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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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$433.7 million

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JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

DESANTIS BACKS ANOTHER KEYS CANDIDATE GOVERNOR ENDORSES SUAREZ IN SCHOOL BOARD CONTEST

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A balloon fish on Molasses Reef that will appear on the U.S stamp during August as part of the 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

DARYL DUDA/Contributed

Alexandria Suarez

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nonpartisan race for the Monroe County School Board’s District 5 seat has brought Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ endorsement of candidate Alexandria Suarez.

In the past month, DeSantis announced his backing of 29 candidates running for school board seats across the state. The first round of endorsements came in June, when DeSantis announced his support for Darren Horan for Monroe County School Board District 1 representing Key West.

On July 28, DeSantis issued his second round of endorsements of candidates. Suarez’s name was on the list.

“It speaks to what I am trying to do, which is help our children get back on track and get our students back to learning academics and what they need to learn, not anything that doesn’t belong in the classroom,” Suarez said.

DeSantis’ backing of candidates comes following a survey that gauged their stances on issues such as charter schools, critical race theory and masks.

The survey, called The DeSantis Education Agenda: Putting Students First, Protecting Parents’ Rights, was sponsored by Friends of Ron DeSantis.

“These 29 candidates are committed to advancing a bold education agenda in Florida,” DeSantis said. “Parents can rest easy knowing that these candidates will fully support their right as parents to ensure their children reach their full potential in Florida’s K-12 education system.”

Former Florida governor and Democratic candidate Charlie Crist came back with his own set of endorsements for school board seats in the state shortly after DeSantis’ announcement. No candidates in Monroe county were endorsed.

“Gov. DeSantis is politicizing our classrooms, taking away parental rights and limiting Florida students’ freedom to learn,” he said. “Florida deserves dedicated public servants on our school boards that won’t inject politics into the classroom, but rather work every day to fight for the best interests of our students and educators.”

Suarez is a former educator who’s currently a prosecutor in the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. She’s a mother of six who’s worked in South Florida and the Florida Keys most of her life.

In an interview with the Keys Weekly, Suarez said she filled out the survey. She said DeSantis’ endorsement is a combination of the platform candidates stand for and their reasons in running for school board.

“I don’t think he’s endorsed in every single race in the state, It’s not like he’s going across the state and making sure he endorses every single race,” she said. “I did complete an educational survey just as I completed a questionnaire for Keys Weekly and other organizations that are involved in education or who want to share with the public what each candidate’s position is on certain issues that deal with education.

“I let the governor know that I stand for parental rights in education. I believe school choice is actually a good thing,” she continued. “If you look at when DeSantis got elected the first time, he had over 60% of moms, women’s votes, from Hispanic women such as myself and African American women. You want to know why? Because he said you can choose where your child goes to school.” continued on page 13

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

MINI-SEASON BRINGS MAJOR RESOURCE VIOLATIONS Texas man arrested for poaching queen conch JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

busy lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys resulted in several resource violations spotted by Florida Fish & Wildlife officers. Meanwhile, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and investigators stopped hundreds of vessels and made several arrests during the two-day season.

Among the arrests was a man who allegedly snatched several live queen conchs.

Fifty-one-year-old Tony Ngoc Truong, of Houston, Texas, was taken to jail by deputies after he was found with a number of live queen conchs near the Channel 5 Bridge on July 27.

According to the sheriff’s office, Truong was coming out of the water with a 5-gallon bucket and a gray shirt.

As deputy Willie Guerra approached Truong, he threw his shirt under his vehicle.

Deputies looked underneath the car to find five queen conchs in the bucket and three more in his shirt. Truong was transported to the Plantation Key Detention facility. He posted a cash bond. His first court hearing was Aug. 1. He’s due back in court in Marathon before Judge James Morgan on Aug. 22 for an arraignment hearing.

A symbol of the relaxed pace of life in the Florida Keys, the slowmoving marine snail inhabits seagrass beds in Caribbean and western Atlantic ocean waters. The conch’s large, pink-lipped shell is valued among shell collectors, and its meat is a dietary staple for many Caribbean cultures.

Harvesting, killing or harming queen conch in Florida waters is against the law. A person can harvest a queen conch, however, if the shell does not contain a live queen conch at the time of harvest and a live queen conch is not killed or removed from the shell.

NOAA Fisheries and the Caribbean Fishery Management Council manage the queen conch fishery in federal waters. In December 2019, NOAA Fisheries initiated a review of the queen conch to determine whether listing the species as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act is warranted.

NOAA said it’s still gathering information.

FWC had several cases on day one of lobster mini-season. During a patrol near Channel 5 bridge, investigators Chris Mattson and Chris

Araujo performed a resource inspection of a St. Augustine man who was diving on the oceanside. The man, identified as Marlin Walden, was found to be in possession of seven spiny lobsters. FWC said the man explained to investigators that he thought the bag limit was 12. He was cited for being over the bag limit.

During the afternoon of July 27, Mattson and Araujo were patrolling the oceanside near Channel 2 bridge when they saw a diver surface with

Undersized lobsters discovered by FWC officer Austin Cobb on Summerland Key. FWC/Contributed

Queen conchs discovered by Monroe County sheriff’s deputy Willie Guerra during a stop at Channel 5 Bridge.

MCSO/Contributed

Tony Ngoc Truong is accused of possessing eight queen conchs.

LOBSTER MINISEASON STATS (Monroe County Sheriff’s Office) 600 vessel stops/safety inspections/wildlife inspections 4 arrests for wildlife violations and one for tampering with evidence 18 mandatory notice to appear in court citations

a dive bag with several lobsters. They boarded the vessel to perform a resource inspection and found that Leonel Plasencia, of Islamorada, had harvested 10 spiny lobsters, which is four more than the six per person, per day limit. He was cited for the over-the-bag limit. During the same stop, another diver surfaced and was found with nine spiny lobsters, of which two were undersized. Dale Hopta, of Miami, was cited for resource violations.

On day two, Mattson and Araujo were patrolling the waters near Long Key Bridge when they observed a vessel following a diver’s bubbles. As the diver surfaced, investigators identified themselves as FWC. Araujo noticed a catch bag at the bottom of the water.

Reacting quickly, Mattson dropped a buoy in the area where the diver was.

The diver, later identified as Osniedys Castillo, of Cutler Bay, allegedly had 16 legal size lobsters. He was cited for over-the-bag limit and interference with FWC officers.

In the Lower Keys, FWC officer Daniel Jones was patrolling the area near Spanish Harbor Boat Ramp when he saw a family pull their vessel from the water at the boat ramp.

Jones identified himself and conducted a resource inspection. The family reportedly had 20 spiny lobsters onboard, of which seven were undersized.

One of the family members came forward and told Jones he caught most of the spiny lobsters and wanted to show how he was measuring the lobster. Jones watched the man, of Pace, Florida, incorrectly include much of the lobster’s eyestalk in the measurement making the spiny lobster to appear that it was greater than 3 inches.

“The responsibility is on the fishermen,” said Jason Rafter, FWC public information officer. “When harvesting Florida spiny lobster, participants need to know how to properly use the gauge to measure the lobster and know the daily bag limits.”

On Summerland Key, FWC officer Austin Cobb responded to a dispatched complaint regarding two divers using a hookah dive rig, which was potentially causing navigational issues along a canal. Cobb arrived and conducted a resource inspection on the divers. One diver, of Summerland Key, had an undersized spiny lobster in his catch bag. The other diver, of Tarmac, Florida, had five undersized lobsters in his bag. He also was over the bag limit by one. Both divers were issued notices to appear for the resource violations.

A 30-inch snook was saved after a cowfish was found lodged in its mouth. FWC/Contributed

OFFICER SAVES SNOOK

Cowfish was lodged in fish’s mouth JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

snook is breathing new life thanks to the efforts of one Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officer who noticed that the fish wasn’t swimming right.

Officer Mike Janzen was patrolling the waters under Jewfish Creek bridge in Key Largo recently when he noticed a snook at the surface of the water swimming upside down. Springing into action, Janzen grabbed the fish and brought it onto his vessel.

While inspecting the snook, Janzen noticed a live cowfish was wedged in its mouth in a way that didn’t allow the fish to swallow or spit it out. Janzen carefully pulled the cowfish from the snook’s mouth and placed both fish back in the water, keeping the snook at the surface and running water through its gills until it swam off.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

Islamorada Village Council is set to consider a second reading of an ordinance to place a referendum before voters for a $1,000 per month pay increase. PIXABAY/Contributed

COUNCIL PAY HIKE & BUS SHELTERS ON THE AGENDA

A

n ordinance to place a proposed pay increase for council members before the voters in November and a feasibility study to revamp bus stops within Islamorada are among the items on the Islamorada Village Council’s Aug. 4 agenda.

The meeting is the first for new Village Manager Ted Yates.

He was selected following a search that concluded in May when council members picked the former Twinsburg, Ohio mayor.

In March, Councilman Mark Gregg brought forth discussion on a possible referendum for a pay increase for council members. Per an ordinance, council members are paid $1,000 per month, or $12,000 a year. During a June meeting, the dais discussed possibly doubling that figure to $2,000 a month, or $24,000 a year. Four council members supported that pay hike during the first reading of a proposed ordinance. Councilman David Webb was the lone “no” vote.

If council members approve the ordinance’s second reading, a referendum will be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot for voters to decide if they support a charter amendment to increase monthly compensation of council members from $1,000 a month to $2,000 a month. If the majority of voters are in favor, it would take effect following the election.

“It’s not going to be a lot of money. It may not cover that (financial concern). As you know from the time we spend, this is a part-time job,” Gregg said in March. “I don’t think I’ve made minimum wage, but that’s OK. I signed up because I like it, not because I did it for the money.”

