Marathon Weekly 22-0317 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

1¢

I take back everything I said about Tom Brady’s retirement.

LOOKS GOOD ON TELEVISION MCT’s new show skewers politics from all angles | P. 30

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HOUSING CRISIS, PART 3 | Where do we go from here? | P.7 • SUN AND SEAFOOD | Marathon festival returns in force | P.32

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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.

Lulu Peakes (Michelle Macoskey, left) may have no experience in politics. But as reporters like Rachel Parsons (Terry Israel) are about to ﬁnd out, that might be exactly what America is looking for. See page 30. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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The ‘Boatworks project’ at the end of 39th Street in Marathon was the subject of state scrutiny as the city was issued a Notice of Violation. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

WAIT A LITTLE LONGER

State DEO rescinds Memorandum of Understanding, wants to see all permits

specific subset of orders, including developments in areas of critical wildlife or vegetation, new hotels, conditional use approvals for new non-residential developments over 2,500 square feet, developments for dredging and excavation, developments for mining operations, and conditional use permits for RV parks. The rescinded MOU also stated that the city must render “conditional use permits, but not the subsequent building permits, for Transfer of ROGO Exemptions (TREs), Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs), institu-

ALEX RICKERT

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disagreement between the City of Marathon and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) could keep Marathon permit applicants waiting up to 75 days for state review and approval. As Marathon is designated as an Area of Critical State Concern, the city is required to render all development orders – Planning Department decisions and permits – to the state unless a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) grants an exception. The previous 17-year agreement between the city and state, in place since 2005, required the city to render only a

“We are resolving the matter as quickly as we can; in the meantime, the city is complying with the state directive and sending every Marathon development order for review in Tallahassee.” — Marathon City Manager George Garrett

tional residences, community parks located in a hammock, any development activity that provides overnight sleeping quarters, new marinas or expansion of existing marinas.” On Feb. 25, the DEO issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) concerning a development at the end of 39th Street in Marathon, more commonly known as the Boatworks project. The multi-phase project will see 52 affordable housing units split between two buildings, with market rate homes developed along the waterfront. Though the Boatworks project had obtained a conditional use permit for the site, the state appealed a revision to the development agreement that allowed previous live-aboard units to become upland residential units when determining the number of units allowed for one portion of the project. DEO then contended that the city’s decision to issue building permits for four units in the project during the pending appeal violated the appeals process. It subsequently terminated the 17-year MOU, meaning that all permits previously handled exclusively by the city will now make their way to Tallahassee, even for small projects like installing pavers or putting up a fence. “We are resolving the matter as quickly as we can,” said Marathon City Manager George Garrett in a statement on March 9. “In the meantime, the city is complying with the state directive and sending every Marathon development order for review in Tallahassee.” To illustrate: according to the DEO’s website, over a five-month period from Aug. 2, 2021 to Dec. 28, 2021, the department received a total of nine development orders from the City of Marathon. During the week of March 9 to 16, it received 171. At its March 8 meeting, the Marathon City Council unanimously voted to approve a draft of a new MOU that was immediately sent to the state for consideration. “I think the answer is that we’re headed in the right direction,” Garrett told Keys Weekly. “I don’t know exactly what they consider the appropriate timeline to be, but I think it’s clearly sooner rather than later.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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By Jim McCarthy, Mandy Miles and Alex Rickert

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 possible solutions. Ideas have been discussed out of this community, for years during meetings and charrettes, and there’s no reason 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.

MARATHON 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.

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

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 that people can afford View Apartments on College with their current Road, being built by Gulf Keystar incomes. And we need local contractors. Like Wreckers 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 to allow housing to Key West’s to-do list, city combe built on top of missioners this week approved a shopping plazas and in long-term ground lease that will 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.

MARATHON 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.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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 threw out the possibility of the Harris School

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

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 Chi-

na, 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

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

THANK YOU

for making the 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival a success

Keys Fisheries

Kelly Electric • UPS Store • All Aspects Inspection Services • Homes & Land of the FL Keys • Marathon Lady • Dot Palm • Ernest E. Rhodes Plumbing, Inc. • Publix A n g e l a P a l m a / L o K a t i o n R E • K e y C o l o n y B e a c h R e a l t y • B i k e M a r a t h o n B i k e R e n t a l s • M a r a t h o n P o n t o o n R e n t a l s • M a r a t h o n Ve t e r i n a r y H o s p i t a l • Te w e s M o r t g a g e Jolly Roger RV Resort • Pirate Radio • Cruz-In the Keys Construction • Design Center • Keys Contracting Services • Aquarium Encounters • • Discount Rock & Sand Inc. E d w a r d J o n e s – F i n a n c i a l A d v i s o r : S a r a h C i z m a s • R a y ’s C o n s t r u c t i o n S e r v i c e • I s l a n d S k i p p e r F i s h i n g • C r a n e P o i n t • M o u n t S i n a i • H a p p y C a m p e r s R V S e r v i c e K e y s A n i m a l H o s p i t a l • I s l a n d P i l a t e s • P r e s e n t s i n P a r a d i s e • D ’ A s i g n S o u r c e • D o l p h i n C o n n e c t i o n • F a r o B l a n c o R e s o r t • F i s h e r m a n ’s H o s p i t a l K e y s F e d e r a l C r e d i t U n i o n • M a r l i n B a y R e s o r t & M a r i n a • K e y s C o m m u n i t y C o n s t r u c t i o n • Wo l f e / S t e v e n s P L L C • S y l v e s t e r C o m p r e h e n s i v e C a n c e r C e n t e r

Sincerely • Daniel Samess and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Organized Fishermen of Florida (Marathon Chapter)

Special consideration paid for by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

MARATHON 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.’”

