Key West Weekly 22-0105

This ocean-front estate is the ultimate for buyers seeking plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces, remarkable views, and extra privacy. Offering an exceptional property featuring a nearly one-acre homesite with water on three sides and many fine features, including a recently constructed and spacious tiki hut, extensive landscaping upgrades, impact doors and windows, paver drive and walkways, outdoor shower, gorgeous chef's kitchen, and luxurious baths, large, climate-controlled attached garages perfect for any combination of numerous vehicles, small boats, tools and toys. Please note that the fourth bedroom is the L-shaped room on the southwest side of the home with its own entrance and full bath. It is ideal for accommodating houseguests visiting the Lower Keys! Shark Key is an exclusive gated community featuring tropical landscaping, large, open water views of the Gulf at each of the seventy-five homesites, onsite amenities including private beaches, tennis courts, and clubhouse.

SHARK KEY | $3,499,000 | Listing ID: 599471

Bob Cardenas, Managing Broker Each office is independently owned and operated.

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

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THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

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News Deadline Monday Noon

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According to the U-Haul Growth Index, Florida was ranked the No. 2 growth state, behind Texas, for the second straight year. U-Haul analyzed customer moves to the state during 2022. It found that do-it-yourself movers accounted for 50.7% of all U-Haul truck traffic arriving in the Sunshine State.

Waterfront Playhouse presents the mystery, ‘An Inspector Calls’ from Jan. 12-28. Visit waterfrontplayhouse.org for tickets and information.

KEY WEST TACKLES VACATION RENTALS, RACIAL HISTORY & HOUSING

COMMISSION FACES WEIGHTY AGENDA FOR FIRST MEETING OF 2023

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Will a controversial new short-term rental restriction help Key West’s housing crisis?

Many people think not.

But Key West city commissioners still were slated to consider at their Jan. 5 meeting the new law that would require property owners to obtain a special license to rent their property for fewer than six months at a time. Any owner who did not have such a license in place by a given date would lose the right to rent out their home monthly.

The city commission met at 5 p.m. on Jan. 5, after presstime. See keysweekly.com for the results of the meeting. But here’s what’s on the agenda:

Short-term rentals

Real estate professionals packed city hall during a September 2022 workshop about the proposed restrictions, pointing out several problems and doubting that the law would have any positive impacts on the city’s long-term rental inventory.

Many of the opponents in the real estate business have a financial interest in the continuation of unrestricted monthly rentals as they relate to property values and potential returns on investment. But other concerns resonated with some of the city commissioners.

Attendees repeatedly told city officials during the September workshop that the proposed ordinance will do nothing to preserve or increase the number of long-term rentals available for full-time resident workers in Key West.

“The big question that needs to be asked is how many homeowners, if you eliminate monthly rentals, will rent their place out long-term at a

significantly discounted rate than they can make with monthly rentals,” one property manager said. “Ninety percent of my property owners said they would choose to not rent their home out at all.”

Several people also pointed out that local workers can’t be expected to rent a place that’s only available for six months, as they would have to move twice a year.

Also, attendees said, homeowners want to be able to use their Key West home for part of the year, whether it’s for a few weeks or a few months. Providing annual leases to local workers will render that property unavailable to the owners who bought it to use occasionally and to rent out monthly in the interim.

It remains to be seen what the commission does about the proposed ordinance.

“This we know has raised a LOT of misinformation (to the point of hysteria in some cases),” Commissioner Clayton Lopez said of the short-term rental ordinance the day before the commission meeting. “While I feel that we have an ordinance that could pass with its faults and be tweaked or fixed, I believe it may be better to send it back and re-craft it with the good points, and explore its shortcomings, so we can fix them before we bring back something as flawed as the one before us now.”

Interim city attorney

The commission was expected to approve an interim employment agreement making Ron Ramsingh the city attorney until a permanent city attorney is hired, at which point Ramsingh will return to his current post as chief assistant city attorney. Discussion is expected about the process for finding a new city attorney to replace Shawn Smith, whose resignation was effective on Dec. 30.

Definitive evidence now proves Key West’s Mallory Square was named for Clyde Mallory, owner of a steamship line, and not Stephen Mallory, owner of slaves and secretary of the Confederate Navy. CONTRIBUTED

State of the City

Mayor Teri Johnston’s annual State of the City address was slated for the Jan. 5 commission meeting. Again, check keysweekly.com for some of the contents of her report.

Mallory Square history

Now we know definitively: Mallory Square was NOT named for Stephen Mallory, the slave-owning Confederate who became secretary of the Confederate Navy.

Research by Corey Malcom, director of the Florida History Department at the county library, found valid evidence that proves the city’s waterfront plaza was named “in honor of the family of the Clyde Mallory Steamship Line,” states a 60-year-old letter Malcom found.

Before it was a pedestrian plaza, Mallory Square was known as the Clyde-Mallory Docks — nothing to do with Stephen Mallory.

Given Stephen Mallory’s history, some in Key West had called on the city to change the name of Mallory Square. The city commission was expected to approve a resolution laying that concern to rest once and for all.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

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 Marathon to Big Pine Key Start: 1:30 p.m. from Marathon Fire Station across the 7 Mile Bridge End: 2:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Beach

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

Key West and Boca Chica Start: 10:30 a.m. from Boca Chica Naval Base to the Welcome Ceremony: Noon at Bayview Park City of Key West Guided Community Ride: 12:45 to 2 p.m. Start and end at Bayview Park

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK TEMPORARILY CLOSES JAN. 2 AFTER 300 MIGRANTS ARRIVE

On Jan. 2 at 8 a.m., Dry Tortugas National Park temporarily closed to public access while law enforcement and medical personnel evaluated, provided care for and coordinated transport to Key West for about 300 migrants who arrived in the park over the past couple of days. The closure, which was expected to last several days, is necessary for the safety of visitors and staff because of the resources and space needed to attend to the migrants. Concession-operated ferry and seaplane services were temporarily suspended.

Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, the park has recently seen an increase in people arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. Park first responders provide food, water and basic medical attention until the Department of Homeland Security arrives and takes the lead.

While the park is closed, vessels may seek safe harbor in the designated areas within the one nautical mile anchoring zone around Garden Key, including Bird Key Harbor.

There will be no visitor services available while the closure is in effect and emergency services will be extremely limited.

All closures will remain in place until further notice. Please check “Alerts” on the park website for current information.

In other migrant news…

The U.S. Office of Customs and Border Protection on Jan. 1 reported that 169 migrants had come ashore in the Florida Keys, separate from the 300 in the Dry Tortugas.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisting federal law enforcement agents, given the spike in Cuban refugee arrivals since Dec. 31 and continuing into the morning of Jan. 2.

“Refugee arrivals require a lot of resources from the Sheriff’s Office as we help our federal law enforcement partners ensure the migrants are in good health and safe,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “Residents may see an increased amount of law enforcement and emergency responders throughout the county as we continue to respond to these landings.”

The Sheriff’s Office has been told by the U.S. Border Patrol that some migrant landings may have to wait for federal resources to arrive until the following day, aggravating the mass migration crisis in the Keys.

“This shows a lack of a working plan by the federal government to deal with a mass migration issue that was foreseeable,” said Ramsay.

If residents see an arrival occurring, they should notify the Sheriff’s Office and provide a location.

— Contributed

COUNTY’S $2.6 BILLION STORM AND SEA-LEVEL RISE PROJECT SIGNED INTO LAW

A low-lying area of U.S. 1 near Bahia Honda at MM 37 is one of six targets for U.S. 1 stabilization projects. CONTRIBUTED

On Dec. 23, President Joe Biden signed into law authorization of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) $2.6 billion coastal storm and sea-level rise infrastructure resiliency project in the Florida Keys. Appropriations for the project will require annual approvals by Congress.

The county also secured a nearly $1 million initial appropriation, approved in the omnibus spending bill, to fund the planning, engineering and design of six U.S. 1 stabilization projects in the Keys, the first phase of the plan. The plan includes 5,500 feet of the road at Mile Markers 79.5, 70, 70.9, 67, 37, and 34.5, identified as vulnerable to erosion and wave energy. Estimates for the completion of the construction phase of the U.S. 1 stabilization project are $16 million.

With the board of county commissioners’ support, Chief Sustainability Officer Rhonda Haag and Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and local stakeholders for five years to put this project together, including numerous public meetings. Then they worked to move the project authorization and appropriation through Congressional approval.

Based on the development of a three-year USACE coastal storm risk study, the project plans for the economic, environmental and social effects of coastal storms and sea-level rise and addresses the hardening of U.S. 1, dry floodproofing of critical infrastructure and

private commercial buildings, and elevating residential residences. The study did not address the resiliency of locally-maintained roads, which Monroe County completed under a separate study.

Future appropriations will allow for the voluntary elevations of up to 4,698 vulnerable residential homes and the dry floodproofing of 1,052 commercial and 53 critical infrastructure buildings susceptible to storm surge damage throughout the Keys. Dry floodproofing allows for essential services to resume more quickly after a storm surge.

The total project, including the dry floodproofing and elevations, is estimated at $2.6 billion, to be split 65 percent federal ($1.7 billion) and 35 percent ($893 million) non-federal . Non-federal funds can come from the state, county, municipalities, residents and other non-federal entities. The county is coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation for the non-federal match for the U.S. 1 stabilization phase. The county also intends to sign sub-agreements with the five municipalities to authorize and fund work within the cities.

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

Migrants hoping to reach the United States by boat have landed at Dry Tortugas National Park. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/Contributed

WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE STARTS

2023 WITH A MYSTERY

‘AN INSPECTOR CALLS’ RUNS JAN. 12-28

After the success of last season’s “Clue,” the Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square will again produce a mystery. This season it is one of the best-known works for the stage and is considered one of the classics of mid-20th century English theater: JB Priestley’s “An Inspector Calls.” The show opens Thursday, Jan. 12 and runs through Jan. 28. A sneak preview with reduced ticket price will take place Wednesday, Jan. 11.

New for the Waterfront this season, “locals’ performances” will be on the Thursday evenings after the opening and the new 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets for these performances are $40 per person. Tickets for other performances are between $55-$75 depending on seating.

Taking place on a single night in 1912, the play focuses on the prosperous upper middle-class Birling family. They receive a visit from a man calling himself Inspector Goole who questions the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman in her mid-20s.

The Birling family will be played by David Black, last appearing at the Waterfront Playhouse in “Matilda: The Musical”; Barbara Mundy, who was seen in “Clue”; Jillian Todd, last seen in “Rock of Ages”; and J. Michael Wright (“Something Rotten!”).

Arthur Crocker, last seen in “Something Rotten,” will play Gerald Croft. Key West High School student Mia Cawley will play the role of Edna.

Dan Waller will appear as Inspector Goole. Waller is a Chicago-based actor, making his Waterfront Playhouse debut. Select theatrical credits include: the world premiere of Frank Galati’s adaptation of “East of Eden” at Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Chicago-based actor Dan Waller plays Inspector Goole in ‘An Inspector Calls,’ which opens Jan. 12 at Waterfront Playhouse. CONTRIBUTED

and the world premiere of Will Eno’s “Gnit” at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Waller also has several recent film and television credits.

“An Inspector Calls” is directed by Patrick New, who last directed “Sex with Strangers” at the Waterfront. Design is by Michael Boyer, lighting design by Chris Hodge, gowns are by Gann Monroe and Andrew Theede is serving as production stage manager.

— Contributed

Playhouse

Jan. 12-28 with a sneak preview on Jan. 11. waterfrontplayhouse.org or 305-294-5015 for tickets and information

W

elcome to 2023, but before we move forward, let’s all take one final glance back at 2022. Yes, there was much to celebrate last year, but there are several things we would like to leave permanently stowed in 2022’s overhead compartment. So at the risk of becoming pillars of salt, here’s a final look at 2022 through the rearview mirror with our…

10. Being offended — If you’re already offended by this, we’re talking about you. If you’re not offended yet, but numbers 9 through 1 below offend you, we’re still talking about you.

9. Kanye West — No explanation needed.

8. Conspiracy theories — We get it, you read. But have you ever considered what you read? Take the tinfoil off your head and walk with us into 2023.

THINGS WE WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE IN 2022

7. TikTok dances — Point, point, dip, dip, look the other way … and turn around and dip. We get it.

6. Sam Bankman-Fried — We all loved “Wolf of Wall Street,” which seemed fairly transparent as a cautionary tale — for most of us.

5. Social media doctors, lawyers, economists and scientists — If you don’t have a degree in the field, don’t pretend to be one on social media.

4. Vladimir Putin — History will not be kind.

3. Yellowstone — OK, start typing your hate mail now. And we love Tyler Sheridan, but it should not have taken you more than two seasons to figure out the show is basically “Sons of Anarchy,” but instead of motorcycles they have horses.

2. Mass shootings — It doesn’t have to be political to want shootings to stop across America. A bipartisan effort is long overdue.

1. The McRib — It’s time to finally let go. Goodbye, McRib, you sweet, succulent mystery slab of meat dipped in tangy bbq sauce and topped with shame.

“An Inspector Calls” at Waterfront

ROUGHLY 100 HAITIANS SWIM TO SHORE AFTER BOAT GROUNDS OFF KEY LARGO

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Federal and local resources are being stretched thin as high numbers of Cuban and Haitian migrants continue to arrive in the Florida Keys in 2023. It continued on Jan. 3 as roughly 100 Haitians swam from a grounded boat to land near Ocean Cay Drive in Key Largo.

A large vessel carrying a total of 138 Haitian migrants was within the waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Once the boat hit bottom, Haitians were left with no choice but to hop out and swim.

