Marathon Weekly Weekly 22-0630

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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“You’re welcome.” - George Washington

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA Ring in the holiday the right way | P.17

THE BOATS ARE BACK

Powerboat racing returns to Marathon next year | P. 11

CAMPAIGN FINANCES

State rep candidates stack war chests | P.8

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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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.

ON THE COVER Happy birthday to the U.S. of A. From all of us here at Keys Weekly, we wish everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend filled with family, friends and more than a few fireworks. For a list of Independence Day festivities, see page 17.

PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION BILL PROMPTS MINOR POLICY CHANGES SCHOOL BOARD, OFFICIALS SAY DISTRICT ALREADY FOLLOWS STATE GUIDANCE ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

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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 wellbeing.

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

Stanley Switlik guidance assistant Bill Eller receives a GEMS award at the June 28 school board meeting, recognizing his contributions to student wellness through the development of athletic and enrichment programs at the school. From left: Superintendent Theresa Axford, Eller, Stanley Switlik principal Christine Paul, school board chair John Dick.

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT/Contributed

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 dis-

trict 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 stateapproved 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.”

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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

NEW CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL COMING IN AUGUST 2023 COLLEGE BUILDS NEW CFK ACADEMY ON KEY WEST CAMPUS MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

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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.”

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 dual-enrollment classes.

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

“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.

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MARATHON 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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MARATHON 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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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

BUILT BACK BETTER

City of Marathon conducts massive 7-day build at Rotary Park

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ore than 400 volunteers donated 1,600 hours over seven days to rebuild Marathon Rotary Park last week. The job site was crawling with men and women, both skilled and unskilled, erecting a complicated playground with sunshades and turrets and slides and swings.

“It was truly a group effort by Marathon volunteers and city employees,” said city manager George Garrett. “I am so pleased that the city of Marathon continues to provide for families and children. The park itself is beautiful but, more importantly, perhaps, it demonstrates the city’s commitment to locals and the locals’ involvement in the community they live in.”

Marathon paid just over $500,000 for the equipment, design and installation leadership from Play By Design, a New York State-based company that specializes in community builds.

The new playground replaces a structure that was built in the early 2000s with community donations and volunteer labor. The second iteration is no different. Many local companies volunteered on the build located between 75th and 76th Streets in the heart of Marathon. For example, Marathon Electric Sign and Light brought a crane to move completed cupolas to the top of the structure. Selevel Inc. drilled all of the 200-plus auger holes and spent personal time on-site during the entire build. GA Contractors, Keys Contracting Services, D’Asign Source and others also had multiple employees helping with the more skilled aspects of the job.

Other members of the community worked around the clock to keep them fed and nourished. Restaurants donated breakfast and dinner. The Calvary Baptist Church adjacent to the playground opened its parish hall so volunteers could have lunch in air-conditioned comfort. On June 25, Keys Vineyard Church parked its food truck next to the park and dispensed drinks and treats.

Volunteers came out in droves — off-duty Coast Guard service personnel, parents, grandparents, elected officials, political candidates, Realtors, boat captains, bankers, teachers and, of course, Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The parks personnel were onsite every single day in full force. They mixed cement, dug holes and cut lumber to length. They also organized and recharged the hand-held tools, sorted screws and nails into plastic cups for distribution, filled water coolers and kept track of the volunteers on the busy, yet safe, job site.

“I am so very proud of them,” said Marathon Parks and Recreation Director Paul Davis of his employees. “And just as proud of our community. We learned a lot on this build, and I don’t think we will ever have another opportunity like this one because I expect this playground to last 30 to 40 years; from my perspective, a lifetime.”

This week, Marathon employees and a few dedicated volunteers are putting the final touches on the playground – leveling the job site and covering it with mulch that is already on site. The city is still actively soliciting sponsorships and donations to offset the cost of the build and donors can still buy fence pickets for $50 each, inscribed with a name. More information about making a donation is available by calling the park office at 305-743-6598 or in person at the Parks and Recreation Department located at Marathon Community Park, 200 36th Street, Oceanside.

A grand opening will be scheduled soon.

— Contributed

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1. Marathon Rotary Park features two play areas – one for toddlers and another for older children. SARA MATTHIS/ City of Marathon

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2. Parks and Recreation Director Paul Davis mixes cement for the rebuild of Marathon Rotary Park. SARA MATTHIS/ City of Marathon 3. Volunteers Kevin and Adam put up safety railing at the park. SARA MATTHIS/ City of Marathon 4. City of Marathon Parks and Recreation Employees celebrate atop one of the structures on June 28. CONTRIBUTED/City of Marathon 5. Della routs pieces of lumber for the playground. SARA MATTHIS/City of Marathon

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6. Denise and her crew show up to volunteer early one morning. SARA MATTHIS/ City of Marathon 7.A GA Contractors employee measures a piece of the playground structure. SARA MATTHIS/City of Marathon

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022 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.

SEVEN MILE FLY-BY Powerboat races will return to new Marathon course next year ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

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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 viewerfriendly 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.”

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

UNEXPECTED GRANT FUNDING SHOULD ACCELERATE PARK, MARINA Marathon to receive nearly $2.5 million from Florida Communities Trust

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

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windfall of grant funding should help to accelerate the timelines on planning and construction for two anticipated attractions in Marathon.

At the June 14 meeting of the Marathon City Council, grants coordinator Maria Covelli announced that a large grantee had dropped out of the 2018 Florida Communities Trust (FCT) grant program. Focused mostly on land acquisition, the program aims to help communities protect natural resources, provide recreational opportunities and preserve traditional working waterfronts.

The city of Marathon applied in 2018 for two grants through the program to purchase the Quay and old Salty’s properties, but was originally informed that it missed the award by one place. With the previous recipient’s withdrawal from FCT’s program, the city will now receive a $1,488,000 grant to cover purchase and construction costs at Salty’s, with an additional $944,800 dedicated to the Quay property. Since the city has already purchased both landmarks, the value of the two properties will serve as Marathon’s matching funding for the grants.

According to Covelli, the new awards should greatly accelerate the city’s ability to move forward with planning and construction at both sites.

