Upper Keys Weekly 22-0317

Dear Tom Brady, why couldn’t you just enjoy a Florida retirement?

REEF RESTORATION EXPANDS

Mote takes work to Key Largo | P. 18

HOUSING SERIES PART 3

What solutions are out there? | P. 11

KEYS GET MILLIONS

Key organization left out | P. 8

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VP, Senior Business Development Officer

(305) 676.3124

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AGENTS of

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Congratulations to the 2021 Agents of Influence in our Upper Keys office!

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Our top producers achieved record success in a year that was transformative in the Florida Keys. These influential leaders embody our brand values with exceptional service, unmatched local expertise, and global connections.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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Councilman Mark Gregg, pictured middle, is proposing a pay increase for council members. If approved by voters at the November election, it would take effect with the new incoming council. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

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U

pping an Islamorada council member’s yearly pay could make its way onto the ballot in the November election.

Citing a need to attract more candidates, Councilman Mark Gregg said council members’ compensation of $1,000 per month hasn’t changed since the early 2000s. The idea received verbal support from the dais at a March 10 meeting, as well as several residents who regularly attend village meetings.

An ordinance with the specified pay raise would need council’s approval before it goes to the voters for a “yes” or “no” vote at the November general election. No increased dollar amount has been set yet by the dais.

If approved by voters, a pay raise would take effect once the new council is sworn in.

Gregg brought forth the matter during the discussion portion of the meeting inside Founders Park Community Center. In his comments, Gregg said the vast majority of village elections see individuals signing up to run who are “financially well off” and someone who “doesn’t necessarily have to work for a living.” By increasing pay, he said, it could eliminate concerns from those who want to run but can’t miss a day of work.

“It’s not going to be a lot of money.

It may not cover that (financial concern). As you know from the time we spend, this is a part-time job. I don’t think I’ve made minimum wage, but that’s OK. I signed up because I like it, not because I did it for the money.

“It’s not so much to provide a financial incentive as it is to eliminate the economic disincentive that people face when they consider running for office,” Gregg continued.

A compensation table presented to the dais showed pay rates within Florida municipalities. Key West’s seven commissioners make $20,000 a year, while Marathon council members make $21,000 (with exception of one who makes $18,000 with $771.31 going to the Florida retirement system per month). Marco Island commissioners make just $6,000 a year, while Treasure Island commissioners get

ON THE COVER Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby plants coral during a mission with members of the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge and SCUBAnaut International. MOTE MARINE LABORATORY/Contributed

$5,400 a year. Ormond Beach commissioners receive $14,494.75 annually.

“I was surprised to learn they were lower than what I thought in most cases,” Gregg said. “If we decide this is something that we think should take place, it’s ultimately the decision of the voters. They get to make the call. That’s what I like about this the most.”

Resident Van Cadenhead said he believed the council deserved the pay raise.

“We’re paying $60,000 for five of you to sit there. If you were to top it out at $100,000, which means every one of you makes $20,000, I don’t think that’d be outrageous,” he said.

Councilman Buddy Pinder agreed with Gregg’s sentiments on attracting other village residents who want to run.

“We’re never going to attract younger people to do this. I’ve talked to lots of them. They can’t do it,” he said. “If I’m a fisherman, I can’t come in and give up one day a week to go to meetings or whatever. Others just can’t do it. They couldn’t put the time in.”

Mayor Pete Bacheler said he’s given up a lot to be a councilman in order to make “our town a better place to live.” Bacheler said $1,000 doesn’t go anywhere between inflation and what’s going on in the marketplace.

“You shouldn’t have to be a millionaire or almost a millionaire to sit on our council. I’m not even close to that and I’m enjoying it here,” he said.

Resident John Kocol said the council is dramatically underpaid. He said he was told by a former manager that it takes 20 hours per week to read all information presented to the council. A former councilman told him it takes 25 hours a week to do the job correctly. continued on the next page

“I was surprised to learn they were lower than what I thought in most cases,” if we decide this is something that we think should take place, it’s ultimately the decision of the voters. They get to make the call.

That’s what I like about this the most.”

— Councilman Mark Gregg

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

“At current wage levels, that’s $9.23, which is less than minimum wage in the state of Florida,” he said. “In our current system, the only economic incentive to run for council is to protect and/or enhance economic interests in the person running. The majority of previous councilmen had economic interest in the village. Very few did not have to weigh conflicts of interest when discussing and voting on land use issues.”

Hypothetically, Kocol said if the council’s compensation package was $40,000 a year, it would be less than 0.5% of the village’s recurring revenue.

“If you look at that, considering a 25-hour work week, that $40,000 a year works out to be $31 an hour, which is less than a licensed plumber and electrician makes,” he said.

Village Manager Maria Bassett said Kocol’s suggestion of $40,000 is “very good.” Bassett advised against adding health benefits.

“I know the way our health plan is right now, we would not be able to add council members to it,” she said. “That may have some effect on our options for employees if we start including council members. An easier approach might be to just increase monthly compensation. If you purchase health insurance, hopefully you’re able to do that with that compensation.”

Councilman Dave Webb said if the objective is reaching a younger demographic, the pay must be more than $2,000 a month.

