Upper Keys Weekly 22-0414

Easter egg hunts: Proof children can find things when they really want to.

REPAIRS & REVITALIZATION Park gets its point back | P. 5

‘SHALOM Y’ALL’ Passover recipes | P. 32

WHALE OF A WINNER

Run supports community | P. 18

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

PRIME OCEANFRONT LOCATION

Welcome to paradise! Located in the most desired location on Plantation Key, millionaires row, which is positioned on the Old Highway. This property captures the best in oceanfront living with open water views and deep water dockage. This residence has three bedrooms and four bathrooms and is quintessential for entertaining or enjoying multiple family living. The downstairs has one bedroom and one bathroom with bar, living room, office space, playroom and gym, and the upstairs offers two bedrooms and three bathrooms with an updated kitchen and gorgeous view from the living room. The outdoor area is spacious and lavish in privacy with a pool, covered seating area, grill and beach entry into the ocean. This CBS home with impact windows is being sold with two additional vacant residential lots, each at 13,000 sq ft.

PLANTATION KEY | $4,990,000 | Listing ID: 600137

81888 Overseas Highway, Islamorada | 305.712.8888 | oceansir.com Russell Post, Broker/Owner Each office is independently owned and operated.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

7034 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

On April 12, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7034, which provides $19 million to bring the monthly stipend for relatives or family members who foster a child to the same level that other foster parents receive. The bill also provides $25 million to give $200 a month to foster parents of those newborn to 5 years old.

Angela O'Meara participates in the 4th annual Scale the Whale Bridge Run at Whale Harbor on April 9. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

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DEMO AWAITS An aerial of the Island Silver and Spice building, located at MM 81.9 in Islamorada. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

Village property eyed for event parking in the short term JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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emolition still awaits the former Island Silver & Spice building at MM 81.9 in Islamorada.

The former Walgreen property now under ownership of the village will have a use, at least in the short term, until officials have a long-term plan.

Following a purchase of the property last December for $2.75 million, members on the dais approved J.A. LoRocco for teardown of the abandoned building at $53,400. A.J. Engelmeyer, public works director, told the Keys Weekly that the project is still working through the permitting process. For the time being, village council members say they’re OK with temporary vehicle parking for events in the area.

Discussion arose during the March 31 meeting when Acting Village Manager Maria Bassett told the dais that she received a request for use of the property for event car parking. During the Bougainvillea Bash at Cheeca Lodge, cars were parked at the property through valet service at the resort. Organizers of the Indian Key celebration on April 30 at the Keys History & Discovery Center want to use the village lot to park cars.

With no decision on the property’s intended long-term use, officials will seek to solicit ideas from the public as they move ahead. For now, Councilman David Webb said the property could benefit organizations that need parking for their events.

“We bought that property to keep it from being built retail,” he said.

Bassett said an initial suggestion for the property included the idea for a municipal parking area.

A possible transportation hub was presented during Village Manager Greg Oravec’s early office days before he resigned. Bassett said staff has since moved away from that thought.

Village Attorney Roget Bryan acknowledged a prior discussion in February where council members directed staff to place a temporary fence around the property. In light of requests for event parking, Bryan said staff wanted the dais’ thoughts.

“From a legal standpoint, I’d like us to be protected with an insurance certification from whatever group and indemnification if we can get it,” said Councilman Mark Gregg. “Based on the experience we had, I would prefer valet-oriented service. My experience has been when you leave something like that open to the public you’re going to have a problem. The idea of using it for the community as we make up our mind is a great idea.”

Mayor Pete Bacheler and councilmen David Webb, Buddy Pinder and Henry Rosenthal were in favor of paving the lot. Engelmeyer said that would require more work bringing everything up to code. The dais agreed to go with gravel to smooth the surface.

Islamorada Village Council’s next meeting is set for Thursday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022 Local residents celebrate a soft opening of Wilkinson Point at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. SUZI RUBIO/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

WELCOME BACK, WILKINSON POINT

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county-owned park in Tavernier saw a long-awaited celebration among residents of the Harry Harris community on April 13. Standing out on Wilkinson Point, people raised glasses of champagne during a soft opening to welcome back the park amenity, closed since Hurricane Irma.

Sept. 10, 2022 will mark five years since the Category 4 storm struck the Florida Keys with 132-mph winds and an 8-foot storm surge. Middle and Lower Keys communities were hardest hit by the storm, with its eye making landfall over Cudjoe Key, but areas in the Upper Keys like Harry Harris Park also felt Irma’s wrath.

Residents were gut-wrenched as they returned to their Harry Harris neighborhood, where damage and debris were visible. Seagrass dangled from the front gate while sand blew from the beach to the parking lot.

Debris filled the grounds as residents united to organize a cleanup. Limbs lined the side of the road.

“Everybody’s stuff ended up on the road or near the park,” said Nola Acker, longtime resident of the neighborhood.

Harry Harris Park re-opened Feb. 9, 2018, but more work awaited.

Thanks to a Hurricane Irma repair grant, repairs to Wilkinson Point began in February 2022. While the project is mostly complete, cars aren’t allowed on the newly-paved surface just yet as the asphalt must cure at the end of the point. But foot traffic, bikes and golf carts are allowed on the path. Work is now underway to repair a beach jetty damaged by the 2017 storm.

Suzi Rubio serves as project manager for the Harry Harris Park repairs.

A resident of the neighborhood, she stood on Wilkinson Point with neighbors. Rubio felt elated by the reception from local residents who couldn’t wait to walk out to the point.

“I kind of had a soft spot in my heart,” she said. “Just like all the parks within Monroe County, the local resi-

dents love them very much and take high pride in the parks themselves.”

Rubio started with Monroe County in May 2019 after spending time with the village of Islamorada. Assigned to conduct windshield inspections following Irma, she witnessed the storm’s destruction and couldn’t help but feel what happened to neighbors on her street.

In September 2019, Rubio asked Kevin Wilson, assistant county administrator, and Cary Knight, director of project management, if she could work on the project located around the corner from her house. Sure enough, she received her wish.

“When I had the opportunity to come and fix this, I chose to do so,” Rubio said.

Wilkinson Point is named for Katharine “K” Wilkinson, (no relation to the famed Upper Keys historian Jerry Wilkinson). She moved to an area of Key Largo in the 1930s that, at the turn of the century, had been a farming community known as Planter, the precursor to Tavernier. Her husband, Jack, moved there first from Miami.

As newlyweds, they squatted along the Atlantic Coast in a makeshift tent and lived largely off of what the ocean could provide. She wrote the book “It Had To Be You” about her time there with her husband before there was running water, electricity or mosquito control. The book was locally published in 1996.

“When the two were married, K had been living in Miami with her mother and family, then she joined Jack and later the two kids were born.

The point is really named for both of them, but K was more communityminded and helped to have the Coral Shores School built,” said historian Brad Bertelli.

With Wilkinson Point mostly complete, construction crews are now working on the beach jetty. Rubio said it’s a bigger project than Wilkinson Point. Rubio said it entails the removal of concrete, breaking apart the existing

structure where it was routed many years ago, placing berm, backfilling and placing new rocks and asphalt on top to allow for foot traffic.

Julie Austin closed on her home inside the Harry Harris neighborhood on April 4, 2002. She recalls all the times looking out at the ocean while sitting on the rocks at Wilkinson Point.

She also remembers dropping her kids off at school and taking a moment to herself on the way home before heading off to work.

“Having the repairs finally being made to our park means the world to us,” she said.

John Allen, Monroe County Parks & Beaches director, said the repair project at Harry Harris Park is moving ahead of schedule with completion around summertime. If everything goes as planned, Rubio said the project could be completed by the end of May or first part of June. A grand opening will take place once the beach jetty’s complete.

“It’s a beautiful park. There’s a lot of amenities there,” Allen said. “You’ve got youth baseball players playing.

You got adult softball. You got one of the best boat ramps in the Upper Keys. And of course, the beach and being able to swim and have access to something like that is phenomenal and a huge asset to the community.”

Access to the beach, jetty and lagoon are closed with active construction in that area. The boat ramp will remain open throughout the project.

Last year, the ballfields at Harry Harris Park underwent refurbishing following damage from Irma.

Overall, Rubio said, the park’s repaired amenities will bring excitement among her neighbors and the community.

“It’s not just the people who live in the Harry Harris park neighborhood, but everybody in this area who uses the boat ramp and beach,” Rubio said.

“I think everybody is tickled pink that the county has done this amount of work and we’ll finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Wilkinson Point, located at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier, is open to foot traffic, bikes and golf carts. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

SCHOOL BOARD HEARS FROM PARENTS WHO BACK NEW LEGISLATION RULES REQUIRE AUDITS OF ALL INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

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even Florida Keys parents on April 12 put the county school board and administration on notice that they will be monitoring the school district’s implementation of two new education bills that will become law on July 1.

Representing the Keys chapter of Moms for Liberty, Tia Kollars told the board that she is a “big proponent” of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the two bills, including the Parental Rights in Education bill, which its critics nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Kollars and others also spoke in support of the bill that requires school districts to audit all instructional materials available to students, and to allow parents to object to any of those materials.

“I’m excited to see how the district handles this monumental task by July,” Kollars said.

“Our first step is to audit all schools to see where we stand in each location. Schools often interpret policies differently and individual school administrators make different decisions, often with no oversight.

We need to ensure that teachers aren’t sharing personal opinions. We need someone watching all the schools to avoid lawsuits.”

The Parental Rights in Education bill does not ban the word “gay,” and the word gay does not appear in the bill text.

Instead, the bill bans “classroom disscussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” It allows parents to sue a school district for violating the bill.

Another speaker criticized the school district for airing CNN10, a news program targeting middle school students, during homeroom each morning.

“Are you just taking the word of CNN 10 that it’s age appropriate?” the speaker asked the board. “On March 30, there was a selection of subjects that ranged from the war in Ukraine to a wardrobe malfunction of Katy Perry. The nature of the malfunction was a rip in the derriere of her extremely tight pants.”

The speaker’s phone call was then disconnected and attempts to reconnect were unsuccessful.

Another speaker told the board “the bills are wonderful because they address a real issue.” She praised the new transparency rules that “allow parents to make choices about whether they’re comfortable having their child attend public school at all. Now is a very tumultuous time and parents don’t trust schools.”

Multiple speakers suggested the Monroe County School District consider assembling school-based committees with parental advisers and watchdogs.

Following the public comment period, board member Andy Griffiths told his colleagues, “I’m sensing in this, my 30th year on the school board, that we’ve got a group forming that’s very interested in what we’re doing. They don’t always have their facts right because they don’t always know much about what we do, but we’d better listen to them, because this is a movement that’s starting Keyswide. I think this is an opportunity for us.”