“Very much so,” she said. “We were still waiting on grant awards to be announced, so it wasn’t even a sure thing for the ones that we had submitted.”

Combined with a potential grant from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the city’s preliminary plans are to use the funds for replacement of the finger docks at the Salty’s marina, which will subsequently be leased to local charter captains.

Also on deck are a renovation of the property’s historic trading post, a storage area for captains using the marina, and a station for the new Pigeon Key trolley, scheduled to be operational within a month.

‘Bay 54,’ chosen by Marathon residents in a vote among three designs last August, will serve as the basis for the Quay property redesign. CITY OF MARATHON/ Contributed

Meanwhile, the Quay property will look to move forward with a slightly modified version of the design dubbed “Bay 54,” chosen by Marathon residents in a vote last August from three designs for the property submitted by local D’Asign Source developers.

Though its purchase came much later, public works and engineering director Carlos Solis said the scope of work necessary at the Salty’s property means it could be finished and operational sooner than the Quay redesign.

Installation of a sidewalk and utility conduit as well as parking lot grading is scheduled to start within days to allow for Pigeon Key’s trolley operation in the lot. With a remodeling plan for the building currently in the works, Solis hopes to have the project out for bid within the next four months.

The Quay property, on the other hand, is largely limited by the condition of its seawall, which Solis says will need serious repairs or replacement.

“We don’t want to do anything to the property until we get that seawall and the shoreline rebuilt and restored,” he said. “We need to just rebuild that property to where it’s safe, and right now there are a lot of issues with it. But once we get that seawall and everything restored, we can go in there, and (building the park facility) can be done within a year.”

Solis said the Quay project is estimated to cost $1.5 million to $2 million, the majority of which will go toward replacing the seawall. The park’s development will largely be determined by the permitting process for replacement of the seawall, which requires coordination with multiple agencies including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Army Corps of Engineers.

A $2.6 million appropriation from the state should allow Key Colony Beach to cross the finish line with its stormwater treatment system. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

KEY COLONY BEACH SECURES $2.6M FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

T

hanks to an appropriation in the state’s 2022-2023 budget, the city of Key Colony Beach will continue to move toward a complete stormwater treatment system later this year.

According to city administrator David Turner, the $2.6 million approved in the record-high state budget should be enough to install treatment infrastructure on the few remaining streets in KCB that have yet to receive it: all of 12th Street, along with half of 9th and 11th Streets. The project’s completion should put a bow on a commitment started by the city 10 years ago, when installation began at the city’s east end.

“Eighty percent of the city is done,” said Turner, noting that Key Colony recently awarded the contract for 10th Street to Haack Excavating Inc. “We’re going to go right into this final phase and get it done.”

With the system, stormwater runoff is directed into culverts, cleaned and filtered, and sent 120 feet down into the coral rock via injection wells.

The completed system should prevent significant runoff of oils, gas, fertilizer and rubber residue into the city’s canals.

“This really goes a long way to protecting our nearshore water quality,” said Key Colony Beach mayor Patti Trefry.

“When you’re standing in the back of your house, if you live on a canal and you’re looking at it after heavy rain, it’s not going to be cloudy,” said Turner. “We’re taking care of our environment, which is so critical down here.”

With a cost of just under $1 million per street, Key Colony officials are hopeful the $2.6 million appropriation will be enough to finish the three remaining streets in the project. When completed, KCB will be one of the first Keys municipalities to achieve complete management of its stormwater with a system of filtration and injection wells. With construction on 10th Street set to begin in July with Haack, Turner said the city aims to have engineering and drawings for the final three streets ready to be put out for bids by August or September.

Turner, Trefry and KCB vice mayor Tom Harding all thanked state Sens.

Ana Maria Rodriguez and Ben Albritton as well as state Rep. Jim Mooney for their aid in getting the funding approved. Harding, who previously served on the city’s utility board when the project was in its earlier phases, spoke on the significance of the single large appropriation.

“Every two years, we would chip away at the big list of improvements.

We had a long list of things to do … and the difficulty is the budget we had wasn’t adequate to make all the improvements,” he said. “Now we’ll be able to complete all that work in a very short amount of time.”

Harding said he hopes KCB’s system can set a precedent for other municipalities moving forward.

“I think this will be a good example of one city doing this, and then hopefully the rest of the cities can get the same cooperation that we did,” he said. “This is a great step forward. In the small community that we’re in, we wouldn’t have been able to afford this on our own, so to have the support from the state representatives is fantastic.”

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

SOMBRERO BEACH, MARATHON, Monday, July 4 11

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON 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

18

MARATHON 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 photograblues are the only butterflies that use it as a host. pher, writer, and After you find that, look for a Florida carpenter semi-professional birdwatcher. He ant. They’re a kind of ruddy brown, which makes them has lived in Key easier to find against the green of the nickerbean.

West for more than 25 years and Look for an ant that’s a little crazed, a little hyper, running back and forth, spinning around, maybe somemay no longer what spastic, as if it’s on some kind of sugar high. be employable in the real world. He Because it is. Watch it long enough and it will run back is also executive to a small, elongated lump on the stalk, about half director of the Florida Keys Audu- the size of a grain of rice. The ant will touch the small lump, then start sprinting around again. bon Society.

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.

19

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

CARD SOUND ROAD TOLL INCREASING FUNDS NEEDED TO REPLACE AGING BRIDGE JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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 fund a portion of the bridge project.

Crews work on Card Sound Bridge.

WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

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.

COMMERCE CORNER MARK GABLE, LLC, COCO PLUM REAL ESTATE Mark and Laurie Gable specialize in helping customers find their dream homes, investment properties, commercial properties and other business opportunities in the Florida Keys. With a YouTube channel "Gables On the Go" that reaches hundreds of thousands of viewers each month, the couple have cultivated a unique and effective worldwide presence, helping to attract buyers who may not otherwise consider the Keys for their next home.

Mark and Laurie pride themselves on being honest, patient, and open when working with customers. Their customers feel like they already know the pair as friends by watching YouTube videos before making the call for help in selling or purchasing a property. Thanks in part to this approach, Mark was named the MLKAR Rookie of the Year after establishing his business in 2020.

