Key West Weekly 22-0112

“I owe everything in my life to the relatable struggles of Harry & Meghan.”

January 12, 2023

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3 MUSIC FESTIVALS ROCK THE ISLAND | P. 8

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

NUMBER OF THE WEEK KEYS

NEWSPAPERS

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com Publisher Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Editor Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Account Executive Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Copy Editor Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Design / Web Master Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR

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Florida gas prices are declining again after surging in the past two weeks. According to AAA, the state average declined almost 2 cents per gallon last weekend to $3.30 per gallon. That’s 10 cents more than this time last year. In 2022, gas prices reached a new record high of $4.89 per gallon in June.

ON THE COVER Key West High School’s Smondy Joseph helps the Conch soccer team defeat the Bolles Bulldogs from Jacksonville on Jan. 7.

ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST GOVERNMENT TO LOSE LONGTIME STAFF IN 2023 CITY NEEDS A MANAGER, ATTORNEY, CLERK & HR DIRECTOR MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

W

ill the last person to leave city hall please turn out the lights?

With Key West already in need of a city manager and a city attorney, longtime city clerk Cheri Smith and human resources director Samantha Farist are slated to retire this year.

Farist retires April 7, according to a letter she submitted Jan. 9 to city manager Patti McLauchlin, who retires two months later, in June.

Officials hope to have a new manager in place in April, when the city begins its budgeting process, and to allow for a transitional overlap with McLauchlin.

Mayor Teri Johnston and Commissioner Billy Wardlow also recently acknowledged the impending loss of Smith’s institutional knowledge when she retires this summer.

Farist, in her retirement letter this week, thanks McLauchlin, writing, “You are by far, the most fair, caring and trustworthy supervisor I have ever had.

Your commitment to the city, its employees and citizens is an example that should be followed for years to come.”

Who will be the next city manager?

Forty-three candidates applied to replace McLauchlin.

A consultant narrowed those 43 down to nine finalists. A local committee, its members appointed by the city commissioners and mayor, are now further narrowing the list of nine finalists. By Jan. 16, the committee members will submit their top three or four candidates. The commission will invite those finalists to Key West for in-person interviews, tours and public receptions in February.

Key West’s government is losing several longtime staffers to retirement and resignations.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

What’s up with the city attorney’s office?

Key West also needs a new city attorney, following the scathing resignation of Shawn Smith, who finished work on Dec. 30, 2022 after 16 years in the position. A committee of local attorneys is now tasked with evaluating potential candidates to replace him.

In his Nov. 9, 2022 resignation letter, Smith wrote, in part, “I’m deeply troubled with the direction, or lack thereof, of our City. … I cannot remain quiet watching the City devolve into a mayor-run style of government rather than the manager-commission form called for in our charter. … To say we are internally dysfunctional is an understatement….”

In the meantime, the city commission on Dec. 6, 2022 appointed Ron Ramsingh, who was chief assistant city attorney under Smith, to become interim city attorney upon Smith’s departure. Commissioners Jimmy Weekley and Sam Kaufman voted against Ramsingh’s appointment.

As one of his first acts, Ramsingh reportedly terminated the newest lawyer in the city’s legal department, Brandon Dimando, on Jan. 5, a day or so before Dimando’s probationary period ended, Shawn Smith told the Keys Weekly. (During a probationary period, a new employee can be fired with or without cause.) Smith said he had asked that Dimando be reclassified as a permanent employee the week before his departure, which apparently didn’t happen.

Dimando’s departure leaves Ramsingh in charge of the legal department, which also includes assistant city attorney Natalia Mellies, who was heartily commended by Shawn Smith and some city commissioners at the Dec. 6 commission meeting, but is thought to be considering employment elsewhere.

At that meeting, during a debate over Ramsingh’s interim appointment, Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover said she was concerned that Mellies hadn’t expressed an interest in applying for the city attorney job.

“To me, that says that maybe she’s not interested in staying,” Hoover said on Dec. 6.

Commissioner Sam Kaufman said he couldn’t support Ramsingh’s appointment as interim city attorney without hearing feedback from others in the legal department. Kaufman said he had a “real concern” about whether the city attorney’s office would remain “intact” following Ramsingh’s appointment.

On the other hand, Commissioner Billy Wardlow, a former Key West fire chief, endorsed the seniority of Ramsingh and the importance of promoting from within for the benefit of city morale.

(Note: As of Jan. 10, the city of Key West’s website includes no mention of or contact information for the legal department, Ron Ramsingh or Natalia Mellies.

The job listing for city attorney is posted on the website.)

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR NONPROFIT BOARD MEMBER ‘BOOT CAMP’ COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PROGRAM RUNS MARCH 7-8

T

he Community Foundation of the Florida Keys has opened enrollment for its 2023 Leadership Success Academy, a “boot camp” for nonprofit board members. The program will be held at the Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West on March 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

Registration is available at cffk.org/lsa. The cost of the two-day program is $100 per person. The first day will focus on leadership styles and board member roles, and the second day will focus on nonprofit finance, fundraising, communications and strategic planning.

Individuals who participate both days will receive a certificate of completion. For more information, call 305-809-4992.

“Since 2008, we have trained more than 600 nonprofit leaders from throughout the Keys from over 100 different nonprofits,” said Jennifer McComb, president and CEO of the foundation. “Board members who have completed our program have learned to ask more questions, think beyond the way things have always been done, and take steps to move the organizations they care about to the next level.”

Coaches for the 2023 Leadership Success Academy include consultant Alex Counts

of Baltimore. Together with Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, Counts co-founded the Grameen Foundation, a global nonprofit which has helped lend over $6.5 billion to the poorest of the poor, while maintaining a repayment rate consistently above 98%.

Counts is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post, the Stanford Social Innovation Review, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. His book “Changing the World Without Losing Your Mind” was an editor’s pick by the Chronicle of Philanthropy from the Year’s Best Nonprofit Books. “When In Doubt, Ask for More: And 213 Other Life and Career Lessons for the Mission-Driven Leader” was released in 2020 and a new edition of his first book, “Small Loans, Big Dreams,” was released in late 2022.

Other instructors are Susanne Woods on leadership styles and servant leadership; Good Health Clinic executive director Kate Banick on nonprofit finance; Kimberly Matthews on strategic planning; and Wendy Gentes, assistant vice president of development at Baptist Health South Florida, who teaches fundraising and communications.

— Contributed

CHRISTMAS STORM DELIVERS UNWELCOME ‘GIFTS’ TO MARINE SANCTUARY HOLIDAY COLD FRONT DROPS DEBRIS ON REEF TRACT

A

1,000-pound fishing net and a 1,000-pound buoy produced weighty concerns for managers of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary who protect coral reefs. A holiday cold front carried the items onto the reef tract.

Both have now been removed.

On New Year’s Day, local charter Capt. Brice Barr was at the helm of his Double Down fishing boat. Near Eastern Dry Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA), Barr spotted a ball of nearly 100 red buoys floating above a derelict fishing net lodged on the sea floor in about 60 feet of water.

“I saw it through my binoculars and didn’t know what it was, so we went over to take a closer look,” said Barr. “I wanted to at least get it back into the sand but couldn’t move it.”

Although the net was lodged in a stationary location, its potential release was a threat to nearby coral restoration efforts at Eastern Dry Rocks, where more than 30,000 baby corals have been outplanted.

Barr notified FWC and sanctuary staff, and regional response coordinator Lisa Symons organized a solution. First, she connected with potential salvors to obtain a quote for the cost of removal, and then set out to find the money. That’s when the board of the Marine Preservation Society of the Florida Keys, a new nonprofit, quickly reviewed and chose to approve the request for funds.

“We live here and give here,” said society chairman Tom Davidson Jr. “Reacting quickly to this kind of need is at the heart of our mission.”

With the cost approved, Key West Harbor Services tackled the job on Jan. 5, retrieving and hauling the net to its Stock Island facility, where it was estimated to weigh more than 1,000 pounds and measured more than 30 feet in length.

“It’s a type of gill net used on commercial fishing boats, which are prohibited in state of Florida waters,” Symons said. “Their use is regulated in federal waters. … We are working with NOAA oceanographers to try to determine where it may have been lost or cut loose.”

The net was recovered in 30 feet of water about 150 yards from a SPA mooring buoy. The unidentified

The thousand-pound net hoisted from a crane after removal. NOAA/Contributed

boat from which it came is subject to civil penalties, and anyone with information is encouraged to call NOAA’s law enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964.

“This story is a good reminder that if you see something, say something,” said Sarah Fangman, sanctuary superintendent. “It ended well because of quick action

by Capt. Brice Barr, and we are grateful to him and his colleagues who provide critical eyes on the water.”

Meanwhile, a pair of marker buoys that delineate the boundary of Dry Tortugas National Park were lost during the Christmas weather, with one of them lodging on the reef at Carysfort South Sanctuary Preservation Area east of Key Largo, and the other making it to Boynton Beach. Chafing of the buoy line lacerated some of the corals in the Carysfort Sanctuary Preservation Area. ”We are grateful for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary cooperation and assistance in the recovery of one of our boundary buoys lost in a recent storm,” said Glenn Simpson, Dry Tortugas National Park superintendent. The park funded removal of the buoy, which took place on Jan. 10.

More information on the Marine Preservation Society is available from Sara Rankin at sararankin@marinesociety.org.

— Contributed

8

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

3 WEEKENDS OF MUSIC FESTIVALS FILL JANUARY

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

HARD ROCK, RED DIRT AND CLASSIC COUNTRY COME TO KEY WEST

The Instagrammable sign welcomes all to RokIsland Fest in Key West, taking place this year Jan. 17-21. CONTRIBUTED

R

okIsland Fest. Mile 0 Fest. Key Western Fest.

It’s all music all the time in Key West this month, with festivals filling three consecutive weekends in Key West.

And Kyle Carter is the man behind the music as founder and producer of all three events.

It started back in 2018, when Mile 0 Fest was the first music festival, indeed, one of the very first shows, to take place at the then-new Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront.

“The timing for that worked out perfectly, because when I had started planning Mile 0 Fest — a tribute to Red Dirt and Americana music — the city of Key West had just approved construction of the amphitheater. So by February 2018, both the venue and the festival were ready to go.

MILE 0 FEST RETURNS TO KEY WEST JAN. 24-28 — and brings legions of Americana and Red Dirt music fans with it.

“It’s a very specific genre, but one that has been growing exponentially in recent years. The music and its people come from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas because that’s where the music grew up,” said Carter, who grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma. (“Home of Garth Brooks,” he added.)

“While mainstream country is meant for the masses, Red Dirt and Americana music are very rootsy, more in line with folk and storytelling. The people singing the songs at Mile 0 Fest actually wrote them and lived them,” Carter told the Keys Weekly. “I knew this genre of music was lacking a warm-weather music festival in the wintertime.

Most of the places where these bands and their fans come from are cold in January,” Carter said.

Though he grew up in landlocked Oklahoma, Carter was a diehard Jimmy Buffett fan, memoriz-

ing all the lyrics to Buffett’s iconic “Boats, Beaches, Bars and Ballads” boxed set.

“We wanted to put together a festival where people could enjoy both the weather and the city.

Key West seemed perfect,” he added.

Now in its sixth year, Mile 0 Fest remains a huge hit, and it’s now book-ended by two other music festivals on the preceding and following weekends.

Carter and his crew first kick things off and crank up the volume with ROKISLAND FEST ON JAN. 17-21.

Now in its second year, RokIsland salutes hard-rock hair bands of the ’80s and features Styx, Tesla, Loverboy, Vince Neil, Extreme, Queensrÿche, Quiet Riot and more.

“Regardless of where you grew up in the ’80s, you were exposed to these bands and their songs,” Carter said. “Even if you don’t know who sings them, you’ll know all the songs. They’re definitely anthems from that era.”

The music continues JAN. 31-FEB. 4 WITH THE INAUGURAL KEY WESTERN FEST, described as a “one-of-a-kind convergence of country music superstars from an era that solidified the genre as a cultural touchstone and global phenomenon.”

Artists include Clint Black, Sara Evans, the Oak Ridge Boys, Clay Walker, Sawyer Brown, Deana Carter, Neal McCoy, Blackhawk, Mark Chesnutt, Pam Tillis and many more.

In addition to the four-day festival, Key Western Fest will have a free kick-off celebration that is open to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 31 featuring performances from Little Texas, Ricochet and more (location TBA). Packages and passes are on sale now. All ticket information is available at keywesternfest.com

Rock fans fill the Key West Amphitheater for a Steelheart concert during RokIsland Fest in 2022. The festival returns Jan. 17-21.

Mile 0 Fest started in 2018 and grows each year, bringing Red Dirt & Americana music to Key West Jan. 24-28.

Shane Smith & The Saints perform at Mile 0 Fest in 2022.

9

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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eys Energy Services’ (KEYS) customers will experience a decrease in their January energy bills, as a result of reductions in natural gas costs.

An average KEYS’ residential customer consuming 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity during the month of January will see an 8.2% decrease on their total energy bill.

The bill will be $180 compared to $196 for the same consumption in December. The amount of the decrease will vary based on how much electricity a customer uses.

A kilowatt-hour (kwh) is equivalent to 1,000 watts consumed over one hour.

