Marathon Weekly 22-0310 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

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3, 2, 1, SEAFOOD

SAVOR THE SEAFOOD It’s festival time | P.22

HOUSING CRISIS, PART 2 How we got here | P.10

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

JUST SOLD LISTINGS! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

810 62ND STREET, OCEAN, MARATHON

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

305.289.6559 | swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com | #sellitwithsam

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER!

VACANT LOT 9008 AVIATION BLVD, MARATHON

KIM RABITO SHOW

305.304.8591 | kimmieinthekeys@gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

35 SOMBRERO BLVD, SLIP #B5

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

305.766.1745 | WWW.AMYPUTO.COM

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER & SELLER!

5701 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY #4, MARATHON

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

305.766.1745 | WWW.AMYPUTO.COM

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER & SELLER!

BPAS LOT IN THE CITY OF MARATHON WORTH 2 POINTS LOT 7 AVENUE K, MARATHON

PAM NADA-CALEY,

BROKER ASSOCIATE

305-304-9208 | caley@bellsouth.net | www.islandpropertyresources.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

1093 74TH STREET, MARATHON

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

305.289.6559 | swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com | #sellitwithsam

WE SELL MORE PROPERTIES THAN THE NEXT 2 COMPANIES COMBINED KEYS-WIDE. CALL US TO FIND OUT HOW

107 AVENUE D #212, MARATHON

MICHELE COOK

305-783-8342

michelecook@cbschmitt.com

11050 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FL 33050

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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Endoscopy A nonsurgical procedure performed to examine a person’s digestive tract, endoscopy services include colonoscopies and upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. Oncology Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute at Fishermen’s Community Hospital provides services to patients that enhance and expand outpatient cancer care. The oncology suite offers chemotherapy, molecular therapies, targeted therapies, transfusions and hydration services. Surgery The newly opened operating room is home to a number of surgical procedures including orthopedic, podiatric and urologic. Other services available include: 24/7 emergency care with on-site helipad, diagnostic imaging, inpatient care, intensive care unit, telestroke services to provide stroke patients with emergency access to board-certified neurologists, outpatient laboratory and rehabilitation.

Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Fishermens.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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THE MARATHON 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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13.9M

According to a Bloomberg report, Marathon Petroleum Corp. was the top U.S. buyer of Russian crude in 2021 at 13.9 million barrels. Valero bought 13.1 million barrels, while Monroe Energy bought 10.7 million barrels. On March 9, President Biden announced a ban on imports of Russian oil. Gas prices are averaging $4.19 and may increase in the days to come.

ON THE COVER Florida lobster and stone crab may be perennial favorites, but they’re just a small portion of the grub available at this weekend’s Original Marathon Seafood Festival. See page 22. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly.

HOSPITAL TAX, BRIDGE REPAIRS AND SIGNS MONOPOLIZE MARATHON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

ttendees of the March 8 Marathon City Council meeting were met with a testy evening between citizens and council members as discussion of Marathon’s special taxing district, the deteriorating Coco Plum Drive bridge, and the new sign ordinance dominated the majority of a three-hour meeting. Councilman Dan Zieg opened the meeting by proposing an end to the Middle Keys Health Care Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU), arguing that when added to money collected so far by the taxing district, independent contributions north of $23 million have far exceeded Baptist’s initial ask of $15 million from the Middle Keys community and $10 million from the taxing district. “These are trying times for people,” said Zieg. “They’re struggling to make ends meet, raise their families and pay their rents and mortgages. I think that the community of Marathon has taken the pledge of $15 million and upped it significantly, in addition to the MSTU.” The council also heard from Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys’ executive director Chris Todd Young, who relayed one of many community accounts of billing issues in which a two-hour stay in the Fishermen’s ER turned into a bill of $13,452. Mayor John Bartus and councilmen Steve Cook and Luis Gonzalez admitted that the hospital had several issues that needed to be rectified, but held that voting to end the MSTU before it raised the amount committed would be bad business for the city, even if private community contribu-

Marathon senior gold medalist Rylan Chapa thanks her supporters after being honored with a proclamation by the city council. Pictured, from left: coach Jessie Schubert, Councilwoman Robyn Still, Chapa, Mayor John Bartus. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly.

tions exceeded expectations. “I just think one has nothing to do with the other,” said Cook. “The hospital needs to deal with some of its billing issues. There’s no doubt no matter which side of this you’re on that there are some issues like every business. I think there needs to be some sort of advisory council, because on our part, I don’t think we do enough to actually monitor this.” “The MSTU was in the neighborhood of $10 million,” said Gonzalez. “We’re in the neighborhood of $6 million, so we’re still short on our commitment. There have been billing concerns, but you deal with it. To shut the door on D-day is not the right way to do business at any level. I’m open to dialogue on a monthly basis on this issue.” “I don’t regret any vote ever taken to support this hospital,” said Bartus, before stating that there are “serious issues” like a lack of inpatient and pediatric care as well as a tendency for patients with insurance to leave with higher bills. “I’m not ready to give an unqualified yes this evening, as I would like there to be further discussions.” The council ultimately voted 4-1 to

continue the taxing district, with Zieg as the lone “no” vote. Discussion soon shifted to the deteriorating bridge on Coco Plum drive, with several residents in attendance expressing concern over the bridge’s condition and traffic difficulties due to a narrowing road with inadequate signs. Director of public works and engineering Carlos Solis said that while the city is in line to receive Department of Transportation funding to replace the bridge in 2026, the department is pursuing grant funding for a total replacement as early as the end of this year. With a potential replacement on the horizon, Solis said he is attempting to avoid spending $400,000 to $500,000 for a temporary repair. “We’re exploring options to see what’s in the best interest of the city,” said Solis. “We’re either going to make that repair at the end of this year or hold off and start replacing it at the end of this year. … If you wanted to put (other options) aside and go ahead with the repair process, we’re ready to do that right now. We’re just exploring those options. “We put the barricades out there

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

to put the traffic in a certain portion of the bridge. That bridge is composed of eight individual members, and two of those members on the outside are in very poor condition…but it’s not in danger of collapsing tomorrow or next month or a month after that, or anything like that,” he continued. “I just want to make sure that the plan is ready to be executed in November if we get denied.” said Gonzalez. “Let’s do what we have to do to get it done.” Final discussions of the evening revolved around Marathon’s sign code, adapted from the code passed by Monroe County several years ago by city attorney Steve Williams. The new code removes all content-based restrictions from signs, replacing Marathon’s old code that was rendered unconstitutional by a 2015 Supreme Court case. Following the first reading of the proposed ordinance, Williams received multiple written and verbal suggestions and complaints from citizens, largely revolving around businesses’ ability to advertise with temporary or permanent signs disallowed by the drafted ordinance. Williams reiterated that his priority was only to pass a constitutional sign code that removed content-based restrictions, while other details could be easily modified at the direction of the council. “To be clear to everyone in the room … no one in the city of Marathon wants to do this. This was put on us by the United States Supreme Court,” said Williams. “It’s not anti-business community or anyone else. We need to tailor it to fit the city, our norms, our rules and what we’re used to. … But we have to change it, or we are willfully violating the law.” The council proceeded to workshop concerns brought forward by citizens and council members before unanimously approving the newly modified version of the ordinance. Changes to the second draft of the sign code included, among others: removing of a minimum setback from property edges for some signs; removing language restricting the brightness of LED signs; removing language restricting the height of flagpoles; allowing one flutter sign or other similar banner, pennant, cold air inflatable, or other similar sign per business; increasing the size of allowable captains’ signs on docks and perforated vinyl signs in windows; removing permit requirements for A-frame signs; and increasing the number of temporary signs allowed on a single property from three to four. IN OTHER NEWS: • The meeting began by honoring Rylan Chapa, Marathon High School’s

state champion in women’s weightlifting, with a proclamation and standing ovation. • The council directed city staff to draft a new contract for Williams with a 20% raise in salary, bringing his compensation closer to that of other municipal attorneys up and down Monroe County. Recognizing his commitment to the city and diligence in cleaning up Marathon’s ordinances, the council offered high praise for Williams’ accomplishments thus far. “He far exceeds anything that we’ve ever had going on in this building,” said Gonzalez. “This will not catch him up with the other attorneys, but it’s a step in the right direction,” said Zieg. • Parks and Recreation employee Ali Adams was recognized for 15 years of exceptional service to the city. “You were basically the history book for Parks and Rec,” said director of parks and recreation Paul Davis. “Whenever I needed anything, you were there to answer the question. You’re always there to listen, and you keep everybody in line.” • The council unanimously approved a request for a conditional use permit to authorize a development at the end of 41st Street Gulf. Unanimously approved by the city’s planning commission at its Feb. 28 meeting, the permit would allow for the eventual development of 14 residential units as well as additional parking spaces. • The council unanimously approved the market rate and affordable allocations for the current Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS) period, as well as approval of a resolution to extend the remaining BPAS allocations to 2024 by providing fewer allocations per six-month period.

Ali Adams receives recognition for 15 years of service to the City of Marathon. Pictured, from left: Stephanie LeQuieu, Jennifer Ward, Adams, Martin “Hammer” Runyon. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly.

‘GREAT RESIGNATION’ AFFECTS SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD WRESTLES WITH FILLING TEACHER POSITIONS

Board members Sue Woltanski and Bobby Highsmith, chair John Dick and vice chair Andy Griffiths. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

CHARLOTTE TWINE charlotte@keysweekly.com

or the first time in a Monroe County school board meeting, district staff brought up the "Great Resignation," the nationwide trend of workers in many industries quitting en masse, starting in 2021. And it has hit home in the Keys, with the district unable to fill educator positions in its schools. Staff and board members revealed their struggle to attract viable job candidates and discussed solutions in their March 10 meeting. Per forbes.com, “The American ‘Big Quit,’ or ‘Great Resignation’ is a postwidespread-vaccination phenomenon that is touching everyone from McDonald’s workers to software engineers. A record 4 million people quit their jobs in April (2021), many of them in lowpaid, inflexible industries like retail. … The same thing is starting to happen in higher paid jobs.” “Hundreds of Thousands Quit Jobs in Florida as ‘Great Resignation’ Continues,” screamed a February 2022 headline on nbcmiami.com. Harry Russell, the district’s executive director of personnel support and instructional leadership, gave a presentation to board members about his and other staff members’ recent attendance at the National Educator Shortage Summit in Orlando, run by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. The summit was attended by administrators from across the country to discuss how to find teachers and other necessary employees. He said that staff from Colorado, Nebraska and Rhode Island schools told him they were having the same problem. Russell pointed out that since the Great Resignation, the district is struggling to find candidates for all kinds of positions, not just teachers. “It’s anything involved in educa-

tion,” he said. “It’s bus drivers, substitutes, parapros (paraprofessionals), cafeteria workers. … The job market is changing right in front of our faces.” Paraprofessionals are employees who assist educators. As of March 1, Russell noted, the Monroe County School District has 47 openings. The categories with the most unfilled positions at schools up and down the Keys include teachers, with 11 open positions for the 2022-23 school year, and 17 open paraprofessional positions. He presented several ideas for solutions, a few of which the district already had in place, such as the Grow Our Own initiative. This is an effort by the district to invest in those who are already employed locally or in the schools. Finding potential job candidates who currently have homes in Monroe County is important, Russell explained, because the high cost of living has been a factor in employees resigning. “It wasn’t unique to us, I can tell you that,” he said, pointing out that an administrator in a tourist destination in Colorado told him of dealing with the same challenges. One incentive from the Grow Our Own effort is to reimburse candidates up to $5,000 for tuition. Other solutions for placing candidates in open positions include salary increases, paying off student loans, day care support, workforce housing, encouraging students to become teachers and a more aggressive nationwide marketing campaign. Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford struck a positive note. “At the beginning of the year we had 150 teacher aides (paraprofessionals),” she said. “And we were trying to encourage them to become teachers. So throughout the year we only had eight takers. But you go out again, and now this time we have 44. So I think that the program is already building.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

STATE SESSION ENDS MARCH 11

A Monroe County truck surveying the flooding travels on North Drive en route to Stillwright Way in Key Largo during the morning of Sept. 22, 2020. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

A look at bills that passed and those that died JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

60-day legislative session in Tallahassee ends on Friday, March 11. A number of bills with significance in the Keys garnered the approvals needed to send them on to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for signature. Other bills haven’t made it that far. Senate Bill 1940 — Flooding and sea level rise resilience One of the larger issues facing the Florida Keys and South Florida, the bill cointroduced by state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez could open more funding for flooding and sea level rise projects throughout the state. The bill, which garnered unanimous approval through three committees, was placed onto the calendar for second reading on March 9. Specifically, the bill proposes to revise the $100 million cap on funding proposed for the Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan to a minimum threshold of $100 million. Last year, the legislature established several resilience programs through the Department of Environmental Protection. They include the Resilient Florida Grant Program, which provides grants to counties or municipalities for community resilience planning, such as assessments, plan development and projects to adapt critical assets. The Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan ranks a list of projects submitted by municipalities that address risks of flooding and sea level rise. Each project has a 50% cost share. Monroe County currently has two projects located in Key Largo within the statewide resilience plan: the shovel-ready Twin Lakes Subdivision flood mitigation project at $7.8 million and the design and engineer phase for Stillwright Point flood mitigation project at $2.37 million. Senate Bill 1432/House Bill 1065 — Vessel anchoring A vessel anchoring bill that provides 100 mooring sites behind Wisteria Island off Key West breezed through the legislature. The House voted 112-0 on March 4 and the Senate voted 38-0 on the bill by state Rep. Jim Mooney and Rodriguez. It now goes to DeSantis for his signature. The requirements in the bill, to make a liveaboard vessel that is not in a managed mooring field move every 90 days, will not be enforced until the new

