Upper Keys Weekly 22-1013

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

MARY MARY BARLEY BARLEY

W H E R E I C O M E F R O M .

The environment is Islamorada’s economy The Everglades provide us with our drinking water and Florida Bay with the freshwater it needs to survive The combination drives our region's $20+ billion tourist economy and makes us the sportfishing capital of the world. Too often these ties are left out of the conversation at Village Hall That changes on Day One.

MaryI love my adopted hometown and will bring a sharp mind, pragmatic discipline, and eyes for the future to the Village Council

T H E P R I O R I T I E S . T H E C O M M I T M E N T .

Success. For Islamorada.

Modern meets Art Deco in this new construction waterfront home situated in Buccaneer Point Estates. Inspired by contemporary design, this home incorporates materials such as Italian marble flooring, veined quartzite countertops, and ornate light fixtures to create modern elegance with a touch of tropical nature. This five bedroom, five bathroom home features an interior custom elevator to take you to three en- suite bedrooms upstairs and two en-suite bedrooms on the main living level. Multifunctional outdoor spaces include an exterior stairway entry, a rear stairwell

to the living room and master suite balcony, and ample covered spaces to enjoy the tropical climate year-round. The outdoor space is complimented with a beautiful in-ground

area, infinity pool, custom kitchen, and gated electric fence.

16Florida gas prices took an unexpected turn higher last week. After sinking to a 2022 low of $3.17 per gallon on Oct. 5, the state average shot up 16 cents per gallon over the course of four days, in what became the largest weekly increase since June. Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $3.33 per gallon.

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

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305.743.0844

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.

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News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Monday 2 p.m.

The 12th annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run is set for Nov. 12. DAVID GROSS/ Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY

VILLAGE ADDRESSES SUNSHINE COMPLAINT NOW CLOSED BY STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Councilmen critical of investigation

Acase into whether Islamo rada village officials violated Sunshine Law regarding a separation agreement with its former village attorney was of ficially closed by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office with no further action last week.

For the first time, council members publicly responded to the investigation during the Oct. 7 meet ing at Founders Park Community Center. The state attorney’s office opened the investigation following a complaint from Capt. Ed Davidson, vice president of the Islamorada Community Alliance, that took aim at the council’s approval of Roget Bryan’s $185,000 separation agree ment on May 12. Identified as “Tab X,” the dais voted 5-0 to provide 20 weeks of severance pay, accrued and unused sick time and vacation leave, as well as insurance and re tirement benefits for 20 weeks. The vote was taken at the end of what was a 6-plus hour meeting.

A report by the state attor ney’s office acknowledged a lack of voluntary cooperation among four councilmen.

“Obviously, we’re trying to investigate a sunshine violation,” Ward said. “You would hope elected officials would cooperate and be transparent. And they did not.”

The village’s new attorney, how ever, said the state attorney’s office had another mechanism if they really wanted to speak to village council members.

Discussion over the investiga tion was sparked during the public comment portion of the meeting as resident John Fernandez took to the microphone to criticize the dais’ lack of cooperation with the state attorney’s office.

“Only one council member agreed to speak to the investigator. The rest said ‘I don’t want to talk

about this.’ That’s what the report says. I’m not making this up.”

Following public comments, Councilman Buddy Pinder asked village attorney John Quick to expound upon a report the village received from the state attorney’s office. Quick, who works with the firm Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman out of Coral Gables, said the case was closed by the state attorney’s office. As to Ward’s claims of a lack of cooperation among four council members, Quick said the state attorney’s office wasn’t restrict ed to voluntary cooperation.

“They could have subpoenaed any one of you to elicit testimony,” Quick said. “There were avenues for the state attorney, if it elected to do so, to speak with the remainder of you four.

“I do not believe any violation occurred and I want to make sure that’s absolutely clear in the public,” Quick continued.

Ward told the Keys Weekly that his office wasn’t going to subpoena council members.

“When we subpoena during an investigation, you have to give them immunity. I wasn’t about giving im munity to these people,” Ward said. “We were looking at wrongdoing. We were not doing that. And Mr. Quick knows that. He’s very aware of this.”

While he was advised by Quick not to speak, Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal said he refused the advice and met with the state attorney’s office.

Councilman Mark Gregg said having an informal conversation in an investigation is a different process than answering questions under oath in a legal setting.

“That’s the proper way to do this and that’s why our attorney gave us the advice to do that,” he said. “We’re not hiding anything. We’re right here at 5:30 (p.m.) every third Thursday or whatever our meeting schedule is.”

Pinder showed the council and the gallery an ad by the Islamorada Community Alliance in the Oct. 6 Upper Keys Weekly that attacked the village council’s “lack of trans parency” over Bryan’s separation agreement. Pinder said he, too, was advised by the village attorney not to volunteer to speak to the state attorney’s office.

Mayor Pete Bacheler said he worked with Alison Smith, attorney with Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, throughout the process. Bacheler said he did not talk to any one without Smith knowing exactly when and where.

“It was all in the sunshine with an attorney. Simple,” he said.

From left, Village Attorney John Quick, Councilman Buddy Pinder and Councilman Mark Gregg. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

FRIDAY, OCT.

2:30

6:30

A Celebration of Marine Conservation

SATURDAY, OCT.

2:30 pm:

JIM McCARTHY

BUILDING PERMIT

ARMAGEDDON

Candidates

SUE MILLER

We need to better understand the true impact of buildout. The County extended the 2023 date to implement processes that mini mize the impact. Monroe County provided the Village with a list of ideas they had implemented. We should follow their lead. We can not ignore that our infrastructure is limited, traffic is a nightmare, affordable housing is at a crisis stage, our environment is jeopar dized. Listen to those with exper tise.

Fourteen candidates enter for five hotly-contested Islamorada Village Council seats this November. With the most candidates seen in the village’s history, the hopefuls consist of incumbents and newcom ers, Conchs and longtime residents and men and women of all back grounds. Now through Election Day, the Upper Keys Weekly will ask the candi dates a question on key issues facing the village.

THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY ASKED THE CANDIDATES:

What actions would you take to address the building permit allocation system and 2023, if elected?

Answers

printed exactly as submitted by candidates, with responses limited to 75 words.

BUDDY PINDER

We currently have 78 individu als on the BPAS list with only 22 market-rate permits remaining. One option we have discussed is to implement a moratorium on new applications. Allowing those who have submitted applications to remain in the BPAS process. Another option is to update the TDR ordinance to allow more flex ibility on the transfer of develop ment rights as it relates to habitat, multi-family and wet or dry lots.

MARY BARLEY

For two years, the public called for workshops to strategically plan for this critical event and Councilman Henry Rosenthal urged the Coun cil to follow the County, extending it to 2026. Henry’s motion passed 5-0. Staff was instructed to make it happen but never did. I’ll call for an external audit to inventory properties in line for permits, including financial exposure to our taxpayers. From there, the com munity and Council can reach an informed resolution.

actions they would

MARK GREGG

I would lobby the legislature for funds to acquire buildable va cant land, “less than fee” build ing rights, and conservation easements. The TDR regulations should be relaxed to allow trans fers to more vacant infill parcels, except in environmentally sensi tive areas. When claims are filed, Monroe County and the State of Florida should be joined as co defendants to be held financially responsible for THEIR regulations that have resulted in a taking of OUR private property rights.

ELIZABETH JOLIN

I would facilitate a conversation to determine the residents’ appetite for growth. Thereafter, I would utilize the more than qualified planning director to find action able plans to meet that thresh old. I personally think this town is sagging under the weight of uncontrolled growth - but the role of a councilwoman would be to represent the desires of the com munity.

PETE BACHELER

The issues coming up in 2023 with the BPAS system are in nevernever land because we don’t know what the state is really going to do. Undoubtedly the state will deny any attempt of any permit request other than commercial space or residential remodel. Our request for the 300 units was recently denied.

JOHN TIMURA

Repeal Ordinance 20-02. Dis qualify land speculators who purchased land since Islamorada Village Ordinance 20-02 was passed during the height of Covid in hopes of filing a takings lawsuit and receiving a large paycheck at the expense of Village Taxpayers.

Follow the Village’s Comprehen sive Plan on Land Development. Use Florida State Laws as actual guidelines for ethical decision making.

CASEY WATKINS

Exploitations and violations have led to the state rescinding 600 permits for workforce housing. We must work to understand the true needs of the community, then approach the county and state on any further development. The continual division will not succeed in carefully caring for our community. Housing is a basic human need. Building codes have improved over time and have proven to sustain and protect residences.

Continue evaluating TDR availabil ity and how we can utilize them. Renew our environmental scoring element to help rank properties. Evaluate when proper ties were purchased, rank as related to buildout. Evaluation ranking Village financial exposure related to remaining individual properties. Partner with the Coun ty to commit the State to assist. Basically stay on same allocation path but use enhanced ranking to determine properties ranking. There is a system in place. Detail it. Utilize it. Verify it’s fair.

DEB GILLIS

4

HENRY ROSENTHAL

Amend the Land Development

Regulations to implement a mo tion I made in Dec. 2021, which passed unanimously, to follow the lead of Monroe County by releas ing permits in increments to 2026 which will avoid probable lawsuits that will cost the Village millions of dollars in 2023 if all the remaining permits were then issued.

4

ANGEL BORDEN

STOP taking permits! Use admin istrative relief and issue for the people on the list now! Previous council with the help of Deb Gillis established “buy a lot and donate for 10 points,” alluding up to 6 units per year then only did 2Wrong, suck it up let the people who followed her rule reap their reward - 6 units this year! Then end it all.

5

SHARON MAHONEY

We need to honor the people in the system, some for years; they did what was asked yet no change in how it is handled. We need to stop taking permits for new construction until we can evalu ate how to move forward. Look at ways to make housing for our work force a priority not more construction for the wealthy part time home owners. We all know money is driving this out of con trol building frenzy. Council needs to take a stronger stand. 2023 will be tough enough. Let’s not keep adding on to an existing problem.

