Key West Weekly 22-1027

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Se habla español THE KEY WEST WEEKLY

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WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK

FEMA has provided $603 million to households and $322 million to the state of Florida for emergency response and to help survivors jumpstart their recovery, as more than $1.28 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state after Hurricane Ian. The U.S. Small Business Adminis tration has provided $211 million in disaster loans, while the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $147 million in claims.

ON THE COVER

Celebrity artist Bill Mack, whose work depicts icons such as Ernest Hemingway, will appear at Key West Gallery Oct. 28 and 29. See page 8. CONTRIBUTED

1. Carlos Home and Fran Decker are crowned king and queen of Fantasy Fest 2022 on Oct. 21 to kick off the 10-day celebration. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

2. The four king and queen candidates this year raised $305,367 to benefit AH Monroe for the last time. Starting in 2023, the Fantasy Fest Royal Campaign will benefit the Florida Keys SPCA.

3. King and Queen Carlos Home and Fran Decker, center, are flanked by their royal court, Duke DJ Sanaris and Duch ess Vicky Shields.

Some500 loyal subjects and a cadre of past Fantasy Fest royals celebrated at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Oct. 21 as Carlos Home and Fran Decker were crowned the new king and queen of Fantasy Fest. The 2022 royal court inauguration was completed with Vicky Shields and DJ Sanaris installed as duchess and duke.

Fantasy Fest royal courts, rather than gaining their crowns via coup, earn them through heroic fundraising efforts, with imaginative eight-week campaigns, culminating in a grand coronation to kick off Key West’s an nual Fantasy Fest. The two who raise the most dollars win the queen and king titles; runners-up serve as duke and duchess. Together, this year’s candidates raised $305,637.

Since the competition’s inception more than 30 years ago, 64 queen and king pairings have been crowned, along with a plethora of dukes and duchesses, and in those years, more than $5 million has been raised, tradi tionally for the benefit of AH Monroe Inc., formerly AIDS Help.

This year, AH Monroe executive director Scott Pridgen and Fantasy Fest board chair Steve Robbins announced that the time has come to pass the torch to a new beneficiary of the funds

raised. The Florida Keys SPCA has been selected as the new campaign organiz ers and beneficiaries.

“On behalf of all of us at the Florida Keys SPCA — the humans and the animals — I want to offer our pro found thanks for passing the mantle of the royal campaign over to us,” FKSPCA board president Jeffrey Johnson said from the stage. “We are honored and humbled by this opportunity, and

we thank AH Monroe for building a program of such epic proportions and for giving so much to the community for so many years. Thank you for your support; we will strive to make you proud.”

The evening’s revelry included a sitdown dinner and two-hour stage show hosted by Bria Ansara and Erin McK enna, which included a performance of “So Long, Farewell,” from the musi cal “The Sound of Music,” in a comic sendup to the previous king and queen, Ryan Acker and Karen Frank-Noll, who’d held their titles for an unprecedented three years due to the pandemic.

Fantasy Fest 2022 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. More informa tion is at fantasyfest.com.

— Contributed

$603M

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD MEET...

SCOTT PRIDGEN & AH MONROE HOLD KEYS TO HOUSING

It’s hard not to notice the angels that hover behind Scott Pridgen’s head as he speaks — painted by local artist Lenny Addorisio.

They’re a sort of metaphor for this man who has spent the last 35 years tirelessly ad vocating for those in need, and for health care and housing for those with HIV/AIDS in particu lar. Most of those years have been in Key West, where Pridgen is executive director of A.H. Monroe, where he’s worn just about every hat the agency has since he got involved, first as a volunteer in 1996.

“Just to see in someone’s face when you find them a place to live, whether it was a linear move or for those that are homeless or have been without housing for some time and were struggling,” he said of his 2006 housing case manager position. “To actually get them into that place and see them succeed, it was just so gratifying.”

The Key West housing crisis can be insur mountable for all people, but more so for those with health issues that cripple their finances and ability to work and function on a day-today basis. A.H. Monroe addresses this problem by recognizing that “housing IS care,” sensibly linking the two as a whole.

“We want an HIV-free generation; that is our goal. And the way we do that is through health, making sure people living with HIV are adherent to care,” he said. “Without housing, it is much more difficult to achieve any health goal, or any goal for that matter.”

If this citizen spotlight seems to shine more on the agency than the man, it’s probably be cause Pridgen is ever-humble and 100% dedi cated to the AH mission. His pragmatism, calm demeanor and overall warmth align with the sense of safe haven he seeks to provide, some thing his predecessors established in 1989.

If you arrived on the island between the late ‘80s and 2011, you might know that “AH” was the acronym for AIDS Help Inc. and that its mission and services were geared entirely to that purpose.

“There was and still is a lot of stigma associ ated with HIV and AIDS, but it was a prominent stigma where housing was refused if you had HIV or AIDS,” Pridgen said. “We want to think

that we’ve always been One Human Family, but we have discrimination here, we have preju dice, we have racism, we have stigma, just like any other community.”

The original Marty’s Place on Bertha Street was the agency’s first hospice program.

“When people were literally dying of AIDS in Key West, a lot of hospitals and hospice wouldn’t accept them,” said Pridgen of the 16 original cottages on the agency-owned prop erty. “We had a place to put them.”

This was thanks in part to the support of the Fantasy Fest Royal Campaigns, which started in 1989 during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Candidates work tirelessly to raise money in the eight weeks leading up to Fantasy Fest. The top two fundraisers are crowned king and queen of Fantasy Fest. (See page 4.)

“In the early days, that’s where the royal campaign money went — to give someone a place to die with dignity, because AIDS did equal death at that time.”

But as medicine and technology improved the lives of those with HIV/AIDS, AH was “still in the old playbook,” Pridgen said.

“Our entire roadmap and mission was HIV/ AIDS-only. Anybody that walked through the door was immediately asked, ‘Do you have HIV/ AIDS? Oh, you don’t? Sorry, we can’t help you. You’ll have to figure it out.’ Or ‘You have to have HIV/AIDS in order to live here. You have to be dying for us to help you.’ It was horrible.”

The year Pridgen became director in 2011, AH built Royal Poinciana, a 50-unit property that includes a gym. But only 25 clients moved in upon its opening. Management and the board scratched their heads and sent out a survey. They discovered that the No. 1 reason clients didn’t want to live there was that they didn’t want to be defined by their disease.

Scott Pridgen, executive director of AH Monroe, knows more than most about Key West’s hous ing crisis. CRICKET DESMARAIS/Keys Weekly

“We were actually adding just as much to the stigma as we were trying to take it away. It was such an eye-opener for us,” Pridgen said.

By broadening eligibility to those with low incomes, disabilities, the elderly, homeless and veterans, and by contacting other nonprofits to spread the word, AH quickly filled the space. The infusion of diversity resulted in less de pression, more community engagement and greater participation in their own care for most of the HIV clients who lived there.

Now AH Monroe could mean AIDS Help, Accessible Health Care, or Affordable Housing, depending on the services that are sought and provided.

“Anybody who lives in one of our five properties, regardless of their HIV status, has access to medical case management, and all of the services that anyone living with HIV does,” Pridgen said.

Hurricane Irma was the impetus for yet another change within the agency with the ad dition of their Resource Identification program — case management for people who had no association with the agency. The program is still in place and particularly critical during crises like COVID and the recent Hurricane Ian, allowing multiple Monroe County nonprofits to collaborate and fill needs.

“It was such an eye opener of how close we all are to being one step away from home lessness, how we are just a microsecond away from losing everything — and being no differ ent than the guy who’s been sleeping on the street corner all his life.”

It was also a cue to redirect the Fantasy Fest king and queen campaign funds so the next beneficiary — the nonprofit Florida Keys SPCA — can broaden its own initiatives.

“Every time a former royal or someone who worked on a campaign drives by one of our properties, they can say ‘I built that,’” Pridgen said of the 32 royal campaign years that raised a total of $5.3 million. “That’s their legacy.”

He’s also quick to acknowledge the com munity’s hand in the agency’s overall success. He recognizes the dedication of his staff and the power of collaboration with other nonprof its and supportive businesses.

“I’m proud of the agency and how far we’ve come and the fact that the community has built it. This agency – every single square inch of it – was built by the community. Now it’s our job as stewards of the community to provide the services that they need.”

When he’s not helping someone find a home, he’s out in the sun with his partner, paddleboarding, hiking and biking.

Cheer Pridgen on during his Nov. 18-19 SMART Ride, a two-day pedal from Miami to Key West’s AIDS Memorial that gives all funds raised to those infected, affected or at risk for HIV/AIDS in Florida.

IN PERSON APPEARANCE REQUIRED, THOUGH EMAIL ALSO ACCEPTED

SCHOOL BOARD TACKLES COMMENTS, HOUSING CELEBRITY ARTIST BILL MACK IN TOWN

Communication and construc tion were the main conversa tions at the Oct. 25 school board meeting — com munication between the public and the school board and construction of employee housing at the district’s Trumbo Road headquarters in Key West.