“Even a backcountry captain, they’re going to give up a couple days a week to do this with any diligence at all, it’s a huge income loss,” he said. “Do they (the public) want four old white men making decisions or would they like a broader demographic from the community age wise, female or male, or whatever else?”

Village council members directed staff to bring back an ordinance for a proposed pay increase at an upcoming meeting. As to the specific figure, council members want to hear more from the public before proposing a number.

“It’s to correct an issue that I think now has become critical in the village,” Gregg said. “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.”

An election in November will see five open seats with members' two-year terms coming to an end. There’s a possibility that the council could completely flip or see partial turnover.

Islamorada Councilman Buddy Pinder prepares for the meeting.

60-PLUS CANDIDATES FOR VILLAGE MANAGER Hiring firm whittles list down to eight

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

search for Islamorada’s next manager brought more than 60 candidates from Nevada to New Hampshire submitting their resumes. A village hiring consultant shortened that list to eight.

It’s the village council’s second hunt for village manager since November 2020, when the current members were elected. They first hired Greg Oravec, who then left earlier this year.

The former manager is receiving salary and benefits, as well as a housing allowance, unused sick time and accrued sick leave, through March 31.

A village contract with the hiring consultant Colin Baenziger & Associates allows for another search at no cost to the local taxpayers.

Members on the dais received a list of candidates just before the March 10 meeting, which saw hiring consultant Colin Baenziger providing resumes for eight candidates interested in the village manager position.

Among the candidates is former mayor and councilman Charles “Ted” Blackburn. Residing in Osprey, Florida, he served on the village dais for five years, from 2010-14, and initiated the creation of Islamorada’s wastewater system. Blackburn believes his knowledge could be an asset to the village.

“I certainly do not grasp all the issues or the solutions pertaining to Islamorada. But I do understand a bundle of them, and I feel I have a head start and a desire to find solutions,” he said.

A former city and county manager, applicant Lee Staab is a retired military officer who joined the U.S. Army following graduation from West Point. He served more than 27 years and went on to the public sector to oversee infrastructure development at U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He spent two years as manager for the City of Minot, North Dakota, and a little more than two years as manager of Grand County, Colorado.

Matthew Garside is the town manager of Poland, Maine. With a government composed of 86 employees and a $12-million budget, Garside has served as manager since 2017.

Julian Jackson entered his name for the village manager position during Islamorada’s manager search last year. He’s the former manager for the Georgia cities of Monroe, Peachtree Corners and Stonecrest.

Councilman Henry Rosenthal. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Joseph Kerby has served as administrator for Benton County since 2017.

He served almost five years as La Plata County Manager in Durango, Colorado.

Don Rosenthal is the former assistant county administrator and current commercial redevelopment project liaison in Pasco County, Florida. As county administrator, Rosenthal managed 285 county employees and directed a number of offices, including economic growth, code enforcement and planning and development.

David Williams spent nine years as town administrator in Sherborn, Massachusetts. Before that, he served as assistant town manager in Framingham and Weston in Massachusetts.

Thomas Yates has 12 years of experience in government and currently serves as mayor/chief executive officer for the City of Twinsburg, Ohio, which has 19,000-plus residents.

Of the 62 applicants, five were deemed “local candidate resumes.”

Blackburn’s resume was considered local from his time on the dais. Among the other interested locals were current administrator of Key Colony Beach, David Turner. Brian Klimakowski’s resume states that he’s from Big Pine Key, but his job shows him as current undersheriff for Ocean County in New Jersey. Debbie Pierog, owner/proprietor of Caribbean Cafe & Catering, threw her name into the hat.

Joseph Thomas’ resume shows a Tavernier address; He’s a facility manager of International Flavors and Fragrances in New Jersey, “What we need to do next is select finalists and set up interviews,” Baenziger told the council. “It’ll take a while. We’ll have to allow a little time to get through it.”

Councilman David Webb said he spent several weeks conducting research and outreach during the last village manager hiring process. Village council members will have three weeks to sift through the applications from the time they received the resumes on March 10 to the next meeting on March 31.

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UPPER KEYS 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.

A

state-of-the-art Marathon library is spurring discussion on what the other county libraries could be in the Florida Keys.

As Kimberly Matthews, senior director of strategic planning and libraries, once told Mayor David Rice: “You don’t want to build yesterday’s library. You want to build tomorrow’s library.”

Discussion brought forward by County Commissioner Holly Raschein during a March 16 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners at the Murray Nelson Government Center delved into some of the next steps for potential upgrades and development for other libraries. The new Marathon library is bringing discussion to possible improvements at libraries in Big Pine Key, Islamorada and Key Largo.

The $7.5-million library facility in Marathon opened on June 26. Among the features are multiple meeting spaces, including four small, private conference rooms, couch with USB ports, activities center upstairs for yoga or science lab or Dungeon and Dragons games and a teen center with video games.

Matthews told the commissioners that conducting an analysis of the other facilities will take several months, including stakeholder meetings and gathering the necessary data. From there, recommendations would be presented to the commissioners.

“Increased use in libraries is always important. It bodes well for the culture and health of community and engagement,” she said.