Location: Marathon Phone: 770-561-6091 Website: www.gablesonthego.com Email: markgable@me.com

20 Marie Martinez is a staple at CHI’s Marathon Health Center, can fix her own cars, and makes a mean Cuban coffee. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

MARIE MARTINEZ Patient financial service specialist, CHI

How did you originally come to Marathon? I’m originally from Chicago and came to Marathon in December 1998 from Puerto Rico, where I graduated from college with an associate’s degree.

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).

What would you like to be remembered for? Everyone at CHI Marathon would remember me by the Cuban coffee that they always ask me to make. My family would remember me by the food that I make and always talking about classic cars.

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

What song always gets you on the dance floor? I have an eclectic taste as far as music. What gets me on the dance floor can be anything from disco music to pop music.

What is your dream vacation? My dream vacation would be to go to Mexico and Europe with my family.

What is the last book you read or TV show you binged? The TV shows I love to binge watch most are paranormal series.

Spotlighting the amazing individuals who live and work in the Keys We’ll admit: though Keys Weekly is tasked with reporting the news in the Keys every week, we’ve got a problem.

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of our papers, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to introduce our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. Our first featured individual is no stranger to the many residents and visitors passing through the doors of Community Health of South Florida’s Marathon Health Center.

What would you do if you won the lottery? If I won the lottery, I would buy a 4 bedroom house, my dream car (a 1968 Chevy Impala SS), and put money into my kids’ accounts so that they don’t have to worry about any expenses they may have in the future.

What's the weirdest or funniest app on your phone? I normally have Facebook and email on my phone.

No weird apps.

What's one thing that is always on the menu, but you will never try?

I’m willing to try everything once … except for cow tongue.

What's one thing most people never knew about you? I can maintain my vehicle myself without the help of a mechanic (on certain things).

Two truths and a lie? I love chocolate, I make great coffee but don’t drink it, and my favorite song is “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli. (Editor’s note: check back next week to see which was the lie!)

What's the best advice you've ever received or given? The best advice that I’ve ever received was to always tell the truth and be yourself.

8.

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

The McRib.

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.

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?

21

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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The Studios of Key West, a dynamic arts nonprofit, seeks a Director of Operations, responsible for overseeing the finances, physical assets and box office, among other administrative tasks. They supervise a range of part time staff and external vendors, including: bookkeeper; maintenance staff; and box office staff.

The ideal candidate has at least eight years of professional experience in business management and/or accounting, and an understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, budgeting and planning.

A demonstrated enthusiasm for the arts is a plus.

Find out more at tskw.org/jobs. To apply, send resume and cover letter to jed@tskw.org. The Studios is an EEO.

22

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

ANOTHER CLASSIC ROCK READ

The granddaddy of them all…

S BELLA 6.5-year-old female mixed breed Looking for: Zen. I need a safe, calm, quiet place to relax my body and mind.

Turnoffs: Loud noises.

Have you ever heard a thunderstorm? Scary.

COOPER 5.5-year-old male shepherd mix Looking for: A backyard.

There is nothing better than lounging in the sun.

Turnoffs: Dogs that try to play too much. Man, just chill.

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

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

SUNSHINE 1.5-year-old male domestic shorthair Looking for: Someone to warm up to.

Turnoffs: You’d think I could name one, but really, I’m just a laidback ray of sunshine.

o far, we’ve checked out books

by Don Felder, Eric Clapton, Paul Zollo (Tom Petty) and Joe Vitale. This week, we look at perhaps the best rock autobiography ever written.

It figures that the Classic Rock Reads champion book would be written by one of the best songwriters of all time. This Rock and Roll Hallof-Famer has been telling stories in music for nearly a half-century, and his latest album (Rough and Rowdy Ways) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Rock and Americana album charts. He celebrated his 81st birthday on May 24, and he’s touring the world through 2024.

Who better to tell the story of Bob Dylan’s life than Bob Dylan? “Chronicles, Volume One” is an incredible look back at not just one musician’s life, but also a bit of a first-person recollection of some fascinating moments of 20th century American history.

Chronicles is not a linear, chronological or comprehensive retelling of Dylan’s life. (There are lots of those books available.) It doesn’t include juicy bits like when he turned the Beatles on to pot in the ’60s. What the reader gets, however, is priceless. If you ever wondered what it might be like to be a young folk singer arriving in New York City for the first time in the dead of winter, knowing no one and having no place to stay, you’ll be able to experience it through the eyes of Dylan as he tells his stories.

The incredible details of his early New York years — of finding his own voice, learning from (and eventually surpassing) the stars of the folk scene, and transforming from Robert Zimmerman to Bob Dylan — are presented in a way so that each small detail fills and becomes part of the picture as a whole. Simply put, the reader is able to feel like he was right there with Dylan. It’s really written that well.

Throughout the book, Dylan tells what it’s like to be seen as “leader of the movement” and “conscience of a generation,” while all he wanted to do was be a family man, take his kids to ballgames, and try to lead as normal a life as possible. Dylan recalls that no matter where he took his family, people would follow, demonstrate, and beg him to “lead them somewhere.”

He explains how he tried, with varying degrees of success, to “demolish (his) identity” and deconstruct the myth.

Dylan writes of his no-win situation: “Reporters would shoot questions at me and I would tell them repeat-

JOHN BARTUS is the Mayor of the City of Marathon. He also is a musician who performs around town. For more see johnbartus. com

edly that I was not a spokesman for anything or anybody and that I was only a musician. They’d look into my eyes as if to find some evidence of bourbon and handfuls of amphetamines. I had no idea what they were thinking. Later an article would hit the streets with the headline ‘Spokesman Denies That He’s A Spokesman.’

I felt like a piece of meat that someone had thrown to the

dogs.”

Other standout stories that Dylan recalls for us include his being asked to write songs for an Archibald MacLeish play (songs that became the basis for Dylan’s New Morning album), recording his Oh Mercy album with Daniel Lanois in the haunted city of New Orleans, and how he was planning to retire but was reborn on stage during a tour with Tom Petty in Switzerland. He even touches on the creative process and how he wrote some of his songs.