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022 MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE proudly presents:

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MARATHON 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.

MARATHON 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.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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MARATHON 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.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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MARATHON 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

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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reception on March 8 at Marathon’s Shady Palm Art Gallery saw visitors take in a massive 24-foot-long mosaic. And while some pieces are created by a single artist, the Mosaic of the Keys was the collaborative brainchild of 400 Keys painters and community members. As a celebration of community talent and an important source of funding for the Florida Keys Council of the Arts grants program for artists, the mural is composed of individually painted 6- by 6-inch canvases provided free of charge to Monroe County artists. After offering free workshops throughout the Keys to help contributors with guidance and materials, the FKCA collected, assembled and exhibited the mosaic at seven receptions throughout the county. Contributors to the Connections Project may donate to receive completed canvases, selected at random when the mosaic is eventually disassembled in May. To contribute to the project, visit keysarts.com. — Alex Rickert

A DECADE OF EXPRESSION Arts Council’s Connections Project celebrates 10 years

Top and center: 400 strikingly different, but somehow unified canvases came together to form the 24- by 4-foot Mosaic of the Keys. Bottom left: Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron does the honors to help FKCA executive director Elizabeth Young and advisor

Susann D’Antonio select the evening’s raffle winner. Bottom right: Patrons fill Shady Palm Art Gallery for the Connections Project reception. Photos by Barry Gaukel

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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rinks flowed and chips were piled high at the Business and Professional Women of Marathon’s Kuban Keysino night. For four hours on the evening of March 11, players took over the hangar at the Marathon Jet Center to place their best bets at professional gaming tables and enjoy hors d’oeuvres catered by Brutus Seafood, a photo booth, a cigar bar and a Grand Finale raffle with prizes ranging from theater tickets to hotel stays. “I’m really thankful that people came out and supported BPW’s Keysino night again,” said BPW president Mallory Pinto. “It’s such a fun night and we look forward to making next year even bigger for a 007-themed night. Special thanks to Elise Mucha and the Brutus Seafood crew, as well as William Zimdars with the Marathon Jet Center.” — Alex Rickert 1. Brian Tewes and Lorna Sanchez pose for a photo.

2. Alexia and Josh Mann are feeling the tropical vibes. 3. From left, Yumary de Armas, Michael Martone and Jennifer Showalter take a break from serving up hors d’oeuvres. 4. From left, Kiki McIntyre, Amber Whiteman and Charlene Sprinkle are dressed for the occasion on the red carpet. 5. From left, Brenda Torella, C.M. Bishop and Ed Torella know how to not take life too seriously. 6. Jon and Cathy Crane have plenty of tickets to spend at the Grand Finale raffle. 7. From left, Doug Bell, John Keller, Jon Crane, Trish Hintze, Kristin Carlson, and Michelle Coldiron celebrate a dealer bust. Photos by Alex Rickert

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

Michelle Macoskey, center, said her character, Lulu Peakes, throws in a “happy plot twist” for the other characters, including reporter Rachel Parsons, played by Terry Israel, left, and gubernatorial candidate Ned Newley, played by John Schaefer. CHARLOTTE TWINE/ Contributor

ALL PLAY, NO WORK Camaraderie of cast, crew shows onstage in political comedy ‘The Outsider’ CHARLOTTE TWINE

charlotte@keysweekly.com

ast Thursday night, before another rehearsal for Marathon Community Theatre’s latest production, the political comedy “The Outsider,” the cast and crew were hanging out. Their laughter echoed throughout the performance space. Indeed, their repartee is so fast and furious, it’s hard for casual observers to keep up. “We are making googly eyes, and someone interrupts us,” said one actor to describe a scene. “Bow chicka wow wow,” joked another. Cue booming laughter. Clearly, the players and stage crew involved in “The Outsider” production just love being around each other. And that energy bubbles up in every scene. “I love this group,” said Claudia McEwen, who is the self-described “makeup lady” for “The Outsider.” She is also a retired pediatrician, longtime Marathon resident and a theater lover. She has been a part of MCT since 1981.