Commissioner Michelle Coldiron said there’s a need for community space in her district in Big Pine Key, especially since the senior center is no longer viable.

“Right now, we’re going to need you to work your magic up and down the county and come up with a strong strategic plan on what we’re going to do with all these spaces,” Coldiron told Matthews.

Commissioner Craig Cates said the Key West library is “very old.”

“I don’t know if they want to replace that completely or restore it,” Cates said. “It’s elevated and it is in the highest parts of town.

You have different options down there.”

County Administrator Roman Gastesi

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

threw out the possibility of the Harris School as an option. Cates said it’s an opportunity that could be examined.

Dottie Moses, president of the Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations, said the Keys’ northernmost library could use some technology upgrades.

“Since COVID, technology has had to move forward. We’re finding the technology in that community room to be a little bit challenging to use,” she said. “It’s quite a setup actually; it takes 45 minutes to make it work.”

NO MORE COVID REPORTS Monroe County commissioners and health and emergency officials agreed there’s no need for monthly situation reports with just five new COVID-19 cases in the Keys as of March 14. Shannon Weiner, county emergency management director, said there were no new cases among minors. Hospitalizations also remained at zero.

In addition, Weiner said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control put Monroe County at a low level of community spread. Three metrics go into the level: hospital admissions, hospital beds occupied and new cases per day in a seven-day timeframe.

“Do we believe it’s time for us to put this item to bed and not do weekly and monthly reports and let you (Weiner) deal with more important issues?” said Commissioner Michelle Coldiron. “Bob (Eadie) and I have had discussion as we continue to monitor the situation. We both feel it is time.”

Eadie, the county’s top health official, touted Monroe County’s response throughout the pandemic. While cases remain low, he reminded commissioners that COVID isn’t over yet.

“I don’t want us to be surprised. In China, their policy of lockdowns haven’t worked so well, the vaccine hasn’t worked so well and COVID has exploded,” he said. “The issue with that is you see more of the disease with different variants.”

LAND MATTERS County commissioners approved a resolution to extend services with Tetra Tech Inc. for assistance in the purchase of homes affected by Hurricane Irma through the CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program.

In March 2020, Monroe County received $15 million for the program. Christine Hurley, executive director of the county Land Development Authority, said people can still apply for funding if their homes suffered damage from Hurricane Irma and are interested in selling their home. It’s aimed for properties in high-risk flood areas.

“We originally had about 60 applicants.

We’ve probably gone to contract with 12-15, somewhere in there,” Hurley said. “We did recently get a lot of new applications, which is surprising because there are people that still haven’t been able to recover from Irma.”

Members of the county’s Land Authority Governing Board also approved the sale of 12 subdivision lots in the Lower Keys for scattered-site affordable housing development. The Land Authority is partnering with the Monroe County Housing Authority and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to build 12 units of affordable rental housing by re-developing 12 ROGO-exempt lots on Big Pine Key and Little Torch Key, known as the Lower Keys Scattered Sites project.

For more, visit keysweekly.com

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

STATE BUDGET BRINGS $51 MILLION TO THE KEYS

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

CHILDREN’S HEALTH PROGRAM GETS NO FUNDING

L

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.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR Sam Steele

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West Upper Keys Weekly 91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

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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

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

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for more important tax information.

Established in 1979, Dolphins Plus Bayside is a marine mammal research and education center. It was the first in the world to offer a swim-with-the-dolphin experience and pioneered working with adults and children with special needs in 1987. The unique and intimate educational in-water experience for the public is only part of their work. They also perform a wide array of research projects on graduate and postgraduate levels.

“We take our passion for marine conservation and use it to provide world-class, impactful educational experiences to school kids and the public,” said Art Cooper, vice president and director of operations. “We aim to inspire them to become stewards of the environment.”

In memory of Ann Marie Borguss, the family matriarch, Dolphins Plus provides free interactions with dolphins to cancer patients and survivors via the Oma Program.

Community involvement extends beyond the Key Largo Chamber to include support for the Good Health Clinic and Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, as well as hosting an annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Family-owned and operated with 25 employees, Dolphins Plus is located at 101900 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Contact them by phone at 305-451-1990 or via email at info@dolphinsplus.com.

WWW.DOLPHINSPLUS.COM LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER 305-451-1414 • 1-800-822-1088 • info@keylargochamber.org 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

WWW.KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects.

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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

IMPLANT & COSMETIC DENTISTRY Dr. Travis Bennett D.M.D. Dr. Sandy Brito D.M.D. KEY LARGO 102965 Overseas Hwy. 305-451-2616 TAVERNIER 90290 Overseas Hwy. 305-852-5099

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CABINETRY | COUNTERTOPS TILE | HARDWARE PLUMBING FIXTURES & ACCESSORIES DECORATIVE LIGHTS & MIRRORS

88511 Overseas Hwy | Tavernier 305.852.4302 | kbspecialists.com LOCATED AT MM 88.5 ON PLANTATION KEY

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

By Jim McCarthy, Mandy Miles and Alex Rickert

FLORIDA KEYS HOUSING CRISIS WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

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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 week, we take a look at some of the possible solutions. Ideas have been “We’re getting a lot discussed for years during meetings and charrettes, aimed at solving a problem that’s out of this community, only gotten worse over time. Some projects and there’s no reason are underway throughout the island chain in the world why we that could provide affordable housing opshouldn’t figure out a tions to the working folk. But is it enough?

