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“I think what my friend Mitch is trying to say is that true love is blind.” — Vince Vaughn

March 17, 2022

‘HURRICANE DIANE’ BLOWS INTO RED BARN COMEDY FEATURES FEMALE CAST | P. 14

CRUISE SHIPS TO CONTINUE AT PIER B CITY LIMITS SHIPS AT ITS 2 DOCKS | P. 4

KEYS HOUSING CRISIS

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? | P. 10

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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ON THE COVER

174%

That’s the estimated increase in beer sales on St. Patrick’s Day compared to the rest of the year. 153% more spirits are sold compared with the average day, according to WalletHub.

Women lead the cast of “Hurricane Diane,” which opens March 22 at Red Barn Theatre. See page 14. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

CRUISE SHIPS WILL CONTINUE AT PIER B CITY TO LIMIT ITS TWO PIERS MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

ruise ships of all sizes will continue to visit Key West, one at a time, docking only at the privately run Pier B. The two city-controlled docks will only host smaller ships, and only if no ships are at Pier B. On the advice of their attorneys… A new cruise ship resolution, passed by city commissioners on March 10, acknowledges what their attorney had advised nearly a year ago: The city has no authority to restrict ships at Pier B. Bound by a short-sighted but inescapable 1994 contract, City Attorney Shawn Smith warned commissioners in July 2021 that any attempt to limit ships at Pier B would result in a crippling lawsuit. “My job is to protect you and the city from liability,” Smith told the commission eight months ago. “And I’ll tell you, I think Pier B sues

Key West officials on March 10 approved a resolution that will limit cruise ships to one per day, with all ships docking at the privately owned Pier B, where the ship on the left is docked in the above photo. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

us. I don’t think it’s a threat; I think it’s legitimate and I think it will be a breach of contract claim and an interstate commerce claim.” Months later, commissioners were still intent on implementing significant cruise ship reductions at all three piers, as proposed by the Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships and approved by 62% of voters in November 2020. So commissioners hired outside counsel, attorney Ed Pozzuoli, to help draft and defend the new cruise ship limits. But Pozzuoli, like Smith, strongly advised the commission not to interfere with ships at the private Pier B, given the contractual agreement, which was written by the late attorney Jim Hendrick. ‘Two outta three ain’t bad’ Commissioners instead voted on March 10 to send all cruise ships to Pier B and close the two city-controlled docks, Mallory and the Outer Mole piers, to nearly all ships. “It is the intent of the city commission that all cruise ships will dock at a designated, non-city-controlled pier at the City of Key West, known as Pier B. … When a cruise ship is docked at Pier B, no cruise ship will

dock at a city of Key West-controlled property,” the approved resolution states. The city’s two docks may only be used when no ship is docked at Pier B, and only by smaller ships — with up to a 1,300-person capacity. The beginning of the end? Thursday’s unanimous approval nearly ends the contentious, two-year effort to markedly curtail Key West’s cruise ship tourism. “We recognize that this does not get us what we wanted, which was sensible limits at all three piers, but it allows the city to do what it wishes with its two piers,” Evan Haskell, president of Safer Cleaner Ships, said at the March 10 special meeting, urging the commissioners to approve the proposed resolution. Key West business owner Ed Swift spoke in opposition to the resolution, and criticized the city’s willingness to close Mallory and the Outer Mole piers and forgo the cruise ship revenue each pier generates. “The Mole Pier income was earmarked to help fund the upkeep of Truman Waterfront Park and the loss of income from Mallory will now continued on page 7

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

FROM BASEBALL TO BALLADS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BRONSON ARROYO TAKES STAGE IN KEY WEST

‘A MAZING RACONTEUR’ TRANSPORTED AUDIENCE Dear Editor,

2 4

ronson Arroyo was a superstar baseball player for the Key West Conchs, who went on to the major leagues, where he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates between 2000 and 2002, the Boston Red Sox from 2003 to 2005, the Cincinnati Reds from 2006 to 2013, the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014, and the Reds again in 2017. But his music career overlapped his baseball career, and in 2005 Arroyo released his first album, “Covering the Bases,” which included covers from bands such as Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and Foo Fighters. The album also includes the Red Sox victory song “Dirty Water” by The Standells, in which Arroyo is accompanied by fellow players Johnny Damon, Len-

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

5 ny DiNardo, and Kevin Youkilis. Arroyo made his public debut on stage in January 2004 at the Hot Stove Cool Music fundraiser at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, where he performed a cover of Pearl Jam’s “Black” with teammate Kevin Millar. Arroyo returned to Key West last week, again combining baseball and music. He threw out the first pitch at the Conchs’ baseball game on March 11 at Rex Weech Field, his old stomping grounds. On March 12, he performed a concert in the backyard of Key West’s Oldest House Museum. — Mandy Miles

1. History, music and baseball combine at Key West’s Oldest House Museum & Gardens for a show by Bronson Arroyo. 2. Nance Frank, owner of Gallery on Greene, introduces Bronson Arroyo. 3. Hometown hero Bronson Arroyo plays a concert at Key West’s Oldest House Museum & Gardens with saxophone player Elan Trotman. 4. Damian Vantriglia, Lynn Kaufelt and Jackson Kaufelt enjoy the show. 5. Helen and Ben Harrison are another Key West baseball family and arts patrons.

The Bronson Arroyo concert at the Tom Majors Garden behind the Oldest House was a spectacular, very heartfelt concert. Organized by Old Island Restoration Foundation and The Studios of Key West, it was a benevolent benefit. Twelve hours later I still had a big smile on my face and Norma Dopp in my heart. We were all transported. Key West native, major league baseball player and World Series winner Bronson Arroyo is an amazing raconteur and professional presence as a musician. Elan Trotman is a world-class saxophonist, and childhood friend Chris Holman played ukulele with 100% charm. In a town filled with great music and truly wonderful musicians, they brought the house down with their heartfelt magic. It was a moving finale when the crowd leaped up simultaneously to applaud. The performers showed us their genuine love of music and performance, with the immense force of fun and friendship. Bronson, Elan and Chris made a priceless gift to two organizations fighting to keep Key West true to our roots while incubating that special Key West grit, which continues to captivate those who are just now finding our unique enchantment. Hopefully Elan and Chris are catching our spirit and will return often. The lyrics about Key West and Bronson’s childhood should have a place in the vernacular of our island’s culture. Long live baseball, music and friendship. Sincerely, Nance Frank Old Island Restoration Foundation, president

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

continued from page 4

have to be made up by the Key West taxpayers,” Swift said, ticking off additional financial losses that could result from the pier closures. “The city cannot keep balancing its budget by raising parking fees,” Swift said. “Key West is dodging a bullet by not infringing on Pier B’s business operations, and I thank you for that, but this resolution is a disaster for our city and will echo for years to come.” Arlo Haskell, treasurer of Safer Cleaner Ships, acknowledged that “Truman Waterfront Park is one of the greatest city assets in Key West, and when I saw that the Outer Mole’s cruise ship funds were designated for its upkeep, it gave me pause.” But, he told the commission, the Outer Mole, which the city leases from the Navy, operated at a loss in 2018 due to the city’s contract with Swift’s company, Historic Tours of America, which charges the city to shuttle cruise passengers across restricted Navy property and into the downtown area. The tour company in turn pays the city 5% of its revenue as part of a franchise agreement. Haskell added that Mallory Pier’s cruise ship profit after expenses in 2018 was $100,000, an amount that could be made up elsewhere in the city budget, he said. “We’ve repeatedly heard that the city can do what it wants with its two piers,” Arlo Haskell said. “Months ago, you heard me say I would never settle for a carve-out for Pier B (from the voter-approved ship reductions). But the name of the game is compromise, and we’re now asking you to do what you’ve said you can do with the city’s piers.” And they did. What’s next? The commissioners also approved a first reading of a new ordinance that prohibits water pollution from cruise ships, designates a fund for coral restoration that will come from a $1 per passenger donation from the owners of Pier B and establishes a water quality testing program. That environmental ordinance will be tweaked before its second and final reading on April 5 to clarify the water quality specifications. Discussions continue between the city and Pier B about potential changes to the cruise ship agreement. Thus far, Pier B has agreed to five potential black-out days of no cruise ships and a maximum of 349

days per year that ships can dock at Pier B. “The historical high was 247 days of ships at Pier B,” Arlo Haskell told the commission on March 10. “I don’t think the city should be authorizing more and bigger ships at Pier B. I think if we could go back in time, we would set things up differently, such as with the (contract) with Pier B, which renews in perpetuity. The big problem I see with this draft amendment to the Pier B agreement is that it also runs in perpetuity. I think any future agreements with Pier B should have a means for the city to get out of it.” But Pozzuoli again emphasized that the city has no authority to expect or demand any concessions, limitations or amendments from Pier B due to the agreement the city signed more than 25 years ago. That long-standing contract authorizes Pier B’s cruise ship operations and requires the company to give the city 25% of cruise ship disembarkation fees. The agreement contains no limits or restrictions on cruise ships, other than to say Pier B may host up to seven ships a week, including three overnight port calls. Nothing in the existing agreement talks about any operational limits, Pozzuoli said on March 10, adding that the contract requires Pier B to use its best efforts to maximize cruise ship revenues, which it has shared with the city for more than two decades. “So any changes to that agreement have to be something (Pier B) agrees to voluntarily, because there’s no authority we have to require it,” he said. City Attorney Shawn Smith said he plans to have a final proposal from Pier B prepared for the April 5 city commission meeting. Commissioner Jimmy Weekley has asked the city’s attorneys to include negotiations for the city’s use of Admiral’s Cut in the ongoing discussions. Admiral’s Cut is a slice of water, about the size of a large boat slip, that’s owned by Pier B and the adjacent Opal Key Resort. The cut separates the resort’s waterfront shopping promenade from the cityowned Truman Waterfront. A footbridge over Admiral’s Cut would allow pedestrians to walk along the waterfront from Mallory Square to the Truman Waterfront, which city officials have long desired. It is unknown how the Admiral’s Cut discussions are going. A full video of the March 10 city commission meeting is available at cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

SAVE THE DATE Through March 31 • “A Wood Show Like No Other” on display at Collections, Key West Gallery on Stock Island, behind the Hogfish Bar & Grill, open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. • The Studios of Key West presents “Play Ball!” a multi-artist tribute to baseball featuring more than 100 baseball bats that are painted or sculpted into original artworks.

Thursday, March 24 • Cayo Hueso 200, a celebration of Florida’s first Cuban-American community with a film, Cuban music and panel discussion, 7 p.m. at San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St.

Saturday, March 19 • “Only in the Florida Keys,” a 30-minute TV special about the Keys island chain, debuts on The Discovery Channel, 8 a.m. • Shop at Lilly Pulitzer and help A Positive Step of Monroe County. The store will donate 10% of all sales to help fund the program’s summer youth employment program, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 600 Front St., Key West. • Keys Weekly’s own birding expert Mark Hedden details “Seven Birds You’re Unlikely to See Outside of the Florida Keys,” 1 p.m. at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden on College Road. • Frank Sinatra tribute artist Tony Sands performs Sinatra’s favorites with a full orchestra, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater.

Tuesday, March 29 • League of Women Voters of the Lower Keys meets at 5:30 p.m., at The Coral City Elks Lodge, 1107 Whitehead St., Key West. Discussion topic is singlemember district voting for Monroe County commissioners. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, March 20 • Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition offers virtual childbirth class, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register at www. keyshealthystart.org/educational-classes-registration or call 305-293-8424. Monday, March 21 • Congregation B’Nai Zion offers free screening of “When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit,” 7:30 p.m., 750 United St., Key West.

Saturday, March 26 • South Florida Symphony Orchestra performs at Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 30 • Singer Kim Gordon presents “Together Again,” a benefit concert for the Boys & Girls Club. Tickets are $45 to $90, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater. Thursday, March 31 • Deadline to apply for the Key West Chamber of Commerce’s three scholarships for Key West high school graduates. Apply at keywestchamber.org/ scholarships. • The Southernmost Chamber Music Society presents a concert featuring a world premier of songs by Key West composer Seth Grosshandler, 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Eposcopal Church, 401 Duval St. Saturday, April 16 • Best Cuban Sandwich Throwdown, 1 to 3 p.m. at The Green Parrot Bar. Tickets are $15, which includes sandwich tastings. All proceeds benefit The Key West Learning Center.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

CAN WE STILL SAY ‘GAY’ IN FLORIDA SCHOOLS? CONTENTIOUS BILL AWAITS GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

o be clear, Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill doesn’t ban the word “gay” in public schools. It bans “classroom disscussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students,” according to the text of the bill, formally titled “Parental Rights in Education.” Better known by the nickname assigned by its numerous critics, the bill passed the Florida House last month and the Florida Senate last week. It now awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis, and continues to draw both scorn and support from people in and beyond Florida. As for Florida Keys legislators, State Rep. Jim Mooney voted against the bill, and State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez voted for it, according to legislative voting records. Rodriguez told the Keys Weekly, “The Parental Jim Mooney. Rights in Education bill is about protecting children. The bill says schools can’t teach sex ed and gender theory in kindergarten through third grade. Period. It has nothing to do with students saying they are gay or saying they have Ana Maria gay parents. That is all just Rodriguez. flatly untrue.” According to the bill text, it precludes “classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity.” It does not define “classroom discussion,” or mention sex education. Adam Gentle, a Democrat running for the House District 120 seat, spoke against the bill at the March 7 Hometown Call for Candidates, during which he started his twominute speech by announcing, “I’m gay.” Gentle went on to say that schools are often the only space for LGBTQ youths to feel safe about talking about their identity. “Their ability to talk with trusted teachers and administrators is being ripped away from them,” Gentle said.

