Water quality warnings lifted

alex@keysweekly.com

CALMING WATERS

Marathon’s Sombrero Beach drew the attention of local residents as it posted elevated bacteria levels throughout the month of March. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ELEVATED BACTERIA LEVELS AT KEYS BEACHES DROP SIGNIFICANTLY IN LATEST DOH WATER QUALITY TESTS

High levels of bacteria found in nearshore waters off several Keys beaches during water quality tests throughout the month of March have significantly subsided, according to new samples collected on March 30.

Conducted by the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, the routine biweekly tests look for the presence of enteric bacteria (enterococci) in the waters off 11 Keys beaches. Typically inhabiting the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, the presence of enteric bacteria generally indicates fecal pollution caused by a variety of potential factors including runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage. When present in high numbers, the bacteria have the potential to cause infections, rashes and other diseases in humans.

The U.S. EPA’s recommended standards classify water containing 0-35 enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters of water as “good,” 36-70 as “moderate” and 71 or greater as “poor.” Though a “poor” water quality test may not close a beach, the department issues an advisory for potential health risks in areas with water in the “poor” range.

During the March 16 tests, five Keys beaches tested with “poor” water quality, triggering or continuing warnings at Key Largo’s Harry Harris County Park (150), Islamorada’s Founders Park (124), Big Pine Key’s Bahia Honda Oceanside (87) and Key West’s South Beach (99).

Marathon’s Sombrero Beach, with a count of 1184 – more than 16 times the threshold for “poor” water quality, and nearly eight times higher than any other Keys beach – drew the ire of local residents on social media, with some suggesting that overuse of Marathon’s beaches and Boot Key Harbor were to blame for the high bacterial counts. Sombrero’s water earned a “moderate” rating on Feb. 1 and progressed to “poor” ratings during the Feb. 15 and March 1 tests. Other than a single test in October 2021, it was the first time the beach had earned a “poor” rating since July 2020.

The story was largely the same at other beaches, several of which were labeled as “poor” throughout March.

But just two weeks later, tests on March 30 revealed “good” water quality at 10 of 11 Keys beaches, including all five previously labeled as “poor.” Five of the 11 beaches tested with a bacterial count of 1, including Sombrero Beach. Only Smathers Beach in Key West (42) earned a “moderate” rating.

James Rachal is the environmental manager for the DOH in Monroe County. While he said the bacterial counts like Sombrero’s made him do “a double take,” he would be far more concerned if other Keys beaches hadn’t had elevated counts all at the same time. He noted that the simultaneous decline in water quality for Upper Keys beaches, which typically yield cleaner samples, is an indicator that environmental factors throughout the island chain might be at play.

“It would be more typical this time of year, just because you have more opportunities when the water is warming up, which is conducive to bacterial growth,” said Rachal. “At this time last year, I didn’t see any of these kinds of numbers. … But there’s no way to say that it wasn’t birds, that it wasn’t entirely natural, or that it wasn’t a boat that just happened to dump.”

Cold and windy stretches, as well as heavy human traffic in the water, may stir up sediment on the seafloor where bacteria live and multiply. Rachal says this turbid water may yield high counts, but so could several other chance events, including something as simple as a flock of birds vacating the area before a sampling team’s arrival.

“We try to be very pristine and collect our sample with good clear water if it’s there,” Rachal said. “But as far as what happened before we got there, we can’t say. You’ll have people that have all kinds of theories, and I have theories too, but nothing I can officially point my finger at. There’s just no way to pinpoint it.”

For updated water quality test results, visit www.tinyurl.com/monroebeaches.

THANK YOU!

April 2, 2022, the efforts of hundreds of people culminated in the success of the 41st Annual 7-Mile Bridge Run. The Marathon Runners Club wishes to say THANKS to all of those people who participated in the planning and execution of the run, as well as the dedicated law enforcement officials who so efficiently carried out their traffic control responsibilities.

