Marathon Weekly 22-0728

Best of Marathon madness begins in 3…2…1…GO!

THE CLOCK IS TICKING Specialty contractors are in state’s crosshairs | P.4

B.O.M. BEGINS

Categories and coverage | P.16

Coco Plum Real Estate & Vacation Rentals

AN INTENSE WEEK FOR MCSO

Rounding up the sheriff’s top stories | P.10

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

E N D O R S E D BY H O U S E R E P U B L I C A N L E A D E R S H I P

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels pilots have their first woman demonstration pilot for the upcoming 2023 season. Her name is Lt. Amanda Lee, of Mounds View, Minnesota. While women have served with the Blue Angels in other capacities, it’s the first time a woman has joined the iconic flight squadron. She’s currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron 106.

With the passage of House Bill 735, specialty contractors in Monroe County will find themselves out of business in a year unless changes are made. See below.

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CLOCK IS TICKING ON SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

County seeks ways to combat House Bill 735 ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

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or specialty contractors in Monroe County, time seems to still be running out.

That is, of course, unless city, county and state administrators and legislators find a way to combat House Bill 735, which preempts the requirement of local occupational licensing for contractors. The bill, which took effect in July of 2021, prevents local governments from issuing specialty licenses – think painters, pavers, landscapers and other similar work outside the scope of general contractors, plumbers, electricians and others whose work involves life safety implications.

For most municipalities in Florida with significantly looser permitting requirements, the bill may make more sense – eliminate redundant fees and overlapping licenses as specialized contractors register in multiple municipalities, and just send significant licenses up to the state level.

But in Monroe County, where the designation as an Area of Critical State Concern requires permits for even simple tasks like laying down pavers or putting up a fence, the problem gets much more complicated.

Specialty contractors can’t pull a permit to complete these tasks without a license. If homeowners try to pull owner-builder permits themselves, the application is heavily scrutinized, and the homeowners are responsible for insuring, paying and supervising those who actually do the work.

Proponents of the specialty licenses point to their ability to protect a homeowner against subpar work from inexperienced contractors, as well as giving these contractors a legal recourse should a client choose not to pay their invoices. With ongoing material shortages, some companies are flat-out unwilling to sell their products to contractors who can’t produce an official license.

In theory, a general contractor could pull the permit for a specialty worker to complete

a job – but, understandably, they won’t do it for free, and it’s technically illegal. In any case, the resulting additional costs would be passed on to the customer, making homeownership in the Keys even more of a challenge.

“The customer shouldn’t have to pay that cost,” said Derrick Lazzara, president of the Florida Keys Contractors’ Association. “Everything’s already expensive enough down here. We can’t keep adding costs; we’re going to keep losing people.”

Monroe County stopped issuing new specialty licenses in July of last year. The existing specialty licenses will be honored by the county for two years, the maximum allowed by law, before they expire in 2023. As of now, many of the specialty licenses recognized in Monroe County do not exist at the state level, leaving these contractors out of business.

As it stands, the way for contractors to skirt the bill’s impacts would be to obtain a state contractor’s license. But this requires time, a significant financial commitment, and passing an eight-hour exam – if candidates can make it through a congested swarm of others seeking the same license. Obtaining the license, even if specialty contractors have no intention of performing work outside the scope of their pre-existing businesses, has major insurance implications as well, as the contractors would fork over larger premiums to be insured for more significant work with potential life safety implications.

At the July 20 meeting of the Monroe

continued on page 11

Dozens of specialty licenses in Monroe County include certifications for tasks as specific as painting.

CONTRIBUTED

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

Monroe County School District’s executive director for personnel support Harry Russell is leaving “no leaf unturned” to find qualified candidates for 64 job openings. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Contributed

‘LEAVING NO LEAF UNTURNED’ Monroe County feels pinch of nationwide teacher shortage CHARLOTTE TWINE charlotte@keysweekly.com

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ith the Aug. 10 start date for the school year coming fast, Monroe County officials are scrambling to fill teacher positions, “leaving no leaf unturned.” They are not alone. School districts across the nation are struggling to find educators to teach their children.

“There’s a national teacher shortage,” Harry Russell, the school district’s executive director of personnel support and instructional leadership, told Keys Weekly. “And Florida is not immune to that.”

At a recent school board meeting, superintendent Theresa Axford said Florida currently has 7,500 job vacancies throughout its school systems.

The Monroe County School District currently has 64 positions that need to be filled, Russell said. Of those 64 openings, 17 are for teachers. “From Key West to Key Largo and all the schools in between, we need food service workers, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, school psychologists, administrative assistants, maintenance positions, activities leaders, day care workers and bookkeepers.”

The reasons for the shortage?

Russell said that locally, affordable workforce housing is a problem. But

he also pointed out a nationwide trend since the pandemic.

“The job market is going through self-correction nowadays,” he said. “Employees are looking for opportunities to work virtually. The market is reshaping itself.”

As of press time, “the greatest need for teachers is in the Key West area,” Russell said. Key West High School needs five teachers, and Horace O’Bryant School needs five, as well. Poinciana Elementary School needs two, and Gerald Adams Elementary School needs two.

However, Russell pointed out, other areas in Monroe County have filled all or most of their teacher openings. Three schools in the Upper Keys — Coral Shores High School, Plantation Key School and Key Largo School — have hired all needed teaching staff. Sugarloaf School needs one teacher, while “Marathon will probably have zero openings by the end of the week,” Russell said.

A common problem is that good candidates are hired from out of state, but then they back out upon realizing that they can’t afford to live in the Keys. “We proactively ask candidates: ‘Are you familiar with the Keys? The cost of housing?’” said Russell. “We definitely don’t sugarcoat that so they know what they’re up against and don’t back out.”

Sometimes, state requirements come into play when looking for an educator, said Key Largo School principal Darren Pais.

“The hardest positions to hire are for the middle school,” he said.

“Those teachers are required to be certified in specific content areas.

For instance, our 7th grade math teacher is required to have a certification in math 5-9 or 6-12. That is a very specific need, and the teacher shortage makes it comparable to looking for a needle in a haystack.”

Russell said the district’s new strategy is to focus on hiring local talent, since those candidates usually already have housing. To that end, staff has also held eight local job fairs since May throughout the county, putting up a tent to hand out notices of the openings at locations such as Baby’s Coffee on Sugarloaf Key. “We’ve left no leaf unturned,” said Russell. “We impress upon people that we have competitive paying jobs with benefits. Those are the types of things that may make a difference.”

A common problem is that good candidates are hired from out of state, but then they back out upon realizing that they can’t afford to live in the Keys.

The efforts of district staff to address the shortage have not gone unseen.

“I tip my hat to the superintendent and the staff,” said school board member Bobby Highsmith.

“They are working hard. … I think every person in our school district has always worked very hard to deliver the best possible education, going above and beyond” School principals have a plan in place in case some openings are not filled. “We are working on utilizing all school personnel and long-term substitutes to cover the positions that are open on the first day,” said Key West High School principal Larry Schmiegel. “Having a prepared teacher in front of the students each day is our priority.”

Schmiegel is also staying positive.

“We are excited to welcome students back on Aug. 10,” he wrote Keys Weekly in an email. “Our theme this school year is ‘Rise as one! Rise as Conchs!’ It is our hope as a school family to persevere despite these staffing challenges with the support of our most seasoned educators. Our students deserve the absolute best and that is what we strive to provide. In the meantime, if parents have any questions they can contact our main office at 305-293-1549.”

POSITIVE DENGUE CASE CAME OUTSIDE MONROE COUNTY

Health department, mosquito control continue prevention efforts JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

C

ounty health officials said an individual tested positive for dengue fever in Monroe County on July 25.

The Florida Department of Health said it was a travel-related case, meaning the person didn’t contract the virus locally.

“They got it outside of Monroe and got tested here in Monroe County,” said Alison Kerr, spokeswoman for Monroe DOH. No reports of dengue fever have been seen in the Florida Keys this year. However, the health department and Florida Keys Mosquito Control District said they continue to provide surveillance and prevention efforts throughout Keys communities.

A dengue outbreak in the Keys was last seen in June 2020, when cases began to sprout up in the Key Largo area. Some 56 people were infected with dengue that year.

Dengue fever is not contagious. Rather, it’s spread by a bite from an infected aedes aegypti mosquito. Common symptoms include headache, eye pain, muscle joint or bone pain, nausea and unusual bleeding.

Health and mosquito control officials urge residents to help prevent mosquitoes from multiplying by remembering to drain any standing water on the property.

People should also cover their skin by wearing long sleeves and applying mosquito repellent.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District said inspectors are available to help rid properties of existing mosquitoes as well as assist you with mosquito prevention assistance during the rainy season ahead. Please call them at 305-2927190 or go to www.keysmosquito. org to make a service request.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

SCHOOL BOARD REJECTS 23% TAX HIKE Officials cap increase at 18% MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

S

chool board members on July 26 rejected the budget — and 23% tax increase — proposed by the finance staff and school district administration.

After a lengthy discussion, board members instead capped any potential property tax increase at 18%, reduced the district’s proposed tax revenue by $5.1 million and indicated that further reductions could occur before the final budget approval in September.

“I question why we’re taking this amount of money,” chairman John Dick agreed.

“When we have a chance to help taxpayers, we need to help them any way we can. This is a time for us to show fiscal restraint and good faith to the community.”

Finance director Bev Anders acknowledged, “It’s a significant increase, but we’ve had significant cost increases,” which have included unfunded mandates from the state.

Board members and district administrators cast their perennial aspersions against the state’s education funding formula, a formula that makes Monroe County a “donor” county due to its wealth and property values, that gives more than it gets in school funding.

As proposed, the school district would have collected $24 million, or 23% more, in property taxes than it raised last year. Revenues would have grown from $107 million last year to this year’s proposed $132 million.

Board member Bobby Highsmith called the proposed increase “way too high” at Tuesday’s board meeting and budget hearing — the first of four public hearings before final approval in September.

Anders pointed out that the county’s overall property values skyrocketed by 32%, or $11 billion.

She added that the proposed 23% increase would be borne almost entirely by owners of commercial properties and second and third homes. Homesteaded properties can only increase in value by 3% a year. As such, owners of a homesteaded house valued at $500,000 would see a $53, or 3.4%, reduc-

tion in their school tax bill. On the other hand, non-homesteaded properties valued at $500,000 would see a $49 increase on their bill.

“Sure, homesteaded property taxes go down, but remember, most of our employees live in rental housing, which is not homesteaded, and when their landlords’ taxes go up, so do their rents,” Highsmith said. “I can’t see myself supporting this.”

The school district’s proposed budget initially included a tax, or millage, rate of 3.0745, but the board approved a slightly lower rate of 2.962 mills, which reduced the expected tax revenue by about $5.1 million.

Property taxes are calculated as a percentage of a property’s assessed value. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value, or $1,000 for every $1 million of taxable value, which is more often the case with Keys properties.

As property value increases, so do property taxes, unless the taxing entity lowers its millage rate accordingly, to what’s known as the rollback rate.

Rollback is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the prior year. Any amounts over rollback are considered a tax increase. The school district’s proposed millage rate is 6.4% lower than last year’s rate, but would raise 23% more revenue due to Monroe County’s skyrocketing property values, which increased this year by a whopping 32% — approximately $11 billion.

Anders and Superintendent Theresa Axford told the board they would adjust the proposed budget to reflect the lower tax rates approved by the board at Tuesday’s budget hearing.

Dick agreed and suggested two parts of the school tax that could be lowered to reduce the revenue collected by the school district by about $5.1 million.

Board member Andy Griffiths further questioned the school district’s proposal to add $2.5 million to its “fund balance,” or savings account. “$2.5 million is an appreciable amount,” Griffiths said. “If our clients can’t afford to put money in the bank, why are we?”

CAMPAIGN SPENDING GROWS AS PRIMARY LOOMS Republican incumbent for state representative leads fundraising

Candidates for Florida House District 120 are spending campaign dollars as an Aug. 23 primary approaches. MIRIAM DOERR MARTIN FROMMHERZ/Shutterstock

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Less than a month remains before registered Republican and Democratic voters select a Florida House candidate to represent their party in the Nov. 8 election. With an Aug. 23 primary approaching, candidates are collecting and spending money as they make their names and platforms known through mailers, advertisements and more.

Republican incumbent Jim Mooney’s campaign leads the way in contributions among all candidates vying for the District 120 seat with a total of $219,800. His contribution account received a boost when the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee provided $56,000 in late April and the Republican Party of Florida funneled $43,450 dating back to May. In-kind contributions total $54,670.

Since June, Mooney’s campaign has gathered $25,500 in contributions and spent $65,664. During July, his campaign spent $33,300 on advertising, promotional materials, finance consulting and other event supplies.

Since he announced his reelection for state representative, Mooney’s campaign has spent $101,000.

Republican challenger Rhonda Rebman Lopez, who lost by only 148 votes in the 2020 Republican primary, garnered contributions totaling a little more than $99,800 for her campaign.

A majority of her contributions have come from residents within the district. They include Islamorada fishing guide Steve Friedman, commodore of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association; Jim McCarthy, vice president of sales and operations for Tom Thumb; and former Monroe County Mayor Mario Di Gennaro. On July 1, Rebman Lopez took out a $10,100 loan.

Since announcing her candidacy, Rebman Lopez has spent $64,749 on her campaign. Since June, she’s spent $43,390 on various things, including

consulting and direct mailers from Dark Horse Strategies marketing firm in Miami, advertising and media, campaign work and campaign staff.

The third Republican challenger in the race, Robert Allen, has received $150 in campaign contributions so far, of which $50 come from him and $100 from Rose Dell, of Big Pine Key. On June 13, Allen took out a $3,200 loan.

A house painter from Big Pine Key, Allen spent $2,064 on his campaign to date, of which $1,781 was paid to the division of elections in order to qualify.

On the Democratic side, lawyer and Big Coppitt Key resident Adam Gentle has gathered a little over $100,000 between his campaign and affiliated political committee since announcing his bid to run in early January. Contributions to his campaign come from as far west as Los Angeles, as far north as New York and south to Key West.