Republican State Rep. Joe Harding, of north central Florida, who sponsored the bill, has said it is “designed to keep school districts from talking about these topics before kids are ready to process them,” and “to keep parents in the know.” The bill also forbids school employees from withholding from parents “any information about his or her student’s mental, emotional, or physical Joe Harding. health or well-being, unless a reasonably prudent person would believe that such disclosure would result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect.” That language has been interpreted to mean that schools and teachers must inform parents of any student’s discussions about their sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill authorizes parents to sue the school district for failure to reveal such information. Critics argue the language is intentionally vague, and suggest that the phrase “in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate,” could prompt lawsuits from parents who believe any discussion of LGBT identities, at any age, is inappropriate. Others opposed to the bill wonder what defines “classroom discussion,” and point to the potential exclusion and villification of children with same-sex parents. “Imagine elementary school students are asked to draw pictures of their families and present them to the class,” Kara Gross, legislative director and senior policy counsel of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which opposes the bill, told Time magazine in February. “What happens if a child being raised by a same-sex couples draws a picture of their two dads?” Is a second-grader not allowed to mention his two moms in a classroom discussion about Thanksgiving traditions? What if a student’s brother has a husband the student has known since infancy? How far can the legislation go, and who will define age-appropriate discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity? They’re questions with no concrete answers right now, and “It scares the hell out of me,” said Owen Trepanier, an urban planner in Key West, who has four children, ages 4 to 15, with his husband. Trepanier recalled when their eldest daughter, who’s now 15, was 6 years old and attending Montessori Elementary

Charter School in Key West. “Our daughter, at the time, was the only student with two dads and the only one in her class who was adopted. The kids had questions, so the teacher and the school orchestrated a visit so the class could meet her two dads. Our daughter got to tell her story from a 6-yearold perspective. After that it was never, ever an issue for her classmates. It was only a question because kids didn’t have any information.” When it comes to the bill in question, “Little kids are going to suffer,” Trepanier said. “Because when kids don’t have an answer for something, such as why they can’t talk about their family in school, they’ll make up an answer, which usually involves blaming themselves and somehow making it their fault that they have two dads or two moms. And now we’re telling them they can’t talk about their family. The radical, right-wing parents of kids will extend the bigotry for another generation.” The 2020 census shows there are an estimated 1.1 million households headed by same-sex couples in the United States, and 15% of those have at least one child under 18, according to census.gov. The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists estimates that 1 to 9 million Americans have at least one gay parent. Republican State Rep. Joe Harding, who sponsored the bill, said it’s “designed to keep school districts from talking about these topics before kids are ready to process them.” But State Rep. Carlos Smith, an openly gay Democrat, warned his fellow legislators that it would send the wrong message to children about what it means to be a member of the LGBTQ community. During House debate on the bill, according to Newsweek on March 8, Smith said, “But members, this bill goes way beyond the text on the page. It sends a terrible message to our youth, that there is something so wrong, so inappropriate, so dangerous about this topic that we have to censor it from classroom discussion.’”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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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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• A property that is being rented out for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account

• We now accept Apple Pay in all of our office lobbies, and we also accept PayPal for online transactions.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

By Alex Rickert, Jim McCarthy, Mandy Miles

FLORIDA KEYS HOUSING CRISIS WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

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. Over the past three weeks, Keys Weekly has tackled the Florida Keys housing crisis. Part 1 defined the housing problem. Part 2 examined what caused it, and how we got here. (Both are at keysweekly.com.) This “We’re getting a lot week, we take a look at some of the posout of this community, sible solutions. Ideas have been discussed and there’s no reason for years during meetings and charrettes, aimed at solving a problem that’s only gotin the world why we ten worse over time. Some projects are shouldn’t figure out a underway throughout the island chain that way to help somebody could provide affordable housing options else out. to the working folk. But is it enough? And in addition to new construction — in an island – Liz Kohout chain with limited land — what else could be done? Next week, the Keys Weekly will examine what other cities are doing to address the affordable housing shortage.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Windley Key Condos in the Upper Keys. CONTRIBUTED.

“Can we grant homestead exemptions to landlords who do want to do a good thing for working folks? If they’re being squeezed by taxes and insurance costs, what can we do as a city, county and state to really go to bat for them?” — Scott Pridgen, executive director of AH Monroe

Upper Keys Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ newest complex, Keys Heights, broke ground last year with four new affordable housing units on Plantation Key. Located at MM 89, bayside, the project includes three stand-alone elevated buildings. One is an upstairs/ downstairs duplex. The units have three bedrooms with two bathrooms. “We’ve got a teacher there. I got somebody who works at the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office,” said Lindsay Fast, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys. It’s a model that’s working in the Upper Keys, with some 40 projects that have put working Keys families into a sustainable living situation. HFHUK works in partnership with people in need to build decent, affordable housing. The houses then are sold to those who qualify at no profit and with no interest charged. Applicants who live or work in Monroe County are evaluated, and prospective homeowners are selected based on housing need, ability to pay and willingness to partner. The partnership begins months in advance of moving in and includes putting in 250 to 350 hours of sweat equity. The ability to pay is based on a minimum credit score, income and

other financial factors. Upon completion of construction, homeowners enter into a long-term, 0% interest mortgage with their payment based upon what they can afford. With Keys Heights complete, Fast said Habitat now is working on bringing seven single-family homes and a duplex to Gardenia Street next to Plantation Key School. Fast wants to attract teachers given its proximity to the school. If all goes as planned, construction could start in about two months. “They’re perfect for families,” she said. “I just reached out to the Monroe County School District to do a bit of a MOU (memorandum of understanding) I'd like to present to them during the building stages. It’s a perfect opportunity for teachers. They could literally walk.” Among the bigger HFHUK projects is the Windley Key Condominiums. Of 16 units, eight are designated for ownership and eight for rentals. They’re two-bed, two-and-half-bath units with balconies and views of the oceanside. The complex is full. Fast said Keys workers, from a sheriff’s deputy to a fire rescuer, live there. “Every year we qualify every rental, and we’re not just having them fill out applications. We’re getting pay stubs and W-2s,” Fast said.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Marathon The City of Marathon has roughly 775 deed-restricted affordable housing units, with another 300 or so awarded and awaiting permitting and construction. “I think we’ve done everything we possibly can to essentially send a message to potential developers,” said Marathon City Manager George Garrett. “This is a place where they can find enough land to build affordable housing with enough units to make it financially feasible.” Garrett said the ability of cities to incentivize or require truly affordable housing developments will be key moving forward. Take, for instance, Marathon’s “Trailerama,” a site stocked with about 120 mobile homes that is currently under contract. If the new owners decide to reimagine the property, hundreds of Marathon’s workforce could be without homes. “When you look at something like Trailerama, our code has never anticipated that those projects would convert the way they are now,” said Garrett. “And therefore, we haven’t said, ‘Okay, if you convert, you’ve got to provide some percentage of workforce housing.’” Should the property be redeveloped, the city’s priority would be to offer the incentive of additional density with affordable units as opposed to market rate alternatives.

Wreckers Cay apartments on Stock Island. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Boatworks Apartments will soon bring 52 affordable apartments to Marathon. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

“When you look at something like Trailerama, our code has never anticipated that those projects would convert the way they are now.” – Marathon City Manager George Garrett.

“Let’s not make it so easy to make a bunch of money on a vacation rental property. Make it more difficult because we just don’t have the inventory.” — Scott Pridgen, executive director of AH Monroe

Key West Three new affordable and workforce housing developments are underway in Key West and neighboring Stock Island. Closest to completion is Wreckers Cay on Stock Island, a 280-unit apartment complex being constructed by Integra Investments and slated for partial completion this summer. The new housing community will span nine waterfront acres on the site of a former trailer park and will feature 70 units for households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), which is $56,960 for a two-person household, and $81,360 for a family of four. Wreckers Cay will have 98 units for households earning up to 100% of the AMI, which is $84,400 for a couple, and 112 units for households earning up to 120% of the AMI, which is $97,680 for a couple and $122,040 for a family of four. Just down the road is the Key West Housing Authorityand city of Key West-sponsored “We need housing development known as Garden View Apartments on College that people can afford Road, being built by Gulf Keystar with their current local contractors. Like Wreckincomes. And we need ers Cay, the 103-unit apartment to seriously look at complex will be entirely affordour building codes able for varying income levels. and height restrictions And finally, after 20 years on Key West’s to-do list, city comto allow housing to missioners this week approved a be built on top of long-term ground lease that will shopping plazas and in enable about 168 units of affordother places.” able housing to be built at the — Alton Weekley, co-owner of city’s Truman Waterfront, with a Fausto’s Food Palace. combination of rental units and owned townhomes.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

THE POLICIES

ast year, Islamorada Councilman Mark Gregg proposed an ordinance that would allow accessory dwelling units (ADU) in the village. The idea didn’t get the traction he hoped it would get from the community, but he says it’s a quick and cheap way to provide some housing that doesn’t involve any land clearing. And the idea isn’t new. “For a homeowner on a limited income, that helps them to have more income to support staying in their house as prices rise and inflation gets worse and worse. It also allows somebody who needs affordable housing to have something nice,” he said. Per the Florida Housing Coalition, ADUs were commonly used to mitigate the shortage of affordable housing, providing smaller rental dwelling units ancillary or secondary to the principal residence. In the 1950s and 1960s, with the rise of suburbs catering to nuclear families, ADUs fell out of favor. But changing demographic trends showing continuing increases in smaller households, one-person households, elderly households and households with disabled members are creating a surging interest, the Florida Housing Coalition says. “ADUs can provide a stable affordable housing option for those in vulnerable housing situations. Persons living in ADUs benefit financially as the lower rents allow them an affordable option for decent, safe housing,” states the coalition. “Additionally, those renting out the ADUs also benefit financially from the rental income stream which often provides the additional income owners, particularly those on a fixed income, need to make ends meet.” Lorie Leal, Realtor with American Caribbean, said she believes there are opportunities for ADUs in the Keys. “I think it would not only help the people that need to rent, but it would also help people afford homes because they would offset some of the ownership expense by having the rental unit on site,” she said. “It’s a sound solution. It would be on properties already developed.” Gregg said he’s looking to bring back the ADU ordinance in the future. Among the communities with ADUs are Key West and several other Florida cities, as well as Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco. “It will take a bit of time for the council, staff and community to absorb,” Gregg said. “As they learn more about it and learn it’s done all over the country, they’re popular with high-land

costs and limited availability for land. This is not something I’m just pulling out of the hat and we’ve never heard of.” Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys executive director Chris Todd Young says that while a plethora of factors have brought the Keys to their current predicament, a few crucial changes can go a long way. Though “affordable housing” is a convenient tagline, not all projects are created equal. Affordable housing projects developed using tax credits charge different rents for more or less identical units based on a renter’s income. Meanwhile, while privately financed affordable housing projects, such as Marathon’s Tarpon Harbor and Seaward Landing, have income limits for their tenants, privately funded projects can sometimes still charge maximum rents based on incomes of 120% to 160% of the Area Median Income (AMI), even if a tenant’s income is far below this threshold. Take, for instance, a single individual qualifying for Very Low Income housing with a salary of $35,600 or less, as dictated by Monroe County’s affordable housing numbers from 2021. The maximum monthly rate for a Very Low Income 1-bedroom unit is $1,018. But in a privately financed project charging rents based on 120% of AMI, monthly rent could shoot up to $2,442. Don’t worry about pulling out a calculator: this equates to a whopping 82% of the person’s monthly income. If the project is allowed to charge rents based on 140% to 160% of AMI, the situation worsens. In Young’s mind, development agreements for affordable housing need to allow, and calculate rents based on, individuals making no more than 80% of the AMI, a number she calls a true “workforce salary.” For many middle-income Keys residents, the problem isn’t the ability to pay a mortgage once they have a house. For the group Young calls the “invisible class” – ones whose salaries aren’t low enough to qualify for significant assistance programs, but still find most of their income sapped away by sky-high rents and basic living expenses without a significant ability to save – the issue is finding money for a down payment. To break through this barrier, she is one of many who have asked Marathon to increase its first-time home buyer’s grant from $10,000 to $20,000 or even $30,000. The Marathon City Council is set to revisit the issue at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 12.

