Marathon Weekly 22-1117

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The global population reached 8 billion on Nov 15. About 70% of the growth to 8 billion from 7 billion happened in low- and lower-middleincome countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa, the United Nations said.

DIVING RIGHT IN

Newly elected Marathon City Council tackles housing allocations in first meeting

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Arevisited debate on the use of emergency housing allocations sent the new-look Marathon City Council off to a running start on Nov. 15.

The evening began with a changing of the guard, as the council bid farewell to former mayor John Bartus, vice mayor Dan Zieg and councilman Steve Cook while swearing in elected council members Lynn Landry, Robyn Still, Jeff Smith and Kenny Matlock. With unanimous votes, the new council appointed Gonzalez as Marathon’s next mayor, with Still to serve as vice mayor.

In his farewell address, Cook provided the new council with a list of his greatest lessons throughout his six years of service, urging them to do “what is right, not what is popular” and warning of the difference between “criticism and poison” on social media.

“Thank you for allowing me to serve this community,” he said. “I’m better for it, and I hope the city is as well.”

“I want to thank the people of Marathon for trusting me and believing in me,” said Zieg. “There’s been some discussion over the course of the past few years about individuals not getting what they wanted. … The rule up here with the council is that we have to make decisions based on the good of the city. Sometimes that aids individuals, sometimes it does not. But do what is right, and make the best decisions for the city. And I think over the past few years, we have done that.”

The full text of Bartus’ address may be found on page 17 of this paper.

In a meeting largely filled with introductions to the city’s various departments, a renewed discussion of the use of Marathon’s administrative relief building allocations – set aside by the city for use in special circumstances – was the first topic of consequence for the new council.

Gonzalez reintroduced a motion first proposed by Bartus at the council’s special call meeting on Sept. 21. Originally defeated by a 4-1 vote, the motion proposed to grant six of the city’s ad-

ministrative relief allocations in order to allow official completion of affordable housing units in the La Palma development on 104th Street Ocean. Nearly complete, the development’s original building allocations were revoked as part of the 300 affordable units deemed illegal in an Aug. 3 opinion handed down by Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal. The city has filed for the case to be heard by Florida’s Supreme Court.

“The challenge has been raised by a no-growth advocate … including essential workforce housing,” said Gonzalez. “The city’s commitment is to see six families in homes that are essentially built.”

Asked by Matlock what granting the units may do to Marathon’s legal liability, city attorney Steve Williams called the possibilities “undeterminable.”

“As we currently sit as we voted in September, I would say our liability is next to none,” he said. “We’re going to move that needle a bit if this goes forward today … but that’s a weight factor you take into accord with, as put forward by the mayor, you have six families who could move into this.”

“I’ve had a few citizens reach out, and they’re wanting to know why, and this feels like favoritism,” said Matlock.

Williams cautioned the council to be clear, if so desired, in its reasoning for granting the units: as stated

Soccer season is in full swing in Monroe County as Coral Shores’ Brock Bynum (35) blocks a blast from Marathon’s Angel Cardona (22) during the two teams’ matchup on Nov. 8. See page 22. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

The new Marathon City Council. From left: Councilman Lynn Landry, Vice Mayor Robyn Still, Mayor Luis Gonzalez, Councilman Jeff Smith and Councilman Kenny Matlock. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

by Landry and confirmed by planning director Brian Shea, the La Palma units were the only recipients of the 300 affordable housing allocations that had pulled permits, broken ground, and failed to receive their Certificates of Occupancy, before the DCA opinion.

“Everybody in the city talks every day about the lack of affordable housing in this community, but yet everybody wants to say favoritism,” said Landry. “At the end of the day, it’s about putting families in homes.”

In a 4-1 vote, with Matlock as the lone no vote, the council voted to grant the six allocations, on the condition that they would be used only for affordable housing and would be returned to the administrative relief pool if and when the original 300 affordable units are returned to Marathon.

In Other News:

Shea and grants coordinator Maria Covelli announced the creation of a City Watershed Management Plan funded by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Once adopted, the plan is anticipated to move Marathon from a Class VI to a Class V status in the Community Rating System (CRS), a program used to determine discounts on flood insurance. The move to Class V should result in an additional 5% discount on flood insurance for Marathon homeowners.

Thanks to a new scan, lung cancer can now be detected early when it’s more curable.

Talk to your doctor or visit BaptistHealth.net/LungScreening.

COMMISSIONERS SELECT MAYOR, SET PRIORITIES FOR STATE SESSION

LEADERSHIP & LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

The Monroe Board of County Com missioners selected Craig Cates as the next mayor and Holly Merrill Raschein as the mayor pro tem for the coming year during a Nov. 15 meeting in Key West.

Cates has been a commissioner since 2019 and Merrill Raschein since 2021. Both recognized outgoing Mayor David Rice for his duties for the past year. The mayor title is given to the chairperson of the board of county commissioners. The commissioners choose the designee based on a majority vote, usually at the November board meet ing.

A mayor pro tem is also designated to fill in when the mayor is unavailable. The mayor presides over the board’s meetings and serves as the Monroe County representative at ceremonial occasions. The mayor is also responsible for signing and co-signing docu ments with the county clerk.

In addition to the ceremonial passing of the gavel, four of the five commission ers, Michelle Lincoln, Merrill Raschein, Rice and Jim Scholl, were re-elected to their seats and were sworn in by the Clerk of the Court Kevin Madok.

In other matters, county commission ers approved a 2023 legislative agenda for the upcoming state session in Tallahassee.

Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson presented Monroe County’s priorities for the upcoming session from March 7 through May 5. Some of the priorities include secur ing another $25 million from the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which funds water quality projects and land acquisition, and secur ing $6 million for its emergency operation center. Tennyson said the project’s been in the works for a while. A groundbreaking was held last month.

Protecting the marine environment through developing new mooring fields and addressing derelict vessels was also on the priority list. And county officials are hoping state officials repeal or change House Bill 735, which prohibits local government occu pational licensing affecting local contractors and tradespeople, passed in 2021.

County officials are also keeping their eye on efforts by Islamorada and Marathon to obtain building allocations from the state. The county and Keys municipalities were given 1,300 workforce housing allocations af ter Hurricane Irma. Key West, Marathon and Islamorada started the process to accept their 300 units. The county elected to hold off due to legal challenges.

Coined as “early evacuation” units, a recent court decision stated that Islamorada and Marathon aren’t allowed to use these allocations as such since they don’t comply with state statute for a 24-hour storm evacu ation. Tennyson said the county’s statement supports legislation to amend the statute, but commissioners decided to change lan guage to state that they are monitoring the situation.

“I think it’s important to leave it in the agenda, pending draft language. I think it’s an important topic and we want to be part of the conversation. I don’t want to com mit us until we see draft legislation,” Mer rill Raschein said. “We’re not attempting to undermine the area of critical state concern designation. That’s a misguided opinion if you ask me.”

“We’re monitoring it, but it doesn’t mean that we’re supporting it,” Cates said.

From left, Michelle Lincoln, David Rice, Mayor Craig Cates, Mayor Pro Tem Holly Merrill Raschein and Jim Scholl. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

Former mayor David Rice passes the gavel to Mayor Craig Cates.

Clerk of the Court Kevin Madok swears in commis sioners Lincoln, Rice, Merrill Raschein and Scholl.

DEFEND THE REEF

SCIENTIFIC DIVERS COMBAT DEADLY CORAL DISEASE

BY

HAND

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Up to 6,000 diseased corals in the Dry Tortugas may owe their lives to divers with a revolutionary antibiotic treatment. Aimed at saving corals infected with the rampant stony coral tissue loss disease, the treatment method should play a pivotal role in stopping the deadly disease running through Florida’s reef tract since 2014.

…And it looks a little like toothpaste.