Trish Hintze, Brian Witte and Alex Rickert play a scene about political staff manipulating a reluctant candidate to be elected governor. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Contributor

“I think it’s topical and timely. Look at the political situation we’re in,” McEwen said with a shrug. Jennifer Powell is the director of “The Outsider,” which is by playwright Paul Slade Smith. This is Powell’s second mainstage production as director, though she has been a member of MCT since 2010. “I’ve done everything except run lights,” she said. The MCT board approached her to helm the production of “The Outsider,” so she read the play. “I thought it was funny,” she said about her decision to take on the job. “The humor appeals to you. It’s about the governor of a small state. A previous governor left because of a scandal, but the new governor is shy. You would never think this governor would succeed, but a political hotshot thinks it’s his dream candidate — the goofy governor.” “Jennifer just doesn’t have an ego as a director,” said actor Alex Rickert, who plays the “political hotshot” Arthur Vance. (Full disclosure: Rickert is the fearless editorial leader of Marathon Weekly.) “She’s probably the most collaborative director that I've ever worked with. Sometimes that

All Marathon Community Theatre actors and crew have fun being together for rehearsal. Here, makeup artist Claudia McEwen, left, smiles as she helps Terry Israel put on her wig. LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

can be challenging on her end when you have a cast with a lot of experience and opinions, but she does an incredible job balancing it.” Rickert wants potential audience members to know that they won’t have a politically divisive night, even though the play is about, well, politics. It’s a rollicking comedy to take your mind off your troubles for a while. “They're not going to see something that goes after one side or another,” he said. But back to that Thursday night rehearsal. The cast is posing for a photo shoot and they ham it up for photographer Larry Benvenuti, who laughs and clicks away. At one point, the actors run a scene that has a lot of comic movement so Benvenuti gets a dynamic shot (we don’t want to spoil the plot and reveal what the scene is about; rest assured, it's fun). Brian Witte, who plays the hapless chief of staff Dave Riley, is supposed to curl into a fetal position in pained reaction to some news. But he can’t resist: He slides into a faux-pinup pose, with one hand propping up his head and legs stretched out, a huge smile on his face. The cast breaks up. “We laugh too much,” said Terry Israel, who plays reporter Rachel Parsons. “This is a great ensemble cast. It’s been an experience seeing each individual grow into their character.” MCT is always looking for other members, whether they be stage crew or actors. For more information, go to marathontheater.org, where readers can also purchase tickets for “The Outsider” at $28 each. Showtimes: March 24, 25, 26, 31 at 8 p.m.; April 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 8 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 10, 2022. The theater is located at 5101 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. Box office phone number: 305-743-0994.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022 The Rock Show’s Kenny closes Saturday’s festivities with smash hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

IT ROCKED ORIGINAL MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL’S RETURN EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

adies and gentlemen, this is what we had all been waiting for. Marathon’s largest annual event returned in force as the 46th Original Marathon Seafood Festival resumed its rightful place at the Marathon Community Park on March 12 and 13. A product of the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida, the two-day party saw thousands of visitors from around the globe come together after a one-year hiatus to enjoy a weekend of shopping, games, spot-on entertainment, drinks and, of course, signature Keys seafood. With well north of 100 vendors who persevered through an untimely and surprisingly powerful squall line on Saturday afternoon, the fields became a bustling marketplace for artists, businesses and community organizations, while a boat show greeted attendees at the entrance. “A few of our vendors reported having their best show ever,” said Chamber of Commerce accounting and events manager Jeanine D’Amico. “Even with the weather forcing some vendors to close early Saturday, they broke record sales in the first half of the day and did even better on Sunday.” “The festival was as successful as we could have hoped,” said Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess. “I think people were excited to be back outside at one of the best events in the Keys, and it showed. We probably had one of the best Sundays ever, and we are excited to start donating monies from the event to local charities, organizations and causes that help make Marathon a great place to live.” Surprisingly warm temperatures were tempered by consistent winds, providing a perfect outdoor atmosphere to enjoy fan favorite bands like the Red Elvises, The Rock Show, and The Southern Blood Band. Man, it’s good to be back. — Alex Rickert

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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1. Huge crowds returned to one of Marathon’s most highly anticipated festivals. 2. Seafood plates like this lobster dinner drew enormous lines, winding in a triple S-curve through the park’s fields. 3. From trash collection to breading and frying fish, volunteers are the lifeblood of the Seafood Festival.

4. MCSO Capt. Don Hiller serves up some crab cakes. 5. Cooking for the masses requires a special skill. French fries, anyone? 6. From left, Erika Goodman, Daniel Samess, R.D. Goodman and Kristina Helms enjoy the fruits of their labor as the Marathon Chamber of Commerce’s largest fundraiser makes a comeback.

7. The conch fritters booth was busy all weekend churning out orders.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

1. More than 3,000 pins peppered Keys Weekly’s hometown map from nearly every continent. Now if only we knew someone from Antarctica… 2. Ornate airbrushed face paint patterns were all the rage with the kids. 3. Daredevils get fancy with the Bungee Jump. 4. The Southern Blood Band closes Sunday’s festivities. 5. The Rock Show brings down the house as Saturday’s closing act. 6. Booths from numerous education and conservation organizations brought visitors face to face with Florida Keys aquatic life. For the record, this lobster did not end up on a plate. 7. Even the Turtle Hospital’s mascot stopped by for a photo op with fans. Photos by Sandra Lee Photography. Scan the QR code below for full gallery.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

FRONT PAGE NEWS

eys Weekly takes great pride in sharing so many beloved community events with dignitaries, locals and visitors alike. To us, they are all “front page news.” Please enjoy a small sampling of the weekend’s photos below, or scan the QR code below to visit the full web gallery on keysweekly.com. Photos by Alex Rickert and Patti Childress