Monroe County Commission

Mayor David Rice Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates Commissioner Michelle Coldiron Commissioner Holly Raschein

Marathon City Council

Mayor John Bartus Vice Mayor Dr. Daniel Zieg Councilmember Luis Gonzalez Councilmember Robyn Stills Councilmember Steve Cook

Florida Department of Transportation, Monroe County School Board & Monroe County Parks Dept., Monroe County Public Works Dept. & Ferrovial

Thanks to the following good people who worked tirelessly on the traffic control and safety aspects of the race:

Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Capt. Don Hiller Lt. Mark Jones, Sgt. Lissette Quintero, Lt. David E. Smith, Lieutenant Tom Walker FWC Officers Fishermen's Hospital Emergency Medical Personnel Monroe County Fire Rescue and Lt. Ryan Devitt City of Marathon Fire Rescue Thanks to all the captains and their teams! Aid Station #1 - Cindy Perry Aid Station #2 - Riet Steinmetz and Boy Scouts Aid Station #3- Gerald Clairmont & Wendy Houser Aid Station #4 - KFCU and “Over The Hump” Gang Aid Station #5 - Isla Bella Crew Julie Elgersma - Supply Disbursement Tina Belotti - Start Line Denise Pankow- Finish Line Starting Water Line Station - MHS "I Promise" crew Dave Daniels - Safety Team and T-shirts The Sayer Family Bobbie & Chuck Bayles & Family Luis Gonzales Don Scotten Family Kevin Freeman - Mile Markers Art Stephens Pete Worthington - Communication Team Numbers Afternoon Crew MHS & MMS Coaches & Teams Marathon City Park Hammer and Dwayne “Murph” and Lance Best Packet Pickup and Stuffing Team Entire Faro Blanco & Lighthouse Grill Hospitality Staff We wish to acknowledge contributions made by:

Rafael Medina Mike Puto Sue Corbin Zoltan Polgar & Agency 44 Larry & Renee Marathon Electric Sign & Light Pat Kersey Don & Son Fence Co. Split Second Timing Florida Keys Electric Co-op Denise & Chris Pankow Southernmost Runners Club Bill Becker/Jim Dorl Key West Visitor Center Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina A Key Real Estate Big Pine Motel Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge Bank of America Crane Point Hammock Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Marathon Lumber Tom Wright CM & Dennis Bishop Sunbelt Rentals Jahaira Montalegre UPS Store First Horizon

AGENCIES INVESTIGATE LANDING OF EASTERN EUROPEANS ON BOAT FROM CUBA

FEDS REMAIN TIGHT-LIPPED

A fishing boat called Just Right dropped off a group of people who said they’d been visiting Cuba from Uzbekistan and other former Soviet republics, then took a boat to Key West. Federal agents are investigating.

Having been detained after getting off a fishing boat at Key West’s South Beach pier, a group of reported Eastern Europeans await further instructions from Customs and Border Protection agents.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Police and government vehicles filled the plaza at the top of Duval Street around 5 p.m. on April 3, after a fishing boat pulled up to the pier there and dropped off a dozen or so Eastern Europeans who said they had been in Cuba.

“We’re still determining what’s going on. This isn’t a typical Cuban or Haitian migrant landing,” Key West Police Sgt. Pablo Rodriguez said, while a federal agent worked with other officers sorting the people’s passports. “We’re going to take them to the police station so they’re not sitting out here in the heat. They’re very nice people.”

The Keys Weekly spoke briefly with one of the Eastern Europeans, all of whom were seated at tables inside the Southernmost Beach Cafe with luggage and duffel bags next to them. They were well-

A federal agent sorts the passports of a dozen or so people claiming to be from Eastern Europe who arrived by boat from Cuba on Upper Duval Street Sunday, April 3.

dressed and their clothes were not wet as if they had waded ashore. Most of them had smartphones they were using while awaiting further instructions.

“We are from Uzbekistan and other former Soviet republics,” the man, who spoke fluent English, said. “We were in Cuba for a few days, and then we took a boat here to Key West.”