Various law enforcement agencies arrived at the scene near MM 99, oceanside, where the majority of the Haitian migrants were sitting and standing at a private Key Largo property. Some were spotted still in the water swimming to shore. One migrant could be seen raising his hands in the air as he swam to shore. Other migrants were picked up by boat. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies assisted federal agents.

Capt. Duane Baker, a backcountry fishing guide for more than 30 years, thought he’d seen it all until Jan. 3. He was fishing a charter in the flats off the ocean of Key Largo when he and his client saw a large sailboat filled with people with the U.S. Coast Guard in pursuit.

“As the sailboat ran aground, the occupants started screaming and jumping in the water, swimming toward shore. Coast Guard officials yelled to them to stop to no avail,” he said. “The Department of Homeland Security arrived about the time people started jumping in the water. It seemed to be 50 to 100 people trying to get to U.S. soil.”

He witnessed this unfolding from about a quarter mile away.

It’s the first major Haitian migrant landing in 2023, following a 2022 fiscal year that saw thousands arriving to Florida and the Keys in unsafe sailing vessels. Walter Slosar, chief patrol agent for U.S. Customs & Border Protection, said Monday that his agents responded to a high volume of migrant landings in the Keys during a 72-hour period.

Since the start of the 2023 fiscal year in October 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard has interdicted more than

1,000 Haitian migrants on the water. If the numbers keep up, it would break the record 7,175 interdictions of Haitian migrants in fiscal year 2022. Cuban migrants have also been flocking to Florida at record levels.

“Since Oct. 1, 2022, the Miami Sector has experienced over a 400% increase in migrant encounters,” Slosar said via statement on Jan. 3.

Last December, President Joe Biden’s administration granted new protections for Haitians who were in the U.S., which included more time to work and stay in the country for at least 18 months. According to the New York Times, more than 100,000 Haitians who arrived in the U.S. after 2021 received protections. Alejandro Mayorkas, homeland security secretary, said socioeconomic challenges, gang violence and political instability were among the factors that led to the decision.

Those in CBP custody are put through removal proceedings. But a timeline for their removal and whether they’ll even be sent back to Haiti remains unknown.

‘‘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)

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm (on site)

Adorasyon 8:30pm (on site)

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm (on site)

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Servicio de adoración dominical a las 5pm (en el sitio)

Estudio bíblico del jueves a las 7pm (en el sitio)

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

‘‘Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.’’ ‒ I John 4:7 NKJV

Haitian men and women arrive on land at Ocean Cay Drive in Key Largo after a vessel they were on grounded within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park waters. CONTRIBUTED

A large vessel carrying Haitian migrants is grounded on Jan. 3 off Key Largo. CONTRIBUTED

Anew year brought new laws in Florida. Legislation approved by state officials in the House and Senate in 2022, and taking effect in 2023, aim to keep some more money in motorists’ pockets. Other laws seek to cure issues related to workers at apartment complexes and rising insurance costs.

ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS FOR PROPERTY INSURANCE

State legislators were called back twice for special sessions to confront Florida’s property insurance industry problems. Bills addressed a number of issues, which included ending the ability for homeowners to sign over their claims to contractors who pursue payments from insurers. An analysis for Senate Bill 2-A stated that insurers complained about contractors who had property owners sign over their benefits and submitted bills to insurance companies for repair work that, on average, were 30% higher than estimates from vendors without an assignment of benefits. With vendors seeking to extract higher settlements from insurers came more litigation over the vendors’ invoices. Backers of the property insurance bill hammered a statistic that, with roughly 7% of nationwide claims, 76% of homeowners’ lawsuits in the U.S. were filed in Florida.

HIGHWAY TOLL RELIEF

Florida motorists who frequently pass through toll facilities will see some relief, per Senate Bill 6-A. A vehicle with a SunPass tag that records 35 or more transactions per month will be eligible for a 50% credit. State toll facilities include Florida’s Turnpike, which many Upper Keys residents use to drive to airports, stores and hospitals. It also includes the Card Sound Bridge toll that’s used by many workers who live outside the Keys. The state provided $500 million for the program, which goes through Dec. 31, 2023.

NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS

Lobbying restrictions, toll relief & insurance fixes to take effect

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR APARTMENT WORKERS

Better known as “Miya’s Law,” apartment complexes must now run background checks on prospective custodians, repairmen and other employees before they’re hired. Applicants found guilty or who plead no contest to certain offenses, including violence and disregard for safety, wouldn’t be allowed to work at the facility. Approval of Senate Bill 898 stems from a Sept. 24, 2021 incident involving Valencia College student Miya Marcano. She went missing from her Orlando apartment where she also worked at the front office. She was later found dead miles from her apartment. Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigators said Marcano was taken from her apartment by Armando Caballero, who was a maintenance worker at the same apartment complex. It’s alleged that he had a master key fob for the complex, which allowed him to enter her apartment. Caballero was found dead by apparent suicide days after Marcano went missing.

Legislation also changed the time a landlord must give a tenant some kind of notice to conduct repair work, from 12 hours to 24 hours. And apartments must all maintain a log book for issuance of dwelling unit keys.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs legislation enacting new property insurance reforms, as well as $750 million in relief for communities affected by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in December 2022. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/ Contributed

NEWBORN SCREENINGS

Hospitals and other state-licensed birthing facilities must now test newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), should the infant fail a screening for hearing loss before the newborn is 21 days old. For babies born at home or in a licensed birth center, the bill requires the newborn’s primary health care provider to refer the infant for a CMV test seven days after birth if he or she fails a hearing test. Cytomegalovirus is a common virus for people of all ages; however, a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the virus from causing illness. In the United States, nearly one in three children are already infected with CMV by age 5. Some babies with congenital CMV infection have health problems that are apparent at birth or that develop later during infancy or childhood. In the most severe cases, CMV can cause the death of an unborn baby (pregnancy loss).

LEGAL NOTICES

House Bill 7049 gives governments the choice to publish legal notices on a publicly accessible website of a county instead of a print newspaper under specified conditions. However, local governments with fewer than 160,000 people must hold a public hearing to determine whether its residents have sufficient access to the internet before going fully electronic. In November, Monroe County commissioners and County Attorney Bob Shillinger discussed whether it should make the move. Commissioners were open to the idea, but nothing has been locally approved yet.

PUBLIC OFFICERS & LOBBYING

Public officials won’t be able to lobby during office and six years after leaving office. The amendment to the state constitution was approved by Florida voters in 2018. It took effect Dec. 31, 2022 and affected a number of elected officials across the state. Elected officials in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach filed a lawsuit in an effort to block the new law, according to the Miami Herald. That request was denied, but arguments are expected to be heard Jan. 27.

SCHOOL BOOK SELECTIONS

House Bill 1467 increases the transparency and accountability for selecting and using instructional materials and library materials in schools. It forces certain school district instructional material review committee meetings to be noticed and open to the public. It also mandates school district personnel who are involved in reviewing and selecting certain instructional materials and library materials to complete training developed by the Department of Education on selecting quality, ageappropriate books, prior to making selections.

... 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.

ZEN AND THE ART OF PATAGONIA PICNIC TABLE EFFECT

Ellen Westbrook and I were pretty much finished with the Christmas Bird Count. We’d spent the morning riding our bikes around Old Town, dutifully marking on the clipboard every bird we saw, even the chickens, though honestly we were counting them by the tens, because there are just so many damn chickens in this town.

In the afternoon we’d driven up the highway to the top of the count circle, just south of Bay Point, then turned around and counted everything we could see on the wires and in the salt ponds along the road. We finished up at Indigenous Park on White Street, home to the Key West Wildlife Center. Although it was officially closed at the time, Ellen volunteers there a lot and has a key.

We’d stopped in the office to say hi and Debbie, one of the staffers, told us she’d just seen a house finch, which piqued our interest, because they are not common in the Keys.

In a technical sense, house finches are an exotic species, meaning those that have been released by humans into ecosystems in which they did not evolve – chickens, house sparrows, rock pigeons. I tend to think of exotics as having been moved across some large body of water – between islands, or more often, continents. But there are other natural geographical barriers besides water.

House finches are American exotics. They are streaky brown birds, bigger than warblers but smaller than catbirds. Males have scarlet faces, though they do not look embarrassed. Their natural habitat is the western side of the Great Plains. But in 1939 a group that had been captured in Santa Barbara, California and shipped to a pet store in Long Island, New York escaped. The first nest was found in Babylon on Long Island in 1944. The first mainland sighting was 1948. By 1993 they had pretty much spread across the continent, connecting all the way back to their historic range and filling in the map.

Florida was one of the last zones on the map to fill in, but they have mostly populated the peninsula. They are not common in the Keys, but they are seen occasionally. According to eBird numbers, individual birds were reported in Key West in 2009, 2013, 2018, 2021, as well as last October.

Neither Ellen nor I had ever seen a house finch in Key West, though, and seeing one would be a nice addition for the count’s species list. So we went to the picnic table near where Debbie had seen the bird and waited. Honestly we were killing time, waiting for Mark Whiteside and Mark Songer to finish up the count in their territory, so we could all get together and sum up the day’s tally.

After about 20 minutes of nothing but gray catbirds, we wandered deeper into the park, checked out the pond (nothing) and then sat on a bench and stared into the small grove of gumbo limbo trees, where we continued to see nothing, but were trying to be zen about it, by which I mean kind of zoning out, listening and looking at nothing and everything all at once. Then we went back to the picnic table in case the house finch decided to come back.

Someone came to the gate worried about a white ibis in the parking lot with a broken leg, and Ellen was telling her that broken legs were nothing unusual in bird world, and not usually lifeending. If the bird could still fly and hunt on its own, which this one could, they tended not to intervene. That turned into a conversation of wildlife and resiliency and, at some point, the woman’s recent foot surgery.

Meanwhile, I sat at the picnic table, further trying to be zen.

There’s a phenomenon in birdwatching called the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect. It’s named after a picnic table at the Patagonia Reserve in southeastern Arizona, where a rare-in-the-U.S. rosethroated becard was found in 1977, leading to an influx of birdwatchers peering into the bushes to find the becards, but then also finding a number of other rarities.

It’s generally believed that this is because the first rare bird draws more – and, often, more highly skilled – birders, to an area. But I also tend to believe that once you approach a place with a heightened sense of awareness, you are more likely to see other things. Even if it’s not what you were looking for in the first place.

A bit of cold water was thrown on the theory in 2020 when a group of biologists published a paper analyzing eBird data of rare bird sightings and finding the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect to be more of an urban legend than an observable and repeatable phenomenon. But then a bunch of birders started analyzing that analysis, and pointing out why it might be a flawed study, and then, honestly, I stopped following the whole subject because I was an English major and statistical analysis is not my strong point.

I’m not sure if zoning out counts as a heightened sense of awareness, but while Ellen was still talking to the woman, I was sitting at the picnic table, staring off into the bushes when a bird with a zebra-striped head and a flaming orange breast and rump popped into view and sat on a branch in front of me for about 10 seconds. It wasn’t a long look, but there was no mistaking what it was – a western spindalis, a Caribbean species that shows up in extreme South Florida on a semi-regular basis.

One had actually been seen at Fort Zachary Taylor back in October, and that one had a green back, making it a member of a subspecies that had only been seen in North America once previously. This was notable not just because it was a cool bird to see, but it was also thought that subspecies might someday be considered its own species, making it even more of a rara avis.

Ellen finally came back, and together we re-found the bird. Mark and Mark showed up and we re-re-found the bird, but this time got very clear looks at its green back, meaning we’d either re-found the bird from Fort Zach in October, or this was the third sighting of a green-backed western spindalis in North America. (As we’ll never know for sure, I’m just going to consider it to be greenbacked western spindalis 2.5.)

It was a fine last bird of the count. And proof that the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect is a bunch of hooey. Until it isn’t.

I still want to see that house finch, though.

A western spindalis, of the green-backed subspecies, seen in Key West on New Year’s Eve. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

KEYS RESIDENTS FIND AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE

FREE HELP WITH OPEN ENROLLMENT AVAILABLE THROUGH JAN. 15

Community organizations including Womankind, Health Insurance Navigation Program with Epilepsy Florida, Community Health of South Florida (CHI) and Rural Health Network are all offering free assistance to Monroe County residents to help shop, compare, enroll, change or renew health insurance plans for 2023.

Carolyn Thomson is a federally certified ACA health insurance navigator with scheduled events throughout the open enrollment period to make it convenient for Monroe County residents to come see her in person to ask questions and get personalized help. And, if people can’t make it to one of her schedule events, Thomson is also available for phone appointments.

“I’ve been crazy busy throughout open enrollment helping lots of folks with their health insurance needs,” said Thomson. “I have found there is a lot of confusion and misinformation about health insurance and the Marketplace and how it all works. That’s where I come in. I believe I am making a difference by providing educational information and guidance through the application process that results in people getting affordable health coverage.”

Thomson was able to help someone who speaks only Russian successfully enroll in a health insurance plan using Google translate.

Thomson’s knowledge and experience reassured a couple who was trying to decide which plan was best for them for the new year. After a successful enrollment they expressed their gratitude to Thomson in a letter, stating: “Thank you very much for your help and input. I am much more confident going into the new year since I have chosen the proper insurance plan with your help.”

A local woman insisted she “made too much money” to qualify and feared her premium would be too expensive. Thomson’s patience and persistence paid off when she was able to enroll the woman in an affordable plan. After the enrollment, the woman texted Thomson to say “Happy to have found you!”

And there was a man who thought he couldn’t afford health insurance for his three children. He was overjoyed to discover, with Thomson’s assistance, they qualified for a zero-premium plan.

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOHMonroe) encourages everyone without health insurance to take advantage of the free assistance available in our community before the last day of the annual Open Enrollment period on Jan. 15, 2023.