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

SHERIFF ASKS GOVERNOR FOR MORE STATE POLICE AHH, THE ANCHOR

FEWER TROOPERS ON U.S. 1 MONITOR INCREASED TRAFFIC

he Green Parrot is a great hangout in Nassau. There is plenty of dinghy dockage, Wi-Fi, marinas and, of course, cold beer. From there I have a view of the entire harbor, cruise ships and all. It’s always on my stopover list when transiting the Bahamas. The harbor represents some tricky business when anchoring. The holding is CAPT. MIKE good, but not exactly great. The key is to let BARBER out a little more than normal scope without impinging on the other captains already anCapt’n Mike has chored there. It is important to understand an undergraduate what I just said. If I’m the first one to anchor, degree in marine everyone who anchors after me is obliged to technology and 50 years of sailing respect my position and swing. If you don’t, and you drag, you’re at fault for damages. the oceans of the world. Currently, Further, if your anchor drags and you wind he visits the up coming to a stop too close to another Florida Keys reefs boat, you have the hassle of having to weigh conducting eco and reset your anchor in a different locatours. tion. I have learned that anchors have the highest propensity for dragging around 4 a.m. The hard truth about cruising is that I spend more than 10 days at anchor for every day underway. Being on anchor means constantly checking for chafed lines or the boat dragging, and watching the other boats. Most GPS systems have drag alarms to alert you if you’re actually on the boat. I long ago lost count of how many times I’ve returned from shore to find my alarm going off. But back to the Green Parrot. This guy is sitting at the bar complaining that his new boat will not anchor for more than an hour. He is making out as if it is a boat design problem, and I’m patiently listening to him. I happened to be watching him two days before when he first came in the harbor and immediately put him on my “must keep an eye on that one” list. First of all, he let his anchor drop while going downwind. Then he paid out maybe 40 feet of rode in 12 to 15 feet of water. By my way of reckoning, he should have let go of at least 140 feet of rode (15 feet of water plus 5 feet from the water to his anchor roller is 20 which is then multiplied by 7 – multiply by 10 in rough times). The upshot of it all was that after raising and lowering his anchor umpteen times, he got a slip at the marina and was convinced that he bought a poorly designed boat. I sipped my beer and listened till he was finished. There were so many things I wanted to share with him, but sometimes you just have to let things slide past you without getting involved. This was definitely one of those times. My only comment to him was that his boat is much better off in the marina. I also did not mention to him how much I personally was relieved. Capt’n Mike www.Whensday.us

Sheriff Rick Ramsay has asked the governor to restore the number of state troopers patrolling the Florida Keys to levels in the year 2000. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL/Contributed

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

n 2000, there were 27 state troopers assigned to patrol U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys, which is a state road. Today, there are 16 troopers, yet traffic and crashes on the busy highway have more than doubled. “We at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office end up doing the state’s job when it comes to writing tickets, stopping drunks and securing accident scenes on that road,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the Keys Weekly on March 2. Ramsay on March 1 sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, asking him to restore state trooper staffing levels to where they were 22 years ago. “We have been experiencing a continuous upsurge of traffic crashes and traffic-related matters of concern, yet we have seen a constant reduction in the number of Florida Highway Troopers assigned to Monroe,” Ramsay wrote. “In the year 2000, Monroe had 27 FHP troopers assigned to the county. This year the number has fallen to 16 and four of those positions are currently vacant… “My office is working at capacity handling our existing duties, yet we find ourselves having to do FHP’s work as well. This is not a reflection on the troopers assigned here; there are simply not enough of them to accomplish their mission… “Attached you will see the crash data report from the state showing my agency handles 60% of all crashes on State Road 5 (U.S. 1). This is a state road and under the responsibility of (the state). There are constantly no troopers available, thus I have to pull resources from police work to handle the state’s responsibilities, which include crash investigations, reckless drivers, drunk drivers, disabled vehicles, traffic obstruction and so on.

“Approximately half of the assigned troopers live in another county and travel nearly two hours a day as they drive to and from their homes on the clock. This results in just over 2,000 hours a year of scheduled work time spent commuting to Monroe County. Troopers are not available while on scheduled work time and, therefore, of no value to me. With most of the troopers living in Dade County or the upper part of Monroe County, Monroe is forced to handle 69% of the crashes in the south end and 68% of the crashes in the central part of the county. U.S. 1 is the only road connecting all of the Florida Keys; hence when a crash occurs, the flow of traffic becomes gridlocked for miles. Even worse, when there is a traffic homicide investigation in the south end of the county it takes literally hours for a traffic homicide investigator to arrive. During the long wait the road is shut down and I again have to have deputies pulled from calls for service to wait and secure the crime scene for FHP. “Our traffic and its impacts on State Road 5 (U.S. 1) have more than doubled since 2000. In the year 2000 we had three full-time traffic homicide investigators assigned to Monroe; now there are none. They are assigned to Dade/Monroe and the vast majority of their time is spent in Dade, not Monroe. In addition, there is now one less sergeant, eight fewer patrol troopers and one fewer clerk. “This situation is not sustainable. Monroe County has been taken advantage of and left to carry almost all of the water when it comes to highway safety. I ask you to please restore our assigned 27 troopers we had in the year 2000 as a matter of public safety and fairness.”