The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charge for January will be $44.25 per 1,000 kilowatt hours (kwh), compared to $60.65 per 1,000 kwh in December. KEYS’ Energy Charge is $108.40 per 1,000 kwh for residential customers and assumes wholesale power costs of $62.20 per 1,000 kwh. When energy costs fluctuate above or below that $62.20 per 1,000 kwh, KEYS passes the increase/decrease along to customers via a PCA charge/credit “We are seeing additional relief on the natural gas front and can pass those savings on to customers during the first quarter of 2023,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ general manager and CEO. “The price of natural gas became extremely volatile in 2022 and surged to unprecedented levels domestically and in-

Average Percentage Yield effective 12/15/2022, subject to change at any time and is based on interest compounding monthly. This is a limited time offer and can be withdrawn

ternationally.” She cited disruptions in natural gas production, reduced rig counts during the pandemic, lower gas storage inventory, and the exporting of fuel as a result of the war in Ukraine as drivers of the natural gas price increase.

In recent years, KEYS PCA had been a credit on energy bills. The credit was replaced with a charge in January 2022, and additional increases in March and June before decreases were implemented in October. Tejeda did not rule out future power cost adjustments. “As the cost of natural gas fluctuates, KEYS will adjust the PCA charge,” she said. “We will be monitoring costs carefully and working with our power supplier to mitigate increases.”

Tejeda said the total bill is driven by both the rate and energy usage. Conservation is still helpful and customers can help offset the PCA charge by consuming less energy if they are interested in making some adjustments. She urged KEYS’ customers to log on to KeysEnergy.com and click on the Top 10 Energy Saving Tips link for tips on how to best conserve energy.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

A HEAVENLY ‘HELL WEEK’ The start of high tourism season in the Keys was a welcome return to normal

By Mandy Miles, Jim McCarthy and Alex Rickert

O

h, the weather outside was frightful.

Well, at least by the standards of the Florida Keys, where temperatures for the Christmas and New Year week dropped to the 50s and 60s and the sun took a few days off.

But that didn’t stop visitors from piling into the island chain, filling hotels and frustrating drivers with traffic on U.S. 1.

A busy holiday week seems to have foretold a busy winter tourism season, as the Keys remain packed with visitors and community calendars continue to fill with events. But still, the crowds and room rates aren’t as elevated as they were in 2021, a year that one local tourism expert called “an anomaly” with how “psychotically busy we were,” said Jodi Weinhofer, president of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West.

“I don’t think this year, on any level, will match 2021,” she added. “But we’re doing really well. Our rates are higher than in 2019, but they’re nowhere near last year, which is fine because that simply wasn’t sustainable. And it’s better overall for the destination because no one wants it to be that crowded.”

Also, Weinhofer pointed out, “Think about how many people first got here in 2021 and have nothing to compare it to.”

“Last year was the ‘revenge spend,’ as we’ve been calling it,” said Tourist Development Council chair and Dolphin Research Center CEO Rita Irwin. “We’re not going to see those numbers again, and from a budgeting perspective for both the TDC and DRC we didn’t even pretend it would be like last year.”

Irwin called the week a “nice steady stream” of guests at DRC that met the facility’s budget crafted from pre-COVID numbers, noting in particular that guests in a post-COVID “hell week” were more patient and amicable than in the past – possibly just happy to be taking a vacation for the first time in years. Just up the road, Sheldon Suga, Hawks Cay Resort managing director, had similar comments, complimenting “great guests from the north.”

Reports were largely similar for Middle Keys businesses. While Castaway restaurant owner John Mirabella noted that his nights have tended to end earlier since the pandemic, his December 2022 numbers beat out the same month in 2021 by 6 percent – even with weather-related flooding the day after Christmas causing him to forfeit an estimated $10,000 in sales.

Marathon pizzeria Coast to Coast Pizza Company logged its highest-grossing day since opening its doors in late March 2022, while Brutus Seafood owner Elise Mucha told the Weekly her “kitchen tickets were hitting the floor every evening.

The list below shows the occupancy percentage and average daily room rates throughout the Florida Keys for Dec. 22-31.

• Dec. 22: 77% occupancy $347.04 average daily rate • Dec. 23: 68.9% occupancy $431.31 average daily rate • Dec. 24: 71% occupancy $457.04 average daily rate • Dec. 25: 71.2% occupancy $487.40 average daily rate • Dec. 26: 76.4% occupancy $595.22 average daily rate • Dec. 27: 85.4% occupancy $702.18 average daily rate • Dec. 28: 91.5% occupancy $741.02 average daily rate • Dec. 29: 92.1% occupancy $772.57 average daily rate • Dec. 30: 92.5% occupancy $790.66 average daily rate • Dec. 31: 95.6% occupancy $806.05 average daily rate

Vehicles slowly cross Snake Creek Bridge in Islamorada during a busy holiday week that saw crawling traffic. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

New Year’s Eve in Key West and throughout the island chain saw the highest occupancy and hotel rates of the holiday week. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

“I’m extremely grateful to be busy, but hell week is a lot,” she said. “It’s not even manageable. … You just have to try to manage guest expectations and cross your fingers they aren’t grumpy after the holidays.”

The cold snap to start the week kept water enthusiasts on land, affecting water sports and fishing charter activities throughout the Keys.

But Judy Hull, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director, said that although there were a few days where visitors couldn’t enjoy the water with the cold spell, the holiday season for businesses in the village was nothing short of spectacular.

She added that the Visitors Center in Islamorada hadn’t seen a dip yet since the new year.

“Usually there will be a rush the first of January and see a little dip in the middle of the month, and pick back up in February. I always look at Valentine’s Day as the peak,” she said.

Elizabeth Moscynski, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce president, said the weeks leading up to and after the holiday were bustling in the northernmost Keys.

“Hotels were almost at full capacity. Our visitor center was hopping. We were seeing hundreds of guests a day,” Moscynski said. “We have not seen these amounts of folks in years.”

The Keys Weekly obtained visitors and hotel statistics for the week of Dec. 24-31 from STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company

that compiles hotel, guesthouse and vacation rental information for destination markets, including occupancy percentages and average daily room rates.

New Year’s Eve saw the highest occupancy throughout the Keys, with 96% of all lodging establishments occupied, with an average daily rate of $806, STR reports. Throughout the week, between Dec. 22 and Dec. 31, average daily room rates more than doubled, starting at $347 on Dec. 22 and ending at $806 on Dec. 31.

“This year was unique in that Christmas and New Year’s Eve fell in the same week,” said Haley Luther of STR. “For the week ending Dec. 24, 2022 (the week before Christmas), the Florida Keys had the second-highest occupancy among all U.S. STR-defined markets, coming in slightly behind New York City.”

That same week, the Florida Keys also had the third-highest average daily room rate among all U.S. STR-defined markets, coming in behind only Maui Island and Hawaii/Kauai Islands.

For the entire 10 days between Dec. 22 and Dec. 31, the Florida Keys’ average daily room rate was $613. That average includes lodging establishments throughout the island chain.

While occupancy percentages tended to be higher for the holiday week in 2019 (before the pandemic skewed visitor data), average daily room rates this year were significantly higher than in 2019.

11

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

DEMOLITION BEGINS AT FLAGLER CENTER AFTER SEPTEMBER FIRE BUSINESSES FIND NEW SPACES WHILE AWAITING REBUILD MANDY MILES

I

HOTELIER DIANE SCHMIDT ACCEPTS PRESIDENT’S GAVEL

mandy@keysweekly.com

t’s been more than three months since a fire at Flagler Center, 3201 Flagler Ave., destroyed 14 residential units atop 10 or so ground-floor businesses. But work finally started last week, when crews from Key Iron Works began hauling away debris and demolishing all but the building’s concrete shell.

The damage is estimated to be $12.8 million, according to reports from the Key West Fire Department and fire and insurance investigators.

Its cause is undetermined, but is thought to have started in a “chaseway,” or area between the two floors that contains miles of wiring, said Steve Robbins, president of the Flagler Center Condominium Association and owner of a few of the units, including three businesses in first-floor units — Barrett Printing, Category 5 Signs and Local Awards & Engraving.

The fire started before dawn on Sept. 28, while Hurricane Ian fanned the flames with 50 mph winds and flooded nearby roads.

“High hurricane force winds quickly spread the fire from west to east, through the utility chase that ran the entire length of the structure,” wrote shift commander David Zarate in his report. “Once the roof began to show distortion and the eaves began to sag, I changed from offense to defense and ordered all personnel out of the structure.”

Zarate writes of enlisting help from all off-duty firefighters as well as Monroe County Fire Rescue and Naval Air Station crews. He called Keys Energy Services to cut power to the property and worked with Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority to “boost” water pressure in the area given the use of five different hydrants at once with 3-inch water lines and “deck guns,” (aimable, controllable high-capacity water jets used for manual firefighting).

Key West firefighters were on scene within six minutes of receiving the call at 5:28 a.m. — and fought the fire for the next 12 hours, according to the incident report from Key West Fire Department. The fire likely had started at least two hours

KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INSTALLS LEADERS, BOARD MEMBERS

T

Crews from Key Iron Works start demolition and debris removal at 3201 Flagler Ave. following a devastating Sept. 28 fire during Hurricane Ian. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

before anyone noticed flames or smoke, leading many to speculate that it started as an electrical fire in the utility chaseway between floors, which is inaccessible to residents; the cause remains officially undetermined.

No serious injuries — to firefighters or residents — were reported.

“I really need to give a shout-out to all the firefighters, and now to Key Iron Works for the fantastic job they’re doing with the demolition,” said Robbins. “Those guys have been willing to sift through debris to find numerous items for residents, such as jewelry and baby photos for some of the residents.”

Robbins added that all displaced businesses have reopened, either in temporary spaces or with employees working remotely.

Robbins said he moved his operations to 913 Eaton St. The other displaced businesses include Barnes Alarms, Curry & Sons Printing, Bone Island Chiropractic, Ward & Meyers Accounting, Southernmost Smiles dental office, Gandara Bath & Fixtures and Island Refrigeration.

“I know that one tenant, regrettably, left town, unable to find another place to live. Others are all in temporary living situations and have said they’re eager to come back when the building is ready.”

That will likely be another 18 to 24 months, Robbins said.

“Once the debris removal is done, an engineer will do a concrete analysis and then we’ll keep pressing forward in the coming months to build it back,” he said.

he Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce recently introduced its board of directors and officers for 2023.

Diane Schmidt, of Opal Key West Resort & Marina, will serve as president of the board, succeeding Suzanne Moore of Suzanne Moore Real Estate Services, who will hold the position of immediate past president. The executive officers will include Greg Sullivan of Waste Management as first vice president, Patricia Neyra of Neyra Construction LLC as second vice president, Karen Sharp of First State Bank of the Florida Keys as treasurer, and Andrew Morawski of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum as secretary.

Also serving on the board are: Casey Arnold of Conch Republic Seafood Company, Joe Caso of Caso & Co., David Clay of Lower keys Medical Center, Travis Doll of A&B Marina, George Fernandez of Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Van Fischer of VDF Law, Cara Higgins of Cara Higgins Law, Melissa Kendrick of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Bill Lay of La Trattoria Venezia, Mark Rossi of Rick’s/Durty Harry’s, Andrew Rosuck of Casa Marina Resort, Amber Shaffer of Ocean Blue Galleries, Dr. Brittany Snyder of The College of the Florida Keys, John Toppino of Charley Toppino & Sons Inc., and Jim Wilson of Appraisal Company of Key West.

Diane Schmidt, of Opal Key West Resort & Marina, will serve as president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce board for 2023.

CONTRIBUTED

The 2023 board of directors will focus on the mission of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce to be a catalyst for business success, a convener of leaders, and a champion for a sustainable thriving community.

“The 2023 board of directors is a diverse group of talented business and community leaders from all over Key West and the surrounding area, and from a variety of industries representing our business community,” said Robert Goltz, executive vice president. “I am looking forward to working with this group of community leaders to build a stronger business community here in Key West.”

— Contributed

12

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

City Commission honors Elks Lodge for its support of the Autism Society Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission dedicated the week of Jan. 8 to the Key West Elks Lodge 551 in honor of its commitment to Autism Week. The members of Key West Elks Lodge 551 support community organizations such as Take Stock in Children, Florida Keys Cancer Society, and the SOS Foundation with grants funded through the Grand Lodge Gratitude Grant program and numerous local fundraisers.

Most recently the Elks Lodge donated $10,000 to the Autism Society of the Keys (ASK).

“Autism is at a staggering statistic of one in 32 children in the U.S.,” said Hope Haley, a member of ASK. “Together with our community, we have supplied over 300 sensory boxes to every police, fire, ambulance, school, day care, hospital and airport in the Keys.”

Sensory boxes contain comfort items that help people with autism during stressful situations. All agencies are trained in responding to emergencies with the aid of these tool kits. They contain items like white erase boards for non-verbal people, noisecanceling headphones, weighted pillows and fidget spinners.

“Our mission is to improve the lives of those affected with autism so they can have independent lives,” Haley said.

Wildsam’s first-ever Florida Keys field guide features Keys Weekly contributors Wildsam, publisher of acclaimed field guides, recently released a guide to the Florida Keys. “The Keys are a mythic and extraordinary space to explore, both physically and narratively,” said Wildsam founder Taylor Bruce.

“Ultimately, the field guide is a collection of voices from locals and those who know the Keys best. That’s the key to getting a nuanced look at this far out archipelago.”

Since its launch in 2012, Wildsam has earned a reputation for bringing world-class writing and curated coverage to each place it profiles. The Florida Keys guide is no exception. Keys Weekly contributors and a former editor are included in the guide: Tiffany Duong, Sarah Thomas and history columnist Brad Bertelli.

The guide’s expert-vetted “Essentials” section touches on everything from books, dining and lodging expertise, to dive shop intel; the “Atlas” section covers a rollicking 5-day road trip and spotlights 10 communities along U.S. 1, along with their distinct businesses, cultural institutions and even Best Day of the Year; the “Almanac” section presents iconic figures and cultural moments instrumental in the Keys narrative. In the “Pursuits” section, Wildsam leads the reader into the world of diving, shipwreck history, coral reefs and hand signal intel.

