ceratosaurians, which almost all were carnivores.

ON THE COVER Jovi Brito, 5, talks with Santa about wanting a Barbie dream house for Christmas with her mother Sandy, at center and older brother Jake, 8. Santa and Mrs. Claus visited Bee Street friends and families during the last stop on their route through Islamorada collecting toys for Toys 4 Tots on Dec. 12. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

‘WE NEED FAIRLY PRICED INSURANCE RATES’ Legislators on Capitol Hill are fighting for affordable flood insurance CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

n the Upper Keys, a 73-yearold resident has decided to no longer purchase flood insurance, even though the ground floor of her primary home of decades was flooded with three feet of water after Hurricane Irma. Why? “I can’t afford the premiums any more,” she said. But in written statements to Keys Weekly, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez said they are fighting for lower flood insurance premiums in Congress for their many constituents who live in coastal areas, including in the Florida Keys. In November, Rubio co-led, and Giménez signed on as a co-sponsor for, the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, which would cap annual premium increases at 9%. “The bill fixes major problems with the current NFIP program and would make needed reforms to the misguided Risk Rating 2.0. By capping annual rate increases … this NFIP reform legislation would be a huge win for the residents of Monroe County,” said Giménez. Risk Rating 2.0 is FEMA’s new method of calculating premiums for its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The calculations are based on the value of policyholders’ homes and the flood risk of individual properties. According to FEMA, 96% of current policyholders will see either an immediate decrease or $20 less per month in their premiums under the new pricing system. However, Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM), a nonprofit watchdog group, said their database analysis shows something vastly different when looking at the Keys. “Monroe County flood policy owners could expect increases averaging $3,200 annually,” FIRM said in a statement. “FIRM’s rate analysis is thousands of dollars higher than FEMA’s projected increases and contradicts

them sharply. FEMA has said rates should increase about $240 annually for almost 93% of Monroe County policyholders.” The first phase of Risk Rating 2.0 “This NFIP reform rolled out on Oct. 1, legislation would 2021, for new flood be a huge win for insurance policy the residents of owners, and the Monroe County,” second phase will U.S. Representa- hit all policy owners tive Giménez on April 1, 2022. told Keys Weekly. Mel Montagne CONTRIBUTED is the president of FIRM as well as the vice president of sales for Insurance Office of America. He told Keys Weekly that FIRM has been deciphering the effect of Risk Rating 2.0 on new policy holders since October, but “we have had instances here in the office where we've quoted new flood insurance policies to buyers and they’ve gone on to other properties. … At a minimum, current policyholders can expect an 18 U.S. Senator % to 25 % increase Marco Rubio co- in their premiums in led the National April.” Flood Insurance Per federal Program Reaustatutes, NFIP anthorization Act, which would cap nual increases are annual flood in- capped at 18% for surance premium primary residential properties and 25% increases at 9 percent. CONfor second homes TRIBUTED and commercial properties. Therefore, if the NFIP Reauthorization Act of 2021 succeeds in capping annual premium increases at 9 %, Monroe County homeowners’ bank accounts won’t be as stretched thin. However, according to Lisa Tennyson, the county’s director of

legislative affairs, the future of the NFIP Reauthorization Act of 2021 is unclear. “The Senate and the House are busy with other things,” she said. “It's a matter of what gets their attention, and right now NFIP doesn’t compete with that. However, after April 1, when the bulk of policy owners feel impacts of Risk Rating 2.0, the public's response to those impacts could spur movement.” But Tennyson pointed out that fighting for lower flood insurance premiums can have an image problem on the Hill. “Opponents argue that the main beneficiaries of affordable flood insurance are wealthy people with upscale homes in coastal communities,” she said. “And of course, we know that not to be true. Teachers, nurses, firefighters, government workers — these are the main beneficiaries of affordable flood insurance.” Keys Weekly asked both Giménez and Rubio what they would tell that 73-year-old homeowner who has decided to forego flood insurance. Giménez said, “If she called my office, I would have one of our professional caseworkers walk through the government programs available to her to help ease the burden. This is another great example that proves NFIP reform isn’t just for the second homes, it's for the people who have to deal with these flooding issues day in and day out. This impacts real people, not just a wealthy few.” Rubio said, “I understand the challenge, and it is why we need fairly and transparently priced insurance rates. Unfortunately, President Biden’s Risk Rating 2.0 will only make things worse, which is why I continue to fight for long overdue reforms to the program.” Tennyson urges Monroe County homeowners to be proactive. “I encourage everyone to pay attention to Risk Rating 2.0 and contact federal elected officials. Let Giménez, Rubio and (U.S. Senator Rick) Scott know how important this issue is to you,” she said.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

Village Clerk Kelly Toth is recognized for her years of service by former-Mayor Buddy Pinder. Toth’s last day was Dec. 21. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

BACHELER NAMED NEXT ISLAMORADA MAYOR Longtime village clerk retires in council’s final meeting of 2021 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

iscussion over who would be Islamorada’s next village mayor saw community members voicing support for Councilman Henry Rosenthal inside the Founders Park Community Center on Dec. 16. Council members, however, elected to elevate the village’s vice mayor to the dais’ center seat. With a 5-0 vote, Councilman Pete Bacheler took the gavel. Rosenthal was unanimously elected as Islamorada’s vice mayor. Then-Mayor Buddy Pinder kicked off the meeting by moving to make the longtime resident and former businessman in Rosenthal the next mayor. Rosenthal ended up seconding that motion, but not enough votes were secured, with Councilmen David Webb, Mark Gregg and Bacheler saying “no.” Before the vote, several community members took the podium and the microphone on Zoom to support Rosenthal for mayor. Former councilwoman Cheryl Meads said Rosenthal isn’t new to Islamorada, and that he’s the “people’s choice.” “Back when everyone was raw and didn't know what to do and act, Henry was just Henry,” she said. “He took everybody’s phone call and called everybody back. He’s always focused on Islamorada.” Resident Chuck Tittle told the dais that Rosenthal, a former president of Leadership Monroe and board member of the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, is the guy who “gets things done.” Tittle alluded to Rosenthal’s efforts to discontinue the multimillion-dollar pedestrian bridge near Founders Park earlier in the year. “He’s a proven leader,” he said. Webb said he’s respectful and appreciative of all the accolades among those on the dais. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, he said it was the expectation that the council member

New Planning Director Dan Gulizio speaks to council members on a resolution regarding BPAS allocations for 2022. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Newly-chosen Islamorada Mayor Pete Bacheler, right, speaks to new Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal following 5-0 votes that named them to the positions. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

in the vice mayor position would be the next mayor. Councilman Gregg agreed. “For me, the deciding factor is to go with tradition. Pete has served dutifully in that regard,” Gregg said. Rosenthal said he doesn’t need notoriety from the mayorship. But he told fellow council members that there are many items on his plate that he’d like to bring to fruition in the coming year. “If the mayorship provides me with a little bit of an edge, then that’s what I'm looking for,” he said. Overall, Rosenthal said he was happy to see community involvement in the process. He credited the public participation to the atmosphere the dais created. Bacheler thanked the community for participating.

“The result may have been a little bit different, but nonetheless, the residents got to do and say what they wanted to do and say,” he said. “I want to continue in that vein with that activity.” A brief recess saw Pinder and Bacheler swapping seats and new tags placed for the mayor and vice mayor. The council followed up by recognizing Village Clerk Kelly Toth, known as the “council mom,” for her many years of service. Toth retired as village clerk on Dec. 21, as she heads to Tennessee to begin a new chapter. She first came to the village as a human resource clerk in 2004. Leaving for Texas to spend time with family for a couple years, she came back to Islamorada to join the finance department in 2009. Toth’s been with the village ever since. The village clerk is a key position entrusted with important responsibilities. Toth took on the duties of the position seven years ago and excelled in every way, Pinder said. “She’s been keeping village council members organized, I’m going to say in line, maintaining the village’s public records, providing info to the public and so much more. Kelly really is irreplaceable and she will truly be missed,” he said. Toth said it was a pleasure working for the village. She said she and her husband, Geo, have been planning the move since early 2020 with a job opportunity that she couldn’t pass up. “I’ve enjoyed working with the public. I've enjoyed all the people I've worked with. I enjoyed taking care of the council,” she said. “I kind of look at my job as a council mom, making sure everybody has what they need, the information that they need and go where they need to go. I truly enjoyed that.” Village Manager Greg Oravec worked with Toth for five-and-a-half months. One of his first weekends, he went to village hall and noticed people working away. One of them was Toth. “I think she was doing (meeting) minutes. In the short term I worked with her, I recognized her as being extraordinary for a number of reasons. What I like to call special attention to is her customer service and the way she deals with her customers, which are citizens and public, but also council and staff. It’s a department that faces outwards and is the first line,” he said. Council members proceeded to tackle an agenda that included a noise ordinance, which would have permitted lawful construction activity and lawn maintenance at set hours during weekdays, weekends and holidays. Webb, who brought forth the topic at a July meeting, asked to table the ordinance in lieu of residents expressing concern over general noise nuisances from events. The tabling came after a resident spoke about the Beach Road Trip Weekend event, dubbed the world’s “Biggest Caribbean Music Festival” on Windley Key Nov. 26-28, which brought all sorts of traffic, noise and chaos. The dais agreed to table to allow staff review and inclusion of other noise issues. A resolution was also approved to set the building permit allocation system (BPAS) distribution for 2022. Code requires the village establish the amount of non-residential floor area and dwelling units that may be made available in the next annual BPAS allocation. In total, there are seven affordable housing allocations available for distribution in 2022. This includes six affordable housing allocations and one rolled over from 2021.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021 CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

THE FLORIDA KEYS MELTING POT

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS HAD AN UPTICK IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN RECENT YEARS

EXPANDING LACROSSE Coral Shores defender Ava Swanson and midfield Kaylee Stoky go for the ball against Key West's Sophia Felini during a game at Coral Shores in February 2021. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Locals start program out of love for the game JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

group of local Coral Shores graduates are hoping to bring the sport of lacrosse to even more athletes in the Upper

Keys. Dominique Hickory said many young kids in the area are introduced to lacrosse in sixth grade, where other areas see kids starting earlier. As a former coach for the Hurricanes girl’s lacrosse team, Hickory said she saw how much their rival to the south, Key West, was excelling at the game. She later learned they had a program for boys and girls that began at an early age. Recently, Hickory created the nonprofit Upper Keys Youth Lacrosse League for kids 4 years old to eighth grade to learn and love the sport. Hickory is starting up the program alongside board members and locals Austin Armstrong, Hector Benedi, and Hickory’s husband, Tyler. Hickory said she hopes the UKYLL feeds the Panthers lacrosse program for middle schoolers and eventually the Coral Shores girl’s and boy’s teams. She said the league is dedicated to developing skills, sportsmanship, teamwork all while providing a fun environment. “Lacrosse brings something that all other sports don’t. It brings definite determination. It’s a little hard with hand-eye coordination,” she said. “For little kids, it helps them build coping skills. It’s not just kicking a ball around. They actually have to think about it and process what they're doing.” Having recently launched the program, Hickory said the interest has been well beyond what she imagined.

