Key West Weekly 22-0707

“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” —RBG

July 7, 2022

PICK YOUR BUBBAS

VOTING ENDS JULY 11 | P. 12

KEY WEST OFFICIALS TALK NUDITY - AGAIN FANTASY FEST RULES GET SCRUTINY | P. 7

CRUISE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES OPPONENTS PROTEST PIER B EXPANSION | P. 4

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

2,509

That’s the number of licensed non-transient rentals registered in the city of Key West. Non-transient rentals are for a month or longer, and the city soon will require owners to pay a fee of $300 per year.

See page 7 for more details.

ON THE COVER Key West’s cruise ship debate continues with an expansion of the privately owned Pier B. See page 4.

SAFER CLEANER SHIPS FRUSTRATED

BY LACK OF PUBLIC INPUT

STATE EXPANDS PIER B’S BOUNDARIES MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

K

ey West’s great cruise ship debate is far from over, and in fact exploded like a firework on July 1, when state officials agreed to expand by 55,000 square feet the area of water that the privately owned Pier B leases from the state to accommodate large cruise ships.

Since February 2022, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had received “multiple complaints alleging that cruise ships are being periodically moored partially outside of the (area of water that Pier B leases from the state). Information, including photos, submitted with the complaints indicates potential non-compliance with the lease,” states a Temporary Use Agreement that expands the boundaries of Pier B’s lease with the state DEP. The Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships, which for years has led the opposition to large cruise ships in Key West, also opposes the process by which the boundaries were expanded for Pier B. “So, Pier B has been operating under a lease with the state Department of Environmental Protection and has been in violation of that by bringing in ships that exceed the lease boundaries,” Arlo Haskell, treasurer of Safer Cleaner Ships, told the Keys Weekly on July 5. “DEP’s response, instead of making Pier B come into compliance with the rules of the lease, is just changing the rules. It’s basically now a larger body of water that Pier B is allowed to use for cruise ships.”

Opponents of large cruise ships protest the arrival of such a ship at the privately owned Pier B in February 2022. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Haskell likened the July 1 Temporary Use Agreement to a different violation. “It’s as if I committed a bank robbery, and instead of arresting me, the authorities instead decided to make bank robbery legal,” Haskell said. “It’s frustrating.

DEP is allegedly focused on protecting the environment, but we haven’t seen that. DEP has failed to achieve its mission and advance the public trust. They’ve never sent an inspector down and have never asked any follow-up questions with regard to our complaints about lease violations or potential water quality violations.”

When reached by the Keys Weekly for comment, DEP spokeswoman Alexandra Kuchta said, “The department recognizes that the waterward edge of the original lease boundary was established years before the larger ships were calling to the port, and it has been working

with Pier B Development Corporation (the lessee) to bring the site into compliance. While a long-term solution is sought, DEP has issued Pier B a year-long TUA, temporarily expanding the lease boundaries to the north and west to ensure ships are not obstructing the entrance to Truman Harbor. DEP will continue to monitor the situation and will address any activities that cause impacts to environmental resources or water quality through our enforcement process.”

When asked if he thinks the recent expansion of Pier B’s lease is, in part, a retaliatory response to the city of Key West’s and Safer Cleaner Ships’ refusal in April to accept some voluntary limitations offered by Pier B and owner Mark Walsh, Haskell said, “I think that’s right. As Commissioner Jimmy Weekley said, ‘They’re continued on page 7

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

continued from page 4

not a good neighbor.’ They know how the community voted and they don’t care what the community wants.”

In April, Pier B owner Mark Walsh had offered to abide by some blackout dates when no ships would dock at Pier B. He also offered to donate $1 per cruise ship passenger to a coral reef restoration program. But the city, with the agreement of Safer Cleaner Ships, refused those limitations. Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow were in favor of approving the new proposed limitations, reminding their colleagues that Pier B’s current contract with the city contains no limits on ship size or blackout dates. Pier B can bring in up to seven ships per week of any size, including more than one ship per day, according to the existing agreement.

Pier B’s water lease with the state is the only thing that restricted the size of cruise ships.

That lease is now being widened by 50 feet for the entire 1,000-foot length of the lease area, and it’s been lengthened by another 50 feet, Haskell said.

“As we’ve been filing complaints about ships exceeding the boundaries of Pier B’s lease with the state, we’ve asked DEP to hold public workshops to ensure the lease is in the public’s best interest.

We certainly thought there’d be more of a public process before this lease area was expanded by 55,000 square feet,” Haskell told the Keys Weekly.

Mark Walsh’s representatives declined to comment at this time.

OFFICIALS TALK NUDITY, FANTASY FEST & BEACH WEDDINGS KEY WEST COMMISSION MEETS WEDNESDAY EVENING MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

here will be a Fantasy Zone for October’s Fantasy Fest in Key West, but body paint will not be considered an acceptable covering of people’s private parts — if Key West officials approve those items at Wednesday evening’s city commission meeting, which occurred after presstime.

“The City Commission finds that for public safety reasons including crowd management and the challenges of enforcement, it is prudent to establish a ‘Fantasy Zone’ for Fantasy Fest 2022,” states the proposed resolution. If approved as expected, the zone would include Duval Street from United Street to the Gulf of Mexico, and all side streets in that area, “to, but not including Whitehead and Simonton streets,” the resolution states, which could make things interesting at the Green Parrot Bar on Whitehead Street.

If approved, the Fantasy Zone will be in place for the final weekend nights of Fantasy Fest, from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday into early Sunday morning.

The Fantasy Zone will include signs that state in large letters, “No alcoholic beverages, body painting or persons in violation of the nudity ordinance allowed beyond this point.”

The resolution also requires festival producers to assign monitors to patrol the zones and ask people leaving the area to deposit all alcoholic beverages into receptacles and advise them of the city’s nudity laws.

In a separate agenda item, commissioners will consider a change to the city’s code that eliminates body paint as an exception to the nudity ban during Fantasy Fest. In other words, people who are body painted must also wear a small opaque covering over buttocks and genitalia and over women’s nipples.

(Only in Key West, right?)

In other news, a proposal to increase the licensing fee for the city’s 2,509 licensed monthly vacation rentals to $300 per year likely will be postponed at Wednesday’s commission meeting. The new proposal would increase the licensing fee for owners who rent their properties for one to six months at a time from $22 per year to $300 per year. Each rental property licensed as such must display a city-issued medallion and provide a 24-hour contact person to handle noise or other complaints.

Finally, city officials are likely to implement fees to get married on Smathers Beach, at least in the three most popular wedding sites.

“Implementing a fee schedule for beach weddings has been on the minds of current and past commissioners for years,” the agenda states. “This past year a budgeted revenue source was implemented, calling for the city to collect a fee for wedding ceremonies at Smathers Beach.”

Hundreds of couples tie the knot each year on Key West’s Smathers Beach, where officials are considering implementing fees for the beach usage. KARRIE PORTER/kporterphotography.com

Fees, if approved as proposed, would be $150 for weddings up to 25 people; $250 for 26 to 50 people and $350 for 51 to 100 people. Any wedding at Smathers Beach with more than 100 people will require a special event permit, states the proposed ordinance.

“The budgeted revenue for beach weddings was $100,000. That is roughly 667 small weddings the city would need to match the anticipated amount,” according to the city’s finance department.

City staff has recommended a public workshop about the new wedding fees, as well as the use of discretion when enforcing the new policy. “Staff recommends treading lightly in this move and allowing vendors and individuals some time to get acquainted with this policy. In addition, code enforcement and licensing will need to keep a detailed list of vendors who supply beach wedding equipment and/or services, and issue warnings and potential fines for vendors ignoring the implementation of the permit/ fee process going forward,” the agenda states.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

FLORIDA’S NEW ABORTION LAW PROMPTS LEGAL BATTLES STATE BANNED PROCEDURE AFTER 15 WEEKS ON JULY 1

general’s request. “The state’s appeal from that decision raises questions of exceptional public importance that warrant immeew things in Florida are ever diate resolution by the Florida clear-cut, black-and-white, Supreme Court. This (1st District) yes-no decisions, and the Court should so certify this apstate’s new, tighter abortion peal (to the Supreme Court) as restrictions are no different. soon as practicable.”

Until July 1, the Sunshine State The same filing also indihad allowed abortions until 24 weeks cates that Moody’s office plans of pregnancy. But as of July 1, a new to use the recent U.S. Supreme law, House Bill 5, closed that window Court decision that struck down to 15 weeks, with no exceptions the 50-year precedent of Roe v. for pregnancies caused by rape or Wade, which guaranteed federal incest. protections for abortions, as a But abortion rights advocates way to dismiss abortion rights and a Florida doctor had filed a lawthat have been seen as prosuit on June 1 in anticipation of the tected by Florida’s constitutional tighter, July 1, 15-week restriction. privacy clause.

That lawsuit cited a privacy clause in “That sea-change in federal the Florida Constitution that supportlaw plainly warrants reconsiders of women’s reproductive rights eration of the Florida Supreme have long used to uphold Floridians’ Court’s interpretation of Florida’s rights to an abortion until 24 weeks own constitutional right to of pregnancy, which is when a fetus privacy, and there will be great is considered viable outside the uncertainty in Florida until it mother’s womb. does so,” the Florida attorney Leon Circuit Judge John Cooper general’s office wrote. issued a temporary, 15-day injuncOn the other side of the The U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade last month tion to block implementation of prompted protests from both sides of the issue in nearly all 50 case, attorneys advocating for the new law, saying it violated the states. CONTRIBUTED abortion rights filed a motion privacy clause in the state’s constituasking Cooper to overturn the tion. automatic ending of his halt to the 15-week rule. They want Florida’s Cooper had ruled that the Florida Constitution “grants explicit prior 24-week abortion law to remain in effect until the appeals protections for the right to privacy that do not exist in the U.S. Conprocess is complete. stitution, and that the Florida Supreme Court has established that “Every day that HB 5 remains in effect, Florida patients in this grants protections for a woman's right to get an abortion.” desperate need of post-15-week abortion services are being turned The state appealed Cooper’s injunction, which automatically away and forced to attempt to seek abortions out of state, if they suspended the judge's decision to halt implementation of the 15are able to do so; to attempt abortions outside the medical system; week ban under state law. or to continue pregnancies against their will,” the motion states. “It Translation: As of July 6, Florida’s new, 15-week abortion law is unjustifiable to impair plaintiffs’ ability to provide care to Floridwas back in place. The 15-week ban includes exceptions only if the ians, as courts have held that ongoing violations of constitutional pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s life or if the fetus has a fatal rights support an order to vacate a stay.” defect, but does not include exceptions for pregnancies caused by According to the Sun Sentinel on July 6, “Cooper indicated durrape or incest. ing a hearing last week that he was unlikely to override a stay.

“The Center for Reproductive Rights, American Civil Liberties “While the Florida Supreme Court has relied on the privacy Union, ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, clause in the state Constitution to uphold abortion rights, the court and the law firm Jenner & Block, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of has become far more conservative since early 2019. That is because Florida abortion providers, said they plan to file a motion to reinof the retirements of longtime justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred state the temporary hold on Florida's 15-week abortion ban and Lewis and Peggy Quince and the appointment of justices by Repubthey will continue to work to permanently ban the law,” according lican Gov. Ron DeSantis,” the Sun Sentinel states. to ABC News on July 6.

