Upper Keys Weekly 22-0120

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Happy 50th birthday, Key Largo School!

SOCCER CELEBRATION Youth teams succeed at states | P. 26

TURNING 50 Key Largo School celebrates | P. 14 SOLUTIONS TO TRAFFIC? Projects eyed to improve flow | P. 5

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

JANUARY 21-23 HAWKS CAY RESORT DUCK KEY, FLORIDA

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

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5.8

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated an eruption on the Pacific nation of Tonga on the evening of Jan. 15 was equivalent to a 5.8-magnitude earthquake. A plume of ash, steam and gas rose like a mushroom above the Pacific’s blue waters. A sonic boom could be heard as far away as Alaska. In Tonga, the eruption sent tsunami waves crashing across the shore as people rushed to high ground. There have been no official reports of deaths or injuries.

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Outgoing Islamorada Manager Greg Oravec speaks to Councilman Mark Gregg and Councilman Buddy Pinder following a Jan. 11 special meeting. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

BACK TO SQUARE ONE

Oravec departure leaves council on another village manager search

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slamorada Village Manager Greg Oravec’s resignation has a familiar face returning to acting manager duties and a dais searching again for the right candidate.

Citing a lost appetite for the political dynamics that go with the job, Oravec tendered his resignation on Jan. 10 — roughly six months into the job he started in July 2021. A day later, Islamorada council members were left shaking his hand and thanking him for the time after accepting his resignation during a special meeting.

With Oravec leaving, village Finance Director Maria Bassett will take the reins as manager on an interim basis until the dais hires a new person.

Bassett served as acting village manager from August 2020 to June 2021, following then-manager Seth Lawless’ resignation due to health reasons.

Discussion over the council’s next steps will be heard during a meeting Thursday, Jan. 27 at Founders Park Community Center. Oravec, who’s completing last-minute projects, remains an employee of the village. It’s unknown how long he’ll stay with the

village. Per his resignation letter, he acknowledged his last day would be no later than March 31, 2022.

“The village manager is still working with us,” said Mayor Pete Bacheler.

“It’s a temporary situation because we accepted his resignation. There are regulatory procedures and legal procedures we have to go through. Our village attorney is guiding us through those requirements.”

Oravec’s annual salary was $169,500 with a housing allowance of $2,000 per month. He also had a relocation reimbursement of $13,500.

With Oravec leaving, village Finance Director Maria Bassett will take the reins as manager on an interim basis until the dais hires a new person.

ON THE COVER The Upper Keys U12 girls team celebrates during the state games at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach last weekend.

The team finished second. MICHELLE DE RON/Contributed

Councilman David Webb called Oravec’s resignation a “complete disappointment.” Webb and fellow councilmen elected to office in November 2020 took their seats with Bassett leading as acting village manager. With help from hiring consultants Colin Baenziger, the dais was able to whittle some 80 applications to five finalists.

Ultimately, they chose Oravec over Putnam County Administrator Terry Suggs and former Surfside Manager Guillermo Olmedillo.

Former Key Biscayne Manager and now Gainesville assistant city manager Andrea Agha withdrew her name before the dais heard from the finalists in early June.

Recalling the search process, Webb said he went beyond Oravec’s resume to see if there was something the council might be missing.

“I’m always pessimistic looking at resumes. I’m looking for hidden flaws or somebody not being forthright about something. To the people I spoke with, they validated everything on his resume. The only comments were that if you gave him direction, he was going to aggressively follow the direction.”

Webb said he’d like to go back to the other finalists in the running for the position last year.

“It is possible between the time Greg started and the end of his resignation that a couple more people are thinking about it,” he said.

Councilman Mark Gregg, too, called the recent resignation disappointing. Gregg said the council will need to discuss how they want to proceed with filling the village manager position.

“I hope the public doesn’t lose confidence in the council and staff.

We’re competent to operate the village,” he said. “When you hire the top seat and it doesn’t last a full year, you tend to scratch your head and wonder why. The takeaway is it’s better to make change early on when you know change is coming then try to stick it out and know it might not work in the long run.

“I feel bad for losing Greg,” he continued. “I really held him in high regard. He is a man of great integrity and great esteem.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

PRIORITY PROJECTS

Vehicles slowly make their way through Islamorada. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Village sends road improvement wishes to county JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

C

ongestion and crashes are creating problems on the 100-plus miles of road that connect the islands of the Florida Keys. Now, county officials are developing a transportation plan in hopes to move cars more efficiently and reduce incidents on U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West.

A transportation plan recently developed with consultants AECOM shows just over 180 proposed projects that could be included in future work plans for the Florida Department of Transportation. They include everything from feasibility studies to examine intersections and possible reconfigurations to bridge repairs and modifying light signal times.

Of the projects, 58 are already included in FDOT’s five-year work program.

Out of the list of proposed studies and improvements come 15 projects that the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners would like FDOT to prioritize for the Florida Keys in the years to come. Of those, several are specifically related to deal with traffic through Islamorada.

One proposes a study between MM 77 and MM 83 to determine the need for turn lanes and possible improvements to Old Highway. The study would include review of possible improvements to the highway to “better serve as a frontage road that promotes safety and other modes of transportation through installation of bike lanes and walking paths.”

As a resident on the Old Highway, Councilman Mark Gregg said he doesn’t want to see the road used to spread U.S. 1 traffic during busy weekends and holidays. Gregg said such a move is promoting cars to pull off U.S. 1 onto the Old Road, only to return back onto the main highway.

“It actually slows the traffic down worse than if they had just stayed in line,” Gregg said, adding that he’d promote use of the Old Road as a “local-only road.”

“For those of us who live on the other side, sometimes that’s the only way we can get around on the weekend to get the few little things we need,” he said.

Another proposal seeks to install shelters at designed bus pull-off areas and stops along U.S. 1 in the Keys. Funds were included in Islamorada’s budget for fiscal year 2021-22. Councilman Henry Rosenthal said his list of things to work on this year include comfortable bus stops for workers who are often waiting for the bus in the sun, and at times, in the pouring rain.

“Service is our most important product.

We’re very much dependent on the people who serve this community,” he said. “Until it was brought to my attention a year ago, I didn’t pay

too much attention to it. But if you really pay attention, it’s a disservice to our workforce coming out of the county.”

Another seeks FDOT to prioritize converting Snake Creek Bridge to a high-level fixed bridge to keep traffic moving. A study on possibly replacing the bascule bridge with a fixed bridge continues, according to FDOT. The project kicked off in 2017. Residents had the chance to review four options and provide public comment during a May 2019 public meeting at Founders Park Community Center.

A project development and environmental study is the next step, according to FDOT spokeswoman Tish Burgher. That study is in FDOT’s five-year work program for fiscal year 2026. The estimated cost for the study is $2 million.

“A PD&E Study takes about two years to complete,” she said. “Subsequent project phases, including final design, right-of-way acquisition and construction are not currently programmed or funded. If the project proceeds beyond PD&E, final design will be programmed and last about two years as well.”

Another project on the county’s list seeks a weigh-in motion upgrade for trucks that need to weigh their load before traveling further south.

Islamorada officials recently weighed in with additional proposals for the county to consider in its list of priority projects. They include moving FDOT’s weigh station by Snake Creek Bridge to an alternate location. Before traversing the bridge, dump trucks and semis are often required to pull off U.S. 1 to weigh their load before getting back onto the highway via a merge lane. The area gets congested with a drawbridge stopping traffic at the hour to let larger boats pass through.

Adding bike paths and walkways on bridges within the village, expanding shared use paths along U.S. 1 to allow for multiple methods of riding through the village and adding raised medians at certain locations like Upper Matecumbe Key were other proposals Islamorada officials are putting on their priority list.

They also acknowledged some projects in the plan that they wished to take out, and that included a study to determine the need for a bypass bridge between Snake Creek and Tea Table Relief Key.

Monroe County strategic planner Kimberly Matthews, left, speaks with Islamorada resident Sue Miller before the meeting. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

“I don’t think that’s a go,” said Councilman Buddy Pinder.

Councilman David Webb said the village’s “wish list” will require working alongside county and state officials over years in order for such projects to move forward. But he said there isn’t one recommendation in the entire transportation master plan that would reduce the number of cars in Monroe County. Webb proposed language within the village’s approved resolution of desired projects, which states that there needs to be cooperative efforts from all levels of government to determine whether the carrying capacity of the Florida Keys has been reached or breached. Webb’s amendment was approved by the council.

“You can parse the words and change lanes and timing on lights, but the overwhelming problem with traffic in Monroe County is the actual number of cars,” Webb said. “We need to be part of the dialogue with the county and the state to make sure that our residents' interpretation of what carrying capacity means in our community is part of the discussion. I don’t want the county or state to tell me we can take 300 or 400 homes in Islamorada because they determined the carrying capacity can support that.”

Kim Matthews, Monroe County senior director of strategic planning, said the master plan started some 18 months ago. It’s funded by FDOT for use to gather ideas for their five-year work program. Matthews said it’s all part of the process to formalize a relationship with FDOT on an ongoing basis.

“This is a collaborative process with all municipalities so that everyone has a voice,” Matthews said.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

COMMISSIONER RACE HEATS UP Raschein, Peixoto file to fill rest of Forster’s term

By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy

CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

U

pper Keys residents Holly Raschein and Jose Peixoto have both filed to run for County Commissioner, District 5, and serve the remainder of Commissioner Mike Forster’s term.

When Forster passed away from COVID-19 in September, Raschein was chosen by Gov. Ron DeSantis to temporarily fill Forster’s seat.

However, according to Florida statutes, if a vacancy occurs in a county commissioner seat and the remainder of the term is 28 months or longer — as in Forster’s case — then at the next general election a candidate will be elected to fill the term’s remaining time. The election will take place on Nov. 8, 2022.

Republican Jose ​​ Peixoto, 61, is originally from Brazil and is a 30-year Key Largo resident who raised three children in the Keys with his wife, Bianca. He provides maintenance for Key Largo and Ocean Reef houses. However, he follows local politics closely, and though he has yet to win an election, he has run for Florida Keys Mosquito Control District 5, Florida State Representative and U.S Congress.

His first campaign was in 2010 for the mosquito district, and he decided to run because he was concerned about the high salary of the staff. The county issues that concern him are affordable housing, the environment and the transparency of the Tourist Development Council’s (TDC’s) budget.

“I think some of the money the TDC has should help the sheriff,” he said. “We live surrounded by water, the Florida Keys are a gateway for drugs, and the sheriff doesn’t have a full marina. I want the county commission to report to voters how the TDC money is used.”

Peixoto is concerned that Raschein, also a Republican, does not follow party lines.

“I get accused of running a negative campaign because I bring up the record of opponents,” he said.

He pointed out that during her time as a state representative, Raschein voted against legislation mandating that parents have to be advised if their child has had an abortion.

Holly Raschein

Jose Peixoto

“I don’t believe abortion is birth control,” Peixoto said. “That’s the point of being a Republican.

We are conservative people, and we vote pro life, all the time.”

Raschein, 41, of Tavernier, is the government relations director for AshBritt. Previously, she was term-limited from the State House in 2020 after serving four terms.

Raschein was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and moved to Florida in 1999 when she attended Florida State University. She graduated with a degree in political science.

She also has a master’s in public administration from Florida International University. She has a 9-year-old son enrolled in the Keys school system.

Raschein would like to fight for a clean environment, responsible development and resilient infrastructure.

“I never forget I find myself in a position I never wanted to be in — having to step into the shoes of Mike Forster,” she said. “I will never live up to his legacy, but spend every day trying. But I am honored that our great Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, felt I was the best person in the Keys to pick up his torch. On the other hand, Mr. Peixoto is a perennial candidate, having run in every election cycle since 2010. It would be disrespectful to my constituents to distinguish his comments with a response. My 20 years of service to Monroe County — as a legislative aide, a member of the Florida House, chairman of two House committees dealing with environmental issues, and a member of the Florida House Republican leadership team — stands on its own, and I am excited at how this new challenge as a county commissioner is unfolding. … I am privileged to serve the people of Monroe County.”

COVID NOT FILLING HOSPITAL BEDS IN KEYS HOSPITALIZATIONS, NOT CASE COUNTS, BECOMES PREFERRED METRIC FOR SOME

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s the highly contagious Omicron variant makes positive COVID tests the rule rather than the exception, experts point to hospitalizations rather than case counts as the most reliable metric to gauge the pandemic’s threat in a community.

The Keys Weekly compiled those numbers from Florida Keys hospitals.

As of Jan. 19, Lower Keys Medical Center had eight patients with COVID, according to LKMC spokeswoman Lynn Corbett-Winn said. That’s down from late last week when 16 COVID patients were being treated.