And in addition to new construction — in an way to help somebody else out. island chain with limited land — what else could be done? Next week, the Keys Weekly – Liz Kohout 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.

12

UPPER KEYS 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.

13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

THE POLICIES

L

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.

14

UPPER KEYS 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

A

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.

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022 SPONSORED BY: Diver Kelsey rocks out after finishing her new certification. TONY TIMPANO/Contributed

CONSERVATION TIP Always anchor on sandy bottom. Do not anchor on top of corals or coral outplants.

COOL WINDS AND CERTIFICATIONS THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Conditions last week were pretty good through the week; the weekend brought some cooler temperatures and very strong winds. So, we kept the boats at dock. Safety is always the first priority, and, in conditions like that, it’s wise to stay on land.

Still, before the winds came in, we did sneak in some good trips. First, we welcomed a big group of students from Bear Grass Charter School in North ERIC Carolina. We completed a mixed bag of certifications BILLIPS for them, with some students getting their Open Water Diver certifications and others enhancing their diving is the owner, with advanced and specialty classes. captain and When you travel with a group like this looking for instructor at Islamorada Dive different levels of certification, it’s important to find a Center and Florida dive shop that can cater to everyone safely. Most dive Keys Dive Center. shops will offer numerous specialty classes in addition He specializes in scuba, rebreather, to Open Water, Advanced Open Water, etc. The most popular ones are: Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox), Wreck spearfishing and captaining in the Diver, Underwater Photography/Videography, UnderFlorida Keys. water Hunter, and Lionfish Eradication. If you want to improve on or add to your dive skills, consider signing up for a specialty class. You won’t be disappointed.

NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT The winds died down on Tuesday, and should stay calm enough and compliant the rest of the week. The weekend should be great. Do you

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Windy conditions make anchoring slightly more challenging. This is because you need to make extra certain your anchor grabs onto something on the bottom so that your vessel doesn’t get dragged by the wind. This is dangerous for passengers and for the reef, because anchors and line dragging can damage fragile corals.

This is another reason to use the amazing mooring ball system we have in place here in the Florida Keys.

NOAA has worked to install these throughout the Keys, and they make it much easier and less stressful to boat during high winds.

CONSERVATION UPDATE I.CARE took the weekend off due to the winds, but will be planting again this Saturday. Call us if you want to become a citizen-scientist and help restore our reefs.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

CORAL RESTORATION IN KEY LARGO

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new land-based coral nursery — the first in Key Largo — will be built on the grounds of the Reefhouse Resort & Marina, formerly known as Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort.

The nursery will host Mote’s coral, bringing first-in-class, resilience-focused restoration efforts in the Upper Keys. By expanding operations in Key Largo, Mote continues to directly respond to the urgent plight Florida’s Coral Reef is facing.

This new nursery in Key Largo ... allows us to continue to scale up our efforts and double our operations and capacity to serve the upper regions of the reef within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,” said Michael Crosby, Mote president & CEO. Construction has begun and is anticipated to be fully operational by summer 2022. Similar in size to the Islamorada nursery at Bud ’N Mary’s marina, this nursery will have the capacity to hold 20,000 fragments of coral at any time.

“The long-term vision for the rapid restoration and revitalization of our reef is clear,” said Crosby. “This new nursery is another huge leap forward for science-based coral restoration and ecosystem rehabilitation in Key Largo, where some of the worlds’ most iconic diving, fishing and ocean recreation have long been revered.”

Warming waters, more acidic conditions due to higher carbon emissions, a devastating coral disease and other stressors have left a once abundant, thriving reef near the brink of extinction.

This is Mote’s second satellite land-based coral nursery in the Upper Keys. The first, at Bud ’N Mary’s marina in Upper Matecumbe, opened in May 2021.

Land-based coral nurseries provide a more integrated reef restoration approach, as some native coral species, such as Acropora palmata (elkhorn coral), grow faster after fragmentation on land as compared to in-water fragmentation and growout.

Field-based, or in-water, nurseries will also be used for optimized growth of other significant species used in coral restoration. Having the ability to do both land- and in-water based restoration in hybridized nurseries provides Mote a unique advantage to further its resilience-based restoration along Florida’s Coral Reef.

A leader in marine research and conservation since its founding in 1955, Mote has been paving the way

Mote announces plans for land-based nursery

Coral fragments grow at Mote's Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration. DAN MELE/Contributed

in science-based restoration efforts in the Florida Keys for over 25 years. With a growing staff of expert practitioners, Mote is the only organization completing the entire restoration loop under one entity: from assisting sexual-reproduction cycles, to rearing the next generation of coral, to resilience testing, asexual fragmentation with scaled up outplanting and extensive monitoring.

