Key West Weekly 22-0630

1¢

Term limits.

June 30, 2022

LIGHT IT UP CELEBRATE THE FOURTH IN THE FLORIDA KEYS | P. 12

LOCAL NFL PLAYER GIVES BACK TO KEY WEST MEKHI SARGENT HELPS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | P. 26

COLLEGE BUILDS A CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL CFK ACADEMY SLATED TO OPEN IN AUGUST 2023 | P. 8

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

KEYS

NEWSPAPERS

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

ON THE COVER

A massive Burmese python recently caught in Florida made the record books. According to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, a 215-pound, 18-foot python was captured in Collier County. The reptile was caught by the conservancy as part of research on the invasive species. The previous record was 185 pounds. That, too, was caught in Florida.

A well-dressed kid enjoys the view on Fourth of July.

See page 12 for local holiday events. JESSE ANDERSON/ Contributed

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Publisher

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THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR

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KEY WEST OFFICIALS EYE TOURIST TAX REVENUE FOR HOUSING CHANGES WOULD REQUIRE STATE APPROVAL MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

A

discussion at the end of last week’s Key West city commission meeting raised a familiar topic: could a portion of the tourist development tax, collected from hotels and other lodging establishments, be used to address the housing crisis?

The short answer is and always has been no, not without approval of the state legislature, which has previously denied requests for increased spending flexibility, most recently in March 2022.

The tourist development tax, also known as the bed tax, funds the Tourist Development Councils (TDC) in Florida counties, including Monroe.

State law requires any county that collects that tax to spend it on capital projects, marketing and advertising that promote tourism in the county.

At the June 21 city commission meeting in Key West, officials started discussing their priorities for the next legislative session in Tallahassee.

“I suggested that since the TDC advertising budget is robust and revenue is doing well, could some portion of the advertising money be used for affordable housing?”

Commissioner Sam Kaufman said.

“Many of us struggle to fill positions and employees are leaving town.

This is not sustainable, but the TDC’s advertising budget has never been bigger. People are asking how we can sustain this. Is there a compro-

Key West’s Southernmost Point is one of the most popular photo spots for tourists.

LAURENCE NORAH/Florida Keys News Bureau

mise? Could we go to Tallahassee and ask, maybe start with a small percentage?”

No action was taken during the discussion, but a few commissioners were in agreement. Commissioner Jimmy Weekley suggested that the Florida Keys’ designation as an Area of Critical State Concern could be a key argument.

Mayor Teri Johnston suggested the city start working with Monroe County officials about TDC money. “I do think the TDC is a spot to discuss because no one will have a robust tourism economy if no one’s there to serve the tourists.”

Commissioner Billy Wardlow added that he’d also like to ask the state “to regulate e-bikes and scooters, and to regulate Uber drivers.”

Wardlow said the drivers “come from Miami, sleep in their cars across from the airport. They’re killing the taxi drivers. And I’m never a fan of more parking meters, but I’d say put meters across from the airport and make them pay.”

Before the discussion continued much further, the commissioners took City Attorney Shawn Smith’s advice and decided to plan “a more robust conversation” about bed tax money and other legislative priorities when they meet with their lobbyist later this summer.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

SHERIFF’S WORKFORCE HOUSING CLEARS HURDLE PARTNERSHIP WITH WEALTHY FAMILY MAKES PROJECT POSSIBLE

The circle in the aerial photo shows the currently vacant lot on Trumbo Road, where 24 workforce apartments will be built for sheriff’s office, police and other public employees. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

A vacant lot on Trumbo Road in Key West, between the luxury Steam Plant condominiums and the school district’s headquarters, eventually will feature 24 new apartments for employees of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Police Department and city of Key West employees.

Key West’s Historic Architectural Review Commission on June 28 expressed unanimous support for the project that’s being funded without taxpayer money by the owners of the neighboring Steam Plant through their company known as SPGL. “We’re hoping to start moving some dirt by November,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the HARC members Tuesday evening at Key West’s city hall.

“We had initially talked about doing 30 units at Trumbo Road, but there were concerns about parking in that space.

So my building partner bought a 14unit compound on Stock Island that has been occupied by workers for the past 18 months.”

So who is this SPGL “building partner” that also owns the majority of units at the neighboring Steam Plant condominiums with rooftop pools and elevators, and also made a proposal to build employee housing for the school district?

The local project representative for SPGL is Walter “Wag” Woodward, who is quick to emphasize that the funding for this project comes from his sister and brother-in-law, who in

Heavy traffic is expected all weekend. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

2013 sold their interests in the oil and natural gas industries in Texas and Louisiana for more than $1 billion.

“I’m basically the project representative for them here in Key West,” Woodward told the Keys Weekly on Wednesday. “After my brother-inlaw had attended a meeting about the property trade between the city and the sheriff’s office for the homeless shelter on College Road and that vacant lot on Trumbo, they asked me to meet with the sheriff, and then they authorized the purchase of the 14 units on Stock Island and the construction of the new housing on Trumbo Road. The sheriff has been an awesome partner in this process.

There’s a lot of trust that’s been built between SPGL and the sheriff’s office, along with the county attorneys, Owen Trepanier, Ginny Stones, Tom Pope and the city. I couldn’t have made this happen on my own.”

Ramsay says the same about Woodward and his family.

“When else can a government agency get a total of 38 truly affordable housing units at no cost to the taxpayers? This is a remarkable partnership and I’m pleased the city’s HARC board sees it that way as well,” Ramsay told the Keys Weekly on June 29.

Once the sheriff’s units are built on Trumbo Road, tenants will pay their rent to SPGL, but Woodward added that it’s not a for-profit venture because it likely won’t turn a profit given the rising cost of construction, materials and inflation.

“But at least we can put deputies, police, first responders and other vital community members in new housing,” Woodward said before boarding a plane to his home in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

HEAVY TRAFFIC EXPECTED FOR FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND

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he Monroe County Sheriff’s Office expects Fourth of July traffic to be very heavy throughout the Florida Keys — on and off the water — starting this week.

Traffic enforcement deputies will be on the roads watching for impatient and unsafe drivers. Don’t pass in no-passing zones or in center turn lanes or you are likely to get a ticket. If you plan to drive anywhere in or out of the county, make sure you plan extra time for your trip. Expect back-ups and delays from the 18-Mile Stretch to Key West.

Also, if you plan to drink alcohol, make sure to designate a sober driver — for your car or your boat — to make sure you get home safely.

The sheriff’s office will have extra deputies on the water as well in an effort to keep mariners safe. Be patient and courteous at sandbars, other gathering areas and especially at marinas and boat ramps.

They are expected to be very busy. Again, plan ahead and give yourself extra time.

Please leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Discard trash properly, in a trash can or a recycling container. It isn’t fair to leave it on the ground or in the water for someone else to clean up and you could be charged with littering.

There will be a parade in Key Largo on July 4 that is expected to cause traffic congestion. Northbound traffic will be temporarily closed at Mile Marker 99 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. All traffic will then be diverted into southbound lanes starting at 9:45 a.m. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and will last about two hours. The highway will return to normal by 1 p.m. at the latest. Avoid traveling through that area between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you have to travel through that area during those times, plan extra time and expect slowdowns.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

NEW CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL COMING IN AUGUST 2023 COLLEGE BUILDS NEW CFK ACADEMY ON KEY WEST CAMPUS

Construction is underway for the new CFK Academy, a charter high school on the college’s Key West campus. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

S

tudents in Key West, the Lower Keys and perhaps farther north will have a new option when it comes to high schools in August 2023.

Not only is The Basilica School bringing a Catholic high school back to Key West, but Somerset Island Prep, a charter high school on Flagler Avenue, has expanded enrollment in recent years.

And now, the College of the Florida Keys is constructing a new building on its Key West campus that will house the CFK Academy charter high school. The school aims to enroll 85 students in its first year, and then increase that enrollment to about 220 students over five years.

The goal of CFK Academy, college president Jonathan Gueverra told the Keys Weekly, is to enable students to graduate from high school with both a diploma and an associate’s degree, which could eliminate two years’ worth of costly college tuition for students ultimately seeking a bachelor’s degree.

“The state of Florida has provided catalyst funds for charter schools on college campuses so students can save money on their higher education,” Gueverra said on Tuesday. “The goal is to make Florida a place where education is affordable.”

Jonathan Gueverra, president of the College of the Florida Keys, speaks to school board members on June 28 about the charter high school being built on the college’s Key West campus.

CONTRIBUTED

With a charter high school on the college campus, students will be able to take college-level classes for college credit without traveling back and forth from Key West High School to the college, as KWHS students do, for traditional dualenrollment classes.

“We’ll offer seamless schedules, and parents don’t have to worry about transportation between two schools, even if they’re only a mile or so apart,” Gueverra said.

“We want to do anything we can to make things more convenient and conducive for them. The students will also get exposure and access to our career, technical and apprenticeship programs.”

The new CFK Academy building will have the same security requirements as traditional high schools, and college students will not have access to the high school building, said Brittney Snyder, executive vice president of the college.

The county school board met on June 28 with college officials to ask questions about the CFK Academy, which must submit detailed plans about curriculum, projected enrollment and educational philosophies to the state board of education and to the county school district.

Charter schools are funded with public money, and are free for students to attend. (The Catholic high school will not be a charter school, but a tuition-based private school.)

“The college has long had an interest in opening other avenues for students to have opportunities to do more career technical education programs,” Gueverra told the school board Tuesday in Marathon. “We have a good partnership with the school district. This is not about taking away, but adding opportunities.”

Board member Mindy Conn expressed concern about staffing the new high school.

“Could we see high school teachers being recruited by CFK to teach there?” she asked, adding that she hoped there could be some crossover in public high school students could possibly take a class from a charter school teacher if that class isn’t available at a public high school.

“I could be somewhat blunt and callous and say that I’ve lost a lot of employees to the school district over the years and we’ve dealt with it,” Gueverra replied. “I can’t prevent people from going from point A to point B if they see a better opportunity. However, as I said, we’re all working toward the same goal and I don’t see any reason that crossover couldn’t happen. There could be all kinds of relationships to create. It’s part of all of us working together.”

The school board took no formal action Tuesday on the charter school application, which was listed as a workshop discussion, not an action item.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT SEEKS INPUT FROM STOCK ISLAND COMMUNITY SURVEY PARTICIPANTS GET FOOD GIFT CARD THROUGH JULY

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he Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) is conducting a community health survey for residents and employees of Stock Island. The survey will help DOHMonroe better understand the needs of the Stock Island community as it relates to healthy living and the local environment. DOH-Monroe has set a goal for 700 completed surveys through July.

“The Stock Island Community Health Survey is an important project for DOH-Monroe,” said Jennifer Lefelar, community health planner for the department. “Data from this survey will help DOH-Monroe, in partnership with the Stock Island Community, set priorities and seek additional resources to help this part of the Florida Keys. If you live or work on Stock Island, please take five minutes to complete this survey and provide your feedback about health, transportation, and the community environment.”

The survey is anonymous and available in English, Spanish and Haitian creole. If you live or work on Stock Island, and are at least 14 years of age, please take the survey today at www.tinyurl.com/healthstockisland.

“Anyone who completes the survey by the deadline of June 30 will have the option to include their name and address at the end of the survey to receive a $5 food gift card in the mail from DOH-Monroe as a reward for taking the survey,” said Lefelar. “The $5 food gift cards can be used at major grocery store chains (including Publix and WinnDixie) that honor manufacturer coupons.”

Results of the Stock Island Community Health Survey will be published later this year.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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we want you to run/walk THE ROTARY 4TH OF JULY 5K!

The Rotary Club of Key West 4th of July 5K Walk/ Run To benefit the Edward B. Knight Scholarship Fund

WHERE

White Street Pier 1801 White Street Key West, FL 33040

WHEN

Monday, July 4th 2022 @ 7:30am

ONLINE REGISTRATION

$30 until July 3rd @ 4pm In Person Registration & Packet Pick Up:

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION $40 until July 3rd 4-6pm & July 4th 6:45am-7:30am

REGISTRATION

Rotary Club of

4TH OF JULY

1.00% APR 1.50% APR 1.75% APR 2.00% APR 2.10% APR

$10,000 MINIMUM BALANCE START SAVING NOW APY effective 6/23/2022, subject to change at any time and is based on interest compounding monthly. This is a limited time offer and can be withdrawn at anytime without notice. Interest rates are fixed for the term of the certificate of deposit and a penalty is imposed for early withdrawal which could reduce earnings on account.

NMLS# 1977396

Come have a

BLAST with us!

JOIN US! FOR A STAR SPANGLED

4TH OF JULY VIP DINNER & CELEBRATION! THE ROTARY CLUB OF KEY WEST INVITES YOU TO DINNER UNDER THE FIREWORKS WHERE Indigenous Park 1801 White Street WHEN July 4, 2022 Seating begins @ 7 p.m.

MENU Dinner provided

by Catered Affairs & CASH BAR TICKETS $ IOO/ PER PERSON @ KeysTix.com

Rotary Club of

KEYS

4TH OF JULY

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Proceeds to benefit Rotary Club of Key West Scholarship Programs

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

By Jim McCarthy and Mandy Miles

A LOOK AT CAMPAIGN FINANCE$ THU$ FAR

REPUBLICAN STATE REP. CANDIDATES AHEAD IN FUNDRAISING

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ampaign signs are popping up everywhere and glossy postcards are filling mailboxes.

In the race to represent District 120 in the Florida House of Representatives, two Republican candidates, including the incumbent, are leading the fundraising efforts.

With more than $201,000 in his campaign coffers, Republican State Rep. Jim Mooney, who is seeking reelection to his second term as state representative for the Keys and a portion of south MiamiDade County, has outraised all other candidates, including Republican challenger Rhonda Rebman Lopez, who has brought in $85,000 since entering the race in April.

Mooney’s fundraising efforts, however, began in November 2021, according to state election documents.

Campaign finance records show monetary contributions totaling just over $138,000 since last September for Mooney. He secured the Republican nod following a slim victory in the 2020 primary and a win over Democrat Clint Barras in the 2020 general election.

Since April, Mooney’s campaign has received a little more than $90,000 in contributions thanks to two Florida Republican groups. The Florida House Republican Campaign Committee poured $56,000 into Mooney’s campaign in April. And close to $41,000 was given to his campaign by the Republican Party of Florida since May.