“We are in yellow status, which denotes a deviation from our normal operations for facilitation of patient transfers to higher levels of care outside of our community,” Lower Keys Medical Center CEO David Clay said. “We have been able to care for our current surge.

We have sufficient bed capacity and have the ability to flex up and down with our COVID census. We don’t designate (a specific number of) beds for COVID because we use industry-standard isolation protocol with COVID patients. The hospital continues to perform elective procedures to take care of our community.”

As of Jan. 19 in the Upper Keys, Mariners Hospital reported 12 COVID patients in-house.

The number remains the same from last Friday. Across the

Baptist Health South Florida system, 646 patients with COVID-19 were being treated.

CEO Drew Grossman said health system officials have been watching it closely since the New Year.

“And we will continue to do so,” he said. “Staff is working really hard and we can all just pray this comes to an end someday.”

Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon typically transports its COVID patients to Mariners, and as of Friday had no COVID-related admissions.

For those still monitoring case counts, the City of Key West is conducting extensive testing in partnership with Keys AHEC (Area Health Education Center). From Dec. 30 to Jan. 12, AHEC conducted 1,918 tests and reported 598 positives, or a 32% positivity rate, City Manager Patti McLauchlin said.

Per a Florida Health Department report, 430,297 new cases of COVID-19 were reported between Jan. 7 and Jan. 13. That’s up 8.5 percent from Dec. 31 to Jan. 7, when 396,353 positive cases were recorded.

In Monroe County, 1,644 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded. Eighty-three percent of the population is vaccinated to put the Keys at second place in Florida. Only Miami-Dade has a higher vaccination rate, 94%.

7

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

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8

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

Heath was wearing a navy blue short sleeve shirt, gray shorts, prescription sunglasses and Keen sandals.

He is 5-foot-7-inches tall.

CONTRIBUTED

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

FAMILY OFFERING T $25,000 REWARD

Heath was last seen on his Panga around Sugarloaf Key on Nov. 22. CONTRIBUTED

JASON HEATH WAS LAST SEEN ABOARD HIS BOAT ON NOV. 22

he family of Jason Heath is now offering a $25,000 reward for the return of Jason, his Panga boat or information leading to their return. Jason was last seen taking his 25-foot blue Panga center console boat, with a white Suzuki 150 hp motor, out of Sugarloaf Key at around 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22.

An extensive search was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Monroe County Sheriff and community volunteers.

The Coast Guard’s active search was suspended after six days. But his family is forging on. Per the website findjasonheath.org, which his sister, Allison, created, “we are continuing the search for our son, brother, and uncle.”

“The decision to suspend the search for any missing person is among the hardest the Coast Guard has to make,” said Captain Adam Chamie, commander of the Coast Guard’s Sector Key West.

“There are a number of factors that influence that decision and the preceding search, including sea state, currents, temperature, time since distress, and what the person is wearing, among others.

We input these factors into our Search And Rescue Optimal Planning System in our Command Center, which helps us determine how best to deploy our small boats, cutters, and helicopters to find the missing person. We work tirelessly during every SAR operation to maximize our probability of success to bring the missing person home.”

Coast Guard crews searched approximately 15,380 square miles, roughly 1 1/2 times the size of Maryland.

According to a Coast Guard press release, Heath’s father, Jim, reported to the Coast Guard on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at about 3:30 p.m. that his son was late in coming back from his boat trip. Jason was last heard from around noon on that day.

A Monroe County Sheriff officer conducted a welfare check at Jason’s home. The family’s 25-foot blue center console was missing, but Jason’s wallet, vehicle and his three dogs were found at the residence.

“Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Jason Heath,” said Capt. Adam Chamie, commanding officer, Sector Key West. “The decision to suspend a search is never easy.”

On that day, 35-year-old Jason was wearing a navy blue short sleeve shirt, gray shorts, prescription sunglasses and Keen sandals. He is 5-foot7-inches tall. After receiving his cell phone data, the Coast Guard and the family deduced from his phone’s last ping from Cudjoe Key Tower at 3:15 p.m. that he was probably on his way home through Bow Channel to Tarpon Creek cut.

However, locals say that there was a squall in the area at about that same time. Allison feels that her brother’s disappearance is related to this squall, though other possibilities do go through her mind.

“The water is shallow,” she pointed out. “We would have found him and the boat pretty quickly at this point. I hate to go speculate on all the possibilities — whether someone stole the boat?”

She said that Jason was in a positive state of mind, looking forward to making the 21-hour road trip to New Jersey to visit the family, and his new niece Stella, for Thanksgiving that week. His car was half-packed for that journey. The family feels that he was just taking his Panga out for a short jaunt before finishing preparing for the road trip.

“My brother loves giving gifts,” Allison said.

“He was trying to figure out what to give Stella for Christmas. Now we’ll never know. He asked, ‘What does she like?’ He hasn’t been around many babies before. ‘What do you get a 6-month-old?’”

Allison said that when she first discovered her brother was missing, she was in a state of shock. ”The best way to describe it is, you feel like you’ve had a concussion. You’re disoriented, and you don’t know what’s going on. Now I created the website and keep it updated.”

Allison is savvy with computers since she is a technical director for a children’s hospital in Philadelphia, near where she lives in Hammonton, New Jersey. Her brother, Jason, lived full-time in Sugarloaf and worked remotely for a tech company.

The Heath family is trying to do their best to cope during this time. “I’ve been reading a lot about ambiguous loss,” Allison said. “I’m definitely keeping in mind he’s probably gone, but maybe he’s somewhere disoriented. How much time goes by before you resolve things in your brain? It’s been really hard for my parents. They don’t want to do this stuff — that’s why I’ve talked to reporters.”

Adam Linhardt, director of media relations for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, declined to discuss the possibility of criminal activity connected to Jason’s disappearance. “I can’t comment on the investigation,” Linhardt said. “Detectives are still looking into it. It wouldn’t be appropriate to make any further statement.”

The Heath family would appreciate any information that can help them fill in the timeline of Jason’s Nov. 22 boat trip or find any physical evidence that would help bring them closure. Please contact them with any leads at 609-380-8147 or FindJasonHeath@gmail.com. Or message his sister, Allison Heath, directly on Facebook.

9

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

‘LET THEM EAT CAKE’ FLORIDIANS FIGHT FOR DESSERT DESIGNATION MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Contractors at a Key Largo canal restoration project show State Chief Resilience Officer Wes Brooks, Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi, and Monroe County’s Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag how silt is removed from poor water-quality canals.

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

STATE OFFICIALS VISIT KEYS Tours show resiliency work

W

es Brooks, newly appointed state chief resilience officer, and Adam Blalock, Florida Department of Environmental Protection deputy secretary of ecosystem restoration, met with county officials recently to discuss local resilience and water quality restoration efforts.

Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein, County Administrator Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag, County Engineer Judy Clarke and Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson thanked Brooks and Blalock for the state’s support in the efforts. The group then toured two Key Largo neighborhoods included in the Statewide Flooding Resilience Plan, Twin Lakes and Stillwright Point, and visited an active canal restoration project funded through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. “This allowed staff to give a broad overview of Florida Keys’ environmental and resilience challenges and how the county is proactively meeting the challenges,” said Gastesi. “Monroe County can be a model for other coastal communities in resilience and restoration efforts.”

Brooks and Blalock also spoke to residents, like Stephanie Russo, in the Twin Lakes neighborhood. Russo showed how sea-level rise affects her and her neighbors’ quality of life when the roads are inundated with up to 2 feet of water, at one point, for 90 consecutive days. Brooks, who is familiar with the Florida Keys and its unique challenges, said the Florida Keys are a special place and need to remain special for generations to come.

Haag discussed more than a decade of resilience work the county has been involved with and explained recent updates to the nearly completed Roadway Vulnerability Analysis

and Capital Plan. The plan uses environmental and human-use factors in assessing the flooding vulnerability of 300 miles of county roads.

“The vulnerable roads are across the entire Florida Keys; therefore, we will need a united front to move forward on funding and construction alternatives given our preliminary assessments,” she said.

Clarke explained why neighborhood-wide flooding mitigation is not easy nor inexpensive. “Water management, stormwater road runoff, and residential properties all have to be considered,” she said. “We wish it were as simple as raising the road, but it isn’t.”

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and Tennyson will continue working with these and other agency officials to advance the county’s legislative priorities, including continued support of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which funds water quality projects and conserves environmentally sensitive land, and the legislative approval for funding of county projects on the new Resilient Florida list.

— Contributed

Key Largo resident Stephanie Russo meets with State Chief Resilience Officer Wes Brooks and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary Adam Blalock to explain the effects of sea-level rise in her neighborhood.

A

s if there weren’t enough arguments in the world today, a Florida state senator from the Plant City area wants the Florida Legislature to designate strawberry shortcake as Florida’s official dessert, potentially usurping Key lime pie, which has been the state’s official pie since 2006.

A trio of Key West residents – David Sloan, Paul Menta and Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman – have formed the Conch Republic Key Lime Pie Council and launched a hilarious, and well-researched, online petition titled, “Keep Key Lime Pie As Florida’s Dessert.”

The petition suggests, “Strawberry shortcake shall be designated Florida’s official cake, and Key lime pie shall remain Florida’s official pie. Together they can share the limelight as Florida’s official desserts.

“If Senator Burgess and the residents of Plant City contest this bill, the dispute shall be settled under the official bylaws of the Conch Republic, requiring a duel at high noon between the vice mayors of Key West and Plant City, each armed with only their favorite dessert.”

The pie council members are hoping Florida Keys residents will get behind their initiative and sign the online petition that reads as follows: WHEREAS: Senator (Danny) Burgess has filed a bill to designate Strawberry Shortcake as Florida’s Official Dessert.

WHEREAS: Key Lime Pie is a native Floridian dessert that originated in the Florida Keys, and Strawberry Shortcake is a non-native dessert that originated in Europe.

WHEREAS: Key Lime Pie was designated the Official State Pie of Florida in 2006 and has served proudly as the de facto State Dessert for 16 years, and Strawberry Shortcake has never received a state designation.

WHEREAS: Florida has prepared at least four world-record Key lime pies and served the mammoth pies in Key West, Boston, Atlanta, the Governor in Tallahas-

see, and Good Morning America, and Florida has prepared only one world-record Strawberry Shortcake, served only to people in Plant City.

WHEREAS: The current world record Key Lime Pie title is held by Florida. The Philippines holds the world record Strawberry Shortcake title.

WHEREAS: Key Lime Pie reminds people of sun, sand and tropical breezes, and Strawberry Shortcake reminds people of an early 1980s cartoon character owned by a Canadian corporation.

WHEREAS: Key Lime Pie is celebrated in song by Kenny Chesney with the lyric: Big white sail / Red sunset / Lobster tail and don’t forget / My, my, my – my Key Lime Pie, and Strawberry Shortcake is celebrated in song by R. Kelly with the lyrics: Band-Aids for my knees / Girl set the table / Now let me feast / Strawberry Shortcake.

WHEREAS: Key Lime Pie is ingrained in the American presidencies of Taft, Hoover, Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump, and Strawberry Shortcake is not.

WHEREAS: Key Lime Pie and Strawberry Shortcake are both delicious.

NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA: STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SHALL BE DESIGNATED FLORIDA’S OFFICIAL CAKE, AND KEY LIME PIE SHALL REMAIN FLORIDA’S OFFICIAL PIE. TOGETHER THEY CAN SHARE THE LIMELIGHT AS FLORIDA’S OFFICIAL DESSERTS. If Senator Burgess and the residents of Plant City contest this bill, the dispute shall be settled under the official bylaws of the Conch Republic requiring a duel at high noon between the Vice Mayors of Key West and Plant City, each armed with only their favorite dessert.

Prepared by: David L. Sloan, Paul Menta and Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, Key West, Florida.

Scan the code with a smartphone camera to go to the change. org online petition.

10

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER PRESENTS . . .

HEMINGWAY AND BIMINI: The Birth of Sport Fishing at ‘The End of the World.’

Presented by Dr. Ashley Oliphant, Associate Professor of English, Pfeiffer University Sponsored in memory of Robert L. Mitchell Join Dr. Ashley Oliphant for an engaging walk through the 1930s big-game fishing adventures of author Ernest Hemingway. Oliphant, a longtime Hemingway Society member and a recently retired Full Professor of English, interviewed the last living men who fished with Hemingway to put together her groundbreaking 2017 book, ““Hemingway and Bimini: The World.’” Her archival Birth of Sport Fishing at ‘The End of the World.’ research, funded by a grant from the Hemingway Society, took her to Bimini, Boston and Dania Beach in search of the archival evidence that would tell the full story of the years known as “The Camelot of Big-Game Fishing.” Oliphant’s work uncovered evidence that altered the known Hemingway timeline and filled in the portrait of Hemingway’s happiest years in the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas.

