1 1¢Only 253 more days until school’s out. MORE MIGRANT LANDINGS concernvesselsOverloadedcause|P.10 SUPER SPREAD Butter shop opens in Key Largo | P. 39
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Increases to monthly renters must come with 60-day notice, per village ordinance JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com An ordinance approved by the Islamorada Village Council requires residential landlords to provide 60 days notice if they increase rent on their monthly tenants by more than PIXABAY/Contributed5%.
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“It’s like a ski resort out west where all the work ers are outside and they have to come from the mountain to go to work. We’re getting into the very same thing right here,” he said.
MORE TIME FOR TENANTS
Landlords who raise a monthly tenant’s rent by more than 5% must give more notice, per an ordinance Islamorada council members ap proved on Aug. 4. In June, the dais directed the village’s law firm to draft an ordinance that mirrors Miami-Dade Coun ty’s new law requiring landlords to give advance notice. For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give 60 days written notice. As of now, landlords only need to give 15 days notice to a tenant paying month to Councilmanmonth.Mark Gregg brought forth the proposal. He said there are limited opportunities for people to find a new place to live on such short notice.“It’s only fair to the folks who work here and take care of us to be given a fair opportunity to seek alternative housing arrangements and get 60 days to do that,” Gregg said. Before the dais gave its approval, three Islamo rada residents who are monthly renters took to the podium to express their support of the measure.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK 800 Around 800 participants from 32 states and Canada have begun the search to find and remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem. It’s part of the Florida Python Challenge, which kicked off Aug. 5. The competition ends Aug. 14. Participants are eligible to win cash prizes. Monroe County Schools welcomed students back to the classroom on Aug. 10.
John Quick, interim village attorney, said the ordinance provides a defense for tenants whose landlords give them less than 60 days notice of the rent“Ifincrease.landlords gave 15 days notice, and they (the tenant) didn’t move out because they knew about the 60 days notice, and the landlord issued evic tion proceedings, that would be a defense that the landlord did not comply with Islamorada code,” he said. “As a result, the termination would be invalid and the landlord, I believe, would need to start all overViceagain.”Mayor Henry Rosenthal voted in favor of the ordinance. But he said month-to-month renters facing increases will still get displaced with no place to go. Rosenthal went on to say that there should be something available to compensate for the problem. “I can’t help but revert back to the TDC (Tourist Development Council) and the amount of money they raise is astronomical,” he said. “It’s true it (the money) doesn't come out of our pockets. But what do they do with it? Do they make any effort to com pensate for these people?”
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Emma Haydocy has lived in the Keys for three years. “I think this is good public policy that protects the most vulnerable and arguably those who con tribute the most,” she said. Casey King is an Islamorada resident and a Florida Bay biologist. In the past three years, she said she’s moved three times. She’s spent $15,525 for moving expenses, first and last month’s rent and security in that time. “I have been stretched completely thin and de pleted primarily all of my savings,” she said. Last May, King was given a 15-day notice after her landlord sold the home. King acknowledged that it was hard to get a new place. She found some where to go just three days before she needed to move out.
“The amount of stress that brings onto you, especially families, to find a place to live in 15 days with this lack of housing inventory. … And to come with $5,000 or more is unfathomable,” she said. “I have seen close friends and family leave because they cannot afford to stay here under the circum stances.”Mayor Pete Bacheler said the whole issue is the direct result of not enough affordable housing.
4 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 ON THE COVER @KeysWeekly@theWeekly91760Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: www.keysweekly.com305.363.2957 Publisher Jason jason@keysweekly.comKoler Publishing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor Jim jim@keysweekly.comMcCarthy Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo manuela@keysweekly.comMobley Business Development Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Alex alex@keysweekly.comRickert Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Copy Editor Mike mike@keysweekly.comHowie Executive Administrator Charlotte char@keysweekly.comHruska Director of Digital Media Chanice Dos chanice@keysweekly.comSantos Production Manager Anneke anneke@keysweekly.comPatterson Design / Pre-Press Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Design / Web Master Travis travis@keysweekly.comCready Classifieds Anneke anneke@keysweekly.comPatterson305.743.0844 SE HABLA ESPAÑOL THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARA THON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POST AGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITION AL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. News Deadline Tuesday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 5 For 50 years, CHI has provided affordable quality health care to South Florida residents just like you. With 12 health centers, a wide range of services, and a compassionate team, you and your family can get all the care you need close to home. To schedule an appointment: visit Include:ServicesTavernierchisouthfl.org/appointment-requests Primary OB/GYNTelehealthPediatricsCareavailable at Marathon Health Center* COVID-19 Vaccinations COVID-19 Testing available at Marathon Health Center* call (786) 756-7646 Where Compassion Meets Affordable Health Care THEEXPERIENCECHI DIFFERENCE Tavernier Health Center 91200 Overseas Highway, Unit 17Tavernier, FL 33070 Marathon Health Center * Key West Health Center 2805 Overseas Highway MM 48.5Marathon, FL Now33050Open 727 Fort Street Key West, FL 33040 MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED INCOME-BASED PAYMENT SCALE FOR UNINSURED PATIENTS EVENING AND WEEKEND HOURS ALSO AVAILABLE
MORE TIME FOR TENANTS from page 4
SCHOOL BOARD SETS LOWEST TAX RATE SINCE 2008
MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
6 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
MANDY
What’s the deal with homestead exemptions? Primary residences in Florida are protected from bal looning property values — and corresponding tax increases — by the Save Our Home amendment. Under Save Our Homes, a primary residence can only increase in value by 3% each year. Such homes also qualify for a $25,000 home stead exemption, which lowers the assessed value of the home by $25,000.Forthe school district’s pro posed budget and tax plans, a $500,000 primary residence would have increased in value by 3% to $515,000. The $25,000 exemption would lower its tax able value to $490,000.
SOARING PROPERTY VALUES YIELD MORE REVENUE Ten percent of 300 is greater than 20% of 100. The same middleschool math lesson applies to property taxes in the Florida Keys, where soaring property val ues yield higher tax revenues even as government agencies lower their tax percentage rates. The increase in total assessed property value in Monroe County jumped by 32.5% this year, accord ing to the school district’s budget office. That increase allows taxing entities to levy a lower tax rate while still raising more revenue than last year. The county school board is proposing its lowest tax rate since 2008, and most property owners — with and without homestead ex emptions — will pay less in school taxes for the coming year, school district finance director Bev Anders said at the Aug. 9 school board meeting in Marathon. The school board’s proposed tax rate would lower the school tax bill on homesteaded properties by about $108. Non-homesteaded properties will see a school tax de crease of about $12, Anders said. Such entities, including cities, counties, school boards and others, still must advertise a tax increase to property owners, because they’re collecting more tax revenue than they did the prior year, Anders said. The budget and taxation outlined at Tuesday’s school board meeting reflects a $5.5 million budget reduction that some board members requested last month. Chairman John Dick reminded his colleagues that the school district needs voters to renew a tax shift that lowers the capital, or construction, tax, and raises by an equal amount the operating tax that can be used for teacher salaries. If voters do not renew the tax shift referendum on Aug. 23, the school district will lose $23 mil lion and 220 employee positions, Anders said, calling the implications “devastating.”Dick,along with board mem bers Bobby Highsmith and Andy Griffiths, last month said they wanted to reduce the proposed budget in order to show Monroe County voters a good faith effort to ensure the passage of the tax shift referendum.Superintendent Theresa Axford on Tuesday commended the board for their fiscal responsibility. “Your millage (tax) rate will be the lowest since 2008, and we hope voters will acknowledge what you’ve done when they go to the polls on Aug. 23 and renew our flexible funding referendum, which results in no net tax increase, but provides us greater flexibility in paying teacher salaries.” The school board held a budget hearing during Tuesday’s meeting. An additional public hearing takes place Aug. 30 in Key West. The final budget and tax approval occurs Sept. 6 in the Upper Keys.
Quick said the ordinance won’t affect a landlord’s right to evict a tenant for breaking the lease for not paying rent or conducting illegal activity. In other matters, the dais voted 4-1 on the second read ing of an ordinance related to a proposed council pay hike referendum. Council members are currently paid $1,000 a month, or $12,000 a year. In November, voters will be asked whether they support upping the pay to $2,000 a month, or $24,000 a Gregg,year.who proposed the ordinance, said current council members aren’t giving themselves a raise. “This would take effect after the next election for the benefit of the next council,” he said. Councilman David Webb voted “no” on the ordinance. Council members also approved a resolution to hire Mc Farland Johnson Inc. to conduct a feasibility study for installa tion of bus shelters along U.S. 1 in Islamorada. In 2019, new benches, signs and trash receptacles were placed at 12 bus stop locations in Islamorada. Now, the council wants to construct bus shelters for workers who come into the Keys via the Miami-Dade bus. During the last budget cycle, the dais allocated $100,000 to install bus shelters. A feasibility study that will come up with various bus shelter designs wouldn’t exceed $27,533. Gregg said he would like to see shelters have cell phone chargers, lighting, shade and some screening to protect from the rain and wind. “I’d like it to be as comfortable as it can for the people who work hard to take care of us. They deserve to have that.” Bus stops along U.S. 1 in Islamorada. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly
From left, Councilman David Webb and Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
7UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
“The entry-level (pay) is probably more critical than anything because as we look at retaining individuals to do maintenance work or lifeguarding or any of those hourly posi tions, we’re going to start competing with organizations being built. Up in Homestead, we mentioned Amazon. Amazon’s going to be constructed up there. It’s going to decrease the ability for us to bring people down to do the basic Villagethings.”hallcurrently has vacancies for senior planner, senior inspector and inspec tor within the building department. Village attorney and legal assistant positions are also vacant. The law firm Weiss Serota provides legal counsel to the village. The proposed budget shows the firm receiving $520,000 for its services.Asforstaffing increases, fire rescue saw the addition of five firefighters. Those posi tions are funded through a three-year federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emer gency) grant. The only other staffing change is the addition of an AV technician within the village’s IT & Communications Department. Bassett said the village has worked to keep 25% of expenditures in the unassigned fund balance account for hurricane response. Bassett said that equates to about $4.3 million. Per current projections, an additional $6.9 mil lion sits in the unassigned fund balance that can be designated for other purposes like land acquisition.
VILLAGE BUDGET PROJECTS MORE REVENUES & SPENDING
New Village Manager Ted Yates just entered his second week of office. He told the council that he’s learning about the depart ments, staffing levels and job responsibilities. Yates said he agrees with a 5% raise. Councilman David Webb asked Yates if he plans to look at entry-level pay and offer recommendations for an adequate rate. Yates said he plans to examine executive-type com pensation and entry-level pay.
ONE STABBINGMORNINGDEADMANIN TAVERNIERIN
Soaring property values, rising costs and vacant staff positions were among the items Islamorada council members confronted during their first budget workshop on Aug. 8. Inside the Founders Park Community Cen ter, five council members intently listened as Maria Bassett, finance director, guided them line-by-line through a proposed budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year. A rise in property values this year to $5 billion and a tentative millage rate of 3.00 set by the dais projects to raise $14.8 million in property taxes. If council chooses to keep the same millage rate, it would essentially raise taxes due to an increase in the village’s taxable value. Last year, the village council adopted a budget with a 3.00 millage rate. With a taxable value in Islamorada totaling around $4.2 bil lion a year ago, the village raised $12.3 million in property taxes. The village projects $20.7 million in rev enues from property taxes, fines, park fees, license and permit fees, grants and half-cent sales tax, among other sources.
Astabbing at a Taver nier residence on the morning of Aug. 4 left one man dead and one woman Accordinginjured.tothe Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, depu ties responded at 4:55 a.m. to a Pacific Avenue home for a reported domestic incident involving a stabbing. Deputies arrived to find 54–year-old Thomas Charles Dotschay dead of an apparent stabbing. Depu ties also found 53-year-old Carola Dotschay, who also ap peared to have a stab wound. After the scene was se cured, medical personnel were brought in and provided medi cal attention to the victim, who was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center in Miami via Trauma Star in critical condi tion.The sheriff’s office said the couple’s 21-year-old son, Christopher Joe Dotschay, was also home at the time of the in cident. He was not injured and is cooperating with investiga tors. It is believed at this time that the father fatally stabbed himself and stabbed his wife as she attempted to stop him. The woman is expected to live. “This case remains under investigation and more infor mation will be released as it becomes available,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “It does not ap pear that any other individuals were involved in this incident.”