The Florida House Republican Committee has spent more than $255,000 dating back to last fall on various campaigns through direct donations, mailers and advertisements. The Republican Party of Florida has expended more than $10 million since last fall.

Mooney’s campaign has also received contributions from local businesses including Wahoo’s, Robbie’s Marine Enterprises, Theater of the Sea and The Caribbean Resort, all in Islamorada.

Mooney has the backing of Republican leadership in the House, with endorsements from Paul Renner, Florida House speaker for 2022; Rep. Danny Perez, of Miami, who will serve as speaker following the 2024 election; and Rep. Sam Garrison, of Clay County, who will be speaker at the conclusion of the 2026 general election.

“Certainly, having the speaker of the house and house Republican leadership behind me says a lot,” he said. “That means a lot to me and it should mean a lot to the people of the district who understand that politics are not cut and dry.”

Mooney paid $1,781.82 in order to qualify and appear on the ballot for the Aug. 23 primary.

Republican challenger Rhonda Rebman Lopez, who finished second to Mooney by 148 votes in a three-way race in the 2020 primary, has secured $85,520 in campaign contributions since April.

Rebman Lopez has received a number of donations from Key Largo residents, as well as businesses like United Nursery LLC in Homestead, Concrete Construction in Key Largo and Ocean Reef Dive Shop.

Citing the need for active leadership in District 120, she announced her candidacy on April 1. So far, Rebman Lopez’s campaign has spent $32,558. She’s director of international marketing for PECO International, a 67-year-old family business in Miami-Dade County. In January, she was appointed to the Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development.

Rebman Lopez’s platform includes supporting parental rights when it comes to education, ensuring funds for Monroe and southern Dade counties, safeguarding the Second Amendment and defending Florida’s agriculture industry, among others.

“I’m the hardest worker, the most visible, the easiest to get in touch with and have the most tenacity and energy,” Rebman Lopez told the Weekly earlier in the month. “I will represent the entire House district.”

Rebman Lopez’s campaign has received 82 campaign contributions from individuals and groups since May. Rebman Lopez secured enough signed petitions to qualify for the race.

Rebman Lopez has secured an endorsement from the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida. She said she continues to listen to the district’s needs and intends on delivering on those needs if elected.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

Jim Mooney Filed Nov. 18, 2020 Contributions: $201,093.20 Loans: $0 Inkind: $50,420.27 Expenditures: $43,049.58

Rhonda Rebman Lopez Filed April 1, 2022 Contributions: $85,520.66 Loans: $0 Inkind: $1,654.55 Expenditures: $32,588.93

Robert Allen Filed Dec. 21, 2021 Contributions: $150 Loans: $0 Inkind: $0 Expenditures: $0

Adam Gentle Filed Jan. 4, 2022 Contributions: $77,284 Loans: $0 InKind: $4,492 Expenditures: $25,412

Daniel Horton-Diaz Filed Jan. 5, 2022 Contributions: 55,835.01 Loans: $16,000 InKind: $1,120 Expenditures: $20,032

Big Pine Key resident Robert Allen threw his name into the hat for state representative on the Republican side last December. To date, he’s secured two campaign contributions totaling $150. He hasn’t spent anything so far.

He paid the qualifying fee to enter the race.

On June 28, a letter from the state Division of Elections was sent to Allen stating that he did not file a campaign treasurer’s report nor give notification stating that no reportable activity occurred by the June 24 filing date.

According to the division of elections, if reportable activity occurs and a report isn’t filed, fines are automatically assessed until the report is filed. Fines are $50 per day for the first three days late and $500 per day for each day after the third day late. If no reportable activity occurred, no automatic fines are assessed. A letter is required, however, stating that no reportable activity occurred.

On the Democrat side, anti-corruption attorney Adam Gentle, who lives on Big Coppitt Key with his husband, leads Daniel Horton-Diaz in fundraising. As of June 29, Gentle had raised $77,284 since he entered the race in January. Horton-Diaz, an attorney and former staffer in the Florida Senate and U.S. House, has raised $55,835, including $16,000 that he loaned his campaign.

Horton-Diaz’s financial support has come mostly from individual donors, including several people from throughout the Florida Keys, Homestead and Miami. He also has received $1,000 donations from the Communications Workers of America union and a painters union.

He also received $1,000 from Dream Bay Resort wedding venue and vacation rentals in Key Largo.

Gentle, who has become a familiar face at Key West events, has raised $77,284 since joining the race in January. Most of his support also comes from individuals, including $1,000 checks from Key West residents, business owners and retirees, including $1,000 donations from John Spottswood, Chris Massicotte, Matthew Helmerich, Jeffrey Smead, Charles Morris, Carolyn Burruss and William Burruss. Gentle also has received support from his home state of Michigan, as well as New York, Miami and Washington, D.C. Key West Mayor Teri Johnston has endorsed Gentle for state representative, saying, “Adam Gentle is the leader we need fighting for us in Tallahassee.

As an anti-corruption attorney, he is ready to take on Tallahassee’s special interests and put our community first.”

Gentle also received an endorsement from the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which works to get members of the LGBTQ community elected to public office. If elected, Gentle will be just the eighth openly gay lawmaker to serve in the Florida Legislature and the fourth currently serving, states a March article in FloridaPolitics.com.

Former U.S. Rep. Debbie MucarselPowell, who represented the Florida Keys, has been guiding Gentle through some of the political process and said, “I think he would be the best person to represent the district.”

Horton-Diaz, who formerly worked as Mucarsel-Powell’s district chief of staff in the Keys, has received the endorsement of Key West city commissioners Sam Kaufman, Clayton Lopez and Jimmy Weekley, according to his campaign website. He’s also been endorsed by former Monroe County Commissioner Shirley Freeman, as well as the Miami Dade Young Democrats and Florida Young Democrats.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022 The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce will host its annual “Celebrating Freedom” July 4 parade. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES Parades and fireworks highlight celebrations

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ocal parades, beach parties and on-the-water fun topped off by fireworks displays will highlight Independence Day celebrations throughout the Florida Keys.

KEY WEST • The Key Lime Festival features culinary and libation adventures Thursday, June 30, through Monday, July 4, showcasing the tiny fruit that inspired Key lime pie, the Florida Keys’ signature dessert. The mouthwatering Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, the festival highlight, is set for 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at the oceanfront Southernmost Beach Cafe at 1405 Duval St. Participants with their hands behind their backs must dive in face-first to devour an entire 9-inch Key lime pie faster than their rivals. The event is free for spectators and gates open at 12:30 p.m. Visit keylimefestival.com.

• Mermaids in red, white and blue finery are expected to appear at the “4th of July Mermaid Splash” event, set for 10. a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lagerheads Beach Bar, a favorite spot at 0 Simonton Street. The shallow beach is perfect for a day of sandcastle building or relaxing with mermaids in the Key West sun. Admission is free, but tickets to swim with the mermaids must be purchased.

The fun is part of the Key West Mermaid Festival planned for Friday through Tuesday, July 1-5, in the island city. The family-friendly festival features interactive mermaid adventures while raising awareness about oceans and salty shores. Events include mermaid meet-ups, swim encounters with the festival's mermaid pod, ocean-themed parties and a weekend mermaid- and ocean-inspired marketplace at Truman Waterfront Park. A portion of festival proceeds will benefit

Reef Relief's efforts to protect the coral reef ecosystem. Visit keywestmermaidfestival.com.

• Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented the island’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1800 White St., fireworks are to begin at 9 p.m. Monday, July 4.

Attendees can purchase drinks and food, including burgers and hot dogs, at a booth across from the pier on Atlantic Avenue, with proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club’s scholarship fund. There will also be a celebration before the fireworks at a catered, ticketed “Patriotic Dinner under the Fireworks” on the pier at 7 p.m. Dinner proceeds will benefit the Rotary scholarship fund as well. Visit keywestrotary.com.

BIG PINE & THE LOWER KEYS • The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host Independence Day festivities starting at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at Big Pine Community Park, MM 31. Attractions include vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities and entertainment. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free but coolers, pets and personal fireworks are not allowed. Visit facebook. com/LowerKeysRotary or call 303-5010233.

MARATHON • In family-oriented Marathon, the free-admission Sombrero Beach is the site of one of the Keys’ largest and longest fireworks displays, produced by the city of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. Spectators on land and hundreds of boaters traditionally line up for colorful views of the fiery dazzlers.

Families can gather Monday, July 4, for a full day of beachside activities beginning with a 10:30 a.m. patriotic parade that follows a route from Marathon High School on Sombrero Beach Road, MM 50 oceanside, to Sombrero Beach. The all-day celebration includes food, cold drinks and family entertainment. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com or call 305-743-5417.

UPPER KEYS • The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada will co-host the Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, MM 87, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4. Fireworks are to begin at dark.

Food and drinks can be purchased from vendors and live entertainment is planned for the family-friendly evening. On-site parking will be available for a suggested donation of $10 per vehicle. Proceeds benefit the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation. No coolers or outside food are permitted, but attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Visit islamoradachamber.com or call 305-664-4503.

• The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce will host the annual “Celebrating Freedom” July 4 parade from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m., to begin at mile marker 98.2 in front of Anthony’s Clothing Store.

• At about 9:30 p.m., the annual bayfront Blackwater Sound fireworks celebration will be held at Rowell’s Waterfront Park, mile marker 104.5. The dazzling display of shimmering lights is to be provided by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Visit web.keylargochamber. org/events or call 305-451-1414 for more details.

— Contributed

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

BOAT RAMP ETIQUETTE IN THE BUSIEST NAUTICAL MONTHS OF THE YEAR

THIS SUMMER, BE A ‘QUALIFIED CAPTAIN’

A little common sense at the ramp can make a nightmare day of launches much more manageable.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

W

ith Memorial Day in the rearview mirror, we’re officially into the sweltering days of summer in the Keys. The season will see residents and visitors alike flock to public boat ramps for their chance to beat the heat – with plenty of new captains still learning the ins and outs of their vessels. The National Marine Manufacturers’ Association announced that new boat sales reached a 13year high in 2020 and remained elevated in 2021, with sales through March 2021 up 30% compared to the 2020 average.

Keys boat ramps have taken center stage during several government meetings, and I’m sure most reading this article have seen at least one – OK, maybe 100 – angry social media rants about conduct at popular launch sites. The concern is justified; a visit to Marathon’s Quay boat ramp on a Saturday typically finds a line of trailers backed all the way out to U.S. 1, and R.I.P. to the brave souls who try to launch during the hellscape of mini-season.

When captains fail to follow the unwritten – yet somehow ironclad – laws of boat ramp conduct, the problem becomes 10 times worse. In the spirit of heading off summer boat ramp shouting matches, I’m glad to offer what I’ve learned in the 17 years since my parents made the mistake of kick-starting my nautical obsessions with my first rowboat.

Let me be clear: I’m no boating saint. I’m a proud member of the unspeakable heathens of the boating community: jet skiers.

And though the group rightfully earns its reputation in many cases, there are plenty of riders who know, and follow, rules of common courtesy.

How did I learn those rules? Well, my copy of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Boating and Sailing” is the most worn, dog-eared volume sitting on my shelf, and has been for years. The Qualified Captain’s Instagram account (@thequalifiedcaptain) is a fantastic collection of videos that vividly illustrate the

consequences of captains’ poor choices. And my learning was *greatly* accelerated when my own breaches of ramp etiquette were met with an impressive tapestry of obscenities from fellow boaters.

But to save the rest of you from that lovely experience, just read the few paragraphs here.

Maybe it’ll help.

It’s better with a friend.

Sure, every captain wants to be the master of both boat and towing vehicle, but so many boat ramp problems can be alleviated with a boat and car driver working together. Call that buddy of yours who likes to remind everyone that “having a friend with a boat is better than having a boat” and tell him it’s time to learn and pull his weight.

While one drives the car, the other can quickly back the boat off the trailer, and when it’s time to head home, one of the two can keep the waiting boat out of the way while the other handles the line of trailers at the ramp. Which leads me to…

Taking your turn: it’s about cars, not boats.

The order of launching and retrieving vessels at a boat ramp is determined by the line of cars on land, NOT the order in which boats arrived at the ramp. A boat sitting near the ramp without a trailer prepared to haul it away is nothing more than a giant roadblock. Keep well away from the ramp and the attached courtesy dock until it is your turn to actively launch or retrieve your boat.

If you’re retrieving your boat alone, make sure that once you tie your boat to the dock, you can quickly and efficiently get to your car and get it down the ramp.

Launch prep: if it’s your turn, you’re too late.

Most days on the boat require a good bit of gear to enjoy properly. A cooler full of cold ones, tackle boxes, floats, you name it. However, the time to “load up” is NOT when your boat is halfway down the ramp and nearly touching the water. Once you pull into the parking lot of the ramp, take some time to pull to the side, put all necessary gear in the boat, prep any dock lines you might need, and release those pesky tran-

som straps. Make sure your boat’s key is inserted, the batteries are on, and the boat responds if you tap the starter briefly.

Then, and only then, may you enter the sacred line of cars that will lead you to your day on the water.

ALEX Don’t be a boat RICKERT blocker.

On the most chaotic made the natural days at the ramp, it can career transition from dolphin be nearly impossible to trainer to newspa- tell who’s arriving, who’s per editor after six leaving, who’s ready to go, years at Dolphin and who’s still working.

Research Center.

Regardless of your situaHis passions include running, tion, realize that if you’re watersports, and not actively launching or civil disagreeretrieving, it’s your obligaments with sharks while spearfishing. tion to stay WELL out of the way. If you pull out of a ramp, hang a quick turn, and plug the exit for everyone else while you prepare your entire boat for the trip back to the house, you’re doing it wrong. Pull up a little more, off to the side, or find a nearby parking lot to finish your preparations, and realize that everyone else needs just as much space as you did to launch and retrieve.

Help others. You were once a newbie too.

If you claim that you came out of the womb knowing how to back a trailer, I’m going to call you a liar. If you claim you’ve never made a mistake or broken the unwritten rules, knowingly or unknowingly, while launching your boat … well, same thing. Boat ramps are a better place to be with a bit of understanding and a willingness to help your fellow boaters, and the best captains I know are the ones who admit their mistakes, learn from them, and always keep an open ear when seasoned skippers have a word of advice to share.

