Upper Keys Weekly 22-0203

Groundhog says 12 more months of sunshine in the Keys.

Manager resigns, but still receives salary and benefits | P. 4

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

52

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Feb. 2, which means six more weeks of winter. Phil has made 52 correct predictions out of 100 appearances.

Northerners will wait to see if he can make that 53.

ON THE COVER An agreement between the village of Islamorada and former Village Manager Greg Oravec includes salary and benefits through March 31. Oravec announced his resignation on Jan. 10.

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THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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Former Islamorada Village Manager Greg Oravec speaks during a village council meeting. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

SEPARATION AGREEMENT SEES RESIGNED ISLAMORADA MANAGER GETTING PAY AND BENEFITS THROUGH MARCH JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

ormer Islamorada Village Manager Greg Oravec worked his final day on Jan. 27 following a surprising resignation announcement earlier in the month. While he’s no longer inside village hall, Oravec will continue to receive pay and benefits through March, per a separation agreement with the village that was approved at a recent council meeting.

A proposed separation agreement with Oravec approved by the dais on Jan. 27 includes salary and benefits through March 31. His annual salary was $169,500.

He’ll receive unused vacation leave and accrued sick leave. He’ll also get a housing allowance, $2,000 per month, through March 31 that can be paid either through a lump sum or in a continuation of salary on a biweekly basis.

The village will also pay the retirement contributions for the regular salary Oravec is receiving through March 31.

Language within the agreement also states that Oravec and the village cannot make any public statements disparaging one another or in any way interfere with the village’s search for

a new village manager and Oravec’s search for new employment.”

In his resignation letter, Oravec said he believed the dais would be better served by another village manager after reflecting on his last six months on the job. He was hired in June by the council following a search that initially saw some 80 candidates. His first day was July 1.

Explaining his decision to council on Jan. 11, Oravec cited a lost appetite for the political dynamics that go with the job as part of the reasoning for his departure. In his letter, Oravec stated that his last day would be no later than March 31, but was open to negotiating alternate terms and timing.

CONCERN OVER THE AGREEMENT Chris Fletcher, 46-year resident of the Keys who has a background in human resources, told the dais what they’re doling out to Oravec isn’t right, unless there was wrongdoing from the council and the village.

“That’s not normal in employment law in Florida. That’s not right in government law,” he said. “Would you pay someone in your business that resigned for three months and pay their housing and their insurance after they told you they didn’t want the job?”

Responding to public comments, Councilman David Webb said Oravec’s

contract was made public in the lead-up to its approval last June. Webb said it was something Oravec found “minimally acceptable.”

“If we want, in my opinion, anybody anywhere close to his caliber, we’ll have to do that or a little bit better,” Webb said. “The housing costs in the community are exorbitant. If you want an executive to come in and be chair of the board of your community, you’re not going to get it for 50 cents an hour.”

Following Webb’s comments, Fletcher proceeded to go to the microphone to provide additional thoughts before he was told there was no giveand-take.

“This is our meeting and you’ve had your three minutes,” Webb said.

The councilman went on to add that an “employee at will is in an extraordinary position of threat. Good luck with getting a local person in here who has the qualifications.”

Fletcher raised his hand and told the council that he’d offer to take the position.

“I do have the qualifications. I submit my name. I did not want to.

I will submit and I will do the job for $80,000,” Fletcher said.

Webb responded by stating that “my comment wasn’t directed at you.”

Islamorada resident Charlotte

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022 Norris said she first met Oravec during interviews last spring. Describing him as “very bright” and an “eager guy,” Norris said there’s far more to the separation agreement that she “will know and anyone in Islamorada will ever know.”

Webb said Oravec’s resignation was a reality of how difficult the job is and the challenges seen in Islamorada. And he noted that the town has a “horrible track record” with village managers staying for an average of less than two years.

MARIA BASSETT AGAIN NAMED ACTING VILLAGE MANAGER Following the council’s approval of the separation agreement, the dais unanimously supported a move to bring village Finance Director Maria Bassett back as the acting village manager. She served for several months between the resignation of Seth Lawless, former village manager, and the hiring of Oravec.

She’ll serve in the position until the council finds a permanent replacement.

Before giving his vote, Councilman Henry Rosenthal asked Bassett if she’ll continue her role as finance director. Bassett prefaced her response by stating that she wasn't the only option to fill the role temporarily. She said an interim manager could be placed, but that would take some time. She said Colin Baenziger & Associates could also assist in that process. Bassett proceeded to say that she can fulfill her duties as finance director, just as she did before.

“It’s very important that we have somebody that’s got the qualification, abilities and attitude that Maria has,” said Mayor Pete Bacheler. “We’re not going to find that some place else. It’s right here at our front door.”

Bassett will receive a pay increase of 15% with her dual roles. She’ll now receive $151,600 annually. She also requested to earn pension at a senior management level during this period.

SEEKING THE NEXT VILLAGE MANAGER Following lengthy discussion, the village council agreed to put out a job posting for the village manager job with a salary range between $150,000 and $200,000. The village again will use the hiring firm Colin Baenziger & Associates to assist in the process.

Before the decision, Village Attorney Roget Bryan told council members the village could reengage the services of the hiring consultant to assist the village manager search at no cost. Bryan told council members they could conduct a full search that would take 90 days. Once the pick is made, it would take 45 days before that person starts.

Acting Village Manager Maria Bassett participates in the The dais also had Jan. 27 meeting. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly the option to examine candidates the hiring firm already vetted for the Islamorada manager position or another city manager position. The selection process would take 30 days and a start date 30 days thereafter.

Rosenthal said he was opposed to re-engaging Colin Baenziger & Associates. He said he’s in favor of bringing back a selection committee that picked then-manager Seth Lawless or exploring people in the county with government background.

“Part of the problem here is just the culture of the Keys in general. Unless you’re here for a while, and I’m saying not a couple years, you really don’t know what’s going on,” Rosenthal said.

A recruitment brochure by Colin Baenziger & Associates states that change in the village council every two years “seems to contribute to a high turnover rate in the village manager position. The current village council is committed to changing that pattern and hiring a manager who will serve five to 10 years.”

Webb said community involvement is key with the village manager search underway again.

“There are thousands of people in this community of integrity and character. I have to believe that they want almost the same things that all of us want and that everybody in this gallery wants. They have to get involved. They can’t sit in their office dealing with their next client while we’re up here beating our brains out and staff is getting crucified for what we asked them to do.”

Interested applicants have until Feb. 18 to apply for the village manager position. Further discussion on the search process will be seen at the Feb. 17 meeting of the council. Colin Baenziger said they hope to have a preliminary list of candidates for council consideration no later than March 31.

WALGREENS PROPERTY SET FOR DEMOLITION Site will be used for temporary parking JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

D

emolition of the former Island Silver and Spice building in Islamorada is clearing the way for parking, at least for the short term.

During a Jan. 27 meeting at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada Village Council approved the selection of J. A. LoRocco Enterprises for the tear-down of the abandoned building at a cost of $53,400. Services include the removal of debris from the site, as well as placing and compacting fill within the footprint of the old building.

The village closed on the property owned by Walgreen Co. on Dec. 17.

The purchase, which the dais approved at an October meeting, totaled $2.75 million.

Discussion over the property goes back to last April when the village council directed staff to examine the Walgreen property. With ideas for parking to address heavy congestion through the heart of the village also came possibilities for affordable housing. Village officials have stressed that property won’t be used for a gas station and convenience store.

No decision has been made on the property’s intended use, as village officials will solicit ideas before moving ahead. Officials are seeking to create a parking site temporarily. Together, demolition and converting the site to parking are estimated at $100,000.

Costs to purchase the property, demolish the building and prepare the property for interim use as a parking area would be accounted for within the capital project fund and would be funded with local government discretionary sales surtax. In September 2021, the estimated fund balance in the Capital Project Fund from accumulated surtax revenue is $4 million.

Mayor Pete Bacheler said the village is not tearing down the building for the sole purpose of creating a massive parking lot.

“No, we’re not doing that,” he said.

“We’re just tearing the building down because it needs to come down. We’re clearing up the grounds so it’s safe for people to be there.”

In response to Bacheler’s comments, Councilman Dave Webb said the idea of a parking lot isn’t off the table. Public Works Director A.J. Engelmeyer told council members that they’ll need to consider whether it’ll be a 24/7 parking area or a no parking allowed overnight.

“There has to be some enforcement on that,” Engelmeyer said.

Councilman Mark Gregg asked if the area will be fenced. Engelmeyer said it won’t be fenced.

“I guess we have another item on the next agenda,” Gregg said.

Village council members approved a resolution approving an agreement that sends $50,000 in tax funds to I.CARE for ongoing local coral restoration. Funds are coming out of the village council public relations/advertising budget, which was approved within the 2021-22 budget.

A nonprofit organization founded

by Kylie Smith and Michael Goldberg, I.CARE brings local business, residents and visitors in for restoration and maintenance of coral reef communities in Islamorada. The group partnered with Mote Marine Laboratory to create the first community-based approach to reef restoration in the Keys, as community members have the opportunity to plant corals.

Before approval, several council members said they’d like to see the money go to Mote Marine Laboratory for disbursement to organizations like I.CARE. “I feel that Mote is the keeper of the gate, so to speak, with this project,” said Councilman Henry Rosenthal. “If they feel this organization deserves additional funding to further their cause, then I’ll be glad to go along with it.”

Acting Village Manager Maria Bassett suggested village officials request and obtain a letter from Mote Marine Laboratory expressing support for I.CARE before remitting the funds.