Now Offered In Person and Virtually!

Wednesday, Jan. 26

In-person registration closes Tuesday, Jan. 25. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Presentation begins at 6 p.m.

Cash bar and light appetizers available. Free for members. Non-members: In person, $10; Virtual only, $5.

NEW THIS SEASON:

Advance online registration is required whether attending in person or participating virtually.

To register visit www.KeysDiscovery.com/lectures. Capacity limitations in place. Registration for virtual participants can be made up to one hour before the start of the lecture.

Florida Keys

Keys History & Discovery Center at the Islander Resort Conference Center, Islamorada, MM 82, Oceanside

For additional details, e-mail programs@keysdiscovery.com or call 305-922-2237.

Keys History & Discovery Center is operated by Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Apply for a Keys Visa® Credit Card with NO Annual Fee and 2.9%APR* on new purchases and FREE Balance Transfers for the first 6 months!* Visit any branch in Key West at 3022 N. Roosevelt Blvd. and 514 Southard St. and in Stock Island, Big Pine, Marathon or Tavernier Towne Center.

KeysFCU.org • 305-294-6622

*Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. Limited to balances transferred from other financial institutions within the first 6 months of card issuance. After which a variable APR up to 18% will apply, based on credit history and card selection. Everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys is invited to join! See us for details.

Open Daily 11-11pm

20 Locally B Brrewed on D Drraft ft Ciders, Craft Cocktails, Wine and More!

Authentic Mexican Food Truck Large arge Select Selection ion of Hugee Outdoor Beer Garden & Games Brewery Merch Brewery Tours Mon. & Fri. 2pm

Rebate Program for Residential Solar Window Tinting up to $200 Credit on bill for FKEC Members!

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

11

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

WHAT A DEED

Keys transactions for ‘$10 and other good and valuable considerations’

I

recently spent some quality time in a third-floor room at the public records office on Whitehead Street. The repository holds the documentation of every property deed ever drafted in Monroe County, sans what seems likely to have been a few that slipped through the Bubba cracks, were lost or destroyed by fire, hurricane, or silverfish.

The object of my desire was a needle in a haystack — a property transaction that may have occurred in 1945, 1946 or 1947. At least the property deeds from this period were generally typed, so there was only a little bit of the squinting and headtilting that tends to occur when reading through 19th century handwritten documents.

The room is Spartan with concrete walls and beige, metal shelves lined with old albums. They are filled with the stiff pages of deeds and other official records. The pages are black and white, but it is the page that is black and the writing, typed or handwritten, that is white. The albums, worn with decades of use or disuse, are surprisingly heavy. Also, they have all been copied and are available to view on endless reels of microfilm.

The room has six small desk-sized cubicles, two wide and three deep. Four can be used to examine documents under a modicum of privacy. One desk cubicle houses a computer screen, and the cubicle next door is equipped with the necessary machinery required to project microfilm onto that computer screen.

Closer to the metal shelves holding the deed books are two small tables clearly designed for those shorter legs encountered in grade school classrooms. I prefer to flip through the pages rather than navigate the cumbersome microfilm and start with the physical copies of the deed books, pulling one tired album after another from the shelf and setting them on the child-sized table. Flipping through the pages, scanning each for the hint of a name or location that could be linked to the property in question is an eyeball-blurring experience, especially for someone who eclipsed the half-century mark more than a handful of years ago.

People stream in and out with questions about legal documents in the other room. It is impossible not to listen. At one point, I hear a man with a deep, clear voice say, “I’m looking for a copy of my divorce papers.”

“Okay,” the employee says. “What year was your divorce?”

“I don't know.”

“Okay,” the employee says. “What was your wife’s name?

“I don't know.”

“You don’t know your wife’s name?”

“No.” My head cocked toward the open door connecting the two rooms. If I’m not careful, I might miss the document I came here to find.

Having looked at each and every Monroe County property deed from 1945 and 1946, a couple of things became apparent.

First, an inordinately large number of transactions were for “$10 and other good and valuable considerations.”

I do come across two significant properties that sold for a great deal more than $10. First, there is the property deed from what will become known as North Key Largo’s Ocean Reef, referred to in the deed as the Ocean Reef Camp. The Tropical Isles Club Inc. owned the property, whose trustees were N.W. Jeran, D.K. Miller and Glen C. Mincer. On Sept. 25, 1945, they sold the approximately 113-acre property to Seaboard Properties Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The purchase price of $20,000 included a galley and dining room, main cottage, two cabins, a toolbox, skiffs and one Nassau sailing dinghy.

The second significant sale was detailed in a warranty deed dated March 14, 1946. Taver and Eloise Bayly sold to Berlin and Mary Eloise Felton Lot 1, Square 5 for $30,000. The property is described as “commencing at a point 129 feet from the corner of Front and Simonton streets, and running thence in a Northeasterly direction 273 feet to the waters and harbor of Key West; BRAD thence along the waters of said island in a BERTELLI Southeasterly direction 216 feet; thence in a Southwesterly direction 328 feet; thence in a is an author, speaker, and Flor- Northwesterly direction 108 feet; thence at ida Keys historian. right angles in a Northeasterly direction 55 His latest book, feet; thence at right angles in a Northwest“The Florida Keys erly direction 108 feet to the point of beginSkunk Ape Files,” ning.” is a fun blend of The A & B Lobster House sits on that two of his favorite waterfront property today. The “A” in A & B subjects — Florida Keys history and stands for Alonzo Cothron, and the “B” Berlin the Skunk Ape. Felton.

After two trips to Key West and hours of sitting at that child’s desk peering at page after page of documents, I was about to give up any hope of finding the record I was searching for when, lo and behold, the needle in that haystack finally revealed itself.

Inventory list from the Ocean Reef Camp property sale of 1945.

CONTRIBUTED

12

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

OBITUARY

MARVIN DANIEL BARRETT

RETIREMENT PARTY HONORS LONGTIME FWC OFFICER

There were plenty of laughs and stories shared as family, friends and fellow officers gathered for the retirement party of Florida Fish & Wildlife Officer Bobby Dube, center with hat and holding plaque, at the Elks Lodge in Tavernier on Jan. 15. Dube, who first worked with Florida Marine Patrol, which was combined with FWC in 1999, retired last November after 32 years. “It was great to see so many friends and family and fellow officers travel long distances to make it to the party in these crazy times,” Dube said. “I am truly humbled. You have no idea what it meant to me and my family.” JOAN SCHOLZ/Contributed

BRIEFLY The Kennedys to perform at library Accomplished musical duo, The Kennedys, will perform on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. at Key Largo Library, 101485 Overseas Highway. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit keyslibraries.org.

Grassy Flats mangrove cleanup and volunteer appreciation party planned Kick off the New Year with CoastLove and Grassy Flats Adventure Park for a cleanup of the mangroves and coastal areas surrounding the park on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Grassy Flats is located at 59300 Overseas Hwy., Marathon.

After the event, Bongos Cafe will be sponsoring a volunteer appreciation party. Organizers say, “You will have to join us to see what they have in store.”

Education vendors will be set up to highlight the ecological wonders of the Keys and educate on the conservation challenges we face. Bongos Cafe and Grassy Flats are leaders in sustainability in the Keys with beautiful natural surroundings.

Please wear comfortable clothes and closedtoe shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.

Water in coolers will be provided. Volunteers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle.

Lecture on Hemingway and sportfishing set Keys History & Discovery Center’s lecture series continues Wednesday, Jan. 26, with “Hemingway

and Bimini: The Birth of Sport Fishing at 'The End of the World'” by Ashley Oliphant, retired professor of English, author and Hemingway scholar. Guests can attend in person or virtually. Advanced registration is required.

Join Oliphant for an engaging walk through the 1930s big-game fishing adventures of author Ernest Hemingway. Oliphant, a longtime Hemingway Society member and a recently retired full professor of English, interviewed the last living men who fished with Hemingway to put together her groundbreaking 2017 book, "Hemingway and Bimini: The Birth of Sport Fishing at 'The End of the World.'" Her archival research, funded by a grant from the Hemingway Society, took her to Bimini, Boston and Dania Beach in search of the evidence that would tell the full story of the years known as "The Camelot of BigGame Fishing." Oliphant's work uncovered evidence that altered the known Hemingway timeline and filled in the portrait of Hemingway's happiest years in the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas.

For advanced registration, whether attending in person or virtual, go to www.KeysDiscovery.com/ lectures. Registration for virtual participants can be made up to one hour before the start of the lecture.

In-person registration closes on Tuesday, Jan. 25 to ensure adequate seating and appetizers.

Doors to the Discovery Center open at 5:30 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m.

Cash bar and light appetizers available prior to presentation. Lectures are free for members. For non-members, cost for in-person is $10 and virtual participation is $5.

Marvin Daniel Barrett was born April 15, 1954 to Carla and Bert Barrett in Hialeah, Florida. The family moved to Key Largo in 1968 where Bert, a contractor, built their home on the basin of Key Largo Fisheries. His father then began a new career in lobster fishing.

Marvin attended Coral Shores High School where he excelled in sports, particularly football, where he played defensive end and offensive line for the varsity team. There he earned great respect and friendships from his fellow players and classmates. He graduated from Coral Shores in 1972 and quickly took up the trade of plastering, as well as learning the art of boat building, and lobster fishing, from his father.

In January 1976, Marvin married Linda Iwaniec and began to plan for a family. Providing for a family only strengthened his profound work ethic. He built two homes before starting his own business, Marvin Barrett Plastering. He operated this business for many years, plastering not only residential, but also commercial buildings such as the K-mart-Publix shopping center, Key West Naval facilities and what is now Bakers Cay Resort.

Although the plastering business was very successful, he many times would relay the words, “Once a fisherman, always a fisherman,” as the ocean kept calling him back. With this in mind, he took a break from his perfected "mud slinging" and began intervals of lobster trap fishing, boat building, and home construction, which he continued the rest of his days. In these trades, he was second to none.

Many of you might remember some of his boats, the “Lin Mar,” "Starvin Marvin," and “Ballyhoo” 1 & 2. Marvin also helped any friend needing a hand with their boat build-outs. His good friends could still hear his words, “there's the right way, the wrong way, and the Marvin Barrett way.”

In the early ’80s, Marvin had two daughters.

He was a revered father, yet encouraged his daughters to have fun, Keys style, with four-wheelers, boats, snorkeling and fishing. At the same time, he impressed upon them the value of hard work, honesty and community building skills.

Marvin loved to spend time with his friends going to boat races, hot rod car shows, sightseeing at the sand bar, or a good ride on his Boss Hoss.

One might say, however, that his most relaxing memories would be made just enjoying the company of a good friend or two on a Sunday morning at Doc’s Diner or lunch at Mrs. Mac’s.

Even though Marvin's life was cut short way too soon, he lived each day to its fullest and accomplished more than most could ever imagine.

He will be missed dearly by his daughters and families, Cheryl & Craig McBay, Jocelyn & Brian Tiedemann, and grandchildren Evan, Lana, Ivy, Lacey, Arlo and Rose. Not to mention the love from all his other family members and friends he shared so many special memories with.

Our Dad, Our PaPa, Our Marvin. May you rest in peace and always enjoy the ocean breeze.

13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

Take a deep dive into the herculean efforts to connect all the Keys to the mainland, fly through the air with the champion cheerleaders of Navarro and get reacquainted with Elvis Costello.

READ | LAST TRAIN TO PARADISE This book is now 20 years old. but it’s an engaging, thorough and stunning history, which reads like a novel, of Henry Flagler’s final major project — the railroad connecting the mainland and the Florida Keys. Weaving the dominant themes of Flagler’s vision and nature’s obstinance, author Les Standiford pulls real drama from a project that should have failed many times over. The Monroe County Library has several copies, in print and ebook format.

WATCH | CHEER For those living under a rock, Netflix’s docu series “Cheer” saved many Americans from the doldrums at the start of the pandemic, when we were isolating in place and worried about toilet paper. After the debut of “Cheer” in January 2020, many viewers were surprised to be enthralled by the story of national champion cheerleaders at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, and their coach, Monica Aldama. The series displayed the athleticism, discipline and sheer charisma of Aldama and her team. Now the series is back with new episodes, and it does not blink as it shows how national fame — and criminal allegations — affected the cheerleaders and their coaches.

Riveting television. Stream on Netflix.