In its “Stories” section, Sarah Thomas recalls family memories of Key West. Artist Sarah Mattes’ illustrations compliment work from contributors, such as author Judy Blume, poet Arlo Haskell, musician Billy Kearins, advocate Kawana Staffney-Ashe, writer Tiffany Duong, photographer Stephen Frink and flyshop owner Kat Vallilee.

The Florida Keys Field Guide is available in independent book stores and boutiques nationwide, as well as online wildsam.com.

To celebrate the release of the book, Wildsam has a bird-walking event planned with Mark Hedden of the Florida Keys Audubon Society on Thursday, Jan. 26. Hedden writes the Wild Things column for the Keys Weekly. Email margaret@wildsam.com for more information.

Health department appoints Mark Roby as director of nursing

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County recently appointed Mark Roby as its new director of nursing.

“We are so excited to welcome Mark Roby to the Monroe County Department of Health,” said Carla Fry, assistant county health administrator.

“Mark brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and nursing to the position. He will be a terrific asset as we continue to enhance public health services throughout the county.”

Roby started his nursing career over 25 years ago as a cardiac telemetry nurse after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. In addition, Roby holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Tech, an MBA in human resource management from the University of Phoenix, a master’s degree in nursing education from the University of South Florida, and a doctorate in nursing practice from Capella University.

Roby has served as a nurse manager and educator in a variety of settings, most recently serving as dean of sciences and nursing at the College of the Florida Keys.

SHELF HELP

BRIEFLY

S

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

What: “Lovely” by Erik Vinson Why: This is a beautifully written book of primarily poetry by a young local author, with some biographical paragraphs, especially in honor of the author’s late mom.

It’s a tragic and heartbreaking story of loss of the mom when the author was 3. I’m sure many knew the author’s mom; she was a very sweet person. I felt this book was also a wonderful tribute to keep his mom’s memory alive. Each poem is short, but all gave so much insight to the author’s life and also that of his beloved mom.

Where: This is available as a print book from the Monroe County Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to www. keyslibraries.org and get ebooks and eaudiobooks 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: Eva Stafford, cataloging manager

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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16

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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17

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

An osprey flying low in the Florida Keys. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

THE GRAND OLD OSPREY

A

n osprey does not express his love quietly.

He screams it in decibels as sharp as glass shards that carry for miles. He does not proclaim his love from the rooftops, but from several hundred feet above the rooftops. And it’s MARK not all just proclaiming. There’s a lot of hovering, as HEDDEN well as swooping, diving and climbing. And it usually involves a fish, gripped in specialized talons, though ... is a photograthat’s tough to see from the ground. All that drama pher, writer, and semi-professional can come off as formalized and indecipherable as a birdwatcher. He German opera – though performed at a much higher has lived in Key octave – with more sturm and drang than you’d exWest for more than 25 years and pect from a 4-pound bird with a 5-foot wingspan.

As with a lot of avian mating rituals, the crazimay no longer be employable in est thing about it is: it works. And it has worked for the real world. He thousands of years. If the performance pleases her, is also executive a female osprey will give her assent and the two director of the Florida Keys Audu- will spend the next four months bringing a clutch of chicks out into the world. (They may copulate up to bon Society.

130 times in the process, but they generally produce two to four eggs.)

Osprey are some of the most widely distributed raptors in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. Though they sometimes winter in South America, they don’t breed there.

While most birds have some kind of descriptive term attached to their name, osprey are one of the bird world’s few mononyms.

Like Cher, Madonna and Bono, their whole name is the single word. The name mutated from the Old French “ospreit,” which somehow mutated from the Latin “Avis praedea,” meaning bird of prey. But the name also mutated from the Latin “ossifrage,” which means “bone breaker,” because osprey look kinda sorta like bearded vultures who have a habit of picking up the bones of dead lambs, flying them up to a great height, then dropping down onto the rocks to crack them open and gain access to the marrow. Even though that’s not what osprey actually do. (Etymology and early natural history are not always precise sciences.)

Almost any paper you read about osprey will say they are nearly pure piscivores, with fish being at least 99% of their diet, but that 1% is probably something of an overstatement. One hundred percent is not a number scientists are generally comfortable with. There are reports of them occasionally eating snakes, very young alligators, or small mammals, but those are nearly always anecdotal.

As a result, osprey are occasionally called fish hawks or sea hawks (as in, the Seattle…).

Osprey fish by diving, usually from 30 to 120 feet up. They spot their fish from on high, often while hovering, then fall, talons out in front of their face. Sometimes they snag their fish in the top few inches of the water and haul them out seemingly without breaking their momentum. Sometimes they will dive as deep as 3 feet. The fish they catch are often 10% to 15% of their body mass.

Everything about their bodies works toward the goal of snagging fish from the water. Their feathers contain an oil that makes them water-resistant, though not waterproof, so after a series of dives they often have to perch and dry them out. Their eyes – a rich golden yellow – have nictitating membranes that slide over them like translucent protective curtains when they hit. Their nostrils can close to keep the high-pressure water from a splash from going into their respiratory system.

Their feet are large, muscular and double jointed, with long, sturdy talons that can pierce and grip their slick and often thrashing prey. Their wings have a telltale kink in the wrist and are long enough to seem almost rubbery when seen flapping from a distance, the length providing the power they need to pull the fish out of the water.

Once in the air, the flexibility in their joints allows them to turn the fish face forward, and it can often look as if they are riding a surfboard or a torpedo. They usually perch somewhere nearby and begin to devour their prey quickly. They tend to save the tail for last and often abandon it.

Because of all this, an osprey’s main environmental requirement is open water. In most of North America this means they fly north in the summer to breed, then south in the winter to avoid ice.

As ice is not an issue in Florida, our populations tend to be nonmigratory, and here they breed in the winter.

Most courtship tends to happen in December and early January. Hence all the aerial theatrics around here this time of year.

On the mainline Keys, osprey often use manmade structures for nesting. You see nests on radio towers, telephone poles and channel markers. But you also often see them on structures specifically constructed to be osprey nests – usually an old telephone pole with about a 4-foot-square platform on top.

In the backcountry they will often build nests in the mangroves and, occasionally, directly on the ground.

Mostly they build nests out of sticks, but will occasionally include manmade objects such as plastic bags, rope, nylon mesh bait bags and, in the Keys, the occasional bra or scrap of an American flag. Fishing line is also sometimes incorporated, which can be hazardous, as chicks can get fatally entangled.

A study done in the late 1980s showed that osprey had the highest breeding success in the Upper Keys when they nested on manmade structures, rather than on the undeveloped islands in Florida Bay. While that may lead you to think manmade structures were superior, those success rates leveled out between the mainline islands of the Lower Keys and the backcountry islands south of Marathon, which leads me to believe it wasn’t the structures that made the difference, so much as the fishing grounds.

Osprey seem to have adapted well to breeding around humans.

When at Fort Zach a few weeks ago, a pair looked to be nesting on the pole across the field in the northwest corner of the park. It wasn’t clear exactly which part of the breeding process they were in, but hopefully they’re going to move beyond the drama soon and we might all get to see them raise a couple of chicks.

18

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

IN GOOD TASTE...

KEY WEST FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL SET FOR JAN. 25-29

H

aters, beware. We took a lot of heat (and a few threats of violence) after a Top 10 that listed the items found when the FBI retrieved more than 350 classified and top secret documents from the Mar-a-Lago home of former President Donald Trump. And while the revelations surrounding classified documents found at a private office of President Joe Biden seem less nefarious at the moment, we at the Keys Weekly understand that turnabout is fair play. Always here to help, we bring you the…

10. The original Ten Commandments. Authenticated with inscription — “To Joe. Love, Moses.”

9. An unused inauguration speech — written by Neil Kinnock.

Guests will sample vintages from every wine region in Argentina at the festival highlight, SLaM grand tasting. CONTRIBUTED

A

subtropical setting and a celebration of cuisine and libations await attendees Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 25-29, when the Key West Food & Wine Festival is staged in the continental United States’ southernmost island city.

The event spotlights Key West’s multicultural cuisine, talented chefs and culinary creativity through gourmet galas and tastings, classes, parties and only-in-Key-West experiences.

Attendees can discover the spirit of Argentina at the “Carnival de Buenos Aires” held Wednesday, Jan. 25. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with a welcome reception and preview of upcoming events for VIP ticketholders at Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, 1075 Duval St., Suite 15 C. Following a gaucho parade, the evening’s “main course” is slated from 5 to 7 p.m. with roasted meats, malbec and traditional Argentine music at VIVA Argentinian Steakhouse, 903 Duval St. In accordance with the carnival theme, guests are encouraged to wear their most colorful costumes.

The festival’s highlight is the SLaM grand tasting, planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the historic Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters, 938 Whitehead St. In the shadow of the 1848 lighthouse, guests can sample vintages from every wine region in Argentina including San Juan, La Rioja and

8. Hunter’s other laptop.

7. Metamucil.

The 2023 festival celebrates the food, wine and culture of Argentina with a variety of wine dinners, classes and the festival highlight SLaM grand tasting.

Mendoza. All are complemented by a stellar menu of Latin-infused specialties.

Among other standout events are two sessions of “The Argentine Experience,” a luncheon class in making and savoring traditional Argentine empanadas; Che Guevara’s Wine Dinner featuring exquisite cuisine paired with expertly curated Piattelli Vineyards vintages; a traditional “asado” barbecue honoring the country’s famed chef Francis Mallmann; and the Last Tango in Cayo Hueso Brunch with dishes including Argentine churrasco (grilled meat) with chimichurri sauce, entertainment by tango dancers, the Yerba Mate Ritual Bar and instruction in making the tea-like South American beverage.

Festival information, prices and ticketing are at keywestfoodandwinefestival.com.

— Contributed

ITEMS RECOVERED FROM PRESIDENT BIDEN’S PRIVATE OFFICE

6. Marsellus Wallace’s briefcase.

5. A stolen draft of Kevin McCathy’s autobiography titled: “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. And again. And again. Until you sell your soul.”

4. Handmade trophy that reads: “1st Place. 1965 International Moot-Court Competition. University of Delaware.”

3. Tons of movie keepsakes, tax forms and personal effects belonging to Jim Carrey. (You might have to Google this one).

2. 1985 mint condition “Nasty Nick” Garbage Pail Kid card.

1. A few unopened ballots from Georgia — just a few.

19

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

KEYS WEEKLY

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

KATELYN GILMAN THE SCOREBOARD Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Palmer

1/4

L, 60-29

Marathon

Boys Soccer

Key West

1/4

L, 9-1

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

@ Gulliver

1/4

L, 8-0

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

@ Oxbridge Academy

1/5

W, 54-53

Marathon

Girls Soccer

@ Westwood

1/5

W, 3-0

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Boca Raton

1/6

L, 60-21

Key West

Girls Soccer

@South FL HEAT

1/6

L, 5-0

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Marathon

1/6

L, 46-36

Marathon

Girls Soccer

Coral Shores

1/6

L, 6-2

Marathon

Boys Soccer

Country Day

1/6

L, 3-2

Key West

Girls Soccer

@ Gulliver

1/7

W, 3-0

Key West

Boys Soccer

Bolles

1/7

W, 4-2

Key West

Boys Basketball

Boca Raton

1/7

L, 70-48

Marathon

Girls Basketball

St. Brendan

1/7

L, 45-32

Katelyn Gilman punts the ball after a save against Marathon on Jan. 6.

BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

1/13

Marathon

Girls & Boys Soccer

Horeb

4/6 p.m.

1/13

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Colonial Christian

5 p.m.

1/13

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Divine Savior

5 p.m.

1/13

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

FL Christian

4 p.m.

1/14

Key West

Girls Soccer

Lemon Bay

11 a.m.

1/14

Key West

Boys Basketball

Goleman

6:30 p.m.

1/14

Key West

Girls Basketball

Mater Lakes

3 p.m.

1/17

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Key West

5 p.m.

1/18

Coral Shores

Weightlifting

Marathon/Key West

4 p.m.

1/18

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

Mast Academy

5 p.m.

1/18

Coral Shores

Wrestling

Key West & FL Christian

1/18

Key West

Boys Soccer

Florida Christian

1/19

Marathon

Girls & Boys Basketball

Posnak

3 p.m.

1/20

Key West

Boys Soccer

Coral Shores

4/5:30 p.m.

1/20

Key West

Boys & Girls Basketball

Marathon

4 p.m.

1/20

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

Everglades Prep

5:30/7 p.m.

Senior, Coral Shores Soccer Senior goalkeeper Katelyn Gilman has been putting in the work for Coral Shores this season. The ’Canes have six wins so far this season, with five shutouts. Gilman most recently kept Coral Shores in the driver’s seat against county rival Marathon, saving six shots on goal and preserving the win for the Hurricanes. Coach Zach Owens praised his keeper, saying, “Katelyn played a great game. She directs the ball on the field, and she keeps us in the game with her play and attitude.”

For her positive attitude and fantastic game play, Katelyn Gilman is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“Katelyn has been working hard every day at practice.

She has earned her captain’s armband tonight.”

— Coral Shores soccer coach Zach Owens

20

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

KEYS WEEKLY

BOYS SOCCER

KEY WEST VS CORAL SHORES

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE 2022 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM Last fall’s athletes representing Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores made strong showings in their competition across South Florida. Key West went 11-11, reaching the FHSAA District 16 4A semifinals in one of the most talented districts in the state. Marathon’s record was 2-17 on the season. Their District 16 3A run ended in round one against neighboring Coral Shores, which went on to play in the District 3A finals, earning runner-up status. Like Key West, Coral Shores had an even record, finishing the season 8-8.