While a bill to provide an annual appropriation for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act died, the Senate and House budgets did include the full $20 million for the program this year. Pictured, kayakers paddle over a stretch of sandy flats near Marvin Key. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

moorings are in place and people have an opportunity to move to a secure mooring. The bill drew concern among liveaboard boaters in Key West, who say the requirement that they move is a tremendous hardship to the boating community, and could lead to increased environmental damage to seagrass and other habitats. House Bill 1499 — Affordable Housing With workers struggling to find affordable housing in the Keys, a bill co-sponsored by Jim Mooney to provide affordable housing units for public sector government and first responders in Key West garnered unanimous approval in the House on March 2. The bill creates an exception to the Key West building permit allocation system by authorizing 50 units of affordable housing to be constructed for employees of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and other personnel. Sheriff Rick Ramsay has long acknowledged the difficulties of retaining deputies and corrections personnel in the Lower Keys due to a lack of affordable housing. Senate Bill 442 — Land Authorities assist with flooding and sea level rise Passing through the Senate and House, the bill by Rodriguez authorizes land authorities to assist counties that received federal and state grants for residential flooding and sea-level rise mitigation projects. This includes elevation of structures above minimum flood elevations, demolition and reconstruction of structures above minimum flood elevations and the acquisition of land with structures at risk of flooding. Land authorities act as intermediaries between landowners and government agencies that regulate land use. Acquiring property for conservation use is their core mission. But land authorities, like the one in Monroe County, also provide funding for affordable housing projects, protect conserved land from

private acquisition and use and maintain conservation land stewardship programs. BILLS THAT DIED • House Bill 449 by Mooney sought an annual appropriation to implement the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Instead of working each legislative session to get funding inserted into the budget, an annual $20 million appropriation would be provided by the Department of Environmental Protection. While it didn’t pass this year, House and Senate budgets included the full $20 million for the Stewardship Act this year. That followed DeSantis’ full $20 million in his proposed budget. • Senate Bill 274 by Rodriguez proposed the creation of the Condominium Fraud Investigation Pilot Program. The purpose of the program was to investigate condominium-related fraud and corruption in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. • Senate Bill 198 by Rodriguez sought to grant easements on sovereignty lands for mitigation banking, a practice in which an environmental enhancement and preservation project is conducted by a public agency or private entity to provide mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts within a defined mitigation service area. Through seagrass mitigation banks on submerged public lands, private companies could grow and manage seagrass on easements that are granted to them by the state. Companies could then sell credits to landowners that conduct projects, such as channel dredging, that ultimately harm seagrass. The bank is the site itself, and the currency sold by the banker to the landowner is a credit, which represents the wetland ecological value equivalent to completion of one acre of restoration. Many have raised concerns over the idea, including the Department of Environmental Protection.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

STATE WIDENS SCOPE OF PERMIT REVIEW FOR MARATHON New procedures mean longer wait for permits

he State Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has rescinded its 17-year agreement with the City of Marathon concerning permit review. The change means that Marathon permit applicants may have to wait up to 75 days for DEO permit review on matters as simple as permission to build a fence. The issue stems from the state’s control over Monroe County’s Area of Critical Concern designation. On Feb. 25, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) notified the city that it issued a notice of violation to the city concerning one development in Marathon, and terminated its existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement, which defines which development orders the city is required to submit to the state. (Development orders include Planning Department decisions and building permits.) Technically, under Florida Statutes and the Administrative Code, all development orders must be submitted to the state unless otherwise specified in an MOU agreement. Over the past week, the city and DEO have been working jointly on a new MOU. The Marathon City Council unanimously approved the draft MOU at its meeting on March 8 to send to the state immediately. “We are resolving the matter as quickly as we can,” said Marathon City Manager George Garrett. “In the meantime, the city is complying with the state directive and sending every Marathon development order for review in Tallahassee.” — Contributed

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects. The facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories: Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions Set Forth in the Florida Statute The deadline for receipt of applications is April 27, 2022 and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecountybids.com) For more information please call the TDC Administrative Office at 305-96-1552 and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

PART 2

FLORIDA KEYS HOUSING CRISIS HOW DID WE GET HERE?

By Alex Rickert, Mandy Miles, Jim McCarthy and Charlotte Twine ousing is the largest single challenge facing Florida Keys residents and has been for decades. With scarce buildable land, strict height restrictions, sky-high property values, second homes that sit empty most of the year and a proliferation of vacation rentals, many full-time workers no longer can afford to live or rent in the island chain, much less buy a home. Last week, Keys Weekly defined the housing problem. This week, we examine what caused it, and how we got here. A complex blend of contributing factors has turned the Florida Keys’ longtime housing concerns into an undeniable crisis. In hours of conversations with government officials, attorneys, real estate agents, lenders and citizens closely interwoven with the issue, the following factors never failed to surface:

IT STARTS WITH THE STATE Vacation rentals are a common target of finger-pointing for those who claim the Keys community is changing, to the point that calls for changes to local rules that would restrict these rentals are practically background noise. But in most cases, the power to enact change is blocked at the state level. State statute 509.032(7)(b) prevents a local law from restricting the use of, prohibiting, or regulating the duration or frequency of vacation rentals. Codes enacted before June 1, 2011 are “grandfathered in.” But there’s a catch: any changes made to an existing ordinance instantly remove the grandfathering. Therefore, explained Monroe County attorney Bob Shillinger, counties and cities can’t pass laws to cap or further regulate vacation rental permits. “It’s not in the county’s power,” Shillinger said. “We’re grandfathered since 1997 with an ordinance. If we place a cap on it, we lose our grandfather status.” “We have to fight every session to keep (our code),” said Islamorada councilman David Webb. “The legislature has made it clear that if the village

attempts to modify it in any way, it will be null and void totally.” Cities aren’t just fighting a losing battle to take back control of their own ordinances. Campaign contributions from the deep pockets of companies like AirBNB and VRBO regularly put municipalities on defense. “There’s almost constantly a bill at the state each year that would eliminate what we’ve got, rather than change it or make it better,” said Marathon city manager George Garrett. Just one example: although many cities charge a fee of $1,000 or more to register a vacation rental, providing a significant stream of revenue, Senate Bill 512 could strike a blow to the funds. If approved, the bill could prevent local governments from charging more than $50 (if anything) to process an individual application. In Islamorada, annual licensing fees total $1,325. That’s less than the village Achievable Housing Advisory Committee’s recommendation of $2,500 with an additional fee of $500 for units with more than two bedrooms. The state bill appears dead, however. Session in Tallahassee concludes on Friday, March 11. But some changes could be possible without state interference if the city’s or county’s leadership “steps up

and gets creative,” said Scott Pridgen, executive director of AH Monroe, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to affordable housing and health care in Monroe County. AH Monroe has built more than 100 units of affordable housing in Key West and is part of The Lofts of Bahama Village group that’s building more than 100 units of rental and owned homes at the city-owned Truman Waterfront. “Let’s not make it so easy to make a bunch of money with these properties,” Pridgen said. “It may not be a popular move, but we as a city need to make it more difficult and more expensive, because we simply don’t have the housing inventory to support our workforce. Make the property taxes and licensing fees so high on AirBnBs and vacation rentals that it’s a less attractive option.”

“The issue is, we end up playing a defensive battle because of the politics that are driving the preemption process of vacation rentals.” - Marathon city manager George Garrett

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

NO BLAME FOR PLAYING THE VACATION RENTAL INVESTMENT GAME

Vacation rental permits issued by Monroe County per calendar year 110 100

It’s no surprise that vacation rentals in an idyllic island chain are a profitable business venture, particularly in the wake of a global pandemic that saw Florida minimize business closures and promote tourism relative to other states. Individuals can’t be faulted for wanting to maximize the return on their investment in a perfectly legal manner. “A guy can do vacation rentals of his place in Old Town Key West for four months a year and make all the money that he would make for a 12-month lease,” said Sam Holland, who chairs Key West’s planning board and owns the popular Conch House guesthouse. The same holds true in Marathon. Imagine a four-bedroom house commanding $5,000 per month in rent. Contrast that house with one of the few four-bedroom vacation rentals available as of press time during 2022’s lobster mini-season. The price tag for a single week: $12,300. Governments and real estate agents are aware of the rentals’ proliferation. “One of the very first questions we’re asked as Realtors when people start researching the Key West housing market is, ‘Can I AirBnB this?’ Like the word ‘Xerox,’ AirBnB has become a verb,” said Key West native and Realtor Bascom Grooms, who owns Bascom Grooms Real Estate. In Key West, the number of transient licenses, which are required for rentals of fewer than 28 days, was capped long before 2011, and the city enacted zoning restrictions that moved short-term rental properties out of residential neighborhoods. No new short-term licenses are being issued, and a property owner must buy an existing transient license, Grooms said, adding that the going rate for a transient license in Key West is about $250,000 to $275,000, but they’re rarely available for sale. But almost anyone can turn their Key West property into a monthly vacation rental. There’s no cap on those licenses, and no zoning requirements that restrict where they can be located. The city of Key West charges $21 per unit per year for a non-transient rental license, said Amanda Brady, Key West's licensing director.

109

90 80

91 83

70 60 50 40 30 20 10

40 30

49 40

42 27

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Source: Emily Schemper, Monroe County’s senior director of planning and environmental resources

“It’s not just AirBnB. Unless we start getting creative with our current housing inventory, we can’t build our way out of this. We can’t build enough units fast enough to get out of this problem.” — Scott Pridgen, executive director of AH Monroe

“Key West has a record low inventory of residential properties on the market. There are only 77 single-family homes, condos and townhomes for sale this week in Key West. We had triple that a year ago, and that was still low. In 2008, we had approximately 1,000 properties on the market because of short sales and foreclosures.” — Bascom Grooms, owner of Bascom Grooms Real Estate

Mallory Pinto is in a uniquely wellrounded position in the Middle Keys: she serves on Marathon’s planning commission, is a real estate agent for Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, and manages both short and longterm rental properties. And while she says her customers are evenly split among full-time residents, investors and “countdown” buyers who look to rent a property until they make it their eventual home, she stays conscious of community dynamics when categorizing properties for potential buyers who get “a little crazy” about vacation rentals. “Our local government cannot limit the number of vacation rentals, but local management companies can choose to not represent those properties as vacation homes and push for long-term leases,” said Pinto. “Part of the sales and property management process down here is education and managing expectations. I take the time to explain why a property wouldn’t be desirable as a vacation rental and that it should stay as long-term housing for our locals. We are turning away homes that don’t fit the vacation rental mold, but also trying to educate those buyers about what the best use of the home is and the dire need for long-term rental properties in our community.” Marathon planning director Brian Shea said the city has definitely seen an uptick in vacation rentals, but not in the ways that some believe. “It’s not affordable housing being turned into vacation rentals,” he said. “Of the people going through the building permit allocation system, only about 20-25% become vacation rentals. A lot of rentals are built as replacement buildings after something else gets demolished.” And as building allocations in the Keys rapidly dwindle, cities see the same “swap” over and over again: a potential long-term housing option for working individuals or families is sold or demolished, and either the transferable building right is used in another location or a vacation rental claims the site.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

EMPTY HOMES Marathon Realtor Josh Mothner does believe the vacation rental situation has affected the city’s quality of life, but isn’t as quick to peg it as the main culprit for the affordable housing crisis in the city. “Other parts of the Keys don’t have vacation rentals, and they still have a problem,” said Mothner. “I think it’s incredibly important to look at the number of second homes that may not be used for months out of the year. They take up needed housing as well.” Islamorada resident Jim Doran moved to the Keys from South Florida in the late 1970s. A retired Key Largo School teacher, Doran is vice president of the homeowners association at Venetian Shores in Islamorada. There were only a quarter of the houses that stand today when he arrived several decades ago. Doran said Venetian Shores still has community with people who live year-round, but he’s seeing homes sitting vacant most of the year. “They might be here for the winter or they might be here for a couple weeks, or they’re rentals,” Doran said. “But we don’t know the people at all. Some of the issues we have with them is they don’t have ownership in Venetian Shores.” Part-time residents and absentee owners have varying degrees of connection to their local Keys communities. Some are involved and care deeply about the same issues as full-time residents, and many of the “countdown” owners Pinto described intend to make the Keys their full-time community eventually, using rentals during parts of the year to pay off mortgages and speed up the relocation process. On the other end, the extent of some owners’ involvement is the cash they throw sight unseen at investment properties. “The biggest threat in this community is so many second and third homeowners who don’t live here, and only spend a month or two here a year,” said Holland, the Key West planning board chair. “Why wouldn’t they rent the place out monthly the rest of the time? They hire a property management company, or now there’s even virtual innkeeper services that further reduces labor costs. The owners don’t need full-time staff on the property. The people get a key and are on their own. The owner sits back and collects a check every month.”

CITY OF MARATHON: A CASE STUDY By the Numbers:

4,620

Total number of combined single family residential units (SFRs), condos and mobile homes

18.8%

Combined SFRs, condos and mobile homes that are registered vacation rentals

44.5% 36.7%

1,694

2,926

869

Total number of homestead exemptions in the City of Marathon

Approximate number of condos, SFRs and mobile homes without homestead exemptions

Number of registered vacation rentals in the city

“They might be here for the winter or they might be here for a couple weeks, or they’re rentals, but we don’t know the people at all. Some of the issues we have with them is they don’t have ownership in Venetian Shores.”

— Jim Doran, vice president of Venetian Shores Homeowners Association in Islamorada.

“My entire neighborhood on Duncan, just off of White Street, is all vacation rentals now.” — Cheryl Rollins, Key West homeowner & full-time resident

Combined SFRs, condos and mobile homes that are not homesteaded or used as legal vacation rentals.

Combined SFRs, condos and mobile homes that are homesteaded

Sources: Monroe County Property Appraiser, City of Marathon Planning Department

NOT IN MY BACKYARD (NIMBY) Few would openly oppose affordable housing solutions for the Keys’ workforce. But a tiny island chain has limited land, and when these solutions involve developing areas in some neighborhoods, even many full-time Keys residents change their tune, and workforce housing developments often face fierce opposition. How often have residents heard some version of the following sentences? “I support affordable housing 100%. But our neighborhood already suffers from (traffic congestion/overcrowding/limited parking). This isn’t “I want the right location for it.” more A recent post affordable on a Marathon housing, community FaceBUT…” book page perfectly summarizes the “NIMBY” sentiment. “I want to let everyone know what is going on with properties in Marathon,” the post reads. “We have an empty double lot by me, and we just got a notice for a variance. … Seems it will be affordable housing, which I am not against, but instead of one unit on each lot, they are going to squeeze in two on each. … So sad they are cramming houses together. Really is ruining the neighborhoods.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

“This city could make vacation rentals and enforcement much more tailored to our community needs, which would improve the affordable housing situation, but we’re not allowed to, as a result of Tallahassee.”

- Marathon city attorney Steve Williams

$12,300 The weekly price tag for one of the few remaining 4-bedroom Marathon vacation rentals during lobster mini-season

EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT Finally, not all rental property owners play by the rules. On the contrary, a number of property owners simply view fines for illegal rentals or code violations as a cost of doing business. And once again, state statutes oppose the efforts of county and city officials. Under Florida statute 162.09, a firsttime code violation in municipalities with populations less than 50,000 carries a maximum fine of $250 per day, while repeat violations carry a $500 per day price tag and an “irreparable or irreversible” violation can run up to $5,000. In Marathon, the month of February saw a total of 16 code cases opened across all categories of violations. “The point is that you have to make it painful to break the rules,” said Marathon Realtor Josh Mothner. “Right now, it’s not.” Larry Fox is a homeowner in Big Pine Key’s Eden Pines neighborhood, where he says illegal rentals are taking over. “There are currently seven Eden Pines homeowners who have been collecting information related to our concern about so many illegal short-term rentals in our immediate vicinity,” he said. “Commissioner Michelle Coldiron referred us to Cynthia McPherson in the county’s code enforcement office and we have provided her with documentation and photographs regarding the known illegal short-term rentals, but we don’t know where or how we can help from this point on. … What can we do from this point to stop this craziness?”