At that point a Key West police officer instructed the Keys Weekly, “These people are technically in custody and you are not allowed to speak with them.”

The man apologized and shrugged his shoulders.

The boat, called Just Right, which apparently brought the travelers to Key West, was still docked at the South Street pier while its passengers were being questioned inside the restaurant.

Stay tuned to keysweekly.com as further details emerge.

Dominic Qualls shows off his Easter basket craft at Grace Jones Day Care Center. City of Marathon staff visited the class as part of the city’s Art Outreach Program. ALI ADAMS/City of Marathon

HAPPY EASTER

Annual egg hunts and services around town

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

With a visit from the Easter Bunny just around the corner, Keys Weekly rounded up some of the Middle Keys’ largest Easter events for residents young and old to enjoy. Here are a few highlights:

What: City of Marathon Annual Easter Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, April 9 Where: Marathon Community Park Details: Bring the kids and enjoy the city’s annual Easter egg hunt. The hunts will be separated by age, with children ages 1-5 hunting from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., ages 6-9 from noon to 1 p.m. and ages 10-14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Children will be tasked with finding at least 10 eggs to exchange for a treat bag, and the finder of the “golden egg” will receive a special prize.

What: Marathon Rotary Easter Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m. Where: Children’s Rotary Park, 7575 Overseas Hwy. Details: The Easter Bunny will visit Children’s Rotary Park on the Saturday of Easter weekend, prepared with lots of eggs. A small corner will be set aside for children 3 and under. The hunt is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marathon.

What: 22nd Annual Big Pine Easter Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m. Where: Big Pine Community Park Details: A free hunt for children ages 1-10 will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Hunts will be divided into age categories: 3 years and under, 4-6 years and 7-10 years. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to supervise the hunt for 7,000 eggs. Volunteers are needed, and candy donations are accepted. For more information, call Holly at 305-879-6824.

What: Adult Easter Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, April 16 from 6-9 p.m. Where: Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar, 401 E. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach Details: Benefiting Presents in Paradise, the hunt will give participants the chance to buy an egg and win valuable prizes.

Religious Services:

San Pablo Catholic Church: Holy Saturday, April 16, 8 p.m.; Easter Sunday, 6:30, 8 and 10 a.m.

Marathon New Life Church: Easter Sunday, April 17, 8 and 10 a.m.

St. Columba Episcopal Church: Easter Vigil, April 16, 5 p.m.; Easter Sunday, 10 a.m.

Marathon Community United Methodist Church: Easter Sunday, 10 a.m.

VERSATILE VIBES

Abstract Radio blends rock, funk and pop covers with adaptive twists

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

“We can set soft vacation vibes while you eat dinner or melt your face when you’re six beers into happy hour.” That’s how guitarist and vocalist Chris Campbell describes the sound of Abstract Radio, a premier option for live entertainment in Marathon and the Upper Keys.

Under the original name of Misery Loves Company, the former fourpiece band paired Chris and his twin brother David with fellow Marathon High School Class of 2014 graduates Brendon Miller and Steven O’Toole.

The group cut their teeth at the Marathon United Methodist Church’s Jam program under the guidance of Duane Shelton before playing weekly gigs at Salty’s Waterfront Grill.

“When we all came together, nobody wanted to sing. Everybody wanted to play their instrument and hide behind it,” said Chris. “Duane really pushed us and made it so all four of us started singing. We were one of the only bands down here that were doing three- and four-part harmonies.”

Upon graduation, the foursome moved to Tallahassee and eventually saw the departure of Miller and O’Toole for Los Angeles and Chicago, respectively. After earning their bachelor’s degrees, the Campbell brothers returned to the Keys and met the band’s third member, Miami-based drummer Angel Romero, at an open mic night.

Today, the band puts its own flavor on rock, funk and pop covers, drawing influences from musicians such as Rush’s Alex Lifeson, the Foo Fighters and John Mayer.