All three teams fielded talented athletes, and the Keys Weekly Newspapers are proud to recognize our 2022 All-Keys Volleyball Team.

JANUARY 20 | 6:30 p.m.

ANNIE SCEPKOVA Junior, Key West In her first year playing varsity for the Conchs, Scepkova was deadly at the net, registering 24 blocks and 91 kills this season.

MVP EMIRI ICHIJO Senior, Key West Key West’s libero was equally important on offense and defense. Ichijo had 47 aces and 22 kills to complement her astounding 327 digs this season for the Conchs.

REESE HAGGARD Sophomore, Key West Haggard stepped up to the varsity level this season and made an immediate positive impact for the Conchs. She had near-perfect serving with a 96.4% service percentage as well as 31 aces and 94 digs this season.

SAMANTHA VENTIMIGLIA Senior, Key West Playing outside hitter, Ventimiglia recorded 178 kills and 36 aces. Her service percentage was an incredible 94.8%. The Conch senior also had 10 blocks and 234 digs, making her a true asset offensively and defensively.

21

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

KEYS WEEKLY

BOYS SOCCER

KEY WEST VS CORAL SHORES

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

JANUARY 20 | 6:30 p.m.

ELSIE WARWICK Junior, Key West

KAILEE REINOSO Senior, Coral Shores

MORGAN BAILEY Senior, Coral Shores

REESE ELWELL Junior, Marathon

Outside hitter Elsie Warwick had 143 kills for the Conchs this season as well as 38 aces, 179 digs and three blocks, making her a force for Key West this year.

Kailee led the Hurricanes in aces, chalking up 44 this season. A fierce competitor who rarely allowed the ball to hit the floor, Reinoso had 148 digs, making her a key cog in the Coral Shores defense.

Bailey was instrumental for her team this season, bringing positive energy to each practice and game. Described as everyone’s biggest cheerleader, Bailey pumped up her team whether she was on the court or bench. “Whenever she is not there, it is instantly noticeable that she’s missing because the atmosphere is not the same,” said Hurricanes coach Sam Ovalle.

“Reese stepped up for us as a libero this year. She worked hard and earned her spot out on the court. If a ball was dropping, Reese made sure that she was there to get it.” – Marathon coach Kelley Cruz

BROOKE MANDOZZI Junior, Coral Shores

LEANN QUICK Senior, Coral Shores

BETHANN “KIKI” HEWLETT Junior, Marathon

ELENA EUBANK Sophomore, Marathon

Mandozzi led her team in serve rating, hit percentage, serve reception, digs (157) and kills (96) and was second in aces (43), making her an asset in every aspect of the game. Over the course of the season, she played multiple positions without complaint, helping her team wherever they needed it. “Mandozzi puts in the work during the off season, complimenting her talent and making her a force on the court,” said Hurricanes coach Sam Ovalle.

Quick was a playmaker for the ’Canes this season, coming up with big plays when her team needed them most.

She amassed 12 blocks and 43 kills and had a serve rating of 2.15, making her deadly both at the net and the service line. “Quick showed great improvement this season, working hard to be a great player and teammate,” said Hurricanes coach Sam Ovalle.

Playing middle hitter for the Dolphins, Hewlett brought a depth of knowledge to her team. “If there were any points in time during practices or games where she could spread knowledge, she would,” said Marathon coach Kelley Cruz.

Marathon’s outside hitter Elena Eubank was the youngest player for the Fins. “She is an all-around great player and natural leader,” said Marathon coach Kelley Cruz. “When faced with opposition, she worked through it and always came out the other side with a smile.”

22

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

KEYS WEEKLY

BOYS SOCCER

KEY WEST VS CORAL SHORES

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

JANUARY 20 | 6:30 p.m.

1

KEYS COURT BATTLE 2

Dolphins edge Hurricanes behind Eubank’s offense Marathon sophomore Elena Eubank’s 17 points helped propel the Dolphins to victory over their northern rivals in Coral Shores, 46-36, on Jan. 6. Marathon took the lead over the Hurricanes early and never looked back. Eubank registered 9 of her 17 points from behind the 3-point line. Senior Abrianna Marshall scored 14 points for the Dolphins, while senior Aniyla Hawkins tallied 8 points.

— Keys Weekly staff report

3

1. Marathon sophomore Elena Eubank (3) surveys the court.

4

2. The Hurricanes look to get the ball inbounds.

3. Kayesha Christian (1) prepares to shoot a free throw.

4. Elena Eubank (3) dribbles her way around a Coral Shores defender.

5. Junior forward Lisny Cedillo (13) attempts a layup as Marathon defenders close in.

5

— Photos by Joy Smith of Purely Joyous Photography.

Full gallery at keysweekly. com.

23

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

KEYS WEEKLY

BOYS SOCCER

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

KEY WEST VS CORAL SHORES JANUARY 20 | 6:30 p.m.

The Key West Conchs boys soccer team battled an upstate squad from Jacksonville on Jan. 7, securing a 4-2 win against the Bolles Bulldogs to improve to 8-2-1 on the season. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

PREP SOCCER SQUADS GEARING UP FOR DISTRICT PLAY With district playoff action beginning Wednesday, Jan. 25, Keys soccer teams are working hard to solidify their placements.

The state playoff brackets are generated via power rankings rather than head-to-head district matchups, and top-seeded teams enjoy an easier opponent and home field advantage.

GIRLS The Lady Conchs of Key West had two road trips in a row with two different outcomes. On Jan. 6, they lost 5-0 against South Florida HEAT. The following day, they enjoyed a 3-0 win against Gulliver. Striker Kathryn Smith had two goals and Jen Perloff had one in the match.

The Lady Fins traveled to Westwood Christian School on Jan. 5, beating the Warriors 3-0. Rain Banks, Sara Strama and Hannah Davis each scored one goal. The following night, Coral Shores put a damper on the Fins’ senior night, handing them a 6-2 loss at home. Both Marathon goals were scored

by Rain Banks, while Kylie McDaniel logged 17 saves in goal.

Coral Shores goalkeeper Katelyn Gilman kept the Lady ’Canes in the game with six saves while the offense took care of business. Kai Redruello scored two goals in the game and assisted Sophia Jans on her goal. Ashley Jans, Delany Donnelly and Amber Ender had the other three goals, with Ender’s assisted by Izzy Malloggi.

BOYS Key West had a big week on the pitch. On Jan. 4 they traveled to Marathon, where they defeated the Fins 9-1. Yoni Gvili and Loubins Fleuridor had hat tricks in the game while Wyatt Gibbons scored two and Daniel Quiche scored one. On Jan. 7, Gvili had another hat trick and Fleuridor scored one in a 4-2 victory over Bolles High School, which made the trip from Jacksonville to play the Conchs.

In Marathon’s game against Key West, Oscar Cardona had the lone goal. Cardona struck again with a goal on Jan. 6 when the Dolphins played Miami Country Day at home.

Henry Herrera added one for the Fins in an attempt to salvage the team’s senior night, but Marathon ran out of time, losing to the Spartans 3-2.

Coral Shores played Jan. 4 at Gulliver, losing 8-0. They face Key West in their next match on Jan. 17 at home.

24

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

Scan this on your phone to connect directly with

Make 2023 the Year You Can Hear!

Call Dr. Michelle today to schedule your appointment and begin your better hearing journey!

CALL US TODAY TO START YOUR HEARING JOURNEY! MIAMI 17670 NW 78th Avenue #201

(305) 403-9325

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MARATHON 11400 Overseas Highway Suite 209 Town Square Mall

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HOMESTEAD Towers Professional Plaza 151 NW 11th St., Ste. W-301

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TAVERNIER 93911 Overseas Hwy., Ste. 5 (2nd Floor) Tavernier, FL 33070

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25

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

Happy New Year!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING 2022 OUR 2ND BEST YEAR ON RECORD! WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE LAST 23 YEARS AND LOOK FORWARD TO 2023!

OVER 85 MILLION SOLD IN 2022!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYERS & SELLERS! 45 1st Street 210 4th Street A7 7th Ave D38 11th Ave 2230 16th Ave NW* 1202 17th Street** 1012 18th Terrace** 1012 18Th Street** 1250 144th Court SW * 1217 55th Street #18* 316 Amelia Street 101 & 102 Antigua Lane BK3 Lot 4 402 Appelrouth Lane 326 Avenue A 510 Avenue A 321 Avenue E 718 Bakers Lane 1213-1215 Bay Street 808 Carey Lane 3705 Cindy Ave 201 Coppitt Road 102B 201 Coppitt Road 105B 201 Coppitt Road 104C 201 Coppitt Road 104A 201 Coppitt Road 203B 201 Coppitt Road 103A 201 Coppitt Road 102A 201 Coppitt Road 202C 201 Coppitt Road 105A 201 Coppitt Road 206A

660,000 685,000 650,000 619,000 320,000 885,000 1,000,000 1,150,000 320,000 205,000 1,030,000 127,500 1,925,000 715,000 749,500 774,000 1,550,000 850,000 2,250,000 750,000 269,000 254,000 265,000 274,000 250,000 277,000 274,000 259,000 284,000 249,000

201 Coppitt Road 104B 201 Coppitt Road 203A 201 Coppitt Road 204B 201 Coppitt Road 201C 201 Coppitt Road 204A** 3301 Duck Ave E** 1613 Duncan Street 833 Eisenhower Drive #101 630 Elizabeth Street 819 Elizabeth Street 1418 Flagler Ave 3201 Flagler Ave #610 1519 Florida Street 2521 Fogarty Ave 3 2401 Fogarty Ave Geraldine St 717 Fort Street 54 Golf Club Drive** 279 Golf Club Drive 281 Golf Club Drive 98 Golf Club Drive 1309 Grinnell Street 28 Jade Dr 4 24 Jade Dr 14 1620 Jamaica Drive 912 James #2 1010 Kennedy Drive #203 2312 Linda Ave** 26970 Mariposa Rd G41 Miriam St

260,000 245,000 259,000 260,000 255,000 540,000 1,050,000 1,050,000 2,600,000 1,525,000 1,225,000 400,000 3,180,000 400,000 935,000 795,000 800,000 735,000 1,100,000 1,000,000 729,000 2,100,000 855,000 650,000 1,950,000 899,000 410,000 477,500 690,000 301,002

3312 Northside Drive 512 3312 Northside Drive 303 3312 Northside Drive 108 3312 Northside Dr 106 3312 Northside Dr 201 1112 Olivia St 811 Olivia St 12399 Overseas Highway #46 1922 Patterson Ave 566 Porter Lane 2904 Riviera Drive 1801 Roosevelt Blvd M26 1616 Rose Street 276 Scorpio Lane 3675 Seaside Dr 241 81 Seaside North Ct** 49 Seaside South Ct 2919 Seidenberg Ave 1500 Seminary Street 5A 208 Shore Ave 212 Shore Ave 1119 Simonton Street B 1128 Simonton Street 816 South St 2 1307 Truman Ave 1212 Varela Street 606 Virginia Street** 1415 Von Phister Street 809 Washington Street 102 1017 Windsor Lane 2

170,000 135,000 138,000 145,000 165,000 835,000 1,599,000 150,000 1,095,000 1,275,000 1,650,000 250,000 1,250,000 322,000 550,000 837,500 1,275,000 900,000 574,000 1,052,000 815,000 1,150,000 3,850,000 595,000 3,650,000 1,150,000 981,000 1,300,000 1,500,000 920,000

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

at the Perry FREE CONCER TS Featurin g

January 27 | 7 PM Nick Norman gan Bell with special guest Finne

February 17 | 7 pM Nick Norman With Special Guest Lewi s Brice

Don't mention the"R"word Dr. Fred Troxel Jr., DDS

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28

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

JANUARY EXHIBITIONS AT THE STUDIOS 21 PILLOWS

by Cheryl Wilson-Smith Islands of pillows nestling stone-like glass sculptures combine with atmospheric nature sounds from the boreal forest to create an ingallery landscape. Visitors are invited to explore, touch and rearrange the rocks. sponsored by M. Stratton Architecture

SILENCE

by Rebecca Bennett A series of intimate paintings that illuminate the slower side of Key West, and the expansiveness of vistas beyond the island. sponsored by Archeo Gallery

DRAWN TO KEY WEST by Theresa Chiechi View Chiechi’s step-by-step process of the making of her 200-page graphic novel “Drawn to Key West” exploring the magic behind Mallory Square. sponsored by OurKeyWest

SOUTHERNMOST CYPHER by Lindsey, Max and Sydney Shavers

Video, cyphers and screenprints depict the Black experience of Key West from a family that has lived on the island for six generations.

sponsored by Marquesa

“The Shavers of Key West: An American Story” at the Key West Literary Seminar SAT JAN 14, 10AM

ON VIEW JAN 5-26, 2023 Our galleries are free and open to the public!

Hours: Tue-Sun, 10am-4pm 533 EATON STREET 305-296-0458 WWW.TSKW.ORG

29

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

MIND ALTERING LUBRICANTS FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE

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Certificates for all entries & Trophies awarded for the heaviest of 37 different species in 9 different line classes.

Free and no pre-registration. Go fishing and enter your catch! See www.KeyWestFishingTournament.com

31

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

BACK ON THE MARKET

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Great place to entertain, explore DAWN THORNBURGH BROKER ASSOCIATE historic Old Town & bike to the Office: 305.294.8433 best Key West restaurants or Cell: 305.304.1067 info@kwreal.com the nearby beaches. $1,800,000

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2012 Patterson Ave. | Key West | MLS # 601696 Lovely midtown 2 bed/3 bath home has an in-law suite with 3rd full bath & separate front entry. Galley kitchen is updated with stainless steel appliances.