More information, including a tri-lingual video and downloadable resources in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole can be found on the DOH-Monroe web site with the following link: monroe. floridahealth.gov.

— Contributed Monroe County residents in need of health insurance should call one of the following organizations as soon as possible:

• Womankind: 305-879-1965 or 305-294-4044

• Health Insurance Navigation Program at Epilepsy Alliance Florida: 877-553-7453

• Community Health of South Florida (CHI): Key West or Tavernier –786-387-9260; Marathon –305-926-0259

• Rural Health Network: 305-517-6613, ext. 517

FLORIDA KEYS SANCTUARY TAKES TOP SPOTS IN NATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST

Images of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary have won top spots in the 50th-anniversary edition of the “Get into your Sanctuary” photo contest sponsored by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. A festive flamingo tongue snail and colorful roseate spoonbill in flight rose above more than 700 entries to capture first and second places, respectively, in the “Sanctuary Life” category, which spotlights fish, birds, marine mammals and other ocean creatures.

“Given the more than 6,000 species of marine life that are at home in the Florida Keys, it’s no surprise to see these photos in the winners’ circle,” said Sarah Fangman, sanctuary superintendent. “The quality of our wildlife attracts great photographers and we are grateful for the keen eyes of those who captured these images for posterity.”

First-place winner Daryl Duda is no stranger to national recognition of his work. Earlier this year, a different Duda photo was among those selected for a U.S. postal stamp series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the national marine sanctuary system. Duda’s close-up of the flamingo tongue snail was snapped at Elbow Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area, not far from his Key Largo home, and includes a diver in the distant background, encapsulating the beauty and accessibility of marine life in the Florida Keys.

Big Pine Key photographer Jack Louden snapped the runnerup image of a roseate spoonbill as it flew above a calm coastline just south of Bahia Honda. Louden in 2021 retired from Switlik Elementary School where he taught music, and is now turning his photography hobby into a profession.

“I am so lucky to be able to enjoy the best of mother nature in the fabulous Florida Keys,” says Louden, who spends about two hours each morning looking for new subjects. “I take pictures of everything from Key deer, to gators at the Blue Hole, to spoonbills and flamingos. There was a very rare bird that was here a couple years ago — the Cuban pewee.”

While the contest does not carry a monetary award, winning photos will be featured in the 2023 Earth Is Blue Magazine and on the Earth Is Blue social media campaign. A web story on all winners can be found here.

CORAL SHORES AND KEY WEST HOOPERS BUSY OVER BREAK

Second half of prep basketball for all Keys teams tips off this week

n Dec. 21, Key West took on Spanish River High School, battling it out in a close game. Kameron Roberts scored 14 points and Leandro Batista dropped in 13, but the Conchs ultimately lost by 4, falling 62-58. Key West did add a win to their record over the holiday break, beating Jensen Beach the following day. Batista had a game-high 14 points in the victory.The Conchs played two more over the break, losing to South Fork and Gig Harbor (Washington) on Dec. 28 and 29, respectively. Batista had the high scores for both games with 11 against South Fork and 15 against Gig Harbor. Watson Chery added 11 to the Gig Harbor score.

The Conchs play again on Saturday, Jan. 7 at home against Boca Raton, then face Coral Shores at home on Tuesday, Jan. 10 for Monroe County bragging rights.

Coral Shores traveled to Orlando over the holiday break to take on some of the best competition on the east coast in the KSA basketball tournament. The ’Canes played Pennsylvania’s 5A state champion Cathedral Prep to a 58-27 loss early in the tournament, then turned their efforts to Pingree (Massachusetts). Coach Jarrod Mandozzi said his squad “didn’t play well the first game,” but after a loss to Pingree, they regrouped and went on to play the Massachusetts team again, winning the second game 54-50. Matt St. Aubin was selected as the team MVP in the tournament and made the all-tournament team for the ’Canes’ bracket.

Upon their return to the Keys, the Hurricanes shifted their efforts to the west coast, playing Gig Harbor in Tavernier. Despite having all-county guard Isaac Rivera back from knee surgery, Coral Shores was still shorthanded in the game, with multiple starters out of town for the break. After a close 9-9 first quarter, the Hurricanes’ hopes for a win slowly ebbed away.

“We really struggled with turnovers and some uncharacteristic mistakes in the second quarter that really did us in, as they ultimately beat us 69-37,” said Mandozzi. “I would have loved to have played them at full strength, but there were still some positives.”

Coral Shores opens up the second half of their season against Obridge Academy in Palm Beach on Jan. 6 to begin a five-game road stint for the ‘Canes.

Marathon did not play any games over the holiday break. The Fins play Boca Raton on Friday, Jan. 6 at home to open the second half of their season.

The Coral Shores boys basketball team poses with its team plaque earned at the KSA basketball tournament held in Orlando over the holiday break. The Hurricanes played schools from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts during the event. JARROD MANDOZZI/Contributed

BOYS/GIRLS BASKETBALL

CORAL SHORES KEY WEST

Clockwise from top left: Amauri ButlerBailey, Kameron Roberts, Watson Chery, Roberts, James Osborne, Leandro Batista, Kevon Mills. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

THE SCOREBOARD

Team

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Cathedral Prep (PA) @ Orlando 12/20 L, 58-27

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Pingree (Mass) @ Orlando 12/21 L, 62-36

Key West Boys Basketball Spanish River 12/21 L, 62-58

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Pingree (Mass) @ Orlando 12/22 W, 54-50

Key West Boys Basketball Jensen Beach 12/22 W, 55-51

Key West Boys Basketball South Fork 12/23 L, 58-41

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Gig Harbor, WA 12/28 L, 69-37

Key West Boys Basketball Gig Harbor, WA 12/29 L, 75-39

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Date

Marathon Boys Basketball Boca Raton 6 p.m. 1/6 Key West Girls Soccer @ South FL HEAT 4 p.m. 1/6 Coral Shores Girls Basketball Marathon 4 p.m. 1/6 Marathon Girls Soccer Coral Shores 6 p.m. 1/6 Key West Boys Basketball South Broward 7:30 p.m. 1/6 Marathon Boys Soccer Country Day 4 p.m. 1/6 & 1/7 Key West & Coral Shores Wrestling @ Somerset Scuffle 3 p.m. 1/7 Key West Girls Soccer @ Gulliver 5 p.m. 1/7 Key West Boys Soccer Bolles 1 p.m. 1/7 Key West Boys Basketball Boca Raton 6:30 p.m. 1/7 Marathon Boys Basketball Palm Glades Prep 3 p.m.

1/8 Marathon Girls Basketball @ Keys Gate 3:30 p.m.

1/9 Coral Shores Girls Basketball @ Keys Gate 3:30 p.m. 1/9 Marathon Girls Basketball Key West 5:30 p.m. 1/9 Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ Palm Glades 5 p.m. 1/10 Marathon Boys Basketball Redlands Christian 5 p.m.

1/10 Coral Shores Girls Soccer Key West 4 p.m.

1/10 Marathon Girls & Boys Soccer @ Cushman 2 & 3:30 p.m.

1/10

Key West Girls & Boys Basketball Coral Shores 4 & 7 p.m.

1/11 All Keys Schools Girls Weightlifting @ Marathon 4 p.m.

1/12

1/12

Marathon Boys Basketball Horeb Christian 5:30 p.m.

Marathon Girls Basketball Gulliver 4 p.m.

1/12 Key West Girls & Boys Soccer @ Silver Palms 3 p.m.

1/12

Andre Otto will take his talents to Tallahassee next year.

ELLA HALL/ Keys Weekly

Key West’s Three-Sport Standout Andre Otto Commits to FSU

Senior Key West High School

ANDRE OTTO

Conchs wrestling coach Chaz

Whether he is on the gridiron, track or wrestling mat, Christopher Andre Otto makes a huge impact for the Conchs. The multisport, multitalented student athlete was highly recruited by Division 1 teams across the country. On Dec. 21, he made the choice to further his academic and athletic career in Tallahassee, playing for the Florida State Seminoles. The star lineman is currently transitioning to wrestling, where his coach says, “He’s a leader by example. His work ethic and attitude are contagious. Most importantly, he’s just a great soul.”

A dedicated athlete who pays attention to the little things, Otto says he will spend next year studying all aspects of the Seminole offense while he continues his studies of film and digital design. For his amazing accomplishments in Conch athletics and his positive attitude toward all he does, Christopher Andre Otto is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

“Andre works hard in all aspects of his life and is dedicated to excellence.”

-

Jimenez

THE KEYS WEEKLY 2022 ALL-KEYS GOLF TEAM

Fisher Coleman-Sayer

Senior, Marathon

“Fisher brought a lot of golf knowledge, leadership and experience to our program this season and a work ethic that is beyond impressive. As a result of his hard work and dedication to the sport, he will be continuing his golf career in college and we are excited to watch his growth there as well.” – Marathon coach Mary Coleman-Sayer

Rocco Twyman

Senior, Key West

Twyman was a consistent player for Key West, making the leaderboard multiple times this season. As a senior, he was praised by Conchs coach Joshua Bassett for his work with improving the underclassmen and preparing them for the future.

Tommy Highsmith

Senior, Key West

As just a first-year golfer, Highsmith lit up the links with solid play, scoring a 43 in his top round this season. “He played well for us, maintained a positive can-do attitude, and is one of the most respectful young men I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” said Conchs coach Joshua Bassett.

Preston Carroll

Sophomore,

Coral Shores

Just a sophomore, Carroll shot a 44 at the Hammock at Ocean Reef and led the Hurricanes multiple times throughout the season. Coach Danielle Thomas added, “I look forward to having Preston on the team for the next few years.”

Billy Martin Senior, Marathon

“Billy improved quite a bit this season in his attitude and focus on the course, and provided leadership to our team,” said Marathon coach Mary ColemanSayer. “Billy always came to play with a positivity that was energizing to the rest of the group.”

Tanel Irons

Sophomore, Coral Shores

Irons’ season-best round was a 49 at the Hammock at Ocean Reef. "Tanny had a solid year and birdied at districts,” said Hurricanes coach Danielle Thomas. “He is an amazing player.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

MVP

Rocco Twyman

Tommy Highsmith

Preston Carroll

Billy Martin

Tanel Irons

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

With only a few courses dotting the island chain, prep golf in the Florida Keys can be challenging. Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores make it work by hosting one another often throughout the season, and the players and coaches have a long-standing camaraderie that epitomizes sportsmanship. Throughout the season, athletes traded spots for the top golfers in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, making the selection of an All-Keys team and an MVP very difficult. Many of this year’s top-performing athletes are underclassmen, providing some excitement for future seasons.

From the staff at the Sports Wrap, congratulations to the 2022 Keys Weekly All-Keys Cross-Country Team.

Gabby Thomas Sophomore, Coral Shores

Thomas led the Lady ’Canes in most matches this season and her game continues to improve. She is an asset to her team far beyond her solid scores, though. “Gabby is a leader on and off the course,” said Coral Shores coach Danielle Thomas. “When she is at practice she helps the other golfers with their swing and stances. She always tries to better herself by practicing and watching videos of other golfers.”

Mattie Johnson

Junior, Coral Shores

Hurricanes junior Mattie Johnson honed her skills this year with a season-best round of 69 at International Links in Miami. “Mattie improved tremendously throughout the season and I can't wait to see her play again for us next year,” said Hurricanes coach Danielle Thomas.

Summer Haines

Sophomore, Marathon

“Summer worked extensively on her game this year and has been able to eliminate several strokes from her overall match play last year as a sophomore,” said Marathon coach Mary Coleman-Sayer. “She was more focused in matches this season in an effort to continue lowering her score. She provided much needed leadership, especially to our ‘newbies’ to the team.”

Savannah Oropeza

BOYS/GIRLS BASKETBALL

Senior, Key West

“Savannah Oropeza was our most experienced golfer,” said Key West coach Joshua Bassett, “and she posted her best round of 51 twice this year while balancing the demanding schedule of both band and golf.”

Claudia Sterling Freshman, Key West

Sterling has shown steady improvement in her game this season, and as just a freshman, she should do great things on the course the next three years. Sportsmanship, maturity and integrity are the top qualities Conchs coach Joshua Bassett looks for on his team, and Sterling ticks those boxes.

MVP

Mattie Johnson

Savannah Oropeza

Claudia Sterling

Summer Haines

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT THERESA AXFORD REVIEWS 2022

The Monroe County School District has had an amazing year with a number of accomplishments to share.

Notably, the school district has an interim agreement with SPGL to build 90 units of affordable housing for teachers and staff on Trumbo Point in Key West. Although there are still a number of hurdles to jump, it’s a great start. It has taken hours of work to get to this point and we hope to have shovels in the ground sometime in 2023.

The school board granted each teacher an unprecedented $5,000 raise in November. (This was in addition to the raise they received in August, which amounted to about $2,800 per teacher, for an overall total raise of $7,800). All other employees received an additional $2,600 in November and nearly the same amount in August. I applaud the board for endeavoring to help bridge the gap between the annual median income in Monroe County, which is $100,500, and teachers’ starting salary of $56,800. These efforts must continue if we are going to hire and retain qualified staff.

One of the best things going forward is the district’s new and well-developed strategic plan. This took the last six months of 2022 to complete. The plan was developed in hours of meetings with all stakeholders, many of whom participated virtually to ensure everyone had a voice in the process. It is a flight plan for the future and will ensure our success. The completed plan will be housed on our website at keysschools.com. The board and the community will receive regular updates on progress.