SEAT 5 SEAT 5 TOM RAFFANELLO

DAVID WEBB

There are many unknowns regarding “after buildout.” But the potential liabilities facing Islamorada should be addressed now. We must advocate aggres sively, using elected representa tives, lobbyists and legal counsel, for the state to absorb the lion’s share of the costs when private land owners are denied building rights. We should immediately retain land use attorneys, expert witnesses and the like to protect the residents of our community from huge expenditures for private property.

We must analyze what residential lots remain vacant and when they were purchased. We have heard much of the impending 2023 moratorium and associated doomsday taxpayer cost. Those who purchased lots after the moratorium was announced and BPAS system implemented should not have the investment backed expectations to support a claim against the Village. After this evaluation, the BPAS system should prioritize permits to land owners who may actually have a valid claim.

Mark GREGG for Village Council Seat 2

“I WILL protect OUR unique community character from outside influences.

I WILL work to create a fair plan for build out.

I WILL fight to protect our residents' right of quiet enjoyment of Life.

I WILL protect our sensitive environment that supports our tourist economy.

“Mark knows that sport fishing is the life blood of our economy and that our continued prosperity and quality of life depend upon protecting our delicate ecosystems and natural resources for future generations. That’swhy I support Mark for Seat 2 on the Islamorada Village Council.”

— Richard Stanczyk, owner Bud n Mary’s Marina

VOTE

Paid for by Mark Gregg for Village Council

VOTE

PICK

PAY IT FORWARD DURING ‘BE LIKE MIKE’ WEEK

KEYS

MIKE

The inaugural “Be Like Mike” Day in the Florida Keys will be Friday, Oct. 21. Beloved Monroe County commissioner and restaura teur “Mangrove” Mike Forster was a member of the United Way of Collier and the Keys’ local advisory board at the time of his death from CO VID-19. UWCK staff and board members want this day to be a way to honor Forster’s untir ing commitment to making life better for Keys residents.

“Residents from Key West to Key Largo knew and loved Mike. This is a way for all of us to continue his spirit of behind-the-scenes small ges tures of good will throughout our community. We want to keep his legacy going through this annual event encouraging people to give back however they can,” said Leah Stockton, Keys Area President, United Way of Collier and the Keys.

The community is encour aged to spend the week leading up to Oct. 21 promot ing good will and generosity through random acts of kind ness, and then sharing their

good deeds on social media with the hashtag #BeLike Mike. Monday, Oct. 17, will be all about helping children; Tuesday, October 18, will encourage people to clean the ocean or bay; Wednesday, Oct. 19, will focus on aiding animals; and Thursday, Oct. 20, is designated for thank ing first responders, military members, and veterans.

On Friday, Oct. 21, along with partners Burton Memo rial Church in Tavernier, Keys Area Interdenominational Resource in Marathon, and Star of the Sea Foundation in Key West, the “Be Like Mike” week will culminate in UWCK collecting non-perishable food to distribute Keyswide. Community members are encouraged to drop off food donations between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at these loca tions. The donations made in Forster’s name will honor his biggest contribution to our community: feeding the Keys in times of need.

More details are at Key sUnitedWay.org/BeLikeMike/ and on Facebook.

BE LIKE MIKE

Honoring a community icon by paying it forward

For the month of Octo ber, the Keys Weekly Newspapers are part nering with United Way of Collier and the Keys to re member and honor the life of Mike Forster. A business owner and community advocate, Forster led the effort to feed the Florida Keys in the days following Hurricane Irma and throughout the COVID pan demic. He served on various boards, including the United Way, and went on mission trips to Uganda to serve the hundreds of children living in orphanages.

An Islamorada councilman and Monroe County commis sioner, Forster passed away on Sept. 6, 2021 at the age of 61 following a battle with COVID. Forster’s good will and gener osity has inspired many Keys residents to carry on the spirit of giving and kindness to the island chain and those in need. In continuing the legacy of Forster, United Way of Collier & the Keys and the Keys Weekly Newspapers are highlighting some of the folks in the island chain that continue to pay it forward to help their neigh bors. The community is invited to spend the week leading up to Forster’s birthday, Oct.17-21, to promote good will and gen erosity through random acts of kindness and sharing to social media and other channels as #BeLikeMike. Visit UWCollier Keys.org/BeLikeMike to learn more about the various ways to get involved.

THIS WEEK’S “BE LIKE MIKE” FEATURES: NOLA ACKER

Volunteer with Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors, Key Largo

What inspires you to give back to the community?

The community itself. When I moved here from Ohio in 2006 I learned the true meaning of community. When anyone is in need we rise up as a family to take care of our own.

What’s the most enjoyable part about helping your community and neighbors? Tough one. I don’t really like the word serve. Everything I have been involved with through the years have been passions and all very different. Smiles of the kids at Light Up Key Largo while reading them Christmas stories; during COVID it was the little “thank you” notes left by those we were helping get food to. I guess it’s the feeling of a full heart mostly.

What kind of impact did Mike Forster have on your life or your community? Mike was the real deal. He embodies the word selfless. I have learned from many on this journey but he was always doing it for the people he was helping and with a smile.

THE

Steele

| 305.295.5000

• The 2022 property tax bills will be mailed out October 31.

• As of October 1, a 10% penalty has been added to all unpaid local business tax receipts.

• All properties that are rented for six months or less MUST have a tourist development tax account.

• As a reminder, online platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office. It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure the tax is remitted.

• All rental properties must also pay a local business tax regardless of how long they are being rented.

• The lobby and drive-thru at the Harvey Government Center will be temporarily closed for renovations from 10/12-10/25. All registration and title services will be processed at the Key West Driver License Office in Searstown Shopping Plaza.

• The Big Pine Key location will be open from 9:00-3:00 on the following dates: - Tuesday 10/11-Friday 10/14 - Monday 10/17-Friday 10/21 - Monday 10/24-Thursday 10/27

us on for more important tax information.

Sunset Rotarian, Key Largo Community Preservation Foun dation member

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Team

Marathon

Key

All

Coral

Marathon

Coral

Coral Shores

Marathon

THE

Date

YEMCEL

Coral Shores, Sophomore Quarterback

Sophomore quarterback Yemcel Moreno has been gaining attention on the football field this season for all the right reasons. On Oct. 7, he ran for 93 yards on just six carries for the Hurricanes in the Battle of the Keys, scoring three touchdowns in the ‘Canes big win. Moreno worked his way up the depth chart to become the team’s number one signal caller, earning the role with a fiercely competitive attitude and relentless work ethic. Coach Ed Holly describes Moreno as “unbelievably competitive. He works hard in practice and he pays attention to the little things.” It is the dedication to things like footwork and timing that set him apart in his gameplay, and as Holly puts it, “He’s quickly becoming the leader of the team.” Moreno leads with his actions and does so in a positive manner, which is why he is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

– Ed Holly, Coral Shores head football coach.

“Yemcel has a great attitude. He gets better every week and thrives on competition.”

FOOTBALL

SHORES MARATHON

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

October 7 marked the renewal of one of the Keys’ longest-running sports rivalries when the Marathon High School football team traveled to face Coral Shores in the 53rd “Battle of the Keys.” Prior to kickoff, the ’Canes had a two-game edge over the Dolphins in their half-century rivalry. On Friday, they made it a three-game advantage, beating the Fins soundly 33-6.

The Dolphins came in with everything they had, fooling the cameraman and announcers along with the ’Canes defense en route to a surprise 42-yard touchdown run by Aaron Dolton. The extra-point attempt was no good, a pre cursor to Marathon’s special teams struggles to come.

Marathon’s defense held strong at first, led by a big Malachi Hawkins sack, and a three-and-out series looked encouraging for the Fins as the first quarter drew to a close. From there on out, though, it would be Hurricane season.

The Dolphins’ offense stalled on their second series, and a miscue on the ensuing punt gave Coral Shores the ball on the 23-yard line. Hurricanes quarterback Yemcel Moreno took full advantage of the field position, driving his team into the red zone and eventually scoring on a 10-yard quarterback keeper. The extra point put the ’Canes ahead early in the second quarter.

A bad snap on the Dolphins’ next punt gave Coral Shores the ball on the 8-yard line. This time, running back Chuck Jacobsen punched it in. Undeterred, Marathon began to move the ball again, but 6’5” Johnny Holly tackled the Fins’ Thomas Eubank behind the line of scrimmage with one minute to go in the half. At that point, the tide seemed to turn for Marathon, with a targeting penalty against the ’Canes giving the Dolphins 15 yards, a first down and a win dow of opportunity. The window soon closed, however, as Hawkins fumbled the ball, bringing the first half to a close with Coral Shores leading 14-6.

CORAL SHORES CLAIMS 53rd ‘BATTLE OF THE KEYS’

Hurricanes in full force against county rival Marathon

boast a 6-1 record for the season and are riding a fivegame win streak during which they have outscored their opponents 174-13.

Marathon regrouped during halftime and came out swinging. An onside kick recovered by Sean Hale gave the Fins the ball and rekindled their hopes, but they failed to capital ize on the possession. Coral Shores took little time to put six second-half points on the scoreboard with More no scoring his second touchdown of the night on a 45-yard run. He scored a third on the ’Canes next possession, this time on an 18-yard run.

Refusing to give up, the Fins drove the ball downfield late in the game in an attempt to narrow the deficit. Xavyer Arrington put a stop to the drive, sacking Hawkins on a third down, but the Hurricanes’ big defensive end wasn’t finished yet. Arrington added six points on a scoop-and-score after the ’Canes blocked another Marathon punt.

Both coaches were excited for the matchup, and though every player from both schools left it all on the field, it was clear that Coral Shores was the better team under Friday night lights. The Hurricanes now boast a 6-1 record for the season and are riding a five-game win streak during which they have outscored their opponents 174-13. With an arsenal of underclassmen on the roster, their success is unlikely to fade any time soon. Marathon is now 3-3 and within striking distance of their first winning season in five years.