A survey of salaries from other Keys municipalities show Islamorada on the lower end for council compensation. Key West’s seven commissioners make $20,000 a year, while Marathon council members make around $21,000 (with exception of one who makes $18,000, with $771.31 going to the Florida retirement system per month).

Outside the Keys, Marco Island commissioners make just $6,000 a year, while Treasure Island commissioners get $5,400 a year. Ormond Beach commissioners receive $14,494.75 annually.

Council members will also consider a resolution to approve McFarland-Johnson Inc. for a feasibility study related to bus shelters in the village. Bus stop improvements along U.S. 1 are in the village’s 2017-23 strategic plan. During last year’s budget workshops, the village council asked for funds to install bus stop shelters throughout Islamorada. It was brought forth by Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal out of concern for workers traveling to and from Miami-Dade County by bus. A 2021-22 adopted budget set aside $100,000 for the bus stop project.

Per a proposed resolution, costs for the feasibility study wouldn’t exceed $27,533.74.

The village council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

LIBRARY CLOSES EARLIER DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGE Islamorada Manager Ted Yates.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

NEW ISLAMORADA VILLAGE MANAGER STARTS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

rom his Ohio home, new Islamorada Village Manager Ted Yates and his wife packed for the big move to the Keys.

Since the council’s selection in June to make him next manager, Yates has stayed busy not only packing, but also taking phone calls and attending meetings in anticipation of his official Aug. 1. start.

“It’s been a busy first week,” Yates said.

The former Twinsburg, Ohio mayor was selected by the village council on June 2. Selecting Yates was close to unanimous among the dais, with four council members having him as their top choice for the position. Yates comes to the village with 12 years of experience in Ohio as mayor and chief executive officer. He ran a city of 19,000 residents.

Yates is no stranger to the Keys, where his family has owned property since the 1990s.

A contract with Yates includes a $200,000 salary, $4,000 housing allowance and $15,000 in moving expenses. With the exception of cost of living increases, there are no salary increases for 18 months. Yates will be offered health insurance benefits for his spouse, eligible children and himself for $125 per pay period. Currently, village employees on the family plan pay close to $900 for health, dental and vision coverage.

The Monroe County Public Library Islamorada branch will temporarily reduce the operating hours four nights a week to close at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. due to a staffing shortage. Tuesdays will continue to have an 8 p.m. closure time.

The temporary change should last about a month while new employees are hired and trained.

The revised hours are now: Sunday: Closed.

Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monroe County job openings are listed at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/jobs. Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of the servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment by the state and are encouraged to apply.

— Contributed

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

CALL TO THE COMMUNITY National Night Out brings residents and law enforcement together

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aw enforcement vehicles, fire trucks and local nonprofits took to Key Largo Park and Founders Park in Islamorada for National Night Out on Aug. 2. Sirens blared and emergency lights flipped on as children hopped in the driver seat of sheriff’s vehicles. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers brought some wildlife creatures with them for the families to see.

Events featured food, refreshments and an opportunity to meet sheriff’s deputies, FWC officers, Coast Guard members, firefighters and neighbors. The goal of National Night Out is to bring the community together to discuss how we can all make our neighborhoods cleaner, safer and more secure.

— Jim McCarthy

1. Children stop by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation booth. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly 2. Monroe County SWAT members.

3. Monroe County Sheriff’s Capt.

Spenser Bryan, fourth from left, sheriff’s deputies and investigators covering the Key Largo and Tavernier neighborhoods.

4. Florida Highway Patrol demonstrated what happens when passengers aren’t buckled when a vehicle rolls over.

5. U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada Commander Matt James talks to a young boy on the boat at Founders Park.

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6. From left, Lt. Charlene Sprinkle, councilman Buddy Pinder and Capt. Derek Paul.

7. A young girl visits Sheriff’s K-9 deputy Aaron Roddy and K-9 Mako.

8. Traffic enforcement deputy Shaun Lones looks on as a young boy hops onto his motorcycle.

9. From left, Florida Highway Patrol Benny Corominas, Monroe County Sheriff’s Lt. Nancy Alvarez and sheriff’s Lt. Chuck Kellenberger.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

Defensive tackle Xayver Arrington runs a drill during the first official day of practice for the Hurricanes at Coral Shores High School. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly Xayver Arrington looks forward to playing football his senior year with his younger brother, sophomore Dantay Diorio. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR CORAL SHORES HIGH SCHOOL STANDOUT ATHLETE ‘I see him playing defensive tackle, maybe in the NFL’ KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

T

he first day of August marked the official first day of practice for the Coral Shores High School Hurricanes football season.

On the field, running drills with his teammates, was a 6-foot-1, 280-pound incoming senior who has a lot on his plate this year.

"It's stressful, being a little kid and thinking I want to get offers and do the big old commitment and everything," said Canes defensive tackle Xayver Arrington. "I always dreamed about it, but now I have it, it is a little stressful."

Arrington is a standout athlete. He's a weightlifting champion, he holds records in track and field for discus and shot put, he plays basketball; but his true passion can be found on the football field.

"He is a natural athlete, for sure. But, he's also a really hard worker," said weightlifting coach Erin Hamilton.

That natural athleticism, along with hard work – Arrington has a 3.58 GPA – has five colleges throwing offers his way. Arrington says Stetson, Cornell, Valparaiso, Kentucky Christian and the Naval Academy have all reached out. The Naval Academy just gave the 17-year-old an official offer.

"When you talk about Xayver, he's the go-getter. I'm not surprised of his offers, I'm really not surprised, because there's going to be more to come," said Alphonso Bryant, one of Arrington's football coaches.

Another coach, Herbert James, believes the sky is the limit for Arrington.

"I see him playing defensive tackle, maybe in the NFL," said James.

Arrington was new to Coral Shores last year. He credits coaches James and Bryant for believing in him and working tirelessly to get him seen by college recruiters.

"They helped a lot," said Arrington. "After my junior year, they reached out to every coach possible, talked to every coach, getting them down here and it was hard getting on the Stretch back and forth, but they got, I think, more than 10 coaches. So I talked to a lot of schools and it blew up my recruiting as a whole."

Arrington plans to announce his commitment during halftime at the Canes home game on Aug. 26 against Felix Varela High School.

"I really just want to get it figured out now, get it done and over with, so I can enjoy my season," he said.

Arrington looks forward to playing his senior year with teammate and younger brother, sophomore Dantay Diorio.

Canes new head coach Ed Holly had this to say about Arrington.

"He has all the intangibles that you want, he's a leader, he plays with great character, he has an unbelievable motor.

“Listen, if you're good enough to play for the Naval Academy, come on, you can play at Coral Shores High," added Holly with a laugh.

For other young athletes hoping to get noticed by college recruiters, Arrington offers some advice.

"You've just got to put the work in, even when no one believes in you, you've just got to keep pushing, you'll get there eventually, you've just got to keep believing in yourself."

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

from page 4

DESANTIS BACKS ANOTHER KEYS CANDIDATE Sue Woltanski was elected to the school board in 2018. A retired pediatrician and mother of two Monroe County public school students, she has advocated not only in the Keys but also in Tallahassee as the state legislative chair of the Florida School Boards Association. She currently Sue Woltanski serves as the president-elect of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Board Members.

As to DeSantis’ endorsement of her opponent, Woltanski said the governor’s endorsement is “basically given to anyone who swears allegiance to his talking points and agenda.”

“His endorsement has heightened the partisan rhetoric in what is supposed to be a nonpartisan race,” Woltanski told the Keys Weekly. “Now, instead of focusing on real issues that affect our local schools, we are hearing a non-stop barrage of political talking points that disparage our teachers and our schools. It is hard enough to keep teachers in the current economic climate. This doesn’t help.

“If we want to keep great teachers in our classrooms, we must reject politically motivated, false narratives that denigrate our teachers and our schools, and focus on what our local teachers and schools need to be successful.”

Horan was asked about DeSantis’ endorsement in the nonpartisan race against Gabrielle Brown during a July 18 Hometown forum. He said he’s a governorendorsed candidate, and he’d say that if it was Andrew Gillum, Nikki Fried or any other governor in office.

“I’m sure many of you would like the governor to stay out of races, but I’m going to be transparent. I’m endorsed by him. I’m not running as a Republican. I’m not running as a Democrat. I’m running as a nonpartisan.

Because I believe, in this age, you need to have someone who represents all people. … I’m a product of Monroe County schools and of this environment, and I’ll continue to be a product of this environment once I sit on that dais.”

Suarez said it’s funny to hear that critics are saying that DeSantis is politicizing school board races.

“The only reason I see that DeSantis got involved in school board races is because there are school districts and certain school board members across the state that are injecting ideologies and things into school boards and school districts that have no place there. It’s not politicizing it. He’s been working to extract political, partisan politics in the state that doesn’t belong there.”

Suarez has raised close to $35,000 in campaign contributions. So far, she’s spent $17,600.

Woltanski has raised $54,700 in campaign contributions. She’s spent close to $40,300 so far. School board members serve four-year terms and make an annual salary of $33,224.

In addition to her endorsement from DeSantis, Suarez has received backing from the Republican Party of Monroe County and the 1776 Project PAC. Woltanski is endorsed by the Equality Florida Action PAC, Families Deserve Inclusive Schools and United Teachers of Monroe.

SCHOOL BOARD REJECTS 23% TAX HIKE Officials cap increase at 18% MANDY MILES

S

mandy@keysweekly.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

THE KEY WITH ‘NO NAME’ Part 1

Bahamians and European man occupied 16 homes

N

o name has been given to many of the 1,700 islands considered part of the Florida Keys archipelago, and no Name Key has been assigned to individual islands twice. One of those islands is usually overlooked by all but those living around Mile Marker 11, where the island is visible from the Overseas Highway, on the gulf side of the bridge connecting Rockland Key and Boca Chica.