She said there are parents who want to be involved, and there are others who are interested in knowing more about the sport. “It’s been an interesting response. You have half the community that knows what lacrosse is and half the community that has no idea what it is,” she said. “Where everybody thinks it’s a violent sport, I’ve had to reiterate and calm some parents down who think they (their child) can’t do the sport.” Registration for youth lacrosse is open now through Jan. 10. Parents can sign up their kids in person on the final day of registration at Founders Park between 5 and 6 p.m. Hickory said the Panthers lacrosse is part of the UKYLL. They’ll continue to play Key West and other teams they decide to play. As for the younger ones, Hickory plans 6-on-6 games for the older kids and 3-on-3 games for the little ones. Hickory said they’re looking to practice and hold games at Founders Park, which Panthers lacrosse plays, as well as Friendship and Key Largo parks. “On the registration, kids are getting a choice of north or south,” Hickory said. UKYLL is seeking sponsors to help young athletes get geared up and properly taught the game. All sponsorship donations are put into the program, which help provide the athletes with lacrosse sticks, jerseys, gear and more. Sponsorships will also help with covering costs for officials, coaches, field maintenance, and game provided equipment. “With this being our kickoff season, we are going to be able to show our community just how impactful this game really is,” Hickory said. For more information, visit upperkeyslax.com.

aiti. Uzbekistan. Nicaragua. Sweden. Cuba. Zimbabwe. Brazil. Afghanistan. No, this is not the start of a listing of United Nations members. These are just a few of the countries that are represented in the Monroe County School District (MCSD). The total number of countries that are represented in the school system? 91. Take a moment to let that sink in: The students in Florida Keys schools come from 91 different countries. Natallie Liz is the district’s District ESOL coordinator. ESOL stands for “English for Speakers of Other Languages.” “We’ve had an increase in enrollment for students born outside of the U.S. in the last few years,” Liz told Keys Weekly. She pointed out that after the recent earthquake in Haiti, more students have come from there. And 34 students are from Uzbekistan. “There’s an understanding they may be fleeing for political reasons, and there’s a confidentiality agreement,” said Liz. “We don’t ask, and we welcome them. We do our best to align them with strategies that they can use beyond their career with us.” The staff members in the school district make it a policy to welcome students from wherever they are from and be prepared to educate them, whether they speak Portuguese or Dari, which is a dialect of Persian used in Afghanistan. According to Amber Archer Acevedo, coordinator of community relations for MCSD, “We have 896 active English Language (EL) students, classified as English learners, with 29 different languages. This is approximately 10 percent of the 8,900 students we have in the district.” If a student cannot speak English, staff members have a system to figure out the best way to educate them. During registration, all new students get a home language survey and their families

At a Marathon event to engage diverse learners with literacy, attendees pose with Clifford the Big Red Dog from Scholastic Books. Standing, from left, Marathon High School Assistant Principal Trevor Tyler, MCSD ESOL Coordinator Natallie Liz, Stanley Switlik Assistant Principal Sarah Adams and Instructional Materials Coordinator Kristen Condella; Stanley Switlik Elementary School Literacy Coach Tanya Sly kneels next to children from Guatemala, members of the same family. CONTRIBUTED

indicate that another language than English is spoken at home. From there, the student is partnered with an ESOL support staff member and sent to the most appropriate setting, which can be a sheltered instruction class with students who do not have any English proficiency or an integrated classroom with native English speakers. “We get in educational materials in a wide variety of languages,” said Acedevo, who noted that the ESOL program is completely funded by the U.S. and Florida’s departments of education. Very often, translation apps on electronic devices are used. Superintendent Theresa Axford states, “We are proud of our teachers and staff who work very hard to provide instruction to students who are English learners. In many cases, students come to us with no English speaking ability and Monroe County School District teachers use multiple resources and much planning for instruction to help them succeed. It is remarkable to watch how this process works and how successful students become in their capable hands.”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

GROWN UPS WRITE TO SANTA Dear Santa, Thank you for following me all around the world. My wife, Marlene, has been there too ... for 53 years, but your annual “Ho, Ho, Ho” is kind of special. We live in the Keys, as you know, so we don’t need much. But one thing, lately our dog, Champ, you know him, he’s 14 now, he’s started to snore. Marlene says I taught him. She seems to ignore my snoring, but Champ’s snoring wakes her up. (Is there a lesson there?) Do you have something in your magic sack that can help a little dachshund’s snoring? He has a long nose and it kind of resonates. As I said, we don’t need much, but some of the folks who make life pleasant in the Keys did suffer during the plague. They need gift cards and big-hearted customers who leave big tips. Give our visitors big hearts and loose wallets, please. By the way, we have been good! A new headset for all my Zoom calls would be useful. Mine kinda Zoomed out! — Frank Derfler Dear Santa, I hate to be a nudge, but where’s my pony? Aside from a few regrettable moments, I have stayed off the naughty list and hope you will deliver this year. And please don’t say my pony is sitting on a container ship somewhere in the middle of the ocean or that you’ve had a lack of workforce elves, because surely the North Pole is exempt from such struggles. In fact, if you have some elves to spare, the Keys have endless margaritas, a fine atmosphere of community, and many job openings for them to choose from. Given elves’ diminutive size and tendency to live in forests, I’m sure we’ll even be able to work around the housing issue. If there are truly no ponies or elves to be had though, I ask that you rustle up some of that holiday magic and give health, happiness, wisdom and rest to all those in our community. And a few more long cold fronts too, please. — Kate Banick

Letters are filling the North Pole mailbox with wishes hoping to be granted underneath the Christmas tree. For children, it’s basketball hoops and the Indominus Rex. For adults, it’s an espresso martini from Old Tav, pulling onto U.S. 1 safely without having to push the

pedal to the metal, gas prices to be 20 cents less and a clone of themselves like Toy Santa in “Santa Clause 2.” This year, the Upper Keys Weekly snatched a few letters that were on their way to the North Pole to see what fellow community residents are wishing for this year.

Dear Santa, Dougie here from Thunder Country 100. Please forgive me for not writing to you in a while, like 40 years or so. What I would like for Christmas this year are just a few things; one thing is to help educate people driving out there somehow some way about not being left lane lollygaggers! The left lane is to make a pass and then get out of the way for others. Please, Santa, help with that. And I would love to see all the folks out there struggling right now not to have to struggle anymore. Chase away the corona and all its variants for us too. Maybe you could get the “Heat Miser” on that for us. Please help my pit bull, Hooker, get over all his allergies. Maybe you have a special remedy or a North Pole potion for that. And my biggest wish would be to see everyone get along out there and be nice to others and live by the golden rule , “do unto others as you would wish them to do unto yourself.” Thank you, Santa. God bless and praying and hoping for your safe journey around the world on the 24th. I’ll be leaving you a hot toddy and some cookies. Oh, and P.S. maybe let the Bills win just one Super Bowl before I die. PLEASE, PLEASE — Dougie Hitchcock

Dear Santa, What a year it’s been! (But you know that.) Composing a letter to Santa isn’t easy, it’s a balancing act between asking for too little, too much or something even Santa can’t bring. So here goes – please help the Cleveland Browns win the Super Bowl. That will make Jason Koler very happy and he will give lots of “Happy Dollars” to help our community service projects in Rotary. Please ensure Jim McCarthy doesn’t skip leg day. He is ripped (I’m sure you follow him on social media) and while leg day isn’t fun the balance is important. Please remind Anna Richards that picking on “bald guys” when she oversees fines at Rotary is mean. I have feelings. To keep Terry Abel off ladders at the next Gigantic Nautical Flea Market, just drop him a note in his stocking that you will take him for a ride on your sleigh instead. Most of all, help us slow down, enjoy the holidays with family, friends and loved ones and let them know how they have brightened our lives over the past year. — Mike Johnson

Dear Santa It would be great if we could have a mayoral danceoff at the next Mayors’ Ball, something to spice up the event. Maybe also a sing-off … with a Gong Show overlay. Jason Koler could man the gong. At the risk of being greedy, I’d also like Mayor David Rice and Past Mayor Commissioner Michelle Coldiron to open the show with a duet. That would be really great … something fun, like a good Grease song. Beyond that, my big ask: if you could, please, maybe find some extra kindness dust in your bag or lying around the workshop. We could all do with a few extra dashes of kindness this year … especially for the Mayoral Dance-Off. If anyone can do it, you can, — Stephanie Scuderi

Dear Santa, I want a car warranty. I don’t know where to get one. I have a 2009 GMC with 203,000 miles on it and I am afraid it will break down and I will be stuck with costly repairs. I know you mostly deal in toys, so if you can’t accommodate this request, maybe you know someone that can. Just have them call me. At any time. On my cell phone. During dinner. Whenever. I will always be happy to hear from them. And, if that doesn’t work, how about a brand new Lexus? What I also want for Christmas is a safe place for Keys residents to be able run or ride their bikes without fear of being run over. A marked bike lane is not enough. Maybe something protected by a moat. With alligators. Or a satellite laser system that would zap cars about to hit pedestrians or cyclists. Or bubble wrap and we could all just wrap ourselves before heading out for some exercise? At a minimum, can you put the careless drivers on your “naughty” list? — Rob Stober

Dear Santa, Do you exist? I made it 40 years believing in you, but I have to admit, I’m starting to wonder. … Last year, I asked for COVID to be over, and yet here we are again. Omicron? Really? What, did you pull that off the side of a Transformers box you were giving to a kid? So I start where I began last year. Please, please, please can we be done with this! I don’t ever want to use a mask as a stocking stuffer again! But since you didn’t end it last year, a lot of people suffered. We lost friends, family, and co-workers – people who make the Florida Keys the place we all know and love. So Santa, would you take care of my friends who are spending their Christmas with an empty seat at their table? Can you bring them hope and love to help their grieving hearts? Before I get to what I want, you already gave me the best present a girl could get. He’s cute, blonde, and makes me crazy. I couldn’t love him any more, my son Drake. May you bring him the patience to do math, the stamina to run fast, kindness with which to treat others, and the fortitude to deal with me. For the people I serve, may you give me the strength to hear them, the determination to serve them, and the patience for when I disagree with some of them. The opportunity to serve is a gift, but sometimes feels like when someone gives you new exercise equipment – it hurts to do it. And it wouldn’t be a letter to Santa without a request or two for me. May you keep those in my life who get their own joy through seeing it in my eyes, and may I be able to do the same for them. As I take on a new challenge for our community, may you either create more than 24 hours in a day, or if you can’t pull that one off, help me to figure out what’s important. And may my family find peace, love, and happiness this holiday season and throughout the new year. Santa, I ask that you help us make every night — and not just New Year’s —worthy of celebrating with champagne. Bless us all for 2022. Love, Holly Merrill Raschein (Monroe County Commissioner, District 5)

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

KEYS KIDS’ CHRISTMAS LIST MUST-HAVES Spoiler alert: Hot Wheels are still in style CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

ids are a simple lot. With no retirement plans to choose from or funny noises in their car to worry about, they tend to focus on uncomplicated joys such as … will I get that Pokémon game for Christmas? And it’s darn refreshing. With that in mind, Keys Weekly — with principal Kelly Mangel’s permission — barged into Treasure Village Montessori’s teacher Lisa Bauer’s kindergarten/ first grade class in Islamorada during craft time and asked all her students this one question: What do you want for Christmas? And boy, were they ready with their answers. For those who grew up in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, you might be surprised to see some familiar brand names on their wish lists. And this year’s hot item that kids want to see under the tree and parents can’t find? Like the Cabbage Patch Kids back in the day? An item called Gabby’s Dollhouse. We checked. It’s sold out on Amazon.