Throughout the book, Dylan’s eye for detail (and amazing memory of past events) makes for a very compelling story. Rumor has it that a Volume Two is in the works and that it will highlight different parts of Dylan’s amazing story. Suffice it to say that with a No. 1 album and continued touring, the story is nowhere close to complete. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to add “Chronicles, Volume One”

by Bob Dylan to your bookshelf.

***** Our condolences go out to the family and friends of former Marathon City Council member Marilyn Tempest, who passed away last weekend.

Marilyn was a stalwart of the Marathon Community Theater, where she produced, directed, and performed in many of their fine productions. Marilyn was brilliant, funny and compassionate, and she was one of my favorite Council members ever to have served.

She will be missed. Godspeed, Marilyn.

— Catch John each Monday at Boondocks, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Key Colony Inn, and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

2

LOCAL NFL PLAYER MEKHI SARGENT GIVES BACK TO KEY WEST

1

3

The Jacksonville Jaguar supports Boys & Girls Club kids MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

N

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

26

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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Founded in 1955, Coldwell Banker Schmitt is the oldest and largest real estate company in the Florida Keys with offices conveniently located in each of the five major Keys market areas. Coldwell Banker Schmitt has a total of 167 agents/staff, including 13 new agents in the first 6 months of 2022. Their average longevity is 8.25 years, more than twice the industry average.

Thank you Kitty!

27

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

WELCOME TO DUCK KEY! FLORIDA KEYS MOST BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOODS FIVE UNIQUE ISLANDS WITH OVER 600 HOMES FIVE STAR RESORT ON THE ISLAND CLUB DUCK KEY COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE WITH WELLNESS AMENITIES (OPTIONAL MEMBERSHIP) TWO DEEPWATER MARINAS CRYSTAL CLEAR FLOW THRU CANALS GOLF CART FRIENDLY

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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31

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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32

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022 Force Blue members hold up the American flag to kick off their efforts. KURT TIDD/Contributed

CARING FOR CORALS Vets, conservationists join I.CARE for restoration training and work TIFFANY DUONG

I

tiffany@keysweekly.com

n mid-June, Bud N’ Mary’s Marina was buzzing with activity. I.CARE, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the local reefs of Islamorada, hosted Force Blue and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) in a two-day coral training, planting and monitoring exercise to benefit our local coral reefs. Divers planted endangered corals together and raised awareness about the importance of and challenges facing coral reefs.

“This is an absolute dream come true for me,” said I.CARE co-founder Kylie Smith as she welcomed the dive teams and local crowd to Islamorada to kick off festivities.

The Florida Keys boasts the third-largest barrier reef in the world. Its rich biodiversity supports our local fishing industry and tourist economy. It’s also what established us as the scuba diving capital of the world.

Unfortunately, “we do have some challenges here,” said Patxi Pastor, GHOF CEO and president, in the kickoff press conference.

“Ninety-eight percent of our reef has left us. The good news is, we have 2% left, and we're gonna change that.”

GHOF conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs to conserve the marine environment. The foundation also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists – and immediately saw a synergy between its work and that of I.CARE. I.CARE’s mission involves local businesses, residents and visitors in the active restoration and maintenance of the coral reef communities in Islamorada. From the start, it has maintained that success will come most organically and efficiently through a community-based approach to reef restoration.

When Smith met Pastor last year, they knew this collaboration would be fruitful and important. Then, they invited Force Blue to join, and a tremendous trifecta was created for our reefs.

The training, conducted by I.CARE and Mote Marine Laboratories, included coral restoration

To that end, two boats full of divers departmethodology, coral species identification, data ed from the marina to a reef near Alligator Light. collection methods and coral transplanting and They used their recent training to transplant maintenance training. Joining the nonprofits endangered staghorn corals back onto the reef, were Katie Palmer, a Gold Star family member using Mote’s vetted, science-based methods. At whose father was killed while serving in the the end, they cemented a Force Blue medallion Armed Forces; Nina Bowen, founder of Team on one of the newly-restored coral heads, the BLU marine science club at Key West High foundation for a future reef.

School; and local, county and state government Bowen, who was excited to participate officials and representatives. in such a bold effort to help our oceans, said, Introducing Force Blue as part of this unique “We’re trying to do more than just talk about it. initiative, Pastor said, “The U.S. military – they’ve … I’m super excited, I’m thrilled and I’m really given everything for the liberties we enjoy. U.S. soldiers are what this country is about, and we're on a new mission, so who better to lead this effort?

Force Blue was established in 2016 to address two seemingly unrelated problems – the rapidly declining marine environment and the difficulty that many servicemen and women face in adjusting to civilian life after their service ends.

Force Blue retrains and redeploys former Special Operations veterans and combat divers to work The I.CARE and GHOF teams met because Cindy Lewis, of Keys Marine Lab in alongside scientists and Layton, had the foresight to bring them together. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly environmentalists on new marine conservation missions. honored to be here. I’m a STEM-nerd and …

Founder Jim Ritterhoff thanked the hosts for today we get to dive and help with coral restoratheir hospitality, recalling, “Our first mission was tion beneath the surface. It’s crazy!” here in the Florida Keys – after Irma. We sent After a successful few days and many new Special Ops guys to the Florida Keys, and that’s corals planted, I.CARE co-founder Mike Goldberg really where Force Blue began. It’s a privilege to said, “We are the only organization that gives come back here to train and serve.” the recreational diver an outlet to bring back Monroe County Mayor David Rice thanked what we’ve lost. I’ve been diving here 30 years the veterans, scientists and volunteer divers for and seen the declines. So, we had to come up their efforts. He noted that while historical atwith a way to give our community a way to bring tempts to grow coral “seemed impossible” with it back. This partnership with Guy Harvey and the rising temperatures and water quality isForce Blue is the next evolution of this work, and sues, “not only are we doing that, but, with your we are so thrilled.” help, we will get this reef back.”