Nine undersized red grouper, one undersized black grouper and one undersized yellowtail snapper were found by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers during a patrol on Channel 5 Bridge on April 10. FWC/Contributed

FWC PATROL LEADS TO ARREST FOR UNDERSIZED GROUPER

Edward Cruz

Carlos Javier Santiago Rivera

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wo men reportedly found with a number of undersized grouper in Islamorada were arrested by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers.

The incident occured on April 10 when FWC Officers Brett Swensson and Officer Courtney Carroll were on routine water patrol near Channel 5 Bridge. At about 1 p.m., the two officers stopped a 14-foot aluminum vessel with two men who were actively fishing at the time.

Upon inspection, officers discovered that the two, Edward Cruz, 54, of Fort Lauderdale, and Carlos Javier Santiago Rivera, 49, of Long Key, were in possession of nine undersized red grouper, one undersized black grouper and one undersized yellowtail snapper.

FWC officers said the two men admitted to catching the fish and knew that they were grouper. The two were arrested and taken to Plantation Key Jail. Both men were cited for out-of-season grouper, undersized red grouper, undersized black grouper, undersized yellowtail snapper and a violation of the Atlantic grouper aggregate bag limit.

— Weekly staff report

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

LAWMAKERS LET DESANTIS REDRAW CONGRESSIONAL MAP SPECIAL SESSION SET FOR APRIL 19

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ov. Ron DeSantis’ veto on a new Florida congressional map is bringing lawmakers back to the state’s capital for a special session on Tuesday, April 19.

Legislators approved the map well before the session concluded, despite statements by DeSantis that he’d likely reject what they proposed. Leaders in the Florida House and Senate say they’re now deferring the map redraw to DeSantis as they prepare for a short session.

In a joint statement reGov. Ron leased on April 11, Senate DeSantis President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls said legislative reapportionment staff won’t be drafting or producing a map for introduction during special session. Instead, the two say they’ll wait for communication from the governor’s office with a map that he will support.

“Our intention is to provide the governor’s office opportunities to present that information before House and Senate redistricting committees,” the two said in the joint statement. “We look forward to working with you next week as we complete our constitutional obligation for the 2022 redistricting process.”

Following each decennial census, the legislature redraws districts by which Florida voters elect their state representatives, senators and members of the U.S. House. Through the redistricting process, legislators redraw congressional and legislative districts to adjust for uneven growth rates in different parts of the state.

They also redistribute seats in the U.S. House based on the census. Florida’s population grew from 18.8 million in 2010 to 21.5 million in 2020. As a result, Florida gets one more representative to the U.S. House, for a total of 28.

Florida’s 26th Congressional District currently includes all of Monroe County and a portion of south-west Miami Dade County. Per the legislative-approved Congressional map, those boundary lines largely remain the same, but it would become the 28th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez would continue representing residents within the district. Elected in 2020, his two-year term is up this year.

The main issue leading to DeSantis’ veto of the map on March 29 surrounded Florida’s 5th Congressional District in north Florida. A sevenpage memorandum by DeSantis and Ryan Newman, general counsel, states that Florida’s 5th Congressional District, in primary and secondary maps enacted by the legislature, violates the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

The legislature-approved Florida congressional districts that were vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. CONTRIBUTED

“It assigns voters primarily on the basis of race,” the memorandum says, “but is not narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling state interest.”

Per Politico, ​​the governor took aim at the seat held by U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a black Democrat from Tallahassee.

Lawson’s north Florida district traverses roughly 200 miles and connects minority neighborhoods in Jacksonville with those in the state capital and in Rep. Al Lawson neighboring Gadsden County, the state’s only majority black county.

“The court has interpreted the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to prohibit state legislatures from using race as the ‘predominant’ factor motivating (their) decision to place a significant number of voters within or without a particular district … unless they can prove that their ‘race-based sorting of voters’ serves a ‘compelling interest’ and is ‘narrowly tailored to that end,’” Newman wrote.

DeSantis said in an April 12 press conference in Miami-Dade that the map will have north Florida drawn in a neutral manner.

“We are not doing a 200-mile gerrymander that divvies up people based on the color of their skin. That is wrong,” he said. “That’s not the way we govern in the state of Florida. That will be litigated, but I can tell you the original district would absolutely have been litigated.”

In a statement on April 11, Lawson said the Florida legislature is caving to the intimidation of DeSantis and his desire to create additional Republican seats in Congress by eliminating minority-access districts.

“Previously, the Florida Supreme Court scolded the Florida legislature for injecting partisan politics into the reapportionment process. Florida voters were hopeful that legislators would have learned their lesson. They did not,” he said.

“Again, I am not surprised, but disappointed with the legislature’s inability to fulfill their constitutional duties as elected officials without political interference from DeSantis.”

Time is ticking for state officials to get a new map in place to accommodate the additional congressional district in Florida. June 17 is the final day for a congressional candidate to qualify.

The primary election is set for Aug. 23.

As state lawmakers prepare for a return to Tallahassee, many are seeking a special session to deal with Florida’s property insurance crisis.

Letters from Republicans and Democrats were sent to DeSantis in the past few days calling for the House and Senate to convene.

“Florida is nearing a tipping point, and our neighborhoods are in danger of losing their viability,” said state Sen. Lauren Book, minority Democratic leader. Some insurance companies have been unable to reissue policies, are ceasing operations or are pricing renewals at unaffordable rates, leaving thousands of Floridians with the unsettling surprise that they’ve lost coverage and must scramble to protect their most valuable asset. All of these issues are clearly creating an affordability crisis for our constituents.”

State Rep. Jim Mooney said he expects a special session on insurance.

“I’m not sure when it’ll be, but my thoughts are prior to the election,” he said.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

BRIEFLY

INDIAN KEY CELEBRATION RETURNS

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Event to showcase sinking of San Pedro, other history

he Florida Keys History and Discovery Center is hosting the return of the Indian Key Celebration on Saturday, April 30 on the grounds of the Islander Resort in Islamorada. The event is free and the museum will be open to the public with both indoor and outdoor activities.

In 1971, the state of Florida purchased Indian Key and designated it a state historic site. The venue has changed this year as Indian Key’s dock needs repair, and proceeds will be shared between the Keys History & Discovery Foundation and the Friends of Islamorada Area State Parks.

This free event honors a tradition that began in 1974 through the dedication and efforts of Irving R. Ester, former Dade County archaeologist and founder of the Upper Keys Historical Society, and president of the Matecumbe Historical Trust until his passing.

The Discovery Center is partnering with the Friends of Islamorada Area State Parks to bring Indian Key’s history to life.

Indian Key was designated the Dade County seat in 1836 and the small island had more than 20 homes, a hotel, bowling alley, billiard hall and general store. The island once boasted the largest population between Jacksonville and Key West. Naturalist John James Audubon sketched birds here and Dr. Henry Perrine, a botanist, attempted to demonstrate the area’s adaptability for growing plants that would be of economic benefit to the United States.

This year’s Indian Key Celebration will showcase the 18th-century story of the sinking of the treasure laden Spanish galleon San Pedro in 1733; explore the fascinating story of Jacob Housman’s settlement of the 1830’s; and include the 20th-century depiction of life at a fishing camp, with highlights touching on hurricanes that affected the area and the building of the famed Overseas Railroad.

Activities will be held on the Islander property focusing on entertainment for families and people of all ages. There will be educational presentations in the conference center, food trucks, reenactors, nonprofit education, and arts and crafts booths, live music and adult beverages for sale. It’s a fun-filled event for everyone. Only service animals will be allowed as there will be live animals on display.

The Discovery Center says it could not do this event without the assistance of its sponsors, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Holly Merrill Rashein, Bob Lodge, Phyllis Mitchell, the Islander Resort and a dedicated volunteer committee.

For more information, to volunteer, or be involved in presentations or reenactments, call Megan Scallan at 305-922-2237, curator@keysdiscovery.com.

— Contributed

Sanctuary Advisory Council virtual meeting scheduled The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet virtually on Tuesday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Council members will discuss an update from the Florida Keys and South Florida Ecosystem Connectivity Team, and consider a resolution in support of Everglades restoration. Also on the agenda are several updates from sanctuary staff in anticipation of the upcoming Restoration Blueprint draft rule release. The Florida Keys chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will also give an update.

Public comment will be accepted via email to floridakeys@noaa. gov during the meeting. An agenda and supporting materials are posted at floridakeys.noaa.gov/sac.

For questions or information prior to the meeting, please contact Liz Trueblood at elizabeth.trueblood@ noaa.gov).

Delicate Balance of Nature series focuses on Everglades Florida Bay has been subject to devastating seagrass die-offs and algal blooms for over 40 years, which have harmed Florida Keys residents, businesses and communities. Emma Haydocy, executive director of Florida Bay Forever, will connect the plight of Florida Bay with ongoing Everglades restoration and efforts to restore the flow of clean water south to the bay.

Her presentation, as part of the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s Delicate Balance of Nature lecture series, will take place on Wednesday, April 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will include policy and legislation updates guiding the preservation of Florida Bay. Advanced registration is required for all lectures. Sign on Zoom a few minutes before the presentation begins. For additional information, email info@ pennekampparkfriends.org.

State House candidate Horton gets county endorsements Daniel “Dan” Horton-Diaz, candidate for Florida House District 120, has announced multiple endorsements from elected officials, former Democratic candidates, and community leaders in the Florida Keys. Among those endorsing

Horton-Diaz are Sam Kaufman, Key West vice mayor; Jimmy Weekley, Key West commissioner; Shirley Freeman, former Monroe County mayor; Clint Barras, 2020 Democratic nominee for state representative; Tommy Ryan, 2018 Democratic nominee for Monroe County Commission and LGBTQ community leader; and Jethon Williams, Bahama Village Community Redevelopment Advisory Committee member.

“I am committed to fighting for the people of the Florida Keys in Tallahassee,” Horton-Diaz said.

“We must protect our clean water, increase affordable housing and restore local control of government.

I am prepared to lead that effort and I am grateful to have the support of many of our elected officials and community leaders. With their energy and support, we will flip this seat blue in November.”

Gimenez introduces America Reopens Act U.S. Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez recently introduced the America Reopens Act. The legislation ends all federal-level mandates of COVID-19 restrictions, including ending the federal mask mandate on systems of transportation such as U.S. airlines.