Allie, age 7 A snow cone maker and a cotton candy maker.

Nicholas, age 7 I know Russian! I want a big Army airplane.

Delaney, age 7 Sparkly clothes.

Riley, age 6 A microphone. I usually sing with it to my family sometimes.

Ellie, age 6 A snow globe with dolphins.

Rivka, age 6 I’m not sure. Maybe I need to get a new bike. I can ride a size 20.

Flynt, age 7 A basketball hoop. And an Indominus Rex. I already have an Indominus Rex, but it’s too small.

Silvio, age 6 Star Wars Droid figures.

Greyson, age 6 A video game system and video games. That’s all I want. Oh, and a Batman float for the water. And Rudolph stuff. Journey, age 7 An ICEE maker, so I can make a Coca-Cola slushie like Tom Thumb’s. Matthew, age 6 A remote Aussie dog.

Michael, age 6 A wig. I don’t know why. Brown. Short. I’m going to put it on my head.

Stella, age 7 Nintendo Switch. It has different games you get to choose, like Pokémon and Mario. Tatum, age 6 Gabby’s Dollhouse. It’s real life with cat characters. On Amazon. It’s so much money. Tyler, age 7 Hot Wheels tracks.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

BORDER BATTLE Checkpoint creates Conch Republic

ll hail the Conch Republic, a shelltastic micronation culled from the drastic need for some serious media spin. It was 1982, and the war on drugs had officially reached the Florida Keys, well, unofficially. On Sunday, April 18, a serpent wearing mirrored sunglasses slithered across the asphalt stretch called U.S. 1. Thick as a squad car, the beast situated itself across the highway and blocked traffic intent on exiting the Florida Keys. It was just after three o’clock in the afternoon. The head of the beast was a cadre of federal agents directing Florida Highway Patrol officers and Border Patrol agents to physically put into place the flashing red lights and barricades of a United States border checkpoint. The scene played out in front of Skeeter Dyer’s Last Chance Saloon, the last bar on the mainland before the 18-Mile Stretch delivered drivers to the Florida Keys. In the eyes of everyone living in the Keys, the act was an egregious display. All northbound traffic departing the islands from a weekend in paradise came to an immediate halt. It did not take long for the resulting snarl of traffic to stretch all the way to Key Largo. The 20- or 25-minute drive it usually took to reach Florida

City was now taking hours, three, four, and sometimes more with, for anyone who has taken this particular drive knows, no place to stop for BRAD a bite to eat or BERTELLI something to drink or even a is an author, speaker, and Flor- place to use the ida Keys historian. bathroom. InterHis latest book, national media “The Florida Keys billed the resultSkunk Ape Files,” ing quagmire is a fun blend of two of his favorite as the world’s subjects — Florida longest parking Keys history and lot. the Skunk Ape. Back up by The Last Chance Saloon, armed men approached each vehicle in an attempt to stem a flow of illegal immigrants from reaching the mainland — or, at least, that was the reason the border checkpoint was allegedly set in place. Officers asked for identification, as well as proof of citizenship, and not just from those driving. Leaving the Florida Keys had become equivalent to leaving Canada or Mexico. Also, those officers searched cars in places far too small for any human to hide, like engines, luggage, and glove compartments. Clearly, the search was about finding more than people. They were looking for drugs which they found in small, recreational amounts. While the event was not overly prolonged, it went on long enough to ding the tourist economy. To the detriment of those who lived and worked in the Florida Keys and especially those who made their living largely off of tourist dollars, the message the roadblock sent was broadcast loud and clear. The Florida Keys might be America’s backyard paradise, and anyone was welcome to drive down and enjoy the islands, but it was going to be hell getting out. Hotel rooms emptied. Grouper and Key West pink shrimp began to spoil in restaurant refrigerators. Even barstools began to gather a fine layer of dust in some joints.

The government roadblock was choking the life out of the tourist industry, and as local wallets emptied and bank accounts began to drain, normally laidback hackles began to rise. Then Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlow filed an injunction in Miami Superior Court, hoping to have the checkpoint lifted. The case was heard by chief federal judge Clyde Atkins of the U.S. District Court. Just after 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Wardlow and his constituents were told that while the checkpoint would not be dismantled, it would cease to operate in its previous, egregious manner. Wardlow left the courthouse with his head held high. When he stopped on the courthouse steps to make a statement to a smattering of reporters, his words would change everything. Wardlow, along with a handful of stalwarts from the Key West community, decided that if the United States government was going to treat Key West and the Florida Keys like a foreign destination they would become an independent island nation. Wardlow announced they would be seceding from the United States of America at noon the following day. Wardlow and his advisors gathered at Clinton Square and declared Key West and Florida Keys the Conch Republic. A uniformed Navy officer in attendance was pummeled in the head with a loaf of Cuban bread (he had been forewarned). Seconds after the republic was declared, the Conch Republic surrendered. As a fallen nation, though not a crestfallen people, Prime Minister Wardlow applied for one billion dollars in foreign aid and war relief. Those funds were never received, but ever since that day, three flags have flown over the Florida Keys: the American flag, the Florida state flag, and the conch shell-emblazoned flag of the Conch Republic.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

MARRVELOUS PET RESCUES CELEBRATES FINALLY HAVING ITS OWN BUILDING The dream was 14 years in the making CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

n Dec 12, a Christmas party took place at 68 Silver Springs Drive in Key Largo. The Keys have been full of similar celebrations the past few days: guests were wearing Santa hats, the smell of chocolate chip cookies emanated from the oven, multiple tables were laden with even more treats, gifts were given out, children played in the yard, and red and green decorations abounded. But this gathering had a special purpose: MarrVelous Pet rescue staff were showing off their brand new digs to the community and the guest of honor was a gentle and shy pitbull named Snow White, who is deaf and blind and has cancer, and was wearing a leash that said “Adopt Me.” Suzi Youngberg is the new director and rescue coordinator of MarrVelous Pet Rescues. She said the nonprofit has been placing animals in homes for 14 years, with foster or permanent families. But the operations had always been conducted from Joy Martin’s American Caribbean Real Estate office in Key Largo. But no more. Martin is the president of the board and founder of MarrVelous Pet Rescues, and she discovered the property on Silver Springs Drive. The nonprofit bought the property, which has been a longtime goal. “This was always the dream, to have more space,” said Youngberg. “It allows us to have meet-and-greets when someone is going to foster or adopt, to make sure it’s a good fit. We used to have to do that in a park. Here, we have a fenced yard.” Youngberg said clients now sign adoption papers in the office’s homey kitchen, which gives the transaction a cozy, family feel. However, Youngberg emphasized that though the organization has more space, it will never house animals, like a shelter does. “We’re not a place to bring strays. We remain foster-based,” she said. “And we can’t keep fosters

overnight, because we don’t have 24-hour staff.” She recommends that locals who do find a stray animal first make sure that the little one doesn’t belong to somebody in the neighborhood. If it doesn't, then the best thing still is to call the animal shelter. “But if you find a stray, we ask if you are available to hold onto it for a few days until we can find someone to take it home,” she said. “We are in need of fosters. A lot of people see it as a service they can enjoy without lifetime commitment.” The crown jewel of the nonprofit’s new building is the surgical suite, which will be used to spay and neuter animals. Margie Schwartz has been rescuing cats for 20 years and helping to control the feral cat populations in the Upper Keys by catching and taking them to a low-cost veterinarian to be spayed or neutered. Her nonprofit is called Whiskers & Paws Forever of Monroe County and MarrVelous’s surgical equipment was provided through Schwartz’s nonprofit. She is ecstatic to finally have one location to bring the feral cats to be fixed. “The problem is that there hasn’t been any help from the county and villages for spay and neuter,” Schwartz said. “We are going to focus on feral cat colonies that have been fed but not spayed and neutered. We can take 30 or 40 at a time.” Schwartz’s current targets are the colonies at Key Largo’s Publix and the Yellow Bait House. Youngberg said that while the surgery room will focus on those feral cats and MarrVelous intakes, she hopes to open up spay and neuter clinics to the general public soon. Back at the party, guests and their dogs explored the property. Owners chatted while the dogs all checked each other out with wagging tails. Some posed for pictures with furry mascots Santa Paws and Skippy the Elf. “Hello, I’m a foster fail,” said one (human) guest to another. “Aren’t we all?” she responded with a laugh. “Foster failure” is the term used by many to

Suzi Youngberg proudly poses in the surgical suite, the crown jewel of the new building. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

describe when a foster animal parent intends just to take care of a pet until they get adopted — but then they fall in love and adopt the four-legged fur baby themselves. “The MarrVelous staff are the hardest working volunteers I’ve ever had anything to do with,” said party guest Mary Griffin. She also volunteers time for the organization. “They work so hard finding foster homes. Every year, they give foster failure awards. I admire them — they love something and can’t let them go.” MarrVelous Pet Rescues is always looking for foster parents. To fill out an application to become one, to make a donation for the new clinic or for more information about the nonprofit, go to mprescues.org or call 305-453-1315. To learn more about Whiskers & Paws Forever of Monroe County and its wish list (such as kitten food and towels, etc.), go to its Facebook page or call 305393-1268. From lett: We won’t judge their taste in sports teams, but Chiefs fans Christopher and Tania Mattson attended the party with their Chihuahua Yorkie mix, Sophie. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly Theodore, a St. Bernard who weighs 186 pounds, poses with Skippy the Elf and his parents, Lindsay Johnson and Derek Trtanj. Artist Maxine Trainer painted a mural of a dog at the party.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

Parade makes 30 stops

SANTA COMES TO TOWN

1. Bee Street residents get a group photo with Santa. 2. Children hang out on Bee Street near the float that carries Santa and Mrs. Claus. 3. An Islamorada Fire Rescue truck makes its way onto Bee Street, which was Santa’s final stop of the evening.