The legal battle in Florida is one of several throughout the The Center for Reproductive Rights stated in a press release, country following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that abortion “The law, which has been in effect since July 1, has already had devrights and restrictions should be decided by individual states and astating consequences on the health and futures of Floridians by not the federal government. forcing them to continue carrying pregnancies against their will."

At least 12 states have ceased nearly all abortion services.

On July 5, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office filed a Some Republican lawmakers in Florida have expressed a desire to document asking that the legal battle over a 15- or 24-week aborsee even more restrictions beyond the 15-week ban, but that’s the tion restriction be expedited to the Florida Supreme Court, which only law currently being argued in Florida’s courts. would bypass the appeals court process.

Stay tuned to the Keys Weekly for a closer look at how local “The circuit court has enjoined HB 5, which restricts the small lawmakers and health care providers would respond to potentially fraction of abortions in Florida that occur after 15 weeks’ gestation more restrictive rules. and do not meet one of HB 5′s exceptions,” states the attorney MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

F

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

Left: Keys locals Bailey Thomasson and Justin Benson celebrate being safe with their dogs Sadie and Jib after their house burnt down. CONTRIBUTED Bottom: A huge fire destroyed a local couple’s home and all their belongings.

JUSTIN BENSON/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

“I DON’T REMEMBER THINKING ABOUT IT, JUST GOING IN.”

LOCALS LOSE EVERYTHING IN FIRE, BUT RESCUE THEIR DOGS

“T

he house is on fire, and we cannot get your dogs out.” Justin Benson and Bailey Thomasson were celebrating a friend’s birthday at Lost & Found bar in Key West when their landlord called them, hysterical. A woodshop fire had jumped to the landlords’ side of the duplex and spread to Benson and Thomasson’s.

The couple, who work as a boat captain and a coral restoration practitioner, respectively, ran to their bikes, fumbling to unlock them. “I have never pedaled so hard,” Thomasson said. “We raced down Duval and approximately 1.5 miles of road to our house. From the amount of time that we watched the smoke and how big it was … I knew the dogs were going to be dead. I couldn’t imagine how they could survive something that big.”

Some believe it was Key West’s largest fire in decades. Benson described having “tunnel vision” seeing black plumes of smoke over Key West. He willed the dogs to be alive.

As they approached, he saw flames from the neighbor’s duplex going 40 feet or more into the air. There were two fire trucks and many firefighters dousing the flames. Benson ran past them. “I don’t remember thinking about it, just going in,” he said. “It was like hitting a brick wall of white smoke, where you couldn’t breathe or see anything more than a foot away. I … just covered my face and felt my way to the dog crate for Jib while yelling for Sadie.”

Sadie is a North Carolina rescue. She’s about 5 years old and helped Thomasson move to Florida to start her new career. “You hear people talk about their ‘soul dogs,’ and Sadie is definitely mine,” said Thomasson. “She’s been my best friend for the last few years.”

Jib is a rescue from the Florida Keys SPCA in Key West – a true Conch, Benson said. He’s 3 to 4 years old and a “hugger” who won’t let go sometimes, Thomasson added. “His smile will get you every time.”

Within a minute of entering, Benson crawled into his and Thomasson’s bedroom, where Jib’s dog crate was. By luck, that room was the last on the entire property to burst into flames. Jib was just standing there, “ears just so excited to see me,” Benson said. He felt relieved to see his dog alive. Benson also knew that Sadie would be hiding nearby.

By the time Benson reached the dogs, nearly half an hour had elapsed from the start of the fire. He grabbed Jib and called Sadie’s name. Sure enough, she emerged, and a firefighter nearby grabbed her. Everyone got out safely, and EMTs put Benson and both dogs on oxygen.

“They were both still alert and, outside of bloodshot eyes, have made an amazing recovery,” said Benson, “which we are so incredibly grateful for.”

Thomasson knew her boyfriend was going in no matter what, because “that’s just the type of person he is.” When everyone was safe and Benson started dry heaving from the smoke, she realized what he’d risked. “I was SO upset with him for going inside and putting himself through that, but so incredibly grateful because he was the reason we were sitting outside together hugging Sadie and Jib,” she said. “He’s my best friend always, but I have a completely new respect and love for him.”

The pair stayed several hours, watching everything they own go up in flames. The biggest loss was Benson’s inventory for his apparel company, Wanderlust Hats. The two-year-old

passion project was gaining traction, but now everything’s gone, Thomasson said.

Firefighters used an unprecedented amount of water, spraying from around 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. the next day. Their home is a “total loss,” with damage from both the fire itself and the water used to extinguish it. “Outside of the clothes we had on and rescuing the two dogs, we don’t think anything else will be salvageable,” Benson said.

The Keys community countered the tragedy with support, kindness and donations.

Having just moved from the Upper Keys in January, the couple didn’t know many people.

However, this experience brought them “so close” to people who were complete strangers before, Thomasson said. Key West businesses 22&co and Mary Ellen’s hosted charity bingos and vibrator races to their benefit. The owner of Captain’s Corner, where Benson works, gave them a temporary place to stay.

“I really don’t have the words to say how amazing people are. The Keys/Key West community is unlike anything I could’ve imagined,” Thomasson added. “The biggest silver lining for me is how supported we feel by this community. We can’t wait to get back on our feet to a place where we can do this for others in the community who also need help.”

Thomasson and Benson are looking for a permanent place to live. A GoFundMe has been established at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ justin-baileys-house-fire-in-key-west to help give them a new beginning. A similar campaign exists to help their landlords at https://gofund. me/ef78107a.

11

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022 JIM McCARTHY

A black tip reef shark.

DAVID CLODE/Unsplash

jim@keysweekly.com

WOMAN BITTEN BY SHARK NEAR SUMMERLAND UNDERGOING SURGERIES

Family of four was swimming when husband heard a big splash

A

Texas woman swimming with her family not far from Summerland Key on June 29 knew something wasn’t right when she felt instant pain coming from her leg.

Immediately, the 35-year-old got back onto a boat with help from her husband, surfacing with a visible leg injury from what looked to be a shark bite.

An incident report by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission released on July 5 states that the family of four stopped their pontoon vessel on the gulfside east of Sawyer Key around 8 p.m. to jump in the clear, calm water for a swim. They were in about 10 feet of water.

When the woman, identified as Lindsay Bruns, jumped into the water, her husband, Luke, heard a huge splash and turned to see lots of splashing and water coming over into the vessel. He described the splash as too big for his wife just jumping into the water.

The husband reported that he saw nothing but blood in the water. His wife appeared from the water screaming for help, at which time he jumped into the water to retrieve her.

He helped her onto the ladder and into the vessel to discover a large wound in her right leg. Per the FWC report, it was consistent with a shark attack. The husband began to apply a tourniquet in an attempt to stop the profuse bleeding.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers received the call at 8:09 p.m. They rode to Niles Channel on the gulfside, near Tonio’s Restaurant, when they saw the pontoon boat.

FWC officers boarded the boat when they saw what’s described as a half-circle wound on her right leg extending from the hip to just above the knee.

“The cut appeared to be from a serrated impact, and there were puncture marks on her thigh, consistent with a shark attack,” the report states.

FWC officers began to apply a tourniquet.

Monroe County Fire Rescue arrived to finish applying the tourniquet. They transported Bruns to a nearby airport where Trauma Star flew her to Jackson South Medical Center for further care. FWC officers remained on scene to help clean the boat while Luke Bruns attended to his children. Officer Cobb drove the vessel back to the residence where the Bruns were staying.

According to a Monroe County press release, the woman received a blood transfusion during the flight. According to Trauma Star staff, the blood transfusion onboard strongly contributed to her status upon arrival in Miami.

“The biggest thing for us was the fact that it wasn’t a boating accident,” said Jason Rafter, public information officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The hospital also confirmed the patient’s wound was a shark bite. She remains hospitalized. According to Rafter, the woman is doing well considering the injury.

“Surgeries have been a success so far,” he told the Keys Weekly. “I spoke to her husband and she was doing quite well considering what happened.”

Monroe County has seen two reported shark bites in recent months. On April 17, a man hanging out with friends at the Islamorada sandbar near Whale Harbor was reportedly bitten. His neighbor, Ash Kumar, of Islamorada, was with him during that Sunday afternoon.

Kumar told the Keys Weekly that the group of eight people was standing around in waistdeep water when one of the guys felt something touch his leg. All of a sudden, Kumar’s neighbor said something grabbed him. He pulled his leg up and said “what was that?”

Thankfully, two firefighters were with the group. They quickly retrieved a towel to tightly wrap the leg. A Coast Guard vessel was near the sandbar as the incident unfolded. The crew was signaled over to render aid and get him on land where he was transported to Mariners Hospital.

“The water was murky and nobody saw it,” he said. “Whatever shark it was, it didn’t take a full bite and leave with the calf.

“You can see the tooth mark in there,” he continued.” From outside, it looks clean, but part of that wound was the leg pulling away. It (the shark) grabbed the leg and realized it’s not a fish and took off.”

The man has recovered from the incident.

Data from the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File states that shark bites picked up in 2021 following three previous years of decline. The U.S. led the world in shark bites last year with 47. Of those incidents, Florida had 28.

As for the bites reported in Florida, research from the Florida Museum states that blacktip sharks are likely responsible for the majority of the incidents. These small sharks hunt in warm water near shorelines where they use shallows to avoid predators of their own, including great hammerheads and bull sharks.

“The shallow water and turbulent waves in surf zones kick up sediment that make it hard for sharks to sight their prey,” said Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum’s shark research program. “About 60% of all bites we record are in low visibility water.”

Two other shark bite incidents were recently reported in Florida. A teenage girl scalloping in 5 feet of water near Grassy Island, just off Keaton Beach, was bitten in the leg by a shark on June 30. According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Addison Bethea was airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Health Care for emergency surgeries. On July 5, multiple news outlets reported that Bethea was set to undergo amputation above the knee.

And according to a WFLA report, a Dayton Beach man was bitten on the foot by a shark on the morning of July 3. The report states that a 29-year-old man was swimming in New Smyrna Beach when he was bitten. The man was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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

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

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

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

THE BUBBAS TO BE PRESENTED SATURDAY JULY 23, 2021 AT THE KEY WEST THEATER

SPONSORED BY

ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT BAHAMA VILLAGE MUSIC PROGRAM

13

ST THEA E W TE Y E PRESENTS

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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17

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022 A rare yellow-green vireo seen recently in Key Largo. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

CHASING A TINY VENTRILOQUIST

I

wasn’t going to go chasing after the yellow-green vireo that appeared at Dagny Johnson State Park in Key Largo late last week. For one, I didn’t expect it to stick around. I’d known of two sightings in the Lower Keys and they were both short looks at birds that disappeared in minutes, never to be re-found. No one even got any photos.

I don’t really like chasing rarities. Seeing them, sure. But ditching everything else in your life to drive MARK a long distance seeking a bird you may or may not see HEDDEN doesn’t hold a lot of charm for me. Also, you tend to have to get up unreasonably early. Also, the Fourth of ... is a photograJuly weekend traffic would no doubt be evocative of pher, writer, and semi-professional the fifth, and possibly the ninth, circle of hell. birdwatcher. He When Kevin Christman asked if I wanted to go has lived in Key chase the yellow-green vireo on Saturday, I said, West for more maybe, if I managed to get up in time. Which I thought than 25 years and was a polite way of saying no. And then, weirdly may no longer be employable in enough, I was awake at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, so I texted the real world. He Kevin. is also executive I think nostalgia partly got me going, which is odd director of the for a bird you’ve never seen.