“America has made remarkable progress combating COVID-19. Millions of Americans have resumed their everyday lives — yet far too many refuse to abide by the science and have remained persistent on keeping outdated COVID-19 mandates in place. It’s time for America to reopen,” Gimenez said upon introducing the legislation in the House of Representatives.

The bill would prohibit any federal agency or entity that receives federal funding from imposing proof of COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 test, or face covering on American citizens or permanent residents at transportation hubs and when using any conveyance (aircraft, train, road vehicle, vessel, etc.) American citizens and permanent residents may travel domestically in the United States without having to show proof of COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 test, and wear face covering. Canadian and Mexican nationals who are seeking to temporarily enter the United States for business or are involved in interstate commerce may enter without showing proof of COVID-19 vaccine.

This also includes commercial truck drivers.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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Two Upper Keys Rotarians were recently given their Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Terry Abel, Upper Keys Rotary president, left, congratulates Neal Boyce, center, and Bette Brown for contributing $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage, and show appreciation for, substantial contributions to what was then the foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study.

Paul Percy Harris was a Chicago attorney who founded the club, which became the humanitarian organization Rotary International in 1905. The Upper Keys Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon at Capt. Craig’s in Tavernier. For more information, visit keysrotary.org. CONTRIBUTED

KELLY BORICH Mortgage Specialist NMLS #795429

386.852.3088 kborich@flcb.com

RETIRED FWC OFFICER RECOGNIZED www.flcb.com

For complete program details please speak with our mortgage specialist. 1) An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a loan with a monthly principal and interest payment that is fixed for 5, 7, 10 or 15 years (based on the chosen product) and then may change every year thereafter based on interest rate adjustments. 2) The interest-only loan product is a 30-year ARM loan with payments of interest only during the first 5, 7 or 10 years after which the minimum payment required will increase, even if the interest rate does not change, to include both interest and principal payments for the remainder of the loan term. Interest-only option not available for First-Time Home-buyer and Non-Permanent Resident Aliens. 3) A 15 or 30 year loan term refers to the time period over which the loan balance and accrued interest will be repaid. A fixed rate fully amortizing loan has a monthly payment of principal and interest that is calculated to repay the loan in full over the loan term. This is not a commitment to lend. All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. FLCBank is a registered trademark of Florida Capital Bank, N.A. All home lending products offered by Florida Capital Bank, N.A. Member FDIC NMLS #790396 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org 03/2022

Retired Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officer Bobby Dube received an award of appreciation from Capt. Bill Kelly, Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association’s executive director, at the annual Key West Seafood Festival. Dube retired in November 2021 following a 32-year career of patrolling the Florida Keys waters. His journey started in 1987. Two years later, he entered the academy and began his career as a Florida Marine Patrol officer in the Keys. (Florida Marine Patrol and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation merged in 1999). From left, Dube, Kelly and FWC Capt. David Dipre. RJ DUBE/Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

BIRDING & BAY BREAKFAST

Non-profit celebrates success of nature tours & programs

A

fter opening the doors to the Florida Bay Eco-Center in early December, local non-profit Florida Bay Forever recently kicked off a slate of nature tours and environmental programming for their members and the public at the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve.

The organization has assembled a team of expert naturalists to lead tours and immerse participants in the wonder of Florida Keys’ ecosystems.

“We are delighted to introduce educational programs at our new location,” said executive director Emma Haydocy. “We truly believe that education is key to cultivating a community of Florida Bay stewards and advocates for generations to come. The Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve is the perfect classroom for environmental learning, and we are so grateful for our partnership with the Village of Islamorada to carry out this important work.”

The organization offers monthly birding tours and nature walks that explore the 11-acre conservation property. The most popular program so far is Breakfast by the Bay. The curated conservation breakfast, hosted on the porch of the historic Russell Cottage, features presentations on Florida Bay science, education and advocacy.

Florida Bay Forever offers memberships to the Florida Bay Eco-Center that includes discounted programming rates. Advance reservations are requested for nature walks and bird tours and required for Breakfast by the Bay. Program sponsorships are also available. More information is at 305-509-7545 or via email to info@ floridabayforever.org.

— Contributed

Florida Bay Forever offers monthly birding tours and nature walks that explore the 11-acre Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve.

CONTRIBUTED

Breakfast by the Bay is a popular program put on by Florida Bay Forever.

Volunteers collect a large amount of debris at Ocean Forest Estates. CONTRIBUTED

PLASTIC CRISIS NOT A FARAWAY ISSUE

Cleanup nets 1,550 pounds of debris

W

hen many people think of the ocean plastic crisis and coastlines covered in plastic and discarded trash they often think of far-off beaches or unnamed communities.

When people think of the Florida Keys, they think of clear beautiful waters or a night out in Key West. On March 27, it became apparent that these two worlds are one and the same.

In three hours, volunteers removed 1,550 pounds of plastic and debris from a small section of coastline at Ocean Forest Estates in Key Largo as part of a cleanup by Coastlove. Ocean Forest is an undeveloped area of the John Pennekamp Complex that park staff, partner organizations and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are working to restore. With Coastlove’s marine debris data collection program, and hard-working citizen scientists, the group is able to identify the numbers of the most commonly used single-use plastics. This data is entered into a database where it can be shared with like-minded organizations, officials and researchers.

— Contributed

In three hours, volunteers removed 1,550 pounds of plastic and debris from a small section of coastline.

Large bags full of debris await removal.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

THE EDISON MIRACLE VINE

Inventor’s visit to small Key Inn ends with a gift

T

homas Edison is best remembered for his groundbreaking work with electricity and the phonograph. He is not so well remembered as an early Florida snowbird, which he was.

Edison first ventured down from New Jersey and into Monroe County in 1885, when he purchased more than 13 acres along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River near the small community of Fort Myers.

Two things happened the following year. First, Edison's home on the banks of the river finished construction. Second, on Aug. 12, Fort Myers and its 349 residents chose to incorporate, becoming only the second town in Monroe County to do so. In 1828, the county’s first city to incorporate was Key West.

Monroe County became a little smaller the following year, in 1887 when Lee County was carved out of a southwest portion of the county.

Fort Myers, the new county’s largest community, was named the county seat.

After his home was built, Edison made Fort Myers his winter retreat for the next 60 years. Buying property in Fort Myers was not his only Monroe County dalliance.

At the tail end of World War I, in 1918, he spent six months living at the Key West Naval Station, working to develop more than 40 weapons. Years later, when roads were built, and a bridge connecting the mainland to Key Largo opened to automobile traffic, he drove down to the Florida Keys. He came in search of rubber.

Hoping to discover a viable domestic source of natural rubber, Edison, Henry Ford and Henry Firestone (namesake of Firestone Tires) formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation of Fort Myers. There, experiments on more than 15,000 plants were conducted to determine the quantity and quality of the rubber they produced.

Plant experimentation was also conducted with another partner, John Kunkel Small, at the New York Botanical Garden.

Between 1927 and 1929, investigators searched for plants to collect and bring back to test at the lab. Some of those researchers ventured down into the Florida Keys, and Edison, then in his early 80s, was among them. Accompany-

Ed and Fern Butters’ Key Inn. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

ing him on these excursions was Small on some occasions and David Fairchild on others.

One of the things that tied all of these Key BRAD Largo excursions together BERTELLI was that after is an author, driving across speaker, and Flor- the Card Sound ida Keys historian.

Bridge and His latest book, over the coral “The Florida Keys rock artery that Skunk Ape Files,” is a fun blend of was developed two of his favorite as State Road subjects — Florida 4A, nicknamed Keys history and the Overseas the Skunk Ape. Highway, they stopped at the Key Inn. By 1927, motels, restaurants and other roadside amenities had begun to pop up along the side of the road. One of those establishments was North Key Largo’s Key Inn, owned and operated by Ed and Fern Butters.

Edison, his wife, and friends were frequent visitors to the small hotel and restaurant where Mr. Edison took 90-minute naps whenever the group stopped. Mrs. Edison would take off his shoes and rub his tired and achy feet. Fern Butters

On one of Mr. Edison’s trips down the dirty, bumpy State Road 4A, he brought a gift for Fern Butters. After arriving for a nap and some of Fern’s fabulous cooking, he presented her with a root that resembled a sweet potato. “Plant this,” he said. “It will grow and has limescented flowers.”

admired his silk socks.

On one of Mr. Edison’s trips down the dirty, bumpy State Road 4A, he brought a gift for Fern Butters. After arriving for a nap and some of Fern’s fabulous cooking, he presented her with a root that resembled a sweet potato. “Plant this,” he said. “It will grow and has lime-scented flowers.”

Fern planted the root at the edge of her small garden near the wall of a Spanish-style bungalow

Captain Ed had built. According to Edison, the root would grow into a vine and begin flowering within months. The vine did its job and broke through the soil, and crept up the building’s wall. Eventually, it covered much of the rest of the building. What Mr. Edison’s vine failed to do, however, was bloom.

In the meantime, as word spread about the superior fishing grounds accessible from the Florida Keys and the traffic driving past The Key Inn increased, demand began to exceed the limited facilities the Key Inn offered. Ed and Fern started talking about selling the inn and buying something bigger – that is a story for another day.

All the while, Mr. Edison’s vine continued to grow and cover the building. What it never did, however, was bloom. And then, after a couple of years had passed, something remarkable happened. On Oct. 18, 1931, the day that Thomas Edison died, the vine erupted in lime-scented blooms for the first time since Fern had planted it.

Because Fern never knew what kind of vine it was, she called it the Edison Miracle Vine, and that is what it has been remembered as ever since.

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022 Margie Smith of the Small Business Development Center describes the services her organization offers to business owners in Key West. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

T

he Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida International University helps small businesses learn and make changes so they can grow, leverage best practices, expertise, and data they have. As a consultant with SBDC in the Florida Keys, Margie Smith, business consultant with SBDC, advocates for diversifying the economy and taking on economic development that works for a fragile ecosystem. She considers herself a change agent supporting our small businesses.

My vast experience provides me with the tools to have a business development slant. My husband, Cale, and I moved to The Keys from Washington, D.C. in 2005 with my first child, Corley. I have a bachelor’s in aviation management and a master’s in public administration with an aviation concentration. Cale received a new opportunity, which led us to move to the Keys, and his father lives in Key West. Cale is now the owner of Islamorada Investment Management.

Being a new mom in a new place, and especially after our second child Layne, I plugged into Keys Kids Play Group, which contributed to helping me connect with this wonderful community of women.

FIU took over the SBDC in 2014 in Miami first and then the Keys in 2018. I started with the SBDC at FIU in October 2018; shortly after that is when we expanded into the Keys and continued to grow our team. So now, we cover both the Keys and Miami.