Mature tropical poolside and covered outdoor living space.

Home being sold fully furnished. $1,999,000 SHAD KNAPP REALTOR® Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 603.715.4698 shadknapp@gmail.com

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

DESSERT Award Winning Key Lime Pie or Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Wednesday - Sunday 5pm - 7pm. Reservations recommended 305-295-3255. Excludes Holidays and must present a local ID.

One Duval at Pier House Resort & Spa 1 Duval St | Key West, FL 33040 305.296.4600 | pierhouse.com

32

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

A RIDE TO REMEMBER WOUNDED VETERANS CYCLE THE KEYS

6

7

1

F

orty wounded military vets got on bikes and rode the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West beginning on Jan. 6.

The annual Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride began at Key Largo VFW Post 10211, where local residents waited to bid the veterans a cheerful journey south. They rode roughly 12 miles to the Old Highway in Tavernier, where students lined both sides of the road,

waving flags, clapping and offering words of encouragement. After a ride from the Marathon fire station across the picturesque Seven Mile Bridge later on Jan. 6 and a trip in Key West from the U.S. Naval Air Station to Bayview Park on Jan. 7, warriors closed their journey with a reunion with dolphins at Grassy Key’s Dolphin Research Center on Jan. 8.

— Keys Weekly staff report

8 Photos by Doug Finger, Barry Gaukel, Andy Newman, Larry Blackburn and Dolphin Research Center staff. Full gallery at keysweekly.com 1. Accompanied by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Marathon emergency response vehicles, warriors make their way across the Seven Mile Bridge to Veterans Memorial Park.

2. Following their Upper Keys ride, warriors enjoy lunch at the Marathon fire station.

3. A giant American flag welcomes Wounded Warriors as they cross the bridge heading into Key West.

2

3

4 and 5. Riders on traditional and recumbent bicycles take a victory spin down Duval St. 6 and 7. A trip to visit the pod at Dolphin Research Center, many of which overcame injuries of their own on their path to rehabilitation, closed the warriors’ weekend on Sunday.

8. Staff Sgt. Juan Lopez-Rios, an eight-year Air Force veteran and adaptive cyclist who was paralyzed in August 2021 after a serious wakeboarding accident, enjoys a swim with the DRC dolphins.

4

5

33

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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35

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

A

very happy new year and a happy (somewhat is an astrologer, belated) birthday to wanderer, barall of our Capricorns tender and out there!

For most of advocate for queer justice. He us, 2023 has started is a loquacious off a bit sluggish and Gemini with a lazy because Mars, cozy Cancer rising. Find him at the planet that fills hearthandherald- our tanks and puts us astrology.com in drive, has been on a retrograde retreat since Halloween. So, if you’ve been wondering why your new year has not erupted with a wave of renewed energy and you’ve been feeling a bit more lethargic than usual, you’re right on planetary schedule. However, get ready for your energy to turn around and your willpower to start picking up because today Mars stations direct! So, get ready to hit the ground running and focus on moving your projects forward because our involuntary period of rest and reflection is coming to an end.

Here are your horoscopes for Mars station direct. Read for your rising and sun signs.

CHRIS McNULTY

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 My guess is that you’ve been reorganizing your daily routines because they haven’t been working for you the way they usually do. Perhaps you’re getting your exercise in the evening instead of the morning, or your usual commute has had to change, or you’re reworking your home chores. At any rate, any annoyances having to do with how you use your labor will start to dissolve and your new routines will start to flow and make more sense. Enjoy the reset!

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 The things that usually bring you joy and spark your creativity may have been stalled, like you just

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING can’t seem to get into the spirit like you used to. Your spark is about to be relit, Aquarius, and you might just have discovered new ways of achieving your bliss.

Maybe you’ll start a new craft or you’ll look at the things you enjoy from a new perspective. Regardless, get ready for your passions to pick up.

PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Home and family have been showing up in some frustrating ways for you. Have you been stalled looking for housing or have your roommates been grating on you a little more than usual? Your home life is about to start lightening up and doors will open. You finally have the chance to make some decisions here.

Also, you have an opportunity for big money to come your way; just be careful not to fall prey to the opposite and overspend.

ARIES March 21 - April 19 Communicating with people has probably felt like you’re speaking with marbles in your mouth, like you just can’t get your point across. Have people been misinterpreting your words? Have you been finding yourself in more arguments, even unintentionally?

This will all clear up and you will regain your gifts of articulation.

Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned from any problems with translation in recent weeks and take them to heart.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 While your work and your career have really been in the spotlight the past week or so, it may have felt like your income has been lagging. Now is the time for the money to catch up to your position because there is about to be some forward movement with your finances. This could translate as a spending spree or as a boost

in your compensation, so be sure to do what is best for your wellbeing.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21 Out of all the signs, you’ve probably been feeling the greatest inertia, Gemini. Your body and mind have been tired, and you’re extra aware of how your energy is being diffused through other people. All of the rest you’ve been taking is about to pay off, however, because you’re going to feel extra renewed in the coming weeks. Use your newfound energy to connect your mind and body so you can make up for lost time.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 A wise young artist once said, “My loneliness is killing me.” I imagine that Britney’s words have been ever so poignant for you lately.

Your alone time may have been more aggravating than productive, but there are lessons to be learned in the troubled solitude.

When you surrender to what you cannot control, what you can control comes into focus. Remember this and you’ll be “stronger than yesterday.”

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 A reshuffling has been taking place in who you deem to be your friends and supportive networks.

It looks like you’ve been taking stock in who has your best interests at heart, and maybe have had to make some hard decisions.

Trust your gut, Leo. Also, prepare for your ego to take a hit as the people in your life change. Come Jan. 23, you will be stepping into a renewed power.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 As you are reconsidering what brings you happiness, perhaps a grand new adventure is tickling

your consciousness. Make plans now to explore new worlds or to begin a new course of study.

Frustrations or slowdowns at work are about to be released, so once things are flowing smoothly on the job front, you’ll be all set to jet set.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 As you are blissfully enjoying your life and feeling extra creative and expressive right now, get ready for some novelty to enter into your life. You may have been feeling like you haven’t been able to break out of your oh-so-familiar surroundings despite your best efforts, but that is all about to change. Make an effort to venture out into lands or ideas unknown to you, and you will find some untapped energy.

SCORPIO Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 You’ve been stretched a little thin lately, Scorpio, most likely because people have been asking a lot of you and you have not been able to create the necessary boundaries. Either the requests will begin to slow down or you will discover new ways to manage your energetic output. Either way, heed the lessons from the past two months and invest in others in a way that is sustainable.

The return on investment will be worth it.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Partnership may not have been blissful lately, dear Sag. Either a romantic partner, a business partner, or a life partner has been the source of friction as of late. Or perhaps you have been a stick-in-the-mud with your Other.

Get ready for this tension to be released, and for your joyful creativity to jump into high gear. Use your frustrations in partnership as a source for creative inspiration and get crafty!

36

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

PAWS IN PARADISE WALKING DOGS LIKE A LOCAL JANICE GARY is a writer, dog mama and author of the awardwinning memoir, “Short Leash.” Her lifelong love of the Keys led her to living local on the rock with her husband and their dog, Ozzy, the Canine Tornado. janicegary.com

W

ho doesn’t want to bring their best friend with them when they come to

Key West?

Some of the best times my husband and I had on the island before we moved here were walking the back streets with our beloved boxer-mix Winston, exploring the sights, sounds and smells of Key West. Winston loved this town as much as we did. So much so that when he passed, I sprinkled his ashes on all his favorite spots.

It used to be hard to find lodging that would accept pets. Now, dog owners who don’t want to leave their pets behind have a lot of choices. According to the “Bring Fido” website, there are 465 pet-friendly hotels and rentals in Key West, many of which sweeten the visit with dog amenities like welcome treats and plush pet-bed loaners.

That adds up to a lot of dogs suddenly being added to the small sidewalks of a very small town.

Since my dog and I have become full-time residents in a home without a yard, walking has become a necessity, not just a pleasant sight-seeing tour. Over hundreds of walks all over town, I’ve learned a lot about walking a dog in Key West. It’s not like anyplace else.

Day or night, all kinds of wheeled things whiz by, some with no lights or sound. Scooters appear out of nowhere. Pedestrians walk around dazed and/or drunk. Drivers are lost and/or distracted. Sidewalks can be narrow and unpredictable. Think of it as a dog-walking obstacle course lined with palm trees, bars and adorable (if overpriced) Conch cottages.

Like many things in this town, locals have found creative ways to adjust to the quirks of island living, which includes best practices for “going out” with your paw-footed friend. I’m sharing some of them here. Hope it makes the walks safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

1. Learn the local Key West “head poke” In Key West, full vision of street traffic from the curb is often obscured by parked cars and other visual obstacles. Whether you’re walking a dog or not, the classic “head poke” is a fundamental skill to master. Locals use this simple but effective technique to make sure they don’t get hit by cars, bikes and other moving objects. To do the head

poke, pause before stepping off the curb (or between parked cars) and lean forward from the hip, poking your head out to look up and down the street before stepping out into traffic.

(Note: this maneuver involves the upper body as well as the head. And be sure to look both ways. Bikes and skateboards often travel in the wrong direction on one-way streets.)

2. Beware of corner confusion Crossing a street can be dangerous here, but so can turning corners. Our narrow sidewalks can create some wicked blind spots. It’s worth approaching with care to avoid surprise encounters with bikes, pedestrians, scooters and other dogs.

You don’t want to end up like I did one morning, when a simple turn around the corner became a two-dog collision. As I fought to keep Ozzy out of the face of a ferocious minisomething, I was thrown to the sidewalk and ended up with a twisted ankle and months of pain. Ozzy, of course, thought it was the best thing ever.

No matter how “friendly” a dog may be, they do not appreciate a surprise encounter with an unknown canine, so it’s a good idea to take a wide circle around a corner, hugging the street side, where you have a better chance of a fuller view of what’s coming.

3. Sidewalk switching Because of our narrow sidewalks, there is a tradition among local dog owners that involves “sidewalk switching.” If you’re walking your dog and you see another dog approaching up ahead, it’s a courtesy to cross the street to allow both dogs full dominion of the sidewalk.

Before Ozzy the poodle, I had a pit bull/ boxer, friendly but also obnoxious. And before that, a dog-aggressive Labrador mix. So, I am sensitive about how dogs react to each other in close spaces. And let me tell you, Key West has little dogs in droves and they seem to have no problem picking a fight with a dog six or seven times their size — a tiff that drives Ozzy crazy.

You can avoid this with the “sidewalk switch” or by moving aside to the curb to give the approaching dog some space. If you think the dogs might want to say “hi,” ask first as a courtesy. We all have our preferences, dogs included.

4. Leash your dog I’ve heard it all. My dog is friendly. My dog listens to me. I don’t need a leash. Actually, you

Watch for “fence furies” like this pup behind her sidewalk door gate. JANICE GARY/Keys Weekly

do. The Monroe County Code requires animals in public places to be on a leash, with “effective voice command no longer an acceptable means of control.” Key West’s ordinance, while more vague, emphasizes the owner’s responsibility for actions arising from a loose dog. If you rely on voice control, please carry a leash with you on your walks and put it on as a courtesy when you approach other dogs. I’ve seen unfortunate things happen when people underestimate their dog’s ability to avoid confrontation. We all take care of each other in the Keys.

5. Pick it up It’s unfortunate to say, but during visiting dog season, we suddenly have an epidemic of unpicked-up poop. Please take a bag with you whenever you walk your dog. And use it.

Please. It’s just not fun stepping in poop. Especially in flip flops.

6. Beware of distractions As we humans know, Key West is a land of a million wonderful distractions. This is true for dogs, too. For them, it’s a veritable party of wild chickens, darting lizards and cats under cars. If you don’t want your dog to take home a scratched schnozz, you must make them aware that roosters rule the roost here and Key West cats are nothing like the kitties at home. They usually figure it out pretty quickly.

One last warning: Beware the dreaded “Fence Furies,” the dogs that go bananas when your dog walks by their fence bordering the sidewalk. You’d be amazed at how frenzied and fierce a small dog can be and how quickly they can add stress to a pleasant walk. They even scare me. And they’re proud of it.

I hope these tips keep you and your fourfooted friend safe and happy on your travels around town. May you both make great memories here together.

Don’t miss the upcoming “Wienerpalooza” annual Dachshund Parade at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22. at Custom House, 218 Front St. All dogs are welcome. Proceeds go to Luci’s Fund.

37

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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11-FOOT GREAT WHITE ‘PINGS’ OFF LAYTON Sable the shark is likely heading around the Keys and into the Gulf of Mexico TIFFANY DUONG

www.keysweekly.com

“S

able,” a juvenile great white shark, “pinged” in the waters off of Layton on Jan. 3 at 5:26 a.m. Locals and shark enthusiasts are excited.

“How lucky we are!” a Facebook post in the popular “What’s Happening in the Florida Keys” group captioned a picture of Sable along with a screenshot of her latest satellite ping in offshore waters. “Keep an eye out for her approximate 11-foot length and 1,000 pounds,” the poster added, with happy face and shark emojis.

“Nothing says healthy reef like sharks!” another local responded.

White sharks are among some of our favorite “snowbird” species migrating south for the winter. They’re likely circling the Keys on their way to the Gulf. Patrick Rice, chief science and research officer at the College of the Florida Keys, previously told the Keys Weekly about how white sharks, like other migratory species, follow the movement of their food.

“These sharks are following tuna and marlins that are going to the Gulf of Mexico to spawn,” he said. “They follow the big migratory species: bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and blue marlin.”