Bassett reminded the dais that 65% of properties in Islamorada are not homestead ed, meaning they’re either second or third homes, commercial properties or rentals. The remaining 35% of properties in the village are homesteaded, meaning increases in the as sessed value of the home is capped at 3% or the annual Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. Expenditures within the proposed 202223 budget total around $19.4 million. That’s up from the previous budget, when expenditures totaled around $18.3 million. A large portion of the village’s budget deals with personnel. Cost of living adjust ments rose close to 6% earlier in the year. In addition, the consumer price index is at 9.10%, and that could go higher. Village staff including fire rescue would receive a 5% pay raise, per the current bud get proposal. Bassett said Evie Engelmeyer, human resources director, contacted other Keys municipalities to find out what decisions they made on employee raises. Keys Energy is giving its employees a 4.5% raise. Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District is eyeing a 10.1% increase for its employees.
COURT OPINION REVOKES 600
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
An administrative law judge from the Depart ment of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) con ducted a final hearing on the appeal in December 2019. A Final Order issued by DEO adopted this judge’s recommendation and ruled that the ap pealed comprehensive plan amendments did not violate the Florida statutes in question, as resi dents would still be safely evacuated in multiple 24-hour periods to avoid congestion on Overseas Highway. Another appeal escalated the case, cul minating in the Aug. 3 opinion from the DCA. “We reverse the final order as to the cities of Marathon and Islamorada because their Com prehensive Plan Amendments violate section 380.0552(9)(a)2, Florida Statutes (2020),” the opin ion’s conclusion reads. “We affirm the final order in all other respects, and affirm en toto as to the City of Key West.” “We are keenly aware of the well-intended objectives and meritorious goals embodied within the Comprehensive Plan Amendments of Mara thon and Islamorada,” reads an earlier paragraph in the same opinion. “We further acknowledge the substantial challenge those cities face in attempt ing to balance the competing interests at stake. Nevertheless, we ‘do not have the authority to ignore plain and unambiguous language under the guise of interpretation.’”
WHAT’S NEXT Though the Aug. 3 opinion is significant, it is not final. Grosso and the appellants have already filed a motion for a rehearing of the case, con tinuing their challenge of Key West’s allocations. Closed executive sessions in Marathon and Islam orada will likely iron out the details of additional motions for rehearing, required within 15 days of the opinion. Alterations to the statutes govern ing Marathon and Islamorada’s comprehensive plan changes are possible, but would need to be enacted through the Florida state legislature, likely in the 2023 legislative session or beyond.
IN ISLAMORADA Though Islamorada accepted its 300 units in 2018, the allocations were never doled out.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLOCATIONS MARATHON, ISLAMORADA LOSE OUT WHILE KEY WEST KEEPS ITS UNITS
A WIN (SO FAR) FOR KEY WEST
Representing Smith Hawks, PL, the indepen dent firm contracted by the city during the appeal, attorney Chris Deem urged the council to process permits as normal until the opinion is finalized. “What often happens is, if you change what you’re doing right now based upon something that is not final … you can have financing issues that fall through,” he said. “And if this opinion does change, then those individuals will come after the city of Marathon. … I think the downside liability is greater if you do not process permits as normal.”
Both Marathon and Islamorada are included in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern, established in 1974 and governed by the heavily debated statutes previously mentioned. However, in 1984 the City of Key West was designated as its own Area of Critical State Concern and as such is not subject to the same statutes. Instead, the Southernmost City is governed by the Principles for Guiding Development in the Florida Adminis trative Code, which simply provide for “An evacu ation plan consistent with regional and County plans … which provides an opportunity for resi dents and visitors to evacuate to a place of safety during a natural disaster.”
“Legal counsel told us we better not and we didn’t,” Mayor Pete Bacheler said.
“There is no 100% bulletproof answer. We’re danged if we give (the permits) and danged if we don’t,” he continued. “We face potential liability from either side. … But I’ve got three judges in Miami who say ‘don’t.’ And I’m inclined not to at tempt to anger those judges.”
8 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
Astunning court opinion in an ongoing ap peal of 1,300 Keys housing units may send shockwaves through the affordable hous ing landscape in the Keys. But the severity of the damage all depends on the mile marker. Handed down on Aug. 3 by Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal (DCA), the opinion would reverse 600 affordable workforce housing alloca tions given to the City of Marathon and Village of Islamorada in 2018, but protects allocations awarded to Key West that same year. Shortly following Hurricane Irma, then-Gov. Rick Scott attempted to remedy an exacerbated workforce housing shortage by ordering the state Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to hand down a total of 1,300 new build ing allocations to the Florida Keys. Designated for affordable workforce housing, the units were split roughly evenly among Key West, Marathon, Islamorada and unincorporated Monroe County. Comprehensive plan amendments in the corresponding municipalities to allow for safe evacuations in the event of a hurricane added a stipulation that residents in the newly-awarded units must evacuate during the first of two hur ricane evacuation phases. Phase 1 runs from 48 to 24 hours before the Keys are to be fully vacated and is the evacuation window for non-residents, visitors, travel trailers, mobile home residents and a number of other smaller designated groups. Phase 2 is a second 24-hour evacuation period for permanent Keys residents in site-built homes. An appeal filed by three Keys residents in 2018 – Cecilia Mattino in Marathon, Catherine Bos worth in Islamorada and Naja Girard in Key West –argued that adding the residents of the new units to the Phase 1 group was a violation of Florida Statute 380.0552(9)(a)2. Outlining restrictions in place in the Keys as an Area of Critical State Concern, the statute reads that amendments to a city’s comprehensive plan must “maintain a hur ricane evacuation clearance time for permanent residents of no more than 24 hours.”
Deem suggested that permit applicants with work in progress on the units in question should be notified of the existing DCA opinion.
MARATHON TO FACE THE TOUGHEST BATTLE
Despite appeals, Marathon has awarded all of its 300 allocations. While some went toward new construction – including 124 units to the Seaview Commons developments off of Coco Plum Drive – others were used to reclassify smaller inns and motels as affordable housing while transient units were transferred, in nearly all cases, to the upcoming Valhalla Resort on Crawl Key. According to Marathon planning director Brian Shea, at the moment, 73 of the awarded allocations are attached to finished projects or repurposed housing believed to be currently occu pied: 52 units in a development at 700 39th Street Gulf, 12 units at the former Ranch House Motel property at 7251 Overseas Highway, and nine units at the former Flamingo Inn on Grassy Key. “There is not much I advise we do about (those units), because they are there, they are living, and we will deal with that at the appropriate time,” said Marathon city attorney Steve Williams as he addressed the Marathon City Council on Aug. 9. “What we’re going to get is tremendous pressure from many different directions to ap prove these (other) units while this court case is still pending.”Referencing a 2001 decision in which the appellants’ attorney in this case, Richard Grosso, successfully argued that a $3.3-million luxury apartment complex violated the comprehensive plan for Martin County, Florida and must be de molished, Williams said that he would “inherently … treat this conservatively” by pausing ongoing permitting at the affected sites with the stated intent of the DCA in the city’s possession.
A closed session with Williams, Deem and attorney Bart Smith of Smith Hawks, city manager George Garrett and the members of the Marathon City Council is set for Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. to determine the city’s next steps. City staff was instructed to pause permitting activity on the af fected units until the conclusion of the session.
“This is a tremendous victory for affordable housing in the city of Key West,” wrote city attor ney Shawn Smith in an email to Keys Weekly.
Islamorada officials will meet on Monday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. to discuss ongoing litigation in the case. Village council members and Village Manag er Ted Yates will enter closed session with interim attorney John Quick as well as Smith and Deem. A public comment period will start at 1 p.m.
“We’ll probably try to take it as far as we can, and we’ll probably seek some other lawful chang es,” said WhileWilliams.therecent opinion states that Mara thon’s 300 units are unlawful, it does not outline any required course of action for allocations already constructed and occupied by residents. Jim McCarthy and Mandy Miles contributed to this report.
It is up to all motorists to ensure our schoolchildren are safe. Please do your part and be aware.
• If your child is walking to or from school, walk the route with them beforehand. Choose the most direct way, and be sure the route has su cient sidewalks, light ing and crossing guards. If a crossing guard is absent, be sure your child knows when it is safe to cross the street.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 9
• When waiting for the school bus always stand on the sidewalk, away from the roadway.
Back
• Teach your kids to obey all tra c signals when walk ing or biking to school.
MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF
• Be sure your child knows how to reach you in case of an emergency.
I have a no-tolerance policy for people who choose to speed in school zones, and for those who illegally pass schoolAnyonebuses.driving should make an extra e ort to watch out for students, who may not be paying attention to tra c. Be especially careful in neighborhoods, areas with bus stops, and near schools themselves.
Here are some child safety tips for parents to keep in mind:
• Make sure your child walks to and from school with other trusted schoolmates and follows the tried and true axiom, "Never talk to strangers.”
Students are returning to school this week and I want to highlight some important reminders, particularly to motorists.Deputies will be patrolling school zones in marked and unmarked cars to make sure drivers realize school is back in session. They will also be concentrating on areas surrounding schools and school bus stops writing tickets to anyone not obeying the speed limits or to those illegally passing school buses.
Children and parents should also remember: If a child rides a bicycle to school, Florida law requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. A violation of this requirement can result in a $25 fine.
Whether you have kids in school or not, be ready to adjust your schedule to accommodate the tra c slow downs that occur. It is worth allowing a little more time to get around to be sure that all kids are safe on their way to and from school.
Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay Download the MCSO App Today!Download the MCSO App Today! to School
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On Aug. 8, the Florida Keys experienced its second large migrant landing in less than three days, as a large sailboat carrying a total of 123 Haitian migrants ran aground offshore in the area of 79th Street Ocean in Marathon. One hundred nine of the migrants entered the water, making the swim to land before they were eventually apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in a multi-agency collaboration with FWC Law Enforce ment, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Coast Guard. Fourteen migrants who remained aboard the vessel were taken into custody of the Coast Guard for repatriation. According to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Walter Slosar, local emergency medical services conducted a medical screening of all migrants and found no injuries. The migrants who made the swim to land remain in Border Patrol custody, where they will eventually be interviewed and processed as part of the immigration proce dure. Monday night’s incident is the latest in a string of recent large Haitian migrant landings through out South Florida. As of Aug. 7, Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement partners had arrested 263 migrants from 16 migrant landings in a two-day period. On Aug. 6, a total of 333 migrants ran aground in a vessel off Key Largo’s Ocean Reef Club. In March, a total of 356 migrants ran aground in the same area, with 158 individu als making their way to shore. The investigation into this landing and other similar incidents is ongoing.
Majority of sailboat’s occupants made the swim to land ALEX RICKERT
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 202210
1. Officials from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, FWC Law Enforcement, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated to take 109 migrants into custody after mak ing the swim to land on Monday night. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly 2. Migrants make the swim from their grounded vessel to land as a Border Patrol boat waits at the dock. RILYNN RICHARDS/Contrib 3.utedACoast Guard vessel inter cepts the Haitian migrants before the majority of them took to the water and swam to land. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed 4. Migrants wave to friends and family as they are taken into Border Patrol vans for further processing. ALEX RICKERT/Keys 5.WeeklyMigrants, the majority appear ing to be young men, made the dangerous crossing and extend ed swim to shore. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly 4 5
123 MARATHONARRIVEMIGRANTSHAITIANIN
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alex@keysweekly.com
Voyages to Florida from countryCaribbeanexplode
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Awomen and children grounded near North Key Largo’s Ocean Reef Club on Aug. 6. A total of 113 migrants hopped off the vessel and made it to land at the exclusive Ocean Reef Club. But 220 migrants remained on the boat. A swift rescue ensued by the U.S. Coast Guard as many migrants were in the water without life jackets.Migrants making it to land were in U.S Customs & Border Patrol’s custody. They received water and towels as they sat inside Ocean Reef Club. U.S Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Walter Slosar said two migrants were taken to a local hospital for dehydration. Slosar said agents worked to identify the migrants and what they may have brought with them. Migrants will be interviewed and processed for removal proceedings, CBP says. “This is a national security mission,” he said. “We are working with our local law enforcement partners and our local community in order to transfer them into our custody and into the immigration process as we move through this. This is an ongoing investigation and we are working to identify the smugglers who crammed these people onto the vessel.”