Before an owner can be fined or held accountable for tax penalties for properties not legally registered as vacation rentals, they must be effectively caught in the act. And investigations into unlicensed vacation rentals and AirBnBs, whether rented short-term or monthly, are tricky, time-consuming and costly. Though proper tax collection is arduous, it remains a top priority for Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele. Steele said his staff does go through vacation rental apps such as VRBO and AirBNB to look for noncompliant properties that have not taken out tax receipt accounts. Once a property is verified as noncompliant, the owner receives a letter from his office. Eventually, enforcement gets tough. “We have filed a total of 344 tax warrants and have issued 34 bank freezes,” Steele said. “The number of tax warrants and bank freezes issued represents an individual action, whether it is a repeat on the same property or another property.”

Code enforcement fines, meanwhile, can accumulate in some areas to tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years as property owners repeatedly violate rental regulations and other codes. For decades, elected officials have allowed violators to pay a fraction of the amount, and in some cases have waived the fines entirely. That trend may be changing, though, as Key West city commissioners earlier this month refused to accept an owner’s offer of $10,000 to clear up $570,000 in code enforcement fines. (Those fines were for unpermitted construction, not illegal rentals, but the commission’s refusal to accept the offer showed its frustration with meaningless penalties.) “You have to have a strong deterrent. The real issue is enforcement, and a $500 fine just becomes a cost of doing business,” said Holland. “The money is so big, the fines are no deterrent.” Next week Keys Weekly looks at potential solutions. See the full series at keysweekly.com.

“We have filed a total of 344 tax warrants and have issued 34 bank freezes. The number of tax warrants and bank freezes issued represents an individual action, whether it is a repeat on the same property or another property.” — Sam Steele, Monroe County Tax Collector

“The bottom line is there’s no hammer at the end. Property owners can be fined up to $5,000, say, but they can make that back in a week. We’re going to start ramping up investigations because a lot of AirBnBs are advertising monthly rentals, but actually doing weekly rentals without a transient rental license.” — Key West Code Compliance Director Jim Young.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022 JIM McCARTHY

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will allow the harvest of up to 200 goliath grouper per year, with no more than 50 from Everglades National Park. DAVID GROSS/ Keys Weekly

jim@keysweekly.com

KEYS OFF LIMITS TO GOLIATH GROUPER HARVEST SEASON BEGINNING IN 2023, BUT NOT EVERGLADES

arvesting goliath grouper will be allowed in state waters, albeit on a limited, regulated basis, beginning in spring 2023. While the Keys largely remain off limits, goliath grouper harvesting will be permitted at a nearby national park. And while some are touting the decision to open the fishery, others are hesitant about enacting the change on a protected species in the southeastern U.S. waters. An abundance of goliath grouper, and more requests to reopen harvest in Florida, prompted state wildlife officials’ consideration of allowing a limited harvest of the fish that’s been protected since 1990. Access to the goliath resource is currently provided through catch-and-release fishing and diving ecotourism opportunities. That changes beginning next year, however, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s approval on March 3 to allow 200 harvest permit tags for recreational harvest of goliath grouper in state waters. The season would kick off March 1 and go through May 23 each year. The Atlantic waters off the Florida Keys remain off limits for harvesting. Per the rule, no harvesting is allowed from Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys. St. Lucie River and its tributaries and Dry Tortugas Park are also off limits. Of the 200 goliath groupers permitted for harvesting each year, 50 are allowed to come from the Upper Keys’ backyard — Everglades National Park. “Staff coordinated with Everglades National Park (ENP) in development of goliath management measures, and ENP was interested in measures that were consistent with ENP’s purpose and fundamental values,” an FWC report states on harvest limits. “This included limiting the number of goliath that could be taken from within ENP.” FWC manages goliath grouper in state waters, while the federal waters are managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. A giant of the grouper family, the goliath has brown or yellow mottling with small black spots on the head and fins. The giant can reach 800 pounds and over 8 feet in length. The Florida record, per FWC, is a 680-pound goliath grouper caught off Fernandina Beach in 1961.

Goliath grouper were historically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, on both coasts of Florida and from the Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil and the Caribbean. Young goliath grouper spend five to six years in mangrove habitat. As they grow older, they move to shallow reefs, eventually joining adult populations offshore on artificial and natural reefs. Adults prefer habitats with overhangs, bridges, piers and shipwrecks. Conservationist and Islamorada resident Xavier Figueredo is the founder of Florida Bay Forever and a catch-and-release sport angler. “I’m dead set against this opening up. I’d like for the ban to stay in place … though 200 fish statewide is not a huge issue. That’s a nice compromise.” When asked about the plight of commercial fishermen who possibly compete with goliath grouper for stone crab, Figueredo told the Weekly, “I feel bad for stone crabbers. But I feel maybe the amount of stone crabs taken by groupers is overestimated. … The bigger problem we have is we are overfishing. The population of anglers has exponentially increased.” Richard Stanczyk is the co-owner of sportfishing marina Bud n Mary’s in Islamorada. Though he told the Weekly he would like to see the goliath grouper remain protected, he points out that a lot of sportfishermen don’t like goliath grouper as they’ll “lose a yellowtail or snapper because the goliath grouper will engulf it.” There’s also concern over high methyl mercury levels found in goliath groupers in the Florida waters, per a 2019 study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin by Chirs Malinowski. The study evaluated mercury concentrations in their tissues, muscle and liver. Mercury concentrations were highest in fish caught off Florida’s Atlantic coast. “Mercury concentrations in muscle tissue were generally greater near urbanized areas with known mercury sources and environmental conditions appropriate for higher methylation rates,” the study’s abstract reads. “This suggests that management should consider improving the water quality in these areas to reduce the risk of health effects to human consumers and to the fish themselves.” Through the new rule adopted by FWC, an angler can harvest one goliath grouper per open season. But they need a recreational goliath grouper harvest permit and tag, which would

be issued via a random-draw lottery. The cost to enter the lottery is $10. Floridians awarded a harvest tag must pay a $150 permit fee, while those out of the state who get a tag pay $500. Goliath grouper over 36 inches in length can’t be harvested, as well as those often seen while diving underneath the waters of the Florida Keys. Harvested goliath would need to measure within a slot limit of 24 to 36 inches total length. A previous draft rule had the slot limit from 20 to 36 inches total length. “After decades of closure to this fishery, we welcome this opportunity for a highly regulated, limited take of goliath grouper,” FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood said in a statement, adding that post-harvest data reporting requirements will help guide future management decisions for this species. An FWC report on the draft rule proposal states that fishery managers, researchers and fishermen are seeing increased goliath grouper numbers in Florida. There were no regulatory measures in place for goliath in state or federal waters prior to 1983. With no regulations, the goliath population experienced a severe decline from the 1950s through the 1980s. The harvest ended in state and federal waters in 1990. “Goliath is a rebuilding stock that is becoming more abundant in many parts of Florida and is a species that serves an important role in the marine ecosystem,” the FWC report states. “As the abundance of goliath has increased, so has the frequency of interactions and conflicts with fishermen and divers.” Attempts to quantify the goliath’s growing numbers through a traditional stock assessment were rejected by independent expert reviewers and the federal fishery management councils’ scientific advisors. The FWC’s report states that it’s because of unknowns surrounding the goliath’s life history and uncertainty about maximum age, as well as the absence of long-term data and lack of information about the stock outside the southeastern U.S. Longtime Upper Keys diver Patti Gross said the decision to reopen the harvest was a sad day for the fate of the goliath grouper. In addition to commission meetings and workshops, the FWC said it has gathered stakeholder comments since 2017. The new rules take effect July 1, 2022, with the first harvest season starting March 1, 2023. Charlotte Twine contributed to this report.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS MOANA GALE ROBERTS (Gale) age 86 of Key Largo, FL passed away peacefully in February 2022. A native to Key Largo where she lived the past 50 years. She was the daughter of the late Navy Corpsman Chester Thomas & his wife Ethel Thomas. Gale was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 75 years George, fun loving sons James & Danny, beautiful daughter in law Laura Jean & handsome grandson Michael James. Gale was born in San Diego; having a military father she grew to love traveling at a young age. Gale was blessed in life. Gale and George traveled the world hand in hand, by land and by sea. Gale loved learning about the cultures from the various countries she traveled along with collecting souvenirs. Her heart was happiest while cruising with family & hitting the slot machines at Sea. Gale would ride with George along the Blue Ridge parkway in North Carolina for hours, and enjoy the mountains. She loved taking her Grandkids on mountain vacations. Gale lived in Miami for 20 years before moving to the Keys. She raised her 6 kids in Miami and made many of her dearest friends there. Living down the street from Joe Robbie Stadium, it was inevitable she became a die hard Miami Dolphins fan! She wouldn’t miss a NASCAR race, and was a lover of all animals. Gale is survided by her children: George "Butch" (Donna), Michael (Cathy), Steve (Laura), Connie (Barry); Grandchildren: Danielle, Kimberly (Joel), BJ, Joe (Ellie), Vicki (Ray), Jacquline, Abigale, Kris, Michaela , Daniel, Samantha; Great grandchildren: Michael, Jayden, Cole, Leo, Olivia, Hailey, Mason, Braxton, Cali, and Kai. Gale had a large extended family that she loved dearly, her sister in laws, and many nieces and nephews. Gale was a fun loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and most importantly friend to all. She has left a lasting impression on all of our hearts, and will forever be missed. Celebration of life to be held Saturday, April 9 at 3 pm at the Sexton Cove homeowners park, MM106. In lieu of flowers please see below to make a donation to Miami Rescue mission. Send a Check: in memo put in Memory of Gale Roberts Address: 3553 NW 50th Street Miami, FL 33142, or online: www.caringplace.org/donate. Select the box "In honor of" and write Gale Roberts. Donations can also be made in Gale's name to the Florida Keys SPCA at fkspca.org.

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REAL ESTATE ROYALTY

COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT HOLDS AWARDS GALA

The Original Marathon Seafood Festival returns to the community park this weekend for the 46th iteration of the popular community event. Founded by a group of commercial fishermen back in 1976, the fest is a celebration of Marathon’s commercial fishing industry and local spirit.

WAYS TO EMBARRASS YOURSELF AT THE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 10. Pronounce “conch” like “launch.” 9. Haggle with the vendors as if you’re on “The Price is Right.” 8. When hammered drunk and dancing in front of the stage in your bikini top and cut-off jean shorts, get the crowd going with an appropriately timed wardrobe malfunction. 7. Stroll through the dining tent and make sure everyone knows how good the lobster is in your hometown of Rockland, Maine. 6. Complain openly about the weather, size of the beer mugs, condiments, parking, music or price of anything.

Brian Schmitt, founder of Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate, hosts the company’s March 5 awards gala. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Lisa Wiebe is honored as a “rising star” in the Keyswide real estate company

4. Point to your Sloppy Joe’s T-shirt while demanding a locals discount.

Realtor Teri Hiller of the Mothner/ Hiller Team accepts an award for long-term rentals in 2021.

Realtor Tom McLaughlin accepts an award from Brian Schmitt.

3. Ask any of the 300 volunteers, “How much farther to the Keys?”

t was a celebration of Florida Keys properties, both sales and rentals, on March 5 at Coldwell Banker Schmitt’s annual awards gala. Company founder Brian Schmitt congratulated his Keyswide team for earning a collective $40.8 million in commissions in 2021. “Keyswide, you sold 97% more sellers’ properties than the number-two company, and more than the next two companies combined,” Schmitt told his

agents during a dinner dance at the Marriott Beachside Hotel. “Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate closed 20.8% of the market, and 24.1% of all the properties sold were your listings. And 13.7% of all your sold listings were double-sided: both buyer and seller.” Schmitt distributed more than 50 awards to agents from all offices for sales, long-term rentals and vacation rentals.

5. Pass on the fresh mahi because you just wolfed down two Filet-O-Fish sandwiches.

2. Take a photo of a local craft or piece or art while remarking, “I could make that for a fraction of the price.” 1. Request tartar sauce when ordering stone crabs.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

BOAT CARRYING 356 HAITIAN MIGRANTS RUNS AGROUND

1 2

All who made the journey will likely be transported back to home country JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

harrowing scene unfolded as 158 Haitian migrants jumped off a grounded boat, swimming to shore roughly 200 yards away from Ocean Reef Club in North Key Largo on March 6. But 198 more remained on the 50-foot boat as various agencies responded to the rescue. It’s one of the larger migrant landings seen by officials in recent memory. Chief Border Patrol Agent Walter Slosar said via statement that there were no serious injuries or deaths. “The coordinated and timely response of the U.S. Border Patrol and our federal, state and local partners potentially saved the lives of these migrants,” he said. Many residents on land inside the gated community in North Key Largo watched as the U.S. Coast Guard, CBP, Florida Fish & Wildlife, Monroe County and Miami-Dade sheriffs, Ocean Reef Fire Rescue and other agencies arrived at what one official called a “chaotic scene.” “The decks clear as they swim in and then more come up from below and the decks fill again,” said one lo-

cal resident who videorecorded the grounding. All 158 Haitian migrants rescued from the water were taken into U.S. Border Patrol custody. They will be interviewed and processed for removal proceedings, CBP said. An additional 198 migrants who remained onboard the vessel were safely removed from the vessel. They were taken into custody by the U.S. Coast Guard where they remain on a cutter, pending repatriation to Haiti. "We worked seamlessly with our state and federal partners to safely remove all the persons from this vessel," U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jeffrey Randall said in a statement on March 7. "The Coast Guard and partner agencies are continuously patrolling the Mona Passage, Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea and the approaches to the United States to stop these dangerous and unsafe voyages." Matt James, commander for U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada, handled the water side of the rescue. He said the rescue effort was complicated given the shallow water depth where the boat ran aground. “The boat was still pretty far off shore. It was a negative tide that night with a strong wind blowing in,” he said.

