Upper Keys Weekly 22-0707 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

1¢

Spiny lobster sport season now approaching.

SHARK BITES WOMAN

Husband rescues wife from attack | P. 8

VIEW INTO THE BLUE

A real-time look through a coral cam | P. 16

ON THE WATER

Holiday weekend keeps patrols busy | P. 13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

UNPARALLELED VIEWS

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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Beginning July 1, single-use diapers, reusable diapers and reusable diaper inserts for children are tax-exempt for one year. Baby and toddler clothes, primarily for those 5 and under, are also tax-free.The law making these items taxfree was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A large number of boats pack the Islamorada sandbar near Whale Harbor on the Fourth of July. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

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County seeks parking and a pay app for nonresidents

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The small county-owned park on North Bay Harbor Drive in Key Largo. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

popular, yet small, waterfront park on North Bay Harbor Drive in Key Largo will undergo a few minor improvements to allow for some off-street parking. County officials are also looking at implementing paid parking for nonresidents who frequent the bayside park. Specifically, the county is seeking to move the park fence back 50 feet in order to provide eight to 10 parking spots. Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson told county commissioners at a recent meeting that another option to move the fence back 100 feet to provide 20 parking spots could result in overcrowding. “My recommendation is we move it back 50 to 60 feet for nine or so parking spaces,” he said. “People from the neighborhood can use it and people not from the neighborhood can drive there and use it.” County commissioner Michelle Coldiron agreed with the idea for a small number of parking spots. “I thought that the larger number was too much,” she said. “It takes away from then being a park and makes it just a parking lot. I like the idea of somewhere between eight and 10 parking spots so you have a place for people who don’t live within walking distance of that neighborhood but are residents of Monroe County to be able to access that park.” Wilson said the project would cost between $15,000 to $20,000. In addition, the county and John Allen, parks and beaches director, are looking into parking-payment software at parks, including the one on Bay Drive. Allen recommended a parking fee for the small park and down the way at Mike Forster

Memorial Park, located at 20 Sunset Road in Key Largo. He also said the pay-to-park app could be used for Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. “You can find parking per Waze. If you get lost you can always find your car,” he said. “One of the other things is you eliminate the tollbooth that's out there at Harry Harris. Parking apps are at no cost to the county. They make revenue through a surcharge for parking, 25 cents to 75 cents, in addition to parking fees we establish.” Allen, too, agreed with only a few parking spots at the park on Bay Drive. Local residents would be able to use the parks and boat ramps for free, Allen said. The BOCC approved a request for proposals to secure bids for application software at the June meeting. In June 2021, county officials shut down the park at the end of North Bay Harbor Drive in the Sunset Point/Bay Harbor subdivisions through Labor Day due to overcrowding. Users frequently exceed the limited parking by leaving vehicles and boat trailers on the shoulder of the narrow neighborhood roads, which causes traffic problems, safety issues and difficulty for residents entering and leaving driveways. To mitigate some of the issues, roads in the Bay Harbor and Sunset Point subdivisions are designated as a no-parking, -standing, or -stopping area. “No Parking” signs were posted that include the noncriminal civil penalty set at $200. The park on Bay Drive is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to sunset. People can only access the park by foot, bikes or dropoff.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

July 17 is reportedly Dollar Tree’s last day in Islamorada. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

DOLLAR TREE IN ISLAMORADA REPORTEDLY CLOSING MID-JULY Shopping options dwindle in the heart of the village

helves are growing barren inside the Dollar Tree store in Islamorada. One of the few shopping options in the village, the place once known for its signature “everything is $1” is set to close in mid-July. The property, which conShelves are emptying inside Dollar Tree. sists of a roughly 9,000-squarefoot retail building, sold for $2,050,000 to MM 82.790 LLC, in July 2021. The building is situated on 24,829 square feet of land along Overseas Highway in the heart of Islamorada’s business district. As to what will occupy the building at MM 82.7, property manager Gardo Gomez told Keys Weekly that a tenant will occupy the space. MM 82.790 LLC is managed by Shawn Tolley and John Cioffi, of Sandal Factory Inc. Gomez serves as executive vice president of operations for Sandal Factory. The Sandal Factory in Islamorada is located not far from the Dollar Tree at MM 81.9. “As much as everyone needs housing, especially for employees, that’s not what’s happening here,” Gomez said. Koniver Stern Group negotiated the sale of the Dollar Tree store last summer. “This was a great opportunity to purchase a cash-flowing asset in a high barrier of entry market place, with future redevelopment upside,” said Jordan Spitz, of Koniver Stern Group, at the time of the sale. “We have seen a huge demand in 2021 from buyers wanting to purchase investment properties in South Florida.” Dollar Tree is reportedly set to close July 17. Dollar Tree’s exit leaves few options for residents and visitors seeking household items and other essential supplies in the heart of Islamorada. The shopping options include CVS Pharmacy, located next to the dollar store, Publix Supermarket, the local grocery store Trading Post and the new Keys Mercantile at MM 87.