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Top: Boats from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation, Miami-Dade Police and U.S. Coast Guard approach a grounded sailboat containing hundreds of Haitian migrants. FWC/Contributed Left: Haitian migrants making it to land at Ocean Reef Club on Aug. 6 sit as they receive water and towels. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers and U.S. Customs & Border Patrol agents were on scene. FWC/ Contributed
The remaining 220 migrants on the grounded vessel were safely transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. On Aug. 9, the U.S. Coast Guard said it repatriated the Haitian migrants via the Cutter Forward.Joining the Coast Guard and Border Patrol on scene were officers from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation. Miami-Dade Police and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. In March, some 356 Haitian migrants landed off Ocean Reef Club after a large wooden sailboat grounded. A total of 158 Haitian migrants jumped off the grounded boat, swimming to shore at Ocean Reef Club in North Key Largo that March afternoon. But 198 more remained on the boat as various agencies responded to the suspected human smuggling event. “We urge migrants to avoid these dangerous voyages that can potentially result in loss of life,” SlosarSincesaid.Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews have interdicted 6,812 Haitian migrants.
MORE THAN 300 KEYLANDMIGRANTSHAITIANJUSTOFFLARGO
AUGUST 11, 2022 ABOUT?FUSSALLWHAT’STHEVA 3.875% FHA 3.875% CONVENTIONAL 4.375% JUMBO 4.625% These rates are as of August 8th, 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 BRIAN TEWES 305-453-6476NMLS#375025President 10095 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 NMLS#1453791, info@TewesMortgage.com www.Tewes Mortgage.com SE HABLA ESPANOL RATESMORTGAGE SATURDAYFRIDAYNIGHTSREGGAE&FULLSERVICEBARWEDNESDAYSPRIMERIBNIGHTEVERYONE WELCOME ! PARKING IN THE REAR 102255 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY (IN VFW 305-922-2332BUILDING) WEEKDAYSHAPPYHOUR4-6P.M. A TASTE OF CARNIVAL IN KEYBUYOCTOBERLARGO6THTICKETHERE Vote August 23 Political advertisement paid for and approved by Holly Merrill Raschein, Republican, for Monroe County Commission Fighting for the Florida Keys As your County Commissioner, Holly’s priorities include: Streamlining local government and focusing on efficiency when serving County residents Implementing resiliency measures to preserve and protect our environment and combat sea level rise and other climate related threats Addressing workforce housing challenges to promote a robust local economy www.hollymerrillraschein.com
13UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER info@keylargochamber org 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 WWW.KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG
Established more than 20 years ago, the Prendes family purchased the business in 2018. “Our key to success is to focus on our customers’ needs,” said Stephani Prendes. “We strive to provide the best selection in the Keys by constantly updating our product line to highlight new and local products. We want to help customers celebrate life and take pride in being part of and facilitating their special occasions.” With four employees and two locations (Martini’s Fine Wine is in Islamorada), customers are sure to find what they are looking for with a visit to Tradewinds Liquors.
Florida law states: On a two-way street or highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off children. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus signal has been withdrawn. If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, you do not have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction of the bus. Painted lines or pavement markings are not considered to be barriers. If you are moving in the same direction as the bus, you must always stop — and not go forward until the bus signal has been withdrawn. Anyone driving should make an extra effort to watch out for students, who may not be paying attention to traffic. Be especially careful in neighborhoods, areas with bus stops, and near schools themselves, where kids are often walking or riding bikes, especially between parked cars. Whether you have kids in school or not, be ready to adjust your schedule to accommodate the traffic slowdowns that occur. It is worth allowing a little more time to get around to be sure that all kids are safe on their way to and from school. It is up to all motorists to ensure our schoolchildren are safe. Please do your part and be aware. Children and parents should also remember: If a child rides a bicycle to school, Florida law requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. A violation of this requirement can result in a $25 Herefine.are some child safety tips for parents to keep in mind:
The first day of school in the Florida Keys was Aug. 10, meaning school buses have returned to the roads, and school zone speed limits are being strictly enforced.TheMonroe County Sheriff’s Office and Key West Police will be out in force with safety in mind. Deputies and officers will be patrolling school zones in marked and unmarked cars to make sure drivers realize school is back in session. They will also be concentrating on areas around schools and school bus stops, writing tickets to anyone not obeying the speed limits or to those illegally passing school buses. “I have a no-tolerance policy for people who speed in school zones, and for those who illegally pass school buses,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “We will be out in force in both marked and unmarked cars watching for violators.”
• Be sure your child knows how to reach you in case of an emergency.
— Contributed Florida Keys schools reopened Aug.10.
• Teach your kids to obey all traffic signals when walking or biking to school.•When waiting for the school bus, always stand on the sidewalk, away from the road.
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• If your child is walking to or from school, walk the route with them beforehand. Choose the most direct way, and be sure the route has sufficient sidewalks, lighting and crossing guards. If a crossing guard is absent, be sure your child knows when it is safe to cross the street.
BUS STOPS & SCHOOL ZONES
• Make sure your child walks to and from school with other trusted schoolmates and follows the tried and true axiom, "Never talk to strangers.”
Sheriff’s Office issues back-to-school reminders
Tradewinds Liquors, located in Tradewinds Plaza, is a family-owned and locally-run premier wine and spirits shop with a focus on specialty wines and unique spirits. We specialize in creating custom orders for weddings, special events and boat provisioning with delivery included. Services also include gift baskets for holidays and special occasions.
Resorts watersportsexpandrepertoire
Women’s fishing tournament scheduled for October Aspiring anglers can learn, practice skills and go fishing at the award-winning "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" Keys University and Fishing Fever Tournament, Oct. 7-9 in the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation, the “No-Yelling School of Fishing” offers classroom presentations, two networking events, hands-on skill practice and optional charter boat fishing. Classes will be held at the waterfront Elks Lodge in Tavernier. Participants can fish offshore or inshore out of Islamorada, competing for prizes. Participants can also choose to fish from their own boats. Online early registration rate is $125 per person. Regular entry is $145. VIP registration of $180 offers special gifts and discounts. More information is at 954-475-9068 or email fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TALK ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL
The Islamorada Resort Collection, comprising Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, Pelican Cove Resort & Marina, Amara Cay Resort, and La Siesta Resort & Villas, has unveiled plans to expand its amenities to watersports, making the four resorts a water sports destination in the Florida Keys. In collaboration with Spray Watersports, the new watersport amenities include jet skis and will expand to more motorized and non-motorized sports in late fall 2022. “With three bodies of water surrounding our resorts in Islamorada – the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Bay – we want to continue to connect our guests to our ocean and help them enjoy more activities on the water,” said Tiffany Holmes, area complex general manager of the Islamorada Resort Collection. “We are excited about this expansion of current resort amenities, as it enables us to provide additional activities to our guests and continue our mission to share meaningful preservation education on the Keys’ delicate ecosystems.”
Opponents to the law, commonly referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, say it singles out LGBQT+ students or children with LGBQT+ parents and makes school less safe for children. The Keys Weekly asked the candidates: What kind of effect do you see the Parental Rights & Education bill having on the way students are taught?
Candidates differ on effects in the classroom
ALEXANDRIA SUAREZ Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law requires that “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade three, or in a manner that is not ageappropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards." It also ensures that schools don't discourage or prohibit parental involvement or notification of decisions affecting student’s mental, emotional, physical or well-being. It protects parents' fundamental right to the upbringing of their children. This second part of the law actually protects students because it puts a stop to schools taking gender self-declaration at face value without proper medical diagnosis. To be fair, there are parents who dismiss the idea of gender transition, irrespective of the grief that will come to their dysphoric children. But in most cases, parents aren’t being phobic; they simply have a right to know whether their child is encouraged to begin what could become a painful and risky process that can leave the child scarred and infertile. In some cases, this may be a price worth paying to address a gender dysphoric child’s suffering. But in other cases, it’s not. School is for teaching academics and trade, not practicing medicine or undermining parents.
SUE WOLTANSKI Monroe County Schools do not teach lessons regarding sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary school. They never have. Our teachers follow Florida’s standards and use state approved curriculum, so parents will see little change in the classroom. If parents have concerns about classroom instruction, they should use any of the various ways available to them to reach out to their child’s teacher. Public schools must protect all students so they can learn and thrive in a safe environment. Parents want their kids to learn to treat others with dignity and respect. Our students come from diverse family backgrounds and all families (whether it is two moms, a mom and dad, a single parent, or any other makeup) deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I expect our instructors will continue to model that dignity and respect and warmly welcome all students from all types of families into their classroom, creating a safe, engaging learning environment so that all our children can succeed.
Anonpartisan race for Monroe County School Board’s District 5 pits incumbent Sue Woltanski against local prosecutor and former educator Alexandria Suarez. Voters will have the chance to cast ballots in the race during the Aug. 23 primary. The Parental Rights in Education bill that passed through the Florida legislature last session took effect July 1. Penned into law in late March, proponents say the bill reinforces parents’ fundamental rights to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children. The bill also prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
14 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
BRIEFLY PKS a beneficiary of Winn-Dixie program Plantation Key School in Islamorada was chosen by WInn-Dixie in Tavernier to be a beneficiary of the School Donation Program for August. Customers can donate by rounding up their purchase to donate to the school. Or they can purchase a reusable bag. The program will go through Aug. 30. Once the program ends, a check will be sent to the school for the amount raised.
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Nicholas Matcovich standing in the doorway of his home in 1912. Pictured outside are William Krome and Marian Fairchild. FLORIDA KEYS LIBRARIES/Contributed Russian man lived as a hermit, took to growing is an speaker,author,and Flor ida Keys historian. His latest book, “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” is a fun blend of two of his favorite subjects — Florida Keys history and the Skunk Ape.
BRAD BERTELLI PART 2
NO NAME KEY PROPERTY HAD TREES & TRAPS
Krome and too,government,NameMatcovichhisFairchild,Garden,TropicalMiami’snamesaketiculturisttookInofsentisNicholas,wereandofdevelopedMatcovichasortfriendship,whentimesleanforKromesaidtohavepackagesfoodtohim.1912,KromenotedhorandofFairchildBotanicDavidandwifetomeetatNoKey.Thebecame
interested in his farming and sent plant species to No Name Key so that he could experiment with subtropical growing techniques. Reportedly, Matcovich was growing more than 5,000 trees on his land, including 50 species of fruit trees, including lemons, limes, figs, guavas, bananas, dates, peach, alligator pears (avocado), sapodilla, and even walnuts. He was also reported to be growing 20 varieties of grape vines. For freshwater, for himself and to help feed his plants, he created four wells about four feet wide and eight feet deep on his property by carving them out of the limestone substrate with a crowbar. He also scraped away steps leading down to the water. The name Matcovich carried a warning with it, and anyone familiar with No Name Key knew to ap proach his corner of the island with caution. Rumors suggested that his property was booby-trapped with tripwires and shotguns. One of the details about his life on the island that was documented on more than one occasion was his fondness for guns, as he was repeatedly ob served having “many” of them hang ing on the walls of his one-room home with the palmetto roof. At the edge of his property, he erected a “single plank that served as a wharf.” About 100 yards offshore, he pounded a stake into the bottom of the shallow water and tied a large horse conch shell to it. On shore, at his property line, he struck another stake into the ground and hung another horse conch shell that could be blown like a horn. On the stake, he left a sign that read, “Not one step farther, Nicholas.”Whether or not he ever really did booby-trap his property is up for debate – it does make for a great story. Nicholas died on Aug. 14, 1919, just a month before the 1919 Florida Keys Hurricane wreaked its havoc on the Lower Keys. His son Mosby, however, would move to the family property and bring the threat of gunfire back to No Name Key – a story for next week.
17UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
The stocky Russian with large hands named Nicholas Matcovich left Key West with his wife Eliza in 1868. He had reportedly been managing a nurs ery at the time but was unhappy living among the number of people adding to Key West’s growing popu lation.To escape, Mr. and Mrs. Matcovich moved 30 or 40 miles northeast to No Name Key. At 1,140 acres, it was less than half the size of Key West, and had a relatively smallIncommunity.1870,KeyWest had a popu lation of 5,675 while No Name Key had only 45 – three of them were Matcovichs. Believe it or not, a population of 45 in 1870 was a pretty significant number for any island not named Key West. Outside of Key West, there were only 641 people documented living on the rest of the Florida Keys. Key Largo, the largest island in the chain, had a robust population of 61. Upper Matecumbe Key, today the heart and soul of Islamorada, had 13 residents. At 45, No Name Key had about the same number of people living on the island as it does today. After arriving on No Name Key, Nicholas built a “home” for Eliza and their baby boy, George, who arrived circa 1869 (and home might be an extravagant word). The “house” he built was a one-room structure measuring 12 feet by 15 feet and was topped with a roof of palmetto fronds. When he first arrived on the island, he did what he could to make a dollar, including burning charcoal and planting coconuts on Big Pine Key that he later sold for five cents Crampedeach.quarters aside, by all indications, Nicholas grew to be a suspicious man, wary of those he did not know. He may have also been a hard man to live with because at some point in the early years of their marriage, around 1874, Eliza moved back to Key West, taking her children, and found work in a cigar factory to help support the family. Though the two remained married until Eliza’s death in 1917, for the last 43 years of their union, she lived in Key West while Nicholas stayed on No Name Key. Still, she would visit from time to time, and sometimes, during those visits, children were conceived. In addi tion to the oldest, George, six other children were born, including John, Anna, Mosby, and three others who were not long for the world. For the majority of the rest of his life, Nicholas lived alone, like a hermit, and eventually turned to what he did best, growing things. By 1885, Matcovich was granted a 160-acre homestead where he grew to be something of an early expert in the field of Florida Keys horticul ture and attracted the attention of William Krome, David Fairchild and the government.Kromevisited Matcovich’s land while working for Henry Flagler and building the right-of-way that delivered the Over-Sea Railroad to Key West in 1912. Krome was a horticulturist, too. By 1904, he had made an 80-acre homestead claim in the area of what is today Home stead, where he helped to develop Florida’s avocado and mango indus try.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 202218 20 Locally Br ewed on Drafty Cid ers, Craft Cocktai ls, Wine and More ! Auth entic Mexican Food Truck Hug e Outdoor Beer Garden & Ga mes B T M && F i 2 B f Open Daily 11 11pm d D LargeBreweryofSelectMerch www.loreleicabanabar.com THURS Aug. 11 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m. FRI Aug. 12 Brothers of Others 6-10 p.m. SAT Aug. 13 Abstract Radio 6-10 p.m. SUN Aug. 14 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m. MON Aug. 15 Carousers 6-10 p.m. TUES Aug. 16 Dennis Holmes 6-10 p.m. WED Aug. 17 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, SELL WITH SUCCESS Vanessa J. Chamizo, Realtor Broker Associate 91760 Overseas Hwy. Suite 205 Tavernier, FL 33070 Direct: (786) Vanessa@TheKeysR4Me.com302-8007 Hablo español Do you have questions about real estate? I’m here to help! ¿Tiene preguntas sobre el proceso de compra y venta de propiedades? Llámeme, estoy aquí para ayudarle. New Listing! - Cute and clean two-bedroom, one-bath home in Bay Haven neighborhood, MM 95, Key Largo. Open concept, roomy front porch, gated yard, storage shed and access to private bayfront homeowners park with boat ramp, fishing pier and beach. Asking $649,000. Elect Albert KELLEY“AL” for County Court Judge Paid for by Albert Kelley for County Court Judge - Group 1 • 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 • Only candidate with experience both prosecuting and defending criminal cases • Only candidate with 14 years experience as a Supreme Court Certified Mediator • Only candidate to author five law books and over 500 legal articles • 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) THE ONLY CANDIDATE
ALVIN ALCE AWARDED PURPLE HEART 53 YEARS AFTER COMBAT INJURIES MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com 1.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 19
MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT. PAID BY REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MONROE COUNTY, 91645 OVERSEAS HWY, TAVERNIER, FL 33070 | APPROVED BY ALEXANDRIA SUAREZ, SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE, DISTRICT 5 Suarez Alexandria FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTBOARD5 About Alexandria PROUDLY ENDORSES As a school teacher, Alexandria promoted American patriotism, not critical race theory; learning, not woke publicandschoolsAlexandriaindoctrination.supportscharterandschoolchoice-shewillfightforaKeysschoolsystem free from ideologiesprogressive . RonbyENDORSEDGovernorDeSantis! H Wife H Mother of 6 H Assistant State Attorney, FL Keys H Public school teacher for 10 years H Avid motorcyclist & Harley owner H Enjoys camping, gardening and the great Keys outdoors
LOCAL ARMY VETERAN RECEIVES OVERDUE HONOR
The “wrongs of the past were righted” on Aug. 8, when Key West native Alvin Alce received his Purple Heart from the U.S. Army — 53 years after he was injured in combat in the Vietnam War. Cathy Crane, director of the local Veterans Affairs office, learned in 2019 that Alce had never received the Purple Heart he deserved after being injured in May 1969 in the deadly Battle of Hamburger Hill. “In the end, there were more than 400 U.S. casualties. Platoons of more than 40 men were down to 15 to 20 men at the end of the battle. Of the 20 platoon leaders present on the first day, only four were still standing on the last,” Brigadier General William Mason III (retired) told the standing-room-only crowd at the Harvey Government Center in Key West. “Among all of America’s military awards, the Purple Heart is perhaps the most solemn because it signifies personal sacrifice and individual loss suffered for the good of others.”
Alce’s son, Justin, also spoke at Monday’s ceremony, recalling how, “as a kid, I used to count the notches from your bullet stitches. “Walking point in Vietnam was your college experience,” Justin Alce told his father. “You are my favorite point man, Dad.” Justin Alce then read his father’s favorite poem, “If—,” by Rudyard Kipling, which ends, “If you can fill the unforgiving minute / With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, / Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, / And — which is more — you’ll be a Man, my son.” From left, Brigadier General William Mason III (retired), Purple Heart recipient Alvin Alce and wife Dehavalynn Alce stand with a shadow box of Alce’s Army service medals that was made by the American Legion.
Top: From left, Coral Shores freshman Christian Gonzalez, teacher Erica Clingerman Andersen and Class of 2022 graduate Javier Gonzalez.
THE
Hailey Monroe Naughton was born June 24, 2022 at Baptist Health South Florida Hospital in Miami to parents Dylan Naughton and Lauren Varney, both of Islamorada. She weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces. Maternal grandparents are Paul and Kim Varney. Paternal grandparents are Patrick & Linda (deceased) Naughton. Great-grandmother is Sandra Couto.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 202220
BACK
Another summer has come and gone. Aug. 10 marked the first day of school for students and teachers in the Keys. Before school began, Plantation Key School students had the chance to meet their teachers, visit with friends and view their classrooms during a meet-the-teacher event on Aug. 9. At Coral Shores, freshmen had the opportunity to meet their teachers and see where their next four years will be spent. And on Aug. 8, Southern Tide in Islamorada threw a teachers appreciation party with food, drinks and some discounted shopping for Upper Keys educators.
— Jim McCarthy
Students ret n to clas m f anoth sch l ye
Center:CONTRIBUTEDPlantationKey School kids prepare to meet their teachers. From left, Tristan Vazquez, Liam Griffith, Parker Vazquez and Bodie Billips. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
Bottom: From left, Treasure Village Montessori teacher Diana McGuirk-Hille, principal Kelly Mangel, and TVM teacher Kathie Borders show off some new clothes during a teacher appreciation party at Southern Tide. CONTRIBUTED TO BOOKS
BUMPY RIDE OUT THERE Conditions this past week were bumpy but doable. Those kinds of conditions are annoying until you descend. Then it's beautiful until you ascend and have to wrestle the ladder to get back aboard.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 21
MORE SPORTY CONDITIONS TO COME
scuba,HeKeysCenterIslamoradainstructorcaptainowner,andatDiveandFloridaDiveCenter.specializesinrebreather, spearfishing and
CLEANING DEBRIS FROM THE DEPTHS Even with the conditions a bit sporty we did manage to conduct a few marine debris cleanup dives. We were fortunate to be awarded a grant from the PADI Aware Foundation for our debris cleanup program. Sixteen ocean-protection projects from around the world were recognized for their efforts in ocean science and sustainability. Florida Keys Dive Center was the recipient in the marine debris category. This effort was fueled by our conservation coordinators Seanna Knight and Nate Sterns. The two put together a program to combat the marine debris issue titled "No Trash Left Behind.”
BILLIPSERIC
CONTRIBUTED Cleanup dives combat
This week looks like the exact same issue. So if you do go out, be extra careful. Make sure your anchor is set and be mindful of that ladder.
CONSERVATION TIP Though we clean up the trash in our oceans, still be mindful when you are out there. One of the biggest trash items we constantly retrieve is fishing line. Let’s do our best to limit this problem. Speaking of ocean conservation, I.CARE will be planting this Saturday at Key Dives out of Bud n’ Mary’s Marina. the captaining in the Florida Keys. Seanna Knight and Nate Sterns are the driving force behind Florida Keys Dive Center's lauded ‘No Trash Left Behind’ marine debris reduction efforts. ongoing marine debris
problem
NO TRASH LEFT BEHIND SPONSORED BY: 305 664 0077 | 82889 Overseas Hwy | CoastalFloridaKeys com 36 PEN KE ISL MOR D | MLS 3602112 6 PEN KEY ISLAMORADA | MLS 602112 is
This program gets visiting divers out conducting "Dive against Debris" dives. Each diver receives a bag and a pair of gloves and together do two reef dives collecting trash. The results are then sent to PADI Aware, which records their efforts. There are many activities that focus on ocean conservation in the Keys, including lionfish derbies, coral restoration and sharkaware dives. And due to Knight and Sterns’ efforts, we can add marine debris cleanups as well. If anyone is interested in partaking in our "Dive against debris" dives please call the shop at 305-852-4599.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 202222 Located at Reefhouse Resort & Marina • 103800 Overseas Highway, Key Largo www.pcwatersports.com • 305-453-9881 WHERE THE FUN BEGINS! YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR WATERSPORTS NEEDS! Snorkeling Scuba Instruction & Diving Stand Up WaverunnersPaddleboardsParasailing SunsetEcoKayaksToursCruisesBoatRentalsPrivateTrips Have a Thing to Do in the Upper Keys? ONLY $100 Put your ad here for Call Jill 305-304-0052at to reserve your space. Search things to do in the Upper Keys Snorkel • Paddleboard • Sandbar Trips • Pristine Reefs Sunset Cruises • Family-friendly • Large Group Charters Available ClearlyUniqueCharters.com 305-747-8651Islamorada
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 23 Docked at Key Largo Holiday Inn MM 99 Oceanside 305.451.4655 Daily at 10 a.m. 1 p.m. GLASS BOTTOM BOAT Two-hour Cruises BAR SERVICE & LIGHTSNACKSAVAILABLE BEAT THE HEAT! DURING OUR 200 Morada Way Islamorada, FL 33036 (305) 664-2002 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10a-4p 20%-50% OFF OUR INVENTORY!ENTIRESALE TO BENEFIT RESEARCH FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS 305-451-3018www.FloridaBayOutfitters.com•MM104Bayside • 104050 Overseas Hwy., Key LargoMM 104 Bayside 3-hr. Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure Three Daily Adventures: 9:30 am, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm CALL OR STOP BY FOR DETAILS & RESERVATIONS. RENTALS Hourly - Multi-day Rates Stand Up HobieTouringPaddleboardsKayaksPedalKayaksCanoes SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. WITHWT10THISCODE 10% OFF getOUT on the water! MAKE MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME 101900 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Book online at www.dolphinsplus.com Call to book 305.451.4060 Use code WEEKLY to save 20% on our Shallow Water and Dolphin Dockside programs. Expires 08/31/2022.
CORAL SHORES HURRICANES Date Opponent Location Start Time 8/18 Preseason Tournament Away 4 p.m. 8/23 Florida Christian Away 7 p.m. 9/15 Carrolton School Home 5:30 p.m. 9/20 Palmer Trinity Home 5:30 p.m. 9/22 Colonial Christian Home 5 p.m. 9/27 Mourning HS Home 5 p.m. 9/28 LaSalle Away 5 p.m. 10/4 Key West Away 6 p.m. 10/11 Palmer Away 5:30 p.m. 10/13 Marathon Home 5:30 p.m. 10/14 Carrolton School Away 5:30 p.m.
MARATHON DOLPHINS Date Opponent Location Start Time 8/18 Preseason Tournament Home 4 p.m. 8/23 Westwood Christian Home 5 p.m. 8/25 Horeb Christian Away 4 p.m. 8/30 Colonial Christian Away 4 p.m. 9/1 Coral Shores Home 4 p.m. 9/6 Palm Glades Prep Home 4 p.m. 9/8 Key West Home 5:30 p.m. 9/9 Colonial Christian Home 5:30 p.m. 9/12 Posnack Away 4 p.m. 9/13 Archimedean Away 6 p.m. 9/15 Palm Glades Prep Home 4 p.m. 9/19 Palmer Trinity Home 5:30 p.m. 9/22 Somerset S. Homestead Home 5:30 p.m. 9/29 True North Away 6:30 p.m. 10/3 Westwood Christian Away 5:30 p.m. 10/6 Somerset Silver Palms Home 5:30 p.m. 10/11 Key West Away 6 p.m. 10/13 Coral Shores Away 5:30 p.m.