These are larger pelagic fish that live in the open ocean rather than at the bottom of the sea. Sharks like Sable typically travel offshore, along the edge of the continental shelf in water depths over 3,000 feet.

Sable the great white shark was tagged

by OCEARCH in Nova Scotia in Sept. 2021.

CHRIS ROSS/OCEARCH

OCEARCH, a research group using advanced tracking technology to follow species like sharks, first encountered Sable during a September 2021 expedition in Nova Scotia. Her namesake is Sable Island National Park Reserve, about 180 miles offshore of Halifax, Nova Scotia – near where she was tagged.

Researchers used a hydraulic lift aboard OCEARCH’s research vessel to bring Sable on deck, where they took length and weight measurements as well as blood samples and vital signs.

At the time of tagging in September 2021, she measured 10 feet, 6 inches and 807 pounds. Then, the team fitted Sable’s dorsal fin with a smart position or temperature (SPOT) tag, which sends a satellite signal with location information whenever the tag breaks the water’s surface. The ping data then shows up real-time on OCEARCH’s website, which is available to the public.

The tag should last five years and may provide new data about white shark migrations. Sable was the 76th shark sampled, tagged and released as part of OCEARCH’s Northwest Atlantic white shark study.

The highly specialized tracking data pool that groups like OCEARCH are creating helps scientists better understand seasonal migration patterns.

In 2021, OCEARCH’s chief scientist Robert Hueter noted that Sable likely spends a few months “cruising around Canadian waters” feeding on highenergy foods like seals before coming south in the early part of winter.

“People do not have to worry.

People should rejoice that the white sharks are beginning to return,” Hueter said. “Their numbers are beginning to come back up after many years of declines and our worries about the disruption to the marine ecosystem.

They’re coming back.”

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FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR Sam Steele monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5055

NEW YEAR JANUARY HAPPY FROM YOUR TAX COLLECTOR • Save 2% on your property tax by paying in January • As of January 5, 2023, the tax roll is 81% collected, or $297,267,936 • Any property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account • As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)

DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

Follow us on

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented • All our offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day • Please visit our website and follow us on Facebook for helpful information, forms, applications, and important announcements!

for more important tax information.

38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

HELPING THE HELPERS COMMUNITY SAYS ‘EFF CANCER’ AGAIN WITH OVERSEAS’ MARK BELILE DAY

A

t this point, the willingness of the staff at Overseas Pub and Grill to step in and help a community member in need has become a hallmark of the Marathon eatery and watering hole.

But ask any of them, and this one hits a little differently.

In another “eff cancer” effort, Saturday, Jan. 21 is set to become Mark Belile Day at Overseas. A retired 32-year veteran of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Army, Sgt. Belile and his family are battling Mark’s rare diagnosis: stage IV neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer that has now metastasized to his liver. While Mark has undergone intense rounds of chemotherapy, the family is now, in their words, “praying for a miracle,” and has already pulled more than $19,000 from their savings to cover medical expenses.

Upon hearing of the family’s fight, bar manager Andy Sharf knew it was time to break out his signature rallying cry on Facebook: “It’s that time again!”

As they have so many times before, Overseas’ bar staff will donate all their tips from the day to the Belile family. A silent auction until 10 p.m. with around 70 items up for bid – by Sharf’s estimation, his largest ever – will include items from boat repair certificates to helicopter and jet ski tours, fishing charters and AirBNB stays, cumulatively valued upwards of $50,000.

Another round of “F*** cancer” koozies donated by Ryan Schraffenberger’s Promotions Guy are already on sale, with all proceeds going directly to the Beliles.

Local musicians and DJs including the 79th Street Band and DJ FIJI will provide the musical backdrop for the evening, capped off by a special 10-song set from “I’m From Key West” rappers Mike Stack and D-Lew at 9 p.m.

“Andy reached out to our law enforcement family that he’s friends with and discussed it with them, and it just snowballed,” said Belile’s wife Charlene, herself an MCSO employee for 28 years who currently serves as a lieutenant in the Islamorada district.

Support began flowing immediately, fueled by the family’s extensive ties to service and law enforcement throughout the Keys. Belile’s 22-year-old son Travis is a corrections officer in

Mark Belile, right, and his wife Charlene Sprinkle Belile share 6-year-old ‘Little Mark.’ CONTRIBUTED

Key West, and he’s proud to call himself a father figure to 28-year-old Jack, a fellow veteran and current nurse.

In addition to Overseas’ upcoming fundraiser, Charlene praised anonymous donations to the family already made through the Monroe County Stars of Hope, an organization committed to “taking care of those that protect our community in the direst of times.”

“The amount of support is unreal,” she said.

“Random people will just walk up and pray with us or pay for our breakfast. We’ve had complete strangers from different churches come and stay with us and give their support, and another gentleman who owns a local construction company came out and fixed our roof that was leaking.”

“Mark and Charlene are the most thoughtful people I’ve met,” said family friend Marie Blanton, who together with her husband Tyler and many others have stepped in as often as possible to provide child care for the couple’s youngest son, 6-year-old “Little Mark.” “They would give or do anything to help someone, no matter if you’re family friends or a local stranger.”

“Mark and Charlene have given so much of their time to serving their community both on and off the clock,” Tyler told Keys Weekly. “They never cease to exhibit true selflessness in every aspect of their lives. They are both extraordinarily amazing members of our community and deserve the greatest amount of support.”

“I didn’t know anything about what they’d planned at Overseas,” Mark told Keys Weekly.

“It came as a total surprise to me, but I’m so blessed to have people coming over and praying with me at the door.”

To support the Belile family, visit Overseas all day on Saturday, Jan. 21 or visit the family’s GoFundMe with the attached QR code. Businesses may donate silent auction items by contacting 252-256-1413.

Mark Belile and his wife Charlene Sprinkle Belile together have more than 50 years of service with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Mark Belile and his wife Charlene Sprinkle Belile at Mark’s retirement ceremony in early 2022.

39

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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

T

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

Ploggers started 2023 by cleaning the area near Clinton Square in front of the Custom House. The cool weather brought out 37 volunteers. In one hour they collected 110 pounds of trash, 23 pounds of recycling and a staggering 3½ gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to the Opal Key Resort for sponsoring this week’s event and providing volunteers a breakfast buffet. CONTRIBUTED

O

ne 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 305-809-3782 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. 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.)

— Contributed

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.

Turkey is a 2-month-old male domestic shorthair. He’s a young kitten who loves to play and could be a friend to another kitty.

Ella is a 5-month-old female American pit bull mix. She’s a young, sweet pup who will need someone willing to train, work on socialization and help her become a well-mannered adult.

Midnight is a 9-month-old female rabbit. She’s active, curious and looking for a nice space to call her own. She’s picky about her other bun-friends, but could make a good companion to the right rabbit.

Zeke is an 11-month-old male domestic shorthair. He’s super friendly. He loves humans, kids, other cats and would adjust well to any home.

Diego is a 4-year-old male Alaskan husky mix. He’s a happy boy who loves humans, gets along well with other dogs and will need a home willing to exercise both his mind and body.

40

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

A PIRATE ATTACK ACCOUNT Key West-based Navy squadron had run-ins off Cuba coast

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.

P

irate attacks on American ships sailing in foreign waters were nothing unusual in 1822.

The persistent problem was one of the reasons President James Monroe, on March 3, 1819, signed “An Act to Protect the Commerce of the United States, and Crimes of Piracy.”

The legislation allowed the U.S. Navy to establish the West Indies Squadron, a specialized force to combat both piracy and the slave trade, which the Navy did with great efficiency once Commodore David Porter was given command.

Even if documented instances of pirates are hard to connect to the Florida Keys, the history of the West Indies Squadron will always be connected to the island chain. Porter, the second to command the famed unit, made Key West his headquarters. In a general order issued from the USS Peacock on April 6, 1823, Porter wrote: “A Salute of 17 guns is to be find (fired) at 8 o’clock this morning from the Battery in front of the Town, and the American Ensign is to be hoisted at the Flag Staff… The Town is hereafter to be called Allenton, and the Battery, Thompsons Battery.”

The name Thompsons was chosen for the depot to honor the Secretary of the Navy, Smith Thompson. The name for the town developing on Key West, Allenton, was a tribute to a fallen member of the West Indies Squadron, Lt. William H. Allen, commander of the U.S. schooner Alligator. The Alligator was one of five swift ships of war built to arm the anti-piracy squadron. In March 1821, the schooner was commissioned. The events that led to the death of Lt. Allen on Nov. 9, 1822, resulted from a series of piratical attacks off the coast of Cuba.

One beginning to this story dates back to Sept. 18, when the master of the Ann Maria, home port New York, was navigating the waters near Cuba.

The schooner was carrying, among other things, a cargo of salt. Before refrigeration, salt was a valuable commodity used as a preservative for food staples like pork, fish and other proteins. The schooner was also carrying at least one passenger, Mrs. Powell of Wilmington. On Sept. 18, Somers, the master of the Ann Maria, spied a schooner sailing out from the coast of Guajaba, Cuba. The schooner had a lead-colored bottom, a 12-pound cannon mid-ship, and four carronades (smaller cannons). Its intent was piracy.

Somers attempted to sail away from the pirates, but all he did was run the ship up on a shoal. With the Ann Maria compromised, the pirates boarded the schooner, secured the master, crew and Mrs. Powell, and went into business for themselves by selling the cargo of salt at cut-rate prices to ships sailing past. After three days, all the salt was gone and the pirates were seemingly done with the Ann Maria. Being the gentlemen that they were, the pirates worked to refloat the schooner. Once they set the ship free and sent the schooner on its way, the pirate captain suggested to Somers that he could restore his stocks with fresh cargo at the port of Matanzas.

Somers took the pirate’s advice, sailed to Matanzas, and took on stores of molasses and sugar before sailing away from the port and right into the waiting arms of the pirate captain and crew they had just escaped. The ploy was a classic. A thief breaks in and steals all the valuables that can be sacked. The victim calls the authorities,

a report is made, and an insurance company sends a check to replace the victim’s losses. Once the jewelry and other valuables are replaced, the thief returns to rob the joint all over again.

Shortly after sailing away from Matanzas, the pirates stopped the Ann Maria again. Instead of selling the cargo to passing ships, they brought the schooner and her crew to a small cove near Point Hicacos. According to Lt. Dale of the Alligator, part of the West Indies Squadron, the cove was located “about forty miles to the windward of this place.” “This place” was Matanzas, where the Alligator had arrived on Nov. 8.

The Alligator would not remain in port long. The master of the schooner Iris boarded and relayed to the Alligator’s commander, Lt. Allen that pirates were holding his ship and others for ransom. If he did not deliver $6,000 ($7,000 in some accounts) to the pirates the following day, his crew would be killed and his ship burned. Apparently, the pirates treated the good men aboard the Iris differently than the scoundrels who engaged the master and crew of the Ann Maria.

The fate of the crew of the Iris and how that story became entangled with the U.S. Schooner Alligator will be explored in next week’s edition of Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli.

“In the Days of the Pirates” from an original lithograph

by F. Townsend Morgan. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY/ De Wolfe and Wood Collection

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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This is the return of the event after a 2 year hiatus due to COVID. It is one of the most loved food and wine events of the Key West season. Restaurants compete in appetizer, entrée, and dessert categories providing an amazing array of incredible food for the lucky ticket holders. Awards are given in each category by judges and people’s choice ballots.

The Master Chef’s Classic is a culinary competition and tasting that benefits the Monroe Association for reMARCable Citizens — MARC, Inc provides wrap around life services for adults throughout Monroe County with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE

5 YEARS IN A ROW

Second Annual

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

SCAN FOR INFO AND TICKETS MARC, inc is a registered 501c3 providing wraparound life services to developmentally and intellectually disabled adults throughout the Florida Keys.

42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY | LUNCH 11-2:30 | DINNER 5 -10

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THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE DEREK EPPERLY, P.A. PRINCIPAL BROKER Derek@KeysAtlanticRealty.com KeyWestRealEstate.info

305-923-4833

– SAVE THE DATE –

PETER VEY – Summoning the Light Opening February 18th, 2023

Virginia, 24” x 20”, Oil on Linen

Peter Vey has established his place among the American Regionalist painters. Joining the historic American Scene painters such as Winslow Homer, Vey strikes a fresh approach.

After a classical education in art history at Duke University, he moved to southern Florida where he had spent summers growing up. Regarding Key West, Vey comments; “The light in Key West is so mesmerizing, and so are the vivid colors…. I really love the waterfront and the tropical foliage, especially palms, orchids, and of course the beautiful architecture of Old Town.” His unique view, fresh colors, and mastery of painting technique result in works remarkable for their sense of place. The ambiance in Peter’s paintings is like the atmosphere in which he creates them, echoing the vibrant light of the sun drenched tropics. “I hope my paintings make people stop, get lost in the image, and feel uplifted. My objective with each work is to celebrate life.”

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW.

WORLD FAMOUS LOBSTER PIZZA TOP RATED GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA AND VEGETARIAN MENU

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44

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

LOCAL FLAVORS. OCEANFRONT SETTING. AHI TUNA CEVICHE • TROPICAL SALADS FRESH CAUGHT FISH • HAND-CUT STEAKS Live Music Wednesday—Sunday At Casa Marina Key West | 1500 Reynolds Street Reservations Recommended: opentable.com 305.296.3535 | casamarinaresort.com Locals Discount | Free Valet Parking While Dining @CasaMarinaResort

@casamarinaresort

PRISCILLA PRESLEY VISITS KEY WEST

KEY WEST GALLERY & THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST HOST EVENTS

See the menu

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

2

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

3 Keep food and liquid out.

Priscilla Presley and artist Adam Rote, who has painted her and many other celebrities, speak at The Studios of Key West. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Recyclables go directly into the cart.