UPPER KEYS 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 mandy@keysweekly.com 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 injuncThe U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade last month On the other side of the tion to block implementation of prompted protests from both sides of the issue in nearly all 50 states. CONTRIBUTED case, attorneys advocating for the new law, saying it violated the 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 counThe Center for Reproductive Rights stated in a press release, try following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that abortion rights “The law, which has been in effect since July 1, has already had devand restrictions should be decided by individual states and not the astating consequences on the health and futures of Floridians by 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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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UPPER KEYS 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

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 ap-

plying 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.

UPPER KEYS 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

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.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022 Lignumvitae Key. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

KEYS ISLAND NAMED AFTER A TREE OF LIFE LIGNUMVITAE KEY BOASTS A STORIED PAST

poiler alert: the Florida Keys are a lowlying 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 often-overlooked 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 BRAD that are astonishing. People say the bones of a Calusa BERTELLI Indian who stood more is an author, than 8 feet tall were buried speaker, and Flor- on the island, though none ida Keys historian. of the bones discovered His latest book, within the mound fit the bill “The Florida Keys of that alleged account. Skunk Ape Files,” is a fun blend of Stories of these giant two of his favorite people are bandied about subjects — Florida on the outskirts of historiKeys history and cal research. It is crucial to the Skunk Ape. remember 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.

UPPER KEYS 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.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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A 21-foot boat runs aground in the mangroves in North Key Largo on the afternoon of July 2. U.S. COAST GUARD/Via Facebook

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

U.S. COAST GUARD & FWC RESPOND TO A BOAT THAT RAN INTO MANGROVES IN NORTH KEY LARGO

A 21-foot boat with two people aboard ran aground on the afternoon of July 2 in North Key Largo, according to a Facebook post by the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast. Rescue crews arrived to find the boat deep in the mangroves. The two people on the boat were rescued by a

crew from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada. No injuries were reported at the time. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers were also on scene to investigate. — Weekly staff report

SEVERAL CITED FOR UNDERSIZED FISH DURING HOLIDAY WEEKEND PATROLS

busy holiday weekend on the Florida Keys waters resulted in several people receiving tickets for catching undersized

fish. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation reports that officers Jason Richards, Jeremy Foell and Daniel Jones were on a federal fisheries patrol on July 1 between Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park. During their patrol, they saw a 52-foot Viking called the “Shakedown” out of Boca Raton stationed inside the Warsaw Hole Spawning Special Management Zone, which is closed to fishing for snapper and grouper. Officers conducted an inspection of the vessel and found the crew in possession of out-of-season red snapper and six undersized dolphins. Officers issued federal citations for fishing inside the Warsaw SMZ, outof-season red snapper and the undersized dolphins. On July 3, FWC investigator Chris Mattson, Maj. Albert Maza and officer Waymen Pearson were patrolling the water not far from MM 78 in Islamo-

Officers discover a 52-foot Viking inside the Warsaw Hole Spawning Special Management Zone. FWC/Contributed

rada when they spotted four men fishing from the bank at Indian Key Channel Bridge. The officers went over to conduct an inspection of the group from Miami when Mattson asked to inspect their cooler. Mattson discovered three undersized schoolmaster snapper and one undersized black grouper. After questioning, one of the men in the group admitted catching all the undersized fish. He was cited for two misdemeanor violations. On July 3, FWC officer Courtney Carroll was performing fisheries inspections around 5 p.m. on the north end of Channel 5 bridge in Islamorada. During her inspection, she found two Miami men with 20 undersized snappers. The undersized catches consisted of one undersized mutton snapper, one undersized yellowtail snapper and 18 undersized schoolmaster snapper. Carroll issued both men a “Notice to Appear” in court for the violations. — Weekly staff report