33

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE's 22/23 SEASON MAIN-STAGE SHOW 1 MUSICAL, $33/TIX PLUS TAX OCT 27 - NOV 12, 2022

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CALL 305-743-0994 or visit www.marathontheater.org

,K

COMMUNITY DANCE SHOWCASE $15/TIX PLUS TAX JUNE 2 & 3, 2023

L& C

MAIN-STAGE SHOW COMEDY, $28/TIX PLUS TAX APR 27 - MAY 13, 2023

B SC

MAIN-STAGE SHOW 3 MUSICAL, $33/TIX PLUS TAX MARCH 09 - 25, 2023

’O DRAHCIR Y

FUNDRAISER VARIETY SHOW $45/TIX PLUS TAX FEBRUARY 09, 10 & 11, 2023

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

NAIRB

MAIN-STAGE SHOW 2 COMEDY, $28/TIX PLUS TAX JANUARY 05 - 21, 2023

S’ NA I RB ’O D RAH CIR

HOLIDAY EVENT $10/TIX PLUS TAX DECEMBER 16 & 17, 2022

The MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE will be holding OPEN AUDITIONS for our October/November 2022 Musical

AUGUST 6 & 7 / 9AM-12PM & 1PM-4PM

to schedule your audition, or if you have questions please contact the director at techmasterz22@aol.com

34

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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35

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

KAREN NEWFIELD ... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

FIVE STAR FIREWORKS PACK YOUR BEACH BAG THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH THREE STEAMY LOVE STORIES AND LET SUMMER BEGIN

MEANT TO BE By Emily Giffin Joe Kingsley is the “It” guy of the ’80s. Born into a wealthy family and carrying the memory of his father, an astronaut and American hero who perished tragically, Joe is smothered with love from his stylish, well-bred mother. With his All-American good looks, athleticism and natural charm, Joe finds it’s smooth sailing to pretty much get whatever and whomever he wants. As he gets older, the enormous pressure of being a Kingsley leaves Joe constantly on the search for his true calling, and more often than not, his next adrenaline rush. One day on a windy beach in the Hamptons, Joe stumbles upon a photo shoot and meets the most stunning woman he has ever seen. After begging and pleading, Cate finally agrees to one date. Their histories cannot be more different. Cate struggled in a dysfunctional home filled with dread and disappointment.

Until Joe, Cate never dreamed there was a love this great. Succumbing to the terrifying paparazzi and harsh public opinion, Cate cannot resist Joe’s eternal optimism. Their romance is one people write books about. Loosely based on the Kennedy family, this easily imaginable “what if” novel will instantly melt your heart. Pass me the tissues.

EVERY SUMMER AFTER By Carley Fortune When Persephone Fraser’s parents buy a cottage in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, she is a scrawny, insecure, average 13-year-old girl. Next door to this quaint summer home are the Floreks – two noisy boys and their sweet mom, Sue. While Sue manages the tavern, Charlie (15) and Sam (13) run wild and quickly take Percy under their brotherly wings. Jumping off cliffs, swimming across the lake and getting into mischief becomes the norm and Percy looks forward to summer all year. Secretly in love with Sam from the day they met, they become best friends, reading each other’s minds and blushing at Charlie’s stream of girlfriends. A few summers later, Percy and Sam explore their first love. Narrated between the past and present, we meet Percy at 30 returning to Barry’s Bay after 12 years of utter silence. She carries guilt and an intense loneliness from years gone by. Percy is terrified to see Sam again but knows it is time for the complicated truth to be revealed. Beneath the nuanced past is an exquisite peek at the painful, exciting and memorable years of adolescence. A debut novel of friendship, family and the young summers we never forget.

THE BODYGUARD By Katherine Center After Jack Stapleton’s mom falls ill, he heads straight to their Texas ranch. Jack is a world-famous movie star in every sense of the word – he is literally a household name.

Hannah Brooks gets assigned to a task force to protect Jack. She shows up at his house to go over the details and Jack instantly laughs at Hannah’s freckled girl-next-door appearance and the idea that she is going to save his life. Hannah quickly demonstrates her capabilities, deceivingly hidden in her petite stature. Pressured by his manager, Jack must accept Hannah’s help. The twist is that she must pretend to be his girlfriend so his parents don’t panic. She is a complete professional and fits right in at the ranch. Away from the cameras and screaming fans, Jack turns out to be a kind, funny guy who just happens to be extraordinarily handsome. Dealing with a stalker situation that could escalate at any moment, a brother Jack is completely at odds with and her own recent breakup, Hannah must juggle a lot of emotional energy while figuring out if her connection with Jack is real. Fast paced laugh-out-loud romance perfect for a day at the beach.

WATCH TIP: Check out “A Perfect Pairing,” the sweetest romance with an Aussie twist, now on Netflix!

36

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

THE STORIES BEHIND OUR SHIPWRECKS TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

“I

f you look at this as just a wreck to dive on, you’re missing the whole story,” said Kamau Sadiki. “Each of these vessels has a powerful and tremendous story to tell, and the only way to tell it is to interrogate it, investigate it, sense it and feel it. Collect the data and try to make sense of it.”

The Diving with a Purpose (DWP) lead instructor and board member reflected on his experiences diving on shipwrecks around the world, including several that were directly involved with the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

DWP is a non-profit organization providing training, education and archeological fieldwork support for submerged heritage preservation and conservation projects. DWP has a particular focus on the African Diaspora.

For example, the sanctuary estimates there are 700 to 800 archeological sites throughout our island chain, most of which haven’t been properly documented or explored. DWP and NOAA have teamed up over the last decade to search for and map other Keys shipwrecks – including the City of Washington and the infamous Guerrero slave ship.

In June, Sadiki and his DWP dive team traveled to the Florida Keys to help NOAA document and map yet another shipwreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Their work will help NOAA’s Matthew Lawrence and his maritime heritage team understand the history – and mystery – behind the vessel’s untimely sinking.

The Brick Barge, as the wreck is currently known, sits in 20 feet of water in the Hen and Chickens Sanctuary Preservation Area off Plantation Key. It’s believed the vessel sank in 1949 en route to Key West.