Florida Keys AuduThe first sighting in the Lower Keys was by the bon Society. sharp-eyed Brennan Mulrooney in 2002. The second was by the bird whisperer Carl Goodrich and the exquisitely cranky Murray Gardler in 2008. I used to bird pretty regularly with all three of them, but Brennan moved out to California a while back, Murray passed away a few years ago, and Carl sold his place in Key West when his wife couldn’t travel from Cape Cod any more. Honestly, any time I bird around Fort Zach or Indigenous Park and don’t see any of them, I still feel disappointed.

Chasing after a rarity that they’d all seen and I hadn’t wouldn’t be the same as birding with them, but maybe it would feel somewhat adjacent.

The first yellow-green vireo recorded in North America was seen in Quebec, of all places, in the spring of 1883. (North America, for the purposes of ornithology and birdwatching in general, is defined as everything north of the Mexican border.)

Yellow-green vireos are a Central American species, breeding from Mexico down through the southern end of Panama. In winter the entire species migrates to South America.

The working theory on the Quebec bird was that it was moving with a flock of closely-related red-eyed vireos, who also winter in South America, but breed all over North America, as far up as the Northwest Territories, and when the red-eyes started heading north, the yellow-green got a little excited and traveled along with them.

The next yellow-green vireo recorded in North America was seen in California in 1887. And then nothing. Until 1958, when one showed up in Pensacola. The bird was described as being perched in a live oak, alternately singing and eating caterpillars.

The observers did what a lot of people who found rare birds did at the time – they shot it. It is not as dastardly an act as it sounds.

At the time, it was the only real way to prove such a rarity had been seen. And the stuffed skin was sent off to a university’s collection to further the study of ornithology. Better optics, relatively affordable cameras, and changing social mores have made such practices far less common.

What does give me pause is the observer/collectors also saw a second yellow-green vireo, which wasn’t singing, probably a female. So there was a chance that two birds out of their normal range could have bred. Which is how range expansion happens and, at its most baseline, how new species come to be (though speciation tends to take a couple eons).

Yellow-green vireos have become more common in North America since then. They sneak across the border into Arizona and sometimes New Mexico and California, and they now breed pretty regularly in the southernmost parts of Texas.

I found a baker’s dozen records of them in Florida on eBird.

Dagny Johnson Park can be buggy, but the mosquitoes were strangely absent when we got there. At the entrance arch we ran into a couple birders who were leaving and asked if they’d seen the vireo. They said yes, told us where to look, and said you had to be a little patient. Then one of them recognized me from Key West and asked if I knew how Carl Goodrich was doing. I said he’d fallen a couple weeks ago and banged up his face pretty good, but reports were he was on the mend.

Further in the park, we heard the vireo pretty quickly. It was high up in a mahogany tree, singing loud. The folks at Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology rather uncharitably describe the yellowgreen’s two-note song as monotonous and “like a house sparrow that’s taken singing lessons.”

I thought the bird could have enunciated better, but there was a force to it, a solidity in the notes. What was simultaneously amazing and frustrating, though, was the way the bird could throw his voice. We stared into that tree for five, 10, 20 minutes while it sang its heart out, and we could not find it. The song would sound like it was coming from different parts of the tree, but if the bird was moving around we would have seen it. For a while I was almost convinced it was two birds.

There are birders who will consider a bird a lifer if they’ve heard but not seen it. I’ve never been one of those people, but as the crick in my neck built from staring up, I was considering it.

Then Kevin said, “I can see his butt.”

“It pooped,” he added.

There were layers and layers of leaves to get through, but finally I lined up the gaps between them the right way and saw what Kevin was seeing, something similar to what Brennan and Carl and Murray had seen all those years ago. It was high in the upper right quadrant of the tree. Its butt was toward us, but occasionally he would move his head and give us a profile. He was a pale little thing, half a cigar in length, whitish and brownish mostly, but tinged on the sides with a lemon meringue hue that blended with the green of the leaves.

We stayed there for a couple hours, losing the bird and refinding it several times, the bird singing most of the time, but rarely giving itself away.

18

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

W

e keep hearing the United States is just as divided today as it was in the years leading up to the Civil War, as issues like immigration, abortion, equality, LGBTQ rights and gun control dominate our daily lives. Many of today’s impassioned debates echo the themes leading up to the Civil War, which include growing calls for widespread sectionalism over the powers of our national government. So how similar is our culture to the climate of the 1850s? To compare, we dedicated this Top 10 to some of the major events leading up to 1861 and the First Battle of Bull Run.

10. 1851: The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux is signed, as the Sioux Indians give up their lands in Iowa and Minnesota to the U.S. government. Today: A conservative U.S. Supreme Court shifts the powers to the state for prosecution of non-native Americans who commit crimes against Native American victims in tribal territories. Many argue this is another step in discrediting tribes in a contemporary age.

9. 1852: “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is published and later credited with laying the groundwork for the American Civil War. Today, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel is a celebrated work of American literature, as it opened the eyes and hearts of many Americans to the morality of slavery. Today: Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” long compared to “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” for its impact on issues surrounding racial inequality in America, has been banned in many schools around the nation.

8. 1853: Mexico gives land to what is now Arizona and New Mexico along the nation’s southern border for $15 million. Today: Over 170 years later and the land separating the U.S. and Mexico continues to present one of the most contentious debates around immigration policy in America.

7. 1854: The Kansas-Nebraska Act separates Kansas into two territories so citizens could decide to be anti- or pro-slavery. The area becomes known as “Bleeding Kansas” due to violence between opposing sides. Today: State Republicans adopted measures to allow Texans to vote on whether the state should secede. The party also declared that sitting U.S. President Biden was not legitimately elected. It also opposes homosexuality as “an abnormal lifestyle choice” and supports a total ban on all abortions in the state.

6. 1856: Sen. Charles Sumner is savagely beaten by a cane at the hands of Rep. Preston Brooks, over an anti-slavery speech Sumner gave on the Senate floor. Today: On Jan. 6, 2021, Officer Brian Sicknick is attacked by an angry mob, some wielding the Confederate flag, as he protects the nation’s Capitol from an attempted coup against the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden. Officer Sicknick would die the

KRISTOPHER JAMES RETURNS TO KEY WEST THEATER FLORIDA NATIVE HAS GLOBAL APPEAL

following day; fellow officers Jeffrey Smith and Howard Liebengood committed suicide several days after the attempted coup.

5. 1857: The Supreme Court rules that enslaved people are property and Congress has no right to deprive citizens of their property, Today: The Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortions in America for almost 50 years. Now, abortion laws and decisions will be relegated to the states.

4. 1859: Abolitionist John Brown leads a raid at Harper’s Ferry in an attempt to seize a federal arsenal. He is captured and found guilty of treason and hanged. At the time, papers did not call Brown’s attempt a “raid.” He is labeled an “insurrectionist” and accused of treason. Today: See No. 6.

3. 1860: Abraham Lincoln becomes the 16th president. Much of his platform is based on antislavery initiatives, including the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed over 4 million slaves in 1863. Today: In 2009, almost 150 years after Lincoln was elected, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States and the first AfricanAmerican president in the nation’s history.

2. 1857: The Panic of 1857 leads to a depression in the U.S. The financial panic is aided by the invention of the telegraph in 1844, becoming the first financial crisis to spread rapidly throughout the U.S. Today: A turbulent and unpredictable financial climate is hastened by a global pandemic and steep recession indicators.

Employment has become one of the nation’s greatest challenges, along with supply demands and rising fuel costs.

Americans are immersed in the instant consumption of information through digital and social media, which provides platforms for constant discord and debates. Moreover, 24-hour cable and streaming news networks allow Americans to choose sources that adhere to their own political ideologies above journalistic integrity — creating “confirmation bias” outlets for a divided nation.

1. 1860: South Carolina secedes from the Union. Today: See No. 7.

Kristopher James plays Key West Theater in January. He returns for a show July 8. LARRY BLACKBURN/Contributed

K

ristopher James had music inside him from a young age. Sitting in the doorway of his room, with a radio and tape deck, he spent hours making mixtape after mixtape of songs that would mold his musical mind.

From Boys II Men’s “cooleyhighharmony” to Garth Brooks’ hits, James swam in the lyrics and drank in the melodies. His knack for music, plus dozens of composition books he filled with personal poetry, improvised lyrics and dream-like short stories, determined his calling — songwriter.

But James’ true journey began when he sat behind a drum set, fueled by teenage angst. From there, he taught himself guitar, piano and, bravely, how to sing. What is seen now, on intimate stages, like the iconic Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia, to theater stages, such as the Capitol Theater in Clearwater, Florida, is the concentrated influences and earnest emotional exposition that solidify Kristopher James as an Americana-Soul force to be encountered and experienced.

Shortly after becoming a father, while wrestling with the dualities of parenthood, James penned his first song, a three-verse, twochorus, one-bridge tune that would break the floodgates of his pentup musical creativity. “My Heart Wasn’t Ready” became a breakout song, and was the first of four to be written, recorded and produced in the following weeks to become his first EP, “Movement,” which also features the highly-praised “Runaways.”

James soon garnered local acclaim, with Creative Loafing Tampa saying, “His vocals are perfectly reined in to suit his range and his easy gift for melody is unrivaled in the Bay area singer-songwriter

space.” Such support from the Florida musical community propelled James back into the studio for his second EP, “Find Me,” in which James sustains his soulful exchange with an ardent substance uniquely his own.

Though he’s lived in the Sunshine State for most of his life, James’ talent for melody and song extend far past the state line. Like his influences Otis Redding, Amos Lee and Roberta Flack, his voice is clear, controlled and full of all-thefeels. As with all artists, his sound has ebbed and flowed, evolving yet remaining instantly recognizable.

With the growth he’s experienced as an artist, James felt it was time to capture his songs, in their fully imagined sound, with his 2019 full-length release, “Kindness Never Quits.” Featuring songs like the soulful “We Ain’t Never,” which was hailed as “undoubtedly the best record of the year,” by Creative Loafing Tampa.

Through 2020 and 2021, during the uncertainty of COVID, the Tampa Bay native independently recorded and released two lauded singles “Never Had To Find Our Way” (featuring Max Brown of The War & Treaty & Kyshona Armstrong) and “Feelings” (featuring Mike Hicks of Rascal Flatts), independently.

James takes perhaps his most profound steps, recognizing the fragility of life, in making this year one of intention and attention. He has solidified his path in a courteous stride of soulful southern R&B impressions, on stage with rousing guitars, swoonful keys and in-pocket rhythms – as well as off stage with sincere stories, and recognition of how important community is to our continued growth.

— Contributed

19

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

TOSSED AROUND IN TURBULENCE Well folks, there’s a lot of action taking place is an astrologer, among the wanderer, barplanets right tender and now. I don’t advocate for queer justice. He know about is a loquacious you, but I Gemini with a am definitely cozy Cancer rising. Find him at feeling it in hearthandherald- the greater astrology.com social field, as well as in my own personal life. Powerful Pluto and aggressive Mars have been sparring with each other in a 90-degree square since June 24, sparking eruptions of intense feelings that have been lying beneath the surface. Curious Mercury and jolly Jupiter just recently entered a square of their own, but this has the feeling of quick-witted philosophical argumentation or intellectual competition in the midst of a party. If you feel like you’re getting tossed around in the turbulence, you are right on time.