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CLARE MERRYMAN www.keysweekly.com

WEIGHTLIFTING Boys • Sean Hale - Bench: 225, Clean & Jerk: 185, Total: 410 • Malachi Hawkins - Bench: 240, Clean & Jerk: 210, Total: 450 • Aaron Dolton - Bench - 205, Clean & Jerk: 185, Total: 390 • Yuni DeLeon - Bench - 215, Clean & Jerk: 195, Total: 410 • Brody Vandervoort - Bench: 180, Clean & Jerk: 160, Total: 340

TRACK & FIELD March 8 Open Invitational Boys • 100m dash - Mikail Marshall, 11.83, 1st • 200m dash - Mikail Marshall, 23.76, 1st • 400m dash - Jakub Bursa, 57.74, 1st • 800m run - Pedro Zapata 2:12.90, 1st; Vaclav Bursa, 2:13.70, 2nd • 1600m run - Pedro Zapata, 5:04.32, 1st • 3200m run - Vaclav Bursa, 11:14.71, 1st; Pedro Zapata, 11:16.62, 2nd • 300m hurdles - Aaron Dolton, 44.03 Girls • 100m dash - Abrianna Marshall, 14.01, 1st; Kayesha Christian, 14.26, 2nd • 200m dash - Janiya Pyform, 30.40, 1st • 400m dash - Tinashay Cunningham, 1:10.69, 2nd • 1600m run - Rilynn Richards 6:42.04, 2nd

BASEBALL Varsity MHS vs. David Posnack Jewish Day March 16 W, 9-4 • Benjamin Hiller - 2 runs, 1 hit, 1 BB • Delvin Solis - 3 runs, 2 hits, 2 RBI • Dylan Ziels - 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 BB • Mason Thornton - 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 BB

HAWKS CAY NAMES FOOD AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE CHEF

ADRIEN HOLDINGA Freshman

Adrien Holdinga, a freshman at Marathon High School, has had a breakout season. Taught the game of tennis by his father at a young age, Holdinga has been working on becoming MHS’ strongest hitter ever since. Countless hours spent at the community park practicing have allowed Holdinga to play in MHS number one position since his eighth grade year. An extensive amount of practice in the extreme Keys’ weather conditions has paid dividends with his increased stamina. Even as a smaller underclassman, his endurance allows him to hold his own against much larger and older opponents. His motto: “It doesn't matter the weather as long as I am getting better.” Holdinga is not only a tennis player, but a skilled musician as well. He is a percussionist in the school band, and when not busy with schoolwork and tennis, he likes to practice playing the drums. He hopes eventually to participate and perform in a marching band. Holdinga is a dedicated tennis athlete, but more importantly, he is a dedicated student. He maintains impressive grades in his honors and AP classes all while being involved in National Junior Honor Society and Drama Club. Speaking about his progress this season so far, Holdinga said, “My allaround performance is getting better. In my hits and in my serves you can see progress in every match.” Holdinga no doubt is a hard worker, and is constantly trying to get better. Because of this, the team is excited to see his progress for years to come. As of now he plans to play college tennis, but leaves plenty of room for change. “I am uncertain of the path that my life will take me on, but will certainly always work towards my goals.”

awks Cay Resort has appointed Albert Bilotti as the food and beverage director and Patrick Cleary as the executive chef. Together, the duo will lead the resort’s food and beverage team and enhance the resort’s overall dining experiences for guests. Prior to joining Hawks Cay, Bilotti served as the general manager of restaurant operations for Morada Bay, a wellknown seaside dining locale in Islamorada. Originally from New York, Bilotti relocated to the Florida Keys following a long career in the hospitality industry. He has worked at several leading resorts across the country where he led food and beverage operations and programming including The Roosevelt Hotel, Waldorf Astoria, The Resort at Squaw Creek, and La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, among others. At Hawks Cay, he will be working directly with Cleary to ensure a world-class dining experience for guests at each outlet, representative of both the Florida Keys locale and the culinary brand the hotel has chartered. Cleary comes to Hawks Cay from Islamorada’s Morada Bay where he led a dual restaurant culinary team serving the notable Pierre’s Restaurant and The Beach Café. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry at hotels such as Hilton Denver City, Destination Hotels’ Resort at Squaw Creek and Waldorf Astoria Casa Marina Resort, Cleary is no stranger to creating memorable culinary experiences that come together to deliver one complete offering for guests. He has prided himself on focusing on the freshest locally sourced ingredients and implementing modern culinary principles and techniques into each dish. At Hawks Cay, he will work directly with Bilotti to bring new culinary concepts to the menus