Most people barely notice the small island covered in mangroves because it looks like scores of other islands dotting the shallow waters seen from the asphalt and concrete of the Overseas Highway. This island’s modern name is Anomino Key. Anomino is the Spanish word for anonymous, so its name seems particularly fitting. In 1878, however, the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey Chart #169 identified it as No Name Key. There is another island named No Name Key with a significantly larger story to tell, which is why the month of August will be spent hitting all of the island’s historical highlights.

This No Name Key has been linked to Big Pine Key since pioneer stories have been told and physically connected to the island since the construction of State Road 4A, the original Overseas Highway, circa 1928.

To reach the island from the Overseas Highway, from Big Pine Key, the second largest of all the Florida Keys, turn onto Key Deer Boulevard and then turn again at Watson Boulevard, the path of the original highway.

The road will take you to what is perhaps the island’s most established establishment, the No Name Pub. (It will be a few weeks before we get to that story.)

In 1772, cartographer John William Gerard de Brahm identified it as Edwards Island. The name proved an isolated incident. According to F.H. Gerdes’ 1849 pamphlet, Reconnaissance of the Florida Reef and all the Keys, “The Island N.

by W. from Summerlands Keys, lying between them and Little Pine Island is called No Name Key.” It has been No Name Key ever since.

According to the 1870 U.S. Census, the island had a robust population of 45 people living in at least 16 houses. By comparison, Big Pine Key had a single man named George Wilson from New York living on it. Wilson was identified as a charcoal burner; he made charcoal, a legitimate way to make money in the pioneer days. On No Name Key, the men living on the island were all identified as either

farmers or seamen. With the exception of one individual, all of those families calling the island home were Bahamians.

The exception was Nicholas Matcovich, who, at the time of the 1870 census, was identified as a 45-year-old man with a Bahamian wife named Eliza and a 1-year-old son named George. Nicholas was not Bahamian but of European descent, and his fascinating story is mostly as murky as the Louisiana Delta. Still, there are enough details from his time on No Name Key to tell a one-of-a-kind pioneer story.

In at least one document, he has been described as the King of No Name Key, and whether or not the claim bears any truth, Matcovich’s story is legendary. Who was he?

That depends on who is telling the story – at least his origin story does. Nicholas Matcovich is generally referred to as a Russian immigrant born in Austria sometime between 1827 and 1832 but also maybe in 1825. According to the 1870 census, he was 45, a number that would have put his date of birth closer to 1825.

According to an article written by R.F. McClure for the Nov. 26, 1904, edition of Atlanta’s The Sunny South, he was born in America.

As the story is presented, McClure visited No Name Key, Matcovich’s property, and interviewed the man, which, by all accounts, was not an easy thing to do. If his story is to be believed, it contradicts some aspects of the stories commonly told about him and provided amazing details about his life at No Name Key.

The usual story suggests Nicholas was born to Russian parents in Austria and that his father was a man named Johan. In this 1904 account, Nicholas referred to his father as Eli. Also, according to what is represented as a firsthand BRAD account, Nicholas was born BERTELLI in America after his parents came to the country to buy is an author, farmlands. It was after he speaker, and Florida Keys historian. was born, but while he was still a small boy, that his His latest book, “The Florida Keys father returned to DalmaSkunk Ape Files,” tia, recognized today as a is a fun blend of region of Croatia, and did two of his favorite subjects — Florida so, apparently, without his mother.

Keys history and the Skunk Ape. It was while back in Dalmatia, after Eli married a rich wife who wanted Nicholas to work in the fields, that Nicholas chose instead to sail away from his father and the fields aboard a merchant vessel where he lived a seafaring life for several years – though, according to the story, “never German vessels.”

It is generally agreed that Nicholas came to (or returned to) America circa 1848 at New Orleans and became a U.S. citizen in 1856. During the Civil War, he worked on blockade runners for the Confederacy, operating between Charleston and Havana. After the war, he moved to Jacksonville, where he met his wife, Eliza Ann Carey. From Jacksonville, they left for Key West to be closer to her Bahamian friends and family.

And that is where we will stop until next week when we dig deeper down into the dirt of the No Name Key story.

No Name Lodge, circa 1936. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION/Contributed

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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16

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

Elect Albert “AL”

KELLEY for County Court Judge

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

• Only candidate with 32 years trial experience in civil and criminal law • Only candidate to serve as magistrate for the court system the last 6 years

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• Only candidate with 14 years experience as a Supreme Court Certified Mediator • Only candidate to author five law books and over 500 legal articles

to learn about our new OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM

• Only candidate to receive the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award • Only candidate to be rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell (Highest rating given to an attorney)

Kindly RSVP by August 5.

You may bring one guest.

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17

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

BRIEFLY Bromeliad expert to give talk in Key Largo The Key Largo Civic Club, the Upper Keys Orchid and Fern & Bromeliad Society will host Terrie Bert on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Key Largo Civic Club. She will bring about 200 bromeliads from many different genera (specializing in small to medium plants) and talk about their ecology, natural habitats, and growing them in the Florida Keys. These plants will also be for sale, so you’ll have the opportunity to purchase your favorites. Bert will also include information on the ecology and history of the various genera, as well as humorous stories about growing bromeliads.

Everyone is welcome.

‘A Taste of History’ dining event upcoming The public is invited to dine and learn about the history between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, an area known as the Fills, on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at The Chart Room at Old Conch Harbor in Tavernier.

The history goes back to a time when nothing connected the islands.

Through an audio-visual presentation, guests will learn the history of when Henry Flagler filled in the area for the railway, after the 1935 Hurricane when it was destroyed, then filled in again and the building of the bridges, buildings that were on the Fills, concrete picnic tables, Hurricane Donna’s destruction and so much more.

Sponsored by the Matecumbe Historical Trust, the event includes a dinner of filet mignon with grilled marinated shrimp, roasted asparagus, red roasted potatoes, mixed field salad with balsamic vinegar dressing and Key lime pie for dessert. Guests will also receive one complimentary alcoholic beverage with a choice of wine from William Hill Estates Collection or beer. Complimentary sodas or iced tea are also available. Doors open at 6 p.m. If you have a seafood allergy, notify the historical trust in advance. The cost is $69.99 per person, including tax and gratuity.

There is limited seating, so reservations must be made in advance. Call Barbara at 305-393-0940.

Gas prices still below $4 a gallon Florida gas prices plummeted an average of 17 cents per gallon last week, continuing what is now a sevenweek streak of declines. The state average has now dropped a total of 96 cents per gallon since mid-June.

Additionally, the state average is back below $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly five months (March 6). On Sunday, the state average for regular unleaded was $3.93 per gallon. That's the lowest daily average price since March 5.

The average full tank of gas now costs about $14 less than it did when pump prices were at their peak in mid-June. At that time, when the state average was $4.89 per gallon, drivers paid $73 to fill an average 15-gallon tank of gas. Now, that same 15-gallon tank costs around $59.

"After paying almost $5 a gallon just a couple months ago, Florida drivers are likely breathing a sigh of relief when seeing gas prices back below $4 a gallon," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group.

"However, it's too early to tell just how long these sub-$4 gas prices will hang around. Oil and gasoline futures prices made notable gains last week.

This could cause falling gas prices to level out or potentially increase, but it's too early to tell."

Deputies watching known pedestrian and bike crash sites Monroe County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

In an effort to protect the safety of these most vulnerable road users, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will conduct high visibility enforcement details during the period of Aug. 4 through May 12, 2023 at high pedestrian and bicycle crash locations in Key Largo, Marathon and Stock Island. These areas are over-represented in traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

The details are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The goal of this enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.

Remember: • Drivers: obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.

• Bicyclists: obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.

• Pedestrians: cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.

U.S. House members form disaster preparedness caucus U.S. Reps. Carlos A. Gimenez (R-Florida), Troy A. Carter Sr. (DLouisiana), Joe Neguse (D-Colorado.), and Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) recently announced the formation of a bipartisan congressional disaster preparedness and recovery caucus.

This caucus is committed to working across the aisle to advance legislation and policies that provide efficient, equitable relief for disaster survivors and promotes measures that pave the path for affected communities to make a full recovery. The caucus will also advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs that help save lives, while readying America’s communities for the disasters ahead.

The co-chairs of this caucus represent regions that experience a wide variety of natural disasters ranging from hurricanes to wildfires to flooding, and have all directly navigated the disaster recovery process for their districts. They are coming together from across the political spectrum and across the country to speak in a united voice for better and improved systems for our disaster preparedness and recovery systems.

The caucus “will serve as a phenomenal tool in crafting legislation to better protect our communities prone to natural disasters,” said Gimenez, whose district includes the Keys.

“South Florida remains a high-risk area for flooding and storm damage.

Advocating for crucial funding and programs through the caucus will fortify our ability to keep South Florida the greatest place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Undersized mangrove snapper were found during a resource inspection on July 30 along Card Sound Road. FWC/Contributed

WOMEN CAUGHT WITH 25 UNDERSIZED FISH Two Miami women are facing charges after Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation says an officer found them with more than 20 undersized fish in Key Largo.

During the afternoon of July 30, officer Jessica Diaz was on patrol along Card Sound Road to conduct resource inspections. She came up to the two women to find that they caught 25 undersized mangrove snapper and three undersized schoolmaster snapper. The minimum size limit for both species is 10 inches.

In addition, the bag limit for mangrove snapper is five per day, and the bag limit for schoolmaster snapper is 10 per day, per person.

Both women will appear before a judge on their resource charges.

— Contributed

18

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

FLYING HIGH FOR 20 YEARS AND COUNTING Trauma Star flew more than 1,000 flights last year

Trauma Star flew 1,386 flights to Miami hospitals in 2021. CONTRIBUTED

T

he Trauma Star air ambulance helicopter program is on pace to set a new record in 2022 for the number of patients airlifted as the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Fire Rescue celebrate 20 years of the program’s existence.