CHRIS McNULTY

CANCER June 22 - July 22 A very happy birthday season to all you Cancers out there! You may be feeling some profound tension between your social circle and a significant other in your life, and that is OK. Be patient when it comes to volatility, and take some time to objectively analyze your own needs and find joy in your work at this time.

Keeping a level, practical head is your best asset in combating fire.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 Daydreaming much? It appears that your mind is in a deeply reflective mode and being bombarded by happy considerations of far off places. Now is a great time to envision future adventures, as these visions are

a perfect distraction from the problems at work or with your general chores and obligations.

When the full moon rolls around, you ought to find some resolution with these difficulties. Until then, patience is your friend.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 There’s a Mister Rogers vibe happening with the people who support you, Virgo. You’re simultaneously appreciating your network of friends and enjoying the shared investments you have with them. Just keep your head on straight and remember that every investment involves your energy, so don’t get carried away. Also, let your creative project breathe a little bit and let up on the obsession.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Your heart seems to be elsewhere, out on her own quest for truth in the great beyond. Allow your heart to roam a bit because this is helping you heal some deep wounds you have been exploring in and around partnership. Keeping your mind on your work in the world is also helping you to say “Yes” to partnership in a very real way. Stay the course, and let the tension at home melt away.

Scorpio Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 There might be some aggressiveness happening in the realm of companionship that is leading to some impulsive communication.

As a Scorpio, you are no stranger to intensity, but don’t let yourself spiral. Hold off on any major decisions here until the full moon, when there is a little more light on the subject at hand. Keeping your hands busy will help bring out your joy.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 My guess is that you are feeling some enthusiasm about your creative passions, Sag. Get it! Keep in mind that there are important obligations to others as you go full speed ahead in your projects, but continue to follow your joy. There might be some tensions between your financial well-being and how you are using your labor, and it might be time to rethink how you are being compensated.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 There’s a bit of conflict between your life purpose and how you see yourself right now, Cap. How can you bring these two aspects of your psyche into greater alignment rather than working at cross purposes? That is for you to decide. But an area where you can find some light-hearted joy is in the relationship between a partner of yours and your family of origin. Perhaps there is someone out there who fits right in or makes you feel at home. Grasp them.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Think about how the energy that you put into your everyday tasks affects those who are laterally connected to you – your siblings, your neighbors, your co-workers.

Right now there is a lightness to the awareness that you can not do anything without having an effect on others in your sphere, and see how you can direct that in a beneficial manner. You are fighting something privately, and it is probably connected to home – but it will get sorted.

PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 There’s some financial abundance in your world right now, Pisces, and it is connected to

your creative mind. Let the ideas flow because the money (or material benefits) will follow. Stay focused on your own goals and what you can control right now because there is probably some difficulty when it comes to other people in your life. Stay your own course for the time being.

ARIES March 21 - April 19 There is probably a deep conflict happening between your work and your financial well-being.

Maybe you’re realizing that you are worth more than you are being compensated, or you’ve discovered some accounting malfeasance at work. Deal with that as you will, but also let your mind turn to themes of home and family to balance the frustrations with your own joy.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Life is seeming a little more peaceful for you amid these hectic times, Taurus. Spending time alone is a source of great personal abundance right now, and it is being supported by how you conceptualize your local environment. Pull your life in close and pull your attention away from the larger world for the time being. Meditation, reflection, neighborhood walks and smiling at your neighbors are your happy place.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21 At the moment, you are probably feeling materially and financially buoyant because you have folks in your corner. Let the support come through, but remember that it is up to you to maintain your financial wellness when others turn to matters of their own.

Your own solitude is sparring with your obligations to other people – find your balance and meet your needs.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

SPORTS & MORE

IS THE END OF SPORTS IMMINENT?

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

I

don’t know how to explain it, except to say that every sport has a major problem, problems that could destroy the sports as we know them today.

We’ve already discussed golf, how the LIV Series is taking some of the best players away from the PGA Tour. Now I’m all for competition between the two organizations – an idea to which a lot of people object.

Next is college football. Two teams from the Pac-12, Southern Cal and UCLA, have been accepted for membership in the 2024 season in the Big 10, which is actually the Big 14 and will then be the Big 16. I’ve read that Washington and Oregon are next.

That’ll make it the Big 18. They’re moving because of money. In fact, all of this is because of money. Notre Dame, of course, would be the big catch.

Kirk Herbstreit, the announcer and former Ohio State quarterback, says the future will be 50 teams in the Big 10 and 50 in the Southeastern Conference. That ought to take care of college football. Even now, with USC and UCLA moving east, the Rose Bowl is dead. Other bowls will follow. How can football survive if there are only two conferences? What happens to the College Football Playoff? You tell me. What happens to the minor sports? How do the West Coast teams, say tennis or baseball, manage to travel several times to the Midwest?

How about the NBA? Oh, I’d be very happy to welcome Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat, but as more players project moving to other teams, what happens?

Other than the players ruling the teams, not the coaches, the general managers or the owners? Durant, in fact, went to the Brooklyn owner, not some underling, to tell him he wanted to be traded and his first two destination choices were Arizona and Miami. Kyrie Irving was next to ask for a trade. James Harden had already moved to Philadelphia. Those moves destroy the “super team” that the Nets were supposed to be before they lost in the first round of this year’s playoffs. Now, they’ll be starting over.

In free agency, the Heat lost strong forward P.J. Tucker, who took $33 million for three years from the Philadelphia 76ers instead of the $27 million for three years that the Heat offered. The Heat did wrap up reserves Dewayne Dedmon and Victor

Oladipo. The Heat was not able to lure Gary Payton II, who went from the Warriors to the Blazers for $28 million over three years.

All this talk about big trades has kicked up salaries around the league. Witness Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, who will get $224 million over four years. Before long, owners will realize they can’t afford their players. Then, what will happen? This is what I mean. What happens when players’ salaries become out of reach?

As I write this, the big catch is still Durant. It appears it may take a trade among three or even four teams, giving up several (maybe four) first-round draft picks, lots of money (millions) and a top player, all going to Brooklyn.

I lost interest in the Tour de France cycling event when Lance Armstrong came clean.

Let’s give the Russians a prisoner they want and bring Brittney Griner home. Her return will make the Women’s NBA whole and once again worth watching.

Ronaldo wants to leave Man United, I guess to Chelsea.

I’ve continued to watch NASCAR, but I miss Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson. Last Sunday, Tyler Reddick, in the No. 8, became the fifth first-time winner this year. Interesting, but not exciting to me. He beat Chase Elliott, who would have been exciting. It was a clean finish, no bumping.

Serena Williams lost in the first round at Wimbledon to unranked Harmony Tan, who kept winning, strange as it may seem. I would have preferred Williams to have had the winning streak.

After not playing at all last season in Houston, now Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has continued to be paid millions while not playing, had his day in court, but may not hear his penalty for some time. It’ll probably be a year’s suspension, which will hamper the Browns at the QB position for a year. According to the New York Times, Watson “has settled 20 of 24 civil lawsuits accusing him of a pattern of coercive and lewd behavior. He now awaits the results of his NFL disciplinary hearing.”

Have I missed any sport? Baseball?

They, especially the Miami Marlins, keep winning exciting games. Maybe they’re our saviors.

I’ll leave it at that.

SAVE THE DATE Through July 31 • Key West Fishing Tournament targets more than 40 species of fish with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and peewees (under 10). The tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish.

All participating anglers receive certificates noting their catches and qualify for a variety of prizes. Visit keywestfishingtournament.com.

Friday, July 8 • Learn about the Keys’ precious coral reef, listen to music and enjoy food and beverages, 6 to 8 p.m. at Mote Marine, Summerland Key. Saturday, July 9 • 38th annual Underwater Music Festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Looe Key Reef. Visit lowerkeyschamber.com to reserve spots on snorkel and dive boats.

July 10-13 • Del Brown Permit Tournament challenges anglers to fly-fish on the flats. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as well.

Visit delbrown.com or email info@delbrown. com. Takes place on Sugarloaf Key. July 18-21 • The College of the Florida Keys offers a free Nautical STEM Robotics Camp for teens, ages 13-17. Visit.cfk.edu/summer-camps/ for information.

July 19-24 • Hemingway Days features a week of events celebrating one of Key West’s bestknown local authors. Visit hemingwaydays.net for information and a full schedule of events.

July 20-23 • Perry Hotel & Marina Key West Marlin Tournament features $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes. Held in conjunction with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festival, the event awards $25,000 to the first-place team.

Teams can enter one fun fish (dolphin fish, tuna, wahoo or released sailfish) per day to add to their point total. Visit keywestmarlin. com.

Saturday, July 23 • Hemingway 5k Sunset Run & Paddleboard Race, 5 p.m., leaves from Southernmost Beach, 1405 Duval St. Then ease any sore muscles with a free, all-level yoga recovery session on Sunday, free to all participants.

Friday, July 29 • Rams Head Presents Fitz and the Tantrums & Andy Grammer. Doors open 5:30 p.m., show begins 7 p.m. at Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 East Quay Road, Key West.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

KEY LIMES & PIES TAKE CENTER STAGE IN KEY WEST

TART & TASTY FESTIVAL 1

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly 1. The now-famous Key Lime Pie Drop from the Key West Lighthouse challenges contestants to devise a contraption that will protect a 5-inch pie during its descent.

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2. Judges evaluate the success of one contestant’s contraption near the landing zone underneath the Key West Lighthouse.

3. The Key West Lighthouse features a vendor village, kids’ activities and the popular Key Lime Pie Drop on July 2.

4. Lime green was the preferred color of the week during the annual Key Lime Festival.

3

F

or much of the week of Independence Day, lime green replaced red, white and blue as the color of choice during Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival.

From June 30 to July 4, the scent of citrus filled the air at events that included a Key Lime Pie Drop from the top of the Key West Lighthouse, lime-infused dinners, a pie-eating contest and plenty of tart cocktails.

Conceived by local author and entrepreneur David Sloan, who wrote Key West’s Key Lime Cookbook, the festival has grown to a fiveday festival featuring loads of tasty events.

— Mandy Miles

5

5. Event producer Nadene Grossman Orr, left, at the festival booth July 2 at the Key West Lighthouse.

6. Heather May and David Sloan, who founded the Key Lime Festival, enjoy the festivities on July 2.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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

Thank you for the nominations!

Please give us your votes for BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS

MANGO MADNESS Florida Keys artists share the fruits of their labors, mango-inspired or otherwise.

The Studios closes out its season with a celebration of the fruit that brings us joy. Support local — 75% of sales go directly to the artist! sponsored by Cocco & Salem Gallery

1316 Duval Street | Key West 305.296.2988 | www.keywestbutterfly.com Conservatory 9am-4:30pm Gift Shop & Gallery 9am-5:30pm

533 EATON ST 305-296-0458 TSKW.ORG

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

PLEASE VOTE FOR US! BEST NON-PROFIT & BEST SUMMER CAMP

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YOUR VOTE! FOR BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER WE LOVE HANGING OUT WITH YOUR KIDS!