Led by scientists with Nova Southeastern University (NSU), a team of 17 divers from NSU, Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the University of the Virgin Islands recently completed two treatment missions in the Dry Tortugas Na tional Park. After surveying an area larger than 20 football fields, divers armed with dozens of treatment syringes spent nearly 250 hours applying a medical paste by hand to individual corals suffering from lesions caused by the lethal disease.

While the majority of the 6,000 treated corals are located on a high-priority reef close to Loggerhead Key, the divers also spent time around Fort Jefferson, arguably the most popu lar tourist destination within the park. Once an infected coral is identified, divers work to apply a proprietary amoxicillin paste developed by manufacturer Ocean Alchemists to the edges of the lesion.

Though much still remains to be learned about SCTLD, the treatment has thus far proven highly effective, with Ocean Alchemists reporting more than an 85% success rate in treating the disease responsible for killing more than two thirds of the corals it infects.

“We’re really trying to prevent further losses,” said NSU’s Karen Neely. “We can go out and work with these corals that are hundreds or thousands of years old that are still alive, but would be dead without us.”

Coral diseases are “notoriously difficult to diagnose,” she told Keys Weekly, adding that the exact pathogen behind SCTLD is still un known and its origin in the Miami area in 2014 is still partly a mystery. But so far, the paste has been a godsend.

Neely said her team is acutely aware that introducing antibiotics into a natural environ ment can merit an understandably cautious response from regulatory agencies such as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. How ever, the alternative could be much worse.

“There isn’t anyone who says, ‘Oh my gosh, I just want to go put more antibiotics into the ocean,’” she said. “But if the alternative is your reef dying, then suddenly antibiotics don’t look so bad.”

With such a focused application directly onto the coral lesions, her team has seen little, if any, leaching of the product into the sur rounding environment. Studies within the last year have investigated potential unintended effects of the paste on the treated organisms, but have so far found no impact on the corals’ photosynthesis, respiration or reproduction.

“This was a real push, particularly from the Florida Department of Environmental Protec tion,” she added. “We have to do something; we’re losing everything right now. This is the tool we have in the toolbox. Let’s do it.”

While the Tortugas missions accomplished a great deal, Neely and her team were tasked with the same goal along the reef tract lining the Florida Keys. In recent years, the island chain has seen an explosion in eco-tourism efforts involving locals, volunteers and tourists alike in coral outplanting missions – a process by which disease-resistant coral genotypes are fragmented, allowed to grow, and eventually returned to the reefs to repopulate the living coral cover.

However, due to current regulatory restric tions, Neely’s small team is among the few pro fessional science divers licensed to perform this particular type of coral triage. And while each approach to the common goal absolutely has its place in an ecosystem ravaged by the dis ease, she said she would welcome assistance in administering a fast-acting, cost-effective treat ment. In just three days, the amount of coral tissue saved by the Tortugas team equates to 190,000 outplants.

“Our goal is to preserve what we call iconic corals and prevent them from disappearing, which also benefits restoration because … they can focus on what has already been lost. So I think those two missions kind of work in parallel,” she said. “But frankly, it’s a lot easier to stop a coral from dying than it is to replace it, especially when you’re talking about corals the size of living rooms.”

1. NSU graduate research

Allie Kozachuk applies an amoxicillin paste to the edges of coral lesions caused by stony coral tissue loss disease. The darker area of the treated coral represents the living portion of the coral, while the whitened area represents tissue already lost to the disease.

MICHELLE DOBLER/Contributed

2. NSU graduate research assistant Amanda Zummo treats an infected coral as a grouper cheers her on. Divers CONTRIBUTED

3. Divers fill syringes with the antibiotic paste for underwater application on diseased corals.

4. The response team of scientific divers celebrate one of several successful missions in the Dry Tortu gas. From left: Arelys Chaparro, Samuel Gittens Jr., Karen Neely, Sasha Wheeler, Amanda Zummo, Zach Graff, Alex Wagner, Michelle Dobler, Allie Kozachuk. CONTRIBUTED.

assistant

THREE CHEERS FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

Stanley Switlik hosts annual veterans celebration

Asea of American flags waved on Nov. 10 in the Stanley Switlik Elementary School cafeteria as the school hon ored veterans, first responders and our country with its annual Red, White and Blue Day celebration. Along with musical performances by each grade and student essays thanking those who risk their lives to keep us safe, the day included an address from state attorney Dennis Ward and a sing-along rendition of “God Bless the USA” from then-Marathon Mayor John Bartus. — Alex Rickert 1. Switlik kindergarteners open the musi cal performances with ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag.’ 2. The United States Coast Guard color guard posts the colors. 3. Then-Marathon Mayor John Bartus leads ‘God Bless the USA.’ 4. Student council vice president Adri ana Dworniczak, left, and president Ava Samess emcee the morning.

Flags proudly fill the air as Switlik pays tribute to Veterans Day. 6. State attorney Dennis Ward was the morning’s featured speaker.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

KAIR CARES FOR KEYS FAMILIES

Local non-profits providing food for families in need

ABIGAIL HADDOCK www.keysweekly.com

Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), an organization built to help Keys individuals and families through times of crisis, will be distributing its annual Thanksgiving food baskets on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Marathon Community Park. Three hundred families will receive a Thanksgiving meal basket of fresh food.

KAIR has been serving the Florida Keys community since 1998 as a nonprofit helping Keys residents in need get back on their feet and back to selfsufficiency. In addition to the holiday baskets, KAIR is a certified food pantry that distributes 500,000 pounds of food every year and helps between 30 and 40 families every day.

“People don’t realize how much food is needed,” said Marj Roberts, KAIR’s director since 2005. “We count on a variety of sources to get food. We’re members of the food bank, we get donations from Publix and WinnDixie, we have food drives, individual people give us food, and it all comes together.” In addition to food, KAIR offers assistance with health care, school supplies, rent and many other services.

Roberts also runs Independence Cay, a soup kitchen open seven days a week that also offers transitional housing for men, as well as laundry services, showers, job advice and more for anyone in need of assistance.

“It’s really geared towards people getting a job, and getting obstacles in their life taken care of,” said Marj. “Sometimes it’s just a blip in their life, like they’ve worked steadily their whole life in Marathon and then they break their ankle. And so many people who we’ve helped over the years have come back and helped us. It’s so rewarding to see people go on to succeed in a major way.”

For Roberts, KAIR and Independence Cay are far from the first service organizations she’s been involved with.

“I’ve been doing this sort of work my whole life, but not just in Marathon,” she said. “I grew up in New York state and spent 20 years in Delaware and did this kind of work. We came down here on our honeymoon and said this is the place for us! We ended up moving here in 2004.

“I’m lucky to have the Keys community, because people are always saying, ‘How can I help? What do you need? What can I do?’ There are a lot of caring people in Marathon. It is amazing that we have people come and sort clothes and arrange furniture and stock shelves. And we’re always looking for more volunteers. Don’t be shy – come see what we do!”

Those interested in volunteering for or donating to KAIR or Independence Cay can check out kaironline. org and indycay.org, or call the KAIR office number at 305-743-4582. KAIR is located behind the church at 3010 Overseas Highway in Marathon, and Marj encourages all to come stop by and learn more. Another food basket distribution is planned for Saturday, Dec. 17 for the Christmas holidays, and more assistance could always help provide a festive meal for a family in need.

COMMERCE CORNER

258 Avenue A, Key West, FL 305-294-2528 floridakeyscemetery.com stan@floridakeyscemetery.com

SOUTHERN KEYS CEMETERY, INC.

Established in 1955, Southern Keys Cemetery is beautifully situated on 8.6 acres bordering the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Serving families since 1955, Southern Keys has interment options unavailable anywhere else in Monroe County. By working closely with area clergy and funeral directors, you can be assured your requests are honored and your needs are met with professionalism, respect and dignity. The cemetery believes strongly in the ever-present One Human Family philosophy and will work to provide you or your loved ones of all faiths with the perfect final resting place.