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FIREWORKS LIGHT THE ISLAMORADA NIGHTTIME SKY

eople attending the Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park took their seats along the beach and the lawn as the sun began to set. A barrage of fireworks ensued, lighting the nighttime sky on July 4. “Wows” from the spectators culminated in an evening of food, face painting and other fun activities, including a patriotic puppy parade. The celebration was sponsored by Key West International Airport, Village of Islamorada and Upper Keys Rotary Club. — Jim McCarthy 1. Fireworks light the nighttime sky in Islamorada as spectators take their spots at the beach to watch the show. 2. People gather at the beach to watch the fireworks show.

3. A young girl lights a sparkler. 4. A group of people gather at Founders Park beach as the sun sets. Out on the water, boats took their spot on the bay to watch the fireworks display. Photos by Doug Finger.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

4. The decorative Price Automotive van passes by parade spectators.

IN PICTURES: 70 FLOATS TAKE PART KEY LARGO’S FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

ome 70 floats and vehicles paraded up U.S. 1 for the 46th annual “Celebrating Freedom” parade on July 4. Organized by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, the parade saw water gun exchanges, tossing of candy and friendly waves. Retired Monroe County Sheriff’s Maj. Don Fanelli was parade marshal. — Jim McCarthy

1. Olive Wampler, 8, and her brother Declan, 10, spray parade goers with water while riding in the Island Arms & Indoor Range float driven by parents Augie and Sabrina Wampler during the Key Largo 4th of July parade.

5. Parade participants on the Cindy’s Hair Place float douse the crowd with water. 6. Retired Monroe County Sheriff’s Maj. Don Fanelli, left, with Beth, wife, and Sheriff Rick Ramsay. Fanelli was parade marshal. Photos by Doug Finger.

2. Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Hernandez leads in the parade. 3. Parade spectators wave as the Key Largo Fire Department trucks drive up U.S. 1.

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The Coral Cam presents a beautiful undersea vista. CONTRIBUTED

A VIEW INTO THE BLUE New Coral Cam at Pennekamp delights viewers TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

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 membersonly 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

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DIVING ON INDEPENDENCE DAY OUTPLANTING A‘VICTORY’

CONSERVATION TIP Summer sun is here. Make sure to choose a sunscreen that not only protects your skin, but also safeguards the reef. Opt for “reef safe” sunscreen like the Stream 2 Sea brand. Our reefs need all the help we can give them.

A pair of divers decked in red, white and blue enjoy a dive. MORRIS DIVING/Contributed

ERIC BILLIPS is the owner, captain and instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Keys Dive Center. He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfishing and captaining in the Florida Keys.

FOURTH CONDITIONS WERE STELLAR Besides some mild winds, great conditions and fantastic water visibility gave divers and others an enjoyable Fourth of July weekend. This time of year sees a large number of boats on the water, with snorkelers and divers exploring the depths. Alligator Light, the Islamorada Sandbar and White Marlin Beach are among the spots seeing scores of boats enjoying the water. WINDS BEGIN TO PICK UP JUST SLIGHTLY Next week looks like the winds will start to pick up, but only slightly. While conditions may be just a bit sporty, it still should be great for all water activities.

I.C ARE Divers dressed in red, white and blue ready for a dive out of Florida Keys Dive Center. CONTRIBUTED

OUTPLANTING A ‘VICTORY’ I.CARE headed out this past weekend for some outplanting at Victory Reef. This spurand- groove reef starts at 40 feet and drops down to 90 feet. The reef forms a “V” shape where it meets the sand. It boasts very large coral structures. We’ll continue planting this coming Saturday with Key Dives. A fun-filled day of education, training and diving begins at 8:30 a.m. Call Key Dives to sign up.