1 2

ire trucks decorated in Christmas lights stopped along the village streets, transporting Santa and carolers to meet the children on the evening of Dec. 5. Some 30 stops were made in Islamorada beginning at the Islamorada Mobil in Lower Matecumbe and ending on Bee Street on Plantation Key. Joining Santa was Mrs. Claus and Islamorada Fire Rescue. U.S. Marines collected new, unwrapped toys for donations to Florida Keys Toys for Tots. — Jim McCarthy

4. A U.S. Marine joins Santa and fire rescuers in the parade. People were able to donate gifts to Toys for Tots. 5. Children meet up with Mrs. Claus during the final stop on Bee Street. Photos by Doug Finger

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

LIGHTING UP THE SHORE Boat parade on Blackwater Sound

ome 25 boats decorated with lights and Christmas inflatables passed the bayside shores of Blackwater Sound for the annual Key Largo Boat Parade on Dec. 11. Starting at Dusenbury Creek, boats dressed up to the “Naughty-cal and Nice” theme rode past Key Largo Marriott, Sundowners, Big Chill and Caribbean Club. Judges were positioned on the Amoray Dive Resort boat at the Big Chill’s dock as boats passed. The Bobby Stoky Best in Parade Award was given to boat No. 7, of Plantation Boat Mart. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office transported the parade marshals, Henry and Ms. Joy and the Caceres family. — Jim McCarthy

1 3

1. With its decorations and large American flag, Boat No. 6 rides past Big Chill en route to the Caribbean Club. 2. Boats prepare for the start of the parade. 3. Boat participants aboard the “Wave on Wave” are ready for the boat parade.

4. A group of boats tie up to watch the parade of boats pass by. 5. Henry and Ms. Joy, the late Mike Forster’s dogs, arrive at the Big Chill with Paul and Michelle Caceres. The two dogs served as parade marshals. 6. The Grinch arrives at the post-awards ceremony inside Big Chill. Photos by Jim McCarthy and David Gross

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021 SPONSORED BY: Rocky the turtle swims beneath the surface near Rocky Top Reef off the shores of Islamorada. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

NEW ADVENTURES

More certifications means more diving

CONSERVATION TIP THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT We’re giving our good friend Eric Billips a break as the holidays approach. So, here we go! The days are ticking away before we say goodbye to 2021, and what a year for diving in the Florida Keys. For me, trips to Looe Key Reef, Coral Restoration Foundation’s Coral Nursery, Rocky Top and the Spiegel were among the top dives. Every year, visitors and locals drop by dive shops JIM not only to explore the depths, but also to secure new McCARTHY certifications. This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet up with the great crew from Islamoserves as editor rada Dive Center to obtain my open water advanced of the Upper Keys certification. Weekly. A TaverFrom wreck dives to dipping beneath the surface nier resident, he believes in comat night, the experience was worth munity reporting, every penny — not to mention the giving back and moment that PADI card comes in life on the waters. the mail to let you know it’s all official. On top of the memorable dive trips, there were several learning moments in spending time with IDC scuba instructor Chad Reasons. For instance, your buoyancy control device should hug your body tight when diving. This allows you to achieve trim weight and enjoy your time under the water much more than wearing one that’s loose.

And here’s a tip: If you’re going for your advanced open water, do yourself a favor and sign up for the night dive. It’s an experience unlike any other. A big thanks to the crew over at Islamorada Dive Center, located at Postcard Inn Resort and Marina, and Florida Keys Dive Center, located at MM 90 along the Overseas Highway, for providing some great trips.

Advancing your dive training is a great way to learn more about our ocean and how to keep it safe. Sign up for a course today!

A stingray hangs out at the Coral Nursery off the shores of Tavernier.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Pat Rumford goes for a ride in her sleigh cart on a calm December evening in Key Largo. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

‘OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE’

Scooter-turned-sleigh a must see in Key Largo

n Key Largo, sightings of a decorated sleigh are increasing in select neighborhoods. On certain portions of U.S. 1, reports say the well-built glide structure appears as the sun goes down. And some say it’s not Santa, with Grinch music blaring from the sleigh. From their home on Bonito Drive, Mike and Patti Zeien head out for a nightly walk on a calm December evening. Christmas lights covering homes power on as the nighttime approaches, and so does Pat Rumford’s scooter-turned-sleigh. Rumford, Patti’s mom, joins the two on their walk in her decked-out Christmas scooter through several neighborhoods and a portion of U.S. 1 near MM 85, bayside. Decorating Rumford’s scooter goes back some 14 years when she moved to Florida. Mike Zeien, who constructed the sleigh around Rumford’s scooter, said it began as a cocktail walk while living in Boca Raton. “It was a way to get to know everybody,” Mike said. “It just started as something to do as a joke. It started on Halloween years and years ago, and it’s grown ever since.” Normally, Rumford’s scooter is draped in lights and other small decorations for upcoming holidays. This year, however, brought a different idea for Zeien after spotting a sled down the street from his house. “Once I had the pattern, I had to shape it because it wouldn’t cover the whole scooter,” he said. “I ended up making it out of office board, so it’s very light and doesn’t weigh the mobility scooter down.” With help from his wife, Patti, Mike began constructing the sleigh while Rumford was visiting her son in Tennessee around Thanksgiving. “When they picked me up from the airport we came home. When I first noticed the sled I thought it was meant for decoration in the yard,” Rumford said. “When I realized it was for my cart, I almost fell on the ground.” On Rumford’s scooter is a top that Mike asked her to crochet before she knew it would be transformed into a sleigh. Rumford’s sleigh also contains a license plate from her favorite movie, “The Grinch” and a sign that says “Merry Grinchmas.” “I love watching the cartoon and the one with Jim

Carrey,” she said. “Everytime it comes on I watch. Jim Carrey’s just crazy.” The sleigh hit the neighborhoods a few weeks ago. Mike said with honks from passing vehicles also come the selfies and chats with fellow neighbors. Pictured from left are Mike “We know Zeien, son-in-law who conpeople on all the structed the sleigh; Pat Rumford, streets,” Mike said. sleigh rider and Grinch fanatic; “The last couple and Patti Zeien, daughter. JIM nights we haven’t McCARTHY/Keys gone too far. We go three houses, then stop, go two more houses, then stop. We got people chasing us down the street.” Christmas and Halloween aren’t the only times Rumford’s scooter gets decorations. Mike said they also dress it up for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Memorial Day to the Fourth of July. “Our best time for honks is when we do it all up in American flags and they’re flying,” he said. The scooter’s also been decked out to Rumford’s favorite Nascar driver, Kyle Busch, and a tropical theme during a Jimmy Buffett concert. Mike recalled when the scooter made an appearance at a Nascar race in Homestead. “Pat, not being a shy person at all, saw Kyle had a Mars tent for VIP people. She just drove right into the VIP area with her scooter done up in Kyle Busch and M&M stuff. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, no.’ I ended up running into the president of marketing for Joe Gibbs racing. I'm apologizing and he’s like, ‘No way, she’s cool.’” Rumford said she can’t help but smile and wave as she passes by her neighbors. “I feel good because it helps the other people who can’t get out. To me, it’s fun to get out in the neighborhood and see what’s going on,” she said.

I’M SHORE THAT’S SANTA Sip & Sail benefits youth program

anta took a break from the busy schedule at the North Pole to enjoy some warm weather and a boat ride on Dec. 5. Capt. Steve Powers, of Sea Tow, drove Santa to shore for a Sip & Sail Holiday Bash at the Upper Keys Sailing Club in Key Largo. Once ashore, Santa walked over to a sailboat where families and children were able to get pictures. Children were also able to enjoy a live petting zoo, arts and crafts, and food, while parents enjoyed drinks and a raffle. Proceeds support the Mark Sorenson Youth Sailing Program, which makes sailing affordable, accessible and inclusive to children. More information is at msysp.org. — Weekly staff report

Top: Santa makes his way to shore to the Upper Keys Sailing Club in Key Largo on Dec. 5. Santa was transported to shore by Capt. Steve Powers. Bottom: A family gets pictures taken with Santa during the Sip & Sail Holiday Bash. The Grinch also found his way into the photo. Photos by JOY WEBB SMITH

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

‘I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE LIKE THIS EXIST’ ONLINE COMMUNITY APPLAUDS ACT OF GENEROSITY BY AN ‘ELF’ CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

ave you been reading the latest news headlines and losing faith in humanity? We get it. But read this story. It may make your heart grow three sizes. On the What’s Up Florida Keys? Facebook page, Brad Mullis posted the following on Dec. 15: “To the lady who just followed my pregnant girl around at the Bealls in Marathon (as she) picked up things she couldn’t afford, then surprised her by buying them for her, you are a saint and an amazing human being. If there were more people like you, this world would be a much better place. … You made a pregnant lady who has been through so much … so happy and thankful. … I don’t know who you are, but I know you are an angel …” The post quickly accrued 1,900 reactions and 228 comments. Keys Weekly tracked down the “pregnant girl.” Her name is Shay Ferguson and she’s six months pregnant. She verified the story and wept openly during our interview. “...I’m so grateful to my honey for posting this. He has been so amazing through my recovery,” she said. “I’m flabbergasted that this angel bought all that. I know she wants to stay anonymous…but she doesn’t know what she did for me.” Ferguson wants readers to know her story. For years, she has had a problem with recurring MRSA, a difficult staph infection. Then in January 2021, in Miami, she cut her back while swimming, a precarious situation for anyone with recurring MRSA. Many reconstructive surgeries led to an opiate addiction. “The doctors told me if I continued to live that way, I would die,” she said. Wanting to change, she moved in with her mother on Big Pine Key. In July, she fell in love with Mullis, then learned in August she was pregnant. They now live together in Islamorada. “I’ve been sober since January, and I knew we could be healthy and happy and give this child a good life,” said Ferguson. Now back to that “elf”...

Ferguson, six months pregnant, said the act of generosity has given her hope. CONTRIBUTED

While killing time to see her obstetrician in Marathon, Ferguson went to Beall’s. A “super friendly” lady asked her where the children’s section was and the two chatted. Ferguson looked at some sweaters, but put them back because she couldn’t afford them. When she approached the register, Ferguson realized she’d left her credit card in the car and ran outside. When she came back, her items — plus the sweaters she had put back and much more — were all bagged. The cashier said it had all been paid for. Ferguson realized the other woman was the elf. “She just said, ‘I’m going to get all that for you because you’re pregnant and I want you to have a Merry Christmas,’” Ferguson said with emotion. “I hugged her and cried…I want everyone to know people like this exist. It can give you hope again. Society can see that you’re fighting, and you can change even if you’ve had a bad time.” Due to crack reporting skills, we discovered the identity of the elf. She would indeed like to stay anonymous, but she verified all the details Ferguson told us. She also wanted to say: “The only wish I have is for everyone out there to keep their eye on each other and look for opportunities to give a little kindness. You never know when it really matters most. I was touched by all the responses on Facebook, even tearful. I hope we can hold onto this through the whole year.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

SYLVIA MURPHY IS HONORED TO BE MAYOR EMERITUS …BUT SHE’S TICKLED TO BE RETIRED, TOO CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

n Monday, Dec. 13, Sylvia Murphy, former Monroe County Commissioner for District 5 and current mayor emeritus and goodwill ambassador, had an important matter to attend to at her Key Largo home. Her cat was swatting ornaments from the lower branches of her Christmas Tree. “Stop that! No!” she shouted, clapping. The cat bolted. Murphy sat back in her armchair, shook her head and smiled. The ease of retirement suits her, and she’ll tell you so. But don’t worry, her conversation is still full of her famous, feisty “Murphy-isms.” “I’m happy as a pig in manure,” she said, throwing her head back in laughter. “I’m definitely not bored. I read. I go for walks. I watch TV — mostly crime and fire-rescue shows.” The fact that she watches firerescue shows shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who have followed her career. Before Murphy, a Republican, was a commissioner from 2006 to 2020, she retired as an EMT with the Monroe County Emergency Medical Services in 1996 and also served two decades with the Tavernier Volunteer Fire Department. “I loved every minute of those 14 years,” she said, referring to her time as a commissioner. “When someone disagrees with you, it sharpens your mind a little bit.” She explained that she retired in November 2020 because the time had simply come. “At 86, was I going to be a county commissioner at 90? Come on,” she said, rolling her eyes. Her proudest accomplishment? Her hand in helping to establish Key Largo’s Rowell’s Waterfront Park at MM104. She knew the owner of that land and was instrumental in brokering the deal. “It doesn’t matter if the park sits vacant, it belongs to the county,” she said. “One day, after hurricanes pass and roads are raised, it will be a beautiful park. I arranged for Roman (county administrator Roman Gastesi) to meet with the owners of the marina with the price he quoted me. Roman met them for lunch and finalized it.”