Mote has outplanted over 140,000 coral fragments on Florida’s coral reef, with a survival rate of over 90% in most cases. Additionally, several thousand corals are growing in Mote’s land-based nurseries on Summerland Key and Islamorada, as well as Mote’s two underwater nurseries in the Lower Keys. Permits for additional underwater nurseries in the Upper Keys are currently in progress. In addition to the Summerland Key and Islamorada campuses, Mote has two public exhibits in the Florida Keys, at NOAA’s Eco-Discovery Center in Key West and the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center located in the Islander in Islamorada.

In 2021, Mote created a unique, largescale, land-based, International Coral Gene Bank with living coral in massive recirculating seawater systems at its Marine Aquaculture Research Park location near Sarasota. With nearly 2,000 genotypes, Mote has the largest holding of living coral genetic diversity in existence. Mote’s gene bank vision began with a focus on corals endemic to Florida and U.S. jurisdictions of the Caribbean, and it is now expanding to include coral genetic diversity from reefs around the world.

“The reefs in Key Largo, as well as the entire eco-conscious community here, deserve to have the best and brightest scientific minds, doing research to help identify the most resilient-focused restoration strategy, in the most cohesive,integrated, and novel ways possible,” Crosby said.

“That’s what Mote brings to the table.

Restoration outplanting is the easy part; making sure that the approach is fundamentally rooted in science, with a cohesive genetic management strategy securing successful diversity and resiliency for short and long term survival and success…that’s where Mote excels.”

Mark Walsh, curator and owner of Opal Collection including Reefhouse in Key Largo, says the addition of Mote’s coral nursery is a “welcome addition and natural fit to Reefhouse Resort and Marina, the Opal Collection, and Key Largo.”

“We continue to honor our commitment to the communities in the Florida Keys, and ultimately Florida’s coral reef, to do as much as possible to help those leading the way in sciencebased solutions to repair, recover, and rebuild our reef. Mote’s cohesive restoration plan offers much needed hope to our ailing reef. We stand together with and encourage other community leaders, organizations, and individuals to support Mote and their efforts throughout the Keys.”

In 1993, Mote expanded to the Florida Keys, with its first laboratory located on Pigeon Key, located in the middle of the 7-Mile Bridge. By 2000, Mote had moved operations into a recently vacated “monkey lab” on Sum-

merland Key. As operations and staff continued to grow, Mote realized a greater need for a facility to support its vast research and restoration goals in the Florida Keys.

In 2017, that dream became reality with the opening of the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration: a 19,000-square-foot, Category 5 hurricane-resistant building with five laboratories, a land-based nursery, a Climate and Acidification Ocean Simulator, classrooms, and temporary dorm-style housing for visiting researchers from universities and organizations from around the world.

With expansion and growth of nurseries and operations, Mote has also gained several new staff members to its world-renowned and highly published team. In December, Mote welcomed Jason Spadaro as a postdoctoral research fellow, specializing in the effect of herbivores on coral reef communities and restoration ecology.

In early February, Spadaro hatched Mote’s first clutch of Caribbean king crabs (Maguimithrax spinosissimus, commonly known as spider crabs) as part of a project funded, in part, by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to develop and refine aquaculturebased methods to build capacity for their production. These and successive clutches of juveniles will eventually be introduced onto Florida’s Coral Reef as part of the ongoing Mission: Iconic Reefs initiative led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in partnership with marine science and coral restoration organizations such as Mote and other organizations.

Mote recently welcomed Erin Muir in the newly created position of community engagement manager for the Upper Keys. As the Upper Keys operations continue to expand for Mote’s restoration efforts, Muir will serve as the liaison with the local community, helping to enhance awareness and support of Mote. Muir previously served as the membership and events manager at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, where Mote hosts an exhibit focused on Florida Coral Reef. As Mote’s Islamorada efforts grow, and Key Largo efforts come online, Mote intends to meaningfully engage the local businesses, ecosystem stewards and environment champions.

— Contributed

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

HURRICANES SOFTBALL ON A ROLL Offense blasts through Southridge

H

urricanes softball is off to a 6-0 start with 83 runs scored and only 20 runs given up.

The team is putting up an average of 14 runs a game, but Coach Lesa Bonee said there’s still room for improvement on the offensive side.

The Hurricanes best hitting display was seen on March 11, when the Hurricanes dominated the Southridge Spartans, 17-2. Bonee said the second half of the season will see tougher opponents. Overall, she said the team has its sights set on the conference title. The Hurricanes beat the South Dade Buccaneers, 8-7 on March 15.

The team will head on the road to face Somerset Academy South Homestead on Thursday, March 17 at 4 p.m.

— Jim McCarthy

1. Hurricanes first baseman MacKenzie Baker (#15) secures the catch from the shortstop for the out.

1 2

4

2. Canes pitcher Madde Langley (#8) delivers the pitch to start the game against Southridge.

3

T

he Keys Weekly is proud to introduce local students to the Kids Weekly feature. Instead of asking about their favorite teacher or school subject, we want to know what superpower they’d most like to have, their favorite YouTube channel and the hardest part about being a kid today. We thank our future leaders and Key Largo School for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Tornadoes” pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

Name: Parker York School: Key Largo School Grade: 4 Activities: Basketball, baseball, soccer and football What superpower would you most like to have, and why?