LISTEN | ‘THE BOY NAMED IF’ BY ELVIS COSTELLO Elvis Costello’s new “The Boy Named If” is his purest dose of rock & roll since maybe “Blood & Chocolate.” Where that 1986 album teems with resentment and untrammeled ire, “The Boy Named If” feels exuberant. Costello is playing with familiar building blocks — pumped-up riffs, fleet wordplay, an omnivorous musical appetite — yet often assembling these elements in fresh, unexpected ways.

Angel Romano, tenor, Amy Owens, soprano, Pat Key, FLKCA associate, Norman Werbner, association's program director, Samantha Hankey, mezzo soprano, Weston Hurt, baritone, Richard Fu, piano. ASTA KRASKOUSKAS/Contributed

A NIGHT OF OPERA

FLKCA opens 52nd concert season ASTA KRASKOUSKAS www.keysweekly.com

T

he Florida Keys Concert Association (FLKCA) opened its 52nd season with a phenomenal concert of arias from well-known operas. The concert was sponsored by the Schmitt family in memory of Alan G. Schmitt.

The residents and their visiting guests had an opportunity to spend the night enjoying beautiful sounds of music.

As every year, An Evening of Opera Highlights was a hit.

Four talented opera singers charmed the audience with their voices and execution.

The evening started with Samantha Hankey, mezzo soprano, and Amy Owens, soprano, singing a duet from Richard Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier.” After two women’s solo performances, Weston Hurt, baritone, and Angel Romero, tenor, captured audience’s attention with their amazingly performed duet from Bizet’s “The Pearlfishers,” which is about two friends swearing allegiance to one another. The concert culminated with arias and ensembles from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Rigoletto.” Richard Fu was the pianist for the concert.

Sally Bauer, a season ticket holder and a big fan of operas, said, “I thought it was fantastic. An incredible range of voices and everyone played their role well. A nice venue.

Norman Werbner (program director) does a fantastic job selecting a program. This season’s production is awesome.”

The next FLKCA concert welcomes Fred Moyer, piano, who will play the much-loved Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1. Moyer’s first concert will be Jan. 24 at Marathon High School. His second concert will be Jan. 25 at Coral Shores High School. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door cost $30 per concert. At Moyer’s concert music lovers will also have a chance to buy a $90 season ticket for the remaining five concerts. For more information visit at floridakeysconcerts.com.

14

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

Former and current Key Largo School administrators gather following the 50th celebration ceremony on Jan. 19.

Ed Caputo, Key Largo School’s first principal, speaks during the 50th celebration ceremony.

KEY LARGO SCHOOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Ceremony looks back on accomplishments JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

ormer and current administrators, teachers and students peered at yearbooks and past pictures inside the Key Largo School library on Jan. 19. Fifty years ago to the day, the school opened its doors to a new era of learning in the Upper Keys.

Despite challenges that delayed the school’s opening, a community would come together to ensure students had a place to go and learn. On Jan. 19, 1972, the elementary school was completed. Fifty years later, those who shaped the lives of young students back then, or are doing so today, gathered on the school lawn during a picturesque day for a celebration.

With the school’s Safety Patrol leading the pledge, students rose to sing the national anthem led by instructor Susan Bazin. Principal Darren Pais, who started his career at KLS in 1993, led off by lauding the Key Largo School’s ability to provide high-quality education to students all while being a cornerstone to a great community.

“We have proudly been supported by our cherished family and friends for 50 years. For our celebration today we are glad to see our past and present KLS family members to join in this landmark celebration,” Pais said. “The establishment of high expectations from previous KLS teachers, staff, administrators and district staff cannot be overlooked. We are able to commemorate our rich past today because of traditions of excellence created by them.”

Joining the 50th celebration was Key Largo Elementary School’s first principal, Ed Caputo.

He recalled the challenges in getting the school started following a failed referendum in 1970.

Not deterred by the outcome, then-superintendent “Bookie” Henriquez borrowed money to build Key Largo School and Stanley Switlik School.

“He took a chance. He’s a courageous man,” Caputo said. “He negotiated the donation of the property upon which this school sits.”

Key Largo School originally was scheduled to open its doors to students in 1971. Delays however, pushed administrators to formulate an alternate plan as the school construction con-

Key Largo School alum and nurse Priscilla Johnson speaks during the ceremony. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

tinued. In the end, businesses in the Key Largo community stepped up to house students from different grade levels from August until January when the new building was ready.

Frankie St. James, former KLS teacher and principal, said the building of relationships helped establish Key Largo School. The Civic, Lions Club, Elks Club and churches including Burton Memorial Methodist Church, San Pedro Catholic Church and First Baptist in Key Largo all housed students. School board member Sue Woltanski said those same organizations and the community continue to provide support for the school and children.

“I’m super proud to be part of this community that cares so much about its children and public school,” she said.

In 2008, the original elementary school building was demolished and a new building that would fit all grades K-8 was constructed. The old middle school building now accommodates electives.

Caputo also looked back to 1968, when some 33,000 teachers throughout the state resigned because “schools were so bad.” They were particularly bad in Monroe County, he said.

Gov. Reubin Askew encouraged the legislature to pass 104 laws to reform schools. Caputo said many of those put into law are reflected in Key Largo School. He also credited the work of Henriquez, who implemented the laws.

“He passed money down to the schools from the district office,” Caputo said. “He taught his principals when they received the money to pass it down to the teachers. And that’s what we did.

We put creativity and freedom into teaching, and there’s a relationship between the two.”

Caputo said it helped create floating planets in the first grade classroom to the “Wild Kingdom,” which saw students becoming proficient at caring for animals.

Key Largo School was designated a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence under Principal St. James in 1977. The school was selected for a national Blue Ribbon school of excellence and received special honors as a high performing technology school.

“I remember this was 1997. There wasn’t a lot of technology around,” said St. James.

The school was later selected as one of four schools to participate in the BellSouth Power to Learn Program. They received $250,000 and participated in a one-and-a-half year study of the school. George Lucas, creator of Star Wars, sent a video team to the school to produce an education video for his foundation’s website.

“You can still find that video on his website,” St. James said.

Among the alumni who spoke was Priscilla Johnson, who started kindergarten in 1985. She recalls Ms. Brenda teaching her the ABCs using Mr. M with the munchy mouth, Mr. T with his tall teeth and Mr. S with his super socks. Johnson also remembers Safety Patrol in fifth grade.

Serving in the military, she returned as a teacher where she worked alongside her first-grade teacher. She currently works as a nurse. She’s also a KLS parent.

“As a parent here at this school, I have a different level of faith, trust and hope in what you’re capable of,” she said. “I have the faith that the choices that are made are with my children's best interest in mind. I have trust that they will be safe, loved and nurtured. And I have hope they can be whatever they desire.”

Also in attendance for the celebration was Superintendent Theresa Axford. During her remarks, Axford said it takes a community to raise its children. The school is a bedrock of the community.

“Key Largo has been a community school from the very beginning when a community pitched in to house students before school was actually ready. That long tradition has continued thanks to wonderful parents, teachers and administrators who continued that tradition. It’s a beautiful time to reflect on accomplishments and celebrate a golden moment.”

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

JVastola@VastolaLegal.com

Injured in the Keys?

Please call us today. We want to help.

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Carysfort Reef, Sombrero Key and American Shoal Lighthouses, located offshore of the Florida Keys, will be made available for sale to the public in early 2022 via online auction at realestatesales.gov in accordance with the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA). For more information please contact Eric Stavely at eric.stavely@gsa.gov or (404) 803-3128, or Joseph Grimmett at joseph.grimmett@gsa.gov or (404) 538-2981.

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16

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

SAVING THE SEA POTATOES Experimental feeding trials underway in response to record manatee deaths

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

“This is an unprecedented event, and starvation is a chronic condition.

Impacts on health can be long-lasting even when manatees survive.”

— Dr. Martine de Wit, a manatee research veterinarian

F

lorida’s beloved sea cows are once again in trouble. Thankfully, they have a host of friends ready to respond.

On Jan. 13, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosted a media call to field questions about an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for Florida manatees. The UME was declared in March 2021, and by the end of the year, a record 1,101 manatees had died. In response, USFWS and FWC established a unified command to bring additional resources to address the event.

According to Dr. Martine de Wit, a manatee research veterinarian, the mortality event primarily stems from starvation due to a lack of forage in the Indian River Lagoon. Persistent algae blooms caused by runoff from cities and farms can block light from reaching the lagoon’s floor, stunting seagrass growth.

“The Indian River Lagoon is basically a capital for manatees on the Atlantic coast,” said de Wit. “Most manatees on this coast spend a portion of the year in this lagoon, and this is why this event affects manatees all along this coast. This is an unprecedented event, and starvation is a chronic condition. Impacts on health can be long-lasting even when manatees survive.”

De Wit added that while the number of carcasses recorded by the program is about half of what it was around this time last year, Florida’s unseasonably warm winter has thus far allowed manatee populations to stay dispersed across larger areas.

Dropping temperatures will soon restrict the manatees’ ability to travel great distances from warm water. Thus, mortality numbers are expected to increase as larger congregations of animals compete for limited food in smaller warm-water areas. The issue is compounded as starving animals lose body mass and become susceptible to cold stress in cooling waters that would not typically be problematic for them.

The UME has seen rescue and rehab partners scramble to find space for injured or starving animals, said Andy Garrett, chief of the effort, named the Joint Unified Command Rescue and Recovery Branch. In 2021, FWC’s program conducted a record 159 rescues; 115 of the rescued animals went to rehab facilities. In the last month alone, the program has conducted 23 rescues. The number of animals that require extensive rehab care – months or years, rather than days or weeks – is stretching 11 Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) facilities to their maximum capacities.

While several facilities are cooperatively attempting to generate space by improvising and moving or releasing animals in the coming weeks, Garrett made a point to credit SeaWorld for its rehabilitation efforts. “I wanted to really point out SeaWorld as one of the groups that really deserves a lot

of recognition,” he said. “They have 35 manatees in house and are still making space. They’ve accepted a majority of the animals from this UME event and have treated them for release.”

In an effort to curb starvation in critical areas of the Indian River Lagoon, the unified command established a temporary field response station near Florida Power and Light’s Cape Canaveral plant in December and began a supplemental lettuce feeding trial shortly thereafter.

Joint Unified Command Provisioning Branch Chief Ron Mezich fielded questions on the experimental program, saying that while there were only a few animals near the warm water site at first, they began to see more in the weeks after Christmas as waters cooled slightly. Lettuce was first offered in a floating form, and at the time of the media call, Mezich said the manatees had not yet begun to recognize it as a food source – though from multiple facilities’ experiences feeding lettuce in captive rehab environments, this is not unusual.

“A supplemental feeding trial of this type in an aquatic system hasn’t been done before, so we don’t have a template to follow,” said Mezich. “We are adapting daily and trying different techniques.”

Mezich said that the team will continue to offer the lettuce at different locations and different places within the water column.

When asked why the team has not yet attempted to provide other vegetation such as water hyacinth or hydrilla that are more readily recognized as a food source by wild manatees, Mezich said these native or invasive plants provide logistical challenges. “It takes time and effort, and the product we get on site will have to be cleaned to remove sediment and organisms that we don’t want to introduce,” said Mezich. “If you pile it on top of one another and haul it in a truck, the product we get isn’t always desirable to use as food. We know manatees will eat lettuce in captivity. It’s a clean product, it’s readily available, and we can store it.”

Mezich also touched on the seven manatee habitat restoration projects funded by the $8 million provided to FWC by Florida’s legislature in its last session.

“We need seagrass to plant for restoration projects, and typically what we do is find a donor bed nearby to supply those seagrass shoots, but there isn’t anything in the lagoon that we can use as a donor bed right now,” he said. “One of the projects is to build and enhance existing upland seagrass nurseries to grow seagrass shoots that will be used for planting once we get water quality to a consistent level.”

Mezich noted that two projects should start this upcoming spring, with five more in the permitting process. More information about the UME response, including weekly updates, is at https://myfwc.com/ research/manatee/rescue-mortality-response/ume/.

As always, the public is reminded that interacting, feeding, or providing water to wild manatees outside of specially permitted activities is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and can have deadly consequences for these beloved mammals.

Rescue teams rely heavily on public calls to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, used to report suspected injured or struggling animals. Concerns about any wild manatees should be directed to 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022 SPONSORED BY: Up close and personal with a rare smalltooth sawfish spotted by scuba divers in Islamorada.

ERIC BILLIPS/Contributed

SAY ‘HELLO’ TO SAWFISH Endangered species spotted by divers

THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Conditions were great this week, up until the weekend. As most of us saw, some pretty nasty winds and rain came in. There were even thunderstorm warnings throughout the Keys.