18

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

PRESENTED BY

ONLY ONE CAN WIN! PICK YOUR FAVORITE AT KEYSWEEKLY.COM/BUBBAS VOTING ENDS JULY 11 FOOD AND DRINKS

THE BUSINESSES

Best Key Lime Pie: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, Blue Heaven, Square Grouper Bar & Grill Best Cuban Sandwich: Sandy’s Café, Kim’s Kuban, 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop Best Ethnic Food: El Siboney, Fritas Cuban Burger Café, Tikka Bar Best Cup of Coffee: Cuban Coffee Queen, Keys Coffee Co., Baby’s Coffee Best Breakfast: Two Friends Patio, Harpoon Harry’s, Goldman’s Bagel Deli Best Brunch: Blue Heaven, Azur Restaurant, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar Best Lunch: Pepe’s Cafe, Moondog Cafe, Fritas Cuban Burger Cafe Best Bar: Tattoos & Scars Saloon, Green Parrot Bar, Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon Best Gay Bar: 22 & Co., Aqua, 801 Bourbon Bar Best Wine Bar: Grand Vin, Vinos on Duval, Viv Wine Bistro Best Mojito: Willie T’s, El Meson De Pepe, Two Friends Patio Best Beer Selection: Bearded Lady Key West, The Retro Room, My New Joint Best Bartender: Carlos Home – 22 & Co., Fabiola Azuaje – Two Friends Patio, Joan Kongos – Rams Head Southernmost Best Waterfront Dining: Louie’s Backyard, Latitudes, A&B Lobster House Best Pizza: Roostica, Duetto Pizza & Gelato, Clemente’s Trolley Pizza Best Seafood: Conch Republic Seafood Co., A&B Lobster House, Hogfish Bar & Grill (tied for 3rd), The Docks Restaurant + Raw Bar (tied for 3rd) Best Steak: Prime Steakhouse, A&B Lobster House, Tavern N Town Best Taco: Sinz Burritos, Garbo’s Grill, Amigos Tortilla Bar Best Food Truck: Garbo’s Grill, One Love Food Truck, Taco Express Key West Best Dessert: Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant, Square Grouper Bar & Grill, Wicked Lick Key West Best Conch Fritters: The Conch Shack, Conch Republic Seafood Co., Fritas Cuban Burger Cafe Best Bloody Mary: Rams Head Southernmost, Tipsy Rooster Liquor Store & Bar, Two Friends Patio Best Late Night Spot: Tattoos & Scars Saloon, Green Parrot Bar, Mary Ellen’s Bar & Kitchen Best Margarita: Pepe’s Cafe, Tipsy Rooster Liquor Store & Bar, General Horseplay Best Martini: Virgilio’s, 22 & Co, Berlin’s Cocktail Bar & Lounge Best Place to Cure a Hangover: Firefly Key West, IVs In the Keys, Sunrise IV Hydration Best BBQ: Smoked BBQ (On the Water), Fritas Cuban Burger Cafe, Geiger Key Fish Camp Best Bar or Restaurant Restroom: 22 & Co., Tavern N Town, The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. Best Sushi: Misohappy, Origami Sushi Bar, Sushi Song Key West Best Catering Company: Catered Affairs of Key West, Great Events Catering, Destination Catering & Events Best Organic/Health Food: Date & Thyme Organic Café and Market, The Café, Sugar Apple Organic Cafe & Market Best Happy Hour: Boat House Bar & Grill, The White Tarpon, Two Friends Patio Best Overall Restaurant: Two Friends Patio, Santiago’s Bodega Key West, A&B Lobster House

Best Accounting Firm: Zuelch & Zuelch Accounting & Tax, Oropeza & Parks Certified Public Accountants, Niles, Kight & Company PLLC Best Law Firm: Oropeza Stones & Cardenas, Horan Law, Spottswood Spottswood Spottswood and Sterling PLLC Best Charter Fishing Captain/Guide: DJ Barrios — Roughshot Charters, Capt. Todd Ermish — Fishizzle Charters, Capt. Marlin Scott – Fishmonster Charters Best Furniture Store: Fast Buck’s At Home, Royal Furniture, Soul House Best Dive Shop: Lost Reef Adventures, Captain’s Corner Dive Center, Divers Direct Best Bait & Tackle Shop: Esky Rods, Murray Marine, Key West Bait & Tackle Best Watersports Company: Sebago Watersports, Fury Water Adventures Key West, Sunset Watersports Best Marina: A&B Marina, Murray Marine, The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West Best Customer Service: Strunk Ace Hardware, Monroe County Tax Collector, Fishmonster & Island Jane Best Resort/Hotel: The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, Pier House Resort & Spa, Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel Best Grocery Store: Fausto’s Food Palace, Publix, Winn-Dixie Best Contractor: Keystar Construction, Charley Toppino & Sons Inc., Conch Construction & Roofing Best Landscaping Company: Mama’s Garden Center, Ecoscapes, Southernmost Scapes Best Auto Repair: Pit Stop Tire, Richard’s Tune Up, Shifting Gears Automotive Best Photographer: Nick Doll Photography, Iris Moore Photography, Larry Blackburn Photography Best Doctor: Dr. Norman “Rocky” Tingle, Dr. John Norris, Dr. Melanie Youshak Best Veterinarian: Keys Animal Center, All Animal Clinic, Lower Keys Animal Clinic Best Realtor: Will Langley, Bascom Grooms, Caroline Stover-Sickmen Best Real Estate Office: Bascom Grooms Key West Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner Realty, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company Best Bank: First State Bank of the Florida Keys, Gulf Atlantic Bank, Keys Federal Credit Union Best Jewelry Store: Jeff’s Gems and Nautical Designs, Neptune Designs, Mine Shaft Jewelry Designs Best Car Dealer: Key West Kia, Niles Sales and Service, Keys Auto Center Best Bed & Breakfast: The Gardens Hotel, The Conch House, Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn Best Chiropractor: Ryan Barnett – Key West Chiropractic, Darold Leto – Florida Keys Chiropractic & Therapy, Steve Oropeza – Oropeza Chiropractic Wellness Center Best Dentist: Dr. Claude Harris, Dr. Hector Guzman Family Dentistry, Dr. Louis Spelios – Island Dental Best Florist: Love In Bloom Florist, Kutchey’s Flowers in Key West, Petals & Vines Best Insurance: United Atlantic Insurance Group, Fullers Insurance, The Porter-Allen Company Best Liquor Store: Tipsy Rooster Liquor Store & Bar, Conch Town Liquor & Lounge, Jolly’s Liquor Store Best Local Retailer: The Green Pineapple Wellness, Kirby’s Closet, Besame Mucho Best Fitness Center/Gym: FYT Key West, Sweat Society KW, BodyZone Fitness Best Nail Salon: Lee Nails, Nail Bar and Lounge, Nailtini Nail Bar & Day Spa Best Spa: Flow Spa Key West, Prana Spa, Ocean Wellness Spa and Salon Best Hair Salon: Blown Away Hair Studio, Kai & Co. Salon, Salty Roots Best Barber: Beards & Brews, Cottar Cuts, Imjustcuttin Barber Studio Best Summer Camp: Key West Preschool Co-op, Reef Relief, Seacamp Association Inc. Best Family Owned Business: Two Friends Patio, Ramona’s Conch Creations, Fausto’s Food Palace (tied for 3rd), Miami Subs (tied for 3rd) Best Overall Business: Ramona’s Conch Creations, First State Bank of the Florida Keys, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner Realty

OUR COMMUNITY Best Place to take the Kids: The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, The Waterfront Brewery, Truman Waterfront Park Best Local Event/Festival: Fantasy Fest, Key West Songwriters Festival, Mile 0 Fest Best Tourist Attraction: The Hemingway Home & Museum, Conch Tour Train, The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory Best Local Celebrity: Mike Stack, Bill Hoebee, Casey Arnold Best Teacher/Professor/School Admin: Erika Stokes-HOB, Keri Fink-KWHS , Lauren “Lo” Albury- KWHS Best Non-Profit Organization: Sister Season Fund, Florida Keys SPCA, Reef Relief Best Elected Official: Sam Steele - Monroe County Tax Collector, Craig Cates – Monroe County Commissioner, Teri Johnston – Key West Mayor Best Local Musician: Caffeine Carl, Brian Roberts, Cliff Cody Best Band: Marshall Morlock Band, Caffeine Carl & the Buzz, The Durtbags Best DJ: DJ Sanaris, DJ Jimmy Cooper, DJ Moses Best in Drag: Sushi, Beatrix Dixie, QMitch Best Artist: Sotey Jackson, Fran Decker, Lance Berry Best Thespian/Performing Artist: Erin McKenna, Arthur Crocker, Ruby Stover Sickmen Best Live Music Venue: Green Parrot Bar, Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, Coffee Butler Amphitheater Best Performing Arts Venue: Key West Theater, Comedy Key West, Waterfront Playhouse Best Art Gallery or Studio: Ocean Blue Galleries Key West, The Studios of Key West, Key West Collective

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

TAKE ME HOME? 10. Seatbelt laws — particularly in places where you can ride a scooter with no helmet, while your 4-year-old sits between you and the handlebars. (i.e. Key West).

9. Social media posts that are laced with blatant racism and under the lame guise of titles like “patriot,” “liberty” and “freedom.”

8.

ITEMS THE U.S. SUPREME COURT SHOULD HAVE OVERTURNED INSTEAD OF ROE

The McRib.

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

T

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea

pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

7. Mega corporations and churches that pay no taxes, but whose leaders travel by private jet.

6. Men’s jean shorts (or jorts).

5. Kanye West’s Twitter account.

4. Stand-your-ground laws.

Which really means, “I brought a gun to a fistfight that I started, but when I realized I was getting my ass kicked I decided to grab my gun. And since I’m the only witness left alive, you can take my word for it, particularly since the other guy was a minority.”

3. Insider trading — prosecution and sentencing: Or at least until we decide that sitting politicians can’t do it for millions of dollars at a time (and during COVID shutdowns when everyone else was losing all they had), and yet we’ll throw Martha Stewart in the slammer for 45 grand.

Gumball is a 2-month-old male domestic shorthair.

2. TikTok dances. For every reason imaginable.

1. The Supreme Court — maybe it’s time for them to overturn themselves in some way. Did someone say term limits?

Midnight is a 7-month-old male rabbit.

Mozzy Mozzarella is a 1-year-old male large mixed breed.

Pawblo Escobark is a 1-year-old male chihuahua mix.

SnaggleTooth Bob is an 8-year-old male domestic shorthair.

21

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

A GOOD DAY FOR THE BLUES

A Miami blue butterfly seen recently at Bahia Honda State Park.

MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

I

f you want to find a Miami blue caterpillar the first thing you do is look for the gray nickerbean. You could also look for Keys blackbead, but Keys blackbead can also be the host plant for the Cassius MARK blue butterfly and their larvae look pretty much the HEDDEN same, so you wouldn’t be sure what you were looking at. It’s better to find the nickerbean, because Miami ... is a photographer, writer, and blues are the only butterflies that use it as a host. semi-professional After you find that, look for a Florida carpenter birdwatcher. He ant. They’re a kind of ruddy brown, which makes has lived in Key them easier to find against the green of the nickWest for more than 25 years and erbean. Look for an ant that’s a little crazed, a little may no longer hyper, running back and forth, spinning around, be employable in maybe somewhat spastic, as if it’s on some kind of the real world. He sugar high. Because it is. Watch it long enough and it is also executive will run back to a small, elongated lump on the stalk, director of the Florida Keys Audu- about half the size of a grain of rice. The ant will touch bon Society. the small lump, then start sprinting around again.

Florida carpenter ants and Miami blue caterpillars have a symbiotic relationship that seems part protectionist racket, part addict/dealer relationship. The caterpillar has a gland that secretes something that’s unofficially called honeydew, a sugary substance that the ants can only get from them. In exchange for the regular hits of honeydew, the ant gets proprietary and fends off all the other ants, wasps and spiders, basically acting as bodyguards who are in it for the fix.

The elongated lump that the ant keeps running back to will be the Miami blue caterpillar.

It will be pretty much the same wasabi green as the nickerbean stalk, but stare at it long enough and you’ll realize it is moving at a slow, processional pace, like a train viewed from a distance as it passes through a vast and scenic landscape. It will either be moving out toward the new growth at the end of a branch, or back in toward the thicker parts of the branches, seeking the shortest route to a new batch of new growth to chomp.

I learned all this the other day from Taylor Hunt when I met him at Bahia Honda State Park. The nickerbean we were staring into was at the foot of the incline to the old Bahia Honda Bridge. Hunt is a field technician for the McGui​re Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity at the Florida Museum of Natural History. But it’s hard not to see him as something of a butterfly shepherd – butterflyherd? – for the Miami blue. Among other tasks, he monitors their population, collects data, creates new habitat and works with staff at the University of Florida to breed them in captivity to release them into the wild.

Why all this work? Because the Miami blue is endangered and once thought to be extinct.

It’s a coastal species, and its range once extended from Cape Canaveral down to the Keys, and back up on the Gulf side to Sarasota. They were so common no one really bothered to study them. And then in the ’80s people noticed they were disappearing from the landscape, their population crashing due to widespread development. Their last known colony was in Key Biscayne, and it disappeared after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

No one saw any Miami blues until 1999, when a small colony of 25 butterflies was discovered at Bahia Honda. That colony disappeared in 2010, but other small colonies were discovered in Key West Wildlife Refuge, and a captive breeding program started in an attempt to bring them back.

“We’re trying to elucidate as much as we can about the life cycle of these guys. And it’s difficult,” Hunt said. They are trying to figure out ways for them to thrive once more.

I told Hunt the whole ant-and-caterpillar thing was really cool, as I’d never seen a Miami blue caterpillar. And though I’d known about them for years, I’d never seen an actual Miami blue butterfly, either.

He pointed one out immediately, though it took a bit of direction on his part for me to see it, even though it was briefly sitting still on the end of a snag. Then he pointed out another, and another, and I slowly caught on. There were dozens of them. Hunt said this was actually an incredibly busy day for Miami blues, that he hadn’t seen this many wild ones at once in a long time.

“Normally I’ll be happy to see a couple Miami blues here amongst dozens of Cassius (blues). These are mostly all Miami blues. It’s just absolutely fantastic,” he said.