Last year, Trauma Star crews flew 1,386 flights and carried 1,458 patients to Miami hospitals while also providing advanced life support to those patients, and the program is on pace to exceed those numbers this year.

Trauma Star is easily one of the busiest air ambulance services in the country. The national average for similar programs is 264 patients a year, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Association of Air Medical Services. The Trauma Star average is more than five times that amount.

There are now three Trauma Star helicopters, which operate out of two bases: at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport and at Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island.

The life-saving service is provided free to residents and property owners of Monroe County and continues to operate in the black.

The Trauma Star program is a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue. The Sheriff’s Office staffs the pilots and program director while the flight nurses and flight paramedics are staffed by Fire Rescue.

“I’m very proud of the partnerships between the Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners regarding this important life-saving program,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

The Trauma Star air ambulance helicopter program began under the vision of Sheriff Rick Roth in 2002. That year, the agency acquired its first helicopter. Ramsay installed a plaque at the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Division Hangar in Marathon as a permanent reminder of Roth’s vision.

— Contributed

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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20

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

O

Left: Elkhorn coral is a branching coral that used to thrive in the Keys and provide habitat for many animals.

Right: Daryl Duda’s smiling balloonfish from Key Largo has made the cut for the final set of stamps celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE/Contributed

NEW USPS STAMPS FEATURE FLORIDA KEYS MARINE LIFE

CAPTIVATING CORAL AND FRIENDLY FISH Daryl Duda, of Key Largo, often dives with Rainbow Reef Dive Center in search of marine wonders to photograph.

CONTRIBUTED

ne certain stand of elkhorn coral and one “smiley” balloonfish from the Florida Keys will be making their way around the country – as part of a new collection of stamps featuring marine life.

On Friday, Aug. 5, the U.S. Postal Service will release a collection of Forever stamps that commemorate this 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System. Images feature the different marine sanctuaries and celebrate the rich diversity of life they protect.

The National Marine Sanctuary System turns 50 on Oct. 23, 2022. According to NOAA, there are currently 15 national marine sanctuaries and two marine national monuments. This includes the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), which preserves the Florida Reef Tract and the many shipwrecks.

“For 50 years, U.S. national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments have protected areas with special ecological, cultural and historical significance,” said Kim Frum, USPS spokeswoman. “The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the nation’s underwater treasures with the release of the National Marine Sanctuaries stamps.”

Images include photographs taken by members of the public and NOAA employees. An illustrated map of the National Marine Sanctuary System is printed on the back of the pane. With the balloonfish and the endangered coral, both taken within the island chain, the Florida Keys are well represented within the 16-stamp set. Other stamps feature California sea lions, a sand tiger shark and the Farallon Islands.

FKNMS Sanctuary Superintendent Sarah Fangman said, “I’m really excited about this partnership with the USPS highlighting sanctuaries and you can be sure every piece of mail I’ll be sending will have one of these stamps on it.”

Elkhorn coral is a branching coral that used to dominate tropical reefs. It’s foundational, providing key habitat and protection for the many species of fish and invertebrates. According to NOAA, shifts in ocean temperatures and carbon levels, water quality, fishing activity and coral disease decimated local populations. This stamp immortalizes how the Keys used to look, and what coral practitioners are working to bring back.

Local diver and underwater photographer Daryl Duda snapped the balloonfish while diving on Molasses Reef with Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo.

He said, “They are probably my favorite fish to photograph as they always seem

to have a smile on their face. The hard part is shooting them straight on as they always seem to want to rotate slowly away from your camera.”

A retired audio/video/film technician for motion pictures and television, Duda now searches for images in the sea. He’s been honing his craft in underwater photography for about 15 years and always finds interesting marine life to shoot while diving with Rainbow Reef, he said.

Fangman thanked Duda for sharing the beauty of Keys waters with the world.

There are over 6,000 species that call the sanctuary home and make it a captivating place to explore, she said. “I love his image because the balloonfish seems to be smiling and its eyes are wide open: sort of like everyone who has a chance to visit these waters,” she added.

An advisory committee evaluates and selects what stamps get printed, considering up to 30,000 possible subjects each year, Frum told the Weekly.

The marine sanctuaries stamp series is a first for NOAA. “I am honored to have one of my photos in this National Marine Sanctuary that protects areas of the marine environment with special conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, cultural, archeological, scientific, educational and esthetic qualities,” Duda said. “The National Marine Sanctuaries give us hope to help save our oceans and natural American bodies of water.”

“The image of the fish taken by Daryl Duda in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a miniature masterpiece, featured on millions of stamps,” Frum said.

Each stamp currently costs 60 cents, and the pane of 16 is $9.60. They’ll always be equal in value to current First-Class Mail 1-ounce prices. The stamps go on sale at post office locations nationwide on Aug. 5. Orders can be made online at usps.com/stamps or by calling 844-7377826. USPS prints enough stamps to last roughly a year, Frum confirmed.

John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, praised this “colorful acknowledgement” of the administration’s marquee anniversary. “As these stamps show up in mailboxes across America,” he said, “we hope they’ll inspire everyone to celebrate, discover, explore and enjoy the unique wonders of the National Marine Sanctuary System.”

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022 SPONSORED BY:

TRAINING YOUNG ‘SEALS’ Camp teaches youth scuba basics & more

CONSERVATION TIP CONDITIONS A LITTLE BUMPY FOR MINI-SEASON Conditions out on the water were a little bumpy last week. The start of a two-day lobster mini-season on July 27 pushed boats to the bayside, as conditions were a little calmer there compared to the oceanside.

WINDS SHOULD CALM DOWN It looks to be a decent week for diving and exploration with winds finally calming down. … Phew.

A young diver beneath the surface of a pool with Eric Billips. CONTRIBUTED

ERIC BILLIPS

DIVE CAMP IN MEMORY OF DIVE INSTRUCTOR TEACHES YOUTH This week, we had an amazing inaugural camp is the owner, for a group of 9-year-olds. We started our first "Jeffs captain and Juniors Ocean Adventures Camp" this year and it was instructor at a huge success. The camp is in memory of Captain Jeff Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Leonia, a captain and instructor for Islamorada Dive Keys Dive Center.

Center and Forever Young Charters. The camp certiHe specializes in fied the young kids in PADI Seals course, which taught scuba, rebreather, them the basics of scuba diving and got them in the spearfishing and pool, doing compass work, fish identification and uncaptaining in the Florida Keys. derwater photography.

Day two saw them learning about shark awareness. We spent the morning in the classroom where they earned their PADI Shark Awareness certification, and the afternoon we snorkeled with some nurse sharks. Days three and four were spent with Forever Young Charters. The campers learned how to reef fish and caught dinner for the family. Those interested in next year’s camp, please contact Islamorada Dive Center for details.

Always tread lightly when enjoying the underwater world. Leave no trace — by watching your fin kicks and hand movements and always packing out what you packed (or boated) in.

I.C ARE

Nine-year-old explorers successfully complete the PADI Seals course. CONTRIBUTED

https://keydives.com

Free for Locals; space limited.

As of August, I.CARE has outplanted 5,870 corals onto the reefs. A total of 1,085 citizen-scientists have assisted in the effort to date. Islamorada Dive Center will be taking divers out for some more coral planting this Saturday. Visit icareaboutcoral.org to learn more.

Coral Outplanting Reef Clean-ups Sponge Planting www.keydives.com www.icareaboutcoral.org

22

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

REEF SURVEY

MELACHI

Explore the waters and identify common fish species of the Florida Keys with REEF. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

ID fish species with a class and some diving Hi friends! Reef the fox here with this week’s “Reef’s Report.”

Well, we are in the home stretch for our new baby fox to arrive. Mom leaves to go get him on Aug. 11 and will be home Aug. 12. I have been practicing being a very good boy, although it’s not going so well. But I am trying. I can definitely say that I have not been biting so much. Screaming is who I am, so that hasn’t changed much and, unfortunately, I have REEF taken to lifting my leg on things that I think are mine, THE FOX which is everything. But other than that, I have been perfect.

Reef is a red fox Our friends at Reef Environmental Education that was saved from a fur farm.

Foundation (REEF) are hosting a fish identification He now lives in class in the John Pennekamp State Park Visitor CenKey Largo with ter and Aquarium on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. and his human, Nicole next Thursday, Aug. 11, at the same time. During this Navarro. program, visitors will learn how to identify common fish species of the Florida Keys and learn how to become involved in citizen science projects. The program is free with paid park admission. You know I live right across the street from Pennekamp and I’ve never even been there? How weird.

Then on Friday, Aug. 5 from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., REEF and Rainbow Reef Dive Center are hosting a fish survey dive trip. The event begins with a morning class and orientation at 9:15 a.m., followed by a two-tank afternoon dive trip to find and survey all of the amazing species that can be found on our reefs. It will include a starter pack for your fish survey adventures including a dive slate, underwater survey materials and a quick reference for Fish ID in the Tropical Western Atlantic. Cost for the class, materials and dives is $125. You can also obtain your Fish ID certification as part of this process. Simply complete a PADI knowledge review that will be provided by an instructor and you can add to your collection of PADI specialties with an extra certification charge. Children are welcome. They need to be at least 10 years old to dive (certified Juniors) and can participate in expanding their knowledge of marine life.

Call to reserve your spot: (305) 451-7171.

You see what I did there, right? It is all reef themed.

Anywho, we have got quite a few incredible businesses to sponsor our fundraiser in December and are looking for a few more $100 sponsors as well as silent auction donation items. If you are interested in either, you can send me an email at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org or check out our website on the event page to learn more.