Before it got ugly, we had a big group of divers down from Fort Lauderdale. Aquatic Ventures brought down around 20 divers to see our famous Florida Keys reefs and wrecks. Additionally, they were in for a treat: ERIC we happened across a very rare, endangered 12-foot BILLIPS smalltooth sawfish.

According to the FWC, sawfish are unique fish is the owner, captain and that have a long, hedge trimmer-like “saw” extendinstructor at ing out from their heads. This is called their rostrum, Islamorada Dive and it has “teeth” on both sides of it. Sawfish can use Center and Florida their saw to stir up the bottom to expose hidden prey Keys Dive Center. or to slash sideways into schools of fish to catch any He specializes in scuba, rebreather, wounded prey. spearfishing and They’re related to sharks and rays, and are born captaining in the around 2 feet long. They can grow up to 17 feet long.

Florida Keys.

Historically, these fish were commonly seen in Florida. You can find old pictures from marinas all around the state showing fishermen with many huge sawfish. Unfortunately, they’ve become rare to see and even endangered. This is because they are often unintentionally caught in fishing gear when their saws get entangled. Sawfish rostrums were also popular trophy fishing items, and they were caught for these as well.

They produce few young. Therefore, since their depletion, it has been difficult for their population numbers to recover. If sawfish are caught accidentally while fishing, FWC should be contacted, and the endangered species should be released unharmed.

PROUD SPONSORS OF I.CARE Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education 305.664.0077 | CoastalFloridaKeys.com

Because of all this, these majestic creatures are very rarely seen by divers. This makes it even more special whenever we see one. A colleague of ours, Tony Young of Forever Young Charters, saw an incredible school of 20-plus sawfish on the same day!

This is unheard of, and we all feel very lucky to have seen them.

NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Next week, the forecast looks very favorable for ocean activities.

This should stay relatively consistent throughout the week. Come Sunday, forecasts call for high winds coming through.

CONSERVATION UPDATE We welcomed a big group of around 20 coral planters on Saturday.

They helped us get new, endangered corals back onto the reef. With luck, good conditions, and lots of volunteer hours, these will continue to grow into the reefs of the future that can support amazing species like sawfish.

All our monitoring shows that the hard work being put in by I.CARE and all its community partners is paying off. The new corals are thriving.

CONSERVATION TIP Sightings of sawfish are so rare that there’s a hotline to report them (1-844-472-9347 / 1-844-4SAWFISH). Scientists and researchers focused on conserving and protecting sawfish investigate reported sightings in hopes of learning more about this incredible fish.

I.CARE I.CARE coral planting trips will run with Key Dives this week.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

REALTOR GROUP’S DONATION SUPPORTS TURTLES

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sland Equity Real Estate is committed to supporting the turtles. Recently, the group donated $5,000 to the Save-a-Turtle organization. Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization formed in 1985 under the sponsorship of the Florida Park Service, the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (now the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or FWCC), and St. James the Fisherman Church. The mission of Save-a-Turtle is to enhance and protect, through preservation and conservation, endangered and threatened sea turtle species and their habitat in the Florida Keys. They do this by patrolling and monitoring beaches during the nesting season, along with education, outreach, beach cleanups, rescue and advocacy all year long. Pictured from left are Bettina Garber, Realtor at Island Equity Real Estate Holly Hight, founder and broker of Island Equity Real Estate and Sandi Williams, of Save-aTurtle. CONTRIBUTED

The facility offers yoga, water aerobics, hammocks, sand volleyball and art therapy, to name a few. CONTRIBUTED

KINDER TREATMENT Women’s center in Key Largo offers care and healing MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

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ith the increased awareness on mental health, a recent visit to Kinder in the Keys became an enlightening experience to learn more about this incredible private women’s residential treatment center located in Key Largo.

Kinder (KIND) celebrated its third anniversary this past summer.

Kinder offers non-substance disorders women the opportunity to heal from their trauma in a relaxing holistic environment. Treatments can be based around anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, depression, grief or childhood trauma, as a few examples.

The facility treats six women maximum at a time and offers various levels of care, from residential to partial hospitalization. The average stay is four to six weeks. Women’s ages can be between 18 and older, and they come from all over the U.S. The demographic mix of women helps the healing process as they share semiprivate rooms and are on structured schedules that do not allow for outside influences.

The Kinder team consists of a clinical director, psychiatric nurse practitioner and medical director, yoga instructors and many other important team members whose goal is to build the women back up.

When asked more specifics about the entering program, staff shared that “We are very proud of our screening

program. Kinder best helps women who want to receive help and are ready to do the work. Intervention doesn’t work for the program.”

The holistic approach is essential as the women learn to eat healthier — meaning all organic and non-GMO food. Processed foods can lead to inflammation and depression.

The facility offers yoga, water aerobics, hammocks, sand volleyball and art therapy, to name a few. In addition, the women also participate in guided off-property group activities such as visiting the bird center, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and aerial yoga.

The women cook dinner together, have active daily living tasks that are independent skill-building to help them heal and sleep schedules, which are in line with full participation in the counseling and programs.

Kinder has contributed to healthy relationships, positive job search results and confidence-building. They even had an alumni program where they still get support and stay connected.

Staff said “Once they are a ‘Kinder Girl’ they are always a ‘Kinder Girl.’ It’s forever a relationship.” And to some, it’s a sorority with the combination of women bringing out wisdom and healing.

Kinder in the Keys Treatment Center, Inc. is licensed in the state of Florida and JCAHO. They are open to taking insurance and administer all safety protocols in line with the CDC in response to coronavirus.

Check out their website at www. kinderinthekeys.com for more information.

BRIEFLY Gas prices higher with oil prices up Florida gas prices are being dragged higher by the rising price of oil. The U.S. price for crude increased 6% last week, as global supplies struggle to meet demand.

The average price for gasoline rose 3 cents per gallon last week. The state average is now $3.22 per gallon, which remains 14 cents less than the 2021 high of $3.36 per gallon.

"The arrow appears to be pointing up for oil prices, which means gas prices are likely to get more expensive," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA The Auto Club Group. "The oil market is bullish on global supply concerns as various members of OPEC+ have reportedly struggled to meet production goals."

In 2021, oil prices rose as much as 78%, leading to a total increase of $1.17 per gallon at the pump. Although oil prices cooled off toward the end of 2021, they have opened the year strong, shooting right back up to where they were before Thanksgiving.

So far this year, the U.S. price for crude has increased 10%.

United Way scholarship for marine science students United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) continues to support the Florida Keys community and its investment in the marine environment. UWCK has opened its Marine Science Educational Advancement Scholarship for Monroe County residents pursuing marine science related studies.

Applicants may apply for scholarships to support marine science related certificates as well as associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees at state colleges and universities engaged in Florida Keys reef restoration efforts.

Award amounts to $5,000 based on certain criteria. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books and materials, and/or room and board expenses.

The application period is now open and ends Tuesday, Feb. 15. Eligibility requirements and more information about the scholarship, as well as a link to the application, can be found at https://www.KeysUnitedWay.org/ MSEAS.A scholarship committee will review the applicants.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

FINE ARTS & CRAFTS

Annual Art Under the Oaks returns 1

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festival of fine arts and original crafts returned to Islamorada on Jan. 15. Underneath the towering trees of San Pedro Catholic Church gardens, locals and visitors stopped by to visit the many vendors in attendance for the annual Art Under the Oaks. In its 38th year, the festival returned following a year off due to COVID-19. Vendors were elated to be back as festival goers viewed and bought everything from orchids to paintings and jewelry. “It’s just an awesome event,” said Korie Ann Evans, a vendor from Fort Myers who showcased her creative cards.

Festival goers were also delighted to be back, as they stopped by tents and enjoyed refreshments provided by specialty booths and a bake sale featuring delicious goods. The event also featured live entertainment and raffles. Members of San Pedro Catholic Church assisted visitors with raffles and parking. Keith Douglass, church member who assisted with the event, said the event embodies community.

Art Under the Oaks is the church’s primary yearly fundraiser organized by volunteer members of the parish.

— Jim McCarthy 1. Hot and fresh mini donuts were provided by Key Largo-based Joey Bag-O-Donuts and owner Joey Palermo.

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2. San Pedro Catholic Church members and volunteers assist throughout the event. Pictured from left are Keith Douglass; Joe and Deb Fischer; Diane Douglass, Coral Shores junior Keegan Wittke and Louis Gutierrez.

3. An attendee checks out a display of large pictures made from recycled materials by A Third Life.

4. Festival goers visit vendor tents underneath the towering trees of San Pedro Catholic Church.

5. Korie Ann Evans shows a visitor a handmade card. Evans, of Fort Myers, comes to the event every year.

Photos by Jim McCarthy.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

CORAL VISITS OCEAN REEF Coral the fox attends the Blessing of the Animals at Ocean Reef in North Key Largo on Jan. 15. Pictured are Coral, Nicole Navarro, of Pawsitive Beginnings Inc., and Jay Holmes. CONTRIBUTED

MAGIC

Young fox participates in Blessing of the Animals

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i friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report”.

This past Saturday, my little sister Coral had the chance to visit Ocean Reef as a special guest for their annual Blessing of the Animals. Mom said everyone there was so nice and wanted to learn all about us. Coral got to meet some four-legged friends and got blessed by Minister Bob Henley. She got her official Ocean Reef bandana REEF afterward.

THE FOX I think it’s pretty darn cool that they were invited.

You might be wondering why I didn’t go, since my Reef is a red fox that was saved name is Reef. Well, I will tell you why. Although when from a fur farm.

I was younger I was quite the social fox, now that I’m He now lives in almost 1 year old (can you believe it), I prefer staying Key Largo with at home and just being with my mom and my fox his human, Nicole friends. I do like it when people visit me (sometimes) Navarro. but as for being out in public, that’s a big nope.

Maybe I’ll change my mind some day and get back into the in-person public relations role, but for now, Coral can handle that side of things.

On Friday, Jan. 21, is the big gala for the Upper Keys Humane Society. It goes from 6 to 10 p.m. at the fabulous Baker’s Cay Resort in the Cayview South Ballroom. Tickets are $100 each and that comes with dinner and two drinks. There will be auction items and a place to pledge amounts to help fill the brand new shelter that they are breaking ground on this year.

There will be different levels of pledging and then those donors’ names will go on a plaque in the new shelter for everyone to see! How cool is that? Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) recently was granted its long-awaited building permit from the county and will break ground this year. The new shelter will have a surgical suite, added dog kennels and a space to quarantine new intakes.

If you are interested in going, you can call my friend Angie at 305522-0260 to get your tickets. UKHS has been so good to us foxes, so you should definitely go and support them or if you can’t make it, please consider sending them a donation to help fund this amazing project. I wonder if I can go help dig the holes for the new foundation? I’m a very good digger.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. If you have foxy questions you can email me at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org or check us out at pawsitivebeginnings.org Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Magic is a 5-year-old female calico cat. She’s a sweet and kind little lady who was found outside the Upper Keys Humane Society a few weeks ago, before giving birth to five beautiful kittens. Magic is soon to be spayed and is looking for a loving furever home. She will bring so much joy into your life. If you would like to make Magic a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give the Upper Keys Humane Society a call at 305-451-3848. The Upper Keys Humane Society Inc. is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals. The purpose of this society is to promote the proposition that all living creatures deserve humane and civilized treatment. We strive to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals in the area from North Key Largo to Lower Matecumbe.

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Jan. 20 • Great Discussions series on world affairs at 3:30 p.m. at Key Largo Library.

• Third Thursday Morada Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, Islamorada.

Friday, Jan. 21 • Raise the Roof Gala benefitting Upper Keys Humane Society from 6 to 10 p.m. at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo.

Jan 21-23 • Seventh annual Island Boat Show benefitting Keys student scholarships at Hawk’s Cay Resort. Visit Islandboatshow.com for more information.

Saturday, Jan. 22 • Coastal cleanup from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Long Key State Park.

• Keys Community Concert Band’s Pops in the Park from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Murray Nelson Center Peace Park, Key Largo.

Tuesday, Jan. 25 • Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve Management Plan public meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada.

Thursday, Jan. 27 • WIC breastfeeding classes at 1 p.m. for English speakers and 2 p.m. for Spanish speakers at the Key Largo LIbrary.

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

Friday, Jan. 28 • Breakfast by the Bay from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve, Islamorada.

• The 43rd annual KLS Safety Patrol Fish Fry from 5 to 7 p.m. at Caribbean Club, Key Largo.

Saturday, Jan. 29 • Photo scavenger hunt from 1 to 2 p.m. at Long Key State Park.

Thursday, Feb. 17 • Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ Silver Anniversary Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. at Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West.