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

WE’D BE HONORED TO HAVE YOUR VOTE FOR

BEST GROCERY STORE & BEST FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 522 FLEMING STREET 1105 WHITE STREET WWW.FAUSTOS.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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

NOMINATED FOR BEST LUNCH BEST MARGARITA

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

WINNER 2021 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD

We are truly humbled and sincerely grateful.

Maura & Danny Stella, Fergie & Rosie

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

GARBO’S GRILL & HANK’S WOULD BE THRILLED TO RECEIVE YOUR VOTE FOR

BEST TACO, BEST FOOD TRUCK, BEST BAR AND BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US!

WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE FOR

BEST BEST OVERALL BUSINESS BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY BEST REALTOR - WILL LANGLEY Second Annual

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

at the Perry

Mario Sanchez Critically acclaimed as the most important Cuban American Folk Artist of the 20th Century, Mario has received one-man exhibitions in major museums from New York’s American Folk Art & Museum of the City of New York, Bacardi Museum & Cuba’s National Museum of Fine Art. His work resides in the Smithsonian, Whitney & American Folk Art Museums.

His motto was “One Race, the Human Race”. He believed in the Great American Dream with a humorous twist. Mario Sanchez’s passion was depicting the people of old Key West & Tampa. His unique technique of sketches & intaglios of Florida’s & Cuba’s treasured history involve the humanistic values of a rich cultural community filled with the traditions of immigrants of diverse geographic and ethnic origins.

JuLY 22nd | 7p-9p GLASS CATS

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Midsummer Night Music Series The Andy Westcott Band 0p August 12th – 8p-1 SuENalo

August 19th – 7p-9p Midsummer Night Music Series The Andy Westcott Band

Pee-Roo-Lee & Spanish Limes, 24.5 x 17, Intaglio

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11:30AM-3PM • Live Music • Bottomless Mimosas

Jazz up your Sundays with Four Marlins oceanfront brunch featuring a delicious selection of fun interpretations of classic menu items.

Located at The Reach Key West | 1435 Simonton St. Reservations Recommended | 305 293 6250 reachresort.com | Free Valet Parking While Dining @FourMarlins

and Chris Compton

, Former US Navy Band with Mindy Miller & Pat Gulley

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

FIRE IN THE SKY KEY WEST LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT FOR FOURTH OF JULY

The Porpoise Robotics summer program of the College of the Florida Keys introduces teens to computer coding and nautical STEM careers such as mariculture, underseas robotics, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations, ocean and coastal research, and maritime sensor technology. CONTRIBUTED

COLLEGE OFFERS FREE NAUTICAL ROBOTICS CAMP WEEK-LONG CAMP COMBINES WATER EXCURSIONS, ROBOTIC CHALLENGES

K

ey West’s Fourth of July fireworks show from Edward B. Knight Pier did not disappoint.

The sparkling spectacle — sponsored for decades by the Rotary Club of Key West with support from local businesses and the Key West International Airport — painted the sky as locals and visitors celebrated Independence Day at picnics, barbecues and a VIP dinner at the foot of the pier.

Scores of boats also bobbed in the waters around the island for an unparalleled view of the display.

— Mandy Miles Shot from behind the Casa Marina Resort, Key West’s Fourth of July fireworks painted the night sky for a brilliant show. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Teens participating in the nautical robotics summer camp of the College of the Florida Keys will learn to code and operate their own Pathfinder robot.

CONTRIBUTED

T

he College of the Florida Keys is offering a free nautical STEM robotics camp, July 18-22, for teens 13 to 17. The one-week camp will engage students on the water and on dry land at the college’s Key West campus. Morning activities will include field trips on the ocean, projects in the CFK mariculture lab, and other nautical-themed experiences. In the afternoons, campers will split into teams to work on robotics, coding their Pathfinder vehicles and running competitions.

The Porpoise Robotics program was created by the Office of Naval Research to entice young people to

explore the maritime environment.

It introduces them to computer coding and nautical STEM careers such as mariculture, underseas robotics, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations, ocean and coastal research, and maritime sensor technology. The program is a joint effort by CFK and local resident David Grober, an Emmy and Academy Award winner for camera stabilization systems. The Porpoise Robotics team includes Kevin Bowen, a former senior submersibles engineer with Raytheon; Professor Thomas Culhane, who is also a National Geographic Explorer specializing in STEM and sustainable food and energy systems; and Ebenson Michelin, an experienced local teacher who will lead the camp.

The college is able to provide the nautical STEM robotics camp free of charge to local teens thanks to a grant and a donation of equipment. The Golden Fleece Foundation, founded by former CFK Foundation board member John Padget, donated $10,000 and Grober donated the Porpoise Robotics equipment to the college for the camp.

To register for the nautical STEM robotics camp, please visit CFK.edu/summer-camps. Space is limited.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

LIGHTHOUSE PARASAIL TARGET OF CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL DEATH AND PERSONAL INJURY

LAWSUIT FILED FOLLOWING FATAL PARASAILING ACCIDENT A

Memorial Day parasailing tragedy that left one woman dead and her son and nephew injured may now head to court, according to a lawsuit filed on the woman’s family’s behalf by Coral Springs’ Haggard Law Firm.

On May 30, 33-year-old Supraja Alaparthi was taking a parasail flight with Lighthouse Parasailing out of Marathon along with her 10-year-old son Sriakshith Alaparthi and 9-yearold nephew Vishant Sadda. According to an FWC 24-hour report released a day after the incident, a strong gust of wind “pegged” the parasail, a term used to describe when a parasail becomes controlled by the weather conditions instead of the towing vessel and begins to impede the safe operation of the towing vessel by becoming a sail.

With the parasail pegged, the boat’s captain, Daniel Couch, intentionally cut the line tethering the three victims, who dropped to the water and were dragged by the freed parasail across the surface until it collided with the old Seven Mile Bridge, throwing the three into a piling.

Nearby Marathon Capt. John Callion acted as a good Samaritan, approaching the parasail and cutting the three victims free from their harnesses to take them to shore after he saw the collision. Supraja was pronounced dead at the scene when she reached land, according to FWC’s report. Sriakshith suffered minor physical injuries, while Sadda was airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. According to Haggard Law Firm’s press conference announcing the suit on June 28, Sadda faces additional consultations and surgeries with plastic surgeons to repair damage to his face.

A copy of the lawsuit provided to Keys Weekly by Michael Haggard and Pedro Echarte III details the wrongful death claim and two per-

Victims on parasail in the air: A photo provided to the Haggard Law Firm by the family of Supraja Alaparthi shows the weather conditions moments after her parasail flight began with her son and nephew.

HAGGARD LAW FIRM/Contributed

sonal injury claims brought against Lighthouse Parasail, a North Carolina-based company that had opened a second location operating out of Marathon’s Captain Pip’s Marina.

According to the suit, a total of 12 family members boarded the M/V Airborne – loading the boat to capacity – on the day in question and completed one successful flight before the fatal flight occurred. Though some early accounts gave the impression that strong wind gusts occurred suddenly, Haggard Law Firm’s press conference included photos taken by the family that the firm claims as evidence of obvious inclement weather.

“We have talked to five other vessels throughout Marathon that came in early that day because of the horrific winds and weather that was coming in through the Middle Keys that day,” said Haggard. “In fact, the family had several conversations with both the captain and the first mate: ‘We can come back tomorrow.’ … The captain said, ‘No, we will be fine.’”

Among more than a dozen allegations, the suit claims that Lighthouse Parasail failed to adequately monitor the weather before and dur-

ing the flight, failed to give its passengers and parasailers appropriate safety instructions and in-case-of-emergency briefings, did not have proper equipment aboard the boat to monitor the weather, chose to conduct a parasail flight in unsafe weather, and failed to execute alternate emergency procedures rather than cutting the tow line to detach the parasail.

“There were other maneuvers (Couch) could have taken,” said Echarte in Haggard’s press conference. “He did the one thing you are not supposed to do.”

Florida Statutes Section 327.375 details requirements for commercial parasail operators.

Among other provisions, the law dictates that: vessels must be equipped with a functional VHF marine transceiver and a separate device capable of accessing current weather forecasts and conditions; commercial parasailing is prohibited in sustained winds of more than 20 mph, gusts of 15 mph or more above sustained winds, wind gusts exceeding 20 mph, or within seven miles of a known lightning storm; and that operators of a commercial parasailing vessel must use all available means to determine and record forecasted weather conditions.

The regulations have been in place since 2014, when the White-Miskell Act, named after two parasailing accident victims, went into effect. The new lawsuit claims that Lighthouse was in violation of several critical parts of the safety procedures established to prevent accidents such as this one.

“It was absolute negligence, a violation of statute in the state of Florida to put those three souls multiple hundreds of feet in the air on this day,” said Haggard.

Though the suit demanded a jury trial and did not name an exact amount sought by the plaintiffs, Haggard called the damages “insurmountable.”

“We can’t do the one thing that Pedro and I want to do, which is to bring (Supraja) back,” he said. “So, it’s up to a Monroe County jury to decide.”

Haggard and Echarte said that while criminal charges have yet to be filed – violation of Florida’s parasailing laws constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor – they hope to see further action taken once FWC and the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office finish their review of the case.

In an email to Keys Weekly, Echarte confirmed that Haggard Law Firm also plans to file a suit against Captain Pip’s Marina, but has yet to officially do so.

A call to Captain Pip’s Marina and email to Lighthouse Parasail were both unanswered as of press time on July 6.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 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 SIZZLERS PACK YOUR BEACH BAG 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.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

BRIEFLY

Hemingway Days honors Key West’s literary culture Fans of Ernest Hemingway’s literary greatness and rigorous life, including scores of bearded Hemingway lookalikes, will converge on Key West Tuesday through Sunday, July 19-24, for Hemingway Days 2022. The annual celebration salutes the Nobel Prize-winning author’s writing achievements, sporting pursuits and enjoyment of the island’s lifestyle.

The festival’s highlight is the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., July 21-23. Other events include a three-day marlin tournament, a museum exhibit of rare memorabilia, literary readings and scholars’ presentations, a street fair, a 5k run and paddleboard race that salutes Hemingway’s sporting interests, and the announcement of the winner of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition coordinated by Hemingway’s author granddaughter.

Lower Keys Medical Center enhances maternal, fetal safety The childbirth team at Lower Keys Medical Center is now using an artificial intelligence-based maternal-fetal early warning system called PeriWatch Vigilance to enhance patient safety during labor and delivery. The system continuously monitors maternal vital signs, fetal heart rate, contractions, and labor progression to help clinicians quickly identify any concerning developments for faster intervention.

Lower Keys Medical Center delivers about 400 babies each year.

Monroe County residents are among Florida’s most generous According to a study by SmartAsset, Monroe County ranked among the places in Florida with the most generous residents. The study measured how much money people donate as a percentage of their net income as well as the proportion of people in each county who make charitable donations. The counties that fared best in these metrics were the counties that ranked highest in the study.

Monroe County ranks fourth in Florida, behind Collier, Martin and Palm Beach counties.

Susanne Woods retires from Community Foundation In 2012, distinguished scholar Susanne Woods joined the board of governors of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. This month, at her final meeting as board chair, the foundation honored her decade of leadership with a $500 grant to the nonprofit of her choice, Keys Choral Arts.

