Key West Weekly 21-1230

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2022 is gonna be so differ… aw, crap!

December 30, 2021

IN HINDSIGHT… 2021

KEY WEST’S TOP NEWS | P. 12

THE QUEEN OF A NEW YEAR! SUSHI AND KEY WEST PARTY LIKE IT’S 2022 | P. 5

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

11,875

POUNDS

That’s the weight of the famous New Year’s Eve ball that will signal the start of 2022 with its descent in Times Square in New York on Friday night. The 12-foot geodesic sphere dwarfs the version of the ball that made the original drop in 1907 (5 feet, 700 pounds). Source: timessquarenyc.org

Publisher

Key West’s legendary drag queen Sushi will drop into 2022 from a high-heeled shoe at midnight on Duval Street, as she has for more than 25 years. See next page for New Year’s Eve events.

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

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MILES TO GO

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MANDY MILES

LET’S ALL DO OUR PART FOR A BETTER 2022

“Good Lord, how many times have I typed the words “cruise ships” and “COVID” in the past year?”

I was talking to myself while scrolling through the past year’s 51 issues of the Key West Weekly for our annual Year in Review features, the ones all newspapers tend to do in the last week of December. (The issue you’re reading was yet to be assembled.)

All three of our Keys Weekly editors — Jimmy McCarthy in the Upper Keys and Alex Rickert in Marathon — were doing the same, scrolling, copying, pasting and scribbling notes to ourselves, although those guys probably don’t have the same long-winded conversations with themselves as I. My news trip back through 2021 reminded me of all the good, bad and the ugly that has occurred in our fair island city since we all hung our hopes on 2021 last December. In fact, our final newspaper of 2020 summed it up nicely on the cover, saying “Peace Out, 2020. It’s been real, but not real fun.”

We were all so convinced 2021 would be different, better, or at least back to normal (whatever that is in Key West).

And things actually started out on a positive note here in the Keys, as vaccines trickled into the island chain. Of course, that good news was tempered by the state’s inadequate online system that had people waking at 4 a.m. in an attempt to secure a precious vaccine appointment for a senior citizen overwhelmed by the process.

In this issue, we take you through the second year of COVID, with mask mandates, vaccine debates and everything else. (See page 9.)

drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should.

She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

But we can’t forget the other great debate that divided our island in 2021: Cruise ships.

Let’s see…In 2021, politicians voided the Key West vote to ban most cruise ships from all three Key West docks, one of which is privately owned.

So city officials decided to turn the referendums into ordinances with the help of an outside attorney, who warned against restricting the operations of a private business. Tensions rose.

Accusations flew. Social media seethed. And then the first ships returned in late November.

Recall it all on pages 12-14.

We also compiled some of our most popular online and social media posts (page 21) and some of our notable interviews and podcast guests from the past year — politicians, musicians, community leaders, comedians and others who generously shared their time (page 7).

As we again hang our hopes for something better in 2022, let’s all do our part. Maybe we think twice about engaging with an idiot on social media. Maybe we just let his uninformed and intentionally incendiary comment pass. Maybe we just let it go.

Maybe we do what’s best for ourselves and our loved ones, while letting everyone else do the same, knowing our opinions are unlikely to change anyone’s minds, especially on social media. But perhaps our silence on some (OK, many) occasions will encourage others to do the same. We now know that Facebook intentionally tries to make us angry, so why fall victim to it? We need not attend every argument to which we’re invited.

Let’s start there for 2022 and see what happens. In the meantime, enjoy this look back through another “year like no other,” and above all, Happy New Year, Key West.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

KEY WEST DAZZLES NEW YEAR’S EVE REVELERS ISLAND ‘DROPS’ RING IN 2022

Gary Marion, better known as the iconic Key West drag queen Sushi, descends from the balcony of New Orleans House guesthouse in a red high-heeled shoe at the stroke of midnight every New Year’s Eve. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/ Contributed

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ew Year’s Eve partiers unwilling to endure cold-weather festivities, such as the traditional “ball drop” in New York’s Times Square, can find equally exuberant celebrations — and far warmer temperatures in the Florida Keys.

Key West revelers can choose from several lighthearted takeoffs on the Times Square gala as midnight approaches on Friday, Dec. 31.

At the Bourbon St. Pub/ New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St., renowned female impersonator Sushi stars in the “Red Shoe Drop” for the 24th year. Seconds before midnight, a super-sized red high heel carrying the elaborately gowned Sushi will be lowered from the complex’s balcony toward the cheering crowd below.

As well as Sushi’s lively banter prior to the “drop,” spectators can enjoy performances by notable female impersonators and other

local and national talents on a street-side stage. The show has frequently been featured on the national television coverage of New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.

Party people on lower Duval Street can watch the “drop” of a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, to the roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St. As a huge clock counts down, the supersized shell begins to descend.

At the Key West Historic Seaport, New Year’s Eve centers around the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., and celebrates the island’s colorful seafaring heritage. Just before midnight a swashbuckling “pirate wench” swings from the mast of a tall ship — completing her descent as the clock strikes and cannons boom to welcome 2022.

New Year’s Eve festivities also are planned at the original home of Pan American World Airways featuring the midnight “flight” of a “stewardess” in a replica Pan Am aircraft. Today called First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, the structure now located at 301 Whitehead St. was the place where Pan Am’s first tickets were sold in 1927. Other attractions include a full open bar, champagne, chef-manned food stations and live music. Attendees are encouraged to wear 1920s Gatsby-era costumes. For information and ticketing visit firstflightkw.com/nye.

— Contributed

Scan the QR code to hear the latest episode of The Florida Keys Weekly Podcast, featuring an interview by Britt and Kirby Myers with the legendary Sushi.

KEY WEST EMBRACES SIDEWALK CAFES

CITY COMMISSION MAY DOUBLE TRANSIENT LICENSE FEES MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

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he coronavirus could leave one positive adaptation in its wake (when and if it ever leaves for good).

Key West’s sidewalk cafes, launched in 2021 to enable more social distancing in outdoor areas, are here to stay.

When the city commission meets on Tuesday, Jan. 4, lawmakers will consider a new law that makes sidewalk cafes official and sets the fees for restaurants wishing to place tables and chairs on city sidewalks in front of their establishments.

The city initially proposed a $500-per-seat licensing fee as well as a one-time impact fee of $592 that was payable over seven years.

The $500/seat price was cost prohibitive for all but a handful of local restaurants, but city officials wanted to support the program, “especially in light of the public health benefits of outdoor dining during the pandemic,” city documents state.

So City Manager Patti McLauchlin and Assistant City Manager Todd Stoughton sat down at some of those outdoor tables with restaurant owners before holding a city workshop in June to hear their concerns and consider more reasonable fees levied by other Florida cities.

The new ordinance to be considered at next week’s meeting will require an annual base fee of $100 to participate in the program and the $592 impact fee payable over seven years, or $85 per year. But the $500-per-seat licensing fee has been removed from the proposed ordinance.

Restaurant owners also must obtain a statement from adjacent property and business owners “if a restaurant validly licensed for the cafe seating program would like to also place tables in front of an adjacent property or business,” the proposed law states.

The commission on Tuesday also will consider its first-ever cost increase to the city’s transient

Key West officials have significantly lowered the proposed cost for restaurants to offer sidewalk table seating.

The city commission is expected to approve the new fees at its Jan. 4 meeting. CONTRIBUTED

rental medallion program that requires short-term rental properties to buy an annual medallion that authorizes rentals of fewer than 28 days.

Since 2006, the annual cost of the medallions that are displayed on the front of the property to be rented has remained at $150 per year. But city staff have reported that the price was not sufficient to cover the cost of the medallions and many properties never received a medallion to display.

“As of today, most properties do not carry the appropriate Transient Medallion due to supply and demand,” documents state. “The yearly cost of a medallion order is $8,000 for 100 plaques. The approval of the fee increase will help with the costs associated with this license and will give us the opportunity to license all transient properties appropriately.

“Fifteen years have passed since the Transient Medallion fee of $125 was implemented in 2006 and this fee has never been increased.”

In other upcoming commission activity, Mayor Teri Johnston will present her State of the City address and the city manager and city attorney will provide updates on relevant topics.

The commission meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4. The full agenda is available at cityofkeywest-fl. gov.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy

KEYS WEEKLY SCORES SOME BIG-NAME INTERVIEWS

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he Keys Weekly scored some great interviews with some big names in 2021.

From politics and environmental protection to Grammy-nominated bands and film legends, here are just a few of the heavy hitters who shared some time with the Keys Weekly staff:

has been his wife, Susan Tedeschi. Together, the famed pair created The Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2010.

Trucks joined Key West Weekly’s Britt Myers on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast in November 2021 before the duo’s show at Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater.

Country music star Lee Brice performed at Hawks Cay and spoke with the Key West Weekly about fellow musician Nick Norman. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas joined Key West Weekly’s Britt Myers on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast in November. JACKIE LEE YOUNG/Contributed BLACK PUMAS The huge Grammy-winning duo who played at President Barack Obama’s inauguration christened the newly improved Parade Grounds at Key West’s Civil War-era Fort East Martello in early December as part of the COAST is Clear Music & Arts Festival.

But before they came to Key West, Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada joined Key West Weekly’s own Britt Myers on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast. The interview also appeared in our print edition and online at keysweekly.com.

Derek Trucks and his wife and co-star Sue Tedeschi perform at the Key West Amphitheater in 2021.

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly DEREK TRUCKS OF TEDESCHI TRUCKS Guitar legend Derek Trucks, a well-publicized child prodigy who joined his uncle Butch’s famed band, The Allman Brothers, in 1999, has toured or played alongside legends throughout his career — B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton and Stephen Stills. And yet perhaps the greatest talent to perform with Trucks

Brian ‘BK’ Kelley released a solo album and spent time with the Keys Weekly. BEN CHRISTENSEN/ Contributed BRIAN KELLEY OF FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE Country music superstar Brian “BK” Kelley, “the Florida half” of top-selling country duo Florida Georgia Line, released his first solo album, “Sunshine State of Mind” in 2021. Three or four of the songs were recorded in Key West at Jimmy Buffett’s Shrimp Boat Sound studio along Key West Harbor and Kelley joined Key West Editor Mandy Miles for an interview in July.

Kelley and friends had a big time while “working” in Key West: fishing, writing songs, drinking, recording songs, fishing, drinking, writing songs. And there are plenty of recognizable Keys references in the songs, including Hemingway, Key lime pie and a shout-out to Shrimp Boat Sound.

John Waters brought his one-man holiday comedy show to Key West Theater in December. GREG GORMAN/Contributed JOHN WATERS Filmmaker, comedian, author and proud bearer of the moniker “Pope of Trash” brought his one-man Christmas comedy show to Key West Theater in December. But before that, he spent some hilariously charming time with Key West Weekly Editor Mandy Miles.

LEE BRICE Country music superstar Lee Brice played a show at Hawks Cay this spring after packing the Key West Amphitheater in 2019. Brice spoke with Key West Weekly’s Britt Myers to talk about his friend, Key West music man Nick Norman, whom Brice signed to his Pump House Records label this year.

U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, a Republican congressman from Louisiana, spoke with the Key West Weekly during a vacation in Key West in 2021.

GOP WHIP STEVE SCALISE Republican U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisian, who is also the U.S. House minority whip, visited Key West in June with U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez, who represents the Keys and Florida’s 26th Congressional District.

During his stay, the Key West Weekly’s Britt Myers caught up with Scalise, who fielded questions about some of the nation’s most contentious issues. From his recent opposition to a formal inquiry on the Capitol riots, to his remarkable recovery following the 2017 shootings at a congressional baseball game, Scalise offered us full access on a range of topics.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021 ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

2021 WAS STILL WEIRD… Some of the year’s biggest head-scratchers About 25% of the U.S. shipping fleet is parked because of a shortage of drivers. CONTRIBUTED.

SHORTAGES

What we’re missing in the pandemic Move over, toilet paper and make room for pepper. Really. Pepper. The pandemic just keeps giving … or in this case, taking away. In the spring of 2020 we collectively lost our minds about toilet paper and hand sanitizer and bought everything on the shelf. Well, the global crisis is winding down, only to pour salt in our wounds with continued shortages.

Some of the shortages are being caused by supply chain disruptions — i.e., manufacturers that closed or scaled back during the pandemic and underestimated demand, such as the lumber and steel industries. Other markets are being affected by shipping; according to one industry report about 25% of the U.S. fleet is parked because there are not enough drivers.

So, what else? We polled business owners and managers and here’s what’s missing in the Keys: Kate Koler: Cake cones.

Carolyn Anthony: Ketchup, horseradish.

Rachel Bowman: Liquor. (“Last week I couldn’t order Crown Royal. This week, it’s Patron. And Hennessy shortage is a big issue too.”)

Chef “Flavor” Stanton: Nitrile gloves (“The prices have gone from $7 a box to $34!”)

Dion Watson: Roofing supplies (“Some are not available for 60 to 90 days”).

Leanys Carlson: Yetis, fishing boots.

Mark Senmartin: Guns and ammo.

Rachel Daniels: Paint, fiberglass filters, AC filters, kitchen appliances.

Aaron Osters: Trap wire, aluminum, watersports gear, fish hooks, chlorine.

Scott Newton: Amplifiers, speakers, routers, cameras.

Todd Childress: PVC pipe.

Blair Shiver: Black pepper.

Chelsey Torres: Chlorine and rubber gloves.

Chris Bryk: Electrical meter cans.

Tiffany Duong: Dive regulator parts. (“Dive shops in the Keys couldn't get parts to do regulator service for months.”)

Nicole Grego: Tires.

Shannon Gershowitz Silva: Boxes.

Elise Mucha Reid: Old Bay spice.

The takeaway here is that we should kiss all the truckers and share and amp up our kindness and understanding.