Saturday, Feb. 19 • Garden Walk presented by the Garden Club of the Upper Keys from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

Exhibit “A”

Exhibit “A” OF THREE DIRECTORS ASSOC., INC. TO MEMBERS OF FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NOTICE OF ELECTION OF THREE DIRECTORS The Board of Directors of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (FKEC) has set the following dates for the District Elections for three positions on the Board of Directors: District 1 March 14, 2022

Key Largo area northeast of the section line common to Sections 6 and 7, TWP62S, R. 39E, southerly of Mandalay Subdivision - Dade/Monroe County Line on U.S. 1 (including Ocean Reef) to Mile Marker 97.7

District 3 March 14, 2022

Islamorada area southwest of Snake Creek and northeast of the north end of the Long Key Bridge

District 4 March 14, 2022

Marathon area southwest of the north end of the Long Key Bridge

The incumbent directors of the three districts have decided to stand for re-election. In the event only one qualified member from a district for each position is so nominated, that member shall be declared elected.

Elections may be conducted on the designated election date, by mail ballot and/or by electronic means.

The notice of election and the election ballot and informational materials shall be mailed to each and every member residing or doing business in the district not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the election date.

All ballots returned by mail must be received by the Cooperative or the Cooperative’s contracted third-party election management provider no later than one day prior to the official election date.

Directors elected at the district elections shall serve for a period of three years and will take office at the first regular or special meeting to be held on or after Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Members interested in becoming candidates and placing their names in nomination for membership on the Board of Directors are hereby notified of the qualifications and election procedures prescribed by the Bylaws of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. A candidate for director must be a member of FKEC and bona fide resident of the district he/she represents and have 12 months residency in the area served by the Cooperative. The candidate must not be a minor.

No candidate may in any way be employed by or have a substantial financial interest in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy or supplies to FKEC, or be the incumbent for an elective public office in connection with which a salary or compensation is paid.

Candidates must submit a nominating petition with fifteen (15) or more signatures of members residing in the voting district no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the district election specified above.

Nominating petitions for District 1 must be received by FKEC by Noon on Friday, January 28, 2022, petitions for District 3 must be received by FKEC by Noon on Friday, January 28, 2022, and, petitions for District 4 must be received by FKEC by Noon on Friday, January 28, 2022. (Please allow time for verification of signatures).

Nomination petition petition forms forms may may be be obtained obtained from from the the FKEC FKEC Tavernier Tavernier Headquarters.

Nomination Headquarters.AAcopy copyofofthe theFKEC FKEC bylaws may be obtained from FKEC offices.

The election election will will be be given given widespread widespread publicity publicity prior prior to to the the election election date. date.

The

By Order of the Board of Directors

By Order of the Board of Directors Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.

NOW IS THE TIME TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH BROADWAVE INTERNET | WIFI | PHONES | CAMERAS CALL OR EMAIL TODAY: 305.767.1467 - INFO@BROADWAVE.COM WWW.BROADWAVE.COM

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Wounded Warrior riders make their way to Coral Shores High School on Jan. 7. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

BAYGRASS BLUEGRASS IN THE GARDEN 1 2

Attendees enjoy a weekend of music at Florida Keys Brewing Co.

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ounds of traditional bluegrass and old soulgrass and newgrass graced the Florida Keys Brewing Company’s beer garden over three days during the 10th Annual Baygrass Bluegrass Festival. Held from Jan. 14-16, the threeday jam put on by Islamorada Community Entertainment saw crowds enjoying the likes of Hare o’ the Dawg, Belle and The Band and The Grass is Dead. Bluegrass music genre draws inspiration from folk, swing and jazz. It is an energetic, multiinstrumental sound, rich in creativity and historical inspiration. The event was an absolute hit and not even the weekend storms were able to keep the joyful crowds away.

— By Adriana Abreu

1. The Grass is Dead performs on the stage at the Florida Keys Brewing Company’s Beer Garden during the Baygrass Bluegrass Festival.

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2. Fans were encouraged to purchase some sweet merchandise on a “self-service honor system,” which perfectly embodies the feel-good, easy-going vibe of the genre itself.

3. Three days of music saw large crowds at the Florida Keys Brewing Company’s Beer Garden. Young and old alike enjoyed the music and festivities.

4. Fans gathered by the stage in the Beer Garden to dance and sing joyfully.

Photos by Adriana Abreu.

Community supports those who sacrificed their lives Thanks to your superb news coverage, an extremely large and spirited crowd assembled at our VFW Post 10211 in Key Largo to welcome the Wounded Warrior bicyclists as they disembarked from their bus to begin their cycling trek through the Florida Keys.

Except for COVID cancellations, we’ve maintained the Wounded Warrior Ride for 18 consecutive years. The masterful management and coordination of this event by our State Attorney Dennis Ward and Sheriff Rick Ramsay are significant reasons why it survives.

Dunkin Donuts donated deliciously made bagels, donuts and coffee for all support personnel. Sheriff’s and FWC officers, along with Key Largo and Islamorada Fire and Rescue, protected and assisted the injured riders on their ride. EMT and first responder ambulances were at the ready to lend additional care for these disabled cyclists.

Crews from the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority displayed the flag and manned watering sites to keep everyone hydrated and alert. Citizens lined the highway with their signs, salutes and outpouring of love. It was indeed a cathartic and healing experience for these combat-wounded warriors.

Coral Shores High School and Plantation Key School students, teachers, staff and parents were beyond awesome. It was breathtaking to witness and experience the bountiful expressions of love and gratitude they shared with these war veterans. American Legion Islamorada Post 145 members were majestically brilliant, as they painstakingly delivered an authentic military vehicle for the high school students and staff to enjoy.

Great day, great healing. Thank you.

— Purple Heart recipient John Donnelly, of Key Largo

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

DOC’S DELIGHTS

Service, staff and food fuel Key Largo diner’s success MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

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Doc’s Tower features blueberries, bananas and strawberries nestled between three slices of golden french toast topped with whipped cream. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

ver wonder what it’s like owning and running a successful diner that is open 364 days a year and having three small children, one being a newborn? Meet Gina Boilini of Doc’s Diner in Key Largo for some inspiration and a good oldfashioned dose of hardworking skills and people values.

“Running and co-owning a restaurant was so far from my thoughts. It’s funny how life works out,” said Boilini when reflecting on her journey so far.

“It was my 32nd birthday, and my family and I were having dinner at The Fish House when the conversation shifted to me running the diner, and I realized I was already doing it.”

Boilini, a Keys native, attended Florida State where she majored in parks & recreation services administration. After a shift in her life, she moved back to the Keys in 2009 (the same year her parents bought Doc’s Diner).

Jim Boilini, AKA “Doc,” and wife/mother Mary Lynn, moved to the Florida Keys in 1975. Within a few months, he opened an optometry office.

They hired a manager, Mary; however, she tragically passed away, which is when Gina ended up organically transitioning from the floor to being a manager and picking up more responsibility.

“I learned a lot from my dad,” Boilini said. “There are days when I go back and be the dishwasher. Valuing each other and what qualities they have, being a leader but not being a dictator and making sure the team knows they are valued is most important.

“I am not a cook. I am better at organization and logistics,” she continued. “Therefore, I don’t know how to cook everything on the menu. However, I do make the Key lime pie.”

With the diner open 364 days a year — does Boilini ever shut “it” off?

Gina Boilini runs and co-owns Doc’s Diner, located at MM 99.6, bayside in Key Largo.

“I am always thinking about something in the back of my mind. Currently, it’s about increasing prices and the hash brown shortage,” she said.

Boilini said spending time on the water with her partner Frank, a successful fishing guide, and their children is the perfect day.

“I truly love what I do; it’s a constantly changing and evolving industry.

If I am busy, I know that Adela at Keys Bite is busy, and Alfredo at Alfredo’s is busy. It gives me goosebumps because we support each other,” she said.

Doc’s Diner caters to locals, tourists and weekenders. Gina is grateful for all the business and is always happy to know people’s names. Most of all, she’s excited to see them return.

Doc’s Diner also recently won BPW business of the year. Doc’s Diner has a team of eight who Gina truly treasures.

Their cook has been with the restaurant for 30 years, and on average all the team members have been with the diner for 10 years or more.

“Being selected as the business of the year is a huge honor because it’s representative of the community, our membership being recognized for women in leadership and supporting other women,” said Boilini, who was also BPW president for five years.

Her face lit up appreciating and mentioning the industry, her team, her family, and the other nearby restaurants, leaving no doubt that this entrepreneur, partner and superwoman mom has a passion for business and life.

Doc’s Diner is open every day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are well known for their secret recipe pancakes and many other breakfast and lunch items.

Stop by for a delicious meal in a friendly environment as well as follow on Facebook at Doc’s Diner.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Levelheaded Mind located at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Box 510591, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Jezel Rosa LLC Publish: January 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711".

Publish: January 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

CUDJOE GARDENS CUDJOE KEY, 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 by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available upon request.

The Prime CONTRACTOR must perform at least 40% of the work and to be considered, bids must be made in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. All prime CONTRACTORs submitting bids must be pre-qualified by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in accordance with Chapter 337.14 F.S. and State of Florida Department of Transportation Rules Ch. 1422- in work classes including but not limited to: drainage, fencing, flexible paving, grading, grassing, seed and sodding, hot plant mixed bitum courses, sidewalk, curb and gutter, rip rap, underground utilities and provide proof of same with bid submittal pre-qualification required at minimum.

The Prime CONTRACTOR must be prequalified in at least one major type of work regardless of the number of major types that are solicited. For any type of work that isn’t met by the prime, the subcontractor must meet the prequalification requirement.

The team must be pre-qualified in all types of work needed for the project.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/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 3:00 P.M. on March 1, 2022. 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: FLORIDA KEYS OVERSEAS HERITAGE TRAIL CONNECTION AT CUDJOE GARDENS PROJECT 03/01/2022 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 or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, 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 March 1, 2022. 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 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: January 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on February 24, 2022. 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 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: January 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vehicles will be sold at public sale for monies owed on vehicle repair and storage cost pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

03/14/22 at 10:00 am Miller Marine INC, 144 Coral Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070. Miller Marine INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

DMRECE041K990 STEVE WILLIAMS 03/14/22 at 10:00am Yacht Club Drive Marine, 107500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037. Yacht Club Drive Marine reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

2003 PLC PLCWG020L203 ALEJANDRO CID. Publish: January 13 & 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will convene on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Murray Nelson Government Center. Public Participation will be via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom webinar platform.

Due to Covid-19 and socialdistancing guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), members of the public are to attend the meeting and participate via CMT by using the Zoom webinar or dialing in on the phone numbers provided below.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83894366873 Meeting ID: 838 9436 6873 One tap mobile +13126266799,, 83894366873# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 83894366873# US (New York) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at Pacini-Maxine@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on February 4, 2022.

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, January 25, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

PLACE: Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: A draft management plan for Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve has been prepared by the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection. The draft plan is available for viewing or download at http:// publicfiles.dep.state.fl.us/CAMA/ plans/Lignumvitae-Key-APManagement-Plan-DRAFT.pdf.

The Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection seeks public comment on the draft.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Aquatic Preserve Manager, Nicholas Parr at Nicholas.Parr@FloridaDEP.gov.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/ meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Nicholas Parr at Nicholas.Parr@FloridaDEP.gov.

If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

Publish: January 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FLORIDA KEYS OVERSEAS HERITAGE TRAIL CONNECTION AT

Meeting Notice Monroe County Land Authority The Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee will meet in the Monroe Regional Service Center (State Building) located at 2796 Overseas Highway, Suite 104, Marathon, Florida on January 26, 2022 beginning at 9:00 a.m. The agenda is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by contacting the Monroe County Land Authority office at 305-295-5180.

ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: KEY LARGO PARK WALKING PATH ASPHALT REPAIR 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 by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available upon request.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/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 3:00 P.M. on February 24, 2022. 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 Largo Park Walking Path Asphalt Repair 02/24/2022 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 or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, 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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: WEST MARTELLO SEAWALL HURRICANE REPAIRS 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 by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available upon request.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/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 3:00 P.M. on March 24, 2022. 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: West Martello Seawall Hurricane Repairs 03/24/2022 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 or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, 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 March 24, 2022. 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 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish:

LEGAL NOTICES January 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers January 22, 2022 CRS Activity 510 Floodplain Management Planning ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT The City of Key Colony Beach is a ½ square mile 285 Acre oceanfront residential island which takes floodplain management very seriously.

Damage reduction activities are a major priority.

Our city is part of the Monroe County and Incorporated Municipalities Local Mitigation Strategy Group and has been since its inception in the 1990's and attended by myself during the last year as new CRS coordinator.