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants received food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. The Coast Guard said migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea can expect to be repatriated, regardless of their nationality. In a July 2021 article, the Washington Post quoted Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: “Allow me to be clear, if you take to the sea, you will not come to the United States.” The article also states, “Migrants intercepted at sea will be returned on government ships to their homelands unless they establish a ‘well-founded fear of persecution or torture,’ Mayorkas said. In those cases, he said, the migrants will be referred to third countries for resettlement.” Jason Rafter, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation public information officer, said the migrant boat remains grounded just off Ocean Reef Club. He said a contractor will be hired to take the fuel and oil off the boat. “The vessel will stay put for now. Eventually it will become a derelict vessel by the state. It’ll go into the system,” Rafter said. “It’s possible we can come

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

up with a solution. For right now, that’s what we’re going to do.” Migrant landings in the Florida Keys are rising to the point where it drew a meeting recently between Monroe County Emergency Management and Ocean Reef Community Association officials. Some 18 agencies from the local, state and federal levels attended to discuss the uptick. In January, CBP and the Coast Guard responded to a migrant landing on the water near Ocean Reef. A total of 176 migrants were rescued from an overloaded sailboat. The vessel was initially detected by a Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations flight crew some 25 miles northeast of Anguilla Cay, Bahamas. Sector Key West watchstanders diverted Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark’s crew to the location of the vessel. Ten migrants were reportedly hospitalized. Migrants faced 4- to 6-foot seas and 20mph winds. “It is extremely dangerous to navigate the Florida Straits in an unseaworthy vessel, especially off the Florida Keys where the water is extra treacherous with shoals and reefs,” said U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer James Kinney, command duty officer at Sector Key West. Last December, more than 50 Haitians landed on Card Sound Road in Key Largo. Months before that, 42 Haitian immigrants were found in what was called a “maritime human smuggling” case near Key Biscayne in August. In Haiti, worker protests erupted in recent weeks, leading to confrontations with police. One protest on Feb. 23 led Haitian police to open fire on demonstrators who were demanding higher wages, according to a report by Reuters. Haiti upped the minimum wage by more than 50% following demonstrations by clothes workers voicing concern over rising living costs. According to the nonprofit Haiti Partners, 59% of the population lives on less than $2 per day. The gross national income per capita is $1,730. The average for Caribbean/Latin American developing countries is $14,098.

“It is extremely dangerous to navigate the Florida Straits in an unseaworthy vessel, especially off the Florida Keys where the water is extra treacherous with shoals and reefs.”

1. A Florida FIsh & Wildlife Conservation boat gets near the boat that ran aground with 356 Haitian migrants onboard. JASON RAFTER/Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation 2. A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office boat nears a grounded boat that carried 350-plus Haitian migrants. CONTRIBUTED 3. A large boat containing 356 Haitian migrants runs aground near Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo on Sunday. JASON RAFTER/Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation 4. Haitian migrants making it to shore at Buccaneer Point inside Ocean Reef Club are given towels as they’re checked out by fire rescuers. CONTRIBUTED

The recent assasination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021, a rise in gang violence since June 2021 that’s affected 1.5 million people and a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in August that struck southwest Haiti have exacerbated issues inside the impoverished country. On top of that, the country experienced a direct hit from Tropical Depression Grace in August. Coast Guard crews in the district covering Florida have rescued 1,152 Haitians since Oct. 1, 2021. It’s on track to surpass the 1,527 Haitian migrants rescued in fiscal year 2021, which spanned Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021. Agencies assisting with the rescue included: U.S Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Station Miami Beach, Station Marathon and Air Station Miami; U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered, Cutter William Trump and Cutter Venturous; U.S. Border Patrol; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations; Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Miami-Dade Fire Rescue; and Biscayne National Park Service.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

GET READY. IT’S BACK.

Marathon Seafood Festival is this weekend ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

emembered as the “last big event” in Marathon before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world in 2020, the anticipation has never been greater for the return of the 46th Original Marathon Seafood Festival. Given that we all had to survive without the festival for two whole years, Keys Weekly caught up with a few of the folks responsible for putting the weekend together to ask about their fondest memories from one of Marathon’s most iconic events. SEAFOOD STORIES:

‘That guy’ with a heart of gold Bennett Orr and his wife Becky. CONTRIBUTED.

“I’d have to say my favorite part of the Seafood Festival is how it is such a fun locals’ weekend. The energy is great and everyone is just there to hang out and have a good time. I’m really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces since we moved away from the Keys in August. I’m still playing my same role in organizing the event, but doing it while traveling in our RV. I’m also looking forward to having my 1-year-old son Luke experience his first Marathon Seafood Festival! Jeanine D’Amico Chamber of Commerce accounting and events manager

When I first came onto the scene as the Marathon Chamber CEO in 2007, I knew I had my work cut out for me. I had to prove myself to our event partners, the Organized Fishermen of Florida (OFF). Commercial fishing captains are no joke, and no one works harder and has more passion in their profession and industry. We had some titans serving on our seafood festival committee back then. The two patriarchs were Tommy Coppedge (R.I.P. Tommy) and Bennett Orr, who had been around since they founded the event back in 1976. It must have been my third year with the chamber and the event. By then, the crew knew me well and we all had a great mutual respect and appreciation for one another. If you knew Bennett, you knew he always spoke his mind and didn’t mince words. One thing Bennett took great pride in was hanging his OFF sponsor banners around the community park prior to the festival each year. I also had a bunch of sponsor banners from chamber members to hang up as well, so I thought nothing of “relocating” a few of Bennett’s banners that year. Later that day, Bennett walked up to me. He had that look and I already knew! He then proceeded to ream me out. Let’s just say I wouldn’t have wanted my daughters to hear what was being said. I stood there and took the verbal lashing, waiting for Bennett to get it all out. When he finished, I calmly asked, ‘Are you done? Can I talk now?’ He said, “Yeah, I’m f*****g done!” I then proceeded to tell him I was sorry for moving his banner, and after a pause for effect, I added, “I love you, Bennett. I can’t get mad at you, because I love you, man.” Bennett then said to me, “Well, why the hell would you say that to me?” He literally had nothing else to say. The truth was, and is, that I do love Bennett. He has a heart of gold and cares so much about the Seafood Festival. When our conversation ended all was fine, but I got such a kick out of his reaction and response, and while my reply was meant to be a bit funny and diffuse the situation, I wasn’t lying. The next year Bennett surprised me and put my newborn daughter’s name on the lobster boat that was on the 2012 event T-shirt. It was such an amazingly thoughtful gesture of him. So yeah, I f*****g love that guy! Daniel Samess, CEO of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce

This is my fourth year in charge of Seafood Festival volunteers, and I’ve gotten to meet so many new people. My volunteers are so heartwarming. I am absolutely honored to have so many people who not only want to help our community, but love to find out how I’m doing as well. They certainly make me feel special! Erika Goodman Chamber of Commerce office manager & sales coordinator Saturday, March 12 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 13 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 admission (Kids 12 and under are free) Parking Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots (wherever else you can find it!) Handicapped parking available inside the park Food Florida lobster · Stone crab · mahi-mahi · oysters · shrimp · conch fritters · crab cakes · smoked fish dip · conch salad · Cuban croquettes · burgers · hot dogs · sausages Live Music Saturday: Jade Storm · ILand Vibe · Caribe · The Red Elvises · The Rock Show! Sunday: Brian Roberts · The Lady A Blues Band · The Southern Blood Band

“This happened back at the Seafood Festival in 2002, during my first term as Marathon mayor. Clarence Clemons had been hanging around Marathon to fish with his buddy, Capt. Diego Cordova. Clarence was at the festival jamming with Jen and Diego; I'm pretty sure I played the festival that year as well. When we were introduced, Clarence said, ‘You’re the mayor? And a musician? This is a f*****g cool town!’ Clarence bought a house on Stirrup Key not long after that.” John Bartus Marathon mayor & Seafood Festival musician

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

WELCOME BACK, KCB DAYS Classic event returns in new location for 2022 2

1 4

large new space at Key Colony Beach’s 7th Street Park was put to good use as Key Colony Beach Day returned on March 6 from its 2021 hiatus. With nearly 100 vendors, plenty of food options, and a couple head-scratching competitions – namely “Barracuda Racing” and a Rubber Ducky Race – the Key Colony Beach Community Association successfully infused a typical family festival with unique Keys flavor. “Thank you everyone for attending,” said KCB city administrator David Turner. “I’m truly grateful for the KCB Community Association putting on a great event. Our new location was a hit and most likely will be used in the future. See everyone next year!” — Alex Rickert 1. Some walked away with lighter pockets after a trip to the “Barracuda Races,” but yelling at racing pilchards is just good clean fun. 2. From left, Jan Pflueger, Jan Sables, and Florence Roseboro are the stewards of the “Wheelbarrow of Cheer” raffle to benefit the KCB Boating and Fishing Club.

3. The Marathon Fire Department turns on the pumps and ushers hundreds of rubber ducks across a canal for the Zonta Club of Marathon’s Rubber Ducky Race.

4. Representatives from the Marathon Rotary Club staff the all-important beer tent. Pictured, from left: Brian Tewes, Marianne Finizio, Erin Arnett, Mike Puto, Charlotte Quinn. 5. The return of one of Key Colony Beach’s biggest events drew dignitaries from across the Keys. Pictured, from left: Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron, KCB City Administrator David Turner, Monroe County Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Libraries Kimberly Matthews, Erin Ramsay, Sheriff Rick Ramsay. 6. Michael J (pictured), Papa Pete and Rick Quick brought the live tunes to the 7th Street Park throughout the day. 7. Unnamed Pilchard #5 was the right pick for this heat of the “Barracuda Races.” -Photos by Alex Rickert and Larry Benvenuti

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

PIECES OF MISSING PLANE FOUND

The Marathon Shrine Club raised more than $36,000 during its annual charity drive. CONTRIBUTED.

MARATHON COMES OUT FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED KIDS

he Marathon Shrine Club thanked the citizens, visitors and Shriners of the Middle Keys for their continuing support of their Shriners Charity Drive, held on Feb. 19. The club extends a special thanks to Beall’s department store, Winn-Dixie, Driftwood Pizza, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Marathon Substation, Jerry Mayotte, and Bill and Janet Every penny Schnyder. They also thank the collected goes Masons who lent a hand with the collections and Marathon Shrine to the support Club president Joseph Stickney. of Shriners Every penny collected goes to Hospitals and the the support of Shriners Hospitals Transportation and the Transportation Fund at Fund at Mahi Mahi Temple. These funds are Temple. These used exclusively to transport Keys and South Florida children to the funds are used Shrine Hospital in Tampa or to exclusively to one of the other Shrine Hospitals transport Keys scattered around the country. At and South Florida these hospitals, children are given children to the free state-of-the art orthopedic Shrine Hospital in care and burn treatment. The Transportation Fund ensures that Tampa. the children are able to get to the hospitals for their care and followup treatment without any cost. Local support helps the club continue to make sure that this charity serves children today and in the coming years. The generosity of donors helped the club raise over $36,000 this year. Any Marathon residents who know of a child under the age of 18 who could benefit from orthopedic, spinal cord or burn treatment are encouraged to call a Shriner at 800-237-5055. — Contributed

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office divers recovered two pieces of the missing airplane last Thursday. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

AGENCIES WILL NOW SHIFT EFFORTS TO RECOVERY MISSION ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

hat began as a search and rescue mission has now become a recovery effort in an attempt to locate an aircraft that crashed into the Gulf of Mexico some 17 miles north of Sugarloaf Key. Alexandra Tufo and her boyfriend Thomas Campana took off from Palm Beach on Feb. 27, headed for Key West in Campana’s single engine Vans RV-12 plane. Unfortunately, the couple never reached their destination. Upon receiving reports of an overdue aircraft on March 1, the Coast Guard began a joint search for more than 72 hours, collaborating with FWC and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Working with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and the Federal Aviation Administration, Coast Guard crews laid out the most probable search area based on the plane’s last known appearance on radar. After an air crew located an oily sheen within the search area, MCSO divers eventually recovered

two pieces of the plane on March 3, identifying the tail number of the missing plane on the ocean floor. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Alexandra Tufo and Thomas Campana,” said Commander Lindsey Seniuk, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard District Seven. “This was a challenging case and it made the decision to suspend that much harder after our partners found the debris field. The MCSO divers are the experts in this new phase of the search, and our crews will be ready if our assistance is requested.” In a statement released on March 4, FWC Captain David Dipre confirmed that search and rescue efforts have been suspended. “The search and rescue has now become a recovery effort for all agencies involved,” said Dipre. “FWC will work to coordinate efforts and provide all assistance needed to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as they conduct their investigation.” The agencies’ recovery efforts are dependent upon weather conditions, the condition of the aircraft, and the size of the crash site. As of the March 4 statement, FWC hoped to resume recovery efforts on March 8 if conditions were favorable.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

CARNIVALE IN THE KEYS

Caribbean celebration nets MRI proceeds for the Middle Keys hospital

3 4

um drinks, Caribbean-inspired fare and a Junkanoo parade set the tone for Fishermen’s Hospital’s largest fundraiser of the year last Saturday as nearly 300 guests mingled on the edge of the ocean behind Marathon City Hall for “Carnivale in the Keys.” “It was really nice to see everyone together having such a good time,” said hospital foundation chair Jane Packard. “We are lucky to live in a town that is so generous.” Starting sometime in early April, residents in the Middle Keys and beyond will have state-of-the-art imaging services available in Marathon thanks to the philanthropic efforts of the Carnivale attendees. Photos by McLaughlin Photo Video 1. Key Colony Beach residents Craig and Tracy Curry were among the Carnivale guests who sampled Caribbean appetizers prepared by Brutus Seafood, Chris Stills’ roasted pork and Sweet Savannah’s dessert spread.