The Fins will return to Marathon to play Miami Coun try Day for homecoming on Friday, Oct. 14. Key West will resume competition, playing the 5-0 Wildcats of Estero High School the same night. Coral Shores will have a break this week. The Hurricanes were originally scheduled to play BridgePrep Academy at home on Oct. 14, but after a sound beating by Marathon a few weeks ago, the school’s football team disbanded for the year.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

CROSS COUNTRY COUNTS DOWN TO DISTRICTS

It was a very busy week for Monroe County runners, as teams put on the finishing touches in preparation for districts on Oct. 18 and 20. Despite slow starts to the season and a mid-season swamping – compliments of Hur ricane Ian – all three teams have been improving and look to peak just in time for post-season racing.

Marathon hosted a cross country race on Oct. 4 and experienced success on its home course. The Dolphins’ Vance Bursa won the event, crossing the line more than two minutes before second-place finisher Colbin Hill of Key West. Coral Shores runner Robert Temkin came in third place, followed by Dolphins Jakub Bursa, Antonin Bursa and Dillon Shelar. Marathon won the boys race with an average time of 19:16, putting it in a solid position for district competition later this month. Coral Shores edged out Key West for sec ond place, with just one second dividing the two teams’ average times and a one-point difference in their final scores.

The girls race was a bit closer than the boys, with Marathon’s Mikkel Ross outkicking Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa for a six-second margin of victory. Coral Shores runner Kai Guth was a mere tenth of a second behind Makimaa for a thirdplace finish. Marathon won the girls race with an overall average time of 24:15, followed by Key West in second and Coral Shores in third place.

On Oct. 7, Coral Shores and Marathon’s middle school girls traveled to Larry & Penny Thompson Park to run at the 305 Classic. Dolphin girls coach Darby Sheehan was very excited to bring most of her girls to compete in a designated middle school division. Well over half of the Lady Fins are in middle school, and the six Sheehan brought to the 305 Classic made it undeniable that Marathon’s cross country prowess is not go ing away any time soon, cruising to a team win at the event.

The girls ran the middle school distance of 2.1 miles, and when the results were in, Mara thon took four of the race’s top 10 places. Mara thon’s Madelyn Thornton won the entire event in 14:37, averaging less than seven minutes per mile. Dolphins Sara Robinson, Maeve Merryman and Rebecca Merryman took third, seventh and 10th place, respectively, with Rilynn Richards and Ryleigh Garcia rounding out Marathon’s finishers.

Sheehan was delighted not only with her team’s performance, but with the opportunity to compete against their age-appropriate peers. “They have run all season in only varsity high school meets and have been biting at the heels of older girls and teams,” she said. “These girls are definitely ones to keep an eye on as they transi tion into high school. They are going to do big things!”

On the varsity side of the 305 Classic, the Hurricanes went the full 5K distance and posted

some great results. Simon Gutierrez was the top finisher for the ’Canes, running 18:51 and captur ing 15th overall in his race. Robert Temkin and Alaric Rodriguez rounded out the top three for Coral Shores. The first Lady Cane to cross the line was Kai Guth in 24:28, followed by Jenna Man dozzi and Kacelyn Hollis.

On Oct. 8, Key West hosted its first home cross country meet since 2017. The Conchs’ home course is the Robert E. Price Memorial Cross Country Course at the Key West Golf Club, named for their longtime coach who mapped out the course more than 15 years ago. In attendance were Key West, Sugarloaf School and Basilica School. Key West’s Colbin Hill was the overall winner in 18:49, followed by fellow Conchs Daniel Roy and Jerven Louis. In fourth place was Sawyer Hill, Colbin’s younger brother, who ran the hilly, grassy 3.1-mile course in 21:59 – not too shabby for a student not yet in high school. Coach Mark Coleman said his team’s conditioning “is all com ing together” just in time for districts on Oct. 18.

Finishing first for the girls was Caylaa Maki maa in 22 minutes, nearly a minute faster than she ran earlier in the week on Marathon’s fastpaced flat course. She was followed by Naima Thomas in second and Gianna Marchant in third. Girls coach Keara McGraw was very happy with the performance of her team, noting that they have all improved tremendously this season and are running their best when it is most crucial. She said her girls’ battle cry all week was “48 hills,” a nod to the number of inclines on the tough twoloop course. Hill training is hard to come by in the flat Florida Keys, but McGraw and Coleman have been creative this season, adding bridges and Fort Zach runs to their teams’ repertoire in order to prepare.

RESULTS - MARATHON HOME MEET, OCT. 4

FOOTBALL CORAL SHORES MARATHON

BOYS

1 Vaclav Bursa MHS 16:20

2 Colbin Hill KW 18:21

3 Robert Temkin CS 19:08

4 Jakub Bursa MHS 19:38

5 Antonin Bursa MHS 19:39

6 Dillon Shelar MHS 19:40

7 Jerven Louis KW 20:23

8 Alaric Rodriguez CS 20:34

9 Jace Jackson CS 20:52

10 Daniel Roy KW 20:57

11 Mason Buxton MHS 21:06

12 Jamie Cary CS 22:23

13 Reed Benning KW 23:06

14 Nathan Shugarman CS 23:13

15 Owen Fisher KW 23:18

16 Dale Bittner KW 23:54

17 Aaron Suprynowicz KW 24:27

18 Allan Taylor MHS 24:48

19 Lochlain James CS 24:53

20 Danny Merryman MHS 25:33

21 Ambrose Sanchez CS 26:24

22 Kellan Bourbeau CS 27:21

23 Enzo Blaco CS 30:14

GIRLS

1 Mikkel Ross MHS 22:44

2 Caylaa Makimaa KW 22:50

3 Kai Guth CS 22:50

4 Ella Dunn MHS 23:48

5 Laira Anaya KW 23:57

6 Rain Banks MHS 24:21

7 Sara Robinson MHS 25:10

8 Ava Merryman MHS 25:14

9 Ailee Briggs MHS 25:18

10 Maeve Merryman MHS 25:20

11 Naima Thomas KW 25:50

12 Rebecca Merryman MHS 26:50

13 Shilo Yeider MHS 27:21

14 Gianna Marchant MHS 27:36

15 Jenna Mandozzi CS 28:57

16 Nicole Merryman MHS 30:35

17 Tinashay Cunningham MHS 30:38

18 Valeria Juarez KW 31:25

19 Kacelyn Hollis CS 31:59

20 Cami Wrinn MHS 33:11

21 Deanna Gumarova-Mercier KW 34:11

22 Jessie Lidell CS 36:34

23 Briana Nodal KW 38:18

24 Zoe Basham KW 41:37

25 Olivia Wilson CS 50:39

Basilica School brought three runners to their future home course. Sawyer Hill was first among the school’s middle school runners, followed by Owen Wright and George Clarke.

The Marathon Middle School girls cross country squad celebrates their team’s first-place finish in the middle school division of the 305 Classic. From left, Ryleigh Garcia, Rilynn Richards, Sara Robinson, Madelyn Thornton, Maeve Merryman, Rebecca Merryman.

Sugarloaf brought more than a dozen run ners, led by Gilbert Chase, whose 25:26 time was good for first place in the younger division. Brady Wright and David Temple took second and third. Jillian Callum was the first girl to cross the line for the Sharks in 30:19, followed by Berkely Tripp, Harper Reeves and Hannah Andreas. Coach Alex Smyth was happy to have a solid showing so close to home as his runners prepare for the Ju nior Orange Bowl race on Friday, Oct. 13 at Larry and Penny Thompson Park. The race will be a 2.1mile course taken on by middle school runners across south Florida.

BIG KAHUNAS RAISE BIG-TIME FUNDS

Benefit for Good Health Clinic

more than

Good

Health Clinic hosted its 10th annual Luau for Health and Big Kahuna Awards Ceremony at Dol phins Plus Bayside in Key Largo on Oct. 8. A record shattering $232,000 was raised by the Kahuna Contest that saw nine contestants this year.

Yvette Doherty, real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Schmitt, was crowned Big Kahuna, having raised $53,456. She will have the honor of hosting the Big Kahuna trophy for the next year at her busi ness or home.

During the award ceremony, 2021 Big Kahuna winner Dr. Derek Papp, orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health South Florida, ad dressed the crowd. “This country takes care of the very rich and the very poor in health care. Those in the middle struggle to have access. It’s why Good Health Clinic is so im portant. It’s why I ran as a Kahuna and why we should all support this organization.”

Other 2022 Kahuna contes tants were Don Horton, of D. Horton Construction; Ron Burke, vice president/chief nursing officer for Mariners Hospital; Pete Frezza, environmental resources man ager for the village of Islamorada; Barbara Bernstein, of Dr. Paul Bernstein Dental; Adam Foley, of Upper Keys Marine Construction; Armando Gonzalez, owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry; and Joni Beever & Jen Hagen, of Affordable Asphalt & Charli’s Shaved Ice.

Over 200 guests attended to celebrate the Kahuna contestants at this sold-out event featuring livedance performance, dolphin show, dinner, drinks and raffles. All pro ceeds from the fundraising contest and event go directly to providing

1. Dr. Derek Papp, 2021 Big Kahuna, presents the wooden trophy to 2022 Big Kahuna winner Yvette Doherty. CONTRIBUTED

2. DJ Wood Campbell with the mascot for Dolphins Plus Bayside.

3. From left, Yvette Doherty, 2022 Big Kahuna; Dr. Derek Papp, 2021 Big Kahuna; and Kate Banick, executive director for Good Health Clinic.

medical services for uninsured, financially-constrained residents of the Florida Keys.

“We are beyond grateful for the efforts of these Kahuna contestants and the outpouring of support from our community, which shares our belief that every Florida Keys resident should have access to life changing health care,” said Kate Banick, executive director.

The next Luau for Health will be hosted Oct. 14, 2023.

Good Health Clinic offices are open in Tavernier Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and in Marathon on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eligibility guide lines and applications for service may be found at the clinic or online at www.thegoodhealthclinic.org.