Since June, he’s received $7,600 in contributions and has spent $31,050 on web management, consulting, mailers, digital ads, the qualifying fee, database management and other things.

So far, Gentle’s campaign has spent $52,037 on the campaign. He’s received in kind contributions totaling $4,491.

Lawyer and Cutler Bay resident Daniel Horton-Diaz has received $61,100 in campaign contributions since he announced his candidacy at the beginning of the year. Since June, he’s received $6,600 in contributions.

In that same time, he’s spent $28,000 for things such as campaign consulting, printing, website maintenance and digital media, among other things. He’s taken out $16,000 in loans.

In-kind contributions total $1,120.

Winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries on Aug. 23 will face one another in the Nov. 8 election for the opportunity to represent constituents in the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade county.

9

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

Monroe County Sheriff’s marine deputy Nelson Sanchez measures 12 undersized lobsters during a stop at Indian Key Fill. All lobsters were returned to the water.

Sam Lapinsky, Monroe County Sheriff’s reserve deputy, measures a lobster during a stop. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Two men are stopped along the shore at Indian Key Fill.

TWO MEN DEAD ON FIRST DAY OF MINI-SEASON Incidents earlier in week claim two more lives

JIM McCARTHY

I

jim@keysweekly.com

ssuance of warnings, citations and some advice were among several steps Monroe County Sheriff’s marine deputy Nelson Sanchez took during the start of a two-day lobster mini-season in the Upper Keys on July 27. In the Lower Keys, law enforcement said two men died while on the water.

Even before lobster mini-season, law enforcement reported two separate on-the-water incidents this week that resulted in the deaths of a 53-year-old man and 27-year-old man.

The sheriff’s office reported two deaths that occured in the Lower Keys on July 27. A 51-year-old Tampa man died after losing consciousness in the water Wednesday just north of Key West. The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. after the man was reported unresponsive in the water near Bluefish Channel. CPR was initiated on the man and continued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The man was pronounced dead at Lower Keys Medical center. An investigation is ongoing and autopsy results are pending.

A 64-year old Garland, Texas man died on July 27 after collapsing in a boat on the gulfside just north of MM 3. The sheriff’s office said Gregg Leon Dietz was standing in a 32-foot rental vessel when he collapsed around 12:30 p.m. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers took Dietz to the U.S. Coast Guard Station Key West.

He was transported to Lower Keys Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing and autopsy results are pending.

Less than ideal conditions on the oceanside of the Upper Keys pushed a majority of boats to the bayside. Lobster hunters packed the waters just beyond Plantation Yacht Harbor and around Channel 2 Bridge in Islamorada.

“I’ve never seen so many boats out here,” said Pastor Tony Hammon as he came into Plantation Yacht Harbor marina from a successful lobster trip with his grandson, Sawyer.

In the Upper Keys, morning stops by Sanchez and Sam Lapinsky, reserve deputy who spent 15 years with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, came with some education on the rules, including the need for a diver-down flag when diving and measuring lobster while in the water, not on the boat.

But one stop by Sanchez led to citations against some Georgia men fishing near Indian Key Fill. Sanchez spotted some lobster hunters under the bridge when he noticed two undersized lobsters in a bag. He directed three men back to the boat where three other men were hanging out.

A search of the boat well found that of 30 lobsters, 12 were undersized. Sanchez told the group a large number were “grossly undersized.”

“The law states you must measure them in the water. You can’t put them on your boat and then measure them. That’s not how it works.”

Catching undersized lobster is a misdemeanor. Three men will come back in August to face the judge.

“You guys gotta play by the rules,” Sanchez said. “I don’t like all this paperwork, and I’ve got more that I have to do after this.”

No arrests were made during the first day of the lobster miniseason. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission issued several resource tickets.

“It’s been steady, lots of stops,” said Jason Rafter, FWC public information officer.

Before the two-day lobster sport season even began, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation reported on July 25 that they were checking two vessels near Stock Island when an officer was advised that a snorkeler hadn’t surfaced. Search efforts were initiated by FWC units and aircraft and the Coast Guard and went several hours before they recovered the body of a 27-year-old man from Port Orange, Florida. FWC said preliminary information indicated head trauma from a possible vessel strike. An investigation is ongoing into the incident.

On July 26, a 53-year-old Englewood, Florida man died during a snorkel trip in the Lower Keys. According to the sheriff’s office, Kale Dailey was snorkeling in Sawyer Channel with a group around 11:24 a.m. when he told others he wasn’t feeling well. He returned to the vessel, but his conditions worsened as others helped him onto the boat.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded and brought Dailey ashore to Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key. Dailey was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff’s office said foul play is not expected to be a factor. The investigation is ongoing and autopsy results are pending.

The two-day lobster mini season concludes Thursday, July 28 at midnight. Commercial lobster season begins Aug. 6.

10

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

‘A VERY CHALLENGING WEEK’ Sheriff’s office, partners tasked with unusual string of significant crimes

MCSO deputies find an injured Key deer illegally stashed in the back of a vehicle. MCSO/Contributed

ALEX RICKERT

T

alex@keysweekly.com

o say the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has had a busy week of unusual cases would be an understatement. Keys residents were surprised this week to find usual reports of resource violations and smaller disputes replaced with two significant murder charges, as well as the kidnapping of a beloved Key deer and a slew of other unusual arrests, all within the last seven days.

“It’s been a very challenging week for citizens, but also a very big challenge for law enforcement,” Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay told Keys Weekly. “We took every case to a full-court press and had persons under arrest in all cases in a very short amount of time.”

While Ramsay said he understood the backto-back reports were “obviously shocking” for Keys residents, he stressed that the more significant violent incidents were an anomaly and involved victims and alleged perpetrators known to one another.

“We continue to send a message that we never have just random people committing these acts,” said Ramsay, noting that the sheriff’s office typically sees a murder “once every couple of years.”

“If it happens, it’s almost always going to be predominantly domestic-related,” he continued. “We are lucky that we’re not like bigger areas that have random acts of violence.

“I’m thankful for the partnerships in these cases that are really in-depth like this. I want to thank everybody involved, and at the end of the day it goes to show the testament and the vigilance that the sheriff’s office provides that we’re able to investigate, solve and hold people accountable.”

Here is a compilation of some of the significant Sheriff’s Office cases throughout the Keys over the past week. All information is summarized directly from MCSO incident reports.

LOWER KEYS & KEY WEST On July 22, 25-year-old Stock Island resident Christopher Estime was arrested at the Canadian border for immigration violations. Once he is likely

extradited to Monroe County, Estime will face a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly stabbed his former roommate. At about 2 a.m. on June 25, the 35-year-old male victim stated he kicked Estime out of his residence during an argument. Estime left and came back with a knife and stabbed the victim in the neck and arms.

The victim was airlifted via Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center and eventually recovered.

A day later, 44-year old Stock Island resident Delmon Washington was charged with the murder of 46-year-old Latisha Tiare Alce and tampering with evidence. Key West police stopped a Hyundai that was being driven with a blown tire shortly before midnight on July 23. Washington, the driver, had a significant amount of blood on his clothes and body, but no visible injuries, and was behaving erratically. Key West police arrested Washington at that time for DUI, resisting arrest and other charges.

Key West Police found Alce’s purse in the car, but were not able to contact her. Alce’s family, suspicious that she was not with Washington, went to the couple’s residence on Suncrest Road on Stock Island. The family found Alce covered in blood and unresponsive at the residence, and she was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives located security camera footage from a nearby business that showed Washington and Alce arriving at the residence earlier on July 23.

It also showed Washington throwing away an object and some clothing before leaving the scene in the Hyundai. There were no other vehicles or people seen entering or leaving the residence.

Already in jail, Washington was additionally charged with murder by MCSO. He has a lengthy criminal history in Monroe County dating back to 1999 that includes aggravated battery, battering on law enforcement, kidnapping, armed burglary, larceny and numerous other charges.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

MIDDLE KEYS On July 21, 42-year-old Melody Sunshine Carter of Marathon was arrested and charged with attempted arson and battery for lighting bed sheets on fire while her boyfriend was sleeping. The 24-year-old victim suffered a burn to his foot.

Deputies were called to an Ocean Breeze Avenue residence in Marathon at roughly 10 p.m. regarding a domestic issue and found the victim and McCarter, who appeared to be intoxicated, outside. The victim stated he went to bed after an argument with McCarter and awoke to find the sheets on fire and McCarter stating she was calling law enforcement. After admitting to setting the sheets on fire, McCarter was taken to jail.

The next day, on July 22, 39-year-old Sean Booth Chidester was charged with murder for fatally shooting his girlfriend after falsely claiming she committed suicide.

The case began on July 14 when the sheriff’s office was called to a residence on Sylvia Avenue in Marathon regarding an alleged suicide. The body of 38-year-old Daniela Blackburn was inside the residence. She had been shot in the head with a handgun. Chidester claimed Blackburn shot herself while he was in another room. The 9mm handgun was found in the residence.

Observations made by detectives at the autopsy found the wound was not consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while Blackburn had no prior history of mental illness or suicidal tendencies. Chidester is currently in jail on a $1 million bail on the murder charge.

Social media was set abuzz on July 24 when 38-year-old Yoankis Hernandez Pena and 45-year-old Andres Leon Valdes, both from Miami, were arrested for kidnapping a Key deer.

Around 2 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle near Mile Marker 56 that was failing to stay in its lane. An injured Key deer was inside the vehicle on top of a cooler, lawn chairs and other objects. The two men said they struck the Key deer on U.S. 1 north of the Seven Mile Bridge and initially thought it was dead. That area is not consistent with the known Key deer habitat on Big Pine Key, No Name Key and patches of other areas in the Lower Keys.

The men said they initially thought the deer was dead but realized it was still alive, so they decided to take it to a veterinarian in Miami for treatment. Both men said they never called 911, FWC or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. FWC law enforcement arrested and charged both men with cruelty to animals and taking, possessing or selling a federally designated endangered or threatened species. They were taken to jail.

The deer was taken alive to U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials on Big Pine Key where it is being treated by a veterinarian. The deer will be released back into the wild if it survives.

UPPER KEYS On July 21, the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division along with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco conducted an operation checking Upper Keys businesses that sell alcohol. Four of eight Key Largo businesses sold alcohol to a minor during the investigation. The remaining businesses checked were in compliance with the law. The clerks who sold the alcohol were issued a Notice to Appear citation before a Monroe County judge.

The following businesses sold the alcohol: Circle K gas station, 106501 Overseas Hwy.; Marathon Gas Station, 106200 Overseas Hwy.; Valero Gas Station, 99675 Overseas Hwy.; and Denny’s Liquors, 99600 Overseas Hwy. The maximum individual penalties for these violations are up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine and up to $350 in other miscellaneous costs.

Penalties for licensees range from a $1,000 fine and seven-day suspension for a first offense up to a license revocation for a third offense.

from page 4

CLOCK IS TICKING ON SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

Sean Booth Chidester. MCSO/Contributed

Delmon Washington. MCSO/Contributed

“I’m thankful for the partnerships in these cases that are really indepth like this. I want to thank everybody involved, and at the end of the day it goes to show the testament and the vigilance that the sheriff’s office provides that we’re able to investigate, solve and hold people accountable.”

— Sheriff Rick Ramsay

County Board of County Commissioners, county attorney Bob Shillinger sought the commissioners’ blessing to make a proposal to the Florida Association of Counties seeking the repeal of the bill, reflecting the wishes of the Monroe County Contractors’ Examining Board.

Hoping to educate legislators with a stronger voice of multiple counties, Shillinger was hopeful the legislation could at least be modified to allow greater functionality in special areas like Monroe County.

If repeal of the bill seems unlikely, the contractors’ board wishes to see language added to the state law that would give local specialty contractors credit for time already spent in their trades if these contractors choose to pursue a state license.

“We had one gentleman who had been working under a local contractor’s license for 40 years, and none of that time counted towards him sitting for a state license,” said Shillinger.

“Obviously, he’s been doing something right for 40 years. … You would think that would demonstrate enough competence that would allow him to sit for a state license exam.”

“I think we’d all support that,” said Monroe County Mayor David Rice. “This is creating problems we don’t need.”

In Lazzara’s view, a change at the state level is unlikely, and help for specialty tradesmen must come, to the extent possible by law, from municipalities.

“The state isn’t going to budge on this. … I don’t see anybody getting that big of a headway on it yet,” he said. “We have to really figure out a way to let these (contractors) work on job sites without pulling all these little itty bitty permits for stuff.

“We have to figure out a way for building departments to figure out from the state what they’re allowed to actually do, and they have to find a way to do it, because we still are in an area of critical concern.”

“It’s opened up the doors to unlicensed contracting,” said Armand Messina, owner of Marathon-based AM Electric and custom hurricane shutter manufacturing company SunMasters. “I don’t think (Governor Ron DeSantis) realizes what he did.

“I believe the only option that would satisfy everybody was if the state was to grandfather any existing licenses, give us state licenses, and then make those licenses non-transferable,” he continued. “If I was to sell the company or transfer it, hopefully by that time they’d have come up with some kind of a license for it (at the state level).”

Whatever the recourse, a ticking two-year clock is now down to one. With roughly 400 licensed specialty contractors in the county when House Bill 735 took effect, Keys residents could soon find themselves struggling to legally complete all but the most critical home projects within the next year.

“Hundreds of companies might be shut down, including their workers losing work,” said Lazzara. “I don’t think the Keys can survive that.”

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

‘YOU JUST DON’T MEET PEOPLE LIKE HER’

T

Remembering Marilyn Tempest

he Marathon community lost one of its finest members with the passing of longtime resident Marilyn Tempest on June 26. Known as a mainstay at St. Columba Episcopal Church, as a respected former Marathon City Councilwoman, and as a director, producer, actress and vocalist extraordinaire at Marathon Community Theatre, Marilyn undoubtedly left her mark in her 26 years on the island.