“This is a neat shipwreck because every aspect is local,” Lawrence told the Weekly. “It sank here in the Upper Keys, and the bricks it was carrying ended up in homes at a certain intersection of Key West – we just don’t know exactly where, yet.”

Some details don’t add up perfectly, Lawrence added. First off, the shape of the wreck isn’t a traditional, rectangular “barge shape.” There is one pointy end, which, to Lawrence, indicates that it might have been a steamship or sailing vessel before it was a barge.

Deciphering the history behind a local dive spot

A central baseline measure runs the length of the wreck, and divers worked on either side to document and draw what they saw. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

Secondly, most ships with pointy ends have two of them. The Brick Barge has only one, which tells the sanctuary team that divers are looking at only half of the vessel on the seafloor. The original ship was probably twice the length of what is still visible.

The barge likely ran aground and sank close to where the wreckage sits today.

Then, Lawrence suspects, the owners raised half the vessel – the half containing the precious brick cargo – leaving one pointy end and half a vessel at the bottom of the sea.

Finally, using old newspaper reports, the sanctuary team has pieced together a spotty history. There is news of a barge breaking free from a tug and drifting inshore before sinking.

That aligns. There are also stories of a father-son duo who were on the barge and who clung to a mast overnight to survive. The son eventually swam to shore to find rescuers to come back for his dad.

Chronologically, here’s where the discrepancies begin. While the bricks did make it to Key West, a different newspaper report claims they did so

Florida Keys Dive Center takes NOAA and DWP divers out to document a local shipwreck.

DWP’s divers prepare to dive on the Brick Barge at Hen and Chicken’s Reef.

on said barge. Because at least half of it is still sitting on the seafloor, we know “that’s just not jiving with what we see here, so there’s a hidden history we’re trying to uncover,” Lawrence said.

“What happened thereafter is a mystery. It’s just an unusual situation,” the archeologist added. “But, once we map it, we can get a better idea of when it was built, what it might have been and, ultimately, what happened to it.”

Sadiki, tasked with drawing the bow section of the ship as it sits on the seafloor, took special care to document everything in exquisite and exact detail. You never know what small detail might lead an archeologist like Lawrence to learn something new about the vessel, he said. The data will be compiled and converted into a shipwreck map, which is made available to the public and which helps shed light on the origins of the wreck.

In the end, it’s really the stories behind the shipwrecks that matter, and uncovering those allows us to appreciate who they were and how they connect to us now, Sadiki said. Lawrence agreed, noting how a rewarding part of his job is to “reveal the people’s stories that didn’t make it into history books” and to “connect people here in the Keys to their history.”

As for the Brick Barge, we’ll have to wait for the map, the history and the stories to reveal just how those bricks got to Key West in the end.

37

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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38

MARATHON 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 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 OverSea 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 fast-moving 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

Bahia Honda, 1954. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION/Contributed

in the Florida Keys. It is also home to the award-winning Sandspur Beach.

Twice, Sandspur Beach was singled out as the best beach in America. Both times it happened, it was 1992. Condé Nast Traveler magazine declared it the BRAD country’s best beach, as did BERTELLI Dr. Beach himself, Stephen Leatherman. is an author, While the Florida Keys speaker, and Florare not known for their ida Keys historian.

His latest book, naturally occurring sandy “The Florida Keys beaches, Bahia Honda’s Skunk Ape Files,” Sandspur Beach proves is a fun blend of two of his favorite to be a glorious exception subjects — Florida to the rule. When driving Keys history and across the Overseas Highthe Skunk Ape. way 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.

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

Adaptive divers and their buddies work together to create meaningful experiences on scuba. ERIC BILLIPS/Contributed

SPONSORED BY:

CONSERVATION TIP Helping all people access and enjoy the water helps to create more stewards.

If you’d like to donate to or volunteer with Diveheart, please check out www.diveheart.org.

DIVING FOR ALL

Getting adaptive divers below the surface

THIS WEEK’S DIVE REPORT Conditions were, once again, fantastic. We have been very fortunate these past few weeks with calm winds and waters. This makes for stunning visibility, pleasant diving and happy customers.

The calm, clear waters were perfect for our week with Diveheart. Diveheart is an amazing, volunteerdriven nonprofit organization focused on getting adaptive divers trained and into the water. Their mission is ERIC to build confidence, independence and self-esteem in BILLIPS children, veterans and others with disabilities by using zero gravity, adaptive scuba and scuba therapy. is the owner, captain and There are only a few dive shops in the Keys with instructor at instructors qualified and certified to accommodate Islamorada Dive Center and Florida differently-abled divers. We are proud to be among them. This week, we hosted two divers with disabilities Keys Dive Center. at Florida Keys Dive Center. Despite having no use of He specializes in scuba, rebreather, their legs, they swim and dive effortlessly underwater. spearfishing and When diving with adaptive divers, there are safety captaining in the and comfort considerations to keep in mind, includFlorida Keys. ing everything from how to enter and exit the water to what type of buddy support is optimal. Diveheart is one of the leading organizations working with this community, and we have an absolute blast every time they visit.

The afterparty is also a blast. Listening to adaptive divers beam with pride and excitement about their accomplishment makes everything worth it. They were just here, and we already can’t wait for their next visit.

NEXT WEEK’S DIVE REPORT It only gets better from here. This is what summer diving in the Florida Keys is all about. Next week looks to be just as nice as the past few – woo hoo! Would you like to come out and experience our beautiful island chain from the water? We’d love to have you.

I.CARE continues with their important work this Saturday. Call Key Dives to sign up.

CONSERVATION UPDATE Calm waters are also great for restoration work. I.CARE continues to plant and monitor more endangered corals onto our local reefs.

This work requires decent buoyancy and comfort underwater. When the weather and water conditions participate, it makes it even more fun! These upcoming summer months, with flatcalm waters, are ideal for carrying on this important work.

40

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

The 2022 Marathon Meltdown is officially a wrap!