My work experience here in the Keys with United Way, Center State Bank, and being involved in local organizations such as BPW, the Chambers and the Rotaries, help with getting the word out about SBDC at FIU. The SBDC is a non-profit partner of the Small Business Administration

BUILDING BUSINESSES Keys consultant Margie Smith makes a difference MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

(SBA) and is a partner with the FIU College of Business. The SBDC was created as a free resource to provide boots on the ground for the SBA. The SBA doesn’t have the bandwidth to provide one-on-one assistance to the small businesses. Other areas of the country have other partners like veterans centers and women’s centers in addition to the SBDC; we don’t have that currently. Nationwide, there are 1,300 small business development centers.

SBDC at FIU has 26 consultants who cover the Keys and Miami. Our financial management team alone has six to seven consultants. We’ve never had as much capacity to help as many businesses as we do now.

The businesses we help vary in size and how long they have existed.

They can be anywhere from a startup to one that has been around for 10 years. Some of the areas we help businesses with are social media, branding, capital, federal contracting, 8a, import export, financial planning and business continuity. The service is free and it’s convenient to go to the SBDC at FIU website and use the request for consultation button on the home page. All consultations are kept confidential.

Business continuity is something I have been specifically trained in and it has been essential for business owners in the Keys. It covers the critical, timesensitive functions in the middle of a disaster. We help businesses come up with a plan to make sure they are able to keep their critical functions going in the middle of a disaster — hurricane, scandal and other situations — that can keep a business from scrambling or stopping. Businesses need to have a plan in place — back-up vendors, plans for essential functions. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses fail because they don’t have a plan.

People also look to us for advice

in selling their business. It’s important to be prepared to have something to sell besides your name. Your business needs to be self-contained — in other words it can run without you.

For example, there needs to be clear branding and a standard operating procedure. These aspects increase the value of the business.

Most commonly people say to us, “I need to understand my finances.

I am getting bigger but not more profitable, so I need to understand how to improve.” And sometimes it’s marketing but it could end up being they need help in their financials. Therefore, being a consultant with SBDC at FIU is a very flexible and intuitive role.

Another thing when it comes to business development is social capital.

It’s important to build social capital as part of your brand. You often have to be actively involved in your business and the community to get the word out.

In addition to my role as an SBDC consultant, I work on encompassing marketing and training; all the things to get the word out about the services we offer. And the biggest opportunity continues to be letting people know what we offer.

For the Keys, from October 2018 thru the end of 2021 we provided 3,461 hours of consulting, assisted 356 businesses, launched 14 new businesses, accessed $19.1M in capital and secured $2.2M in government contracts.

I have found it super motivating to be part of something that is providing help for dire circumstances and provide support on so many levels.

There is a need in our community and our goal is to make you smarter.

For further information and to apply for assistance check out www.sbdc.fiu. edu or contact Margie Smith with questions at Margie.smith@floridasbdc.org. .

17

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

PROTECTING EARTH AY S DPARADISE T N E V E I

EARTH DAY TS EVEN

n the Florida Keys, we’re surrounded by natural beauty.

We also take protecting all of our rich ecosystems seriously.

In honor of Earth Day (Friday, Apr. 22), we’ve got events across the islands focused on protecting our paradise.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 SUNDAY, APRIL 24 Keyswide: REEF Environmental Education Foundation will host its 9th annual Key Largo Lionfish Derby. Teams of up to four people can compete for prizes in two divisions: Apex Predators and Reef Defenders. Registration is $100/ team up until 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 22. Mandatory captains’ meeting will be held virtually and in-person at the REEF campus on Friday, Apr. 22. Teams can fish on Saturday from sunrise to sundown in Keyswide waters. Sunday is fish drop-off day and the awards ceremony. For more info, email rrdcconservation@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Key Largo: Rainbow Reef is hosting two conservation dive trips (coral restoration dives or Dives Against Debris) followed by an Earth Day Bash at Sharkey’s Pub and Restaurant. Conservation, eco-gear and educational vendors will be on hand. Check-in for the dives at 8 a.m.

The bash begins at 4 p.m. and includes “Earth Day” drinks that support conservation.

Islamorada: Help clean up Cotton Key with Shoreline Restoration Services and Islamorada Resort Collection. Meet at Postcard Inn Marina at 7:45 a.m. Two boats will act as water taxis and bring volunteers to Cotton Key, where they will gather trash to be barged out. Water taxi will be available from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon. For more info call 305-570-8578.

Islamorada: I.CARE and Key Dives will be running their first public coral maintenance/ monitoring trip for locals. The program includes a certain number of free dives for locals. To reserve a spot, email info@icareaboutcoral.org.

Marathon: The Turtle Hospital will release a rehabilitated sea turtle off Sombrero Beach.

Follow The Turtle Hospital’s social media for timing and more information.

Key West: Join the Second Annual Luau Fundraiser at Lagerheads Beach Bar to benefit Reef Relief’s conservation efforts. Enjoy live music, games, a silent auction, raffle drawings and great tropical food and drink specials. For more info, call 305-294-3100 or email reefrelief@gmail.com.

Virtual: Monroe County Extension Service will host a free Plant It Proper lunch-and-learn.

Join from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom to learn more about how to set your trees and plants up for success at the time of planting. To register, call 305-292-4501 or email monroe@ifas.ufl. edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Key West: Mote Marine Laboratory’s 10th Ocean Fest is a free, family-friendly celebration of our marine environment. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park, near the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Attendees will enjoy live music, environmental art, fun activities and conservation and environmental exhibits. For more info, visit mote.org/oceanfest.

18

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

CONQUERING THE WHALE Annual run and a doughnut support students

D 1 3

4

2

ressed in costumes and wearing unique hats, runners took their mark for the annual Scale the Whale Bridge Run over Whale Harbor Bridge in Islamorada on April 9. Runners were met with a doughnut as they made the half-mile trek. Put on by the Chi Sigma Sorority, the fourth annual event raised money for scholarships for graduating seniors at Coral Shores High School and local families. A free pancake breakfast was provided by Coastal Realty.

— Jim McCarthy

1. Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy Nelson Sanchez makes his way back across Whale Harbor bridge with a donut hole in hand.

2. A crying William Hart receives his award for littlest runner.

3. Participants head north on Whale Harbor Bridge.

4. First-place finisher Rex Zimmerman heads for the finish line.

5. Second-place finisher Julia Lozano receives her awards during the fourth annual Scale the Whale Bridge Run.

5

6

6. Participants gather for a group photo before the start of the bridge run.

Photos by Doug Finger. Full gallery at keysweekly.com

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

THUR Apr 14 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m.

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Michael Trixx @ Sunset SAT Apr 16 Micah 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022 SPONSORED BY:

CONSERVATION TIP If available, always use a mooring ball to protect our precious corals and the fragile ocean bottom.

DIVING ON PICKLES REEF Vibrant colors and abundant marine life on Pickles Reef. TONY TIMPANO/Contributed

THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT The last month has been windy overall, and that held true for this last week, too. As you know, winds determine whether or not we can safely and enjoyably get out on the water.

Luckily, there were some windows of calm where we got the boats out and our divers into the water. We had a lot of new divers this week and went out to Pickles Reef. If you haven’t been, it’s one of the best spots ERIC to take new divers for spectacular shallow-water dives.

BILLIPS Pickles Reef is southeast of Key Largo and is actually named after a wreck on the reef with barrelis the owner, shaped concrete objects among the wreckage. Local captain and legend says a barge was carrying cement in pickle-type instructor at wood barrels. When the boat wrecked, the barrels Islamorada Dive Center and Florida sank to the bottom of the reef. Over time, the wood Keys Dive Center. surrounding the concrete deteriorated, leaving the He specializes in concrete in the shape of pickle barrels. scuba, rebreather, spearfishing and captaining in the Florida Keys.

NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT This week we’ve got more of the same – WIND! It starts out as a north wind, bringing in cool temperatures. Then, it switches all the way around to an east wind, bringing in larger seas. Hopefully the wind lets up in time for us to plant some corals with I.CARE on Saturday.

PROUD SPONSORS OF I.CARE Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education 305.664.0077 | CoastalFloridaKeys.com

CONSERVATION UPDATE Many local reefs like Pickles and nearby Snappers’ Ledge offer mooring balls for boaters to clip into instead of anchoring on the reef.

The buoy system was actually developed here, and there are mooring balls available throughout the Keys.

They’ve been instrumental to protect our marine environment by preventing dropped and misplaced anchors from accidentally breaking our fragile corals.

Coral plantings will take place with Islamorada Dive Center this week.

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

GRAMMY WINNER TALKS AWARD & KEYS

MUFFIN

From left, Anthony Roth Costanzo, a photo bomb by Reef, Zachary James and Dísella Lárusdótti. CONTRIBUTED

Fox friendship goes back to 2020

H

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

On April 3, my best friend and fox supporter, Zachary James, won a Grammy for Best Opera Recording. How amazing is that?

I first met Zach in 2020 when he was in the Keys visiting family. He and my mom have been friends since then, too, but I’m his favorite friend here in Key Largo.

REEF I was able to”floof time” (equivalent of FaceTime) THE FOX him after his win and ask some very important questions. So here we go.

Reef is a red fox Reef: So Zach, how does it feel to be a Grammy that was saved from a fur farm.

Award Winning artist?

He now lives in Zach: It is surreal, amazing and I am proud Key Largo with to represent Florida in this win, since I grew up in his human, Nicole Florida.

Navarro.

Reef: What is your favorite thing about the Keys?

Zach: Love being so close to the ocean and, of course, Key lime pie.

Reef: Well friend, you were supposed to say I am your favorite thing about the Keys but we will let that slide for now. But what is your favorite thing about me?

Zach: You always make me laugh with your antics.

Reef: Yes, I am quite hilarious. If I do say so myself. So what is some advice you would give to young or aspiring artists after your Grammy win?

Zach: I would tell them to dream bigger than they think is possible.

You have to believe you can achieve your goals.

Reef: Yep. Agreed, friend. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me. You are my favorite Grammy winner of all time.

So you heard it here first. Your boy Reef gets all the big names for interviews. Who do you think I should interview next? Shoot me an email with some ideas and I will see what I can do. Email to reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org.

A fun event happening this Saturday, April 16 is the Full Moon party at Island Grill. There will be Brazilian dancers, drummers and a saxophonist. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the party lasts until midnight. It sounds like a fun time to me, but I’ll be asleep in mom's bed, so go party for me and take photos.

That’s all for this week. Check us out at pawsitivebeginnings.org to keep up with all our social media links.