The five-member board, which in cluded retiring member Bobby High smith for the last time, decided not to continue allowing the public to call in to a meeting to make comments. The call-in option was instituted during COVID. The discussion was prompted by a small group of conservatives who have been speaking at — and occasionally calling into — meet ings. The group has criticized the school district’s mission statement for referncing “global citizens.”

Superintendent Theresa Axford told board members that officials had researched three other geographi cally spread-out school districts in Florida — Polk, Lake and Brevard — all of which require the presence of people at meetings if they wish to speak to the board. No other Florida school boards allow call-in comments now that the pandemic has ended.

Axford said the best way to reach board members is via email so they can get a response in writing.

Board members largely agreed that in-person comments are pre ferred. Mindy Conn said she would be OK with call-in comments, but only if they pertained to a specific item on that day’s agenda. Andy Griffiths pointed out that the board tries to keep agenda items location-specific, so Upper Keys topics are covered at Upper Keys meetings.

Highsmith strongly supported call-in comments — and remote attendance for board members. He urged the district to use the technol ogy available given safety concerns about driving on U.S. 1 and environ mental concerns about cars on the road. Highsmith also pointed out that public comments are not the same as emails, when a community member wants the public to hear what they have to say.

After a 15-minute discussion, the board opted to keep the policy as-is, a move that later in the meeting

prompted accusations of censorship by the conservative speaker who had attended in person.

Housing construction

The board voted unanimously to pursue negotiations with a develop ment group, SPGL,LLC, that will build at least 80 units of employee housing at the district’s Trumbo Road headquar ters in Key West.

Money isn’t an issue for the folks who want to build the housing. The same family that owns SPGL owns the adjacent, multimillion-dollar Steam Plant condominiums, and wants to im prove the surrounding neighborhood.

Family member Walter “Wag” Woodward told members of the county school board in May, “I could write you a check for this whole Trumbo Road property today and build a park, but that’s not what the school board wants to do. You need housing for teachers.”

(Woodward added that his family has money from oil interests in Texas and natural gas investments in north ern Louisiana.)

SPGL in April had submitted an un solicited proposal to the school board, proposing to build about 76 apart ments, a new administration building and a bunch of green space on the school district’s approximately 6-acre waterfront property.

The specifics of that proposal likely will be adjusted during negotia tions, but the school board on Oct. 25 decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and voted unanimously to enter negotiations with SPGL. Board members said they want to configure the property to accommodate as many housing units as possible, and are looking into moving the administrative building to a different school districtowned property in Key West to make room for more than 80 apartments.

Lastly, the board voted to give three affordable housing building permits to the city of Marathon. The permits are attached to the old Mara thon Manor, a former assisted-living facility that the school district acquired more than 15 years ago, along with its 50 housing units. Marathon City Manager George Garrett had penned a letter requesting three of the remain ing 30 or so permits. The board agreed unanimously.

KEY WEST GALLERY HOSTS ARTIST RECEPTION & PARADE VIEWING PARTY

Bill

Mack, one of the world’s most re nowned celebrity artists — and owner of the original Hollywood sign — has spent four decades recreating the glamor, glitz and personalities of Hollywood in his relief sculptures and paint ings.

Mack will be in Key West for a limited engagement exhibition and artist receptions from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29 at Key West Gallery, 601 Duval St.

Known as the finest relief artist in the world today, Mack will appear with “Painter of Movement” artist Gary Welton and talented sculptor Deb Mack.

A collection of paintings and relief sculptures by all three artists will be on exhibi tion and available for acquisi tion at Key West Gallery.

A Fantasy Fest parade viewing party is also available Oct. 29 for new and current Key West Gallery collectors. (RSVP and wristband required.) Mack’s works are housed in the private collections of Elton John, Robert Redford, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks and Trish Yearwood, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, 50 Cent and others.

— Contributed

Top: Bill Mack will be in Key West for a two-day exhibition. Right: James Dean by Bill Mack. CONTRIBUTED

SHELF HELP

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Why: Krakauer’s survival story recounts the 1996 Mount Everest disaster and is both adventure-filled and somber. Any adventurist, novice or pro, will appreciate the preparation, dedication and skill that it takes to summit such a formidable mountain. In the mix, Krakauer discusses the commercialism, competitiveness among the climbing groups, and unfortu nately, the pollution that stains the sport and the environment that continues to this day. He also vividly describes the friend ly, helpful and soulful Nepal ese who guide many of these adventurers on their journey. It’s a riveting story set among one of the most scenic, dangerous and awe-inspiring natural creations.

Where: This is available as a print book (hard copy) and as an ebook from the Monroe County Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to www. keyslibraries.org and get ebooks and e-audiobooks 24/7 at www. estuff.keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register on line to get one. Questions? info@ keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Rob Rinaldi, Big Pine Key Library branch manager

SAVE THE DATE

Through Nov. 12

• “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville – The Musical” at the Waterfront Playhouse is a mad cap love story, with an erupting volcano, tap-dancing zombies and classic Buffett songs. Visit water frontplayhouse.org.

Through Oct. 30

• Key West celebrates Fantasy Fest with the theme “Cult Classics and Cartoon Chaos.” Visit fantasy fest.com for an event schedule and details.

Friday, Oct. 28

• The Fantasy Fest Street Fair is now the Fantasy Market at the Truman Waterfront Park, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about having a booth, visit https://tinyurl. com/FantasyMarket2022 or email Sean@dailyplan-it.net.

Saturday, Oct. 29

• Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden hosts its Scream ing Green SAFE Halloween. Candy, games, crafts, bounce house and costume contest will be offered throughout the garden. Come in costume and hunt for tricks and treats along the garden pathways. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 per child.

Sunday, Oct. 30

• Children’s Day at Bayview Park wraps up Fantasy Fest with a Halloween costume contest, games, prizes, tricks and treats for kids. Starts at 12 p.m.

• Key West Sports Acad emy hosts Halloween preschool playdate for kids who can crawl through age 6 in its indoor play ground, 9 to 11 a.m., 700 Truman Ave.

Monday, Oct. 31

• Happy Halloween! Trick-ortreating in local neighborhoods.

• Schmitty the Skeleton’s Spooky Shindig: Coldwell Banker Schmitt hosts a Halloween event featuring goodie bags and candy from 6 to 8:30 p.m., 1201 White St.

Tuesday, Nov. 1

• Deadline to submit names to be added to the Key West AIDS Memorial at Ed Knight Pier. The memorial remembers friends and relatives who loved Key West and who died of AIDS-related causes. A minimum contribution of $250 is suggested. Applications are avail able at keywestaidsmemorial.org.

ENGLISH

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THROWING PUNCHES

GOVERNOR CANDIDATES BATTLE OVER ECONOMY, EDUCATION, IMMIGRATION

wouldn’t be flocking to Florida if Crist had his way.

“They’re waging war on Ameri can energy. They are not producing what we need to do. They’re beg ging Maduro and OPEC for more oil. That’s why your costs are going up there,” he said.

EDUCATION

ABORTION

Ahandshake

kicked off the only debate between Re publican Gov. Ron DeSan tis and Democrat Charlie Crist on Oct. 24 in Fort Pierce. After that, the two dropped the gloves on issues of the economy, education, immigration and health.

Moderated by Liz Quirantes of CBS 12 News, questions posed to the candidates were submitted by Florida voters. DeSantis and Crist had a minute to respond to ques tions and 30 seconds for a rebut tal. But in true political fashion, the candidates didn’t always answer the question that was asked.

Solving a housing crunch and rising living costs was the first ques tion on the docket for the candi dates. Crist, who was first to answer, said the flocks of people coming to Florida are what’s causing a hous ing crunch and a lack of affordable housing. Crist was critical of DeSantis for cutting into the Sadowski Hous ing Trust Fund, which he said he would restore.

“We have a housing crisis in our state. Good luck buying a home. Good luck renting an apartment,” Crist said. “And it’s because Gover nor DeSantis took his eye off the ball. He’s focused on running for president in 2024 and as a result we lost things in our state budget, specifically a housing trust fund and hundreds of millions that he and the legislature have cut.”

DeSantis said Crist voted along side President Joseph Biden 100% of the time, which he said ultimately drove up costs in the country. Over the last two years, he said the na tion’s seen record inflation, while Biden’s energy policies made gas and utilities more expensive. De Santis went on to say that people

“He wrote me a letter in July of 2020 saying you need to shut down the state of Florida. You need to force people to shelter in their own homes. That would have destroyed Florida,” DeSantis said. “That would have caused our tourism industry to go into the toilet. I rejected Charlie Crist’s lockdown letter. I kept this state open and I kept this state free.”

INSURANCE

DeSantis and Crist were ques tioned on Florida’s crumbling home insurance industry and specifically the next steps to address the crisis. DeSantis criticized Biden policies that caused the worst inflation in 40 years and forced rising costs to replace roofs. The governor also highlighted the state’s litigation issue with respect to homeowners insur ance.