KEY WEST CONCHS Date Opponent Location Start Time 8/18 Preseason Tournament Away 5:30 p.m. 8/23 American Heritage Home 6 p.m. 8/25 Mater Lakes Away 5 p.m. 9/3 Gulf Coast Home Noon 9/8 Marathon Away 5:30 p.m. 9/9 – 9/10 East Coast Challenge Away TBA 9/13 Coral Shores Away 5:30 p.m.9/16 –9/17 Conch Cup Tournament Home TBA 9/23 – 9/24 Palm Beach Tourney Away TBA 9/30 – 10/1 Florida Christian Tourney Away TBA 10/4 Coral Shores Home 6 p.m. 10/11 Marathon Home 6 p.m. 10/13 COHEA Home 6 p.m. ALL SCHOOLS: Week of Oct. 17:District Tournaments Week of Oct. 24: Regionals Quarterfinals County Varsity Volleyball
Monroe
24 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 WRAP KEYS WEEKLY
2022
Key West’s Samantha Ventimiglia sparks the offense during an August 2021 match against Marathon. GAUKEL/KeysBARRYWeekly
Senior Janiya Pyfrom is a strong athlete whose aggressive play should produce some excitement at the net. She will be joined by junior Bethann “KiKi” Hewlett and senior Riley McDonald, two veteran players whose height should prove an advantage up front. Making the step up from JV last year, junior Reese Elwell is already an established setter, and fellow juniors Kylie McDaniel and Lilliam Nunez Rodriguez have serves to be reckoned with. Junior Marquisha Abraham is expected to make contributions in the middle of the court, and in just her second year playing the sport, the team’s lone sophomore, Elena Eubank, is a natural athlete who can play anywhere she is needed.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 25
Adding to the depth of the team will be senior LeAnn Quick, who missed last season but has experience in blocking and hitting.
Monroe County teams gear up for the fall
BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly Junior Brooke Mandozzi. CONTRIBUTEDMarathon’s Janiya Pyfrom goes up for a solid block during an August 2021 game against Somerset Academy. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
VOLLEYBALL
KEY WEST CONCHS
Head coach Sarah Eckert’s Lady Conchs have the advantage of a seasoned team this year, having lost only two players to graduation. Adding to their strengths was a busy offseason in which many players took it upon themselves to play recreationally and on travel“Theyteams.are entering this season better prepared,” Eckert said, “knowing what to expect, and more confident in their ability to compete. The foundation is in place to do greatReturningthings.” for the Conchs are senior outside hitter Samantha Ventimiglia, senior Emi Ichijo, who will serve as the team’s libero, and juniors Vicky Pavlik, setter, Bridgette Sweeney, middle blocker, Elsie Warwick, outside hitter, and Monika Jaroszewicz, who plays on the rightKeyside.West’s depth chart is bolstered by Lyla Holland, Reese Haggard and Annie Scepkova, who will join the varsity squad from the JV roster last season, along with freshman Gabby Garcia, who will see time as middle blocker.The Lady Conchs will participate in several tournaments this season against highlyskilled teams who will test their abilities and prepare them for postseason play as well as boosting their district seeding. The team has its eye on a district championship this year, and has the talent to bring home the hardware, with several players aspiring to play beyond high school. Eckert gives credit to the entire coaching staff, including Kim Butler, whose knowledge and dedication she described as “unwavering,” as well as Maddie Opalsky, who will take over the JV team this season. Opalsky also coached the Southernmost Volleyball Club in the offseason, providing a solid foundation for the Key West team.
CORAL SHORES HURRICANES
The Lady Canes will have a lot of shoes to fill this fall, after graduating half their roster. Last year’s senior-heavy team went 9-17, playing a tough schedule in the FHSAA 3A division. Though they lost their leaders in kills, blocks and hitting percentage, the coaching staff is confident the underclassmen will step up and fill in the gaps. The team will focus on working together to build consistency and chemistry while working out the new roles for the returners as well as the players moving up from last year’s JV roster. Returning for the Hurricanes this season are seniors Jenna Castillo, Lana Tiedemann, Kailee Reinoso, Morgan Bailey and Kendall Bulkiewicz, along with juniors Brooke Mandozzi, Iona Holmquist and Demi Schmitt-Dinon.LiberoKailee Reinoso led the team last fall in digs and was a leader in receptions and assists as well. Brooke Mandozzi was team leader in aces for the Canes and was also a high performer in the area of receptions.
Senior Emiri Ichijo will serve as Key West’s libero for the 2022 season.
MARATHON DOLPHINS
The focus this season with first year coach Kelley Cruz’s Lady Dolphins is teamwork. Coach Cruz filled her roster with 12 seasoned players this year, but experienced or not, they will need to work hard to fill in the gaps left behind by the team’s five solid seniors last season. According to Cruz, the team looks to answer one question: Who’s going to step up into those big shoes? Some likely candidates to produce success for the team include senior Cassie Brezil, who is stepping into the role of middle hitter and has already been a solid passer and defensive player. Former coach Kevin Freeman said Brezil’s positive attitude and constant improvement last fall earned her more playing time as the season went on. Fellow seniors Natalie Grill and Tatyana Hribar are also expected to contribute to the team’s back row, with both boasting solid passing. Hribar is returning to play after a serious injury kept her off the court last year.
Student athletes hit the court this week across the Florida Keys. The official start date for practices was Aug. 1, and each of the three Monroe County high school volleyball teams began gearing up for the start of competition.
SEASON PREVIEW: going to step up into those big shoes? defensive player. Former coach Kevin Freestant improvement last fall earned her more is returning to play after a serious injury kept Key West’s join the coach Kelley Cruz’s Lady Dolphins is teamReturning side.
Though only a sophomore, Grace Leffler has been a great communicator in the middle hitter position, something that will be crucial for the team. Senior Addison Morris is new to the sport but is a powerful player and is already showing promise as an outside hitter. Junior Crystal Gutierrez-Sandoval, a veteran player, will also see reps as outside hitter. Fans will have their first chance to see all three Keys teams in action at a preseason tournament hosted at Marathon High School on Thursday, Aug. 18. Marathon will play Coral Shores at 4 p.m., Coral Shores will play Key West at 5:30 p.m. and Key West will play Marathon at 7 p.m.
More information, and registration, are at upperkeysbpw.org/events. A second event, the Upper Keys BPW Political Forum, will take place on the evening of Oct. 19 in the Upper Keys. Location and online registration will be availableCandidatessoon. will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, speak and answer specific questions, ahead of election day on Nov. 8. The mission of the Upper Keys BPW is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.
On Wednesday, Aug. 17, residents of the Upper Keys have a unique opportunity to meet and greet candidates up for election in the primary races. The Upper Keys Business & Professional Women (BPW) is hosting the event, which will take place at the Rooftop Sandbar at Whale Harbor, Islamorada on Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Welcome remarks and brief introductions of candidates will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m., after which informal networking continues.
26 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
The Upper Keys Business & Professional Women will host a meet-and-greet with primary candidates on Aug. 17 at Rooftop Sandbar in Islamorada.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office held its quarterly employee awards ceremony on Aug. 5 in Marathon. Employees were also recognized for their years of service to the agency. Sheriff Rick Ramsay recognized his Employees of the Second Quarter, 2022, for exemplary and outstanding service to the agency and to the citizens of Monroe County. From left: Reserve Deputy Sheriff of the Quarter Juan Perez, Detention Deputy Sheriff of the Quarter Juan Morales, Ramsay and Deputy Sheriff of the Quarter Anfernee Rodriguez. Not pictured: Support Member of the Quarter Deshawn Battle. MCSO/ Contributed
The Upper Keys BPW is the largest membership organization supporting professional women in the Florida Keys, with over 100 members from Islamorada to Ocean“We’veReef.organized meet-the-candidate events for the community during every bi-annual election year since 1986,” said Jill Kuehnert, Upper Keys BPW president. “As a non-partisan memberled organization we don’t endorse or oppose candidates, but we proudly offer this opportunity as part of our mission to support and inspire women personally, professionally and politically.” Emma Haydocy, chair of the Upper Keys BPW public policy committee, adds, "For business and professional women of the Upper Keys, the personal is political and the political is personal. I encourage everyone, on either and every side of the aisle, to understand the issues, know who the candidates are and where they stand on issues that matter to you, and vote like your livelihoods depend on it!"
MCSO HONORS QUARTERLY AWARD WINNERS
— Contributed UPPER KEYS BPW HOSTS
MEET-AND-GREET WITH PRIMARY CANDIDATES
The event is open to the public at a cost of $25 for BPW members and $30 for non-members. Advance registration and payment online at upperkeysbpw. org/events is encouraged.
Keys law enforcement agencies, fire rescue and EMS collabo rated with the University of Miami Gordon Center for active shooter training and drills on Aug. 6. The Gordon Center worked with the U.S. military to develop a one-of-a-kind, hands-on course for first responders on the tactical and medi cal care interventions that help save the lives of civilians and responders. Islamorada Fire & Rescue and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation (FWC) officers received the training recently. It culminated in a drill at Coral Shores High School. This new method allows fire rescue to be embedded with law enforcement so lifesaving care can get to victims much quicker versus waiting until the scene is 100% secured, said Dr. Barry Issenberg, director for the Gordon Center for Simulation and In novation in Medical Education. — Jim McCarthy
1. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers lead the way in an active shooter training drill at Coral Shores High School on Aug. 6. Fire rescue and EMS follow behind.
27UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
3. A first responder treats a wound during the active shooter Contributeddrill.photos. 1 23
2. A volunteer patient waits to be tended to.
TRAININGSHOOTERPREPARESFIRSTRESPONDERS
ACTIVE
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
• I.CARE dive and transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Key Dives, Islamorada. Book by calling 305-664-2211. • Full moon beach party at 8 p.m. at Island Grill, Islamorada. Sunday, Aug. 14
Foxes welcome survivors of a different species
• Immerse Yourself presentation on searching for sunken treasure by Barbara Overton at 7 p.m. at History of Diving Museum. RSVP by calling 305664-9737. Thursday, Aug. 18
SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Aug. 11
THEREEFFOX
• Special call Islamorada Village Council meeting to discuss land use policy at 3 p.m. at Founders Park Com munity Center. Tuesday, Aug. 16 • LEGO Club for elementary chil dren at 2 p.m. at Key Largo Library. Wednesday, Aug. 17
• I.CARE dive and transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Islamorada Dive Center. Book by calling 305-664-3483. Tuesday, Aug. 23 • Primary elections. Saturday, Aug. 27
• Key Largo Critter Cruise/Crawl benefitting Upper Keys Humane Soci ety at 11 a.m. at Caribbean Club, Key Largo.
• 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.
Hi friends! Reef the fox here with this week’s “Reef’sTodayReport.”isthe day. My mother left early this morning to drive to Tampa to pick up my new little fox brother, Kai. He got to fly on a plane (in the cabin) with our friend Merri from Minnesota to Florida. My mom asked me if I wanted to go on her road trip but I said no. I used to really like being in the car when I was a baby fox. I would go every where with mom and I loved it. I’m just not so sure how I would do now, so it’s best I just stay home and wait to meet little Kai when he gets here. Last Friday, we had some really amazing ladies stop by to meet me (us). My mom has partnered with Kinder in the Keys. They specialize in trauma recov ery, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disor der (PTSD) and other mental health-related challeng es. Their inpatient mental health facility in Key Largo offers treatments that address the mental, physical and emotional needs of adult women. As one of the only non-substance abuse inpatient mental health facilities in the country, they help women live healthier lives by providing customized, safe and holistic care. Coral and I were little superstars and came out to greet and show off for the women. We happily took treats from them and then showed them around our house. Penny the fox was even a star and let some of the women hand her treats as well. Obviously foxes are not therapy animals and could never be certified as such, but we all have stories of survival so mom and the staff at Kinder in the Keys thought it would be therapeutic for the women to meet survivors of a different species to show that recovery is possible. So this partnership will be ongoing and every month we will have new ladies visit us to share our stories with them. How cool is that? Mom wanted me to remind everyone that we are not open to the public for visits. This partnership is a unique one and these women are protected by privacy laws and their visit was not photographed or videorecorded. We had someone stop by the other day asking to see the foxes after dark. I’m sure people are curious and want to meet us but unfortunately it is not possible. We are and have always been a private sanctuary and that is not going to change. The older foxes here suffered a great deal of trauma prior to their rescue and mom decided long ago that this would be a safe space for them and not some tourist attraction. So please respect our rules, safety and Anywho,privacy. that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
These two males are very sweet and playful. Peanut and Felix love children and get along with other cats and dogs. They’re up to date on their shots, neutered and ready for a “furever” home. If you would like to make Peanut or Felix a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give the Upper Keys Humane Society a call at 305-451-3848. The Upper Keys Humane Society is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.