Keys Weekly published an obituary for Marilyn written by her sons Scott and Mark in our July 14 issue, but in the wake of her passing, we took time to speak with those in the community who knew her best. Here are just a few of the many incredible sentiments we received:

“As a military family, we moved quite often, so she never got a chance to get actively involved in her community. Retiring to Marathon gave her that opportunity and she took full advantage of it. She loved Marathon and was passionate about contributing where she could.”

— Marilyn’s son Scott Tempest

“I will always treasure her kind and considerate counsel. I will always appreciate her honesty and caring. I will always respect her drive to do the right thing, even when not in her best interest. I will always remember her beautiful blue eyes and smile that would light up a room. I will always be inspired by how she was just as motivated in the role of teammate as a team leader. She will live on through the impacts that she made among family and friends as well as directly in the eyes and smiles of her grandchildren.”

— Marilyn’s son Mark Tempest

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

“After I took a directing class and read several books on the subject, I still didn’t feel confident about my ability to direct.

Rita Irwin had mentioned that an aspiring director could learn a lot by picking a director they really admired, so I asked Marilyn if I could be her stage manager for the next play she directed. I loved Marilyn's directing style. Gently but firmly, she molded her actors until they fit her vision of their character while still giving them plenty of freedom of expression. Best of all, she never publicly embarrassed any member of her cast or crew, no matter how bad a night they had at rehearsal. She knew instinctively that the best prop they could take on stage with them was confidence.” ­— Jackie O’Neil, friend and fellow MCT director “She was my angel on earth. She rescued me after Irma. When my house was destroyed, she gave me a key to her house and said ‘You stay there.’ When her husband died and she came back, she said, ‘We’re in this for the long haul.’ I lived with her for 20 months while my new house was being built. She let me set up a little office at the end of the island in her kitchen, and I’d be sitting there arguing with FEMA and SBA and insurance people. When she died, I felt the same way as I did when my sister died. She was family.”

— Claudia McEwen, friend and longtime production crew member

“Marilyn was a person of deep faith and was a good friend to the church and to the community. She was a huge part of our parish, serving in lots of different ways, most recently in the choir. I think what I will miss the most are her great smile and her really positive energy. She was a great person.”

— Reverend Debra Maconaughey, St. Columba Episcopal Church

leader, you have to be a good follower, and she was both. She had a genuine caring for human beings, and she cared about people being happy. I loved her like a second mom.”

— Former MCT president Jim “Boomer” Kelly

“She was one of the smartest council members we ever had; she understood the issues and she deeply cared about our community. She was an incredible feminist without running around yelling feminist ideas. We don’t have the tact that Marilyn had in her pinky toe. The difference with her is that when she disagreed, in lieu of partisan politics and slashing at opponents, she posed meaningful questions and inspired dialogue that created an environment of growth. She refused to get drawn into the hideousness of it, but she would ask questions that would bring everybody to the table.”

— John and Sarah Bartus

“I don’t think you could meet Marilyn without walking away a better person. You could be 180 degrees from what her viewpoint was, but she would encourage you to speak your mind. A funny story: One night I went over to make dinner for her, but she said she wasn’t hungry. She told me, ‘I did something bad. I went to the store when I was hungry.’ I looked in the trash can and found an entire pack of Oreos, and I saw a little container with eight Oreos on the end of the counter. She told me, ‘Those are yours.’ She never admitted she ate all the Oreos for lunch; no matter what I said, she just said some form of, ‘Those are yours.’

So I’m bringing Oreos to the reception after her celebration of life. You just don’t meet people like her.”

— Karen Diehl, longtime friend and production crew member

“We didn’t agree politically on anything; however, we had an immense respect for each other. She was a lead-by-example person. She didn’t demand anything out of anyone that she didn’t do herself or know how to do. As far as MCT goes, she donated not only money and time, but blood. She was instrumental in helping us open back up after Irma. To be a good

“I knew her 70 years ago from high school, but I didn’t really see her again until we were both at the theater. She was obviously very dedicated, very caring and easy to work with. I can’t recall any bad feelings or animosity in any way in anything I ever did while working for her.”

— Coral Construction founder Arnie Steinmetz

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

TURTLES ‘PAPA’ AND ‘SPOOK’ RETURN TO MARATHON WATERS

W

ith three releases in seven days, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon had a busy week of returning beloved reptiles to their ocean homes. Following the release of “Tortie” on July 15, another juvenile green turtle, “Spook,” made her way back to the waters off Marathon’s Sombrero Beach on July 19 after 10 months of rehabilitation and treatment for fibropapillomatosis.

And on the 123rd anniversary of legendary writer Ernest Hemingway’s birth, around a dozen “Papa Hemingway” look-alikes helped to return endangered loggerhead turtle “Papa” back to his home in Keys waters on July 21.

Accidentally hooked by a fisherman on July 13, “Papa” was rescued by the Turtle Hospital with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard. After untangling the line and a few minor treatment procedures, “Papa” spent a mere eight days at the hospital before being cleared for release.

The 185-pound loggerhead was fitted with a satellite tracker and will be monitored as part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s annual Tour de Turtles, a “race” following the long-distance migration of sea turtles over a three-month period. Online monitoring for tagged turtles is available at TourDeTurtles.org from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31.

— Alex Rickert

1

HOMEWARD BOUND

2

4

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly and ANDY NEWMAN/Contributed 1. From left, Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach, Key Colony Beach commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey and Turtle Hospital founder Richie Moretti release ‘Spook.’

2. Turtle Hospital founder Richie Moretti shares a few final words with ‘Papa’ before his release.

3. Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach and founder Richie Moretti team up with a dozen Papa Hemingway look-alikes to release ‘Papa.’

4. With three releases in seven days, the staff of the Turtle Hospital celebrates a busy but successful week.

3 5

5. Children gather around to get a glimpse of ‘Papa’ and wish him well.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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17

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

BEST OF MARATHON TURNS 3!

2

W

ith nominations opening this week, Marathon’s businesses will once again vie for the city’s most coveted honors at the 2022 Best of Marathon Awards. While some businesses seem to have cemented their places on the leaderboards, others might need to get a little creative in pursuit of island glory. With that in mind, we bring you…

WAYS TO GET YOUR NAME ON THE BEST OF MARATHON BALLOT 10. Get yourself arrested for something really crazy. ”Marathon man…”

9. Send an anonymous letter to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

8. Use the buzzwords “vacation rentals,” “affordable housing” and “permits” in every imaginable context, no matter what your business does.

7. Have a really cool nickname, like “Dragon,” “Slippery Pete” or “Cheddar.”

6. Two words: “Locals discount.”

5. Develop a strategic social media campaign that includes multiple platforms, videos, hilarious memes, cute puppies … and Cheddar.

4. Be really, really good at something.

3. Be one of the three veterinarians in town.

2. 24-hour Happy Hour.

1. Publicly support nudity at the Seafood Fest.

022 marks the 13th installment of the Best of Marathon: the Middle Keys’ People’s Choice Awards. Since the program’s inception back in 2008, more than 1,000 winners have been named, while well over $120,000 has been raised for local charities like the Marathon Rotary Club. Earlier this week, we asked Marathon Weekly owner and publisher Jason Koler which elements of the Best of Marathon he’s most proud of, and it was an easy answer.

“Obviously when you are able to raise money for any of our local nonprofits, it always gives you a broader sense of community and reminds you of what’s important here at home,” Koler said. “Outside of that, my favorite part of the Best of Marathon has always been the voting process and, of course, the awards party. Last year our interactive voting map showed participation from five continents and over 12 countries. Our annual winners’ gala is one evening that brings together so many different people, from all different walks of life, to laugh with each other and celebrate our community. It’s just one evening where we can put aside our differences and have some fun with our friends. Every dollar raised benefits the Rotary Club, which I believe provides enrichment to the lives of so many people in our community.”

HOW THE VOTING WORKS Nominate your favorites: Aug. 1-15 Log in to Keysweekly.com starting on Monday, Aug. 1 to nominate your favorites in each category. Voters can vote once per day for all categories, and must fill out 75% of the ballot to cast a valid submission. So visit often, or daily, throughout the nomination process to propose your favorite finalists.

The top three nominees in each category are placed on the finalists’ ballot. We do not create the top three (a commonly asked question). You, the voters, decide the top three finalists from among your nominees, each and every year. Nomination voting begins at midnight on Aug. 1 and ends at midnight on Aug. 15. Updates and reminders will be provided by the Keys Weekly in print, digital and social media throughout the voting process.

VOTE FOR THE WINNING FINALISTS: AUG. 19 - SEPT. 2 The top 3 nominees in each category make the finalists’ ballot. The highest vote-getter among the 3 finalists in each category receives the Best of Marathon Award.

Voting for the finalists in each category begins at midnight on Aug. 19 at keysweekly.com. During this stage, voters can submit one ballot per day and must fill out 75% of the categories to cast a valid ballot. So visit keysweekly. com often throughout the process and submit one ballot a day. Updates and reminders will be provided at keysweekly.com in our daily e-blast, Key West Weekly print editions and social media.

THE EVENT: SEPT. 17 The 13th annual Best of Marathon, this year on Sept. 17, has become one of the most popular events in town.

Tickets are not generally made available to the public due to demand.

Winners, nominees and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional attendees are selected from a firstcome, first-served waiting list. To be placed on this list please email patti@ keysweekly.com.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

creating solutions for people in the middle of one of the most stressful times of their lives.

What are some common misconceptions about estate sales?

First, everyone assumes that the seller is deceased. In most cases, it’s a moving sale because the owners are downsizing or leaving the Keys with only the essentials. Second, it’s not all antiques; my shoppers gravitate toward used tools, high-end cookware and recreational toys like fishing poles.

Oh, and I don’t know who bought the house or how much it sold for – that’s not my business!

Why shouldn’t owners just sell their own things, keep all the money? It’s hard to put into words what happens when people are trying to sell their own things. It’s just … a bummer.

It’s disconcerting when a stranger wants to take home Aunt Mary’s handmade quilt or insulting when a buyer offers a ridiculously low price. Buyers can sense the seller’s shock or unwillingness and the whole ordeal can sour quickly. Plus, estate sales take place inside the home, and that makes things even more emotional for the seller. It’s much better to contract with an estate sales company that can handle the massive undertaking quickly, professionally and knowledgeably.

EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE SARA MATTHIS

www.keysweekly.com

9 things to know about estate sales

G

ood news: No one has to die. Although they’re commonly called estate sales, it’s more accurate to call them “living estate sales” or a moving sale.

And they are growing in popularity in the Keys. After 30 years in journalism, I made the jump from writing and editing to starting my own business, Sara’s Estate Sales.

Somehow, this is a return to my roots. At my age, I have a renewed interest in “nesting” and creating functional living spaces for my husband and myself, my adult children, my dad, etc. And, actually, estate sales are not that different from being an editor.

I take a bunch of stuff (information), research its value (source), organize and display it (write and take photos) and sell it (publish).

Here are nine things to know about the business: Are estate sales hot right now?

So, so hot … and for very cool reasons.

The pandemic accelerated the real estate market, especially here in the Keys, creating situations where sellers were moving out of homes they had lived in for decades and despairing of what to do with the massive and natural accumulation of stuff. Then, the supply chain woes kicked in and people needed things they couldn’t get, especially down here in the islands.

Outside the influence of COVID-19 is the growing popularity of thrifting and estate sales – people can buy quality used items that they can’t afford to buy new, and it keeps useful home goods

out of the landfill. Estate sales are a very “green” endeavor – re-use is the highest form of recycling.

How does an estate sale work?

There are many variations on an estate sale, but the Sara Matthis standard procedure for Sara’s Estate Sales is to spend a couple of days organizing and pricing the goods and then conducting a two-day sale, generally on Friday and Saturday. My fee is a percentage of the gross sale. Any remainders from the sale – things that didn’t sell – are donated to charity and the owner can claim a tax deduction. The days leading up to the sale are a little nerve-wracking but the sale itself is like hosting a two-day party for all my friends. Plus, I get a chance to give shoppers a little story to go along with their purchase, such as where the seller acquired the item, its purpose, etc.

How are items priced? There are so many online tools to use and I subscribe to a few services to price rare and unusual items or call in a local expert. I price things very reasonably because the whole intention of an estate sale is to move it in two days.

Now, if the Vanderbilt or Getty family gives me a call, I’m going to be a little more meticulous, but generally the whole point is about downsizing, not dollars. (You think a new car loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot? Try assembling a brand new couch and reselling it the next day!) I’m well aware that many shoppers are buying things at the estate sale with the whole purpose of reselling them. That’s fine.

That’s not what I do. I’m interested in

I’m interested in creating solutions for people in the middle of one of the most stressful times of their lives.

From top: Some clients require extra organization and decluttering services. CONTRIBUTED This is the same garage, with items staged, priced and ready to go to a new home.

Before an estate sale, the rooms are staged to make the most of the sale items.

After the sale, the room is completely empty and ready for the next tenants.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever sold? A handicapped Porta Potty.

What won’t you sell? Anything that is dirty or broken, guns, or anything attached to the house like an appliance.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever found? Ummm … human ashes.

I notified the seller immediately and mailed them to her. The seller was unaware she had left them behind.

Do you ever buy things from your own sales? Of course! I fall in love with my sellers’ things all the time.

I have learned to beg people to buy them so that I won’t. (Remember, estate sales are about mindful, functional living.) And, still, I purchased a vintage Middle Eastern brass and copper footstool warmer … because who doesn’t need one of those?

— Sara’s Estate Sales operates in the Middle and Upper Keys and also offers decluttering, organizing and pre- and post-move assistance. For a free consultation, call 305-240-0074 or email estatesalesinthekeys@gmail.com.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

HUGE COUNTRY MUSIC LINEUP HITS KEY WEST IN OCTOBER PERFORMERS INCLUDE GEORGE STRAIT, RONNIE DUNN, JAMEY JOHNSON

A three-night country music festival will come to Key West in October. CONTRIBUTED

T

he inaugural Legends of Music Row Music Festival will take place Oct. 13-15, 2022. The three-night musical extravaganza, presented by Dean Dillon, will feature country music superstars and world class singer/songwriters and recording artists, along with up-and-coming hitmakers. Attendees will have their days free to explore Key West, then enjoy over 15 artists performing at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.