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With 5,000-plus corals outplanted, I.CARE continues its mission to incorporate the local community and visitors in restoration and maintenance of Islamorada’s coral communities. Visit icareaboutcoral.org to sign up for a dive or donate.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

HARVESTING COMMUNITY MEMORIES IN THE KEYS New team and exciting opportunities at local museum MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

“W

e are all part of the story, what we are doing today just as much as we have done during the decades. And these are the stories we need to share — they matter,” said Megan Scallan, Florida Keys History & Discovery Center’s curator

and historian. The museum opened in 2013 with only a few framed photos; then came Hurricane Irma, which inspired a lot of changes. And now, there are a lot of fun ideas for even more evolution. Bonnie Barnes is the new executive director, who started with the museum in December 2022. She brings vast experience in non-profit and community planning. “I’ve been volunteering since childhood, and I love that my experience can help and make a difference,” Barnes said. Through a series of events coming together, Scallan joined the museum shortly after as the curator and historian. Scallan has a master’s degree in history and museum collection management, along with experience working with a multitude of collections and museums before coming to the Keys. The team is rounded out by Julie Maris, who has an essential role as the administration and membership manager. As Scallan was sharing the story of her journey to the Keys while working on her doctorate through FIU Miami, Barnes cheekily chimes in, “I found her in a bar.” Scallan’s partner, Casey Watkins, was the general manager at Florida Keys Brewing Co. Scallan explains, “A lot of people from Jacksonville visit the Keys, so whenever someone was in the bar, he would call me up and put us on the phone together, and sometimes we would meet in person. So, Casey called me to meet Bonnie at the bar. Bonnie and I chatted about back home and different things; we exchanged numbers, and a couple of weeks later, the position was available.” “This is what I fought for for 16 years,” Scallan continued. “I can’t imagine doing anything else than museums and education — bringing people who would normally be turned off by coming through a museum.

It’s bringing them through the museum and finding out what sparks joy in them and wanting to learn about, and homing in on that and seeing what we can explore in that 15 to 30 minutes. It’s making them lifelong learners and converting them to the gospel of museums and people have reservation no matter what community you are working with.” Scallan said there are so many different perspectives, such as why would you come and spend your money here versus going to a movie theater? “That’s what we have to look at, especially working with families,” she said. “How do we build entertainment? There is a wonderful challenge here.” The current collection is History Harvest: Indian Key Memories and runs through July 30. The intention is that it will continue to live as they are harvesting all the information as a community. The community has contributed to the whole exhibit. It’s a living scrapbook and will be a digital exhibit when it changes. They have also incorporated bowling and period piece apparel that people can try on and have fun taking photos with. The museum is also making a conscious effort to engage the community by posting photos on Facebook. When the images go live and come to life, people can comment online about who some of these people are. Barnes and Scallan both agreed that getting the community engaged and getting them to come back is important. When asked about what the dayto-day is like, Scallan responds, “There are many moving parts to running a museum, including adapting to what

The Keys History & Discovery Center is located on the grounds of the Islander Resort in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

Bonnie Barnes, Megan Scallan and Zyla Zinkand during the Indian Key Celebration. BAYLIE BARNES/Contributed

the group wants, which may mean shifting a tour, while cataloging and digitizing a collection you may run into challenges with supplies which holds up the process, working with living artists versus working alone. Making it all fit together is important.” Besides the exhibits, they also started a monthly book club that meets the third Saturday of the month. “We read and discuss a mixture of genres—classics, fiction, scholarly, historical, and pop history,” Scallan said. A new intern program also started in June. They will be hosting eight to 16 (times varying) U.S. and international interns. Scallan was resourceful in finding the interns using various methods from Handshake, Facebook groups, and her vast database of connections. Barnes happily shares something that not all leaders do, “She has allowed them to work on what they love.” The interns will be focused on artifacts donated by the community and collectors such as Jerry Wilkinson from the Upper Keys Historical Preservation Society and Walter Oliver. How long does it take to go through artifacts? “A box of artifacts could take up to eight weeks for a team of two interns to get through,” Scallan said. “And this is just identifying and cleaning the articles, often piecing things together, then the whole cataloging process, including photographing, logging all the information and more.” What else is popular at the museum? Every visitor goes to the movie theater. Jon and Julie Landau designed the incredible 34-seat private theater, and several films play throughout the day, including Henry Flagler’s building the railroad that includes live footage. There’s also “Deadly Deluge” from the 1935 Hurricane, which includes interviews with some survivors. Veterans were here living in tents throughout the Keys, creating infrastructure, and when the Category 5 storm hit the Keys, they had nowhere to hide. The third current movie is about the Islamorada state parks. What’s up next? Barnes said they are creating the Jerry Wilkinson research library, aka “collection room.” “It will be exciting to create more much-needed space and a forwardfacing working lab experience where visitors can watch the curator process in real time. And it’s available for naming rights,” she said. To finish 2022, “A Smugglers Night” event at the museum is scheduled for Nov. 12. This event is in conjunction with a fall exhibit on drug smuggling. The book club, in-person lectures, exhibit and more will feature stories and information on the past and present. More information is at www. keysdiscovery.com and on Facebook at Florida Keys History And Discovery Foundation.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