“We have 8% of the policies but 78% of the litigation costs. Some policyholders will get a $20,000 settlement and the lawyers will get $400,000. We called a special ses sion, we addressed part of that,” DeSantis said. “We also created a reinsurance backstop that’s serv ing us well now that Hurricane Ian hit. We created a program where Floridians can get grants to make improvements to their homes and then lower rates. We need to build off what we did with reinsurance and we have to address rising costs of litigation.”

Crist alluded to a Forbes article that placed Florida as the most ex pensive state. He said it’s the result of utility rate increases approved un der DeSantis. As for property insur ance, Crist said rates have doubled under DeSantis’s administration, and it’s only been exacerbated by the hurricane.

“Gas prices are up as well under your lack of leadership. You slipped in something to drop the price of gas, but only in October right before the run-up to the election,” Crist said.

In response, DeSantis said fuel and natural gas prices are up because of what he called the BidenCrist energy policies.

Crist was questioned on whether students in kindergarten through third grade should be taught sexual orientation and gender identity. Crist responded by stating that it’s important to educate students about science, math and history — and “true history and facts.” Crist said 9,000 teachers and staff left Florida due to the way DeSantis treated public schools.

“His administration is paying (teachers) 48th out of 50 states. That’s embarrassing. We can and we should and we need to do better than that,” Crist said.

DeSantis defended the Parental RIghts in Education bill signed into law earlier in the year. He said he’s defending the choices of parents and students. He said it’s inappropriate to tell a 6-year-old they were born in the wrong body.

“We need to do the basics. We need to teach them how to read, write, add and subtract. If we do that we’ll continue to lead in fourth grade reading and fourth grade math,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also touted legislation that prevents a male who once com peted on a men’s team to switch and compete in women’s sports. DeSan tis said Crist would have vetoed it.

“I’m going to protect women’s sports in the state of Florida,” he said.

Crist said it’s all about culture wars and dividing the state for De Santis.

“I’m a uniter. I think we need to be giving our state a chance to unite again,” Crist said. “You love dividing our state whether it’s blacks versus whites, whether it’s gay against straight (or) whether it’s young ver sus old.”

In response, DeSantis said deny ing girls and women athletes the right to compete fairly is divisive.

“I think it’s divisive to rip oppor tunities from our girls in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “You want to talk about divisive? The day after Charlie Crist won his primary, he said anyone who supports the governor you have hate in your heart and I don’t want your vote. Think what that means. I’m endorsed by every police group in the state of Florida. I’m endorsed by the fire fighters. I’m endorsed by truckers.”

In light of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, a legal challenge to Florida’s 15-week abor tion ban is making its way through the courts. The Florida Supreme Court previously found the state con stitution’s privacy clause guarantees abortion access. Candidates were asked after what week of pregnancy should abortion be banned. DeSan tis thought back to a poor woman over 40 years ago in Jamacia who found herself pregannt, didn’t think there would be much opportunity and was urged to get an abortion. DeSantis said the abortion didn’t happen and she had a daughter. A few months ago, DeSantis appointed that woman as the first Jamaican justice in the Florida Supreme Court.

“I just think we’re better when everybody counts. I understand not everyone’s going to be born in perfect circumstances. But I would like to see everybody have a shot. I’m proud of the 15 weeks we did,” DeSantis said.

Crist said he doesn’t want to ban abortion. He said he wants to make sure the state keeps a woman’s right to choose.

“I want to make sure that we don’t have a governor in the future who won’t allow exemptions for rape and incest,” Crist said.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

With an ongoing border crisis, Crist was asked whether he believes Florida should be a sanctuary state. Crist acknowledged that the country has an immigration problem and that the border must be secure. But he said it doesn’t mean that DeSantis should use taxpayer dollars to char ter two jets with Venezuelans from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard.

“That’s not the way to change policy. You can change policy and do what’s right to secure the border by having comprehensive immigra tion reform. That’s what I voted for in Congress,” Crist said. “When you were in Congress, you wouldn’t do it because you want to keep this issue alive, you want to keep it a wedge issue.”

DeSantis said Crist is for the se cure border, yet the border crisis is happening under the Biden adminis tration and the policies Crist sup ports. DeSantis said millions have poured across the border illegally. He also highlighted the record level of fentanyl flowing over the border and ravaging communities.

the full debate story see keysweekly.com

Ron DeSantis Charlie Crist

Alfred Crimi

PICKLEBALL: WHAT’S ALL THE RACQUET AT HIGGS BEACH?

Bynow you may have heard of pick leball, a quirky, hybrid sport that has gained a tidal wave of momentum in the U.S over the last decade.

Mega-star athletes like LeBron James and Tom Brady have joined the craze this year by gobbling up teams to compete in the newly formed Major League Pickleball, or MLP. The nationwide league currently boasts 12 pro teams and is looking to shell out around $2 million in cash prizes and advance to 16 teams by next year.

But hold on: you can add Key West local William Sobek, 18, to this mix of champion “picklers.” Sobek, who recently graduated from Key West High School, said he’s been involved in the game since age 3. “It’s a very social sport,” he said during a short break on a recent Satur day morning at the Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach tennis and pickleball courts. “You can be any age or level of fitness. Beginners are always welcome here.”

Sobek may be the most famous person in Key West’s pickleball world at the moment. He became the sport’s No. 1 worldwide junior player at just 15. A year later, Sobek began playing in the top pro category of the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association). “So I’m just building up from there and getting better and better,” he said.

Sobek, who is now a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University studying biology, is so stoked about pickleball that he and his father Rosti currently direct a clinic aimed at improv ing picklers’ performance on the courts at Higgs.

The young player’s future looks bright: “I’m going to be applying soon for a spot in the MLP, or, more likely, the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association),” he said.

Players interested in checking out pickle ball, a paddle-based mix of pingpong, tennis and badminton, can play for free at the Higgs Beach location, on the corner of Atlantic Boule vard and Reynolds Street in Key West. Paddles and balls are on loan to visitors.

The optics — and acoustics — at this locale are great. The sound of thwacks and pops from competitors’ paddles filled the air at the bustling courts just yards away from the sandy beach and sparkling turquoise waters.

An estimated 4.8 million people across the country are active picklers, the PPA re ported over the summer. Sobek said the rest of the world is trailing, but catching up to the sport’s popularity and speedy learning curve. The U.S. dominates the game, as it began as a home-grown activity in the 1960s with inspira tion from two Washington State golfers who attempted to piece together a new outdoor activity with sports equipment odds and ends.

According to legend or fact, Pickles the dog also had something to do with it.

But despite its growing popularity, pickle ball isn’t always welcomed by everyone at the Higgs courts. Tennis players occasionally groan about the encroachment on limited net-game real estate at the beach. And some see the trendy game as a sport for non-athletes.

“That annoys me in a way, but I can un derstand it,” Sobek said. “After all, it’s kind of a goofy name for a serious sport.”

Some picklers’ pushback has included lash ing out at tennis’ perceived reputation as an elitist country-club pursuit.

”Either way you look at it, it’s a blast,” pickle ball enthusiast Heidi Golightly, who runs a non profit for kids at Key West High School, said at the courts on Oct. 22. “I’m an ex-tennis player, but this is so much more fun. It’s an easy game to pick up and you see all ages here.”

Local public access to pickleball began in January 2012, when Monroe County’s Board of County Commissioners approved a master plan for the park’s renovation. The non-profit group, Friends of Higgs Beach, contributed input that included a .10-acre increase in “amenities” like pickleball and tennis courts. An upsizing for the park’s green space and beach area also were included.

After the governmental validation was bestowed upon pickleball’s Key West defend ers and devotees, they celebrated amidst the tennis-grumbling naysayers.

As of early 2022, there were more than 10,000 registered new pickleball facilities in the United States, according to USA Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body.

So far the local picklers have stood their ground in Key West. Even after the Higgs courts took a beating from Hurricane Ian last month they are now back up and running. There’s even a dedicated Facebook page — Key West Pickleball Group — where local news regarding the sport is frequently updated.

Equipped with only a simple plastic ball and a table tennis-style paddle, the picklers keep coming and enjoying this humble sport that appears to be here to stay.

Key West teen William Sobek, left, is a regular on the Pickleball courts at Higgs Beach.

AMY PATTON/Keys Weekly

Nationally ranked pro William Sobek with dad Rosti.

FORMER BATBOY RECALLS KEY WEST’S BASEBALL HISTORY

ISOLATED ISLAND PRODUCED 26 BIG LEAGUERS

WhenBruce Sutter died last week after a brief bout with cancer, he was universally eulogized in news reports as a pitcher whose base ball career was resurrected by his adoption of a little- known pitch called the split-finger fastball. Even lesser known is that Sutter perfected the pitch as a minor leaguer in Key West.

The Southernmost City had a nascent his tory as a professional sports town, beginning with a single season in 1952 but, more broadly, in 1969 as a Florida State League farm team of the San Diego Padres, and lasting until 1975 as the Class-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. In be tween, the local team suited up as the Sun Caps in 1971, and then as the Conchs from 1972-74, playing home games at long-lost Wickers Field on Kennedy Drive. The Sun Caps were an unaf filiated, co-op team with a roster stocked with misfits from other programs. The Conchs were Cubs hopefuls.