By the start of 2021, most of the things that shocked Keys residents in 2020 had become the “new normal” we’re so tired of hearing about. But even still, there were a few stories that just made us shake our heads and say, “What?” From social media challenges that were more like criminal offenses to a decision to unexpectedly bulldoze an island in broad daylight, here are some of the year’s oddities.

TIK TOK TERROR Schools, state attorney will prosecute online dares

“There will be no leniency.”

That’s the message Monroe County school officials are sending when it comes to criminal behavior associated with social media dares and stunts.

The latest round of “TikTok Challenges,” which circulate on the popular smartphone app, dare students — typically in middle and high school — to commit certain offenses, including “smack a school staff member” and “jab a boob.” The challenge for December states, “Deck the halls and show your b*&ls in the school halls.”

“Slap a teacher, go to jail. Pretty simple,” State Attorney Dennis Ward told the Keys Weekly. “I’ll keep you in there for as long as I can keep you in there.”

In schools across the country, TikTok bathroom challenges have left floor tiles smashed, urinals stolen and soap dispensers missing.

But there is a bright side…

Sigsbee Charter School in Key West was the site of two bathroom vandalism incidents in the past month. But the school has turned the negativity and criminality of the TikTok challenges into a positive initiative while making parents aware of the concerns and potential consequences.

School officials spoke to students how the vandalism sends a hurtful message to members of the maintenance staff who work hard to keep the school clean and safe.

“The students then wrote notes, drew pictures or created banners to support and appreciate these staff members,” said Sigsbee Principal Eli Jannes.

BARE FANNY

Vegetation removal from West Fanny Key sparks residents’ outcry When Marathon resident Bob Williams set out on Sept. 19 for his daily swim around East and West Fanny Key, two small islands on the gulf side just off the south end of Marathon, he was met by a surprising and unavoidable obstacle: a barge and backhoe clearing vegetation off the center of the island.

“I’ve seen many examples of fringe clearing to improve a water view for new homes, but this incident was particularly egregious because of the density of birds,” Williams said. “Egrets, herons, frigate birds, pelicans and cormorants were all nesting there. This is devastating to a healthy and viable rookery.”

Upon learning of the incident, City Manager George Garrett contacted both the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to establish separate but cooperative investigations and issue citations.

“They absolutely needed, and did not seek, a building or clearing permit,” Garrett confirmed.

“That’s a permit that would have been difficult, or nearly impossible, to obtain. It was absolutely a violation of our code.”

According to Williams, he and many others fear that the fines resulting from the clearing may not be enough to deter similar actions in the future.

“After three decades of being here in the Keys, I’ve seen similar stuff on a much smaller scale. I’m tired of seeing the fines become a cost of doing business,” he said.

The bulldozing of Fanny Key has destroyed what was once a thriving rookery for seabirds. CONTRIBUTED.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

COVID CLAIMS ANOTHER YEAR 2021 BRINGS VACCINES, DELTA, OMICRON, MASK DEBATES AND SCHOOL CONCERNS

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e had thought this all would be over, or that the end would be in sight.

Remember when we all said good riddance to 2020, thinking it had been “the year of COVID,” the one and only year of COVID? Instead, by January 2021, our smartphones were predicting words like Pfizer, Moderna, even hydroxychloroquine. Who knew that the light we were seeing at the end of the tunnel was a train called Delta careening toward us?

In 2020, masks were largely considered a protective measure.

By 2021 they had become a political statement with the anti-vaccine movement soon to follow.

In September, the virus would claim the life of yet another devoted Florida Keys resident and representative in County Commissioner Mike Forster.

As we prepare to enter and embrace 2022, the Keys Weekly pored through our 2021 coverage of the COVID pandemic in the Florida Keys to bring you a month-by-month digest of COVID in the Keys, lest we forget where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Monroe County received its first 1,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine on Jan. 5. Weekly file photo

JANUARY The Monroe County Health Department received its first 1,300 vaccine doses mainly for health care personnel.

Also in January: • Second round of stimulus checks are showing up • Publix gets vaccine doses • Frustration mounts over vaccine accessibility and online appointments FEBRUARY

By February, many parents were growing frustrated and wondering whether school buildings would reopen before summer.

Vaccines were still being offered in phases. But eager anticipation was mounting, as the Keys prepared for a reliable supply of vaccine doses to reach the island chain.

Also in February: • Nurses at College of the Florida Keys help with large-scale vaccine rollout • All Publix stores and two Winn-Dixies in the Keys get vaccine doses • COVID cases in Florida dropped by 55% the first two weeks of February MARCH March 20, 2021, marked the one-year anniversary of the announcement that closed Florida Keys hotels, bars and non-essential businesses. By then, the Florida Keys seemed to be holding their own against COVID. In Monroe County, elementary school students were back in the classroom full time, but students in sixth through 12th grade were still attending every other day on an A/B schedule, which frustrated many parents.

Also in March: • Third round of federal stimulus checks go out • State education commissioner orders Monroe County schools to reopen full time • Governor Ron DeSantis prohibits local COVID restrictions and cancels fines • Vaccines still limited to people 50 and older

APRIL • Vaccine eligibility opens to anyone 18 and older on April 5 • Monroe County schools are open full-time for all students, with most attending in person while wearing masks • County libraries reopen • Social distancing becomes problem for schools, quarantine rules increase absenteeism MAY • Governor ends mask mandates & local COVID restrictions • Businesses respond differently to mask rules • Anti-vaccine sentiment increases • Monroe County Health Department stops issuing daily COVID case counts due to decrease JUNE • Keys tourism flourishes as COVID counts drop JULY • COVID creeps back due to Delta variant, but Keys hospitalizations remain low • Delta not yet a local concern • Monroe County has thirdhighest percentage of vaccinated people in Florida AUGUST August saw the hospitalization of County Commissioner Mike Forster due to COVID as the Delta variant began to take its toll on the Keys and the country.

Also in August: • Schools reopen and require masks, but offer opt-out • Mask debate divides parents and political parties • COVID cases increase for fifth consecutive week • Delta variant brings masks back • County Commissioner Mike Forster is hospitalized with COVID • Masks are once again required in Monroe County and Key West government buildings • KW reconsiders special events in light of COVID uptick • School board upholds mask opt-out

SEPTEMBER The Florida Keys mourned the loss of County Commissioner Mike Forster, who died of COVID on Sept.

6. The month also brought back event cancellations throughout the Keys. In Key West, city officials canceled the Goombay festival, the Royal Coronation, Zombie Bike Ride and Fantasy Fest parade and street fair.

Also in September: • Keys report 63 COVID deaths thus far • Schools uphold mask opt-out after tense exchange OCTOBER COVID cases again started to subside in October, and in-school infections were not a significant concern to Health Department Administrator Bob Eadie. The county commission once again canceled its mask mandate inside government buildings.

NOVEMBER

By November, the Keys’ COVID case count was once again low, and vaccinations were high.

Health Department Administrator Bob Eadie told the county commissioners that COVID was likely to stay, and people have to learn to manage it and its risks.

DECEMBER Enter Omicron, the latest coronavirus variant to raise its ugly, spiked head across the globe. While most fully vaccinated individuals remain protected from serious illness and death, the variant’s quick transmission remains a growing concern.

On Dec. 29, the health department reported the community level of COVID transmission had returned to “high” for Monroe County with an average of 71 new daily cases over the last seven days with 13 hospital admissions that included adult and pediatric patients.

“Omicron doesn’t seem to be as dangerous as Delta was, but it sure is contagious,” said Bob Eadie, Monroe County Health Department administrator. “You need to be aware of it and take precautions. If you’re not vaccinated you’re still at great risk for serious illness.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

SHERIFF BELIEVES NAVY SAILORS WERE AGGRESSORS IN FIGHT

COVID-19 TESTING IN KEY WEST

SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES WILL RETURN TO DUTY; INTERNAL INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

ith a recent surge in COVID-19 testing, the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County has compiled an updated list of PCR and rapid testing sites in the Keys. At this time, the Department of Health is not among the locations providing any COVID-19 testing.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Deputy Connor Curry, left, and Deputy Trevor Pike. CONTRIBUTED

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wo off-duty Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies were arrested by Key West Police around 2 a.m. on Dec. 18 following a fight with U.S. Navy sailors in the 500 block of Duval Street that resulted in one sailor being airlifted to a Miami hospital.

As of Dec. 22, Sheriff Rick Ramsay said, the sailor was released from the Intensive Care Unit and was in a regular hospital room Sheriff Rick Ramin Miami. say. CONTRIBUTED Deputies Connor Scott Curry, 23, and Trevor Dawson Pike, 25, along with the three Navy sailors, were charged with disorderly conduct. Pike faces an additional charge of battery.

Curry and Pike were placed on unpaid leave by the sheriff’s office pending the criminal investigation as well as an internal affairs investigation.

But after reviewing cell phone video recorded by independent witnesses — five women who were downtown for a birthday party — Ramsay told the Keys Weekly on Wednesday, “I believe the criminal charges against my deputies are unjust. And I’ve asked Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg and State Attorney Dennis Ward to review the videos before proceeding with criminal charges. The video shows my deputies were defending themselves, and the Navy sailors were the aggressors in the fight.”

Ramsay added, “Having reviewed the video footage, I am returning my deputies to duty. I believe the charges against them will be dropped. But they’re not out of the woods and will still face an internal affairs investigation into their actions that night.”

Ramsay questioned the actions of a Key West police supervisor who was called to the scene after the fight “because policy dictates that an incident involving law enforcement officers requires a supervisor to be present.”

Ramsay said the five women who were downtown repeatedly offered Key West police their cell phone video that shows the entire incident between the two off-duty deputies and three visiting Navy personnel.

“The Key West police officers had body-cam footage, and there were independent witnesses who kept pointing to the Navy sailors as the aggressor,” Ramsay said.

“The video clearly shows a Navy sailor in a white shirt charging one of the deputies. He swings and hits him in the upper cheek. My deputy grabbed him and took him to the ground while the other deputy stood by and did not engage.

“Then the other sailors come into the fight and charge the deputy,” Ramsay told the Keys Weekly on Wednesday. “As soon as my deputy hit one of the Navy guys, who immediately fell to the ground, my deputy stepped back and did nothing more than defend himself.

“This was close to 2 a.m., and the street was nearly empty, but there was not a lot of investigating going on by Key West Police,” Ramsay said. “But early on, the first Key West police officer on the scene believed the deputies were a victim and a witness, and the Navy personnel were the suspects.”

Ramsay said the five women with the video told Key West Police they had seen and recorded the whole scenario.

“The police told the women to stand across the street and wait,” Ramsay said. “The women waited 10 or 15 minutes and then a Key West police officer said, ‘Nah, I don’t need to see the video.’”

“When the women saw on the news the next day that the deputies were facing charges, they emailed the sheriff’s office with their statements, contact info and the video they recorded.

“But,” Ramsay continued, “When the police supervisory sergeant arrived on scene, he decides, ‘Everyone, all five of them, goes to jail for disorderly conduct.’

“This was despite the first police officer on the scene telling the supervisory sergeant that the deputies were a witness and a victim. He tells the sergeant he doesn’t have anything to charge the deputies with,” Ramsay said.

“The Key West police officers clearly did not agree with their sergeant,” the sheriff said. “Then, when the ladies emailed their information to the sheriff’s office — and shared their video with a Fox News TV affiliate — I expressed my concern to Chief Brandenburg of Key West Police.

“I asked Chief Brandenburg to review the videos and draw his own conclusions. I asked the same thing of our state attorney, not to do my guys a favor, but to ensure we know who the aggressors are.

“I believe this is an injustice and that these criminal charges will be dropped against my deputies,” Ramsay said.

Chief Brandenburg told Keys Weekly on Wednesday evening that he is “still reviewing the video footage” and declined to comment further until he had done so.

W

• + R AHEC: No-cost rapid testing for Key West residents and employees of Key West businesses only. Proof of residency and/or employment required. Appointments at: 305-743-7111, extension 204. Testing offered at Key West High School.

Appointments, drive-ups and walk-ups welcome on the following days: • Tuesday, Jan. 4 from 4-7 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 6 from 4-7 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 4-7 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 13 from 4-7 p.m.

• Saturday Jan. 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• + R AHEC: 305-743-7111, extension 210: Testing provided only to students, staff and limited family members of Monroe County Schools at all school sites.

• + R Advanced Urgent Care Key West: appointments only: 305-294-0011. 1980 N Roosevelt Blvd. Patients can pre-register for testing and download the antibody screening form at www. urgentcarefloridakeys.com, or call 305-294-0011.

• + R Dr. John W Norris III MD PA: appointments only: 305-296-1022; 508 Southard St. #103, Key West.

• R Doctors Test Centers at JW Plastic Surgery: 866-865-7400. Book appointment online at www. doctorstestcenters.com. 1075 Duval Street, Key West.

• Key West Urgent Care: 305-295-7550. 1501 Government Rd., Key West. Diagnostic/PCR tests provided. Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

• R Key West Medical Center, Dr. Elias Gerth, MD: 305-295-6790. 2505 Flagler Ave., Key West.

• R My Wellness Express: 305-901-2243. 3428 N Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. Appointments available, walk-ins accepted. Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• + R Rural Health Network Monroe County: Free Testing following screening. Appointments call 305-517-6613, Ext. 500. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.5 p.m. www.rhnmc.org. 3706 N Roosevelt Blvd.

Suite G, Key West.

• CVS Pharmacy Minute Clinic Stock Island: 305-295-2858. 5610 Overseas Hwy., Stock Island.

Appointments at Minute Clinic.

• Marquesa Medical: 305-504-5611. In-home/ mobile PCR testing, results in 1-2 days. Serving Key West to Mile Marker 25. www.marquesamedical. com.

• Keys Pediatrics: for established patients only.

305-293-4233. 1714 N Roosevelt Blvd., Key West.

• + Walgreens: 30351 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key. Appointments at www.walgreens.com.

R Rapid testing also available. + Free testing offered.