REEF MEETS UP WITH EXOTIC ANIMAL VETERINARIAN

SAPPHIRE

Veterinarian Doug Mader. CONTRIBUTED

Survival stories from inner city hospital available for purchase

i friends! Reef the fox here with this week’s “Reef’s Report.” I have a treat for you this week. I had a “fox-time” call with exotic animal veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader to discuss life, animals and his new book that came out in May, “The Vet At Noah’s Ark.” If you could sit down with one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why? The late James Herriot. He penned a series of four incredREEF ible books about being a veterinarian in England in THE FOX the mid-1900s. His work/writing inspired me and thousands of individuals to become veterinarians. Reef is a red fox Would you share a brief line from your that was saved book? I hear there's a fox story in it. CDFG offrom a fur farm. He now lives in ficer Kelly Pinkett did not look the part. The young, Key Largo with attractive, green-eyed blonde resembled more a his human, Nicole character from an action TV show than a real-life, Navarro. gun-toting crime fighter. She had a natural beauty, wore no makeup, and her skin showed none of the typical signs of someone who worked outside in the Southern California sun. But the cargo pants, long- sleeved shirt replete with official patches on the shoulders, gun belt and Kevlar vest painted a different picture. She was struggling to hold on to a large dog carrier. The front bars were covered with a bloody towel. “I’ve got a badly hurt fox,” she announced. “I’m not sure if it can be saved.” What is the most unusual case in your career as a vet? I had to make a house call to help a 70-year-old woman that kept a 22-year-old Congo Fire Eel in her bathtub as a pet. Woah now, I just had mom google that for me and that is a hard nope. Toxic slime? Yikes! I hear your favorite treats are Krispy Kreme donuts, what makes them so great? I have an insatiable sweet tooth! Bad habit! If you could go back in time and do one thing differently, what would it be, if anything? I love what I do. If I had to do it all over again, I would take the same career path. My incentive to start every day is knowing that I can make a difference in people's lives by doing everything I can to promote and prolong the human-animal bond. Why haven't you been here to meet me yet? You know they call me "The Famous Fox" right? You are more famous than the Key lime pie. That’s all for this week. Mader’s book is available to purchase on Amazon. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Those amazing blue eyes belong to this sweet 8-month-old catahoula leopard dog/bulldog mix, aptly named Sapphire. Sapphire is very much a puppy and she loves to play. She is extremely sweet and great with all people and other dogs. She is also very affectionate, and craves love and attention. Sapphire was abandoned with her sister in a motel in Florida City. Both girls were rescued and are being kept safe, but they really need to find a “furever” home, or at least a foster willing to keep them until they are spayed and ready for final adoption. If you would like to meet this beautiful and sweet girl, please complete an application at www.mprescues.org/adoption-application or give a call at 305-453-1315 and say you want to meet Sapphire. Or perhaps make a donation to help with her care.

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, July 7 • Yappy Hour with MarrVelous Pet Rescues at 6 p.m. at Caribbean Club, Key Largo. • Paint and Sip with artist Brittany Parker and special guest Pasta Pantaleo from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada. Order tickets at https://july7paintsip.eventbrite.com. Friday, July 8 • Explore the world of marine invertebrates with Island Dolphin Care at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library. Saturday, July 9 • I.CARE dive and transplant coral at 8:30 a.m. at Key Dives. Visit https:// www.icareaboutcoral.org/contact to learn more and sign up. • Coast Guard Station Islamorada Dolphin Rodeo from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coast Guard Station Islamorada, 183 Palermo Dr., Islamorada. Monday, July 11 • Islamorada Local Planning Agency meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Tuesday, July 12 • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting to

discuss Restoration Blueprint at 9 a.m. at Hawk’s Cay Resort, Duck Key. • Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations general membership meeting at 6 p.m. at the Key Largo Library Community Room (101485 Overseas Hwy). The meeting can be attended in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link is https://us02web. zoom.us/j/85301709102?pwd=kaaecYUNL-7znLNaOgeo5JiFZqCk6.1 • REEF and Friends welcomes guest speaker Kylie Smith, I.CARE co-founder, from 6:15 to 8 p.m. at REEF Campus, MM 98.3, median, Key Largo. Wednesday, July 13 • Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule. Thursday, July 14 • Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Friday, July 15 • Join I.CARE for an interactive presentation about our reef, care and identification at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