The butterflies we were looking at came to be through a captive breeding program, but had descended several generations past the ones that were released.

The adult Miami blue – the butterfly – is a lot bigger than the caterpillar, but still pretty damn small. With their wings spread, you could lay one out on a quarter. Wings folded, they’d fit on a dime.

The blue that gives it the name – a silky, cerulean blue – is on the upper part of the wing. The underside is an otter brown with a white band at the edge and four black spots at the base.

The Miami blue mostly keeps its blueness to itself. It flaps faster than you can see, so in the air its colors tend to merge into a pale cornflower hue, and when it lands, it tends to fold its wings so all you see are earth tones. Hunt said that early in the morning, or toward sunset, if they want to warm up some, they may spread their wings, giving folks a look at the blue.

Their flight speed during their butterfly phase is almost inversely proportional to their slowness as caterpillars. They are so fast they are hard to track moving through the air, even if they don’t move very far.

“If they’re not flying around like maniacs, they’re just gonna get gobbled up by something. I’m sure that’s why they never really chill out,” said Hunt.

As we walked along the base of the berm, we saw dozens and dozens more of them.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am right now,” Hunt said.

Later he added, “This is like Disney-level perfect. Just clouds of the endangered species the interviewer wanted to come talk about.”

“Well staged,” I said, as if such a thing could be.

22

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION BILL PROMPTS MINOR POLICY CHANGES

SCHOOL BOARD, OFFICIALS SAY DISTRICT ALREADY FOLLOWS STATE GUIDANCE ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

A

first reading of district policy revisions following the passage of the Parental Rights in Education bill consumed the largest portion of the Monroe County School Board’s June 28 meeting. However, both administrators and school board members made it abundantly clear that the revisions were minor and the district’s existing policies have never been at odds with the state’s guidance.

HB 1557, signed in March by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is designed to reinforce parents’ rights to make decisions regarding their children’s upbringing and education. The bill prohibits schools from instructing students on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, contains language permitting only instruction that is deemed “age-appropriate,” and requires schools to notify parents of any changes in services provided by the school related to a child’s mental, emotional or physical health and well-being.

Changes to the district’s policies in response to the bill were recommended by educational consulting firm Neola, the Florida state school board association’s preferred provider of policy services.

“I just want to say out loud that all of these statute-specific policies come from Neola,” said board member Mindy Conn. “They do the grunt work for us, but at the same time follow what Florida state statutes put out.”

“Large districts have policy and compliance departments. … Neola allows us to outsource that so that our administrators can focus on kids learning in the classroom,” added board member Sue Woltanski. “A lot of their employees are former Monroe County educators.”

Though edits to some policies required little more than changes to pronouns, some of the more significant additions included language that: encourages, and in some cases requires, district staff to notify parents of any changes in a student’s services or monitoring related to the student’s health and well-being; prohibits administrators from engaging students on

social media; prohibits the aforementioned instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity; adds provisions for instruction on the ramifications of prejudice, racism and stereotyping as well as the contributions of African Americans to American society; clarifies that all health education instruction must be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate; and adds requirements for education on dating violence and prevention, the benefits of sexual abstinence, and personal financial literacy and money management.

The changes also require the district to notify parents of all health care services offered at their student’s school while providing the option to decline any of the services.

In response to questions about the district’s needs to revise its curriculum in response to HB 1557, Superintendent Theresa Axford clarified that “absolutely none” of the material would need to be changed, as the district already follows the state’s official resources for curriculum.

“We follow CPalms, which is the state’s authorized curriculum.

That’s the only place that we get our curriculum,” said Axford. “There is no reference to any of this in any state-approved curriculum.”

In response to language prohibiting teachers from indoctrinating or persuading students to a particular point of view that is inconsistent with state academic standards, Axford also clarified that the district’s policy has always been to follow the state standards.

“And the fact that it’s not underlined or green (on the policy revision documents) means that it’s been our policy for a long time,” said Woltanski.

“What we’ve been accused of has not been happening in this school district,” added board chair John Dick. “I know that.”

“I will always say this: 99% of our policy manual is a regurgitation of state and federal law,” said school board vice chair Andy Griffiths. “Any time we try to expand, embellish or add our own vernacular, it’s a risk that I think our attorney would advise against. …

We will follow the law, period.”

AHEC CEO Michael Cunningham inside the new dental van during a ribbon- cutting at Key Largo School in January. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ISLAMORADA GIVES $50,000 TO SUPPORT KEYS AHEC’S HEALTH & DENTAL SERVICES

Funds help cover $650,000 shortfall with no state funds provided in budget JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

D

uring a June 23 meeting, Islamorada Village Council members unanimously approved a $50,000 request

by Keys AHEC for health and dental services to medically vulnerable and underserved children. It comes after a $650,000 request to the state legislature was left out of the approved budget, leaving the organization with no choice but to raise money or forgo providing vital services.

But thanks to local organizations and municipalities, the majority of the shortfall is covered, keeping health centers open and a new dental van traversing the Keys to various schools in order to provide cleanings and screenings. Michael Cunningham, CEO of AHEC, told the dais on June 23 that village funds will help meet a matching requirement from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation to obtain $150,000.

“The impact this has literally means that we'd be closing down health centers, and nurse practitioners won’t be working and dentists won’t be working in some sort of capacity,” Cunningham said before the dais made its decision.

Cunningham said funds will be used for medical and dental staff serving the three Upper Keys Schools.

Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal proposed the village provide $50,000,

which is similar to the funds it provided I.CARE for coral restoration several months ago.

“It’s a very important undertaking.

Nobody can deny that,” Rosenthal said before issuing a motion.

Keys AHEC received state funding for the past eight years. A funding request was filed by state Rep. Jim Mooney last November. It was reported favorably out of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee in mid-January. But it didn’t garner any movement after that. AHEC hired the lobbyist firm Metz Husband & Daughton to help secure the funding. AHEC has since gone with a new lobbyist firm in Johnson & Stewart Government Strategies.

Islamorada joins a list of organizations providing funds to cover the shortfall. They include the cities of Key West and Marathon, Health Foundation of South Florida, Monroe County’s Human Services Advisory Board, Ocean Reef Community Foundation, Ocean Reef Children’s Foundation, Monroe County School District, an anonymous donor, United Way of Collier and the Keys, Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Health Department of Monroe County, Florida Blue, Baptist Health South Florida, Florida Association of Free Charitable Clinics, Marathon Rotary, Key West Rotary and Golden Fleece Foundation.

23

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

From our family at Two Friends Patio Restaurant and historic Pepes Café, thank you for the love & support you have shown us in the 2022 People’s Choice Bubbas awards.

NOMINATED FOR BEST LUNCH BEST MARGARITA

NOMINATED FOR BEST BREAKFAST BEST MOJITO BEST BARTENDER (FABI), BEST BLOODY MARY BEST HAPPY HOUR BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT BEST FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

WINNER 2021 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD

We are truly humbled and sincerely grateful.

Maura & Danny Stella, Fergie & Rosie

24

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING

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PLEASE VOTE CAROLINE STOVER SICKMEN FOR BEST REALTOR 2022!

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CATERED AFFAIRS WOULD LOVE YOUR VOTE FOR

BEST CATERING COMPANY!

25

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

MEDICAL EXAMS ON THE MOBILE HEALTHCARE COACH MEDICAL SERVICES BROUGHT TO YOU CHECK THE COACH CALENDAR AT RHNMC.ORG CALL 305.517.6613 EXT 500 FOR APPOINTMENT

VOTE FOR US! BEST STEAK & BEST BATHROOM BEST HOTEL/ RESORT

Rochelle McEntyre, CEO 3706 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West | 305.517.6613 rhnmc.org Providing Affordable Medical and Dental Services to Monroe County Residents SLIDING FEE SCALE AVAILABLE FOR THE UNINSURED

WE LOVE OUR LOCALS!

26

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

2 1

LOCAL NFL PLAYER MEKHI SARGENT GIVES BACK TO KEY WEST

3

THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUAR SUPPORTS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB KIDS MANDY MILES

N

mandy@keysweekly.com

FL running back Mekhi Sargent was a Key West Conch before he became a Jacksonville Jaguar, and he hasn’t forgotten his roots.

Sargent faced some pint-sized defenders on June 24, when he hosted a free “NFL Football Experience” for kids from the local Boys & Girls Clubs at George Mira Field in Key West.

More than 120 kids, 6-12 years old, flooded the field after a quick pep talk from Sargent in the bleachers.

“Are y’all ready to have some fun?” Sargent yelled. “That’s not loud enough, are you ready to have some fun?”

The kids responded with a roar as they descended the bleachers and piled onto the field, talking as much football smack as they knew — and as much as the adults would allow.

Sargent told the Keys Weekly that he still has loads of family and friends in Key West, and he tries to come home as often as his schedule allows.

For more than three hours, Sargent led the kids through football fundamental drills.

“We set up stations to teach the kids quickness and footwork, a threepoint stance for blocking, handoffs, pass-catching and an angling drill to teach kids the quickest way to cut the distance and catch someone,” said Sean Condella, who coached a 12-yearold Sargent in Key West Youth Football.

Condella was on the field Friday, along with several other volunteers, including current Key West High School senior football players Andre Otto

and Kevon Mills. Some of Sargent’s former high school teammates also volunteered to help lead each station, including Zack Hughes, Terrance Smith, Bubba Marius, St. Pierre Anilus, Stephen Jones, Eli Williams and Trell Freeman.

“Mekhi was definitely a standout, even back in youth football,” Condella recalled. “But he also understood, even at that young age, that there’s always room for improvement. I’ve been mentoring him since he was 12, so when he mentioned he wanted to do something to give back to the Key West community, we were able to set this up with the Boys & Girls Club.

“Ms. Joan Leggett at the club is phenomenal. She even brought the kids down from the Big Pine club. The kids all had a blast. It was a great day and I was glad to have been a part of it.”

Sargent graduated from Key West High in 2016. In his senior year, he rushed for 2,094 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Conchs, Marc Morehouse wrote for the Iowa Gazette in 2019.

Sargent then played football for Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa before becoming a star at University of Iowa.

“Mekhi will be 25 in October. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans last year, then with the LA Rams in the middle of last season and joined the Jacksonville Jaguars this year,” said Condella, who said Friday’s “NFL Experience” with Sargent likely created about 120 new, young Jaguars fans.

4 1. Mekhi Sargent, right, in red hat, encourages the kids during sprints.

2. Mekhi Sargent faces smaller defenders than he’s used to.

3. Mekhi Sargent, right, encourages young Kenario to keep his eye on the ball.

5

4. Judy Leggett, director of the local Boys & Girls Club, presents Mekhi Sargent with a plaque naming him a Dream Maker.

5. KWHS football player Andre Otto, left, helps Mekhi Sargent, center, and former Conch player Zack Hughes teach tackling and blocking drills.

Photos by BERT BUDDE/Keys Weekly

27

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

We would appreciate your VOTE again this year in the following categories:

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28

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

1228 SOUTH ST.

MOVE IN READY

1228 SOUTH STREET | KEY WEST Beyond the white picket fence, a pathway dappled in sunlight filtering through designer landscaping leads to this delightful, single-level Key West home. Built in 1943 with Dade County Pine walls and high ceilings, the impeccably maintained home is filled with light. Recent renovations and custom touches throughout the interior give it the charm of Conch-style living with a hint of mid-century modern.

French doors lead to an inviting private retreat complete with a colorful lap pool, orchid-covered privacy fence, patio seating area, outdoor shower, cistern, fresh water well, and a charming detached cottage; for desirable indoor/outdoor island living. Includes off street parking with electronic gate and all furniture.

2BR/2BA PLUS COTTAGE | INT. 1,260 SF | LOT 4,704 SF | $1,945,000

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY JULY 3RD 1-3PM

1309 Villa Mill Alley | Key West | MLS # 601057 Historic light-filled 5 bed/4 bath Classic Casa Marina estate hidden away for quiet privacy. Front door opens into a spacious formal living room, well equipped kitchen with cathedral ceilings & skylights. Ground floor has master bedroom with ensuite, jetted tub & French doors opening out under a covered porch, DAWN THORNBURGH BROKER ASSOCIATE heated pool & spa. Successful Office: 305.294.8433 rental history, fully furnished, Cell: 305.304.1067 info@kwreal.com all in the X Flood zone! $4,100,000

SOLD

1615 United Street | Key West | MLS # 599626 3 bed/ 2 bath quiet family home sits on a large landscaped lot with plenty of space to add your personal touch. Large backyard with an outdoor bathroom, deck, and string light lit patio, ready for your pool. Home features gated & covered off street parking with smart home technology throughout. Can be sold fully furnished and equipped.

Location 3 Real Estate of Key West, Inc. 201 Front St., Ste. 310, Key West

NANCY SWIFT, CPA Realtor 305.849.2455

SHAD KNAPP REALTOR® Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 603.715.4698 shadknapp@gmail.com

PAUL HAYES PRINCIPAL BROKER Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 305.587.6767 paul@kwreal.com

29

COME FOR THE VIEW. STAY FOR THE FOOD.

ST THEA E W TE Y E PRESENTS

R

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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30

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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31

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

SUMMER EXHIBITIONS AT THE STUDIOS ON VIEW JUN 2-JUL 28, 2022

Fine Dining

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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35

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

MILES TO GO

MANDY MILES

SUMMERS ‘DOWN THE SHORE’

I

realized during a conversation with a coworker the other day, I’ve never spent a Fourth of July in Key West. I’ve lived here for 23 of them, but have always managed to head home to the South Jersey Shore, a place that, for me, embodies everything I love about the summertime.

The summer season spawned most of my best memories from the time I was 14 and working my first summer job on the Ocean City boardwalk at Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy. (I can still probably gift-wrap a 1-pound box of taffy faster than anyone.)

I graduated from the candy store to a clothing store a few doors down, still on the boardwalk, when I was 16.

Then in college, cash was king, so I waited tables each summer at a crab place, where, quite frankly, the waterfront location was better than the food.

Summers at the Shore as a teen and 21-year-old were irreplaceable and unforgettable, which is a good thing, because winters at the Jersey Shore leave a bit to be desired. The town empties by October. The boardwalk shops, mini-golf courses, amusement rides and restaurants are shuttered and depressing, like trees without their leaves. Porches are stripped of their wicker furniture, but hey, at least there’s plenty of parking.