Council members were in favor of the idea.

The dais also approved a resolution authorizing work on one of two canals located on north Plantation Key needing backfilling. Work is part of a canal restoration plan found within the state’s land planning regulations for the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern designation.

In 2014, Islamorada and Monroe County initiated a canal restoration demonstration program to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing select canal restoration technologies for improving water quality. Backfilling was among the technologies recommended for Keys canals.

The village continues to work with Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions Inc. on canal projects. With approval, roughly $64,000 will be expended for engineering, environmental permitting and support services.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

OFF THE RAILS

Ranger Donald Bentley points at the wheels on the reconstructed handcar within the interpretive site that attendees will see during the park’s program on Feb. 5. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

Park officials show off Flagler railway artifacts uncovered by Irma CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

L

ong Key State Park will host the “Roar of the Train to Hum of the Cars” program on Saturday, Feb 5, 2022. The highlight of this ranger-guided tour is a viewing of a portion of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway, a site in the park that was unearthed by Hurricane Irma.

Donald Bentley is a park ranger at Long Key State Park, which is a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Parks & Recreation. He still remembers the thrill he felt when he and other staff members started to uncover parts of the railroad and tools, a few weeks after Irma swept through the area. The storm did particular damage in the Middle and Lower Keys.

Long Key State Park saw a 7-foot storm surge, which swept away boulders, picnic tables and some bathhouses lining the water, as well as threw beach sand and vegetation all over the area.

“We got the housing set up and the park operational using dozers and loaders,” Bentley said. “We were wiped out.”

From time to time, during the cleanup after Irma, Bentley and other rangers would take walks through the park, keeping in mind that the area was of some historical significance. The staff knew that a portion of a side track from Flagler’s Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway was somewhere within the park, but, other than a slight hump in the land, they never saw physical evidence of a railroad track.

Some time in November 2017 (Irma hit the Keys on Sept. 10), Bentley was taking a walk through the vegetation when he saw a spike. Then a wooden railroad tie. Then a bush axe. He immediately shouted to his coworkers: “I was

like, ‘Oh my god, look at these! Cool! Come here, come here!’ We were like giddy school kids.”

In total, the group found seven wooden railroad ties, segments of railroad track, a few tools and wheels that were used for a handcar to move up and down the tracks. For the history buffs, the find was the equivalent of a goldmine.

Many locals are familiar with the story of wealthy businessman Henry Flagler and his determination to link Key West to the mainland by railroad — a project sometimes called “Flagler’s Folly” at the time — in the early part of the last century. The railroad went into operation in 1912 but was destroyed by the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, which also took hundreds of lives.

According to Bentley, building the railroad cost $32 million, which today is worth a couple billion dollars. And the laborers who constructed the railroad battled extreme conditions during their workday, wearing long pants and shirts in the oppressive heat to avoid mosquito bites, and camping out in tents.

Bentley and coworker Mark Lee — who is no longer with the park — had an idea to build a wooden bridge through the vegetation and “an interpretation area” so visitors can see the sidetrack that was revealed by the storm surge. Using money from the state to rebuild the park after Irma, Bentley and many staff members got together to make the wooden structure.

“It was a team effort,” Bentley said.

And now, Long Key State Park staff want to show off the tracks in a program for the public. Bentley will lead the tour, and he would like the attendees to feel like they are stepping back in time. He will tell the story of Flagler, then describe what the laborers' camp conditions were like.

As a sign in front of the interpretation area says, “Imagine the sounds of the train chugging down the tracks. Maybe you will also hear the sounds of men hammering spikes and swinging pickaxes to break the hard coral rock the railroad was built upon.”

The “Roar of the Train to Hum of the Cars” program will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at Long Key State Park. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. The program is free with regular park admission fee.

(Vehicles with two-plus people: $5 + $0.50 per person. $4.50 for vehicle with single occupant. $2.50 for pedestrians, bicyclists and passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.) More information is available from the park at 305-6644815 or at FloridaStateParks.org. The park is located at 67400 Overseas Hwy, Long Key, mile marker 67.5.

From Top: Tools that are more than 100 years old were uncovered by the Irma storm surge.

Park Ranger Donald Bentley says building this wooden bridge/deck to view the Flagler railroad artifacts was a “team effort” of the park staff.

Long Key staff found these wooden railroad ties after the Irma storm surge .

The wheels on the cart in this picture may be the ones that staff found in Long Key State Park after Hurricane Irma. CONTRIBUTED

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

YOU’RE ALL HEART. LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY.

This February, Baptist Health makes it easier to keep your heart beating strong with a simple 30-minute CT calcium scoring.

We’ll help you stay healthy so you can keep enjoying everything and everyone you love.

Ask your doctor if this test is right for you.

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Call 833-596-2473 or visit BaptistHealth.net/HeartScreening.

A doctor’s prescription is required.

This offer is not contingent on receiving any additional services from Baptist Health South Florida. No further services will be discounted.

Neither the patient nor any other third party will be billed for this exam.

8

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

ISLAMORADA BOAT CRASH CLAIMS WOMAN’S LIFE

A

boating accident in Islamorada has claimed the life of a 44-year-old woman.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission were alerted to a boating accident on the bayside at MM 81 in Islamorada on Jan. 30. According to FWC, Honda Katz was a passenger aboard a 17-foot center console vessel with her two sons. The vessel was operated by Shawn Fugate, 46, when it struck an anchored 31-foot vessel operated by Mark Dupre, 66.

None of the other occupants or operators was injured in the crash. FWC officers and investigators responded by land and water to the Coral Bay Marina, as did Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe County EMS. The victim was transported to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier where she was pronounced dead. FWC is extending its thoughts to the victim’s family and friends. The FWC is the lead investigating agency.

— Contributed

FWC/File Photo

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

“This is the first time I’m aware of that a gun was used to shoot a deer. This was intentional.”

— USFWS agent David Pharo

M ENDANGERED KEY DEER SHOT ON SUGARLOAF KEY

Rewards totaling up to $7,000 offered for information

Beloved Key deer, like the fawn shown here, are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ultiple organizations are offering rewards totaling $7,000 for information regarding the shooting of a federally protected and endangered Key deer.

On the morning of Jan. 27, officers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to the scene of an injured Key deer near Crane Boulevard on Sugarloaf Key. The deer was in obvious distress, displayed a bleeding wound in its upper chest, and only had use of its hind legs. Due to the extent of its injuries, the deer was euthanized on scene and transported to a veterinarian for X-rays of its wound.

Imaging revealed a fragmented projectile in the upper chest cavity, and fragments were later recovered from the lung and surrounding issues. The type of firearm used has not yet been determined.

“We’ve had people harass Key deer every year, but this is the first time I’m aware of that a gun was

used to shoot a deer,” said USFWS agent David Pharo. “This was intentional.”

The deer will be transported to the USFWS forensic laboratory in Ashland, Oregon, where further analysis will be conducted by forensic experts.

USFWS officials are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the culprit’s conviction. In addition, a separate reward of up to $2,000 is offered by Crime Stoppers Miami and the Florida Keys along with SaveOurKeyDeer.org, according to a tweet posted by Crime Stoppers. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity or leads to 786-236-2862.

With a remaining population of less than 1,000 individuals, Key deer are protected by both the federal Endangered Species Act and Florida state law. Intentionally killing an animal carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

TECH SAVVY

Students earn $34,000 for completing digital literacy programs

Essay and art contests are underway in celebration of Black History Month. CONTRIBUTED

CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONTRIBUTIONS State contests underway for students and educators

F

irst Lady Casey DeSantis announced the theme for this year’s Black History Month contests will be Celebrating African-American Contributions to Florida’s History.

“Black History Month is an opportunity for students to learn about the contributions African-Americans have made throughout Florida’s history,” DeSantis said. “Over the next month, we will be honoring these contributions and their benefits to Florida’s communities. I encourage all Florida students to join us by participating in this month’s art and essay contests.”

DeSantis is inviting students to participate in academic and creative contests throughout the month. Students in grades K-3 can participate in an art contest. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Two winners will be selected.

Students in grades 4-12 can participate in an essay contest. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8) and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 4-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8) and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student.

Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.

— Contributed

Sixth-grade students in Aimee Gilman’s computer classes at Plantation Key School recently received hundreds of dollars in gift cards from Monroe Compute$ for earning industry certifications. CONTRIBUTED

T

he first half of the school year proved profitable for Monroe County School District Information Technology students.

MCSD students earned over $34,000 in cash incentives from Monroe Compute$ for completing IT industry certifications during the first and second quarter of the school year — tripling last year’s first semester total of $11,000.

The district’s middle schools lead the way, with over 500 certifications in Digital Literacy programs, such as ICT and IC3 Digital Tools.

“Our students continue to have great success in their information technology and computer science courses,” said Superintendent Theresa Axford.

“The incentives provided by Monroe Compute$ continue to inspire our students to set and achieve lofty academic goals.”

Monroe Compute$ has provided the incentives, which range from $50 Plantation Key School sixthto $500 depending on the difficulty of grader Emilson Chacon-Rithe certification exam, for seven years. vas proudly displays his two Monroe Compute$ also grants students $50 gift cards from Monroe $250 awards for passing advanced Compute$. Chacon-Rivas placement computer science end-ofreceived the incentives for course exams. The foundation recently earning two industry certiswitched from checks to Visa gift cards fications in the Digital Tools program taught at PKS. to insure that students had immediate CONTRIBUTED access to their prizes.