EMPLOYERS FEEL THE CRUNCH, TOO

Keys employers haven’t turned a blind eye to the housing crisis in recent years. Several have realized that their only chance of retaining a long-term workforce is to invest in dedicated employee or other affordable housing. Liz Kohout and her business partner “Captain Bob” Stephens have taken things one step further. As vacation rental owners and managers, they rewarded Yandry Gonzalez, an employee they consider “like a son,” with a chance at home ownership he may have never found otherwise. “Once he started working more for us and making more money, he was told that he no longer qualified for the housing where he and his family were staying,” said Kohout. “To me, that seems pretty un-American to punish someone for getting ahead.” Determined to prevent their most industrious worker from leaving the Keys, Kohout and Stephens entered into an agreement with Gonzalez to help him put the down payment on his own house. The plan is for Yandry eventually to buy the pair out, leaving his family of four with a home all their own. “We believed so strongly in buying a house for Yandry first that we don’t even have a house of our own,” said Kohout. In Key West, Alton Weekley, a former city commissioner whose family owns Fausto’s Food Palace, ended up buying the mobile home that a valuable employee was renting. “Then I ended up selling it to her, so I carry the loan. She was too valuable to lose to our housing shortage,” he said. Other residents and Keys leaders have long talked about providing financial incentives to help encourage landlords who rent their properties long term to year-round workers. “We need to make the fees and taxes so high on AirBnBs and vacation rentals so it’s a less attractive option,” said Scott Pridgen, executive director of AH Monroe, a nonprofit dedicated to affordable housing and health care. Former Key West city commissioner Margaret Romero has also long supported financial incentives for longterm landlords, but got no support from fellow commissioners during her tenure.

LESSONS LEARNED

Hindsight is always 20/20, and some past decisions have Key West officials and residents shaking their heads at what might have been. Weekley recalled that he first sat on a Key West Chamber of Commerce affordable housing committee as far back as the “late ’70s or early ’80s.” “Around that time it became very obvious that the displacement of people would continue happening,” said Weekley, whose brother, Jimmy, is a former Key West mayor and a current city commissioner. “But what we’re facing today didn’t happen overnight.” When he was a city commissioner from 1977 to 1981, the Navy was getting rid of its Truman Annex property and putting it on the market. “As a city commission, we were going to buy the property and lease it to a developer for 99 years to build housing there. The developer was going to front the city $16 million to buy the land, because the city didn’t have the money back then. A big part of the housing was going to be affordable. But every city commission has the attitude that the commissioners before them did everything wrong. The new commission decided the Truman Annex purchase wasn’t in the city’s best interest and pulled out. As we all know, developer Pritam Singh, whom I respect, bought the property and developed it into today’s Truman Annex,” which includes luxury homes that are predominantly monthly and transient rentals. “I’ve also always thought that Harris School should have become housing,” he said. “If I had the $4 or $6 million, I would’ve bought it and turned it into housing.” During a recent Islamorada council meeting, Gregg discussed raising the salaries of council members from the current $1,000 they get a month. The whole goal, he said, is to bring younger members of the community who can’t get away from their day job to attend meetings. In his remarks, he said a raise should have happened long ago. And it could have brought a single mom or working family’s voice to the table. “I think if we had done this years ago, if someone on the council was a wage earner, a single mom or dad, we might not be in the pickle we are in now with affordable housing because there would have been a voice at the table to push that forward,” he said.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

‘HURRICANE DIANE’ BLOWS INTO RED BARN THEATRE REALITY-BENDING COMEDY FEATURES FEMALE CAST

hat if the Greek god Dionysus, deity of wine and ecstasy, suddenly walked into your kitchen and announced it was time mankind shaped up and started taking care of “his” planet, and that you and your girlfriends were going to be the first acolytes in his quest to bring the Earth back to its natural, unsullied state? What could go wrong? This is the reality-bending setup for the new play, “Hurricane Diane,” set to open at the Red Barn Theatre in Key West on Tuesday, March 22 for a four-week run. Written by Pulitzer Prize nominee Madeleine George, the play will feature a who’s who of Key West women, including Erin McKenna, Caroline Taylor, Susannah Wells, Jessica Miano Kruel and Lauren Thompson. It will be directed by Red Barn artistic director Joy Hawkins. George launches her play right from “lights up.” We meet Dionysus immediately, though not as we might expect. He has morphed into a rabble-rousing lesbian

gardener from Vermont named Diane, and she’s chosen four suburban New Jersey housewives – think “Real Housewives of New Jersey” and you won’t be far off – to join his efforts at reclaiming the natural beauty of the planet. The four women all live on a cul-desac in flood-prone Red Bank, New Jersey in identical cookie-cutter houses. They regularly gather over wine and coffee to gossip about anything but the latest portents for the climate. There’s control freak Carol, who just wants a well-manicured lawn; Renee, a top editor at HGTV Magazine; Pam, an Italian dragon in animal prints; and weepy Beth, who’s just been left by her husband. Into this coffee klatch comes Diane, livid at humanity for “despoiling the green earth that gave you life.” She has great plans – not the least of which involve indulging her Dionysian proclivities – and she’s going to begin right here, right now. Will Diane be able to enlist them all? Will this diverse band of suburban women

The female cast of ‘Hurricane Diane’ unleashes its talent and fury at Red Barn Theatre. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

be inspired by the appetites of their divine visitor to unleash their wildness to help the battered planet? Maybe. Maybe not. You’ll have to see. The play also carries a subtextual message that has profound relevance in this day and age. Called “incisively smart and boisterously funny” by the Boston Globe, “clever and timely” by NewYork Theater, and “An astonishing new play” by the New York Times, “Hurricane Diane” lives up to its premise. Tickets are available at redbarntheatre. com or by calling 305-296-9911. The play is sponsored in part by Design Group Key West and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The Red Barn continues to monitor and adhere to the CDC guidelines concerning COVID protocols for small spaces. More information is available from the box office at 305-296-9911. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

JASON SMITH VIES FOR COUNTY JUDGE LONGTIME TRIAL LAWYER WANTS A SEAT ON THE BENCH

OFFICIALS APPROVE 99-YEAR LEASE AT TRUMAN WATERFRONT MANDY MILES

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

ongtime Florida Keys attorney Jason Smith is the second person to announce his candidacy for the county judge’s position in Group 1. The primary election takes place Aug. 23. “I am ready on day one to take the bench with fairness and impartiality, as I have a passion for justice,” Smith said. “We live in an active, informed and concerned county that has us always striving to do better.” Smith said his campaign is founded on the same principles with which he practiced law for 35 years: experience, accountability and equality. His experience includes 35 years as a trial lawyer, including “well over 50 felony trials, as well as numerous misdemeanor, family law and civil trials.” Smith said he is also one of the few attorneys in Monroe County who is statutorily qualified to handle death penalty cases. “County court judge is not a theoretical position. It is a hands-on job that requires an experienced trial lawyer. I am a strong advocate for public service. I have represented people from all parts of our diverse community in a variety of cases with an emphasis on criminal cases. I have had two stints at the public defender’s office and was in private practice for over 20 years,” he said. “I have represented those flesh and blood people looking at losing their life, liberty, rights and property through the court system. Engaging people under extreme circumstances has given me insights into human nature, motivations and assessing credibility. This is what you want in your judge — understanding and discretion.”

HOUSING MAKES HEADWAY

Jason Smith, candidate for County Judge, Group 1. CONTRIBUTED

He emphasized that all parties in the justice system must be held accountable for their actions in a fair, unbiased manner. And all parties must be treated with equal justice under the law. “Too often we fail to do this systemically. A judge has to be aware of this and be dedicated to this principle in order to render justice,” he said. “The significance of the work we do is drawing the most important lines that society can draw, the line between liberty and punishment, the taking of rights and property delivered at the hands of the state. If the state is permitted to impose these punishments and outcomes to whatever degree, without going through the procedures and rituals that have to do with reliability and respect for dignity, overseen by a judge, then we are all lesser for it.” Smith also commended outgoing Judge Peary Fowler, saying, “She has treated all who have come before her with dignity and respect. She has adjudicated cases with empathy and intelligence. That is what I aspire to do as judge.” Smith is thus far running against Key West attorney Al Kelley. Smith can be reached at 305-747- 2926 or JSmithpd345@gmail.com.

he long-awaited affordable housing at Truman Waterfront moved ahead on March 15, when officials leased the land to the group they chose to build it. They met the looming deadline to apply for $7 million in state funding, but not without some foot-dragging. The Lofts at Bahama Village LLC will build some 126 affordable workforce housing units on the last 3.2 acres of the waterfront parcel. “Ninety-eight (98) of the units will be for rent and the remaining twenty-eight (28) units will be for homeownership,” states the project summary. The land has been earmarked for housing for 20 years, and voters authorized the long-term lease to the development group in January. But some residents urged officials to postpone the approval, and some officials lamented the nowor-never funding deadline they faced. “We feel the public hasn’t had sufficient opportunity to look at this lease,” speaker John Wilson Smith told the commissioners, who also pointed to concerns raised by resident Lakay Barnett. Postponing the lease approval would have jeopardized millions of dollars available from the state for the development, Commissioner Sam Kaufman said. The 3.2-acre lease is crucial for The Lofts to meet the state funding application deadline of March 31, said The Lofts’ attorney, Bart Smith. The Lofts is eligible for up to $7 million in state funding and tax credits for the rental portion of the neighborhood, Smith said. But in order to apply for the funding, developers must have long-term “site control” of the housing parcel to ensure it remains affordable for at least 50 years. “The Lofts is seeking financing through Florida Housing Finance Corporation and an executed ground lease is one of the requirements of the application,” states

the project summary. “Due to the specific financing for the rental aspect of the project, time is of essence when it comes to approval of this particular ground lease. The application is due on or before March 31, 2022.” The city on March 15 leased the 3.2-acre parcel to The Lofts for 99 years, officially giving the group site control. To approve the lease, the city commissioners reconvened after the commission meeting as the “Local Redevelopment Authority,” which governs property the city receives from the Navy, including Truman Waterfront. “There’s $5.5 million in (state funding) and $1.8 available in tax credits,” Smith said. “I’ve looked for other projects in Monroe County that would be eligible in this funding cycle, and I haven’t found any. It’s a tremendous amount of money. If we approve this tonight, and we get the application in and comply with all its requirements, the funding is there for us. This is a rare, rare opportunity. Next year, there will be other projects applying.” Smith emphasized that the Florida Housing Finance Corporation has specific requirements for its funding applications, and any additional language or restrictions the city chose to add to the application could disqualify it. “It’s a concern to me that this commission is put in a position to approve this tonight or lose the funding cycle,” Mayor Teri Johnston said, wanting to amend the state funding application to include the city’s criteria for workforce housing — that 70% of income is earned in Monroe County. Smith warned against adding any restrictions that may not comply with the application requirements or with the Fair Housing Act, and in turn disqualify the application. “This has gone on too long,” Commissioner Billy Wardlow said, cutting off the equivocation and moving to approve the 99-year lease. “Let’s do it.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

STATE BUDGET BRINGS $51 MILLION TO THE KEYS

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

CHILDREN’S HEALTH PROGRAM GETS NO FUNDING

egislative session in Tallahassee concluded on March 14 with passage of a $112.1-billion budget — $10.4 billion more than last year’s spending plan. With a 105-3 vote, the budget was aided by some $3.5 billion in federal COVID relief funding that senators and representatives in the Florida House needed to allocate. But one Keys agency is taking a more than half-million-dollar hit that may mean far fewer health services for children in Keys schools, leaving its CEO wondering “what we’re going to do.” A little more than $51 million in the approved 2022-23 budget supports projects and programs in the Florida Keys. But a program providing direct medical care to vulnerable children didn’t get the money it has obtained for the past eight years. Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC) provides direct medical care and oral health services to medically vulnerable children. Outside of Keys AHEC, there are no comprehensive care programs in schools for students. With services available during school hours, it reduces access-to-care issues and allows children to maintain good health. Services include full health physicals, COVID-19 tests, sick and wellness visits, minor injury treatment, glucose testing, vision/hearing test and prescriptions, among others. In January, Keys AHEC expanded its services to bring a mobile dental unit staffed with a dentist and a dental hygienist to Monroe County schools throughout the Keys. The service is being offered through a fundraising partnership with the Waypoint Foundation and the Smile Maker program. AHEC received $500,000 in the state budget for 2021-22 in order to provide continuing care to Monroe County children. This year, $650,000 was requested for Keys AHEC in order to administer vital services within the schools and fund its new mobile dental van. No funds were allocated to Keys AHEC by the time legislators approved the budget and left the state’s capital. “I literally don’t know what we’re going to do and we haven’t gotten any response from our legislators about what happened,” said Michael Cunningham, CEO of AHEC. “But taking that type of hit means we’ll have to close a majority of our school-based primary care health centers and our mobile dental van will have to be indefinitely suspended, leaving thousands upon thousands of Keys residents without medical care.”