Most of my best memories carry the scent of sunscreen and boardwalk pizza.

I’ll never lose those mental snapshots of suntanned shoulders, salt-crisped hair, the squeal of screen doors,

drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should.

She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

the ringing of the ice cream man’s bell and the sounds of conversations that carry from one front porch to the next.

Damp, colorful beach towels hung heavily over clotheslines in back yards. Soapy water from each home’s outside shower pooled in the alley out back as returning beachgoers rid themselves of salt and sand. We then reconvened, refreshed and ready for another summer night and the possibility of yet another summer love.

I can always smell the salt air and hear the clack-clackclack of the climbing roller coaster on the boardwalk five blocks away, followed inevitably by the delighted screams upon its descent.

I still hear certain ’90s songs that were the soundtrack of specific summers. REM’s “Shiny Happy People” and “Losing My Religion,” every song by the Dave Matthews Band, Hootie, Pearl Jam and U2’s “One.” Up north, summer’s impermanence made it all the more precious. It was a season to be savored, celebrated and squeezed to the last drop.

And the promise of its return made it possible to endure the cold, gray winter.

My love affair with summer is also what brought me south to a place where it never ends. Where mornings are only cold if the A/C is set too low and where heat pours out of a sunbaked car in visible waves.

I wouldn’t trade my life here — or up there — for anything in the world. And when I can have the best of worlds by heading up there for 10 days with the people I love most, I’ll sacrifice the holiday here.

So enjoy yourselves, Key West. Have a warm and wonderful Fourth of July. I know I will.

ROTARY CLUB OF KEY WEST INSTALLS NEW PRESIDENT CATHY CRANE TAKES HELM

Cathy Crane, center, accepts the presidential gavel for the Rotary Club of Key West from past presidents Christie Martin, left, and Jill Black, right. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

A

s if Cathy Crane wasn’t busy enough as Monroe County’s director of veterans affairs and attendee at nearly every charity event, she’s also now president of the Rotary Club of Key West, whose members have been living the motto “Service Above Self” since 1916.

The Key West Rotary Foundation sponsors a college scholarship program for Key West High School seniors that last year awarded over $40,000. The club also has sponsored the July 4th fireworks on the White Street Pier since 1976 with help from local sponsors and businesses. The club’s annual golf tournament raises money for children’s dental care and annual Thanksgiving collections ensure happy holidays for the whole community.

“We sponsor several dozen community groups by donating money and volunteers for their efforts,” states the club’s website. “Our club has contributed to our city’s beautification efforts by teaming up with the Trophia Foundation to plant gardens at the Custom House and local schools.”

— Contributed

36

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

SPORTS & MORE RALPH MORROW ... a veteran sports columnist, says the only sport he doesn’t follow is cricket. That leaves plenty of others to fill his time. ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

SPORTS OF ALL SORTS — AND A NEW HOUSE LANDS ON DUCK AVENUE

SAVE THE DATE June 30-July 4 • Key Lime Festival, America’s Favorite Citrus Celebration, with events and venues all over town. Visit keylimefestival.com for a complete schedule.

Y

ou probably thought it was a soft job to play professional sports.

You just play the same games you played as a kid at Key West High School and get paid to do it. If you play it really well, you can make tons of money.

Young Jaden Rashada, though, doesn’t have to wait until he goes pro. The 4-star quarterback recruit from California is heading for the University of Miami, where a NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal will pay Rashada – are you ready for this? – $9.5 million. As a college football player.

What about college baseball? The draft is next week.

Oklahoma had lost the first game of the bestof-three College Baseball World Series Saturday to Mississippi. Sunday’s second game at Omaha was scoreless in a late inning. So, the Sooners tried some trickery – a bunt with two out and a man on. The Mississippi pitcher fielded the ball cleanly, but his throw to first hit the bunter in the back and the base runner scored a lone run.

But, it wasn’t to be. The umpire called the bunter safe at first, allowing the run to score, but was overruled by the reviewer in New York, who called the bunter out for interference, ending the inning and putting the score back at 0-0.

Later, in the top of the eighth and ninth, with the score tied at 2-2, and a man on third, the Oklahoma pitcher threw wild pitches. The runs that scored ended the game and series, 4-2, in favor of Mississippi.

Now to hockey. First the Florida Panthers fired coach Joel Quenneville for dirty deeds in his previous job as Chicago coach and replaced him with interim coach Andrew Brunette. Brunette led the Panthers to a 51-18-6 regular season record, the Presidents’ Trophy and the Panthers’ best record ever. So, naturally, he was dumped and replaced by Paul Maurice. Hmm. In other hockey news, the Denver Avalanche rallied on the road to win, 2-1, over Tampa Bay and took the Stanley Cup, 4 games to 2.

And some coaching news: Mike Martin Jr. got his dream job – succeeding his father, Mike Martin Sr., as baseball coach at Florida State University. Unfortunately, it was not like father, like son. Junior was fired last weekend with a less than stellar record and replaced by Notre Dame coach Link Jarnett.

Steve Clifford was fired as coach of the Charlotte Hornets a few years ago. However, after several years and several coaches, Clifford has been rehired as, yes, the Hornets’ coach.

In basketball, until the NBA Draft was announced, we didn’t know how at least the top three would fall. Any of three college players

Thursday, June 30 • Deadline to apply for two grants from the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. Applications are accepted online, and can be found at keysarts.com under the grants tab.

• Key Lime Festival kickoff, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Curry Mansion, 511 Caroline St. Cookbook signing and champagne reception. $25

One half of a modular home is placed on support beams on Duck Avenue. RALPH MORROW/Keys Weekly

– Paolo Banchero, who went No. 1 to Orlando, Chet Holmgren to the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 2 and Jabari Smith to Houston at No. 3 – could have been selected in any order with no surprise to any of us fans.

But not next year. From what I’ve read, No. 1 almost certainly will be Victor Wembanyama (Yes, I’ve spelled it correctly). He’s 7 feet 3 inches, 240 pounds with a wing span of 7 feet 9 inches. He’s been playing professionally in France.

As I write this, 40-year-old Serena Williams is still alive in her efforts to win her 24th Grand Slam tennis title, which would tie Margaret Court.

Yes, “we” have our best chance to win a Wimbledon title with a woman who won her first of seven Wimbledon titles 20 years ago in 2002.

Did you know it was 25 years ago that Mike Tyson bit off a section of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a bout? Iron Mike called it “justified.”

On June 25, the division-leading New York Yankees had no hits in their game against the Houston Astros, and suffered 15 strikeouts. The Yankees were coming off a 15-game winning streak. We might have expected better.

Freddie Freeman took millions to jump from the Atlanta Braves to the Los Angeles Dodgers, then cried his head off when the Atlanta fans greeted him with loving applause. So, was the money worth it?

Meanwhile, back in Key West, a dozen or so of my apartment mates and I were engrossed last week by the assembly of a modular house across the street. (See photo.) It came in two pieces that were parked overnight around the corner. A major lifting machine brought them both to an empty lot in the 1700 block of Duck Avenue, where an elevated base had been installed a week or so prior. It took seven men 2 hours and 15 minutes to place the first section and about the same for the second. A couple days later, a few men were still cleaning up.

There was still work to be finished. But we sidewalk superintendents had left our perch when the heavy lifting was done.

Friday, July 1 • Key West Chamber of Commerce deadline to file an Intent to Run for its board of directors, 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 2 • Key Lime Vendor Village, free admission, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, at Key West Lighthouse, 938 Whitehead St. • Key Lime Pie Drop from top of Lighthouse, 11 a.m., free to enter and watch, 938 Whitehead St. Monday July 4 - Happy Independence Day • The Rotary Club of Key West presents its Patriotic Party with food, music and fireworks, 7 p.m. at Edward Knight Pier • The Rotary Club of Key West presents a Patriotic Dinner Under the Fireworks, catered by Catered Affairs. Cash bar available. $100 per person. Seating starts at 7 p.m. at Indigenous Park, 1801 White St., Key West Wednesday, July 6 • Key West Business Guild membership luncheon with speaker Peter Batty from the Key West Housing Authority, noon at Marriott Beachside Hotel, Key West.

July 18-21 • The College of the Florida Keys offers a free Nautical STEM Robotics Camp for teens, ages 13-17. Visit.cfk. edu/summer-camps/ for information.

37

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

SEVEN MILE FLY-BY

CARD SOUND ROAD TOLL INCREASING FUNDS NEEDED TO REPLACE AGING BRIDGE JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

For the first time in seven years, powerboats like the ones seen here competing in Key West’s World Championship races will tear through a high-speed course in Marathon in early 2023. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTOS.

Powerboat races will return to new Marathon course next year ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

F

or the first time since 2016, powerboat racing is set to return to Marathon in 2023.

The announcement comes courtesy of a June 21 press release from Race World Offshore (RWO), the same organization responsible for Key West’s popular powerboat races, announcing the inaugural 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix on April 28-30, 2023.

As an officially sanctioned race in the American Power Boat Association’s (APBA) National Series, the race will be the first of the 2023 season, which will return to the Keys for its conclusion in Key West in November.

Although some boats are known to stop in Marathon during poker runs and on their way to Key West for the annual races, Marathon has not hosted an official offshore race since 2016’s Super Boat International Marathon Super Boat Grand Prix.

“I’ve lived in Key West for 30 years, and I have to tell you, of all the stuff we put on Facebook and all the things that we do, we’ve gotten the most comments and most everything for this event than anything we’ve done, which is unbelievable,” RWO president Larry Bleil told Keys Weekly.

Though RWO has looked to return to Marathon for several years, the completion of the Old Seven Mile Bridge finally provided the possibility for a new near-shore viewer-friendly course. According to RWO, it has obtained permission to set up VIP tents and viewing areas along the old bridge.

“I didn’t really want to do it until we could have a good spectator area,” said Bleil. “Now that that’s done, you couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Though course details have yet to be finalized, Bleil says the general idea

is for the boats to run east along the north side of the Seven Mile Bridge from Pigeon Key before eventually making a 180-degree turn off of Tranquility Bay resort and heading back toward the center of the bridge in a prolonged all-out straightaway.

In addition to securing course permits from the U.S. Coast Guard, race organizers will coordinate with the city of Marathon for land-based activities.

As they do in Key West, RWO plans to coordinate with Turtle Hospital founder Richie Moretti to survey the course from the air and make sure it is cleared of turtles and other wildlife that could be harmed by the high-speed races.

Depending on their class, Bleil expects most boats to reach speeds of 120 to 165 mph if the race days yield calm conditions across the course’s longest straightaways.

Locations of dry and wet pits for the racers will be announced in the coming months, along with sponsors and a host hotel for the event. If the social media frenzy around RWO’s press release is any indication, the event should draw a large crowd of locals and visitors in Marathon.

“We’re excited to see the races come back,” said Marathon city manager George Garrett. “Economically it will be a boon to the city’s businesses, particularly the hospitality industry and everything associated with that. ...

We’d love to have the powerboat races become another signature event for the City of Marathon.”

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this,” said Bleil. “I thought, ‘Man, once (the bridge) is finished, we need to do a race along there.’ … It’ll give a new perspective as people can stand on the bridge and sort of look down onto the boats. … It’ll be just a great, great view.”

T

olls are increasing for motorists driving in and out of the Florida Keys via Card Sound Road, an alternate route to the 18-Mile Stretch.

County officials are revising an ordinance to increase toll rates on the two-lane road by the consumer price index of 8.5%. With Sunpass, the rate for a 2-axle vehicle will increase from 80 cents to 87 cents, while the rate for a 3-axle or greater will go from $1.05 to $1.14 per axle. Each additional axle will increase from $1.05 to $1.14.

With increased administrative costs for collecting and processing tollby-plate transactions, a toll-by-plate, 2-axle rate will be established at $1.31 per axle, the 3-axle will be established at $1.71 and each additional axle will be $1.71.

County officials say an aging Card Sound Bridge will eventually need to be replaced. Per a 2014 bridge assessment report, the bridge should be replaced in 2030. The estimated price tag at that time was $32 million.

Monroe County is hoping to secure $1.8 million in federal funds for planning, design and engineering for the bridge replacement project. It’s one of 26 bridges the county maintains and one of two evacuation routes from the Florida Keys to the mainland.

Constructed in 1969, Card Sound Bridge is scheduled for replacement to ensure the route’s safety. Card Sound Road, which starts in Florida City and ends in North Key Largo, is used by Ocean Reef Club workers and motorists who avert heavy traffic on the 18Mile Stretch during weekends.

During a recent meeting of the Monroe Board of County Commissioners, new County Commissioner Jim Scholl said officials should consider raising the toll by a dollar.

“I don’t think it’s onerous to me, but I don’t use that bridge all the time,” he said. “I’m concerned that’s going to be an expensive project.”

Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson told commissioners to consider raising the tolls “significantly.”

“I thought we should go 200 or 300% of the rate at the time,” he said, adding that a plan was brought before county commissioners to raise tolls to

Crews work on Card Sound Bridge.

WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

fund a portion of the bridge project.

Mayor David Rice said it seemed odd that the county’s raising a few bucks on the toll when it’s been known for 30 years that the bridge would need to be replaced.

“I can assure you we’ll never raise money in this period of time to pay for the bridge,” he said.

A public hearing on the proposed toll rate increases was held June 16.

Rate hikes will take effect Oct. 1.

Two discount programs are available to Monroe County residents with two-axle vehicles that use SunPass and have an account in good standing. One is a monthly rebate program for frequent users who drive two-axle vehicles. Those who make at least 28 one-way trips through the toll automatically receive a 40% rebate on their Sunpass accounts after any calendar month. The annual pass program beginning last January allows drivers of two-axle vehicles unlimited trips through the toll facility for a year.

People must purchase a Sunpass transponder, open an account, sign up for the program with the Card Sound Toll Authority and pay a fee of $385.

Discount programs do not apply to vehicles towing a boat or trailer. Accounts will be charged for any vehicle going through the toll with three axles or more, even if people have an annual pass. Trips made through the toll with three axles or more will not count toward the rebate program.