Key West was excited by the novelty of a pro team, attracting more than 40,000 specta tors in each of the first three seasons. But after back-to-back last-place finishes in 1971 and 1972, the turnstiles dwindled by half.

Dr. Julio dePoo, one of the team’s co-own ers, would sit in his wheelchair at the third base corner of the grandstand, guarding a box of baseballs until the umpire signaled for replace ments. Once, when legendary Ernie Banks was visiting Key West as a roving coach in the Cubs minor league system, I retrieved a foul ball and asked him to sign it. Believing the baseball was still playable, Mr. Cub, as he was known, asked me to return it to Dr. dePoo, and promised to sign another one after the game. Later, I waited underneath the grandstand in a cramped office, but went home empty-handed. That mo ment forever soured me on Mr. Cub, though it was, l’m sure, an unfair judgment.

Sutter’s 1974 Key West team also finished in last place, but minor league baseball is less about standings and more about player development, and Sutter was about to develop into a big leaguer. Soon after turning pro he struggled with arm trouble and used his own signing bonus to pay for a nerve operation, keeping it secret from the Cubs. But the surgery cost Sutter pitch velocity and, at age 21, he was on the verge of getting released, when a Cubs assistant approached him at spring training in 1974 and offered to teach him a new pitch. Sut ter’s long fingers provided a perfect launch pad for the split-finger, and when camp broke, he

was dispatched to Key West with instructions to work out the kinks.

Sutter appeared in 18 games for the Conchs that season, all but one in relief, log ging 50 strikeouts in 40 innings on the mound. In Key West, armed with the split-finger, his ERA dropped from above 4 to 1.35. The Cubs promoted Sutter to double-A late in the sea son, and by 1976 he was pitching at Wrigley Field, the first of a dozen seasons as the most dominant reliever in the big leagues, where he logged exactly 300 career saves with three dif ferent clubs.

“I tried to bunt on him because I can’t hit him,” Reds catcher Johnny Bench told the L.A. Times in 1977. “He’s the best.” In 2006, Sutter was anointed as such, elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame with the distinction of being the first inductee to never start a game in the major leagues.

No doubt, Sutter is the most success ful player who ever suited up in the home clubhouse at Wickers Field, but as many as 26 Key West players eventually made it to the big leagues, according to Baseball-Reference. com. Vic Albury pitched for the ’69 Padres farm club before breaking into the bigs with the Minnesota Twins. Two years after managing that Key West Padres team, Don Zimmer was summoned to the majors, where he skippered for 14 seasons. Native Conch Rich Garcia cut his teeth as an umpire in the Florida State League before a 25-year major league career. And one summer during college, Richie Bancells manned the Wickers Field press box as scorer and announcer, then spent almost 40 years as athletic trainer for the Baltimore Orioles.

The isolation of the Keys made pro baseball a difficult business proposition. Players were known to sleep in the clubhouse because af fordable housing was scarce. The team’s trainer lived in a trailer beyond the outfield fence. Al though the 1975 Key West Cubs won 65 games and earned a spot in the Florida State League playoffs, the parent club relocated their Class-A team to Pompano Beach the next season.

It was a sad reality for me, a young teenag er who had spent a couple summers volunteer ing as batboy for visiting teams. A lot of those visiting players made it big, and decades later I ran into Mike Heath, who visited Key West as a Fort Lauderdale Yankee en route to a 14-year career as a big-league catcher. When I men tioned picking up his bats, the first thing that crossed his mind about Key West was pre-game

meals. “We ate at a drugstore,” he laughed. I knew immediately, of course, he was talking about the old Dennis Pharmacy at Simonton and United streets, a popular spot for locals.

One of my favorite visiting teams was the West Palm Beach Expos, who had a friendly manager named Gordon MacKenzie. Once, dur ing pregame warmups, Mac was sitting on the bench watching a low-flying airplane approach the stadium with smoke trailing from behind. He leapt from the bench and started screaming about a crash. I had to explain our mosquito control planes to him. Later, while covering spring training during my sports reporting days, I ran into Mac when he was with the Detroit Tigers. He walked me around the locker room, introducing me as his minor league batboy.

Gordon died in 2014 and now Bruce Sutter is gone at age 69, and I am filled with nostalgia as I type. Don’t get me wrong, I love the George Mira football complex, where Wickers Field once stood, but every time I pass that intersec tion of 14th Street and Duck Avenue, it’s the Wickers Field grandstand that I see. And it’s a window to my childhood.

Scott Atwell is a Key West native, former sports reporter and the current communications director for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

A 1975 Coca Cola ad touts professional baseball in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

A 1977 Topps chewing gum baseball card shows Bruce Sutter’s stats.

... a veteran sports columnist, says the only sport he doesn’t follow is cricket. That leaves plenty of others to fill his time.

ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

SPORTS & MORE

TUA RETURNS FOR THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

First, the big news: As far as I know, Mi ami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made it through his return to action on Oct. 16 without being injured.

Oh, he didn’t do it without testing the sport. Late in the first quarter, with the score 7-0 in the Dolphins’ favor, Tua took the ball himself and ran headfirst into a Pittsburgh defender. He acted as if the head-butting was just part of the game. He didn’t gain much yardage, but one play later,

Jason Sanders kicked one through the uprights and Miami took a 10-0 lead of the game it would eventually win 16-10.

Several weeks ago, Tua suf fered concussions in consecutive games. Of course, there was a bit of controversy about the first one. Not so much the second game as he wobbled off the field.

First, veteran quarterback Ted dy Bridgewater replaced him. Then, when Bridgewater went down, in came Skylar Thompson, a first-year player from Kansas State. Thomp son was also hurt, so Bridgewater came back in.

Tagovailoa and Miami had been excellent at the beginning of the season when the Dolphins won their first three games, but not so good when they lost their next three, mainly with the substitute quarterbacks in. Tagovailoa missed all of two games.

Sunday’s was a game the de fense actually won, with Miami in terceptions and near-interceptions dropped by Pittsburgh defenders.

Pittsburgh added a field goal and and a touchdown to come within 13-10, while Miami added a field goal for a 16-10 halftime score. Neither team would add to that tally in the second half, al though Pittsburgh would threaten several times.

Tagovailoa’s family sat in a suite and I would have to say that whenever a camera pointed their way, they looked plenty scared.

I was scared, too. I have to say, I love having Tagovailoa back at quarterback. I love watching him

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tago vailoa, pictured in January 2022, returned to the field after two concussions and two missed games. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed

targeting receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek “The Cheetah” Hill going long, but I’m plenty nervous when Tagovailoa’s on the field. Maybe when he returns this Sunday I’ll be calm as a cucumber.

Tagovailoa didn’t do much upon his initial return except return from the series of concussions that made his recovery the main headline in these parts of the National Football League. Otherwise, the story (or stories) would have been:

• The return of Brian Flores, now a Pittsburgh assistant coach, who was fired last season as Miami head coach.

• The Miami defense, includ ing a pass interception by Noah Igbinoghene in the final minutes that allowed the offense to run out the clock. It had appeared as if Pitts burgh might score a winning touch down after Miami passed up a field goal attempt that might have given the Dolphins a winning margin.

• The return and celebration of the heralded 1972 unbeaten team that included stars Larry Csonka, Bob Grfiese, Larry Little and Paul Warfieid and the late coach Don Shula.

• And, if not for the MiamiPittsburgh game, then the upsets of Tampa Bay by Carolina, San Francisco by Kansas City, Cleveland by Baltimore and Green Bay by Washington.

It also marked, perhaps, the de mise of two quarterbacks of recent vintage, namely Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers, respectively.

That, if it is realized, will be the news for another day.

BACK WITH HER (ORIGINAL) FAMILY

Afternearly five months of ‘round-the-clock attention from her human caregiv ers, the newest addition to Dolphin Research Center’s animal family is getting some help from fellow flippered family members.

Named “Bowie” in honor of her maternal grandfather Rainbow who passed away earlier this year, the calf was born to mother Gypsi on May 31. Mere hours after enter ing the world, she immediately required full-time care from DRC staff as it became apparent she would not be able to nurse from her biological mother, a common phenomenon among first-time dolphin mothers.

On Oct. 20, after months of ex haustive efforts by her caretakers, Bowie made the journey from a specialized medical pool, where she had lived for the last five months, to rejoin her dolphin family in DRC’s natural saltwater lagoons – specifi cally, her aunt and notoriously suc cessful “adoptive mother” Calusa.

“We made the decision to move her because she really needs to learn she is a dolphin,” said Linda Erb, DRC’s vice president of animal care and training. “While we provided her with everything we could in the med pool – nutrition, company and exercise in the form of her human friends – we simply cannot be dolphins.”

As noted by the team, Bowie’s new lagoon mate has an estab lished track record of success. In

addition to fostering another of her nieces in 2015, the 21-year-old dolphin recently took on the task of fostering “Ranger,” another of the center’s recent additions that was rescued and rehabilitated after stranding off the coast of Texas.