STORIES STRENGTHOF
Reef recently welcomed some women from Kinder in the Keys. CONTRIBUTED
• Hog Heaven 20th anniversary party benefiting Upper Keys Humane Society at 11 a.m. at Hog Heaven Bar & Grill. Monday, Aug. 15
28 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
• Morada Way Art Walk at 6 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada. Saturday, Aug. 20
• Keys to Peace presents full moon meditation and drum circle at 7 p.m. at Coconut Cove Resort, Islamorada. Saturday, Aug. 13
&PEANUTFELIX
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 29 www.pilatesinparadise.net | info@pilatesinparadise.net 305.453.0801 | Locations at Ocean Reef & Tavernier GO TO OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL CLASS SCHEDULE! KNEELING ARM SERIES IS CHALLENGEA TO NOT STRENGTH,ONLY BUT BECAUSEBALANCE MOVES!APPARATUSTHE Please call us today. We want to help. 91495 Overseas Highway, Suite C | Tavernier, Florida 33070 | 305.705.6788 | JVastola@VastolaLegal.com Jeff D. Vastola, Esq. 833-VASTOLA Injured in a boating accident?Injured in a boating www.InjuredInTheKeys.comaccident? TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY | LUNCH 11-2:30 | DINNER 5 -10 TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 4:20 -11 WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY | LUNCH 11- 2:30 | DINNER 5 -10 BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11- 2:30 WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY 4:20 - 11
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MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com
AN EVOLVING ELEMENT
So, since I had time on my hands, and all I wanted to do was work out and study, it's basically what I did for most of the pandemic. I rode my bike up and down the Keys. At the same time, I ended up passing the state exam on the first try. I felt like a completely different person and owed that to 75 Hard and putting myself first. When I started putting myself first, it changed the game for everything. I love my family, but there's only so much I can do. And when I started putting myself first, it changed the game for everything and everyone else too. I started getting more honest with myself. It's you against you. And that's completely changed my life. And then knowing I am building a brand and have a reputation to uphold. I believe 100% that people can change — we are evolving. Honestly, all of this happened when I took a step back — look ing at how I live my life now and what I could change that I wasn’t proud of. You are what you do. I didn’t like going out every night and spending my money on things that I shouldn’t be spending it on. I realized I wanted to be a better person, so I started putting effort into doing little things every day. Living a life of organized time is extremely important to me. I always knew I wanted to be a busi nesswoman; have a career or a job I could dress up for and feel good about. So, I would say take a step back and look at how you're spending your time now, and are you proud of that? And if you're not proud of it, you need to change it. I am not perfect; and that's what's im portant for me, to be able to show people that have been through a lot that you can get through it.
Keys native & mortgage lender shares the journey within From left to right: Keys native Claire Montang inside her Element Home Loans office at 91760 Overseas Highway, Tavernier. CONTRIBUTED Claire Montang is a member of the Upper Keys Business & Professional Women’s club. Claire Montang outside her Element Home Loans office in Tavernier. Claire Montang bikes regularly.
Then, John Gallant, a Realtor with Engel & Volkers, suggested I apply for a scholarship through the (Upper Keys) Rotary. Then, through a connection that I met at Pierre's, Judy Rossignol of Realty ONE Engage The Keys, I was introduced to Daren Loewinger from Element Funding, now Element Home Loans. We all met at Square Grouper for lunch, and they offered me the branch manager position. Element Home Loans is a mortgage company based in West Palm. We have a hometown feel which fits for me because I have been here all my life, and I appreciate where we are and the community. In addition to Element, I also work four nights a week at Ziggie & Mad Dogs. I am also busy networking with various associations such as BPW, The Upper Keys Rotary, Your Professional Network (YPN), Key Largo Chamber, Islamorada Chamber, and am an affiliate for the Florida Keys Board of Realtors — working hard to build connections and gain people's trust. When considering who to work with for your mortgage, they should be there to walk you through everything and explain everything clearly. With Element, we don't have to worry about waiting for another company to give us the answers. Instead, we can control the process. I can call the underwriter on my own time, and you know I can get responses from my team. Another thing I did during COVID-19 was 75 Hard. 75 Hard is a mental discipline challenge created by Andy Frisella, owner of 1st Phorm. I saw girls in the community doing it, and I was really interested in it. I ended up taking it super seriously and followed through with completing it. You have to perform seven tasks every day, such as drinking a gallon of water, taking two progress pictures every day, reading 10 pages of a self-development book, and two 45-minute workouts in which one must be outside.
Alifelong Keys kid, an opportunity to grow in a close-knit community shaped Claire Montang into the hardworking woman she is today. Raised by a single mother who owned a business, Montang knew the value of ac countability and professionalism. Montang has worked in the service industry for 15 years — you’ve likely seen her dishing out drinks at Ziggie & Mad Dog’s — and re cently started a new journey as a mortgage lender. Keys Weekly met up with Montang to hear about her inspirations and aspira tions. My mom instilled my work ethic as she had her own business down here. It was a painting business, and when I was very young, my dad left, and my mom took over the business and ran it as a single mom. So I learned a lot about professional ism and what it's like to be self-employed. It's amazing the relationships and connections my mom built through having her business — a lot of appreciation for the community. Young people down here don't appreciate how amazing this community is, and I didn't realize it again until recently when I got into the field as a self-employed mortgage professional. In 2014 I graduated from Coral Shores and started working at Robbie's, The Hun gry Tarpon, in high school. 2018 started my journey in the mortgage industry as I worked at Pierre's, where I met many great people. A friend of a friend was opening a mortgage company, and they paid for me to do the schooling, and I understood it. I then took some time off, not taking the state exam right away. But then, when COVID-19 hit, it resurfaced for me to redo the course again and take the state exam.
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 31 Three Great Locations! 1411 White St. Key 305-294-5400West 1010 Kennedy Dr. Ste. 304 Key 305-296-3334West 82883 Overseas Hwy. 305-664-8828Islamorada*NCUA Insured. Restrictions may apply. Select services and transactions required for each CASH BACK reward level. Everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys is invited to join! Earn up to $15 CASH BACK and FREE Nationwide ATM transactions every month when you open a Keys Totally FREE CASH BACK Checking Account. Enjoy mobile and online banking, electronic bill payments and no minimum balance too! Discover the Keys FCU difference at any branch in Key West at 3022 N. Roosevelt Blvd. and 514 Southard St. and in Stock Island, Big Pine, Marathon or Tavernier Towne Center at MM 91. KeysFCU.org • 305-294-6622 ACQUISITIONSMARINABUYERSWITHIMMEDIATENEED.$300mm+ IN RECENT TRANSACTIONSMARINA 250+ TRANSACTIONS 13,000 INVESTORS Contact Michelle Ash, Ph.D, Simply Marinas Owner/Broker WE BUY, LIST & LEND ash@simplymarinas.com305-390-0397 SimplyMarinas.com
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 202232 Trunk SaleTrunk Sale Come, sell your wares at the Trunk Sale at Burton UM Church, MM 93 Oceanside. Text 305-363-8392 to reserve your parking space and send your $20 donation to Burton United Women in Faith...ASAP. Spaces are going fast. Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m.- 12 noon David Rodil Licensed & Insured MRSA david.rodil@live.com#1058786-344-3050 Experiencing unusual allergy symtoms? IT COULD BE MOLD. OFFERING24/7HOMESINSPECTIONCOMPREHENSIVEOFMOLDINANDBUSINESSESMOLDANDCHINESEDRYWALLTESTINGFLOODANDWATERDAMAGELEAKS• BLACKMOLDTESTINGAVAILABLE www.DadeMoldInspectors.comwww.DadeMoldInspectors.com 305.906.0272overseasmediagroup.com THE WORLD OF LOCALEXPERTISEYOUNEEDWITHTHESERVICEYOULOVE _custom website design _search engine optimization _social media marketing
trips.
Born and raised in the Caribbean island of Aruba, de Paula attended college in Miami and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Florida International University. In the early 2000s, she worked as a knowledge coordinator at the former Burson-Marsteller public relations agency in Miami, now BCW Florida, also managing the corporate library and conducting media monitoring for multimillion-dollar companies.
Married to De Paula Jewelers man ager and local artist William de Paula, she moved to the Florida Keys in 2002 where she aided in communications and sales at the jewelry store for the next 15 years, but mainly focused on raising their three children, now 18, 15, and 11. She has served as the social media manager for the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce since 2017. In 2018, she was hired as a housing specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after hurricane Irma. Af ter her experience with FEMA, de Paula joined the Florida Health Department’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) supplemental program in the Upper Keys as a breastfeeding peer counselor and teaching classes throughout Mon roe County.Withher husband, de Paula owns De Clues’ Custom Framing frame shop in Islamorada.Whenshe is not serving as board member for the BPW/FL Membership Committee and dabbling in percussion as part of the Florida Keys Community Band, de Paula loves reading, spending time with her family and dog, traveling, and enjoying large cups of coffee. Weekly staff
Key West. In Key Largo, buses will stop at 99501 Overseas High way at a bus stop in front of a Burger King for southbound trips and in front of the Wal greens/Bank of America for northbound In Big Pine Key, southbound stop at the Big Pine Key Post Office parking lot, northbound trips depart from a pullover area near the Greyhound bus stop, just steps away from Oc topuses Garden & Landscape. summer travel season ex plore the best their state has to offer and benefit from afford able, convenient and sustain able bus service throughout the Florida Keys.
report
“Having been an Upper Keys resi dent for 20 years, I’ve come to appre ciate the community and the unique opportunities for growth in the digital media sector our local businesses present,” de Paula said. “It’s a privilege to be able to serve the Upper Keys community and to be part of an estab lished company as the Keys Weekly, of which OMG is the digital arm.”
Upper Keys resident Carolyn de Paula has joined the digi tal media agency Overseas Media Group (OMG) as social media manager/digital strategist. Her duties will include creating and man aging social media content for local clients and helping connect clients with professional website design services.
trips will
BUS
OVERSEAS MEDIA GROUP AS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & DIGITAL STRATEGIST Carolyn
FlixBus, North Islamorada,Miami,tionsKeysFlixBus’keysingthetheasderdalegersonLargoservicetheboostinggrowingingbusfastest-growingAmerica’sintercityservice,isaddnewservicetoitsFloridanetworkanditsexistinglineswithadditionofintercitybustoBigPineKeyandKeywithservicekickingoffThursday,Aug.11.FlixBus’lineallowspassentotravelfromFortLauAirporttoKeyWestforlowas$21.99.AlongoneofmostbeautifulhighwaysinUnitedStateswithsweepviewsofthesurroundingandwaterfrontareas,linethroughtheFloridawillnowincludeconnecto/fromFortLauderdale,Homestead,KeyLargo,BigPineKeyand
while
LOCALS CAN RIDE BACK AND FORTH FROM AIRPORT
With plenty of
still left to enjoy, tourists and locals alike can
FlixBus has collaborated with Germany-based Atmosfair to offer customers the op tion to travel climate-friendly. can purchase “CO2 Compensation” tickets dur ing booking, thereby making a voluntary flixbus.com.climateworld,forlocalprojecthearths80%ruralmakeRwanda.ProjectStandardatmosfair’sTicketticketmatelytomers’ingcontribution.environmentalTheoptionalcostoftravelgreenwillbeaddedtocusticketprices,approxi1%to3%oftheoriginalprice.FlixBusCO2CompensationdonationsarefinancingUN-accreditedGoldClimateProtectionCleanerCookStovesinTheseefficientstovesitpossibleforpeopleinRwandatousearoundlesswoodthantraditionalwhentheycook.Thehelpstopreserveforests,thelasthabitatmountaingorillasintheandcontributetoglobalprotection.Moreinformationisat adds Big Pine Key and Key Largo Thursday, Aug.