This evaluation report was prepared by the City's Building Official/CRS Coordinator who works together with the Mayor/ City Administrator on all city projects, daily operation of the city and all legal issues.

This document will be printed under legal notices in the Marathon Weekly newspaper in the 1st available issue and posted on City Hall and Post Office bulletin boards. After printed legal notice has been published, the document will then be submitted and reviewed by the City Commission at their next available scheduled meeting.

The public/reader may obtain copies of this annual report and original LMS documents at city hall during regular working hours.

There are seven damage reduction activities listed in the LMS 2010 Revision for the City of Key Colony Beach under Section 10.4 on page 10-10.

This section of the report will briefly address each for the year July 1st 2016 through December 31, 2019.

1. The Comprehensive Plan objectives and policies have been followed and the city has granted NO land use amendments that would increase the land use density and intensity that would have further burdened the countywide hurricane evacuation plan.

2. There were NO City expenditures for infrastructure in the V-zone that would encourage increased private development.

3. The City of Key Colony Beach Disaster Preparedness Committee, composed of residents and City representatives, coordinates with the County on emergency management activities such as planning, response, recovery, and mitigation. It provides its own public information program, disaster command center, and emergency supplies. We had a countywide hurricane drill and monthly Hurricane Preparedness Meetings.

4. Post-disaster redevelopment is addressed in the Coastal Management Element of the Comprehensive Plan, recognizing that redevelopment may require greater building setbacks and elevations, and installation of dunes rather than seawalls.

There was no post-disaster redevelopment to date.

5. The Building Code requires buildings to be designed to withstand the forces of 180 mph winds (assumed in any direction and without regard to the effects of shielding of other structures).

In addition all new construction, additions and alterations require: a. double hurricane straps over top member of each roof truss end b. new ¾"CDX Plywood roof sheathing minimum c. 75% of all exterior walls must be reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry This year these rules and others were enforced and verified on 360 building permits including 4 new duplex and 18 new single family homes.

6. Post disaster assessments are required by the Building Department to determine whether demolition versus

LEGAL NOTICES repairs are appropriate given the level of damage; buildings damaged more than 50% must be rebuilt to current codes.

Assessments following Irma are currently underway.

7. The Land Development Code requires that all existing mangroves be maintained to state requirements; use of seawalls is restricted and new oceanfront development shall include dune planting plans.

Mangroves have been trimmed, no new seawalls have been installed and there was no new oceanfront development.

All objectives have been improved upon and further mitigation will be accomplished when funding is available for our small city. Grants are constantly sought.

Recent Projects: 1. The City has constructed a new reinforced concrete causeway bridge to improve its ability to withstand storm surge.

2. The City has its own sewage collection and treatment system, which is operated by the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. The sewage treatment plant is subject to storm surge flooding but has been recently retrofitted and capable of operating at 2018 requirements.

A generating system has been added for emergency operation and 30% of our effluent is converted to potable irrigation through our reverse osmosis and storage system. All lift stations and lines are continually being retrofitted and monitored for infiltration.

3. The entire City Hall/Post Office complex has been retrofitted and flood proofed to current requirements.

4. Several properties were purchased by the City and converted to open space and in July 2013 one City building was demolished and converted to parking and a park.

5. The City's master storm water control project includes swales, retention ponds, and deep injection wells which were designed, installed and monitored by the South Florida Water Management District, FL Department of Environmental Protection, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. As of this date, the citywide project is approximately 80% complete. The City recently completed phase VI on West Ocean Drive.

6. The City is currently having plans drawn up for the 100% completion of our storm water project.

7. A new reverse osmosis system and building ($1,100,000.00) was completed in 2015 converting treated wastewater into city park irrigation water. (50,000 gallons daily) 8. The entire ¾ mile of our main entry road, Sadowski Causeway, had all of its utilities transferred from overhead to underground and has been resurfaced.

9. The wastewater treatment plant is currently being upgraded to future treatment requirements at a cost of over five million dollars.

10. The wastewater treatment plant is installing a new UV system to bring effluent matter to standards.

Future projects include the 100% completion of our storm water project, wastewater improvements, additional reverse osmosis irrigation, building mitigation and the purchase of additional open space when available.

Please do not hesitate to contact this office if any questions should arise.

Sincerely, Gerard Roussin CRS Coordinator/Building Official DBPR: BU1992 Publish: January 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

IN ADMIRALTY CASE NO.: 4:21-cv-10110 IN THE MATTER OF: THE COMPLAINT OF KEY WEST JETSKI, INC. AS OWNER OF THE YAMAHA PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (HULL ID# YAMA0773A121) ITS ENGINES, TACKLE, APPURTENANCES, EQUIPMENT, ETC. IN A CAUSE FOR EXONTERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, Petitioner.

MONITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: THE MARSHALL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA: WHEREAS, a Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, on the 15th day of November, 2021 by the Petitioners, KEY WEST JETSKI, INC., as owners of a Yamaha Pleasure Watercraft bearing the Hull Identification Number YAMA0773A121, have filed a Complaint pursuant to Title 46, United States Code, Sections 30501-30502, claiming the right to Exoneration From or Limitation of Liability for all claims allegedly resulting from an accident which occurred on or about June 5, 2021 in the navigable waterways of Key West, Florida, as more fully set forth in the Complaint. For those reasons and causes set forth in the Complaint, Petitioners pray for the issuance of a Monition and Injunction, and that all persons or corporations claiming for any and all loss, damage, injury or destruction caused by or resulting from the incident set forth in the Complaint be cited to appear and file their respective claims with the Clerk of this Court, and to make due process thereof and citing them to file their answers to the Complaint and all proceedings to be had, and if it shall appear that Petitioner is not liable for any loss, damage, destruction or injury, it may be so finally decreed by this Court; YOU ARE THEREFORE COMMANDED TO CITE ALL PERSONS OR CORPORATIONS in respect to which Petitioner seeks limitation to file respective claims with the Clerk of this Court and to serve on or to mail to the attorneys for Petitioners, Campbell Johnston Clark, LLP, 2600 Douglas Road, Suite 508, Coral Gables, FL 33134, copies thereof on or before the 15th day of February 2022, and citing such claimants to appear and answer the Complaint herein on or before the last named day or within such further time as the Court may grant, and once completed to then make return to the Court together with this Writ.

Dated at Fort Lauderdale, Florida on this 11th day of January, 2022.

Angela E. Noble, Clerk United States District Court Southern District of Florida By: Dimas Rodriguez Deputy Clerk Publish: January 20 & 27 and February 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 20, 2022.

Personal Representative: Yiliam Eldridge 1590 Bay Drive Miami, Beach, FL 33141 Attorney for Personal Representative: Laura Hernandez, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1015315 Corona Law Firm, P.A. 6700 S.W. 38th Street Miami, Florida 33155 Telephone: 305-547-1234 Email: lhernandez@coronapa. com Publish: January 20 & 27, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 2021-CP-000063-K IN RE: ESTATE OF GILDA HERNANDEZ, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of GILDA HERNANDEZ, deceased, whose date of death was December 9, 2020, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 21-CP-000085-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ANA FERNANDEZ, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Administration of the estate of ANA FERNANDEZ, deceased, whose date of death was July 5th, 2021; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, Probate Division; File Number: 21-CP-000085-P; the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and his attorney is set forth below. The Fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in S. 90.5021 FLA STAT applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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 20, 2022.

As Personal Representative: Gabriel Fenandez 2458 Centergate Drive, Apt. 102 Miramar, FL 33025 Attorney for Personal Representative: Emmanuel Miguelez, Esq.

LEGAL NOTICES MIGUELEZ LAW 220 Miracle Mile, Suite 209 Coral Gables, Florida 33134 305-967-7412 (o) 305-602-8456 (f) Email: em@miguelezlaw.com Florida Bar No: 107023 Publish: January 20 & 27, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 22-CP-01-M Division: Middle Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF RONALD K. LEONARD Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RONALD K. LEONARD, deceased, whose date of death was November 8, 2021, 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 20, 2022.

Personal Representative: Elizabeth J. Leonard 821 W. Ocean Dr. #10 Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 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 20 & 27, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 21-CP-96-M Division: Middle Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF ROMY S. BISSIG AKA ROSEMARY STEPHANIE BISSIG Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROMY S. BISSIG AKA ROSEMARY STEPHANIE BISSIG, deceased, whose date of death was November 14, 2021, 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

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

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 13, 2022.

Personal Representative: Daniel F. Bissig 62900 Overseas Highway Unit 21 Marathon, Florida 33050 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 13 & 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: January 13 & 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff, VS. THE ESTATE OF LENORE PATRICK, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2021-CC49-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 10TH day of January 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 13 & 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic.

Boat experience a plus.

Call 305-481-7006

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-04-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF CLARISSA HOPE MURPHY Deceased.

AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CLARISSA HOPE MURPHY, deceased, whose date of death was October 29, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE 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 13, 2022.

Personal Representative: Allen P. Murphy 117 Sun Lane Key West, Florida 33040 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER 21-CP-000148-P IN RE: ESTATE OF: FRANCES G. PETER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: The ancillary administration of the estate of FRANCES G. PETER, deceased, File Number 21-CP-000148-P, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The name and address of the ancillary personal representative and that personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims against the estate of the decedent must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is January 13, 2022.

Ancillary Personal Representative: Kim A. DenBesten 125 Wells Road Porter Corners, New York 12859 Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative: Michael W. Schafer Florida Bar No. 929638 Deangelus Goralczyk PLLC 3776 Woods Edge Circle Unit 102 Bonita Springs, Florida 34134 (239)-241-7600 michael@dglawny.com Publish: January 13 & 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2021-CC-49-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 7TH day of February 2022 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 D23, 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 JUDGEMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 7TH day of January 2022 Style of which is:

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

2005 Boston Whaler 17' Montauk, 90hp Mercury 4-stroke - low hours - 1 year old, with trailer.

Located in Marathon. $27,500 508-958-2590 Inflatable Boat - 8' West Marine RU250, 3.5 hp Mercury 4 stroke (3 hours).

Located in Marathon.

Call 859-630-0531 SOLD IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS!!

EMPLOYMENT

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server/ bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff.

Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call April (305) 393-0631.

Join the team at Kinder in the Keys!

Housekeeping & Groundskeeping FT positions available. $18/ Hour.

Transportation & background check req’d. Upper Keys. Call Kat @ 305-240-1315.

Need energetic person that would like to learn a career in the Electrical trades- must be willing to take directions and have clean VALID FL DL-- call 305-743-0399 benefits package.

Immediate job opening for parttime Housekeeper in Key Colony Beach.

Mostly weekends. Will offer top pay for right person. Call Continental Inn Beachside Michelle 952-208-2850 Cheryl 305-505-8747 CHECK ELECTRIC in Key West hiring Full-Time office employee position.

Customer service, billing and scheduling required. Knowledge of Quickbooks, Microsoft Office & Outlook is preferred. 305-292-3369 Help Wanted Big Time Discount Bait and Tackle in Marathoncompetitive wages and working 30-40 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199 Immediate openings for experienced plumbers and helpers (with or without experience - we will train the right person).

Must have a valid driver's license & clean driving record. Please apply in person at 10700 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerpinc@gmail.com City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Engineering Intern, Public Works Fleet Mechanic, and Marina Technician/Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits.

EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us Food for Thought in Marathon is hiring!

FT and PT positions available, customer service, retail and kitchen prep. Healthy lifestyle and good sense of humor preferred.

Call (305) 743-3297 Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work!

Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts.

Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com The Marathon Yacht Club is looking to hire a Dishwasher. $13/ hr - 30-36 hrs/week.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

THE STUDENT OF THE WEEK

SOCCER SUPERIORS

The Upper Keys U14 girls team pose for a picture following a victory in the state final against Homestead, 2-1, at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach on Jan. 16. BRIAN TIEDEMANN/Contributed

Two Upper Keys youth teams win state titles

The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Ocean Studies Charter School faculty and staff in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and Ocean Studies for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of school pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

U

pper Keys youth soccer reigned supreme with two teams crowned champs at the AYSO Region 345 State Games at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach this past weekend.

In total, six local soccer squads made the trek north to compete against teams from across the region. The U14 girls team won the state championship with a 2-1 victory over Homestead. The U10 boys also came home state champions, beating Key West by a score of 4-2.

Coached by Kris Sellstrom and Ryan Raschein, the U10 boys carried momentum into the state championship after coming out the victors in the Hurricane Cup in December.

They overcame a 0-2 deficit in the semifinals and erased a 0-2 deficit to beat Key West in the finals. Sellstrom ended up calling the schools after the state championship win to let them know they had champions walking the halls.