In 1989, the toll on Card Sound Road had a 50-cent per-axle cost. The rate stayed in place for decades with the exception of a three-year period from 1992-95 when it was 75 cents per axle. In 1964, the original toll was 50 cents per car. In 2017, the toll went completely electronic.

38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

GAME-CHANGING PROGRESS SPURRED BY NEW LEASE AND PROJECTS, PIGEON KEY MOVES INTO THE FUTURE

A revitalized Pigeon Key awaits visitors who arrive by boat.

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

A

fter years without its main avenue of access during the renovation of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, it would be easy for the staff at Pigeon Key to simply enjoy the welcome hike in visitation with the bridge’s January reopening.

But for executive director Kelly McKinnon, this is just the start of a series of developments that will take Pigeon Key well into the future.

“We’ve probably doubled visitation as the bridge opened,” he said. “We always knew the next 6, 12, 18, 24 months were going to be really transformative for us. But knowing that this bridge was going to come back online, we’ve been thinking 30 years down the road.”

The island boasts a laundry list of pending and completed projects and awards over the last five years, even with the challenges presented by Hurricane Irma and the COVID pandemic. They include, but are not limited to: an $800,000 state appropriation to be used for an on-island wastewater treatment system, a $50,000 resiliency study to protect the island’s historic resources from storms and sea level rise, installation of a $1.3 million fire suppression system, complete rebuilds of two buildings destroyed by Hurricane Irma, replacement of four roofs on historic buildings since the storm, replacement of the island’s sidewalks and main entrance ramp, and the installation of ADA ramps.

Pigeon Key has also heavily invested in its education and outreach programs, securing partnerships with Reef flip flops, iROCKER paddle boards and No Shoes Reefs, an ocean conservation organization spearheaded by country superstar Kenny Chesney – in fact, concertgoers may just see a new version of the island’s logo flash across jumbotrons at his concerts.

However, two developments in particular are critical for the iconic Keys attraction.

In 2021, the Pigeon Key Foundation, with the help of a TDC grant, managed to work with the bridge contractors and the Department of Transportation to run a power line all the way to the island, ending its reliance on diesel generators to provide electricity beyond the power supplied by its massive solar array.

“Solar was taking about 85% of the load we needed, but we still had to say, okay, don’t look behind the curtain over there,” said McKinnon.

“It was time to start practicing what we preach.”

Pigeon Key still relies mostly on its solar array, but the additional reliable connection will allow the island to host larger community events in the years to come.

Though several buildings on Pigeon Key may have new roofs and other upgrades, the goal is to preserve the ‘old Florida charm’ of the 100-year-old workers’ camp.

With the island’s original batteries storing solar power knocked out by Hurricane Irma, McKinnon was determined to find a more resilient solution. Today, Pigeon Key’s solar inverters and new lithium-ion power banks – providing twice the battery capacity with less than half the weight of the old system – are housed in an independent air-conditioned trailer that can be disconnected and towed to safety in the event of a storm.

“It’s a beautiful system,” said McKinnon.

“There are very few people in as good a position as us once a storm hits.”

Arguably the most anticipated development, though, is the island’s trolley, scheduled to be up and running within a month. With two coaches and a locomotive painted to match Marathon High School’s colors, the train will be able to carry up to 60 passengers at a time to and from Pigeon Key, starting at the old Salty’s property recently purchased by the city of Marathon.

“When we got the locomotive delivered, we couldn’t get it off the truck before 30 people were around taking photos and asking questions,” said McKinnon. “Everybody’s smiling ear to ear. … It’s just an unbelievable asset for

everybody, and the fact that it’s our driveway and we get to incorporate it into this operation is just perfect.”

With such an array of promising projects ahead, the Pigeon Key Foundation encountered increasing hesitation from private donors who worried about the organization’s lease from Monroe County, originally set to expire in 2023 after its original 30-year term. But in April 2019, the Monroe County BOCC agreed to an early extension of the foundation’s lease, setting a new end date of 2033 with an option to renew for an additional 10 years. The county’s support was a catalyst for a multitude of private donations that made many of the projects over the last five years a reality.

“I’m sure (Kelly) used the word ‘game changer,’ and we use that word frequently when we talk about Pigeon Key,” commissioner Michelle Coldiron told Keys Weekly. “I have this advantage because I live in Marathon, and I see firsthand how much time and energy Kelly and the foundation put there. … We understood that it is an icon that we want to make sure is preserved.”

Even with all the improvements, McKinnon and the Pigeon Key Foundation are committed to preserving the island’s historical feel and authenticity.

“We don’t want everything new and shiny and perfect,” he said. “This is a 100-year-old work camp made out of wood in the most harsh environment you can pretty much put it in. It should look like it’s an old rugged place, and we want to be able to have that feel of old Florida charm.”

Those efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“I’m so proud of the progress and the state grants that they’ve been able to get,” said commissioner Holly Raschein. “I think their exposure and visitor traffic is going to explode. …

What they’ve done to preserve the character of that island is awesome.”

39

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

QUEER KEYS NONPROFIT IS OUT AND PROUD SUPPORT AND RESOURCE GROUP HOSTS PARTY & FUNDRAISER MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West is no stranger to coming-out stories, parties or fundraisers. So a coming-out party AND fundraiser for the nonprofit Queer Keys was a perfect fit on June 26.

The event featured live performances by the Glass Cats, 3Sum, Marjory Lee, Vicky the Doll, comedy by Gwen Filosa and hosted by Puddin’ Taine.

Chris McNulty (who also writes Keys Weekly’s horoscopes) and Janiece Rodriguez created Queer Keys in August 2021 “as the youth component for our overall goal of a fully resourced LBGTQ+ center in Key West,” McNulty said. “But we started with youth aged 12 to 18.”

Queer Keys is a weekly, evening drop-in center, where kids of all identifies, orientation and preferences can be themselves, said Rodriguez, a trans woman who wants to see more trans health care available in Key West.

The group had been meeting weekly at the Key West United Methodist Church, but is taking the summer off, McNulty said, as attendance drops in the summertime.

Queer Keys participants are encouraged to use whatever name and gender pronouns they prefer, regardless of what they use at home or in school, Rodriguez said, adding that a certified mental health counselor is also on hand at the meetings, “due to the prevalence of mental health issues in the gay, queer and questioning community.”

“Our goal is to have a fully programmed LGBT Center with senior programming, trans wellness programming, education, legal resources, training for businesses, a clothing closet, everything. But you have to start somewhere. We started the youth group because those are the people that need help,” Rodriguez said.

The nonprofit Queer Keys’ Coming Out Party and fundraiser on June 26 at Key West Theater features live music, stand-up comedy, drag performances, a silent auction and information about the group’s mission to create an LGBTQ community resource center. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

40

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

ABahia‘DEEP BAY’ STORY Honda bustled with activity

T

he first surveyor general for British East Florida, William Gerard de Brahn, named the island Rice Island on his 1772 chart.

The island’s Spanish name, Bahia Honda, makes more sense because, in English, bahia honda translates to “deep bay.” At 30 feet, Bahia Honda has one of the deepest natural harbors in the island chain.

George Gauld, a Scottish-born surveyor sent to chart the Florida coast, noted: “Bahia Honda, like Cayo Hueso is much frequented by the Turtlers and Wreckers from Providence and by the Spanish vessels from Havana, of which there are about 10 annually employed in fishing among the Kays on the coast of Florida, where there is sufficient quantity of fish to supply the West Indies.”

Gauld also mentioned a good source of fresh water on the island.

If two qualities were infrequently shared by the islands making up the Florida Keys archipelago, they would be a fresh water source and a deep, naturally occurring harbor. That combination was attractive to those early sailors making their living up and down the Florida Reef. When John Lee Williams was touring the area for his book, “The Territory of Florida, Or, Sketches of the Topography, Civil and Natural History,” he noted that in the 1820s and 1830s, there was “a small, but pleasant settlement on the east side of the harbor, with a well of good water.”

Bahia Honda is still known for its deep bay and sailor-friendly harbor. The island’s freshwater well is said to have been compromised by the 1846 Great Havana Hurricane that destroyed the Sand Key Lighthouse some 41 miles away. The well has long since disappeared. Bahia Honda continued to serve as a favorable anchorage for sailors fishing, turtling and wrecking along the reef.

The 20th century brought significant changes to the Florida Keys when a select group of the islands was joined by the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway. Bahia Honda’s iconic bridge was one of the most difficult of all the Key West Extension railroad bridges to build.

The primary reason the construction project was so hard was its bahia honda. Because of its deep

Bahia Honda, 1954. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION/Contributed

nature, the current that passes underneath the bridge could become quite dangerous. Railroad work days on the bridge were restricted to two 45-minute shifts during slack tide, the short time between the high and low tides when the water becomes still and creates safer conditions.

It was Jan. 22, 1912, when the Key West Extension officially opened, and the railroad delivered Henry Flagler, an octogenarian at the time, from the mainland to Key West. During the run of the railroad, when the train would pass through the camel-trestle Bahia Honda Bridge, passengers were told to keep their hands and heads inside the train as it rambled and roared 25 feet above the turquoise waters.

Sept. 2, 1935, the day that delivered that awful Category 5 hurricane, marked the end of the Over-Sea Railroad. When the new and improved second version of the Overseas Highway opened to traffic on March 29, 1938, the iconic Bahia Honda Bridge was incorporated into the highway system. Instead of passing through the camel trestle bridge as the train had, the road traveled over the top of the bridge, 65 feet above the fastmoving turquoise waters of bahia honda.

The Overseas Road and Toll Bridge District that oversaw the operation of the Overseas Highway also maintained part of Bahia Honda as a public park. People could stop to picnic at one of the covered tables, enjoy one of the Florida Keys’ premier beaches, and swim in the warm, clear waters. By 1950, the park had a gas station where the marina stands today and a concession stand with cold drinks and hot dogs for sale.

There was also another side to the island. The county had instructed the residents of Marathon to use the northern end of the island as a dump.

By September 1961, Bahia Honda had been turned over to the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials, and Alva Cook was appointed the park’s first superintendent. It was not until 1963 that Monroe County officials decided that Bahia Honda could no longer live a dual existence and decried the dumping of trash on the island as unlawful. It can be assumed that for some residents, old habits had died hard.

These days, Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most picturesque of a long list of amazing parks in the Florida Keys. It is also home to the award-winning Sandspur Beach.

Twice, Sandspur Beach was singled out as the best BRAD beach in America. Both times it happened, it was BERTELLI 1992. Condé Nast Traveler is an author, magazine declared it the speaker, and Florcountry’s best beach, as did ida Keys historian.

Dr. Beach himself, Stephen His latest book, Leatherman.

“The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” While the Florida Keys is a fun blend of are not known for their two of his favorite naturally occurring sandy subjects — Florida beaches, Bahia Honda’s Keys history and Sandspur Beach proves to the Skunk Ape. be a glorious exception to the rule. When driving across the Overseas Highway and rolling over the modern Bahia Honda Bridge – it opened to traffic in 1972 – and seeing the crescent beach, its bahia honda, and the iconic bridge, it is hard not to look. That beach is only one of the three beaches offered by the park and not the award winner. If you have not yet visited the park, do yourself a favor, pack a picnic lunch and spend a little time there. The experience will not disappoint.

EXPERT CARDIAC CARE

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

Michael Harrell Michael Harrell is a master of both oil and watercolor mediums. Rising to the challenge of capturing natural light in landscapes and city-scapes, depicting water realistically, and drawing architecture. Michael is fascinated with the everyday scenes of his surroundings.

Goal wise, I’d just like to be the best artist there is”.

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His oils and watercolors have won numerous awards and can be found in corporate and private collections around the country including MasterCard and American Express, with several paintings in the permanent collection of Paramount Pictures and appearing in the movie, ”The Truman Show”.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of PELICAN INN, located at 11282 2ND AVENUE OCEAN, MARATHON, FL 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KAREN M. GRIMSLEY Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of DOLPHIN FISH INN, located at 11231 2ND AVENUE OCEAN, MARATHON, FL 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KAREN M. GRIMSLEY Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on July 11th, 2022, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. 33037. Names And Last Known Addresses are as Follows: Brian Pienschke Unit 1035 $721.70 Anthony Aromandi Unit 1405 $696.16 Laurence Calvano Unit 1178 $636.20 Samantha Torres Unit 1569 $713.28 Richard Micue Unit 1193 $507.80 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice of Seizure Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805 & 83.806, Upper Keys Commerce Center, located at 97300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents of the following units to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All contents of units: Upper Keys Commerce Center All contents of Unit 68 – Donielle Scarbrough Sale of all goods, July 18, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Upper Keys Commerce Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

Publish: June 30 & July 7, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant F.S. 328.17, United American Lien & Recovery as agent w/ power of attorney will sell the following vessel(s) to the highest bidder. Inspect 1 week prior @ marina; cash or cashier check; all auctions are held w/ reserve; any persons interested ph 954-563-1999 Sale Date: July 22, 2022 @ 10:00 am 3411 NW 9th Ave #707 Ft Lauderdale FL 33309 V12921 1995 LHR FL0539MK Hull ID#: LHRT3036H495 inboard pleasure diesel fiberglass 31ft R/O Kevin Christopher Graham Lienor: Pilot House Marina, 13 Seagate Blvd, Key Largo, FL Licensed Auctioneers FLAB422

LEGAL NOTICES FLAU765 & 1911 Publish: June 30 & July 7, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon, FL. The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711".

Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: MONROE COUNTY CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice is Hereby Given to Whom it May Concern that on July 12, 2022, the Monroe County Construction Board of Adjustment & Appeals (CBAA) will hold a special meeting at 9:30AM at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida. Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform will be available during the scheduled meeting.

Zoom Webinar information will be made available on the Monroe County Web Calendar.

This meeting is to hear the following: Sandy Esterle, Doug Stitgen & William Clemens, 100 Coral Way, Key Largo: An appeal by the property owner to the CBAA concerning an administrative decision of the Building Official dated 1/29/21 denying the After the Fact building permit application for a homemade cargo lift installed without permits. The subject property is legally described as: The Southerly 51 feet of Lot 28 and the Northerly 39 feet of Lot 29, Less and Except the Northerly 4 feet of Lot 28, THE HARBORAGE, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 6, Page 46, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

(RE00555011-002800).

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special recommendations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to bring an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language.

Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary

LEGAL NOTICES Maria Partington, Senior Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it may concern, that on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida immediately following the CBAA scheduled meeting which will be commencing at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff.

The Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (“CEB”) will review Certificate of Competency Trade Applications and public participation in this meeting may be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform, during the scheduled meeting.

Zoom Webinar information will be made available on the Monroe County Web Calendar.

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special recommendations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to have an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language.

Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary Maria Partington, Senior Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from John & Jan Scholes, Owners of the property located at 500 12th Street. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Article III, Section 101-10 (8) height variance of 4’4. Current maximum height is 30’0”.

Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday, July 14, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

CITY CLERK CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 August 18, 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: RELOCATE RWY 7-25 PHASE I- TREE CLEARING MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA 8-18-2022 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov 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 August 18, 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 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: June 30, 2022 Weekly Newspapers

requested from DemandStar by Onvia 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 August 16, 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: PROFESSIONAL CEI SERVICES, SEAVIEW DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT Duck Key 8-16-2022 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 August 16, 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: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

UPDATES OF 2009 GEOSPATIAL LAND COVER DATASET AND TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAPS FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS 8-3-2022 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov 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 August 3, 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 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 9:30 A.M., at the Key Colony Beach Commission Room, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, to hear a Variance Request from Charles Wiemer, Owner of the property located at 551 8th Street. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email Cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net or call 305-289-1212 fur further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 91, Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Section 1, setback by 5 feet. Current setback requirements are 10 feet.

Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning & Zoning Board with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: RELOCATE RWY 7-25 PHASE ITREE CLEARING 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

by Onvia at www.demandstar. com OR www.monroecounty-fl. gov/bids 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/

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on August 16, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING, AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE SEAVIEW DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DUCK KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Respondents must be prequalified by FDOT for WORK GROUP 10.0, Roadway Construction Engineering Inspection 10.1, Construction Materials Inspection 10.3, Minor Bridge and Miscellaneous Structures CEI 10.4, Major Bridge CEI 10.5, Major Bridge CEI – Concrete 10.5.1 and Major Bridge CEI – Steel 10.5.2.

Monroe County is seeking the services of a firm or individuals to provide construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the Seaview Drive Bridge Replacement Project located on Duck Key. The CEI will ensure that the roadway and bridge construction work conform to the plans, specifications, and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) standards and will facilitate communications between all parties ensuring responses and resolutions are provided in a timely manner.

Although the project is not FDOT funded, the County will require that FDOT construction standards be followed with FDOT construction forms and other reporting be included with contractors’ applications for payment.

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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: UPDATES OF 2009 GEOSPATIAL LAND COVER DATASET AND TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAPS FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS 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

by Onvia at www.demandstar. com OR www.monroecounty-fl. gov/bids . 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 August 3, 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:

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on July 20, 2022, at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Marathon Government Center 2798 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 50, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE BY MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE III, DIVISION 3 - TRAVEL, PER DIEM, MEALS, AND MILEAGE POLICY OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 2-110(1,3) TO INCREASE THE SUBSISTENCE (MEALS) ALLOWANCE RATES FOR CLASS C TRAVEL FOR BREAKFAST TO $15.00, LUNCH TO $20.00, AND DINNER TO $40.00 OR DAILY AMOUNT FOR CLASS A OR B TRAVEL TO $125; ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE III, SECTION 2-111(C) INCREASING THE MILEAGE ALLOWANCE RATE FOR USE OF PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES FOR OFFICIAL TRAVEL TO $0.67 PER MILE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the July 20, 2022 meeting, which will be posted beginning on July 7, 2022 at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

The public can participate in the July 20, 2022, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform by following the detailed instructions below. The public is strongly encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV on Comcast Channel 76, AT&T U-verse Channel 99 or on the County’s web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Simply

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

select the “Watch Live” banner to view the live meeting with live closed-captioning on an integrated page that includes the Agenda and Agenda Backup.

If a citizen has a Roku device, they can search for and add “MCTV” to their personal lineup.

Monroe County’s “MCTV” is also provided via the Monroe County mobile apps for iOS and Android and through our streaming web portal @ https://monroe-fl.vod.castus.tv/ vod/?live=ch1&nav=live.

Citizens can listen to audio-only from their phones by dialing (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID 898 1261 7181 followed by the # key.

The public can comment during the live Public Hearing either by phoning in or by connecting to the live Zoom webinar link using the following instructions: a) To comment on an item by phone: Dial (646) 518-9805 or (669) 900-6833 and, when prompted, enter the Webinar ID 898 1261 7181 followed by the # key, then *9 to “Raise your Hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host. b) To comment on an item using the live Zoom webinar link: Open this live Zoom webinar link @ https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/89812617181 (that also appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet).

When prompted, enter your email address and name to join the webinar. When the Mayor calls for speakers on the item(s) on which you wish to comment, or when the Board is nearing your item(s) as the meeting progresses, select the “Raised Hand” feature that appears at the bottom of the Zoom webinar screen to be recognized by the Zoom webinar host.

The Zoom webinar host will request the item # on which you wish to speak and enable your participation when the Mayor calls for public speakers on your item. To report problems with the broadcast or participation in the Zoom webinar, please call (305) 872-8831.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 15 day of June 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Comments may also be submitted via email: Londondebra@monroecounty-fl.gov These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Monroe County through DEO’s Community Development Block Grant Program- Disaster Recovery - MIT, Rebuild Florida: Infrastructure Repair Program (Round 2) - HUD grant IR026.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or after August 1, 2022, Monroe County will submit a request to the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the following project: Project Title: Sands Subdivision SLR Roadway and Drainage project Purpose: Protect a major access road to a low-lying, low-income subdivision by raising the road elevation and provide pump and treat drainage.

Location: Father Tony Way from the intersections of Avenues C thru J, and a portion of Avenue G, in the Sands subdivision on Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida.

Project Description: The project comprises roadway and drainage improvements and includes the installation of a gravity collection system, underground wet wells, pump station and treatment device and raising the road elevation based on 2040 Sea Level Rise Projections.

Project Issues: None anticipated -the project design is complete and is permitted by all related agencies and ready for construction.

Mitigation Measures/Conditions/ Permits (if any): None required.

Estimated Project Cost: $8,181,489 including project construction and construction engineering and inspection estimates.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Monroe County has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required.

Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the address and times in the contact information provided at the bottom of the posting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Monroe County at the address and times in the contact information provided at the bottom of the posting.

All comments received by July 29, 2022 will be considered

by Monroe County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS Monroe County certifies to HUD/ DEO that Roman Gastesi in his/ her capacity as Monroe County Administrator consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD/DEO approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Monroe County to use HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD/DEO will accept objections to its release of fund and Monroe County’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of Monroe County; (b)

Monroe County has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/ DEO; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity at 107 E Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Potential objectors should contact HUD/State to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Certifying Officer: Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator Monroe County ERR contact: Debra London, Engineering Services Project Manager 102050 Overseas Hwy, Suite 229 Key Largo, FL 33037 Comments may also be submitted via email: Londondebra@monroecounty-fl.gov Or 305-453-8754 during the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Publish: June 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

y elevando la elevación de la carretera en base a las Proyecciones de aumento del nivel del mar para 2040.

Problemas del proyecto: No anticipado: el diseño del proyecto está completo y está autorizado por todas las agencias relacionadas y listo para la construcción.

Medidas/Condiciones/ Permisos de mitigación (si correspondiese): No se requiere ninguno.

Costo estimado del proyecto: $ 8,181,489, incluida la construcción del proyecto y las estimaciones de inspección e ingeniería de construcción.

HALLAZGO INDICANDO QUE NO HABRA IMPACTO SIGNIFICATIVO El condado de Monroe ha determinado que el proyecto no tendrá un impacto significativo en el medio ambiente. Por lo tanto, no se requiere una Declaración de Impacto Ambiental bajo la Ley Nacional de Política Ambiental de 1969 (NEPA). La información adicional del proyecto se encuentra en el Registro de revisión ambiental (ERR) archivado en la dirección y los horarios en la información de contacto provista en la parte inferior de la publicación.

COMENTARIOS PÚBLICOS Cualquier individuo, grupo o agencia puede enviar proveer comentarios por escrito sobre la ERR al condado de Monroe en la dirección y los horarios que figuran en la información de contacto que se proporciona al final de la publicación. Todos los comentarios recibidos antes del 29 de Julio de 2022 serán considerados por el condado de Monroe antes de autorizar la presentación de una solicitud de liberación de fondos. Los comentarios deben especificar a qué aviso se dirigen.

LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS El condado de Monroe certifica a HUD/DEO que Roman Gastesi, en su calidad de Administrador del condado de Monroe, acuerda aceptar la jurisdicción de los tribunales federales si se inicia una acción para hacer cumplir las responsabilidades en relación con el proceso de revisión ambiental; y que las mismas han sido satisfechas. La aprobación de la certificación HUD/DEO cumple con sus responsabilidades bajo NEPA y las leyes y autoridades relacionadas y permite que el condado de Monroe utilice los fondos del programa HUD. OBJECIONES A LA LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS HUD/DEO aceptará objeciones a la liberación de fondos y la certificación por parte del condado de Monroe durante un período de quince días a partir de la fecha de presentación anticipada o de la recepción de la solicitud (lo que comienzan más tarde) solo si se basan en una de los siguientes méritos: (a) la certificación no fue ejecutada por el Oficial Certificador del Condado de Monroe; (b) el condado de Monroe ha omitido un paso o no ha tomado una decisión o encontrado requerido por las reglamentaciones de HUD en 24 CFR parte 58; (c) el beneficiario de la subvención u otros participantes en el proceso de desarrollo han comprometido fondos, incurrido en costos o realizado actividades no autorizadas por 24 CFR Parte 58 antes de la aprobación de una liberación de fondos por parte de HUD/ DEO; o (d) otra agencia federal que actúa en conformidad con 40 CFR Parte 1504 ha presentado una conclusión por escrito de que el proyecto no es satisfactorio desde el punto de vista ambiental. Las objeciones deben prepararse y presentarse de acuerdo con los procedimientos requeridos (24 CFR Parte 58, Sec. 58.76) y deben dirigirse al Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas de Florida en 107 E Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Aquellos que se opongan deben comunicarse con HUD/ Estado para verificar el último día real del período de objeción.

Certificador Oficial: Roman Gastesi, Administrador del Condado de Monroe Contacto de ERR del condado de Monroe: Debra London, gerente de proyectos de servicios de ingeniería 102050 Overseas Hwy, Suite 229 Cayo Largo, FL 33037 Los comentarios también pueden enviarse por correo electrónico: London-debra@ monroecounty-fl.gov O al 305453-8754 en el horario de 8:00 A 4 PM. Fechas de publicación Junio 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 the 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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: June 23, 2022.

Personal Representative: Mary E. Brower 9 East Mansion Court Birdsboro, PA 19508 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-70-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JEANNE MOESLY Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JEANNE MOESLY, deceased, whose date of death was March 27, 2022, 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: June 23, 2022.

Personal Representative: CARLA D. FINK 1383 Rose Court Melbourne, FL 32935 Attorney for Personal Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC NOTICE County of Monroe - The Florida Keys NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS Date of Notice: June 29, 2022 Monroe County ERR contact: Debra London, Engineering Services Project Manager 102050 Overseas Hwy, Suite 229 Key Largo, FL 33037 305-453-8754 during the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

PUBLIC NOTICE Condado de Monroe - Los Cayos de Florida AVISO DE HALLAZGO SIN IMPACTO SIGNIFICATIVO Y AVISO DE INTENCIÓN EN SOLICITAR LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS Fecha del aviso: 29 de junio de 2022 Contacto de ERR del condado de Monroe: Debra London, gerente de proyectos de servicios de ingeniería 102050 Overseas Hwy., Suite 229 Cayo Largo, FL 33037 305-453-8754 durante el horario de 8:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m.

Los comentarios también pueden enviarse por correo electrónico: London-debra@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

Estos avisos deberán satisfacer dos requisitos de procedimiento separados pero relacionados para las actividades que llevará a cabo el condado de Monroe a través del Programa de Subsidios en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario del DEO Recuperación de Desastres - MIT, Rebuild Florida: Programa de Reparación de Infraestructura (Ronda 2) - subvención IR026 de HUD. SOLICITUD DE LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS A partir del 1 de agosto de 2022, el condado de Monroe presentará una solicitud al Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas (DEO) del Estado de Florida para la liberación de fondos de Subvención en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario bajo el Título I de la Ley de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario (HCD) de 1974, enmendada, para llevar a cabo el siguiente proyecto: Título del proyecto: Sands Subdivision SLR Roadway y Drainage Project.

Propósito: Proteger el camino de acceso principal a una subdivisión de bajos ingresos y de baja altitud elevando la elevación del camino y proporcionando drenaje de bombeo y tratamiento.

Ubicación: Father Tony Way desde las intersecciones de las avenidas C a la J y una parte de la avenida G, en la subdivisión Sands en Big Pine Key, condado de Monroe, Florida.

Descripción del proyecto: El proyecto comprende mejoras en la carretera y el drenaje e incluye la instalación de un sistema de recolección por gravedad, pozos húmedos subterráneos, una estación de bombeo y un dispositivo de tratamiento

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-076-M IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD FORSYTH JONES Deceased.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the estate of Richard Forsyth Jones, deceased, File Number 2021-CP076-M, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is intestate. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

Any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of administration is served must object to the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court, by filing a petition or other pleading requesting relief in accordance with the Florida Probate Rules, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THE OBJECTING PERSON, OR THOSE OBJECTIONS ARE FOREVER BARRED. Any person entitled to exempt property is required to file a petition for determination of exempt property WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW OR THE RIGHT TO EXEMPT PROPERTY IS DEEMED WAIVED. Any person entitled to elective share is required to file an election to take elective share WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW. Personal Representative: Mary E. Brower 9 East Mansion Court Birdsboro, PA 19508 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-076-M IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD FORSYTH JONES, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Richard Forsyth Jones, deceased, whose date of death was March 8, 2021, and whose social security number is xxxxx-9884, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

The estate is intestate. 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-67-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH EWING MILLS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ELIZABETH EWING MILLS, deceased, whose date of death was January 11, 2022, 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: June 23, 2022.

Personal Representative: JAMES B. EWING 142 Tequesta St. Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000041-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CARL ALTON REDFERN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Carl Alton Redfern, deceased, whose date of death was February 6, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 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

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

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: June 23, 2022.