The Florida Keys Area Health Education Center’s mobile dental unit for kids is in jeopardy after AHEC received no funding in the state budget. CONTRIBUTED

Cunningham said being shut out of the state budget “completely blindsided us.” Keys AHEC has a lobbyist, he said, who had reported back from Tallahassee that things looked fine. He couldn’t put his finger on what happened, other than perhaps a change in priorities at the state level. “If you asked for money for the environment, housing or something for tourists, you were fine, but health care for low- and moderate-income families and children get nothing,” he said. Andrew Palmer, of Metz Husband & Daughton, was the registered lobbyist who was working to secure funding for the project. Calls and emails weren’t returned as of press time. The appropriations bill for AHEC was filed by state Rep. Jim Mooney last November. It was reported favorable out of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on Jan. 18. The request didn’t get much traction after that. Mooney said no appropriation for Keys AHEC was a disappointment. “It never seemed to get rolling. I don’t know why,” Mooney said. “We did all we could do. I don’t know what the lobby team did. I never really heard from them. I don’t even know who their lobby team is, to be honest.” Of the $51-plus million in Keys funding approved, $20 million is headed to the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. The request was included in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal, as well as Senate and House proposals. Funds go to critical water quality projects. Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority received $20 million to replace aging transmission lines. It comes after a number of breaks from the Upper Keys to Big Pine Key last year.

“Unlike a lot of other systems, we can’t re-route our water. We got one pipe for it to come down,” said Kerry Shelby, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority executive director. “This was a big win for us. We’re thrilled to be able to have some of that money to take some of the burden off the ratepayers.” A total of $1.9 million is going to support the local Habitat for Humanity organizations throughout the Keys. Funding will be used for 27 affordable housing units — 13 in the Upper Keys, six in the Middle Keys and eight in the Lower Keys. Per the request, money for these projects will increase the ability for employees to find affordable housing options in the community. Mote Marine Laboratory is receiving $1 million to develop coral technologies, develop on-land and in-water nurseries for coral reef restoration and provide physical restoration. Pigeon Key will receive $770,000 for wastewater treatment and irrigation upgrades, while the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West received $250,000 for interior wall repair and restoration and exterior hardening. Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens received $150,000 to help individuals with varying disabilities obtain and remain in competitive employment. Among funding requests not in the approved budget were $300,000 for a Key West glass crusher facility and nearly $1 million for a Category 5 aquaponics facility in the Keys, It’s a project between Fresh Ministries and the College of the Florida Keys. Kate DeLoach, lobbyist for The Southern Group, said the aquaponics bill looked to address food insecurity. “It’s a first-year project we brought forward,” DeLoach said. “We’ll bring it back next session.” — Mandy Miles contributed to this report.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

The vessel spotted off Summerland Key. CONTRIBUTED

The vessel that carried 123 Haitian migrants before it ran aground off Summerland Key on March 14. CUSTOMS & BORDER PATROL/Via Twitter

Haitian migrants come to shore at a residence’s beach on Summerland Key. CONTRIBUTED

U.S. Customs & Border Patrol agents and U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene at a private property beach where the migrants were landing. They were joined by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies. CUSTOMS & BORDER PATROL/Via Twitter

HAITIAN MIGRANTS LAND IN SUMMERLAND KEY

little more than 120 Haitian migrants hopped off a vessel and made their way onto land via a Summerland Key residence’s beach on the morning of March 14. U.S. Customs & Border Patrol agents, U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene at a private property beach where the migrants were landing. They were joined by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies. Around 11:30 a.m. a good Samaritan notified law enforcement that a suspected migrant vessel was close to running aground with around 100 people on board. Eventually, the dilapidated vessel ran aground near a residential shoreline on Summerland Key. CBP said migrants onboard the vessel jumped off and safely swam ashore. Law enforcement responding immediately was able to secure the area without further incident and render first aid to migrants who were dehydrated. The group — totaling 123 — told officials that they had left La Tortue Island in Haiti on March 9. “It’s a great coordinated response between our state, federal and local partners, making sure we get medical and safety checks and get these individuals processed and transported to our station,” said Walter Slosar, Customs & Border Patrol’s chief agent, following the migrant landing. Migrants were taken to Marathon and Dania Beach Border Patrol Stations for further processing and will be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. CBP said an investigation into the incident is ongoing. It’s one of a number of migrant landing cases off the Florida Keys in recent weeks. On March 6, some 356 Haitian migrants were intercepted just off Ocean Reef Club in North Key Largo. A total of 198 Haitian migrants in the custody of the U.S. Coast Guard were repatriated via the Coast Guard Cutter Venturous’ crew on March 11. “The Coast Guard maintains a strong relationship with our partner agencies and Haitian authorities, allowing us to work together to protect lives at sea,” said Capt. Adam Chamie, Commander of Sector Key West. “These grossly overloaded vessels operate without proper safety equipment and are not built for these hazardous voyages which can lead to casualties.”

The other 158 migrants were in the custody of Customs & Border Patrol and were going through removal hearings. On March 13, the Coast Guard transferred 127 Haitians and Cuban nationals to Bahamian authorities. In one rescue, three people stranded on an island near Anguilla were located and brought on board a Coast Guard cutter. Another rescue saw an overloaded sailing vessel 41 miles offshore of Anguilla Cay. All migrants were reported in good health. “The Coast Guard maintains a persistent presence patrolling the waters around Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, to help prevent loss of life,” said Lt. Cmdr. Salomee Briggs, Coast Guard District Seven Legal. “Taking to the sea is very dangerous; we urge you not to risk you and your loved-ones’ lives.” On March 14, Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma’s crew repatriated 84 Haitians to Haitian authorities, following two interdictions of undocumented migrants. A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders at about 1:50 p.m. of an overloaded sail freighter some 43 miles south of Turks and Caicos Islands. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier’s crew members notified Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders Thursday, at about midnight, of an overloaded sail freighter approximately 60 miles east of Punta De Maisi, Cuba. In both interdictions, the migrants were removed from their vessels due to safety of life at sea concerns. “The Coast Guard is significantly increasing its patrols of the Windward Pass and the approaches to the southeastern United States to interdict and rescue migrants found aboard grossly overloaded, unseaworthy vessels,” said Rear Adm. Brendan McPherson, Coast Guard District Seven commander. “These illegal voyages are always dangerous and often deadly. We are working closely with our DHS and DOD partners to prevent these illegal migrant ventures and protect migrants from unscrupulous smugglers. Anyone attempting to enter the U.S. illegally by sea should expect to be repatriated once interdicted.” So far this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2021, 1,577 Haitian migrants have been rescued by Coast Guard crews. That’s more than the 1,527 Haitians rescued between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

ince Vaughn has taken Key West and the Florida Keys by storm. Pics of the megastar have gone viral, as he has been spotted all over the Southernmost City while filming an Apple TV series based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel, “Bad Monkey.” Some lucky locals have been picked to serve as extras on the set, with some reportedly having speaking roles. For the rest of us, there is the anticipation of the show, when we get to say, “I know that place!” Or “I once made out with that guy playing the cop.” In the meantime, we have Vince Vaughn in the Keys — and who doesn’t love one of the most diverse screen actors of the modern era? Here to celebrate with this week’s Top 10, we offer…

THE KEYS WEEKLY’S (COMPLETELY SUBJECTIVE) TOP 10 VINCE VAUGHN ROLES… 10. “Brawl in Cell Block 99” (2017): “That’s right, I’m loco. Now get the f*%k out of my way.”— Bradley Thomas. We’ve seen Vaughn as a psycho killer and his remarkable role in “True Detective,” (which could easily be included on this list), but this is ‘badass” Vince Vaughn at his best. 9. “Curb your Enthusiasm” (2020-21): “Whoever signed up for a reminder gig with you is like a predatory contract.” — Freddy Funkhouser. Who other than Vince Vaughn is better suited to play the half-brother of the late Bob Einstein’s Marty Funkhouser on “Curb Your Enthusiasm?” The show is one of the best, so why wouldn’t God give us Vince Vaughn and Larry David in small doses? Thank you, God. 8. “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016): “You are a very strange looking individual if you don’t mind me saying so, Private.” — Sgt. Howell. A powerful film and one of the most powerful scenes belongs to Vaughn, as he interrogates his men … one of them with a knife stuck in his foot. 7. “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (2004): “I found that if you have a goal, you might not reach it. But if you don’t have one, then you are never disappointed. And I’ve gotta tell you, it feels phenomenal.” How many times can we say “one of the all-time classic comedies” and Vaughn’s name is attached to it? 6. “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (2004): “Dorothy Mantooth is a saint!” — Wes Mantooth. We realize Vaughn has bigger roles and leads, but his portrayal of Wes Mantooth is just another example of the actor’s ability to stand out in a cast of stars, with some of the most quoted and memorable moments from a classic film.

5. “Psycho” (1998): “We all go a little mad sometimes.” — Norman Bates. Although this remake of Hitchcock’s 1960 classic did not receive the commercial reception that many of Vaughn’s films enjoy, his role as Norman Bates solidified the range and diversity the actor offers as an elite Hollywood lead. The movie is worth it based on Vaughn’s performance alone.

TAKE ME HOME? FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

4. “Starsky & Hutch” (2004): “Of course you do, baby, that’s why you’re my girlfriend on the side.” — Reese Feldman. Although Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson took the lead roles in this reboot, Vaughn’s role as the nefarious kingpin was comedic poetry alongside Jason Bateman and Snoop Dogg. 3. “Wedding Crashers” (2005): “Tattoo on the lower back? Might as well be a bullseye.” — Jeremy Grey. “Wedding Crashers” is one of the few films that could be an hour longer and we could still quote every line. And don’t worry, Vince, Todd Cleary won’t find you in Key West. 2. “Old School” (2003): “Dammit, Blue was old. That’s what old people do. They die.” — Beanie. If you can’t quote “Old School” with your buddies, you probably don’t have cool friends. The Todd Phillips classic is arguably one of the best comedies ever — and It wouldn’t be without Vince Vaughn. 1. “Swingers” (1996): “You’re so money, and you don’t even know it.” — Trent. It has been reported that Jon Favreau and Vaughn met on the set of “Rudy.” But it was “Swingers,” written by Favreau, that launched several careers into orbit, including Vaughn’s. The film is still considered one of the funniest ever, with Vaughn’s patented mix of smart-ass wit and lovable charm on full display.

Millie Moo is a 5½-year-old female, medium mixed breed.

Dimple is a 4½-year-old female domestic shorthair.

Bunnie is a 5½-year-old female American rabbit.

Mancha is a 4½-year-old male American pit bull mix.