“They did fabulous. We pretty much swept the tournament,” said Sellstrom, adding the team had a player from each Upper Keys school. “The first game during the Hurricane Cup in December was pretty much the first time they played all at once. They gelled really fast.”

Five of the six youth teams made it to the semifinals during the state championships — a show of good things in the years ahead for soccer in the Upper Keys. The U12 girls remained undefeated through the finals before losing 3-0 to Key West.

Marc Serota, assistant coach for the U12 girls state soccer team, said

LUCAS YOUNG THIRD GRADE The U12 Upper Keys girls soccer team plays a game during the AYSO Region 345 State Games at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. MICHELLE DE RON/Contributed

The Upper Keys U10 boys team beat Key West by a score of 4-2 to win the state final at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. CONTRIBUTED

it was the best finish the team’s ever had under the leadership of head coach Olman Valverde. Goalie Alley Rosedale had two shutouts during the games, and five different girls scored goals.

“It was a fantastic experience for these young ladies,” Serota said. “We were also very fortunate to have two players from Marathon join our team.

It was a true Keys effort.”

Shannon Cary, AYSO Upper Keys commissioner, said they haven’t fielded this many teams in some time.

“Every single team got a win, which is pretty awesome in general,” she said. “We’ve never seen that many Upper Keys teams make it to

the semis. It’s a huge testament to our volunteer coaches.”

Among the teams making it to the semifinals were the U12 boys.

Coached by Chris Kilmurray and Rob Judson, the team saw vast improvement from their losses to Homestead and Key West in the Hurricane Cup last year.

“Over the past six weeks, we really trained hard and worked on a new scheme. We worked on a lot of fundamentals of passing and ball control. It all came to fruition with an attack plan in the first three games.”

Cary added that the young soccer players put in quite the effort through practice in the lead-up to the state games.

“They were super excited and wanted to keep going,” she said.

A fall soccer season in the Upper Keys saw a number of teams playing Saturday mornings at Founders Park.

While the state games in West Palm Beach concluded the soccer season, Cary said they’re working to bring club play so soccer players have the ability to play year-round.

“Our community is incredible.

We’ve had lots of sponsors and support,” she said.

Who is your favorite teacher and why? Ms. Sabrah, because I feel like she’s taught me the most things.

What is your favorite subject and why? Math; I like solving problems.

What is the best rule at school? Do not talk when everyone is talking.

What’s one of your favorite things to do at school? I like reading at the end of the day before I leave.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? My favorite thing I like to eat is grilled cheese.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I kinda want to do something a little bit hard, like teaching.

What is one favorite way you like to spend your spare time? I like to play with my brother, hide and seek.

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

MISC. FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

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

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

not necessary. Exp w/ Caterpillar and Cummins Marine Engines a plus.

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

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

Company willing to train.

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

www.DiveFloridaKeys. com can be yours! Web Domain/Existing Site for Sale. Owned for 25 years - retiring. Can't beat the "key words".

Please visit www.

D i ve Fl o r i d a K e ys. co m and call Julie for more information. $5000.00 OBO 352-601-1454

Place your Items for Sale here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!

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

Bookkeeping experience required.

Additional office duties required.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview

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

Call 305-743-0844 today !!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

Kelly Electric in Marathon looking for experienced Journeyman/Electrician.

Please send resume to Kelly6098@aol.com or call Bill at 305-743-6098 NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for Front Counter positions - temporary or year round. Great pay, incentives, tips and of course delicious treats! Also hiring Bakers & Baker's Assistants full or part time. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

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

Busy boats and location.

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

Exp in the marine field preferred but

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

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

Las Brisa - 2BR/2BA Unfurn, great view, W/D, covered parking. Tennis, Pool & BBQ on site.

Across from Smather's Beach, Key West. $3,500/mo. + util. F/L/S Owner/Agent Douglas Miller 305-296-7706

HOMES FOR SALE

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

LOT FOR SALE

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

MISC. FOR SALE

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

26 inch Adult Trike, brand new, may need adjustment.

Located in Key West. $225 firm.

Call Chris 305-741-7422 SOLD IN LESS THAN 6 DAYS!

MISC. WANTED

Want to rent covered storage space in Marathon for car or small boat on trailer. Month to month basis. Ed 917-8075947 Tigrpilot@aol.com

305.743.0844

OFFICE/COMMERC. SPACE FOR RENT

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

Call 305-394-0530 Place your OFFICE/ COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT AD here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

HIRING NOW!

RESERVATIONS AGENT FULL TIME/PART TIME REMOTE WORK AVAILABLE Assist callers/guests with planning and booking of their vacation or stay at the Resort. Provide support via telephone, e-mail, chat and in person, by answering questions and making recommendations. The right candidate will treat the guest with courtesy and respect in a warm, friendly manner at all times; always addressing the guest by name and answering all telephone calls promptly in a courteous manner. Must be computer literate.

www.hawkscay.com/jobs

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS

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

Must obtain a FDEP Level 3 license w/in 18 mos of hire date. Salary: $20.52/hr. with excellent benefits.

Apply online at: www.﬍aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA

TEMPORARY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS

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

Apply online at: www.﬍aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA

SECURITY GUARD W/ LICENSE Duck Key

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

Ralons Security 786-615-5522 Lic# B1500167

DUI Evaluator Part-time – Marathon

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

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

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.

28

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

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

New Year, New Career!

Positions Available In: Branch • Accounting Maintenance • Administrative Support

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

Contact Will Zimdars will@marathonaviation.com

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO Salaries Starting at $18/hr

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

Fun, Fast-Paced Environment

Tuition Reimbursement

Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing

Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time

Great Hours

401K Employer Match

242424

Apply Online! KeysBank.com/Careers Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment

EOE/Drug-free workplace Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

FULL TIME OPENING L I NE SERV I CE P E RSONNE L Greet and fuel aircraft Prior aviation experience preferred Clean driving record required Pay rate $17-$19/hr depending on experience, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Pigeon Key is seeking dedicated professionals seeking to make a positive impact in their community. Those individuals who wish to work on a uniquely beautiful island , while promoting our cultural history and preserving the natural Keys environment are encouraged to apply.

Competitive wages based on ability and experience. Applicants will be subject to criminal background check and drug screening.

Positions include: Trolley Operator (CDL licensing course provided for qualified applicant) Tour Guides, Sales Associates, Customer Relations Reps, Maintenance, Rental Associates and more.

Application online at pigeonkey.net - under the Staff icon. Or apply in person at the Pigeon Key Gift Shop, 2010 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL. Questions and completed applications can be emailed to pigeonkey@aol.com

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

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

KEY WEST

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

MARATHON

Peer Support Specialist/BHT (FT) Care Coordinator Maintenance Specialist Housekeeper Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Advocate (PT) Driver PT/per diem *Assisted Living Support Worker (PT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *No experience necessary. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus.

If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

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

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

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

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

I

in Marathon

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

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

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

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Full job descriptions available at

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

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

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

THEME: WINTER OLYMPICS

PART TIME AND FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR RESERVATIONS AGENT CATERING SALES MANAGER HOUSEKEEPING ALL POSITIONS, SIGN ON BONUS OFFERED! CULINARY SOUS CHEF, DISHWASHERS, PREP AND LINE COOKS F&B SERVERS, RESORT SERVICES AND FOOD RUNNERS

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST NAIL TECH ENGINEER/ELECTRICIAN SCAN TO VIEW JOB OPENINGS.

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

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

ACROSS 1. Sleeps in a tent 6. Horror movie franchise 9. Varieties 13. Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” 14. Road crew supply 15. Moron 16. Workman’s cotton, once 17. Exclamation of surprise 18. Monte Cristo’s title, in French 19. *Olympic Athletes from ____, 2018 hockey winners 21. *Figure skating jump (2 words) 23. Capone’s ilk, e.g.

24. Attention-getting sound 25. Eminem’s genre 28. Cashier’s call 30. Hit-or-miss 35. It will 37. *Triple one in figure skating 39. Hustle and bustle 40. German Mrs. 41. A mile racer 43. a.k.a. horse mackerel 44. Jargon 46. Workbench holding device 47. Health club offering 48. Diner, e.g.

50. Latin for “and others” 52. ____ Aviv 53. Ill-mannered one 55. Curiosity’s victim?

57. *2022 Winter Olympics location 61. *Torch Relay starting point 64. “____ ____ the Family” TV series 65. Refrigerator sound 67. Poppy seed derivative 69. Bitterly regretting 70. Egyptian cobra 71. Part of a stair 72. Seedy source of Omega-3s 73. More, in Madrid 74. Changes to a manuscript

DOWN 1. Cape ____, MA 2. Copycat 3. Carte du jour 4. Spectrum maker 5. Delilah’s lover 6. Roofed colonnade 7. Expression of satisfaction 8. Angry 9. Revered one 10. Fancy ride 11. Japanese zither 12. Pas in ballet 15. “Freezing” Marvel character 20. Letter-shaped girder 22. “____ the land of the free...”

24. Designer’s studio 25. *Biathlon gear 26. Skylit lobbies 27. Manufacturing site 29. *2022 Winter Olympics number 31. Like Curious George 32. Monocot’s alternative 33. “Killers of the Flower Moon” Oklahoma location 34. *Olympic award 36. *Olympic sled 38. For fear that 42. Respond 45. Circling 49. Far, old-fashioned 51. Capital of Punjab 54. Early Irish alphabet 56. Sort of warm 57. Vomit 58. Twelfth month of Jewish year 59. Pelvic bones 60. Put a hex on 61. Concert units 62. Not yet final 63. Edible fat 66. *Miracle on Ice winner 68. Not Miss or Ms.

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

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

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Lic No. SP1481

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Precision Pavers Belgard Brick | Clean & Seals | Old Castle Coastal WE WILL MAKE YOUR DRIVEWAY LOOK NEW AGAIN Brick Driveway | Patios | Pool | Decks | Retaining Walls

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

OUT DOOR LIVING SPACES

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

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

Key West

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

FREE ESTIMATES | WILL NOT BE UNDERBID

305.896.3599

305-289-1150

SP3102

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

When It Rains It Pours!

CGC1523838

MARATHON

KEY LARGO

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

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

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

305-481-3259

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

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

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

Lic#SP-3562

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022

FLORIDA KEYS TABLE FOOD, DRINKS & PEOPLE

T

he Florida Keys boast some of the most iconic eateries and bars in the world.

Creative culinary minds elevate local seafood to new levels and celebrate contemporary fusion, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian, French and other international influences. Our chain of islands is one of the world’s top food and drink destinations.

But our magnetic appeal goes beyond the

EGGS BENEDICT White Tarpon Restaurant, Key West We all know the White Tarpon Restaurant is great for lunch, dinner and happy hours with its famous Key lime martini. But did you know they now serve breakfast daily? The prime waterfront location overlooking Key West Harbor is the perfect spot to start your day with a classic eggs Benedict, bloody Mary or mimosas. Start your day the Key West way — outside, on the water, with a drink.

menu. The skilled professionals who define our local hospitality industry do much more than mix creative cocktails and serve delicious meals. These hard-working men and women are ambassadors, social directors, travel advisors and unlicensed — but often effective — therapists.

To celebrate our unique culinary culture, Keys Weekly brings you this bi-weekly feature

JARID EVERTSEN Islamorada Brewery and Distillery, Islamorada Jarid Evertsen is pouring some cold beer over at Islamorada Brewery and Distillery.

From Western Michigan, he moved to the Keys in March 2021 to bartend. His favorite drink to make is the Channel Marker IPA. His drink to make after a long day slinging brews is an old fashioned. On days off, you can find Evertsen hanging with friends or out on the water fishing. Stop on by to see Evertsen and other bartenders at the family-friendly brewery and distillery, which has craft cocktails, a beer garden and food truck.

to highlight the food, libations and local personalities that define our “must-try” destinations across the Florida Keys.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a fifth-generation local, your options are endless.

Indulge in something new or revisit a familiar favorite. And above all, support the local owners and loyal employees who are vital to our Keys communities.

STRAWBERRY JALAPEÑO MARGARITA Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Marathon Sweetness and a spicy kick make a surprisingly complementary pairing in Castaway’s strawberry jalapeño margarita.

Fresh jalapeño and lime are muddled in a fresh strawberry puree and mixed with Jose Cuervo, triple sec, sour mix and orange juice.

This drink will keep you on your toes and serves as the perfect concoction to make any of Castaway’s entrees even more worth the wait.

For more, visit our Keys Table Magazines online at keysweekly.com/table.

Our Florida Keys Table Magazines are published nine times a year in the Upper Keys, Marathon and Key West. For more information email: Stephanie@keysweekly.com.

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JANUARY 22 A BENEFIT FOR KAIR

SombreroBeachRun.com

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 20, 2022