We can’t give away too much here – after all, we need to save something for our awards party – but here are your “biggest losers” from the final week of the competition, ranked by each team’s average percent of body weight loss per individual. Please note that these are NOT THE FINAL STANDINGS for the competition; the numbers below reflect only each team’s progress within the last week.

2.51%

1.91%

1.74%

CARDIO BARBIES

TONS OF FUN

WII NOT FIT

Melissa, Samantha, Donna

Andrew, John, Lisa

Paul, Danielle, Malinda

RANKINGS 4. Team Less Is More: 1.63% Michelle, Bruce, Donna

7. Locked & Bloated: 0.21% Alex, Patti, Javier

10. Lift It to Lose It: 0.09% Bambi, Cindy, Robyn

12. Air Bellies: 0.01% Diana, Wilson, Viviana

5. Sassy By Summer: 1.52% Teresa, Lisa, Nicole

8. Oversize Highway: 0.19% Lorie, Eric, Anneke

11. Make It Happen: 0.06% Grimi, Lynn, Lynny

13. Waisting Away Again: N/A Robert, Mallory, Kacey

6. Slim-O-Knockers: 1.18% Melissa, Giovanna, Mariuska

9. Time Out Toners: 0.12% Natalie, Julie, Michelle

AVERAGE TEAM WEIGHT LOSS: 0.93%

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41

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

Participating in the Marathon Meltdown motivated me to eat healthier and to get more exercise on a daily basis, even if it meant parking farther away or hand-washing my vehicle."

Even though I dreaded the weekly weigh-ins, the Fishermen’s Hospital staff, including the security guards, were always so encouraging."

The number on the scale going down was nice, but what I really enjoyed was getting back into my 'skinny clothes!'"

I miss cake..."

Thank you for showing up every week. Thank you for the sweets and snacks you skipped. Thank you for the calories you burned, the workouts you crushed, and the sacrifices you made. But most of all, thank you for making a commitment to your health and making changes for the better. Here's to sticking with it!

I wouldn't say I lost the most weight. But I definitely found the small changes that are my own personal keys to losing a pound or two and keeping it off."

I realized I had lost significant weight in the most Keysy way possible: I had to carry less weight while scuba diving."

42

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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45

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

KEYS WEEKLY & OVERSEAS MEDIA GROUP WELCOME NEW SALES MANAGER

T MLKAR ANNOUNCES 2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS The Middle and Lower Keys Association of Realtors was pleased to announce a total of $7,130 in scholarships provided to students from the graduating class of 2022. This year, the awards were split between four students: Benjamin Hiller, Emily Sheldon, Kayla Sipe and Lucy Craft. Pictured, from left, are MLKAR secretary Alexia Mann, Hiller, Sheldon and MLKAR president Ally Kelly at Marathon High School’s Class Night. CONTRIBUTED

he Keys Weekly Newspapers and Overseas Media Group recently hired Manuela Carrillo Mobley as director of sales, overseeing the locally owned companies’ sales teams spanning three offices in Tavernier, Marathon and Key West.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Carrillo Mobley moved to the U.S. in 2004. She studied marketing and advertising in Venezuela before she left due to political turmoil.

Carrillo Mobley went to a bilingual school in Venezuela and learned English before she came to the U.S. And that made things easier for her to find work opportunities in the U.S. She was hired at AT&T as a sales rep/customer service person.

She eventually became a regional manager at AT&T supporting the Florida Keys, south Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale markets. Carrillo Mobley said it was an incredible experience working with many different people with amazing talent.

After a few years, she opted to start a T-Mobile store. Carrillo Mobley decided to move to the Keys full time to run the store and it was successful for almost four years.

During that time, she met her husband, Kit Carson Mobley, who now jokes about the day he “walked in for a cell phone and walked out with a girlfriend.”

Carrillo Mobley sold the T-Mobile store and went back to work with AT&T in Tavernier, where she stayed for a couple of years while finishing her studies with University of Miami in digital marketing.

“I wanted to find a way to mix my passion for coaching and helping people with my knowledge of marketing, advertising and sales,” she said. “That is where the director of sales role for Keys Weekly and OMG came in. Now I can integrate the best of both worlds with one big amazing company.”

Throughout her career, Carrillo Mobley managed multiple people from different backgrounds and diverse personalities. The most rewarding part of her career was seeing those sellers become managers and those managers become district managers.

Carrillo Mobley has two dogs, Neri and Capt. Jack, She loves hiking, road trips and camping with

Manuela Carrillo Mobley

her husband. She also enjoys snorkeling and fishing, when she is not seasick.

“Manuela comes to us with an extensive background in management and team building, adding to our local principles of community involvement, customer service and results-driven marketing,” said The Weekly Newspapers partner, Britt Myers. “We pride ourselves on growing our media teams with locals who are engaged in our communities and the success of their peers. Manuela will be a fantastic addition to our three newspaper offices and the clients they serve, along with our digital media services at OMG (Overseas Media Group).”

Boasting the largest newspaper circulation in the Florida Keys, The Keys Weekly is the only locally-owned and operating publishing company covering all of Monroe County and the Florida Keys. With offices in Tavernier, Marathon and Key West, the company produces three weekly community newspapers, owns the premier travel and news site in the Keys and publishes a myriad of magazines tailored to dining, boating, hurricane preparation, lobster mini-season and more.

OMG is an adjoining arm to the parent company, Keys Weekly Media. OMG specializes in custom web development and design, social media strategies, SEO services, brand awareness, Google/ search ranking optimization, paid search management, webpage audits and off-page optimization (link building).

— Keys Weekly staff

46

MARATHON 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

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

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.

BRIEFLY Florida Keys Lionfish Derby set for Sept. 8-11 Divers can vie for prize money while helping preserve native reef fish populations during the 13th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, the fun and competitive event is sponsored by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation.

Derby teams in two divisions will hit the water to capture and remove as many non-native lionfish as possible.

The Apex Predators division is designed with greater prize monies for more competitive divers, while Reef Defenders is a more casual division with less prize money but equally credible bragging rights. Over $6,000 in cash and prizes awaits those who score the most lionfish, the largest, smallest and the winner of the golden fish raffle award.