Personal Representative: LeeAnn McDougall 1361 Overseas Highway, A-2 Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Elaine N. McGinnis Florida Bar Number: 725250 Law Office of Elaine McGinnis, P.A. 324 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 100 Tampa, Florida 33609 Telephone: (813) 851-3380 E-Mail: elaine@estatelawtampa. com Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

Marathon Auto Air looking for Counter Help - full-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

305-289-9884

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

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!

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-175-K IN RE: ESTATE OF KELLEY PHILLIPS COX Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (summary administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Kelley Phillips Cox, deceased, File Number 22-CP-175-K, by the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040; that the decedent’s date of death was May 3, 2021; that the total value of the estate is $12,700.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Gerald Lee Cox 21398 Tanyard Road Preston, MD 21655 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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: June 23, 2022.

Person Giving Notice: Gerald Lee Cox 21398 Tanyard Road Preston, MD 21655 Attorney for Person Giving Notice: Nancy J. Gibbs E-mail Addresses: nancy@ sgnapleslaw.com Florida Bar No. 15547 Skrivan & Gibbs, PLLC 1110 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 300 Naples, Florida 34108 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

BOATS FOR SALE 2005 Cobia 17.5', Yamaha 90 hp - few hours, great condition w/trailer.

Located in Key Largo. $12,500 646-321-3535 2008 Triumph 19.5' 140hp Suzuki 200 hours, bimini top, electronics, covers, no rips on cushions, live well, trolling motor, push pole, life jackets, and trailer. Well maintained.

Located in Marathon. $15,400 Call 305-393-3439 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 TODAY!

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT Boat Slip for rent in Marathon- inside storage at The Boat House - #29C. 35' no taller than 8' - no T-tops. $650/month. 609-682-1002 PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

Help Wanted - Two Conchs Bait and Tackle in Marathoncompetitive 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: Code Compliance Officer, Engineering Intern, Part-time Marina Custodian/ Maintenance and Marina Tech/Pump Out Captain.

Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details w w w. c i . m a r a t h o n . f l. u s Serve/Bartend on the ocean! FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server/bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

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, Fulltime Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@sweetsavannahs.com

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 HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

No Experience Necessary - Concrete Field Testing Technician needed. Fulltime. Year round. We train you to go to various job sites and collect samples.

Vehicle provided. Must speak English, live in Marathon area and have clean driving record. Starting pay $18/ hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals.

305-743-5555 HIRED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!

Key West Art Center & Gallery is looking for part time sales associate, one to three days per week, for our busy, colorful gallery located in Old Town. Hourly wage starts at $14/hr.

Gallery is open 10 am to 5 pm daily. Contact Nancy at nhenning@bellsouth.net HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578 PLACE YOUR HOBBIES/ COLLECTIBLES AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

HOUSING FOR RENT Marathon - 2 BR/1BA Conch House available Unfurnished, new kitchen, tile & carpet floors, huge closets. Laundry avail. Long term lease. No pets. $2,400/ month incl. electric for 2 people. If more than two people - additional $ for utilities. Tenant must pay for sewer & water. Dockage available for separate fee. F/L/S 305-610-8002

LOT FOR RENT Lot for Rent - Key By the Sea Park in Marathon. $950.00/month - yearly only.

305-849-0507 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

Large RV Lot for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1500/month plus utilities.

305-731-5042 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!!

PLACE YOUR LOT FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

YARD SALES PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

Large Studio Bedroom Suite in Conch House in Marathon - Funrnished. $1,600/month includes utilities for 1 person.

Second person additional $$ for utiilities. F/L/S No Pets.

305-610-8002

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT 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!

PROFESSIONAL NEEDED! APPLY TODAY! PRACTICE MANAGER / TOBACCO COUNSELOR

EMPLOYMENT Hiring excavator operators, deckhands, & boat operators in Key Largo. 40/hrs per week Monday-Friday.

305-4403 3 0 4 Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Part and Full time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours. Please stop by and fill out an application, drop off resume or Fax to 3 0 5 - 8 5 2 - 9 6 3 9 .

Nurse or Medical Assistant needed part-time - 3 days a week in Marathon medical office. Call 305-743-6526 office or 305-731-6185 cell.

Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon is looking for a part-time cashier Thu/Fri/ Sat. Please call 305-743-2281.

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.

HIRING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ CONTRACT ADMIN (will train) Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruct.com Or call: 305-852-3002

Keys AHEC Health Center is looking for a Unique Health Professional who will work with our Medical and Dental Teams assisting with Practice Logistics, Planning, and Billing. In addition to clinical oversight, the candidate will work with patients who need counseling for making a Tobacco Quit.

Training for Tobacco Counseling with be provided prior to working with patients. Position is based in Marathon, FL. Seeking a candidate with clinic and office experience. Local travel will be required and strong computer skills are necessary.

Interested candidates can send their resume to michael@keysahec.org EOE

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for HAWKS CAY IS HIRING FOR MULTIPLE POSITIONS

Reservations Agent • Spa Guest Service Agents Gift Shop Attendants • Uniform Attendant F&B Receiving Clerks • Engineers • Banquet Setup On-Call Banquet Servers • Stewards/Dishwashers Servers • Bartenders • Safety Services Welcome Booth • Drivers AND MORE…

Please apply online at www.hawkscayjobs.com Equal Opportunity Employer

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 Lic# C16MO003

KEY COLONY BEACH CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Department Administration Salary $52,000.00 - $55,000.00 Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance; Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays; and Retirement (employee only).

Job Description The Code Enforcement Officer conducts inspections and investigates complaints for compliance with City codes and ordinances, including the inspection of short term (vacation) rentals, and enforcement of short term (vacation) rental codes and ordinances. The Officer seeks to obtain compliance with City codes through citations or warning notices while assuring due process to violators. The position is required to prepare letter and written documentation necessary to take violators to hearing for enforcement action and to provide testimony before the Code Enforcement Adjustment and Appeals Board. This position reports directly to the City Administrator. Work is performed under general supervision which requires initiative, independent judgment, and organizational skills. The Code Enforcement Officer must deal effectively with the public, property owners and contractors to obtain compliance.

Job Responsibilities • Administers and enforces the City’s short term (vacation) rental ordinances and actively manages the City’s program to register, inspect and monitor short term (vacation) rentals within the City.

• Investigates complaints regarding code violations pertaining to building, housing, zoning, tree, sign, and other City codes by conducting field investigations and property research.

• Regularly attends and provides testimony before the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board or Special Magistrate regarding code violations.

• Provides violators of City codes with citations or notice of violation and gives the violator due process to comply with City codes.

• Routinely patrols designated area for potential code violations, including violations of the short-term rental ordinances, overgrown lot and untagged or inoperable vehicle, and all other applicable local civil laws and submits weekly inspection reports to the City Administrator.

• Maintains records regarding code violations via a computer-aided tracking system, and documents files until compliance is obtained or a lien is imposed.

• Prepares letters for notice of violation and notice of hearing, clearly identifying code violations and appropriate corrective action.

• Conducts follow-up inspections to previously identified code violations to ensure that code compliance is maintained.

• Assists with permitting and inspection to the degree certification is necessary and obtained from the CITY of KCB. • Maintains vehicles and equipment used in the code enforcement process in good working order.

• Nights, weekends, and holiday work will be required, floating 40 hours per week. Typical day 2 hours office 6 hours on the road.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience High school diploma required. Experience using computer software and applications. Good written and verbal communication skills, and excellent public relations skills are a necessity. Two years’ experience performing public contact work and demonstrating written, verbal, computer and organization skills is required.

Driver's License Requirement Valid Florida Driver's License Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to effectively communicate and exchange information with others. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and crouching throughout the day in varying climate conditions. The employee must frequently lift or move items up to 40 pounds.

Submit resume and completed online application to: City of Key Colony Beach City Hall 600 West Ocean Drive PO Box 510141 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Attn: City Administrator Or email to: cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net Application form: www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I Want To” then “Apply for a Job”.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NOW HIRING DIRECTOR NAEYC accredited preschool seeking a Director.

Faith based preschool with a reputation of maintaining a high quality program and having children ready for kindergarten (formal education). Director’s credential and prior experience required. Must be a team player, work well with church and advisory school board. Competitive benefits and salary.

TEACHER NAEYC accredited preschool seeking a Teacher.

Follow our mission as a faith based high quality program. Instill the love of learning, social skills while preparing children to succeed. Must have effective communication skills, patience and compassion suitable to work with young children and the ability to develop activities that are fun and educational. Minimum of CDA and prior experience required. Starting salary up to $15.00/hr., competitive benefits and free tuition for your preschool age child.

Call Sue Ellen at 305-852-2161 to schedule an in-person interview.

St James the Fisherman Church and Children's Center, MM87.5 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

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.

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

OPEN POSITIONS

AT BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL - Environmental Tech, $2,000 Bonus - Line Cook - Medical Technologist, Lab-Admin, $15,000 Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $9,000 Bonus - Physical Therapist, $5,000 Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - ED Team Coordinator - First Cook, $5,000 Bonus - Floor Technician, $5,000 Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $9,000 Bonus - Security Officer

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

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

50

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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

Invest in Yourself!

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES CUSTOMER SERVICE ROLES Reservations Agent Front Desk Agent Bell/Valet CULINARY ROLES Dishwasher Line Cook

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

F & B OPENINGS Server Support Staff Team Member HOUSEKEEPING OPENINGS Housekeeping – all shifts, multiple positions MANAGER OPENINGS F & B Manager Maintenance Manager – Employee Housing Spa Director Sous Chef SPA TERRE AT OCEAN KEY Spa Director PT Spa Coordinator Licensed Massage Therapist Licensed Nail Technician

Paid Time Off Starting at 25 days per year

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

242424

WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER REDUCED-COST EMPLOYEE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES IN OLD TOWN! 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.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING! School Programs & Outreach Curriculum Specialist (Full-Time - Permanent)

Visual Communications Seasonal Utility Position (Full-Time)

Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor, FT (Children) Case Manager, FT (Children)

KEY WEST

Human Resources Assistant

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent) (Part Time, Permanent)

(Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

(Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/Permanent) Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays.

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

Care Coordinator Behavioral Health Therapist, PT/FT (Child, Adult) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Advocate (PT) Driver (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!

Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

401K Employer Match Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing Great Hours

Member FDIC

MARATHON Peer Support Specialist/BHT (FT)

(Full-Time, Permanent)

Competitive Salaries

Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment

IT Technical Specialist

Media & Marketing Staff Member

Tuition Reimbursement

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Behavioral Health Therapist, PT/FT (Child, Adult) Care Coordinator Driver PT/per diem Prevention Specialist Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Peer Support Specialist Crisis Counselor Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children ) Substance Abuse Counselor *Advocate

(Full-Time, Permanent)

Paid Time Off for Volunteering

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR to perform entry-level, semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. Employee must ensure safe work practices, maintain water flow, and test the water supply. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or GED; supplemented by 1 yr. previous experience and/or training as a pipefitter with a public utility, construction comp, or plumbing company. Must have a valid FL CDL “A” license w/in 12 mos. of hire date. Must obtain a FDEP Level 3 license w/in 18 mos. of hire date. Salary: $21.78/hr. with excellent benefits. Location: Middle Keys.

Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR “C” LOCATION: DUCK KEY

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION IS GROWING, and we need a WWTP OPERATOR 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: Duck Key. Salary Range: $52,645.98 - $84,011.20.

Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

51

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

Household Hazardous Waste

Drop-off Day SATURDAY, JULY 2

LIC# CCC1329991

Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park • 1801 White St.

LIC# CGC032862

THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US FOR BEST CONTRACTOR IN KEY WEST 9 YEARS IN A ROW!

Residential ONLY Paint, stains, e-waste, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, roofing compounds, waste oil (five gallons maximum), resins and solvents, adhesives and caulks, corrosives and acids, cleaning products, and automotive fluids.

VOTE TODAY!

CONCH CONSTRUCTION & ROOFING BEST CONTRACTOR Second Annual

(305)

296-8297

Serving Ipswich Whole Bellied Clams & Maine Lobster

MIKE GARCIA 305.304.4188 CONCHROOFING@GMAIL.COM WWW.CONCHCONSTRUCTIONANDROOFING.COM

Serving the Keys for 20 Years!

ARTISTIC CONCRETE DESIGN

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

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

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

Call ahead for Daily Specials 516-900-1400.

Licensed & Insured SP#3136

52

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

Your window treatment source for the Florida Keys.

ROMAN SHADES

Custom Window Blinds, Shades, Shutters and Drapery

SIDE PANELS & DRAPERY

POWERVIEW SHADES MOVE ON YOUR SCHEDULE

SEA-TEX SCREEN SHADES MADE FROM OCEAN PLASTIC

Explore how Hunter Douglas window treatments transform the light in your home, elevating everyday living and defining the mood of your unique and beautiful space.

A DESIGN STUDIO OF FABRIC CHOICES

KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700 MM 99 in the Median

305-743-4397 MM 50 Oceanside

305-295-6400 Next to Publix, Searstown

CLASSIC HUNTER DOUGLAS QUALITY Call 305-481-1790 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, or stop by one of our 3 locations.

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US!

PLEASE VOTE US

BEST LOCAL RETAILER HOURS TUES-SAT 11-4 KIRBYSCLOSET.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

at the Perry FREE CONCER TS Featurin g

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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55

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

UPCOMING EVENTS

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS & ANDY GRAMMER

JULY 29

TH

SLIGHTLY STOOPID

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY KEY WEST THEATER

OCTOBER 4TH

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

AUGUST 7TH

ARIELLE

BACK STAGE LISTENING ROOM

OCTOBER 5TH

WHO’S BAD:

THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE KEY WEST THEATER

NOVEMBER 19TH

PETER MAYER:

THE REVEREND PEYTON’S

CHRISTMAS TOUR

KEY WEST THEATER

NOVEMBER 26

TH

PAUL REISER

BIG DAMN BAND

(STRANGER THINGS)

KEY WEST THEATER

KEY WEST THEATER

JANUARY 13

TH

2023

FEBRUARY 23RD 2023

THEKEYWESTAMP.COM | THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

FOOD FAMILY & FUN LIVE MUSIC DAILY 5-8PM

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