“Susanne is more than a board member. She went above and beyond and helped shape the future for nonprofits and residents in Key West and the Florida Keys. Her tenacity, unique wit and kindness will be missed at our board meetings but of course she remains a permanent part of our Community Foundation family,” said incoming board chair Will Langley.

Woods chaired the Community Foundation board for over two years, having served as interim chair during the time the foundation’s played a critical role in managing Hurricane Irma recovery.

Since 2015, Woods has served as an instructor at the Foundation’s Leadership Success Academy. She has given workshops on leadership, strategic planning, grantsmanship and other topics to a variety of audiences. During Woods’ tenure on the board, the Community Foundation’s assets have tripled to $25 million through more than 160 funds under management.

THANK YOU The Rotary Club of Key West would like to thank our sponsors, participants and community friends for an amazing

1ST ANNUAL KICKING FOR A CAUSE KICKBALL TOURNAMENT Because of your support, thousands of dollars were raised for the BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF KEYS WEST along with ongoing efforts the Key West Rotary Club's local and international charitable causes.

Refreshment Services Pepsi Key West Ernest Liz Plumbing Sabrina Acevedo Realty Silver Palm Inn Lagerheads Island Dental Bascom Grooms Real Estate Murray's Market Key West Masons Dreamscape Kitchen and Bath The Krystal Thomas Team Martin Construction of the Keys The Fiberglass Shop of Key West Destination Catering Tires on Location Roughshot Charters Casa Marina Four Marlins Barefoot Billy's Cayo Hueso Carts La Trattoria Benihana Cayo Hueso Resorts Keys Creperie Tavern 'n Town Southernmost Riding Club Mattheessen's Gordon Food Service Eagle Brands Stock Island Chevron Fishbusters Holly and Donnie Elomina Christie Martin and Louis Paez Lauren Martin Amber and Randy Acevedo The Little Dipper of the Keys Gettin' by Rentals Publix-Key Plaza First State Bank of the Florida Keys Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Conchs in Paradise Fausto's Food Palace Habitat for Humanity of KW Lower Keys City's Parks Department

Rotary Club of

OF KEY WEST

38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

TAKE ME HOME? FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea

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

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

HELP KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL

PITCH IN FOR A 1-HOUR CLEANUP EVERY FRIDAY MORNING

The Ploggers’ efforts to keep Key West beautiful started July in a big way, when 33 volunteers met at Duval and Virginia streets on July 1 for the cleanup hosted by Flamingo Crossings ice cream shop. In one hour, they collected 96 pounds of trash, 8 pounds of recycling and 2 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to Sean McConnell, who rewarded each volunteer with a certificate for free ice cream.

O

Salem is a 3½-year-old female medium mixed breed.

Quinnie is a 3-month-old female domestic shorthair.

Blueberry is a 5-month-old female American rabbit.

Waddles is a 7-year-old male basset hound mix.

London Fog is a 1½-year-old female domestic shorthair.

ne hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are always welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when teams clean up a designated area of the island.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water.

And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful.

With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large

items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to Keep Key West Beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted.

Please call Dorian at the city of Key West at 305-809-3782 to know more about how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

All are invited to join the Friday morning cleanups from 8 to 9 a.m.

Parking is provided and all volunteers receive a parking pass when needed for metered or residential parking spots. See the calendar here for Friday cleanup locations.

Upcoming Friday cleanups; all events are 8 to 9 a.m.: Friday, July 8: Smathers Beach Bridle Path (meet at Dumpster on the path).

Friday, July 15: Mallory Square (meet in the parking lot).

Friday, July 22: Green & Elizabeth streets (meet at city parking lot across the street).

Friday, July 29: Little Hamaca Park (meet at Government Road big curve).

— Dorian Patton, city of Key West

39

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022 Reinier Fuentes, right, and Lilianne Dominguez are detained by MiamiDade officers for the alleged theft of Sailor. MCSO/Contributed

SAFE AND SOUND

Stolen French bulldog returned from Miami to Marathon owners ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

T

hanks to a fast-acting collaboration between the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Miami-Dade Police Department, a dog stolen from her home neighborhood in Marathon and taken all the way to Miami is safely back at home.

On July 4, Reinier Fuentes, 33, and Lilianne Dominguez, 26, were arrested on charges of grand theft, dealing in stolen property and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. The two were booked into jail in Miami-Dade County.

The case began just over a week earlier when Marathon resident Patti Rhine noticed that her husband’s service dog, a French bulldog named Sailor, had gone missing. Within minutes, Patti began searching her neighborhood, a series of dead-end streets, but Sailor was nowhere to be found.

According to Rhine, she received a call later that night from an individual claiming to have Sailor. After sending Rhine a picture of the dog to confirm Sailor’s identity, Rhine said the caller switched to a service obscuring the incoming number, and his story failed to add up.

Rhine said the caller told her that Sailor was found in Islamorada and claimed the dog was abused. Making claims that he had to spend money on Sailor for medical treatment, Rhine said the caller told her that he “gave her water right away at Wal-Mart as soon as we found her” and that he was hesitant to return the dog, but never offered his name.

“She didn’t run 30 miles,” Rhine told Keys Weekly. “She would have been dead in 15 minutes.”

Enlisting the help of MCSO, which eventually coordinated with the Miami-Dade Police Department, Rhine said she arranged for an exchange with the caller the next day, backed by undercover MCSO officers.

As a valuable target for dog thefts, French bulldog puppies are frequently sold for up to $3,000. Although Rhine said she informed the caller that Sailor was spayed and would be useless for breeding purposes, she eventually found that the dog’s belly had been shaved in the usual site of the surgical incision for the procedure.

Thanks to the quick work of Monroe County Sheriff and Miami-Dade officers, Sailor is back home with Patti and Mike Rhine. CONTRIBUTED

Demanding $1,000 for Sailor’s safe return, Rhine said, the caller changed the location for the exchange several times.

“The guy was really arrogant,” said Rhine.

“He goes, ‘You can meet me anywhere. I’ll even go to the police station.’”

After failing to arrive at the designated police station for the exchange, Rhine said the callers became more aggressive. “(Dominguez) started yelling at me,” she said. “They were getting nervous. … She said, ‘Be at Dadeland Mall. You leave right now and you can have your dog. If you don’t, you’ll never see her again.’”

Upon meeting Fuentes, Dominguez and their young daughter at the mall and exchanging marked bills for Sailor, the adult suspects were handcuffed but eventually released by Miami-Dade officers.

“I was shocked when they called me and told me that they were let go,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Although the suspects claimed to have found Sailor in Islamorada, according to Ramsay, MCSO detectives determined using video footage that Dominguez had been in Marathon working for a house cleaning service at the house next to Rhine’s at the time Sailor had gone missing.

“It put them at the crime scene, and not as a good Samaritan trying to pick up a dog who’s running loose,” said Ramsay. Using the information obtained throughout the

exchange process and Rhine’s account of her experience, MCSO obtained arrest warrants for Fuentes and Dominguez.

“I can’t speak on behalf of Miami-Dade County, but that crime took place here in Monroe, and they are going to jail,” said Ramsay.

Within days, the pair were again located and arrested by Miami-Dade officers.

Rhine expressed her extreme gratitude for the work of both agencies, as well as family friends Andrew George and Carolyn Campbell, who accompanied her to Miami and had the foresight to mark the bills eventually used in the exchange.

“MCSO did awesome,” said Rhine. “I can’t say enough nice things about them. … I’m very proud of our Marathon community.”

“We treated this like someone’s child,” said MCSO Capt. Don Hiller. “That’s how important this is. My guys were pretty relentless, and it was a great outcome.”

“The people that work for the sheriff’s office, they get how important this is, that this is someone’s family member,” said Ramsay.

“They’re on weekends and after hours working on this case, so I’m proud of the men and women who dealt with this matter, from patrols to detectives to the administrative portion of this case.

“These type of cases are not uncommon to fall through the cracks, but we set a different tone here. … This will not be tolerated.”

40

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

KEYS ISLAND NAMED AFTER A TREE OF LIFE

Lignumvitae Key. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

LIGNUMVITAE KEY BOASTS A STORIED PAST

S

poiler alert: the Florida Keys are a low-lying collection of islands that rises, on average, 3.2 feet above sea level. Three islands, however, boast a peak elevation of 18 feet. Solares Hill, the highest point on Key West and home to the Key West Cemetery, stands at 18 feet, as does a point on Islamorada’s Windley Key. Lignumvitae Key, too, has a place that reaches a peak elevation of 18 feet.

Only a handful of the approximately 1,700 islands making up the Florida Keys archipelago were linked to the mainland by the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway or the wood, concrete and asphalt of the Overseas Highway. When people talk about or write about the Florida Keys, it is usually about one of the 50 or so islands that have been connected by one conduit or the other. There are thousands of histories grounded on those less-connected Keys, and Lignumvitae Key is home to one of the great oftenoverlooked Florida Keys stories.

The 280-acre island is in the Islamorada area of the Upper Keys, and even though it is visible from the Overseas Highway, it is also one of those islands that are super easy to drive by without even taking notice.

The island can be seen in Florida Bay from the slightly arched vantage point of the Indian Key Bridge at about Mile Marker 77.5.

Out in the bay, Lignumvitae Key appears as just another low-lying mangrove island. It is located about a mile from the highway.

One of the distractions that make it easy to overlook the island comes in the form of the iconic Alligator Reef Lighthouse standing on its iron, skeletal legs out on the Atlantic horizon. It also does not help that while driving from Upper Matecumbe to Lower Matecumbe Key and rolling gently up and over the Indian Key Bridge, colorful Robbie’s Marina presents itself as one of the last of the great roadside attractions. It is an absolute eye-catcher.

Lignumvitae Key was historically overlooked because the relative shallows surrounding the island made for a difficult approach for the cumbersome ships sailed

by European explorers. However, the island was not completely ignored. For all the history connected to the island, Lignumvitae Key has managed to retain much of its integrity. Unlike many of the other islands of the Florida Keys, especially those that were connected by the train or the highway, Lignumvitae Key is still forested by a virgin sub-tropical hammock.

The island is named after the tree of life, the lignum vitae tree. Like the island, the tree has a remarkable history. Stories say that the lignum vitae tree grew in the Garden of Eden and that the Holy Grail was carved from its wood. The tree produces an exceedingly dense wood that is not only strong but considered relatively inflammable as far as wood goes. Chipped up and muddled, the wood of the lignum vitae tree has an impressive list of curative properties. Not only was it used to cure syphilis, but its pharmaceutical counterparts range from Xanax to Viagra.

Lignum vitae trees grow thick on the island that was once called Cayo de la Lena, or Firewood Key, on an unnamed 1769 Spanish chart. English cartographer Bernard Romans identified the island as Lignum Vitae Kay on his 1774 chart, and the name has, for the most part, stuck ever since. The island, known as Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park today, is another example of what Florida does best: set aside land for its park system.

The island’s earliest explorers were the people known as the Matecumbe culture of Indians. Evidence of their interaction with

the island comes in the form of a rarity in the Florida Keys, a prehistoric Indian burial mound.

There are stories passed around about the burial mound that are astonishing. People say the bones of a Calusa Indian BRAD who stood more than 8 feet tall were buried on BERTELLI the island, though none is an author, of the bones discovered speaker, and Florida Keys historian. within the mound fit the bill of that alleged His latest book, account.