More information about services or how to support the clinic is at 305853-1788.

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL

KRUST PIZZA & PIES TAVERNIER’S NEW PIZZERIA IS OLD SCHOOL

The doors to Tavernier’s newest pizzeria open to customers at noon, but the food preparation begins much, much earlier, usually at 6:30 in the morning. And that’s just the beginning of the process.

“It takes me three days to make the dough,” said chef and owner Joe McDevitt. “I do a threeday cold ferment. I believe by doing that the dough gets flavor, it starts to build character.”

McDevitt and his Brazilian-born wife, Leslie, opened their restaurant, fittingly called Krust Pizza and Pies, on Sept. 1

It’s more than just a livelihood for the mar ried couple of 18 years; it’s a labor of love, a passion and a throwback to simpler times.

“We wanted to do a place like the old school way. I’m the owner. I’m cooking your pizza. She’s the owner. She’s making all of the desserts. We have no employees,” said Joe of their decision to create a true family dining experience.

“I think everybody really liked that we use fresh ingredients, we use organic flour. So when you taste the pizza you can tell it’s really a different kind of pizza; it’s not like your average pizza. It’s really special,” added Leslie.

Joe McDevitt is half Sicilian and half Irish and was born and raised in Philadelphia. Pizza is in his DNA. For two decades he worked as a chef at a private club in Miami. On his day off, Joe and Leslie started what they called “Pizza Mondays” from their Miami home. They adver tised their pizzas on Instagram at @ilovekrust. Instantly they knew they were on to something. “Next thing you know we were starting to sell out in 10 minutes,” said Joe.

For the last few years the McDevitts dreamed of opening their own restaurant. Friends from Key Largo suggested they look here in the Keys. That’s when the property next to the historic Tavernier Hotel, the former site of Cafe Moka, became available.

“I said I think this area could use a high quality pizza and pie shop and I said this is it,” recalled Joe.

Friend and artist Kevin Fletcher of Miami hand-painted the beautiful, bright and colorful mural inside the restaurant. “He did a master piece,” said Joe.

1. Joe and Leslie McDevitt stand in front of the colorful mural inside their new Tavernier restaurant, Krust Pizza and Pies. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

2. Joe McDevitt prepares dough inside Krust Pizza and Pies. The new pizzeria opened Sept. 1 in Tavernier in the former Cafe Moka building.

3. Leslie McDevitt, who bakes all of the pies from scratch, holds a banana cream pie.

4. The pepperoni with hot honey drizzle pizza is also made with whole milk mozzarella, reg giano, evoo and fresh basil. CONTRIBUTED

The pizzas are not your ordinary variety. For starters, they are square. The crust is thicker and there are gourmet options, like pepperoni with hot honey drizzle. The 5-star reviews from customers have been rolling in.

“BEST Pizza in town…A must try next time you are in town. Don’t be fooled by the look…it is NOT heavy at all…the KRUST is crispy, fluffy, moist and delicious,” wrote one customer.

“It was SO good. Very different from any other pizza in town. Had a great burrata salad too! Desserts are delicious. We tried the banana pudding and the Nutella pie. Will be back for sure!!” wrote another customer.

Joe and Leslie commute everyday from their home in Miami to their new restaurant in Tavernier. Their twin daughters have two more years of high school, so a move to the Keys is not in the cards right now. “We don’t want to uproot them right now and say okay, we’re moving,” said Leslie.

Visit @ilovekrust on Instagram for more information.

Thank You!

Over

was raised for Good Health Clinic

Yvette

Patricia and Ross Margolies • Frank W. Fellers Jr. • C & C Wood Fire Eats

HNO

David Betten Richard Gudoian Scott Jackson

William

Chris and Whitney Trentine

Hughes

Don Horton

Ron Burke

Barbara Bernstein

Manager

Adam Foley President of Upper Keys Marine Construction

Jen Hagen & Joni Beever

Asphalt & Charli’s Shave

Pete Frezza Enviro. Resources Manager, Village of

Armando Gonzalez Owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry

BACK TO THE SMUGGLER’S ERA

FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER

The Florida Keys History and Discovery Founda tion has announced that tickets are available

for its sixth annual signature event, A Smuggler’s Night at the Museum, with title sponsors Bob and Patty Lodge. The event is set for Saturday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m., at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center and outside on the Islander Resort Confer ence Center’s Tarpon Terrace, MM 82. Tickets are available at www.keysdiscovery.com.

The event ties into the museum’s fall lecture series, “Smuggling in the Florida Keys,” which brings a historical per spective of life that has existed for centuries in the Florida Keys.

The evening begins with a wine tasting from local purvey ors, which includes a souvenir glass and hors d’oeuvres while sampling quality wines and tasty spirits. That will be fol lowed by dinner, dancing and

dessert under the stars on the oceanside patio, and by live, silent and online auctions.

The museum is now open six days a week, giving more time for new and returning members to venture out and enjoy its programming. Florida Keys History & Discovery Foun dation is updating exhibits and providing new content to bring visitors back regularly.

More information, includ ing how to become a sponsor, is available from Bonnie Barnes at 904-463-0513 directly or the office at 305-922-2237.

The event benefits the Flor ida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which operates the Keys History & Discovery Center. Proceeds from the event will help support the op eration of the museum includ ing its most popular program, the Keys History & Discovery Presents lecture series.

A Smuggler’s Night at the Museum is set for Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Keys History & Discovery Center, located at the Islander Resort in Islamorada.

KIDS CATCH FISH

ANNUAL DERBY SEES 100 YOUNG ANGLERS

Atotal of 112 Keys kids par ticipated in the 25th Annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby on Sept. 25 at the Lorelei in Islamorada. Lines were in at 9 a.m. and the weigh scales closed at 1 p.m.

Brandon Greenwood, 9, took top honors with a 10.3-pound black grouper. Greenwood took home a fishing rod from Tackle Center of Islamorada, a framed print, a tourna ment trophy, award certificate, tackle box, as well as other prizes and a story to tell for years to come.

Elida Brack, 3, won most out standing catch with two snook re leases — one 27.5 inches long. Brack and all the other winning anglers were awarded fishing rods from Tackle Center of Islamorada, prints from artists Pasta Pantaleo, tourna ment trophies, award certificates and more.

Over half of the anglers regis tered for the shoreline division, most fishing from the docks at the Lorelei, the home of the derby. Weigh master Hudson Wampler weighed a .9-pound muharra for 2-year-old Bella Bastron, who won the 0-4 age division. Second place was Riley Carver, 4, with a .8-pound snapper, followed by Triton Zinkand, 3, with a .6-pound grunt. The fish were all released immediately after being weighed in.

The largest fish caught from shore was a 1-pound snapper released by 9-year-old R.J. Michelini. Angler Lukas Oakley, 6, weighed in and released a .9-pound snapper to win his division.

The backcountry division’s larg est fish was weighed in by Anthony Vargas, 9. The crevalle jack weighed

in at 2.4 pounds. Sadie Stanczyk weighed in a 2.2-pound jack to take top honors in the 0-4 age group, and Ryan O’Neill, 5, won his division with a 1.8-pound snapper.

Offshore angler Kamelia Hen drix, 4, won her division with a 4.9-pound bonita. Jennings Early, 5, won the 5-7 age division with a 9.5-pound kingfish. Bentlee Mulden, 9, landed a 3.9-pound mahi mahi to win her division. A full list of awards can be found on Facebook – Keys Kids Fishing Derby.

“Tournament founder Kathy Lewis was with us in spirit,” said Dianne Harbaugh, tournament direc tor. “I miss her tremendously. The Keys Kids Derby’s main purpose is to educate young anglers about fishing. We have everything available here at the Lorelei for kids that would normally not have a chance to go fishing.”

Young fishers were given fish ing rods from Fish Florida, which funds its efforts through the sale of Fish Florida sailfish license plates. Harbaugh said the fishing derby is one of the better times of the year, as parents watch their kids catch and release fish.

“There are so many kids that get to catch their first fish. Without the help from the Islamorada Fishing and Conservation Trust, the Islamo rada Charter Boat Association, Alina Davis and other local supporters we could not have made this such a great event,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh thanked Lorelei for chumming the waters with chum supplied by Tackle Center of Islamo rada. Tackle Center also supplied all the bait for the junior anglers. Sportsman’s Adventures donated all the ditty bags, while Pasta Pantaleo backed, bagged and supplied prints for all the winners. MJ Hudson took pictures of the young fishers. Island Arms was on site to talk with kids and teach gun safety.

Thanks also went out to local captains who came by to help the kids and all the volunteers helped bait hooks, keep score, check in anglers, hand out awards and make the day go perfectly.

1. Brandon Greenwood, 9, took top honors with a 10.3-pound black grou per.

2. With rods in hand, young anglers are ready for a day of fishing.

3. A young angler waits for a bite.

4. A dad and his son fish off the dock.

5. Elida Brack, 3, won most outstand ing catch with two snook releases — one 27.5 inches long.

6. A young angler with her grunt catch.

HUDSON/Contributed

A TRIBUTE TO LANA THE FOX

Hi friends, Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Holy smokes, guys, I was nominated and made the final top three for “Best Local Celebrity” in the Up per Keys. Can you freaking believe it?

REEF THE FOX

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

All of my fans from around the world took part in nominating me and I am so honored. I hope you continue to vote for me through Oct. 24 so I can of ficially become your very own “Best Local Celebrity” fox. There are so many other amazing people nomi nated in other categories. Pawsitive Beginnings even made the list for best non-profit. How cool is that?

To vote for all your favorites, head to keysweek ly.com/buk22. I am under the “community” section as Reef the fox.