Muffin is a beautiful shepherd/lab mix who’s about 8 months old and weighs 30 pounds. The sweetest girl, Muffin was rescued from a bad situation where she had just been dumped outside and never given any training or attention, so she is still very much a puppy. Muffin needs training, but she is so smart and is learning quickly from her foster family. Since she was never allowed to be inside, she never learned basic rules of living in a home. But, she is eager to please and will be mostly house-trained very soon. She’s walking on a leash and mastering basic commands already. This sweet girl will make a great addition to any family with a little time and patience, and lots of love to give! Muffin is sweet, good-natured, and is great with all people, kids and other dogs. She is available for adoption.

Please complete an application at www.mprescues.org if you are interested in meeting Muffin.

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, April 14 • Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys' "Liars & Cheaters” golf tournament at 10 a.m. at Redland Golf & Country Club, Homestead. Sign up at habitatupperkeys.org/golf/ Saturday, April 16 • Spring Fest from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Founders Park.

• Full Moon Yoga with Coral Restoration Foundation from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, Islamorada.

Sunday, April 17 • First Baptist Church Key Largo sunrise service at John Pennekamp State Park at 6:45 a.m.

• Island Community Church sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. on Whale Harbor Beach, Islamorada.

• Matecumbe United Methodist Church sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. at Cheeca Lodge, Islamorada.

• Burton Memorial United Methodist church sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. at Harry Harris Park, Tavernier.

• First Baptist Church Key Largo Easter Resurrection Sunday service at 9 a.m.

• Easter Egg hunt at Amara Cay Resort from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (Available to resort guests and locals seeking a staycation).

• Easter Egg hunt at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina from 10 to 11 a.m. (Available to resort guests and locals seeking a staycation.)

• Easter brunch at Ciao Hound from 8 a.m. to noon and dinner 2 to 9 p.m.

• Easter dinner ReelCatch at Amara Cay from 2 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, April 20 • Immerse Yourself lecture features Lynea Wilson, History of Diving Museum curator, at 7 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada. Sign up by contacting programs@divingmuseum.org.

• 4/20 Tie Dye Party from 2 to 9 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co. Thursday, April 21 • Regular village council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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

The facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories: Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions Set Forth in the Florida Statute The deadline for receipt of applications is April 27, 2022 and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecountybids.com) For more information please call the TDC Administrative Office at 305-296-1552 and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

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26

VERSATILE VIBES

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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

“W

RT RICKE ALEX sweekly.com key alex@

e 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 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 since I bought it. I’m definitely deeply in vocalist Chris Campbell love with it right now. David plays on a hammers out a solo. ALEX Hammond organ; that’s his pride and joy.

RICKERT/Keys Weekly And Angel is the most brandless, non-picky dude I’ve ever met.

Center: Vocalist and keyCatch Abstract Radio on Fridays at boardist David Campbell 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 Instagram pages at @AbstractRadioband or Romero brings versatility call 305-340-9126 for bookings. to Abstract Radio’s beats.

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

BRINGING HOME THE HARDWARE New faces and fierce competition at Island Fest

I

1 2

3

4

5

6

slander Resort’s Elements Restaurant, artist Luis Miguel Rodriguez, Second Chance Creations Driftwood Art, Ocean Studies Charter School and Paddle! The Florida Keys were among the big winners at the 30th Annual Island Fest, held at Founders Park on April 2-3.

After a two-year hiatus, the event brought in thousands to enjoy a weekend of art, sand sculpting, antique cars, homemade boats and exceptional Keys cuisine. Sunny Florida Keys weather greeted Island Fest patrons, many of whom flocked to the Elements booth in the popular Taste of Islamorada competition, where shrimp and octopus ceviche, king crab and lobster tostada served with chef Julius’ special avocado crema and salsa roja, and house-made chocolate chip cookies were all on the menu; Elements won the People’s Choice Award.

Twisted Shrimp took the Best Entrée category with its large, ever-so-lightly dusted shrimp fried to perfection and served with chef Cary’s cocktail sauce. However, there were some new faces to the Taste of Islamorada that surprised the judges with their creative and innovative fare. Moe’s Place at Bud N’ Mary’s, whose grand opening was just a few months ago, took the Best Soup category with a red lentil soup served Turkish-style with organic lentils and isot peppers.

Yet another newcomer, El Framboyan Cuban Cuisine, took Best Appetizer for their fried cheese curds in guava sauce and Best Dessert with their sponge cake with meringue, double cream and peaches.

A field of 100 skilled artists and artisans from throughout the U.S. turned out this year for the Plantation Yacht Harbor Arts & Crafts Show. Taking Best of Show was South Florida artist Luis Miguel Rodriguez, whose love for underwater diving enhanced his abilities as an artist. These influences are still predominant in his paintings, as they continue to complement and display his vision of the sea world on the canvas. Also honored at the art show were Thomas and Nicol Gross, Florida-based mixed media artists of Second Chance Creations Driftwood Art, who took home the Most Creative Artisan award for their depictions of ocean life sculpted onto driftwood.

Pirates, ships and treasure chests covered the beach for this year’s sand sculpture contest. Team Ocean Studies Charter School, led by Jessica Martinez, won the contest with their depiction of a giant blue octopus overtaking a pirate ship loaded with booty. The competition at this year’s “What Floats Your Boat” was fierce with homemade boat entries from local non-profits, organizations and businesses. Scott and Betsy Baste wowed crowds during the races with their boat “Carmen Miranda & Her Big Banana” that took the Lucky Ducky Admiral Award.

Children painted a life-sized dolphin statue, participated in numerous hula-hooping contests and the kids’ version of the homemade boat competition, “What Floaties Your Boat.” Children met and swam with a real-life mermaid, got a mermaid makeover and posed for photos. Patrons got to view some fabulous vintage rides at the All-American Road Vintage Cruisers Show. The event also offered two days worth of music, with the Coconut Cowboys rocking out the crowds and closing the show on Sunday afternoon.

— Contributed 1. Twisted Shrimp took the Best Entrée category with its large, ever-solightly dusted shrimp fried to perfection and served with chef Cary’s cocktail sauce. CONTRIBUTED 2. Taking Best of Show was South Florida artist Luis Miguel Rodriguez, whose love for underwater diving enhanced his abilities as an artist.

3. Christina Steele, Islamorada Chamber board president, left, with Scott and Betsy Baste, who took the Lucky Ducky Admiral Award.

4. Team Ocean Studies Charter School, led by Jessica Martinez, won the sand sculpture contest with their depiction of a giant blue octopus overtaking a pirate ship loaded with booty.

5. Elements received the People’s Choice Award.

6. “What Floaties Your Boat” participants race.

28

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

S

Ms. Ana’s class won the Read-A-Thon’s top class award with 811 books read during the month of March. CONTRIBUTED

PRESCHOOLERS READ 2,461 BOOKS

Top class completes 811 volumes

t. James Children’s Center students excelled in the school’s recent Read-A-Thon fundraiser.

During the month of March, the school’s 44 preschoolers read a total of 2,461 books.

Ms. Ana’s class finished the month as the top class, with individual top reader honors going to Chase Venezia in Ms. Melissa’s class; William Walker in Ms. Ana’s class; Collins Kalus in Ms. Karen’s class; and Violet Muir in Ms. Rachel’s class.

“There are no words to describe how proud I am of our students,” said SueEllen Bennett, Children’s Center Director. “To see them brimming with excitement and developing life-long reading skills is so rewarding. I can’t say thank you enough to our parents and the community for supporting this event.”

Local independent bookstore Sandbar Books sponsored the Read-AThon and provided additional support by donating 10% of a purchase for any patron who mentioned St. James Children’s Center when shopping during the month of March.

Throughout the month, students were treated to special guest readers, including children’s book author Jim

Arnosky and local community members including Susan Ashmore, Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel and Chris Morgan from the Key Largo library.

The students celebrated their success on March 31 with a party and awards ceremony and for the special day they dressed as a character from their favorite book.

The Read-A-Thon was launched to offset revenue lost from the annual Fish Fest fundraiser, which was canceled for the second year in a row due to COVID. The event raised more than $17,000, which will help the school provide the instructional materials, books, arts and crafts supplies, playground toys and equipment, nutritious snacks and health and safety items utilized by students on a daily basis.

St. James Children's Center was founded in 1984 and is a non-profit preschool, offered as a ministry of St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church to the Upper Keys community. The objective is to provide each child with a healthy environment in which to grow. In an atmosphere of love, each child can develop physically, mentally, socially and intellectually to his or her highest potential.

— Contributed

MORE THAN $632,000 RAISED FOR MRI SCANNER

M

ore than 400 guests attended Baptist Health Foundation’s 2022 Bougainvillea Bash on March 26 at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada. The bash — a reimagined event based on the foundation’s annual Bougainvillea Ball — raised $632,685 toward the purchase of a state-of-the-art Siemens MRI scanner at Mariners Hospital, part of Baptist Health.

The scanner will provide physicians with the most accurate diagnoses and offer a patient-friendly experience with a spacious opening and faster, more efficient imaging capabilities.

“Even though it was a bit different than usual, this year’s Bougainvillea Bash was a huge success,” said Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “We are very grateful to our donors and corporate partners who remain committed to this annual fundraising event. They are helping provide advanced diagnostic care for residents and visitors in the upper Keys.”

Celebrated under the stars on the tennis courts of the Cheeca Lodge resort, the Bougainvillea Bash featured interactive dinner and dessert stations, a live auction and D.J. entertainment. The event also featured a prize raffle sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Marina. The winner of the 2022 Hewes 16-foot Redfisher in Atlantic Blue, Yamaha

F90 and AmeraTrail Trailer was Dynis Medina.

Caribee Boat Sales & Marina of Islamorada is a longtime sponsor of the Bougainvillea Ball and has donated boats to support the Mariners Hospital raffle for the past 19 years.

The Bougainvillea Bash event committee was chaired by Holly Merrill Raschein and included Emily Carter, Maggie Diaz, Linsey Ekblom, Christina Steele and Claudia Stober.

Platinum sponsors included Steven and Kathy Holmes, and Lindy & Joe Roth. Gold sponsors included Gary and Kathy Marowske, and Ray and Mary Jane Tacoma.

Mariners Hospital in Tavernier is the only hospital in the Upper Keys, serving the community since 1962. It is a top-rated hospital in Florida for its quality, safety of care and low readmission rate. Some of the hospital’s services include emergency care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, cardiopulmonary, oncology care, orthopedics, rehabilitation, wound care, hyperbaric medicine and a Wellness Center.