Volunteers distribute turkeys, fruits, vegetables and other Thanksgiving dinner ingredients at KAIR’s annual food basket distribution at the Marathon Community Park. CONTRIBUTED.

GETTING A LINE ON SHARP- SHINNED HAWKS

I’d just spent three days up at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch at Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon and was finally catching up on things in my life, so I wasn’t planning on leaving the rock for a while. But then I got the text – the sharpie was coming down the Keys. It was in Tavernier, but heading south.

HEDDEN

... is a photogra pher, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audu bon Society.

I pulled my Nalgene bottle out of the drying rack, asked the dog not to eat any more shoes while I was gone, grabbed my camera and binoculars, and headed back up to Marathon.

The whole way up, I was wor ried. What if I missed something this cool?

Sharpie is birder slang for sharp-shinned hawk. It is the small est of the three North American accipiters – a family of long-tailed, short-winged hawks that special ize in flying at high speeds through wooded areas densely packed with bushes and trees and nary brushing a wingtip. They are fast and sneaky and surprisingly long-legged, though you generally wouldn’t notice the longlegged bit unless you had actually seen one in hand.

This particularly sharpie – officially known as SSHA1 – had been trapped and held in hand about three weeks prior, up in Cape May, New Jersey, by a woman named Tricia Miller. The bird, a female, had been held just long enough for her husband, Michael Lanzone, to attach a tiny electronic transmitter to its back with a small harness, and then it was released.

Miller is executive director and senior re search wildlife biologist at Conservation Science Global, a non-profit research group oriented towards conservation and natural resources management, a.k.a. studying birds and their behaviors in order to figure the best ways to protect them. Lanzone is the CEO at Cellular Tracking Technologies, a company that pro duces electronic devices to track and monitor wildlife.

They were collaborating on a project, funded by the Cape May Point Science Center, which wanted to understand how four species of raptors – sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper’s hawks, red-tailed hawks, and red-shouldered hawks – used local habitat as they migrated through the surrounding region. They were doing it using some pretty recently developed technology.

Telemetric devices attached to birds are not a new thing. VHF transmitters have been used for several decades, allowing scientists to track birds as they move through the land scape.

Tracking via VHF, though, generally re quires a directional antenna and a car or an air plane to trail the bird and chart its movements.

Satellite trackers have also existed for

some time, but they tend to be expensive and require pricey annual subscriptions. And telemetric devices attached to birds need to be under 3% of their body weight so as not en cumber them in a potentially destructive man ner. There isn’t a satellite tracker small enough to attach to a sharp-shinned hawk. On average, the females weigh about 175 grams, and the males weigh about 100 grams – or the same as your average-sized banana.

The CTT tracker they’d attached to the sharpie used cell phone technology. It weighed just 3.5 grams, and included a battery and a solar panel. As long as the bird was in cell phone range, they could know where it was. They could follow the bird using an app on their phone. They could even change the check-in intervals from, say, once every 20 minutes, to once every four hours.

While Miller’s project was focused on how the birds were using the habitat in the Cape May peninsula, there were some serious spill over benefits.

“It’s giving us a pretty cool picture of how that bird moved from Cape May, crossed Delaware Bay, crossed Chesapeake Bay, and then moved down the east coast, and then hit Florida and went down the west coast,” she said.

It’s the kind of detailed knowledge that did not exist before.

She told me all this during those three days I was up at the Hawkwatch site at Curry Hammock State Park. She and Lanzone and some friends had been at the Raptor Research Foundation conference in Fort Lauderdale, and made the trip down to spend some time at the count. (And also, possibly, as a chance to revisit some familiar places, as Miller had been part of the earliest iteration of the Florida Keys Hawk watch when it began in 1996.)

While they were in the Keys, the sharpie, according to the app, was milling about in the eastern edge of the Everglades. There was a possibility the bird would migrate through the Keys and they’d have a chance to see it. Resighting an individual bird that you’d caught three weeks before and 1,300 miles away

would be kind of amazing. The bird never made the move toward the Keys, though, and even tually Miller and Lanzone had to head to the airport.

In the following days the bird actually moved north, through Miami, Boca Raton and Palm Beach. I had mostly forgotten about her, until that text said she was moving. The bird had spent the night in the Point Lowe neigh borhood in Tavernier. In the morning, she had hunted around for a time – sharpies generally feed on smaller songbirds – and then started south.

It was pretty busy when I got to the plat form. Luis Gles and Mariah Hryniewich were nearly as keyed up as I. There were a good number of sharp-shins moving through, but also good numbers of peregrine falcons and American kestrels. Most of the birds were pretty high and out toward the highway.

Miller sent another screen grab of the tracking map – the bird was just north of Long Key.

“It’s about 21 miles away now!” she said. We all kept our eyes peeled.

Over the next hour we counted 85 sharpshinned hawks. We counted another 52 in the hour after that.

Was one of them SSHA1? It’s hard to say. The check-in from her tracker at 21 miles north was the last the bird has been heard from.

Cellular coverage is pretty solid in the Keys, so most likely the bird lit out for Cuba – maybe just north of where we were, maybe just south of where we were. Maybe we saw it and didn’t know it. But Cuba’s cell system does not con nect with ours, or at least not the LTE system that the tracker uses, so it may be a while before we learn exactly what happened.

SSHA1 has already helped paint a much fuller picture about how sharp-shinned hawks migrate, filling a lot of unknowns about timing and behaviors. No one really knows the likeli hood of a sharpie crossing such a large body of water not once, but twice. But if the bird makes it back from Cuba in the spring, we will have a fuller picture still. I, for one, will be waiting by the phone.

SSHA1, a sharp-shinned hawk fitted with a cellular telemetry tracking device, in Cape May, New Jersey, in September. TRICIA MILLER/Conservation Science Global

MARK

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Al Simmons, 75, of Marathon, FL. Al died unex pectedly on Sunday, November 6, at the finish line of the IronMan competition in Panama City, FL.

Born October 25, 1947, in New Haven, CT, Allen was the son of Alvin and Lucile (McPherson) Simmons. Raised in South ington, CT, Al received his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of New Haven.

Al founded Mustang Motorcycle Products in Terryville, CT, and built it into the largest aftermarket motorcycle seat manufacturing company in the world.

From an early age, Al lived life to the fullest in every sense. Starting as a young boy, his first and true love was aviation, earning his pilot’s license as a teenager. Over the next decades he continued achieving by earning his instrument rating, his multi-engine rating for both land and sea, his seaplane rating for both single and multi-engine, his glider rating, B-25 second in command rating, and had recently begun helicopter lessons.

physical discipline from himself. No challenge was too difficult for him to take on and he enjoyed a variety of activi ties including SCUBA diving, fishing, snowboarding and kiteboarding. He loved life in the Keys and never missed the Key West Half Marathons and Key West Paddle Classics!

Starting with motorcycling events in his teens, he later competed and excelled in windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, glider soaring, marathons, and triathlons, ending at the finish line of the Panama City, FL, IronMan on Novem ber 6. Al left us the way he lived life, crossing the finish line.

Survivors include his wife, Susan; son, Mark Simmons of Pawcatuck, CT and Palm Coast, FL; daughter, Susan (Wayne) Kobrock of East Lyme, CT; stepson, Emory (Shelly) Olzinski of Virginia Beach, VA; stepdaughter, Rachel (Shad) Tome of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Emma, Ethan, Evelyn, Trevor, Toby, Eric and Katie; brother George (Kathleen) Simmons of Panama, OK; sister Marilyn Simmons of Bristol, CT, and several cousins.

be held at a later date.