Murphy relaxes in her Key Largo home. “I’m definitely not bored,” she said. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

It seems that other commissioners agree that Murphy had done a commendable job. At the Dec. 8 BOCC meeting, the current board passed a resolution acknowledging her service and proclaiming her as mayor emeritus and goodwill ambassador for the Florida Keys. “In her voluntary and symbolic position, she can award the coveted Honorary Conch certificates to those she deems deserving of such an honor,” the county statement read. Mayor David Rice told Keys Weekly that he supports Murphy’s new role. “Sylvia is very active out in the community,” he said. “She truly seemed to enjoy her job. As a county commissioner, she ran up and down the Keys, going to everything. And you never have to question where Sylvia’s thoughts are, because they are at the tip of her tongue. And she would agree with that. I love Sylvia, and I think that she would appreciate the honor. It hasn’t been done that many times, so why not?” Murphy said that the only other mayor emeritus was Wilhelmina Harvey, who was the first woman elected to the Monroe County Commission. “It’s an honor. I’m in very good company.” Murphy has always been open about her years-long battle with metastasized lung cancer. “My health is very good,” she said. “I have not had any treatment in over a year. I get scans every six months. I am enjoying retirement. In mid-November, I thought, ‘My phone has not rung in two days.’ And I was so happy.”

LONGTIME COMMUNITY ADVOCATE NAMED HONORARY CONCH Longtime community volunteer and Tavernier resident Nola Acker recently received Honorary Conch designation from County Commissioner Holly Raschein at a Dec. 8 Key Largo Chamber of Commerce luncheon. A member of the Key Largo Preservation Foundation, Acker was integral in bringing out some 40 volunteers to put up the 35-foot tall Christmas tree outside the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center. Days before her appeal on Facebook to the community, only a handful of volunteers were signed up to assist in the tree’s construction. Along with her role in putting together the tree, she’s also assisted in the annual Light Up Key Largo behind the Murray Nelson Center. Acker is a wedding planner and a legislative assistant to state Rep. Jim Mooney. She’s also a Key Largo Sunset Rotarian, where she serves as chair of the Mike Forster Scholarship Committee. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Healthy Start Coalition delivers toys Alanna Dixon, Upper Keys program director for the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, displays a handful of toys for delivery to Upper Keys families in need. The organization was chosen as a beneficiary of the Wesley House Family Services Holiday Helper program to receive toys for clients throughout the Keys. CONTRIBUTED

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

A HOLIDAY WISH

Reef and friends ready for Christmas

i friends! Reef the fox here with this week's “Reef’s Report.” Christmas has arrived. It is my very first Christmas, and boy oh boy am I excited. It is Coral’s very first Christmas too and we want all the presents. Mom says we have to share with everyone else, but they had Christmas last year, so I don’t see what the big deal is. We are babies, so we REEF should get all the toys. THE FOX Anyway, I just wanted to say how amazing Reef is a red fox you all are. Who would’ve thought six foxes that that was saved were saved from unimaginable circumstances from a fur farm. would find themselves living in the Florida He now lives in Keys? Key Largo with You all have welcomed us with open arms, his human, Nicole Navarro. follow us on social media to keep up with all of our antics, and have come out to support Coral at her last two events. You all are A-okay in my book. And Reef’s book is the only one that counts around here! I am the boss, if you hadn’t noticed. So this week’s report is going to be brief. From our den to yours, we wish you the happiest of holidays. Mom wanted me to include our custom holiday photo she had made, and I think it’s a good one! Depicts all of us here perfectly. That is yours truly hanging from the top of the tree. Merry Christmas from: Nicole (our mom), Libby, Louie, Jasper, Penny, Coral and … Me! Until next time, Reef, over and out.

ROTARY CLUBS GATHER FOR HOLIDAY PARTY Three Rotary clubs in the Upper Keys gathered for a holiday party on Dec. 14 at Playa Largo in Key Largo. Around 100 Rotarians from the clubs enjoyed an evening of food, drinks and socializing. Words were shared by Roberto Alonso, Key Largo Rotary Club president; Terry Abel, Upper Keys Rotary Club president; and Jim McCarthy, Key Largo Sunset Rotary president. Pictured are Rotarians from the Key Largo Sunset Club. WEEKLY PHOTO

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

DENTAL HEALTH IS ON THE MOVE KEYS AHEC LAUNCHES MOBILE DENTAL UNIT NEXT MONTH

The Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC) will launch its mobile dental unit for kids in January. CONTRIBUTED

tarting in January 2022, Keys AHEC will expand its services to bring a mobile dental unit staffed with a dentist and a dental hygienist to Monroe County schools throughout the Keys. The service is being offered through a fundraising partnership with the Waypoint Foundation and the Smile Maker program. The program currently limits its health services to students. Services will include dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, sealants and dental education. There will be a $10 fee for service and no other costs for parents. Ribbon-cutting celebrations for the mobile dental unit will take place at 9 a.m. on Jan. 4, 5 and 6 at Key Largo School, Stanley Switlik Elementary in Marathon and Gerald Adams Elementary in Key West, respectively. Appointments for the dental unit will be necessary. To schedule an appointment, call 305-743-7111 ext. 220. Parents must complete initial patient packets, which can be printed from keysahec.org/dental. The Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC), founded in 1990, provides community-based health education and medical services throughout Monroe County. Services include school-based primary health care to youth in Monroe County, as well as other community health support and education. All programs are provided at no cost to the families. Michael Cunningham, CEO and director of AHEC, has provided his full support for this initiative to establish a comprehensive oral health program for medically vulnerable children in the Florida Keys. Smile Maker builds on the program currently operated by AHEC that provides dental exams and sealants to elementary and middle school children at six school locations. Paid and

volunteer staff include nine registered dental hygienists, six certified dental assistants and two dentists. AHEC will operate the mobile dental clinic. With services being provided on school grounds, during school hours, the Medicaid population will be reached. — Contributed

2022 schedule (for complete schedule, visit https://keysahec. org/2022-dental-schedule) Jan. 11-13: Sugarloaf School *Unit in front of Cafeteria Jan. 18-20: HOB School *Unit in bus loop, parents must report to front office Jan. 25-27: Key Largo School *Unit by Cafeteria-Parents must report to front office Feb. 1-3: Stanley Switlik School *Unit in front parking lot Feb. 8-10: Gerald Adams School *Unit on side of school, parents must report to front office Feb. 15-17: Plantation Key School *Unit behind school, parents must report to front office Feb. 22-24: Poinciana School *Unit in front parking lot March 1-3: Coral Shores High School *Unit on Wrenn St Side of School March 8-10: Marathon HS/MS *Unit on Side of School near field entrance March 15-17: Key West HS *Unit in back of School near weight room, parents must report to front office March 29-31: Sugarloaf School *Unit in front of cafeteria April 5-7: HOB School *Unit is bus loop, parents must report to front office

Chipper Worley and Gina Giro wave to the Blue Chip Too fishing vessel as it makes its way to Whale Harbor after participating in the annual Blessing of the Fleet on New Year's Day in 2021. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

BOAT BLESSINGS

The annual blessing of the fleet returns to Whale Harbor Channel on New Year’s Day, Boats bigs and small can be blessed at the annual blessing. Boats wishing to participate are encouraged to decorate their vessels, but it is not required. Make sure to pick up your free blessing of the fleet flag at Tackle Center or Caribee Boat Sales in Islamorada. Boats will start gathering at 8:15 in the Whale Harbor channel on the ocean side.

At 8:30 a.m., Capt. Skip Bradeen will start the New Year’s parade. Boats will monitor channel 79 stating the boat name as they approach the bridge. Boats will be blessed by this year’s honorary clergy. Those who don’t have a boat can watch the parade of boats from shore with plenty of parking at Whale Harbor. The annual blessing of the fleet is brought to you by the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. For more information contact Capt. Steve Leopold at 305-393-9955. — Contributed

BRIEFLY Light Up Islamorada holiday photo contest Snap a photo in front of one of four destinations in Islamorada for a chance to win prizes. Islamorada is hosting a holiday photo op contest through midnight on Jan. 2. At Founders Park, visit the beautifully lit Pacific Lighthouse that’s wrapped in garland and a gigantic wreath topped with a star. The Little Miss Gingerbread, Snowman and Baby Deer selfie stations are located at the beach. Be sure to visit the 35-foot holiday tree adorned with colorful buoy balls handpainted by members of the community. Finally, stop by the Islamorada Hurricane Monument to get a picture under the 12-foot walk-through ornament display. To participate, entrants must have a valid Facebook account. To register, visit www.facebook.com and follow the instructions. There are no fees associated with the creation of an account. Entrants must upload a photo of themselves to their Facebook account at one of four Holiday PhotoOp Displays in Islamorada, using the hashtag “Light Up Islamorada.” For more information call 305-853-1685.

Movie under the stars scheduled in Islamorada A Movie Under the Stars is set for Saturday, Jan. 8. A kickoff party will go from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and the movie will follow. The featured presentation is “The Croods: A New Age.” Admission is free. Burgers, hot dogs, pizza, fries, drinks and mini donuts will be available for purchase. For more information call the Parks Office at 305-8531685. Garden Club presents ‘Biology and Ecology of Mangroves’ Janice Duquesnel will be the guest speaker at the Garden Club of the Upper Keys monthly meeting Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. at Francis Tracy Garden Center, MM 94, bayside, Tavernier. Duquesnel has worked for the Florida Park Service since 1995 and is District 5 biologist based in the Florida Keys. She will be discussing the critical role of mangrove ecosystems, how to identify the three species and the impact of non-native mangrove species in South Florida. For more information, email programdirector@gardenclubupperkeys.org.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

SHELL WORLD

FLORIDA KEYS WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

MORE THAN JUST SHELLS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! FRIDAY, JAN. 7

Key Largo to Islamorada Start: 8:30 a.m. from VFW Post 10211 Break: 9:30 a.m. Coral Shores High School End: 10:30 a.m. Post Card Inn Friday, Jan. 7 Marathon to Big Pine Key Start: 1 p.m. from Marathon Fire Station 1:30 p.m.: 7 Mile Bridge End: 2 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park

LINE UP ALONG US 1 TOCHEER THEM ON! AMERICAN FLAGS & WELCOME SIGNS ENCOURAGED

SATURDAY, JAN. 8 Boca Chica to Key West Start: 10:30 a.m. from Boca Chica Naval Base Welcome Ceremony: Noon at Bayview Park *Have Lunch with the Soldiers! City of Key West Guided Community Ride: 12:45 to 2 p.m. Start and ﬁnish at Bayview Park

DECEMBER DISCOUNT DAYS

DISCOUNTS ON EVERYTHING!