2. Local Realtor and philanthropist Sam Williams (center) and his fiancee Kelly (left) scored a number of items during the live auction as he continually outbid his trusted legal counsel – Patrick M. Stevens (back, center). Carolyn Waldera is pictured right goading him on 3. Fishermen’s foundation members (from left) Jim Rifkin and George Neugent share a laugh with Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales and his wife Dori along with hospital chairman Jay Hershoff. Morales is Marathon’s former city attorney whose family has owned a home in Marathon for nearly two decades. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly 4. The event was supported by a number of area businesses including ChrisTel Construction, represented by (from left) Steve Hurley and Howard & Connie Wheeler. 5. College of the Florida Keys President Jonathan Gueverra served on the events committee and suggested this year’s Caribbean theme. Pictured with Jack Seubert and Frank Wood. 6. The College of the Florida Keys sent a contingent of professors to the event including, from left: MHS principal Wendy McPherson and her husband Michael McPherson with Lana Gaspari, Rachel Oropeza, Brittany Snyder and Jack Seubert.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

RE-FINISHING TOUCHES Wyland returns to Marathon to restore landmark mural

ne of Marathon’s most iconic art pieces was treated to a facelift on March 2 as world-renowned artist and conservationist Wyland returned to the Kmart plaza to touch up “Whaling Wall #87 - Florida’s Radiant Reef,” originally painted with Guy Harvey in 2001. With equipment donated by Sunbelt Rentals, paint donated by Sherwin Wiliams, and booths from Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital and Save the Turtles to tackle conservation education for visitors, Wyland worked for the majority of the day. On the todo list: reinvigorating the mural’s major aspects, adding a few new elements – including an octopus – to the aquatic scene, and protecting the mural with a new clear coating. Pausing often to converse and take pictures with dignitaries, old friends and public onlookers, the painter thanked the community for their support before eventually moving on to Key West for another mural restoration. “This mural is actually in great shape,” he said. “There were so many people here waiting for me, and I’m really honored to do this. The amount of support is tremendous.” — Alex Rickert Wyland does rehab work on the Kmart mural he painted with Guy Harvey in 2001. Most of the work involved touching up the outlines and colors of existing elements, although he added an octopus to the painting; he declared the painting in good shape for its age. While in Marathon, he greeted old friends and chatted with people who stopped by to watch. -Photos by Barry Gaukel

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

KAREN NEWFIELD ... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

THREE OUTSTANDING NOVELS TO CELEBRATE THAT POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE READING RAINBOW

THE REBOUND By Catherine Walsh Suddenly single, jobless and homeless, Abby Reynolds finds herself on a plane to Ireland. Having spent her childhood doing everything in her power to leave this tiny village, Abby is on her sister’s doorstep at what once was their childhood home. Instantly at odds with each other, as usual, she wakes the next morning and is informed that they are having guests for lunch. When the incredibly handsome man who gave her a ride shows up, she is speechless. Standing there is Luke Bailey, the boy next door who most certainly is not a little boy any more. Abby instantly turns all shades of red and is furious that no one mentioned that Luke morphed into a heartthrob. Needing these next few weeks to find a job and get over her ex-boyfriend, Abby works hard to be civil with her sister and ignore the electrical sparks she feels when Luke is around. This town may not be New York City, and Abby won’t be wearing any fancy corporate suits, but it doesn’t take long to feel at home again. Digging deep to find out what this next chapter has in store brings heartwarming surprises and sisterly love. Give me a romcom with an Irish brogue and I am swiftly swooning.

LUCKY LEAP DAY By Ann Marie Walker A DANCE IN DONEGAL By Jennifer Deibel Having never traveled outside of Boston, Moira Doherty spent her entire life listening to her mother’s endearing stories of home in Ireland. In the summer of 1920, her mother passes and Moira is left all alone. Before her death, Moira’s mother applied for her to become the schoolteacher in the small village of Ballyman where she was raised. Terrified of starting over in a faraway land, Moira relies solely on her newfound courage to make the difficult journey. Upon her arrival, Moira discovers an unfamiliar superstitious culture that is not always welcoming to newcomers. As she slowly makes friends and gets settled, an Irishman named Sean comes to thatch the roof of her cottage. With a warm and handsome smile, Sean becomes her greatest supporter as Moira struggles to fit in. When whispers float around town, it can no longer be denied that something in her mother’s history caused her to leave in a hurry. Moira cannot move forward with her own dreams until she uncovers the secrets of the past. This brave young woman leans into her faith to find her true calling. A sweet, thoughtful, simple story bringing every detail of Ireland’s magnificent landscape, food and language to life.

When aspiring screenwriter Cara Kennedy arrives in Ireland, her luggage is lost, it’s raining and she is alone after being dumped by her no-good boyfriend. Her Uber driver Finn takes pity on her, giving her a quick tour of the city and the sweater off his back. Not only is he sweet and kind, but his sexy brogue has Cara melting into puddles on the back seat. Cara enjoys some friendly flirting as Finn directs her to the best sites during her trip. Grateful for the break from her demanding job, Cara squeezes in as much as possible. On the last day, Finn is again her tour guide. Coincidence or fate? Cara will never know, but after too many whiskeys on this lucky Leap Day, she wakes up on a plane heading home with her new husband, Finn. It is Irish tradition that only on Leap Day do women propose marriage to men. Panicked and too drunk to remember the details, Cara hurries back for an urgent meeting while introducing Finn to California living. With the luck of the Irish, her handsome hunk gets “discovered” and their worlds turn upside down. This lighthearted romance will have you dreaming of a ticket to Dublin.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

A RUNNING START Youth baseball registration begins with a home run derby ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

home run derby kicked off registration for Marathon’s Little League program on March 3 at Marathon Community Park. With the MHS baseball team working the pitching mound and outfield, some of Marathon’s youth sluggers – and a couple kids at heart – took their best shots at hitting one out of the park. Food from Centennial Bank, drinks from Reel Conch, popcorn from Marathon’s United Methodist Church, and snowcones from Marathon’s Parks and Recreation department turned the registration night into a family event for all ages. Registration for Marathon’s minors and majors baseball and softball programs for ages 8-13 is open until Friday, March 11. Scan the QR code on this page to easily register online. Practices start the week of March 28, with clinics the week of March 14. For more details, follow the “Marathon Youth Sports” Facebook page. For younger kids, Start Smart Baseball provides an instructional program where children learn the basics of baseball and prepare for organized tee ball, baseball and softball. The program begins on Saturday, April 2 and runs for six consecutive Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the community park’s baseball field. The registration deadline is Friday, March 25. Registration is $40 per child, and the program will accept a maximum of 20 participants. For more information, email villatorog@ci.marathon.fl.us. Clinic Schedule at the Community Park baseball fields: Monday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 16: minor and major girls softball, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; minor boys, 6:30-7:30 p.m.. Tuesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 17: major boys, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; junior girls, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

5 1. Jimmy Ashcraft serves up the popcorn with some stylin’ glasses. 2. Timmy Worden takes a swing at the plate. 3. Marathon High School baseball players teamed up with waiting contestants to pitch and field balls while batters rounded the bases. 4. From left, Jessica Bowles, Amanda Bruland, Brenna Brockway and Jessica Lugo help serve up donated burgers and hot dogs from Centennial Bank. 5. Cate Worden returns to the diamond after what she describes as an extended absence. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

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THE MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING DONORS WHO GENEROUSLY HELPED MAKE OUR 2022 ONE WEEKEND ONLY SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER SUCH A WONDERFUL SUCCESS! 7-MILE GRILL AM ELECTRIC ANGLER'S CLOSET ANTHONY'S CLOTHING BAUBLES BY BENNIE GIRL BAYSHORE CLOTHING BLUE WATERS JEWELRY/CASH FLOW PAWN CAPTAIN CRAZY NUTS AND FINE SNACKS CAPTAIN HOOKS CHEF JAMIE PRUITT CLAUDIA MCEWEN COCONUT ART STUDIO CRACKED CONCH CAFÉ CRANE POINTE CURVY CONCH CLOTHING D'ASIGN SOURCE DIANE DASHEVSKY DK'S BEACH BOUTIQUE DOCS TATTOOS DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER DRIFTWOOD PIZZA & SUBS ERIN ARNETT FARM A SEA FLORIDA KEYS AIR CONDITIONING FLORIDA KEYS AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS FLORIDA KEYS WATERCOLOR SOCIETY FOOD FOR THOUGHT FRANK'S GRILL FRED'S BEDS

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

John Huling Geiger, Florida wrecker. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY/Contributed

“Along the Florida Reef” documents Holder’s experiences and observations during the trip. Because of its length, Harper’s New Monthly Magazine published it in serialized form between the March and July 1871 editions. In the April edition, Holder BRAD not only writes about Geiger but provides an image of his face, BERTELLI too. Holder's story includes etchis an author, ings of the sights and people he speaker, and Florida Keys historian. had seen during his adventure. In the etching showing what a His latest book, typical wrecker looked like, one “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” simply captioned “A Wrecker of is a fun blend of the Reef” is John H. Geiger. In the two of his favorite subjects — Florida text, Holder described Geiger as “a man of decided character and Keys history and a sort of commodore among his the Skunk Ape. compeers.” The Geiger family house fell into disrepair in the 1950s but was purchased by the Wolfson family, wired for electricity, and restored to its previous glory. On March 18, 1960, the Wolfsons dedicated the house as a public museum named the Audubon House. The connection to Audubon is tenuous. Stories suggest he stayed at the house for months during his time in Key West. That story had two primary problems. First, Audubon was only in the Keys for five weeks. Second, Geiger built the house nearly two decades after Audubon's stay. Stories also suggest Audubon was once in Geiger’s garden when he saw the brilliant flowers of the Geiger tree, and that is why Audubon gave the tree its name. While Geiger built the Audubon House Audubon named Cordia sebestena, with circa 1849, Audubon arrived in the Florida its stunning orange flowers, the Geiger Keys aboard the U.S. Revenue cutter tree in honor of the wrecker. The tree Marion in April 1832. For that handful of has other varieties that produce white weeks when he was in the Keys, he visited flowers and yellow flowers. Geiger is also Indian Key, Key West and the Dry Tortugas. the name of a small island south of Big Audubon was not thrilled with Florida as Coppitt Key. During the Coast Survey cona whole, but he certainly had kind things ducted in 1861, A.D. Bache wrote about to say about the Keys. Upon arriving at the island: “Geiger Key is 2 miles long and the harbor of Indian Key, he wrote that his 1 mile wide. It was in good cultivation in “heart swelled with uncontrollable delight.” 1855, and was inhabited by an industrious In a letter to his wife, Audubon wrote that German, from whom it derived its name.” the island’s “air was darkened by whistling Other sources indicate the island was wings.” named because of the presence of Geiger At Indian Key, Audubon and his team trees on the island. Today the island is stayed at the boarding house of John Egan. home to the Geiger Key Fish Camp, one Egan had only just built the boarding house of the great off-the-beaten-path spots to at the edge of the small island – along the stop for some good food and a nice cold edge and just a little bit over the clear Atlandrink while soaking in some beautiful tic waters. Egan was also more than a host waterfront views. and served Audubon as a pilot and guide John Geiger was also featured in during his short stay on the island. “Along the Florida Reef,” written by Dr. J.B. Audubon wrote some interesting things Holder. Holder accompanied an expediabout Egan in both his role as host at the tion to the Keys that traveled between boarding house and as his pilot and guide Fort Myers on the west coast and Fort while he was at Indian Key. Those stories, Dallas on the east coast in 1860-1861. Fort however, will have to wait for another day. Dallas would later blossom into Miami.

WRECKER TURNED WEALTHY MAN

John Geiger left sizeable footprint in the Keys

ey West’s Audubon House was built after 1846’s Havana Hurricane ravaged Cuba, destroyed the Sand Key Lighthouse, and threw the double hurricane punch of high winds and tidal surge at Key West. John Huling Geiger was responsible for the house’s construction. He was one of Key West’s early residents and served as a pilot for Commodore David Porter’s anti-piracy squadron after they arrived in 1823. Geiger was also one of the most successful Florida wreckers. Eventually, he became one of Key West’s wealthiest residents, who built a home befitting his growing family’s standing in the community in the wake of the Havana Hurricane's destructive forces. The house, located on the corner of Whitehead and Greene streets, was constructed with Dade County pine. The family occupied the home for more than a century. While Geiger left a sizable footprint on Key West’s history, it was not limited to his success as a wrecker or the dimension of his home’s foundation. John James

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

WEIGHTLIFTING

Catching up with Marathon’s teams and student athletes

CLARE MERRYMAN is a senior at Marathon High School who dedicates the majority of her time to chasing her next article, working out with her teams, and swinging at a tennis ball. She’s known for making long to-do lists to keep her OCD in check.

MHS TAKES ON ANNUAL CULINARY COMPETITION From left, Marathon’s culinary crew of Dillon Shelar, Evan Quintana, Jay Sweeney, Nicole Merryman, Chef Carl Stanton and Synthia Robles are dressed to the nines for their weekend in Orlando. CLARE MERRYMAN/ Keys Weekly

From left, Nicole Merryman, Evan Quintana and Synthia Robles show off their appetizer, entree and dessert. CLARE MERRYMAN/Keys Weekly

fter hours of practice and hard work filling the halls of MHS with the savory aromas of their dishes, five of the most promising cooks nominated by Chef Carl “Flavor” Stanton were selected to compete against 85 other Florida schools in the annual ProStart Culinary Competition in Orlando on March 5 and 6. Four events made up the ProStart Competition. The most important is the 60-minute waiters relay. In this portion of the competition, three top cooks are tasked with creating three dishes. Representing the Dolphins, Nicole Merryman chose to come up with the appetizer. She produced a layered vegetable salad with shrimp on top. She scored fairly well with only a few critical comments from the judges in regards to the shrimp. Chef Stanton was quick to back up Nicole, letting her know that it was just to his liking.

Evan Quintana drew the most important of the three dishes, the entrée. He fashioned a blackened lionfish over cheddar cheese grits, drawing rave reviews from judges who had not seen a student cook a lionfish to Quintana’s chosen taste and texture. Finally, Synthia Robles used her confectionary background to create the pastry, an oreo red velvet cheesecake. The second portion of the competition was left to Jay Sweeney’s expertise. Sweeney participated in the edible centerpiece competition. He also had 60 minutes to manufacture his own creation made of fruits and vegetables. The entire contest was closely watched and scored, and included other components like a management competition. Stanton compared this element to a battle on Shark Tank: a team presents a business proposal, demographics and cost layouts to the judges.