“The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” Stories of these giis a fun blend of ant people are bandied two of his favorite subjects — Florida about on the outskirts of historical research. It Keys history and is crucial to remember the Skunk Ape. that while the aboriginal people of South Florida and the Keys stood taller than Europe’s explorers, they were not giants. Hundreds of years ago, the average height of the European male was about 5 feet 5 inches tall, whereas the average aboriginal male stood closer to 6 feet tall.

The prehistoric teardrop-shaped sand burial mound discovered on Lignumvitae Key covers approximately 200 square feet and rises to an elevation of 3 to 4 feet. Human bones were discovered around the site and about 7 inches below the surface.

Carbon dating of a skull taken from the mound revealed it to be about 1,800 years old. Other bones uncovered in the mound were dated between 800 to 1,400 years old.

The Indians were not the last to use the island. In next week’s column, we will explore more history of Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and its connection to Indian Key Historic State Park. Stay tuned.

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022 TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

A VIEW INTO THE BLUE

The Coral Cam presents a beautiful undersea vista. CONTRIBUTED

NEW CORAL CAM AT PENNEKAMP DELIGHTS VIEWERS

F

amed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau taught us, “People protect what they love, they love what they understand and they understand what they are taught.” The Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park are taking this famous sentiment one step further – by installing a state-of-the-art coral camera to showcase what lives in our waters. Their goal is to facilitate people seeing, learning about and appreciating our coral reef.

“To watch Coral Cam is to immediately become immersed in a world that is startlingly beautiful and quietly mesmerizing,” said Ann Helmers, president of the Friends group.

She’s right. In the world beneath the waves, there’s always something fantastic and new to experience. In the Florida Keys, we boast the world’s third largest barrier reef and the only one in the continental U.S. Our sea turtles, lobsters, fish and sharks all rely on this habitat for shelter and foraging. This reef, and the biodiversity it supports, put our diving on the map and sustains our blue coastal economy.

The new Coral Cam, which was installed at Pennekamp State Park, will allow anyone in the world to “see what life is like at our reef,” said Donna Dietrich, a Friends board member. “It is a great tool for teaching.”

Inspiration for the camera came two years ago when board member John Davidson wanted to scuba dive with his kids for Father’s Day. The prior week had been windy, and they weren’t sure if conditions would be favorable. To their surprise, a search for underwater webcams in the Keys came up empty.

“It occurred to me … this might be something that we should explore,” Davidson said.

For him, the feed allows anyone to see real-time conditions on the water. It’s incredibly useful for dive shops and divers, he added.

Beyond that, the camera will allow those who can’t snorkel and dive any more, or who have distance, physical limitation or other access restrictions, still experience the park’s beauty – from a distance, said Helmers and Davidson. “So we hope Coral Cam will not only enable everyone to view the living reef at any time anywhere in the world, it will encourage every watcher to become an advocate in helping protect and preserve the unique coral and the sea life that surround it,” the Friends’ president said.

The innovative camera will also be used to test water temperature and salinity, Dietrich added.

The camera was custom-designed by inventor Trevor Mendelow of A View Into the Blue.

Although based in Boulder, Colorado, Mendelow grew up in the Keys and wants to create more installations in his home islands. He was the perfect partner for this ground-breaking project, Davidson said.

The camera sits inside a glass dome that has its own cleaning mechanism to prevent biofouling. Coral Cam can be controlled from anywhere in the world with internet, and has the ability to pan-tilt-zoom. It is entirely solar-powered.

Permanently mounted on a piling at Mosquito Bank, it communicates with a radio in the park almost five miles away to project its live broadcast – the only remote camera to do so via radio waves. Mendelow’s methods produce no toxic chemicals and have almost no impact on marine life, he said. His first Keys project was a similar camera under the Bahia Honda Bridge.

“There are other underwater cameras, but none that are out in the middle of the ocean,” said Vanessa Walso, a volunteer and Friend of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park who helped to install the camera. “Our camera is completely self-sufficient with its own power and broadcasting abilities.”

Coral Cam launched on World Oceans Day in June, and the live feed lives on the Friends of John Pennekamp YouTube channel. Search for “Pennekamp Coral Cam” to get a real-time view. In the comments, there are links to Google spreadsheets maintained by the YouTube channel moderators identifying and tracking all species spotted on the Coral Cam. In less than a month, an octopus has come by to explore the glass case; sea turtles, sharks and rays glide past and a curious angelfish comes by almost daily to gaze into the camera, Helmers said. The list grows daily.

Funding came from many individual, local and international donors. Lead sponsors included the Bass Pro Foundation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Ocean Reef Conservation Association and the Rod and Gun Club.

The live feed will remain open access until the end of the year. In 2023, it will become a members-only privilege, though a “best of” video series will remain accessible to all. Membership in Friends of Pennekamp can be purchased at pennekampparkfriends.org and costs $35/year for a single, $60/family. Membership includes benefits such as free monthly park entry and supports the Coral Cam as well as other improvement projects – including additional cameras.

Terry Helmers, a volunteer diver on the project, works to install Coral Cam. CONTRIBUTED

46

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Membership Committee Meeting July 12, 2022 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 886 7632 1307 Passcode: 323518 Grant Panel Review Meeting July 19, 2022 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 821 6916 7017 Passcode: 171209 Advisor Orientation Meeting August 1, 2022 11:00 AM Hybrid meeting – Marathon Public Library Community Room 3490 Overseas Highway, Marathon Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 889 1408 7259 Passcode: 256744 Board of Directors Meeting & Annual Retreat August 5, 2022 11:00 AM Hybrid meeting – Marathon Public Library Community Room 3490 Overseas Highway, Marathon Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 870 8071 9351 Passcode: 059517 Publish: July 7, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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

on July 22, 2022, at 10:00am. The following: #B37 Justin Nichols Sailboat, Year: 1998 Make: Com-Pac HIN: US-ABV02897H798 #422 Justin Nichols misc. electronics, auto parts, home goods #104 Cameron Willett misc. home goods #217 Michael Brackens misc. home goods #233 David Rodgers misc. home goods #241 Tiffany Ridge misc. home goods #255 Mark Schmidt misc. electronics, home goods #412 George Jones misc. home goods, electronics #444 Sebastian Pinder misc. tools, home goods and electronics will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website at storagetreasures.com.

All purchased items sold as is.

Items are located at Big Pine Storage at 30677 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 and must be collected within 72 hours of auction.

Publish: July 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 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: NON-EXCLUSIVE ON-AIRPORT RENTAL CAR CONCESSIONS AT KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA 8-31-22 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 31, 2022. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meetinghttps:// 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: July 7, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 10, 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: July 7, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

+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: July 7, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 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: July 7, 2022.

Persons Giving Notice: ESPERANZA C. PASTRANA 3745 Gumbo Limbo Street Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera Florida Bar No: 980810 Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 289-2223 Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: chris@cbwpa.com Publish: July 7 & 14, 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

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 FLAU765 & 1911 Publish: June 30 & July 7, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statutes (Section 83.801 – 83.809). The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: NON-EXCLUSIVE ON-AIRPORT RENTAL CAR CONCESSIONS AT KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission

FIRST PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The City of Marathon is considering applying to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for a

(FFY) 2021 and FFY 2022 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The City is eligible to apply for up to $650,000 in the neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization and housing rehabilitation categories and up to $1.5 million in the economic development category.

Construction activities funded through the CDBG Program must meet one of the following National Objectives 1. Provide benefit to low- and moderate-income persons; 2. Prevent or eliminate slum or blight conditions; or 3. Meet a need of recent origin having a particular urgency.

The types of activities that CDBG funds may be used for include constructing stormwater ponds, paving roads and sidewalks, installing sewer and water lines, building a community center or park, making improvements to a sewage treatment plant, and rehabilitating low-income homes.

Additional information regarding the range of activities that could be funded will be provided at the public hearing.

In developing a CDBG application, the City of Marathon must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of the activities. In addition, the City of Marathon is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons.

A public hearing to obtain citizen comment concerning the City’s economic and community development needs will be held at the conference room at the City of Marathon Fire Station 8900 Overseas Highway, Marathon, on Friday, July 15th at 3:00 p.m. For information concerning the public hearing, contact Maria Covelli, Grants Coordinator, at 305-743-0033 or covellim@ci.marathon.fl.us Please note that more than one Marathon City Council/Board/Committee member may participate in the meeting.

The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at 305-289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, August 10, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: LED Lighting Upgrade and Ceiling Tile Replacement for Big Pine Key Library 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 10, 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: LED Lighting Upgrade and Ceiling Tile Replacement for Big Pine Key Library 08-10-2022

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PEST CONTROL - LOWER 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 9, 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: Pest Control - Lower Keys 0809-2022 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 9, 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:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 22-CP-34-M IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SALLY ANN MALS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SALLY ANN MALS, deceased, whose date of death was October 12, 2021, 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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: July 7, 2022.

Persons Giving Notice: SCOTT R. STOKFISZ 3441 Charlwood Drive Rochester Hills, Michigan 48306 Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera Florida Bar No: 980810 Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 289-2223 Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: chris@cbwpa.com Publish: July 7 & 14, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 22-CP-39-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM WALLACE RUSSELL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WILLIAM WALLACE RUSSELL, deceased, whose date of death was October 14, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. 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 THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION IN ADMIRALTY CASE NO.: 22-cv-10027-KMM IN THE MATTER OF: THE COMPLAINT OF KEY WEST JETSKI, INC. AS OWNER OF THE YAMAHA PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (HULL ID# YAMA0735A121) ITS ENGINES, TACKLE, APPURTENANCES, EQUIPMENT, ETC. IN A CAUSE FOR EXONTERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, Petitioner.

MONITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: THE MARSHALL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA: WHEREAS, a Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, on the 18th day of April, 2022 by the Petitioners, KEY WEST JETSKI, INC., as owners of a Yamaha Pleasure Watercraft bearing the Hull Identification Number YAMA0735A121, have filed a Complaint pursuant to Title 46, United States Code, Sections 30501-30502, claiming the right to Exoneration From or Limitation of Liability for all claims allegedly resulting from an accident which occurred on or about January 5, 2022 in the navigable waterways of Key West, Florida, as more fully set forth in the Complaint. For those reasons and causes set forth in the Complaint, Petitioners pray for the issuance of a Monition and Injunction, and that all persons or corporations claiming for any and all loss, damage, injury or destruction caused by or resulting from the incident set forth in the Complaint be cited to appear and file their respective claims with the Clerk of this Court, and to make due process thereof and citing them to file their answers to the Complaint and all proceedings to be had, and if it shall appear that Petitioner is not liable for any loss, damage, destruction or injury, it may be so finally decreed by this Court; YOU ARE THEREFORE COMMANDED TO CITE ALL PERSONS OR CORPORATIONS in respect to which Petitioner seeks limitation to file respective claims with the Clerk of this Court and to serve on or to mail to the attorneys for Petitioners, Campbell Johnston Clark, LLP, 2600 Douglas Road, Suite 508, Coral Gables, FL 33134, copies

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

thereof on or before the 1st day of August 2022, and citing such claimants to appear and answer the Complaint herein on or before the last named day or within such further time as the Court may grant, and once completed to then make return to the Court together with this Writ.

Dated at, Florida on this 1st day of July, 2022.

Angela E. Noble, Clerk United States District Court Southern District of Florida By: Mary Etienne Deputy Clerk Publish: July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on the Petitioner/ Husband or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.)