Headliners include Jamey Johnson, Saturday night’s closer, one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs. After a successful songwriting career of penned hits for Trace Adkins, George Strait and others, Johnson skyrocketed his solo career with songs like “The Dollar,” “High Cost of Living” and “In Color.”

Country superstar Ronnie Dunn, winner of over 28 ACM Awards, 19 CMA Awards, and two Grammy Awards, and more than 30 million albums sold as half of the most-awarded duo in history, Brooks & Dunn, will headline on Friday. Georgia native Billy Currington, known for his show-stopping live performances, will finish out Thursday evening with his string of No. 1 hits.

“This is an experience of a lifetime,” said Dean Dillon. “We can’t wait to bring this extraordinary lineup to Key West.”

Dillon has had an unprecedented songwriting career with numerous hits by artists like Kenny

Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, and more. Strait has recorded 86 of his songs, and recently inducted Dillon into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It is only fitting that the “King of Country” will also make a special guest appearance at the event.

Other artists on the lineup include a who’s who of hit songwriters and recording artists, including Craig Morgan, Blackberry Smoke, Scotty Emerick, Lainey Wilson, Brice Long, Jim “Moose” Brown, Josh Martin, Randall King, Casey Beathard, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Buddy Cannon, and more to be announced.

Sirius XM’s on-air personality Storme Warren will host charity auctions at intermission each evening, with exclusive items benefitting the Nikki Mitchell Foundation for pancreatic cancer, and Adaptive Sports Center, a therapeutic recreation program for those with disabilities.

Ticket options include nightly or full event passes. A VIP package is also available to those wanting to attend Dean Dillon’s exclusive Late-Night Guitar Pull, and other special festivities. Tickets may be purchased at legendsofmusicrow. com.

Legends of Music Row is sponsored by Phillips & Jordan, Niles Sales & Service, Herzog, Reads Jewelers, Gulf Southern Construction Co., Reel Impact Marina, Rocklin Guitars, Nanoush and Kolache Kitchen.

— Contributed

THE SPORT AUTHORITIES

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

M

ake way for a new – yet familiar – home for Keys sports.

New for the 2022-23 school year, Keys Weekly is proud to introduce the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap, a coordinated roundup of prep sports throughout Monroe County. With a two-page feature in each edition of the Keys Weekly newspapers, plus a podcast and web content, the weekly celebration of Monroe County athletes will blend interviews, game recaps, statistics, standings, athlete features, historical pieces and much more to become the only destination for comprehensive Keyswide prep sports coverage.

The project will be helmed by Marathon High School teachers Sean and Tracy McDonald. The pair bring more than 50 years of experience in Monroe County schools between them and have coached a variety of sports across all age groups up and down the Keys. Their three children – Jackson, Riley and Maverick – have all attended Keys schools and are active in athletics.

After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in physical education, podcast host Sean moved just south of his hometown of Miami after landing a teaching position at Sugarloaf School. Though his main love has always been football, Sean has coached all ages in basketball, baseball and softball at Marathon High, Key West High and various youth programs. As he recalls, he first immersed himself in coaching to fill a community need.

“I was teaching these middle school classes full of great kids who were athletic and loved sports, but they couldn’t play anywhere,” he said. “Their parents couldn’t get them to practice every day in Key West or Marathon, so Tracy and I worked to make magnet teams for the Lower Keys kids. We practiced right after school so a lot of parents could just pick their kids up on the way home from work and they only had to drive on game days.”

With a gift for public speaking, Sean has been a co-host on US1 Radio’s Biz Baz and football broadcasts. Marathon High School relies on him as their goto emcee for pep rallies, school events and live streams.

Sean McDonald, right, will helm a Tracy moved to the Keys weekly podcast while Tracy McDonald and met Sean at a new teacher will use her writing talent to compile orientation in August 1997 after the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap. CONgraduating from Wilkes UniverTRIBUTED sity, where she studied English and played field hockey. Writing for the Weekly comes as a natural fit for her, as both sports and writing have been big parts of her life.

“My father was a coach and athletic director, and my sister and I were expected to play a sport every season,” she said. “It was either play a sport or get a job, and the only jobs in rural Pennsylvania were not the sort of jobs I wanted to do.”

Throughout her career at Marathon High School, Tracy has coached cheerleading, track and soccer. In addition to enjoying long runs in the heat, she has a newfound affinity for technology after learning to edit photos and video footage in preparation for teaching tech classes at the high school.

Look for the first Keys Weekly Sports Wrap podcast online at keysweekly.com before school begins, with an introductory teaser posted beforehand, and the first print feature in all editions of the Keys Weekly Newspapers soon to follow.

Marathon couple to launch ‘Keys Weekly Sports Wrap’

21

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

REFRAMING HOSPICE

New program provides better quality of life for local residents MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

W

hat do you think of when you hear the word hospice? The Keys Weekly recently sat down with Vivian Dodge, executive director of Chapter’s Health Hospice for Monroe County, to learn about the history and all the incredible ways hospice can help an end-oflife patient and their family.

There was a hospice in the Florida Keys for well over 30 years and it folded in early 2018. That not-for-profit license was set idle, and the state of Florida realized that the residents of Monroe were not being served well without a hospice program—it was an unmet need here. So, Chapters Health System contacted the state and applied for that license, and we are honored to have been awarded that license.

We are a community-based not-forprofit hospice. Our parent company is Chapters Health System, one of the largest notfor-profit healthcare organizations in Florida and lower Georgia. The Keys affiliate is one of the newest hospice programs, and we were awarded our license In December of 2020 by the agency for health care administration in the state of Florida. Since then, we've been operational and have met with wonderfully warm reception from the residents and other visitors to the Keys about our services.

I have been a registered nurse for nearly 40 years and have been working in the hospice environment for the last 20 years.

Chapters Health contacted me to be the executive director and help us get started. Since I love to start new programs and problemsolve, having the opportunity to create a brand new hospice from ground zero was very exciting.

Our team has a lot of experience and all work throughout Monroe County. Our medical director, Dr. Joanne Mahoney, has been in hospice for 32 years and has her own private practice in Key Largo and a clinical manager who has worked in hospice for about eight years. Our chaplain has been working in hospice for almost six years. We also have nurses who've been with us a couple of years, a social worker, and a bereavement coordinator. Altogether, it's a phenomenal team that gives our patients and families stellar quality care.

The care they receive depends on the patient needs and what visit frequency they like. So, it varies depending on the individual patient and what the family puts together. The hospice philosophy is patient-centric for people with a terminal illness and their families and individuals facing the end-of-life issues.

So a focus of hospice is on comfort care, pain management, symptom management and the emotional aspects of one's disease within the context of maintaining the quality of life for that dying patient and their family.

Front row, from left, Vivian Dodge, executive director; Elvis, pet support dog; and Livia LaPradd, clinical manager. Back row, from left, Kerry Foote, chaplain; Darla Applegarth, registered nurse; Krista Edwards, social worker; Paige Clem, registered nurse; and Monica Pettegrow, registered nurse. Missing from the photo are Dr. Joanne Mahoney and Jennifer Pema, hospice representative. CONTRIBUTED

This model of care where the team provides care is unique to hospice. Patients' and their families' wishes are honored with support, guidance and heart-felt concern. We believe there is a lot of living to do in the last chapter of life. But, the end of life is as important as the beginning of life.

Many people think that hospice is just for cancer patients or the elderly, but hospice care is for anyone with a life-limiting illness and all ages. There is also ongoing support, such as coping mechanisms, for the family for up to 13 months.

We provide the personal care and medical management of the disease— pain or symptom management, medical equipment, oxygen, hospital bed, bedtime commode, wheelchair, walker, medical supplies and more. We also help with those difficult conversations about their mortality and funeral arrangements.

A not-for-profit mission and philosophy are to care for individuals who need us regardless of their socio-economic or financial status. In the past year, Chapters Health System as a whole has provided over $5 million in charity care. That's the distinction about being a not-for-profit; the profit we make goes back into programs and services versus paying out shareholders.

We care for patients wherever they reside — private homes, condos, boats. We help with in-home safety suggestions and can help with various agencies such as Meals on Wheels and provide some extra supplements.

We find a way to make it happen.

We also offer a few other special programs. One is a legacy program where my team will work with the hospice individual and ascertain if there is anything they would like to be remembered for in their life and leave a legacy for their family. Another is a valor

program in which we honor veterans and first responders who are under our program with a special recognition ceremony. And one of our favorite team members is a basset hound named Elvis, and it's just amazing to see the bond between animals and humans. Even those individuals who may have Alzheimer's or severe dementia, when this dog is next to them, you see their eyes light, creating a calming effect.

Our families become part of our circle, so we try to promote and encourage our hospice team to do self-care. Whatever it is they like to do — fishing, boating, running. Whatever resonates with our team members, so they rejuvenate their spirit, and we try to tell the family members as well. You have to take care of yourself.

One of our challenges in hospice is late referrals. Many individuals in our society feel or believe that hospice is just for your last few days of life, and that's a myth. Hospice is a very rich benefit, and the patient and the family can benefit if they're on hospice for months. Someone can be admitted to hospice if their physician feels they have a six-month prognosis or less, but patients can live longer and have a better quality of life under hospice.

What's important to know is that hospice allows the natural progression of the body to happen, so we affirm life and neither postpone nor hasten life. We are another option of health care for people with a life-limiting illness. I would love to change the mindset and society's viewpoint around hospice.

We hear all the time from family members after the fact, "I wish we would have known about hospice sooner; we would have benefited much more if we knew about hospice months ago."

More information is at chaptershealth.org/ and on Facebook @ChaptersHealth.

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

Eagan Cunningham returns from his second solo flight. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Coral Shores student Aaron Anstett will walk through the doors on the first day of his senior year of high school as a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor.

Coral Shores graduate Ariana Duran Muñoz is working on her private pilot’s license and will soon take to the sky for her first ‘cross-country’ flight.

Florida Keys Flight Academy owner Sol Bradman takes great pride in his students’ accomplishments – and he’s a walking aviation encyclopedia.

SCHOOL OF THE SKIES Florida Keys Flight Academy is churning out talented young pilots

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

16

-year-olds can’t sit down at a bar and order a beer. They can’t buy a lottery ticket, get a tattoo or vote.

But they can fly a plane.

Such is the case with many of the young aviators at the Marathon-based Florida Keys Flight Academy, several of whom are pushing the envelope to earn certifications as fast as the law will allow.

The flight school offers instruction all the way from zero-hour training to certification as a commercial pilot or flight instructor, and has undergone a rebirth since new owner Sol Bradman took over the business in November 2020. A Keys pilot since 1984, Bradman flew as an instructor for the academy’s previous owners before launching himself into the business.

Inspired by 94-year-old Marathon Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) president and local legend Ed Waldorf – who still makes time to fly his own aircraft on a regular basis – Bradman intends to make this his final landing.

“I decided in my old age that this would be my last thing, because I want to end up like Ed,” said Bradman with a laugh. “I believe there’s a fountain of youth somewhere in here, and I’m trying to see if I can tap into it.”

Bradman has a number of projects in the works, from the restoration of multiple classic aircraft to an upcoming World War II experience that will take participants through a simulated briefing room before climbing into a 1941 Vultee BT-13A, a WWII trainer aircraft.

And though he can excitedly rattle off a history lesson on virtually every plane he passes at the Marathon International Airport, his face lights up the most when talking about the accomplishments of his young students.

Take, for instance, Ramrod Key’s 17-yearold Eagan Cunningham. Eyeing an eventual

In the Florida Keys, with astronomical boat career as a commercial pilot for an airline or expenses becoming more and more commoncargo company, Cunningham returned from his place, the cost of flying is, in his mind, a matter second ever solo flight in a plane, a quick trip of perspective. to Duck Key and back, over the course of this “From a hobby perspective, I think it’s exinterview. pensive, but from a career perspective, I think “How’d it go?” joked Bradman as Cunningit’s a value,” he said. “Everybody just pays as ham exited the plane. “Is Duck Key still there?” they go, so they’re never going to lose a dime.

“Sol is super helpful with everything that And everything (license wise) is transferable you do, because he doesn’t give you the answer. because everything is federal.”

He leads you to the answer so you can figure With around 15 to 20 consistent students it out yourself,” Cunningham told Keys Weekly. at present, and a complete roster of roughly “And it’s in a way that it makes the process 50, Bradman looks forward to expanding the easier and also makes it so you’re actually learnacademy, hoping to bring the joys of flight to all ing rather than him going and telling you the ages and backgrounds. answer.”

“We’ve been fixing it up, we bought some Coral Shores senior Aaron Anstett is anairplanes and increased the amount of stuother one of Bradman’s model pupils. Earning dents,” he said. “We’ve really dedicated ourhis private pilot’s license and instrument rating selves to it, and we plan on going nowhere.” at 17 – both the youngest ages permitted by law To see the school’s complete offerings, – Anstett will enter his final year of high school including instruction, plane rentals, historical after earning his commercial license on his 18th experiences and more, visit floridakeysflightbirthday and his Certified Flight Instructor rating academy.com or pay the school a visit above shortly after. the EAA Air Museum at the Marathon Interna“I went from zero hours all the way to tional Airport. where I am now with Sol,” said Anstett. “It’s been great down here.”

Though flying is, as one might expect, an expensive endeavor, the school takes no deposits, allowing all students to pay and progress at their own pace. Bradman is quick to point out the potential for his young pilots’ return on their investment, with a national pilot shortage leaving many companies scrambling for quality candidates in highA 1941 Vultee BT-13A Warbird is the focal point of a WWII experience offered at the Florida Keys Flight Academy. paying positions.