Monroe Compute$ has pledged over $100,000 in incentives to students earning CompTIA, Adobe, Autodesk, QuickBooks, and Digital Literacy certifications in grades 4-12.

“Students can earn an unlimited number of incentives and are encouraged to earn as many as possible,” said John Padget, co-founder of the Golden Fleece Foundation. The foundation funds Monroe Compute$ as well as Monroe Skill$, which awards incentives for students earning industry certifications in non-IT career and technical education courses.

— Contributed

10

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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11

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

“Sandy” Cornish escapes slavery to become farmer in Key West

T

he Florida Keys are a storied string of islands with tremendous history. Some of those stories are told repeatedly, like when Henry Flagler brought the Key West Extension of his Florida East Coast Railway to its southernmost terminus.

Other stories of historical importance connected to the Florida Keys are told, but not very loudly and not often enough. The story of Andrew “Sandy” Cornish falls into this category of stories that are not told loudly enough or repeated as often as they should be for what they reveal about the human spirit.

Cornish was born in Maryland, into slavery, in 1793. While there is little insight into his early life, specific details have found their way into the historical record. While still an enslaved person, his owner hired him out to work on a railroad project in Florida. He likely worked for the Tallahassee Railroad, one of the two oldest railroads in Florida. The company was incorporated in 1834. Work on the line would begin the same year and would reach Port Leon, Florida, on the St. Marks River in Wakulla County, in 1839.

Port Leon was destroyed by a hurricane in 1843 and is today an extinct town.

In this instance, Cornish was able to earn money for his own labor, too, and made a reported $600 per year.

With that, the story suggests that over nine years, he was able to save up enough money to purchase, from his owner, emancipation papers for himself and his wife, Lillah. The cost has been stated as $3,000 in some accounts and $3,200 in others. As his early story is summed up in sometimes graphic detail, those precious papers were destroyed in a house fire.

As a result, Cornish could not prove his free status, and subsequently, a group of slave traders captured him to take him to New Orleans. Fortunately, he escaped his captors and, to remain a free man, Cornish took extraordinary steps. Where this event took place is up for debate. Some say it occurred in the river port town of Port Leon, Florida, and others report the gruesome scene was acted out in Louisiana. In every story, he declared that he would never again be another man’s property. He proceeded to make his body undesirable for the slave

STORY OF STRENGTH

trade to ensure that fact.

In full view of the crowd assembled, Cornish stabbed himself in the leg, slashed a muscle in his ankle, and cut off one of the fingers on his left BRAD hand. Friends who BERTELLI had gathered for the event placed Cornish is an author, speaker, and Flor- in a wheelbarrow and ida Keys historian. brought him home, His latest book, where he eventually “The Florida Keys recovered from his selfSkunk Ape Files,” inflicted wounds. As is a fun blend of two of his favorite for the severed finger, subjects — Florida it is said he or at least Keys history and someone sewed it back the Skunk Ape. on with a needle and thread.

Andrew “Sandy” Cornish and Lillah would eventually make their way to Key West in the late 1840s. Circa 1850, they bought a farm in the area of present-day Truman Avenue and Simonton Street.

They grew fruits and vegetables on the farm that were sold to locals, soldiers and Key West markets. The Cornish farm is said to have been the island’s first successful farm, and Sandy, as those around him knew him, grew to become one of the richest men on the island. He also became one of Key West’s civic and spiritual leaders.

In 1864, the future parishioners of what became the Cornish Chapel of the African Methodist Episcopal Church began to meet under the shade of a Spanish lime tree. That same year, Rev. Wilbur Garrison Strong of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Hartford, Connecticut, came to Key West to serve the growing congregation. Strong is considered to be the first black ordained minister in Florida.

Cornish died in 1869 and would never see the church that bears his name. The Cornish Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, at 702 Whitehead Street, was built by its parishioners in 1885. It became the first church organized by and for the island’s black community. When completed, it served as a place of worship, a school and a place of retreat when a safe place was needed.

Cornish was buried at the Key West Cemetery. Over the years, the marker that had been placed to honor him disappeared, and the location of his body was lost. It took time, but in 2014 a plaque was installed at the cemetery to honor his memory. His likeness can be found at the Mallory Square Sculpture Garden, as his is one of the busts of those men and women who have played significant roles in Key West’s remarkable history.

12

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

COMMISSIONERS TAKE TALLAHASSEE A BREAKNECK PACE IS THE RULE AS COUNTY REPS ADVOCATE FOR LOCAL ISSUES CHARLOTTE TWINE

Snake Creek Bridge is raised to let larger boats pass through. FDOT officials are looking into replacing the bridge with a fixed-span bridge. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

www.keysweekly.com

F

or their visit to Tallahassee on Jan. 18 and 19, Monroe County Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson handed commissioners Michelle Coldiron and Holly Raschein a schedule that would have made the average person dizzy just by looking at it: The packed agenda included at least 20 meetings and two pending ones.

The occasion? The county’s lobbying teams and commissioners were in the state capital for the legislative session to advocate for local issues and also to attend Legislative Day for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) as well as for the Small County Coalition.

Coldiron described the pace to Keys Weekly. “It’s fast and furious,” she said. “We got into the airport at 11, grabbed a bite of lunch, then met with (State Rep. Jim) Mooney. We were running from the House side to the Senate side to the governor’s office.”

Tennyson provided a list of the issues to keep mentioning to governor’s staff, senators and representatives as they took meetings: stewardship funding for water quality projects, pump-out funding, anchoring bill, infrastructure money … and much more.

Both Coldiron and Raschein emphasized that Sunshine Law issues did not come into play. The Sunshine Law decrees that meetings of government agencies and representatives — and discussions of pending local issues — shall be open to the public.

“When Michelle and I are taking meetings in Tallahassee, we are there to discuss the county’s legislative agenda, which has already been publicly discussed and voted on in a BOCC meeting prior to any commissioners traveling to Tallahassee to advocate on behalf of the County,” said Raschein.

The commissioners also noted that Raschein’s experience in the capital as a state representative was an asset for the meetings.

Monroe County commissioners pack in as many meetings as possible during visits to Tallahassee to advocate for issues that are important to residents. From left: Commissioner Holly Raschein, State Sen. Anna Maria Rodriguez and Commissioner Michelle Coldiron. CONTRIBUTED

“Holly still knows so many of the elected officials there,” pointed out Coldiron. “Even though we didn’t have a set meeting, she would jump into offices and I would just follow her: ‘Hey, we’re here.’ We got meetings with legislators we might not have had. I presented more as a ‘boots on the ground’ approach and her whole way was saying, ‘How much more time do you have before you vote?’ She had a different lingo.

It made it really good, because we could play off of each other.”

Coldiron pointed out that she is running for second vice president of the FAC, and therefore is on a path to be its president in four years.

“This means that Monroe County will have a bigger presence and be in Tallahassee more often,” she said, pointing out that the goal for all 67 counties in Florida is “to protect home rule.”

The issues that were most important to Raschein during this visit included “continued funding of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, advocating on issues related to Citizens Property Insurance, and working to refine legislation related to anchoring and mooring.”

But even after this whirlwind January visit, the commissioners will still have more chances to represent Monroe County’s taxpayers at the state capital.

“During the state of Florida’s 60-day legislative session, we visit Tallahassee once or twice a month,” said Raschein.

THE BRIDGE TO IMPROVEMENT?

T

Snake Creek project on county’s priority list

he Florida Keys Transportation Coordination Committee (FKTCC) recently met to recommend and rank a set of potential solution projects approved in the U.S. 1 Transportation Master Plan (TMP).

The list will be presented to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) this month for approval to be given to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to include in the 5-year work plan.

In 2021, the county hosted public input workshops and online questionnaires to put together the TMP. The final product had 183 projects on the solutions list, of which 58 were already in the current FDOT work program.

Before the process was completed, the county created the FKTCC. The committee has a representative from each of the five municipalities in Monroe County and one from the BOCC, in a new process that brings a collective voice to ranking the projects.

“It is very momentous to have a collaborative process including the municipalities,” said Monroe County Mayor David Rice, who has prioritized transportation issues in Monroe County. “This selection process gives each body a voice, and I think this process will bode well for us with future projects.”

The elected boards of the county and municipalities narrowed their concerns to the top 10 to 15 for each area. County staff then merged the collective results to 36 items, which the FKTCC ranked.

The highest-ranked items from that list include adding bus stops and improving associated amenities, enhancing cycling lanes and pedestrian facilities, improvements to problematic intersections, adding more turn lanes and signs, potential changes to the Upper Keys weigh station, prioritizing Snake Creek Bridge reconstruction, improving and increasing public transit opportunities including the possible development of “park and rides,” and consideration of a Miami-Key West water ferry service.

“Traffic was in the top three of concerns of residents in the five-year Strategic Plan and was the number one concern in follow-up town halls held in 2021,” said Kimberly Matthews, Monroe County’s director of strategic planning. “A safe, sustainable, and efficient U.S. 1 is a top priority for the county and municipalities.”

More information about the TMP and FKTCC is at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/transportation.

— Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

TRUE GRIT TEEN JAYDEN FERRELL IS THE DEFINITION OF PERSEVERANCE CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

O

n Jan. 25, when 16-year-old Jayden Ferrell was presented with a GEMS (Great Education Moments for Students) award by the Monroe County School District at its board meeting, many of his family members attended to watch. As Superintendent Theresa Axford handed over the award, his family stood and, smiling broadly, took photos with their phones as his mother, Sophia Baker, jumped into the group who were posing around Jayden.