NEED A BAGGSTER?

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

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS and PORTABLE TOILETS available.

Call us at 305.296.8297.

Fans of Priscilla and Elvis Presley and painter Adam Rote pack Hugh’s View for a special event.

With a view so pretty you can almost Drink in authentic island flavors at our locals’ favorite oceanfront dining spot.

At The Reach Key West | 1435 Simonton St. Reservations Recommended | 305 293 6250 reachresort.com | Free Parking While Dining

See the menu

F

ans of the late singer Elvis Presley and his former wife, Priscilla Presley, along with local arts patrons, packed the rooftop at The Studios of Key West on Jan. 6 for a special appearance by Priscilla Presley and artist Adam Scott Rote, who has painted her as well as dozens of other celebrities. The event at The Studios coincided with a show of Rote’s work at Key West Gallery.

Rote spoke for most of the two-hour event, describing his experiences painting the likes of Al Pacino, Tom Brady, Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, Goldie Hawn and countless others.

When Presley, now 77, arrived toward the end of the event, she spoke with Rote and answered questions. Priscilla Presley married the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll” in May 1967 when she was 21 years old, having first met the singer in Germany when she was 14. The two were married for six years and divorced four years before Elvis’ death in August 1977.

They remained close following the divorce and Priscilla, who became an actress, also is credited with saving the Presley family estate by turning his Graceland mansion into a museum and overseeing business operations of the estate.

— Mandy Miles

45

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

FREEZING FICTION

THE STARK EXTREMES OF NEPAL, ICELAND AND THE ARCTIC. CHECK OUT THESE THREE CHILLING ADVENTURES. PERFECT FOR ARMCHAIR TRAVELING!

BREATHLESS

By Amy McCulloch Cecily Wong has the journalistic opportunity of a lifetime. All she must do is summit the eighth highest peak in the world – Mount Manaslu, Nepal – to get an exclusive interview with world renowned mountaineer Charles McVeigh. Cecily doesn’t have much climbing experience, but Charles conveys a sense of confidence that is contagious. He has carefully picked his trusted sherpa guides and an array of climbers, and Cecily desperately wants this interview that can change her entire career. Excited and nervous upon arrival, she befriends another climber who dies in a freak accident before they leave base camp.

As the journalist in Cecily investigates the accident, the minimal reaction from the others appears highly suspicious. Climbers are surrounded by accidents and death regularly, but when a second climber perishes, Cecily is determined to get to the bottom – or rather, top – of this mysterious mountain where a murderer is on the loose. Her mantra begins: summit, interview, truth. Filled with boneKAREN chilling cliffhangers from NEWFIELD the very first page. ... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

THE COLOR OF ICE

By Barbara Linn Probst It is bitter cold when freelance photographer Cathryn McAllister arrives in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Visiting the smallest “big city” in the world is a tremendous adventure for Cathryn, who has spent the last 15 years mourning the loss of her husband and the family they were meant to be. Excited to photograph the blue icebergs and illustrious glaciers, Cathryn has been hired to interview a prominent glassblower named Mack and has extended this opportunity into a much-deserved solo vacation. At 48 years old with two grown children and a well-established client list, Cathryn is desperate to rediscover passion and purpose in her life and work. Her shoot with Mack is quickly completed, but something about the man intrigues Cathryn, who has not felt romance in many years. Contrary to Cathryn’s inflexible nature, she rearranges her itinerary to learn more about glassblowing. Packed with breathtaking descriptions of the land alongside the intricacies of glassblowing. With all senses in overdrive, we can see and feel the sharp beauty of Iceland.

GIRL IN ICE

By Erica Ferencik Val never imagined she would find herself in the belowfreezing temperatures of the Arctic on an island off the Greenland coast.

She has been summoned by Wyatt, her late brother Andy’s fellow researcher and mentor. As a renowned linguist and professor of dead Nordic languages, Wyatt needs her assistance with a young girl he and his team rescued from a solid glacier. A terrified petite 8-year-old has thawed from the ice alive and speaks a language no one can understand. Val must overcome her fear of flying, terror of meeting people and general anxiety over anything outside her rigid routine at the university.

From the moment she arrives in this frozen tundra, she feels overwhelmed with suspicion surrounding her brother’s death and the little girl. With the assistance of a young couple diving the surrounding icy waters and Jeanne, who oversees the team’s day-to-day activities, the group sets out to make sense of this mystery. An icy thriller with surprises on every page.

WATCH TIPS: “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible” is a Netflix documentary featuring a climber’s unprecedented expeditions. For an equally captivating journey, check out “Arctic Drifts” on PBS Nova. Scientists set out on a year-long polar voyage to uncover the Arctic’s climate secrets.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at the Islander Resort, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036.

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to

LEGAL NOTICES the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish: January 12, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE BEST LIEN SERVICES INC. LOCATED AT9:00AM 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. THE FOLLOWING WILL SALE AT:1503 AQUEDUCT LN KEY LARGO, FL33037P#:786-328-9393 JAN.23,2023 1995 JEEP 2D 1J4FY19P8SP279033 2008 YAMA MC JYAVM01E28A120503 1985 FORD PK

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

1FTEF14Y5FNA39169 2008 VOLK CV 3VWRF31Y68M413753 1993 GMC 2D 1GKEK18K7PJ709495 2017 ZHIW MC LT4Z1NAA4HZ001382 2008 HINO TR 5PVNJ8JV982S51367 2019 JEEP 4D 1C4RJEBG5KC715613 1978 MAKO VS MRK132020977M 1983 MERZ 4D WDBAB23A7DB388125 JAN.24,2023 2015 NISS 4D 1N4AL3AP4FC452443 JAN.25,2023 2014 CHEV PK 1GCVKREC2EZ148113 JAN.27,2023 2005 ACUR 4D 2HNYD18655H522108 2018 CHEV 4D 1G1ZD5ST1JF271656 OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY INSPECT/RECOVER VEHICLE

BY CONTACTING BEST LIEN SERVICES 7290 SW 41 ST MIAMI, 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 12, 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

LEGAL NOTICES 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

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LEGAL NOTICES Publish: January 5 & 12, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers INVITATION TO BID FKAA-IFB-0013-23 SALE OF SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT Sealed bids will be received by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority at its Big Coppitt Pump Station located at U.S. Hwy. 1, MM 10.5 Oceanside, on January 19th and 20th, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Bids will be opened on January 24th, 2:00 PM at 1100 Kennedy Dr. Key West, FL 33040, at which time and place they will be publicly read aloud. Such bids shall be for the sale of the following: SALE of SURPLUS VEHICHLES AND EQUIPMENT SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT CAN BE VIEWED ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND TIMES January 19th & 20th 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. U.S. Hwy. 1 MM 10.5 Oceanside As contained in documents on file at the office of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Finance Division, Purchasing Department, 7000 Front St., Stock Island, Florida 33040.

Bid packages can also be downloaded from www.FKAA. com as well as Demandstar. com. Any questions should be directed to David Jackson, Purchasing Manager, in writing via email to djackson@fkaa.com.

Kerry G. Shelby, Executive Director Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE TO BIDDERS/REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS All Interested parties are hereby notified that the City of Marathon is accepting sealed bids for “Boot Key Harbor Mooring System Inspections and Cleaning”.

The project will consist of providing three (3) inspections / cleanings per year of 226 mooring systems in the Boot Key Harbor field from January 2023 through December 2024 for a total of six (6) inspections / cleanings, as outlined in Section 4.

Bid documents may be examined at City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida. Bid documents may also be examined online at www.demandstar.com. All bid documents and addenda will be issued only through Demandstar. com. All bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes to the City Clerk at the City of Marathon, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before February 2, 2023 at 3:00PM local time. Any bids received after 3:00 PM on said date will not be accepted.

Bids received after this time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened. Bids submitted will be opened publicly and read aloud at this time in the City Hall Chambers located at 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida on the same date. The City assumes no responsibility for bids not properly marked.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities (except timely submission of bids) in any bids received, to re-advertise for bids or to take any other such actions that may be deemed in the best interests of the City. As a matter of information to bidders, the City does not bind itself to accept the minimum specifications stated herein, but reserves the right to accept any bid which, in the judgment of the City Council, will best serve the needs and interests of the City.

Prospective bidders shall not contact or otherwise communicate with City staff or City officials. All questions should be directed to cityofmarathon@ ci.marathon.fl.us.

Documents may be obtained

LEGAL NOTICES online only at www.demandstar. com. Procurement documents including but not limited to RFP, RFQ, ITB, obtained from any source other than Demand Star may not be accurate or complete and will not be considered responsive. Any Responder and subcontractor who have not obtained City of Marathon solicitation documents from Demand Star will not be notified of any addenda issued by the City, which could contain material changes thereto (such as additions or changes to the technical specifications, extensions of time, etc.)

Procurement Schedule: Invitation for Bids (ITB) Release: January 10, 2023 ITB Submission Deadline: February 2, 2023 3PM Award and NTP Issued: February 14, 2023 Publish: January 12, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Key Deer Boulevard Roadway Repairs 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 Tuesday, February 28, 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: Key Deer Boulevard Roadway Repairs Project 2-28-2023 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 28, 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 12, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Engineering Design Services of Generators for Critical Facilities 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 Tuesday, February 14, 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: Engineering Design Services of Generators for Critical Facilities 2-14-2023 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: omb-

purchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, February 14, 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 12, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 12, 2023.

Personal Representative: Penny L. Manzueta 2625 Caper Ct. Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952 Attorney for Personal Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-000018-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN PANAGIOTIS STRATIGAKIS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of JOHN PANAGIOTIS STRATIGAKIS, deceased, date of death occurred on January 10, 2022, whose last four digits of his Social Security Number are xxx-xx-3623, and whose last known address was 33 Kyle Way South, Marathon, Florida 33050, is pending in the Circuit Court of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorneys 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 WITHIN 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 creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME 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 12, 2023.

Attorney for Co-Personal Representative: JOHN CAMPBELL, ESQ. Fla. Bar No.: 443972 CAMPBELL & MALAFY 10887 Overseas Highway Suite #201 Marathon, Florida 33050 campbelllaw@mac.com Co-Personal Representative: AGELEKE STRATIGAKIS (Executing this Notice to Creditors on behalf of both Co-Personal Representatives of the Estate) Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 12, 2023.

Personal Representative: Bettie Murray Goodloe (a/k/a Betty Murray Goodloe) 7525 Gulfstream Boulevard Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Jeffrey M. Gad Attorney Florida Bar Number: 317186 JOHNSON POPE BOKOR RUPPEL & BURNS LLP 401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 3100 Tampa, Florida 33602 Telephone: (813) 225-2500 Fax: (813) 223-7118 E-Mail: jeffreyg@jpfirm.com Secondary E-Mail: lgerken@ jpfirm.com Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Michelle Elter, deceased, whose date of death was October 21, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 12, 2023.

Personal Representative: Gregory Switlik, Jr. 417 Sutherland Road Ewing, New Jersey 08618 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-114-M IN RE: ESTATE OF STIL A. MANZUETA GALVEZ Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of STIL A. MANZUETA GALVEZ, deceased, whose date of death was May 8, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

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 effective 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 staff. Patients wishing to pick up their records may do so starting February 1, 2023.

Publish: January 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000105-M IN RE: ESTATE OF BENTON BASCOME GOODLOE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of BENTON BASCOME GOODLOE, deceased, whose date of death was September 27, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000390-K IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM LOUIS HACKNEY, III Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WILLIAM LOUIS HACKNEY, III, deceased, whose date of death was November 19, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 12, 2023.

Personal Representative: WILLIAM L. HACKNEY, Jr. 14808 Lake Magdalene Circle Tampa, Florida 33613 Attorney for Personal Representative: CYNTHIA I. WAISMAN, Esq. CYNTHIA I. WAISMAN, P.A. Florida Bar Number: 0169986 5406 Hoover Blvd, Unit 11 Tampa, FL 33634 Telephone: (813) 279-6180 Fax: (813) 252-2193 E-Mail: cynthia@ cynthiawaismanlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: cynthiawaisman@gmail.com Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-120-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHELLE ELTER

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

LEGAL NOTICES 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 CASE NO.: 44-2021-CC-331-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 6TH day of February 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5522, Week 31, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) IV entered in a case pending in said Court, the 7TH day of December 2022.

Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RONALD LEE SHEETS EDWARD M SHEETS AS POTENTIAL HEIR ANITA SMITH AS POTENTIAL HEIR KARENSUE S LEMEN AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO HERBERT TADASHI TAKASHIMA UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO JOSEPH DONNELLY TRIZISKY UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PEGGY JOYCE EAST THOMAS W EAST ANDREW MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR LEE MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR KEVIN MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PAUL GRIFFITH MOSCHETTI NATHAN WISSNER AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RICHARD WISSNER et al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2021-CC331-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 27TH day of December, 2022.

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

Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

HEIR et al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is 44-2022-CC-93-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 28TH day December 2022.

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

Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 6TH day of February 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5412, Week 10, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) V entered in a case pending in said Court, the 6TH day of December 2022.

Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RONALD LEE SHEETS EDWARD M SHEETS AS POTENTIAL HEIR ANITA SMITH AS POTENTIAL HEIR KARENSUE S LEMEN AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO HERBERT TADASHI TAKASHIMA UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO JOSEPH DONNELLY TRIZISKY UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PEGGY JOYCE EAST THOMAS W EAST ANDREW MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR LEE MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR KEVIN MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PAUL GRIFFITH MOSCHETTI NATHAN WISSNER AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RICHARD WISSNER et al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2021-CC331-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 27TH day of December, 2022.