Be sure to look at the adoptable animals that appear on this page of the paper next to my column, you may just fall in love and find your new best friend!

So that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Melachi is a rottweiler/shepherd mix, about 3 ½ years old. Melachi weighs about 60 pounds and he is a big cuddle bug. He does love to run and play, but he is also a happy couch potato. Melachi comes to us as an owner-surrender. Unfortunately, his owners aren’t able to keep him where they are living. This poor boy doesn’t understand why he has to leave his home after three-plus years, so he really needs to find a loving family who will give him a second chance at a wonderful life. Melachi is friendly with all people. He gets along well with other dogs too, but does need a short time to warm up to them. If you are interested in meeting Melachi and giving him the “furever” home and the love he deserves, please complete an application at www.mprescues.org/adoption-application.

SAVE THE DATE 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.

• I.CARE dive and transplant coral at 8:30 a.m. at Islamorada Dive Center.

Book by calling 305-664-3483.

Monday, Aug. 8 • Islamorada Village Council budget workshop at 3 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada.

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

• Islamorada Village Council budget workshop at 3 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada.

• 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. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• “A Taste of History Dining Event” by the Matecumbe Historical Trust at 6 p.m. at The Chart Room at Old Conch Harbor, 90311 Old Highway, Tavernier.

Saturday, Aug. 13 • I.CARE dive and transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Key Dives, Islamorada. Book by calling 305-664-2211.

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

Wednesday, Aug. 17 • Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• Learn how to use the Family Search and Ancestry Library Editions databases during a presentation at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Thursday, Aug. 18 • Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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24

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE

Mariners Hospital a healthy work environment for nurses

CHAMPIONING A SENIOR CENTER Longtime resident can draw up some magic

EMILY STEELE

A

www.keysweekly.com

mentalist uses intuition, observation skills and psychology to perform magic. Not the performing of magic tricks, but the art of using perception to entertain an audience. Henry Rosenthal has entertained as a mentalist for 30 years in 22 foreign countries at Carnival Cruise Lines destinations and was the first “westerner” to perform in East Berlin after the wall came down in 1989.

Rosenthal’s mentalist ability began as a bartender in various restaurants and bars, many of which he owned.

It grew over time as he performed, interacted with other mentalists and studied his art form. He developed great skill at reading people and situations, and at problem solving. These he brought home with him to Islamorada and used them to grow his business, the village, and the people surrounding him.

For 30 years, Rosenthal was the largest private employer in Monroe County as owner and operator of the Green Turtle Restaurant and Cannery, Marker 88, Whale Harbor Inn and other establishments. “I got a lot of personal satisfaction as a businessman and now that I am retired, public service allows me the satisfaction of helping others,” Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal has served on many boards throughout the county including Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, Leadership Monroe County and Islamorada Village Council, where he is currently vice mayor. His goal is to provide the citizens of Islamorada the opportunity to make Islamorada shine brightly in Monroe County.

The Just Older Youth Inc. campaign for a community center recently came to Rosenthal’s attention. He said, “My interest goes back to group activities when I was a teen and went to teen centers. The JOY Center is a teen center for people over 50 and I am all for that.”

“There are groups who meet periodically at churches in the afternoon to play cards, etc., but that is not enough,” he said. “I believe I can help J.O.Y. Inc. establish a community center. I called Roman Gastesi when the old courthouse became available and I met with Denise Downing and Emily Steele to better understand what J.O.Y. Inc. is proposing to the county commissioners. If I had property available I would give it to them. It is important that the senior citizens have a place where they can continue to grow and learn.”

Walt Disney, a role model for Rosenthal, had three different rooms called “Dreamer,” “Realist” and “Critic”.

Room 1 is dedicated to dreaming and brainstorming, Room 2 is for coming up with realistic ways to make those dreams happen. Room 3 is for troubleshooting and determining any problems with the plans for implementation.

The idea of a community center has advanced to Room 3. Rosenthal is a strong supporter of Monroe County commissioners providing funding for an Upper Keys Community Center that has a permanent location, five days of lifelong learning for seniors, teens and all Upper Keys citizens. Rosenthal is adamant that he will use his expertise of observation, intuition and problemsolving to help make the Upper Keys Community Center a reality.

Baptist Health’s Mariners Hospital in Tavernier received the Pathway to Excellence designation. CONTRIBUTED

B

aptist Health’s Mariners Hospital in Tavernier recently received the Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The designation is a global credential that highlights an organization’s commitment to creating a healthy work environment where nurses feel empowered and valued. The organization recognizes that nurses are an integral part of the health care team, with a voice in policy and practice. Pathway nurses are engaged, resulting in higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety and better patient outcomes.

“Being recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth consecutive time is a huge honor, and we could not be more proud,” said Ron Burke, vice president and chief nursing officer of Mariners Hospital.

“This builds on our hospital’s legacy of being the first in the state of Florida to achieve Pathway designation status, and is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire nursing staff.”

As a Pathway organization, Mariners Hospital leads the effort to enhance quality of care, patient and nursing safety, and the future of healthcare delivery.

“The recognition raises the bar for patient care and inspires every member of our team to continue to achieve excellence on a daily basis,” said Drew Grossman, chief executive officer of Mariners Hospital. “We look forward to continuing to serve the community with the high-quality care that they have grown to trust from Baptist Health and the team at Mariners Hospital.”

More information on the Pathway to Excellence program is at nursingworld.org/pathway.

— Contributed

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

MORTGAGE RATES VA 3.875% FHA 3.875% CONVENTIONAL 4.375% JUMBO 4.625%

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

BRIAN TEWES President NMLS#375025 305-453-6476

10095 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 NMLS#1453791, info@TewesMortgage.com www.Tewes Mortgage.com

SE HABLA ESPANOL These rates are as of August 2nd, 2022 and are for purchases of a primary single family residence. VA: APR 4.137%, 660 credit score, 100% financing. FHA: APR 4.511%, 640 credit score, 3.5% down payment. Conventional: APR 4.781%, 720 credit score, 5% down payment. Jumbo: APR 4.861%, 760 credit score, 20% down payment. Interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are based on current rates and are subject to change without notice. Mortgage insurance may be required depending on loan guidelines.

If mortgage insurance is required, the mortgage insurance premium could increase the APR. NMLS Consumer Access: NMLSConsumerAccess.org

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

FAMILIAR FACES, NEW ROLES Three Keys high schools change coaching lineups TRACY MCDONALD www.keysweekly.com

A

s the summer comes to a close, Keys schools are gearing up for a brand-new year and a brand-new season of sports. While we may not experience typical seasonal transformations here in Monroe County, we can look forward to some highly anticipated changes such as fewer tourists, a slight break in the weather and the return of prep sports.

The Florida State Athletic Association’s official starting day for students to begin practicing most fall sports was Aug 1. Before student-athletes could participate in workouts, and before coaches began their practice plans, the athletic directors at each of the three Monroe County high schools were busy updating paperwork, scheduling games and, perhaps most importantly, hiring new coaches.

This fall, the Upper Keys will see two new coaches, but the faces will be familiar. Returning to his role as head football coach at Coral Shores High School is Ed Holly. Joining Holly is Autumn Hager, who will be taking on the responsibility as head girls volleyball coach.

The Middle Keys will also welcome two returning coaches to new head varsity roles this season. Darby Sheehan will step into the girls cross country position and Kelley Cruz will be taking over as the girls volleyball coach.

Key West will see one new varsity coach this season in Mark Coleman, who will become the head cross country coach for the Conchs.

ED HOLLY, Coral Shores, football Coral Shores was buzzing with excitement when it was announced that Holly would return as head football coach this season. He built a solid program during his first stint with the Hurricanes, from 2011 through 2015, and warmly recalls the friendly rivalry among Monroe County teams.

“I remember going to Marathon and playing in 2011. Lance Martin was the coach and Mac (Childress, head coach at MHS) was coaching with him,” said Holly, who looks forward to continuing the tradition of in-county play.

“The better every team is in Monroe County, the better the competition gets and the better we all will be.”

In addition to Holly’s varsity experience, he coached at the collegiate level when he took a job as defensive coordinator at East Mississippi Community College, made famous by the documentary television series “Last Chance U,” in which Holly appeared during season 2. When asked how being a television personality compared to coaching football, Holly laughed and said, “It was difficult, actually. If I wanted to be a TV star, I would have moved to California. I’m about making better brothers, fathers and husbands by coaching.”

From Scooba, Mississippi, Holly traveled back to Florida to coach at Westminster Christian School while maintaining his home in the Upper Keys. Now that he has returned to the place he feels most at home, Holly will get to work immediately building on the traditions already in place at Coral Shores. “Right now I’m getting to know the guys and they have a strong sense of character,” he said. “I love the great family values here. It’s fun to coach guys like that.”

In addition to his vast experience in football, Holly has coached a variety of sports in his 30-plus-year tenure as a mentor. “At small schools, you do a little of everything,” he said, ticking off track and field, weightlifting and wrestling as other coaching roles he has held over the years.

Holly and the Hurricanes have been busy this summer, building teamwork and unity in the area of fundraising and community service and look forward to getting back on the field this week. For a full interview with Holly, check out this week’s episode of the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap podcast.

AUTUMN HAGER, Coral Shores, girls volleyball Autumn Hager has been a valuable member of the Coral Shores coaching staff for four years as a volunteer and assistant JV and varsity coach. In addition to taking on the head varsity role, Hager started a co-ed volleyball club at the school in a sport she clearly loves.

In the little free time she has between coaching, working for Monroe County’s Take Stock in Children program and being a mother to two little girls, Ava and Isla, she plays indoor and beach volleyball for fun.

The Florence, Kentucky native enjoys traveling, boating and fishing with her family and is an avid collegiate sports fan. During her school career, Hager also participated in track and field and was her school’s homecoming queen.