While introducing 11th-grade Coral Shores High School student Jayden, Amber Archer Acevedo, the coordinator of community relations for the district, said, “Jayden is the true demonstration of perseverance and grit. Jayden was born blind, and he uses braille and braille technology with his advanced placement and academic classes, as well as in his personal life. Jayden has faced many challenges, physically, emotionally and personally. But he never lets that stop him. … He has goals, and we have no doubt he has what it takes to get there.”

Jayden was kind enough to answer some questions from the Keys Weekly: Jayden, how do you do homework in braille? When I hand in homework, it’s written in braille, then it’s printed out in print.

A special computer does that. I have it with me. I bring it to school and take it home.

What extra school activities are you involved in? Drama Club and Mock Trial.

Mock Trial is for people who want to go into law. We go over cases and go to competitions. I like it, it’s fun.

Jayden Ferrell is presented with a GEMS Award on Jan. 25 from the Monroe County School Board in honor of his resilience over personal challenges. From left: Superintendent Theresa Axford, Jayden, board chair John Dick, and Jayden’s mother, Sophia Baker. CONTRIBUTED

What do you want to be when you grow up? I like arguing, and I like being right.

And I like being paid for it, so I’d like to be a lawyer for my career.

Who do you credit for helping you succeed in school? I guess my parents.

My mom was always really supportive and encouraging and made sure education was important. My dad helped me get through middle school. I probably would have failed middle school if not for my parents. They were hard years. Teenage life is hard. Those years, I really didn’t know who I was yet. I did a lot of dumb things. I wasn’t motivated to do any work. My father started teaching me braille early, when I was 2.

What would you say to other children of color who are having problems and aren’t motivated in school? That’s a hard question. I guess, figure out who you are early in life so you won’t have to deal with it in the future. It was a mental journey I went through. A lot of my family would tell me things, family advice. After they were done, I’d store it away and see how I felt about it. If I liked it, I kept it. If I didn’t, I’d turn it around to something I like.

How can white people support people of color? I don’t know how to answer that.

Maybe less stereotypes.

What superpower would you most like to have, and why? Teleportation.

Because why not? It would make life a lot easier. Either that, or clone myself so one of me could go to school while the other one could sleep.

If you could make a rule for the whole world to follow, what would it be?

Make the weekends longer. School should be three days, and weekends should be four days. The economy would rise. Thursday to Sunday, everyone would get involved in stuff. The plan can’t go wrong.

What makes you laugh? Not much. I like sitcoms and stuff. They make me laugh.

The last one I saw was “My Wife and Kids.” I guess I just know how to make other people laugh.

Finish this sentence: The hardest part about being a kid is… Living up to parents’ expectations. But when you get to a certain age, you question if you want to live to their expectations or go higher than that. When I was 10, 11, 12, I realized I wanted to be better than this. I don’t want to stay in the Keys the rest of my life. I want to live my life to the fullest and have opportunities they never had.

Jayden, what else would you like to tell the readers of this newspaper? Sleep more.

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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16

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

LOUNGE ADDS TO NIGHT-OUT EXPERIENCE

There’s a new spot to check out above Square Grouper JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

W

ith top-notch service and an eclectic menu, Square Grouper didn’t take long to establish itself as one of the premier dining destinations in the Florida Keys.

Upstairs from the restaurant, a lounge is adding to the guest experience with a raw bar, craft cocktails and views of Florida Bay. March 2019 marked the beginning of Square Grouper at MM 80.4 in Islamorada for owner Lynn Bell. With help from her son, Joe, who manages the restaurant, and daughter, Sarah, the three transformed an old boathouse into an elegant, waterfront restaurant serving roughly 400 guests a night.

Entering through Square Grouper’s front doors, guests are now finding their way upstairs to find a lounge-like atmosphere with comfy couches and seats, a long bar and tables situated by large windows overlooking a beautiful bay during sunset. With Sunset Lounge’s quiet opening last July, Bell said, it allowed them to establish an identity and fine-tune certain aspects to provide an experience many guests come back for.

“What I always imagined with Sunset Lounge is a small place,” he said. “What we really specialize in upstairs is the raw aspect.

We’re bringing in six different types of oysters from the East Coast and West Coast every night. We have fresh wahoo and local fish that we use for our ceviches and sashimi.”

Sunset Lounge also specializes in craft cocktails that use inhouse syrups and freshly-squeezed juices. Guests can order the Hot Flash, which is made with Don Julio Blanco, blood orange, habanero simple and black lava salt around the edge. There’s also the Morada Sunset that’s made with Empress 1908 gin, chai tea lemon and aqua faba.

“We’re doing something cooler and a little more upscale upstairs, which I'm super excited about,” Bell said. “Bartenders come and prep three hours a day to ensure what we're serving in cocktails is the best product available.”

As for dishes, Sunset Lounge offers the crispy cornmeal fried raspberry oyster. There’s also pork belly served with pickled ginger and shallot and the seafood tower, which features tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, ceviche with yellowtail and Florida lobster and an assortment of oysters and stone crab claws.

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1. A large seafood tower with tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, ceviche with yellowtail and Florida lobster and an assortment of oysters and stone crab claws.

2. From top, a Mary James watermelon margarita, a blood orange habanero and a Morada Sunset gin cocktail.

3. Crispy cornmeal fried raspberry oyster.

4. Pork belly with pickled ginger and shallot.

5. Sunset Lounge bartender James Pratt poses with a blood orange habanero.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

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“Our executive chef Enrique Costa is proven and well versed in preparing raw seafood,” Bell said. “I’m able to give him the reins and experiment and serve an awesome product at the end of the day.”

To top it off, cider donuts come with a cinnamon glaze and warm, Belgian chocolate sauce.

With high demand for seats at Square Grouper come wait times.

While Bell said they don’t do reservations for numerous reasons, he wanted to give guests a different experience where they could have a spot to enjoy drinks, ceviches and carpaccios while waiting for a table. Bell said people can now have a night out with Sunset Lounge complementing Square Grouper.

“We’re giving them a holistic experience that they’ll remember going forward,” he said. “I feel like we’ve been doing a great job at that.”

With a successful start for Sunset Lounge, Bell said he’s looking to add more dimensions to the dining experience upstairs with live music and reverse happy hours.

“I eventually want a nightlife scene upstairs from 10 p.m. to midnight with cocktails and good music and things of that nature,” he said. “I think it will be really cool because there’s not many high-end late-night spots down here.”

Sunset Lounge is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:20 to 11 p.m.

For more information visit sunsetloungeislamorada.com.

17

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022 SPONSORED BY:

KEEPING COOL DESPITE THE COLD IDC instructor Matt Johnson with newly certified divers Dylan and Jennifer. ERIC BILLIPS/Contributed

CONSERVATION TIP

This Week’s Dive Report The winds were blowing, but we got through the week in one piece. Then, over the weekend, the north wind rolled in and brought with it some arctic temperatures. If you somehow missed it, it was iguanasfalling-out-of-trees, bring-your-pandemic-plants-inside cold.

Despite these conditions and temperatures, we were able to run a few dive trips. Of course, divers ERIC who could change their itineraries to avoid the cold BILLIPS weather did so. However, some of our adventurous students needed to earn their certifications and didn’t is the owner, have other days scheduled, so they bundled up and captain and took a giant stride off the boat. And, if they’re game, so instructor at Islamorada Dive are we.

Center and Florida When it’s this cold, it’s really important to wear an Keys Dive Center. appropriate exposure suit. This not only keeps you He specializes in scuba, rebreather, warm but also safe. A proper exposure suit can make all the difference between a “fresh” and chilly dive or spearfishing and captaining in the serious health concerns if body temperatures get too Florida Keys. low.

Even though it’s Florida, these low temperatures had people packing their 7mm thicker suits, doubling up and even considering going with their dry suits.

In the end, everyone was appropriately geared up and enjoyed their dips in the ocean. When we surfaced, the air was colder than the water. If that doesn’t make you want to stay under the surface, nothing will.

Next Week’s Dive Report This week, we should see our air and water temperatures return

There are a ton of conservation certifications for new and seasoned divers.

These include Lionfish Eradication, Underwater Hunter, Shark Aware Diver and Underwater Photography, to name a few.

to normal for Florida winter. That means: sunny and mild. This is perfect February weather in the Keys, and a great time to get out on the water.

Something to remember whenever you’re diving in the winter is to bring good boat gear for your surface interval. A great beanie or a warm coat can really help to keep your blood circulating and your body warm.

Another tip for winter diving is to pour really hot water into a Yeti, Nalgele or other water bottle that retains heat. Then, when you’re done with your dive, you have a hot shower in a bottle!

Conservation Update Another week, another successful coral planting trip! As of this last trip, I.CARE sits at a total of 2,910 corals outplanted by 630 recreational divers.

This has been accomplished in just over a year, which is wild. It’s truly been a labor of love and a community project from the start. Want to be diver 631? Give us or Key Dives a call to join the next coral planting trip.

Even in the cold, it’s worth it.

I.CARE Come support I.CARE at the Sandbar Rooftop Bar (MM 83.4 Oceanside) on Feb. 16 from 5 - 9 pm! It’s a Full Moon Party with a portion of the proceeds donated to I.CARE.

Proud supporters of conservation efforts across the beautiful Florida Keys

18

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER PRESENTS . . .

Key Limes, Bonefish and Hurricanes:

The Lancelot Jones Story Presented by Dr. John Nordt, Historian Sponsored in memory of Robert L. Mitchell

Now Offered In Person and Virtually!