“The market down here wants cover bands, and honestly, we’re happy to do that,” said Chris. “There’s creative space in those songs in the way that we play them.”

And believe it or not, the band plays virtually all of its new songs live without any prior practice. With Chris based in Marathon, David in Islamorada, and Angel on the mainland, the group will decide on a song to learn, practice their parts independently, and debut their work in the middle of a live set. But a familiarity cultivated by hundreds of hours on stage together, as well as each musician’s adaptability, allow even new songs to come together seamlessly.

“This lineup has never spent one minute together in a rehearsal space,” said Chris. “Every single new song that we learn is rehearsing live in front of people. If it’s a new song and we’re not feeling confident about it, we try to sneak those in there on a slow night.”

Once a song is officially in the band’s repertoire, the experimentation begins. “If it’s a difficult song, we’ll try to do it like a studio version at first and get it so we’re locked in with each other, and afterwards we’ll make it our own and adapt it to the best way to play it as a three-piece band,” Chris explained. “David will put two sounds on his keyboard and play a bass with his left hand and a horn with his right or something like that. Angel is so versatile because he was a house drumthat. Angel is so versatile because he was a house drummer for open mic nights, so he’s well-equipped to adapt.

“The other part of our creative freedom is that we hardly ever play the written solos in a song, unless it’s one where people know what the solo sounds like. It’s never even the same between two gigs.”

The trio’s love for their craft is evidenced by the amount of music they pack into each set. In a three- or four-hour gig, they only take a single break, frequently stringing together sets of more than two hours.

“We’re there because we want to play,” said Chris.

Are there any songs you love to play, or refuse to play? That’s easy. We will never play Jimmy Buffett. I will not compromise there. And whenever we get anybody anywhere who asks us to play something by Rush, we’re like, “Okay, you’re getting what you want.”

What drove the name switch from Misery Loves Company to

Abstract Radio? When we moved up to Tallahassee, we just thought it was time to let that one go. Two venues we played at burned down right after we played there. Our name literally melted off the marquee at one of them. It was kind of gnarly. (Editor’s note: the band now “brings down the house” in a manner more palatable to insurance companies.)

What are your pre-show rituals? We don’t really have any as a band. When we start setting up before a gig, we’re having a good time because it’s what we all love to do, but we’re all business. We’re like a NASCAR pit crew. As for me, my ritual is a shot of Jack and a Yuengling.

Any instrument brand loyalties in the band? For 10 years I played exclusively on my Gibson Les Paul, and it’s in the shop right now getting some repairs. I purchased my first Fender Stratocaster in November of last year, and I’ve played nothing but the Stratocaster

Left: Guitarist and vocalist Chris Campbell hammers out a solo. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly since I bought it. I’m definitely deeply in love with it right now. David plays on a Hammond organ; that’s his pride and joy. And Angel is the most brandless, non-picky

Center: Vocalist and key- dude I’ve ever met. boardist David Campbell Catch Abstract Radio on Fridays at works some magic on the Sparky’s Landing and many other venues keys. throughout the Middle and Upper Keys. For a full schedule, follow the band’s Facebook and

Right: Drummer Angel Romero brings versatility to Abstract Radio’s beats. Instagram pages at @AbstractRadioband or call 305-340-9126 for bookings.

COOPER

5-year-old male Shepherd mix A gentle giant Looking for: A family that will adopt me and my brother Argos Turnoffs: Being in a crate. I'm a free spirit and prefer open spaces.

SELIS

1.5-year-old female domestic shorthair The lounge lizard Looking for: A chill place to call my own. Turnoffs: I'm easy-going; not much bothers me.

TAKE ME HOME

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

Dating in the Keys can be a drag, but thankfully there are plenty of animals waiting for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA. Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turn-offs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

SKITTLES

3-year-old male domestic shorthair The shy guy Looking for: A quiet home with other cats. Turnoffs: Touching. Please, no touchy touchy.