It’s clear she is not merely a recreational player, though, bringing personal talent and a high level of play to the Hurricanes’ team. After playing volleyball for her high school and club teams, Hager went on to play at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky on scholarship. While there, she won two conference rings and set several individual records. This higher-level experience will be crucial to her team’s success this fall.

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

DARBY SHEEHAN, Marathon, girls cross country Darby Sheehan is relatively new to the Keys. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver and Oklahoma City and has a passion for distance running, her dogs Luckey and Zeke, and Harry Potter. She moved to the Keys just over two years ago to work as a marine mammal trainer at Dolphin Connection and immediately signed on as a volunteer pole vault coach with Marathon’s track and field team. Late last school year, Sheehan took a teaching position in the middle school. In 2022, she will add the title of varsity girls cross country coach to her list of responsibilities.

Sheehan is a veteran runner ready to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of athletes. “I was a track athlete during my time in middle school and high school and now enjoy distance running and racing in ultramarathons,” she said. “Training for these races is how I have gained my knowledge and experience with distance running.”

This season, she and returning coach Jim Murphy have worked out a plan to help turn Marathon into a perennial powerhouse of runners. “This year, coach Murphy and I have decided we would like to work on strength with the team,” said Sheehan. “Running and racking up miles is important for distance runners, but so is strength training. Working on building strength and speed will not only help the team become better runners, but it will play a pivotal role in helping prevent injuries as they progress in their running seasons and careers.”

Whether their new focus pays off will become apparent in late August when regular season races begin. The Fins’ schedule has yet to be finalized.

KELLEY CRUZ, Marathon, girls volleyball Cruz certainly is not new to Marathon, nor is she new to coaching Dolphin sports. Born and raised in the Keys, she was a standout athlete, playing Division I soccer at FIU before making the return to her hometown to teach at Marathon High.

Last year, she was the head boys soccer coach and JV volleyball coach.

This year, she has stepped up to the varsity level in girls volleyball, and is making the most of the opportunity by picking up right where the team left off last season. “KB Free (former head coach Kevin Freeman) left me with a group of young women that are dedicated to the game,” she said. “Getting to work with them this year should be fun and challenging.”

Cruz spoke highly of Freeman and described herself as his “understudy,” adding, “One thing that I will personally be working on is how to maintain Coach Freeman’s organizational skills.

Not only was he a great coach to his players, but also a great coach to the JV and middle school.”

Cruz will rely on a positive mindset to advance the skills of her team and individual players, explaining that positivity “brings the ability to allow the players to take the lead.” She and the Lady Fins will bring their positivity to the courts for the first time on Thursday, Aug. 18 for a preseason tournament at home.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST In the coming weeks, look for comprehensive coverage of each high school sport’s preseason outlook, and don’t forget to check out more weekly coverage and live interviews on the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast.

MARK COLEMAN, Key West, cross country Key West High School’s lone varsity hire this fall is Coleman, who moved here nearly 10 years ago and has been teaching first at Sigsbee and now at Key West High School. He is no newcomer to coaching, adding a local youth running program last year to his long list of coaching experiences with youth and adult runners.

The Maryland native holds several state championships in running, including his favorite event, the 800m.

He has competed on the track and in triathlons and Ironman events, and attributes his successes to a strong work ethic and love of the sport. “The nice thing about distance runners is you can work really hard and get good, so that’s why I love running and working with these kids, because they just put their nose to the grindstone and have a little bit of grit and can get pretty far,” he said.

In addition to his teaching certifications, which include science, physical education, health and exceptional student education, Coleman boasts multiple advanced training certifications. The team can expect to learn a multitude of ways to hone the nuances of the sport and to improve their times. Coleman plans to focus on “really working on pacing and strength” as well as proper breathing, functional movements and working the hills as well as flats.

Clearly a fan of the sport, Coleman described distance running as “a beautiful, pure thing.” Part of his philosophy is integrating the “why” with the “do.”

“I think it’s important to teach them why they’re doing the things they do instead of just going out and saying ‘Do this,’” he said. “I think that will help them develop an appreciation and understanding.”

Coleman and Justin Martin, Key West’s athletic director, are finalizing the Conchs’ cross country schedule this week.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

BESTSELLERS • EXPANSIVE CHILDREN'S SECTION LOCAL AUTHORS • GIFTS & GIFT CARDS • LOYALTY PROGRAM

Swimmers make the turn around Alligator Lighthouse during the swim in 2021. DAVID GROSS/ Weekly File Photo

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A LAP AROUND ALLIGATOR Annual swim event supports historic lighthouse

N

early 500 solo and relay team open-ocean swimmers will attempt to complete the annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Saturday, Sept. 10, a unique endurance challenge in Atlantic Ocean waters off Islamorada.

Individuals and two-, three- and four-person teams must conquer the 8-mile round trip in less than eight hours. To compete as an individual, a participant must show proof of completing a prior 1,650-meter or 1-mile swim in 45 minutes or less. All swimmers must have a support kayaker.

Originally sanctioned by the World Open Water Swimming Association, the event features an in-water start and beach finish at the host hotel, Amara Cay Resort at MM 80.5 oceanside.

First- through fifth-place solo and relay team finishers will win awards in male, female and mixed divisions. All successful participants receive a finisher medal and souvenir towel.

Early-bird check-in and packet pickup is set for 4 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 8, at Amara Cay. An informal meet-up social is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co. at 200 Morada Way. Participants also can check in Friday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Amara Cay. Saturday, wave starts for swimmers will begin by 7:45 a.m.

All swimmers must exit the water by 3:30 p.m. An awards ceremony with dinner begins at 6 p.m. at La Siesta Resort, located at MM 80.2 oceanside.

Entry fee is $210 for solo swimmers, $200 per person for a two-person team, $190 per person for a three-person team and $180 per swimmer on four-person relay teams. All swimmers must provide their safety-kayaker information to race officials.

Online registration is available and the field will be capped at 490 swimmers, according to race officials.

The event is a fundraising effort for the Islamorada-based Friends of the Pool Inc., a nonprofit group that in 2021 was granted ownership of Alligator Reef Lighthouse under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. The group intends to restore the 148-year-old beacon.

Alligator Reef Lighthouse is named after the USS Alligator, a U.S. Navy schooner that ran aground and sank on the reef in 1822.

— Contributed

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

ARTFUL ADDITIONS

Cuban boat, paintings displayed at FKHDC

T

he Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation is opening two new displays.

The Cuban boat exhibit talks about the many modes of transport that immigrants from Cuba and other Caribbean countries have used to reach the Florida Keys shores. This display is outside the museum and free to the public.

“We have been told this boat is actually considered a ‘Cadillac,’ as most arrived on rafts, chugs and balsas,” said Rich Russell, board chairman.

A recent addition to the first-floor exhibits is a display of Flagler Railroad and Marathon train station paintings by noted Key West/Miami Beach philanthropist Albert Perez, who passed away in 2007. These paintings were donated by Kelly Moran, in honor of her parents, Clifford and Lucille Moran, who purchased them from The Caboose Restaurant when it closed in Marathon.

“Kelly was honored that the museum accepted these and they can now be on display where others might enjoy a glimpse into the past,” said Bonnie Barnes, executive director.

— Contributed

A recent addition to the first-floor exhibits is a display of Flagler Railroad and Marathon train station paintings by noted Key West/Miami Beach philanthropist Albert Perez.

The Cuban boat exhibit is located outside the Keys History & Discovery Center and open to the public. KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER/Contributed

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

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32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

FUNDRAISER PAINTS UP FUNDS FOR LOCAL HEALTH CLINIC Community members took to their seats and channeled their inner artist for an evening of painting with famed artist Pasta Pantaelo in Key Largo on July 30. The event was organized by Yvette Doherty, local contestant for Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna fundraiser.

Left: A room of artists spend an evening painting with Pasta Pantaleo.

Top: Winner of Pasta’s painting raffle, Denise Friou, center, with Pasta Pantaleo and Yvette Doherty.

Contributed photos.

‘STUFF THE BUS’

Back-to-school campaign supports local students

H

ow can you help ensure local children are equipped with everything they need to excel in school? Join the United Way of Collier and the Keys’ efforts to raise funds for “Stuff the Bus” before Aug. 31.

All contributions go directly to fund the needs of Monroe County students. More than ever, Florida Keys children need the community’s help.

With nearly half of Keys families unable to afford life’s basic needs, many children return to school each year at a disadvantage.

With costs of necessities skyrocketing, the United Way is helping all local children be equipped for success.

United Way of Collier and the Keys’ annual “Stuff the Bus” program is the largest back-to-school readiness campaign in Monroe County. It provides support through each of the 16 local schools and ensures that all students have the necessities and opportunities they need throughout the school year.

Every dollar collected for “Stuff the Bus” goes directly to supporting Monroe County school children. Financial donations allow the schools to provide important educational items and other supplies and expenses that are essential for a successful school year. “Stuff the Bus” is only possible due to the continued generosity of individuals, businesses, and civic groups in Monroe County.

Donations may be made before Aug. 31: • Online at KeysUnitedWay.org by clicking on the red Donate button.

• By check: Please write Stuff the Bus in the memo line and mail to P.O. Box 2143, Key West, FL 33040.

• Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations.

More details are available at KeysUnitedWay.org/StuffTheBus. ­— Contributed

The “Stuff the Bus” campaign in Monroe County is underway.

CONTRIBUTED

33

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

NOTICE OF HEARING TO IMPOSE AND PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF STORMWATER SERVICE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

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 STUCK IN PARADISE COMMUNICATIONS located at 139 1st Rd, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Jo Nell Modys Publish: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

By: Bowline Hospitality IV, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: August 4, 2022 and August 11, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statutes (Section 83.801 – 83.809). The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding on August 19, 2022, at 10:00am. The following: #455 Mark/Jennifer Noah: home goods, electronics, tools etc. will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website at storagetreasures.com.