This talk centers around Lancelot Jones and his family, who were a part of the pioneer community on Elliott Key and other nearby islands at the northern end of the Florida Keys. Spanning the late 19th into 20th century, the Jones family amassed significant acreage for farming pineapples and Key limes, becoming one of the largest Key lime producers in Florida prior to World War II. In the post-War years, Lancelot gained prominence as a fishing guide, plying the waters of Biscayne Bay with a client list that included three U.S. presidents. Through the lens of this family, we also learn of the history of Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and Biscayne Bay as well as pioneer life in the Keys from wrecking, agriculture, development, and ultimately the creation of Biscayne National Park.

Wednesday, Feb. 9

In-person registration closes Tuesday, Feb. 8. 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.

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.

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MOSAIC MURAL TOURS KEYS

The 10th annual Connections Project opening ceremony welcomed a host of guests.

Work features hundreds of artists

A

mosaic featuring hundreds of artists began its tour through the Keys. The 10th annual Connections Project made its first stop at Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo for an opening reception on Jan. 31. Put on by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the work includes nearly 400 6- by 6-inch canvases created by artists and community members, showing art’s connection to the Florida Keys. The project will be on display at Baker’s Cay Resort though Feb. 5 before it reaches Our Place in Paradise in Tavernier on Saturday, Feb. 5. It’ll then reach Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty in Islamorada on Wednesday, Feb. 16 before heading south to Shady Palm Art Gallery in Marathon on Tuesday, March 8. The work will reach its final destination at the Gato Building in Key West on Tuesday, May 10.

— Jim McCarthy

The mural includes nearly 400 6-by 6-inch canvases created by artists and community members.

Susann D'Antonio, Monroe County Art in Public Places chair, left; Elizabeth Young, executive director for the Florida Keys Arts Council; Joy Boyd, Baker's Cay Resort general manager; and Barbara Weikel, Florida Keys Art Council board chair.

Photos by Jill Miranda Baker.

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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20

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

INTERSECTION PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION IN TAVERNIER Intersection improvements are nearing completion at U.S. 1 and Burton Drive in Tavernier. Since July, crews have been revamping and enhancing an intersection that’s seen its share of incidents over the years. With a price tag of $1.1 million, crews worked to realign Burton Drive, the road leading to Harry Harris Park, to provide 90-degree intersection crossings at the northbound and southbound legs of U.S. 1. New signals were also installed at the intersection, but those aren’t functioning yet. Modifications were made to the driveway to Shell and Circle K gas stations. New crosswalks were added on the east leg of Burton Drive northbound on U.S. 1, and a new crosswalk was installed northbound on U.S. 1 from Burton Drive to the Circle K. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

BRIEFLY Florida gas prices surged 12 cents last week Gas prices spiked last week, rising an average of 12 cents per gallon in Florida. Drivers are now paying an average price of $3.35, which is just 1 cent less than last year's high. The 2021 high of $3.36 per gallon was the most expensive daily price since September 2014.

"The effects of rising oil prices are now beginning to be felt at the pump," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA The Auto Club Group. "Crude oil prices have risen early and often in 2022. The price of crude has already surpassed last year's highs, driven by ongoing concerns that global oil supplies will struggle to keep up with soaring demand in 2022. Unfortunately for drivers, it doesn't seem that oil prices will see any significant relief anytime soon. Gas prices may only get more expensive as fuel demand increases because of spring break and summer road trips."

First Friday concert series welcomes Pitch Meeting Band Pitch Meeting Band, a collective of Nashville songwriters and artists, will play Friday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at Key Largo library. They feature talent and virtuosic playing along with a relatable and artistic form of songwriting. Their influences range from Norah Jones, Allman Brothers and Jackson Brown. Their three-part harmonies, bass and slide guitar solos keep audiences engaged.

Movie under the Stars set in Islamorada The family-friendly Movie Under the Stars will kick off Saturday, Feb. 12 at Islamorada’s Founders Park with the featured presentation “The Croods: A New Age.” The kickoff party will go from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with the showtime set for 7:15 p.m. A Moveable Feast food truck and Joey’s mini doughnuts will provide food. Admission is free. No coolers are permitted. For more information, contact Founders Park Office at 305853-1685.

Give a pint, get a pint blood drive Islamorada Beverages, in partnership with OneBlood, is hosting a community blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. A big red bus will be on location to help reach our 500-pint goal. Donors will be celebrated and thanked with a drink voucher which can be used at any time.

Nationally and locally, blood supplies have dropped to critically low levels, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early January, the American Red Cross warned of the blood crisis – citing the 62% drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic.

America is facing its most significant shortage in the past 10 years; about 10% lower than historical collections.

Nationwide, many areas have less than a one-day supply of type O blood

— the most needed and transfused blood type that’s vital in emergency situations. There is simply no substitute for blood and volunteer blood donors are the only source for patients in need of blood and blood products. It is a truly life-saving endeavor, and a single donation can save up to three lives. Those who are eligible are urged to share their good health by donating blood. Preregistration is preferred for the Feb. 19 blood drive, however walk-ins will be welcome all day at both locations. Register online at www.OneBlood/DonateNow.org using sponsor code #67024.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at library Families are invited to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Key Largo branch library. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a nationwide challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to their children. By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000-book goal in three years and provide their children essential early literacy skills.

Research shows that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood. Reading to children from an early age can help close the vocabulary gap and prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Most importantly, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading.

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is available to all families with children up to age 5. Registration is open. For more information, call the library at 305- 451-2396, or visit our website, KeysLibraries.org/key-largo/.

This program is free.

Apply for Sanctuary Advisory Council by Feb. 18 Applications for upcoming vacancies on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council are due by Feb. 18. The council represents a wide array of public participation by serving as a liaison between the Florida Keys community and sanctuary superintendent and staff.

Council members serve three-year terms.

FKNMS is recruiting for: citizen at large: Middle Keys (alternate), conservation and environment, seat 2 of 2 (member and alternate), education and outreach (alternate), fishing: charter flats (alternate), fishing: commercial shell/scale (member and alternate), South Florida ecosystem restoration (member and alternate), submerged cultural resources (member and alternate), tourism: Lower Keys (alternate), tourism: Upper Keys (member and alternate).

Application kits are at floridakeys. noaa.gov/sac/recruitment.html. More information is available via email to Elizabeth.Trueblood@noaa.gov.

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

THE FIGHT AGAINST FUR

MARCELLA

A protester holds up a sign with Reef’s picture during a protest in New York City. CONTRIBUTED

Here’s what you can do besides not buying products Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.”

We had quite the week last week in the world of fashion. Two major designers, Moncler and Dolce & Gabbana, announced they will no longer be using real fur in their future collections. That is a big win for us fur-bearing animals all over the globe. I had a great question come into my email over the weekend. I love getting emails.

REEF “Hi Reef! I have a question for your column. BeTHE FOX yond not buying fur products what can the average person do to help stop the fur trade and to encourReef is a red fox that was saved age more companies and communities to ban the from a fur farm. sale of fur?” -Pamela He now lives in Hi Pamela! Thank you so much for the question: Key Largo with It is a really good one and I love that you want to his human, Nicole learn more about how you can help foxes like me.

Navarro.

Aside from not buying fur products, not supporting companies that still sell fur sends a big message. For example, if you love a perfume by Louis Vuitton, stop buying it. Boycotting companies that sell fur, even if you don’t buy fur, is a great way to let them know that you do not approve of what they are doing. You can also send emails to company headquarters politely asking them to adopt a furfree policy and make it known that you will not be spending your money with them until they do.

We are extremely fortunate here in the Florida Keys that we do not see people wearing fur; however, getting cities and counties to implement a ban on new fur sales is a powerful move and one I hope to see happen here. Hallandale Beach recently passed an ordinance banning fur sales, and I truly believe if more jumped on board we could eventually see a statewide ban on fur here in Florida. I said it before in one of my weekly reports and I will say it again now; if any local lawmakers want to come sit down and talk with me and my mom about implementing such a ban here in Monroe County, our doors are open.

As a member of the community, you can also reach out to our county commissioners and bring up the subject. I think it would be amazing for Monroe County to be the first county in Florida to ban fur, don’t you?

Thanks again, Pamela, for emailing me and if anyone else has any questions you can reach me at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org Anywho, that’s about all for this week. My mom heads down to Key West tomorrow, Feb. 4, to be part of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys Unsung Hero luncheon. How cool is that? My mom is definitely my hero even though I love giving her a hard time.

Until next week, Reef, over and out!

M

arcella is a two-year-old female domestic long hair tabby. She was rescued from behind the Key Largo Kmart at three months old with her brother, Jerry, who is also available for adoption at the Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS).

One day, there was bad weather and an area behind Kmart was flooded.

Marcella was found here with her mother and two other siblings. Unfortunately, one of the kittens drowned. So Marcella, Jerry and their mom were brought into the shelter. All three were extremely feral. After the mom nursed them, UKHS spayed and released her. Marcella and Jerry became a little more friendly, but they were still scared. UKHS spayed, neutered and then released them.

Marcella started trusting UKHS staff and returned to the shelter. She has her own kennel and is still waiting for her “furever” home. She is friendly and likes to be petted. She will twirl around your legs and beg for attention. She knows which kennel is hers, and she will jump in it for lunch time. She gets along with other cats and does not mind dogs.

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Feb. 3 • Yappy Hour for MarrVelous Pet Rescues from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, Islamorada.

Friday, Feb. 4 • First Friday concert featuring Pitch Meeting Band at 6 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• The Speakeasy benefitting Treasure Village Montessori, from 6 to 11 p.m. at a location obtained through reservation by calling 305-395-2820.