Make webs like Spiderman to catch criminals.

3. Hurricanes coach Kevin Williams talks to Desi Brito (#22) after successfully reaching first base.

4. The Hurricanes softball team gathers in between innings.

If you could make a rule for the whole world to follow, what would it be? Be nice and not be mean to others.

5. Haley MacShane (#17) connects on a Southridge pitch.

Photos by Jim McCarthy. Full gallery at keysweekly.com.

5

What makes you laugh?

A good joke, or somebody staring at my eyes for some reason.

When do you think a kid is old enough to have a cell phone? 8 years.

What’s your favorite YouTube Channel? Typical Gamer.

The hardest part about being a kid is ... school.

The hardest part about being an adult must be ... work and kids.

When I grow up, I want to ... be in the military because my dad is in the Air Force. He fixes jets.

20

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

ADDRESSING THE ALLERGIES Coral happy after being deemed bacteria-free. CONTRIBUTED

Mango pollen, fleas among the things affecting foxes

H

i friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.”

A few weeks ago, I told you how I had some allergy tests done. The results are in, and I’m allergic to the outdoors. I always knew I was born to live inside. I mean, I love the air conditioning, I love sleeping on mom’s bed. I use the litter box. So now this test just confirms what this foxy boy always knew. I am allergic to dust, dust mites, fleas, cockREEF roaches, mango pollen, plantain pollen and a host THE FOX of other things that reside in the Southeast region of the United States.

Reef is a red fox So, mom is thinking that this might be what is that was saved affecting some of the other foxes here as well. Our from a fur farm. veterinarian, Dr. Claudio, said mom can give us shots He now lives in Key Largo with once a week (um, nope) or we can take a prescribed his human, Nicole pill once a day to help alleviate symptoms (hidden Navarro. inside honeycomb, so yes please). That is what we will do here and I will keep you all posted.

Also, little sister Coral had her annual exam last week and she had some special tests run to monitor a chronic bacteria infection she’s had since she arrived last July. Guess what? It’s gone. Mom has been following all of the advice from the veterinarian regarding medicating both prescription and holistically as well as giving a special diet to all of us to help lessen the chance of it getting worse, so after eight months of mom being vigilant about Coral’s health, the bacteria did not show up in her poop test. How amazing is that?

Last week the Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) broke ground on their brand new addition to the current shelter at 101617 Overseas Highway. Mom was there and a whole bunch of other amazing people were there to show their support. It is a very expensive project, so if you are looking to make a donation you can stop right in at the shelter to do so. And right now a very generous human has committed to matching all donations from now until May 1 up to $50,000. Woah!

A fun event happening tomorrow, March 18, at the Whale Harbor Sand Bar is the Full Moon Party, which starts at 6 p.m. benefitting Elks Vets on the Water. Join the Elks at the SandBar Rooftop for a Full Moon Party. The Florida Keys Elks 1872 Vets on the Water program will be there, talking about our Veteran program and some of our local water vendors will also be in attendance. Live music will be AG & Southern Stampede. Sign up to participate in the Ladies Dolphin Tournament and the Cooler of Cheer for the Ladies Dolphin Tournament will be there to buy tickets. There will be a 50/50 raffle, other games and more.

Well friends, that’s all for this week. Be sure to check us out at pawsitivebeginnings.org or follow us on social media to keep up with all of the foxes that call Pawsitive Beginnings home. You can email me at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org for any fox-related questions.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

DEXTER A newborn kitten that was found at a fruit stand in Key Largo, Dexter is somewhere between 8 and 12 days old. When he opens his eyes, caretakers will get a better estimate on his age. A male tiger tabby, Dexter is currently being bottle-fed every three hours by the Upper Keys Humane Society’s manager, Karla. Dexter needs to go through some testing first before he goes to his forever home. If you would like to make Dexter a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give UKHS a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS is a notfor-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

SAVE THE DATE March 17-30 • 56th Annual Members Judged Art Show at Ocean Sotheby’s Roberto Russell Gallery, Islamorada.

Thursday, March 17 • St. Patrick’s Day in the Beer Garden from noon to 10 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada.

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

Friday, March 18 • Full Moon Party benefiting Florida Keys Elks Lodge Vets on the Water from 6 to 10 p.m. at Sand Bar Rooftop Bar, MM 83.4, oceanside, Islamorada.

Saturday, March 19 • Coral Restoration Foundation’s Raise the Reef eight annual gala from 6 to 10 p.m. at Ocean Reef Club.

Sunday, March 20 • Islamorada Seafood Festival & Art Show at 11 a.m. at Islamorada Moose Lodge.

March 21-25 • Spring break activities at Key Largo Library.

Wednesday, March 23 • Community Resource Fair with 25-plus organizations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Key Largo Library.

Thursday, March 24 • Islamorada Nature Walks & Talks from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Windley Key Geological State Park, MM 84.9, Islamorada. Register at 305-853-1685.

• Virtual Canal Restoration Work Plan public meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit monroecounty-fl.gov/calendar.

Friday, March 25 • Junior Ranger Jam Hours from 10 a.m. to noon at Long Key State Park.