Albert Bilotti is Hawks Cay’s new food and beverage director. CONTRIBUTED

Patrick Cleary takes over as executive chef for the resort. CONTRIBUTED

at Angler & Ale, Sixty-One Prime, and Hawks Cay Marketplace, as well as the other fast-casual outlets throughout the resort. “We warmly welcome this dynamic duo to invigorate new elements into Hawks Cay’s dining outlets,” said Sheldon Suga, vice president and managing director of the resort. “Individually, their expertise makes them both exceptional for their roles; now, with their combined visions, resort guests are set to delight in a completely refreshed culinary offering at Hawks Cay.” Hawks Cay is home to six dining outlets, including finedining chop house Sixty-One Prime; relaxed waterfront dining at Angler & Ale; Hawks Cay Marketplace, a fast, family-friendly outlet for on-the-go guests; Oasis Cay, an adults-only bar by its tranquility pool; poolside bar, Tiki Grill; and Coral Grill, a family-friendly hangout serving fare for all ages. — Contributed

MARATHON 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.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

PINEAPPLE AN IMPORTANT KEYS CASH 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

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

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 church structure in the Upper Keys. The community also established a one-room wooden school and, on Dec. 31, 1891, the BRAD Planter Post Office. John Wesley BERTELLI Johnson, the oldest is an author, Johnson child, was speaker, and Florida Keys historian. named postmaster. Mail was not His latest book, delivered to the “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” post office directly. is a fun blend of Rather, the sidetwo of his favorite subjects — Florida wheeled steamship City of Key West Keys history and brought the mail to the Skunk Ape. the deeper waters just beyond Planter’s shallow harbor, 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.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

LOCAL AND VETERAN OWNED

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY | LUNCH 11-2:30 | DINNER 5 -10

THIS WEEK’S ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, MAR 17 WYATT HURTS 3PM ROY MCADAMS 6:30PM FRIDAY, MAR 18 DAN SULLIVAN 3PM DOTTIE KELLY 8PM SATURDAY, MAR 19 MIKE ROONET 3PM

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 4:20 -11

SUNDAY, MAR 20 DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 6PM MONDAY, MAR 21 JOHNNY LIVE 3PM MIKE HAMMOND 6PM TUESDAY, MAR 22 TACO TUESDAY NOON TIL 10PM TACO & MARGARITA SPECIALS COUNTRY NIGHT JIBSEA COWBOYS 7PM WEDNESDAY, MAR 23 PIRATE KARAOKE WITH JR JONES 7PM

WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY | LUNCH 11- 2:30 | DINNER 5 -10 BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11- 2:30

WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY 4:20 - 11

ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS • COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

OPEN SUN THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM | FRI-SAT 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR

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WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Enjoy our daily specials like Taco Loco Wednesday, Homemade Soup or Chowder, Stone Crab, Stone Crab Roll, Stone Crab Mac & Cheese, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

WAT TERFRONT PLAYHOUSE

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CHOREOGRAPHY Carolyn Cooper MUSICAL DIRECTION Michael Fauss STARRING STA TAR TA Bruce Moore,* Brian Robinson,* Ross Pipkin Mathias Maloff, Arthur Crocker, Canter O’May M Sarah Sar S a ar Thorn, Xavier Knight, Ervin Tumm, Karl Stahl Alexandra Zeto, John McDonald, Barbara Mundy A Carolyn Cooper, Andrew Theede, Chris Homberg C Jillian Todd, Belle Jampol and J. Michael Wright J *Appearing by courtesy of Actors Equity Association

PREVIEWS @ 8pm MARCH 22 & 23 • OPENING @ 8PM MARCH 24 Performances @ 8PM MARCH 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 and APRIL 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 2022

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MASKS ARE REQUIRED. Proof of negative COVID-19 test within previous 72 hours required -- waived with VOLUNTARY proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

Karen

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May the Peace of the Lord be always with you

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Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR

LOCAL MATTERS KEYSWEEKLY.COM

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KEY WEST | MARATHON | UPPER KEYS LOCALLY OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. LOCALLY LOVED.

Sam Steele

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000

MARCH • All unpaid 2021 property tax must be paid by March 31 in order to avoid delinquent penalties on April 1

tax to our office. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted

• The fourth and final 2021 installment property tax bill is due by March 31

• A local business tax is required for ALL property rentals, regardless of how long they are being rented

• 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.

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development

• Please visit our website for helpful information, forms, applications, and important announcements

for more important tax information.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

MARATHON ROTARY PROVIDES AID TO UKRAINE

SPORTS & MORE

$5,000 goes directly to humanitarian relief

eith Douglass is a former Monroe County Commissioner and mayor. He is also one of the Rotary Club of Marathon’s outstanding members and heads up our interaction with our district and Rotary International. A cornerstone of Rotary’s mission is promoting world peace and conflict resolution. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has unfolded over the past weeks, we all hear horror stories of the ever-increasing human need for medicine and medical equipment to treat wounded refugees and soldiers. Working with past District Governor Roy Gonas, Keith worked to find a way to ensure that any funds raised by Rotarians in the United States and our district actually got to the areas that needed it. Because Rotary truly is international, Keith and Roy were able to make contact with the president of the Rotary Club of Lviv, a city in Ukraine that has been hard hit by Russian bombs and artillery. The president of the Lviv club is Natalia Dolinska, associate professor in the Foreign Languages Department at the National University of Lviv. She is trying to help humanitarian efforts in her city, acknowledging how dire the situation is for thousands of refugees. But there were a couple of issues: first, the need was immediate and couldn’t wait for the usual donation process from our district or Rotary International. Second, Rotary needed to find a way to make sure that the donations got to their intended recipient. Like something out of an international spy movie, Rotarians in different nations collaborated on a plan to ensure the funding got where it needed to go. Natalia was able to create working relationships with Rotary Clubs in Germany and Poland. Donations funneled into their bank accounts could be used to purchase needed medical supplies from EU nations, which then will be delivered to Lviv. This bypasses the damaged Ukrainian banking system and gets the aid where it’s needed. And this Rotary donation scheme works — more than 16 truckloads of medications and supplies have been delivered to Lviv purchased with donations sent to these other clubs. Marathon Rotary’s board of directors and President Duane Webster listened to Keith Douglass’ proposal, and immediately voted to send an initial $5,000 to help in Ukraine. As Keith commented, “We did exactly what needed to be done to get funds to