OXITEC’S GENETICALLY MODIFIED MOSQUITO RELEASE ENTERS NEW PHASE New round of releases planned for Middle Keys

nother round of genetically modified mosquitoes will be released in the Florida Keys. Oxitec and Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) announced a new phase of the project (“Pilot D”) will be initiated on or after July 7. The next phase of Oxitec’s project will examine single-point releases of Oxitec’s male mosquitoes. Specifically Pilot D will see the placing of Oxitec’s just-add-water mosquito boxes on private property of volunteer residents in three release areas: Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key. Untreated comparison sites will be monitored with mosquito traps on Vaca Key, Key Colony Beach, Duck Key and Conch Key. The 2022 project launched with Pilot B during the week of May 9, with the placement of Oxitec’s mosquito boxes on private property of volunteer residents in three release areas, all on Vaca Key. Untreated comparison sites are monitored with mosquito traps on Key Colony Beach and Vaca Key. “After a successful project in 2021, we are thrilled to be getting back to work with our close partners at Oxitec during 2022,” said Andrea Leal, executive director of the FKMCD, during the release in May. “We made significant progress during the pilot project last year and we look forward to continuing this important work during this year’s mosquito season.” Last March, the Environmental Protection Agency granted an extension of the Experimental Use Permit (EUP) for the continuation of Oxitec and FKMCD’s pilot project. Following this national-level approval, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), reviewed and approved Oxitec’s state-level permit applications. For the first part of this pilot project in 2021, Oxitec released a little less than 5 million male, non-biting mosquitoes. The maximum number of non-biting male Oxitec mosquitoes released during the entire 2022 project is expected to be fewer than 7 million. Oxitec said its safe, sustainable and targeted biological pest control technology is harmless to beneficial insects like bees and butterflies and is proven to control the disease-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito, which has invaded communities in Florida and beyond. So far, FKMCD and Oxitec hosted 18 public webinars on the pilot project, mosquitoes and public health. The webinars are available at keysmosquitoproject.com/resources. — Weekly staff report

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UPPER KEYS 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-

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.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

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Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West Upper Keys Weekly 91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

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Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

MAKE MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME

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WITH THIS CODE WT10

Use code WEEKLY to save 20% on our Shallow Water and Dolphin Dockside programs. Expires 08/31/2022.

3-hr. Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure Three Daily Adventures: 9:30 am, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm CALL OR STOP BY FOR DETAILS & RESERVATIONS.

RENTALS

101900 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Book online at www.dolphinsplus.com Call to book 305.451.4060

Hourly - Multi-day Rates Stand Up Paddleboards Touring Kayaks Hobie Pedal Kayaks Canoes

Daily at 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m.

BAR SERVICE & LIGHTSNACKS AVAILABLE

Docked at Key Largo Holiday Inn MM 99 Oceanside 305.451.4655 adventure@keylargoprincess.com

WHERE THE FUN BEGINS! YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR WATERSPORTS NEEDS! Snorkeling Scuba Instruction & Diving Stand Up Paddleboards Waverunners Parasailing

Kayaks Eco Tours Sunset Cruises Boat Rentals Private Trips

Located at Reefhouse Resort & Marina • 103800 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

www.pcwatersports.com • 305-453-9881

OUT

on the

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www.FloridaBayOutﬁtters.com 305-451-3018 • MM 104 Bayside • 104050 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo

Search Things to Do in the Upper Keys GLASS BOTTOM BOAT Two-hour Cruises

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

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

UPPER KEYS 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

UPPER KEYS 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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Lic No. SP1481

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

When It Rains It Pours! Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists

CGC1523838 305-292-2666 305-743-0506 305-852-5356 rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

Key West

MARATHON

KEY LARGO

BEST SERVICE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS CGC1523838

PRICES LESS THAN MARINAS MENTION AD FOR

10% DISCOUNT REC90 ETHANOL-FREE GAS OFF-ROAD DIESEL

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GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

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Proud member of:

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overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

98970 Overseas Highway, Key Largo 305-453-7855 Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 noon; 1-4 p.m. Pick up available. No drop offs.