Saturday, March 26 • Bougainvillea Bash benefiting Mariners Hospital from 7 to 11 p.m. at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada. RSVP at baptisthealth.net/bougainvilleabash.

Wednesday, March 30 • The Delicate Balance of Nature lecture series on Lobsters: South Florida’s spiny super bug from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit pennekampparkfriends.org/events to sign up.

Thursday, March 31 • WIC breastfeeding classes at 1 p.m. (English) and 2 p.m. (Spanish) at Key Largo Library.

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

The Lower Mat Cats originates from the DAB Jam, with Pasta Pantaleo, Thorn Williams and Richard McCoy as original members. CONTRIBUTED

Micah and the Barstool Sailors will set a cool tropical vibe. CONTRIB-

Dave Feder is one of Bay Jam’s founders. CONTRIBUTED

JAM BY THE BAY RETURNS Event brings featured artist Ajeva

L

ive musical performers representing Americana, blues, rock, funk and more will descend on Founders Park in Islamorada for the 27th annual Bay Jam Festival on Sunday, March 27 beginning at 11 a.m.

Bay Jam 27’s featured artist is St. Petersburg, Florida’s Ajeva (ahJAY-vuh), whose progressive funk rock sound is considered music for the soul.

Popular Bay Jam veterans and Keys bands will share the outdoor stage, including a return of Steve Venini, and Scott Youngberg serving up Americana and blues; Micah and the Barstool Sailors set a cool tropical vibe; The Carousers, and Lower Mat Cats; and Dave Feder, one of Bay Jam’s founders and continuous guiding spirit bringing his Bohemian Flamenco group. There will also be a special Jam hosted by “The Usual Suspects” featuring many Keys musical greats.

Festival-goers can enjoy great food and locally crafted beers.

Coolers are not permitted. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets, or enjoy a swim at the bayside beach. Well-behaved, leashed pets are also welcome.

“ICE is working through Bay Jam and other events in our communities to bring us back together after these difficult couple of seasons. Bay Jam remains the longest standing event to hear and see amazing local, regional, and national talent in an outdoor setting at a beautiful bayside park right here in the fabulous Florida Keys,” said Feder, director of Islamorada Community Entertainment.

Gates open at 10 a.m., at the ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, bayside on Plantation Key. Live performances begin at 11 a.m. and continue until after sunset. Parking is available inside Founders Park.

Although general admission is free, donations are encouraged.

The not-for-profit Islamorada Community Entertainment presents the daylong music festival.

Since 1995, proceeds from this festival and other ICE events have helped fund in-school art and music programs, scholarships for Upper Keys high school students and grants to local artists and organizations. Visit bayjam.org for more information.

— Contributed

22

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

PINEAPPLE AN IMPORTANT KEYS CASH CROP Planter community grows thanks to Bahamian farmer

T

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 OfBERTELLI fice. John Wesley Johnson, the oldest is an author, speaker, and Flor- Johnson child, was ida Keys historian. named postmasHis latest book, ter. Mail was not “The Florida Keys delivered to the Skunk Ape Files,” post office directly. is a fun blend of two of his favorite Rather, the sidesubjects — Florida wheeled steamship Keys history and City of Key West the Skunk Ape. brought the mail to 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.

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

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24

UPPER KEYS 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

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of 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

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

ALL SMILES AT HUMANE SOCIETY’S GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW BUILDING

T

he rain cleared just in time for Upper Keys Humane Society staff and board members to pose for a photo at the groundbreaking for their facility’s new building. UKHS medical director Michael Claudio said, “I’m thrilled beyond measure and humbled by the response of the community.” The project, which has been taken on by CBT Construction, is set to be completed in three months. UKHS president Angela Boehm was also excited to share other news: The UKHS has a “generous donor” who will match all donations until May 1, 2022, up to $50,000 for the new construction in honor of the donor’s late grandmother. For more information and/or to make a donation, call 305-451-3848. Seen here, from left: Boehm holding her fur baby, Aryia; UKHS staff Karla Perrine and Lucy LaRue; CBT’s Chris Trentine; UKHS board members Gene Graham and Shylon Marton; CBT’s Matt Turk; Claudio; UKHS board members Rosie Sanchez, Nicole Navarro and Sandy Singleton; and, in front, Hunter the Keys Husky. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

LIGHT IT UP BLUE

AUTISM AWARENESS GOLF TOURNAMENT

SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH

FLORIDA KEYS COUNTRY CLUB 4000 SOMBRERO BLVD, MARATHON ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE

REGISTRATION 8AM, TEE OFF 9AM. $100 PER PLAYER – 4 PERSON SCRAMBLE RAFFLE & GREAT PRIZES + TWO CHANCES TO WIN $10K IN HOLE IN ONE!

BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED BY SIMONE FROM DOCKSIDE SPONSORSHIP? Contact Jill Campbell at 305.942.5172 SIGN UP? Contact Stan Haines at 305.434.2433 or Stan@Us1Graphics.com

305.664.2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

THU Mar 17 Henry French 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Igor & Red Elvises 5:30-9:30 p.m.