A celebration of Al’s extraordinary life

WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP…

Reflections of a (former) mayor

In the words of the Grateful Dead, “What a long strange trip it’s been.” A quarter-century ago, I was just a musi cian and radio personality who occasionally dabbled a bit in helping good local candidates get elected. Then, Islamorada voted to incorporate as its own village. Two years later, thanks to the hard work of a bunch of people in Citizens Incorporate Marathon, we had our own city. To say that our incorporation was life-changing is an understate ment.

In the 23 years we have been our own municipality, we have accomplished a lot. Marathon was the only jurisdic tion to complete our state-mandated advanced wastewater treatment system before the original 2010 deadline — and we tackled the federally-mandated stormwater require ments as we repaved our streets from sewer construction. In the subsequent years, our system has won some presti gious awards, and every month exceeds federal advanced wastewater treatment standards. This really is a big deal, and our canals and nearshore waters have certainly ben efited.

When we incorporated, Marathon didn’t have a whole lot of parks and recreation facilities. Since then, we worked with the county on Community Park Phase 1; rehabilitated Sombrero Beach into a world-class beach park; developed the Rotary Children’s Park with the Rotary Club and the people of Marathon; developed Community Park Phase 2 with the amphitheater, soccer fields and skate park; created Oceanfront Park behind City Hall as some really nice green space; rehabilitated Jessie Hobbs Park with new equipment and upgrades; created Sunset Bay Park on Grassy Key for kayakers and sunset-watchers; kept Coco Plum Beach as a natural Keys shoreline; worked with the county and state on the rehab and reconstruction of the Old Seven Mile Bridge; and acquired our boat ramps (and the old Quay property) to ensure they will remain properly maintained.

Acquiring the old Pat & Kelly’s and securing jurisdic tion over Boot Key Harbor has resulted in the creation of a world-class city marina and ensured that we can manage the harbor and protect our live-aboards. Regular required pump-outs and other good practices have really cleaned up the harbor as well. With the addition of the old Seven Mile Marina, recreation opportunities for Marathon’s western shore will be enhanced while at the same time providing the Pigeon Key Foundation a new home.

There are other projects on the horizon: the redevelop ment of 33rd Street as a community and senior center, a new skate park and a splash pad and potential swimming pool. I hope that we continue to take the initiative in provid ing local families with the best recreational opportunities possible.

Even though our need far eclipses what we’ve been able to do, I am proud that the City of Marathon has put more deed-restricted affordable housing units on the ground than any other local government. With existing and future units totaled, the city will have made it possible for more than 1,000 affordable homes to be built in Marathon.

Something to note is that throughout nearly all of these 23 years, the city of Marathon has operated in a fiscally re sponsible manner. Even after the hurricane season of 2005, and the major impact of Irma in 2017, the city is in strong financial shape. This is largely due to the diligence of our finance department, as well as Council oversight. Thank you for keeping us fiscally healthy.

Don’t think for a second that this is me patting myself on the back. Everything that happens in a local government

JOHN BARTUS

is a musician who performs around town and a former mayor of Marathon.

is the work of a whole lot of people. Our council has always had five members, and I recognize and celebrate all of their contributions. It has been an honor and privilege to have served throughout the years with some really fine and dedi cated community servants.

The bottom line truth is nothing would get done without our city staff. Marathon is blessed to have some of the most wonderful, community-minded people working on our behalf. To our staff, including all our departments and first responders, I can only say thank you.

Our city has formed great working relationships with other local municipali ties and the county, and this helps us immensely when we go to Tallahassee or Washington and speak with one voice about our island communities’ needs. I have worked with some fine council members and com missioners from other jurisdictions, and I am grateful for your service as well.

To our new council members being sworn in, I wish you nothing but the absolute best. Your success equals the city’s success, and may you all be successful in everything. I wish you all patience – government moves very slowly at times. I wish for you wisdom to make the best decisions, and a sense of humor to carry you through the not-so-fun stuff. And don’t forget your significant other at home — it’s not easy to be the spouse of an elected official, so cher ish them and heed their wise counsel. Personally, I’d like to thank Sarah for everything she’s done to help me in my public service.

When I was sworn in to our first ever City Council back in 2000, then-State Representative Ken Sorenson advised us to work in the spirit of comity — as you maintain courte ous and considerate behavior to your fellow Council mem bers, you can work together to achieve your goals. Thank you for your willingness to serve, and good luck.

And to the people of Marathon, please give this new council a chance. It’s easy to whine and moan, but it’s also easy to pick up the phone and call one of these five council members. It’s also really easy to keep up with what’s going on in the city by going to the City of Marathon website, and by going to council meetings. The answers to nearly all of your questions (and the antidote to conspiracy theories) are easily found with a mouse click or phone call. And if you read a rumor on Facebook, please don’t take it as gospel truth before checking with legitimate sources.

Finally, I would really like to say that it has been the honor of a lifetime to have served 14 years on this council. From the first ever council meeting when we didn’t even have office space, to two nights ago in the beautiful council chambers at our own City Hall, we have come a long way. I’ll leave with a wish for our new council in the lyrics of Bob Dylan: “May your hands always be busy, May your feet al ways be swift / May you have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift / May your heart always be joyful, May your song always be sung / And may you stay forever young.”

- Catch John each Monday at Boondocks, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Key Colony Inn, and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com

THANK YOU, VETERANS

Marathon recognizes armed forces with annual parade

Led by the American Legion, vet erans and first responders from around the City of Marathon made their way along U.S. 1 from 20th Street to Aviation Boulevard on Nov. 11 to honor those who risked their lives so that others may live free in the pursuit of happiness. The annual Veterans Day parade saw an array of vehicles participate, from the motorcycles of the American Legion riders to humvees, fire rescue trucks, Slingshots and classic cars. Here at the Keys Weekly, we can never thank all of our honored veterans enough for their sacrifice in service to our country.

— Alex Rickert

1 & 2 The American Legion Riders lead the way.

3. Corporal Al Murphy, a Korean War veteran, drives a humvee befitting the parade’s grand marshall.

4. From classic cars to shiny emergency response vehicles, the procession on U.S. 1 was full of variety.

5. Marathon City Councilwoman Robyn Still, left, cruises with deputy fire chief Cameron Bucek.

6. Monroe County School Board chair John Dick, a Vietnam veteran, waves to parade watchers.

7. Members of Marathon’s American Le gion Post 154 bring the flags and tunes.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

RALPH MORROW

...

SPORTS & MORE

DOLPHINS IN

ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

In its largest election since incorporating as a city, the 2022 general election saw four open seats on the Marathon City Council filled. The new council undoubtedly has important issues to tackle over the next two years as it works in the

MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

As the chant went up from the crowd — slowly, but steadily intensifying during Sunday’s 39-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium — there was no ques tion what the people thought. “MVP! MVP! MVP!”

Tua Tagovailoa said he heard it, admitted it’s a pos sibility, but the Miami Dolphins quarterback, when speaking af ter the game, said it’s too early to talk about such honors.

Instead, his job is to help the Dolphins continue to win games. So far in the AFC East, the team stands 7-3 and leads the division, ahead of the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots. In the entire American Football Conference, the Dolphins are in second place, behind only the Kansas City Chiefs.

I, too, would say it’s too early. Tagovailoa is in a perfect position, yes. But let’s remem ber whom we’re talking about. Throughout his college career and his first few pro seasons, he was subject to injury.

But I’m optimistic. And the Dolphins right now are a happy team. That feeling has spread through their fanbase at the stadium, their followers else where and fans everywhere. There’s something about rooting for sports teams — the wins, the losses, the occasional ties.