26

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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32

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

TIME FOR FOOTBALL (BOTH KINDS) Marathon Youth Club hosts registration night 1 2

3

W

ith the start of school just around the corner (Already? How did that happen?), the Marathon Youth Club hosted a registration night on July 25 for its upcoming fall flag football and soccer seasons. With fields open for kids to practice and get a little play time in ahead of the season, the club provided free food and snow cones for all, paired with drinks donated by Selevel General Contracting and cookies donated by Sweet Savannah’s.

For those who missed the event, registration is still open until Friday, July 30. Clinics and practices start in August. Soccer will practice on Mondays and Wednesdays with games on Friday nights, while Start Smart soccer for younger age groups will be held on Saturdays. Flag football will take the field on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For more information, contact marathonyouthclub305@gmail.com.

To volunteer, register and pay online, visit https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/ cityofmarathonparksandrec.

— Alex Rickert 1. Free burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, cookies and snow cones are welcome kid-friendly additions to registration night.

4

2. Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler and son Joshua are a couple of studs.

5

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3. Marathon Youth Club president Cate Worden, seated at table, and Jennifer Ward, standing at table, process registrations for the fall season.

4. Eddy Worthington goes through a few reps, possibly eying a quarterback position this year.

5. Jubilee Wiebe will be starting her first season of soccer.

6. Six-year-old Avery Hrytzay, returning for her third season of soccer, gets a snow cone from Marathon High volunteer Cameron VanHoose.

Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

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

33

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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35

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

THE MUSIC BUSINESS SUCKS! Like a harmonica player, it blows, too!

B

ruce Springsteen and the E Street band are touring again, hitting the road for the first time post-COVID. When tickets for the American leg of the tour finally went on sale, there was quite a bit of negative publicity surrounding the cost of tickets. How could workingclass hero Springsteen charge ticket prices only the wealthy could afford — in some cases, over $4,500 per ticket?! Even New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. weighed in: “Americans have the right to enjoy some live entertainment without getting ripped off.

Ticketmaster sees popular events as an opportunity to soak regular Americans.”

Pascrell said one of the bad words about the reason for these high prices: Ticketmaster. The other bad words are Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s partner in crime. This unholy alliance, where Live Nation arranges the concerts and Ticketmaster sells the tickets, has become a monopoly controlling both artists’ tours and the venues that host them. It doesn’t matter what an artist may wish to charge for tickets — Ticketmaster adds in fees and surcharges and whatever else it chooses. And the worst part is that the good seats have now become “Official Platinum,” subject to “dynamic pricing” that depends upon demand for those seats. The more that the good seats are wanted, the more Ticketmaster charges.

Ticketmaster defends its dynamic pricing model, stating in company policy, “Some events on our platform may have tickets that are ‘market-priced,’ so ticket and fee prices may adjust over time based on demand. This is similar to how airline tickets and hotel rooms are sold.” Ticketmaster also stated that the dynamic pricing tickets represent only 11.2% of the overall tickets sold.

According to their calculations, the rest of the tickets were sold at fixed prices that ranged from $59.50 to $399 — before Ticketmaster added service fees and surcharges.

Sadly, live performance is the only way for a lot of artists to earn money at all. In the Golden Age of the music business, artists (and mostly record companies) earned the big bucks through sales of recorded music.

Touring was mainly a way to promote album and single sales, and was often done at a loss. Ticket prices were cheaper, because fans of the artists would (usually) buy their records as well.

Unfortunately, streaming has basically killed the recorded music business. Why would someone ever buy a record or CD when they can just listen to it anytime with their Amazon

Prime membership? Even before that, people got very used to thinking that recorded music should be free — thank you, Napster (and other file-sharing pirates).

JOHN The streaming BARTUS services pay various amounts per is the Mayor of stream, but it takes the City of Maramultiple millions of thon. He also is streams to get anya musician who performs around thing substantial on town. For more the other end. The see johnbartus. aforementioned com Amazon pays artists about 4/10 of one cent per stream. At that rate, one million streams earns an artist $4,000.

Other streaming services pay different amounts, but none more than about a penny per stream. That won’t buy a lot of the accoutrements that usually accompany a rock-star lifestyle. It won’t even buy half of a decent used 20-year-old subcompact.

That doesn’t affect the bottom line of Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora or the other streaming services.

Collectively, they earned $13.4 billion globally in 2020, making up 62% of total music business revenue. That’s a lot of cake for selling something they didn’t create and didn’t have to buy.

I don’t have a problem with artists making money selling concert tickets. I do, however, have a problem with the gouging and ripping off of people who just want to go experience the magic of a live show. I wish I had an answer for this — and in some ways, I’m glad I’m just an artist on this small level.

Until Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s monopoly ends, and until music lovers see the value in supporting artists by buying their music, nothing is really going to change. If you want to help, support local live music and the venues that host it. Buy an artist’s records or CDs. And encourage every music lover you know to do the same.

— John’s Perpetual Island Tour stops every Monday at Boondocks, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Key Colony Inn, and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music! Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow.com

Alicia Represented the Buyers of: 389 N Anglers Drive 106 Marathon, FL 33050 Sold for $469,000

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“The key to success is to START,” said owner Yeni Matie. “You can follow any dream no matter how unattainable it might feel. The key is to START and go for it!”

Marathon local Matie believes that her images capture the essence of the Florida Keys. “The sun sets every single night with beauty and color, and I want to capture that for my clients. I want them to be brought back to that sunshine they once had when they visited the Keys. I try to make sure that these memories I’m capturing for people all feel important, are all a milestone in their life, in their journey.”

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36

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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

BOOKS ABOUT BOOKS YOU’LL NEVER READ

A CLEVER MYSTERY, A HISTORICAL BOOKSHOP AND A STEAMY BATTLE BETWEEN TWO EDITORS. THREE FABULOUS READS FEATURING CHARACTERS WRITING BOOKS WITHIN THE BOOK. A BIBLIOPHILE’S DELIGHT.

THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY

By Sulari Gentill One day, four strangers are sitting at a table in the Boston Public Library. They hear a piercing scream.

The library room is cordoned off and closed. A murder has occurred and these unlikely characters quickly form a fascinating friendship. Handsome Man is a published author working on his next big novel; Heroic Chin is purposefully trying to fail Harvard Law School to exasperate his socialite parents; Freud Girl, a brilliant tattoo-covered beauty, is working on her graduate degree in psychology; and Freddie, an Australian writer on scholarship, deems this scene worthy of chapter one in her latest mystery. The strangers learn about each other as more dead bodies are discovered around Boston and fingers are pointed. The police begin to investigate and alibis become crucial. With unexpected twists, readers find themselves in a fictional funhouse, never quite sure where the story begins and reality ends. Writers, books and murder mystery rolled into one, this wholly original tale is a must-read for summer.

BLOOMSBURY GIRLS

By Natalie Jenner In 1950, as the world adjusts postWorld War II, London is slowly coming back to life. The women hold it together, as many men have not returned.

Centered around a charming old shop called Bloomsbury Books, three women search for their place in this strange new decade. Vivien is a beautiful, talented writer whose wealthy fiancé went missing along with her future. Grace is married with two boys and a husband who is an angry shell of his former self. She would rather be at the bookshop than at home.

Evie, one of the first females to graduate from Cambridge, is a shy, brilliant woman who discovers first love and a literary mystery that can change their lives. As they work among the men, they realize there is more to life than fetching tea and working the register. These women want to rock the literary establishment by changing the way books are sold. This small, quirky cast of characters wrap their lives around books, publishing and the literary salons of the time. As they befriend some famous figures, the women garner the confidence they need to carry on with their plan. A heartwarming story of history, friendship and books.

BOOK LOVERS

By Emily Henry For New York City literary agent Nora Stephens, spending time in North Carolina is not a getaway – it’s the one that got away! This successful dealmaker has lost every one of her recent boyfriends to a meet-cute not of her making. There is no way this stylish hot shot with the regimented skin care routine and strictly scheduled calendar will ever make it through the month in oppressively sunny Sunshine Falls. But Nora promised to spend time with her younger sister Libby before Libby’s next bun is out of the oven. With wonky WiFi, Nora quickly hunkers down in the local bookstore to get some work done and learns, much to her chagrin, that her New York nemesis, top-notch editor Charlie Lastra, is not only in this godforsaken little town at the same time, but his family owns the adorable shop and B&B where she is staying.

Many rom-com moments later, the two cannot deny the unlikely circumstances that brought them together and unquestionable chemistry they share. Sisterly connection, book obsession, enemies to lovers … this laugh-out-loud summer read is a small-town romance for some real city slickers.

37

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

If you’ve shopped at the Walgreens on the east side of Marathon, you’ve probably had a memorable check-out experience with Lydia Padro. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

LYDIA VIVIAN PADRO

Customer Service Associate & Credit Card Specialist, Walgreens How did you come to Marathon?

My sister owns the Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House. When my mother died, she went and got me in New York City and brought me to Marathon in 2010.

JETHRO 2-year-old male domestic shorthair Looking for: A place to call my own; I’ve never had a real home before.

Turnoffs: I used to be a street cat until my caregiver passed away. Now I’m loving domestic life, and I don’t want to be a street cat any more.

What would you like to be remembered for? My fun attitude. I like helping people, and I like working in customer service because I get to help and meet a lot of people.

MIA 1-year-old female mixed breed Looking for: A loving family to spoil me like the princess I am.

Turnoffs: I'm learning to play with other dogs, but I'm not great at it yet.

What song always gets you on the dance floor? Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

What is your dream vacation?

Right now I’m planning a trip to Puerto Rico, but my dream vacation would be to see all parts of Italy, including Rome and Venice.

What is the last book you read or TV show you binged? The last books I read were by Jackie Collins and Danielle Steel, and the last TV show was “Law and Order.”

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

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

For those thinking of adding a member to their families, stop by the SPCA’s Christmas in July adoption event, featuring waived adoption fees and same-day adoptions, taking place at both campuses on Saturday, July 30.

Key West’s event will run from 10 a.m.6 p.m., while Marathon’s will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

Spotlighting the amazing individuals who live and work in the Keys CAPTAIN AND SARGE 3-month-old male domestic shorthairs Looking for: Someone to adopt the two of us together.

We’re brothers, twins and the best of friends.

Turnoffs: Not a thing. We are well-socialized, purring, playful kittens.

We’ll admit: though Keys Weekly is tasked with reporting the news in the Keys every week, we’ve got a problem.

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of our papers, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.

This week’s Marathon neighbor might be one of the most energetic individuals ever to stand behind a cash register. Always fully equipped with a smile, a laugh and a quick joke, Lydia Vivian Padro takes pride in making sure her customers at Walgreens leave the store happier than when they came in.

What would you do if you won the lottery? I’d like to build affordable housing, especially for single mothers like myself. I have three kids: Bianca (30), Julie (28) and Isis (17). I’d help my family and buy myself a nice house.

What’s the weirdest or funniest app you have on your phone? TikTok. Isis showed me that.

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

Frog legs!

What’s one thing most people never knew about you? I’m very sensitive, and I cry a lot.

Two truths and a lie: I was a professional dancer in New York City, I have a lot of money, and I get a lot of positive customer reviews here at my job. (If you guessed that last week’s Neighbor of the Week Randy doesn’t like Mondays, congrats!)

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or given (or, a piece of advice you think is overrated or wrong?) Be kind to everybody. And for the bad advice: People will tell me, “Lydia, you talk too much.” I’m in customer service – I have to!

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022 Laughing gulls loafing on a Key West beach. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

KEYS GULLS: NICER THAN YOU THINK

MARK HEDDEN ... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

A

thought occurred to me this week, an unexpected one that, for reasons unclear, has kind of stuck with me: We have some awfully well-behaved gulls here in the Florida Keys.

I saw a tweet during the recent heat wave in England that made me think. It was about a hospital that didn’t have air conditioning, so they were keeping the doors open, and as a result the hallways had filled with seagulls.

It being the internet, some birder got in there and said you shouldn’t really use the word “seagull,” since a lot of those birds can be seen very far inland, away from the sea – trust me, this is a thing in the birder world – and that they should just be called gulls. And then a lot of people got on his case, saying things to the effect that he was just being a pedantic wanker, and if the word seagull was good enough for William Freaking Shakespeare, it was good enough for them, and also, the real point of the whole initial tweet was that as soon as they opened up the doors, gulls decided to take over a hospital.

Why would gulls invade a hospital? Most likely looking for food. According to multiple news reports there is currently a herring gull in England that has figured out how to work the automatic doors at the local grocery store and through repeated sorties has absconded with an estimated £300 worth of crisps (or, if you want that translated into ‘merican, about $400 worth of potato chips). There are, in fact, a good number of videos of gulls sneaking into stores over there and making off with bags of potato chips – usually the single serving size – but also the occasional tuna sandwich or bag of Doritos. Indoors, to some gulls, apparently equates to food.

British coastal towns seem to be a hotbed of gull-on-human robberies. Ten seconds of Googling can lead to you to a solid number of compilation videos of gulls stealing food from people at the seaside – fish, fries, Cornish pasties, burgers, prawn sandwiches, ice cream cones. Some of these are labeled as attacks, but the birds aren’t aiming to do harm to the people; they just want their food.

I have also seen at least four different videos of gulls stealing GoPros and flying off with them. These are always entertaining to watch, and you have to wonder how many GoPros get stolen and not recovered.

Gull-on-human robberies are apparently so common in the UK that the University of Exeter put out a video with advice on the best way to avoid having a gull steal your food. The short answer: glare at them. Unwavering eye contact seems to keep them at bay. Which makes sense. In most of the videos out there, the gulls seem most successful when approaching quickly and from people’s blind sides.

Of course, this is not just a problem in the UK. My editor, Mandy – a woman who, because of some traumatic experience with a peacock that, years later, she still can’t coherently speak about, is not a fan of birds, but still bravely lets me write this column every week – recently forwarded me a New York Times story about the gull situation in the Shore town where she grew up, Ocean City, New Jersey.

In it the mayor of Ocean City describes a galvanizing incident when he was at the boardwalk and saw a gull swoop in and steal a slice of pizza from a little girl in a stroller. “The mayor swears he saw blood on the little girl’s face, though he admits it may have been sauce,” the story said.