The school district also unveiled a new smartphone app known as “My MCSD” that offers all the information anyone needs to navigate the school system. Parents can check their students’ grades, schedules and attendance. They can access calendars for all school events and lunch schedules. Push notifications will notify them of any emergency issues. If they have students in two different schools, they can get all the information in the same app by toggling to the other school. Student information is available to parents through their FOCUS log-in; however, all other information about the district is available to community members as well.

Our focus on environmental education is another great plus for the district. We have developed a curriculum to educate all students (pre-K through 12th grade) on the importance of protecting our natural resources. The curriculum was developed with the help of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, but our partnerships extend

to others, including the Coral Reef Restoration Foundation, NOAA, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, United Way and Reef Relief. When our students understand their stewardship role, we can continue and enhance ongoing efforts to protect our coral reefs and near shore waters.

Another school enhancement occurred with the addition of a much-needed elementary wing at Sugarloaf School, where I spent 20 years of my career.

The school board members toured the new facility on Dec. 6 and were thrilled to see the classrooms and other amenities that will benefit students and teachers.

The Monroe Occupation and Vocational Experiences (MOVE) program has expanded and continues to grow. Through our partnerships with Keys Energy Services, Keys Federal Credit Union, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Keys Auto Center, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, A20 Architecture, Blown Away hair studio, A&B Marina and the Spottswood Companies, district students are finding opportunities to learn important workplace skills. Through the MOVE program, businesses can train prospective employees before they enter the workforce, reducing the costs of new employee training and employee turnover.

Our sports programs were stellar throughout the year and achievements are too multiple to name here. The Keys Weekly’s Sports Wrap reporters Tracy and Sean McDonald have masterfully covered our athletes and programs.

But I would like to thank each of our athletic directors and coaches for their relentless efforts to coordinate all of our teams. Students flourished in their programs.

Lastly, the class of 2022 received community scholarships in the amount of $2.6 million. Hats off to our community for its support of students. I know scholarship money comes from multiple fundraisers throughout the year and hours of dedicated work by volunteers. We are beyond grateful for this support. In addition, these same students received other scholarships totaling $4.5 million, for a grand total of $7.1 million.

We enjoy our work in providing educational services for the students in Monroe County and the school district staff plans to actualize our new mission statement each day in the coming year:

“Working together to inspire and bring excellence to every student every day.”

Happy New Year!

Theresa Axford Superintendent Monroe County School District

SHELF HELP

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Blacktop Wasteland” by S.A. Cosby

Why: The “one last job” trope is used heavily in books and movies about criminals trying to go straight. Yet S.A. Cosby somehow makes it fresh and individual. In this book, Beauregard Montage, better known as Bug, was the best getaway driver around but has settled down as a family man and mechanic. Things happen that drive him in desperation to work with people he knows he shouldn’t, doing things that carry huge risks to himself and those he loves. And even though this is in some ways well-driven territory, every plot twist surprised and captured me. This is kind of like Elmore Leonard (every character is irresistibly interesting) with more heart and less snark – you care so much about Bug, even when he’s making not-very-good decisions (for the best of reasons).

Bonus: Cosby will be opening this year’s Friends of the Key West Library Speaker Series on Monday, Jan. 16. Go to the Friends website or Facebook page for details.

Where: This is available as a print book, eBook and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to www.keyslibraries. org and get ebooks and e-audiobooks 24/7 at www.estuff.keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, Monroe County Public Library community affairs manager

SPORTS & MORE

TEARS FOR THE BUCKEYES’ LOSS, BUT REAL TEARS FOR THE BILLS’ PLAYER

RALPH MORROW

... a veteran sports columnist, says the only sport he doesn’t follow is cricket. That leaves plenty of others to fill his time.

ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

hile you were celebrating the new year at midnight on Saturday, tears were collecting on my cheeks because of what was happening in Atlanta. It was the national semifinal of the College Football Playoffs called the Peach Bowl.

Ohio State had led most of the game, and starting the fourth quarter, it was 38-24 in favor of the Buckeyes. My friend, Brad in North Carolina, and I were both feeling cautiously optimistic. But as the contest was clicking toward the finish, University of Georgia slipped ahead by a point, 42-41.

With seconds left, the Buckeyes had a chance. They got the ball back and slowly but surely, quarterback CJ Stroud got the ball into field goal range with a few seconds left.

It wasn’t a gimme. In fact, it was more than 50 yards, well within Buckeye kicker Noah Ruggles’ distance, but too far for normal kickers. Ruggles had delivered at that distance before, and I felt he could do it this time as well.

I watched intently as Ruggles’ right foot came forward. It was what will become known in Buckeye lore as “Wide Left” because that’s what it was. It wasn’t close. The final score was the same as it was when Ruggles had lined up his kick, 42-41 Georgia.

Georgia now faces Texas Christian University (TCU) for the national championship on Monday, Jan. 9 and is favored by 13 points. My advice? Don’t bet it either way.

Prior to the Ohio State game, TCU defeated favored Michigan.

WHEN I WAS A KID, probably in the pre-teen era, I became an avid college sports fan, first football, then basketball, followed by baseball. As I lived in southeastern Ohio, it was all Ohio State. My favorite player was Dick Schnittker, who starred as a football end (now called a wide receiver) and a basketball forward, for which he was an all-American and later a pro forward with the Minneapolis Lakers.

As an Ohio State fan back then, my football postseason loyalties went strictly with the Rose Bowl,

WBuffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, seen in 2019 while playing college football for Pitt, collapsed on the field from cardiac arrest on Jan. 2 during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was listed in critical condition. WIKIPEDIA/ Contributed

which attracted the champions of the Big Ten and whatever the Pacific conference was called 70 or so years ago. That winner would be the national champion.

There was a year in which the two combatants in the Rose Bowl were Ohio State and Stanford. The latter won. And like Saturday night, I was saddened. My solace back then was that I would just have to wait a year, win the Big Ten, win the Rose Bowl and claim the national championship.

Now, a team must win enough and be named to the college playoffs, then win.

But if Ohio State isn’t at the top, I will be very disappointed.

SOMETIMES GAMES ARE ANYTHING BUT FUN TO WATCH. Such was the case Monday night, when the Buffalo Bills were to play the Cincinnati Bengals. They had played nearly a quarter. The Bengals were ahead 7-3. Damar Hamlin, a safety for Buffalo, had tackled Tee Higgins of the Bengals. Hamlin stood up after the tackle, then collapsed to the ground.

It immediately became apparent that this was very serious. And it was. As an unconscious Hamlin lay on the field being treated with CPR, the game was suspended, then the other players from both teams gathered, many in prayer and many in tears. Within an hour, Hamlin, still unconscious and accompanied by his mother, who was at the game, was taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

He was listed in critical condition following cardiac arrest as of the following afternoon, Jan. 3 — while a nation prayed.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ROMAN GASTESI’S 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

As we enter a milestone year for Monroe County in 2023, our commissioners and staff continue to enhance the quality of the lives of our citizens, business owners and visitors. I am honored to serve as Monroe County Administrator for the past 14½ years, and I am proud of the remarkable accomplishments of our commissioners and 623 part-time and full-time employees in 2022.

Since the creation of Monroe County on July 3, 1823, transportation and the environment have been at the forefront of our citizen’s minds, and it still rings true today. This year, the County hired a transit director with a three-year plan to work with the municipalities on transportation woes throughout the Florida Keys. With resident participation, Planning and Environmental Services submitted the top transportation priorities to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), with many of the ideas incorporated into FDOT’s five-year work plan.

The Sustainability Office and our commissioners continue to lead the country in climate change and sea-level rise adaptation conversations. The recently completed Roads Elevation Study came in with a $1.6 billion price tag for county-maintained road adaptations subject to sea-level rise by 2045. With Legislative Affairs’ successful utilization of our lobbyists and close collaboration with our state and federal delegation, several “big-picture” long-term projects were approved. For example, Congress recently approved authorization and initial funding of a $2.6 billion U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program in the Florida Keys to improve resiliency by reducing damage and risk from impacts of storms and to guard against potential damage from sea-level rise.

With the help of Other People’s Money, as I like to say, we will continue to chase grants and other funding sources. This year we secured $30 million in state and federal appropriations and numerous additional grants for water quality, bridge replacements, and storm risk mitigation. We will continue to push forward with canal restoration efforts, supporting the health of our nearshore waters. Code Compliance reached an 80 percent connection rate to the central sewer system, with hopes to have all of unincorporated Monroe County hooked up in the next 18 months – another giant leap toward improved water quality in the Florida Keys. Passage of the federal coral reef protection bill authorizing $45 million in annual funding bill caps off our environmental successes this year.

Budget and Finance produced the $519.7 million FY23 budget, which boasts the lowest property tax rate in Florida for another year. Key West International Airport broke ground on a new concourse project that will improve service to the more than one million passengers who pass through the terminal. Project Management completed the Plantation Key Courthouse and Detention Center, the Pine Channel Nature Park, and repaired many of the county’s properties damaged in previous storms. Parks and Beaches, a relatively new department, is outfitting beaches with mobility mats and sand wheelchairs and adding accessible swings at playgrounds, taking us one step closer to making recreational

opportunities truly for everyone. The Permitting Department successfully implemented an all-online permitting system earlier this year, creating a more streamlined process.

To make the community safer, the new Emergency Operations Center in Marathon will be home to Emergency Management, Fire Rescue headquarters, and the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center. Emergency Management activated for two storms in 2022, and 18 of our firefighters, our public information officer, and I deployed to help our northern neighbors in DeSoto County after Hurricane Ian. Engineering and Roads focused on completing bridge projects and significant road improvements in Key West and throughout the county. Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Trauma Star provided a record number of life-saving flights to the mainland while transporting our residents with no out-of-pocket costs. The fifth “Hot Shots” firefighter training class graduated – a program that waives tuition for residents. Unincorporated Monroe County continues to hold on to one of the best ratings in the Community Rating System, saving flood insurance policyholders millions of dollars annually in the Florida Keys.

Solid Waste championed a “Put a Lid on It” event in endangered Key Deer areas, and staff collected about 1.8 million pounds of locally produced debris in three weeks by Ian. Strategic Planning gathered new information on community priorities to incorporate into a refreshed 2023 strategic plan. Veterans Affairs secured more than $5 million in annual disability payments for local Veterans, and Social Services and Guardian ad Litem advocated for our most vulnerable residents, from our youngest to our oldest. For those with a green thumb, the Extension Service guided residents in learning about local flora, fauna and other vital Keys resources. And for the bookworms and knowledge seekers, the Library System implemented a $1 million grant and added cutting-edge technology to the five branches.

The Fleet Department received Blue Star awards for its high standards in maintaining county vehicles. Facilities Maintenance worked to preserve and protect the county’s property and building assets. Employee Services enhanced employee well-being and safety while recruiting to fill positions in a challenging work environment. Information Technology continues to seamlessly support county operations with network, phone, server, MCTV and applications. The County Attorney’s Office handled a number of matters, including successfully litigating a case with nationwide implications that protected the security and integrity of the county’s voting equipment.

As we celebrate 2023 with special 200-year touches, Monroe County is committed to creating a better life, every day, for everyone in the Keys. We will continue to have open and courageous communication about our past, present and future, and we will strive to make our island home a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and play.

Cheers in paradise,

Monroe County Administrator

Roman Gastesi

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

FOCUS SHIFTS WITH CLOSURE OF GROUPER SEASON

Happy New Year! We hope 2023 will be a great year for everyone.

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

Grouper season is closed from Jan. 1 to April 30. This closure includes red, black, gag, red hind, scamp and yellowedge grouper. Most of our bottom fishing efforts will be focused on mutton snapper, amber jack and cobia. Many clients who come down to the Florida Keys want to get enough meat to fill a cooler, and some want enough meat to fill a dinner plate. Since most of the groupers we would target are now out of season, we’ll focus a lot of our “meat hunts” on mangrove, yellowtail and lane snapper trips. We have several spots up and down the Seven Mile Bridge to target these species of snapper and also catch yellow jack, muttons, permit, pompano, mackerel and grunts.

The best tide for fishing the Seven Mile Bridge is a slack or slack-ish outgoing tide on the gulf side or slack or slack-ish incoming tide on the Atlantic side. We like to fish with our baits drifting away from the bridge rather than into the bridge, and we chum a LOT. If you see Bermuda chubs come into your chum line, that means the snapper bite will turn on – but no chubs means that not many hungry snapper will show up.

We like to flat line with appropriately weighted larva hooks or jig heads with a live shrimp tipped on the hook. We like to hook the shrimp under the chin, through the head, in front of the brain and make the hook even with the horn of the shrimp’s head. This keeps the shrimp lively and streamlined so as it goes with the flow through the water column it looks like it’s swimming naturally to the game

fish. Bait hooking techniques, light knots and light line all matter when trying the tough task of fooling Mother Nature.

Try to pick spots near the bridge that have ledges and holes. Yellowtail snapper season is open year round. They have to be 12 inches or bigger to keep, measured, like all snapper and grouper, from the tip of the bottom lip to the tip of the pinched tail down the lateral line of the fish. A quick helpful tip: most 5-gallon buckets have a 12-inch diameter, so many times we put a yellowtail’s nose on one edge. If its tail hangs over the opposite edge of the top diameter, we know it’s a keeper. The yellowtail limit is 10 per person per day, not to exceed a boat aggregate of 50.

Mangrove snapper limits get a little more complicated. If you’re harvesting mangrove snapper on the gulf side, you can keep up to five fish per person per day at 10 inches or bigger. The Atlantic side is up to 10 fish per person at 12 inches or bigger. So if you’re targeting mangrove snapper, start in the gulf, transfer to the Atlantic, and get pulled over with 10-inch mangrove snapper, you are breaking the law. On the other hand, if you start in the Atlantic and you transfer to the gulf, get pulled over, and have more than five mangrove snapper per person, you’re also breaking the law. I’ve never been able to get a good answer for this dilemma, but just know it’s an issue.