• Florida Keys Astronomy Club’s Starry Night at 5:40 p.m. at Curry Hammock State Park, Marathon.

Saturday, Feb. 5 • Coral Isles Church Winter Fest from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MM 90, oceanside, Islamorada.

• Roar of the Train to Hum of the Cars presentation from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at Long Key State Park.

Sunday, Feb. 6 • 13th annual Ralphie Walk — A Bra/Pub/Poker Walk for Charity at 11 a.m. at Caribbean Club, Key Largo.

• Car show and live entertainment to benefit Monroe County Musicians Relief Fund at Florida Keys Elks Lodge, Tavernier.

Saturday, Feb. 12 • Movie Under the Stars begins at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park.

• Explore the shore from 2 to 2:30 p.m. at Long Key State Park.

Wednesday, Feb. 16 • Meet the Author series welcomes Jerry Wilkinson at 6 p.m. at Key Largo Library.

• Monroe County School District town hall meeting on the strategic plan at 5:30 p.m. at Coral Shores High School Auditorium.

Thursday, Feb. 17 • Regular Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

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

• Community Foundation of the Florida Keys 25th Silver Anniversary Gala from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, Key West.

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

22

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

AN ECLECTIC CROWD KATO KAELIN AND PITCHER TOMMY JOHN HANG OUT IN KEY WEST MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

From left, Itamar Zorman, violin, Lisa Stepanova, piano, and Alice Yoo, cello. CONTRIBUTED

TUNES THROUGH TIME Musician trio plays music spanning various centuries ASTA KRASKOUSKAS www.keysweekly.com

F

lorida Keys Concert Association (FLKCA) produced its third concert of the season with a trio of musicians on Feb. 1. The concert was sponsored by the History of Diving Museum.

At the beginning of the concert, Norman Werbner, FLKCA program director, welcomed the musicians: Itamar Zorman, violin, Lisa Stepanova, piano, and Alice Yoo, cello. Yoo flew from Colorado to substitute for the third trio member who was not able to come.

In the first part, the trio played music from three different eras. Enrique Granados composed in the beginning of the 20th century. The trio played Granados’ Intermezzo from his opera “Goyescas,” the best-known part of the opera. Granados wrote this opera portraying paintings of his favorite Spanish painter Goya. The second piece was Piano Trio in E-flat Major of Franz Joseph Haydn, a composer of the 18th century. Haydn was a composer of many genres.

“This is a more mature piece.

Throughout the piece, one will be surprised by the sounds of a symphony, a string quartet,” Zorman said.

The first part ended with music composed by Brian Raphael Nabors, a contemporary 31-year-old composer from Birmingham, Alabama. Nabors wrote his Piano Trio in 2019. The piece is based on a narrative of “Dr. Jekyll

and Mr. Hyde,” a novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is a musical battle between a split personality, where good battles evil.

The trio ended the concert with Piano Trio in B-flat Major by Franz Schubert. The composer wrote this trio in 1828, the last year of his short life. Schubert died when he was 31 years old.

“B-flat Major music is a journey going as deep as possible into the human soul,” Zorman said. “The four movements transition from heroic, to lyrical, then jokingly ends up in different parts of a country site.

Quite wonderful.”

In the closing note, Zorman thanked FLKCA for its patience and hospitality. The violinist recognized difficulties and challenges in putting on a concert these days.

Sally Bauer, sponsor of the concert (Sally and her husband founded the History of Diving Museum many years ago by donating their personal collection), and a season ticket holder, said: “I am a purist. I like soothing music. Listening to Nabors’ music, I wondered about the violin’s 400 years old instrument’s creation of new sounds. Contemporary music shocks, but it is a good shock.”

Rastrelli Cello Quartet will play Monday, Feb. 14 at Marathon High School and Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Coral Shores High School. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door are $30. More information is at FLKCA.com.

Key West Weekly editor Mandy Miles has dinner with baseball pitching legend Tommy John on Jan. 30 in the Hemingway Room of the Southernmost Mansion. CONTRIBUTED

Bestselling author and Key West resident Alessandra Torre enjoys the original Hemingway letters and memorabilia inside the Southernmost Mansion.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

A

n athlete, an author and a reality star walk into a bar…

It sounds like the start of a joke, but it actually happened on Jan. 30 at Key West’s Southernmost Mansion.

Talent representative Bill Francis of The Nova Group, who lives in Key West and Tampa, emailed me the day before with an interesting invitation.

He said he had Major League Baseball pitching legend Tommy John, “along with the world’s most famous houseguest, Kato Kaelin, and novelist Alessandra Torre all getting together at the Seaside Cafe at the Mansion, 1400 Duval St. “It’s a very eclectic group and an interesting combo,” Francis wrote.

And it was.

Kaelin was planning to emcee a show that night at Comedy Key West, and Tommy John (no relation to the men’s underwear brand) was here with his wife, Cheryl, and their two sweet dogs, “Arnold Palmer” and “Jack Nicklaus.”

Kaelin became a household name in 1995, when he testified at O.J. Simpson’s murder trial as the resident of a guesthouse on the Simpsons’ property. He has since had several acting and reality show gigs.

John pitched for 26 seasons in the major leagues and played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, California Angels, and Oakland Athletics.

His nickname was the “Bionic Man,” following groundbreaking

Kato Kaelin, known as the world’s most famous houseguest after he testified in the O.J. Simpson 1995 murder trial, enjoys a dinner at the Southernmost Mansion in Key West on Jan. 30.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

elbow surgery that prolonged his career. The now-common orthopedic procedure is known as “Tommy John surgery.”

Now 78, John “was a four-time MLB All-Star and has the third-most wins (288) of any pitcher since 1900 not in the Hall of Fame. Known for his longevity, John was the Opening Day starter for both the 1966 Chicago White Sox and the 1989 New York Yankees,” states his Wikipedia bio.

Torre is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 23 novels, including multiple New York Times bestsellers. She is now a Key West resident.

As always, Michael Halpern was an impeccable host at the Southernmost Mansion for one of those only-in-Key-West gatherings.

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Mod Photo Booth located at 91220 Overseas Highway, Unit 163, Tavernier, FL 33070 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KE Creatives Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of DiagNation.com located at 50 Snapper Avenue, Suite A, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: GSS Enterprises, Inc. Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE STORAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. STORAGE UNIT 77 – RICK BILBREY Upon a cursory inspection, the unit was found to contain: Business Property & Records Items will be sold or otherwise disposed of at this site on FEBRUARY 15, 2022 at 9:00AM at the address below, to satisfy owner’s lien in accordance with State Statutes, Sections 83:801 to 83:909. Terms of the sale are cash. No checks will be accepted.

All goods are sold in “as is” condition. Tax must be paid or resale numbers furnished. Buyer must provide own lock if needed.

Seller reserves the right to overbid. All items or spaces may not be available on date of sale.

George Sands Storage Solutions, Inc. 90080 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Publish: January 27 & February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be selling a number of surplus vehicles by sealed bids.

All bids must be received by 10:00am on Tuesday March 1st, 2022. The bids will be opened publicly on Tuesday March 1st, 2022 at 10:30am.

A list of vehicles to be sold may be viewed on our website; www. keysso.net.

Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building 1st floor reception, or by contacting: Michael Cabot 305-293-7477 305-797-0115 Michael Griffin 305-292-6832 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 5525 College Rd, Key West, Fl. 33040 The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Headquarters building at 5525 College Rd., Key West, Fl. 33040 20 – VEHICLES On the following dates and times: February 22nd, 2022 9:00am – 11:00am February 24th, 2022 2:00pm – 4:00pm The Sheriff’s Office makes no representation or guarantee of mechanical condition.

All sales are, as is, no warranty. All sales are final.

Publish: February 3 & 10, 2022

DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).

Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday February 25, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. The application can be mailed or emailed to laura@ fla-keys.com. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Exterior Painting of Big Pine Key Fire Station 03/09/2022 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, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 9, 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 (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156 (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CULVERT INSTALLATION WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CANAL #259 BIG PINE 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 at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids.com.

The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on March 10, 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: Request for Proposal for Culvert Installation Water Quality Improvement Project Canal #259 Big Pine Key 03/10/2022 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, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 10, 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 (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156 (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on April 12, 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: International Sales Agency based in the United Kingdom for Monroe County Tourist Development Council covering United Kingdom; Ireland; Scandinavia; Italy; Germany; Austria; Switzerland; and Benelux 04/12/2022 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, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 12, 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 (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156 (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform by following the detailed instructions below. The public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV on Comcast Channel 76, AT&T U-verse Channel 99 or on the County’s web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx.

Simply select the “Watch Live” banner to view the live meeting with live closed-captioning on an integrated page that includes the Agenda and Agenda Backup.

If a citizen has a Roku device, they can search for and add “MCTV” to their personal lineup.

Monroe County’s “MCTV” is also provided via the Monroe County mobile apps for iOS and Android and through our streaming web portal @ https://monroe-fl.vod.castus.tv/ vod/?live=ch1&nav=live.

Citizens can listen to audio-only from their phones by dialing (646) 518-9805 or (669) 9006833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID 883 5208 1128 followed by the # key.

The public can comment during the live Public Hearing either by phoning in or by connecting to the live Zoom webinar link using the following instructions: a) To comment on an item by phone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID 883 5208 1128 followed by the # key, then *9 to “Raise your Hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host. b) To comment on an item using the live Zoom webinar link: Open this live Zoom webinar link @ https://www.monroecountyfl.gov/BOCCMeetingFeb16 (that also appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet). When prompted, enter your email address and name to join the webinar. When the Mayor calls for speakers on the item(s) on which you wish to comment, or when the Board is nearing your item(s) as the meeting progresses, select the “Raised Hand” feature that appears at the bottom of the Zoom webinar screen to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host.