where they needed to go quickly. Being the vanguard of Rotary’s efforts in our district to assist Ukraine allows us some latitude to do what we did. Also, I believe we helped JOHN to encourage the BARTUS district and other clubs to recognize is the Mayor of the need to expethe City of Maradite help. Long term thon. He also is assistance is also a musician who performs around needed but Ukraine needs funds and town. For more other support now.” see johnbartus. com While Marathon Rotarians will likely make more donations to help Ukraine, they are hopeful that their efforts, along with those of the Rotary Clubs of Miami and South Miami, will be repeated in local District 6990 as well as other districts throughout Rotary International. An email from Natalia confirmed the donation from Marathon with heartfelt gratitude. “We are in direct contact with the hospitals in Lviv and across Ukraine which daily keep us updated on the medication that is needed to save lives of our military and civilians. Keith, please, give our gratitude to your club members for the donation and for your support — it is important for all of us here in Ukraine to know that we are not alone in this fight for our independence and integrity against the Russian invader! We also appreciate the huge support that all American people have provided to us over the years and especially now!” Keith Douglass’ and Roy Gonas’ amazing efforts to find a way to get humanitarian aid to Ukraine are typical of so many Rotarians. The Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” is what drives Rotarians to find ways to do good in this world. It’s good to know that when bad things happen, Rotary International so often steps in to help make things just a bit better. - Catch John Mondays at Boondocks, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Key Colony Inn, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, and Fridays on Facebook Live. Music available wherever you get your streaming or downloads. www.johnbartus.com

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.

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022 OBITUARY

BRIEFLY

Cornhole tournament to benefit Dana Farber Cancer Institute On Saturday, March 19, the Marathon Community Park will play host to a cornhole tournament. Marathon resident Rachel Vollemans will soon take to the streets in April’s Boston Marathon and is raising money to benefit a charity to qualify for the race. All proceeds will go directly to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of former Keys Fisheries bartender and Marathon resident Shannon Gosselin. Registration is $50 per two-person team before the event or $60 on the day of the tournament. Registration will begin at 5 p.m., with play starting at 6. The top three teams will receive prizes, and the event will feature a 50-50 raffle and silent auction. For early registration, questions, or to donate, contact Vollemans at 781-640-4760 or email rvollema@gmail.com. Keys artists can apply for grants of up to $2,000 The Anne McKee Artists Fund (AMAF) is offering grants to visual, performing and literary artists who reside in Key West and the Florida Keys. Grant funding is provided by proceeds from the Anne McKee Art Auction recently held in February and are awarded at the sole discretion of the AMAF board of directors. The Anne McKee Fund grants up to $2,000 per artist for as many as 20 artists for project-based work. In addition, there are three youth-based scholarships. Application and details with specific questions and answers for interested applicants can be found on mckeefund.org or via email mckeefund@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 31. Marathon Library classes are still going strong Thursday, March 17: Babytime Story time for up to age 2,10:30 a.m.; Kids Build: Lego Club, 4 p.m.; Procraftinators: Sewing Open Lab, 2 to 4 p.m.; Sewing Machine Basics Ages 10 and up, 4 to 6 p.m.. Friday, March 18: Photography (Teens/ Adults), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Spanish Social, a casual conversation group, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Arts & Crafts, 4 p.m.; Tween Twist, Fun for tweens ages 8-12, 5 p.m. Saturday, March 19: Easy Yoga (Adults), 10 a.m.; Saturday Stories: Weekend Storytime, 10:30 a.m.; Family Movie Matinee: You Pick! 3 p.m. Monday, March 21: Celebrating Spring Break with Paper Airplanes. Monday through Friday, times vary. Watch a video, make some planes, come back Friday, March 25 at 4 p.m. for a contest.