Have an awesome 2023!

To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305879-0564, or visit anabananafishing. com.

Monster mangrove snappers near the Seven Mile Bridge make for happy customers. CONTRIBUTED

SUSHI’S SWAN SONG MARKS END OF AN ERA

New York City dropped the ball in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, but Key West dropped everything else: A drag queen, a conch shell and a pirate wench.

Crowds packed multiple blocks of Duval Street, near Sloppy Joe’s conch shell drop and Bourbon Street Pub’s red shoe drop. Meanwhile, at the harbor, Schooner Wharf Bar’s swashbuckling proprietress Evalena Worthington descended from the towering mast of a historic schooner at midnight.

New Year’s Eve in Key West provided something for everyone and “high spirits” to start 2023.

— Mandy Miles

KEY WEST WELCOMES 2023

1. Crowds pack the 700 and 800 blocks of Duval Street, awaiting Sushi’s descent in a red high-heeled shoe. LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly

2. Sushi shows off a trophy commemorating the last of more than two decades of New Year’s Eve ‘shoe drops.’ LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

3. Confetti flies and revelers cheer upon the lowering of a giant conch shell onto the roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street in Key West. CAROL TEDESCO/KeyWestHolidayFest.com

4. High heels can’t stop this female impersonator’s agile backbend. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

5. Key West rapper Mike Stack thrills the crowd with his hit, ‘I’m from Key West’ on New Year’s Eve. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

W. B. Thompson

William Bradley Thompson specializes in colorful assemblages, landscapes, and gurative work.

Bill began to study art at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. His abilities apparent early on, the university eventually purchased several of his works. Fatefully he would choose a path as an artist despite a formal education in law.

With nods to Matise and VanGogh, Bill has created an impressionistic voice all his own. Utilizing acrylic paint and oil sticks he produces colorful, multi layered mixed media pieces.

Thompson has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the U.S. and abroad. His works are in many public and corporate collections including a large-scale commission at the Key West International Airport.

JANUARY AT THE STUDIOS

SUSAN WERNER

Old Town New Folk

Tue Jan 10, 7pm Hugh’s View

Wed Jan 11, 6pm Helmerich Theater

$75 VIP, $50, $40 mbrs.

With formidable chops on guitar and piano along with a graduate degree in voice performance, Werner’s shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship. sponsored by Blue Heaven and Kimpton Key West

THE SOUNDS OF SUN HEE KIL Theatre and Olympic Ceremonies Sound Designer, Sound Design Professor Thu Jan 12, 7pm Helmerich Theater

$30, $25 mbrs.

Sunny chats about her journey from Seoul to New York to Key West (for Marrero’s streaming project, Repair). She discusses her work for the Pyeongchang Olympics and designing for the Broadway stage.

sponsored by Assortment, inc.

SCREENING: REPAIR

written by Michael Marrero and Julio Trinidad

Fri Jan 13, 8pm Helmerich Theater

$25, $20 mbrs.

Attend the special live premiere of Marrero’s tragicomedy of two men locked in a no-win situation as they navigate the price of justice, fatherhood and revenge.

Starring Leon Addison Brown and Julio Trinidad sponsored by Historic Key West Vacation Rentals

Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm

AMY PATTON www.keysweekly.com

KEY WEST ARTIST DIVES DEEP — WITH PAINT

DANIEL ALAYSON TURNS OLD SCUBA TANKS INTO ORIGINAL PAINTINGS

“My grandfather is the original creator of the Southernmost Buoy,” he explained. `“I grew up with art expressions all around me.”

The tanks selected for painting, he said, are “decommissioned” from their original use and each one is numbered with an identification code engraved into its aluminum shell. Now comes the hard part: As the artist creates the original pieces mostly to be displayed on a collector’s wall, the tanks are laterally cut with a motorized (very sharp!) saw. “What’s involved in this is cutting, prepping, painting and sealing,” said Alayson. A resin pour over the entire painted facade helps render a glass-like finish to the piece – what he describes as a “candy apple” glaze.

The metal materials for the work are sourced “from dive shops from here all the way up to Port Charlotte,” said the painter. “This way I get all their used tanks. Then they can’t be recertified for use in diving.”

Art on Duval’s proprietor, Michael Procaccini, has lent his full support to the projects on display. “This whole thing has evolved into something special,” he said. “Almost everything we have here is done by Florida-based artists. We’re big supporters of local talent.”

For now, Alayson is happy to have his marine image scuba tank work in front of potential collectors who browse the shops on Duval.

“Obviously the dream of every artist is to get into a big gallery,” he noted. “Having wall space is the hardest thing to come by. You could throw a rock here and hit a hundred galleries and they all have the same thing. Because of this concept, my work gets a chance to be seen and hopefully taken home by someone who will love it.”

Have you ever wondered where old, battered scuba tanks go to die?

Local artist Danilo Alayson has at least one answer to that question: Why not paint them?

Now on display at the Art on Duval gallery, 714 Duval St., are colorful marine scenes painted on discarded scuba tanks that have been restored by the Key West-born Alayson. His acrylic brushstrokes have replaced the scratches and dents on the aged aluminum air cylinders formerly used to sustain divers underwater.

Some of the repurposed tanks and refurbished hardware that serve as the artist’s canvas are decades old.

“They’ve lived their lives in the water,” Alayson said last week during a reception for the collection at the gallery. Images of manatees — those gentle giants of the sea — as well as sea turtles, luminous blue and green coral reef underwater landscapes and clown fish now adorn the container’s exteriors.

Alayson’s connection to the island city goes way back, with artistic talent hardwired into his DNA.

Daniel Alayson, a Key West native, transforms old scuba tanks into original art. AMY PATTON/Keys Weekly

SAYING ’BYE TO BOOZE IN THE NEW YEAR?

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

You WILL need to find a hobby.

BYou WON’T know what to do with yourself at first.

KIRBY MYERS

is a busy mom, business owner and writer who’s not afraid to say what many of us are thinking.

eing alcohol-free is becoming more and more prevalent, and not only with people who feel they “need” to quit, but with anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re aiming for a dry January or want to remove alcohol from your life completely, here are a few take-aways from my sober journey.

You WILL miss it. At first.

You WON’T ever want to go back once the good stuff starts kicking in. Hang tight. Life gets really good.

You WILL “lose” people.

You WON’T miss them in the long run. I have plenty of friends who still drink. Some of my absolute best friends love an occasional cocktail or crisp glass of rosé. But these friends can connect without the crutch of alcohol. Those no longer in my circle were never really in it unless a drink was involved. It was a conditional arrangement. And you’ll be happy to find out which friends stick with you, without the conditions.

You WILL have the best sleep of your adult life.

You WON’T wake up with dread. “Hangxiety,” headaches, pointless arguments, missing personal items and questioning last night’s behavior will be in the rearview mirror. Sound sleep, lucid dreams and waking up with a yearning to be a better version of yourself every day will become your new normal. And you’ll love it.

You WILL question everything you were ever trained to think about what it means to have fun.

You WON’T believe how much money you will save. Seriously, no more $20 cocktails on the dinner bill will blow your damn mind.

And as for fun, I certainly wasn’t throwing ’em back in my grade and middle school years when I had the most endless, innocent and magical time with friends. Somewhere along the way, with the help of marketing and the glorification of alcohol (notice how your favorite TV character is always fabulous and bright-eyed while drinking, somehow never remotely sloppy or drunk), we started relying on an overpriced toxin to enjoy ourselves.

I bought roller skates. And a pack of string to make friendship bracelets. And eventually paddleboards that I’ve yet to unbox. You’ll have to figure it out again — the kinds of things you enjoy when you’re simply in it for the enjoyment, with no lubricant to fool you into the joy itself.

You WILL get the most out of removing alcohol if you simultaneously eat well and move your body.

You WON’T believe how much crap you crave in the beginning. I binged on chocolate and candy for the first six months until deciding I didn’t put the drink down in order to still treat my body like a dumpsite. I leveled up my sobriety the minute I started working out.

Being offered drinks repeatedly after saying no will get annoying.

My advice? Be up front about your decision if you are comfortable doing so – “No thanks, I’m not drinking” – and change the subject. You don’t need to give a reason if you don’t want to offer one. If someone can’t accept that, refer to the beginning — remember when I said you would lose people, but not the people who matter anyway?

And ff you’re not comfortable, get yourself a drink before anyone else can. When they ask, lift your cup and say, “I’m all set.” You’ll be shocked how no one actually cares what’s in your cup as long as you have one. Mocktails can be a great option, but you don’t have to spend the money on a sugary substitute when a big balloon wine glass filled with ice, fruit and sparkling water can hit the spot, instantly making you feel better, and fancy!

Also, come prepared. Don’t show up at someone’s house expecting your favorite N/A option to be provided. Bring your drink of choice with you and avoid the discomfort.

Setting boundaries will take an insane amount of personal strength and will need to become a daily practice. Take five minutes every day to write down how you’re feeling, listening to your mind and body and allowing yourself to really notice the positive changes.

Your life will become less complicated and much clearer. You’ll have the kinds of relationships you can count on, the most important one being the one you have with yourself.

Cheers to a new year without blinders.

MILE

O FEST CELEBRATES ‘RED DIRT’ & AMERICANA MUSIC IN KEY WEST

FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE

JAN. 24-28

Performances by American Aquarium, Ian Munsick, Pat Green, the Randy Rogers Band, Shane Smith & the Saints and other leading Americana and “Red Dirt” musical acts are among the anticipated highlights for audiences Tuesday through Saturday, Jan. 24-28, at Key West’s Mile 0 Fest.

More than 60 artists will perform at the annual festival, all representing the Red Dirt and Americana musical styles that incorporate elements of rock, country and the American roots tradition. The event’s “Mile 0” moniker refers to Key West’s location at the beginning, or “mile 0,” of U.S. 1.

Attendees can enjoy Key West’s subtropical “winter” climate during five days of main stage shows at the open-air Coffee Butler Amphitheater, located at 21 Quay Road in Truman Waterfront Park.

The main-stage performances will be complemented by shows at other island locations, with featured talents entertaining fans at popular bars, resorts and theaters around Key West.

The musical lineup features groups and bands ranging from emerging artists to critically acclaimed stars of the genre. Other performers include Morgan Wade, Jack Ingram, Wade Bowen, Bri Bagwell, the Red Dirt Rangers and other notables.

While enjoying the musicianship, audiences at Truman Waterfront Park can purchase offerings from food and libation vendors and chalet tents with full-service bars.

In addition, attendees can choose to participate in Key West activities ranging from a half-day fishing derby to offbeat “Tipsy Tikis” cocktail cruises.

Festival admission options include five-day “beach bum” passes and single-day passes, each allowing entrance into all event venues.

CRICKET DESMARAIS www.keysweekly.com

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD MEET...

Artist Michael Ross just moved to Key West to become the new director of exhibitions and education at The Studios of Key West. CRICKET DESMARAIS/ Keys Weekly

ARTIST

MICHAEL

ROSS FINDS NEW BEGINNINGS IN OLD TOWN

While some of us in the Keys are fumbling our way through a few New Year’s resolutions, others are experiencing everything as new. Just ask Michael Ross, who arrived quietly on the island from southern Mississippi in midOctober 2022, hired by The Studios of Key West as their new director of exhibitions and education. The gentle artist, curator, and instructor is a good fit for the position that requires exhibitions to be hung with precision as well as practical and logistical support given to exhibiting artists and workshop instructors.

“The best part is seeing ‘new’ art arrive for each exhibition,” he says. “It is like unwrapping gifts.”

Ross had many gifts to unwrap for The Studios’ most recent members’ show, “Transformations,” which features work on all three floors. His own piece – “Ancestral Warm” — represents two decades of exploration in abstract collage and the concept of “house.” His first was born in a moment of frustration when painting — paper torn, but then reassembled, the edges lending to something so satisfying he hasn’t stopped doing it since.

As a classically trained painter with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University, Ross still thinks of himself as a figurative painter. He has exhibited broadly, with shows ranging from galleries in Japan and San Francisco to private, dynamic installations in his small San Francisco studio with unframed papers, filling the space and placing collages adjacent to each other as if in conversation, some as tall as him.

“I did a whole collage series of life-sized torsos with a house where the head would be – almost like masks – and taking on a sort of masquerade,” he says. “The houses feel like people to me. In my heart of hearts, they’re all people.”

It quickly becomes clear that what he’s after isn’t so much about “house” as it is “home” –one simply the container, a refuge for memory; the other, the life force within it.

“I think we regard certain people in the same ways that we regard home. When you get home, you relax, you can feel safe, but you can also feel free around certain people. You feel connected. You feel empowered,” he said.

After nearly three decades in San Francisco, Ross – the “baby” in a family of eight children – went home to Laurel, Mississippi in 2017. His collages found form on fabric, first as homage to his beloved mother, with her Sunday best cut and pressed into shapes to make a giant blanket. He is currently sewing a series of house-shaped fabric quilts – work that will be exhibited this spring at TSKW as an installation suspended from the ceiling that can also be worn as a cape or cloak or maybe even a cocoon — tangible metaphors for how we adorn or retreat into the homes we make or are or are becoming.

“Transformation is not always comfortable, but it is so necessary,” he says. “I can tell even in the adjustment that this is a good place for me and where I’m supposed to be. Even though I’m still navigating. I haven’t had to do that for a while. I lived in a place that I’ve known for so long. And then when I left, I went to a place where I grew up. I think it’s a perfect time for a different chapter, and I look forward to further

What’s your superpower? I can listen during silences.