The Zoom webinar host will request the item # on which you wish to speak and enable your participation when the Mayor calls for public speakers on your item. To report problems with the broadcast or participation in the Zoom webinar, please call (305) 872-8831.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 27th day of January, 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meeting via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

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

Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@ keysarts.com Art in Public Places February 8, 2022, 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 815 2722 3406 Passcode: 872197 Executive Committee Meeting February 25, 2022, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 886 1783 4070 Passcode: 369884 Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: EXTERIOR PAINTING OF BIG PINE KEY FIRE STATION MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids.com.

The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on March 9, 2022. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: HISTORIC COURTHOUSE DOOR REPLACEMENT & 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 at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on March 8, 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: HISTORIC COURTHOUSE DOOR REPLACEMENT & REPAIR 03/08/2022 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,in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov.The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 8, 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 (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156 (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: INTERNATIONAL SALES AGENCY BASED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COVERING UNITED KINGDON; IRELAND; SCANDINAVIA; ITALY; GERMANY; AUSTRIA; SWITZERLAND; AND BENELUX MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids.com.

The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on February 16, 2022 at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, CREATING SECTION 22-129 OF ARTICLE VI OTHER MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNITS IN CHAPTER 22 SPECIAL DISTRICTS, OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE BY RE-ADOPTING AND CODIFYING ORDINANCE 0311988 (FIRE AND AMBULANCE DISTRICT 1) AS AMENDED HEREIN, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE 033-1996 AMENDING SECTION 3 AND ORDINANCE 004-2002 IN ORDER TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE LOWER AND MIDDLE KEYS FIRE AND AMBULANCE DISTRICT TO FIRE AND AMBULANCE DISTRICT 1; DELETING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE 031-1988 AND RENUMBERING THE REMAINING SECTIONS; CREATING FIRE AND AMBULANCE DISTRICT 1; SETTING FORTH THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; SETTING FORTH THE COMPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING BODY; PROVIDING FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GOVERNING BODY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public can participate in the February 16, 2022, meeting of the Board of County

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000016-P IN RE: ESTATE OF PETER K. SWENSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of PETER K. SWENSON, deceased, whose date of death was July 19, 2021; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number: 22-CP-000016-P the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, 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 other 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 FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: February 3, 2022.

Personal Representative: CYNTHIA C. SWENSON 295 South Harbor Drive Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 Turner & Lynn, PA 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: February 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2021-CP-139-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ESCHOL DOUGLAS CALDWELL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Eschol Douglas Caldwell, deceased, whose date of death was July 13, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ 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 February 3, 2022.

Personal Representatives: Craig Alexander Caldwell 90154 Overseas Highway, #3 Tavernier, Florida 33070 Bryan Douglas Caldwell 90154 Overseas Highway, #3 Tavernier, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Nicholas W. Mulick

LEGAL NOTICES E-mail Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com Florida Bar No. 337757 Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-9292 Publish: February 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-05-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN A. KORNETTI Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John A. Kornetti, deceased, whose date of death was December 11, 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: February 3, 2022.

Personal Representative: Paul A. Kornetti 2994 Overseas Highway 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: February 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-9-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT EDWARD HUNTLEY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROBERT EDWARD HUNTLEY, deceased, whose date of death was DECEMBER 2, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, TAVERNIER, FL 33070.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

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: February 3, 2022.

Personal Representative: MARGARET HARRISON c/o R.T. McDaniel, Jr., Esq. P.O. Box 144555, Coral Gables, FL 33114-4555 Attorney for Personal Representative: R. THORNTON McDANIEL, JR. Email Addresses: thornatty@ gmail.com Florida Bar No. 855715 P.O. Box 144555 Coral Gables, FL 33114-4555 Telephone: 305-815-3777 Publish: February 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

FILE NO.: 22-CP-000012-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ELENA MARIE DIMAGGIO, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ELENA MARIE DIMAGGIO, deceased, whose date of death was December 9, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 3, 2022.

Personal Representative: David Carmen DiMaggio 117 Marina Avenue Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 AV Law PLLC 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw. com Publish: February 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 27, 2022.

Personal Representative: JEREMY H. FITZGERALD 33 Thatch Palm Way Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 Turner & Lynn, PA 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: January 27 & February 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

The Cabana Club, a ocean front private swim club, is seeking a part time line cook.

Perfect second job. Club is open 10am - 7pm daily. Located in Key Colony Beach. Hourly pay commensurate with experience.

Beautiful environment, small friendly staff, open year round. Apply in person, email resume to atpor call 305 3930631 ask for April.

IN THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000015-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ERICA M. BROWN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ERICA M. BROWN, deceased, whose date of death was January 31, 2021 and whose social security number is XXX-XX-1519, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address, which is Monroe County Courthouse, 302 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040. The name and address of the Personal Representative’s attorney is set forth below.

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

Personal Representative: MARCUS A. BROWN Attorney for Personal Representative: STEPHANIE VILLAVICENCIO, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 84771 ZAMORA, HILLMAN & VILLAVICENCIO 3006 Aviation Avenue, PH 4C Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 Tel.: (305) 285-0285 Fax: (305) 285-3285 svillavicencio@zhvlaw.com Publish: February 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000005-P IN RE: ESTATE OF PETER J. FITZGERALD, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of PETER J. FITZGERALD, deceased, whose date of death was June 23, 2021; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE 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 other 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 FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN THE FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 22-DR-26-M Division: Family ANGELINA REBECCA HOGG, Petitioner, and WAYNE LEE HOGG, JR., Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: WAYNE LEE HOGG, JR. Last Known Address: 3649 LOUISA STREET, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ANGELINA REBECCA HOGG, whose address is 3649 LOUISA STREET, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050, on or before March 4, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.)

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 31st day of January 2022 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Calvin Joseph Deputy Clerk Publish: February 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

BOATS FOR SALE

2003 20' CC Pro Line Sport, 2015 Mercury 150 4-stroke, 2016 All Marine Boat Trailer. Kept on boat lift. Located in Marathon. $22,000 305942-6434 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!!

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

EMPLOYMENT

CENTENNIAL BANK IS H I R I N G !

TELLER II MARATHON/ KEY WEST. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF P O S I T I O N : Conduct transactions with speed, accuracy and efficiency while meeting or exceeding service quality standards.

Safeguard bank assets assigned to them.

Contribute to the growth of the bank by promoting and cross selling bank products and services.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Equivalent to four years high school or GED, with particular emphasis during high school in office skills, shop skills, or others, plus 12 to 18 months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. To apply, please visit our careers page: www.my100bank. com/careers NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARYConcrete Field Testing Technician needed. Full-time. Year round. We train you to go to various job sites and collect samples.

Vehicle provided. Must speak English, live in Middle Keys area and have clean driving record. Starting pay $18/ hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. 305-393-0643

Help Wanted: Piano or guitar player in Marathon area. Short term, light material, private setting.

Call 207-483-6146

Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic.

Boat experience a plus.

Call 305-481-7006 Immediate openings for exp. electricians and helpers (with or without exp. - will train right person). Must have valid Driv. Lic. and clean driving record.

Meacham Electric - Marathon,FL. Call Steve 305-481-0058 or email resume to meachst@outlook.com 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.

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 FullTime office employee position.

Customer service, billing and scheduling required.

Knowledge of Quickbooks, Microsoft Office & Outlook is preferred. 305-292-3369

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

THE STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Students at Ocean Studies Charter School perform a song in remembrance of Pascal Weisberger during a dedication ceremony at the school on Feb. 2. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

PASCAL’S LAB Classroom named after boy who loved environment and creatures JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

O

cean Studies Charter School students gathered in the back courtyard facing the marine science lab. On the window next to the door were a painted jellyfish and turtle. In between those creatures read the words “Pascal Weisberger Discovery Lab.” A tragedy in May 2020 took the life of the young explorer Weisberger, who attended Ocean Studies before going on to Treasure Village Montessori. He overcame fears and came to admire the environment and the creatures surrounding him. He cared about animals and respected those who served in the military.

To honor all that he embodied, Key Largo’s Ocean Studies Charter School named its new marine science lab after Weisberger during a special ceremony on Feb. 2. The dedication was part of the annual Pascal’s Day of Service in the Keys, where students performed cleanups and other service projects in the community.

Martha Loizeaux, marine science teacher, took a moment to reflect on her time teaching Pascal in the classroom. A caring soul, Loizeaux said, Pascal was a person one could never forget.

“He had an incredible ability to remember everything, and I mean everything,” she said. “I had a wonderful experience teaching Pascal and going on our big Puerto Rico trip. When he was the only student who would swim out to the far beach with me, I could tell he was scared. But he developed the ability to push past his fears to be able to experience all he could in life.”

Loizeaux also remembered the moment Weisberger overcame his fear of putting his face in the water while snorkeling. With loving encourage-

Ocean Studies Charter School students Logan and Abby discuss kindness projects their classes did in honor of Pascal Weisberger.

Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s dad, holds the Pascal Weisberger Marine Discovery Lab sign alongside Ocean Studies Charter School Marine Science Teacher Martha Loizeaux and students in her class.

ment from his father, Ariel Poholek, he finally plopped his head in the water in amazement.

“He was a changed boy,” she said.

“It’s very hard to lose someone you love like Pascal, but I like to think that he can live on here at our school.”