— Keys
— Contributed Flixbus
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33UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022
will
CAROLYN DE PAULA JOINS de Paula LINE ADDS STOPS IN THE KEYS
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of GENE’S MOBILE MARINE & FISHING GUIDE located at 58 SE Marlin Ave., Monroe County in the City of Key Largo, Florida 33037-4764, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, DatedFlorida.at Key Largo, Florida this 3rd day of August, 2022. By: LISA MARIE LAYNE AugustPublish:11, 2022
The City of Key Colony Beach will hold a Special Master Hearing and Public Hearing on: Special Master Hearing: Friday, August 26, 2022, 10:30 A.M. City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, September 22, 2022, 9:30 A.M. At Temporary City Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL NOTICE33051.IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Special Master Hearing on Friday, August 26, at 10:30 A.M., and a City Commission Public Hearing, on September 22, 2022, at 9:30 A.M., at a Temporary City Hall located at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida, 33051, to hear a Variance Request from Thomas E. Carden, Owner of 200 15th Circle. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 101 – 10 (8) height variance of 6’-8’. Current maximum height is 30’0”. The Applicant further requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 10 (5) rear setback by 8’6”. Current rear yard minimum is 25’. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested Ifvariance.anyperson decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Friday, August 26, 2022, or Thursday, September 22, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or
READINGHEARINGSDATES OF ORDINANCE NO. NOTICE2022-478ISHEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearings to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances. Public Hearing First Reading: August 25th, 2022, 9:35 A.M. OR at the conclusion of the prior Public Variance Hearing. Public Hearing Second/Final Reading: September 22nd, 2022, 9:35 A.M. OR at the conclusion of the prior Public Variance Hearing. Location: Temporary City Hall, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2022–478], entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS WITHIN MUNICIPAL PARKS AND BEACHES; AMENDING ARTICLE II, CHAPTER 12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ADDING A NEW SECTION 12-10 PROHIBITING SMOKING, AS AUTHORIZED BY FLORIDA LAW EXCEPT WITHIN DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS OF A MUNICIPAL PARK OR MUNCIPALLY CONTROLLED BEACH AND BEACH PARK; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, REPEAL, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE” Interested parties may appear at the meetings and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Public Hearings on Thursday, August 25th, 2022, and/or Thursday, September 22nd, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record. City of Key Colony Beach, Florida AugustPublish:11, 2022
The Weekly Newspapers
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 #455following:Mark/Jennifer Noah: home goods, electronics, tools etc. will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website at Allstoragetreasures.com.purchaseditemssold 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. AugustPublish:4 & 11, 2022
The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FLORIDA KEYS PLUS located at 5409 Overseas Highway, #107, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, By:Florida.What’s Happening in Marathon, LLC AugustPublish:11, 2022
NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF SPECIAL MASTER & PUBLIC HEARING
34 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES
Personal Representative: DARLA J. POLAND 108 Hiawatha Dr. Glenshaw, PA 15116 Attorney for URBANRepresentative:PersonalJ.W.PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: Personal2022.SignedthisTheDATEMORECLAIMPERIODSNOTWITHSTANDINGBARRED.733.702INTHEALLOFDATEWITHINfileagainsthavingdecedentAllOFTHETHISOFOFcourtmustnoticeestatedemandsotherAllattorneythetheTheSuiteisDivision,Monroependingwasdeceased,ofTheNOTICEDeceased.DANIELINFILEPROBATEFLORIDAMONROEFORINTheAugustPublish:Telephone:Islamorada,P.O.UrbanFloridayahoo.comSecondaryujwplaw@gmail.comEmail:ujwplawfirm@BarNo.382035J.W.Patterson,P.A.Box783Florida33036305-664-506511&18,2022WeeklyNewspapersTHECIRCUITCOURTCOUNTY,DIVISIONNO.:22-CP-000093-PRE:ESTATEOFMARTINBLANDFORD,TOCREDITORSadministrationoftheestateDANIELMARTINBLANDFORD,whosedateofdeathNovember2,2021,isintheCircuitCourtforCounty,Florida,Probatetheaddressofwhich88770OverseasHighway,#2,Tavernier,FL33070.namesandaddressesofpersonalrepresentativeandpersonalrepresentative’saresetforthbelow.creditorsofthedecedentandpersonshavingclaimsoragainstdecedent’sonwhomacopyofthisisrequiredtobeservedfiletheirclaimswiththisONORBEFORETHELATER3MONTHSAFTERTHETIMETHEFIRSTPUBLICATIONOFNOTICEOR30DAYSAFTERDATEOFSERVICEOFACOPYTHISNOTICEONTHEM.othercreditorsoftheandotherpersonsclaimsordemandsdecedent’sestatemusttheirclaimswiththiscourt3MONTHSAFTERTHEOFTHEFIRSTPUBLICATIONTHISNOTICE.CLAIMSNOTFILEDWITHINTIMEPERIODSSETFORTHFLORIDASTATUTESSECTIONWILLBEFOREVERTHETIMESETFORTHABOVE,ANYFILEDTWO(2)YEARSORAFTERTHEDECEDENT’SOFDEATHISBARRED.dateoffirstpublicationofnoticeis:August4,2022.onthis1stdayofAugust,Representative:D.O.
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 9:30 A.M., at Temporary City Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, to hear a Variance Request from Charles Wiemer, Owner of the property located at 551 8th Street. Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 101, Section 26, Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Section 1, setback by 5 feet. Current setback requirements are 10 feet. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested Ifvariance.anyperson decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday, August 25, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or is“711”.hearingscheduled8:30a.m.—5:00p.m.,4441,Office,theproceeding,inneedspersonADAcitizens/default.aspx.monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/foundZoom.attendingofBoardAugustTheprison.StateCollege’sexchangeareaareland.buildingsbeallexchangepropertybuildingsFloridaStatepropertyofadjoinsServiceseniorlocatedtheaddressesencroachments.andresolvingofMonroeexchangeCommissionersCountyAresolution:considerCounty,CommissionersFlorida,1200HarveytheP.M.,onWHOMNOTICERESOLUTIONADOPTIONNOTICETheAugustPublish:Citythecommentskeycolonybeach.netcityclerk@andyourwillbeenteredintorecord.ofKeyColonyBeach11,2022WeeklyNewspapersOFINTENTTOCONSIDEROFCOUNTYISHEREBYGIVENTOITMAYCONCERNthatAugust17,2022,at1:30orassoonthereafterasmattermaybeheard,attheGovernmentCenter,TrumanAve,KeyWest,theBoardofCountyofMonroeFlorida,intendstoadoptingthefollowingresolutionoftheMonroeBoardofCountyauthorizingtheoflandsbetweenCountyandtheStateFloridaforthepurposesofaboundarydisputeeliminatingmultipleThisresolutionpropertyonwhichBigPineKeyfirestationisandhousestheformermealsiteandtwoForestryhouses.ThepropertytheformerDepartmentCorrectionsRoadPrisonnowleasedbythetotheCollegeoftheKeys.Therearemultipleencroachingonthelines.Theresultisalandagreementinwhichstateagencies’buildingswillonstatelandandallCountywillbeonCountyTheexchangedareasapproximatelythesameinandappraisedvalue.Thisdoesnotaffecttheagreementwiththeforuseoftheformerroadpubliccanparticipateinthe17,2022,meetingoftheofCountyCommissionersMonroeCounty,FLbyinpersonorviaTheZoomlinkcanbeintheagendaathttp://ASSISTANCE:IfyouareawithadisabilitywhospecialaccommodationsordertoparticipateinthispleasecontactCountyAdministrator’sbyphoning(305)292-betweenthehoursofpriortothemeeting;ifyouareorvoice-impaired,callLiveClosed-Captioningavailableviaourwebportal was May 5, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal 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 NOTWITHSTANDINGBARRED. 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: August 11, 2022.
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH
The Weekly Newspapers
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. By: Bowline Hospitality IV, LLC, a Florida limited liability company AugustPublish:4, 2022 and August 11, 2022
The Weekly Newspapers
TheAugustPublish:Citythecommentskeycolonybeach.netcityclerk@andyourwillbeenteredintorecord.ofKeyColonyBeach11,2022WeeklyNewspapers
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. AugustPublish:4, 11, 18 & 25, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers
The Weekly Newspapers 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 AugustPublish:4, 2022 and August 11, 2022
that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of EYW & ASSOCIATES located at 342 Vista Terrace, White Lake, MI 48386 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: David and Lisa Janeczek AugustPublish:11, 2022
@ deceased,estateTheNOTICEDeceased.DANIELINFILEPROBATEFLORIDAMONROEINJUDICIALOFINTheAugustPublish:+1+1Dial(San+16699006833,,(New+16465189805,,OneMeetingus/j/4509326156https://mcbocc.zoom.JointhecallSeptemberviasolicitationThebeingdeliveryoruntildeliverysolebepriordeliverygovpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.bidexceedsize.bidaccordinglybyfilePleasesubjectFilesFundingFYaslineSeptembergov,OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl.bidsDepartmentThebeproposals/responsesphysicallypersonmailelectronically.DepartmentMonroerequest.Publicmonroecounty-fl.gov/bids.www.demandstar.comrequestedandRequirementsforsearchablefloridapublicnotices.com,besolicitation(a),Pursuant2022.thanBidsFundingFYfollowing:openCounty2022,onNOTICECOMPETITIVENOTICETheAugustPublish:MonroeofExCircuitKEVIN1stDatedBoardmeetingscom/Citizens/Default.aspxhttp://monroecountyfl.iqm2.foroftheMonroeCountyofCountyCommissioners.atKeyWest,Florida,thisdayofAugust2022.MADOK,ClerkoftheCourtandOfficioClerkoftheBoardCountyCommissionersOfCounty,Florida4&11,2022WeeklyNewspapersOFREQUESTFORSOLICITATIONSISHEREBYGIVENthatThursday,September15,at9:00A.M.,theMonroePurchasingOfficewillsealedresponsesforthe20222ndRoundEventApplication–DACImustbesubmittednolater5:00P.M.September14,toF.S.50.0211(3)allpublishedcompetitivenoticescanviewedat:www.aStatewiderepositoryallpublishedlegalnotices.forsubmissiontheselectioncriteriamaybefromDemandStaratORwww.TheRecordisavailableuponCountyPurchasingreceivesbidsPleasedonotorattempttodeliverinanysealedbids.Mailed/deliveredbids/WILLNOTaccepted.MonroeCountyPurchasingherebydirectsthatbesubmittedviaemailto:nolaterthan5:00P.M.,on14,2022.Yoursubjectonbothemailsmustreadfollows:20222ndRoundEventApplication–DACIthatdonotcontainthislineWILLBEREJECTED.notethatthemaximumsizethatwillbeacceptedemailis25MB.PleaseplantoensurethatyourisnotrejectedduetothefileShouldyourbiddocuments25MB,inadvanceoftheopening,pleaseemail:omb-soaccommodationsforofyourbidcanbemadetothebidopening.Pleaseadvisedthatitisthebidder’sresponsibilitytoensureoftheirbidandwaitingthebidopeningtoaddressconfirmyourbidsubmissionwillresultinyourbidrejected.bidopeningforthiswillbeheldvirtually,theinternet,at9:00A.M.,on15,2022.Youmayinbyphoneorinternetusingfollowing:ZoomMeetingID:4509326156tapmobile:4509326156#USYork)4509326156#USJose)byyourlocation:6465189805(NewYork)6699006833(SanJose)11,2022WeeklyNewspapersTHECIRCUITCOURTTHESIXTEENTHCIRCUITANDFORCOUNTY,DIVISIONNO.:2022-CP-94-PRE:ESTATEOFPAULJONESTOCREDITORSadministrationoftheofDANIELPAULJONES,whosedateofdeath
LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES John Woltz,
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of PIRATES COVE MARINE SPECIMENS located at 19686 Ca nal Drive, Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Ben NOTICEFICTITIOUSTheAugustPublish:Disdier11,2022WeeklyNewspapersNAMEISHEREBYGIVEN
35UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 EMPLOYMENTCOMMERCIALLEGAL NOTICES STEVEN J. ADAMCZYK 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite Naples,300FL 34108 Attorney for 999VarnumFloridaStevenRepresentative:PersonalJ.AdamczykBarNo.60260LLPVanderbiltBeach Road Suite Naples,300FL
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 305743-0844 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 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! MISC. FOR SALE Hooker Office Furniture, Cherry Creek, solid wood5 pcs: Computer Credenza Desk and Hutch, 52" Wall Bookcase, 22" Wall Storage Cab, Wall End Unit. Excellent condition. $3,000 or BO 305-797-3153 PLACE YOUR MISC. FOR SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 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 PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! HOUSING FOR RENTEMPLOYMENT SUDOKU SOLUTION URGENTE NECESITAMOS ASISTENTES DE SALUD HHA EN EL ÁREA DE KEY LARGO URGENTE NECESITAMOS ASISTENTES DE SALUD HHA EN EL ÁREA DE KEY LARGO Debe poder hablar Español. Tiempo completo disponible. Buscando asistentes de salud en el hogar compasivos y para brindar servicios de atención personal a los pacientes en sus hogares en las áreas de Cayo Largo (Key Largo). Lamar o mandar texto a: 786- 488-8806 / 786 -234-0786 The Banyan Resort, a timeshare property in Key West, is seeking a General Manager. Deep business experience, with strong financial, management and communications skills required. Advanced Degree a plus. Candidates will need to obtain a Florida CAM license. Looking to fill A.S.A.P. Salary commensurate with experience. Medical Benefits and Paid Vacation Package. Please send resume to: employment@thebanyanresort.com School Programs & Outreach Curriculum Specialist (Full-Time - Permanent) Visual (Full-Time/Part-Time,CommunicationsSeasonalorPermanent)VolunteerResourcesAdministrativeAssistant(Full-Time,Permanent)Media&MarketingStaffMember(Full-Time,Permanent)EducationProgramHost(Full-Time,Permanent)ITTechnicalSpecialist(PartTime,Permanent)HumanResourcesAssistant(Part-Time,Permanent)GuestServicesStaff(Full-Time/Part-Time,Temporary/Permanent)Benefitsincludemedical,life&disabilityinsurance,401(k)plan,paidvacation,sicktime&holidays.Fulljobdescriptionsavailableatwww.dolphins.org/career_opportunitiesEmailcoverletter,DRCapplication&resumetodrc-hr@dolphins.orgEOE DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring ISCENTERRESEARCHDOLPHINHIRING!