All purchased items sold as is.

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

Publish: August 4 & 11, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly.

This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District I 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: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KNIGHTS KEY INN located at 40 Kyle Way W., Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Notice is hereby given that the City Commission of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will conduct a public hearing to consider imposing stormwater service assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2022, against properties located within the incorporated area of the City, to fund the cost of stormwater management services, facilities and programs provided to such properties and to authorize collection of such assessments on the tax bill.

The public hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. on August 25, 2022 at the City Hall Auditorium, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 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 City Commission within 20 calendar days of the date of this notice. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the 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.

It is the policy of the City of Key Colony Beach to comply with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons who need accommodations in order to attend or participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk at 305-289-1212 at least 48 hours prior to this meeting in order to request such assistance.

The Stormwater Service Assessments are proposed to fund the City's cost to provide Stormwater Management Services in the area shown above. The Stormwater Service Assessments are imposed upon each lot and parcel within the City for services and facilities provided by the stormwater management utility. For purposes of imposing the Stormwater Service Assessment, all lots and parcels within the City are classified into the following two customer classes: (1) Residential, which includes vacant properties zoned residential and (2) Commercial, which includes governmental, hotels and other.

The Stormwater Service Assessment imposed shall be the rate of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) per residential unit or residential vacant lot or one hundred thirty dollars ($130.00) per commercial parcel. The total annual stormwater assessment revenue to be collected within the City of Key Colony Beach for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $102,000.

Copies of the ordinance and other legal documentation for the assessment program are available for inspection at the City Clerk's office, located at City Hall - 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051.

If you have any questions, please contact the City at 305-289-1212, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 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.

CITY COMMISSION OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA Publish: August 4, 2022, The Weekly Newspapers

305.743.0844

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KNIGHTS KEY SUITES located at 40 Kyle Way W., Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Bowline Hospitality IV, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: August 4, 2022 and August 11, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

John Woltz, D.O. is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Medical Group Primary Care at the following location effective July 30, 2022: 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 17, Marathon, FL 33050.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may log into our patient portal at myBaptistHealth.net, or can call 786-595-8220 to request a records release.

Publish: August 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Meeting Notice Monroe County Land Authority The Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee will meet in the Marathon Government Center located at 2798 Overseas Highway, Media Room – 1st floor, Marathon, Florida on August 8, 2022 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The agenda is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by contacting the Monroe County Land Authority office at 305-295-5180.

ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be held by the Board of County Commissioners (the "Board") of Monroe County, Florida (the "County") on August 17, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Board meeting room of the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, for the purpose of receiving comments and hearing discussion concerning the County's proposed issuance of not to exceed $50,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Monroe County, Florida Airport Revenue Bonds (Key West International Airport), Series 2022 and possibly other related indebtedness (collectively, the "Bonds"), pursuant to a resolution to be considered for adoption by the Board on August 17, 2022, as supplemented.

The Bonds will be issued to: (1) finance and refinance the costs of certain capital improvements to the Key West International Airport (the "Airport"), including the development, construction and equipping of a new second-level concourse of approximately 48,805 square feet ("Concourse A") consisting of: (A) seven gates all fitted with passenger boarding bridges, holdroom areas, passenger circulation space, concession areas, restrooms, a nursing room, a pet relief area, building support areas, including mechanical rooms, IT/Communication rooms, an electrical room, elevator, storage, janitors closet, and stair areas and (B) a ground (apron) level below Concourse A to support a new baggage make-up area and device(s), tug lanes, airline ramp space, ramp equipment storage and circulation space (collectively the "Project"); (2) fund necessary deposits to the reserve account securing the Bonds; (3) capitalize a portion of the interest of the Bonds; and (4) pay costs related to the issuance of the Bonds.

The Project will be located at Key West International Airport, 3491 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida. The County will own and operate the Project which will be part of the Airport.

All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing and to, either personally or through their representatives, present oral or written comments and discussion concerning the proposed plan of finance.

Written comments may also be

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

submitted prior to the hearing at the Office of the County Attorney, 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, Florida 33040, Attention: County Attorney. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed Captioning is available at our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the County after the hearing will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

The public hearing is required

by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

Subsequent to the public hearing, the Board will consider whether to approve the issuance of the Bonds as required by Section 147(f) of the Code. Any person interested in the issuance of the Bonds or the location or nature of the Project may appear and be heard.

By order of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida.

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA David Rice, Mayor Board of County Commissioners Publish: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 26th 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: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 25-4(d) (1) OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; INCREASING MAXIMUM RATES FOR WRECKER OPERATORS IN THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY WHO PROVIDE MOTOR VEHICLE TOWING AND STORAGE AT THE REQUEST OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER; REVISING RATES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the August 17 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., Suite 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 2nd day of August 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St., Suite 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 2nd day of August 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

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 AMENDING MONROE COUNTY CODE SECTION 2-79 REGARDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE MONROE COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REVIEW BOARD TO ELIMINATE REFERENCES TO THE EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COMMITTEE AND TO PROVIDE ANOTHER METHOD FOR SELECTING NON-SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES TO SERVE ON THE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REVIEW BOARD; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the 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

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 AMENDING CHAPTER 18 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE TO ADD A NEW SECTION 18-4 PROHIBITING SMOKING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC PARKS AND BEACHES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the 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 2nd day of August 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENT 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

NOTICE OF INTENT 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, AMENDING SECTION 25-7(h) OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; DELETING THE DEFINTION OF PERMITTING OFFICIAL; DELETING THE REQUIREMENT FOR AN OPERATING PERMIT; INCREASING MAXIMUM RATES FOR NONCONSENSUAL TOWING SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the August 17 meeting, which will be posted beginning on August 5, 2022 at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. The

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY RESOLUTION 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 resolution: A resolution of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners authorizing the exchange of lands between Monroe County and the State of Florida for the purposes of resolving a boundary dispute and eliminating multiple encroachments. This resolution addresses property on which the Big Pine Key fire station is located and houses the former senior meal site and two Forestry Service houses. The property adjoins the former Department of Corrections Road Prison property now leased by the State to the College of the Florida Keys. There are multiple buildings encroaching on the property lines. The result is a land exchange agreement in which all state agencies’ buildings will be on state land and all County buildings will be on County land. The exchanged areas are approximately the same in area and appraised value. This exchange does not affect the College’s agreement with the State for use of the former road prison.

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 1st day of August 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES of County Commissioners Of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 4 & 11, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: MTH Storage Hangars Rehabilitation MONRE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar 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 Wednesday, September 14, 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: MTH Storage Hangars Rehabilitation 9-14-22 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on September 14, 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: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: MCSO Stock Island Flood Protection Panels Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 8, 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: MCSO Stock Island Flood Protection Panels 9-8-2022 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 8, 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: August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 4, 2022.

Signed on this 1st day of August, 2022.

Personal Representative: STEVEN J. ADAMCZYK 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 300 Naples, FL 34108 Attorney for Personal Representative: Steven J. Adamczyk Florida Bar No. 60260 Varnum LLP 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 300 Naples, FL 34108 Telephone: 239-241-7384 Email: sjadamczyk@varnumlaw. com Publish: August 4 & 11, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000093-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DANIEL MARTIN BLANDFORD, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DANIEL MARTIN BLANDFORD, deceased, whose date of death was November 2, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite #2, 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 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

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

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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: 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

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

33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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

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

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 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

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

LEGAL NOTICES 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 Publish: July 28 & August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers 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 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

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: July 14, 21 & 28 and August 4, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483 AUTOS FOR SALE PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! BOATS FOR SALE 2001 ProLine Express 30' located in Key Colony Beach. 2016 twin 250hp Suzuki 4 stroke, less than 75 hours. 300 gal. gas tank, freshwater tank, elec. head, cabin sleeps two. $40,000 954-849-5650 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

2008 Triumph 19.5' 140hp Suzuki 200 hours, bimini top, electronics, covers, no rips on cushions, live well, trolling motor, push pole, life jackets, and trailer.

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

PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT Warehouse space for rent in Marathon. 1000 sq. ft. on 1st floor & 500 sq ft. on 2nd floor - 1500 sq. ft total. Call 305-481-7557 Storage space located on Peter Jay Street in Marathon. 1,800 sq. ft. (2) 12X14 roll up doors. Small office with A/C. $2,400/ month 305-393-0643 PLACE YOUR COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305743-0844 TODAY! EMPLOYMENT UPPER KEYS

Boat Rental Business in Tavernier looking for someone w/exp. docking & launching boat in tight quarters. Mechanical exp. a plus. Open til 8p.

Compensation based on experience. 305-896-2219

EMPLOYMENT UPPER KEYS

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Part and Full time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours.

Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours.

Please stop by and fill out an application, drop off resume or Fax to 3 0 5 - 8 5 2 - 9 6 3 9 Hiring excavator operators, deckhands, & boat operators in Key Largo.

40/hrs per week MondayFriday.

305-440-3304 HIRED!!!

EMPLOYMENT MIDDLE KEYS

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - Concrete Field Testing Technician needed. Full-time. Year round. We train you to go to various job sites and collect samples. Vehicle provided. Must speak English, live in Marathon area and have clean driving record. Starting pay $18/hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. 3057 4 3 - 5 5 5 5 NOW HIRING - Full Time Seafood Packers/Graders.

Competitive Wage. Apply in person at Keys Fisheries Fish House, 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon. EOE DFWP Marathon Auto Air looking for Counter Help - full-time. Pay based on experience.

Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884 Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon is looking for a part-time cashier Thu/Fri/Sat. Please call 305-743-2281.

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 www.ci.marathon.fl.us 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.