When your team wins, you feel good. My team has won four games in a row, defeating the Steelers, Lions, Bears and Browns. To keep that streak go

ing, the Dolphins must handle the Texans at 1 p.m. on Nov. 27; the 49ers at 4 p.m. on Dec. 4, and the Chargers, 4 p.m. on Dec.11. After that, they’ll face the Buffalo Bills at a time to be determined on Sunday, Dec 18. As the Dolphins are on a streak, they’ll likely be favored in all of those games.

And they have Tagovailoa.

I’d say he had an average day against Cleveland. He com pleted 25 passes to eight differ ent receivers for 285 yards and three touchdowns. His rating was 135.

Tyreek Hill stood out, but not by much. He caught five passes for 44 yards and one touchdown.

Jeff Wilson, more of a run ning back, had 17 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and a pair of catches for 24 yards. Raheem Mostert had eight carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. He also had four catches for 22 yards.

Jaylen Waddle, per usual, caught four passes for 66 yards. Other players also caught four passes, including Trent Sherfield, 63 yards and a touchdown, and Alec Ingold, 45 yards and a touchdown. Mike Gesicki caught a pair of passes for 31 yards, while Cedric Wil son caught a pass for 7 yards.

This might be close to how it must have felt in 1972, when the Dolphins went undefeated through the season and

It feels good to be a Dolphins fan.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

MIKAIL “JAY” MARSHALL

Starting as a freshman last season, Mikail “Jay” Marshall made a name for himself as one of the fastest defenders in the county. This year, head coach Kelley Cruz has changed his position in a move that has already paid dividends for the Fins.

“Mikail has transitioned from playing more defensive to becoming our starting striker,” Cruz said.

In just two games, Marshall has become a force on the pitch, with an assist against Coral Shores and a hat trick against Westwood Christian. His speed, evasiveness, ball control and competitive nature make Marshall a threat against any team he and the Dolphins face, and though he is just a sophomore, his team respects and looks up to him. For his aggressive gameplay and solid teamwork, Mikail Marshall is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Boys Soccer Sophomore, Marathon

Marshall takes on the Coral Shores Hurricanes. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

— Coach Kelley Cruz

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

SETTLED ON THE PITCH

BOYS SOCCER

Prep

soccer season officially opens in Monroe County

Nov. 7 marked the official start date for regular season soccer across the state of Florida. In boys soccer, Marathon and Coral Shores met up in Marathon on Nov. 8 for an early matchup. Marathon showed sparks of greatness during the game, including an early goal off a corner kick by Oscar Cardona and one later in the game by Brayam Gonzalez-Cinto off a Mikail Marshall assist, but it would not be enough to carry the Fins into a win.

Coral Shores outscored Marathon 8-2 with goals coming from six different ’Canes. Robert Temkin and Makani Burga each had a pair of goals while Wilman Avila, Preston Carroll, Leonardo Vazquez, and Jackson Garcia each had one in the win.

Directly following the Marathon/Coral Shores game, Key West took the field in Marathon to take on Somerset Silver Palms. Originally scheduled to be played in Key West, the contest was moved to Marathon due to a lack of officials in the Lower Keys. Key West outscored the Stallions 3-1 in the match, with two goals from Jonathan Gvili and one from Sebastian Camargo.

Marathon hit the road on Nov. 10 to play Westwood Christian and found their scoring groove in the match, netting eight goals from six different Fins. Mikail Marshall led the scoring with a hat trick, and Henry Herrera scored two while assisting on four others. Scoring one goal each for Marathon were Yuni DeLeon, Oscar Cardona, Brayam Gonzalez-Cinto and Juan Vasquez. Marathon’s win evened up its record to 1-1 heading into week two of regular season play.

Key West also played on Nov. 10 against St. Brendan School in Miami. The Conchs had a solid second half but could not come back from a rockier first half that saw the Sabres score three goals against them. The final score was 4-2, giving Key West an even 1-1 record in regular season play.

GIRLS SOCCER

Key West and Coral Shores played one another on Nov. 9. The Conchs scored six goals in the first half, then secured the win with two in the second half. Kathryn Smith scored four in the matchup and Grace Andrew, Madison Kiduff, Nikole Tomita and Victoria Davey-Willy each had one in the 8-0 victory. The Conchs played again on Nov. 11 against Ransom Everglades, losing 3-0 in the away match.

The Lady Fins began their season at Somerset Silver Palms on Nov. 15, losing 9-3.

Photos by Barry Gaukel. See more game photos at www.shadypalmphotography.com

Marathon goaltender

Lucas Silva goes up to block a shot.

Brayam GonzalezCinto (11) and Bobby Temkin (20) fight for position.

By:

Coral Shores and Gulliver Prep made the trip to Marathon High School on Nov. 9 for a girls weightlifting tri-meet. Marathon coach Jessie Schubert was pleased with the early season results his team has put up and looks forward to continued improvement in the coming weeks. The Lady Fins took eight out of 10 top spots in the meet, securing the team win for Marathon.

Weightlifting is scored by combining the best of three attempts in two different types of lifts. Athletes may opt to lift in the Olympic category which combines the snatch and the clean & jerk or in the Traditional category which combines clean & jerk with the bench press. Athletes compete in a series of weight classes from 101 pounds to the Unlimited (199.1 and up) class.

ey West has the finest athletic facilities this side of Miami, but so far this season, its soccer fields have seen little of their scheduled action. Several games set to be played on Key West’s turf fields nicknamed “The Backyard” were instead played at Marathon or Coral Shores due to a lack of officials in the Lower Keys. Key West is not alone in this struggle; finding officials across the islands is becoming problematic for athletic directors, and inevitably it is the student athletes who will suffer if a solution isn’t put in place soon.

Like so many other things in the Keys, a lack of affordable housing is driving this issue to an extent. The longtime officials who have worked the games in Monroe County for many years are getting older, and young folks interested in officiating youth sports are not moving in at the same rate as the exodus.

“The naval base used to have a lot of guys doing some officiating on the side, but that is not the case any more,” said Marathon High School athletic director Lance Martin, explaining that the shortage is a multifaceted issue. “It is very difficult to get new ones due to the low pay and the verbal abuse they take at times from spectators.”

Key West still has a few diehard officials, as do Marathon and the Upper Keys, but more are needed to ensure youth and prep sports can continue in Monroe County. And even though one can’t make a living off of being an official alone in the Keys, the money isn’t terrible for someone who loves sports and is looking for a side gig that allows for staying active and engaged in the community. Football game pay is currently $111 per game. Baseball and softball pay is $85, and volleyball and soccer pay stands at $79. Travel is also reimbursed, and many officials can almost double their pay in travel mileage.

So how does one become an official?

“The process is very easy,” said Martin. “You must be 18 to be a full time official or 16 to be a junior official. First, join an association. Register with the FHSAA. Then do a level 2 background check. Then take the 50-question, untimed, open-book test offered prior to the fall, winter and spring seasons.” Prospective officials have a set window in which to complete their tests prior to each season.

To find all the contacts for the various sports offered in Monroe County, visit the FHSAA website at fhsaa.com/sports/2020/5/19/officials_directory.aspx.

Tracy and Sean McDonald

BOYS SOCCER PALMER MARATHON NOVEMBER 18 | 4 P.M.

VS

A lack of officials has forced the relocation or cancellation of dozens of contests across Monroe County over the past year. CONTRIBUTED

Nicole Merryman. CONTRIBUTED

Malena Rocafort

Justice Lee Isom

www.hear4uaudiology.com www.heardrmichelle.com

first annual holiday mixer

6:30 - 9:30 PM

EVENT CENTER

Book a table at our first annual holiday mixer to celebrate the success and hard work of your small business. Treat your employees to a special holiday event this year that includes a full dinner buffet, drink tickets, entertainment, and so much more!