Old Baby is a 13-year-old female domestic shorthair.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

By Ralph Morrow

SPRING SPORTS UPDATE LADY CONCHS TOPS IN STATE 4A SOFTBALL

he news was only half bad after last weekend’s Key West High School baseball and softball games. The baseball team of coach Ralph Henriquez Jr. lost both of its games, 4-1 and 9-6, to Merritt Island. However, coach Jason Garcia’s Lady Conchs softball team won three games and is ranked seventh in the state among all softball teams and is No. 1 in Class 4A. Yahaira Williams, daughter of Lady Conchs basketball coach Shonta McLeod, is leading the way in the batter’s box for the softball team. In last week’s three games, she had four hits in 10 at bats, driving in 4 runs. The centerfielder who was all-state a year ago is batting .536 with 15 hits over the team’s eight victories. She has driven in 17 runs and has recorded 5 doubles, 3 triples and 2 home runs for a 1.142 slugging percentage. The Lady Conchs took down Archbishop McCarthy, 9-0, on March 9, and visiting Marathon, 14-0, on March 11 before traveling for a major contest in which Key West edged Westminster Christian, 4-3, on March 12. In the lopsided shutout of Archbishop McCarthy, nine out of 10 Lady Conchs who batted had hits. Miesha Hernandez homered and singled, driving in four runs. Williams tripled and singled. Scarlet Niles also had a pair of hits, while with one hit were Dharma Murray, Caroline Smith, Isabella Perez, Marina Goins, Chloe Knowles and Madie Gonzalez. Chloe Gilday pitched the seven-inning shutout, giving up two singles and three walks and striking out five while delivering 101 pitches. On Friday against Monroe County rival Marathon, the Lady Conchs wrapped up the

victory in five innings. Ty Cervantes allowed no hits in three innings for the win while Goins gave up one hit in two innings. Montique Van Staden went 3-for-3, Perez went 2-for-2 with four RBI and Cervantes had a single and three RBI. Williams had one hit as did Hernandez, Goins, Emily Bracher and Nevaeh Arnold. On Saturday, Madie Gonzalez had two singles, Goins and Williams doubled and with one hit each were Cervantes, Perez and Hernandez. Hernandez pitched four innings, giving up six hits and two earned runs, and Gilday three innings and one hit. This week, the Lady Conchs play but one game, Saturday, March 19, at 3 p.m., against Pembroke Pines Charter at the Backyard field behind the high school. ON THE BASEBALL SIDE… The Conchs have now won 4, lost 2 and are ranked ninth among all 4A teams and 68th in the state. Friday night, all the runs were scored in the first inning with Preston Herce’s single driving in Kai Smith. Trevor Zuelch collected the other three Conch hits. Jacob Burnham pitched the first inning and took the loss, Lucky Barroso hurled the other six innings. On Saturday, Herce and Zuelch again had hot bats with a single and double. Noah Burnham also had two hits while with a single were Smith, Wyatt Kuhn, Sam Holland and Jose Perdigon. Martin Takovich took the loss with Anthony Lariz and Feliz Ong also pitcning. Bishop Verot is the Conchs’ guest Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m., at Rex Weech Field.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

new band recently formed in Key West. Glass Cats has been playing their BEN experimental jam-based, SOLOVE funky soul-filled grooves around town for the past ... is a local radio personality and couple of months. The music promoter four-piece band consists who loves to share of Myles Mancuso on his passion for guitar and vocals, Mark music. King on bass and vocals, Michael Wingate on keys and vocals, and Evan Valentine on drums and vocals. Mancuso has been performing around Key West for several years. Originally from Westchester, New York, he started playing drums when he was 4. He picked up bass, guitar and keyboards around age 8. When Mancuso’s father introduced him to the film “The Last Waltz,” the iconic final concert for The Band, “I knew (even as a young boy) that being a musician was what I wanted to do with my life,” recalls Mancuso. His first money-making gigs came at 13 in New York and he first visited the Keys as a young teen. Mancuso’s father, a drummer, had a friend Bob Jaeger, who played bass in Marathon. At 19, he came to Key West, then tried Nashville and Atlanta, but eventually settled here permanently in 2019 to make music his career. He started playing with local artists Andy Westcott, Claire Finley and The Happy Dog. Mancuso, who cites Derek Trucks, Jimmy Herring, Sonny Landreth and others as major influences, has been dazzling Key West music fans with his guitar ever since. But he had yet to find the perfect fit until now. Enter Mark King, who was raised in Massachusetts and began playing bass at 12. “I picked the bass because Mark Hoppus, the bassist for Blink-182, was the nice guy of the band,” King says. “I wanted to be like him.” King played around Massachusetts with a band called Last Call when he was 17. A few years later, he was touring nationally as a bassist with a reggae band. Eventually, he met Wingate and Valentine, who played in separate bands around the same music scene. Key West musician Joe Sambo invited King down to play. He came down to Key West about a year ago and started playing with Sambo and Turner Harrison, and eventually met Mancuso.

Glass Cats band formed in Key West in January 2022. PAUL BLATT/Contributed

MEET GLASS CATS, KEY WEST’S HOT NEW BAND

Mancuso and King wanted to put together a project, but they needed a few other musicians. King convinced Wingate and Valentine to join the band. Wingate, from Rochester, New Hampshire began playing trumpet at age 4. He later learned guitar, harmonica, bass and keyboards. “My parents encouraged all of us to experience as much art as possible,” Wingate fondly remembers. “They really pushed us to be involved in music, culture, art and sports.” As a freshman in high school, Wingate would have lunch in the high school chorus room, where he taught himself to play piano. At 15, he began playing professionally with a group of school friends. Wingate spent three years as a theater major at University of Massachusetts before dropping out to pursue a career in theater and music. “I grew tired of the politics of theater and decided to focus on music,” says Wingate. “You can definitely feel the theater background in my stage performance.” Valentine was born in Sacramento, California. At 9, his family moved to Massachusetts, where there was a drum kit in the basement of their new home. “I was always that kid that was banging on pot and pans and anything that made noise,” recalls Valentine. “So, I used the drum kit to my advantage and learned how to play.” Valentine played in his high school marching and jazz bands. With high school friends, he formed the Good Trees River Band, which still exists today.

Valentine had met King and Wingate around 2016. When he visited Key West in May 2021, King asked him about joining Mancuso, Wingate and himself to form a band. After playing a gig on New Year’s Eve 2021 in Massachusetts, Valentine went home, packed and came south. Glass Cats formed in January of this year. It is a remarkable thing to have four musicians, who have all had success in other projects, come together and mesh so well. ”In my entire life, I have never enjoyed making art as much as I do with Glass Cats,” says Wingate. “It’s truly something special.” “This is the perfect storm of bands for us,” agrees King. “It’s incredible to play with Glass Cats.” says Valentine. “We mesh so well. It was instant chemistry, so satisfying.” “I truly believe Glass Cats was meant to be,” says Mancuso. I have been fortunate to be involved in helping this exceptional band as a booking agent and promoter. Glass Cats is a fantastic band and so much fun. But do not take my word for it. Get out and see them for yourselves. Glass Cats make their Green Parrot debut on Sunday, March 20 for the sound check set from 5:30 to 7 p.m. You can catch them this Thursday through Sunday nights at Hog’s Breath starting at 9 p.m. You can catch them every week at Hank’s Hair of the Dog on both Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. Follow Glass Cats on Facebook.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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BUILDING TOMORROW’S LIBRARIES COUNTY TO ANALYZE NEEDS FOR OTHER KEYS FACILITIES

Monroe County Mayor David Rice. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Commissioner Craig Cates.

state-of-the-art Marathon library is spurring discussion on what the other county libraries could be in the Florida Keys. As Kimberly Matthews, senior director of strategic planning and libraries, once told Mayor David Rice: “You don’t want to build yesterday’s library. You want to build tomorrow’s library.” Discussion brought forward by County Commissioner Holly Raschein during a March 16 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners at the Murray Nelson Government Center delved into some of the next steps for potential upgrades and development for other libraries. The new Marathon library is bringing discussion to possible improvements at libraries in Big Pine Key, Islamorada and Key Largo. The $7.5-million library facility in Marathon opened on June 26. Among the features are multiple meeting spaces, including four small, private conference rooms, couch with USB ports, activities center upstairs for yoga or science lab or Dungeon and Dragons games and a teen center with video games. Matthews told the commissioners that conducting an analysis of the other facilities will take several months, including stakeholder meetings and gathering the necessary data. From there, recommendations would be presented to the commissioners. “Increased use in libraries is always important. It bodes well for the culture and health of community and engagement,” she said. Commissioner Michelle Coldiron said there’s a need for community space in her district in Big Pine Key, especially since the senior center is no longer viable. “Right now, we’re going to need you to work your magic up and down the county and come up with a strong strategic plan on what we’re going to do with all these spaces,” Coldiron told Matthews. Commissioner Craig Cates said the Key West library is “very old.” “I don’t know if they want to replace that completely or restore it,” Cates said. “It’s elevated and it is in the highest parts of town. You have different options down there.” County Administrator Roman Gastesi

Commissioner Holly Raschein, second from right, proclaims Feb. 2 as Pascal’s Day. Pascal Weisberger would have turned 16 last February.

threw out the possibility of the Harris School as an option. Cates said it’s an opportunity that could be examined. Dottie Moses, president of the Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations, said the Keys’ northernmost library could use some technology upgrades. “Since COVID, technology has had to move forward. We’re finding the technology in that community room to be a little bit challenging to use,” she said. “It’s quite a setup actually; it takes 45 minutes to make it work.” NO MORE COVID REPORTS Monroe County commissioners and health and emergency officials agreed there’s no need for monthly situation reports with just five new COVID-19 cases in the Keys as of March 14. Shannon Weiner, county emergency management director, said there were no new cases among minors. Hospitalizations also remained at zero. In addition, Weiner said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control put Monroe County at a low level of community spread. Three metrics go into the level: hospital admissions, hospital beds occupied and new cases per day in a seven-day timeframe. “Do we believe it’s time for us to put this item to bed and not do weekly and monthly reports and let you (Weiner) deal with more important issues?” said Commissioner Michelle Coldiron. “Bob (Eadie) and I have had discussion as we continue to monitor the situation. We both feel it is time.” Eadie, the county’s top health official, touted Monroe County’s response throughout the pandemic. While cases remain low, he reminded commissioners that COVID isn’t over yet.

“I don’t want us to be surprised. In China, their policy of lockdowns haven’t worked so well, the vaccine hasn’t worked so well and COVID has exploded,” he said. “The issue with that is you see more of the disease with different variants.” LAND MATTERS County commissioners approved a resolution to extend services with Tetra Tech Inc. for assistance in the purchase of homes affected by Hurricane Irma through the CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program. In March 2020, Monroe County received $15 million for the program. Christine Hurley, executive director of the county Land Development Authority, said people can still apply for funding if their homes suffered damage from Hurricane Irma and are interested in selling their home. It’s aimed for properties in high-risk flood areas. “We originally had about 60 applicants. We’ve probably gone to contract with 12-15, somewhere in there,” Hurley said. “We did recently get a lot of new applications, which is surprising because there are people that still haven’t been able to recover from Irma.” Members of the county’s Land Authority Governing Board also approved the sale of 12 subdivision lots in the Lower Keys for scattered-site affordable housing development. The Land Authority is partnering with the Monroe County Housing Authority and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to build 12 units of affordable rental housing by re-developing 12 ROGO-exempt lots on Big Pine Key and Little Torch Key, known as the Lower Keys Scattered Sites project. Read the full story on www.keysweekly.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

WE ASK; KIDS ANSWER

he Keys Weekly is proud to feature local middle-school students and their answers to some fun questions in our Kids Weekly segment. Instead of asking about their favorite teacher or school subject, we want to know what superpower they’d most like to have, their favorite YouTube channel and the hardest part about being a kid today. Special thanks to Sigsbee Charter School student Jack Mitchell and teacher Jessica Forsythe for helping us assemble these features. To have your fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth graders included, please contact Key West Editor Mandy Miles at mandy@keysweekly. com for the questionnaire and directions for photo submissions.

KAI LAMONTAGNE

8th grade Sigsbee Charter School Activities: Watch YouTube, listen to music, draw and create art, talk to my friends, stuff like that, y’know? What superpower would you most like to have? Shapeshifting. If you could make a rule for the whole world to follow, what would it be? Nobody can be genuinely mean. Like, playing mean is fine, but, for example, bullying, homophobia, racism, etc. is bad.

like, I’m aggravated that I don’t have a phone and I’m 13. But it’s OK. I don’t blame my mom. She has her reasons. What’s your favorite YouTube Channel? Lavendertowne. She’s an artist and makes videos that ask what if (blank) was a human? She offers tips for drawing and other stuff. The hardest part about being a kid is … No freedom. I can’t do anything...

What makes you laugh? My friends.