Teams of two to four people can register online before Aug. 8 for an early bird rate of $75 per team. Thereafter, registration until 6:15 p.m. Sept. 8 is $100 per team.

Derby participants can hunt from sunrise to sundown Friday and Saturday, collecting lionfish by netting or spearing while on scuba, snorkeling or free diving and following all federal and state fishing regulations.

Sunday’s festival activities, open to the public and set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Postcard Inn Resort and Marina in Islamorada, include team scoring and awards. Attendees can enjoy live music, games, products from environmentally minded vendors and raffles for prizes. REEF staff will provide lionfish fillet and dissection demonstrations and local chefs will offer cooking demonstrations and tastings.

Monroe County master gardeners to host plant clinics The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ (IFAS) Monroe County master gardener volunteers will be available to address residents’ plant, insect, and gardening questions at the following plant clinics located throughout the Keys: Upper Keys: First Wednesday of the month, 9 a.m. to noon, Murray Nelson Government Center. Third Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon, Garden Club of the Upper Keys.

Fourth Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Island Home Nursery, Tavernier.

Middle Keys: Third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Home Depot, Marathon. Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Grimal Grove, Big Pine Key. Lower Keys: Key West Garden Club will resume in November. Third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Key West Botanical Garden Nursery.

More information is available at 305-292-4501, Monroe@ifas.ufl.edu or http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ extensionservices.

Marathon library to receive special MCSO K9 visit Friday, July 1: Photography canceled; Investment Club, kids learn how to spend and invest money, 2 p.m.; Arts and Crafts, 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 2: Easy Yoga (Adults) 10 a.m.; Visit our Real Storytime Reading Dog, 10:30 a.m.; Build With Us: Maker Lab, school aged kids, 2 to 3 p.m.

Monday, July 4: Closed for the July 4th holiday.

Tuesday, July 5: Art, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; MahJong, 10 a.m.; Preschool storytime fun, 10:30 a.m.; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit visits the library, 11 a.m.; Game Day!, 2 to 4 p.m.; Summer Reading: Teen Challenge, 4 p.m.; Dungeons and Dragons canceled.

Wednesday, July 6: Cosmic Kids Movement and Yoga Adventures, 10:30 a.m.; Dungeons and Dragons, adults, 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 7: Summer Reading Event: Learn about the oceans and the amazing creatures living within it with Mote Marine Laboratories, ages 6-12, 10:30 a.m.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

Karen Represented the Sellers of: 640 9th Street Key Colony, FL 33051 Sold for $1,352,000

JUST SOLD Karen Raspe 305-393-9010 Cell 305-743-7636 Office KarenRaspe@bellsouth.net A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

MY LISTING: 413 92ND ST, OCEAN LOT 7

JUST SOLD!

SHAWNABEL MASSARO

Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated

305-481-5057 bella.floridakeys@gmail.com www.c21affiliated.com

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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

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

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

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

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MARATHON 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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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

50

MARATHON 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

51

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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

CRANE POINT

Museum & Nature Center

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

MORNING TRIPS 8:30am - 12:30pm NIGHT TRIPS 6:30pm - Midnight

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

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

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

305.743.5580

2010 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON CATCH THE FERRY AT FARO BLANCO

305.743.5999 PIGEONKEY.NET

NOW HIRINGrs Educato

OPEN for programs

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

www.MARATHONLADY.net

MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL

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

www.turtlehospital.org

52

MARATHON 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

53

MARATHON 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

54

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

Leslie Christensen

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

OWNER

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

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

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Liz Samess Interiors

Alexia Mann, GRI

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Liz Samess Interior Designer

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

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

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

305-289-1150

Marathon, FL 33050

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

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

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

Residential Commercial Marine

Automotive Installation Specialist

Todd Gibbins 305-393-1092

Chad Cossairt 305-340-8392

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

AQUACLEAR SOLUTIONS POOL & SPA CARE

SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE Lic & Ins SP3696

SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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

Call Jeff today for a complimentary Water Test, Evaluation and Estimate!

(305) 767-3703

aquaclearsolutionskeys@gmail.com

55

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

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

START EARNING

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

305 3902315

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

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

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

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

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

Tracy Chacksfield Realtor

CGC1523838 312-350-4601 tracy@thebeautifulkeys.com

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

Lic No. SP1481

CGC1523838

When It Rains It Pours!

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

Lic#SP-3562

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

(Across from Beall’s Outlet)

289-3019

Will Campbell

Serving Key Largo to Key West

President

BUiLDiNG iNSPECTiONS & PLAN REViEW PRiVATE PROViDER WiLL CAMPBELL - PRESiDENT

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

Rachel Sanderson Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

Michael Kiraly

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

Milly Cruz

305.363.8869 milly@seafarerrealty.com www.SeafarerRealty.com

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

56

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022

THANK YOU The City of Marathon's Park and Recreation Staff would like to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Children's Rotary Park build.

We have the best volunteers! Thank you to everyone who worked hard in the heat and a very special THANK YOU to these amazing people who showed up EVERYDAY for ALL SHIFTS

Thank you for feeding all of these hungry volunteers!

Frank's Grill • Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House • Coast to Coast Pizza • Irie Eats •

Jaymie Robinson • Kevin McCaulay • Jason Rutledge •

Marathon Bagel • Driftwood • Food For

Ben Segard • Claire Segard • Sadie Segard • Andy

Thought • Paradise Flavors • Stuffed Pig •

Segard • Kelly Judd • Maddie Judd • Ken Judd • Aiden

Juice Paradise • 7 Mile Buffet • Brutus

Judd • Jeff Smith • Malachi Hawkins • Andrew

Seafood • La Isa Tacos donated by Keys

Cavanaugh • Lisa Cavanaugh • Karen Diehl • Peter

Carwash • Marathon Community Church •

Snow • Karen McKeon • Allen Worden • Jon Nolta •

Porky's Bayside Restaurant and Marina •

Juan Barrera • Lester Franco

Keys Vineyard • Private Chef Heather

We also couldn't have done it without the support of our local businesses GA Contractors