Tuesday, March 22: Get Creative with Art & Guest presenter Shannon P. Wiley, local artist & art teacher (Teens/Adults), 9:30 a.m.; Paper Airplane Practice Fun, 2 to 5 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons, adults, 5 p.m.; Marathon Reads with local author Meg Cabot, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23: Cosmic Kids Movement & Yoga Adventures, 10:30 a.m.; Lunch & Learn: with CHI health care services, noon; Paper Airplane Practice Fun, 1 to 3 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons for Teens, 3 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons. adults, 5 p.m.; Easy Yoga Flow (Adults), 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24: Babytime Story time for up to age 2,10:30 a.m.; Paper Airplane Practice Fun, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Kids Build: Lego Club, 4 p.m. Girl Scouts seek help to mark centennial Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida (GSTF) is counting down to the 100th anniversary of the organization with an open invitation to the community. To mark this milestone, GSTF is reaching out across all Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys, seeking to reconnect with alumni and supporters, record personal stories and gather artifacts for an exhibit. “Girl Scouts have impacted this community for nearly a century, and we want to showcase all our amazing Girl Scouts and alumni as part of our celebrations and storytelling,” said Chelsea Wilkerson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida. If you were in Girl Scouts, were a Girl Scout mom or served as a troop leader, the organization wants to hear from you. Share your connection at: www.girlscoutsfl.org/share. Keys FCU Offers free financial education Keys Federal Credit Union is offering three free award-winning financial education programs that let you earn real-life rewards. Banzai, KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education), and Zogo are available to members and non-members and have financial tools for all ages and education levels. “As locals ourselves, we work tirelessly to respond to our community’s needs,” said Maggie Sayer, Keys FCU President & CEO. “Once we noticed the need for financial education both within our schools and the community, we began offering Banzai and KOFE on our website and Zogo, a mobile app for smartphones.” To access Keys FCU’s free financial education programs, visit www.KeysFCU.org or go to your app store to download Zogo with code KFCU.

MAUREEN HALL PHILLIPS 1937-2022 Maureen Hall Phillips passed away on March 2 surrounded by her family. Maureen was born on Jan. 4, 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey. She lived in Outdoor Resorts until moving to Terra Marine Park in Marathon. Maureen was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, and one son, Patrick. She is survived by her children, Dennis, Todd and Kelly and six grandchildren: Jessy, Alisha and Sean Phillips and Heather, Dane and Davin Juhlin. Maureen lived her life with joy and enthusiasm and she will be missed by all. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

MARATHON 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

MARATHON 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

MARATHON 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

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

Want to Attract more Business? You can have this spot for only $100!

CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY!

FAMILY FUN | SNORKEL FROM SHORE | MUSEUM FISHING | GUIDED ISLAND TOUR

2010 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON CATCH THE FERRY AT FARO BLANCO

MORNING TRIPS 8:30am - 12:30pm AFTERNOON TRIPS 1:30pm - 5:30pm

NOW HIRINGrs Educato

305.743.5999 PIGEONKEY.NET

MARATHON LADY DOCKS U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53, Marathon

305.743.5580

OPEN for programs MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 305-743-2552 FOR RESERVATIONS. 2396 Overseas Highway Gulf, Marathon Now accepting online reservations

www.turtlehospital.org

RECONNECT WITH NATURE • 63 ACRES OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD HAMMOCK • 1.4 MILES OF WALKING TRAILS • NATURAL FISH PEDICURE STATION • BUTTERFLY GARDENS

CRANE POINT

Museum & Nature Center

• NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM • THE HISTORIC ADDERLEY HOUSE • BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE BAY • HISTORIC CRANE HOUSE

305.743.9100 • 5550 O/S Hwy • Marathon MM50 at the stoplight • Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays • cranepoint.net

Marathon Lady • 73’ Party Boat PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CALL AHEAD FOR RESERVATIONS.

www.MARATHONLADY.net

MARATHON 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

MARATHON 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

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

Leslie Christensen

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

OWNER

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

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

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Liz Samess Interiors

Alexia Mann, GRI

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Liz Samess Interior Designer

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy. A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

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

305-289-1150

Marathon, FL 33050

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

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

Serving Key Largo to Key West

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

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

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

Will Campbell President

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

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

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

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

SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE Lic & Ins SP3696

SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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

START EARNING 305 3902315

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

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

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

Tracy Chacksfield Realtor

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

CGC1523838 312-350-4601 tracy@thebeautifulkeys.com

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

Lic No. SP1481

CGC1523838

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

I come to you!

Helping Paws Grooming Services

330.727.6264 Janet White

Professional Groomer

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

SPALLING EXPERTS

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

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

Lic#SP-3562

Rachel Sanderson

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

We Do Installations! Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

Michael Kiraly

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

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

MARATHON WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

s n o i t a l u t a r g

Con

R AWA

N WIN

ERS

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE

TEAM GARDNER/LANGLEY

GINGER HENDERSON

THE OWEN LUCAS TEAM

LISA FRINS

SANDY TUTTLE

KAREN RASPE

THE JUDE LINDBACK CLAUDETTE MELL TEAM

BRENDA TORRELLA KATE BALDWIN

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE

DONNA WEBB

MICHELE ADAMS

TRISH HINTZE

VICTORIA WILSON

ALICIA LUND

LEADING EDGE SOCIETY

TOMMY GOMEZ

WALTER CEBALLOS

ARIANE WOLGAMOTT

HONOR SOCIETY

GARY LOBATO

KELSEY CAPUTO

MAURIZIO NARDI

KASEY FEY

MARCIA MCCORMICK

A TEAM OF THE BEST AND MOST RESPECTED AGENTS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS (305) 743-7636 | info@keysrealestate.com | www.keysrealestate.com

@bhhskeysrealestate

© 2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol areregistered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.