The hardest part about being an adult must be … Responsibilities. Like with great power (i.e. freedom) comes great responsibility. But I just wanna be able to do whatever I want and have no consequences. #boyboss

When do you think a kid is old enough to have a cell phone? Probably 10 or 11? Because,

When I grow up, I want to… have a singular cat and love it with all my heart.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

CRUISE DISPUTE To the Editor: Now that the city has established cruise ship policy at Mallory Square and the Outer Mole, public attention is on Pier B, the busiest of Key West’s three cruise terminals. Pier B Development Corporation is now seeking permission from the city to berth cruise ships up to 1,100 feet long, 349 days per year. If they succeed, traffic at Pier B will increase 40% over its busiest year ever, and Key West will see larger ships than ever before. These new negotiations are focused on a 1994 agreement called the “Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Pier B.” The Weekly recently described this Declaration as “inescapable” and warned readers that “any attempt to limit ships at Pier B would result in a crippling lawsuit.” (Editor’s note: These remarks are from news coverage of City Attorney Shawn Smith and outside counsel Ed Pozzuoli’s comments about Pier B; the Weekly did not make the statements independently.) This claim is simply not true. In fact, the city’s 1994 declaration has no bearing at all on the modern cruise port built by Pier B Development Corporation five years later, in 1999. As most of your readers understand, agreements regarding real property refer only to specific parcels of property with clearly defined boundaries. If I buy a house on White Street, I become the owner of that parcel and that parcel only. I do not also own my neighbor’s house. Rather, my ownership ends at the property line, which is officially recorded by the property appraiser’s office. The same is true for business interests. If the city authorizes me to operate a 100-seat restaurant in a building I own on Duval Street; and five years later I decide to lease a different building across the street, my rights do not automatically extend to my new leasehold. No. Instead, I must go back before the city and prove that I have met the code and other conditions before I am allowed to operate in my new location. The key thing to understand is that Pier B is actually made up of two separate parcels of land — what I call “historic Pier B” and “modern Pier B.” Historic Pier B

was built by the Navy around the time of World War I. It is about 305 feet long and it is owned by Pier B Development Corporation. When the city signed the Declaration of Covenants for Pier B in 1994, it only authorized activities on this specific parcel of property, located within the perimeter of historic Pier B. That parcel and perimeter are clearly visible on the website of the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s office and in the building plans reproduced here. Five years after the declaration was signed, Pier B Development Corporation built a new cruise ship facility just west of historic Pier B, on submerged lands it leases from the state. The main pier at the modern Pier B facility is 485 feet long, 180 feet longer than the historic pier; and its supporting structures are up to 620 feet away from the historic pier. In fact, the entire modern Pier B facility is built outside of the specific parcel controlled by the 1994 Declaration. Pier B Development Corporation could have negotiated a new agreement with the city at that time. They could have asked the city’s permission to operate in their new location, just as any business owner who has acquired new property could. But they did not. The city never authorized cruise ship operations at the modern Pier B facility, neither by the declaration nor by any other agreement. The city has clear authority under Florida Statute 313.22 to regulate cruise ships in its port. And the city is free to establish guidelines for modern Pier B without violating the Declaration of Covenants, because the declaration applies to a different piece of property. So why is the city negotiating terms which represent larger ships at Pier B, and more of them, when the voters so clearly want smaller and fewer ships? The city should use its legal authority and the weakness of the declaration to hold Pier B Development Corporation to sensible limits on cruise ship operations. There is no justification for creating a new agreement which would give new rights to Pier B Development Corporation where none now exist, and allow larger cruise ships than Key West has ever seen. Arlo Haskell Treasurer, Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships

STARS WILL SHINE FINALLY

‘A QUA IDOL’ RETURNS TO KEY WEST

rganizers say the 2020 Aqua Idol grand finale will take place March 21, finally completing the fun and talented fundraiser for Waterfront Playhouse that mimics the popular American Idol singing competition. “Two years ago we were set to finish a fabulous run of arguably the best Aqua Idol contest ever,” said its creator Lynda Frechette. “Then COVID reared its ugly head and we all went into hibernation, living with fear and anxiety. So now it’s two years later, and we feel ‘safe’ to finally host this one-nightonly finale from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 21 at Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St.” The remaining five contestants are Bria Ansara, Trey Forsyth, Jon Hernandez, Stephanie Wise and Bob Wood. “They are five of the very best vocalists to ever grace our stage,” Frechette said. “They will sing their hearts out for Waterfront Playhouse — and for your votes.” Anyone who is unable to attend on March 21 can vote with online donations for one or more of their favorite vocalists, Frechette said, at waterfrontplayhouse.org (Click on “Buy Tickets,” then click “Donation” and select a finalist).

The online donations will be added to each finalist’s “bucket dollars” at the end of the night. All contestants will win prizes that night valued at over $30,000, but only one will win the coveted title of “2020 Waterfront Playhouse Aqua Idol.” Several talented guest singers will perform that night, including Terri White, and past Aqua Idol winners Bruce Moore, Jerry Downs, Al Romano and Bill Melchior. Laurie Thibaud will emcee and judges will be Tony Konrath, Frechette and celebrity judge Christopher Peterson. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

Mario Sanchez GET YOUR (COLD) BREW ON.

Fresh Spanish Limes Sketch, 24.5 x 22.5, Graphite on Paper Bag

During Mario’s youth island children would freely roam the Fresh Spanish Limes, 24.5 x 22.5, Intaglio neighborhoods looking for fun and adventure which included stealing fruit from neighbors’ trees. The two boys in this intaglio are gleefully hawking the fruits of their labor. Heads thrown back they cry out. Mario’s sketch for the carving proclaims their advertisement: Spanish limes/and ah got em sweet, ah got em sweet/ stole em together/ sold em together. The works contain the themes which Sanchez would repeat often in his work: The American spirit of entrepreneurship, racial and religious unity, and humor. Mario Sanchez’s art resides in the Smithsonian, Whitney and American Folk Art Museums. Works Available on Approval & Concierge Services from Key West to Key Largo The Gallery on Greene | 606 Greene Street | Key West, Florida galleryongreene.com | 305-304-2323

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

RALPH MORROW

TOURNAMENT TAKES EXTRA TIME, BUT PAYS OFF BIG TIME

or several years, ... a veteran sports The Playcolumnist, says ers has the only sport been my favorite he doesn’t follow is cricket. That golf tournament leaves plenty – more so than of others to fill any of the four his time. that make up ralphmoro1936 the Grand Slam, @gmail.com including The Masters. It’s the par-3 17th hole that has grabbed my attention. It’s an island hole, which leads to the best golfers in the world dumping their tee shots in the water. I’ve envisioned some children I know sending their father to the tournament. I see myself with a lawn chair, perched just behind the 17th tee, protected from the sun, watching those shots splashing into the water, just short of the island green, 135 yards away. (As it’s my birthday week, that doesn’t seem like an inordinate gift divided six ways.) The tournament is at TPC Sawgrass’s Stadium Course, Ponte Vedra Beach, up the “right side” of Florida. It’s about 500 miles from Key West. I could drive it, couldn’t I? But be careful what you wish for. Thursday, March 10, was to be the first day of the tournament, concluding on Sunday. It was a miserable day and week, as rain, heavy at times, kept pushing the tournament back. On Sunday, when the tournament was still only in its second round, golfers started out at 8:30 a.m., when the temperature was in the 30s. When I was younger, I loved to play golf, but I was never very good. I remember playing in the pouring rain with my late son Joshua at Heatherwoode Golf Club near Dayton, Ohio. I was not a happy golfer. I was a soaked golfer. So I was content over the weekend, listening to the Golf and NBC announcers, telling me what was going on between raindrops. One of the announcers was Paul Azinger, who used to be a very competent professional golfer. One evening in Key West, my late wife Patsy and I found a parking place in a lot off Duval. To get to the bar on Duval, we had to jump down off a wall. When we were headed back down Appelrouth Lane, we had

to climb up the wall. I made it, but couldn’t get Patsy up there. Suddenly, a young man appeared. He graciously lifted my wife and placed her up on the wall. “Aren’t you who I think you are?” she exclaimed. And it was. Paul Azinger. We had probably seen him play when we went to The Memorial a few times near Columbus, Ohio. Patsy recognized him. I didn’t. Rain kept interrupting The Players. They finally finished the third round on Monday morning. All the interruptions gave me opportunities to watch some very good college basketball tournaments and eventually the draws for the men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments Sunday evening. But I was back on the Golf Channel when the leaders teed off for the fourth and final round at 1 p.m. Monday. The story at that time was Anirban Lahiri, who’s from India and ranked 300-and-something among the world’s golfers. He has painted the back of his irons to give them more weight. While he had never won in the United States he has recorded seven wins in Asia. While he and other “unknowns,” as the announcers called them, were leaving their mark, several well known golfers had fallen victim to the water hole and just poor play. My favorite male golfer, Jordan Spieth, was 7 over and missed the cut. The winner was to get $3.6 million and the remaining field of players would divide $20 million, both PGA records. You don’t suppose that much money had some golfers nervous, do you? There was a lot of movement up and down the leaderboard Monday afternoon before the rains reappeared, but did not interrupt. Australian Cameron Smith birdied the first four holes and passed Lahiri. Paul Casey, Keegan Bradley, Kevin Kisner, Russell Knox, Tom Hoge, Viktor Hovland, Adam Hadwin, Daniel Berger and Tyrrell Hatton made good and big moves along the way. But, Cameron Smith recovered from going into the water on 18 and won the $3.6 million. Maybe he’d like to sponsor a birthday boy’s trip to The Players next year.

PETS ARE PEOPLE, TOO

SPCA HOSTS SPRING SOCIAL

Renowned veterinarians and mountain-climbing couple Drs. Gerry Diethelm and Doug Mader braved the elements on March 12 for the Florida Keys SPCA Spring Social. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

he weather went to the dogs on March 12 in Key West, but so did the money raised for the Key West SPCA during its annual Spring Social benefit. For the first year, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser was held at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, featuring one of the island’s largest silent auctions, as well as a live auction, catered dinner, beer, wine, a cash bar and live entertainment. The high winds and chilly temps kept some ticket hold-

ers away, but others enjoyed what was likely the last chance for long sleeves and sweaters as they bundled up and bid on everything from art and jewelry to pet products, purses and restaurant gift certificates. Renowned veterinarians Drs. Doug Mader and Gerry Diethelm braved the elements and volunteered as a live auction item. Bidding went beyond $650 for a dinner with Mader and Diethelm, along with a signed copy of Mader’s new book, which is due out in June. For more information about pet adoption or to make a donation, visit fkspca.org. — Mandy Miles

The Florida Keys SPCA’s windblown development director Tiffany Dunsmore and executive director Tammy Fox introduce the animal welfare organization and launch the evening’s live auction.

A group of animal lovers stakes out a table to start the live auction.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

PINEAPPLE AN IMPORTANT KEYS CASH CROP

Planter community grows thanks to Bahamian farmer

he pineapple was a New World treat allegedly “discovered” during Christopher Columbus’ second voyage to the New World. According to the story, on Nov. 4, 1493, a landing crew from one of the expedition ships came ashore at an unidentified island. Columbus named the island, found 300 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, Santa Maria de Guadeloupe. After coming ashore, the landing crew observed a small village that appeared recently and suddenly deserted. The crew found colorful parrots and an exotic fruit “that looked like green pine cones but were much larger and were filled with a solid pulp, like a melo, but were much sweeter in taste and smell.” Columbus called it pina de Indes. Pina is Spanish for pine cone. The first to taste it were those men who accompanied Columbus on the voyage, and they would not be the last. Among the other things Columbus has been credited with, right or wrong, is introducing this exotic New World fruit to European palates. In the Florida Keys, some 360 years later, “pines” as the early pioneers called them, became an important cash crop for local farmers. Andrew Canova, the author of “Life and Adventures in South Florida” (1885), visited the Florida Keys in 1880. He wrote: “On different portions of Upper Matecumbe, in May, 1880, were little patches of deep soil, called by the inhabitants ‘Red Holes.’ These curious spots are from 15 to 30 feet in diameter and take their name from the peculiar, reddish color of the soil contained in them. Scarcely any rocks are found in these spots, and the fruit growers select them on that account as a place to plant bananas and tropical fruit trees. ... Messrs. Pinder and Saunders were raising pineapples and made immense

shipments in 1881 and 1882. The manner of cultivation was peculiar. No hoe could be used because of the shallowness of the soil. The plants were set 18 inches apart, and left mostly to themselves. One weeding was considered sufficient. ... On Plantation Key a Mr. Low had a pineapple and coconut grove. The pineapple grove was 30 acres in size and the crop that year was doing so well that he expected to cut at least 96,000 pineapples." The “red holes” Canova wrote about were filled with African dust. For thousands of years, red Saharan dust has risen up from the great African desert, been carried aloft across the Atlantic Ocean, and settled on the Florida Keys. In depressions left behind by the island chain’s uneven limestone construction, the dust had accumulated for so long that they became ideal places for farmers to plant when the early pioneers arrived. One of these pioneer farmers was a Bahamian named Samuel Simon Johnson. At 18, he sailed away from Great Harbor and into the harbor at Key West, where he stayed and met Caroline Tedder. The two married on June 26, 1861. After the 1870 U.S. Census, Samuel and Caroline sailed north to Key Largo with their growing family. Johnson made a homestead claim of 143 acres along the Atlantic coast near the island’s southern end. The Johnsons and their seven children – six boys and one girl – established a series of farms. They grew melons, tomatoes, cucumbers and pineapples, among other crops. The community that grew around them became known as Planter – because it was a farming community, a planting community. When the Planter Methodist Church was established on Nov. 25, 1887, it became the first permanent

Dock extending out from the Planter community. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

church structure in the Upper Keys. The community also established a one-room wooden school and, on Dec. 31, 1891, the Planter Post Office. John Wesley Johnson, BRAD the oldest Johnson child, was named BERTELLI postmaster. Mail is an author, was not delivered speaker, and Florida Keys historian. to the post office directly. Rather, the His latest book, side-wheeled steam“The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” ship City of Key West is a fun blend of brought the mail to two of his favorite subjects — Florida the deeper waters just beyond Planter’s Keys history and shallow harbor, the Skunk Ape. where a crew member placed the day’s mailbag on a hook out in the middle of the water. Postmaster Johnson had taken a small boat out to the deeper waters and driven a wooden piling into the substrate one hammering blow at a time. Every day, John Wesley would take the boat out to pick up a bag of incoming mail or drop off a bag of outgoing mail. Also, a small grocery store opened next to the post office. Because these were boat communities, Planter’s residents established docks that extended from the jagged shoreline and into deeper waters like long fingers. Before Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad came roaring across the island chain, these finger docks were used to load pineapples and other crops on vessels that could ship them off to market because “pines” were a sweet and delicious treat. They still are.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $300K TO LOCAL NONPROFITS Recipients are from all areas of the Keys

he Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) is awarding grants totaling $307,570 to 48 Keys nonprofits for collaborative projects that will directly benefit Keys residents, communities and environment. “The foundation is increasing our impact by increasing the dollars we grant out to the community,” said Jennifer McComb, CFFK president and CEO, who added that this year’s awards are nearly $100,000 more than the $215,266 granted to 35 organizations in 2021. The foundation has more than doubled the $144,500 it granted to 27 organizations in 2020 through the annual competitive process. The foundation grants over $1.5 million a year; most is restricted to specific nonprofits, per the wishes of individual donors, McComb said. Its grants committee, composed of board and community members, scored the 2022 requests from charitable nonprofits and school programs and selected the proposals for funding. Eligible applications were required to include a collaboration with another nonprofit or service-based organization.