We had some sad news come out of Key West last week. One of our fox friends, Lana, passed away. Lana was the first fox my mom ever met, ever fell in love with and was the reason she started Pawsitive Beginnings. Lana was a senior fox and had been diagnosed with cancer. She lived an amazing life at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm and she will truly be missed. Mom gave me a quote regarding Lana. She said, “Animals come into our lives and have the power to change our worlds. They have a voice that can only be heard by those that are willing to listen. I will be forever grateful that I heard her loud and clear. She taught me what unconditional love truly is. She taught me patience. She showed me how to use my own voice for the things that matter.” I’m not crying.

A really cool event starting today, Thursday, Oct. 13, and running through Sunday, Oct. 16 is REEF Fest. Best name ever, if I do say so myself. REEF Fest is a celebration of marine conservation in Key Largo. REEF Fest includes diving, snorkeling, kayak eco-tours, ocean-themed seminars and social events. Divers, snorkelers and ocean lovers are all welcome to attend to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation. Head over to reef.org/reeffest to register, learn more and get a schedule of events.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Don’t forget to vote daily for your fa vorite, famous fox as “Best Local Celebrity.” Keep up with all of our foxy antics at pawsitivebeginnings.org and until next time, Reef, over and out!

MISTY

Like apple pie, this 6-month-old female tabby is every bit as sweet. She’s up to date on vaccines, spayed and ready to find the perfect “furever” home. If you would like to make Misty a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give

SAVE THE DATE

Oct. 13-16

• REEF (Reef Environmental Educa tion Foundation) Fest. Visit reef.org for a list of events.

Friday, Oct. 14

• UF/IFAS Monroe County Exten sion Service presents Florida Friendly Lunch and Learn: Let’s Get Recognized via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Register with the UF/IFAS Extension Service at Monroe@ifas.ufl.edu or (305) 2924501.

• Teen Mario Kart Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Key Largo library. Open to ages 13-18. Pizza and drinks provided. Registration encouraged keylargolib@ gmail.com.

• Hurricane Ian benefit bingo at 7 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co. $10 buy-in and $5 for each additional sheet.

Wednesday, Oct. 19

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

• Political forum hosted by Up per Keys Business and Professional Women at 5 p.m. at Whale Harbor Events, Islamorada.

the Upper Keys Humane Society a call at 305-451-3848. The Upper Keys Humane Society is a not-for-profit nokill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Third Thursday Art Walk at 6 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

Friday, Oct, 21

• Italian dinner to benefit the #Save Holly Our Community Holiday Tree from 6 to 8 p.m. at Doc’s Diner, Key Largo.

Saturday, Oct. 22

• Halloween Hoopla from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Key Largo library. Com plete Halloween-themed activity sta tions.

• The Witches Ride at 1 p.m. at The Catch.

• MarineLab’s Haunted Lagoon at 5:30 p.m. at MarineLab Environmental Education Center, 51 Shoreland Dr., Key Largo.

• Annual Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Founders Park.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

• Books on Tap at 6 p.m. at Keys’ Meads to discuss “My Sister, the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

Reef the fox is up for Best Local Celebrity for Best of Upper Keys. CONTRIBUTED

TREKKING INTO THE FLORIDA KEYS

Runners set to take their mark for annual Key Largo Bridge Run

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Motorists traversing U.S. 1 into the Florida Keys capture a breathtaking glimpse of the island life as they pass over Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo. Resorts looking out at the bayside waters where boats come and go sit on one side, while the oceanside brings nothing but pure natural beauty.

It’s an instantaneous breath of relief for vacationers and a continu ous “wow” factor for locals coming back home from the mainland. For runners in this year’s Key Largo Bridge Run, the breaths of salt air and the sights from the bridge un derneath the morning sun will be one to remember.

Hundreds of runners and walk ers from the Keys and beyond will take their mark for the 12th annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run on Saturday, Nov. 12. The 5K event gives participants the chance to run or walk the final part of the 18-Mile Stretch that serves as the gateway to the Keys. The course not only brings picturesque views, but it’s also flat, with one big chal lenging bridge overlooking Florida Bay and Barnes Sound.

Bridge runners will take to the start line around 7:30 a.m. from the access road leading to Gilbert’s Resort. From there, they’ll set out on the course that takes them onto Jewfish Creek Bridge. Runners will turn around and head back over the bridge and return to the access

road leading to Gilbert’s where they will reunite with friends and family and enjoy music, drinks and food. The race will end around 9:30 a.m.

Organizer of the event, Henry Menendez, of HNO Productions, has been gearing up for the race’s return for many months. The run returned in 2021 after it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID. Menendez said there’s plenty of excitement as runners sign up for this year’s race.

“We continue to strive to pro mote health and well-being within our community and all over the world,” Menendez said. “In addition, we encourage everyone to take a moment and enjoy the sights from the top of the bridge while admir ing one of the most spectacular views of our beautiful island.”

Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finish ers, overall masters male and fe male, as well as to the top three of different age groups. Race T-shirts will be given to the first 500 partici pants who register. All participants will receive a medal upon comple tion of their respective race event.

The night before the race, par ticipants are invited to a pasta party dinner at Doc’s Diner, MM 99, bay side. A pre-party is being planned for Nov. 10 as well as a post-party after the race. More details will be released as those plans become finalized.

For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/KeyLargo/ KeyLargoBridgeRun.

TRAVELING ‘FANTASEA’

Nautical art exhibit on display at Islamorada library

The History of Diving Muse um’s traveling exhibit, “Dive Into Art: FantaSea,” is on display until Nov. 12 at the Islamorada library.

This traveling show of stu dent artwork, featuring nautical stories and mythology from eight Florida Keys schools, was originally displayed as part of the annual art show with the Art Guild of the Purple Isles. The “FantaSea” exhibit celebrated fantasy elements tied to the ocean: mermaids, pirates, sunken cities and more.

This traveling exhibit was sponsored in part by Culture Builds Florida, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and Monroe County Tour ism Development Council.

The Monroe County libraries have partnered with the museum to give students the opportunity to see their work on display through out the Florida Keys. The 2023 Dive into Art show is entitled “Edge of the Sea,” a celebration of the unique habitats found where land meets water. This exhibit opens in January 2023.

The traveling “Dive Into Art: FantaSea” exhibit is on display at the Islamorada Library. CONTRIBUTED

The exhibit features nautical stories and mythology.

Runners and walkers trek over Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo in 2021. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

PAR-TEE

in cos tumes from “Stranger Things,” emojis and more enjoyed a nine-hole round on the water during the annual Conch Scramble on Oct. 1. Using a club and biodegradable balls that turn into fish food, par ticipants targeted floating greens as they raised money for various charities in the Keys. Teams of four and a designated golf boat driver, or “caddy,” made stops at Islamo rada waterfront venues and came ashore to tee off. Team Dillons came in first, followed by Cold as Slice in second place and Stephen Boyd in third place.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

1. State Rep. Jim Mooney takes his shot during the 2022 Conch Scramble.

Members of the Key Largo School

and event volunteers gather for a photo.

Billy Krause, of Homestead, with team Royal Rumble watches his shot.

IT’S IN THE BAG

Sea Base scouts remove 1,600 pounds of debris from coral reef

In 2022, Boy Scouts from around the nation recovered 1,600 pounds of marine debris from the Florida Keys coral reef, Sea Base staff reported.

“Our goal this past summer was to collect 1,000 pounds of ma rine debris,” Natacha Angelo, pro gram office manager of Sea Base, told Keys Weekly. “We went over that. The kids were very excited.”

Indeed, out of all the worldclass aquatic adventure activities that the Sea Base offers for scouts — including scuba diving, fish ing, sailing and camping — many told staff that they were the most psyched to help clean the reef.

“The Diving against Debris pro gram (was the most meaningful),” wrote one scout to Sea Base staff. “Seeing firsthand how much fishing gear and traps are left on reefs.”

The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base facility, located at MM 73 on Lower Matecumbe, started providing programming for the Boy Scouts of America in 1980. Each year, over 16,000 participants come from all over the United States, from California to New York, to enjoy the many activities avail able. The boy scouts who attend range in age from 13 to 18.

In addition to offering numer ous recreational programs, the Sea Base has a particular focus on coral restoration. Each year, the facil ity grows 10,000 corals, which the scouts help care for and then plant on the reefs.

“And we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if whenever they went div ing, they collect debris when they found it on the reef?’” said Angelo.

Thus, the Dive Against Debris program was started in the sum mer of 2021 in conjunction with Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys, a project of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The boy scouts who choose scuba diving as their Sea Base activity typically go on 11 dives during the week that they reside at the facility. In the evenings, the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys staff trains the scouts and gives them equipment to remove the debris that becomes

entangled in the reef. For example, the divers are given scissors to cut away fishing line.

“We find a lot of fishing line,” said Angelo. “Which is impressive because even though it doesn’t weigh that much, the scouts picked up so much of it that it added to the 1,600 pounds of debris we found this past summer.”

Most of the diving takes place at Alligator Reef and Molasses Reef, said Angelo. In addition to that fishing line, the scouts typically find plastic bottles and bags, and derelict traps.

This makes sense. Per the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys section on NOAA’s website, “Marine debris is an ongoing challenge in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, with underwater debris posing a high risk to important marine life and habitats. … Lost fishing traps and trap rope not only damage crit ical habitats, but can also entangle and harm a variety of species, such as corals, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.”

According to the U.S. Depart ment of the Interior website, “Plastics are one of the most extensive types of marine debris. … A second highly visible and impactful form of marine debris is derelict fishing gear.”

“We find a lot of anchors, as well,” said Angelo. “We even find new ones, with the chain and rope attached. We think people let go of it and forget to bring it up.” When the debris is heavy, such as anchors or car tires — and even a car door that was recently found — Sea Base staff uses a lifting bag, a balloonlike device, to carry it up.

But the Sea Base remains unde terred. The scouts will continue to remove trash from the coral reef in summer 2023. “We have a new goal to set,” said Angelo. “I’m thinking for 2023, the goal will be 2,000 pounds.”