Now through 12/24/21 With local ID. Not good on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

CHRISTMAS EVE: CLOSING AT 5PM MM 97.5 | 305.852.8245 | OPEN DAILY 9AM - 8PM

Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

JVastola@VastolaLegal.com

Injured in the Keys?

Please call us today. We want to help.

833-VASTOLA

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305.664.2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

THU DEC 23 Webb & Davidson 5-9p FRI DEC 24 Webb & Davidson 5-9p Michael Trixx @ Sunset SAT DEC 25 Abstract Radio 5-9p SUN DEC 26 John Ciulla 11a-3p Webb & Davidson 5-9p MON DEC 27 Steve Venini 11a-3p The Carousers 5-9p Michael Trixx @ Sunset TUE DEC 28 Micah Gardner 11a-3p Dennis Holmes 5-9p WED DEC 29 Micah Gardner 11a-3p Webb & Davidson 5-9p Michael Trixx @ Sunset

WE WILL WATCH THE MARKETS...

YOU WATCH FOR SANTA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

PUBLIC NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners adopted the following 475- 2021 Resolution on December 8, 2021: A RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, FIXING AND DELINEATING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ DISTRICTS NUMBERED ONE TO FIVE INCLUSIVE IN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO BECOME EFFECTIVE FOR THE 2022 ELECTION CYCLE. Per Florida Statute 124.02 a certified copy of the Resolution is below. A link to the maps can be found @ www.monroecounty-fl.gov/publicnotices. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 16th day of December 2021. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida WHEREAS, it is necessary and required by law to change the present boundaries of County Commissioners' Districts in Monroe County, Florida, pursuant to the requirements of Article VIII, Section 1 (e), of the Constitution of the State of Florida and F.S. 124.01; and WHEREAS, the Board finds that according to the 2020 data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, there have been sufficient population changes in the Districts established by Resolution 336-2011 to warrant adjusting the District Boundaries; and WHEREAS, County staff has presented the Board with proposed maps demarcating the boundaries for the five commission districts with a maximum deviation of census population of 3.29% between the least and most populous districts; and WHEREAS, the County Attorney has advised the Board that the proposed maps satisfy the constitutional maximum deviation requirements necessary to comply with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, see, Evenwel v. Abbott, 578 U.S. 54 (2016) citing Brown v. Thomson, 462 U.S. 835 (1983); NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, that, effective for the 2022 election cycle, the County Commissioners' Districts in Monroe County Florida shall be numbered, from west to east, as 3, 1, 2, 4, and 5 and as more specifically described below and shown graphically on the maps attached as Exhibit "A", which is attached hereto and incorporated herein, and shall be designated numerically as is stated hereinafter: SECTION 1. District No. 3 of the County Commission shall comprise a portion of the City of Key West, and an unincorporated area of the County, and shall be more particularly described as follows: That area within the City of Key West and unincorporated Monroe County lying generally westerly of a line described as follows: Commencing at a point on the centerline of 17th Street where it intersects with North Roosevelt Boulevard, a.k.a. U.S. 1, projecting northerly for nine nautical miles into the Gulf of Mexico; and from that same point of commencement thence in a southerly direction along the centerline of 17th Street until it intersects with Northside Drive, thence westerly along the centerline of Northside Drive until it intersects with Kennedy Drive, thence southeasterly for two blocks until the 1100 Block of Kennedy Drive where it intersects with a private road belonging to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, thence turning Southwesterly along the centerline of that private road until it intersects with 12th Street, thence southeasterly for one block, where in intersects with Patterson Avenue, thence southwesterly along the centerline of Patterson Avenue until Patterson Avenue intersects with 10th Street, thence southeasterly along the center line of 10th Street until it intersects with Harris Avenue, thence southwesterly along the centerline of Harris Avenue until it intersects with Sunset Drive, thence southeasterly along the centerline of Sunset Drive until it intersects with the Staples Avenue, thence southwesterly along the centerline of Staples Avenue until it intersects with a canal that connects Salt Run Channel to Riveria Canal, thence proceeding southeasterly along the center line of that canal until the canal intersects with the centerline of Flagler Avenue, thence southwesterly down the centerline of Flagler Avenue until it intersects with Government Road, thence turning south down the centerline of Government Road towards the Key West International Airport, until Government Road is parallel to the westernmost edge of the upland portion of the Key West International Airport, thence following the shoreline of the Key West International Airport to the southeast until it intersects with an easement described in Resolution 399-1996, recorded at book 1525, page 1254 of the official records of Monroe County, thence turning south down the centerline of said easement until it intersects with South Roosevelt Boulevard, aka U.S. Route A1A, thence turning westerly down the centerline of South Roosevelt Boulevard aka U.S. Route A 1A until it intersects with Bertha Street, then turning south out into the Atlantic Ocean down the centerline extending from Bertha Street for three geographic miles into the Atlantic Ocean or to the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is the greater distance. The area also includes all of Dredgers Key, all islands to the west of Key West including the area known as the Dry Tortugas. SECTION 2. District No. 1 of the County Commission shall comprise a portion of the City of Key West and the unincorporated area of Monroe County and shall be more particularly described as follows: That area within the City of Key West and unincorporated Monroe County, known as Stock Island, Raccoon Key (AK.A. Key Haven), Rockland Key, and Geiger Key lying generally easterly of a line described as follows: Commencing at a point on the centerline of 17th Street where it intersects with North Roosevelt Boulevard, a.k.a. U.S. 1, projecting northerly nine nautical miles into the Gulf of Mexico; and from that same point of commencement thence in a southerly direction along the centerline of 17th Street until it intersects with Northside Drive, thence westerly along the centerline of Northside Drive until it intersects with Kennedy Drive, thence southeasterly for two blocks until the 1100 Block of Kennedy Drive where it intersects with a private road belonging to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, thence turning Southwesterly along the centerline of that private road until it intersects with 12th Street, thence southeasterly for one block, where in intersects with Patterson Avenue, thence southwesterly along the centerline of Patterson Avenue until Patterson Avenue intersects with 10th Street, thence southeasterly along the center line of 10th Street until it intersects with Harris Avenue, thence southwesterly along the centerline of Harris Avenue until it intersects with Sunset Drive, thence southeasterly along the centerline of Sunset Drive until it intersects with the Staples Avenue, thence southwesterly along the centerline of Staples Avenue until it intersects with a canal that connects Salt Run Channel to Riveria Canal, thence proceeding southeasterly along the center line of that canal until the canal intersects with the centerline of Flagler Avenue, thence southwesterly down the centerline of Flagler Avenue until it intersects with Government Road, thence turning south down the centerline of Government Road towards the Key West International Airport, until Government Road is parallel to the westernmost edge of the upland portion of the Key West International Airport, thence following the shoreline of the Key West International Airport to the southeast until it intersects with an easement described in Resolution 399-1996, recorded at book 1525, page 1254 of the official records of Monroe County, thence turning south down the centerline of said easement until it intersects with South Roosevelt Boulevard, aka U.S. Route A1A, thence turning westerly down the centerline of South Roosevelt Boulevard aka U.S. Route A 1A until it intersects with Bertha Street, then turning south out into the Atlantic Ocean down the centerline extending from Bertha Street for three geographic miles into the Atlantic Ocean or to the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is the greater distance.