Boys • Henry Herrera - Bench: 145; Clean & Jerk: 120; Total: 265 • Sean Hale - Bench: 215; Clean & Jerk:175; Total: 390 • Thomas Eubank - Bench: 220; Clean & Jerk: 210; Total: 430 • Malachi Hawkins - Bench: 225; Clean & Jerk: 195; Total: 420 • Victor Segura - Bench: 225; Clean & Jerk: 170; Total: 395 • Aaron Dolton - Bench: 195; Clean & Jerk: 185; Total: 380 • Yuni DeLeon - Bench: 210; Clean & Jerk: 285; Total: 395

TRACK & FIELD • Boys 100m dash - Mikail Marshall, 11.04 • Boys 200m dash - Mikail Marshall, 23.34 • Boys 400m dash - Jakub Bursa, 57.74 • Boys 800m run - Vaclav Bursa, 2:13.70 • Boys 1600m run - Vaclav Bursa, 4:54.10 • Boys 3200m run - Pedro Zapata, 10:46.60 • Boys 300m hurdles - Aaron Dolton, 1:00 • Boys 4x400 relay- 3:53.70, 1st place • Girls 100m dash - Abrianna Marshall, 13.74 • Girls 200m dash - Janiya Pyform, 30.54 • Girls 800m run - Jordan MacDonald, 2:57.87 • Girls 4x400 relay - 4:58.00, 1st place

BASEBALL Varsity MHS vs. Ransom Everglades March 8 W, 9-0 • Ryan Yablon - 2 runs, 2 hits • Benjamin Hiller - 3 runs, 4 hits, 3 RBI • Dylan Globe - 1 RBI • Gavin Leal - 1 run, 1 hit • Delvin Solis - 2 runs, 2 hits, 2 RBI • Cole McDaniel - 1 hit, 2 RBI

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

TOUGH SLEDDING AT HOME

Marathon varsity softball falls to St. Brendan

arathon’s varsity softball team faced a stiff challenge as the Dolphins took on Miami’s St. Brendan Sabres. The Fins came up short in the contest, 15-1. “The girls played with a lot of effort against a very experienced team,” said head coach Lance Martin. “I was proud that the girls kept fighting until the last inning, and I’m also pleased that we only committed one error in the field over the course of the game. If our bats start to come around, I believe we can be more competitive as the season progresses.” Marathon’s next home games are on Thursday, March 10 at 4 p.m. vs. Palmer Trinity and Thursday, March 17 at 5 p.m. vs. Keys Gate. — Alex Rickert

1. Aliyah Gonzalez (4) makes a throw to first base. 2. Lady Fin Kylie McDaniel (11) camps under a pop-fly ball.

3. Carlie MacFarland (12) takes a high pitch.

4. Marathon pitcher Allison Garcia (7) works the mound. 5. Marathon catcher Kayla Sipe throws out the runner at first. 6. Outfielder Maeve Merryman plays a fly ball. 7. The 2022 Lady Fins wait in the dugout.

8. Right fielder Carla Bocallao (14) hands St. Brendan an out. Photos by Barry Gaukel. See more game photos at www.shadypalmphotography.com.

Karen

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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SOMBRERO WATERFRONT HOME 4 bedroom and 3 1/2 bath. Deep water access to ocean or gulf for great fishing. 117' of concrete dock, two 50 amp services and heated swimming pool. Two master suites, elevator, 2 bonus rooms and loads of storage. Garage for 4 cars with circular drive. 2 miles to Sombrero Beach and 2 miles to Marathon Airport. Coventient to banks, restaurants, and shopping. $2,695,000 MLS#599734 Call with your Questions

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE NV2A Gulf Keystar, a Joint Venture, is prequalifying interested Vendors/Subcontractors to participate in the procurement process for the Concourse A and Terminal Improvements Program, located at Key West International Airport, Key West, Florida.

COMMERCE CORNER Chris-Tel Construction was founded by Howard Wheeler II in 1989. It’s a construction management firm with a long history of general contracting, and design-build services for various public and private clients throughout Southwest Florida. Chris-Tel specializes in commercial construction, site/civil construction, and special projects. “As construction managers, we endeavor to ensure that the client’s objectives and intent are carried out to satisfaction by maintaining budgets, adhering to the project schedule, and operating in a fully coordinated manner with the owner,” said Steve Hurley, Chris-Tel’s manager in the Keys. “Our client-oriented approach to any project consists of a four-step process (project development, pre-construction, construction, and close-out) that ensures delivery of a successful project on time and within budget.” Hurley said the majority of the work it performs is repeat business, and many clients have been with the company for 31 years. “We have deliberately built a team that practices a code of conduct centered on integrity and a high standard of ethics. We believe in transparency and maintaining an open book with our clients throughout the entire construction process,” he said. Chris-Tel Construction has offices in Fort Myers, Florida and Marathon, Florida. Keys location: 11400 Overseas Highway, Suite 208, Marathon Phone: 305-735-4623 | Website: www.christelconstruction.com Email: shurley@christelconstruction.com

The project consists of a new and efficient concourse building connecting to the existing main terminal through an elevated pedestrian bridge. It includes new waiting areas, concessions space, improved baggage claim services and passenger boarding bridges. The landside terminal building will be renovated and improved to accommodate an expanded security checkpoint and support office space. The project is currently in preconstruction, with some selective construction commencing in the second quarter of 2022. Concourse A is scheduled to be in full operation by October 2024 and the rest of the project completed by 2025. Please visit www.nv2agroup.com for additional information. At this time, we are soliciting interested subcontractors for all construction trades, including but not limited to: Sitework, Underground Utilities, Auger Cast Pile Foundations, Cast in Place Concrete, Precast Concrete, Masonry, Casework and Millwork, Roofing and Insulated Systems, Architectural Metal Panels, Glass and Glazing, Doors and Hardware, Flooring, Acoustical Ceilings, Framing and Drywall, Painting and Coatings, Building Specialties, Hoisting and Conveying Systems, Airport Systems, Passenger Boarding Bridges, Baggage Handling Systems, Mechanical Systems, Plumbing Systems, Electrical Systems, Security and Access Control Systems and Fire Protection Systems. To participate in the procurement process for all construction trades listed above, subcontractors and vendors must first be prequalified by NV2A Gulf Keystar. Interested parties are to visit: www.nv2agroup.com/prequalify to register as a vendor and complete the Vendor Prequalification Form. Please reference ‘Key West’ on the subject line when returning the Vendor Prequalification Form. It is anticipated that the procurement process for most construction trades will be completed by the third quarter in 2022. Prequalified subcontractors and vendors will receive an Invitation to Bid with instructions and their respective deadline(s) to submit, as the individual scope packages are finalized. During all procurement process, interested parties will receive equal consideration in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (30 Fed. Reg. 12319, 12935, 3 C.F.R. Part, 1964-1965 Comp., p. 339).

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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OFF TO THE RACES

Robyn Still becomes ﬁrst candidate to ﬁle for Marathon City Council election On March 7, Robyn Still, left, and her campaign treasurer Joanne Zimmerman paid a visit to the Supervisor of Elections office to become the first candidate to officially file for the 2022 Marathon City Council race. Appointed in January to fill the council seat left vacant by Trevor Wofsey’s resignation, Still will continue to serve on the council until the November election. “I said I was ready to jump in with both feet when I was applying for the seat and that is exactly what happened,” said Still. “Actually serving on city council has made me even more confident in my intention to continue to serve the people of Marathon. I have spent my life in public service. I am not the kind of woman who sits back and complains about the issues. I am about taking action to address the complicated issues of our city. I want to build on what we are doing right, and to find new ideas to address the things that aren’t working.” A co-owner of The Tackle Box with her husband Chris, Still comes from a 22-year career in law enforcement, which she says provided her with “extensive experience in creating and implementing public policy.” Four Marathon City Council seats will be up for grabs on Nov. 8. If a change to Marathon’s city charter passes by popular vote to increase city council terms to four years, the top three vote-getters will serve for four years, while the elected candidate with the fewest votes will serve a shorter three-year term to synchronize the expiration of councilman Luis Gonzalez’s current term. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly.

CAROL WELDY Carol Weldy, 83, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 27 at Miami South Hospital. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to George Jean and Christine Petersen. She is survived by daughters Elizabeth Reith and Jane Bickel of Mishawaka, Indiana; granddaughters Karie Hoffer, Jessica Dallas and Ashley McDowell; and three great-grandchildren Chelby Dallas, Calvin and Charlie McDowell. Well loved in her community, Carol carried humor and a smile that brought sunshine to any gathering. She especially loved jewelry and shoes. Her years as a legal secretary served her well in her position as boutique manager at Fishermen’s Community Hospital. Carol was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Keith. Both were devoted members of the Kirk of the Keys Church, where a combined memorial service will be held for both Carol and Keith on Monday, March 14 at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be donated to the Florida Keys SPCA.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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1 3

THE GARDEN IS GROWING Marathon residents enjoy a free seminar on gardening at the park

n March 5, the City of Marathon hosted a “garden party” for residents. Most of the participants were young learners, soaking up knowledge about flowers and herbs, soil and potting techniques. Community Park was blooming with other activities, too: chess players, exercisers on the Fitness Court and young readers exploring a pop-up table of children’s books about gardening from the Marathon branch of Monroe County Libraries. — Contributed

1. At the first station, young gardeners decorated their pots with stickers and decals.

5. A little girl watches patiently as a volunteer adds sunflower seeds to her decorated pot.

2. Participants in the City of Marathon’s Saturday morning program learned about herbs, sunflowers and other types of plants that do well in the Keys climate.

6. At the end of the seminar, participants could take a plant home.

3. Stephanie LeQuieu hosts the herb station for the City of Marathon. But she was also enthusiastically educating everyone about the 120th birthday of Peter the Rabbit, one of her favorite storybook characters, she said.

8. This gardener chooses a “snake plant” to take home. The City of Marathon regularly schedules programs such as this one to encourage residents to enjoy the park facilities.

4. City of Marathon’s Ali Adams, right, instructs two youngsters on the fine art of planting sunflower seeds. Adams created the day’s program, in part, to highlight the park’s new community garden that is flourishing.

7. Jazmin Zapata shows off her creation.

Photos by SARA MATTHIS/City of Marathon

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022 A painted bunting seen in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

READING MAGAZINES ON THE FRONT PORCH

MARK HEDDEN ... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

t was early and we were drinking coffee on the front porch. My wife had the good chair, the one where, if you tilted your head the right way, you could use the post to keep the sun out of your eyes after it came over the treetops. Which was fair, because she was up first, which gave her rights. Also, she made the coffee, as she did most mornings, which gave her even more rights. Me, I was holding up the New Yorker at a weird angle between all that brightness and my face, reading a story about Bridget Everett, who has a show on HBO and is apparently a very funny person, though approached from the wrong angle I could have been accused of attempted virtue signaling by reading a smarty pants magazine in kind of a showy posture. But really, I was just trying to block the sun. When I looked up I could see a brown pelican cutting high across the island, his body kind of crooked to the wind. Then came a magnificent frigatebird, who kind of dolphined through a headwind, rising up into a stall, then nose diving to gain back some momentum. It didn’t look like there was any reason for him to do it, other than it was probably kind of fun. The week before I’d been out in the street, trying to take a decent picture of a chair we’d been given – thanks, PE! – when I’d heard a northern mockingbird singing softly to himself. Which was a first. Every year at this time, you start hearing the gray catbirds sing softly to themselves as a kind of warmup and practice before they migrate north, but I’d never heard a mockingbird do it. I tend to think of them as birds that go full throttle in everything they do. A week later, the mockingbird had turned the volume up – not to 11, but to a solid 7. When some rich people in a Cessna Citation flew over, it almost seemed like he was trying to harmonize with the jet noise. In the tree next to the driveway there was a gray catbird, who was not practicing anything, and certainly not harmonizing. He was just loudly yowling out the same felinesque call over and over again, seemingly to no one in particular. After a while we were both like, yes, we get it, you’re a catbird. When I finished the story about the comedian I moved on to a long piece about some right-wing provocateur who was vying to take the place of Rush Limbaugh in the American hatescape, but I quit after a couple paragraphs, because how much space do you want to let those people take up in your psyche? The sun finally rose high enough to reach the edge of the roof and I could read my magazine like a normal human, and my wife got up to get on a Zoom call. I was just starting to read a long piece about a man who’d taught English in China years ago and was following the entrepreneurial careers of some of his students, when I heard it – a buzzy little call I’d been hoping to hear for a long time. I froze.

A couple weeks ago I was talking to the woman and the three little girls who live across the street, and they said something to the effect of how they loved seeing the painted bunting that comes to the feeder we have hanging out front, and I said something to the effect that it was really great they were enjoying it, really great. Because they are nice people, and it seemed inappropriate for me to go on a spittle-laced rant about why why why were they getting to see painted buntings at my feeder when I had hung the damn thing up yet had not seen them? Children generally don’t need to see adults having temper tantrums. It’s not like I hadn't seen painted buntings before. I’d spent a couple hours in a friend’s backyard last winter and managed to see them. And I’ve seen them a bunch of times at places like Fort Zach and Indigenous Park. But if you see painted buntings every day of your life, you are still not seeing enough painted buntings. Male painted buntings are about as technicolor as it gets in North America, a three-pronged blast of color – green blue red. Joseph’s dreamcoat has nothing on them. That buzzy little call I heard was a painted bunting. It was coming from low in the seagrape. It took a few minutes for me to see the bird, partly because it was wary, and partly because I was looking for the wrong colors. It was a female, and while males are all multi-hued vibrance, females are yellow-green overall, better to hide in the foliage and go about their day. After five minutes of me not moving a muscle she finally leapt up onto the feeder. She stuck her head in, grabbed a seed, spit it out, then stuck her head back in and found a seed she liked better. I wondered if she saw me as part of the landscape or just something she didn’t need to worry about unless I moved. She stuck her head in a few more times and gulped a few more seeds before a van drove down the street and she flew off. She came back about 10 minutes later, though, this time with a male painted bunting following a few branches behind her. She made it back to the feeder and started eating. The male crept closer and closer and, I believe, was also about to jump up on the feeder when the dog came out onto the porch. The dog only wanted to sniff at the leaves of the mint plant, but there’s no way to explain that to buntings, and they took off again. They didn’t return for the rest of the morning, which was fine. There’s always tomorrow morning, and the morning after that. And I have a whole stack of magazines to read.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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BRIEFLY Cornhole tournament to benefit Dana Farber Cancer Institute On Saturday, March 19, the Marathon Community Park will play host to a cornhole tournament. Marathon resident Rachel Vollemans will soon take to the streets in April’s Boston Marathon. All proceeds will go directly to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of former Keys Fisheries bartender and Marathon resident Shannon Gosselin. Registration is $50 per two-person team before the event or $60 on the day of the tournament. Registration will begin at 5 p.m., with play starting at 6. The top three teams will receive prizes, and the event will feature a 50-50 raffle and silent auction. For early registration, questions, or to donate, contact Vollemans at 781-640-4760 or email rvollema@ gmail.com. FWC asks locals to report horseshoe crab sightings FWC asks locals to report horseshoe crab sightings Spring is the peak mating season for horseshoe crabs. Locals can help biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gather information about the creatures by reporting sightings on an online survey. Horseshoe crabs mate year-round, but it is most common to see mating groups along the shore of sandy, lower-wave-action beaches in March and April as well as September and October. Beachgoers will have the most luck spotting horseshoe crabs around high tide within a few days of a new or full moon. In addition, if a horseshoe crab is on its back, it can be helped by gently picking it up (holding both sides of the shell), turning it over and releasing it back into the water. The FWC asks the public to report sightings by visiting MyFWC.com/research and clicking on “Crustaceans” then “Horseshoe Crabs” and selecting “Report Your Nesting Horseshoe Crab Sighting.” Marathon library continues wide variety of activities Thursday, March 10: Babytime Storytime for up to age 2,10:30 a.m.; Kids Build: Lego Club, 4 p.m.; Procraftinators: Sewing Open Lab, 2-4 p.m.; Sewing Machine Basics Ages 10 and up, 4-6 p.m.. Friday, March 11: Photography (Teens/Adults), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Spanish Social, a casual conversation group, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Arts & Crafts, 4 p.m.; Tween Twist, fun for tweens ages 8-12, 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 12: Easy Yoga (Adults), 10 a.m.; Saturday Stories: Weekend Storytime, 10:30 a.m.; Family Movie Matinee: You Pick! 3 p.m. Monday, March 14: 3D Printing Open Lab, 10 a.m.; VR & Robots Open Lab, 3:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 15: Get Creative with Art (Teens/Adults), 9:30 a.m.; Science Club, 4 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons, adults, 5 p.m.; Marathon Reads with local author Meg Cabot, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16: Cosmic Kids Movement & Yoga Adventures, 10:30 a.m.; Dungeons & Dragons for Teens, 3 p.m.; Kids Coding Club, ages 10+, 4 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons, adults, 5 p.m.; Easy Yoga Flow (Adults), 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17: Babytime Storytime for up to age 2,10:30 a.m.; Kids Build: Lego Club, 4 p.m.; Procraftinators: Sewing Open Lab, 2-4 p.m.; Sewing Machine Basics ages 10 and up, 4-6 p.m. Keys artists can apply for grants of up to $2,000 The Anne McKee Artists Fund (AMAF) is offering grants to visual, performing and literary artists who reside in Key West and the Florida Keys. Grant funding is provided by proceeds from the Anne McKee Art Auction recently held in February and are awarded at the sole discretion of the AMAF board of directors. The Anne McKee Fund grants up to $2,000 per artist for as many as 20 artists for project-based work. In addition, there are three youth-based scholarships. Application and details with specific questions and answers for interested applicants can be found on mcKeefund.org or via email mcKeefund@ gmail.com. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 31. KCB to ring in Saint Patrick’s Day with annual parade Everyone’s Irish on March 17. Come out to Key Colony Beach to enjoy the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Walkers will gather at Sunset Park at 4:30 p.m., and the parade will begin at 5 p.m. The route will run from west to east on Ocean Drive. Put on your green and join in the fun in whatever way you choose.