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: sweetsavannahs.cominfo@ 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 lobstercrawl@gmail.comemail: 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 eerpinc@gmail.comto: 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. PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!
EMPLOYMENTKEYWEST
SPACE FOR RENT 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 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WarehouseWEEK!!!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 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH! PLACE YOUR COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 TODAY!
Express
NOW HIRING - Full Time Seafood Ave,FishinCompetitivePackers/Graders.Wage.ApplypersonatKeysFisheriesHouse,3390GulfviewMarathon.EOEDFWP 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: Recreation Specialist, Right of Way Technician, Parttime Marina Custodian/ Maintenance and Marina Tech/Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for www.ci.marathon.fl.usdetails
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 305-7430844 TODAY! BOATS FOR SALE PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call
TODAY! 2001
COMMERCIAL
UPPEREMPLOYMENTKEYS 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 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 305-852-9639to Hiring excavator operators, deckhands, & boat operators in Key Largo. 40/hrs per week MondayFriday. 305-440-3304 HIRED!!! PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!
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TheAugustPublish:Murphy,POAttorneyWilliam2022,This,reliefyoutheandlaterdefenseYouCounty,ofverifiedservicemembersciviltheYoubyisnaturethebeenseekingTakeTo:NUMBERCHEROKEEJAGOEJULIAInCHEROKEESTATEBYNOTICETheAugustPublish:comEmail:Telephone:34108239-241-7384sjadamczyk@varnumlaw.4&11,2022WeeklyNewspapersOFSERVICEOFPROCESSPUBLICATIONOFNORTHCAROLINACOUNTYtheDistrictCourtCRENSHAWv.RICHARDCOUNTYFILE22CVD332RICHARDJAGOE:noticethatapleadingreliefagainstyouhasfiledonJune28,2022,inabove-entitledaction. Thatofthereliefbeingsoughtanabsolutedivorcefromyoutheplaintiff,JuliaCrenshaw.mayobtainacopyofcivilsummons,domesticactioncoversheet,declaration,andcomplaintfromtheClerkSuperiorCourtinCherokeeMurphy,NorthCarolina.arerequiredtomaketosuchpleadingnotthanSeptember30,2022,uponyourfailuretodosopartyseekingserviceagainstwillapplytothecourtforthesought.the8thdayofAugust,by:R.ShillingatLawBox677NC2890611,18&25,2022WeeklyNewspapers 305-743-0844 ProLine 30' located Key Colony Beach. 2016 twin 250hp Suzuki 4 stroke, 75 hours. 300 gal. gas tank, freshwater tank, elec. head, cabin sleeps two. $40,000 954-849-5650 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!! BOAT MISC. FOR SALE 25' X 8' Floating Dock for Sale. Aluminum cross braced frame, hardwood decking w/bumpers & cleats. Located in Key Colony Beach. $10,000 352-665-8223OBO
The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a Full-time Administrative Assistant II in Key West. The essential function of this position is to provide administrative and paralegal support for three circuit judges’ offices at the Freeman Justice Center in Key West. The position requires a working knowledge of the rules and procedures governing the various circuit court areas including civil, felony, family law, domestic abuse and repeat violence, probate, guardianship, delinquency and dependency. Salary is $37,500 annually, plus Monroe County benefits. Interested applicants should submit a State of Florida Application, cover letter and resume youthe3423;atprocess,application/selectiontoneedorientation.disabilityrace,discriminateisacceptedApplicationsbackgroundtoapplicantnet.foundjobapplications33040.Street,orPersonnel@Keyscourts.nettoPersonnel,302FlemingKeyWest,FloridaStateofFloridaandcompletedescriptioncanbeatwww.Keyscourts.Thesuccessfulwillberequiredpassacompletecheck.arebeinguntilthepositionfilled.Wedonotonthebasisofreligion,sex,age,orsexualEOE.Ifyouanaccommodationparticipateinthepleasenotifyusinadvanceat305-292-tomakecallthroughFloridaRelayCenter,candial7-1-1.
MIDDLEEMPLOYMENTKEYS 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 305-743-5555intervals. Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon is looking for a part-time cashier Thu/Fri/Sat. Please call 305-743-2281. Marathon Auto Air looking for Counter Help - full-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884
36 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 DUI INSTRUCTOREVALUATOR/ 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 eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117. 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: DishwashersLineBartendersWaitstaffHostsBarBacksBussersCooks Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon GARBAGEMARATHONSERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person tobe considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon NOWCASHIERHIRING Part-Time Position in Islamorada Hours: Mon/Tue 6A-2P and/or Fri/Sat/Sun 2P-6P $15.00/hour starting Call 606-425-0376 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.comLic#EC525 305-743-6098 Kelly6098@aol.com NOW HIRING 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 TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.comto: Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS Experience Required. Paid per trip plus tips & sales commission. Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com 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. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW OPERATORTREATMENTWASTEWATERPLANT“C” LOCATION: DUCK KEY EOE-M/F/V/D Equal Housing LenderMember FDIC Full Time Teller Customer Service Representative Human Resources Specialist Loan Processor Senior Commercial Credit Analyst Commercial Lender Key West Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers • Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing • Fun, Fast-Paced Environment • Great Hours • Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time • 401K Employer Match HIRING NOW Big Pine Full Time Teller
37UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 PART TIME / FULL W/FLEXIBLEOPPORTUNITIESTIMESCHEDULESAPPLYONLINEAT www.noblehousehotels.com/careers APPLY IN PERSON AT Zero Duval St. Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE. SCAN TO VIEW JOB OPENINGS. APPLY BELL/VALETTODAY!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 RestaurantAssistantGreeter SPA TERRE AT OCEAN KEY Licensed Massage Therapist Licensed Nail Technician MANAGEMENT OPENINGS Sous Chef WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER REDUCED-COST EMPLOYEE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES IN OLD TOWN! “Upli ting the human spi it since 1973”GuidanThece/CareCenterncadivisionofBackground and drug screen req. COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING! KEY LARGO Crisis Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Case Manager (Children) KEY WEST Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) Care CaseBehavioralPreventionCoordinatorSpecialistHealthCounselor(Children)PeerSupportSpecialistCrisisCounselorManagers(Adult,Forensic,Children)SubstanceAbuseCounselor*Advocate MARATHON Research Assistant *Support Worker (PT only) Peer Support Specialist/BHT Care Coordinator Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) RNs and LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem) MaintenanceDriverSpecialist *Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem) *No experience required for these positions. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required. GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time to meet your needs. Apply and enter your availability. 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 COMMUNITYFISHERMEN’SHOSPITAL - 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 Of cer APPLY AND LEARN MORE orcareers.baptisthealth.netcall786-243-8507 MAKE A DIFFERENCE Pigeon Key is seeking dedicated professionals seeking to make a positive impact in their community. Those individuals who wish to work on a uniquely beautiful island , while promoting our cultural history and preserving the natural Keys environment are encouraged to apply. Competitive wages based on ability and experience. Applicants will be subject to criminal background check and drug screening. Positions include: Trolley Operator (CDL licensing course provided for qualified applicant) Tour Guides, Sales Associates, Customer Relations Reps, Maintenance, Rental Associates and more. Application online at pigeonkey.net - under the Staff icon. Or apply in person at the Pigeon Key Gift Shop, 2010 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL. Questions and completed applications can be emailed to pigeonkey@aol.com
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‘WE MAKE BUTTER BETTER’ New Key Largo shop spreadsrestaurant-qualityoffers CHARLOTTE TWINE charlotte@keysweekly.com
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 11, 2022 39
CHARLOTTE TWINE/Contributed
Marjorie Smith, founder of Cow’s Rule Gourmet Compound Butter in Key Largo, knows this fact better than most. Her company’s name is a play on an expression that chef Emeril Lagasse used often back in his Food Network heyday: “Pork fat rules.” “When I hear that, I think, ‘Does it really?’” Smith said. “Because where would our culinary hopes and dreams be without butter and cheese?” Smith has a background in cuisine from her decade of experience with catering and event planning at Ocean Reef. After research, she noticed that compound butter is an untapped niche in the marketplace. Between her foodie skills and her talent for marketing and art — she is also an illustrator with a website, chartworksart.com — Smith is perfectly set up to be the Queen of Compound Butter through Cow’s Rule. However, she explained, most people don’t know what compound butter is. “Compound butter is a butter that has other ingredients in it,” she said. For example, she makes her Cow’s Rule Scampi Butter by taking restaurant-quality butter and mixing in freshly crushed raw garlic, lemon juice and zest, shallots, white wine and red pepper flakes. All a hungry cook has to do when they come home from work is toss some of this melted butter compound with cooked shrimp and voila — shrimp scampi dinner. Smith’s products are “finishing butters” — and she has 19 flavors and counting, such as Key lime, Cajun Buffalo, and blue cheese & chive — for steaks, chicken, lambchops, pork, swordfish, shellfish and more. And for those with a sweet tooth, other flavors include cinnamon sugar, maple walnut praline and cranberry lemon poppy seed. “We’re making it easy for people to have restaurant-style sauces—all the ingredients are in the butter,” Smith said. “Most people won’t make a sauce if it’s in an envelope.” Smith originally started Cow’s Rule in 2013 as a wholesale business for fish and meat markets and specialty stores. In 2022, upon realizing that she needed more cooking and refrigeration space, she decided to open a storefront. As fortune would have it, a space opened up just a few doors down from her mother’s picture framing shop (mom Cheryl Trent has run this business for decades) in the MM 103.2 shopping plaza.
Above: Cow’s Rule Gourmet Compound Butter founder Marjorie Smith, right, with sister (and “right hand” staffer) Stephanie Aylor.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that butter makes things better. Kind of like bacon. Everyone from cuisine legend Julia Child to your sensible Great-Aunt Mabel will tell you that it’s fabulous, for anything from vegetables to pancakes to mashed potatoes to steaks.
Main: Cow’s Rule has 19 flavors of compound butter and counting.
Cow’s Rule is a family project, with sister Stephanie Aylor serving as “the right hand,” said Smith. Aylor — with another sister, Kim Smith, pitching in to help — remodeled the store before its doors opened to the public in July. “One day I came to the store, and she said, ‘How do you feel about painting hooves?’” Aylor said with a laugh. And Aylor immediately dove into the task — painting a trail of cow hooves on the sidewalk leading up to Cow’s Rules’ door.The hooves have been a hit with passersby. One day, a customer came into the store and said, “You had me at the hooves.”Every package of compound butter is $6.29. The store is located at 103200 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, Suite No. 7. More information is at cowsrule.us or 305-304-4972.
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