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

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Sportfishing Adventures

QUALITY ELECTRIC BIKE RENTALS IN THE UPPER KEYS

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

305-434-5501

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

FREE DELIVERY! WWW.KEYSELECTRICBIKE.COM

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy. A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022

DOCKSIDE RAW BAR OPENS IN TAVERNIER Oysters, ribeye steak and more

JOHN CRISTOPHER FINE www.keysweekly.com

it outside at Old Conch Harbor marina, barefoot if you want. Watch manatees swim in its sheltered lagoon, enjoy color change at sunset, watch people renting kayaks and paddleboards to explore the ocean just along a canal. Then enjoy wine or beer with executive chef Jonathan Goldstein’s amazing food at Dockside Raw Bar in Tavernier. It is brand new, perhaps one of the best kept secrets in the Keys. Where else can one get a half-dozen fresh oysters for $12.50, ribeye steak garnished with steamed vegetables, mushrooms and potatoes for $28.95, and that’s just part of it. Fine house wines run $8 a glass. All the food is fresh, with fish caught and brought in that morning. Goldstein hails from Wilmington, Delaware where he cooked for 30 years. He spent a lot of that time in his father’s restaurant called Doc’s Raw Bar. He studied at the University of Virginia and is a graduate physical therapist. That’s not the career path he chose. His father, a medical doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, opened a restaurant where his son began to cook. “I always loved cooking. I took to it naturally and never went to culinary school,” Goldstein says.

Goldstein stands 6 feet 6 inches tall. He was executive chef at a nursing home in Delaware when he decided to float queries to restaurants in the Keys. He landed a job at Keys Fisheries. “I had to ask my kids for their blessing. They’re grown up; I still had to ask them,” Goldstein said. “Both said, ‘Dad, that is a dream of yours to be down in the Keys. Go for it.’ I was 51 years old at the time.” Goldstein and his girlfriend had coffee at the Harbor Cafe 90 at Old Conch Harbor. They wandered around back and met Brian Dougherty, manager of Dockside Raw Bar. They started talking. “Brian needed a good chef. I could be more flexible here,” Goldstein said. “I have control of the menu which is great. I vary the specials every day.

From top: Outside dining at Dockside Raw Bar overlooking the marina. Dockside Raw Bar Executive Chef Jonathan Goldstein with plates that feature kitchen breaded and fried calamari, conch fritters, fresh salad and shrimp. Chef Jonathan Goldstein with a tray of fresh oysters. JOHN CHRISTOPHER FINE/Contributed

Each day we can have lobster, fresh fish, shrimp and oysters. Everything here is the freshest seafood you can get. “I make parmesan crusted grouper, we have snapper, mahi mahi, mackerel,” he continued. “We are creative in the kitchen. I am fortunate to have great cooks working with me. Everyone is satisfied. Eating in a wonderful atmosphere makes people feel good. When they tell me they enjoyed their meal, that’s my reward.” Goldstein lets his staff implement their ideas for daily specials. Stone crab claws are popular in season. Fishermen trap them in local waters and bring them in fresh. Steamed clams, lobster, Gulf Stream oysters made Rockefeller, even soups served at Dockside are made in their kitchen. “There’s nothing we won’t do to make people happy,” Dockside’s manager, Brian Dougherty, said. A Philadelphia native, Dougherty studied business and hospitality. His experience includes Palm Beach’s Ritz Carlton and the Boca Raton Hotel; he ran Pierre’s Restaurant and Hawks Cay, and was food and beverage manager at Cheeca Lodge in the Keys. His vision for Dockside Raw Bar is not only to build the business as word gets out, but also to make patrons happy so they come back. When Hurricane Irma raged through the Keys, major flooding swamped Old Conch Harbor. In just a few years, Old Conch Harbor was rebuilt: marina slips, docks, live lobster tanks put back in operation and now Dockside Raw Bar is open. The atmosphere is Florida the way it used to be. Taking a meal outside or at inside tables, informal dining with the best fresh seafood these dedicated chefs can get. At a time when prices have soared, fare at Dockside is not only fair, it is astounding. More information is at www. oldconch.com or 305-853-1010; the restaurant is located at 90311 Old Overseas Highway in Tavernier.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 7, 2022