IGOR & RED ELVISES Your favorite band will have you dancing at the Marathon Seafood Festival

hen Igor Yusov was a young man in the old Soviet Union, his rebellious streak led him to the forbidden “Rokenrol” music of the West. A musician in the European ethnic folk tradition, Igor’s musical roots provided the foundation of the “Siberian Surf Rock” that has kept people around the world dancing for nearly 30 years … and will get you on your feet this Saturday afternoon at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival. Igor was born in Germany and grew up in Ukraine. Like all young men in the USSR, Igor was conscripted and served in the Soviet army. After getting out, he started a folk band called Limpopo. They had incredible success as a cultural folk band, and became international stars. Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union, Igor brought Limpopo to the United States. On his arrival, Igor was greeted by none other than President Ronald Reagan. Limpopo performed around the world, gaining a reputation for their “folk ’n’ roll” as well as their zany stage antics. In 1993, Limpopo competed on Ed McMahon’s Star Search, where they won the International Band contest. It’s fun to go back and watch a young Igor on some old Limpopo videos on YouTube. Igor also played guitar and sang on the streets of Santa Monica, California while helping other Russians escape their homeland and find their way to the United States. In 1995, Igor had a dream. In the dream, Elvis Presley came to him and told Igor to play rock and roll and write and sing in English. He even gave Igor the name Red Elvises. It’s good not to ignore the King when he gives you advice. Igor and his friends then became the Red Elvises and gave what became legendary street performances on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade. As the crowds grew, the City of Santa Monica ordered the Red Elvises to cease and desist those street shows. Santa Monica’s loss was the world’s gain. Evolving throughout the years, Igor’s music has been described as rockabilly, surf rock, polka rock, avant rock — but whatever you call it, it certainly makes you want to get up and dance. Igor blends his Central European folk influences with the backbeat of Western rock music. The result is as infectious as it is humorous. Some of the Red Elvises’ song titles offer a glimpse into the mind of their creator: “I Wanna See You Bellydance,”

“Closet Disco Dancer,” “Twist Like Uma Thurman,” “A Kegga Beer and Potato Chips,” “She Works For KGB” and “Smell the Bacon.” Their stage outfits are as outrageous JOHN as the music. And BARTUS it’s easy to see that they’re having just is the Mayor of as much fun as the the City of Maraaudience. Long thon. He also is time Red Elvises a musician who performs around fans will help newbies with some of town. For more see johnbartus. the moves and singcom along parts. It won’t be long before Red Elvises are your favorite band. As an independent band, Red Elvises have produced and recorded 12 studio albums, two live albums, a live concert DVD, and a Greatest Hits compilation. Some of their most notable film contributions include music and or performances in “Six String Samurai,” “Mail Order Bride,” “Armageddon,” “Melrose Place,” “Penn and Teller’s Sin City Extravaganza,” VH-1’s “Behind the Music” and MTV. Red Elvises have performed for large festivals, private parties and played on massive stages such as 2005’s Live 8 Benefit Concert. Igor told me how happy he is that the band is finally touring again after the forced pandemic layoff. This year, the band features Tata Batera on drums, Alex Koslov on guitar, Riley O’Halloran on bass, Crazy Tomes on guitar and (of course) Igor Yusov on guitar and vocals. Prepare yourselves for some high energy “rokenrol” as you dance off all the great seafood. No matter where Igor & Red Elvises go, they bring the party with them. We are lucky to have their party come to the Original Marathon Seafood Festival on Saturday, March 12 at 5 p.m. They are just one of several incredible acts playing the festival stage this year, as well as more than 200 vendors, awesome kid stuff, and the world’s best seafood. See you this weekend at Marathon Community Park. Catch John Mondays at Boondocks, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Key Colony Inn, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, and Fridays on Facebook Live. John and Adrienne Z play the Seafood Festival Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Music available wherever you get your streaming or downloads. www.johnbartus.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 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 The Voice of Cake located at 58901 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Jaimie Roberts Gearhart Publish: March 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Keys Home Care located at 19552 Aztec Street, Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Florida Keys Natural Products, LLC Publish: March 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ENA SOUL located at 105 Saguaro Lane, Monroe County in the City of Marathon, Florida 33050, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Marathon, Florida this 9TH day of March, 2022. By: Flamingo Soul LLC Publish: March 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Frozen Tap located at 718 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Doukas Siotkas, Managing Sole Member on behalf of Doukas Properties, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: March 10, 2022 and March 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Uva Wine Shoppe

LEGAL NOTICES located at 605-A Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: UVA Wine, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: March 10, 2022 and March 17, 2022. The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 2:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: CANAL 25 KEY LARGO BACKFILL 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 2:00P.M., on May 5, 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: Canal 25 Key Largo Backfill 05/05/2022 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 2:00 P.M., on May 5, 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)

LEGAL NOTICES Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: March 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: CANAL 28 KEY LARGO BACKFILL 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 May 5, 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: Canal 28 Key Largo Backfill 05/05/2022 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 May 5, 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: March 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Middle Keys Chiropractic, INC located at 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 11, Marathon, FL 33050, will be closing on February 24, 2022. Custodian of records will be Sherri Nichols, DC 6943 Gilda Court, Keystone Heights, FL 32656 305-517-6141 Publish: February 24, March 3, 10 & 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE The Northern Trust Company, 50 South Lasalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603, intends to apply to the Federal Reserve Board for permission to establish a branch at 31 Ocean Reef Drive, Suite # 102, Key Largo FL 33037. October through April, the branch will be open five days a week from 8:30am to 4:00pm. May through September, the branch will be open two days a week, on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The Federal Reserve considers a number of factors in deciding whether to approve the application including the record of performance of applicant banks in helping to meet local credit needs. You are invited to submit comments in writing on this application to Colette A. Fried, Assistant Vice President Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604. The comment period will not end before March 25, 2022, or 15 calendar days after the publication of this notice, whichever is later. The Board’s procedures for processing applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. Part 262. Procedures for processing protested applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. 262.25. If you need information about how to submit your comments or to obtain a copy of the relevant procedures, contact Jeremiah Boyle, Assistant Vice President for Community and Economic Development at (312) 322-6023; to request a copy of an application, contact Colette A. Fried at (312) 322-6846. The Federal Reserve will consider your comments and any request for a public meeting or formal hearing on the application if they are received in writing by the Reserve Bank on or before the last day of the comment period. Publish: March 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO. 22-CP-000022-P IN RE: ESTATE OF RUTH ANN DRAKE, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS All creditors of the decedent, Ruth Ann Drake, are hereby notified that the formal administration of the Estate of Ruth Ann Drake, Deceased, whose date of death was September 16, 2021, File Number 22-CP-000022-P are pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this Notice is served, must file their claims with the 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 must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of the foregoing Notice to

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES Creditors is March 10, 2022. Petitioner: Stephen Drake, Jr., Personal Representative 1001 Monroe Avenue NW, Unit 503 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Attorney for Estate: Christopher S. Furlong, Esquire Florida Bar Number: 89542 Bacon, Bacon & Furlong, P.A. 2959 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 (727) 327-3935 Publish: March 10 & 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 22-CP-000011-M IN RE: ESTATE OF HOWARD L. ANDERSON, JR., Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Howard L. Anderson, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was July 10, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The name and address 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: March 10, 2022. Personal Representative: George Anderson 1106 Shetland Court Lynn Haven, FL 32444 Attorney for Personal Representative: Erin E. LeBlanc, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1019242 Barnes & Thornburg, LLP 4540 PGA Blvd., Suite 208 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Telephone: (312) 214-8835 erin.leblanc@btlaw.com Publish: March 10 & 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 22-CP-000021-P IN RE: ESTATE OF EDWIN MICHAEL BURNS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Edwin Michael Burns, deceased, whose date of death was December 14, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The name and address of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and

LEGAL NOTICES

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: March 10, 2022. Personal Representatives: Faith Branstetter 70 Holly Boulevard Southampton, NJ 08088 Amelia Burns 526 E. 85th Street New York, NY 10028 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Teresa Abood Hoffman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 871982 Email: teresa@hoffmanpa.com LAW OFFICES OF HOFFMAN & HOFFMAN, P.A. 66 W Flagler Street, Suite 200 Miami, FL 33130 Telephone: 305-372-2877 Facsimile: 305-372-2875 Service of Court Documents: eservice@hoffmanpa.com Publish: March 10 & 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Attorney for Personal Representative: CARA HIGGINS, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 0734241 CARA HIGGINS LAW 604 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Telephone (305) 294-6030 Facsimile (305) 292-9911 E-Mail: cara@carahigginslaw.com Publish: March 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-51-K JUDGE TIMOTHY J. KOENIG IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT JOSEPH BILLY, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROBERT JOSEPH BILLY, deceased, whose date of death was January 20, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The name and address of the personal representative and 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME 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 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 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 March 3, 2022. Personal Representative: PAUL J. BILLY Petitioner

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000187-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JUDITH N. REISING, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JUDITH N. REISING, deceased, whose date of death was September 8, 2020 is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons who have 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 the 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) YEAR OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 3, 2022. Personal Representative: CHRISTIAN R. REISING Petitioner c/o Jose Ignacio Leon, P.A. 2600 S. Douglas Road, Suite 502 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSE IGNACIO LEON, ESQ. Jose Ignacio Leon, P.A. 2600 S. Douglas Road, Suite 502 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Office: (305) 384-3386 Email: Jose@fleplaw.com Florida Bar No. 0110385 Publish: March 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 21-CP-000144-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LINDA MARINA LOPEZ, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of LINDA MARINA LOPEZ, deceased, whose date of death was August 30, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Suite 202, 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

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

TAKE ME HOME

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

ating in the Keys can be a drag, but thankfully there are plenty of animals waiting for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA. Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turn-offs to ensure the best fit. From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two

campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

Betty

Brew

Cheesecake

10-year-old female domestic shorthair

1-year-old male mixed breed

4-month old female domestic shorthair

A Sweet Golden Paw Senior Looking for: A loving lap to nap on.

A Big Boy With A Big Heart Looking for: A human to love and a canine companion to play with.

Turn-offs: A noisy household; my purrfect home would be peace and quiet.

Bad Habit: Even though I'm big, I'm still a puppy and get into things I shouldn't.

See more at fkspca.org

Come see me at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

A Playful Purring Kitten Looking for: Someone to play with. Turn-offs: When people are scared of me just because I'm a black cat.

Let’s talk 305-743-4800

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

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES 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 PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is March 3, 2022. Personal Representative: LAURA MARIA MOYA 119 Harborview Drive Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: STEVEN SILVERMAN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 265081 STEVEN SILVERMAN, P.A. 7740 SW 104TH Street Suite 101 Miami, FL 33156 Tel: (305) 666-6111 Fax: (305) 670-8114 Email: steven@stevensilverman. com Publish: March 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 22-CP-000017-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH S. DROZD, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOSEPH S. DROZD, deceased, whose date of death was 12 October 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Co-Personal Representatives and the Co-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: March 3, 2022. Co-Personal Representatives: Maria Teresa Leiva 1249 Milan Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33134 Schree Toth 248 Atlantic Blvd. Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: Tom Woods, Esq. Fla. Bar Number 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive

LEGAL NOTICES Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone: 305.664.2200 tom@tomwoodslaw.com Publish: March 3 & 10, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 22-DR-000035-K Division: Family YENI A. MENDOZA RIVAS, Petitioner, and DOROTHY M. BESWICK, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: DOROTHY M. BESWICK Last Known Address: 4 BETTY ROSE DRIVE, APT. 421, KEY WEST, FL 33040 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 YENI A. MENDOZA RIVAS, whose address is 4 BETTY ROSE DRIVE, APT. 421, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before April 11, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 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 7TH day of March 2022 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Publish: March 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

CLASSIFIEDS AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

BOATS FOR SALE Inflatable Boat - 8' West Marine RU250, 3.5 hp Mercury 4 stroke (3 hours). Located in Marathon. Call 8 5 9 - 6 3 0 - 0 5 3 1 SOLD IN LESS THAN 3DAYS!! Place your Boat For Sale ad here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

305.743.0844

BOAT SLIP

EMPLOYMENT

Boat slip available oceanside in Marathon. Self contained incl. one parking space. $20.00 per foot/month plus water. F/L/S No pets. 305-6108002

Looking for Office Manager for Condo Association. Candidate should know Quickbooks, Excel and Word. Position is for 24-32 hours per week. The right candidate has the opportunity for advancement. Salary is negotiable and as an incentive housing can be offered. Please send salary requirements with resume. Background check will be done. Send resume to Linda Kruszka @ lindakruszka@comcast. net PO Box 522592 Marathon Shores, Fl 33052

pool & employee meals. Private club & friendly atmosphere. Varying hours Tuesday-Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview

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, 10am7pm 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.