The central focus of the piece is on the solution that Ocean City took up to try and abate the gull problem: raptors. Specifically, trained raptors, a.k.a. falconry birds. And they have apparently met with some success, keeping gulls at the margins of the busiest areas, but also providing entertainment to beachgoers who were interested in seeing the hawks and falcons work.

The thing to keep in mind in all of these incidents, joking aside, is that the gulls are not really doing anything wrong; they are just doing what works. Since a lot of the habitat that gulls use for feeding – estuaries and marshes and beaches – has been developed, they are basically finding other ways to feed. It is an adaptation. The problem is that they have adapted so well.

So why doesn’t this happen in the Keys? While we have beaches, we don’t have beaches that are quite as commercialized as they are in places like New Jersey and Britain. Other than the spring breaks of yore, the Keys don’t attract beachfront hordes on the same scale. And, a lot of times, what keeps the gulls attracted is a high volume of easily-accessible garbage.

Also, I think it’s our makeup of gull species. We actually have a lot of the same species that create problems in those other places – herring gulls, ring-billed gulls, and lesser black- backed gulls. But we don’t have them in their numbers, we don’t have masses of them.

Our most common gulls, by several magnitudes, are laughing gulls, which have about a third of the body mass of a herring gull and therefore are much less aggressive.

I’m not saying that no gull has ever stolen anything from anyone in the Keys. (If you have any good stories let me know.) I’m just saying, you can walk around here wantonly holding an ice cream cone or a bag of chips, and it’s pretty unlikely that any gull is going to swoop in and grab it out of your hands. And maybe we should appreciate that fact a little.

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022 SPONSORED BY:

BUG HUNTING

Two-day mini-season has pros and cons

CONSERVATION Be safe, respect the wildlife and reefs. Fly your dive flag and use good judgment. Good luck to both the hunters and the lobsters.

The carapace, or hard shell, of a lobster ust be greater than 3 inches to be legal size. FLORIDA KEYS TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL/Contributed

CONDITIONS ON THE WATER FAVORABLE We had favorable conditions again this past week, but lobster mini-season week looks like the opposite of favorable, with calls for high winds all week. The lobster might stand a chance this year.

A TAKE ON LOBSTER MINI-SEASON While we are on the topic of mini-season, we might as well discuss the pros and cons of this South ERIC Florida exclusive event. I personally have been deeply BILLIPS involved in every mini-season for the past 15 years.

Being in the dive industry, you don't have a choice but is the owner, to serve the masses that flock to our community in captain and instructor at search of "bugs.”

Islamorada Dive I've seen this event at its peak, where I had over Center and Florida 300 tanks to fill on the first day. I would be filling cusKeys Dive Center. tomers’ tanks until 3 or 4 in morning, so they could be He specializes in scuba, rebreather, ready by dawn on day 2. It has calmed down slightly spearfishing and and we are not having to spend the night in the dive captaining in the shop any more. But it's still a very busy two days. My Florida Keys. opinion of it is a love/hate relationship. As a businessman the revenue it brings in is attractive. But is it worth depleting our resources and jeopardizing our reefs?

It's an argument that has been going on for years and will continue as long as mini-season forges ahead. I love a good debate as long as everyone remains cordial and kind. But if I had to cast a vote, I'd vote for our ocean resources and the reefs. The lobster are there, they'll be there after the season opens. And people will come to try and gather them, but maybe they don't need to come all at once. My two cents for what it's worth. But mini-season isn't going anywhere; it's controlled by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and won't ever be canceled. So let's do our best as a community to make it as safe and sustainable and

kind to our environment as we can.

Simply knowing and following the rules is a good start. Get your license.

Know where you can and where you can't hunt. Always carry a measuring device. Know what eggs look like and what size is acceptable. For the small ones, let them go and let them grow.

There are numerous forms of information that the community and FWC puts out there to educate hunters on the rules. Take advantage of it.

I.C ARE I.CARE is planting on Saturday at IDC; if interested, give the shop a call. As always, locals plant free.

40

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

On tour with the not-for-profit Active Disabled Americans. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

ONES FOR THE BOOK

W

Reviving old columns and spreading local history

hile it is hard to believe, I have been writing a history column in one of the local newspapers for a decade. Since 2018, my work has appeared in The Keys Weekly Newspapers, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to share my stories up and down the island chain.

The column is a fantastic outlet for what have become my two greatest habits: history and writing. Thankfully, it is not my only outlet because apparently, I have a lot to say. If you have not visited my Facebook group Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, consider yourself officially invited to take a look. I post daily history nuggets and share some great pictures of how the islands used to be. The page has proved extraordinary and surprisingly popular.

One of the best things that happen there are the memories and stories shared by, among others, many longtime and lifetime Conchs. While I love sharing what I have learned over the years, it is wonderful to have created a space where the history and the stories are shared back and forth in the comments. I learn a ton from the page.

One of the things the group has inspired me to do is revisit some of the old columns. I went back and picked out some of my favorite pieces and then spent time reimagining and enhancing them to create versions of their stories that have been allowed to step outside of their 800-word constraints and stretch their legs a bit.

The result has been a collection about Ben Baker and the wrecking industry, pineapples, Key lime pie, the Overseas Highway, Fern Butters, and more called “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1.” If everything goes according to plan, the book should be out by the Labor Day weekend.

It should be noted, of course, that things rarely go as planned.

Though writing is my preferred means of sharing local history, it is not the only way I am able to share it with the public.

On the first Monday of every month, the Islamorada Moose Lodge invites me in to talk about some aspect of the local history.

This free event is open to the public. The program starts at 6 p.m.

For the Monday, Aug. 1 program, I will be talking about William J. Krome, the 60-foot Schooner Island Home, the Purple Isles and how legends and myths have colored the Islamorada story. The Purple Isles is a fun topic, and people in the community can be passionate about the story.

When I give this talk or write a story about the legend of the Purple Isles, it is the only time I receive less than flattering emails in return.

One of the projects I am most excited to be a part of is the not-for-profit Active Disabled Americans’ latest Live Unbound project. Executive Director Ken Ostebo asked me to come aboard with Captain Mick and spend a few hours on Sunday mornings talking about the local history.

According to Ostebo, “Our initiative is committed to inclusion. It is our belief that the water and all it has to offer is a place of healing, reflection, and joy. Our goal is to normalize ‘normal’ for everyone.”

Active Disabled Americans opened the Live Unbound program to the public, in association with Bass Pro/World Wide Sportsman, on July 17. The boat excursion is free of charge and offers a complimentary tour around some of the storied waters surrounding Islamorada. Ostebo says, “We set sail from the Biscayne Marina facility every Sunday at 8 a.m. and travel in and around Islamorada and its scenic coastline. These trips will be offered on a first-come, firstserve basis.” Trips can be booked through their website at www.activedisabledamericans.org.

During the threehour tour, I spend more than two hours talking about the amazing local history and a little about the environment. In addition to spending some quality time out BRAD on the water, we do a little bird watching.

BERTELLI On the inaugural trip, is an author, we saw an Atlantic speaker, and Flor- yellow-nosed albatross ida Keys historian. sitting up in the bushy His latest book, green branches of a “The Florida Keys red mangrove tree. I Skunk Ape Files,” is a fun blend of had no idea that there two of his favorite were albatrosses in the subjects — Florida Keys. They are considKeys history and ered rare visitors, so the Skunk Ape. I learned something, too.

To help subsidize my history and writing habit, I am also spending a couple of days a week bartending at the worldfamous Robbie’s Marina. The best part is that, from the bar, I can see Indian Key. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by, feed the tarpon and have a frosty beverage at one of the great Florida Keys’ roadside attractions. Also, please stop by my Facebook group Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, and be sure to check out the great work being done by Active Disabled Americans at their website www.activedisabledamericans.org. If you are free on Monday evening, Aug. 1, come by the Islamorada Moose Lodge and listen while I tell the true tale of Islamorada. Hope to see you there.

41

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

451 4th Street Key Colony Beach, Florida Keys

SAM'S LISTING JUST SOLD! #SELLITWITHSAM | 117 CLOSED YTD

EMPLOYEE QUARTER of the

Congratulations

Rachel Thieman Thank you for your outstanding performance, dedication, and expertise!

In 2021 Sam listed, closed, and helped More families buy and sell in the Middle Keys, than the next top 2 agents combined. #1 Listing AND Selling Agent in Middle Keys 11 years in a row! If you want the most aggressive, most effective agent in your market, call or text .

Sam Williams REALTOR®

Sam - 305.942.6069

Sam.williams@coldwellbanker.com 11050 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

SELLING or buying this is the fastest way to reach me.

www.MidKeysHomes.com

305-743-7130 | DAsignSource.com

11500 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | MM 53 |_______________ ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

MARATHON COMMUNITY CINEMA 5101 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL | MARATHONCINEMA.COM 5101 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL | MARATHONCINEMA.COM

HUMAN RESOURCES, HEADS UP! You are invited to join us for an informative evening that could streamline all your workforce health needs.

Dinner & Drinks

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August 11, 2022 @ 5:30 PM Kaya Island Eats (618 Duval St.)

to learn about our new OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM Kindly RSVP by August 5.

You may bring one quest.

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NIGHTLY FRI, SAT, SUN & TUES @ 7PM MATINEES EVERY SAT & SUN @ 2PM

42

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

INTRODUCING ISLA BELLA BEACH RESORT'S NEXT PHASE

Sophisticated beachside dining with a new menu blending the cuisine of the Pacific Rim with fresh Florida Keys Seafood

For reservations, please call: (786)-638-8106 1 Knights Key Boulevard, MM 47 Marathon, FL 33050 IslaBellaBeachResort.com

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY | LUNCH 11-2:30 | DINNER 5 -10

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WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY | LUNCH 11- 2:30 | DINNER 5 -10 BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11- 2:30

WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY 4:20 - 11

43

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

FROM OUR BOATS TO YOUR PLATE! KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA

Don’t forget about our Fuel Dock, next to Restaurant.

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JOIN US AT OUR UPSTAIRS RAW BAR

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Enjoy our daily specials like Taco Loco Wednesday, Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

WILD CAUGHT KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP - ALL SIZES!

BEST SEAFOOD & BEST SUNSET!

OYSTERS | CLAMS FULL BAR AND THE BEST SUNSETS

CASUAL DINING • RESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED • PETS WELCOMED! • OPEN 11 A.M. - 9 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK 35TH STREET, ON THE BAY (BEHIND THE STUFFED PIG) • MARATHON • 305-743-4353

Earn a scholarship while you work?

Fr Sun Mo OP ida , T nd EN y ue ays DA & -T I Sa hu 1pm LY tu rs -9 rd 11 pm ay am Sweet Savannah’s is awarding Continuing 11a -9 Education Scholarships to HS seniors that are employed m- pm 10 at the time of graduation. Each year that you work, pm your scholarship will grow.

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44

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

CAN CORAL REEFS COME BACK? Study finds that Mission: Iconic Reefs initiative could save some spots

Restored staghorn coral at Looe Key reef in the lower Florida Keys. This reef is one of the locations targeted for restoration through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s Mission: Iconic Reefs. LAUREN TOTH/USGS

S

ome eroding coral reefs in the Florida Keys could begin growing again at historical levels — as fast as their peak 7,000 years ago — if restoration goals planned for the area are achieved.

A new study led by the U.S. Geological Survey is the first to estimate coral reef growth versus erosion throughout the Keys and can help guide conservation decisions. Prior to this study, rates of erosion have only been estimated for some sites in the Keys.

Climate change, extreme temperatures, disease outbreaks and other stressors in recent decades have impacted the ability of reefs to grow, causing reef erosion. Healthy coral reefs provide habitat for fish, lobster, crabs and other marine life. They also contribute billions of dollars per year to the global economy by supporting the recreational and commercial fishing industries, attracting tourism and protecting coastal communities from floods and storms.

In this new research, the USGS and partners find that approximately 85% of reefs in the Florida Keys are eroding. Scientists used real-world data to assess historical and present-day trends in reef growth at 46 sites. The study provides a map showing where reefs are eroding and at what rate for specific locations.

Scientists also developed future scenarios for three of those sites. The scenarios assume restoration plans outlined in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Mission: Iconic Reefs initiative are met through the year 2040.

Researchers find that if those goals are met, it may be possible for some locations to restore their reef-building capacity to historical levels and that might be enough to maintain key ecosystem services. Projected growth rates could also be enough for coral reefs in the Keys to keep pace with mid-range projections of future sea-level rise.

Another insight from this study is that patch reefs, which are small and isolated reefs, located inshore in the Lower Keys have continued to grow despite recent stressors. Those reefs are in areas with lower water clarity, supporting the hypothesis that reefs exposed to less sunlight have reduced thermal stress (heat from the sun).

To determine reef growth rates, scientists studied what they call “carbonate budgets.”

The budget is calculated by looking at carbonate production, or how much coral skeleton is produced, and bioerosion, or how much coral skeleton is eaten away by organisms living on the reef.

NOAA’s initiative targets seven locations for future restoration, and the three included in this study are Looe Key, Sombrero and Carysfort reefs.

Read the scientific article published in Global Change Biology at https://onlinelibrary. wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.16295.

Watch a video about this project at https:// www.usgs.gov/media/videos/lauren-toth-coralrestoration.

Research was led by the USGS and done in collaboration with the University of California San Diego, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

— Contributed

Symmetrical brain coral in the Florida Keys that has experienced bleaching. CHRISTINA KELLOGG/USGS​​​​​​​.

A map showing reef growth and erosion in the Florida Keys. USGS/Contributed

45

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

Karen Represented the Sellers of: 651 9th Street Key Colony, FL 33051 Sold for $1,100,000

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

46

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS: OPTIONS FOR ACCESSIBLE VOTE-BY-MAIL

S

tarting with the 2022 election cycle, the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Office is offering a new accessible voteby-mail system called Enhanced Ballot.

Enhanced Ballot allows voters with disabilities to interact with vote-by-mail ballots using screen reader technology.