Tables are available starting at $500 for up to 6 - 10 guests per table. Special discount available for associated hotel rooms starting at $199. Contact sales@islabella.com for more details

MIAMI 17670 NW 78th Avenue #201 (305) 403-9325

KEY WEST 513 Fleming Street, Suite 11 (2nd floor accessible via elevator) (305) 809-6041

MARATHON 11400 Overseas Highway - Suite 209 Town Square Mall (305) 747-7750 TAVERNIER 93911 Overseas Hwy., Ste. 5 (2nd Floor) Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 247-8227

HOMESTEAD Towers Professional Plaza 151 NW 11th St., Ste. W-301 (305) 809-7663

MM 1 - Inez Martin Child Care Center (C16M0012)

1100 Varela St., Key West, FL 33040

Contact: Christine Patterson • 305-809-5055 • christine.patterson@wesleyhouse.org Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 2 - Sunbeam Christian School (C16MO0034)

1311 5th St., Key West, FL 33040 Contact: Jerlyn Matthews • 305-2946018 • sunbeam@fsbckw.org Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 5 - Lighthouse Christian Academy (C16MO0014) 5580 MacDonald Ave, Key West, FL 33040 Jennifer Sisco • 305-292-5582 • lcaoffice@cwckw.org Vacancies: 1 floater

MM 22.9 - Banana Cabanna Academy Inc. (C16MO0054) 22673 Pieces of Eight Rd, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042 Contact: Roxanne Rosado • 305-745-1400 • banana.cabanna@att.net Vacancies: 2 teachers

MM 47 - Kreative Kids Christian Academy (X16MO0001) 4711 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Contact: Maria Vaillant • 305-743-7165 Kreativekidsca@bellsouth.net • vaillantmaria@yahoo.com Vacancies: 2 teachers

MM 49 - Grace Jones Community Center, Inc. (C16MO0048) 230 41st Street Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050

Kelly Ullrich • 305-743-6064 • gjcckids@gmail.com Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 87.5 - St. James Children’s Center (C16MO0033) 87500 Overseas Hwy, I slamorada, FL 33036

Contact: Sue Ellen Bennett • 305-852-2161 • childrenscenter@stjamesthefisherman.org Vacancies: 1 teacher

MM 92 - Burton Memorial CDC (C16MO0018) 93001 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070

Contact: Nilda Bernaldez • 305-852-0250 • acabar11@yahoo.com Vacancies: 2 part-time floaters

MM 99 - First Baptist Church Jack Hill Child Care (C16MO0021) 99001 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Contact: Leeanna Woods • 305-451-2125 • fbcjhccc@yahoo.com Vacancies: 1 teacher

FLORIDA RESTAURANT AND LODGING ASSOCIATION CROWNS ‘STARS OF THE INDUSTRY’

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recently recognized the commitment and service of Hawks Cay VP Managing Director Sheldon Suga during its annual Stars of the Industry Gala at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando. During the ceremony, Suga was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as Hotelier of the Year.

“There is no one more deserving of the recognition of Hotelier of the Year than Sheldon Suga,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “He has devoted more than 40 years to the hospitality industry and is known for his passion, integrity and commitment to excellence. Sheldon has made such positive and lasting impacts, and we are proud to name him into the FRLA Hall of Fame.”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to men and women from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for those who have dedicated decades to providing excellent service and leadership in hospitality.

“I’m honored to be inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as the 2022 Hotelier of the Year,” said Suga. “To join my deserving peers in this recognition means so much to me and my family, and I want to thank my entire team at Hawks Cay for their hard work each and every day and their commitment to excellence. I look forward to continuing our great work to keep our resort and Florida’s hospitality industry the best in the world.”

Suga began his career as a room clerk in Niagara Falls Canada for summer employment, which led him to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management at Ryerson University in Toronto. Upon graduation, Sheldon was accepted into ITT Sheraton’s General Management Training program. During his time with ITT Sheraton, he attained the ITT Ring of Quality Worldwide Team Award and served as general manager at properties in West Harford, New York City, Halifax, La Jolla and Los Angeles. He also worked in Tokyo and was Country Manager for ITT Sheraton. He also worked for Wyndham hotels and resorts as an area director in Atlanta and Puerto Rico. He worked in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms as the VP Hotel Manager and was the SVP and General Manager of the Gaylord National Resort. Suga currently serves as a past chair of the FRLA State Executive Committee, a member of the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County TDC and a board member of Visit Florida. Additionally, he is on the board of trustees for the College of the Florida Keys. He previously served on the board of Tourism Halifax, Maryland Hotel and Motel Association and on the Maryland Tourism Development Council. An avid fly fisherman and runner, Sheldon and his wife Laura have lived in the Florida Keys for more than 13 years.

— Contributed

DAPPLE

2-year-old female tortoiseshell.

Looking for: Some place quiet, with a calm, loving, patient person.

Turnoffs: New people make me nervous. Please go slow and get to know me.

FRANKIE

9-year-old male Rottweiler.

Looking for: Snuggles, cuddles and a good lazy retirement home.

Turnoffs: Being away from home. I miss my family very much.

TAKE ME HOME Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida

Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. 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 program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

SUNSHINE

2-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A cool crib of my own with some kitty companions.

Turnoffs: I’m a shy guy. You’ll usually find me in a cubby hole. I don’t like when people walk right past me without noticing me.

Adoption Update!

After waiting a year and a half, Roux was adopted and loves her new brother.

Hawks Cay Managing Director Sheldon Suga, center, accepts the Hotelier of the Year award from FLRA president and CEO Carol Dover, left, and FLRA chair Olivia Hoblit. CONTRIBUTED.

KAREN NEWFIELD

... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

THANKFUL FOR F READ OM

STORIES FROM CHINA AND EL SALVADOR AND ECHOES THROUGH THE HALLS OF ELLIS ISLAND. PEOPLE WHO MADE THE CHOICE TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES AND START OVER IN AMERICA DREAMING OF A BETTER LIFE.

SOLITO

BY JAVIER ZAMORA

BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY

BY QIAN JULIE WANG

In 1994, at 7 years old Qian (pronounced Chi-an) lands in New York on a plane from China with her Ma Ma (mother). She was anxious to see her Ba Ba (father) who arrived a few years earlier promising a better life in the beautiful country, Mei Guo (America). In Chinatown the undocumented threesome struggle for years, working in sweatshops and learning English. With few friends and no family, their lives are purely in survival mode. Existing in severe poverty with the constant threat of deportation, the Wang family finds little joy and much anxiety in America. Before the Chinese Cultural Revolution, life was different. Qian’s parents were distinguished professors – now they perform manual labor. Qian finds solace in books at the public library, a treasured safe space. A voracious reader, she teaches herself English and learns to adapt, carrying a hefty responsibility for her parents. After Ma Ma overcomes a serious illness, she is resolute that they cannot wait any longer to get citizenship. Today, working as a civil rights litigator dedicated to helping immigrants and other marginalized communities, Qian shares her journey in this memoir of resilience, faith and love.

Only 9 years old, Javier Zamora set out on a journey that would change his life forever. He left the comfort and relative safety of his grandparents’ home in El Salvador and traversed over 3,000 miles with a group of strangers to meet his parents in the U.S. With “coyotes” leading the way, the estimated trip of two weeks unexpectedly turned into months, during which none of his family members knew if he was alive. This brave little boy was blessed with the unwavering kindness he received from a mother traveling with her young daughter and a male friend from her hometown. The foursome quickly bonded. The unconditional care they showered on Javier helped him survive death-defying boat trips, long desert treks, dehydration, hunger, horrifying arrests and most of all, a crippling loneliness. Years later, this poetic, well-educated and humble man shares his story to heal his own heart and enlighten others who watch from afar. A memoir of a little boy who dreamed of reaching his parents and a world where the price of freedom is inestimable. Heartbreaking and beautifully written, Javier’s story will stay with you long after the last page.