— Contributed

11

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

C

ruise ships and COVID snagged more Key West headlines in 2021 than any other topics (surprise, surprise). But there was plenty of other news — good and bad — to fill the rest of the year’s 52 papers with local people, places, issues, events and opinions.

The following is a month-by-month rundown of some of the top Key West headlines, events and issues from the past year. Digital versions of the stories referenced below are available at keysweekly.com.

(Note: We have included some of the biggest COVID-related headlines below, but see page 9 for a more complete Florida Keys COVID timeline.)

HEADLINES IN HINDSIGHT

COVID, CRUISE SHIPS & CONTROVERSY COMMAND KEY WEST’S ATTENTION

Florida Keys seniors welcome the COVID vaccine when they arrive in January 2021. All photos are Keys Weekly file photos.

JANUARY Remember when the new year was still in its infancy, and we expected to be looking back at COVID in 2021? That clearly didn’t happen.

But the news did get better for a bit when vaccines and stimulus checks made their way to the Florida Keys. Of course, relief over vaccine availability for senior citizens quickly gave way to frustration with Florida’s inadequate online appointment portal.

Then Florida Sen. Jim Boyd filed a bill to void the island city’s voter-approved cruise ship reductions and so began Key West’s Great Cruise Ship Debate.

Also in January: • Sam Steele sworn in as county’s youngest tax collector • U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez speaks with Keys Weekly during Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot • Former County Commissioner Heather Carruthers, who was narrowly defeated by Republican Eddie Martinez, continues her legal challenge of Martinez’s residency in District 3 and thus his eligibility to hold the seat.

• Key West police are called to the Simonton Street home of newly elected County Commissioner Eddie Martinez for a domestic disturbance.

Oxitec prepares to release its genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys.

FEBRUARY

By February, COVID vaccines were still being made available based on age and vulnerability. School buildings remained closed and Florida Keys parents were getting agitated, wanting to know if their kids could return to the classrooms before the summer break.

Also in February: • Debate begins about the name of the public housing complex formerly known as Porter Place Apartments in Key West and its namesake J.Y. Porter’s ties to the Ku Klux Klan.

• Oxitec prepares for its genetically modified mosquito control trial in the Keys despite concerns and opposition from residents and community groups.

• Monroe County School District is cleared in a lawsuit involving the arrest and attempt by Key West police to handcuff a troubled 8-yearold boy.

Key West singer/songwriter Nick Norman signs with Pump House Records label.

MARCH By springtime, Key West’s cruise ship debate continued to divide the island as Sen. Jim Boyd’s bill to overturn the city’s new ship limits looked likely to pass in the Florida Legislature, having survived three committee votes. Safer Cleaner Ships representatives, along with Mayor Teri Johnston, flew to Tallahassee in a private plane to oppose the bill and picket the governor’s mansion.

Meanwhile, back on the home front, Key West welcomed college spring break visitors back to its beaches, boats and bars, and the city’s hugely popular bocce league was able to resume play with new COVID protocols in place.

Also in March: • Country music star Lee Brice signs Key West music man Nick Norman to his Pump House Records label • A bill regulating liveaboard boaters prompts debate in Tallahassee and Key West that continues today • Residency questions continue for County Commissioner Eddie Martinez; stepdaughter swears in affidavit that Martinez does not live in District 3 • Keys Weekly welcomes Charlotte Twine as senior staff writer

Enhancements planned for Key West International Airport are scheduled for completion in late 2024.

APRIL The city of Key West was in need of a new city manager by April, when then-City Manager Greg Veliz announced he would leave City Hall at the end of May to work for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. City commissioners appointed Assistant City Manager Patti McLauchlin to serve as interim manager upon Veliz’s departure while they decided how to find a permanent replacement.

Also in April: • Keys tourism and bed tax revenues bounce back • Sen. Jim Boyd’s bill to overturn Key West’s cruise ship referendum falters in Tallahassee but is added to a larger transportation bill that awaits the governor’s approval • Statewide news reports reveal a $995,000 political donation from Mark Walsh, operator of

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

Key West’s Pier B cruise ship dock, to Gov. Ron DeSantis • Rams Head brings big music back to Key West Amphitheater with Sammy Hagar concert • Local musicians play benefit concert for legendary musician Bill Blue • John Spottswood inducted into Florida Law Enforcement Hall of Fame • Worker shortages reach epidemic levels in the Florida Keys • Porter Place public housing complex is renamed to Lang Milian Apartments due to J.Y. Porter’s KKK connections • Key West International Airport reveals plans for a new concourse, covered jetways and an expanded departure lounge • College of the Florida Keys introduces new tortuga (turtle) mascot — Shel the Tuga

Poinciana Gardens assisted-living facility on Duck Avenue faced financial trouble in May 2021.

MAY While Key West’s interim City Manager Patti McLauchlin settled into the big office at City Hall and took the (supposedly) temporary reins, the city commission hired a consultant to conduct a statewide or national search.

And here at the Key West Weekly, The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards returned with a vengeance following a modified version in 2020 due to COVID restrictions and closures.

Also in May: • State transportation bill officially voids Key West’s cruise ship referendums • Monroe County School Board pumps the brakes on employee housing at Sugarloaf School after developer reveals disappointingly high rent prices • Poinciana Gardens assisted-living facility needs financial assistance to stay afloat • Keys hotels, though shorthanded, enjoy some of the highest room rates in the nation • Key West High School’s Class of 2021 graduates at Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater

Patti McLauchlin becomes Key West’s first official female city manager.

JUNE A few good things have come from the coronavirus pandemic, including Key West’s approval of outdoor dining at sidewalk cafes.

After initial backlash from restaurants over the proposed fees that would have been the most expensive in the state, city management sat down with restaurant owners to devise a workable plan.

Also in June: • Patti McLauchlin becomes Key West’s first official female city manager • School district again talks about employee housing at Trumbo Road headquarters • Keys tourism flourishes in face of COVID • County Commissioner Craig Cates proposes plan to save Poinciana Gardens assistedliving facility — and money — by closing the smaller Bayshore Manor • Larry Schmiegel named Key West High School principal

Radio personality Bill Hoebee (with Carolyn Guarini) narrowly defeats Key West Weekly Editor Mandy Miles for the Bubba Award for Best Local Celebrity.

JULY The Key West city commission on July 15 directed City Manager Patti McLauchlin to tell large cruise ships they’re not welcome in Key West. Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships were adamant that the voter-approved limits should apply to all three port facilities despite City Attorney Shawn Smith’s repeated warnings about the legal ramifications of restricting private business and violating the city’s 27-year contract with Pier B, which pays the city 25% of its cruise ship revenues.

Meanwhile, 90 miles south of Key West, COVID concerns prompt rare public protests in Cuba that garnered widespread support from the Keys island chain and launched the #soscuba hashtag.

Also in July: • Key West’s legendary piano man Barry Cuda pushes his last piano across Duval Street • Dan Dombroski, former executive director of the Southernmost Boys & Girls Club, is arrested for allegedly stealing $41,000 from the nonprofit • Country star Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line sits down with the Key West Weekly to discuss his new solo album • Welcome back, gold friend: Divers find gold coin on 1622 shipwreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha • Voting reaches fever pitch for The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards • The Bubbas Awards gala returns to Key West Theater following a 2020 COVID hiatus • Sublime rocks Key West Amphitheater

Local veterans who served in Afghanistan, like Nick Hodge, shared their heartbreak during the United States’ withdrawal.

AUGUST August 2021 saw the United States’ tragically inelegant withdrawal from Afghanistan as the extremist Taliban returned to power after 20 years of American protection and improvements in the country. The Keys Weekly spent time speaking with local veterans who had served in Afghanistan, many of whom were gravely concerned about their Afghan friends, drivers and translators who were left behind.

Also in August: • Key West seeks outside attorney for cruise ship defense; Safer Cleaner Ships committee claims one law firm has a conflict of interest • Tentative deal struck among Key West, Monroe County and Key West Housing Authority to save Poinciana Gardens assisted-living facility • Air travel hits turbulence at Key West International Airport due to long delays, staffing shortages and an overcrowded departure area • School district breaks ground on new Sugarloaf School • Salary study shows City of Key West pays 12% to 17% less than Monroe County and local utilities • Keys hotels lose staff to labor investigation • Trapper the rescued sea turtle returns to the ocean • Census shows population rise of nearly 10,000 people in 10 years

Key West’s chief building official held a hearing to determine whether Santa Clara Condominiums on Northside Drive in Key West are safe for habitation.

SEPTEMBER In September, Key West shifted its attention, temporarily, from COVID and cruise ships to a condominium with structural concerns. Key West’s chief building official demanded proof that the Santa Clara Condominiums building was safe for habitation in light of significant structural concerns. The 110-unit building on Northside Drive received a reprieve from condemnation but had to agree to submit a repair time line and frequent updates from the building’s engineer.

14

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

Also in September: • Keys Weekly reveals Florida’s voting laws fail to define any residency requirements • Underwater 9/11 memorial installed on Vandenberg shipwreck off Key West • 13 KWHS students chosen for NYC film festival • 2 men arrested for alleged sexual assault on same woman in separate attacks • Key West passes 5.5% tax hike (budget does not include cruise ship attorney fees) • Governor appoints Holly Raschein to fill the late Mike Forster’s county commission seat

• Schools worry about truancy numbers in light of COVID • Casey Arnold releases Key West Monopoly game • Fantasy Fest returns, minus parade and other events • Traffic crash claims two lives: SUV driver kills woman on moped, then shoots himself Safer Cleaner Ships organizes a protest to oppose the arrival of a cruise ship at Pier B that exceeded the size limits that voters approved but that the state overturned.

The first two cruise ships since March 2020 returned to Key West on Nov. 27.

The nonprofit group Families Against Youth Violence dedicates several benches at Nelson English Park in Key West to victims of violence.

OCTOBER Key West’s cruise ship conversation changed course a bit in October, when some elected officials started using words like “compromise” once the city learned that Safer Cleaner Ships’ preferred lawyer, Joe Jacquot, had a conflict and could not help represent the city. Commissioner Sam Kaufman suggested formal mediation among the main stakeholders, including Safer Cleaner Ships and private business interests, such as Pier B marina, the Key West Harbor pilots and Caribe Nautical ships’ agent.

Also in October: • School district and state attorney warn that TikTok challenges will be aggressively prosecuted • Keys Weekly welcomes Alex Rickert as editor of the Marathon edition • Twisted Tinsel year-round Christmas store opens in The Shops at Mallory • Grieving parents dedicate park benches in Bahama Village to young lives lost to violence • Key West moves ahead with housing on College Road • Keys women share their breast cancer battles MF_KWWeeklyAd_1.pdf 1 2/24/21 1:50 PM

NOVEMBER November brought all manner of news to the island city — good, bad and bizarre.

On Nov. 27, two cruise ships visited Key West for the first time since March 2020, one at Mallory Pier, one at Pier B. And in a disconcerting legislative stunt, an unnamed Florida politician filed an anonymous bill to abolish the City of Key West and transfer all of its assets to Monroe County. (The proposed legislation has gone nowhere but did set the city’s simmering pot of cruise ship contention to a rolling boil.)

On a lighter note, Key West Weekly’s fearless leader Britt Myers scored interviews with two of the hottest bands around, Black Pumas and Tedeschi Trucks Band, both of whom played sold-out concerts at local venues in November.

Key West Weekly Editor Mandy Miles introduced readers to VFC-111, Naval Air Station Key West’s resident fighter jet squadron whose pilots get to play the bad guys during training exercises. We saluted local veterans on Nov. 11, welcomed the powerboat races back to town and broke the news that the Spottswood family would buy the historic Curry Mansion from the Amsterdam family.

Also in November: • Legendary Pepe’s Cafe passes the torch to new owners Danny and Maura Hughes • Bayshore Manor assisted-living residents move into much newer Poinciana Gardens • ZZ Top rocks Key West Amphitheater; Kid Rock makes surprise guest appearance

DECEMBER In more recent history, ’twas the holiday season in Key West and all was merry and bright — provided one didn’t mention cruise ships, masks or national politics.

On Dec. 9, Safer Cleaner Ships organized a large demonstration on land and sea to oppose the arrival of a cruise ship at Pier B that exceeded the capacity limits that voters approved but state lawmakers overturned.

Key West celebrated the long-awaited opening of the new Community Health Inc. (CHI) health care center in Bahama Village, and officials are currently encouraging local voters to support the Jan. 18 referendum that will allow affordable housing to be built at Truman Waterfront.

The Key West holiday parade made a spectacular return after COVID canceled the 2020 event. And a full calendar of holiday performances, tours, boat parades, tree lighting and Santa photos filled Key Westers’ dance cards.

Also in December: • Key West pays tribute to World AIDS Day • Friends and relatives honor the lost lives of three Key West icons: Cheryl Cates, Paul Worthington and Jon Allen • Black Pumas christen renewed Parade Grounds at Fort East Martello during COAST Is Clear Music & Arts Festival • “Pope of Trash” John Waters sits down with the Keys Weekly before his Christmas show at Key West Theater • Deputies arrested for fighting with Navy sailors on Duval • Manuel Cabeza’s family thanks Key West 100 years after his death at the hands of the KKK

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021 CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

A YEAR OF LOSS AND STRUGGLE, LOVE AND RESILIENCE

2021 IN MONROE COUNTY

right now, not because they are positive for COVID but because of contact tracing.”

Cudjoe Key resident Cindy Dreson was one of many impassioned speakers at the Aug. 10 school board meeting about the mask mandate. ‘More people die on U.S. 1 every year than will ever die of COVID,’ she claimed incorrectly. CONTRIBUTED

Christopher Massicotte, left, with fiance Eric Ault, prove that dating in the Keys isn’t a complete hot mess. CONTRIBUTED

LOVE IN PARADISE: KEYS LOCALS HAVE SMALL-TOWN DATING CHALLENGES, BUT REASON TO HOPE Feb. 11, 2021 edition When Keys Weekly asked locals what the dating scene is like, they kept repeating a popular saying: “In the Keys you don’t lose your girl, you just lose your turn.” In other words, it’s slim pickin’s out there.