Though the team is hopeful they will experience natural nursing between Bowie and her adoptive mother, they remain committed to providing the little one with nutri tion six times per day via a bottle or tube in the form of a blended mix of five lactating dolphin mothers’ milks. And though her caretakers weren’t initially sure how Calusa would feel about being temporar ily separated from the baby during scheduled feeding times, they couldn’t be happier with the result.

“The trust that Calusa has in us is humbling,” said Erb.

With another dolphin, Cayo, expecting a calf within the next few weeks, Bowie will hopefully have a playmate around her age before long, and the staff looks forward to introductions with more dolphins in DRC’s pod – including, eventually, spending time again with her own biological mother.

Whatever the future may hold, the staff at DRC is thankful for Calusa’s aid after five months of herculean efforts to care for the little one through what was largely uncharted territory for the center.

“We are so thankful that Calusa is cooperating and letting us con tinue to support Bowie while she makes the transition from formula to fish,” said Rita Irwin, DRC presi dent and CEO.

BABY DOLPHIN ‘BOWIE’ REINTRODUCED TO DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER’S NATURAL LAGOONS

Baby dolphin Bowie, bottom, swims with her adopted caretaker Calusa. CONTRIBUTED

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

FISHER

Marathon High School’s Fisher Coleman-Sayer has provided the Dolphins with patient leadership that has paid dividends in his four years on the school’s varsity team. Coaches and players on oppos ing teams often compliment his positivity and willingness to help less seasoned players with their games. In 2022, he has led the Dolphins and won a majority of his matches. Most recently, he won by eight strokes at Ocean Reef’s Hammock Course, and he has his sights set on post-season play.

Coach Mary Coleman-Sayer, who is also his mother, said she feels that Fisher is ready for a solid match, adding, “He knows what it is like to participate in Districts

the pressure to compete.”

Coleman-Sayer’s contributions to his team, ever-improving game

coupled with his exemplification of sports manship are what make him the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo by Maggie Coleman-Sayer

“I’ve never had a kid more dedicated or more driven to achieve success.”

— Marathon coach Mary Coleman-Sayer

Tracy and Sean McDonald

CoralShores and Key West met on the gridiron for the 12th time in the schools’ history on Oct. 21. The game, held in Tavernier, was a lucky break in scheduling for both teams. Key West’s division is heavily populated with schools suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and Coral Shores had a game canceled due to its scheduled oppo nent disbanding its football team in recent weeks.

The Conchs’ offense dominated the first half of the game, grinding out yardage against a notoriously stingy Hurricanes defense. With 5:28 left in the first quarter, Conchs quarterback Adrian Mira powered in a 25-yard touchdown run, followed by a Marco Davila kick, giving Key West a 7-0 lead. A few minutes lat er, Jacob Lavallee carried the ball 2 yards across the goal line for a touchdown. Davila again split the uprights, but the extra point attempt was replayed due to a penalty, and Coral Shores’ Xavyer Arrington took advantage of the second opportunity, blocking the kick. The Conchs led at the end of the first quarter, 13-0.

The second quarter highlighted solid defensive play for both teams, and Coral Shores received a spark when John Holly re covered a muffed punt, giving the ’Canes great field position and an extra offensive series. The spark was short-lived, though. Key West’s Kevon Mills picked off a pass seconds later, putting the ball back into the hands of the Conchs, who scored their third touchdown of the half, this time on a Jakari Blackman run with 2:38 left in the half.

The 19-0 deficit would not deter the ’Canes coming out of the half, and their renewed energy matched Key West in a hard-fought, scoreless third quarter. Key West penalties drove the ’Canes downfield toward the red zone in the fourth, and they took advantage of the field position, scoring on a short run which was called back on a penalty. Undaunted, ’Canes quarter back Yemcel Moreno connected with Dantay Diorio on a wheel pass for a 32-yard touchdown, putting the ’Canes on the score board for the first time in the game.

Key West didn’t take long to answer back. James Reynolds scored on a short run, giving the Conchs their only points in the half and a 25-7 lead. Coral Shores continued to fight, and with less than a minute to go in the game, Moreno ran the ball in for a 3-yard touchdown. The final score was 25-13, giving the Conchs a 3-4 record as they head into their first trip out of the Keys this season to play Fort Myers Gateway on Friday, Oct. 28. Coral Shores, at 7-2, will face 5-2 Ransom Everglades on the road the same night in a conference playoff game. The ’Canes beat Ransom 21-7 earlier this season. Kickoff is 4 p.m.

GET DOWN WITH GOOMBAY

CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL KICKS OFF FANTASY FEST IN KEY WEST

JUNIOR JUNKANOOS AT THE HEART OF GOOMBAY NEXT GENERATION PAVES THE WAY

The colorful costumes of Junkanoo dancers sparkle on Duval Street during the annual parade to celebrate Key West’s Bahama Village Goombay Festival. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN www.keysweekly.com

It was Goombay and the trailer full of speakers at the corner of Emma and Petronia streets had been thumping out dance music at window-rattling levels all afternoon. But then someone said something to the DJ and he turned it all down and made an announcement: The Junior Junkanoos were on the way.

Oneof Key West’s most colorful cultural events, the Bahama Village Goombay Festival, filled Petronia Street with Caribbean food, music and island enthusiasm Oct. 21 and 22.

Against the vibrant backdrop of Bahama Village, locals and visitors stroll among island arts and crafts vendors, local and Caribbean food delicacies while live music fills the air.

The annual Junkanoo Gawds parade took place the evening of Oct. 21, when costumed dancers, musicians and stilt walkers brightened the downtown area.

Goombay is the traditional kickoff to Key West’s Fantasy Fest, which takes place Oct. 21-30 and features more than 80 events celebrating Key West’s costumes, creativity, and yes, cocktails.

— Mandy Miles

A dozen kids or so in matching pink shirts were marching down Emma Street. Their ages ranged from 6 on up. Most of the girls had headbands full of pink feathers. Everyone had some kind of instrument – a cowbell, a whistle, a tin horn, a tambourine, two tambou rines…

A handful of adults guided the group, most notably Kawana StaffneyAshe, head of the Bahama Village Music Program, in the front, and Har old Pelote, a third-generation, lifelong Junkanoo, playing a drum and bringing up the rear.

The kids were focused on the rhythm. And the rhythm, as Junkanoo rhythms tend to be, was irresistible.

Its roots in the Bahamas, Junkanoo has a long connection to Key West, primarily in the African- American com munity. The Smithsonian Institution’s Folkways Recordings came down and recorded an entire album of the Junk anoo Band in the 1960s, featuring such songs as “Conch Ain’t Got No Bones” and “Sarah, Lend Me Your Pigeon.” (You can stream it on Spotify.)

No one really knows where the name Junkanoo came from. It may be from the French phrase “gens incon

nus,” which means “unknown people,” because early revelers often wore masks. It may have come from the Ghanian warrior and folk hero known as John Canoe.

This was the second outing for the Junior Junkanoos – the first being Key West’s Bicentennial Celebration at Mal lory Square. It is part of the BVMP and the mission is to teach the kids some of their cultural heritage “through mu sic and movement.”

From Emma Street they worked their way slowly up Petronia to Thomas Street, where they took a little break. Pelote took a moment to ad dress the kids. He said he’d started out in a group called the Junior Junkanoos when he was 3 years old, before join ing Island Junkanoos. But these kids were the Junior Junkanoos now.

“Thank you for everything. You all did a wonderful job,” Pelote said. “If you want to play back to the center, it’s up to you guys.”

The kids gave a resounding yes. Then they started playing and march ing again back through the crowd.

1. Kawana Staffney-Ashe, director of Bahama Village Music Program, guides the Junior Junkanoos during their Goombay performance on Oct. 22. MARK HEDDEN/ Keys Weekly

2. Junior Junkanoos, ages 6 and up, all play some type of instrument while march ing and dancing.

3. Harold Pelote, a third-generation, life long Junkanoo helps pass the torch to the next generation.

Caribbean music fills the air during Goombay, a festival that celebrates the cultural connection between Key west and the Bahamas.

Ralph Major of Key West with his long-time feathered friend Baby the Cockatoo during the Bahama Village Goombay Festival.

The afternoon sun lights up the 2022 Goombay Festival.

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Key West’s Zombie Ride takes to the streets on Oct. 23, with more than 6,000 costumed riders. LARRY BLACK BURN/Keys Weekly

NOT DEAD YET...

KEY WEST’S ‘UNDEAD’ AGAIN TAKE THE ZOMBIE BIKE RIDE

KeyWest’s Zombie Bike Ride, founded by We Cycle bike shop, started in 2009 with about 70 “undead” locals riding bikes along Smathers Beach to the downtown area for cocktails and a party.

This year’s ride on Oct. 23 drew about 6,500 costumed zom bies on bikes. The event started with a party (of course) in the afternoon at Fort East Martello near the airport. The bike ride left from there at 6 p.m., with zombies pedaling four miles through town to the Coffee Butler Amphitheater for an after-party (of course).