Using Enhanced Ballot, voters can mark the choices on a ballot without assistance from another person. After marking the ballot, the voter will need to print it out, seal it in an envelope sent to by the elections office, and return it to by mail or secure ballot intake station (also known as a drop box).

In addition to voting by mail, you have the option to vote at any early voting site in the county, or at your election day polling place. All early voting sites and polling places have accessible voting equipment.

How do I sign up for Enhanced Ballot?

If you want to use Enhanced Ballot, you can sign up using any of these options: • Use the online vote-by-mail ballot request www.keyselections.org/Voters/Vote-by-MailRequest . When you request your ballot, you have the option to ask for an accessible version.

• Call us at (305) 292-3416.

• Email us at info@keys-elections.org.

Once the elections office receives your request, the office will create an account for you in the Enhanced Ballot system.

How do I access my ballot?

Your ballot will be available on the Enhanced Ballot website starting about one month before election day. Once your ballot is available, the office will send you an email with the login information, and a return envelope you must use to send your marked vote-by-mail ballot back to the Elections Office.

Once you are on the Enhanced Ballot webpage, select the “Access My Ballot” link. Upon activating the link, you will be asked to enter your first name, last name and date of birth. You will also be asked for your four-digit Access PIN, which will be emailed by election staff once your ballot is ready. Once you have entered all the information, select the “Sign In” button.

How do I mark my ballot?

Once you are signed into Enhanced Ballot, select the ballot for the upcoming election. Your official ballot will appear. Follow the instructions on the Enhanced Ballot site to navigate your ballot and select the candidates for whom you want to vote. Once you have finished selecting candidates, print your ballot.

How do I prepare the return envelope?

The elections office will mail you an official return envelope and privacy folder. You must use

the return envelope to send your ballot back to the Elections Office. After you have printed your ballot, wrap the privacy folder around your ballot.

Then, insert the ballot and privacy folder into the return envelope.

If you also received a physical vote-by-mail ballot, do not include it along with the ballot you print. If you enclose more than one ballot in an envelope, neither can be counted.

You must now sign the voter certificate on the return envelope. The certificate is an oath. It is very important that you sign your envelope. If you do not sign it, your ballot cannot be counted.

Once you have signed the envelope, close and seal it. You are now ready to return your ballot.

What is the deadline to return my ballot?

The elections office must receive your ballot by 7 p.m. on election day. If it is not received by then, it cannot be counted.

How do I return my ballot?

You can return your ballot by mail or by dropping it off. If you want to return your ballot by mail, simply place the signed and sealed envelope into a mailbox. The United States Postal Service recommends that you mail your ballot at least five days in advance of election day. You can also enclose your ballot and signed certificate envelope in a separate envelope and send by USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, UPS, or another carrier. If you do this, please send the package to our physical address at 530 Whitehead St. #101, Key West, FL 33040.

You can also drop off your voted ballot at the elections office during business hours, or at secure ballot intake stations (also known as drop boxes) located at each early voting site during early voting hours. You cannot drop off your voteby-mail ballot at your election-day polling place.

However, the poll workers at your polling place can cancel your vote-by-mail ballot. You can then vote in person.

What if there is a problem with my signature?

If the signature on your vote-by-mail ballot envelope is missing or does not match the signature on file in the voter registration system, the elections office will try to contact you to correct the problem. You will need to complete a voteby-mail Ballot Cure Affidavit and send the form to the office along with a photocopy of your ID. The deadline to fix the signature issue is 5 p.m. on the Thursday after election day.

What if I have more questions or need assistance?

If you have any questions, please contact the Monroe County Elections Office at 305-292-3416 or info@keys-elections.org.

— Contributed

BRIEFLY Marathon man arrested for stealing city sign A 65-year-old Marathon man was arrested for stealing a City of Marathon no-parking sign and throwing it in the canal behind his residence. David Andrew Herberholz was charged with petit theft.

City of Marathon crews were installing no-parking signs on city right-of-way property along Sombrero Beach Road on July 20 when Herberholz told them if they placed one near his residence he would remove it as he did not want a sign posted there.

City officials noticed the $120 sign was gone later in the day. They contacted the sheriff’s office and relayed Herberholz’s previous statement/ threat to remove the sign. Herberholz admitted to removing the sign and putting it in the canal behind his home.

The sign was removed from the canal and given back to the City of Marathon.

Herberholz was taken to jail.

AAA: Gas prices drop 17 cents Florida gas prices dropped an average of 17 cents per gallon last week.

It was the largest weekly decline since gas prices began falling six weeks ago.

The state average has now declined a total of 79 cents per gallon, since setting a new record high of $4.89 per gallon in mid-June. On July 24, the state average was $4.10 per gallon, yet drivers are finding pump prices well below $4 a gallon in some regions. At the rate pump prices are declining, the state average could slip below $4 a gallon this week, for the first time since March 6.

The cost to fill an average 15-gallon tank of gas has declined nearly $12 since mid-June. When prices were at their peak, it cost an average of $73 for a fill-up. Now, it's about $61.50.

It’s always cool at the Marathon library Friday, July 29: Photography: Use phone or camera. Fun learning through easy and creative assignments (Adults/Teens), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Summer Reading Party: Sidewalk Chalk Art, bring your reading list to win prizes.

Afterwards, we cool off by making our own ice cream! 3-5 p.m.

Saturday, July 30: Easy Yoga (Adults) 10 a.m.; R.E.A.D. Reading Assistance Education Dogs: Tail Waggin' Tutors (Kids), 10:30 a.m.; It's Game Time! 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 1: 3D Printing Open Lab: Learn about designs, material and equipment, 10 a.m.; Maker Lab, 3:30 p.m.

OBITUARY

HARRY JOHN WAGNER 1945-2022 Harry J. Wagner, 76, died July 6 at the HCA Kendall Regional Hospital. He was born on August 15, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Harry Fred and Friedalin (Frebolin) Wagner. Harry and his wife, Sharon, owned and operated S&H Refreshments Services throughout the Keys for 18 years.

Harry graduated cum laude with a BBA degree in marketing from PACE University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended military intelligence school, serving during the Vietnam War as well as Desert Shield. He retired after 23 years from the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 1058, the American Legion 154, the Elks Lodge and the DAV, all in Marathon, as well as the VFW in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey.

He loved to read and was a lifetime member of the National Model Railroad Association.

In addition to his wife of 35 years, Harry is survived by their children Laura Sanders of Franklin, New Jersey; Michael Yonker and his wife Ashley of Dalton, Georgia; and Melissa Yonker of Charlotte, North Carolina; and eight grandchildren: Eric, 15; Carol, 4; Cody, 15; Dakota, 21; Logan, 19; Aiden, 17; Austin, 10; and Savannah, 8.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Sunday, Aug. 14 at noon at the Marathon Moose Lodge 1058 in Marathon. The Marathon American Legion Post 154 will provide military honors and a color guard salute. Donations of a covered dish may be delivered to the Marathon Moose Lodge on Aug. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m.

An additional Burial at Sea ceremony for Harry will take place on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 3 p.m. Please contact the Moose Lodge for dock information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harry Wagner’s name to Moose

WE ARE

47

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

MARY KATHRYN LANCASTER 1949-2022 Mary Kathryn (Meister) Lancaster, 73, of Key Colony Beach died peacefully on July 10 with family by her side.

Kathy was born on April 30, 1949 in Lansing, Michigan to Edward and Kathryn Meister.

As a child, Kathy loved spending summers with her grandparents at Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School in Mount Pleasant, Michigan where she was a cheerleader. Kathy earned a B.A. in English from Central Michigan University, an M.A. in school counseling from Eastern Michigan University, and received a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Walden University.

An avid equestrian and advocate for children, Kathy authored several books and articles about adoption and horses.

She competed on the Hunter Jumper circuit at the state and national level and won a state and several regional competitions.

Kathy was part owner and instructor at Foxfire Farms and Lancaster Farms.

Kathy was a lifelong educator who held multiple positions throughout the years, which included being a teacher at Tecumseh High School, Tecumseh, Michigan; the director of Grace Jones Community Day Care Center in Marathon; and a teacher, school counselor and librarian at Marathon Middle/High School.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, George H. Lancaster; her children, Christine Lancaster, George E. (Karen) Lancaster, Jonathon (Samantha Young) Lancaster and Thomas Lancaster; her grandsons Tim, George D., Jimmy, John, Cooper and Jaylan; her siblings Thomas (Eileen) Meister, Maureen Kennedy and Christopher (Kathleen) Meister; and her many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. at St. Columba Episcopal Church, 451 52nd St. Gulf in Marathon. A second memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 2 with a visitation from noon to 2 p.m. and a service beginning at 2 p.m. at the Handler Funeral Home, 302 N Jackson St, Clinton, Michigan. Inurnment will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery, Clinton, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at Marathon Fire and Rescue, (https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/firerescue) or Two Wild Hearts Sanctuary and Equine Rescue (https://www.wildheartssanctuary.org) in Clinton, Michigan.

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48

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • NOTICE OF HEARING TO REIMPOSE AND PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF DUCK KEY SECURITY SERVICES SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS Notice is hereby given that the County Commission, Monroe County, Florida will conduct a public hearing to consider reimposing security services assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2022, against certain improved and unimproved properties located within Duck Key, to fund the cost of security services provided to such properties and to authorize collection of such assessments on the tax bill.

The public hearing will be held at 1:30 P.M., on August 17, 2022, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040. The public can also attend the Public Hearing via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”)/Zoom at the following virtual address: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/82370285170 for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments.

All affected property owners have a right to appear at the hearing and to file written objections with the County Commission within 20 calendar days of the date of this notice. Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County Commission with respect to any matter considered at this hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator at (305) 292-4441, at least 48 hours prior to the date of the hearing. If hearing impaired, dial “711” for assistance.

The annual Duck Key security assessment is based on the number of improved or unimproved lots contained within the Duck Key Security District. The total annual assessment revenue to be collected within Duck Key for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $117,000. The annual assessment rates for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022 remain the same as the current year at $292 per improved lot and $28 per unimproved lot.

Copies of the legal documentation for the assessment program will be made available upon request by contacting the County Attorney’s office at (305) 292-3470 Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the County at (305) 292-3470, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The assessments will be collected on the ad valorem tax bill to be mailed in November 2022, as authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the property which may result in a loss of title.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Florida Keys Volunteer Center located at 300 Southard Street, Suite 201, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Inc. Publish: July 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, August 26, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: July 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

viewing the agenda packet for the August 17, 2022 meeting, which will be posted beginning on August 5, 2022 at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the August 17, 2022, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

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

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 25th day of July 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: July 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. 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 September 20, 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: EYW New Beacon Pole and Relocate Existing 9-20-2022 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 September 20, 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 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).

Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on August 17, 2022, at 1:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, EXTENDING THE ONE CENT INFRASTRUCTURE SALES TAX, OTHERWISE DUE TO EXPIRE IN 2033, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2048; PROVIDING LIMITS ON THE USE OF THE FUNDS AFTER 2018 UNLESS WASTEWATER PROJECTS ARE IN PROGRESS ANF FULLY FUNDED: PROVIDING THAT SUCH EXTENSION IS ONLY EFFECTIVE IF APPROVED

BY THE COUNTY ELECTORATE VOTING IN THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 GENERAL ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR NOTIFICATION OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE IF THE TAX IS APPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: EYW New Beacon Pole and Relocate Existing

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The City of Marathon Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public meeting on the items below on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.

This meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Marathon Community Park, Main Pavilion, located at 200 Ocean, 36th St, Marathon, FL 33050

Please use the link below to join the webinar: When: Aug 17, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/82370285170 Or iPhone one-tap: US: +16465189805, 82370285170# or +16699006833, 82370285170# Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 518 9805 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 823 7028 5170 International numbers available: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/u/k8Rqkd6G2 If a person wishes to comment on a particular item on the public portion of the Agenda, when the webinar monitor and/or the Mayor calls for speakers on the item on which you wish to comment: a) If phoning in: Dial *9 to “raise your hand” to be recognized by the Zoom webinar monitor; b) If watching online: click on/open the live Zoom Webinar link, which link appears in both the published Agenda and Agenda Packet. When prompted, enter your email address and name to join the webinar and then select the “Raised Hand” feature that appears at the bottom of the Zoom webinar screen to be recognized by the webinar monitor. To report problems, please call (305) 872-8831 A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the BOCC meeting to: Lindsey Ballard, via email, to: ballard-lindsey@monroecounty-fl.gov. The documents must be received by 3:00 PM on Monday, August 15, 2022, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 21th day of June, 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

305.743.0844

ITEM FOR PUBLIC MEETING: Application and project information for the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) Grant.

A PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING The Florida Land and Recreation Grants staff administers grants to local governments through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP).

This competitive, reimbursement grant program provides financial assistance for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation.

Eligible participants include all county governments, municipalities in Florida and other legally constituted local governmental entities with the responsibility for providing outdoor recreational sites and facilities for the general public.

The projects to be discussed are demolition and installation of new tennis courts, and demolition and installation of new basketball courts at Marathon Community Park.

Interested parties may appear at the public meeting(s) and be heard with respect to the proposed items. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance due to disability should contact the City of Marathon at 305-743-0033 at least two days prior thereto.

Publish: July 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Publish: July 28, 2022, The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, September 1, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: UPDATES OF 2009 GEOSPATIAL LAND COVER DATASET AND TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAPS FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar 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 September 1, 2022. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on

49

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

both emails must read as follows: UPDATES OF 2009 GEOSPATIAL LAND COVER DATASET AND TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAPS FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS 9-1-2022 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 September 1, 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 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 28, 2022

decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 28, 2022.

Personal Representative: Dolia P. Valdes 109 Nautilus Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: July 28 & August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-144-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CYNTHIA KATHRYN PHILLIPS (A/K/A CYNTHIA K. PHILLIPS A/K/A CYNTHIA PHILLIPS) Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Cynthia Kathryn Phillips (a/k/a Cynthia K. Phillips a/k/a Cynthia Phillips), deceased, whose date of death was December 23, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 28, 2022.