LUCAS MATTHEW McCARTHY

Lucas Matthew McCarthy entered the world at 11:38 a.m. on Oct. 4 at Baptist Health South Florida’s hospital in Kendall. He weighed 8.8 pounds and measured 21 inches in length. Parents are Tavernier residents

Jim McCarthy, editor of the Up per Keys Weekly, and Brieanne Conway. Older brother is Liam Griffth. Maternal grandparents are Pam Conway and Tom Con way, both of Florida. Paternal grandparents are Kevin and Deborah McCarthy, of Fredo nia, New York.

BRIEFLY

Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting in Marathon

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 in Marathon. On the agenda are a Restoration Blue print public engagement update, as well as an update from the South Florida Ecosystem Connectivity Working Group. The agenda will also allow for two hours of public comment, which will serve as the final in-person public comment op portunity for the proposed rule. (If the full time is not needed for public com ment, the council will continue with the remainder of the agenda.) An agenda has been posted online at the advisory council webpage.

Political forum and BPW awards set

Upper Keys residents have a final opportunity to hear from local politi cal candidates while celebrating local working women and business leaders in our community.

The Upper Keys Business & Profes sional Women (BPW) is hosting a politi cal forum in Islamorada on Wednes day, Oct. 19 from 5 to 8:30 pm.

Candidates will have the oppor tunity to introduce themselves and answer questions chosen by women in the community just a few weeks ahead of Election Day.

In recognition of National Business Women’s Week, the Upper Keys BPW is also announcing its 2022 Woman of the Year and Business of the Year award winners.

“The BPW is committed to support ing and inspiring women personally, professionally and politically,” said Jill Kuehnert, Upper Keys BPW president.

“The Oct. 19 event reflects that in

two ways: by providing a nonpartisan platform to ask candidates about is sues that matter to working women and by celebrating BPW members who have achieved extraordinary things as individuals and through their busi nesses in 2022.”

The nominees for the Upper Keys BPW 2022 Woman of the Year are Kate Banick, Courtney Dorchak, Patricia Mil ian, Margie Smith, Melinda Van Fleet and Sue Woltanski.

The nominees for the Upper Keys BPW 2022 Business of the Year are Gar denia’s Bistro, Key Dynamics Coaching and Consulting, and Sandbar Books.

Florida Health Department offers travel vaccines

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County is now offering vaccines for individuals with plans to travel abroad. The type of travel vaccines varies depending on which region of the world the traveler will visit. For this reason, it is important to plan ahead and make an appointment as soon as possible once travel plans are made. To make an appointment for travel-related vaccines, call 305293-7500 at least one month before departure. You will be asked to provide information on the country or coun tries you plan to visit and the planned departure date. The department ac cepts many forms of health insurance, though not all travel-related vaccines are covered. For individuals who must pay out-of-pocket, please note that the department provides vaccines at their cost with no markup.

For more information about travel vaccines, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ parents/travel-vaccines.html.

On one diving expedition, Sea Base scouts, seen here on a boat in summer 2022, retrieved a propeller. CONTRIB UTED

BRAD BERTELLI

is an author, speaker, Florida Keys historian and Honorary Conch. His latest book, “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1,” shares fasci nating glimpses into the rich and sometimes sur prising histories of the Florida Keys.

FRUITFUL LIFE

Pliny W. Reasoner moved with his family from Illinois to Florida in 1881. He was 17 years old. The Reasoners settled in Mana tee County, and Pliny spent the rest of his life studying the local flora.

For a time, he worked for the U.S. Depart ment of Agriculture, researching Florida’s tropical horticulture.

Reasoner died from yellow fever on Sept. 17, 1888. He was only 25. His written account, “His tory of the Pineapple,” which appeared in the June 26, 1907 edition of The Deland Florida, named Ben Baker as the one he considered the first pineapple farmer in the Florida Keys. Reasoner re ported: “So near as we can learn, the culture of the pineapple in Florida was first begun, at least to any extent, by Mr. Benjamin Baker of Key West, who, about the year 1860, procured slips from Havana and planted out a small patch, as an experiment, on Plantation Key. Between this time and 1870, pineapple growing was attempted successfully on many of the adjoining keys.”

Benjamin Baker was born on Green Turtle Cay, Abacos, in 1818. Family records indicate that while he was an intelligent man, he could not read or write. His father, however, helped him to develop considerable skills. Not only could Ben build a fine schooner by hand, but he had the nautical prowess to be the master at the helm. While Baker was still living on Green Turtle Cay, he married Catherine S. Albury, a Bahamian born on Eleuthera.

It was a fruitful marriage that delivered 11 children. After the third child’s arrival, sometime between 1847 and 1848, the growing family left the Bahamas, sailed across the Straits of Florida and into the harbor at Key West. By 1850, Ben had established the Baker Wrecking Company and himself as a Florida wrecker. The Baker family lived in a two-story house on the corner of Caroline Street and Whitehead Street.

Wrecking was not Baker’s only job. As Pliny Reasoner had written, Baker was also a pineapple farmer. In addi tion to Baker’s Plantation Key pineapple patch, Baker and his sons had cleared land on Key Largo, in the area of what would be identified today as Mile Marker 97. At the Key Largo site, Baker also built a home and operated his wreck ing business, at least part-time, from the Key Largo anchor age. According to the 1870 U.S. census, Captain Ben Baker was recorded as one of the 61 people living on the island.

The year 1870 saw the first official U.S. post office open on Key Largo, and Ben Baker filed the petition. He indicated

that the post office would serve 17 families. It was not called the Key Largo Post Office, but the Cayo Largo Post Office, and Ben Baker served as the postmaster. Mail service was discontinued at Cayo Largo on Oct. 10, 1871. While Baker’s postal endeavor was short-lived, his work as a wrecker and a pineapple farmer was not.

Baker was considered one of the most successful wreck ers to have ever worked on the Florida Reef. During the 1860s and 1870s, he was the “King of the Florida Wreckers.” Between 1862 and 1880, Baker was involved in 41 salvage operations; he was the wreck master 15 times. When asked by family members about how he happened to find so many wrecks, Captain Baker would say, “We wreckers can smell ’em.”

Jefferson B. Browne’s 1912 book, “Key West, The Old and The New” described Captain Baker as “tall, gaunt, shrill-voiced, hooknosed and hawk-eyed, he was master-wrecker at nearly every wreck upon the Reef.” What Browne did not mention were Baker’s horticultural endeavors. Because Baker was the captain of the 13-ton two-masted schooner Rapid (which he may or may not have built by hand), he was able to forgo hiring a shipping com pany to deliver his pineapples to East Coast markets. He did the job himself.

During some of those pine apple runs from the Keys to New York, Baker witnessed the construc tion of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge (1869-1883) across the East River. When he was back home, in the Keys, and sitting around the dinner table, he sometimes entertained his grandchildren by telling stories about the great suspension bridge. The building of the Brooklyn Bridge might have been one of the stories grandpa Ben told on that night in July 1889, at about 7 p.m., when he began to feel ill. Four hours later, at 71, Captain Ben Baker, King of the Florida Wreckers, was dead for unknown reasons.

Upon passing, his sons broke down a skiff and reas sembled the yellow pine boards into a coffin. They lined the box with brown fabric from a bolt used to make the Baker family’s underwear. The coffin was readied, and the captain’s body was placed inside. After the last nail was pounded into its cover, the coffin was carried out and set aboard the Rap id. The sails were raised but the winds were light, and rather than risk an extended trip to Key West so that he could be buried in the city cemetery, the Baker boys turned the ship around and returned to Key Largo where the captain was buried on the family homestead.

The Key Largo resort Baker’s Cay, at MM 97, is named for Captain Ben Baker.

Capt. Ben Baker. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLEC TION/Contributed

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com

Art in Public Places Committee

Meeting Oct. 18, 2022 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 898 6282 3393 Passcode: 266200

Board of Directors Meeting & Membership Committee Meeting

Oct. 20, 2022 at 04:00 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 812 8239 1380 Passcode: 030307

Publish: October 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that

on Monday, October 31, 2022 @ 3 pm, the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation will receive and open sealed responses for the following: DOWNSPOUT EXTENSIONS

Pursuant to 20.h.sc.900.167. Invitation to bid, specifications, and digital drawings, can be given upon email request at: rachel.katzenberger@ kwtrumanfoundation.org.

Sealed bids will be received at the office of the: Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, 201 Front Street, Suite 101, Key West, Florida

LEGAL NOTICES

33040, no later than October 31, 2022, at 3 pm.

Proposed Contract Documents may be examined in person at the office of the Architect: Bender & Associates Architects, P.A., 410 Angela Street, Key West, Florida 33040.

Publish: October 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF DARLINGTON IN THE MATTER OF: THE INTERVIVOS TRUST OF HELEN M. STABA (NOW DECEASED)

TO: MARGARET AILEEN STABA, Beneficiary and Daughter of Helen M. Staba

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of the death of Helen M. Staba and that your claim as beneficiary should be presented in writing, along with proof of identification, to The Conner Law Firm, ATTN: Michelle Greenawalt, 906 W. Carolina Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550, by April 6, 2023.

The Conner Law Firm, P.C. 906 W. Carolina Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550

Phone: (843) 332-1678

Fax: (843) 332-1904

Publish: October 6, 13 & 20, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-85-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH G. COTTLE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Elizabeth G. Cottle, deceased, whose date of death was June 13, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division,

LEGAL NOTICES

the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: October 13, 2022.

Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner 12221 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: October 13 & 20, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF KEY LARGO FIRE RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DISTRICT MILLAGE ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022

On November 8, 2022, the Key Largo Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services District will issue a referendum to the voters seeking approval to increase the maximum millage rate in order to cover future costs of provid ing high-quality fire-rescue and emergency medical services to the residents of Key Largo.