“Mariners Hospital has deep roots in the Upper Keys,” said Jay Hershoff, chair of the hospital’s board. “The caring and compassion of the hospital’s clinical staff has created relationships for life, and the Bougainvillea Bash is an opportunity for the community to come together and support them with the resources they need.”

— Contributed

Dynis Medina won the 2022 Hewes 16-foot Redfisher and trailer. CONTRIBUTED

The Bougainvillea Bash event committee with Drew Grossman, CEO of Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals, and Jay Herschoff, Mariners Hospital board of directors chair. The committee was chaired by Holly Merrill Raschein and included Emily Carter, Maggie Diaz, Linsey Ekblom, Christina Steele and Claudia Stober. CONTRIBUTED

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ONE OF FLORIDA’S LARGEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Make it a Smart Summer Earn credits this summer

The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc., is seeking private sector and/or nonprofit board members to fill three board seats. One member from either Miami-Dade or Monroe county to be appointed by the Governor and two members from Monroe county to be appointed by the local governing board. To quality members must meet the following statutory requirements, as defined is Chapter 1002.83, Florida statutes.

Private sector business members, either for-profit or nonprofit, who do not have, and none of whose relatives as defined in s. 112.3143 has, a substantial financial interest in the design or delivery of the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (1002.51 – 79, Florida Statutes) or the School Readiness Program (1002.81 – 995, Florida Statutes).

To complete an application please visit https://bit.ly/ELCMDM_BOD or scan the QR code.

For more information contact Kristine Gregory 305-646-7220 kgregory@elcmdm.org About the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe: Established by the Florida Legislature to administer and provide access to Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program and School Readiness Program at the local level in all 67 counties. Board members include: a Department of Children and Families regional administrator or his or her permanent designee who is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the department; a district superintendent of schools or his or her permanent designee who is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the district; a local workforce development board executive director or his or her permanent designee; a county health department director or his or her designee; a children’s services council or juvenile welfare board chair or executive director from each county, if applicable; a Department of Children and Families child care regulation representative or an agency head of a local licensing agency as defined in s.

402.302, where applicable; a president of a Florida College System institution or his or her permanent designee; one member appointed by a board of county commissioners or the governing board of a municipality; a Head Start/Early Head Start director; a representative of private for-profit child care providers, including private for-profit family day care homes; a representative of faith-based child care providers; a representative of programs for children with disabilities under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; additional members who must be private sector business members, either for-profit or nonprofit. The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring high-quality early education for children in Miami-Dade and Monroe. Through a community-based collaborative approach, we are committed to promoting high-quality early learning, advocating on behalf of children, and preparing every child for success in both school and life.

Sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe and the State of Florida.

• • • •

Summer classes begin May 16 Apply by May 1 Classes on campus or online Make plans now!

Questions? Contact Marissa Owens at marissa.owens@cfk.edu. www.cfk.edu www.cfk.edu/admissions/plan-register

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

GIRLS LACROSSE SEASON SEES SUCCESS Team finishes 6-5 under second-year coach

The Hurricanes girls varsity lacrosse team finished 6-5 on the season.

JOY SMITH/Purely Joyous Photography

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

A

Hurricanes girls lacrosse program is up and coming. Look no further than the team’s 6-5 record in its second year under coach Alex Pike.

It’s an improvement from the season before, when the team went 4-8.

Having lost eight seniors following the 2021 season, including star scorer Kaylee Stoky, this year’s team had several attackers who were able to put the ball in the back of the net.

“Every girl we had on offense could shoot to score. It was just a completely different game that we got to play, which was great,” Pike said. “We did a lot of shooting drills and built the girls’ confidence more than anything. They had the potential last year. It was just they needed the extra push to see they could do it themselves. Then they were scoring one after the other.”

Pike said the girls realized that they needed to take advantage of oneon-one situations.

“They took what they could get and they didn’t wait to be wide open and shoot,” she said.

Kicking off the season with a victory against Palmer Trinity, 6-5, the team battled tough in a loss against Westminster Christian, 6-2. Offense powered the Hurricanes past Coral Reef in the third game, 12-2.

The team secured wins against Gulliver Prep, Lourdes Academy, Palmer Trinity twice and Coral Reef twice. Pike said a game against Coral Reef was memorable.

“We had two of our freshmen score their first goal, which was amazing,” Pike said. “We had Christina Agostini, our lead defender, bring the ball down and score her first goal of her life. That was fun for her.”

Among the standout players on the Hurricanes lacrosse team was senior Ava Swanson, who Pike said was aggressive on and off the ball and a phenomenal shooter. Agostini, the senior captain, led the defense by shutting down opponents every game.

“We could put her on anybody. It didn’t matter who it was. They wouldn’t get the ball the rest of the game,” Pike said.

Junior Amelia Perchalski scored several hat tricks during the season.

Pike said she really came into her own this year. Junior goalie Emily Murphy

had a stellar season in between the pipes. Pike credited the team’s defense for strong play throughout the season.

Pike was particularly excited with the play by starting sophomore defender Victoria Pena.

“She shut down girls left and right at her position,” she said. “It’s fun to see how far she’s come.”

The season came to an end on April 11 following a loss in the district tournament to Ransom Everglades.

Pike said the program’s outlook is to win one more game than the year before and grow as a team.

“As long as we’re doing something every day that makes us better, we’re better off for it,” she said.

Pike’s coaching staff includes Courtney Caputo as goalie coach and Darryn Bahn as defensive coach. Pike said they organized a summer program for the girl’s lacrosse players so they could continue honing their skills.

Pike said they team up with players from Key West.

“I was surprised that lacrosse was pretty much a spring sport down here,” said Pike, who played most of the year while in Orlando. “A lot of our girls are really interested in going to college to play. We want to give them that opportunity to play.”

Alex Pike is in her second year as Hurricanes girls lacrosse coach.

The 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 Plantation Key School for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Panthers” pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

CAMILLE GREENWALD BROWN School: Plantation Key School Grade: 4 Activities: Soccer What superpower would you most like to have, and why? Flying, it would be fun!

If you could make a rule for the whole world to follow, what would it be? I would want everyone to be kind.

What makes you laugh? A lot of things.

When do you think a kid is old enough for a cell phone? 9 years old.

What’s your favorite YouTube Channel? Pierson.

The hardest part about being a kid is … getting in trouble with your parents.

The hardest part about being an adult must be … being a parent.

When I grow up, I want to … be a professional soccer player.

Claire Montang

Loan Originator | NMLS# 1658906

Local Mortgage Lender

Mobile: 305.916.8485 | Office: 305.249.1449 cmontang@elementfunding.com Learn more: www.elementfundingkeys.com 91760 Overseas Hwy Tavernier, Florida 33070

31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

‘YUMMY AND HAPPINESS’ Keys Jewish community’s holiday cookbook crammed with ‘delicious’ comfort food CHARLOTTE TWINE charlotte@keysweekly.com

L

ast Sunday, longtime Keys Jewish Community Center members Susan Gordon and Erica Lieberman Garrett attended an organizational meeting for the synagogue. However, with the productive meeting clocking in at three hours and ending just in time for lunch, the friends were hungry. Or to be completely honest: They were starving. And they drooled while talking about the Jewish comfort food in their “Recipes from the Rock” cookbook.

“My brisket,” Gordon said with a moan. “I’m salivating for my beef brisket. I learned the recipe from my Bubbe.” (Bubbe is the Yiddish word for grandmother.)

“Oy, are we talking about dessert?”

Garrett said. “Linda Perloff’s cheesecake. Shout-out to Linda Perloff.”

They spontaneously burst into a rendition of “Tradition” from “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Hungry yet? We are too. And that beef brisket recipe is on page 42 of the cookbook.

The friends say that their Jewish comfort food is “yummy and delicious,” the kind that you and your family tuck into with no remorse during the holidays. For example, chicken soup with matzo balls, lovingly prepared and

Susan Gordon and Erica Lieberman Garrett are members of the Keys Jewish Community Center's Sisterhood, which came together to create the ‘Recipes from the Rock’ cookbook. KJCC/Contributed

Chicken soup with matzo balls, seen here, is the ultimate comfort food. KJCC/Contributed

The ‘Recipes from the Rock’ cookbook is crammed with Jewish comfort food to make all year round, and for Passover, which is this weekend. KJCC/Contributed

gently simmered for two to three days.

Tangy beef borscht with a generous helping of boiled potatoes. Crunchy caramel matzo cookies. And don’t forget: Make at least six to eight appetizers for your guests when organizing holiday meals. It’s only proper, after all.

Lucky for us, all recipes are in the KJCC Cookbook “Recipes from the Rock,” just in time for Passover this weekend. (See final paragraph for how to order the cookbook.)

During the depths of the pandemic, the KJCC Sisterhood found themselves at wit’s end. With no way

to meet in person for their regular monthly group meals, the women decided to create the cookbook together.

Based in Tavernier, they are the only synagogue between Homestead and Key West. And the sisterhood craved community. The cookbook was a labor of love created to keep them engaged while the world shut down. Many recipes incorporated in this cookbook are from their Shabbat and holiday dinners.

“When we sit down together it feels like home,” said Garrett. “In the Keys we don’t have our immediate family. Many in our Sisterhood have become widows, and we’re here for each other. We’re a very close knit group. We encourage women to come.”

“It’s a true sisterhood,” added Gordon.

A special section in their cookbook is devoted to Passover, the holiday honoring God and celebrating the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt.

“And this year, Passover has a special meaning,” said Gordon. “We feel for the sadness of the people in the Ukraine. We have a lot of family ancestors originally from Poland and Russia. More than ever, we are thinking of peace.”

“But the regular dinners throughout the year are important for us because we have no access to Jewish food in most of the Keys – no takeout,” said Garrett. “And all who are hungry are welcome to come and eat at our dinners.”

Meanwhile, this weekend, we’ll be cooking the chicken with matzo ball soup. B’tayavon (good appetite), everyone.

For more information about joining KJCC or its sisterhood, go to keysjewishcenter.com. To buy the “Recipes from the Rock” KJCC Sisterhood’s cookbook, call Garrett at 305853-1003.

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

33

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 Key West Cushions and More located at 5555 College Road, #40, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: James Madsen / Michele Quast Publish: April 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PERMITTING SERVICES FOR THE MOSQUITO CREEK AND TUBBY’S CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT ON CARD SOUND ROAD MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Respondents must be prequalified by FDOT for WORK GROUP 2.0 Project Development and Environmental Studies, WORK TYPES 3.1 Minor Highway Design, 4.2 Major Bridge Design, 7.1 Signing Pavement Markings and Channelization, 8.1 Control Surveying, 9.1 Soil Exploration, and 9.2 Geotechnical Classification Laboratory Testing.