What’s something you’d like to learn? Taiko drumming. Which artist/artwork inspired you most? John Biggers.

Who is your hero? My four sisters and three brothers.

What do you like best about Key West? I like the fact that people here seem both laid back and unbothered yet very strong and resilient.

Words to live by? Feed your own spirit first!

learning about Key West and … how would I say, coming to meet? It’s almost like I’m meeting the Key West Michael as he’s forming.”

In the meantime, Ross finds a sense of familiarity in the island’s foliage and trees, even though they are unlike anything he has ever known.

“There’s something about them. They’re beautiful and unusual; something about them seems comforting. And it seems connected somehow to something, they seem a part of the identity of the buildings. I think it must speak to me on what I think is the resilience of the people here.

“Friends asked me if I was afraid to come here because of hurricanes and I literally thought, ‘Yes, I’m afraid of hurricanes, but I’m gonna do what the people do.’

“Roads have led me here and that feels evident. I like it. It gives me perspective.”

LOCAL NURSE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER’S MEAGAN BECKER IS 1 OF 10 RECIPIENTS

portive, energetic and kind, with an insatiable desire for continuous learning to provide the best care possible for her patients.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

THE CRUISE SHIP CHRONICLES: A CONTINUING STORY

It has been over a year since cruise ships have returned to Key West after significant operational changes were instituted via City Commission resolution. Please note that I do not refer to the ill-fated referendums written to cancel 95% of all passenger vessels. Those referendums were nullified by the Florida Legislature and have no relevance to discussions of the ongoing issue.

Meagan Becker, a registered nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center for over six years, has received a national 2022 Nursing Excellence Award.

Becker is one of 10 national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems, one of the leading operators of general acute-care hospitals and outpatient care centers in communities across the United States. The organization’s affiliates include Lower Keys Medical Center and 80 other hospitals in 16 states.

Becker was surprised with the recognition during a reception with hospital leadership, where she received a crystal plaque and a symbolic check for the cash award she received, among other gifts.

“Meagan is often mentioned in our patient surveys because of her compassionate care and has been nominated for other awards by her peers and patients,” said Lower Keys Medical Center CEO David Clay. “A colleague describes her as ‘shining bright like a diamond.’ Co-workers recognize Meagan as passionate, diligent, sup-

The Nursing Excellence Award was created to honor the critical role nurses have played in treating patients throughout the pandemic. The peer-nominated award program was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate nursing excellence through outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation. Honorees are also demonstrated team players and/or mentors to others, are leaders in times of crisis, and regularly promote health in the community.

Becker joined Lower Keys Medical Center in June 2016, caring for pediatric patients. She readily volunteered to help cover other units such as medical surgical, intensive care, postpartum and the emergency departments, giving her a broad base of knowledge and experience. She is now in the Labor and Delivery unit and serves as a charge nurse as well.

In addition to receiving the Nursing Excellence Award itself, Becker received a cash award and a copy of “Shining the Light on All the Right –Celebrating the Art of Nursing Around the World” by Mark and Bonnie Barnes, co-founders of the DAISY Foundation, an international movement created to recognize and express gratitude for extraordinary nursing.

— Contributed

Moreover, it has become clear throughout the community that the anti-cruise tourism campaign that promoted passage of the referendums manipulated voters with misleading narratives. Most egregious of those narratives was the claim that cruise ships were destroying the coral reef. Noted corals biologist, Michael Crosby, of Mote Marine Laboratory, debunked that in his remarkable testimony before the city commission.

However, let’s proceed to the present day. In 2022, 152 cruise ships called on Key West. There have been no spills or discharges of harmful liquids or solid waste. There has been no damage to city infrastructure or the marine environment. Estimated final tally of cruise guests is around 380,000. None were arrested for bad behavior.

The city harvests 25% of all passenger fees for ships that berth at Pier B. So it can be estimated that the city treasury will receive about $1.23 million in 2022. That is pure profit as the city expends no money to operate or maintain Pier B. Those funds do help cover a lot of police, fire and first responder salaries and give some relief to city taxpayers. No other tourists pay directly into the treasury for the right to enter the city.

The cruise ship schedule for 2023 shows 211 port calls, which will lift the payments to the city to about $1.7 million from Pier B.

An informal survey of small businesses up and down the west end of the island brings comments that sales and revenues double and triple on cruise ship days. Some say cruise ships mean the difference between mere business survival and outright success. Those extra profits ripple throughout the community.

Though cruise ship traffic is clearly a positive for Key West, the anti-cruise tourism enthusiasts

have recently exhumed their misinformation campaign. Now their issue-du-jour is the occasional use of the monopole mooring bollard just south of Mallory Pier. This freestanding mooring point was built with grant funds received from Florida DOT and rests on state-owned bay bottom leased to the city. Its purpose is to enhance mooring safety in our seaport and has long been used by ships docking at Mallory and occasionally at Pier B.

It was not built to allow larger ships to dock. Specifically, when wind and current forecasts warrant, a ship docked at Pier B will direct that lines be placed on the monopole bollard for the purpose of mooring safety. The decision is made at time of docking by the ship’s captain in conference with the Key West Bar Pilot. Both are master mariners charged at all times with vessel safety.

As an example, the bollard was used on Dec. 18 by Celebrity APEX due to brisk northeast winds. On that day, APEX carried 2,775 passengers. The city’s share of the fees was over $9,000 and entailed the use of the bollard for 10 hours. That is a fine return on infrastructure that cost the city nothing.

And remember, the city gets those fees whether the monopole bollard is used or not. APEX is scheduled only 10 times in 2023, generating up to $97,000 in direct payments to the city.

It is far past time for the anticruise ship activists to recognize the fact that cruise ships are going to continue to visit Key West and enhance our economy. Time to cease trying to insert themselves into vessel mooring safety decisions best left to the professionals. They can claim to have achieved a reasonable compromise, as ship traffic is currently about half of the 2019 numbers. If they are serious about caring for the general Keys community, they can now focus on matters of real concern, both environmental and social.

Cruise tourism is a vital and clean component of Key West’s tourism-based economy that is welcomed by many Key Westers.

John E. Wells Ships’ agent, retired

Meagan Becker

IT WAS SO COLD…

Well, we survived our first real cold snap of the winter. Yep, it was bloody awful. The Christmas weekend nighttime low temperatures actually dipped to 52 degrees Fahrenheit one early morning — luckily, while most of us were asleep. We all walked around bundled up in layers of whatever remnants of cold-weather clothing we might still own, complaining bitterly about how freezing it was, as if there were icicles hanging from the palm fronds.

Flash back to this past August and September and October and November (or August, Parts I - IV). All around us, people were complaining about just how hot the summer had been – hotter than any of us ever remembered. Oh, the humidity!

Our constant complaining about the temperatures has left me with just one conclusion: we here in the Keys are Weather Wimps.

Consider the evidence: on days when the high temperatures are in the upper 60s or low 70s, the kind of days that people in North Dakota refer to as summer, we stay inside bundled up near our space heaters, fingers wrapped around a freshly nuked cup of hot tea and muttering about frostbite. If we have evenings when the nighttime lows dip to the low- to mid-60s, the kind of weather that has northerners throwing all the windows of the house open for great sleeping weather, we curse the damn luck that we don’t have a big St. Bernard dog to crawl into bed and keep us warm. If, God forbid, the temperatures dip into the 50s or (gasp!) upper 40s (saints preserve us), all bets are off.

Of course, I exaggerate. It probably wouldn’t be so bad except for the fact that most Keys buildings have no heat whatsoever (except for space heaters and open oven doors).

WARNING! LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS STRONGLY DISCOURAGE THE USE OF OPEN OVEN DOORS TO HEAT ONE’S HOME. WE NOW RETURN YOU TO THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COLUMN.

I remember the first really cold snap I experienced in an older Keys house. When the temperature dipped to 50 outside, it was 55 in the house. The thermostat that controlled the central air had a switch position labeled “HEAT.” I remember standing under the freezing air blowing from the ductwork and waiting for the nonexistent heat to arrive. It was a cold hard lesson learned: just because the thermostat has a heat button doesn’t mean the house has heat.

Those of us lucky enough to live in a house with heat still have to put

up with that nasty smell emanating from the heating coil the first time the heat is switched on. All the dust, hair, rat turds and other particulate matter that has settled on the coil all spring, summer and fall are now toasted into an aroma akin to what one might experience at a campfire fueled by dust, hair, rat turds and other particulate matter.

Weather Wimps we may be, but there’s still no other place I’d like to spend winters in North America. There are those extra special days between cold fronts, and those are the ones worth the price of admission. The temperatures have crept back up, the winds have died down and the humidity has not yet returned. These are the days when our weather is the most perfect weather on Planet Earth. These are also usually the days when we have to spend all day inside at work, and they virtually never happen on the weekends.

If you get a chance, if you have an awesome boss, if you are the boss, or even if you work for a slave driver like I do (I’m self-employed), when one of those perfect days comes around, take some time and play hooky. Go fishing or golfing or just spend some quality time out of doors. Appreciate the good weather, for the next cold front is coming, and summer’s heat and humidity are just around the corner.

It is with sadness that I note the passing of local musician Tim Dee. Tim was a beloved musical figure in Marathon, and was always working onstage — either solo, or with his longtime partner Jim Hill. Tim wrote some fine Keys songs, and was as kind and bighearted as a person can get. We were both huge Beatles fans and we both got a kick out of the fact that people would occasionally confuse us for each other (I’d always say that he was the one with the tattoos). Tim left Marathon a couple of months ago for his hometown of Buffalo to get some better medical treatment, but passed away on Dec. 29. Rest in peace, Tim — and I hope you got to meet John and George.

— Catch John each Monday at Boondocks, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Key Colony Inn and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www. johnbartus.com

Actually, it wasn’t.

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.

JOHN BARTUS

E PLURIBUS UNUM MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

What is crippling us? Most people will say we’re too divided. The division runs deep, disconnecting communities and paralyzing government.

There’s probably nothing we can do from Key West to help, right?

Well, there is. The solution is as obvious as it is widespread, and it’s in your wallet right now.

Our founders, in deciding our nation’s highest goal, chose their words carefully and wisely. Since 1795, our currency has proclaimed “E pluribus unum,” or “out of many, one.”

America declared unity as our guiding light for how to coexist and govern our diverse population. In 2022, unity is rarely seen; and division is the depressing drumbeat that squashes any sense of it.

So how can Key West make a difference? Unity. We can lead by example, proclaiming what our community has embraced for decades, since making “One Human Family” our official philosophy in 2000.

We believe in unity, that all of us are created as equal members of one family. America could learn a lot from us. Look how we help each other in hardship and loss, from individual to community-wide efforts. We understand, value and strive for unity, and we have a history of affirming it.

Back in 2000, the Key West City Commission, led by then-Mayor Jimmy Weekley, unanimously made unity the city’s official philosophy, proclaiming, “We want to share our unique perspective and simple words of hope ‘One Human Family,’ with our global neighbors, so others can find inspiration to grow beyond the artificial limitations used to separate us” and “the genie of human equality is out of the bottle.”

That philosophy has spread, one free bumper sticker at a time, to virtually every country in the free world.

Inspired by unity in 2003, Gregg McGrady and Gilbert Baker created the “Sea-to-Sea Rainbow Flag” stretching 14 blocks down Duval Street, from Gulf to Atlantic. Carried aloft by more than 1,000 people working side-byside, that record-setting flag became and remains an iconic symbol of Key West’s unity. Sections of it now travel the world, uniting Key West with people everywhere.

In 2018, our city commission unanimously declared April 21 Community Unity Day, proclaiming, “The truth, as we see it, is that there is no ‘them,’ there is just ‘us,’ all of us, together.”

Bayview Park.

Then in 2021, our city officials dedicated the beautiful bandstand in Bayview Park as the “One Human Family Pavilion.”

The beautiful and under-used bandstand was built in 1990 by the late Key West City Commissioner Sally Lewis with support from our former State Sen. Ron Saunders.

Some major improvements to Bayview Park are now planned, and these improvements will pay off many times over.

So how does that help counter the divisiveness? The answer still is unity.

We can be known internationally for what we believe in by calling the area “Unity Park.”

Being over 60, I instinctively resist change (and new passwords), so I agree that changing things just to change them is a bad idea. We shouldn’t change anything without a need and a benefit.

But America has a real need to again understand unity, and it’s a goal Key West can inspire. Promoting unity benefits all of us.

And while we preserve the original 1924 marble marker next to the pavilion that represents divided times gone by, we must look into the future and show America what it needs today.

America needs to see that we support unity so strongly, we added the word to enhance historic Bayview Park.

This shaded park already honors and salutes the generations of service members who have fought around the world to keep America free and united. We are forever indebted to every one of them for fighting to uphold our “E pluribus unum.”

This is the perfect time to add two inspirational words as the park is scheduled to be upgraded to better serve our community.

I hope we can consider naming the area “Unity Park” while keeping “at Historic Bayview Park” on all signs. We cannot erase or forget our history; but we can improve our future.

Although it’s a name with many memories, “Bayview” doesn’t say anything about us.

We have a rare opportunity today. One simple action may help ease our national divisions and remind people that respectful cooperation is how our founders designed America.

We have a chance today to promote human unity while enhancing our market position as a loving, inclusive destination.

Best of all, these two words cost us nothing. The park needs a new sign anyway, and we can have it express what we believe in.

Or we can decide that even a single truly positive change is one too many. But this simple change has no downside.

I suggest the city consider adopting two words and calling the venue “Unity Park at Historic Bayview Park.” No part of the park or its history will be lost.

Unity is our only survivable path as humans. I admired and loved Sally Lewis like so many of you. Her love for our island was joyous and all-inclusive. I’m confident Sally would want us to take this simple step and add two words that are just as powerful and proud as she was.