And extending east to include all of Stock Island on both sides of U.S.1 and Raccoon Key (AKA Key Haven), until the western end of the Boca Chica Bridge at which point, the district shall only include that territory south of the centerline of U.S. 1 on the Boca Chica Bridge, Rockland and Geiger Keys, ending at a point on the centerline of U.S. Highway No. 1 at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Boca Chica Road, thence heading south easterly down the centerline of Boca Chica Road until it intersects with Geiger Road, then heading easterly along the center line of Geiger Road until it meets the water, then Southeasterly three geographic miles into the Atlantic Ocean or to the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is the greater distance; and the boundary shall also extend perpendicularly from the center line of U.S. 1 at the western end of the Boca Chica Bridge out into the Gulf of Mexico for nine nautical miles. SECTION 3. District No. 2 of the County Commission shall comprise a portion of the City of Marathon and the unincorporated area of the Lower Keys of Monroe County and shall be more particularly described as follows: All of the territory lying generally easterly of a point on the centerline of U.S. 1 at the western end of the Boca Chica Bridge with a line extending perpendicular to U.S. 1, Northwesterly nine nautical miles into the Gulf of Mexico and easterly along the northern side of the centerline of U.S. 1 until it intersects with Boca Chica Road, then south easterly down the center line of Boca Chica Road until it intersects with Geiger road, then heading easterly along the center line of Geiger Road until it meets the water, then southeasterly three geographic miles into the Atlantic Ocean or to the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is the greater distance, to a point on the Centerline of U.S. 1 at the North end of the Seven Mile Bridge (South shoreline of the City of Marathon) to a line being perpendicular to U.S. Highway No. 1 and extending Southeasterly three geographic miles into the Atlantic Ocean or to the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is the greater distance; also the territory lying Northerly of the centerline of U.S. 1 in the City of Marathon, commencing at the North end of the Seven Mile Bridge and extending Northeasterly along the centerline of U.S. Highway No. 1 to a point that intersects the centerline of Aviation Boulevard thence following the center line of Aviation Boulevard until it intersects with Peter Jay Street, then southeasterly along the western edge of Peter Jay Street along the eastern perimeter of the Florida Key Marathon International Airport until the end of Peter Jay Street and continuing in along the eastern perimeter of the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport in a straight line until that line intersects with the centerline of U.S. 1 thence continuing northeasterly for approximately 55 feet until U.S. 1 intersects with 107th Street, Gulf Side, then proceeding northerly along the centerline of 107th Street Gulfside until the canal at end of 107th Street, Gulfside, then proceeding east along the southernmost edge of that canal until it ends at open water, then proceeding from that point due north into the Gulf of Mexico for nine nautical miles. SECTION 4. District No. 4 of the County Commission shall comprise a portion of the City of Marathon, a portion of lslamorada, Village of Islands, all of the City of Key Colony Beach, all of the City of Layton and a portion of the unincorporated area of Monroe County and shall be more particularly described as follows: All of the territory in the City of Marathon that is located east of the Seven Mile Bridge that is South of the centerline of U.S. 1 to the point where it intersects with Aviation Boulevard, then following the centerline of Aviation Boulevard until it intersects with Peter Jay Street, then following the western edge of Peter Jay Street along the eastern perimeter of the Florida Key Marathon International Airport until the end of Peter Jay Street and continuing in along the eastern perimeter of the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport in a straight line until that line intersects with the centerline of U.S. 1 thence continuing northeasterly for approximately 55 feet until U.S. 1 intersects with 107th Street, Gulf Side, then proceeding northerly along the centerline of 107th Street Gulfside until the canal at end of 107th Street, Gulfside, then proceeding east along the southernmost edge of that canal until it ends at open water, then proceeding from that point due north into the Gulf of Mexico for nine nautical miles, and continuing from that point to include the remaining territory of the City of Marathon, inclusive of the Marathon Airport property, and all of the territory Northeasterly of the City of Marathon, inclusive of the City of Key Colony Beach and the City of Layton and extending through most of lslamorada, Village of Island to a point on U.S. 1 where it intersects with the centerline of Sunshine Boulevard in lslamorada, and extending northerly up the centerline of Sunshine Boulevard until Sunshine Boulevard terminates on Tavernier Creek, then extending along the centerline of Tavernier Creek until it meets open water in Florida Bay, then Northerly into Florida Bay for nine nautical miles; also the territory lying Southerly of U.S. 1 to the centerline of Tavernier Creek; thence Southerly along the centerline of Tavernier Creek to the Atlantic Ocean and then to a line extending Easterly three geographic miles into the Atlantic Ocean or to the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is the greater distance. SECTION 5. District No. 5 of the County Commission shall comprise the following more particularly described territory of Monroe County: All of the territory lying Northerly of the centerline of U.S. Highway No. 1 where it intersects the centerline of Sunshine Boulevard in lslamorada; thence in a Northerly direction along the eastern side of the centerline of Sunshine Boulevard until Sunshine Boulevard terminates on Tavernier Creek, then extending along the eastern side of the centerline of Tavernier Creek until it meets open water in Florida Bay, then the Northerly into Florida Bay for nine nautical miles; also the territory lying southerly of U.S. 1 commencing on the eastern side of the centerline of Tavernier Creek then to a line extending south three geographic miles into the Atlantic Ocean or to the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is the greater distance; plus said area to the east extending to the Monroe County border with Miami Dade County and the area known as the Florida mainland and Everglades. SECTION 6. This resolution with boundary descriptions shall be entered into the minutes of the Board of County Commissioners and, pursuant to F.S.124.02 a certified copy of the minutes shall be published once each week for two weeks in a newspaper published in Monroe County. The Clerk shall send a certified copy of the minutes reflecting the boundaries of the districts as changed to the Department of State. SECTION 7. Interpretation. Any discrepancy between the maps depicted in Exhibit A and the narrative form set forth in this resolution shall be resolved in favor of the maps if clearly depicted on the maps but in favor of the narrative if not clearly depicted on the maps. In the event of any ambiguity regarding the boundaries described herein, this resolution's boundary descriptions shall be interpreted in harmony with the county jurisdictional boundaries set forth at Article II, Section 1(a) of the Constitution of the State of Florida and F.S. 7.44. Exhibit B is a County-wide map showing the districts in general form and is incorporated herein for illustrative purposes only. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County. Florida at a regular meeting held on the 8th day of December 2021 .

PUBLISH: DECEMBER 23 & 30, 2021 THE WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

BOATS FOR SALE

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Herlong Architects located at 2214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Leah Thompson Publish: December 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 12, 2022 regular meeting of the District I Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District I Advisory Council Meeting Time: January 12, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/89999075573 Meeting ID: 899 9907 5573 One tap mobile +13126266799,, 89999075573# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 89999075573# US (New York) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 7, 2022. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: December 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District III Advisory Council Meeting Time: January 12, 2022 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us /j/86160230838 Meeting ID: 861 6023 0838 One tap mobile +13017158592,, 86160230838# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,, 86160230838# US (Chicago) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 7, 2022. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: December 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

One tap mobile +19292056099,, 82426687588# US (New York) +13017158592,, 82426687588# US (Washington DC) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 7, 2022. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: December 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

Committee Meetings/ workshops of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711". Publish: December 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FILE NO.: 21-CP-82-M IN RE: ESTATE OF PHILIP J. SAVARESE, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Philip J. Savarese, deceased, whose date of death was January 4, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, 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: December 16, 2021. Personal Representative: Susan Racioppi 1747 Mill Creek Road Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: RMiller@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: Service@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: December 16 & 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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: December 16, 2021. Personal Representative: Betty Ann Atherley 22942 Blackbeard Lane Cudjoe Key, Florida 330424203 Attorney for Personal Representative: Luke Tabor Johnson, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 97966 Sunshine State Law, PLLC 2125 Victoria Avenue Fort Myers, Florida 33901 Telephone: (239) 790-4477 Fax: (239) 201-2662 E-mail: luke@ sunshinestatelawoffice.com Publish: December 16 & 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Sharky’s Underwater Expeditions located at 130 Harborview Drive, Tavernier, FL 33070, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Sharky’s Diving, Inc. Publish: December 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE 11TH STREET OCEAN MINI STORAGE Notice is here by given that on January 8th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., 11th Street Ocean Mini Storage will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. 11th Street Ocean Mini Storage does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will be held at 200 11th Street, Ocean, Marathon, Florida 33050. Units to be sold: Unit #1 Unit #2 Unit #5 Unit #24 Unit #27 Publish: December 23 & 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has a vacancy for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, January 28, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: December 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 12, 2022 meeting of the District III Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 11, 2022 meeting of the District IV Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District IV Advisory Council Meeting Time: January 11, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us /j/82426687588 Meeting ID: 824 2668 7588

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 11, 2022 meeting of the District V Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: District V Advisory Council Meeting Time: January 11, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us /j/89894634315 Meeting ID: 898 9463 4315 One tap mobile +13017158592,, 89894634315# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,, 89894634315# US (Chicago) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at PaciniMaxine@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 7, 2022. All District Advisory

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-149-P IN RE: ESTATE OF HELEN R. CRONIN Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of HELEN R. CRONIN, deceased, whose date of death was July 19, 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: December 16, 2021. Personal Representative: COREY TIMMERMAN 661 Township Rd 650 E. Carman, IL 61425 Attorney for Personal Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: December 16 & 23, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 21-CP-00310-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARK ELIOT ATHERLEY Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Mark Eliot Atherley, deceased, whose date of death was July 14, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 21-DR-000538-K DIVISION: FAMILY IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: NANCY INGRAM, Petitioner/Wife, and, ABRAHAM PERETZ, Respondent/Husband. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ABRAHAM PERETZ LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: SUNSET MARINA, 5555 COLLEGE ROAD, LOBSTER 16 DOCK KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 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 Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq., Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A., whose address is 3130 Northside Drive, Key West, Florida 33040 on or before January 24, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

Legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle presents Keys local Cathy Guinovart with an award for exploration in Nov. 2021. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

THE FUTURE IS FEMALE

Keys Local Wins Exploration Award from NatGeo Explorers Sylvia Earle and Mireya Mayor TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

t’s pretty wild to win an award with grant money to pursue your dreams. It’s even more bad*** to have pioneering National Geographic explorers Sylvia Earle and Mireya Mayor present it to you. Last month, that’s exactly what happened to Keys local Cathy Guinovart. “This award makes me feel reconnected to the person I was when I fell in love with nature,” Guinovart, who is from Key Largo, told Keys Weekly. “To that kid that had dirty feet and was walking through the woods against everyone’s advice to look for lizards, birds, snails or anything else I could find. To that kid who would wake up my entire household every weekend at 5 a.m. to go out on the boat and snorkel at the reef. It makes me reflect on who I am and why I do what I do, and it all goes back to these formative moments for me.” The avid freediver was awarded Florida International University’s (FIU) inaugural Women Explorers Award and $5,000 to further her research. Her project aims to create an effective and just system of ecological knowledge exchange in Mayan communities. Guinovart hopes to create a framework that incorporates western, local and indigenous knowledge and ways of engaging with the environment. Her ultimate goal is to foster more complete, holistic understanding of places. Guinovart recalled her own experiences in the Keys waters and what she’s learned from fishermen, locals and school. She said, "When it comes to understanding science and the environment, there is so much richness tied in with our cultural and local understandings of a place. I want to explore that kind of understanding and wisdom, which often won't be found in scientific journals or textbooks." In presenting Guinovart with her award, legendary oceanographer and explorer Earle recalled her own start in exploration. It began in the 1970s, when she was able to spend real, transformative time underwater. “They didn't expect women to apply at all and when some of us did and had credentials at least as good as men, James Miller said, ‘Well half the fish are female, I guess. We could put up with a few women,’” she laughed. “They called men ‘aquanauts’ and the women ‘aquababes’ and ‘aquanauties.’”

Famed National Geographic explorer Sylvia Earle celebrates with award finalists. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

Mayor, who heads up FIU's Exploration and Science Communications department as well as this new award, also recalled her own beginnings. She said, "I grew up with very little means. … A grant just like what I'm offering now and that I have the honor of overseeing gave me my start and led me to South America. I am so excited to be kicking this off now for the next generation." Both Mayor and Earle are considered pioneers in the field of exploration, which traditionally has been very male-dominated. “To this day, I’m usually the only woman on an expedition,” Mayor shared. “What we see at the forefront is usually white, older, khaki-clad men.” Once a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, Mayor recalled science professors wondering if she’d contribute to the field. She used to downplay her femininity in hopes of being taken more seriously, but eventually found her stride and instead leaned hard into who she was. She became known for her pink field boots and machete. “I just didn’t like the idea of being pigeonholed because of a stereotype,” she said. “That’s one of my messages when I talk to young kids, especially female audiences: don’t let anyone put you in a box. You can be an athlete, dancer, or anything, and still be a scientist.” Acting as National Geographic’s first female and first female Hispanic wildlife correspondent, Mayor realized the power of being on television “in front of that many eyes of little girls and young women who say, ‘I didn’t know I could do this. I am going to do this because I saw you do it.’” She added, “Representation matters. The future generation of explorers needs to see themselves in and identify with the current faces of exploration.” National Geographic explorers Sylvia This award is just one of the ways that Mayor hopes Earle and Mireya Mayor join forces to to diversify the faces of exploration. This is especially celebrate 12 emerging female explorers. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly important because women only account for 28% of the workforce in STEM, she said. “This award is to develop their research experience and move their work forward,” she said. “We need their work.” In total, 12 female finalists were all awarded money to continue exploring and impacting their world. Their projects run the gamut from shark conservation to sustainability campaigns to research on human diseases. Celebrating with all 12, Earle said, “Women finalists, you are the future. We are so excited for the work you’re doing now and the work you’ll do moving forward.”