EMPLOYMENT 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.

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@ s we e t s a v a n n a h s. c o m 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 305-743-0844 TODAY! HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

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

Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! HOUSING FOR RENT Large Studio Bedroom Suite in Conch House in Marathon - Funrnished. $1,750/month includes utilities for 1 person.

Second person additional $$.

F/L/S No Pets. 305-610-8002

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HOUSING FOR RENT 3 BR/2 BA home for rent in the Middle Keys. 75' premium dock. $3,500/month + utilities.

F/L/S 786-229-0228 1 BR/1 BA Efficiency for rent in Marathon.

3-4 months lease. Own entrance. 2 parking spots. $1,350/mo. 305-417-0346 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

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

YARD SALES

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: cutter, fabric, rice paper, 251 W. Indies Drive, costume jewelry and so Ramrod Key | Fri., Aug. many beads. Follow signs 5 & Sat., Aug. 6, 9am to and park w consideration Photos: Facebook 1pm both days | Sale @ J waterfront home near ( @ s a r a s e s t a t e s a l e s ) .

Looe Key Tiki, MM27 ocean. 5 showstoppers: intricate Mola quilt, PLACE YOUR YARD Christine W. Black SALE AD here for only watercolors, vintage capiz $25.00/week for up to chandelier, huge mosaic five lines of copy. Call TODAY! table & dichroic glass 305-743-0844 seahorses. Plus vintage FL postcards, 2 queen beds, wicker dressers, sidetables, recliners, URGENTE  NECESITAMOS ASISTENTES couch, bookcases & eclectic lamps.HHA Also tools, DE SALUD EN EL ÁREA DE KEY LARGO bike & kayak racks. Seller a serious hobbyist: sewing machine & cabinet, loom, yarn, beads, soap & candy molds, tile cutter, bottle

DENTAL HYGIENIST NEEDED! COME JOIN A GREAT TEAM! Located in Key West Earn up to $99,500 per year based on experience • $10,000 Sign-On Bonus • •

CALL US TODAY AT 305-294-6696

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

NOW HIRING 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

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

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

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/ INSTRUCTOR The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions.

DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse field required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Office located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

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

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

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

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

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

37

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 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

NOW HIRING

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time • 401K Employer Match • Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing • Fun, Fast-Paced Environment • Great Hours

Key West

Full Time Teller Customer Service Representative Human Resources Specialist Loan Processor Senior Commercial Credit Analyst Commercial Lender

Big Pine Full Time Teller

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.

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

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

38

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 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

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Licensed & Insured #SP33799

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Authorized Dealer

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When It Rains It Pours!

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

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

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BEST SERVICE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS CGC1523838

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QUALITY ELECTRIC BIKE RENTALS IN THE UPPER KEYS

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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

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

39

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

Pilates in Paradise in Tavernier is celebrating 20 years. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

‘PILATES IS HER SUPERPOWER’ Tavernier studio celebrates 20 years CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

O

n a recent Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

— while many of us were still blinking awake over our coffee mugs — the Pilates in Paradise studio in Tavernier was humming with activity.

In the back of the room, owner Christi Allen Franchini led two apprentice teachers through a floor mat exercise; on the right side, next to the mirrors, staffer Chris Hoguet watched as a client stretched on Pilates equipment.

“Flex, point, roll down, over, flex, point, again,” said Franchini kindly, yet firmly. She stood erect with perfect posture, her eyes bright and alert, hair springing outward in curls.

“Keep that back line, that’s right,” she continued. “Don’t drop the legs, Deb.” Franchini took a quick break to chat with an observer. “Like I was saying, pilates is my superpower. But I have an injury, so I am getting physical therapy. All of us here at the studio have injuries and issues. … And what is really good to know is: PT is not forever.

Pilates is forever,” she said.

Suddenly, she turned her attention back to her apprentices. “Make sure you put the pelvis down before spinning your legs,” she called out.

Franchini’s passion for Pilates has been a through line in her life, giving her the focus and resilience to create a successful business with two studios, a teacher certification program, philanthropic efforts and plenty of happy students. Toss a rock in the Upper Keys, and you’ll probably hit someone who either knows Franchini or has gone to Pilates in Paradise, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Bear in mind: That means Franchini’s business prospered despite the

2009 recession, Hurricane Irma and the pandemic.

“Christi is very persistent and persuasive,” said Carolyn Cochrane, a longtime student. “When she first started she was in (a small office in Key Largo). Whenever she would relocate, she’s always been trying to improve her facility, and she’s done a great job.”

And she certainly seems to have it all. She’s happily married to boat captain Victor Franchini and mom to two children. But as with any superhero origin story, Franchini has hit her share of challenges. She had a less-than-sterling college career in Washington State, then she opened — and closed — a clothing boutique in Tallahassee. Twenty years ago, she found her way to the Florida Keys as a personal trainer, but she had a setback when she tore the ACL in her knee. After two surgeries, she could no longer run. While her body healed, she practiced Pilates.

“I thought I was going to be a wreck,” she said. “But because of Pilates, I was able to run after taking two years off. … The doctors were amazed.”

She was hooked, and a business was born. She wanted to give students the vitality that Pilates had given her. She took a teacher certification program in New York under Joe Pilates’ protégé Romana Kryzanowska.

“I love this part of Pilates,” she said. “It feeds my soul — helping everyday people that deal with physical limitations that don’t allow them to say yes to life. … Pilates opens the door to being able to say yes to things you want to do.”

A few years back, Hoguet found himself at a crossroads. As a disabled veteran, he

wanted to give back to other vets while also finding a vocation that was healing. He discovered Pilates in Paradise’s special program for veterans, who can take classes at a discounted rate. The project was created by former staffer Kerri Bender (who has since moved). Bender and Franchini encouraged Hoguet to be a teacher himself, and he jumped at the opportunity.

“Pilates in Paradise has had a big effect on my life,” he said.

“My pain level has dramatically decreased, and it has given me the opportunity to help others.”

Franchini has created a family of happy students, and they are not all the lithe, skinny, finely sculpted models that popular culture may have us believe. They are everyone from high school football players to mothers who have just given birth. One longtime student, Pat Miller, is 87 and has had knee, shoulder and hip replacements.

As for the future, Franchini is planning a Pilates-themed boat cruise and continuing her teacher certification program so she can spread her message up and down the Keys.

“Yesterday, I worked with a client who, when she first came to me, walked in bent over and crooked with nerve pain down her leg. Some years later, she showed me pictures of her dancing and dropping it like it’s hot. … Pilates is an exercise method that heals your body. When you do it with proper alignment and proper mechanics, it will change your life.”

More information about Pilates in Paradise studios in Ocean Reef and Tavernier is available at info@pilatesinparadise.net, 305453-0801 or @PilatesInParadise on Facebook.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 4, 2022

Islamorada: 305.664.4444 Marathon: 305.743.7636 Big Pine Key: 305.735.4962 Key West: 305.294.5155 www.KeysRealEstate.com

170 Sapodilla Drive, Lower Matecumbe 4 bed / 3.5 bath - 4,512 SF - Gated estate residence Over 500ft of Bayfront - Pristine private luxury resortstyle residence - Marked features include waterfall, infinity edge heated & chilled pool.

MLS#601215 - Offered at $12,500,000 THE JUDE LINDBACK TEAM 305.522.1370

75691 Overseas Highway, Lower Matecumbe 2 bed / 2 bath - 1,331 SF - Stunning unobstructed views - Pool - Dockage - Open living floor plan Spacious pool deck - Weekly rentals w/ rental history Adjacent vacant lot also offered as a package MLS#601704 - Offered at $4,690,000 LISA FRINS 305.522.1479

75433 Overseas Highway, Lower Matecumbe

324 Woods Avenue, Plantation Key 5 bed / 3 bath - 2,252 SF - Rare & unique find Open kitchen, dining, and living room - Infinity edge pool - Spacious outdoor sitting area & bar 60' dock - 2 boat lifts, 10k lb lift & jet ski lift

298 Burgundy Drive, Key Largo 3 bed / 3 bath - 1,950 SF - Unobstructed ocean views - Oceanfront home - Open living area Elevator & stairs for 2nd floor access - Expansive garage for all the toys - Dock in process MLS#601097 - Offered at $2,500,000 LISA FRINS 305.522.1479

128 Tequesta Street, Plantation Key 2 bed / 3ba - 1,240 SF - Perfect vacation or forever home - Open concept layout 2 boat lifts (15k lb & 7k lb) - Pool - Bar & Tiki hut Enjoy your own private oasis

MLS#601848 - Offered at $2,555,000

SUE BAKER-BATSFORD 305.394.8084

4 bed / 4 bath - 2,024 SF - Not one, but TWO dwellings - Large oceanfront parcel - Resort feel Completely renovated - Pool - Tiki hut - Boat ramp Observation dock - Plenty of room to entertain MLS#601922 - Offered at $4,200,000

KELSEY CAPUTO 305.363.9998

MLS#601242 - Offered at $1,375,000

BRANDI HORTON 305.393.1047

To view all listings go to: www.keysrealestate.com or scan qr code below

94825 Overseas Highway 231, Key Largo 3 bed / 3 bath - 1,704 SF - Immaculate home - Located in gated community - Amenities include: boat ramp, pool, clubhouse, marina, tennis courts, and more - Spacious open living floor plan - Storage room - Covered parking MLS#601674 - Offered at $1,200,000 LISA FRINS 305.522.1479

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1511 Shaw Drive, Key Largo Vacant Land - 13,500 Lot SF - Ready to build! Active permit, ready to picked up - Canal front - Located in the prestigious twin lakes neighborhood - Plans for 3/3 custom designed home - Already fenced yard MLS#601853 - Offered at $1,250,000 DJ MILLER 305.879.2064

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