If we can agree that America’s “E pluribus unum” is still a worthwhile concept, Key West can lead by example and be known worldwide for our all-inclusive “Unity Park.”

JT Thompson

Founder, One Human Family Foundation

Dear Editor:

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN IN 2023

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP EVERY FRIDAY MORNING

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

The 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.

Nineteen volunteers joined the Key West Ploggers’ Friday morning cleanup on Dec. 30 around the area of 14th Street and Duck Avenue. They collected 105 pounds of trash, 35 pounds of recycling and a gallon of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.

Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up

is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to Keep Key West Beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted.

Please call Dorian at the city of Key West at 305-8093782 to know more about how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

Join a Friday morning cleanup in January. Note that all cleanups are from 8 to 9 a.m.

Jan. 6: Front and Whitehead streets (meet in front of Custom House. Parking voucher available for garage at Opal Key Resort.)

Jan. 13: White Street & Truman Avenue (Meet in the Fausto’s parking lot on Virginia Street, but please don’t park there.)

Jan. 20: N. Roosevelt Boulevard at Dredgers Key (Meet in Denny’s parking in Overseas Market)

Jan. 27: Eaton and White streets (Meet in The Restaurant Store parking lot.)

Ziva is a 1-year-old female American pit bull terrier. She’s friendly, but cautious of new people and situations. She will need a family that is willing to gain her trust and move at her speed.

Poppy is a 3-year-old female domestic shorthair mix who loves attention, a view of the outside and to be the only kitty in the home.

Reese is a 2½-year-old female domestic shorthair mix who’s confident and gets along well with other feline friends and is sweet to everyone she meets.

Messiah is an 8-month-old male mixed breed. He’s playful, loves his toys and will need a home full of consistency and willingness to train.

Blueberry is an 11-month-old female American rabbit. She’s a bouncy bunny who loves her tunnels, carrot treats and tossing her toy keys around her home.

RED BARN HOSTS ‘BIG NIGHT OUT’

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE IGGIES

And the Iggy goes to… While the Academy Awards bestow Oscars, the Key West Music Awards are known as the Iggies, created to honor local musical talent.

Key West Theater will host the second annual Key West Music Awards: the Iggies on Monday, Feb. 13. But first, we need you to nominate your favorite local musicians, bands, albums, songwriters and fans at keywestmusicawards.com. More on the nominations in a bit.

FUNDRAISER LAUNCHES THEATER’S 43RD SEASON

As Key West’s Red Barn Theatre steps into its 43rd consecutive season of professional theater in the Southernmost City, it will be celebrating that milestone with one of its biggest parties ever and all are invited.

“Big Night Out – The Party” will feature special performances by some of Key West’s favorite musical stars, including Randy Roberts, Christine Mild and Jim Rice.

The stage is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Oldest House, 322 Duval St., Key West.

Tickets are available at redbarntheatre.com/tickets.

“We’re known for giving great parties,” said Mimi McDonald, managing director of the Red Barn.

“We’ll be in the new, extensively renovated Oldest House on Duval, and have some tasty drinks and food planned. We’re pulling out all the stops to make it a glittering theater party.”

A trio of local music stars will provide the entertainment for the evening.

Key West star Randy Roberts will make an appearance, accompanied by pianist/arranger Jim Rice, as will Red Barn favorite Christine Mild, well-known for her performances as Patsy Cline in the popular “Always, Patsy Cline” productions at the theater.

“I’ll be doing some Patsy Cline teasers,” said Mild, “and lace in some other feel-good tunes that are fun and entertaining for that kind of event. But I’m really looking forward to also working up some things with Randy. We’ve been friends for years, but have never had the chance to, work together. It will be very special.”

“It will definitely be fun,” Roberts added. “We’ll have a good time.”

Destination Catering will provide an array of tapas-style small plates for the evening, and the Red Barn is providing an open bar for all attendees. In addition to the appearances by Roberts and Mild, music will be provided by theatrical music arranger Jim Rice.

A silent auction is also planned, with items that will include staycation packages, restaurant packages and a special auction of a Mario Sanchez painting.

“Big Night Out – The Party” is the annual fundraiser for the Red Barn, one of the nonprofit theater’s more important sources for funding. Ticket sales to shows only provide a portion of the annual operating expenses.

“It’s a wonderful way to show your support,” said Michelle Chennault, a Red Barn board member and chairperson of the Big Night Out planning committee, “and you’ll have a glamorous time as well. We look forward to entertaining you.”

As this undertaking is my brainchild, I am extremely proud of the event and the people who make it possible.

Our second year promises to be even better than the first. We’ve added some categories and tweaked a few things. Support from the community has added exciting momentum and people are eager to be involved.

The KWMA is a nonprofit organization with three goals: Help local kids learn to play music, help local musicians in times of hardship and help local organizations that do the same. All proceeds from the Iggies go toward these efforts.

This year we are proud to be working with Project Lighthouse, a drop-in center in Key West that connects at-risk youth with appropriate and available services and resources. The center hosts open-mic shows — and supplies instruments for young musicians. We will help Project Lighthouse’s music program and its teachers instill confidence in our future stars by providing supplies and instruments to help them express that confidence. Find more information about the program and how you can help at keywestmusicawards.com.

Now back to those nominations. I’m often asked how the process works. It’s all spelled out on the website, as are the criteria for each award category, such as solo artist of the year, entertainer of the year, duo of the year, cover/tribute acts, songwriters,

albums and more. Here is a quick overview: Online nominations are open to everyone. A valid email address is required for every nomination form. The online nominations will determine the top three finalists in each category. The finalists’ names will then be submitted to a panel of seven judges, who will make their selections and determine the winners. Though popularity is important, the seven-judge panel is the deciding factor. They use the criteria for each category and select the winner without knowledge of the outcome until the night of the event.

... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

Oh, the event. Last year’s awards show was one of the highlights of my life. It was a special night of celebration and acknowledgment. There was a feeling in the room that can only be described as love. The people who made it happen were perfect and because of them the show went astoundingly well.

This year we’re shooting for the same results. We have some special moments and fantastic performances planned. With a live band and very special guests, you will want to be there.

The Awards Show takes place Feb. 13 at Key West Theater.

Several levels of sponsorship are available for anyone interested in helping and perhaps reserving a table at the event.

Without further ado, go nominate your favorites at keywestmusicawards.com.

REEF WRECKER

THE CHRONOLOGY OF AN UNEXPECTED NAVY SCHOONER SINKING

At about 5 a.m. on Nov. 18, 1822, the U.S. schooner Alligator hoisted its sails and began the slow move away from Matanzas, Cuba. It would be the final mission of the ship’s brief but storied career.

The Alligator was one of five swift 12-gun schooners built to serve the United States Navy’s anti-piracy West Indies Squadron. The two-masted, 86-foot ship-of-war was commissioned in March 1821. Some 19 months later, it led a convoy of ships liberated from a piratical attack away from Cuba and through the Straits of Florida. Virginia was the intended destination.

By 4 a.m. on Nov. 19, Lt. Dale, the Alligator’s acting commander, had lost sight of every vessel of the convoy but one schooner. On Nov. 20, the lone schooner was still the only ship from the convoy visible from the Alligator’s deck. Because the scuttlebutt suggested that the pirates the men of the Alligator had just engaged were going to attack the convoy’s stragglers, Lt. Dale issued orders to slow down.

At 8 p.m., the ship set its course north. Sounding weights were dropped every 30 minutes to determine the water’s depth. At 9:37 p.m., the schooner steered northwest. Three minutes later, the Alligator struck the Matecumbe Reef. According to the testimony of Victor M. Rudolph, acting lieutenant aboard the ship, “8 p.m. had no bottom at forty-five fathoms. At half past nine, she struck, at which time she was going five knots.”

Over the next three days, every effort was made to free the ship from the coral reef’s stony fingers. When a wrecker approached and offered assistance, Lt. Dale declined assistance but did ask the wrecker to hold the Alligator’s important papers – just in case. In hopes of freeing the ship, military manpower was exhausted, unsuccessfully

attempting to dislodge the schooner. When one of the convoy’s straggling ships appeared on the horizon, a cannon, a small gun called a carronade, was fired. The blast served its purpose and attracted the attention of the Ann Maria.

By 10 a.m. on Nov. 23, whatever was left on the Alligator was loaded onto the Ann Maria, including its officers and crew. The Alligator was then “set afire fore and aft.” Because at least one keg of gunpowder had been left on the ship, at 3:30 p.m., what was left of the Alligator went kaboom!

While there are stories and stories about what led up to the events of Nov. 23, 1822, they will have to wait for another day. The story for this moment is where contemporary newspaper accounts recorded the site of the shipwreck. While the Alligator wrecked on the Matecumbe Reef, the reef was also identified as Carysford, a common early spelling of the legendary Carysfort Reef.

Carysfort is one of the oldest and most mature reefs in the chain. It has also been called the Florida Reef’s most dangerous tract of coral. The reef is said to have been responsible for one-quarter of all the wrecks that occurred during the early decades of the wrecking industry. Shallow and extensive, its jut out into the Atlantic for about four miles, making it a well-documented navigational hazard. It was one of the first reefs marked by the government after Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, first by the lightship Caesar in 1826 and, in 1852, by the Carysfort Reef Lighthouse.

What those newspaper stories also revealed was that Carysfort is a name that was used in broad terms. Carysfort Reef is located about six miles off the coast of North Key Largo. It is well documented that Carysfort Reef was used as an umbrella term covering several barrier reefs in the Upper Keys that included those reefs growing in the

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

An author, speaker, Florida Keys historian and Honorary Conch. His latest book, “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1,” shares fascinating glimpses into the rich and sometimes surprising histories of the Florida Keys.

shallows off of Key Largo, Plantation, Windley and the Matecumbe Keys. The Matecumbe Reef, located four miles off Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, grows 35 miles south of Carysfort.

A dozen prominent, shallow reefs grow between what is today Islamorada and North Key Largo. Because the record books were assigning the name Carysfort to such a significant stretch of the Florida Reef, it is easy to see why, at least on paper, the reef garnered such a perilous reputation. Though an absolute ship killer, its reputation has been enhanced by the broad use of its name. The Alligator, as well as scores of other ships, wrecked nowhere near Carysfort.

The U.S. schooner Alligator left behind more than stories when it wrecked on the corals in 1822. The site of the wreck, Matecumbe Reef, became known as Alligator Reef, home to the Islamorada icon Alligator Reef Lighthouse. For a time, too, it lent its name to Alligator Key. The small island was once described as “about a mile and a half long, elevated but two or three feet above the sea, and bordered with a growth of mangroves, upon which grow oysters and other mollusks.”

While Alligator Key has since washed back into the ocean, the spirit of the Alligator has remained a significant piece of Florida Keys’ history.

U.S. Schooner Alligator.

NEW YEAR, NEW ART

It’s a new year, and with it come resolutions and ending what you might have put off last year. It may also mean delving into the art world or perhaps adding some artwork into your own world.

The first thing you must do is not think of art as a thing to fill up a space. The artwork should be something you enjoy and something meaningful to you. Yes, it might be frustrating having that wall bare, but the right piece that fits in the space will work wonders for you.

Before you even start your collection, have patience and take your time looking around. When you start collecting, you should be open and look around at different sources of art. Leonardo, Monet and Picasso are among the great artists whose works you might have seen. They are masters and there is much to admire, but there is something to be said for searching through local art. If you love the Florida Keys, a Monet or Picasso will not do. The best place to get some Keys art is by exploring the island chain.

The Keys are known for their fishing, diving and general coastal lifestyle. The best place to get art like this is from artists who live anywhere from Key Largo to Key West. Now you know you want something coastal; why get something from a big-box store which everyone else will have? They make thousands and thousands off those framed prints. This is the easy way out, but it usually does not give you the satisfaction of discovering a local artist you love. It might not seem like it but there are many local artists out there. Some local artists

are well-known and in plain sight, but there are other artists down here who may be harder to find. Guess what: they are pretty awesome, too.

The best way to learn to trust yourself is to put out your feelers for these local artists and start to understand what is out there. When you look at many art pieces you will start to develop and refine your taste. You will learn to trust yourself and choose what you like.

Take an hour here or there to explore galleries and shops. You’ll probably meet artists or people who know the artists well. Your art journey doesn’t have to be at galleries all the time. If you are at someone’s home and you see a piece you like, ask them about it. Since it’s the beginning of the year there is another good source to start exploring, and that is art festivals.

Even if you really have no idea of what you want, just go out there and start exploring. You might not like the first artist or the first place, but you will take this first experience and learn to trust what you are drawn to. Don’t be afraid to buy art that speaks to you. You may want to discuss it with other members of your household before you get something a little extra bold, but exploring new art is an important thing to do on your journey.

Unfortunately, there really aren’t a lot of festivals where you can find a variety of local art like you were once able to. Luckily, there are still a few around. One of the longest running festivals in the Upper Keys is Art under the Oaks held in the beautifully manicured oaks of San Pedro Church. Art Under the Oaks is a real crowd pleaser. It is a festival that is committed to make the festival about art. The festival takes place Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you find an artist you like, great. If you are on the fence about something, get the artists’ information so you can contact them in the future. If you don’t like something at all, you’ll learn what you don’t like. Either way, you will have taken that important first step.

An attendee checks out a display of large pictures made from recycled materials by A Third Life. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Attendees of the annual Art under the Oaks festival examine a menagerie of local artwork.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

is an artist, designer and gemologist who believes in the power of art.

WILLIAM DEPAULA

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MIGHTY COCK located at 633 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: MC BBQ KEY WEST, a Florida limited liability company

Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ISLAND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT located at PO BOX 510157, Monroe County in the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051-0157, intends to

LEGAL NOTICES

register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key Colony Beach, Florida this 22nd day of December, 2022.