The District Board of Commissioners wishes to make clear to Key Largo voters that the Board does not intend to levy annual millage at the maximum rate permitted under the proposed increase and remains committed to its longstanding policy of providing high quality firefight ing, rescue, and emergency medical services in the most cost-effective manner. The District has adopted a five-year operating plan that contem plates a millage rate less than the proposed maximum of 2.00 mills, however also understands the importance of long term planning. The following is the official ballot:

INCREASED MAXIMUM MILLAGE RATE FOR KEY LARGO FIRE RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES:

The Key Largo Fire & EMS District may not levy ad valorem taxes exceeding 1.00 mill without voter approval. The District seeks to increase its maximum millage rate to cover future costs of providing high-quality fire-rescue and emergency medical services to the residents of Key Largo.

Shall the maximum millage rate of the District be revised to 2.00 mills, to fund the continued provision of fire rescue and emergency medical services to Key Largo residents?

YES

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-000279-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF STUART C. WOODS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Stuart C. Woods, deceased, whose date of death was July 22, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: October 13, 2022. Personal Representative: Jeanmarie Woods 910 Watson Street Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Tasha K. Dickinson Florida Bar No. 0122836 Day Pitney, LLP 250 Australian Avenue South, Suite 1504 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Telephone: (561) 803-3515 E-mail: tdickinson@daypitney. com

Publish: October 13 & 20, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 44-2022-CP-000254A001-KW

IN RE: ESTATE OF BOYD K. HICKMAN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of BOYD K. HICKMAN, deceased, whose date of death was April 12, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: October 13, 2022. Signed on this 10th day of October, 2022.

Personal Representative:

THOMAS F. HUDGINS 2800 DAVIS BLVD., STE. 203 NAPLES, FL 34104 Attorney for Personal Representative: THOMAS F. HUDGINS Florida Bar No. 970565 THOMAS F. HUDGINS, PLLC 2800 DAVIS BLVD., STE. 203 NAPLES, FL 34104

Telephone: (239) 263-7660

Email: TED@NAPLESTAX.COM Secondary Email: SERVICE@ NAPLESTAX.COM Publish: October 13 & 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2022-DR-626-K DIVISION: FAMILY

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: SLAVENA MOMCHILOVA, Petitioner, and, BRYAN KELEMEN, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: Bryan Kelemen

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Unknown

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Slavena Momchilova, whose address is 607 Eaton Street, Key West, FL 33040 on or before October 31, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.)

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: September 22, 2022 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Marissa Lockwood

Deputy Clerk Publish: September 29, October 6, 13 & 20, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

CAMPBELL, JACK A JENSEN AND RUTH L JENSEN, ANN LOUISE MINI, CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, ANN F MACGOWEN AND SUSAN A MACGOWEN, BARBARA D COMPSON, AMIR ESFANDYARI, JOAN C MANTAS, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS

BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).

AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Joan C Mantas & Nicolas T. Mantas, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of Joan C Mantas & Nicolas T. Mantas, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against Joan C Mantas & Nicolas T. Mantas or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT XIV of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows:

An undivided 1/260th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in the Official Records Book 942, Page 653 through 723, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan).

Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to Plan, Unit 401, during Unit Week 21. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1108, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before November 7, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on September 26, 2022

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

As Clerk of the Court

By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: October 6 & 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

TO: William Stafford, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of William Stafford, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against William Stafford or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT I, II, III & IV of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows:

Condominium Unit 105, Unit Weeks 36 and 37, of THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 872, Page 1654, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records on Monroe County, Florida

An undivided 1/260th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in the Official Records Book 942, Page 653, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 405, during Unit Week 35.

An Undivided 1/416th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 988, Pages 1510 through 1580, of the Public records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 503, during Unit Week 35.

Publish:

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000044-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WILLIAM STAFFORD, JEFFREY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000044-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WILLIAM STAFFORD, JEFFREY CAMPBELL, JACK A JENSEN AND RUTH L JENSEN, ANN LOUISE MINI, CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, ANN F MACGOWEN AND SUSAN A MACGOWEN, BARBARA D COMPSON, AMIR ESFANDYARI, JOAN C MANTAS, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).

Unit 38 in Condominium Parcel Number 105, of the BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements appurtenant thereto, according the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 872 at page 1654 Public Records of Monroe County, FL, together with any amendments thereto. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1108, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before November 7, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on September 26, 2022 KEVIN MADOK, CPA As Clerk of the Court

By: Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk

Publish: October 6 & 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY

CASE NO. 20-CA-000045-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WARFIELD M LEWIS, GARY MONTGOMERY AND DR. L. FOLGER WHICKER, BENJAMIN D BARNETT AND JOHN D BARNETT, SUSAN MACGOWEN AND PAULA T. DOWNS, RUSSELL L KERNS

AND SHARON E KERNS, STEVEN C HINTON, DAVID HOPS AND CHRISTINE HOPS, TIMESHARE TRADE INS, LLC C/O SPENCE WILLIS, RORY N HORTON, JUDITH A BEETERIDGE, MELANIE SCHELL, MEREDITH PEACE, JAMES E BRADY AND JANET T MAASBRADY, KENNETH R GILBERT AND RITA G GORMAN, AMIR ESFANDYARI, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING

INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES

HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS,TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Judith A. Betteridge, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of Judith A. Betteridge, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against Judith A. Betteridge or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT X of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows:

An Undivided 1/416th interest of THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUMS as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 988, Pages 1510 through 1580, of the Public records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the plan, Unit 507, during week 33. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1108, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before November 7, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on September 26, 2022 KEVIN MADOK, CPA

As Clerk of the Court

By: Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk Publish: October 6 & 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000045-K

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WARFIELD M LEWIS, GARY MONTGOMERY AND DR. L. FOLGER WHICKER, BENJAMIN D BARNETT AND JOHN D BARNETT, SUSAN MACGOWEN AND PAULA T. DOWNS, RUSSELL L KERNS AND SHARON E KERNS, STEVEN C HINTON, DAVID HOPS AND CHRISTINE HOPS, TIMESHARE TRADE INS, LLC C/O SPENCE WILLIS, RORY N HORTON, JUDITH A BEETERIDGE, MELANIE SCHELL, MEREDITH PEACE, JAMES E BRADY AND JANET T MAASBRADY, KENNETH R GILBERT AND RITA G GORMAN, AMIR ESFANDYARI, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING

INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS,TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Meredith Peace, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of Meredith Peace, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against Meredith Peace or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT XII of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows:

An Undivided 1/416th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 988, Pages 1510 through 1580, of the Public records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the plan, Unit 503, during week 41. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1108, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before November 7, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on September 26, 2022

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

As Clerk of the Court

By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: October 6 & 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000045-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v.

WARFIELD M LEWIS, GARY MONTGOMERY AND DR. L. FOLGER WHICKER, BENJAMIN D BARNETT AND JOHN D BARNETT, SUSAN MACGOWEN AND PAULA T. DOWNS, RUSSELL L KERNS AND SHARON E KERNS, STEVEN C HINTON, DAVID HOPS AND CHRISTINE HOPS, TIMESHARE TRADE INS, LLC C/O SPENCE WILLIS, RORY N HORTON, JUDITH A BEETERIDGE, MELANIE SCHELL, MEREDITH PEACE, JAMES E BRADY AND JANET T MAASBRADY, KENNETH R GILBERT AND RITA G GORMAN, AMIR ESFANDYARI, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS,TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Melanie Schell, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees,

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of Melanie Schell, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against Melanie Schell or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT XI of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows: An undivided 1/104th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 1047, Pages 1785 through 1856, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 701, during Unit Week 50. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1108, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before November 7, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on September 26, 2022 KEVIN MADOK, CPA As Clerk of the Court By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: October 6 & 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000045-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WARFIELD M LEWIS, GARY MONTGOMERY AND DR. L. FOLGER WHICKER, BENJAMIN D BARNETT AND JOHN D BARNETT, SUSAN MACGOWEN AND PAULA T. DOWNS, RUSSELL L KERNS AND SHARON E KERNS, STEVEN C HINTON, DAVID HOPS AND CHRISTINE HOPS, TIMESHARE TRADE INS, LLC C/O SPENCE WILLIS, RORY N HORTON, JUDITH A BEETERIDGE, MELANIE SCHELL, MEREDITH PEACE, JAMES E BRADY AND JANET T MAASBRADY, KENNETH R GILBERT AND RITA G GORMAN, AMIR ESFANDYARI, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS,TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).

AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Rory N Horton, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of Rory N Horton, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against Rory N Horton or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT IX of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees,

lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows:

An Undivided 1/416th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 988, Pages 1510 through 1580, of the Public records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the plan, Unit 506, during week 34. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1108, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before November 7, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on September 26, 2022 KEVIN MADOK, CPA

As Clerk of the Court

By: Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk Publish: October 6 & 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000045-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WARFIELD M LEWIS, GARY MONTGOMERY AND DR. L. FOLGER WHICKER, BENJAMIN D BARNETT AND JOHN D BARNETT, SUSAN MACGOWEN AND PAULA T. DOWNS, RUSSELL L KERNS AND SHARON E KERNS, STEVEN C HINTON, DAVID HOPS AND CHRISTINE HOPS, TIMESHARE TRADE INS, LLC C/O SPENCE WILLIS, RORY N HORTON, JUDITH A BEETERIDGE, MELANIE SCHELL, MEREDITH PEACE, JAMES E BRADY AND JANET T MAASBRADY, KENNETH R GILBERT AND RITA G GORMAN, AMIR ESFANDYARI, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS,TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS

Defendant(s).

AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Paula T Downs, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of Paula T Downs, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against Paula T Downs or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT IV of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows:

Condominium Unit No. 508 of Unit Week 24, of BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST, CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in common elements, according to the Declaration thereof, as recorded in Official Records Book 988, at Page 1510, of the Public Records of MONROE County, Florida. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1108, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before November 7, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on September 26, 2022

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

As Clerk of the Court

By: Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk

Publish: October 6 & 13, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

BOATS FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 2007 Cobia - 19 ft, with T-top, 115hp Yamaha. No trailer. Located in Marathon. $9,900 Text 305-743-6098

BOAT SLIPS & TRAILER STORAGE

Boat Trailer Spaces Available. $100 per week. Boat dockage available $100 per weeWk. Easy access to the Atlantic and lighthouse. Boat length 32’ or less! Dockage is eighty feet long with good depth for boats. Phone 336-408-8140 or 336-287-3345.