The sunset ride is a highlight of the island’s Fantasy Fest cos tuming and masking festival that began Oct. 21. It drew entrants of all ages garbed in ragged gar ments, chalk-white face paint and accessories that ranged from tat tered tutus to battered top hats.

Standouts included a super sized sorcerer, a “zombie ambu lance” and a cemetery escapee propelling a pseudo-coffin. Other participants portrayed everything from zombie prisoners and super heroes to fiendish clowns.

Fantasy Fest continues through Sunday, Oct. 30, with a full 10-day slate of events for the first time since before the coronavirus pandemic began.

Upcoming highlights include a costume contest for pets, a masquerade march and a lavish evening parade Saturday, Oct. 29, featuring large-scale decorated floats and elaborately costumed marching groups.

CHRIS McNULTY

Happy Fantasy Fest, Key West!

DROP THE COMPULSIONS

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

This year’s Fest is con current with some power ful planetary action over the course of the week, so I hope your freak flag is flying high! In the wee hours of the morning of Tutu Tuesday, we have a partial solar eclipse in the sign of Scorpio, urging us to be starkly honest with ourselves so we can start fresh after releas ing fears and obsessions. We also have trickster Mercury entering into configurations with both a frustrated Mars on the verge of turning retrograde and trans formational Pluto, potentially bringing forward some irritating thought patterns. All in all, it is a good time to acknowledge our compulsions with a clear head and send them into the void. Then you can really feel the Fest with high spirits!

Here are your Fantasy Fest horoscopes. Read for your rising and sun signs.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

Happy birthday season to all of our truth-seeking Scorpios! You are starting on a new journey of self-love, but it is going to take some good ol’ elbow grease to come to fruition. Start that new self-care routine you’ve been thinking about. Just do it already. You may be obsessing a bit about ways that you are energetically re-investing in others, but ease up because you have a few months to figure it out. Expect some blessings in your creative pursuits.

You’ve got some secrets, Sag, probably even from yourself. Let go of the negative self-talk that you try to hide from others because that inner conversation isn’t serving you. Work on loving even your darkest personality traits. When your friends give you advice about love and money, now is a good time to heed their suggestions, even if you find their advice grating. Luck is going to come from home.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

It looks like a good time to re evaluate some of your friends. Are they your friends, or do they make you work for simple valida tion? Stick with the people who lift you up. As you think about your career, really get curious about whether it empowers you as an individual and if the daily routines are moving you forward. Get ready to feel some celebra tion in your local neighborhood.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Big changes are coming in your career, Aquarius, and while you might need to work hard to find it, there is a silver lining. While your mind may be planning your next adventure, your will is seek ing the pleasure principle, and you are about to really dig in to your creative pursuits. How can you integrate these two pulls?

Also, it looks like you have some big money coming down the pipeline!

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

You are embarking on a power ful new journey, Pisces, follow ing your heart into the great unknown. Let go of the weights that hold you on familiar shores and get a move on. While you are thinking about the attachments

that hold you back, you may dis cover some stale energy at home and some powerful allies urging you onward. Celebrate yourself in the coming weeks!

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

It is time to enter into some new entanglements and pay off your old debts. We are always releas ing and creating new obligations with others, but right now you are in a decisive shift. As you are thinking about romantic partners, you are beginning a process of reconsidering how you commu nicate. Let that be a focus for the next few months and try out dif ferent methods of expression.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

New love or partnership of some kind is at the forefront right now, Taurus. It takes some work to begin a deep relationship, and the new daily practices are on your mind. Release your old conceptions of what a relation ship is supposed to be and move forward with an open mind. As you reevaluate your values, re member to trust the process and don’t obsess about outcomes.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

You are starting an entirely new work routine, and it might be a struggle to find the grace in the process. Keep your creative pur suits on your mind and get ready to work on yourself as you recon figure your daily flow. Your career is due for a big boost of energy, so sink into the joy of a whole new personal reputation. Some debts might be weighing on your mind, but face them head on.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

You may be feeling overwhelmed by all of the different desires that are pulling at your heart strings,

but now is the time to reprioritize by releasing passions that don’t reflect you any more. There may be some struggle to decide which creative pursuits you truly love, but the depth of bliss that awaits you is worth the effort. As you are thinking about home as a concept, you are also entering a period of recharging solitude.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Big new beginnings on the home front, Leo. Perhaps you’ve moved into a new place or you are hav ing some revealing conversations with family members. Allow your vulnerability to be an invitation into the new space. Let your mind ruminate on familiarity, including any siblings you might have or your local neighborhood. This will call out your support team.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Express yourself, don’t repress yourself! It is a time to break out of your usual style of communica tion and try on different vocabu laries, articulations and styles. En ter into a new flow and work on loving your new voice. As you are thinking about your finances, get ready for a whole revamp of your career and public-facing reputa tion in the next few months.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

What you value affects your money flow and your emotional baggage. It is an ideal time to re evaluate your value system, Libra, and to release values that might have become compulsive. Per haps it is time to change up your income stream, or it is time to let go of heavy feelings that hold you back. Think about the ideal ver sion of yourself and let that lead you into new horizons.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

VOLUNTEERS & CITY OFFICIALS JOIN BE LIKE MIKE ACTIVITIES

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

TheKeys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re hon ored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adop tion at the organization’s Key West campus.

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

The SPCA’s Golden Paw pro gram also provides special assis tance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals wait ing for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Oct. 21 was the late County Commissioner Mike Forster’s birthday. The local ploggers celebrated Be Like Mike week with a cleanup at city hall that included Mayor Teri Johnston and City Manager Patti McLauchlin. Seventeen volunteers collected 64 pounds of trash, 7 pounds of recycling and a gallon of cigarette butts, followed by a food drive held at SOS. Thank you to all who participated in this day of giving.

so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beauti ful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before put ting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and mak ing sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

The ploggers took a week off after the storm and went back to work Oct. 7 at the corner of Donald Avenue and 17th Street, where 13 volunteers picked up 40 pounds of trash, 7 pounds of recycling and one quart of cigarette butts. They followed that up by hit ting Mallory Square and Wall Street by the Waterfront Playhouse on Oct. 14. Fifteen volunteers collected 129 pounds of trash, five pounds of recycling and two gallons of cigarette butts in just one hour.

Onehour a week makes a huge difference, and volun teers are always welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when teams clean up a designated area of the island.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been in cluded in recent hauls. Please remem ber your reusable bags when shopping

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to Keep Key West Beautiful and we are making prog ress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted.

Please call Dorian at the city of Key West at 305-809-3782 to know more about how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

— Contributed by Dorian Patton

Kiara is a 1-year-old female medium mixed breed. She’s sweet, silly and very trainable with treats. She gets along with new friends and could be a great new best friend.

Ally is a 5-year-old female domestic shorthair. She came to us as a stray kitten in June 2017 and has been waiting for a home ever since. Shy and cautious, she could be a perfect pet for patient people.

Dopey is an adult hamster. Hamsters enjoy companionship from humans and love to interact with mazes, toys and treats. They’re relatively hardy and with proper diet and environment can live 2 to 3 years as wonderful pets.

Ariel is a 1-year-old female, American pit bull mix. She’s sweet and happy, but needs a home with a lot of patience. She is timid around new people, but with some trust-building could be a great family pet.

Raja is a 10½-year-old male domestic shorthair. He’s a kind, timid cat who lost his only family after 10 years of be ing with them at no fault of his own. He responds well to soft voices, gentle pets and patient love.

MUSICAL THEATER VS. BAR GIGS

This season, I am happy to be involved with three musicals at the Waterfront Playhouse. It’s a challenge I excitedly took on. I wasn’t sure what, specifically, those chal lenges might be, but they quickly came into focus.

The first hurdle seemed to center around taking my voice — self-trained to cut through the din of a bar room and rise above the volume of tube amps and drums — and placing it into the quiet confines of a theater full of listen ers focused on the notes you are singing, sometimes to the point of forgetting to breathe while they listen.

Jessica Hannah Wachs and Rumble Productions teach vocal workshops here in Key West, and some are designed to help make this very transition.

“Those from bar settings and venues typically have performed with the purpose of bringing more relaxed, effortless comfort to listeners.” said Wachs. “This re sults in the musicians being very insightful and accommodating as they read the room. This can also result in bad singing habits, not getting addressed for months to years, as singing in these venues doesn’t necessarily need to be healthy to be considered success ful.

“Musical theater singing is more health-focused and disci plined, as the success is being able to consistently communicate musical and emotional depth within the scene. That being said, the trouble with such discipline and consistency is the singer may have an overtrained and rigid approach. So there’s definitely a warm middle ground where vocal health, adaptability and tech nique combine with establishing a genuine connection with the audience.”

Another challenge was re membering that throughout the implementation of new vocal dis ciplines is the need to assign the

characteristics of the part you are playing and not your own character traits.

RAY WEST

... a professional musician, singer, actor and execu tive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

Jillian Todd, who is currently playing the lead in Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville” at the Waterfront, as well as performing as a solo artist around Key West, explains: “The two things require a different kind of preparation. If I’m playing a gig, there’s no char acter, it’s just me. But in a musi cal, you have to get yourself in the mindset of your character, which can be more challenging. If you’re not feeling like the character that day, you need to have the tools and the mindset to get yourself there.”

