Key Largo School celebrates

KEY LARGO SCHOOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Ceremony looks back on accomplishments

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Former 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 continued. 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.”

Key Largo School alum and nurse Priscilla Johnson speaks during the ceremony. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly Ed Caputo, Key Largo School’s first principal, speaks during the 50th celebration ceremony.

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 Florida’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).

Up close and personal with a rare smalltooth sawfi sh 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: we happened across a very rare, endangered 12-foot smalltooth sawfish. According to the FWC, sawfish are unique fish that have a long, hedge trimmer-like “saw” extending out from their heads. This is called their rostrum, and it has “teeth” on both sides of it. Sawfish can use their saw to stir up the bottom to expose hidden prey or to slash sideways into schools of fish to catch any wounded prey. They’re related to sharks and rays, and are born around 2 feet long. They can grow up to 17 feet long. 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.

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.

Sightings of sawfish are so rare that there’s a hotline to report them (1-844-472-9347 / 1-844-4SAWFISH). Scientists and researchers foERIC cused on conserving and BILLIPS protecting sawfish investigate reported sightings in is the owner, hopes of learning more captain and about this incredible fish. instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Keys Dive Center. He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfi shing and captaining in the Florida Keys. I.CARE coral planting trips will run with Key Dives this week.

PROUD SPONSORS OF I.CARE Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education

CONSERVATION TIP

I.CARE

The facility off ers 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

With 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.

REALTOR GROUP’S DONATION SUPPORTS TURTLES

Island 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

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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FINE ARTS & CRAFTS

Annual Art Under the Oaks returns

Afestival 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.

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.

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 Young fox participates in Blessing of the Animals

Hi 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 REEF Henley. She got her official Ocean Reef bandana THE FOX afterward. I think it’s pretty darn cool that they were invited. Reef is a red fox You might be wondering why I didn’t go, since my that was saved name is Reef. Well, I will tell you why. Although when from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole I was younger I was quite the social fox, now that I’m almost 1 year old (can you believe it), I prefer staying at home and just being with my mom and my fox Navarro. friends. I do like it when people visit me (sometimes) 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

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.

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

District 3 March 14, 2022

District 4 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 Islamorada area southwest of Snake Creek and northeast of the north end of the Long Key Bridge 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 forms may be obtained from the FKEC Tavernier Headquarters. A copy of the FKECNomination petition forms may be obtained from the FKEC Tavernier Headquarters. A copy of the FKEC bylaws may be obtained from FKEC offices.bylaws may be obtained from FKEC offices. The election will be given widespread publicity prior to the election date. The election will be given widespread publicity prior to the election date.

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

NOW IS THE TIME TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH BROADWAVE

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BAYGRASS BLUEGRASS IN THE GARDEN

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

Sounds 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.

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.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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

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

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

DOC’S DELIGHTS

Service, staff and food fuel Key Largo diner’s success

Gina Boilini runs and co-owns

Doc’s Diner, located at MM 99.6, bayside in Key Largo.

MELINDA VAN FLEET

www.keysweekly.com

Ever 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?

“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.

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

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 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

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 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

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 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 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: 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 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

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”. LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES 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

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 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 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. 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 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

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

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: 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

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - Trucks- Running 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. EMPLOYMENT

Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic. Boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006

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 Marathon- competitive 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.