THE NEXT SHIP HOME

BY HEATHER WEBB

Escaping war, drought, famine and religious persecution, immigrants have dreams of starting a new life. But first, these men, women and children have to make their way through Ellis Island. In 1902, Francesca and Maria escape their abusive father in Sicily. Aboard a ship in third-class steerage filled with poor, sick and desperate passengers, Francesca does everything she can to get them to America. Alma is a matron at Ellis Island. She lives with her family on the lower east side of New York in a tight German community where, unmarried at 21, she is already an old maid. Fluent in English, German and Italian, Alma dreams of becoming a translator. When Alma and Francesca meet during inspection, an unexpected friendship blooms. Alma helps Fran get a job and brings her home against her parents’ wishes – although her brother Fritz is instantly smitten. It is shocking to see how quickly her family, only one generation American themselves, fears anyone different who wants the very same things their own relatives sought in America. This mesmerizing work of historical fiction is a powerful reminder of friendship, family and the courage it takes to make change.

IMMIGRANT

Powerboats pushed the envelope last week at Raceworld Offshore’s Key West World Championships. Hurricane Ni cole, and the rough water it spawned, hampered only the first of three race days, forc ing organizers to cancel the Nov. 9 races.

But conditions calmed for the Friday races, and Sunday’s final races found postcard-perfect weather for racing.

Full race results for all classes on both days are available at raceworldoffshore.com.

Here’s a listing of the top boats in each class, based on combined total points:

Class 1: Huski/Alegra Motorsports

Extreme Class: Lucas Oil E3

Supercat Class: M CON

Super Stock Class: Team Allen Lawn Care and Landscaping

Stock 450: T/S Motorsports MTI

Stock V: Fastboys

Modified V: 151 Express

Bracket Class 3: Team Woody Racing

Bracket Class 4: Simmons Racing

Bracket Class 5: Golf N Gator Team Woody Racing

Bracket Class 6: Powerhouse Racing

Bracket Class 7: Steele Racing

1. The Allen Lawn Care & Landscaping boat wins first place in the Super Stock Class.

2. The powerboat M CON takes first place in the Supercat Class.

3. A powerboat is hauled out of the water at Tru man Waterfront.

4. Race fans line seawalls to watch the action on Nov. 11 and 13.

5. Two boats get a little too close for comfort.

Powerboats roar past Sunset Key during Raceworld Offshore’s Key West World Championship powerboat races Nov. 6-13.

Photos by LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly and BARRY GAUKEL/ShadyPalmPhotography.com

BRIEFLY

Key Colony Beach seeks commission applicants

The City of Key Colony Beach invites all full-time residents to apply for the vacant commission seat left open due to Commissioner Ronald A. Sutton’s sudden passing.

The city will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. or at the end of the regular commission meeting that morning for the appointment by City Commission to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term until the next election in 2024. If the majority of the remaining commission members are unable to agree upon a person to fill said vacancy, the commission shall call a special election for that purpose.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest with their qualifications to cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net no later than Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 at noon. Applicants must be full-time residents of the City of Key Colony Beach and be registered voters eligible to vote in Key Colony Beach elections.

Coco Plum Bridge demolition to begin Nov. 18

Beginning Friday, Nov. 18, motorists are advised to plan for occasional but complete closures of the Coco Plum Bridge in the City of Marathon. The contractor will begin demolition of the lane closest to the walking trail (east side), followed by the installation of the new beams. This process will be repeated on the west side of the bridge. During these times, traffic must be shut down for brief periods for safety.

The brief, but complete closures could last until about Dec. 12. The City of Marathon hopes to complete the reconstruction by the end of 2022.

The city of Marathon has installed a temporary traffic light to replace stop signs managing the single-lane flow of traffic over Coco Plum Bridge. The traffic light alternates traffic in two directions -- coming from Overseas Highway and from the Coco Plum neighborhood -- over the one-lane span.

BPW Sip & Shop is this Friday

On Friday, Nov. 18, the Business and Professional Women of Marathon will host its annual Sip & Shop event from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Lighthouse Grill event lawn at Faro Blanco resort. Join the club for mingling and shopping at more than 23 vendors to kick start the holiday season while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live music. Admission is free and raffle prizes are available.

Marathon Community Church plans dinner theater production

Marathon Community Church is presenting a Christmas-themed dinner theater titled “Bethlehem in the Keys.” This is an original production written and performed by local talent. There will be two performances. The Saturday, Dec. 3 performance will include dinner catered by the Marathon High School culinary class. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. The price for this performance is $50 per person. There will also be a matinee on Sunday, Dec. 4 with doors opening at 2 p.m. and the show at 3 p.m. Tickets for the matinee are $30. Seats are limited. Call 305-481-7233 to reserve your tickets. Proceeds will go to the Marathon Community Church spalling repair project.

Thanksgiving week at the Marathon Library

Friday, Nov. 18: Adult arts & crafts: Gift-making social fun with mocktails (adults) 5-6:45 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19: Easy yoga: adaptive yoga (adults) 10 a.m.; Arts and Crafts (kids) 1 p.m.; Open Lab: robots, games and virtual reality, 2:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 21: Insurance enrollment assistance: Get help during open enrollment with a CHI certified application counselor, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 3D Printing Lab, 10 a.m.; Teen Advisory Group, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 22: Mahjong. Beginners welcome, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Drop off your stuffed animals and pick them up the next day. See what they get up to on their night of fun on our social media (kids) 9 a.m. to 7.pm.; Storytime: Songs, crafts, stories and rhymes, 10:30 a.m (ages newborn-5); Paradise Quilters, 1 p.m.; Sketching workshop (teens & young adults) 3 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons (adults) 5 p.m.

FLAMINGO FLOCK DISAPPEARS

FLORIDA NATIVE CAPTIVATED THE ISLAND CHAIN

The first use of the word flamingo dates back to the Span ish explorers navigating the waters of the New World in 1565. The name flamingo has a slightly weird origin story, and it comes from the Spanish word flamenco, which historically referred to the German word Flemish.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Flemish was “conventionally thought of as ruddy- complex ioned.” Ruddy means red or reddish in color. Appro priately enough, the word flamboyance was chosen to describe a group of the long-legged, reddish birds with knobby knees and a curved black bill. One of the reasons the namesake of the Audubon Society, John James Audubon, came to Florida in 1832 was to see the magnificent birds for himself.

BRAD BERTELLI

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

After the long trip from Charleston, he observed a flock of flamingoes standing, wading or preening their bright feathers while exploring the Upper Keys with his guide, James Egan. In addition to being his guide, Egan ran a boarding house on Indian Key, where Audubon spent the night. “I thought I had now reached the height of all my expectations, for my voyage to the Floridas was undertaken in a great measure for the purpose of studying these lovely birds in their own beautiful islands,” wrote Audubon.

When he arrived at Key West, he sought a meet ing with Dr. Benjamin Strobel, a man with whom he shared a mutual acquaintance named Dr. John Bach man. Bachman was a Charleston clergyman, recog nized naturalist, collaborator and friend of Strobel. He also co-authored the book, “The Viviparous Quadru peds of North America,” with Audubon. Knowing that his friend was traveling to Key West, Bachman penned a letter of introduc tion that Audubon could deliver to Strobel.

Strobel was a physician and editor of the Key West Gazette during his tenure in Key West. His home was located on what is today the property of the Audubon House and Tropical Gar dens. It would be Strobel who would show John James Audubon around Key West when he arrived in 1832. About their encounter, Audubon wrote: “When I reached Key West, my first inquiries, addressed to Dr. Benjamin Strobel, had reference to the Flamin goes, and I felt gratified by learning that he had killed a good number of them, and that he would assist us in procuring some. As on that Key they are fond of resorting to the shallow ponds formerly kept there as reservoirs of water, for the purpose of making salt.”