Another difference in the two approaches involves instinct versus training. When performing your own music, you aspire to “let go” and let the moment take you to where it will. It can be a display of self-discovery and communica tion with the audience. The the ater requires a bit more discipline to reach the same point.

“I’m used to being on stage with everything so well practiced it’s down to muscle memory,” Todd said. “I can ‘let go’ and know my body will do what I have prac ticed. During a gig when I ‘let go,’ I need to trust that whatever my body does will be the right thing. I just don’t know what that thing will be.”

There are people like Todd who have both of these skill sets at their disposal. There are some who have such natural ability that the doctor who delivered them was able to sing along with their first cries. For the rest of us, hir ing someone knowledgeable to listen, help us practice and tell us when we finally have it right, is a wise investment — for ourselves and our audience.

KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL: 75 FILMS IN 5 DAYS

EVENT RUNS NOV. 16-20

The11th annual Key West Film Festival will feature more than 75 films over five days, Nov. 16-20. The 2022 lineup includes major fall films from Rian Johnson, Sarah Polley, Noah Baumbach, Ethan Coen, Hirokazu Kore-ada, Luka Dhont, Ondi Timoner and Billy Corben.

To open the festival, Daniel Craig returns in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Murder MysterY,” reprising his role as detective Benoit Blanc in Greece with a new case and a fresh ensemble of sus pects. (Edward Norton, Kate Hudson).

In the closing-night feature “Wom en Talking,” Sarah Polley directs Fran ces McDormand, Rooney Mara, Claire Foy and Jessie Buckley as women in an isolated religious colony after a series of sexual assaults.

Other spotlight films include “White Noise” from Noah Baumbach. The film, which opened the New York Film Festival, stars Greta Gerwig, Don Cheadle and Adam Driver as a middleaged academic whose already askew suburban family life is disrupted by a mysterious “airborne toxic event.”

The star-studded spotlight films will be joined by the 20th anniversary screening of the Florida film “Adapta tion,” which will feature screen legend Chris Cooper being honored in person with the prestigious Golden Key Award. Rounding out the Spotlight titles is “The Inspection,” for which director El egance Bratton will receive the Golden Key for Breakthrough Director as his film draws on his own perspective of homophobia in the armed forces.

Erin Lee Carr will receive the Gold en Key for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking. The Emmy-nominated Carr will attend the festival and par ticipate in a discussion of her body of work, which explores criminal justice, femininity and virality. Most recently, she directed the two-part docuseries for HBO, “Undercurrent: The Disap pearance of Kim Wall.” In 2021, she directed “Britney Vs. Spears,” which premiered on Netflix in September 2021 and was the most-watched film on the platform in 25 countries.

This year’s LGBTQ films, pro grammed with help from Eugene Her nandez, executive director of the Sun dance Film Festival, and Brian Brooks of Cinetic Media, include Belgium’s official entry to the Academy Awards, “Close,” directed by Lukas Dhont; “All Man: The International Male Story,”

recounting the story of the famous Mens’ catalog “International Male”; the steamy Israeli swimming thriller “The Swimmer”; and “Finding Her Beat,” which follows a group of Asian women redefining gender roles after being locked out of the world of Tai ko drumming. The film is co-directed by longtime Key West winter visitor Keri Pickett.

Documentaries take center stage at the festival this year, with music, food, wildlife, space, family and even nudists staking their claim.

“Love, Charlie” tracks the epic rise and fall of chef Charlie Trotter, and will be accompanied by a wine tast ing prior to the film. Ethan Coen’s “Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble In Mind” will be featured.

Ondi Timoner returns with her acclaimed film “Last Flight Home.” Another KWFF alumnus, Ryan White (“Coded,” 2022) presents his Mars rover documentary “Good Night Oppy.” Swim with whales as the hu man elements of these glorious ani mals are revealed in “Patrick And The Whale.” And speaking of revealing, Patrick Beslin and Ivete Lucas return with “Naked Gardens,” about the largest naturist colony in America, in Jupiter, Florida.

Florida gets its moment in the sun with the special Florida Focus section. Films include South Floridabased director Margaret Cardillos’ “Strangers To Peace,” Robert Reque jo Ramos’s “South Beach Shark Club” and Central Florida-based director Eric Bendick’s “Path Of The Pan ther.” Also showing will be a special outdoor, poolside screening of Billy Corben’s “God Forbid,” about the former pool boy who took down the Jerry Falwell Jr. empire.

Special screenings this year include an 80th anniversary screen ing of “Casablanca,” which will feature a free-to-the-public conver sation about the art of screenwriting between Florida Keys Film Commis sioner Chad Newman and Academy Award nominated writer-director and 2019 Golden Key Award winner Kimberly Peirce.

The eighth annual Critics Panel also returns, in which top film critics will join in person to cover the seis mic changes in the industry this year. More information, including a schedule and travel-lodging details, is at https://keywestff.com.

KEYS NATIVES

THE STORY OF THE CALUSAS & KEY DEER

BRAD

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.

D’Escalante Fontaneda was born in Cartagena, Columbia, circa 1535. Sometime around 1548, the boy started to travel from the New World to Spain, where he was to embark on his formal education.

Hernando

The ship never arrived at its destination. While navigating the Straits of Florida, it sailed into a hurri cane and was dashed against the corals of the Florida Reef. Hernando and scores of others survived the shipwreck and managed to battle the waves and wind long enough to wash ashore in what is thought to be the Lower Keys.

When Indians discovered the survivors, they were taken captive. Calos, the chief or cacique of the Calusa people, liked Hernando D’Escalante Fontaneda. The rest of the survivors would not be so lucky. “Escalan te,” Calos said, “tell us the truth for you know well that I like you much. When we tell these, your companions, to dance and sing, and do other things, why are they as mean and rebellious that they will not? Or is it they do not fear death, or will not yield to a people unlike them in their religion. Answer me; and if you do not know the reason, ask it of those newly seized, who of their own fault are captives now, a people whom once we held to be gods come down from the sky.”

Fontaneda said, “My Lord, as I understand it, they are not contrary, nor is it for some evil reason, but it is because they can not understand you, which they earnestly strive to do.”

Commonly remembered as Fontaneda, he spent 17 years living with the Calusa Indians. His memoir, published in 1575, provided some of the earliest firsthand accounts of life in the Florida Keys. He wrote about two Indian villages in the island chain, Cuchiyaga and Guaragunbe. The larger of the two villages was Guaragunbe. “The Indians of the Islands of Guaragunbe were rich; but, in the way that I have stated, from the sea, not from the land.”

Some authorities think these islands are the Matecumbe Keys.

Cuchiyaga was the smaller of the two communities. Ac cording to Fontaneda, the name meant a “place where there has been suffering.” Cuchiyaga was located in the Lower Keys. Fontaneda wrote that the “Christians” being held captive were surprised by the presence of deer on the Islands of Cuchiyaga.

Some things refuse to change. People visiting the Keys for the first time are still surprised to learn that deer live in the Florida Keys. In Fontaneda’s day, Key deer could be found from Key Largo to Key West. Indigenous people hunted them for their meat and hides. The bones and antlers, too, could be fashioned into tools like socketed antler points that could be sharpened and attached to a wooden shaft and used as a spear or dart.

Key deer are a subspecies of white-tailed deer. The small est deer species in the United States, Key deer grow up to be about the size of a large dog. Bucks can stand up to 32 inches

tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 75 pounds, and does are a little slighter in stature. Early pioneers hunted them for meat and hides and to collect their antlers like trophies. They were also hunted for sport and nearly to extinction. “Hunters” would unleash their dogs on islands where the deer could still be found, and the dogs would chase them to exhaustion. The deer would be driven into the water, hoping to escape, where men on boats could easily kill them.

State Rep. Bernie C. Papy, urged on by the Key West Cham ber of Commerce and other groups, introduced a bill to protect Key deer because, among other reasons, if protected, their numbers would grow, and they would become a tourist attrac tion. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Fred Cone in 1939.

By 1940, only about 50 Key deer were still living in the Lower Keys. Not thwarted by laws protecting the deer, poach ers continued to hunt them. In the 1950s, with their numbers still on the edge of extinction, efforts were made to create a national refuge. The establishment of the National Key Deer Refuge in 1957 helped the little deer turn the corner, and their numbers began to grow.

Today, with a population of about 750, the dog-sized deer can be found on about 25 islands in the Lower Keys, where they move from island to island, using food and water sources by swimming between them. They are most commonly associated with Big Pine and No Name Keys and have, indeed, become a tourist attraction. For some locals, they are even considered to be, if not a pest, then pesky. They have been conditioned to nibble in gardens and rummage through garbage cans.

For visitors looking to snap their picture, Key deer can often be sighted by driving down Big Pine and No Name Key side roads. The deer will practically pose for a photo. But resist the urge to reach out and feed them. The habit reinforces behav iors that endanger them by rewarding their entry into neigh borhoods where they become susceptible to dog attacks and traffic accidents.