But don’t worry, singles: There is hope.

We all need to remember that we are fortunate to live in paradise.

Christopher Massicotte, 45, told us, “I met my fiance in a hotel bar in Orlando, on March 6, just before lockdown. He is a flight attendant for American and was on a layover, and I was there for work. I invited him to come visit, and he never left. Nine months later, we were engaged. I proposed to him at the Dry Tortugas. But if it wasn’t for Key West, we wouldn’t be together. Someone asked him if I’d said, ‘I live in Columbus, Ohio,’ would he have come to visit, and he said, ‘Probably not.’”

SCHOOLS SUPER: SOCIAL DISTANCING ‘HAS BECOME A PROBLEM’ April 29, 2021, edition At the April 27 Monroe County School District board meeting, Superintendent Theresa Axford announced that more than 100 Key West High School students have been quarantined in just the fourth week of the school district’s reopening to five days of in-person instruction.

“The social distancing at 3 feet, which is what we’re able to do now with more students returned to school, has become a problem when there is a positive case and contact tracing goes on,” she told the assembled board members. “There are 126 students who are out at Key West High School

‘HEATED ISSUE? AN UNDERSTATEMENT’: SCHOOL BOARD VOTES UNANIMOUSLY TO MANDATE MASKS; PARENTS MAY OPT OUT Aug. 12, 2021 edition The Aug. 10 school board meeting saw at least a half-dozen emotional public speakers expressing their opinion — both pro and con — about a mask mandate, as well as board members under pressure to explain their thought processes before they voted and an impassioned plea from well-known pediatrician Stan Zuba to “defy the governor.”

In the end, the board unanimously approved a mask mandate for anyone on school property. An opt-out option will be made available for parents who sign an official document, a disclaimer prepared by the legal department.

As of April 29, pet owners have 90 days to apply for a no-cost permit and identify their pets with a microchip, and they must meet new outdoor caging requirements by Oct. 26, 2021.

If iguanas are found chipless in the wild after Oct. 26, the circumstances are dire.

KEY WEST MAN CHANGED HIS LIFE IN MONROE COUNTY’S JAIL REHAB July 8, 2021, edition “It’s been a heck of a long journey for me, and thanks to this program I feel like I found a missing piece of the puzzle. I just celebrated 32 months clean. I just turned 57. Since I was 19 years old, I haven’t had this much sobriety in my life,” said a participant in JIP, Monroe County’s Jail In-House Drug Abuse Treatment Program.

In a grant application for the program, Monroe County staff said the county has “drug abuse rates higher than both the state and national averages.”

REMEMBERING MIKE FORSTER: A MAN WITH A HEART AND A WILL TO TACKLE VARIOUS CAUSES Sept. 16, 2021 edition Blown-out windows from Hurricane Irma didn’t stop Mike Forster from opening his cafe to feed the many who responded to the disaster. A complete closure of the Keys to visitors during the early stages of the COVID-19 affected businesses and paychecks, propelling the Mangrove Mike’s Cafe owner to step up and help out in a time of need.

Ask Forster’s close friends what made him special to a tight-knit Upper Keys community, and they’ll say it was his heart.

County Commissioner Mike Forster died from COVID-19 on Sept. 6, 2021.

APPLE FILMING 10-EPISODE SERIES IN KEYS: SHOW BASED ON HIAASEN NOVEL; VINCE VAUGHN PRODUCING, STARRING November 18, 2021 edition So residents should keep an eye out in 2022 — maybe Vince Vaughn will be ordering a brew next to you at your favorite watering hole.

The FWC has created rules to control the exploding iguana population and other invasive reptiles.

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION/Contributed

FWC WILL EXTERMINATE IGUANAS CAUGHT IN THE WILD WITHOUT MICROCHIPS AFTER OCTOBER May 20, 2021 edition The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced in February that residents who currently keep iguanas as pets have to microchip the animals, apply for permits and cage them during a scheduled grace period.

MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER EDDIE MARTINEZ RESIGNS ONE WEEK AFTER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST Dec. 7, 2021 at keysweekly.com County Commissioner Eddie Martinez resigned from the commission a week after he was arrested in Miami following a domestic dispute.

Commissioner Holly Raschein said she’s grateful to Commissioner Martinez for sparing Monroe County the turmoil and doing the right thing by resigning. “I hope this incident reminds us all that domestic violence and substance abuse remains an endemic problem in our community and that we must redouble our efforts to address it,” she said. “I wish Eddie and his family the best in finding peace in their lives.”

16

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, the oldest known living wild bird, and one of her chicks.

JOHN KLAVITTER/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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

I

went down a weird internet rabbit hole the other day, trying to ascertain whether a certain Australian cockatoo was dead or alive. The sulphur-crested cockatoo in question was named Fred and was alleged to be 100 years old. Impressive.

Fred was a resident at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Southern Australia, where folks had made a big to-do about him reaching the century mark. One newspaper report said the celebration involved not just a party with face painting and something called a “sausage sizzle,” but also a message from Queen Elizabeth herself congratulating the bird on its longevity.

But that story was from 2014, and there has been nary a peep or squawk about Fred the Cockatoo since then. You’d think if the bird — thought to be the oldest of any in captivity — was still alive they’d celebrate his longevity on a regular basis, perhaps with an annual party, or occasional press release with a cute photo. If not annually, maybe every five years, which would have been in 2019.

I mean, how often does a bird that lives in one of your cages turn 105?

On the other hand, if he was dead, how could no one have mentioned it? How could they have not held a wake where the bird lay in state and people’s tears ruined their face paint?

I did further research, by which I mean Googling versions of “Fred the Cockatoo” several different ways, and found a 1990 story about how Fred the Cockatoo had been one of the three birds that sat on the shoulder of actor and future-accused-wifekiller Robert Blake in the 1970s tough-guy cop drama “Baretta,” and how it had been kidnapped by some ne’er-do-wells who expected to get a big fat ransom. But the birdnapping attracted too much press, so the suspects released Fred in a park in Escondido, California. I also found a 2015 story about how Fred the Cockatoo one day escaped from his cage and was seen roaming around the Carlsbad, California, countryside with a flock of American crows. It turns out those were two totally different cockatoos named Fred, and Fred is just a popular name for high-profile and newsworthy cockatoos.

The Google trail went cold after that, the Bing trail even colder. And I’m not sure whether Fred the Centenary Cockatoo is still with us or if, as John Cleese said, he has gone to join the choir invisible. But I vow, as soon as the tightwads who control the purse strings at Key West Weekly approve my travel budget, I will fly down to Australia, find out exactly what the hell is going on with Fred the Cockatoo, and report back.

I’d gone down the Fred the Cockatoo rabbit hole while thinking about some animals’ life expectancy. I read a few weeks ago

that mourning doves only live about a year on average. That just seems so short. No wonder they’re constantly in mourning. It seemed so sad when you compared it to, say, Johnathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise who is 188 years old, or to bowhead whales who are thought to live up to 200 years, or to Greenland sharks, who are thought to live up to 400 years.

The bird that really got me thinking about these things was a Laysan albatross named Wisdom. Wisdom’s recent press includes stories in the New York Times and on National Public Radio. Her claim to fame is that she is the oldest known living wild bird.

Captive animals tend to live much longer than those in the wild, where the risks are much greater — predators, pollution, starvation, inclement weather and just the bodily wear and tear of surviving all that.

A typical long-lived Laysan albatross will live 40 years. Wisdom just hit 70.

She was banded on the nest on Midway Island in the middle of the Pacific in 1956 by ornithologist Chandler Robbins, who banded over 150,000 birds in his lifetime. He’s also famous in the birder world for having written “Birds of North America: A Guide To Field Identification,” which is more commonly referred to as the Golden Guide. (Bands are light metal or plastic bracelets with numbers on them that are attached loosely around birds’ legs so people can identify individuals. Wisdom’s band reads Z333.)

Wisdom may actually be older than 70. Most Laysan albatrosses reach sexual maturity around 8 or 9, but some reach it as early as 5, so the researchers went with that number.

If you’re one of those people who think it’s not the years, but the mileage that defines a life, it should be noted that Laysan albatrosses can fly up to 350 miles in a day — largely without flapping — and that Wisdom is estimated, conservatively, to have flown at least 3 million miles in her lifetime — to the moon and back six times.

She has also raised somewhere between 30 and 36 chicks.

Laysan albatrosses tend to mate for life, but Wisdom has outlived several mates. She has been with her most recent beau — Akeakamai — since 2012.

She gathered a great deal of recent media attention because she laid an egg in December 2020 and hatched it with Akeakamai on Feb. 1 of this year.

The chick was named Kūkini, which means “messenger,” and now wears its own band.

17

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

Mainstreaming

H

BO’s new show “And Just Like That…” is the next chapter of its age-old hit “Sex and the City.”

Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis return as Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte, whereas Samantha has moved to London since Kim Cattrall chose not to reprise her role.

In case you’ve been living under a rock this week, the show has spawned controversy and criticism, but a devoted following (what doesn’t these days?). So we bring you…

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

From fictional crime fighters to a Colombian Disney cartoon and a new Star Wars series, we bring you some of the latest releases in the world of books, music, film and TV. LISTEN | ENCANTO Following the success of 2016’s “Moana,” Lin-Manuel Miranda reunites with Disney as chief songwriter for “Encanto,” a celebration of family that also pays tribute to Colombia’s rich and diverse musical tradition. There’s another name on the bill that’s exciting and noteworthy: Germaine Franco, the first female-identifying composer to score a Disney animated feature-length film. Listen now on Apple Music.

REVELATIONS AFTER WATCHING HBO’S “AND JUST LIKE THAT” 10. You can’t believe a show about wealthy white women in NYC isn’t socially relatable in 2021.

4. You just realized Samantha Jones was the only character worth watching, and she bailed out years ago.

9. You just realized it was a show about Karens before you knew what a Karen was.

3. A Peloton commercial and “And Just Like That…” killed off Mr. Big after one week — but Peloton actually did it because he’s an alleged predator.

8. You have no idea what the Nasdaq is, but you’ve been really upset about the future of Peloton stock over the past two weeks.

7. You watched HBO’s “Sopranos” sequel and still thought, “I bet they get it right this time.”

6. You can’t believe a guy who calls himself “Mr. Big” could be accused of sexual assault in 2021.

5. You watched the 2008 “Sex and the City” movie and thought, “I bet they get it right this time.”

2. You watched this show and totally skipped “American Rust” with Jeff Daniels on Showtime. You clearly can’t be trusted with the remote.

1. You are disappointed that a show about the day-to-day social interactions among elite, fashionable white women can be so socially irresponsible, yet you can quote the last six seasons of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

WATCH | THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT On the sands of Tatooine, bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigate the Galaxy’s underworld and fight for Jabba the Hutt’s old territory. Temuera Morrison reprises his role as the galaxy’s most famous bounty hunter after returning to the Star Wars universe in “The Mandalorian.” The seven-episode Star Wars series premiered on Disney Plus on Dec. 29.

READ | CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Best-selling author Stuart Woods, who has owned a home in Key West, just released his latest Stone Barrington thriller, “Criminal Mischief.”

After yet another dangerous adventure, Stone Barrington is looking forward to some downtime at his Manhattan abode. But when an acquaintance alerts him to a hinky plot being hatched across the city, he finds himself eager to pursue justice.

He sets out on an international chase to catch an enemy more unpredictable than he has ever faced. Buy on Amazon.

18

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

SLIPPIN’ INTO 2022

A

fter the past two difficult years is an astrologer, we’ve all experiwanderer, barenced, it is with a tender and advocate for tempered optiqueer justice. He mism that I can is a loquacious share that the Gemini with a astrology of 2022 cozy Cancer rising. Find him at offers us some hearthandherald- lightness and, dare astrology.com I say, joy. As the planets continually move in their orbits, they are always forming friendly and contentious relationships to one another, so every year has its ups and downs. However, 2022 has a definitive change of tone over the past two years, particularly with the cosmic party boy Jupiter spending most of the year in its home sign of Pisces. I’m going to take you on an astrological whistle-stop tour of 2022, so grab your drinks and hop on. Toot toot!

On Jan. 1, Jupiter is already in its home sign of Pisces and will be until May 1. Jupiter is a happy camper in Pisces because it has immediate access to all of its stuff — it knows where the remote is, it’s sleeping in its own bed, and it doesn’t have to answer to any of the other planets’ house rules.

A happy Jupiter is a happy society, because Jupiter brings abundance, joy and expansive cohesion at the level of the collective. When Jupes is in Pisces, we can expect the first half of the year to have an air of spiritual and emotional celebration, as if all of the local musicians slipped “Kumbaya” into their set lists, and we collectively held hands down Duval Street smoking Delta-8 (for legal purposes). Can you feel it already? Toward the end of January, Jupiter slowly begins a conjunction with Neptune, amping up the dreamy quality of this party.

Our year also opens with Venus in retrograde motion until January 29, encouraging us all to continue to reflect on what we truly value. Venus, the alluring seductress, is joined by Pluto, the mysterious ruler of the underworld, and Mars, the celestial go-

CHRIS McNULTY

getter. The beginning of the year calls us into therapy, into the bedroom or tapping into the bank account (or all of the above). Get in touch with your true principles very early in the year to ride the upcoming planetary waves with a solid ballast.

Turning the focus onto Mars and Venus, from late January until late April the planetary lovers come together for their amorous rendezvous, a steamy meeting that occurs every two years.

After getting right with our values during the Venus retrograde, we’ll have the opportunity to let the rubber hit the road with willful Mars injecting some serious energy into our relationships and all that we cherish. This is a really sexy time of the year, so pull out your dancing shoes, practice your flirtations and make your bed because it is time to fall in love with someone or something.

At the end of this love fest, Mars and Venus meet up with stodgy Saturn, who attempts a cold kibosh on the sweethearts’ tryst. To us humans, this can mean the end of love affairs or the beginning of serious relationships.

Either way, the romanticism meets hard reality in which the only option is to end it or get serious about it. The quicker-moving Venus flitters off and leaves assertive Mars with Saturn until the end of April, causing some frustration. Think of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. During this time, wield your energy with selfcontrol.

From mid-March to early May, Jupiter tightens its conjunction with nebulous Neptune, who has been chillin’ in Pisces since 2011. When these two get together (which they only do every 13 years or so), things get real trippy. Imagine one of Ken Kesey’s early acid parties with the Grateful Dead — major hallucination, spiritual celebration, dreamy dancing, dissolving institutions and mass confusion. During this period of time, we’ll all have the opportunity to experience spiritual release, but remember that every peak experience is followed by a coming-back-to-Earth, so don’t get lost in the ecstasy. We can expect a lot

of creativity flowing into the cultural sphere during this time, so look out for music bops, mind-expanding movies and other artsy flights-of-fancy.

At the end of April, our lil’ lovers Mars and Venus are starting to drift apart, but not before coming to the Jupiter-Neptune kaleidoscopic funkyfest. Throw in a solar eclipse on April 30, and the end of April/beginning of May promises to be lit, so make sure you have water and a buddy. The air will be filled with love, stamina, cheer, dreams — a blissful new beginning is beckoning.

On May 10, Jupiter will leave its Pisces home for a jaunt into Aries, changing the collective dynamic until it retrogrades back into Pisces on October 23. Jupiter represents societal cohesion. If the first part of the year is marked by social unity centered on spiritual and emotional communion, most of the second half will be marked by coming together around a common warrior’s cause. What will we fight for together? Pay attention, because Jupiter will return to Aries for most of 2023.

We will look in depth at the second half of the year together in June, but one major transit to prepare for is Mars retrograde in Gemini from October 30 through January 12, 2023.

The end of the year will feel a bit stunted, as confident Mars prefers to move forward. While this will not be the best time for active socializing, it will be a good time to assess how we put energy into social, intellectual and communicative pursuits.

It is my hopeful opinion that next year will be much more buoyant for all of us after the rather traumatic two years we’ve all gone through. Everyone’s experience will be unique as these world transits will hit everyone’s birth chart differently, but the overall picture appears decidedly more festive. My overall advice: Put your party pants on, but clean as you go. *Note to astrologers: I use fairly large 12-15 degree orbs of influence for world transits, consistent with the archetypal school of astrology.

19

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

KEYS WEEKLY’S NEWS TRAVELS FAST TOP ONLINE STORIES AND SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS OF 2021

P

ost. Share. Like. Comment. Follow. The words have acquired new significance in the past digital decade, spreading news, information, rumors, photos, opinions, jokes and cat videos faster than Omicron.

With help from our digital marketing strategist Maison Benitez at OMG (Overseas Media Group), the Keys Weekly analyzed a year’s worth of online news and social media posts to see which ones got the most attention.

Here are three of our top performers from keysweekly.com, Facebook and Instagram:

WEBSITE — keysweekly.com

FACEBOOK — @The Weekly Newspapers

INSTAGRAM — @keysweekly

“Key West to redesign Duval Street” — Feb. 12, 2021

Gymnast Mia Puig: Key West’s 11-year-old Olympic hopeful — June 26, 2021

Cuban chug: Cubans risk death crossing Florida Straits to freedom

“Key West building officials fear condo is unsafe for habitation” — Sept. 2, 2021

Key West’s cruise ship limits overturned by state senate — April 22, 2021

Underwater photo: Dive into Keys Weekly’s new issue of OnBoard magazine

“Customer leaves $10,000 tip at Castaway in Marathon” — March 16, 2021

Iguana Invasion: State wildlife officers control reptile population — May 18, 2021

Scenic Alligator Lighthouse: National Parks Service gives Upper Keys lighthouse to Local nonprofit

21

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

SPORTS & MORE

KEY WEST HAS PRODUCED — AND HOSTED — MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS

T

here are a half dozen baseball playRALPH ers from Key MORROW West who played in ... a veteran sports the Major Leagues — columnist, says Randy Sterling, Boog the only sport Powell, Khalil Greene, he doesn’t follow Vic Albury, Carl Taylor is cricket. That and Bronson Arroyo. leaves plenty But what about of others to fill his time. players who came ralphmoro1936 from other areas, yet @gmail.com have played here on the island? Someone, perhaps Judd Wise at Key West High School, should put together a list.

I remember writing about one player, John Nogowski Jr., during a very successful youth baseball tournament here 16 or so years ago. Teams came from several Florida cities.

There were a few of us from the newspaper, reporting on the players and the results. I remember interviewing a girl who was playing in what was otherwise a boys’ tournament.

I also wrote about a team from Tallahassee and a player from that area named John Nogowski.

His father, John Nogowski Sr., wrote to thank me for writing about his son. I replied, and we’ve since kept in touch. The father let me know his son had gone on to play baseball for Florida State and then was drafted by the Oakland A’s.

Young John Nogowski has been on the go since then, playing his way up the Minor League trail, appearing for 17 teams, as I count them. He even played in the Dominican and Mexican Pacific Winter leagues.

A couple years ago, John Sr. told me his son had become a St. Louis Cardinal. Last spring, I saw him on television belt a home run against the Miami Marlins. I followed him through spring training and fully expected he would find a spot on the St. Louis roster. But he didn’t. Instead, after four at-bats with the Cardinals that made him an official big leaguer, The Big Nogowski, as he had become known, was sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates and I again saw him on TV playing first base against the Marlins.

When the season ended, I texted the father and wished young John success with the Pirates.

COME WORSHIP WITH US ‘‘The churches of Christ greet you.’’ Romans 16:16 NKJV ENGLISH SERVICE Sunday Bible Study 10am (on site) Service 11am (on site) & Service 6pm (on site) Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm (on site)

KREYOL SEVIS

John Nogowski played in a youth baseball tournament in Key West before heading to the majors after college. CONTRIBUTED

Back came a text that told me that the Pirates had dropped him, and he was now with the San Francisco Giants. As I was thinking about writing this piece, I hopped back online and discovered he had moved again, taken by the Atlanta Braves in the draft of Minor League players.

Nogowski will turn 29 on Jan. 5, which makes him a tad old to make the majors (again).

After high school in Tallahassee, he played three seasons at Florida State, batting .250, .277 and .307 with seven home runs.

In 2004, the A’s took him in the 34th round of the draft, 1,032nd overall. In the minors, he got as high as Class AA before moving to the Cards, who placed him at Memphis in Triple A, where he batted .295 in 2019. On Aug. 16, 2020, he debuted in St. Louis, getting a single in four at-bats. In St. Louis and Pittsburgh, he has batted a combined .233 average with but one home run over 53 games.

When games were supposedly out of hand, he was even sent into pitch, three times in the minors and a pair of games with Pittsburgh. He was credited with the victory in two games in the minors.

We wish him well as he continues his career.

If you know of others who have visited Key West and made it to the major leagues, let me know.

Email the pertinent information to me at ralphmoro1936@gmail.com.

I’ll mention it in this column. And I’ll pass it on to Judd Wise.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

EYE-CATCHING COVER DESIGNS

Open House

KEY WEST WEEKLY’S GRAPHIC DESIGNER GETS READERS’ ATTENTION MANDY MILES

I

mandy@keysweekly.com

f a picture is worth a thousand words, one skilled graphic designer could be worth 1,000 writers, although that doesn’t speak well for my job security, given the insanely creative talent of Keys Weekly’s own Irene de Bruijn.

Every week, she pores through

1420 White Street, Key West Thursday, 12/30 from 3:30pm - 5:30pm Sunday, 1/2 from 11am - 2pm Offered for: 1,998,900

news stories and photos and illustrations to design a cover that will catch our readers’ attention from a newspaper box several yards away. And she nails it every week.

From sweet Valentine’s Day love notes, to funny one-liners and her “magic wand,” Irene makes us all look good.

Here’s a few of our favorite Key West Weekly covers from 2021:

Represented by: Ellen Gvili c. 305.304.2933 e. egvili@oceansir.com

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Left: The Feb. 11 edition of the Key West Weekly featured love stories from around the Florida Keys for Valentine’s Day, and graphic artist Irene de Bruijn found the perfect image in artist Nick Walker’s 2012 mural “Vandal Heart,” which he illegally painted on a wall in Paris in less than an hour.

Right: What a difference a year makes. The March 18 issue recalled the one-year anniversary of COVID’s arrival in the Florida Keys, which shuttered bars, restaurants and non-essential businesses. That week’s cover shows the Southernmost Point landmark as it appeared on March 20, 2020, then again a year later once the throngs of camera-toting tourists had returned.

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Left: Thanks, Mom! The Key West Weekly’s Mother’s Day cover stole our hearts — and put tears in our moms’ eyes as Irene created a heart out of photos of our own moms around the world.

Right: This delightful image shows how eagerly Key West business owners, locals and visitors embraced the new outdoor dining options that enabled social distancing and outdoor seating during times of closures and limited capacity regulations.

23

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

A KEY WEST FAMILY TRADITION IN FINE FOODS SINCE 1926 Lisa Forian, Pharmaceutical Product Senior Director

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ADDITIONAL DINING: Breakfast: 7:00am–11:00am | Flagler Ballroom Lunch: 11:30am–4:00pm | Sun-Sun Beach Bar & Grill Bar Menu: 4:00pm–1:00am | Sun-Sun Beach Bar & Grill

RESERVATIONS: OPENTABLE.COM | 305.304.3818 CASAMARINARESORT.COM | 1500 REYNOLDS STREET, KEY WEST To learn more about Dining at Casa Marina, our Event Calendar or Recreation, please use your phone camera to scan these QR codes.

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24

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

at the Perry

FLORIDA KEYS WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

fREE CONCERTS 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

The Porch Tour at The Perry featuring Nick Norman & Friends January 15th | 7p-9p

Nick Norman with Caffeine Carl Joey Marchiano & Kristen McNamara

February 26th | 7p-9p

Nick Norman with Finnegan bell special Guest marjory lee

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Nick Norman with Joal Rush Special Guest Tony Roberts

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Nick Norman with JERROD NIEMANN & Special Guest JASON LAMSON

May 22nd | 7p-9p

The porch tour kick-off presented by Frosted Frog & Loud Lemon

7011 Shrimp Rd., Key West, FL | perrykeywest.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! WARMLY, THE TEAM AT DR. GUZMAN’S OFFICE

Located at 2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West, FL 33040 Phone 305.294.9914 • Fax 305.295.9691 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com

25

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE WATERFRONT YOUTH THEATRE and the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of the FLORIDA KEYS present

Book by Dennis Kelley Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin Directed by Tom Thayer Designed by Michael Boyer Choreography by Penny Leto, Lauren Thompson and Joshua Lawson Musical Direction by Nancy 3 Hoffman

With David Black Carolyn Cooper Joshua Lawson Samara MacDonald Mathias Maloff Jessica Miano Kruel Barbara Mundy and Honah Leigh McConnell Isabella Hunter, Ashlyn Picco Sutton Sayer, Juliana Strunk Dianna Holliman, Zyaire Allen Phineas Haskell, Julien Gehin Arthur Crocker, Ervin Tumm James Harcup, Angelina Diaz Mia Cawvey, Jillian Todd Lauren Thompson and Heather May Sloan

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

JANUARY EXHIBITIONS ON VIEW JAN 6-27, 2022

MARK HEDDEN

Serving Ipswich Whole Bellied Clams & Maine Lobster

SOUTH OF SOUTHERNMOST Featuring exhibitions by Mark Hedden, Nicholas Hill, Christopher Santoro and Ann Labriola

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

Visit tskw.org for more info on gallery hours and opening reception times.

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28

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

2021: THE REARVIEW MIRROR LOOKING BACK ON MARATHON’S MOST IMPORTANT 2021 STORIES As Marathon continued to battle through the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong start to vaccinations, the city also saw the birth of a brand new hospital and library, the closure of its only department store, and some semblance of normalcy with the return of highly-anticipated old and new yearly events. Take a stroll through 2021’s top Weekly headlines.

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

Keys schools were ordered to reopen full-time in March. CONTRIBUTED. Crane Point’s restored and repurposed train car takes its rightful place in the location of Marathon’s original train station circa 1909. CONTRIBUTED. JANUARY OLD CAR, NEW LIFE Restored train car anchors Marathon museum The restoration of Crane Point’s vintage train car was a labor of love for Lynn Voit.

For many years, the train car was located on Pigeon Key. In December 2018, it was moved to its current location, which is the exact spot where Marathon’s original train station stood around 1908. The train car will serve as museum office space and a boardroom.

Soccer champs - The Marathon High School Dolphins were crowned 2021 district champions, defeating Keys Gate 5-1. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly FEBRUARY DISTRICT CHAMPS! MHS boys soccer team advances to regionals Marathon High School soccer coach Arno Silva said the high school team has been dreaming about a championship trophy for three years. “We felt this year it was our time to win a title,” Silva said. Henry Herrera scored four goals, and Anthony Machado scored another on a penalty kick to defeat Keys Gate, last year’s district champions.

MARCH STATE EDUCATION CHIEF ORDERS MCSD TO FULLY OPEN SCHOOLS Schools, students, parents react to state mandate The state’s top education official ordered Florida Keys schools to offer full-time, face-toface instruction for all students by the end of the month, despite the school district’s and the health department’s continuing concerns.

Superintendent Theresa Axford apologized to teachers in an email. “It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this afternoon,” Axford wrote. “... We have been aware of a group of parents who have been pursuing this option, but we believed that we were working with them to resolve their concerns….(Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran) has sent a clear directive that indicates there will be significant financial penalties if we do not comply with his order.”

Only a handful of cars were in Marathon’s Kmart parking lot on the afternoon of March 29. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly APRIL GOODBYE, KMART Job sites advertise positions in Marathon, Key Largo for ‘store closing” There are no signs on the doors or goingout-of-business sales, but the Kmart stores in Marathon and Key Largo appear to be on the way toward closure.

According to Forbes, the two Keys locations and a Kmart store in California were all put on the chopping block quietly on a Friday evening, March 26.

Keys Weekly was privileged to receive a sneak peek inside Fishermen’s Community Hospital before its opening in June. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly MAY AN ANCHOR FOR THE HEART OF THE KEYS Fishermen’s Hospital opens in early June On Monday, June 7, the new Fishermen’s Community Hospital will open to the public.

The 37,000-square-foot, $43.7 million facility is nearing completion and the Keys Weekly recently received an exclusive first look.

The new hospital held a ribbon-cutting on July 1, and Dr. Derek Papp successfully completed the facility’s first surgeries – two shoulder arthroscopies – on Oct. 4.

The brand new Marathon branch of the Monroe County Public Library opened its many high-tech attractions to the public on June 26.

JUNE NEW NOOKS FOR BOOKS New facility features so many high-tech, wonderful details The stunning new, $7.5 million Marathon branch of Monroe County Public Libraries opened June 26. The county’s hope is that the library will become the “community’s living room.” There are multiple meeting spaces, an activities center upstairs for yoga or science lab or Dungeon and Dragons games; and a teen center equipped with video games. The library also offers plenty of nooks and crannies where patrons can be “alone, together” whether seated on the couch with USB ports, or in a futuristic desk/chair.

A Marathon man holds a sign that reads ‘Down with Diaz-Canel’ and ‘Homeland and Life.’ The second slogan is a revision of Fidel Castro’s slogan of ‘Homeland or Death.’ GINA REYES/Contributed

29

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

JULY #SOSCuba Cubans in the Keys tell of the struggle 90 miles away On July 11, thousands of protesters in Cuba took to the streets in at least five cities, and were joined by thousands more in South Florida on July 12. This is the largest protest in Cuba since 1956. The hashtag “#SOSCuba” is trending on Twitter and everyone from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to entertainers Gloria Estefan and Pitbull is voicing support for Cuban people. Keys locals, many with immediate family members in Cuba, say the situation in the island nation has deteriorated. The pressures of COVID and its reduction in international tourism have resulted in very reduced medical care and food shortages in Cuba.

Brew bq grillers: Dallas Cook, left, Matt Pitcher, Spook Roussin, Randy Botteri and Tyler Blanton model the latest in grilling fashion for the first Florida Keys Brew BQ. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly STUFFED & SATED Brew BQ a win-win The first Florida Keys Brew BQ attracted a great-size crowd at the Marathon Community Park July 17-18. Quaffing craft brews kept core temperatures down and the crowds were entertained by live music, shopping fun, kids games and lots of good food. Festival goers thronged the “big rig” barbecue joints, as well as local favorites like the Kaiyo Catering, La Isla and Bongos tents. The locals’ tents were thronged with supporters and family.

was going well. But folks in Washington rarely asked them. They befriended many Afghans.

They buried best friends. They woke many mornings covered in three inches of dust, dirt and sand. They heard the horrors of prior Taliban rule and fought to resist its return. For 20 years, American military personnel — and other foreign soldiers — fought a war in, but not against, Afghanistan. Many agree, the end of America’s involvement over the past month was ill-planned and potentially lethal to Afghan allies — soldiers’ interpreters and friends who are left behind. The speed with which the Taliban reclaimed Afghanistan cities was alarming to many, but not surprising to those who had been there.

Three generations of Gonzalez men are on hand to witness Luis’ re-election. From left, Luis, Trey, and Louie Gonzalez. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler entertains the crowd after sunset at the 2021 Best of Marathon Awards.

SEPTEMBER EVERYONE WINS AT THE BEST OF MARATHON Annual event brings community together for a purpose The excitement of the Best of Marathon reached its crescendo this past Saturday night when the winners of the 2021 people’s choice awards were announced at the Marathon Community Park. For the first time ever, the Best of Marathon was held al fresco – under bistro lighting where a crowd of more than 200 business leaders, elected officials and Marathon Rotarians celebrated the recent accomplishments of our community.

Since 2013, the Best of Marathon has served as a fundraiser for the Marathon Rotary Club, where 100% of sponsorships, tickets, drink and raffle sales goes directly to the club to support scholarships for local youth and other community projects.

Brew bq grillers: Dallas Cook, left, Matt Pitcher, Spook Roussin, Randy Botteri and Tyler Blanton model the latest in grilling fashion for the first Florida Keys Brew BQ. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly AUGUST FIRSTHAND ACCOUNTS FROM AFGHANISTAN VETERANS Keys veterans respond to America’s crude exit They were there. On the ground. In Afghanistan. The veterans and active duty service members saw what was happening in real life, in real time, a half a world away.

They knew what was going wrong — and what

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, Sombrero Beach Road became the course for the All-County cross country showdown among Marathon, Key West, and Coral Shores high schools.

Marathon’s Pedro Zapata took home the gold medal for the boys.

Marathon’s Pedro Zapata takes the boys’ overall title with a time of 17:11. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly OCTOBER Runnin’ Down a Dream Marathon’s Pedro Zapata wins All-County cross country meet

NOVEMBER MARATHON HAS SPOKEN Luis Gonzalez and Trevor Wofsey win two open seats on Marathon City Council Luis Gonzalez and Trevor Wofsey won the two available seats on the Marathon City Council.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge is due to open very early in 2022. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly DECEMBER (ALMOST) READY AND WAITING Old Seven Mile Bridge renovations enter final stages The long-awaited completion of the Old 7 Mile Bridge project is just around the corner.

Originally scheduled as a four-year $41 million project, October 2022 would mark the end of the estimated project timeline from when bridge work actually commenced. The estimated completion eventually moved up to a March-through-May 2022 target date, and as it stands now, Pigeon Key executive director Kelly McKinnon said the new timeline should open the bridge “shortly after the new year.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

TOP STORIES OF 2021 College, governor visit and Kmart closure among highlights in the Upper Keys Construction of new facilities, acquisition of an iconic lighthouse off the Islamorada shores and the closure of one of the Keys’ only remaining box stores highlighted a busy 2021 in the upper island chain.

The year also saw a visit from Florida’s governor, the death of a local businessman/county commissioner and the return of major Keys events following their cancellation the year before due to COVID-19.

Smuggler’s Cove Marina and adjacent property at MM 85, bayside, were recently acquired by Chief Marine Group.

Located next to the only drawbridge in the Florida Keys, Chief Marine Group and its partners say they’re dedicated to developing a waterfront destination that includes marina fuel, boat sales, services, nightly accommodations and a variety of dining options.

DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

JANUARY A NEW ERA FOR HIGHER EDUCATION College construction begins in Key Largo Walls began to stand at the site of the new College of the Florida Keys along U.S. 1 in Key Largo at the beginning of 2020. With the razing of the old Shell World complete, construction of a twostory, 38,000-square-foot building on roughly two acres commenced. Completed in time for students in August, the $20 million Upper Keys Center is one of the first structures travelers see as they make their way into the Florida Keys. The facility accommodates students in programs like nursing, emergency medical technology, public safety, marine environmental technology and construction apprenticeships.

The Category 5 facility can also be used as an emergency operations center in the event of a storm. Officials celebrated completion of the facility in August.

TOP OFFICIAL IN THE KEYS Governor’s visit delivers good news Flanked by state and Monroe County officials at Key Largo’s Murray Nelson Government Center in early January, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $16.7 million would be making its way to the island chain to address flooding and enhance stormwater systems, among other projects. It’s part of $100 million in Rebuild Florida funds being doled out by the state to 24 communities affected by storms. Of the funds allotted locally, $1.3 million will assist homeowners in Key Largo vulnerable to storm surge. Monroe County will get just over $10.4 million for sea level rise and flood prevention projects. “Controlling water has been a challenge that Florida has faced throughout the entire history of the state, and it’s one we’ll continue to face. But it’s one we’re going to deal with head on,” DeSantis said. “We feel excited to be able to do it, and we’re excited to help out the good folks of Monroe County. The folks here are resilient. They understand, unfortunately, storms are part of life.

When it happens we want to be there to be able to offer our support.”

FEBRUARY ‘OVER IT’ Multimillion-dollar bridge canceled in Islamorada An elevated walkway over U.S. 1 neared construction next to Islamorada’s Founders Park. A village dais united in opposition to the project and public outcry, however, led to the cancellation of the $4.68-million state project to construct the Keys’ first pedestrian bridge on the Overseas Highway. A letter issued by the Florida Department of Transportation District 6 Secretary James Wolfe on Feb. 5 informed Mayor Buddy Pinder of the department’s decision to cancel the Founders Park Pedestrian Bridge.

Action by FDOT to end the project swiftly — just weeks before installing foundations — came following a letter from Pinder on behalf of the village council on Jan. 20 that urged the Florida governor to instruct FDOT to cease any further construction. Wolfe’s letter stated the change of position is “unfortunately timed” and “causing a loss of public funds.” According to state transportation officials, a total of $1,616,848 was spent by the department on the project. “I guess they found out we were serious and we were going to continue on, and we got the job done,” said Henry Rosenthal, who led the push.

DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

HABITAT HOUSING Windley Key Condos complete When six families moved into their new homes at the Windley Key Condominiums in Islamorada in February, it also marked completion of the biggest project undertaken by Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys so far.

Habitat board members, local subcontractors, village officials and community members watched as Lindsay Fast, new Habitat executive director, cut the red ribbon alongside several families.

With a groundbreaking in August 2018, work was completed in early 2021.

Of the 16 units, eight are designated for ownership and eight for rentals.

They’re two-bed, two-and-half-bath units with balconies and views of the oceanside. “We’re super excited with the completion of this project,” Fast said. “It’s life-changing for hardworking families who work here in Monroe County.

MARCH COMMUNITY SUPPORT Boy gets swing A special-needs swing at the park gained momentum following a post

by Rebecca Rowe to a local Facebook community page, known as the Real Locals of the Florida Keys, that told young Blake Pera’s story. On March 14, Monroe County and Robert Glassmer, administrator of buildings, parks and beaches, had installed a swing for Blake, who has cerebral palsy, at Key Largo Park. Above the swing is a name plate with Blake’s name. With March being Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Blake’s mother, Jessica, said she couldn’t be more thankful to the community for allowing her son to have some fun at the park. “Everybody from this community came in to help.

We’re blown away and grateful to be part of this community,” she said.

NEW MARINA OWNERS Smugglers Cove, Angler House sell Miami-based Integra Marinas announced in March the sale of Islamorada and Angler House marinas to Safe Harbor Marinas for $18 million. Integra Marinas said it spent millions for improvements that included overhauling docks and wet slips to the building of a large tiki and resort-style pool. Amenities were also upgraded, including the addition of Islamorada Square Grouper to Islamorada Marina in 2019.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

APRIL ‘SO LONG’ BOX STORE Kmart closes in Key Largo The Keys’ largest box store closed shops in Key Largo and Marathon in April following temporary job postings for a “store closing.” Inside the Key Largo store, blocked-off areas shrunk the store. The toy and clothes departments remained, but the seasonal section, electronics area and outdoors department were barricaded. Remaining supplies from those departments were placed on racks in other aisles. The Marathon store reportedly opened in 1977 and the Key Largo store in 1987, according to Michael Lisicky, a self-described department store historian.

NEW MAN IN CHARGE Mariners, Fishermen’s has new CEO The departure of the hospitals’ longtime leader, Rick Freeburg, left Baptist searching for a successor to lead the two Keys hospitals. Following a search, in came Drew Grossman as the next chief executive officer. In his time with various hospital networks, Grossman said his vision always centered around “compassionate and quality care.” Carrying that to the Keys, Grossman said, it’s not always about how nice the facility looks from outside — it’s the care patients experience inside. “These will be known as top-notch hospitals,” he said. “I’m all about creating a process here that we all know how to do it right from start to finish.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

MAY FOX FINDS HOME …. IN THE KEYS? Local starts nonprofit for furry friends Saved from a fur farm and finding a new island home: a 6-week-old fox with blemishes is safe in the Keys.

In early May, Key Largo resident and founder of Pawsitive Beginnings Inc., Nicole Navarro, received word that several baby foxes were being rescued from a Minnesota fur farm. Navarro couldn’t say “no” to taking one of them, having given four older foxes sanctuary at her home last year. She flew with a friend to Save A Fox sanctuary in Minnesota, which safeguards foxes with injuries and fur flaws. The nonprofit saves the furry animals, which are deemed “no good” by fur farmers and left to be killed. On May 6, Navarro retrieved the tiny fox she calls “Reef.”

“I was driving one day before I got him, and it popped into my head,” said Navarro, who started her nonprofit to raise awareness about fur farming. “I thought it was very fitting.”

JUNE ‘OVERCROWDED’ Small Key Largo park shuts down A small county-owned park in a Key Largo residential neighborhood closed to the public following complaints surrounding its overuse. Sunset Point Park stayed closed for the Fourth of July and beyond as county officials worked on a management plan that addresses parking, among other issues. The once hidden gem in Sunset Point Park has become a popular spot for visitors and daytrippers. Park users frequently exceed the limited parking for the neighborhood park by parking vehicles and boat trailers on the shoulder of the narrow neighborhood roads. Eventually the park opened up, but on a limited basis.

NEW MANAGER TAKES HELM Islamorada Council selects former Port St. Lucie Mayor June 28 marked the final meeting and June 30 the final day for Port St.

Lucie Mayor Greg Oravec. He packed his belongings and fit in final interviews with city media before making his way to the Keys for his next journey as manager for the village of Islamorada. A decision to leave Port St. Lucie, where he served for some 20 years, was not easy for Oravec and his family.