The 2022 grantees are: KEYSWIDE • Autism Society of the Keys — $10,000 • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami — $10,000 • Florida Keys Council of the Arts — $3,000 • Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition — $10,000 • International Women's Flag Football Association — $5,000 • Key West Art and Historical Society — $7,000 • Kids Come First In the Florida Keys — $7,500 • Literacy Volunteers of America — $10,000 • Reef Environmental Education Foundation — $9,500 • Special Olympics Florida Monroe County — $10,000 • Star of the Sea Foundation — $10,000 UPPER KEYS • Active Disabled Americans — $2,500 • First Key in Paradise — $5,000 • Florida Keys Children's Shelter — $10,000 • Good Health Clinic — $8,400 • Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys — $10,000 • History of Diving Museum — $5,000 • I.CARE — $3,000 • Key Largo School — $10,000 • Kids 4 Kids USA — $8,000 • MarineLab — $5,000 • MarrVelous Pet Rescues — $5,000 • Ocean Dreams Cancer Healing Center — $2,500 • Plantation Key School — $4,800 • Treasure Village Montessori School — $4,000

MIDDLE KEYS • Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys — $10,000 • Marathon Garden Club — $1,000 • Marathon Wild Bird Center — $4,000 • Presents in Paradise — $5,000 KEY WEST AND THE LOWER KEYS • A Positive Step — $10,000 • AH of Monroe County — $10,000 • Bahama Village Music Program — $10,000 • The Basilica School — $5,000 • Florida Keys SPCA — $10,000 • Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys — $5,000 • Key West Botanical Garden Society — $2,500 • Key West Community Sailing Center — $6,000 • Key West Impromptu Classical Concerts — $3,870 • May Sands Montessori School — $5,000 • Old Island Restoration Foundation — $2,000 • Red Barn Theatre — $3,000 • Samuel's House — $10,000 • Sister Season Fund — $10,000 • The Studios of Key West — $10,000 • Tropic Cinema — $5,000 • Unity of the Keys Spiritual Center — $1,000 • University of Florida Endowment Corporation — $3,000 • Zonta Club of Key West Foundation — $1,000

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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FROM UKRAINE TO KEY WEST

Ukrainian refugee, speaking to NBC Nightly News this week, wears a Key West T-shirt. The shirt prompted Key West resident JT Thompson, who created Key West’s One Human Family motto, to snap a screenshot, and note ‘I know he and his family would be welcome here.’ JT THOMPSON/Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022 A black skimmer at Mallory Square. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

HANGING WITH THE CUTWATERS

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.

didn’t go down to Mallory Square to see the skimmers. I went down to see the protest. A group of liveaboard boaters from Key West Harbor were understandably worried about what a new law recently passed in the state legislature would do to their way of life. It wasn’t a huge crowd, probably 30 people, a lot of them in T-shirts that said, “I Am Not a Derelict.” The law, when it is enacted, will require liveaboards who aren’t at a permanent mooring to move their vessels every 90 days. It’s said to be out of environmental concern, but it’s a little unclear how forcing boats to reset their moorings on a regular basis will do much more than tear up seagrass and create less stable moorings, resulting in more boats breaking loose in bad weather, creating havoc all around. A few people spoke, including City Commissioner Sam Kaufman, who did what he could to redirect some people’s anger in a more effective direction. Periodically through all of this I would hear it – the bark of a black skimmer. I used to be under the illusion that I was alone in thinking black skimmers sounded kind of canine, but in 1936 a biologist named R.C. Murphy described them as “unworldly … aerial beagles hot on the scent of aerial rabbits” – which is edifying, but kills any notion of originality on my part. Skimmers are kind of amazing, oddly beautiful, purpose-built birds. They were calling from over at the wharf. It used to be you’d see them there periodically, when maybe a day or two had passed without a cruise ship tying up. But with the lack of 1,000-foot vessels mooring there on a regular basis, it’s become a pretty reliable spot to see them. After the protest, I went over and sat on the curb and stared at them for a while, because it is a little harder to think that everything is going to hell in a handbasket in the presence of black skimmers. They’re not terns, but they are tern-like. If you look down on them from above they’re black. From below, they are white. It can appear as if they’re wearing a hoodie. The color change between their hemispheres is sharp and in their face occurs low on the cheek, sometimes giving them the appearance of being eyeless. Their eyes, which are there, have vertical slits, like a cat’s, possibly to help them deal with the glare off the water, possibly to help them see better at night. A wide band of orangey-red at the base of their bill keeps them from being monochrome, a bit of visual drama that also colors their feet. Their most dominant feature is their bill, which makes up about a fifth of their length. From the side it looks thick and bulky, like a carrot. From straight on, it is thin as a blade. Their lower

mandible is about an inch longer than their upper. Their Latin name – Rynchops niger – translates roughly to “black billface.” Their bill is at the core of their whole operation. A skimmer feeds by feel, dragging its lower mandible through the water. When it hits a fish the upper mandible snaps shut and it gulps down the fish. To accommodate this, they have long, skinny wings and a light wing load, allowing them to fly slowly and smoothly, with an otherworldly buoyancy that seems derived from a limited immunity deal with the laws of gravity. They tend to feed in the calmest of waters. It’s hard to settle on one visual metaphor. They look like a tailor running his scissors through a bolt of cloth, a farmer plowing a field, a calligrapher’s pen moving across parchment, a needle hitting a groove on a spinning vinyl record. One of their Spanish names is Cortaguas, or cutwater, which I think is a better fit. While they tend to feed alone, or in groups of two or four, they usually cluster in their off hours. At Mallory there were about 50 of them, spread out across the pavers, surrounded by a crowd of 100 or so laughing gulls, who took the higher ground of the concrete curb. Most birds sleep standing, often with their heads tucked back under a wing. And black skimmers will do that. But they also have that big bill, which gets heavy, and sometimes they will lie with their chin flat on the ground in front of them, like a dog. And sometimes when they do this, they will sprawl, and even sleep listing to the side, their wings splayed out in an ungainly manner, looking, to someone who has stared at a lot of sleeping birds, like they are dead, or ill, or damaged. But they are not. They are just sleeping. Sitting there watching them, I noticed several were standing with their bills wide open, as if caught in a 10-minute yawn. Often, when you see birds doing this, it’s a way to thermoregulate, to rid their body of excess heat. But it was cool out, and windy, and it didn’t seem a necessity. Maybe it was just a comfortable way to switch up their posture. It might also have been a way to make themselves look bigger. Several times I saw laughing gulls wandering close to their personal space, and the skimmers with open mouths would kind of shunt them away as if with a very dull pair of scissors. And once I saw a pair of them who did not get along both open their mouths and feint at each other, like two people squaring off to fight with chopsticks. There never was much heat or anger in it. It was just everyone trying to stake some space in the world.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

FIGHT GOES ON TO ‘SAVE OUR PINES’

E F I L S ’ T A TH NCERTDS SAN CO Y N O RING T STAR

SATURDAY MARCH 19 | 8PM KEY WEST THEATER DOORS OPEN 7PM

You’ll never get a chance to see Frank Sinatra, or even Frank Sinatra Jr., perform in concert, but some people say that Tony Sands is the next best thing. The Key West group Save Our Pines has been working to protect the Australian pine trees at Fort Zachary Taylor for nearly 20 years. CONTRIBUTED

FUNDRAISER TAKES PLACE MARCH 20 AT BLUE HEAVEN

lue Heaven will host a “Save Our Pines” live-music fundraiser at Andy’s Cabana on Sunday, March 20 at 6 p.m., in honor of Save Our Pines Day, a holiday proclaimed by the City of Key West. Save Our Pines is a non-profit organization that, for 17 years, has continued its mission to protect and preserve the historic Australian pine canopy at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. As the existing pines continue to age, they are disappearing due to natural attrition and adverse weather. Save Our Pines is attempting to obtain a legislative exemption for the pines under the Florida state invasive species law, a costly endeavor which has depleted the organization’s financial reserves. The Florida invasive law instructs state agencies to

remove exotic, invasive species from state lands. An exemption would allow controlled new growth and the planting of Australian pine saplings to replace losses due to weather and age, the only way to ensure the canopy for future generations. Save Our Pines says the historical significance of Fort Zach’s Australian pines has been researched, documented and recorded and now needs to be formally recognized. The Australian pines have existed at Fort Zach since the 1800s. They have been shielding the fort from adverse weather events, anchoring the dredge fill — since its introduction in the 1960s — and effectively preventing erosion damage to the beach. More information is at saveourpines.com. — Contributed

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For Reservations, Call 305.296.8100 Reserve Online at OpenTable.com

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DELIVERY & GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE 522 FLEMING STREET 1105 WHITE STREET WWW.FAUSTOS.COM

Serving Ipswich Whole Bellied Clams & Maine Lobster Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

(305) 294-0102 11:30 AM – 10 PM 629 Duval St, Key West When you’re on Long Island be sure to visit our new location in Wantagh. Call ahead for Daily Specials 516-900-1400.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

KEY WEST ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HOSTS EXPO LOCAL BUSINESSES NETWORK AT BEACHSIDE

usiness is booming for the Key West Association of Realtors, which on March 16 hosted its first in-person Affiliate Expo at the Marriott Beachside Hotel. The afternoon event encouraged local businesses to network and showcase their services to the association’s member Realtors, who explored the offerings, and made

new connections or reinforced existing ones. Participants included the Keys Weekly and its sister digital marketing company, Overseas Media Group, along with banks, mortgage lenders, accountants, attorneys, property inspectors, appraisers and other real estate-related fields. — Weekly staff report

The Key West Association of Realtors hosts its first in-person Affiliate Expo on March 16 at the Marriott Beachside Hotel. ANNIE BRIENING/ Overseas Media Group

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

COLLEGE HOSTS ‘WRITING ABOUT KEY WEST’ WRITER, PROFESSOR EMILY WEEKLEY SPEAKS

RESIDENT PROPOSES SCULPTURE FOR TRUMAN WATERFRONT PARK DONATIONS SOLICITED FOR BRONZE MERMAID

Key West resident Ben Volpian is hoping to raise money to commission a bronze mermaid sculpture to be placed at Truman Waterfront Park. CONTRIBUTED

Emily Weekley, poet, author and English faculty member of CFK.

he College of the Florida Keys continues its 2022 VIP Series with “Writing About Key West.” The presentation, led by poet, author and CFK English faculty member Emily Weekley takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus. Weekley’s presentation will consider the benefits and dangers of writing about place, as well as how a writer might get started in writing regionally. This lecture will discuss what it is about a place that inspires narrative, tone and imagery, as well as some of the challenges in writing about Key West. In its eighth season, the college’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the visions, ideas and perspectives of speakers of local, regional and national prominence. The 2022 season, sponsored by Centennial Bank, includes presentations that focus on timely and relevant topics.