Loizeaux encouraged students to explore, read, push past fears and love the environment and people with their whole heart.

Donning a shirt with Pascal’s face, Poholek told students and teachers that his son touched many lives in his 14 years. He thrived in a close community with loving people. He enjoyed his experience at Ocean Studies. He possessed remarkable gifts and talents, Poholek said.

“In preschool he had autism spectrum disorder. Communicating was very difficult and socializing was too.

But with many programs and encouragement from family and a whole community, Pascal made progress.

It was largely thanks to everyone at Ocean Studies.”

Weisberger gained confidence and saw remarkable achievements during his years in the Keys. Through time, he went from having trouble talking to making speeches in front of people, including city commissioners in Key West. He became an adventurer after moments of being timid. He took his water fears and went on to become a snorkeler.

“He was good-natured, cheerful, warm, affectionate, caring and loving,” Poholek said. “Pascal was an Ocean Studies kid.”

Students then took to the microphone to relay their class’ service projects in Pascal’s honor during the ceremony. Kennedy said her Dolphins class recently collected items for the 100-plus cats at the Upper Keys Humane Society. Those donations were delivered on Jan. 26.

Nathan said his class did two projects, because “one isn’t enough.” He said his class made flowers out of recyclable materials to spread kindness like wildflowers. A round of applause emerged when he said that his class will also be cleaning the school buses.

The Pascal Weisberger Marine Science Lab plaque will hang above the door to the classroom, said Principal Trisha Woods.

ERIC CLINE FIFTH GRADE

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.

Who is your favorite teacher and why? My favorite teacher is Coach Blake because I really like the games we play at PE. What is your favorite subject and why? I like to learn math. I really like to solve problems.

What’s one of your favorite things to do at school? I like to hang out with my friends.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? I like to eat ramen noodles.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a writer.

What is one favorite way you like to spend your spare time? There’s a place called Jacobs Aquatic Center to go swimming.

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

HOUSING FOR RENT

MISC. FOR SALE

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

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

wCharter 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

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

Call 305-743-4578

Las Brisa - 2BR/2BA Unfurnished, great view, W/D, covered parking.

WWWTennis, Swimming Pool & BBQ on property.

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

wwwDiveFloridaKeys .com can be yours! Web Domain/Existing Site for Sale. Owned for 25 years - retiring. Can't beat the "key words". Please visit www.DiveFloridaKeys. com and call Julie for more information. $5000.00 OBO 352-6011454

LOT FOR SALE

MISC. WANTED

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

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 SPACE FOUND IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

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

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

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

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.

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work!

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

Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@ g m a i l . c o m 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 multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older, Full-time Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@ sweetsavannahs.com

Fl Keys Diesel Marathon now hiring: Diesel Technician - C o m p e t i t i v e compensation package.

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

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

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

Company willing to train.

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

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

HOMES FOR SALE

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

MISC. FOR SALE

SECURITY GUARD W/ LICENSE Duck Key

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

Ralons Security 786-615-5522 Lic# B1500167

OFFICE/COMMERC. SPACE FOR RENT

Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @ MM92. Call 305-3940530 Place your Office/ Commercial Space For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

NOW HIRING Full or Part Time Guest Services

Answer phones, take reservations, greet customers with a smile. Cashier responsibilities, must be able to multi task.

Please apply in person at

Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

ABSOLUTE AUCTION Tuesday February 8th @ 11AM YUMBRELLA COLLECTIVE EATERY 5701 Sunset Dr., Bay 194, Miami, FL 33143

HIRING NOW!

*Located in Sunset Palace Plaza*

Bid In-Person or Online @ Proxibid.Com/TobyNeverett

COMPLETE RESTAURANT

(2) Blodgett Dbl Stack Convection Ovens, Continental Mug Froster, (6) Fryers, (10) Air Curtains, 100+ Matching Chairs, 40 Solid Wood Tables, (2) Hoshizaki Ice Makers (4 Months Young), (2) 36” Griddles, 36” Griddle w/ Oven, Assorted Stainless Steel Tables, Southbend 6 Burner Range, Continental 2 Door Stainless Cooler, (2) FULL Bars, Continental Glass Door Back Bar, Umbrellas, Barstools, Décor, Perlick System, Small Wares & SO MUCH MORE!!

Toby Neverett Auctioneers www.neverettauctions.com • 561-706-7218 • au872 ab628

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

Sweet Savannah’s is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older Fulltime Baker Part-time Baker’s Assistant Email info@sweetsavannahs.com Or apply in person at 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL

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

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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 / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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

FULL TIME OPENING

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $15.00/hour to start. Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

CUS TOMER S ERV I CE RE PRE S ENT A T I V E

Join Our Team

Coordinate aircraft transactions with customers and the line service technicians

Positions Available In:

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

Professional customer service skills and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and overtime as needed, are required

Branch • Accounting • Credit Maintenance • Administrative Support Salaries Starting at $18/hr

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

Fun, Fast-Paced Environment

Tuition Reimbursement

Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing

Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time

Great Hours

401K Employer Match

Apply Online! KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

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

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

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

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

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

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

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

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

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

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 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!

Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent) Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

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

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

Full job descriptions available at

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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

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

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

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

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

242424

Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

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 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.

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

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

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist, FT (Children, Adult) Driver PT/per diem Prevention Specialist Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Peer Support Specialist Crisis Counselor Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children ) Motivational Support Specialist Substance Abuse Counselor *Advocate

MARATHON

Peer Support Specialist/BHT (FT) Care Coordinator Maintenance Specialist Housekeeper Behavioral Health Therapist (Children, Adult) 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 (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 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

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

Lic#SP-3562

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Tewes ewes Mortgage We Do Installations!

When It Rains It Pours!

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

_custom website design _social media marketing

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

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

THE WORLD OF EXPERTISE YOU NEED WITH THE LOCAL SERVICE YOU LOVE _search engine optimization

Kitchen Cabinets Sales

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 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

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

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.

KEYS BITE NACHOS Keys Bite, Key Largo Every bit is packed when ordering these nachos at Keys Bite at MM 99 in the median in Key Largo. With your choice of chicken or ground beef, this nacho platter comes stacked with jalapenos, pico de gallo, lettuce and shredded cheese, as well as a side of sour cream. It’s a solid appetizer option for lunch or dinner that’s worth sharing with a few people, so you don’t get full by the time your entree comes out.

LIMEADE AND MEXICAN COKE La Isla Taco Grill food truck, Marathon Yes, we know these aren’t typical cocktails. Food truck La Isla Taco Grill does not sell booze. But chef/manager Oscar Solis said that these are the two most requested drinks, perfect to wash down his tacos with the homemade spicy red sauce. And everyone knows that Mexican Coke is better than the American one, right? And if you are in the mood for a margarita, a tiki bar is steps away.

JOAN KONGOS Ramshead Southernmost, Key West Joan Konjos is a native Key Wester who has worked behind the bar at Ramshead Southernmost for the past two years.

She mixed one of her bloody Mary masterpieces Wednesday morning while serving one of the restaurant’s specialties, the Annapolis Benedict — a traditional eggs benedict topped with a jumbo lump crab cake and hollandaise.

“I have to say, I think I make the best bloody in town,” Kongos said. “I like to see the ‘wow’ factor on people’s faces.”

Ramshead Southernmost also has a wildly popular build-your-own bloody Mary bar and serves breakfast until 1 p.m. daily, along with full lunch and dinner menus.

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.

32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 3, 2022

MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE proudly presents

MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE proudly presents: DO N M 'T IS S CE OU RT T! HI IF LA IE D RI OU S!

Fine Art By

LYNN VOIT

Go Out With A Bang!

Written by: Michael Presley Bobbitt

The p aintinng T e best part Th part of painting ng the Keys' Key Ke eys' natural beauty t is being ty being n able ng abblel to capture cap a ture ap the ppresent resent moment and ppreserve reserve it for f r the fo the future f ture - Lynn Voitt fu

Directed by: Jackie O'Neil

JANUARY 13 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

Assistant Director & Producer: Charla Garrison

The MCT Gallery is open to the public Monday - Friday from 12pm to 4pm

THE MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE GALLERY 5101 Overseas Hwy, MM 49.5 Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050 MEET THE ARTIST - Monday, January 17th, from 11am to 2pm Show will be open to Patrons during the run of SUNSET VILLAGE, MCT's hilarious main-stage production that runs concurrently

Available for Purchase: Original Watercolors | Giclees on Wrapped Canvas | Prints 100% of the proceeds are being generously donated

by Lynn to MCT - Come support the arts!

REMAINING SHOW DATES FEBRUARY 3, 4, 5 @ 8:00 PM FEBRAURY 10, 11, 12 @ 8:00 PM ** WARNING: W RNING: Adult A ult Situations/Themes - 18+ ** WA Ad

TIX: $28/EACH Available at 305-743-0994 or before 7.5% sales tax

www.marathontheater.org

THE MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE proudly presents

ONE WEEKEND ONLY ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER & VARIETY SHOW

DIRECTED BY LET US ENTERTAIN YOU! ALLISON SAYER

FEBRUARY 24, 25 & 26 @ 8PM TICKETS $45 ea (plus tax) Silent Auction Begins @ 6pm Showtime @ 8pm Buffett & Champagne Toast to follow after the show - included with ticket

February 27 @ 3PM Matinee Tickets $30 each (plus tax) Silent Auction begins @ 1pm Showtime @ 3pm To Purchase Your Tickets Visit www.marathontheater.org or Call (M-F, 12 to 4PM) 305-743-0994 THANK YOU TO SHOW SPONSOR