FRI Mar 18 Taylor King Band 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Michael Trixx @ Sunset SAT Mar 19 Micah 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Groove 5:30-9:30 p.m.

SUN Mar 20 Harry French 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Billy & Steve’s 32nd Anniversary 5:30-9:30 p.m.

MON Mar 21 Carousers 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Michael Trixx @ Sunset TUES Mar 22 Harry French 5:30-9:30 p.m.

WED Mar 23 Webb & Davidson 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Michael Trixx @ Sunset

27

UPPER KEYS 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

28

UPPER KEYS 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

29

UPPER KEYS 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

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Lic No. SP1481

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists

CGC1523838 305-292-2666 305-743-0506 305-852-5356 rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

Key West

Precision Pavers Belgard Brick | Clean & Seals | Old Castle Coastal WE WILL MAKE YOUR DRIVEWAY LOOK NEW AGAIN Brick Driveway | Patios | Pool | Decks | Retaining Walls FREE ESTIMATES | WILL NOT BE UNDERBID

305.896.3599 OUT DOOR LIVING SPACES

SP3102

CGC1523838

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

MARATHON

KEY LARGO

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

98970 Overseas Highway, Key Largo 305-453-7855 Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 noon; 1-4 p.m.

Pick up available. No drop offs.

When It Rains It Pours!

Grocery Shopping/ Delivery by Melodye 305-896-9099

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

A LOCAL SHOPPING FOR LOCALS https://shop.dumpling.us/melodyeh631

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy.

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

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

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31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

SEAFOOD SAMPLINGS Fish dip contest and more at annual festival in Islamorada

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JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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eafood samples, a fish dip contest and entertainment will occupy the Old Highway and Morada Way for the 5th annual Islamorada Seafood Festival and Art Show on Sunday, March 20.

Presented by the Islamorada Moose Lodge 2151, expect some of Islamorada’s finest seafood samplings — everything from bang bang shrimp and seafood stew to bacon-wrapped scallops will have patrons wanting more.

“We’re expecting a big crowd this year,” said Henry Stark. “We average about 2,000 to 3,000 people. It’s spring break, so it might increase foot traffic. We’re expecting 40-45 vendors and we have about six bands performing on two stages throughout the day.”

Some like fish dip with wahoo, but others enjoy it with kingfish. Others like it smoked and some only eat it blackened. A fish dip competition will see who has the best recipe in town.

A family-friendly event drawing large crowds, the festival will also showcase the local arts scene. Featuring live music from acclaimed performers, like The Little Things, a street parade from the Bahamian junkanoo band will also entertain crowds.

Adding to the festivities are local craft beers, snow cones from Polar Ice, a popular Kid Zone, dog-friendly station and commemorative T-shirts.

Several art vendors will showcase paintings, photography and crafts, from lionfish jewelry and accessories to painted glasses, pottery and more..

Event goers will also have the chance to stop by several local nonprofit organizations, including MarrVelous Pet Rescues, Upper Keys Humane Society, I.CARE and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center.

Funds from the event go to support Moose charities and local scholarships. The fun begins at 11 a.m. and goes to 5 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation per person.

For more information, visit islamoradaseafoodfestival.com.

11-5 p.m.— Live music & DJ Wood Campbell 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. — Bahamian Junkanoo Band Parade 4 p.m. — Fish dip competition 5 p.m. — 50/50 raffle

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FIREFIGHTERS LIGHT UP THE GRILL Barbecue shows appreciation to community

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irefighters lit the grills at 5 a.m. for a barbecue. Smells of BBQ pulled pork and hamburgers filled the air as the community stopped by Founders Park for a delicious meal on March 12. Put on by the Islamorada Firefighters Benevolent Association, the annual Givin’ It Back Barbecue saw locals and visitors filling their plates with BBQ pork, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw and corn. Per Chief Terry Abel, it’s a way to show appreciation to the local community.

The barbecue was free to locals, while nonresidents paid a small fee to enjoy some home cooking. With food came some music courtesy of Micah and Luke Glenn.

— Jim McCarthy

1. Bonnie Roberts and Glenn Taylor enjoy a little conversation.

2. Islamorada Fire Chief and master chef, Terry Abel, woke up at 5 a.m. to get the grills hot and the food cooking.

3. Corie McGraw-Abel, left, and Walter Mason, retired fire captain.

4. From left, Islamorada Fire Rescue’s Geo Toth, shift captain, and Glenn Taylor, lieutenant.

5. Islamorada Fire Rescue personnel dish out baked beans, coleslaw and other delicious food during the barbecue.

Photos by Jim McCarthy. Full gallery at keysweekly.com.

32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 17, 2022

WAT TERFRONT PLAYHOUSE

BOOK by Karey Kirkpatrick & John O’Farrell MUSIC by Wayne Kirkpatrick & Karey Kirkpatrick CONCEIVED by Karey Kirkpatrick & Wayne Kirkpatrick COSTUMES

DIRECTED by Tom T To m Thayer er DESIGNED by Michael Boyer

Costume World W rl Wo rd

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

On Historic Mallory Square in Old Town • WaterfrontPlayhouse.org • 305.294.5015

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

LIGHTING DESIGN Kim Hanson