By: Kathleen Island Price Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MRF COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALIST located at 320 S POINT DR, Monroe County in the City of Sugarloaf Key, Florida 33042-3506, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

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Dated at Sugarloaf Key, Florida this 22nd day of December, 2022.

By: Your Roofers LLC Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ANCHORS AWAY ART & ANTIQUES located at 33 Buttonwood Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Lisa Jansen Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of YEA BABY CHARTERS located at 1500 Ocean Bay Drive, Unit R3, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Palm Coast 3D Epoxies, LLC Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES INC. LOCATED AT: 7290 SW 41 ST MIAMI, FL 33155, WILL SELL AT A RESERVE PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00 AM THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES AT SAID LOCATION TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 713.585 OF THE FLORIDA STATUES.

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THE FOLLOWING WILL SELL AT: 1503 AQUEDUCT LN, KEY LARGO,FL 33037 P#:786-3289393

DATE OF SALE: JAN.16,2022 at 9:00 AM

2014 TAOT MS L9NTEACB2E1115106 1992 MZ MC 2600268

2018 INFI 4D

JN1EV7AP1JM354165

2006 HOND UT 5FNYF28656B036251

2013 AUDI CV WAUJFAFH3DN010033

2007 VOLV TR 4V4NC9GHX7N450348 2015 KIA 4D KNDJP3A58F7138221 2013 KIA 4D KNDJT2A54D7586216 1974 MZ MC 3572864

OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY INSPECT/RECOVER VEHICLE BY CONTACTING: BEST LIEN SERVICES, 7290 SW 41 ST, MIAMI,

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FL 33155 (1-866-299-9391) AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE, ALL SALES ARE WITH RESERVE 20% BUYERS PREMIUM.

Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE TO SELL

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 1/26/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

YV1SW59V942404292 2004 VOLV Publish: January 5 & 12, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE TO SELL

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 1/27/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

5NMZT3LBXJH057000 2018

HYUN Publish: January 5 & 12, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

NOTICE OF SECOND/FINAL CODE AMENDMENT HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida will hold a Second and Final Public Hearing on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., Key Colony Beach City Hall Annex Trailer, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.

The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is Ordinance 2021-469, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, ARTICLE III – DISTRICT REGULATIONS, REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, 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 may contact the City Clerk for a Zoom Meeting ID. 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 Land Development Regulations in order to guide and control the future development of the City to preserve, promote, and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare in order to comply with the changes in flood maps being proposed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) and the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”).

This proposed amendment is required by Florida law to aid in the harmonious, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing and socially beneficial development taking place within the City.

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 SECOND/FINAL Public Hearing on Thursday, January 19, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Clerk, P.O. Box. 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record.

City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach

Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Key Colony Beach will be holding Public Hearings on: Planning & Zoning Hearing: Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, 9:30 A.M.

City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, February 16, 2023, 9:30 A.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Planning & Zoning Hearing on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., and a City Commission Public Hearing, on February 16, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., at Temporary City Hall located at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida, 33051, to hear a Variance Request from Chad O’Rourke, 68 7th Street, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings.

Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 101, Section 26 (11), to allow the rebuilding of a currently installed pool to be installed within the 10’ setback to 5’ from the neighboring property line at 66 7th Street. The current setback requirements are 10’ feet.

Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

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

If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, or Thursday, February 16th, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net . and your comments will be entered into the record.

Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings & workshop

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following 2 meetings & 1 workshop via Communications Media

Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform: the Annual meeting will meet in person at Pigeon Key. The access points to view the meetings and workshop 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

Thursday, Jan 5, 2023, at 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 893 8243 5563 Passcode: 950333

Art in Public Places Committee Meeting Tuesday, Jan 17, 2023, at 12:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 811 8173 7184 Passcode: 896006

County Art in Public Places WORKSHOP for APPLICATION PROCESS Friday, Jan 20, 2023, at 4:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 850 1713 9957 Passcode: 121014

Board of Directors & Annual

Members Meeting Thursday January 26, 2023, at 11:00 am

Pigeon Key, Marathon - RSVP required to Director@keysarts.com for transportation arrangements Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for

the following:

Card Sound Road Resurfacing Project Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Card Sound Road Resurfacing Project 2-23-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, February 23, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Perform Removal, Refloating and/or Demolition and Disposal of Derelict Vessels, Floating Structures, and Marine Debris Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon

Eduardo Gonzalez-Blanco, M.D. Key West Urology Associates PA 1111 12th Street, Suite 108 Key West, Florida 33040

Dr. Eduardo Gonzalez-Blanco will be retiring and will no longer be practicing at Key West Urology Associates PA e ective December 29, 2022.

Patients’ medical records will remain at Key West Urology Associates PA, 1111 12th Street, Suite 108, Key West, Florida 33040 under the custodianship of Dr. Taweh Beysolow and his sta . Patients wishing to pick up their records may do so starting February 1, 2023.

Publish: January 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Perform Removal, Refloating and/or Demolition and Disposal of Derelict Vessels, Floating Structures, and Marine Debris 2-22-2023

Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on February 22, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time, the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Art in Public Places – Biannual Request for Qualifications Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M.

Eastern Time, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES –BIANNUAL REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 2-7-2023

Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-151-P IN RE: ESTATE OF NADINE SEDON-LAHTI, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of NADINE SEDONLAHTI, deceased, whose date of death was February 25, 2022, File Number 22-CP-151-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED 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: January 5, 2023.

Personal Representative: GLENN LAHTI 139 Gulfview Drive Islamorada, FL 33036

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish: January 5 & 12, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-000145-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF IRMA DIAZ, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Irma Diaz, deceased, whose date of death was January 5, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, 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 the first publication of this notice is January 5, 2023.

Personal Representative: Evelin Meltz 157 NE 104th Street Miami Shores, Florida 33138

Attorney for Personal Representative: Rodolfo Suarez, Jr., Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 013201 Pilar V. Vazquez, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 115839 Suarez Law 9100 South Dadeland Blvd., Ste. 1620 Miami, FL 33156 Telephone: (305) 448-4244 Fax: (305) 448-4211

E-Mail: rudy@suarezlawyers.com

Secondary E-Mail: eca@ suarezlawyers.com Publish: January 5 & 12, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case#: 2012-CA-000363-K Federal National Mortgage Association Plaintiff, -vs.Joseph Patrick Clements a/k/a Joseph P. Clements and Debra Lynn Clements a/k/a Debra L. Clements a/k/a Debbie L. Clements; Branch Banking and Trust Company, Successor by Merger to Republic Bank; Iberiabank; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants; Unknown Parties in Possession #2, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant

to order rescheduling foreclosure

or Final Judgment, entered in Civil

Association, Plaintiff and Joseph Patrick Clements a/k/a Joseph P. Clements and Debra Lynn Clements a/k/a Debra L. Clements a/k/a Debbie L. Clements are defendant(s), I, Clerk of Court, Kevin Madok,CPA, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash AT THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, AT 11:00 A.M. on January 18, 2023, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit:

LOT 23, BLOCK 2, AMENDED PLAT OF COPPITT SUBDIVISION, (A RE-SUBDIVISION OF PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 116) LOCATED IN GOVERNMENT LOT 5, SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 67 S., RANGE 26 E., BIG COPPITT KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS RECORDED INP LAT BOOK 4, AT PAGE 50, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711.

KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O'mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pou-ou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711.

Kevin Madok, CPA

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT

By Shonta McLeod

Publish: December 29, 2022 & January 5, 2023

Newspapers

sale

Case No. 2012-CA-000363-K of the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, wherein Federal National Mortgage

COURT Monroe County, Florida

Deputy Clerk of Court

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS!

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not.

$CASH$ 305-332-0483

BOAT SLIP/TRAILER

STORAGE FOR RENT

Boat Trailer Spaces Available. $100 per week. Boat dockage available $100 per week. Easy access to the Atlantic and lighthouse. Boat length 32’ or less! Dockage is eighty feet long with good depth for boats. Phone 336-4088140 or 336-287-3345.

EMPLOYMENT

Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight coverage at an Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am with weekly stipend Drug and background screen required. Apply at www.westcare.com

Join the Ocean Dayz Team! We are accepting applications for a Sales Associate in Islamorada. Must be outgoing, detail oriented and willing to work weekends. Experience a plus. Starting pay dependent upon qualifications. Apply in person at Island Dreamz, 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada or submit resume to: csteele@oceandayz.com

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Customer-Service Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Part-Time Line Cook. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Hourly pay commensurate with experience. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

SS Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key is looking for line cooks, full or part time. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

CDL Drivers needed. Must have a clean record & drug free. We are offering competitive wages. Please apply in person at Discount Rock & Sand, 10500 Aviation Blvd, Unit 2, Marathon

Boat rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic. Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006

All Keys Yamaha hiring a Technician Marine Repair specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. Hours M-F 8a5p. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com

Immediate positions at the Grassy Key Marina. Under new ownership and looking for smiling faces. Full-time or parttime available. Pay rates are commensurate with experience but we are willing to interview those with no experience who have an interest in working in a marina environment. Please call Randall Glass to schedule an interview at 305-465-1491.

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: WW Operator/Controls Trainee, Support Services/ Logistics, Paralegal, Utilities Maintenance, Recreation Specialist, and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

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

NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older, Full-time Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@ sweetsavannahs.com

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Resident Activities Coordinator, Grounds Keeper. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha. org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

PRIVATE

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

LONG TERM Key Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3200/ month 786-258-3127

Key Colony Beach - 1 BR 1/2 duplex long term rental. Newly remodeled. $1,900/month. No Pets, No Smoking. 910-382-7818

LUXURY CONDO FOR RENT IN MARATHON. Seawatch Condos. 2 BR, 2 Bath, Den. 1650 sq ft plus 350 sq ft open balcony. Beautiful water view. Full gym, pool, tennis, fishing. Adults only. No pets. $4750 per month plus utilities F/L/S [first, last, and security deposit]. 800-324-6982.

STUDIO APT FOR RENT

- Furnished Studio Apt w/patio, like new, W/D, off street parking. Key West. $2,300/month including util. F/L/S Owner/Agent Douglas Miller 305-747-1700

Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

RV FOR SALE

RV FOR SALE - 2017 Thor Citation RV, 24ft Mercedes V6 Diesel, 2 slides, Cummings Diesel Generator, Low Mileage, Many Upgrades, Call Richard 305-363-8021

RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Waterfront Lot with Dockage for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $2000.00/month plus utilities. 305-731-5042

Place your RV LOT FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

PARALEGAL

The City of Marathon, City Attorney’s Office is seeking a motivated LEGAL ASSISTANT/PARALEGAL with relevant experience to support the City Attorney’s Office.

Please visit the City of Marathon Job Openings webpage at: ci.marathon.fl.us for further details and to complete an application.

EOE, Drug Free Workplace. Veteran preference given.

MUST HAVE an active Journeyman Electrician License. Duties:

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

SCADA/RELAY TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $30.64/hr. - $34.32/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $38.43/hr. - $43.04/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Customer Services Department:

CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $19.82/hr. - $22.20/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY & DUCK KEY

AUTO DIESEL VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $27.17/hr. - $30.43/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION IS GROWING, and we need (3) WWTP Operators with a Florida “C” license or higher. You will perform skilled/ technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Salary Range: $54,645.98 - $98,454.90. Apply online at www. aa.com/employment

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Fleets & Facilities Section:

MM 1 - Inez Martin Child Care Center (C16M0012)

1100 Varela St., Key West, FL 33040 Contact: Christine Patterson • 305-809-5055 • christine.patterson@wesleyhouse.org Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 2 - Sunbeam Christian School (C16MO0034)

1311 5th St., Key West, FL 33040 Contact: Jerlyn Matthews • 305-2946018 • sunbeam@fsbckw.org Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 5 - Lighthouse Christian Academy (C16MO0014) 5580 MacDonald Ave, Key West, FL 33040 Jennifer Sisco • 305-292-5582 • lcaoffice@cwckw.org Vacancies: 1 floater

MM 22.9 - Banana Cabanna Academy Inc. (C16MO0054) 22673 Pieces of Eight Rd, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042

Contact: Roxanne Rosado • 305-745-1400 • banana.cabanna@att.net Vacancies: 2 teachers

MM 47 - Kreative Kids Christian Academy (X16MO0001)

4711 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Contact: Maria Vaillant • 305-743-7165 Kreativekidsca@bellsouth.net • vaillantmaria@yahoo.com Vacancies: 2 teachers

MM 49 - Grace Jones Community Center, Inc. (C16MO0048) 230 41st Street Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050

Kelly Ullrich • 305-743-6064 • gjcckids@gmail.com Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 87.5 - St. James Children’s Center (C16MO0033) 87500 Overseas Hwy, I slamorada, FL 33036

Contact: Sue Ellen Bennett • 305-852-2161 • childrenscenter@stjamesthefisherman.org Vacancies: 1 teacher

MM 92 - Burton Memorial CDC (C16MO0018)

93001 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070

Contact: Nilda Bernaldez • 305-852-0250 • acabar11@yahoo.com Vacancies: 2 part-time floaters

MM 99 - First Baptist Church Jack Hill Child Care (C16MO0021) 99001 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Contact: Leeanna Woods • 305-451-2125 • fbcjhccc@yahoo.com Vacancies: 1 teacher

School Programs

& Outreach Curriculum Specialist (Full-Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications

(Full-Time/Part-Time, Seasonal or Permanent) Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Registration & Enrollment Specialist (Full-Time, Permanent) Gift Shop Staff (Part-Time, Permanent) Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)