The County requires the services of a firm or individual pre-qualified by FDOT for Work Group 2.0 Project Development and Environmental Studies, Work Types 3.1 Minor Highway Design, 4.2 Major Bridge Design, 7.1 Signing Pavement Markings and Channelization, 8.1 Control Surveying, 9.1 Soil Exploration, and 9.2 Geotechnical Classification Laboratory Testing, for Engineering Design Services for the replacement of Tubby’s Creek and Mosquito Creek Bridges. In addition, the prime consultant, at a minimum must be pre-qualified by FDOT in Type 3.1 and 4.2 with respective type of work, subconsultants may be prequalified by FDOT in remaining Group or Types of work.

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.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposal/ 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 3:00 P.M. on May 31st, 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: Engineering Design and Permitting Services for the Mosquito Creek and Tubby’s Creek Bridge Replacement Project on Card Sound Road 05/31/2022 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 or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB- BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on

May 31st 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# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: April 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents.

Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Air Service Development Consultant Services 05/17/2022 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 or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on May 17, 2021. 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: April 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-000030-M IN RE: ESTATE OF PRISCILLA H. HACKER f/k/a PRISCILLA H. CARAWAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of PRISCILLA H. HACKER f/k/a PRISCILLA H. CARAWAN, deceased, whose date of death was January 3, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 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 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: April 14, 2022.

Personal Representative: Virgil Hacker

2609 Olympia Rd. New Bern, NC 28560 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1015363 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com JAMES S. LUPINO, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 244481 E-Mail: JLupino@HLYlaw.com HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156; and 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Publish: April 14 & 21, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KEY WEST KNOT SPOT located at 911 Virginia St., Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-3217, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Islamorada, Florida this 6TH day of April, 2022.

By: Key West Med Spa, PLLC Publish: April 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on May 5, 2022 at 11a.m., the following vessel will be sold at public sale for storage charges pursuant to Florida Statute 328.17.

Tenant: James W Rider 1999 27ft EPY (Cat) HIN# EPY66270C999 Tag: FL7562PW Title: 118280091 Sale will be held at Wharf Marina, Inc. 4681 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 Vessel may have been released prior to the auction. Wharf Marina Inc. reserves the right to bid.

Publish: April 14 & 21, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT SERVICES MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on May 17, 2022. Please submit your

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY FOR MONROE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Barry Anthony Mills, M.D. is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Medical Group Gastroenterology at the following locations effective March 31, 2022: 91550 Overseas Highway, Suite 205, Tavernier, FL 33070 and 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 17, Marathon, FL 33050 .

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-852-9400, to request a records release.

Publish: March 31, April 7, 14 & 21, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Electronic applications for Monroe County Fiscal Year 2023 are now available to eligible 501(c)3 organizations.

The new application is available on the Monroe County website on the Human Services Advisory Board page at: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/318/Human-Services-Advisory-Board Applications must be submitted electronically by noon, Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Applications are reviewed and funding recommendations are made by the Human Services Advisory Board, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.

All HSAB meetings are open to the public.

For questions contact Janet Gunderson at Gunderson-Janet@monroecounty-fl.gov or 305-292-4470.

Dr. Nikole Czapp is relocating and will no longer be practicing at Islamorada Medical Center effective April 22nd, 2022.

The current providers at Islamorada Medical Center will still be available for patient care. Patient medical records will remain available at Islamorada Medical Center should patients need a copy of their records.

90130 Old Hwy, Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070, 305-852-9300 Publish: March 24 & 31, April 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-000033-K IN RE: ESTATE OF SANDRA KAY COMSTOCK, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SANDRA KAY COMSTOCK, deceased, whose date of death was November 2, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, Probate Division; File Number 2022-CP000033-K; the address of which is Freeman Justice Center - Monroe County Courthouse, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and his/ her 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 WITHIN 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: April 7, 2022.

Personal Representative: ALBERT GLENN QUICK c/o ZAMORA, HILLMAN & VILLAVICENCIO 3006 Aviation Avenue, PH 4C Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 Attorney for Personal Representative: ENRIQUE D. ZAMORA, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 106810 ZAMORA, HILLMAN & VILLAVICENCIO 3006 Aviation Avenue, PH 4C Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 Tel.: (305) 285-0285 Fax: (305) 285-3285 edzamora@zhvlaw.com Publish: April 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-29-M IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL DAVID MACEACHRAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MICHAEL DAVID MACEACHRAN, deceased, whose date of death was February 2, 2022, Case: 22-CP-29-M is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal

34

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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 this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: April 7, 2022.

Personal Representative: JOANNE N. MACEACHRAN c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: April 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-000057-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARK DINO MIROLLI, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARK DINO MIROLLI, deceased, whose date of death was December 29, 2021, 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 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 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: April 7, 2022.

Personal Representative: GINA ROBBINS 7245 S.W. 87th Avenue, Suite 400 Miami, FL 33173 Attorney for Personal Representative: DANIELA G. SANCHEZ, ESQ. Florida Bar No.: 0087281 THE SANCHEZ LAW GROUP 7245 S.W. 87th Avenue, Suite 400

LEGAL NOTICES Miami, FL 33173 Publish: April 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-000001-P IN RE: ESTATE OF COLLEEN A. MULLANEY, Deceased.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the estate of COLLEEN A. MULLANEY, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, Plantation Key Courthouse, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The estate is testate.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in Florida Statutes Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

Any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of administration is served is required to file any objection that challenges venue or the jurisdiction of the court with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person, or those objections are forever barred. The 3-month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by Section 733.212(3), all objections to venue or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an order of final discharge of the personal representative or 1 year after service of the notice of administration.

A petition for determination of exempt property is required to be filed by or on behalf of any person entitled to exempt property under Section 732.402, WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such person or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceeding involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of a will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property, or the right of such person to exempt property is deemed waived.

An election to take an elective share must be filed by or on behalf of the surviving spouse entitled to an elective share under Sections 732.201 732.2155 WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse, or an attorney in fact or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse, or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent's death. The time for filing an election to take an elective share may be extended as provided in the Florida Probate Rules.

Personal Representative: Robert M. Mullaney 110 10th Street Lake Park, FL 33403 Michael J. O’Connor, Esq. Attorney for Robert M. Mullaney Florida Bar Number: 87442 LUBELL & ROSEN, LLC One Alhambra Plaza, Suite 1410

LEGAL NOTICES Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 655-3425 Fax: (305) 442-9047 E-Mail: mjo@lubellrosen.com Secondary E-Mail: maria@ lubellrosen.com Publish: April 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-000001-P IN RE: ESTATE OF COLLEEN A. MULLANEY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of COLLEEN A. MULLANEY, deceased, whose date of death was July 21, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, Plantation Key Courthouse, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s 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: April 7, 2022.

Personal Representative: Robert M. Mullaney 110 10th Street Lake Park, FL 33403 Michael J. O’Connor, Esq. Attorney for Robert M. Mullaney Florida Bar Number: 87442 LUBELL & ROSEN, LLC One Alhambra Plaza, Suite 1410 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 655-3425 Fax: (305) 442-9047 E-Mail: mjo@lubellrosen.com Secondary E-Mail: maria@ lubellrosen.com Publish: April 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2022-DR-66-M Division: Family CLAUDINE HALL, Petitioner/Wife, and JOSHUA HALL, Respondent/Husband.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: Joshua Hall 173 N. Waters Edge Unit 302 Glendale Heights, IL 60139 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 Michelle Klinger Smith, attorney for Claudine Hall, whose address is 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 7, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before May 13, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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 6TH day of April 2022.

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shakia Mitchell Deputy Clerk Publish: April 14, 21 & 28, 2022 and May 5, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

Program Facilitator: Part-Time.

Manager position , computer skills, create & implement programs. Independent contractor: 20 hrs/wk, 18 weeks: May-Sept.

Potentially long-term position.

Independent Contractor: $6,000.

Send resume to justolderyouthinc@ g m a i l . c o m

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time server. $12/hr + Guaranteed Tip Pool, Employee Meals, Private Club & Friendly Atmosphere, Varying Hours Tuesday – Saturday.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 22-DR-228-K Division: Family TATIANA JOHNSON, Petitioner, and ANTHONY SCOTT, Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: Anthony Scott LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Unknown - Jamaica 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 Tatiana L. Johnson, whose address is 44 A 8th Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 on or before May 16, 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 8TH day of April 2022.

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Lisa M. Pierce Deputy Clerk Publish: April 14, 21 & 28, 2022 and May 5, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS FOR SALE 1999 Mercedes Benz 500 SL Convertible - White w/ grey leather interior.

31,000 miles. Located in Marathon. REDUCED to $18,995 781-422-1131

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

CDL Drivers needed.

Must have a clean record & drug free. We are offering competitive wages. Please apply in person at Discount Rock & Sand, 10500 Aviation Blvd, Unit 2, Marathon.

Two Boat slips - 35' max, available oceanside in Marathon.

Self contained incl. one parking space. $20.00 per foot/month plus water.

F/L/S Pet negotiable charge applies. 305-6108002

Property Manager, full time, Key Colony Beach, Sea Isle Condo - 1101 West Ocean Drive, Salary 65K-70K, resume to HardingThomasL@aol. com, or call 734-476-0531

Place your Auto For Sale ad here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and sell your car!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Upper Keys business opportunity Boat Rentals - Highly profitable w/financials, 20+ years, fully equipped, instant ocean-bay access, full service marina. $495K Call 305-896-2256

COMMERCIAL FOR SALE Marathon 1.6 acres US1 frontage, boat storage, repair shop, 3 acres bay bottom, 150' dock, 740' shoreline, ocean cove marina, 10 min. to Fl. Bay, ready for redevelopment.

Survey avail.

305-928-9057

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT Commercial Building with US 1 frontage for rent or sale in Marathon.

2550 sq ft of office & warehouse space w/ overhead door. Parking in front and secured parking & storage area with secured fencing in back.

Call 305-743-4400 Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @MM92.

Call 305-394-0530 PLACE YOUR COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! EMPLOYMENT

Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, Key Colony Beach, Sea Isle Condominium, 2025 hrs. per week, $20 per hr., $500 signing bonus available, apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol. com, or call 734-476-0531.

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 NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - Concrete Field Testing Technician needed. Full-time. Year round. We train you to go to various job sites and collect samples.

Vehicle provided. Must speak English, live in Middle Keys area and have clean driving record. Starting pay $18/ hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. 305-393-0643 Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bookkeeper. 20 hours a week. Responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month/year-end duties. Will need to learn the JONAS program.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time general maintenance person. $18/hr, up to 10 Hours a Week, Flexible Schedule.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

CENTENNIAL BANK IS HIRING! TELLER II MARATHON/KEY WEST. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: 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 Help Wanted - Big Time Discount Bait and Tackle in Marathon- competitive wages and working 3040 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199 Boat rental company in Marathon needs a mechanic.