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

Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RONALD LEE SHEETS EDWARD M SHEETS AS POTENTIAL HEIR ANITA SMITH AS POTENTIAL HEIR KARENSUE S LEMEN AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO HERBERT TADASHI TAKASHIMA UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO JOSEPH DONNELLY TRIZISKY UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PEGGY JOYCE EAST THOMAS W EAST ANDREW MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR LEE MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR KEVIN MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PAUL GRIFFITH MOSCHETTI NATHAN WISSNER AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RICHARD WISSNER et al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2021-CC331-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 27TH day of December, 2022.

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

Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2021-CC-331-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 6TH day of February 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5714, Week 11, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) VI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 7TH day of December 2022.

Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff VS. UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RONALD LEE SHEETS EDWARD M SHEETS AS POTENTIAL HEIR ANITA SMITH AS POTENTIAL HEIR KARENSUE S LEMEN AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO HERBERT TADASHI TAKASHIMA UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO JOSEPH DONNELLY TRIZISKY UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PEGGY JOYCE EAST THOMAS W EAST ANDREW MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR LEE MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR KEVIN MOSCHETTI AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO PAUL GRIFFITH MOSCHETTI NATHAN WISSNER AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO RICHARD WISSNER et al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2021-CC331-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 27TH day of December, 2022.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court

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

Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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

SS Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key is looking for all positions: Servers, Host, Busser and Line Cooks. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2022-CC-93-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 6TH day of February 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C25, Week 27, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT (S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of December 2022.

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs.

UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO BILLIE RAE HOFKNECHT JAQUELINE MALANTONIO AS POTENTIAL

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2021-CC-306-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 6TH day of February 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit F13, Week 7, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT (S) III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 6TH day of December 2022.

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs.

UNKNOWN PARTIES TO CHESTER THOMAS MCCREARY UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO ANNE RAWLES HUSKE ANNE GIBBONEY HUSKE AS POTENTIAL HEIR ISABEL KYLE HUSKE AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO LAUREN LONGOBARDI UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO MICHAEL A LA PRISE RICHARD EBERT JENNIFER LA PRISE AS POTENTIAL HEIR UNKNOWN PARTIES AS TO ANN RICCOBONO LINDA RAPOPORT AS POTENTIAL HEIR BARBARA CARUSO AS POTENTIAL HEIR DONNA PASSALACQUA AS POTENTIAL HEIR et al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is 44-2021-CC-306-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 28TH day December 2022.

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

Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2021-CC-331-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2021-CC-331-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 6TH day of February 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5312, Week 50, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S)II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 6TH day of December 2022.

Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2022-CC-95-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 6TH day of February 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 412, Week 52, Sunset Harbor Resort, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof as recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE COUNT I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of December 2022.

Style of which is: SUNSET HARBOR RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs.

KATHLEEN WITUCKI, AS TRUSTEE OF THE KATHLEEN WITUCKI REVOCABLE TURST UTD JANUARY 27, 2004, AS AMENDED, et al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is 44-2022-CC-95-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 14TH day December 2022.

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

Publish: January 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

RV FOR SALE

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

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

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

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 Caretaker. 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.

Richard

305-363-8021

YARD SALES LUXURY CONDO FOR RENT IN MARATHON. 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. $4250 per month plus utilities F/L/S [first, last, and security deposit]. 800-324-6982.

Place your YARD SALE ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has an immediate opening for a full-time Administrative Assistant. This person should have experience in Microsoft Office; have excellent organizational skills; be able to multi-task; enjoy answering phone calls, entering data into a data base and basic office duties. The TDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Starting Salary commensurate with experience and includes excellent benefit package.

For more information call Maxine at 305-296-1552. Resumes should be emailed to Maxine@fla-keys.com.

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION (T&D) PROJECT ENGINEER Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $103,172/annually $106,061/annually.

Monroe Assoc. for ReMARCable Citizens is hiring: Program Coordinator / Direct Care (F/T) (Tavernier Office) FT position. Responsible for development, implementation, and goal setting for clients. Interaction with co-workers and supervision, and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed to acquire and maintain employment. Associates degree or 2 years of experience working with DD individuals.

Min Requirements: Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone 305-294-9526*32, fax 305-292-0078.

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $38.43/hr. - $43.04/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.

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.

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.

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

BASEBALL AND SPORTS MEMORABILIA WANTED. Private collector buying sports cards, old programs, pennants, autographs, photographs, ticket stubs, bobbin’ head dolls, etc.

Call Alan 503-481-0719

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (FULL TIME/IN-OFFICE – M-F)

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

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

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

Call 305-743-4578

305.743.0844

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

SCADA/RELAY TECHNICIAN

CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I

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

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.

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.

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.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

• Bussers • Hosts • Line Cooks • Waitstaff • Bartenders • Dishwashers • Bar Backs Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

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.

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.

50

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS

MUST HAVE an active Journeyman Electrician License. Duties: Install, inspect, test, repair, and maintain all new and existing generators, motors, transformers, motor controllers, and associated equipment throughout our system, with base location in the middle keys.

Minimum qualifications: Journeyman’s License, emphasis on electronics, industrial electrical, pneumatics, controls, building automation, fire alarm and HVAC systems, load calculations, conduit requirements, thorough knowledge of NEC requirements. Must be able to operate and use computers with various software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be able to communicate and comprehend the English language. $57,551.33 - $91,161.94. DOQ. Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY & DUCK KEY 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.fkaa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE IN MARATHON & KEY LARGO ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST: • Be able to pass FDLE background check.

• Sign a loyalty oath required by law.

• Provide excellent customer service. Excellent interpersonal communication is required for working with the public in a responsive, courteous, and professional manner.

• Possess basic computer knowledge and be proficient in data entry.

• Be capable to carry/lift voting equipment and boxes weighing approximately 40 pounds.

• Be able to maintain a working knowledge of elections laws, rules, opinions, and office policy.

• Maintain a working knowledge of the services we provide and become familiar with services other county offices provide in and away from our office building.

• Work well with others, develop, and maintain a mature, professional teamwork relationship with the ability to perform in a flexible work environment.

• Commit to continuous learning.

• Be able to perform in an environment of constant change.

• Be able to present oral and written reports clearly and concisely.

• Be able to exercise considerable independent initiative and sound judgment in completing day-to-day assignments and activities to support operations.

• Be available to work weekends and after hours, sometimes with little notice.

Call or email for an application.

Supervisor of Elections contact information: Phone 305-292-3416, email: info@keys-elections.org

Tired of your boring job? Looking for an exciting new challenge?

If so, we are offering an opportunity to join our team in a very fast paced, exciting and dynamic role that is structured with details varying on each project.

www.dynastymarine.net

Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world

Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program.

Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

• FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER • CARPENTERS & LABORERS • EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Must have valid Driver’s License & Transportation Location: Upper Keys Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruct.com Or call: 305-852-3002

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Join our team! Full and part-time

Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $17.00/hour to start. Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.

FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT- FULLTIME

HIRING

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

We are now hiring for the following positions:

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

Technical Assistant

To assist the president of our Coastal Source R&D Lab in Marathon. Must be well organized with a strong work ethic. Help ensure all communications, projects and operations are run in compliance with the company’s best-in-class requirements. Research and gather critical data; copywriting and wordsmithing; posess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Finish Carpenter

Framing & drywall repairs, kitchen & bathroom remodeling, etc. Must present high attention to detail.

Pool Technician Install, test, troubleshoot and maintain pool plumbing and electrical systems on various job sites.

Jr. Interior Designer

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions.

DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse field required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Office located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

51

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

Join our Florida Keys Family.

LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT & SPA

Area Director of Finance Spa Manager Concierge Room Attendant Boat Mate

THE MARQUESA HOTEL

PM Dishwasher Dinner Busser/Runner Sous Chef PM Cook Restaurant General Manager

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA Banquet Coordinator Front Desk Agent Bell Valet Attendant Engineering Supervisor Group Rooms Coordinator Room Attendant – HSKP Dishwasher Line Cook Room Service Licensed Massage Therapist

Apply online today at noblehousehotels.com/careers or scan the QR code

KENIE RODRIGUEZ

MARRVELOUS PET RESCUE AND ADOPTIONS

Become a preschool teacher at one of these programs 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 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 2 - Sunbeam Christian School (C16MO0034) 1311 5th St., Key West, FL 33040 Contact: Jerlyn Matthews • 305-2946018 • sunbeam@fsbckw.org 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 •

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

WANT TO HELP OUR KEYS COMMUNITY? FIND OUT HOW AT VOLUNTEERKEYS.COM

IN PARADISE FOR GOOD

Join the exciting and rewarding field of Early Education

VOLUNTEER

OF THE WEEK

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

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

305-646-7220 www.elcmdm.org ELCMDM

For additional updates on early care and education vacancies in Monroe County, contact Laurie Dunn - ldunn@elcmdm.org Sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe and the State of Florida.

52

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

RECREATIONAL CANNABIS IN KEY WEST INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING

FRENCH CARIBBEAN DAILY 5-6:30P WITH LOCAL ID

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 305.294.0230 | OPEN DAILY 5-10PM

1029 SOUTHARD (CORNER OF FRANCES) | WWW.CAFESOLE.COM

21+

$10

GIFT CARD

kywk

No Restrictions!!!

Coupon has no cash value. No change given. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. Expires 2/28/23

Flower

20% OFF FOR LOCALS

100% Money Back Guarantee

Beyond "Dispensary Strength" THC Products

Pre-Rolls

Vapes

Cartridges

Tinctures

30%

kywk

ENTIRE OFF ORDER

No Restrictions!!!

Coupon has no cash value. No change given. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. Expires 2/28/23

Topicals

Chocolates

Gummies

Pet Products

532 Duval St ∙ Key West, FL 33040 ∙ 305-735-4380 431 Front St. Unit 4 ∙ Key West, FL 33040 ∙ 305-257-9351 211-A Duval St. ∙ Key West, FL 33040 ∙ 305-735-4230 Open 7 Days a Week | 10am - Midnight 10875 Overseas Hwy Suite 110 ∙ Marathon, FL 33050 ∙ 305-453-6597 99304 Overseas Hwy, ∙ Key Largo, FL 33037 ∙ 305-257-9351

STOP BEING BUGGED TOUGH ON BUGS - SAFE FOR PETS!

OVER 10 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE & TRUST RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LICENSED & INSURED

CALL TODAY TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND PUT THOSE BUGS ON THE MARCH! PAULA BARRY • 305.304.1119 • paulaspestcontrol1@gmail.com

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

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

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

BEDSIDE TO BEDSIDE CARE PRIVATE MEDICAL FLIGHTS WITH AIR TREK AIR AMBULANCE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1978!

• Aircraft are set up as flying ICU’s • International and Domestic medical flights • Licensed and Insured • Medical escorts • All aircraft are pet friendly

1-800-MED-JETS (633-5387) WWW.MEDJETS.COM

53

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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

NOW HIRING

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING!

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time • 401K Employer Match • Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing • Fun, Fast-Paced Environment • Great Hours

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 Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Key West

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent) Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

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

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent) Education Registration & Enrollment Specialist (Full-Time, Permanent)

Love Retail?

Want to have benefits including health, vacation and profit sharing?

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays.

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

Please fax your resume to 305-453-9604 or call 305-453-9144 x1007

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

Big Pine Teller

Want to work in a fun environment?

Gift Shop Staff (Part-Time, Permanent) Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

Teller Commercial Lender

Seeking PT/FT Day/Night/Weekend

Sandal Factory/T-Shirt City MM 102, MM 82, MM 50, MM 0

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated after time.

Apply and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Crisis Counselor

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) Care Coordinator Prevention Specialist Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Crisis Counselor Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children) *Advocate (PT only)

MARATHON

Admissions Utilization Specialist Care Coordinator Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) RNs and LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem) Maintenance Specialist *Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem) *Support Worker *Night Monitor-Free private room included.

*No experience required for these positions.

Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

Upper Keys Full Time Floating Upper Keys Teller

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

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

CGC1523838

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

30 5 -7 4 3 - 7 80 0

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

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

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

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Sales - Service - Installation

1706 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

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

Lic No. SP1481

When It Rains It Pours!

Automotive Installation Specialist

Todd Gibbins 305-393-1092

Chad Cossairt 305-340-8392

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

OVERSEAS MARKET - 2730 N. ROOSEVELT BLVD KEY WEST - 305.296.4066 Mon-Fri 9am-7pm - Sat 9am-2pm - Sun Closed

305-998-8953

Residential Commercial Marine

Proud member of:

WE SELL EVERYTHING FOR YOUR HOME

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS

THE LINDA RONSTADT EXPERIENCE

LIVINGSTON TAYLOR & TOM CHAPIN

JANUARY 19TH

JANUARY 22ND

KEY WEST THEATER

FIREFALL TRIO

KEY WEST THEATER

FEBRUARY 3

RD

OLD DOMINION

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

MARCH 31ST - APRIL 2ND

KEY WEST THEATER

PAUL REISER (STRANGER THINGS) KEY WEST THEATER

FEBRUARY 23

RD

THE SKATALITES

KEY WEST THEATER

JANUARY 26TH

LITTLE FEAT

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

MARCH 10TH & 11TH

ENJOY 10% OFF AT RAMS HEAD SOUTHERNMOST BEFORE A CONCERT OR AT BRUNCH THE FOLLOWING DAY! *MUST PRESENT PROOF OF PURCHASE OF CONCERT TICKET.

THEKEYWESTAMP.COM | THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 12, 2023

FAMILY FOOD & FUN

COME CHECK OUT THE FURY VR GAME! LIVE MUSIC DAILY 5-8PM

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