Twelve finalists gather on stage to celebrate their awards. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

HOMES FOR SALE

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: December 23, 2021 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Publish: December 23 & 30, 2021 and January 6 & 13, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

MARATHON - DUPLEX FOR SALE: 2nd Avenue Gulf, Marathon, FL Call 305-481-1316

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 21-DR-000305-K DIVISION: FAMILY IN RE: THE MATTER OF: GUSTAVO PEREZ RAMIREZ Petitioner, And, DELIA MARIBEL URIZAR OXOM, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR PUBLICATION TO: DELIA MARIBEL URIZAR OXOM ADDRESS UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Petition 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, Attorney for Petitioner, Ashley Benitez, Esq., and the Law Office of Alex Hanna, P.A., 8700 West Flagler Street, Suite 380, Miami, Florida 33174, on or before January 17, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Respondent or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. 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: December 10, 2021 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Publish: December 16, 23, 30, 2021 and January 6, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

BOATS FOR SALE

2003 20' CC Pro Line Sport, 2015 Mercury 150 4-stroke, 2016 All Marine Boat Trailer. Kept on boat lift. Located in Marathon. $25,500 305-942-6434 Place your BOAT FOR SALE ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today! EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted Big Time Discount Bait and Tackle in Marathon- competitive wages and working 3040 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199 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 City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Utility Maintenance Worker and Marina Technician/Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us Food for Thought in Marathon is hiring! FT and PT positions available, customer service, retail and kitchen prep. Healthy lifestyle and good sense of humor preferred. Call (305) 743-3297 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

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Dishwasher. $13/ hr - 30-36 hrs/week. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview. The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Line Cook. $18/hr - Employee Meals - Private Club Friendly Atmosphere - Varying Hours Tu e s d a y - S a t u r d a y 10am to 10pm - Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview. C h a r t e r 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 -Competitive compensation package. Exp in the marine field preferred but not necessary. Exp w/ Caterpillar and Cummins Marine Engines a plus. Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available. Motivated candidate willing to learn a new trade or expand current skills. Company willing to train. Qualified applicants please call 305-2892070 or email resume to neil@allkeysdiesel. com . Drug Free and valid Drivers License a must.. Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today ! HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

305.743.0844

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS

LOT FOR SALE

DUCK KEY - DRY LOT For Sale: 106 S. Bahama Drive, Duck Key, FL. Call 305-481-1316 OFFICE/COMMERC. SPACE FOR RENT

1,082 SF office space. Renovated Corner Unit for rent in Islamorada. $3,000/month Call 305.712.8888 Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92. Call 305-394-0530 Place your OFFICE/ COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT ad here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for two (2) D.S.O.s to perform entry-level, semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. Employee must ensure safe work practices, maintain water flow, and test the water supply. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or GED; supplemented by 1 yr previous experience and/or training as a pipefi‫מּ‬er with a public utility, construction comp, or plumbing company. Must have a valid FL CDL “A” license w/in 12 mos of hire date. Must obtain a FDEP Level 3 license w/in 18 mos of hire date. Salary: $20.52/hr. with excellent benefits. Apply online at: www.﬍aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA

TEMPORARY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for four (4) temporary D.S.O. to perform entry-level, semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. This position could lead to a regular, benefited position in the future. Employee must ensure safe work practices. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or GED; supplemented by 1 yr previous experience and/or training as a pipefi‫מּ‬er with a public utility, construction comp, or plumbing company. Salary: $25.00/hr. Apply online at: www.﬍aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA

YARD SALES

Place your YARD SALE ad here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today SPECIAL ANNOUNC.

WISHING ALL THE BEST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND IN 2022! THE KEYS WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS

DUI Instructor

Part-time – Key West or Marathon location The Advocate DUI Program is looking for a DUI certified Instructor or person eligible to be DHSMV certified to teach DUI classes. The DUI course involves learning about alcohol and drug abuse, driving risk, Florida Laws and prevention measures. Requires a Bachelors degree in human services or related field with 4,000 hours of experience or a Masters degree in human services, law enforcement or related field with 2,000 hours of experience. Ability to present the curriculum in an effective and energetic manner, using didactic and group teaching methods. Starting salary $22 per hour. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 Career With Housing Opportunity Assistant Branch Manager

SECURITY GUARD W/ LICENSE Duck Key

$20/hr / PT / 8pm to 4am

Ralons Security 786-615-5522

Great Hours & Starting Salary Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time

Lic# B1500167

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED!

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Monroe County School District

Salary $18.00 - $25.80/hour Key West, Sugarloaf, Marathon and Upper Keys (4 work locations) No Experience Required, Benefits, CDL Training Provided – work as a Bus Aide while training, Full Time or Flexible, Part Time Hours - 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

242424

6900 Overseas Hwy Marathon 305-296-8535

Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment EOE-M/F/V/D

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Join Our Team!

DUI Evaluator

Careers Available In:

Part-time – Marathon

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

Branch • Accounting • Maintenance Administrative Support • Underwriting

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for a part time position. DUI evaluator - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree with experience in substance abuse field required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Office located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at (305) 704-0117.

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) Behavioral Health Counselor, FT (Children) Substance Abuse Counselor, PT (Adult) Driver PT/per diem

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist, FT (Children, Adult) Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Peer Support Specialist Crisis Counselor Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children ) Motivational Support Specialist Substance Abuse Counselor Driver PT/per diem

MARATHON Admissions Specialist

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

Salaries Starting at $18/hr

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

Care Coordinator Maintenance Specialist Housekeeper Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Advocate (PT) Driver PT/per diem *Assisted Living Support Worker (PT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *No experience necessary. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required. Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus. If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

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

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

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

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

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring! Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

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

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays. Full job descriptions available at

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Pigeon Key is seeking dedicated professionals seeking to make a positive impact in their community. Those individuals who wish to work on a uniquely beautiful island , while promoting our cultural history and preserving the natural Keys environment are encouraged to apply. Competitive wages based on ability and experience. Applicants will be subject to criminal background check and drug screening. Positions include: Trolley Operator (CDL licensing course provided for qualified applicant) Tour Guides, Sales Associates, Customer Relations Reps, Maintenance, Rental Associates and more. Application online at pigeonkey.net - under the Staff icon. Or apply in person at the Pigeon Key Gift Shop, 2010 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL. Questions and completed applications can be emailed to pigeonkey@aol.com

TRANSFER STATION OPERATOR PART TIME AND FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES HOUSEKEEPING ALL POSITIONS, GREAT PAY AND INCENTIVES CULINARY ALL POSITIONS AND LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE WELCOME F&B SOUS CHEF, SERVERS AND FOOD RUNNERS/BARBACKS FRONT OFFICE BELL/VALET, RELIEF NIGHT AUDIT RESERVATIONS OFFICE RESERVATIONS AGENT SPA TERRE SPA COORDINATOR NAIL TECHS AND LMT’S SALES CATERING SALES MANAGER SCAN TO VIEW JOB OPENINGS.

APPLY TODAY! APPLY ONLINE AT www.noblehousehotels.com/careers APPLY IN PERSON AT Zero Duval St. Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE.

Monroe County Solid Waste Management is looking for a responsible applicant for the Cudjoe Key Transfer Station, MM 21.5. The primary function of this position is to weigh vehicles in and out of transfer station and maintain transfer station property. Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED, working knowledge of computers and other office equipment, and a Florida Driver’s License Class B CDL within 6 months of hire. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position. An employee in this position is subject to the mandatory Department of Transportation drug testing program which involves random drug testing. Starting salary: $37,559.76 plus benefits. For more information, contact Human Resources at: Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov or call 305-394-4966. APPLICATION AVAILABLE AT: www.monroecounty-fl.gov via the position link on our employment page. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

TRANSFER STATION OPERATOR

in Marathon

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

SERVE/BARTEND ON THE OCEAN! Oceanfront private swim club is seeking customer service oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Full-time/part-time positions available. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff and above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach or call April 305-393-0631.

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

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

Monroe County Solid Waste Management is looking for a responsible applicant for the Long Key Transfer Station, MM 21.5. The primary function of this position is to weigh vehicles in and out of transfer station and maintain transfer station property. Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED, working knowledge of computers and other office equipment, and a Florida Driver’s License Class B CDL within 6 months of hire. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position. An employee in this position is subject to the mandatory Department of Transportation drug testing program which involves random drug testing. Starting salary: $37,559.76 plus benefits. For more information, contact Human Resources at: Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov or call 305-394-4966. APPLICATION AVAILABLE AT: www.monroecounty-fl.gov via the position link on our employment page. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

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

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Lic No. SP1481

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

OUT DOOR LIVING SPACES

CGC1523838 305-292-2666 305-743-0506 305-852-5356 rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

Key West

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

FREE ESTIMATES | WILL NOT BE UNDERBID

305.896.3599

305-289-1150

SP3102

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

When It Rains It Pours!

CGC1523838

MARATHON

KEY LARGO

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

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

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

305-481-3259

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

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

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

Lic#SP-3562

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

We Do Installations! Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

CLOSE CONTEST Lady Canes eke out victory over Lady Dolphins in OT

1 3

our quarters didn’t settle the Dec. 14 girl’s varsity basketball game between the Coral Shores Hurricanes and Marathon Dolphins. In the end, a 26-point, 10-rebound game by Coral Shores guard/forward Bekky Valenzuela would propel the Hurricanes to a 50-47 victory over the Dolphins. Valenzuela also registered four assists and nine steals in a big night for the senior. Sophomore forward Brooke Mandozzi was the Hurricanes’ second-leading scorer with 11 points on four field goals and three free throws. The Dolphins were led by junior guard Abrianna Marshall, who scored 20 points, and freshman guard Elena Eubank with 14 points. The Lady Hurricanes, 5-5, followed up with a victory over Westminster Christian, 47-44, on Dec. 16 before heading into the holiday break. They return to the court on Jan. 4 against the Florida Christian Patriots. The Lady Dolphins, 4-6, are back in action Jan. 12 when they welcome the Keys Gate Knights. — Jim McCarthy

2 5

1. Coral Shores senior guard Bekky Valenzuela (24) drives to the basket as Marathon junior guard Abrianna Marshal (11)l gets ready to contest the layup. 2. Lady Cane Kailee (10) gets off a shot as Lady Dolphins defenders close in. 3. Lady Canes and Lady Dolphins players battle for a rebound. 4. Junior Kailee Reinoso (10) dribbles the ball. 5. Hurricane Kylie Deckard (20) blocks a Dolphin shot. Photos by Barry Gaukel. More game photos at ShadyPalmPhotography. com.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 23, 2021

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Ralph Lucignano & Staff

OVER 42 YEARS

MARATHON LIQUORS

BOAR’S HEAD

PLAZA GRILL

DELI

La Marca Prosecco

$12.99

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne

Moet Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne

$29.99

$49.99

Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne

Chandon Brut Champagne

$49.99

$19.99

Louis Roederer Champagne

by the case

$199.99

Conundrum Red

Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon

Orange Swift 8 Years in the Desert

$14.99

$15.99

$34.95

by the case

Josh Cabernet Sauvignon

$10.99 by the case

by the case

Meiomi Pinot Noir

$16.99 by the case

by the case

Sonoma Contraire Chardonnay

$17.99 by the case

5101 Overseas Highway • MM 50 • Marathon • 305-743-6350 Liquor Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM – 9 PM • Sun 9 AM – 8 PM • Deli Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM – 7:30 PM • Sun 9 AM – 6:30 PM