Personal Representative: Daniel M. Szewczyk 1564 Nantucket Court Palm Harbor, Florida 34683 Attorney for Personal Representative: Tanya Bell, Esq. Florida Bar Number 52924 Sarah E. Voss, Esq. Florida Bar Number 1025128 Bell Law Firm, P.A. 2364 Boy Scout Road, Suite 200 Clearwater, Florida 33763 Telephone: (727) 287-6316 Fax: (727) 287-6317 TanyaBell@BellLawFirmFlorida. com Svoss@BellLawFirmFlorida.com AMullins@BellLawFirmFlorida. com Publish: July 28 & August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 28, 2022.

Personal Representative: Suzanne Lewis 948 Joshua Dr. Burleson, TX 76028 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1015363 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156 and 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Publish: July 28 & August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, September 7, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Art in Public Places – Biannual Request for Qualifications Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. 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: OMBBIDS@monroecounty-fl.gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on September 7, 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: Art in Public Places – Biannual Request for Qualifications 9-7-2022 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 September 7, 2022. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-89-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH V. MUPO, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOSEPH V. MUPO, deceased, whose date of death was May 20, 2021, File Number 22-CP-89-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 28, 2022.

Personal Representative: NANCY MUPO 94220 Overseas Highway, Unit 8D Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833 Publish: July 28 & August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-78-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JORGE VALDES HUET, a/k/a JORGE VALDES Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Jorge Valdes Huet, a/k/a Jorge Valdes, deceased, whose date of death was April 13, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000187-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF EVELYN VIRGINIA CASPER A/K/A EVELYN F. CASPER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of EVELYN VIRGINIA CASPER a/k/a EVELYN F. CASPER, deceased, whose date of death was May 2, 2022, 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is July 28, 2022.

Personal Representative: CORINNE CASPER BROWN 485 Nolichuckey Road Greeneville, Tennessee 37743 Attorney for Personal Representative: RODOLFO SUAREZ, JR., ESQ. Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar Number: 013201 Suarez Law 9100 South Dadeland Blvd., Ste. 1620 Miami, FL 33156 Telephone: (305) 448-4244 Fax: (305) 448-4211 E-Mail: rudy@suarezlawyers.com Publish: July 28 & August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-000072-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARJORIE I. STRIVINGS a/k/a MARJORIE MARIE ISMERT STRIVINGS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARJORIE I. STRIVINGS a/k/a MARJORIE MARIE ISMERT STRIVINGS, deceased, whose date of death was December 26, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 44-2022-CP-000057-M IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAMES R. MCCAIN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of James R. McCain, deceased, whose date of death was March 20, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION 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 28, 2022.

Personal Representative: Marc R. Gaylord 12000 SE Dixie Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455 Attorney for Personal Representative: Ford T. Dwyer Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1015835 Law Offices of Marc R. Gaylord, P.A. 12000 SE Dixie Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455 Telephone: (772) 545-7740 Facsimile: (772) 545-7782 E-Mail: ford@marcgaylordlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: marc@ marcgaylordlaw.com

LEGAL NOTICES Publish: July 28 & August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-62-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF JERRY W. BRADFORD Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Jerry W. Bradford, deceased, whose date of death was May 31, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 21, 2022.

Personal Representative: Alice A. Bradford 8102 Gulf of Mexico Blvd.

Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: July 21 & 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-132-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT T. SMITH Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Robert T. Smith, deceased, whose date of death was February 21, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands

LEGAL NOTICES against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 21, 2022.

Personal Representative: Joshua W. Hyman 321 Booth Ave. Englewood, New Jersey 07631 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: July 21 & 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-76-P IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD G. BECKMANN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RICHARD G. BECKMANN, deceased, whose date of death was May 1, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 21, 2022.

Co-Personal Representative: MICHAEL J. BECKMANN 3920 N Hwy. A1A, 401 Hutchinson Island, FL 34949 Co-Personal Representive: BARBARA BACKHUS 155 N Granja St. Clewiston, FL 33440 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: July 21 & 28, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

50

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 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

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 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

CITRUS CAPITAL HOLLDINGS FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2019/388 Alt Key No: 1142832 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2019 RE: 00113160-000100 Description of Property: 21 66 29 LITTLE TORCH KEY PT GOVT LOT 2 OR-635-423 OR8471316/1321 OR884-2218/2219C/T OR898-697 OR1304-2106/07/ TR OR1441-1781 OR1549-234 OR2169-593/94C/T OR2357773/74C OR2357-773/74C OR2412-1813/1814C OR26141340/41 OR2701-2342/43 OR2701-2344/45 OR27581542/43 Name in which assessed: ON THE ROAD LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: August 31st, 2022 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 6th day of June 2022 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: July 14, 21 & 28 and August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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:

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2022-25 Notice is hereby given that JOHN & RAEANN BERGE holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2018/1218 Alt Key No: 1453668 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00370500-000000 Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 3 SQR 33 G56-473 OR466-731 OR1600-2271D/C OR2048-1374/76 OR2128-81Q/C Name in which assessed: PATTON SEAN ALLEN All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: August 31st, 2022 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 6th day of June 2022 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: July 14, 21 & 28 and August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2022-26 Notice is hereby given that CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT Warehouse space for rent in Marathon. 1000 sq. ft. on 1st floor & 500 sq ft. on 2nd floor - 1500 sq. ft total. Call 305-481-7557 EMPLOYMENT UPPER KEYS Boat Rental Business in Tavernier looking for someone w/exp. docking & launching boat in tight quarters. Mechanical exp. a plus.

Open til 8p.

Compensation based on experience. 305-896-2219 Hiring excavator operators, deckhands, & boat operators in Key Largo.

40/hrs per week MondayFriday.

305-440-3304 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 .

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

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

MIDDLE KEYS

AUTOS FOR SALE 2005 Honda Civic LX color: Gold.

Located in Big Pine Key. New alternator, battery, brakes, radiator & A/C $4,000 OBO 336-894-8126 PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 TODAY!

NOW HIRING - Full Time Seafood Packers/Graders.

Competitive Wage. Apply in person at Keys Fisheries Fish House, 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon. EOE DFWP Marathon Auto Air looking for Counter Help - full-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884 Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon is looking for a part-time cashier Thu/Fri/Sat. Please call 305-743-2281.

BOATS FOR SALE 2001 ProLine Express 30' located in Key Colony Beach. 2016 twin 250hp Suzuki 4 stroke, less than 75 hours. 300 gal. gas tank, freshwater tank, elec. head, cabin sleeps two. $40,000 954-849-5650 2008 Triumph 19.5' 140hp Suzuki 200 hours, bimini top, electronics, covers, no rips on cushions, live well, trolling motor, push pole, life jackets, and trailer. Well maintained.

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

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

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: 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

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

HOUSING 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 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

1 BR/1 BA Efficiency for rent in Marathon.

3-4 months lease. Own entrance. 2 parking spots. $1,350/mo. 305-417-0346

PLACE YOUR HOBBIES /COLLECTIBLES AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

RV SITE FOR RENT HOUSING FOR RENT

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.

NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older, Full-time Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant.

Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@ 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 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 |Property Manager, fulltime, 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!!

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

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

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 3 0 5 - 8 5 3 - 3 7 7 9 Large Studio Bedroom Suite in Conch House in Marathon - Funrnished. $1,600/month includes utilities for 1 person.

Second person additional $$ for utiilities. F/L/S No Pets. 305-610-8002

RV Site For Rent in Marathon. Full Hookup.

Very quiet, gated property.

Dock available. No pets. $1600/mo.6 month minimum. 305-610-8002 Lot for Rent - Key By the Sea Park in Marathon. $950.00/month - yearly only.

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

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

YARD SALES

3 BR/2 BA home PLACE YOUR YARD for rent in the Middle SALE AD here for only Keys. 75' premium dock. $25.00/week for up to $3,500/month utilities. five lines of copy. Call URGENTE+  NECESITAMOS ASISTENTES F/L/S 786-229-0228 305-743-0844 TODAY!

DE SALUD HHA EN EL ÁREA DE KEY LARGO

URGENTE  NECESITAMOS ASISTENTES DE SALUD HHA EN EL ÁREA DE KEY LARGO Debe poder hablar Español.

Tiempo completo disponible.

Buscando asistentes de salud en el hogar compasivos y para brindar servicios de atención personal a los pacientes en sus hogares en las áreas de Cayo Largo (Key Largo).

Lamar o mandar texto a: 786- 488-8806 / 786 -234-0786

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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

Search Things to Do in the Middle Keys

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

2010 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON CATCH THE FERRY AT FARO BLANCO

305.743.5999 PIGEONKEY.NET

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

CRANE POINT

Museum & Nature Center

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

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

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

NOW HIRINGrs Educato

MARATHON LADY DOCKS

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

305.743.5580

OPEN for programs MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL

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

www.turtlehospital.org

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

www.MARATHONLADY.net

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR “C” LOCATION: DUCK KEY

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION IS GROWING, and we need a WWTP OPERATOR WITH A FLORIDA “C” LICENSE OR HIGHER. You will perform skilled/technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Location: Duck Key. Salary Range: $52,645.98 - $84,011.20.

Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

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

HOME HEALTH AIDES HHA NEEDED IN ISLAMORADA AND MARATHON Full Time / Part Time available Must be able to speak Spanish! Seeking compassionate care givers (HHA-Home Health Aides) to provide personal care services to patients in their homes.

Tiempo completo y tiempos medio disponible Se necesita empleados para asistir a personas mayores en sus hogares en las áreas de Islamorada y Marathon. Debe poder hablar español Tel: 786-488-8806

Started as a Teller Growth Opportunities Plus Great Benefits!

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $16.00/hour to start. Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

DUI Evaluator Part-time – Marathon

Yani Garcia AVP/Branch Manager

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Paid Time Off Starting at 25 days per year

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST - FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS. 40hrs per week at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton, Florida.

KML supports research and academic programs conducted by universities/colleges throughout Florida, the US, and internationally. Duties include greeting scientists, faculty, and students; preparing invoices and correspondence; data entry; courier and delivery services; assist with scheduling and group arrivals. To apply for this opening visit: Access Careers@USF and search for Administrative Specialist, Job ID 31352.

AUTO DIESEL VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

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.

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

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

Paid Time Off for Volunteering

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED!

Tuition Reimbursement Competitive Salaries

Monroe County School District

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

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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

OPEN POSITIONS TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL - Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus - Line Cook - Occupational Health Registered Nurse, $20,000 Bonus - Pool Group Exercise Instructor - Pool Physical Therapist - Registered Nurse Case Manager - Registered Nurse, Emergency - Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, $20,000 Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $15,000 Bonus MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - Cook, $5,000 Bonus - Dietitian, $5,000 Bonus - ED Team Coordinator - Floor Technician, $5,000 Bonus - Mechanic, $5,000 Bonus - Medical Assistant, $5,000 Bonus - Patient Experience Advocate - Phlebotomist, $10,000 Bonus - Pool Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy - Registered Nurse, Emergency, $20,000 Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $20,000 Bonus - Security Officer

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

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES BELL/VALET Offering a $500 sign on bonus for applicants hired through 8/31/22 Front Desk Agent Reservations Agent remote and in person roles available HOUSEKEEPING Public Area and Room Attendant Offering a $500 sign on bonus for applicants hired through 8/31/22 F&B Server Assistant Restaurant Greeter SPA TERRE AT OCEAN KEY Licensed Massage Therapist Licensed Nail Technician MANAGEMENT OPENINGS Sous Chef 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.

GENERAL SURGEON BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA INC. in Miami, FL and Tavernier, FL seeks a General Surgeon to follow established surgical techniques during operations.

- Examine patients to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk; - Operate on patients; - Analyze patient’s medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and exam results to verify operation’s necessity and to determine best procedure; - Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures; - Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions and provide treatments.

-

Must have a Medical Degree (US or foreign equivalent); 1 yr. exp. as a General Surgeon; State of Florida MD License; DEA License; Board Certified in Surgery.

Employment requires 50% of time to be spent at Baptist Hospital of Miami in Miami, FL and 50% of time to be spent at Mariner’s Hospital in Tavernier, FL. Employer requires pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check (including a criminal background check).

Resumes to Yussi Medina at YussiM@baptisthealth.net

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

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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

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

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

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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

Leslie Christensen

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

OWNER

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

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

CARS, TRUCKS, RV'S & BOATS (305) 456-9004 Ä sundrenchedcustoms@gmail.com G @sundrenchedcustoms

Liz Samess Interiors

PROFESSIONAL DETAILING

FREE ESTIMATES!!

WITHOUT THE HASSLE

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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Liz Samess

î

KEY LARGO - KEY WEST

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Alexia Mann, GRI

Interior Designer

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

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

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

305-289-1150

Marathon, FL 33050

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

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

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

Residential Commercial Marine

Automotive Installation Specialist

Todd Gibbins 305-393-1092

Chad Cossairt 305-340-8392

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

Sea Side Skincare Facials & Waxing

SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE

SYDNEY VALDES - ESTHETICIAN

Lic & Ins SP3696

SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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

Book appointment @seasideskincare_bysyd or text/call 305-684-0832 for online link 13357 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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

START EARNING

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

305 3902315

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

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

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

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

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

Tracy Chacksfield Realtor

CGC1523838 312-350-4601 tracy@thebeautifulkeys.com

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

Lic No. SP1481

CGC1523838

When It Rains It Pours!

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

Lic#SP-3562

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

President

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

REPAIR INSTITUTE

Michelle McBride REALTOR

513.835.5359 www.keysrealestate.com

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

SALES

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE

michellemcbride@keysrealestate.com

WiLL CAMPBELL - PRESiDENT

Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

EXPERTS

Proud member of:

289-3019

BUiLDiNG iNSPECTiONS & PLAN REViEW PRiVATE PROViDER

Rachel Sanderson

SPALLING

(Across from Beall’s Outlet)

Will Campbell

Serving Key Largo to Key West

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

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

Michael Kiraly

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

Milly Cruz

305.363.8869 milly@seafarerrealty.com www.SeafarerRealty.com

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022