Charter Captain /Mate - Busy fishing charter business in Marathon looking for experienced fishing Captain/Mate. Busy boats and location. Offshore, Inshore, Reef/ Wreck. Also part-time Boat Cleaner needed for afternoons. Send text or call 305-481-3259

Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20-25 hrs. per week, $20 per hr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol. com, or call 734-476-0531.

The Cabana Club, an 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 305 393-0631 ask for April.

BOATS WANTED WANTED: Pontoon Boat and Trailer - CHEAP! No engine & no deck required. 305-289-9884

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

Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic. Boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006 Kelly Electric in Marathon looking for experienced Journeyman/Electrician. Please send resume to Kelly6098@aol.com or call Bill at 305-743-6098 The Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a Bartender/Server. $12/ hr + guaranteed tip

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Recreation Specialist/ General Maintenance Tech, Engineering Intern, Public Works Fleet Mechanic, and Marina Customer Service Rep. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR “C”

LOCATION: BIG COPPITT KEY AND DUCK KEY The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION IS GROWING, and we need (2) WWTP OPERATORS WITH A FLORIDA “C” LICENSE OR HIGHER. You will perform skilled/technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Location: Big Coppitt Key and Duck Key. Salary Range: $52,645.98 - $84,011.20. Apply online at www.fkaa.com

EEO, VPE, ADA

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

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 Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com Part Time Supervisor/ Housekeeper Position Available Immediately in Key Colony Beach. Hours may vary depending on need including weekends. Responsibilities include oversee housekeeping staff, inspecting rooms prior to guest occupancy, making up laundry bags, cleaning rooms, etc. Physical demands: ability to lift and carry laundry bags ~ 35 lb. **Must have reliable transportation** Please call/text or email to discuss pay and to request application. Michelle - 952-208-2850 Cheryl 305-505-8747 info@continental innbeachside.com

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West is hiring a Protective Service Aide. We are seeking the right candidate for a Full-Time Permanent position as Protective Service Aide at the Senior Citizen’s Plaza. This position requires a 32 to 40 hour work week with alternating shifts. Shift hours are 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., & 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. KWHA Provides Health, Retirement, and Leave benefits for this position. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: Wrightk@ kwha.org or (305)2965621. Applications are available online at www. kwha.org or at our Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040. EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. 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 .

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT 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 Marathon FT Admin Assistant for busy CPA Firm. Duties incl clerical, scanning, word processing, entry level bookkeeping, data entry, mail, filing and customer service. Must have strong computer skills, Microsoft Office. Exp with QuickBooks a plus. We are looking for a friendly, reliable team-player. Must be able to pass background check. Health insurance benefits after introductory period. Bishop, Rosasco & Co. Email resume to tara@keyscpa.com. EOE HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!! PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

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

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

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

HAWKS CAY IS HIRING FOR MULTIPLE POSITIONS Spa Guest Service Agents • Gift Shop Attendants Uniform Attendant • F&B Receiving Clerks Engineers • Banquet Setup On-Call Banquet Servers • Stewards/Dishwashers Servers • Bartenders • Safety Services Welcome Booth • Drivers AND MORE…

Please apply online at www.hawkscayjobs.com

The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for these positions: GUEST SERVICES AND BEACH ATTENDANT Competitive salary and great benefits. Job types: Full-time & Part-time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please email your resume to Lindsey@mooringsvillage.com or call the reception office at 305-664-4708

HIRING NOW!

NOW HIRING:

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.hawkscayjobs.com Equal Opportunity Employer

Hosts Waitstaff Bartenders Bar Backs Bussers Line Cooks Dishwashers

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

HOMES FOR SALE Duplex For Sale By Owner. 10822 2nd Avenue, Gulf, Marathon. 2BR/1BA each side. Trade RV or BOAT or CASH. Call 305-481-1316

NOW HIRING!

LOT FOR SALE Lot For Sale By Owner on Duck Key - Trade RV or BOAT or CASH. Call 305-481-1316

OFFICE/COMMERC. SPACE FOR RENT Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92. Call 305-394-0530 Place your Office/ Commercial Space For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

YARD SALES PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

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

FULL-TIME SERVICE TECHNICIAN Will train. Benefits after 90 days. Starting pay $22/hr. Apply in person at:

FJ Nugent & Associates, Inc. 935 107th Street, Gulf Marathon, FL 33050 (407) 474-0026

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

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OCEANFRONT PRIVATE SWIM CLUB IN KEY COLONY BEACH IS SEEKING A KITCHEN MANAGER/COOK FOR OUR BUSY SNACK BAR. The Cabana Club is open 10 am - 7 pm daily. Must have experience. Responsibilities include but not limited to: ordering, cooking, menu design, good organizational skills and maintain a clean kitchen. Our small efficient kitchen mainly serves lunch items. Pay commensurate with experience plus benefits. Beautiful environment, small friendly staff, open year round. TheCabanaClubKeyColonyBeach.com Apply in person, email resume atpCabanaClub@aol.com or call 305-393-0631 and ask for April.

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

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

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

Join Our Team! Teller

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Executive Assistant Customer Service Representative

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

DUI Evaluator Part-time – Marathon

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

Skilled Maintenance Technician IT Technician

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

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

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Tuition Reimbursement

HIRING

Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER

401K Employer Match Salaries Starting at $18/hr Fun, Fast-Paced Environment

Location: Upper Keys

Quarterly Cash Proﬁt Sharing Great Hours Member FDIC

KeysBank.com EOE-M/F/V/D

Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruct.com Or call: 305-852-3002

Equal Housing Lender

Department of Environmental Protection

John Pennekamp State Park is hiring for a seasonal OPS Senior Clerk Position for our Entrance Station. This position’s primary function is to provide excellent customer service, give information about the park and collect tolls.

For a detailed job description and to apply, please visit; www; https://jobs.myflorida.com search by location Key Largo FL

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

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

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

OPEN POSITIONS AT BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA TAVERNIER MARINER’S HOSPITAL - Physician Practice RN - Pool Group Exercise Instructor - Scheduling Coordinator - Security Office MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - ED Team Coordinator - Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus - First Cook, $5,000 Bonus - Floor Technician, $5,000 Bonus - Mechanic 3, $5,000 Bonus - Medical Assistant, $3,000 Bonus - Physician Practice Patient Rep, $1,000 Bonus - Phlebotomist, $10,000 Bonus - Pool Physical Therapist

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 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! Trainer (Full-Time/Permanent) Seasonal Utility Position (Full-Time) 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

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

242424

(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

Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment

THEME: MARCH MADNESS The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES FRONT OFFICE MANAGER FRONT OFFICE GUEST SERVICES AGENT & BELL/VALET RESERVATIONS AGENT HOUSEKEEPING - ALL POSITIONS SIGN ON BONUS OFFERED! CULINARY SOUS CHEF, PM COOK DISHWASHER F&B SERVERS, RESORT SERVICES BUSSERS/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) Case Manager, FT (Children)

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 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 (FT) *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

ACROSS 1. In ill humor 5. Like a ship? 8. Repeating word on South Pacific map 12. Man-eating fairy tail giant 13. Newspaper piece 14. Pertaining to the ear 15. Family group 16. Not the life of the party 17. Andean animal 18. *Like Sunday, the day of announcements 20. Bodily disorders 21. 19th century Robber baron Jay ____ 22. Architect’s software, acr. 23. Articulates 26. Soak up 29. Cuban dance step 30. Auditory canal, e.g. 33. Needlefish, pl. 35. “Star Wars” creator 37. Swindle 38. March edition, e.g. 39. Rest or settle 40. Johnny Cash’s “Get ____” 42. *It never ends this way 43. Another word for acetylene 45. High or hilly land 47. Grazing spot 48. Copying machine 50. ____ code 52. *Those remaining in last weekend (Two words) 56. Gives off 57. Afghanistan’s western neighbor 58. Beginner 59. Send in payment 60. Halfway around links 61. Besides 62. Biz bigwig 63. *D-___ schools only 64. Swedish shag rugs

DOWN 1. ____ Brown and “What’s Up, ____?” 2. Gawk at 3. River in Orenburg, Russia 4. Weasel out 5. Go bad 6. Massacre of the Innocents king 7. “I Dream of Jeannie” star 8. *Last year’s runner-up from Washington 9. Like word of mouth 10. Those born under Aries 11. Chicken ____ ____ king 13. Between 90 and 180 degrees 14. Spy’s cover 19. Crocus bulbs, e.g. 22. *Network 23. *School with most titles 24. Car rack manufacturer 25. Like an implied agreement 26. Your mom’s sister 27. Haile Selassie’s disciple 28. Boston hockey player 31. Heart pain 32. Ken or Barbie, e.g. 34. *Placement 36. *First A in NCAA 38. Motivate 40. Biology class acronym 41. Benevolent 44. Leavening agent 46. Another word for golf club 48. Rice wine 49. Lacking sense 50. NYSE MKT, formerly 51. Frost design on a window 52. Porto____, Italy 53. Like acne-prone skin 54. Bear constellation 55. Fish eggs, pl. 56. Before, archaic

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

Leslie Christensen

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

OWNER

phone 305-743-6881 AmericanCoastalRentals.com Leslie@AmericanCoastalRentals.com 9141 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service Phone: (305) 743-5288

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Liz Samess Interiors

Alexia Mann, GRI

Broker/Owner, 305-209-5166 Alexia@SeafarerRealty.com www.SeafarerRealty.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Liz Samess Interior Designer

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

(954) 801-7883 Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com CELL:

305-289-1150

Marathon, FL 33050

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

“We Clean Your Place, Like it Was Our Place”

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports. SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

Serving Key Largo to Key West

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

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

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

Will Campbell President

Kitchen Cabinets Sales Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277

SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE Lic & Ins SP3696

SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm • 6681 Overseas Hwy, Marathon keystilestone@gmail.com • www.keystilestone.com • 305.743.7053

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 MARATHON • KEY COLONY OWNERS

START EARNING 305 3902315

WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM OFFER YOUR ENJOY EXPERT MAXIMIZE GUESTS A VIP PROPERTY YOUR INCOME EXPERIENCE MAINTENANCE POTENTIAL

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

Petersen Repair & Maintenance • Flooring • Inside Trim Work • Door Replacement • Landscaping • Fencing

• Plastering & Stucco • Masonry & Spalling Repair • Waterproof & Roof Painting • Interior & Exterior Painting • Parking Lot Striping

SP# 4434, 4435, 4436, 4437, 4438. 4439. 4448, 4449, 4450, 4451

Charlie Petersen 920-371-3107 | PetersenRepair@yahoo.com

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

Tracy Chacksfield Realtor

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

CGC1523838 312-350-4601 tracy@thebeautifulkeys.com

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

Lic No. SP1481

CGC1523838

When It Rains It Pours! Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

I come to you!

Helping Paws Grooming Services

330.727.6264 Janet White

Professional Groomer

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

SPALLING EXPERTS

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

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

Lic#SP-3562

Rachel Sanderson

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

We Do Installations! Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

Michael Kiraly

Mortgage Lender Supervisor NMLS# 675432 MKiraly@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 942-1756 Office: (305) 676-3019 11400 Overseas Hwy, Suite 214 & 215 Marathon, FL 33050 MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 10, 2022

Jody L. Owen, P.A. 305-923-1902

Lynn B. Lucas, P.A. 305-393-0559

jodyowen@me.com

5074 Sunset Village, Duck Key

2 / 1 1/2 ● 780 SF ● Waterfront Unit ● Established Rentals Enjoy all of Hawks Cay Resort Amenities like their private lagoon Stunning sunsets ● Call for rental records. MLS# 599850 ● Offered at $719,000

lynn@keyshomehunter.com

Andy & Dave's Garage - 220 20th St., Marathon

1688 SF ● 11,356 SF Lot ● 1 1/2 baths ● Fully Equipped 3 bay garage ● 5 overhead doors ● 2 lifts ● Office ● Storage Well established business ● Generous parking ● Security fencing. MLS# 596462 ● Offered at $1,299,000

The Shores #13, 117 Coco Plum Dr, Marathon

3 / 2 1/2 ● 1,620 SF ● All Impact Resistant Windows and Doors 40’ Deeded Dock ● Updated Flooring ● Screened Porch Covered Parking ● Pool ● Tennis courts ● Sandy Beach MLS# 599849 ● Offered at $934,000

Vaca Cove - 12555 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

5089 Sunset Village, Duck Key

2 / 2 1/2 ● 900 SF ● Poolside Unit ● Established Rentals Enjoy all of Hawks Cay Resort Amenities like their private lagoon Stunning sunsets ● Call for rental records. MLS# 599812 ● Offered at $718,000

Offered for sale is Vaca Cove a 7 unit vacation rental property located in Marathon, FL. The property is comprised of 7 stilted waterfront homes, dockage accommodating up to 40' boats per home, resort sized pool, fishing dock/kayak launch and built in 2016. Each home is 1,740 Sq. Ft., 4 bedroom, 3 bath, open floor plan living area, large laundry, water front porches with open water views, private spas and covered parking. This is an active vacation rental property with established management and increasing numbers. Please do not go to property unscheduled. Call today for more information 28 bedrooms / 21 Full Baths ● 12,180 SF ● MLS# 594168 ● Offered at $6,900,000

390 E. Seaview Dr., Duck Key

7018 Harbor Village, Duck Key

2 / 2 1/2 ● 900 SF ● Waterfront Spa Unit ● Established Rentals Enjoy all of Hawks Cay Resort Amenities like their private lagoon Private in-ground spa ● Call for rental records. MLS# 599509 ● Offered at $699,000

Offered for sale is this single family home on exclusive Duck Key. The lower level living area contains one full guest suite, large living area, elaborate custom wet bar, laundry room with custom built-ins and plenty of storage. Walk out from the lower living area into a deep covered porch with arches overlooking Lake Lucille, an outdoor kitchen and 75' of dockage with 2 lifts (20K lb. and 10K lb.). or, take the elevator up to the main living area with large master suite and additional guest suite, expansive living and dining area, gourmet kitchen and spacious balcony dining area with water views. Many designer touches throughout the property make this a true Keys retreat. Plenty of room for a pool out back and engineering plans already done. 3 / 3 1/2 ● 3,453 SF ● 7,500 SF Lot ● Offered at $2,995,000

©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.