Key deer antlers and dogs circa 1940. STETSON KENNEDY COLLECTION/Contributed

REPAIR & RENOVATION

HELLINGS HOUSE MUSEUM

Scope of work details with photos available at HellingsHouseMuseum.org and KeyWestWomansClub.org - on the link: BIDS

• Metal Roof Restoration/Repairs/ Paint/Silicone

• Steel Beam Repair Load Bearing

• Restore Wood Rafters

• Interior Floor Support – Front Parlor

• Provide Headers HVAC

• Replace Rotten Wood Siding and Studs

• Historic Brick Repointing

• Inspect and Repair Lintels As Needed

• Repair/Restore Walls & Ceilings

• Kitchen Pantry

• Porch Restorations

• Restore 10 Historic Cypress Shutters

• Window Restorations

Email KeyWestWomansClub@gmail.com for inquiries or to submit a bid by November 30, 2022.

Publish: October 27, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Lazy Days

In The Keys located at 9988 Aviation Boulevard, Marathon, Florida 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Lazy Days In The Keys, LLC Publish: October 27, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MANATEE WAVE located at 20 Jean La Fitte Drive, Monroe County in the City of Key Largo, Florida 33037-2330, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key Largo, Florida this 24th day of October, 2022.

By: Yudith A. Gadea Publish: October 27, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SALLY O’BRIENS located at 1900 Flagler Avenue, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-3640, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key West, Florida this 24th day of October, 2022.

By: O’Briens Sally, Inc. Publish: October 27, 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 NO

Publish: September 29, October 6, 13 & 27, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vehicles will be sold at public sale for monies owed on vehicle repair and storage cost pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

12/26/22 at 10:00am MILLER

MARINE, 144 CORAL AVENUE, TAVERNER, FL 33070. Miller

Marine reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids. 1993 NICOLLET SBP14666E393 RICHARD LEE BILBREY Publish: October 27 & November 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Driftwood Marina & Storage, Inc located at 13900 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 will proceed with Section 328.17 (1), Florida Statues, on the following vessels located at our facility for unpaid storage and repair balance. Unless said vessel redeemed from said marina by payment as allowed by law, the described vessel will be sold to satisfy the lien. If the vessel is not redeemed and that vessel remains unclaimed, or for which the charges for storage services remain unpaid, will be sold free of all prior liens. This is not a public invite to view vessels. This is an attempt to collect unpaid storage charges. Once the date has expired and only then may you visit the facility and gain information about the vessels. Any person attempting to board these vessels prior or without our permission, shall be charged with trespassing.

These vessels will be sold commencing on or after, 1:00 p.m. on the 4th day of November 2022. Driftwood Marina 13900 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050.

Bill &Lisa Harris owner & previous owner Don Cameron of vessel HIN#BERPO156M75C

Sally Mishmash owner of vessel HIN# PLCMK014G596

Kaitlyn Young Booth owner of vessel HIN# FLZAB846H168

Greg Eklund & previous William Pease owners of vessel HIN# 45C365

Jeffrey Linenfelser owner of vessel HIN# CCHMD214M77I

Jaye Gore & Douglas Taleski owners of vessel HIN#GFS03697M73A

Publish: October 20 & 27, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

| NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION IN THE CIVIL SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NEW HANOVER COUNTY

DONNA SULLIVAN V. ERIC OXLEY, D.D.S.; ALBERT BOZART, D.D.S.; BOZART FAMILY, L.L.C.; AND BOZART AND ASSOCIATES OF WILMINGTON, P.L.L.C. 21CVS3907

TO: ALBERT BOZART, D.D.S.

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you was filed on October 14, 2021 in the above-entitled Civil Superior Court action. The nature of relief being sought is as follows: Plaintiff seeks damages related to Count I: Medical Negligence; Count II: Negligent Hiring, Retention, and Supervision; Count III: Corporate Negligence; Count IV: Res Ipsa Loquitur; and Count V: Battery. Defendant is liable to Plaintiff for general and special damages, which were caused by Defendant and include a demand for reimbursement of medical expenses, costs of litigation, and pain and suffering. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later 40 days after the date of the first publication of this Notice and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against

you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. The first date of publication is October 20, 2022. To respond, contact the Attorney for Plaintiff Donna Sullivan: Rebecca H. Ugolick (NCSB No. 48126) of Howard, Stallings, From, Atkins, and Angell by mail at P.O. Box 12347, Raleigh, NC 27605; telephone: (919) 821-7700; fax: (919) 821-7703; email: rugolick@ hsfh.com or reference the filing at the New Hanover County Courthouse located at 316 Princess St. Wilmington, NC 28401. Publish dates: October 20, 2022 October 27, 2022 November 3, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-277-P IN RE: ESTATE OF SHEILA K. ROELLEKE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of SHEILA K. ROELLEKE, deceased, whose date of death was February 4, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File No. 2022-CP-277-P, the address of which is 88870 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER 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 27, 2022.

Personal Representative: NICOLE PRIDEMORE WHITAKER 5607 Arrow Head Ct. Decatur, IL 62521-8660

Attorney for Personal Representative: AISLYNN THOMAS-MCDONALD, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 100054 Thomas-McDonald Law Firm, P.A. 2937 SW 27th Avenue, Ste. 100B Miami, FL 33133 (305) 928-6999

Publish: October 27 & November 3, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-CP-170-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JACK R. FULLER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JACK R. FULLER, deceased, whose date of death was April 14, 2022, Case: 22-CP-170-K is pending in the Circuit Court, 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN

THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: October 27, 2022.

Personal Representative: DIANNE L. ANSTINE c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: October 27 & November 3, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Place

to 5 lines of copy for only $25.00/week. Call 305-743-0844 today and rent your boat slip!

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED - Need sitter for older selfsufficient woman, two or three days at a time. Sombrero Isle, Marathon. Please call 305-662-1916 daytime for details.

Florida Keys SPCA in Marathon hiring two Animal Care positions w/potential for advancement. Starting pay $15/ hr with generous benefits package. 21 years or older with valid driver's license and ability to pass a criminal background check. Email resume to Tara@fkspca.org.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. $14/ hr, Private Club & Friendly Atmosphere, Varying Hours Tuesday – Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 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.

Place

BOAT SLIP/TRAILER

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.

Boat Trailer Spaces Available. $100 per week.

available $100

weeWk.

access to the Atlantic

Boat

32’ or less!

is eighty

long with

depth

Phone 336-4088140 or 336-287-3345.

Help Wantedexperienced 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.

BOAT SLIPS

LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES

NOW HIRINGFull 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, Part-time Marina Custodian/Maintenance and Marina Tech/ Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Resident Activities Coordinator. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha. org or 305-2965621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server/ bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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 (5:30pm-7am). DPMMR is a drug-free workplace. To apply, please send your resume to nancyc@dpmmr.org.

HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

Place your Employment ad here! Up to 5 lines of copy for only $25.00/ week. Call 305-7430844 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

APARTMENT FOR RENTBeautiful 2 BR, Islamorada, Venetian Shores. On canal, equipped kitchen, W/D, $2,950 + $85 for utilities. 305-393-1002

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

Place your Housing For Rent ad here! Up to 5 lines of copy for only $25.00/week. Call 305-743-0844 today and rent your space!

HOMES FOR SALE.

Duck Key Condo For Sale by owner. 2 BR/2 BA corner unit, ground floor w/front door parking. $350,000. 412-977-5322 susanprimm276@ yahoo.com

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

Two Lots For Sale in Marathon. 1006 Peter Jay Streetzoned commercial/ industrial. $675,000 per lot. 305-393-0643

MISC. FOR SALE

FOR SALE - Antique Cash Register from 1800's. Works. $600.00 Located in Marathon. $4,000.00. 305-923-9181

Place your Misc. For Sale ad here! Up to 5 lines of copy for only $25.00/week. Call 305-743-0844 today and sell your stuff!

RV FOR SALE

RV FOR SALE - 2017 Thor Citation RV, 24ft Mercedes V6 Diesel, 2 slides, Cummings Diesel Generator, Low Mileage, Many Upgrades, Call Richard 305-363-8021

Place your RV For Sale ad here! Up to 5 lines of copy for only $25.00/ week. Call 305-743-0844 today and sell your RV!

YARD SALES

YARD SALE - Sat. Oct. 27 from 9a-5p. Clothing, lots of tool boxes, fishing rods & reels for deep & bay fishing, decorative items, kitchen items, etc. 531 10th Street, Key Colony Beach

Place your Yard Sale ad here! Up to 5 lines of copy for only $25.00/ week. Call 305-743-0844 today and sell your stuff!

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:

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.

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000

- Environmental Tech, $5,000

Manager Medical Staff

Medical Technologist, $15,000

Hyperbaric

Monitor Technician, Cardiac Telemetry

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

- Patient Experience Advocate,

- Pool

- 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 Bonus

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

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

team!

experience

and

speaking &

$16.00/hour

start. Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

SUNSET GRILLE IS LOOKING FOR

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER