Upper Keys Weekly 22-0728

Bank account at $1? Mega Millions jackpot now at $1 billion.

REEF RECOVERY Local mission could revive some spots | P. 16 TEACHER SHORTAGE District scrambles as first day approaches | P. 5

BUG HUNTIN' Lobster mini season day 1 | P. 8

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UPPER KEYS 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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

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ON THE COVER

NUMBER OF THE WEEK 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.

Monroe County Sheriff’s marine deputy Nelson Sanchez measures a lobster during a stop in the Upper Keys on July 27. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

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 makes 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.

For more, see keysweekly.com

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

CONTRIBUTED

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UPPER KEYS 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 www.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

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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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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

CONE BATTLE Council tussles over the Fills barriers again JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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range cones spanning the Fills will remain in place following a lengthy conversation among Islamorada council members on whether to remove them and rely on no-parking signs.

Councilman Mark Gregg took a moment during a recent village council meeting to hear out Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal’s desire for months to remove the barricades situated along the Fills. Initially set up to keep vehicles from parking all over the place, Rosenthal said he’s received phone calls from those who want the cones gone.

“First of all when you travel down the Fills, for the most part there’s no illegal parking,” Rosenthal said.

No-parking signs with a $200 fine are placed throughout the area. Not only does Rosenthal want more no-parking signs, but he also proposed adding a “meter maid” to write tickets to parking violators.

“I wanted to get rid of those cones and tape. That’s a very poor representation of this city,” Rosenthal said.

“With the proper enforcement, it can be done. I want to clean it up and make it look like something.”

Discussions regarding the Fills date back many years, as several councils tussled with a solution. Last month, the council heard A.J. Engelmeyer, public works director, discuss a plan for the three islands connecting Upper and Lower Matecumbe keys. Among the proposals were guardrails, delineated parking with deceleration lanes and kayak launches.

Islamorada received a sublease from Florida Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection in 2019 to manage the property on the Fills. It came following outcry about cars parked all over the place, littering and safety concerns, particularly during weekends and holidays. The Fills include Tea Table Relief, Indian and Lignumvitae keys.

Four village staff members in vehicles watch the three islands that make up the Fills during weekends for cars parking in wrong areas. Engelmeyer said the number of motorists his staff runs out is “astronomical.”

“There’s a lead guy to check the other crew mates.

They’re sitting in zones where people constantly are parking. They’re in vehicles running cars off,” he said.

In 2019-2020, the village spent $112,000 on maintaining the Fills. That amount to maintain and manage the area rose to $281,000 in 2020-21. This year, the village has spent $133,000.

Gregg said removing the cones would create more demand for enforcement. He also referenced an email sent to village officials and law enforcement regarding a resident’s complaint at Robbie’s over parking on the right of way. Sheriff Rick Ramsay responded to the email by citing the village’s parking statute that essentially allows parking on the right of way, so long as it doesn’t create a safety hazard.

“The right of way includes the Fills,” he said. “If someone wants to park in the right of way that doesn’t block the bike path or obstruct traffic, then it’s not illegal parking and we can’t write them a ticket. That’s a concern to me,” Gregg said.

Those issued parking tickets at the Fills aren’t always paying them, either, Gregg said. And there’s no enforcement mechanism.

“We don’t take them to court. We don’t have a collection agency that hounds them for payment. It’s just a pile,” Gregg said.

Councilman David Webb said people will show up — and issues once seen at the Fills will come back — if the cones and tapes come down at the Fills. Webb said the sheriff’s office recommended against taking down the barriers. That was confirmed by Capt. Derek Paul.

“It’s manageable right now. The cones are working,” he said. “When a deputy is driving through, or myself, not a day goes by that we don’t pull over and tell them they have to move. I don’t write them a ticket for it, they get in their car and move. Ninety-five percent of the time they say ‘sorry’ and leave.”

A car passes through the Fills in Islamorada. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

BRIEFLY 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 midJune. 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.

Several businesses cited for selling alcohol to minors On July 21, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division along with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco conducted an operation checking businesses that sell alcohol in the Upper Keys. Eight businesses were checked; four sold alcohol to a minor during the investigation.

The following businesses sold the alcohol: • Circle K gas station, 106501 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.

• Marathon gas station, 106200 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.

• Valero gas station, 99675 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.

• Denny’s Liquors, 99600 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.

The store clerks at each location were issued a notice to appear in court for the sale of alcohol to a minor. The maximum penalties for these violations are up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, $235 in court costs, $75 in cost of prosecution, and $40 in cost of investigation against the sales clerk.

The licensee violations are $1,000 and a seven-day suspension for the first offense; $3,000 and a 30-day suspension on the second offense and revocation of license on the third offense.

The remaining businesses checked were in compliance with the law. This operation was conducted in cooperation with the Monroe County Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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.

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.

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

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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 onthe-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 mini-season. 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.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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11

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

REFRAMING HOSPICE

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

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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.

12

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

KeysBank.com Established in 1955, First State Bank offers banking and lending services to fit the needs of our Keys customers. We started out with a single branch and a handful of employees. As the Keys community grew, so did the bank, steadily adding more services and branches. We’ve grown and changed in a lot of good ways. But our core values remain the same – we’re a proud, locally owned institution operated for the benefit of the people of Monroe County with a long history of serving, reaching out, and connecting in the Florida Keys.

We are continually expanding our line-up of products, services and delivery systems offered in our offices from Key Largo to Key West. Although the oldest bank headquartered in Monroe County, our technology, security, and customer service are state of the art, allowing customers to feel confident whether they bank in-person, online, or in their mobile app.

First State Bank gives you the best of both worlds - employees who know you and a local name you trust with digital services and modern technology you demand.

Upper Keys contacts are Regional Manager Laura Brown, Market Lending Leader Lori Bailey, and Assistant Branch Managers Candice Brown and Danya Herzberg. Key Largo locations: 97670 Overseas Highway and 101433 Overseas Highway, Tradewinds Plaza. 305-296-8535.

THE KEYS’ HOMETOWN BANK SINCE 1955 LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER info@keylargochamber.org 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

WWW.KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG

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.

13

UPPER KEYS 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.

14

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

MARINELAB KEY LARGO HOSTS TEACHERS FROM SEVEN CARIBBEAN NATIONS

Teachers plan to take what they learned in Key Largo back to their countries KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL

T

www.keysweekly.com

he ocean was the classroom and the lessons learned were invaluable.

"Honestly, this has been one of the best experiences I've ever had," said Sherma Prince, a geography teacher from Dominica.

From July 18 to July 22, nine educators from seven Caribbean countries found themselves immersed in workshops at MarineLab Key Largo. The curriculum focused on learning how to preserve ecosystems; including sea grasses, mangroves and coral reefs.

"What I really loved about it was the fact that we went out into the ocean and got that practical, handson experience," said St. Lucia science teacher Ansha Mitchell. "A lot of our people back home, children as well, they are unaware of the importance of our marine ecosystems."

This was the first year for the Caribbean Teacher Initiative at MarineLab. It was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Ocean Conservation Exploration and Education Foundation. The goal is for teachers to take what they learn back to students in their home countries.

"I am going to share the fact that we humans, we cause a lot of distress in the environment," said Jervaughn Charles, a fourth grade teacher from St. Lucia.

"One of the labs that really spoke to me was the micro plastics lab," added Charles.

"The water that we take for granted in the ocean is filled with plastics that are killing the food that we eat and it's hurting the animals that we love so much."

Joseph Wells teaches marine mechanics and engine repair to college students in the British Virgin Islands.

He plans to talk to students about what happens if oil is not disposed of properly, consequences of overfishing and global damage caused by degrading the environment.

"The whole goal is to ensure that we can continue enjoying the water, make a living with it, and still ensure that we don't damage the environment that we're in," said Wells.

Ocean trips and classroom work were packed into the marine ecology workshop.

The days started at 8 a.m. with breakfast and finished up around 9 p.m. There were two field trips with a day out into the coral reefs, mangroves or sea grasses. Discussions, labs and lectures followed.

"It was very long days, but we got to cover a lot of information," said Leslie Hickerson.

Hickerson works for the Nature Foundation of St. Maarten.

"There are lots of new things that have come out since I left school ages ago. It's really nice to be refreshed on information from younger scientists and educators about the different ecosystems," said Hickerson.

Cassandra MacDowell is with the Mangrove Education Project in the Cayman Islands. She said the workshop was an excellent opportunity to network and brainstorm with other Caribbean educators.

Top: Educators from the Caribbean examine a bucket of invertebrates collected during a MarineLab field trip. CONTRIBUTED Bottom: Holding up fun signs, Caribbean educators mark the last day of their MarineLab workshop with a group photo. CONTRIBUTED

"As a region, sometimes we're a bit further away from each other so it's great to come together here to be able to see different teaching techniques, what other Caribbean countries are doing and how we could possibly implement those same techniques where we are," said MacDowell.

British Virgin Islands science teacher Jian Jeffers, like several of the Caribbean teachers, had never snorkeled before this trip.

"The most interesting part was the snorkeling; that was the newest thing for me, partly the scariest as well. Going under the ocean, having all these fish coming toward you, so that was definitely different," said Jeffers.

Mitchell says the snorkeling experience helped her conquer her fear of sharks.

"We went far out into the pelagic waters and it was scary but at the same time fulfilling and exciting.

I can definitely say that I came out alive, " said Mitchell with a laugh.

"The Caribbean Teacher Initiative is the latest program in our ongoing effort to promote universal awareness of the importance of marine conservation," said MarineLab CEO Ginette Hughes. If funding is secured, teachers from the Caribbean will be invited back next year.

MarineLab was founded in 1970 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The non-profit conservation program came to the Upper Keys in 1984.

Now roughly 5,000 students and teachers pass through its onsite programs every year. The coastal campus on Shoreland Drive in Key Largo has dorms that can sleep up to 100 students. There is a full cafeteria, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Five boats take students on field trips twice a day and provide an interactive experience.

Hughes says MarineLab's education model of discussion, exploration and concept reinforcement works well.

"It's really important because you're not going to save something unless you have that emotional connection to it," said Hughes.

"Having that emotional connection to the ocean makes them want to save it, want to work toward changing their lifestyle, supporting policies that will help save the ocean because, it's all we've got."

More information is at www.marinelab. org.

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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16

UPPER KEYS 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

17

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022 SPONSORED BY:

BUG HUNTING

Two-day mini-season has pros and cons

CONSERVATION

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

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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.

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

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

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18

UPPER KEYS 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.

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

THE SPORT AUTHORITIES

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’

IMPLANT & COSMETIC DENTISTRY Dr. Travis Bennett D.M.D. Dr. Sandy Brito D.M.D. KEY LARGO 102965 Overseas Hwy. 305-451-2616 TAVERNIER 90290 Overseas Hwy. 305-852-5099

WWW.BENNETTSMILES.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 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.

20

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

FOXES HAVE FEELINGS TOO

CALI

Jim McCarthy, Upper Keys Weekly editor, snaps a photo of Coral as Reef jumps on his back. CONTRIBUTED

A visit from an old friend and a Key deer kidnapping highlight the week

H

i friends! Reef the fox here with this week’s “Reef’s Report.” So here’s a story for you.

I’m sure you all know my friend, Jimmy; he’s a big shot here at the Upper Keys Weekly. He put me on the front page of the paper when I came here last year; he gave me this very column you are reading right now. He is my bro, or so you would think. So time just goes by so fast these days and I didn’t realize it had been one whole REEF year since Jimmy came to see me. Can you believe it?

THE FOX My mom invited him to stop by the other day and he did, but here’s the thing: I ignored Jimmy.

Reef is a red fox Yep, that’s right, you read that correctly. I totally that was saved ignored him because how rude was it to not come from a fur farm. see me for one whole year? I know, I know, life hapHe now lives in pens, people get busy, but come on now. Foxes have Key Largo with feelings too. I’m sure Jimmy will think twice before he his human, Nicole Navarro. goes another year without coming to see me.

Anywho, my mom is planning our first real fundraiser for the community on Dec. 10. It’s going to be so cool. Our friends at the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat have donated the whole boat to us for the evening for a sunset cruise fundraiser. How fun is that? So mom is looking for sponsors for the event. We’ve already had some really amazing people sign up, so if you want to help out too, just shoot me an email and I’ll pass it along to my mom: reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org.

On to the news: Did you hear about those two men from Miami that kidnapped a Key Deer? According to the MCSO Facebook page, “The men stated they initially thought the deer was dead but realized the deer was still alive, so they decided to take it to a veterinarian in Miami for treatment. Both men stated they never called 911, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The men who admitted to putting the deer in the vehicle were arrested. The FWC charged Yoankis Hernandez Pena, 38, and Andres Leon Valdes, 45, with cruelty to animals and taking, possessing or selling a federally designated endangered or threatened species.”

Geesh, some people.

On Friday, July 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Key Largo Art Gallery they are bringing back their “Last Friday Gallery Night.” It’s been two years since they’ve had one and this Friday they are celebrating their 17th anniversary. So head on out there to support the gallery.

That’s all for this week. Check us out at pawsitivebeginnings.org, shoot me an email if you want to sponsor our event in December, and most importantly, stay safe out there friends.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Cali is a 4-month-old calico that came in with her mom and other siblings. Most found homes including the mom. Cali and her brother, Peanut, still live at the Upper Keys Humane Society in Key Largo. Cali is very sweet and gets along well with others. If you would like to make Cali a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give the Upper Keys Humane Society a call at 305-451-3848. The Upper Keys Humane Society is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

SAVE THE DATE Friday, July 29 • Sit and sew from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• The movie “Luca” (PG) with popcorn, 2 to 4 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Dallas’s Super Soft Kitten Party, benefiting Upper Keys Humane Society, at 6 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co. • Last Friday Gallery Night at 6 p.m. at Key Largo Art Gallery.

Saturday, July 30 • Paint with artist Pasta Pantaleo to benefit Good Health Clinic at 6 p.m. at 835 Largo Road, Key Largo. Sign up by calling 786-236-8158 or emailing yvette4BigKahuna@gmail.com.

Aug. 1-5 • iCan Swim adaptive swim camp for children 3 and up with disabilities at Founders Park, Islamorada. Sign up by calling 305-394-1459 or emailing tana.carson@gmail.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 2 • LEGO Club for elementary children at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• National Night Out hosted by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Village of Islamorada from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Founders Park.

• National Night Out hosted by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Key Largo Community Park.

Wednesday, Aug. 3 • Get tech help, such as downloading library applications to your tablet or smartphone, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Thursday, Aug. 4 • Great Discussions lecture on Myanmar’s never-ending crisis from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

Friday, Aug. 5 • Sit and sew from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Saturday, Aug. 6 • Commercial lobster season begins.

Tuesday, Aug. 9 • LEGO Club for elementary children at 2 p.m. at Key Largo Library.

• REEF’s Fish & Friends lecture welcomes Sarah Fangman, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary superintendent, at 6:15 p.m. at REEF at MM 98.3, median, Key Largo.

Wednesday, Aug. 10 • First day of school.

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. More at justolderyouthinc.org.

Tuesday, Aug. 16 • LEGO Club for elementary children at 2 p.m. at Key Largo Library.

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

FREE SUNDAY TOUR Historic and educational water adventure in association with Bass Pro/World Wide Sportsman.

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22

UPPER KEYS 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

23

UPPER KEYS 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.

24

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

TITLE COMPANY GETS THE PLATINUM AWARD On July 18, the owners of Coral Reef Title Company were presented with the Platinum Award for Title Agents. Coral Reef Title was honored as a Top 5 Agent with the Fidelity National Title family of underwriters.

Pictured are owners Carla Bahn and Ryan Bahn, Esquire. Coral Reef Title was established in 1989 by Gretchen Holland and Carla Bahn and continues to be a family-owned and operated business. Coral Reef Title is the oldest title company in Monroe County, offering residential and commercial real estate closing services with offices in Key Largo and Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT SET IN ISLAMORADA AND KEY LARGO

Meet local first responders, military and community partners during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Founders Park in Islamorada and Key Largo Park. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partner-

ships. Local residents will be able to view a display of vehicles, boats and equipment. Collect handouts while you play, eat and have fun. In Islamorada, American Legion Post 145 is hosting the Big Red Bus for those wishing to donate blood. Those who donate will get a $20 e-gift card, a local art T-shirt and a wellness checkup. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly File Photo

Have a Thing to Do in the Upper Keys?

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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UPPER KEYS 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

27

UPPER KEYS 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

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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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UPPER KEYS 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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UPPER KEYS 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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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Lic No. SP1481

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

When It Rains It Pours!

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

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

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

Key West

MARATHON

KEY LARGO

BEST SERVICE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS CGC1523838

PRICES LESS THAN MARINAS MENTION AD FOR

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

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

98970 Overseas Highway, Key Largo 305-453-7855 Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 noon; 1-4 p.m.

Pick up available. No drop offs.

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

QUALITY ELECTRIC BIKE RENTALS IN THE UPPER KEYS

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

305-434-5501 FREE DELIVERY! WWW.KEYSELECTRICBIKE.COM

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 28, 2022