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: June 30, 2022 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Publish: July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking an IT User Support Analyst in Plantation Key, Florida to provide front-line primary technical support to end users on various technical issues and problems relating to hardware, software, and peripherals. The IT User Support Analyst will also perform root cause analysis, develop checklists for typical problems and recommend procedures and controls for problem prevention. This is a full-time position in Plantation Key, starting at $48,500.00 annually, plus Monroe County benefits. Please send a cover letter, resume and a State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. Applications are being accepted until position is filled.

State of Florida applications and complete job description can be found at www.

Keyscourts.net. The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/ selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

proficiency in Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis are required. Have strong organizational and time management skills and effectively prioritize pending assignments. This is a full-time position in Key West, starting at $51,557.43 annually if a member of the Florida Bar, plus State of Florida benefits. Please send a cover letter, resume, law school and undergraduate transcripts, list of professional references, writing sample and State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040, by April 18, 2022. State of Florida applications and complete job description can be found at www.Keyscourts.net. The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation.

EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1

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 .

Help Wanted - Two Conchs Bait and Tackle in Marathoncompetitive wages and working 3040 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2022-DR-156-K DIVISION: FAMILY IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: RONALD J. RIDGE, Petitioner/Husband, and, TIFFANY ANN RIDGE, Respondent/Wife.

AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: TIFFANY ANN RIDGE Respondent/Wife LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 311 JOHNSON ROAD, LOT 79 SUGARLOAF KEY, FLORIDA 33042 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on the Petitioner/Husband, RONALD J. RIDGE, through his counsel of record Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq., The Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A., whose address is 3130 Northside Drive, Key West, Florida 33040 on or before August 8, 2022, and file

BOATS FOR SALE 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 305-743-0844 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!

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!

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking a Trial Court Staff Attorney with a strong academic record, experience in diverse areas of law, including criminal and civil litigation, and strong research, writing and analytical skills. Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, communicate effectively and maintain confidentially is critical.

Computer skills, including

Hiring excavator operators, deckhands, & boat operators in Key Largo.

40/hrs per week MondayFriday.

305-440-3304 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.

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

305-289-9884

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

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Fleets & Facilities Section:

AUTO DIESEL VEHICLE TECHNICIAN Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $27.17/hr. - $30.43/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

NOW HIRING 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

KELLY ELECTRIC in Marathon is looking for an experienced Electrician who wants to become a Master Electrician & more.

Call or text 305-743-6098 or email: kelly6098@aol.com

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…

305-743-6098 Kelly6098@aol.com Lic # EC 525

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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

LOT FOR RENT

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.

Available for 1 person. 2 1/2 rooms + 8' X 22' screened porch. All utilities incl. wifi, satellite TV, washer/dryer.

2nd house from ocean. Offstreet parking. Private & quiet.

MM 96 Key Largo. $1,850/ month F/L/S 305-853-3779

utilities for 1 person.

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

305-610-8002

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

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

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 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 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!!!

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

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

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

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

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

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

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

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

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!!!

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!

LOCATION: MARATHON

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

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.

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

Growth Opportunities Plus Great Benefits!

Maria Garcia VP/Branch Manager

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Paid Time Off for Volunteering

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Aqueduct Authority is in need of an ICS SPECIALIST. Must have a Vocational/Technical degree with training emphasis in electronics or instrumentation/measurement & process control/monitoring systems; supplemented by six (6) years previous experience and/or training that includes electronics and process control/monitoring systems; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must be able to obtain Certified Control Systems Technician status within two years.

Benefit package extremely competitive! Location: Marathon. Salary Range $67,363.15 $106,702.20 DOQ.

Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment

Started as a Teller

Paid Time Off Starting at 30 days per year

INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL SPECIALIST

Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment

305.743.0844

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

Tuition Reimbursement Competitive Salaries 401K Employer Match Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing Great Hours

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

PROFESSIONAL NEEDED! APPLY TODAY! PRACTICE MANAGER / TOBACCO COUNSELOR 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

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 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

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES CUSTOMER SERVICE ROLES Reservations Agent Front Desk Agent Bell/Valet CULINARY ROLES Dishwasher Line Cook 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 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 (Full-Time, Permanent)

Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

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

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

THEME: TV SHOWS 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

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

MARATHON

Peer Support Specialist/BHT (FT) 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!

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

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

ACROSS 1. *Shari Lewis’ TV puppet, ____ Chop 5. Black gunk 8. Not kosher 12. Chills and fever 13. Misbehavior on road 14. Near the wind 15. Ship’s steering wheel 16. Sign of escape 17. *”How to Get Away with Murder,” starring ____ Davis 18. *Featuring Jerry, Elaine, George, Kramer 20. Theories 21. Make awake 22. Mai follower 23. *Featuring Sam, Diane, Cliff, Norm, Carla 26. Scary creature 30. Salmon on a bagel 31. Etsy member 34. Craving 35. Old and feeble 37. Quaker Man’s grain 38. Romanov rulers 39. Without help 40. Stay clear of 42. *”The ____ Life” on Animal Planet 43. Keep from happening 45. Sets to zero 47. Old age, in the olden days 48. *”____ Previews” with Siskel and Ebert 50. Same as taboo 52. *Featuring Dre, Rainbow, Zoey, Andre, Diane, Jack 55. New Testament king 56. Is not, colloquially 57. At hand 59. Pond buildup 60. Microscope part 61. *”Hogan’s Heroes,” set in _____ Germany 62. Coin opening 63. Like some martinis 64. Big Bang’s original matter

DOWN 1. ____-di-dah 2. Awfully long time 3. Stubborn beast 4. Make soiled, in the olden days 5. At the heart of Boston Tea Party 6. Quick or nimble 7. No longer working, shortened 8. *Featuring Rebecca, Jack, Kate, Randall, Kevin 9. *ABC comedy-drama, “____ 222” (1969-74) 10. 90-degree pipes, e.g.

11. Public health agency, acr.

13. “The wretched ____ of your teeming shores” 14. Of a bird 19. Relating to Scandinavia 22. Lookout point 23. Necklace lock 24. Great esteem 25. Napoleon’s time on Elba 26. Crystalline hydrochloride 27. Crossbeam 28. Kind of heron 29. “The defense ____” 32. *Featuring Hurley, Sawyer, Kate, Sayid, John 33. Lake, in Provence 36. *Featuring Stubing, Smith, Washington, McCoy, Bricker 38. Fine-tune 40. Finish line, e.g.

41. Builds 44. Dodge 46. Certain jeans fit 48. More than sly 49. *”The ____,” featuring Fran, Maxwell, C.C., Niles 50. *”To ____ the Truth,” game show 51. Golden Fleece ship 52. *Like George Costanza, Homer Simpson or Captain Picard 53. Close an envelope 54. Mental confusion 55. Possesses 58. Canyon feature

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

Serving Ipswich Whole Bellied Clams & Maine Lobster Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

FRESH NEW MENU

&

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

Call ahead for Daily Specials 516-900-1400.

1405 Duval Street, Key West // 305.295.6550 southernmostbeachresort.com #somolife

STEEL BUILDING SUPPLIER

DESIGN | MATERIAL SUPPLY | ERECTING SERVICES HONESTY | INTEGRITY | TRUST Commercial Warehouses, Aircraft Hangars, Boat and RV Storage, Mini Storage, Ag, Manufacturing and Industrial, Sports Complex and Churches are all perfect uses for an Ithaca Steel Building.

9701 Overseas Highway | Marathon | 855-481-7577 1617 JFK BLVD, Floor 20 | Philadelphia | 855-230-7951 www.ithacasteel.com

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

FLOW SPA

PLEASE VOTE FOR US FOR

BEST SPA & BEST BARBER! THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US!

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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @KIRBYSCLOSETKW @FRANKIEKEYWEST

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

It’s time to get back to the basics of good recycling 1

2

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

3 Keep food and liquid out.

Recyclables go directly into the cart.

NEED A BAGGSTER?

Purchase one from your local hardware stores, then call the 800 number to set up a pickup.

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS and PORTABLE TOILETS available.

Call us at 305.296.8297.

LIC# CCC1329991

LIC# CGC032862

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

VOTE TODAY!

CONCH CONSTRUCTION & ROOFING BEST CONTRACTOR Second Annual

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

TREASURES AWAITS YOU Receive 15% OFF DINNER at One Duval Restaurant, when you mention the promo code: Treasures that Await You. One Duval Restaurant is located in the Pier House Resort & Spa. Dinner: 5-9 pm Wednesday - Sunday For reservations, call 305-295-3255 or visit our website: pierhouse.com.

One Duval at Pier House Resort & Spa 1 Duval St | Key West, FL 33040 305.296.4600 | pierhouse.com

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

CGC1523838 LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

CGC1523838

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

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

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Overseas Market Key West

SERGIO CASTILLO

CGC 040138

CARPENTRY DONE RIGHT!

VP / Branch Manager NMLS #1546458

SIDING • DECKS • WINDOWS • INTERIORS

305.394.5100 ext 1004 scastillo@gulfatlanticbank.com

305-850-4736

2222 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

Key West, Florida 33040

IMPECCABLE REFERENCES • QUICK RESPONSE!

NMLS# 1977396

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

WE SELL EVERYTHING FOR YOUR HOME

OVERSEAS MARKET - 2730 N. ROOSEVELT BLVD KEY WEST - 305.296.4066 Mon-Fri 9am-7pm - Sat 9am-2pm - Sun Closed

Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service - Installation 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

NEW CONSTRUCTION | REMODELS ADDITIONS | HISTORIC RENOVATIONS 305-304-6621 | KEY WEST ECICONSTRUCTION@YMAIL.COM

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

SHANE BRIENING Senior Loan Officer NMLS #913453

POOLS & DECKS

305.394.5100 ext 1005 sbriening@gulfatlanticbank.com

CONSTRUCTION

FREE ESTIMATES!

Proud member of:

LICENSED & INSURED CBC1253572

POOL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION-REMODELS-POOL DECKS

BY

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

305.304.6621

2222 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

Key West, Florida 33040

ECICONSTRUCTION@YMAIL.COM LICENSED & INSURED CPC#1459641/CBC#1253572

NMLS# 1977396

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Automotive Installation Specialist

Todd Gibbins 305-393-1092

Chad Cossairt 305-340-8392

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

Lic No. SP1481

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

When It Rains It Pours!

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

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MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

UPCOMING EVENTS

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS & ANDY GRAMMER

JULY 29

TH

SLIGHTLY STOOPID

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY KEY WEST THEATER

OCTOBER 4TH

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

AUGUST 7TH

ARIELLE

BACK STAGE LISTENING ROOM

OCTOBER 5TH

WHO’S BAD:

THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE KEY WEST THEATER

NOVEMBER 19TH

PETER MAYER:

THE REVEREND PEYTON’S

CHRISTMAS TOUR

KEY WEST THEATER

NOVEMBER 26

TH

PAUL REISER

BIG DAMN BAND

(STRANGER THINGS)

KEY WEST THEATER

KEY WEST THEATER

JANUARY 13

TH

2023

FEBRUARY 23RD 2023

THEKEYWESTAMP.COM | THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

FAMILY, FOOD & FUN

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST DAILY 7-11AM

LIVE MUSIC DAILY 5-8PM

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