He wrote to city residents in early June following Islamorada Village Council’s decision to pick him as the next village manager. In reading the recruitment for the position, Oravec said, he felt that the position was calling his name — the closing date for applications was the same day as his mom’s birthday.

His mom, who passed away in 2013, always enjoyed visiting Oravec when he lived in the Keys in the late ’90s.

JULY A SECOND STORY School adds another floor Construction of a second-story, middle-school wing at Key Largo’s Ocean Studies Charter School commenced in July. At the corners of the facility’s second floor, four classrooms will be constructed for ELA, math, civics and multi-purpose use. A courtyard with seating in the middle will give students the ability to eat and learn in the open air. “The changes have all taken place so quickly, but it’s so much fun,” said Principal Trisha Woods. “The biggest thing for me is being able to see our fifth graders be able to continue with us through eighth grade. For me, that’s the biggest thing — not losing them.”

AUGUST LOCAL VETS REACT TO AFGHANISTAN EXIT ‘Tough to stomach’ Those who served in Afghanistan agreed that the end of America's departure was ill-planned and potentially lethal to Afghan allies — soldiers' interpreters and friends who are left behind. The speed with which the Taliban reclaimed Afghanistan cities was alarming to many, but not surprising to those who had been there, including those who had warned the politicians of the Taliban's continuing presence and increasing strength, as well as the vulnerabilities of the Afghan military and government. “It’s tough to stomach. I lost a couple classmates over there. I actually put one in Arlington in 2007. It’s unfortunate we spent 20 years with loss of life to American soldiers, and as soon as we pulled out, the trained Afghani National Army, the police and other agencies there lasted 10 days,” said Nick Hodge, of Islamorada, who served in the U.S. Army, First Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

the executive director of the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen's Association, expressed himself in a more understated way. “It’s not overwhelming, I can tell you that,” he told Keys Weekly about the 2021 stone crab harvest’s first weekend in October. Gary Graves, vice president at Marathon’s Keys Fisheries Market & Marina, which buys stone crabs from the commercial fishermen then sells them to the public, is a little more blunt. “The catch is way off in our area,” he said. “It’s very slow. But it’s the second day of season. It’s hard to predict.”

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

MIKE FORSTER PASSES AWAY FROM COVID-19 An animal lover whose nirvana was fishing in the Everglades, Mike Forster inspired many people by his many causes, from a student’s education to shoes for Ugandan children. Forster passed away on Sept. 6 after a battle with COVID-19. Forster spent most of his years living in Islamorada yet served those in need throughout the Upper Keys and eventually throughout the Florida Keys. One of his most cherished and celebrated missions involved traveling with a group of locals led by Pastor Tony Hammon to Uganda, Africa, to serve the hundreds of children living in orphanages, making annual treks from 2016 through 2018.

LIGHTHOUSE ACQUIRED Pair of locals ready to reinvigorate Alligator Organizers of the annual swim out to Alligator Lighthouse, Rob Dixon and Larry “Lighthouse” Herlth, received news of a lifetime when a letter arrived that gave the final stamp of approval that granted ownership of the lighthouse to their nonprofit. Efforts to secure Alligator Lighthouse go back more than two years, when the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security determined there was no need for them to own and operate it.

That announcement also brought an end to lighthouse maintenance, which propelled several groups to apply to the National Parks Service to secure the lighthouse and initiate restoration.

“This is our Statue of Liberty. A lot of our activities focus around Alligator Lighthouse. It’s our place to go and it would be tragic if it ever fell,” Dixon said.

APPLE FILMING IN THE KEYS Show based on ‘Bad Monkey,’ a Hiaasen novel A prestige series with major Hollywood players is set to film in the Keys in 2022.

Per the Hollywood Reporter, the production has been ordered by Apple and is based on the 2013 Carl Hiaasen novel “Bad Monkey.” The series will be 10 episodes to start and executive produced and starring Vince Vaughn of “Wedding Crashers” fame. The showrunner? Bill Lawrence, who just swept the Emmys with the series “Ted Lasso” and created the sitcom “Scrubs.” “A show like this would be really great for the Keys,” said Florida Keys film commissioner Chad Newman, who confirmed that the production company has been in touch with him. “Production is starting to ramp up and look for locations. It will be produced by Warner Bros. TV and start mid next year.”

OCTOBER CRAB SUPPLIES LOW As one commercial fisherman colorfully put it, “I could catch more crabs on Duval Street right now than in the Florida Bay.” Understandably, Bill Kelly,

DECEMBER COMMISSIONER RESIGNS Decision comes following domestic violence arrest Citing health issues, Monroe County Commissioner Eddie Martinez resigned from the Monroe County Commission in December. An official resignation letter was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to a county press release. A representative serving the west end of Key West, Martinez informed officials late last week that he’d be taking a voluntary leave of absence for 30 days.

It all comes following his domestic violence-related arrest on Nov. 30 at a family home in Hialeah, where he allegedly threw boxes, a drawer and a pill box at his wife during an argument.

Martinez’s resignation comes a day after news that a resolution was being crafted by Commissioner Michelle Coldiron asking him to step away from the seat. “It is my utmost desire for Eddie Martinez to receive the help he needs to overcome his current health problems. I wish the best for him and his family,” she said.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

AN A & B STORY COTHRON FAMILY INVESTED IN THE KEYS

T

his column appears weekly because the Florida Keys have more to offer than great is an author, fishing and diving, fantastic speaker, and Florida Keys historian. weather, spectacular sunsets His latest book, and world-famous drinking “The Florida Keys establishments.

Skunk Ape Files,” Monroe County and the is a fun blend of Florida Keys are also home to two of his favorite subjects — Florida an incredible and surprising Keys history and breadth of history. Historically the Skunk Ape. speaking, the islands represent an embarrassment of riches, and the more time that is spent admiring all the facets of their stories, two things become increasingly apparent.

First, the more time you spend with the history, the more you come to appreciate the full spectrum of the Florida Keys’ story. The scope is extraordinary. The second thing is that you understand the connections shared between the islands.

None of the best Florida Keys stories are strictly Key West, Key Vaca, Matecumbe, or Key Largo stories but are, in fact, Florida Keys stories.

This is partly because the islands are built atop the skeletal remains of an ancient barrier reef system with a relatively shallow layer of natural “soil” and humus.

As a result, the island chain’s flora has learned to spread its roots wide to create a strong footprint rather than digging down into the island.

The perfect place to see this demonstrated is in Islamorada, at the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. The park is home to several limestone quarries that operated before, during and after Henry Flagler built the Key West Extension of his Florida East Coast Railway.

Flagler used the quarry site when he built his train to Key West. In fact, the small railroad town of Quarry developed across what is today the Overseas Highway and in the general area of the parking lot at the roadside attraction called Theater of the Sea.

BRAD BERTELLI

The A & B Docks at Upper Matecumbe Key. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

In 1909, one of the railroad superintendents working at Windley Key’s Quarry Station was Reynolds Cothron. The Cothrons arrived in the Florida Keys in the early summer months of 1909 when the family boarded a stern-wheeled paddleboat and moved from the Miami area to the Lower Keys. The patriarch, Reynolds Cothron, was employed by the Florida East Coast Railway and assigned to the Niles Channel Bridge project during the construction of the Over-Sea Railroad. The bridge connected Ramrod to Sugarloaf Key. When an October hurricane blew through, the Cothrons left the bridge project and moved to the Upper Keys. The 1910 census shows the Cothrons living on Upper Matecumbe Key, and by 1920 they were identified as farmers growing Key limes, tomatoes and cantaloupes.

The Cothrons, Reynolds and Mary, had nine children. None would leave a more significant impression on the island chain than their firstborn, Edwin Alonzo Cothron.

Born June 7, 1904, he would grow up to be a builder who left his mark up and down the island chain and beyond. With his father, he helped construct the coral rock Matheson House on Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and the trails on the island that are still used on ranger-led tours. Alonzo would later go into business with Berlin Felton.

Berlin was born in 1908. His father, Thomas Felton, had arrived in the Key Largo community of Tavernier circa 1905.

Berlin graduated from the only high school in the Florida Keys back in those days, Key West High School, and grew up to be something of a jack-of-severaltrades. Twenty-one years later, in 1929, Berlin was building a six-room house north of Tavernier, in Rock Harbor, along the Overseas Highway, where he would move with his new wife, Eloise Carey.

In the early 1930s, he invested in building what became Upper Matecumbe Key’s Rustic Inn. The inn offered clean beds and home-cooked meals as well as cold beverages and gas pumps for those traveling along the Overseas Highway. The inn reportedly served drinks stronger than the law allowed during the Prohibition era.

Games of chance were also available.

In the wake of the devastating 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, the Rustic Inn was one of the few structures that remained somewhat upright and where members of the local community gathered. After the National Guard moved into the area, it was observed that National Guardsmen were seen attempting to break open slot machines at the inn. Three months after the storm, on December 15, the following advertisement appeared in the Miami Herald: “Rustic Inn, Matecumbe: 5 bedrooms, large dining room, fully equipped.

Lease. Owner Berlin Felton.”

Alonzo Cothron and Berlin Felton would join forces and create the A & B Fish Company in 1936. A & B, the “A” representing Alonzo and the “B” representing Berlin, would cover a number of businesses up and down the Florida Keys.

Among their endeavors, the two raised stone crabs in the abandoned railroad quarry where Theater of the Sea’s dolphins perform today. Their Upper Matecumbe complex was also home to the A & B grocery store, ice house and charter boat docks that offered gas, too.

In 1947, they opened the iconic Key West waterfront restaurant A & B Lobster House.

Today, it is home to Alonzo’s Oyster Bar and Berlin’s, a speakeasy-styled cocktail bar. Also in 1947, the Rustic Inn was sold and reopened as Islamorada’s worldfamous Green Turtle Inn.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

CABEZA FAMILY THANKS KEY WEST

MANUEL CABEZA WAS KILLED

BY THE KKK ON CHRISTMAS 1921

O

n Christmas Eve, 1921, a lynch mob of Ku Klux Klan members in Key West broke into the city’s jail, removed Manuel Cabeza and beat him, then killed him for loving a woman of biracial heritage. Cabeza died the next day on Christmas, Dec. 25, 1921.

He was buried in the Key West Cemetery in a grave marked by nothing but a makeshift sign. That sign lasted 97 years, until 2018, when a group of Key Westers, led by David Sloan and Hayley Castellano, dove into the research to tell Cabeza’s story, then raised funds to install a proper gravestone.

The letter that follows was sent to Sloan and the Keys Weekly by Victoria Pardo Booth, Cabeza’s great-grandniece, and Vivian Delgado Pardo, his great-niece: It has been 100 years since the tragic death of our Tio (Uncle), Manuel “El Isleño” Cabeza, who was known to many as the one at the historic Key West Cemetery with the makeshift sign that lovingly served as his headstone for 97 years.

Thanks to this amazing city and the many people who cared, El Isleño received a fitting headstone and a proper burial three years ago, surrounded by family and so many others who had never met him, but cared about him nonetheless. In attendance was Estela Cabeza Delgado, Manuel’s niece who just celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Over the years, she made sure to pass on everything she knew about him to our family, and through her, his memory lives on with the Cabezas.

Handsome, brave, with a bit of a wild streak, and tragically taken too soon, we tried our best to fill in the pieces over the years, but it is through the pure kindness and love of others, including David Sloan and Hayley Castellano, that we now know more of him and who he was.

What others have researched and learned has been passed onto us and has enabled us to add more pieces to the puzzle. We now feel more connected to this unbelievable and animated man, a man who was strong-willed, yet kind; a man who was exceptionally brave;

TAKE ME HOME? FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

T

he Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with

advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

— Contributed

In 2018, Key West residents David Sloan and Hayley Castellano spearheaded efforts to install a gravestone for Manuel Cabeza. Sloan placed flowers at the grave on Christmas Eve 2021, 100 years after his death. CONTRIBUTED

a man with a wicked sense of humor; a man who defended others; who loved who he loved and stood up for what was right; a man who lived with conviction. This is the way that Manuel Cabeza should be remembered and celebrated.

In these past 100 years, many things have changed, but one thing has remained constant: this remarkable city. Our family is still in awe of the kindness and love we have received and are still receiving to this day from everyone that we have encountered along this journey. It is easy to see why El Isleño proudly called Key West his home.

On behalf of the Cabeza family, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the entire city of Key West and to every single person who has played an invaluable role in helping to keep his memory alive. You are all the reason we can honor Manuel Cabeza, and our family will forever be grateful to this beautiful city and its selfless people.

We wish you all the happiest of holidays, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you again, and we look forward to visiting in 2022.

All the best, Victoria Pardo Booth (Manuel’s great-grandniece) and Vivian Delgado Pardo (Manuel’s great-niece)

Whiskey is a 2-year-old, male, American bulldog mix.

Billy Joe is a 2½-year-old, male, domestic shorthair.

Dimple is a 4½-year-old, female, domestic shorthair.

Lele is a 3½-year-old, female, medium mixed breed.

Leo is a 3½-year-old, male, American rabbit.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

John Kiraly Many locals may remember John Kiraly as the partner of Richard Heyman, the first openly gay mayor in US, however he is mainly known for his internationally revered art.

Born in New York in 1943, Kiraly moved to Florida as a youth and later studied art at the University of Miami. He left school early to pursue a passion for travel which led him around the world, eventually landing him in the Bahamas where he Good Neighbors, 36 x 36, Oil on Canvas opened an art gallery. Moving to Key West in 1973, Kiraly began to paint studies of the architecture and plants that would lead him eventually to produce landscapes of distilled tropical realism. His work was well received.

In 1983 and again in 1984, Kiraly’s work was chosen to be exhibited in the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, nationally important shows that were juried by the directors of the San Francisco Museum of Art and The Whitney Museum respectively. He has been honored with numerous solo and group exhibitions, and feature articles. His works are in many private and corporate collections, in particular the collections of many well-known actors and actresses.