Bishop’s painting, ‘Sexton’s House’ of the Key West cemetery exemplifies the topic of the March 21 lecture on ‘Writing About Key West.” CONTRIBUTED

Tickets are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students of CFK and Monroe County schools. For more information, call 305-2969081 or visit the college’s website at CFK.edu/VIP. — Contributed

ey West resident Ben Volpian has designed a bronze mermaid sculpture that he wants to install as a finishing touch at Truman Waterfront Park. He is seeking approval for the project and will solicit donations to commission the artwork. “If someone or a company donates around $175,000, which was the last estimate I received for this timeless bronze sculpture, then a sculptor will be chosen through the city’s process, and from there the sculptor hopefully would follow my drawing very closely, including the look on her face, which has an expression of a confident knowing of her place in the sea world,” Volpian said, emphasizing that he has no financial interest in the sculpture project.

“I just want to see it through and would be available for consultation,” he said. “I have talked to a couple of world-renowned sculptors and they said this is exactly what they would do for the park — as it would be a perfect complement to it.” A plaque also could be placed in the vicinity to briefly explain the problem of plastics in our sea and its inhabitants, and their digestion of it that, in turn, could affect our food supply and us. Visitors can take this info home with them and could help spread the word. For more information, email Volpian at bvol@bellsouth.net. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING DISCUSSION REGARDING MONROE COUNTY CANAL RESTORATION WORKPLAN

MARCH 24TH, 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Thursday, March 24th (5:30 pm), an update on the Monroe County Canal Restoration Program will be discussed at a VIRTUAL Public Community Meeting. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), social distancing guidelines and virtual public meetings have been established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The following item will be discussed at the PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING: Monroe County has implemented a Canal Restoration Improvement Work Program. The purpose of the restoration program is to improve water quality in residential canals, reduce impacts on nearshore waters and increase environmental awareness. The purpose of the public meetings will be to provide an update on the program’s progress, proposed solutions and next steps. The outreach services are funded through a grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Please note: Two or more members of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners may be in attendance at these virtual meetings and may participate in discussions. Any ideas discussed during these virtual meetings will be brought to the Board of County Commissioners during a regular meeting for further discussion and approval. For information about the program: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/canals ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. March 24, 2022, 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Monroe County Canal Restoration Workplan and Program https://zoom.us/j/97560910142 Meeting ID: 975 6091 0142 One tap mobile +16465588656,97560910142# US (New York) +16699009128,97560910142# US (San Jose) Publish: March 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc. zoom.us/j/82667626284 Or iPhone one-tap : US: +16465189805,, 82667626284# or +16699006833,, 82667626284# Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 518 9805 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 826 6762 6284 International numbers available: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/u/ kbwbnaWMhW For a copy of the agenda or other information, contact Janet Gunderson, Grants Coordinator, in writing at 1100 Simonton St., Room 2-213, Key West, FL 33040; by phone at 305-2924470; or by email at GundersonJanet@monroecounty-fl.gov. If members of the public wish to submit written documentation, the documentation must be submitted to Janet Gunderson prior to the meeting and no later than March 23rd, 2022, by 5:00 P.M. The public is advised that some or all the members of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners may attend the meeting and discuss items that may come before the Commission. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Publish: March 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

purchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov.The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 19, 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 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PERIMETER FENCE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR & MODIFICATION KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 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 April 21, 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: Perimeter Fence Maintenance, Repair & Modification Key West International Airport 04/21/2022 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 21, 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 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 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 FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of PMI THE KEYS located at 3414 Duck Avenue, # 11, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-4427, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Key West, Florida this 15th day of March, 2022. By: KW KEYS LLC Publish: March 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vehicles will be sold at public sale for monies owed on vehicle repair and storage cost pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. 05/09/22 at 10:00am Yacht Club Drive Marine, 107500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037. Yacht Club Drive Marine reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids. 2016 JETSKI USYAMA0133B919 JULIA PERELMAN. Publish: March 17 & 24, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Public Meeting Announcement – Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB)/ Monroe County Board of County Commissioners The Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) will meet Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. The Board will discuss County Fiscal Year 2023 funding. The HSAB meeting will be a hybrid format with the HSAB Board meeting live at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor, 2798 Overseas Highway. The public will be able to participate in person or via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform. The HSAB meeting will begin at 1:00 P.M., on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. The webinar will begin at 12:30 P.M., a ½ hour before the meeting, to allow time for people to join and test connections. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be:

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK ADA PAVILION AND TIKI HUTS REPLACEMENTS 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 April 19, 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: Veterans Memorial Park ADA Pavilion and Tiki Huts Replacements 04/19/2022 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: DEMOLITION, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT – DISASTER RECOVERY (CDBG-DR) VOLUNTARY HOME BUYOUT PROGRAM 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 April 20, 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: Demolition, Removal and Disposal Services for the Community Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Voluntary Home Buyout Program 04/20/2022 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 20, 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 17, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO. 2022-CP-26-M IN RE: ESTATE OF LOUISE ESTHER PRESSLEY, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Louise Esther Pressley, deceased, whose date of death was January 29, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. 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 the 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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is March 17, 2022. Personal Representative: Michelle O’Neil 126 Windy Way Reedsville, PA 17084 Attorney for Personal Representative: BLAIR D. SCHEMER, ESQUIRE Fla. Bar No. 60598 BERNARD & SCHEMER, P.A. 480 Busch Drive Jacksonville, FL 32218 (904) 751-6980 Email: blair@bernardlaw.net Publish: March 17 & 24, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

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

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

Dr., Key West, FL 33040. EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

BOATS FOR SALE

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 3930631 ask for April.

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

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 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,

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 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

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

Inflatable Boat - 8' West Marine RU250, 3.5 hp Mercury 4 stroke (3 hours). Located in Marathon. Call 859-6300 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! BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat slip available oceanside in Marathon. Self contained incl. one parking space. $20.00 per foot/month plus water. F/L/S No pets. 305-610-8002 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 Marathon Auto Air looking for technician. Pay based on experience and how often you show up to work! Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305- 289- 9884 Groundskeeper/ M a i n t e n a n c e 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.

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 Serve/Bartend on the ocean! FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server/ bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call April (305) 393-0631. 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@ g m a i l . c o m 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

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 The Housing Authority of the City of Key West is hiring a Human Resources & Risk Manager. This full-time position is a highly responsible position that handles all the daily functions or the Human Resources department. This position is al responsible for maintaining all insurance policies for the Housing Authority. A minimum of 2 years in a HR position and SHRM certification is preferred. Salary Commensurate with Experience. KWHA provides health, retirement, and leave benefits for permanent full-time employees. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@ kwha.org or (305)2965621. Applications are available on our website 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. 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

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 . 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 HOMES FOR SALE

Duplex For Sale By Owner. 10822 2nd Avenue, Gulf, Marathon. 2BR/1BA each side. Trade RV or BOAT or CASH. Call 3 0 5 - 4 8 1 - 1 3 1 6

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

OFFICE/COMMERC.

YARD SALES

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

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!

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

OFFICE/COMMERC. PERSONALS SPACE FOR RENT

Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @ MM92. Call 305-3940530

Affectionate & loving homeowner looking for co-habitation with someone who is clean, personable, with an excellent credit & FICA score. No drugs, no smoking, no pets. 305-747-1700

305.743.0844

NOW HIRING CASHIERS

$18/HOUR PLUS GRATUITY SHARE

PREP COOKS

$19/HOUR PLUS GRATUITY SHARE Apply in person Monday-Friday at our pre-opening office: 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Suite 6, Key West www.thekolachekitchen.com

The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:

BEACH ATTENDANT Competitive salary and great benefits. Job types: Full-time & Part-time Please email your resume to Lindsey@mooringsvillage.com or call the reception office at 305-664-4708

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc. www.dynastymarine.net Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world.

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments. Must be proficient in Microsoft word, outlook and excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

EXECUTIVE AIDE

TO THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR JOB SUMMARY: Providing support for the City Administrator by performing clerical tasks such as but limited to; project oversight, management analysis. Candidate requires initiative, independent judgement and discretion. Must be able to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics. RESPONSIBILITIES • Working with the City Administrator in developing approaches and solutions to City needs. • Conduct complex and sensitive administrative, operational and management analysis. • Monitor pending projects. Supports the Administrator and Clerk with the commission, employee and citizen group meetings. • Understands and complies with Federal, State and Local Law governing City business. Must be versed in the Florida Sunshine Law, Open Records Law and Right to Know Laws. • Serve as project lead for special projects. • Manage multiple grants and projects. Provide effective research. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS • Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license or within 30 days if moving from out of state. • Must be able to pass a drug screening, criminal background check and FDMV record review. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or related government field. SKILLS: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, QuickBooks and social media. Please see full job description at keycolonybeach.net Send all resume’s to: cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net, or City of Key Colony Beach City Hall, Attn: City Administrator, 600 West Ocean Drive, PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051. DEADLINE TO APPLY: April 5th, 2022 – 4:00 pm Equal Opportunity Employer

HAWKS CAY IS HIRING FOR MULTIPLE POSITIONS

Reservations Agent • 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 Equal Opportunity Employer

NOW HIRING! 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

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.

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

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

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

SUDOKU SOLUTION

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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

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

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time Paid Time Oﬀ for Volunteering

HIRING

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER Location: Upper Keys

Tuition Reimbursement

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

Competitive Salaries 401K Employer Match Quarterly Cash Proﬁt Sharing

DUI Evaluator

Great Hours

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.

Apply Online at

KeysBank.com/Careers

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 Member FDIC

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

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

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 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

Sweet Savannah’s is now hiring for multiple positions:

$1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Experience Required. Paid per trip plus tips & sales commission. Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

It’s time to get back to the basics of good recycling EDUCATION PERFORMANCE OUTREACH

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

3 Keep food and liquid out.

Recyclables go directly into the cart.

NEED A BAGGSTER?

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

FOUNDED IN 2008, DANCE KEY WEST IS A 501C3 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. DANCEKEYWEST.ORG

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS and PORTABLE TOILETS available. Call us at 305.296.8297.

LIC# CCC1329991

Serving the Keys for 20 Years!

LIC# CGC032862

BEST CONTRACTOR NOMINATION

ARTISTIC CONCRETE DESIGN

GOT CONCRETE?

VOTED BEST CONTRACTOR

We can Preserve, Protect & Beautify ANY Concrete Surface For more information go to www.keysdecoconrete.com or call 305-923-0654

5 YEARS IN A ROW

Second Annual

MIKE GARCIA 305.304.4188 Licensed & Insured SP#3136

CONCHROOFING@GMAIL.COM WWW.CONCHCONSTRUCTIONANDROOFING.COM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

LOCALLY OWNED DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY SEEKING QUALIFIED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS

FRESH NEW MENU

NEW PATIO DINING

1405 Duval Street, Key West // 305.295.6550

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

overseasmediagroup.com/careers 305.906.0272

southernmostbeachresort.com #somolife

OPEN TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY! 11AM-4PM

THE LOFT FEATURING NOW CARRYING RETAIL LINE

NEVER FULLY DRESSED!

EXCELLENT CONDITION PRE-LOVED & NEW WOMEN’S CLOTHING PRIVATE PARTIES & PERSONAL SHOPPING | KIRBYSCLOSET.COM

218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977 PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO OPAL KEY RESORT & MARINA

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FRONT OFFICE DIRECTOR FRONT OFFICE GUEST SERVICES AGENT & BELL/VALET RESERVATIONS AGENT HOUSEKEEPING ALL POSITIONS SIGN ON BONUS OFFERED! CULINARY SOUS CHEF, COOKS DISHWASHERS F&B SERVER, BARTENDER BUSSERS/FOOD RUNNERS LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST NAIL TECH 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

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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

CGC1523838

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

Authorized Dealer

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

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

Dan Blagriff

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 675375 DBlagriff@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 304-6085 Office: (305) 676-3146

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

1229 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953

MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank

Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service - Installation 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Call 305.495.6000

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.

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

305-289-1150

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

www.TewesMortgage.com

Daunte Aguilar

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 2260640

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

Will Campbell President

DAguilar@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 676-3107 Office: (305) 587-1598 2514 N Roosevelt Blvd. Key West, FL 33040

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

MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank

Lic No. SP1481

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

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

P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

UPCOMING EVENTS

ANUHEA KEY WEST THEATER

MARCH 22

PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE

JEFFERSON STARSHIP

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

KEY WEST THEATER

MARCH 26

MARCH 28TH

THE GARCIA PROJECT

NICK SWARDSON

ADAM LAMBERT

KEY WEST THEATER

MARCH 29

APRIL 3

APRIL 28TH

CHRIS YOUNG

REBELUTION

SLIGHTLY STOOPID

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

MAY 6

JUNE 5

AUGUST 7TH

THEKEYWESTAMP.COM | THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

FAMILY, FOOD & FUN

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

And don’t miss our Live Music! Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 5-8pm