EMPLOYMENT

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder is hiring an overnight Security Guard- responsibilities include but are not limited to observing marine mammals to ensure quality care, the ability to follow written instructions, and follow protocol and procedures as directed. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs and must be able to stay awake and alert for a 13 and a 1/2 hour shift (5:30pm7am). DPMMR is a drug-free workplace. To apply, please send your resume to nancyc@dpmmr.org.

Frank's Grill in Marathon now hiring servers. Evening and daytime. Call Joanna at 305-731-8346

Immediate positions available at the Grassy Key Marina. Under new ownership and looking for smiling faces. Full-time or parttime available. Pay rates are commensurate with experience but we are willing to interview those with no experience who have an interest in working in a marina environment. Please call Randall Glass to schedule an interview at 305-465-1491.

Help Wanted- experienced or will train- full time- benefitsElectrical Work with well established company in business since 1998- Marathon. Email to am.companies@gmail. com or call 305-393-0971.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bartender/ server. $12/hr + Guaranteed tip pool, employee meals, private club & friendly atmosphere. Saturday evenings required, some week nights. Call 305-7436739 to schedule an interview.

Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon is looking for a part-time cashier Thu/Fri/Sat. Please call 305-743-2281.

NOW HIRING - Full Time

Seafood Packers/Graders. Competitive Wage. Apply in person at Keys Fisheries Fish House, 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon. EOE DFWP

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: Utilities Maintenance, Recreation Specialist, Right of Way Technician, Parttime Marina Custodian/ Maintenance and Marina Tech/Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com

Immediate openings for experienced plumbers and helpers (with or without experience - we will train the right person). Must have a valid driver's license & clean driving record. Please apply in person at 10700 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerpinc@gmail.com

NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashiermust be 16 yrs or older, Fulltime Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@sweetsavannahs.com

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Protective Service Aide, Resident Activities Coordinator. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@ kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.orgEOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server/bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

Place your Employment ad here! Up to 5 lines of copy for only $25.00/week. Call 305-743-0844 today and find your needed staff!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT LONG TERM

Las Brisa - 2BR/2BA Unfurnished, great view, W/D, covered parking. Tennis, Swimming Pool & BBQ on property. Across from Smather’s Beach, Key West. $3,900/month + util. F/L/S Owner/Agent Douglas Miller 305-747-1700

STUDIO APT FOR RENT - Furnished Studio Apt w/ patio, like new, W/D, off street parking. Key West. $2,300/month including util. F/L/S Owner/Agent Douglas Miller 305-747-1700

Key Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3200/month 786-258-3127

For Rent in Marathon. Room with balcony, private entrance, and bathroom. Kitchen and laundry privileges. Utilities included. Ask for Dianna at 305-9239181. $1,200 monthly. First and last req. No pets. RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!

HOME FOR SALE

For Sale By Owner. 3BR/2BA Older Conch House - built in 1950 - ground levelMarathon/Grassy Key. By appointment only. No Realtors. $475,000 305-395-0806

MISC. FOR SALE

FOR SALE - Lifesize Bronze Mermaid Table w/ Six Chairs. Must see - located in Marathon. $5,000.00 305-923-9181

FOR SALE

1981 35’ Viking Sport Fisher Double Decker with Twin Cat 3208’s and a Generator.

Rebuilt in 2021, Stateroom, Head, Shower, Galley with Full Refrigerator, Air Fryer Oven, Freezer, Ice Machine, Air Conditioning. Over $75,000 invested. Transferable Slip in Marathon. Asking $59,000. 970-618-6737

NOW HIRING

PRIVATE ESTATE HOUSEMAN

Islamorada | Full Time | $25.00 +/hr

Must have previous houseman or related experience, valid US DL and SSN. Must be able to pass background checks and be a self-starter who can follow directions

ESTAMOS CONTRATANDO

Tiempo completo, mantenimiento de exterior en casa privada. Localizada en Islamorada, a $25.00+/hr. experiencia previa requerida o similar. Licencia valida en EE.UU. y numero de Seguro social. Capaz de pasar verificacion de antecedents y prueba de droga. Emprendedor motivado capaz de seguir instruciones.

Email resume & references to Lnz777@aol.com or mail to: Resume, c/o Post Net, 88005 Overseas Hwy, Suite 10, Box #162, Islamorada, FL 33036

Marathon. Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent

marketing or related field. 3 years of

digital assets, such as text, graphics or multimedia assets, for search engine optimization (SEO) or for display and usability on internet-connected devices.

resume to: Upper Crust Pizza Inc.

Raisa Carolina Gonzalez, 3740 Overseas Highway

Marathon, Florida

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

WESLEY HOUSE FAMILY SERVICES is looking for an experienced SENIOR ACCOUNTANT with at least ve years of experience with heavy emphasis on bookkeeping and computer skills in our Key West of ce. Responsibilities include maintaining and reporting on the agency’s grant contracts, payroll, accounts payable and other duties under direct supervision of the Controller. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business preferred and/or demonstrated experience in the eld. Salary range $55,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience, plus an excellent bene t package. Additional information about the position and the agency can be found at www.wesleyhouse.org. Interested candidates can email resume to HR@wesleyhouse.org. Wesley House Family Services is an equal opportunity employer and drug free workplace.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Customer Services Department:

CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $19.82/hr. - $22.20/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

APPRENTICE MAINTENANCE PERSON

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $22.48/hr. - $25.17/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

TREE TRIMMER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $25.04/hr. - $28.04/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

AUTO DIESEL VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $27.17/hr. - $30.43/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

SUNSET GRILLE IS LOOKING FOR A FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

The Front of House Manager plans and directs all day to day restaurant operations. Maintains high standards of food, service, health and safety; ensures the efficient and profitable business performance of the restaurant and the optimal utilization of staff and resources.

• Perform opening and closing duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Oversee and support front of house supervisors

• Oversee overall maintenance of the restaurant and property

• Coordinate restaurant operations to include daily schedules and identifying recruiting needs

• Responsible for ensuring guest satisfaction and quality guest experience

• Maintain employee records

• Oversee training and identify training needs

• Responsible for new hire onboarding and orientation

• Conduct staff meetings when necessary

• Monitor labor and operational costs

• Identify and estimate food and beverage supply requirements/needs and ensure inventory needs are met

• Perform other duties as assigned

Apply in person 7 Knights Key Blvd, Marathon. No phone calls please.

NOW

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

OPEN POSITIONS

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus

- Manager Medical Staff

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Hyperbaric Tech

- Nurse Supervisor

- Monitor Technician, Cardiac Telemetry

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Bonus

- Patient Experience Advocate, Patient Experience

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Ctr, $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, $15,000 Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook $5,000 Bonus - Dietitian $5,000 Bonus

- ED Team Coordinator

- Floor Technician $5,000 Bonus

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus - Nurse Supervisor - Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Bonus - Patient Experience Advocate - Phlebotomist, $10,000 Bonus - Pool Physical Therapist - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, $20,000 Bonus - Registered Nurse, $20,000 Bonus

- Security Of cer

- Supervisor Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus - Surgical Technologist

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE - TAVERNIER

- Advance Practice Provider (Physician Assistant)

- Nurse Practitioner

- Physician Practice Patient Rep, $1,000 Bonus - Medical Assistant, $3,000

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY & DUCK KEY

The Turtle Hospital in

VPE, ADA, DFW

Sponsored by

WEATHER CONDITIONS

FRIDAY

Chance of rain 30% Chance of rain 40%

IDC head rescue instructor Doug Hyland, per forming CPR in a beach rescue scenario. CON TRIBUTED

ERIC

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

TO THE RESCUE

Class gives divers tools to respond

Conditions

this past week were great. We finally got our vis ibility back from the storm that took it away for a while. This coming week should be more of the same. Decent winds throughout the week and hopefully that good visibility hangs around.

There are many courses you can take for your continuing diving educa tion. The first step is getting certified. This course is called “open water” certification. Once certified, the doors open wide for you to continue your div ing education. The next step would be your “advanced open water” certifica tion. This course will teach navigation, what it takes to go deeper and some fun adventure dives like drift diving or underwater photography.

After you achieve your advanced rating, then it’s time for “rescue diver”

certification. And this certification is what I’d like to focus on. The rescue diver course gives advanced divers the opportunity to learn the techniques for proper in-water and out-of-water rescue for situations that can occur while diving. Diving is a very safe sport, but like most activities in life can lead to events where medical and rescue aid is needed.

The rescue diver certification will boost your diving confidence in situa tions such as an unresponsive diver, missing diver or entanglement. With this course, you’ll know how to react when these instances happen. It also teaches and certifies each student in CPR. One of my favorite classes to teach, the rescue diver course is a must for anyone pursuing the sport of scuba diving.

Variable winds, 5 knots Northeast winds, 10-15 knots

1 foot seas 1-2 foot seas

This weekend I.CARE will be planting corals out of Key Dives and Coral Restoration Foundation will be planting corals out of the Islamorada Dive Center. It’s a weekend of coral restoration!

CONSERVATION TIP

Remember to watch where you anchor. Also, be mindful of your fin kicks and trash coming off your boat.

WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE FOR BEST BANK OF THE UPPER KEYS.

HIRING!

School

Volunteer

Education

Benefits

Full

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

O/S Hwy

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES

SCHEDULES

TEMPORARY ENGINEER

AGENT

COOK

SERVER

ATTENDANT

SPA TERRE AT OCEAN KEY:

TECHNICIAN

MASSAGE THERAPIST

WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER

EMPLOYEE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

OLD TOWN!

SCAN TO VIEW JOB OPENINGS. APPLY

Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE.

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

ARE CENTER,

KEY LARGO

KEY WEST

MARATHON

Tewes Mortgage

Brian Tewes