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

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

KAREN NEWFIELD ... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

RESOLUTION READING

FIND MORE TIME FOR READING, TRY A NEW GENRE, RENEW YOUR LIBRARY CARD, LISTEN TO AN AUDIOBOOK, JOIN A BOOK CLUB AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T MISS THESE THREE FABULOUS NEW MYSTERIES COMING OUT IN 2022.

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS

By Jillian Cantor In August 1922, Jay Gatsby is found dead in his swimming pool. The lead detective refuses to be fooled by three charming suspects. Daisy Buchanan is beautiful, smart and was raised as a proper Southern Belle. Many years ago, Gatsby was her very first love. Now she hides behind her cheating and lying husband Tom Buchanan. Jordan Baker is Daisy’s lifelong best friend and confidant. She has become a golf sensation and is secretly having a love affair with another player on the team. Jordan would do anything for Daisy, but the question is whether she will sacrifice herself for the truth. Catherine McCoy fled to New York City in hopes of starting a brand new life fighting for women’s equal rights and freedoms, both voting and sexual. She must protect her sister from an abusive marriage and will stop at nothing to transform her future. In this reimagining of the literary classic The Great Gatsby, it is the women who finally take center stage. Filled with the swanky jazz age, romance gone wrong and the women’s suffrage movement, Beautiful Little Fools brings every detail back to life.

This original delightful reinvention of our favorite characters is absolutely impossible to put down.

RECKLESS GIRLS

By Rachel Hawkins Lux McAllister and super hot Nico appear to be the golden couple. The truth is Lux finds herself frustrated cleaning hotel rooms while Nico spends his days doing odd jobs at the marina. All this work to fix up Susannah, Nico’s sailboat. Life in Hawaii is not exactly what she expected. Meeting sun-kissed Nico brightened her life — it was a no brainer to follow him hoping for the start of their own romantic adventure. When two pretty girls hire Nico and his boat for a ridiculous amount of money, it is too good to pass up. A two week stint to Meroe Island will provide enough cash for Nico and Lux to be free. The foursome meet up with Jake and Eliza — a much too beautiful couple sailing a huge catamaran and only too happy to share expensive food, wine and whatever else may follow. They learn this idyllic location has an eerie history filled with murder and tales of cannibalism.

By the time another sailor anchors up in the cove, Lux is on edge. Something is not right and her mind begins to unravel.

Romance, sailing and mystery…in this modern day “Lord of the Flies,” no one can be trusted.

THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET

By Diane Chamberlain Kayla and her daughter finally move into their house at the end of the street. The gorgeous home is located against the dark, dense forest. Both architects, Kayla and her late husband designed every inch with thoughtful loving detail. Sadly, a horrific accident took his life months before completion. Kayla is determined to love their home despite the sadness she feels every time she enters the door. A strange woman with bright red hair stops by her office warning Kayla that no one should ever live in that house. Initially brushing it off as an odd nosey neighbor, Kayla soon becomes seriously frightened when her daughter is found alone in the tree house and garbage is strewn on her lawn. She befriends Ellie Hockley, an older woman who moved away long ago. Back home for the first time in decades, Ellie is nursing her brother and mother, and she too suggests Kayla will never be happy living on that land. Secrets slowly unravel revealing KKK meetings, a forbidden friendship and violence that can never be forgiven. Narrated through history and the ghosts of justice, this thriller will have you on the edge of your seat.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 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

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SSS HOMEMAKER AND COMPANION SERVICES located at 15 Diamond Dr, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-5633 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key Largo, Florida this 17th day of December, 2021.

By: William Kyros Saunders Publish: December 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SUMMER BREEZE OXYGEN BAR located at 3831 Duck Ave, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-4522 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key Largo, Florida this 17th day of December, 2021.

By: Keys IV Health & Hydration LLC Publish: December 30, 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 NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meeting via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend.

Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@ keysarts.com Grant Panel Review Session January 12, 2022, 10:00 AM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 827 8437 6005 Passcode: 331728 Board of Directors & Annual Meeting January 20, 2022, 3:00 PM Eastern Time CRANE POINT HAMMOCK – MARATHON 5550 Overseas Highway

LEGAL NOTICES or Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 858 8731 6505 Passcode: 422873 Publish: December 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITY COMMISSION of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, January 13th, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., Key Colony Beach City Hall Commission Room, to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is titled [Ordinance No.: 2021-471], AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH FLORIDA, AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION ARTICLE XII – OTHER DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCEDURE, SECTION 101172, REQUIRING A MINIMUM THIRTY (30)-TEN (10) DAY WAIT PERIOD BETWEEN THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENTS BROUGHT BEFORE THE PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND CONSIDERATION OF THE MATTER BY THE CITY COMMISSION FOR ACTION; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCE AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. This meeting will be available virtually via ZOOM Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may join the Zoom Meeting [https://us02web. zoom.us/j/89770204139].

Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.

The City Commission requests an amendment to the City’s Code of Ordinances requiring a minimum thirty (30) ten (10)-day wait period between the approval of proposed code amendments brought before the Planning & Zoning board and consideration of the matter by the City Commission for action. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested code amendment.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday, January 13th, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box. 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Silvia Gransee, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

LEGAL NOTICES Publish: December 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING MONROE COUNTY CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice is Hereby Given to Whom it May Concern that on January 18, 2022, the Monroe County Construction Board of Adjustment & Appeals (CBAA) will hold a special meeting at 9:30AM at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida. Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform will be available during the scheduled meeting.

Zoom Webinar information will be made available on the Monroe County Web Calendar.

This meeting is to hear the following: Sandy Esterle, Doug Stitgen & William Clemens, 100 Coral Way, Key Largo: An appeal by the property owner to the CBAA concerning an administrative decision of the Building Official dated 1/29/21 denying the After the Fact building permit application for a homemade cargo lift installed without permits. The subject property is legally described as: The Southerly 51 feet of Lot 28 and the Northerly 39 feet of Lot 29, Less and Except the Northerly 4 feet of Lot 28, THE HARBORAGE, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 6, Page 46, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

(RE00555011-002800).

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special recommendations 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”.

NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to bring an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language.

Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary Maria Partington, Senior Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: December 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it may concern, that on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida immediately following the CBAA scheduled meeting which will be commencing at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff.

The Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (“CEB”) will review Certificate of Competency Trade Applications and public participation in this meeting may be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform, during the scheduled meeting.

Zoom Webinar information will be made available on the Monroe County Web Calendar.

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special recommendations 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”.

NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to have an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language.

Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary Maria Partington, Senior Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: December 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

Personal Representative: Eugene O. Ehrenkaufer, Jr. 2888 Spring Dr. Middleburg, FL 32068 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1015363 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com JAMES S. LUPINO, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 244481 E-Mail: JLupino@HLYlaw.com HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156; and 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Publish: December 30, 2021 & January 6, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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

Signed on this 13th day of December, 2021.

Personal Representative: BRENDA J. PASCOTTI 47 Sunset Key Drive Key West, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Lawrence M. Ploucha Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar No. 296694 BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC 401 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 2250 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 Telephone: (954) 335-1592 Email: lawrence.ploucha@ bipc.com Email: terry.hernandez@bipc. com Email: sara.miller@bipc.com Publish: December 23 & 30, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

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 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000076-P IN RE: ESTATE OF EUGENE O. EHRENKAUFER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of EUGENE O. EHRENKAUFER, deceased, whose date of death was January 24, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 21-CP-000314-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ANTHONY A. PASCOTTI Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ANTHONY A. PASCOTTI, deceased, whose date of death was July 4, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE

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

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

42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

HOMES FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

OFFICE/COMMERC.

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

at 8919 Overseas Highway in Marathon

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

FREE - Endless Pool Motor. Pick up in Marathon. Call 305-7314566

Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92.

Call 305-394-0530

BOATS FOR SALE

Place your BOAT FOR SALE ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

EMPLOYMENT

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a FOH Manager. Friendly atmosphere.

Private club. Salary + share in tip pool. Responsible for managing wait and bar staff, ordering and inventorying bar supplies and serving at times.Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

Immediate job opening for parttime Housekeeper in Key Colony Beach.

Mostly weekends. Will offer top pay for right person. Call Continental Inn Beachside Michelle 952-208-2850 Cheryl 305-505-8747

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a part-time Bookkeeper 16-20 hours per week.

Bookkeeping experience required.

Additional office duties required. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

Help Wanted Big Time Discount Bait and Tackle in Marathoncompetitive wages and working 30-40 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199

The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Dishwasher. $13/ hr - 30-36 hrs/week.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

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: Public Works Fleet Mechanic, Utilities Field Engineer 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 NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for all shifts.

Please apply in person

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

Busy boats and location.

Offshore, Inshore, Reef/ Wreck. Also part-time Boat Cleaner needed for afternoons. Send text or call 305-481-3259 Fl Keys Diesel Marathon now hiring: Diesel Technician - C o m p e t i t i v e compensation package.

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

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

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

Company willing to train.

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

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

LOT FOR SALE

OFFICE/COMMERC.

DUCK KEY - DRY LOT For Sale: 106 S. Bahama Drive, Duck Key, FL. Call 305-481-1316 MISC. FOR SALE

SPACE FOR RENT

1,082 SF office space.

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

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 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

MODESTO A. MAIDIQUE CAMPUS FULL-TIME Provide administrative, technical, mechanical and research support to Florida International University's Field Operations Center (FOC).

The FOC includes marine and freshwater vessels and trucks on the Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC), Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) and in the Florida Keys (including Aquarius Reef Base).

Apply at careers.fiu.edu (job ID 525568) Questions? Contact Catherine Guinovart at cguinova@fiu.edu

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS

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

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Full-time and part-time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours.

Please stop by and fill out application or Fax resume to 305-852-9639.

DUI Evaluator Part-time – Marathon

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.

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

Call 305-743-4578

FLEET OPERATIONS & MARINE MECHANICAL SUPERVISOR

SECURITY GUARD W/ LICENSE Duck Key

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

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

786-615-5522

Ralons Security Lic# B1500167

43

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

LIC# CCC1329991

LIC# CGC032862

BEST CONTRACTOR NOMINATION

Serving the Keys for 20 Years!

ARTISTIC CONCRETE DESIGN

GOT CONCRETE?

VOTED BEST CONTRACTOR

We can Preserve, Protect & Beautify ANY Concrete Surface For more information go to www.keysdecoconrete.com or call 305-923-0654

5 YEARS IN A ROW

Second Annual

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

Daily Happy Hour 5-7 pm | Nightly Live Music | 15% Locals Discount

d n a , d e g a , . d t e s c e r u W o s y e y l K l f a o c i t t r n Authe ted in the hea craf Enjoy your choice of various wines by the glass

Limited Seating Available Reservations Recommended

For Reservations, Call 305.296.8100 Reserve Online at OpenTable.com

Licensed & Insured SP#3136

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

2

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

3 Keep food and liquid out.

NEED A BAGGSTER?

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

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS and PORTABLE TOILETS available.

Call us at 305.296.8297.

Recyclables go directly into the cart.

44

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

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

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

Contact Will Zimdars will@marathonaviation.com

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon IMMEDIATE OPENINGS:

FULL or PART-TIME EDUCATION PROGRAM GUIDES GIFT SHOP SALES

FULL or PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT

EOE/Drug-free workplace

Send resume to: turtlehospitalmarathon@gmail.com

New Year, New Career!

Positions Available In: Branch • Accounting • Maintenance Administrative Support • Underwriting

EOE/Drug-free workplace

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

Greet and fuel aircraft Prior aviation experience preferred Clean driving record required

Contact Will Zimdars will@marathonaviation.com

Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

L I NE SERV I CE P E RSONNE L

Pay rate $17-$19/hr depending on experience, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment

242424

Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and accounting software, proficiency in English, MS office and QuickBooks

Public Speaking & Retail/Sales Experience Helpful

FULL TIME OPENING

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

MARATHON Admissions Specialist

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!!!

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

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

45

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 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

I

in Marathon

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

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

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

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.

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

46

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

CGC1523838 LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

CGC1523838

SPALLING

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GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

Authorized Dealer

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

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Insured • Professional • Reliable

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info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

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When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy.

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

305-289-1150

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

www.TewesMortgage.com

Daunte Aguilar

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 2260640 DAguilar@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 676-3107 Office: (305) 587-1598 2514 N Roosevelt Blvd.

Key West, FL 33040 MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

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fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Lic No. SP1481

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

When It Rains It Pours!

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

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305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

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

Will Campbell President

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

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

THANK YOU DEREK EPPERLY & KEYS ATLANTIC REALTY WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND TRUST IN 2021.

IF YOU’RE BUYING, SELLING OR NEED A NO COST REAL ESTATE CONSULTATION IN 2022, I'M HERE TO HELP MAKE YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION A BREEZE. 3712 Pearlman − Seller 833 Eisenhower − Buyer 818 Carsten − Buyer 2 Alamanda − Seller 3 Evergreen − Buyer Angelina Guest house − Seller 1200 Margaret − Buyer 1227 20th Ter. − Seller 1603 Flagler − Seller 1800 Atlantic − Seller

2405 Flagler − Buyer/Seller 3450 Duck − Seller 3440 Duck − Buyer/Seller 19980 OverSeas Hwy − Seller 5950 Peninsular Ave Slip 627 − Under Contract 5950 Peninsular Ave Slip 631 − Under Contract 316 Amelia - Listed Active

DEREK EPPERLY, P.A. PRINCIPAL BROKER FOR ALL OF YOUR COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE NEEDS

305-923-4833 SERVICE YOU DESERVE!

Derek@KeysAtlanticRealty.com KeyWestRealEstate.info

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 30, 2021

FAMILY, FOOD & FUN

Join us daily 4-6pm for $3 small plates, domestic drafts, wine & liquor!

And don’t miss our Live Music! Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 5-8pm