Boat experience a plus.

Call 305-481-7006 Also hiring a boat cleaner call 305-481-7006.

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Recreation Specialist/ General Maintenance Tech, Engineering Intern, and Marina Customer Service Rep. Full Benefits.

EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club, is seeking a part time line cook. Perfect second job. Club is open 10am - 7pm daily. Located in Key Colony Beach. Hourly pay commensurate with experience.

Beautiful environment, small friendly staff, open year round. Apply in person, email resume to atpor call 305 393-0631 ask for April.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

LOT FOR SALE

YARD SALES

YARD SALES

Food for Thought in Marathon is hiring! FT and PT positions available, customer service, retail and kitchen prep. Healthy lifestyle and good sense of humor preferred.

Call (305) 743-3297

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.

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

A BIG Treasures & Trash Yard Sale - Rain or Shine - Fri. April 15 & Sat. April 16 from 8am-3pm.

Something for everyone.

Bargains galore.

All must go! 419 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon

Sat, April 16 8a-12noon.

Baseball cards, jewelry, clothes, shoes, misc. household items.

167 Coconut Row, Tavernier - across from Mariner's Hospital.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West is hiring an Administrative Assistant for Poinciana Gardens. This full-time position is responsible for facilitating the efficient operation of the assigned department by performing a variety of clerical and administrative tasks.

The position requires good communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills. The right candidate should also be proficient in Microsoft Office. Salary Commensurate with Experience. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: WrightK@ kwha.org or 305-2965621.

Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - 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 Med Tech for Poinciana Gardens.

This full time position provides essential services to the residents of Poinciana Gardens assisted living facility.

Successful candidates should be sensitive and respectful, with a passion for helping those in need.

To apply, please contact Human Resources at: Wright@kwha.org or (305) 296-5621, extension 225.Applications are also available 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 for the position of Cook at Poinciana Gardens Senior Living Facility. To apply, please visit www.kwha.org or contact Human Resources at : Wrightk@kwha.org or (305) 296-5621, extension 225.

Applications are available at the 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.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server/

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 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@ s we e t s a v a n n a h s. c o m Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work!

Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts.

Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com 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 HOUSING FOR RENT Marathon - 2 BR House available - Unfurnished, new kitchen, tile & carpet floors, huge closets. Laundry avail.

Long term lease. No pets. $2,400/month incl. electric. Tenant must pay for sewer & water.

F/L/S 305-610-8002 PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

PERSONALS Affectionate & loving homeowner looking to co-habitate with someone who is clean, personable, with an excellent credit & FICA score. No drugs, no smoking, no pets.

305-747-1700

MOVING SALE Thur Apr 14 thru Sat Apr 16.

Call for information 704-458-2389 Located at Seaward Landing in Marathon.

Good condition used furniture, bric brac, ALL CHEAP!

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

TAVERNIER Medical Assist III Nurse III – Clinical Coordinator Outreach Worker 1 MARATHON Dental Assistant II – Back Office Dental Hygienist Dentist Environmental Service Worker Outreach Worker 1

YARD SALES

Vernis & Bowling of the Florida Keys, P.A., an AV rated firm located at 81990 Overseas Hwy, 3rd Floor, Islamorada, FL, is seeking Legal Assistants/Paralegals to join our team. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: drafting correspondence and pleadings (i.e. motions, subpoenas, notices), e-filing, scheduling, and calendar management. Trial preparation experience is a plus. Very competitive salary, full benefits, and part-time work from home potential.

All interested candidates please send your resume via e-mail to Dirk M. Smits, Esq. at dsmits@florida-law.com and pfalcon@florida-law.com.

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

OPEN POSITIONS

EEO, VPE, ADA

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Experience Required. Paid per trip plus tips & sales commission.

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

KEY WEST Dental Assistant II – Back Office Dental Hygienist Dentist Environmental Service Worker Medical Assistant Nurse III – Clinical Coordinator Outreach Worker 1 Patient Financial Services Specialist Security Officer Staff Psychiatrist

APPLY TODAY

chisouthfl.org/careers 786-293-5506

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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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

EXECUTIVE AIDE

TO THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR Experience Required:

Sweet Savannah’s is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older Fulltime Baker Part-time Baker’s Assistant Email info@sweetsavannahs.com Or apply in person at 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL

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: OPEN UNTIL FILLED Equal Opportunity Employer

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

OCEANFRONT PRIVATE SWIM CLUB IN KEY COLONY BEACH IS SEEKING A KITCHEN MANAGER/COOK FOR OUR BUSY SNACK BAR.

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

DUI Evaluator Part-time – Marathon

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

JOB TITLE: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT REPORTS TO CITY CLERK The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for Administrative Assistant. Position includes but is not limited to, front desk, answering multi-line phones, processing mail, administrative support to all Staff, ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with Commission, staff, and public, providing exceptional customer service.

Minimum High School graduate with two years of work experience in customer service and administrative support. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Applicants must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal. $41k-$46k Competitive salary based on Experience. Full benefits provided. Contact City Hall for an application at 305-289-1212, opt. 2.

Applications are also available at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “City Government” then “Forms”.

Submit applications in person, via email, or by mail to: Cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Attn: City Administrator 600 West Ocean Drive PO Box 510141 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Equal Opportunity Employer DEADLINE TO APPLY: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

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.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

Salary $18.00 - $25.80/hour Key West, Sugarloaf, Marathon and Upper Keys (4 work locations) No Experience Required, Benefits, CDL Training Provided – work as a Bus Aide while training, Full Time or Flexible, Part Time Hours - 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

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

Join Our Team!

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time • 401K Employer Match • Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing • Fun, Fast-Paced Environment • Great Hours

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

Visual Communications Seasonal Utility Position (Full-Time)

Marketing Director (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

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

Key West VP/Head of Human Resources Human Resources Specialist Executive Administrative Assistant Loan Processor Maintenance Technician

242424

Big Pine Full Time Teller

(Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/Permanent)

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays.

Marathon Customer Service Representative

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 Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES DIRECTOR OF FRONT OFFICE/FOM SOUS CHEF FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR BELL/VALET ATTENDANT RESERVATIONS AGENT HOUSEKEEPING ALL POSITIONS SIGN ON BONUS OFFERED! F&B SERVER, BARTENDER BUSSERS/FOOD RUNNERS ENGINEER- MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATE 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

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Pigeon Key is seeking dedicated professionals seeking to make a positive impact in their community. Those individuals who wish to work on a uniquely beautiful island , while promoting our cultural history and preserving the natural Keys environment are encouraged to apply.

Competitive wages based on ability and experience. Applicants will be subject to criminal background check and drug screening.

Positions include: Trolley Operator (CDL licensing course provided for qualified applicant) Tour Guides, Sales Associates, Customer Relations Reps, Maintenance, Rental Associates and more.

Application online at pigeonkey.net - under the Staff icon. Or apply in person at the Pigeon Key Gift Shop, 2010 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL. Questions and completed applications can be emailed to pigeonkey@aol.com

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And 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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Kitchen Cabinets Sales

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

39

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

FLORIDA KEYS TABLE T

he Florida Keys boast some of the most iconic eateries and bars in the world.

Creative culinary minds elevate local seafood to new levels and celebrate contemporary fusion, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian, French and other international influences. Our chain of islands is one of the world’s top food and drink destinations.

But our magnetic appeal goes beyond

FOOD, DRINKS & PEOPLE the menu. The skilled professionals who define our local hospitality industry do much more than mix creative cocktails and serve delicious meals. These hard-working men and women are ambassadors, social directors, travel advisors and unlicensed — but often effective — therapists.

To celebrate our unique culinary culture, Keys Weekly brings you this bi-weekly feature to highlight the food, libations and

local personalities that define our “must-try” destinations across the Florida Keys.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a fifth-generation local, your options are endless. Indulge in something new or revisit a familiar favorite. And above all, support the local owners and loyal employees who are vital to our Keys communities.

RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE BOMB MARTINI La Trattoria Oceanside, Key West Drinks and dessert have never combined more perfectly than in La Trattoria’s Raspberry Chocolate Bomb martini, a mouth-watering mix of raspberry vodka, creme de cacao and Godiva liqueur. But don’t stop there.

Make your way through La Tratt’s whole martini menu, which includes the timeless classic martini as well as some of the most creatively tasty cocktails around.

IVAN DIAZ Morada Bay Cafe, Islamorada Server Ivan Diaz has brought some of the finest food and drinks to the patrons at Morada Bay Cafe for 15 years. He enjoys serving at the beachside dining destination, which is home to some of the best sunset views. To those stopping by for lunch or dinner, Diaz recommends the watermelon salad. “With summertime right now it’s delicious,” he said. He also recommends the Key West shrimp and the yellowtail snapper. As for drinks, he recommends trying the spicy margarita. When he’s not working, Diaz spends time with his family.

He also likes to go for a run.

CALIFORNIA BURGER Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, Marathon Sometimes a solid American classic is all you need … plus a little twist. The Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House’s California Burger tops a certified Angus burger with tomato, avocado and pepperjack cheese. It’s one of many options on one of the largest menus in the Middle Keys.

For more, visit our Keys Table Magazines online at keysweekly.com/table. Our Florida Keys Table Magazines are published six times a year in the Upper Keys, Marathon and Key West. For more information email: Stephanie@keysweekly.com.

40

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 14, 2022

85992 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 (305) 664-4444 www.keysrealestate.com

Congratulations

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices announced that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Keys Real Estate | Knight & Gardner | Freewheeler Realty earned their way into the prestigious Berkshire Elite Circle which is the top 50 Offices in the world. Congratulations to our network of agents and thank you to our loyal clients.

MEET OUR UPPER KEYS TEAM

THE UNDISPUTED LEADERS IN LUXURY THROUGHOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS

Alexa Wheeler

Almaneri Correa

Brandi Horton

Gary Lobato

Jennifer Dermer

Karol Marsden

Marcia McCormick

Matt Hungerford

Stacy Shipp

Chonda Juliano

Kathy Denworth

Susan Baker-Batsford

@bhhskeysrealestate

Claudette Mell

Kelsey Caputo

Tana Hodes

Crystal Settambrino

Kim Browning

Jude Lindback Team

D.J. Miller

Donna Webb

Lazaro Flores

Lisa Frins

Yesenia Gutierrez

Will Langley

@bhhskreislamorada

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