Gustav Wurdermann was hunting northwest of Indian Key on Aug. 4, 1857, when he came across a flock of abour 500 flamin goes. Generally, flamingoes molt their feathers little by little, so they can always fly. Occasionally, the flying feathers molt all at once, leaving them temporarily grounded. Perhaps this was the case when Wurdermann encountered the large flock of scarletcolored birds as he was able to capture around 100 of them; many of the birds were taken alive because they were molting.

Wurdermann brought the flamingoes back to Indian Key, where he housed the live birds in what was described as a “tenpin bowling alley.” He passed out dead flamingoes to soldiers and civilians who were at the outpost island. The live birds were taken

to Key West and sold for food. However, it was not just visiting hunters who were killing them, but early settlers and Indians.

The newspaper story “The American Flamingo,” published in the Joliet Republican on June 1, 1878, noted that their “constant home, however, is in the southern part of Florida and along the Gulf Coast.” The story, too, suggested the birds needed to be pro tected. “If a law only could be passed to protect those birds, what grand sights the waters of Florida would soon present! These great, brilliant scarlet birds, dallying and playing in the water, or wading near the shore in quest of game, would be a sight never to be forgotten. Can it be possible that Florida does not care for such glorious creatures, and will allow, year after year, these marauders from the North to kill them without a single protest? Unless something is done for the protection of these splendid creatures, they may soon become extinct.”

It did not take many more years for the brilliant flocks of American flamingoes to disappear from Florida and the Keys. In the winter of 1885, a flock of 2,500 flamingoes was reported where Florida Bay mixed with the Everglades. In the following year’s winter, the flock that was sighted numbered about 1,000. On March 6, 1902, a flock of 500 to 1,000 birds was spotted east of Cape Sable, and it was the last documented sighting of a large flock of flamingoes in Florida.

The birds largely disappeared in Florida after the turn of the 20th century due to hunters killing them for food, skins and feathers. The birds would continue to be sighted, but only indi vidual birds or small groups. For decades, flamingoes had all but disappeared from South Florida and the Keys. When a single bird or a couple of birds were sighted, a debate began as to whether or not the American flamingo was native to Florida. To address the question, Steven M. Whitfield, Peter Frezza, et al. wrote the paper “Status and trends of American Flamingoes (Phoenicop terus ruber) in Florida, USA” to clarify, once and for all, if they were Florida natives or just occasional visitors. The paper was published in 2018.

Because of the accounts told here and many others, the answer was a resounding yes; the American flamingo is a Florida native.

A painting of the American flamingo by John James Audubon. NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON/Contributed

LIVING KIDNEY DONORS REUNITE

Over the weekend of Nov. 12, 36 living kidney donors, focused on outreach and mentorship through the National Kidney Donor Orga nization (NKDO), made their way to Marathon for an educational weekend conference and trips to some of the island’s top attrac tions. A nonprofit organization with 1,700 members, NKDO helps to educate prospective living kidney donors on a wide array of options to encourage safe and ef fective donations. According to the organization’s website, more than 102,000 individuals are currently waiting for a kidney, and only 25,290 received kidneys in 2021. More information is at nkdo.org.

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

BEST OF UPPER KEYS BRINGS BIG-TIME CHECK TO CHILDREN’S SHELTER

Sponsors and organizers of the inau gural Best of Upper Keys delivered a check totaling $19,060 to this year’s beneficiary in the Florida Keys Chil dren’s Shelter on Nov. 15. The return of the Upper Keys’ people’s choice awards saw 50 winners in various business, food and beverage and com munity categories. It culminated with an awards ceremony at Whale Harbor Events on Nov. 5, which saw a sold-out crowd of 185 attendees enjoying an unforgettable evening. Notable spon sors include Dr. Michelle with Hear 4 U Audiology, First Horizon Bank and Dwight Hill, president, and Mariners Hospital and CEO Drew Grossman. Stay tuned for next year’s Best of Up per Keys. KEYS WEEKLY PHOTO

1. Bridge Run participants take off from the starting line at the access road leading to Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo.

2. Participants run up on the northbound side of Jewfish Creek Bridge. 3. Monroe County Administrator Ro man Gastesi and Stephanie Scuderi, vice president of advancement at College of the Florida Keys, participate in the annual Key Largo Bridge Run. 4. Key Largo Bridge Run medals hang near the finish line. 5. Tavernier resident Anastassia Webb raises her hands as she crosses the finish line. She was the top female runner. 6. Chris and Whitney Trentine, of Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, approach the finish line.

Top female finishers.

A determined young runner conquers the bridge, which serves as an entryway into the Florida Keys.

Top male finishers.

Photos by Doug Finger. Visit key sweekly.com for a full gallery.

BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE RUN

Upper Keys runners take top honors in annual

Some 350 runners and walkers scaled Jewfish Creek Bridge — the gate way to the Florida Keys — for the 12th annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run on Nov. 12. Upper Keys runners were well represented on the podium between the overall 5K winner Anthony Pallaria, 37, of Islamo rada, and Anastassia Webb, 41, who won the women’s division. Pallaria crossed the finish line at 19 minutes and 25 seconds. Webb, a Tavernier resident, fin ished with a time of 21 minutes and 35 seconds. Key Largo resident Chris Nelson finished second in the men’s division with a time of 20 minutes and 49 seconds. Racers ranged from kids as young as 8 to men and women in their 70s. Some participants came across the pond from Ireland, Germany and England. Ireland’s Cian Kennedy, 48, won the men’s masters division with a time of 22 minutes and 27 seconds. Racers from Ohio and Oklahoma to Minnesota and Oregon had the chance to take in breathtaking views of the eastern Everglades and Atlantic Ocean as the sun rose. A strong Upper Keys contingent also raced and walked the course. Women’s masters winner Terri Swanson, 63, from Marathon, posted a time of 25 minutes and 59 sec onds. The race, organized by HNO Productions and Henry Menendez, supports Key Largo School and Teen Interven tion & Prevention Services (TIPS).

— Jim McCarthy

ADAM TURNER ANDERSON

1954-2022

Adam Turner Anderson died Oct. 28, 2022. He was born May 1, 1954 in Miami to the late Andy and Helen Anderson. A resident of Okeechobee for two and a half years having come from Marathon, he was a well-known mechanic in Marathon.

Anderson is survived by his wife of seven years, Carla Heather Anderson; sons Kenny Anderson, Chad Anderson, Kevin Anderson and Adam Anderson; daughters Ashley Nicole (Jason) and Alyssa Marie (Kyle); two grandchildren, Dallas William and Olivia Mae; and sister, Patty Piana.

The family will hold services at a later date.

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of BELO-H2O CHARTERS located at 200 Harborview Dr, PH2, Monroe County in the City of Tavernier, Florida 33070-2600, 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 9th day of November, 2022.

By: RLC II FLA, LLC

Publish: November 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of JE FILMS (company name) located at 100 Hammocks Trail #2203, Key Largo, FL 33037intends

LEGAL NOTICES

to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Javier Exposito Publish: November 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC SALE

NOTICE OF SEIZURE

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805 & 83.806, Tavernier Mini Storage Inc., located at 135 Hood Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070 and Upper Keys Commerce Center, located at 97300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents of the following units to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All contents in units: Tavernier Mini Storage Unit C-37 John Scott Upper Keys Commerce Center

LEGAL NOTICES

Sale of all goods will take place on November 28, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Tavernier Mini Storage Inc. and Upper Keys Commerce Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

Publish: November 10 & 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 10:00 A.M., at the Marriott Beachside Key West.

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County

LEGAL NOTICES

Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish: November 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on December 7 2022, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, at the Monroe County BOCC Chambers at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will consider adoption of the following resolution:

LEGAL NOTICES

Statutes, for the cost of providing roadway improvements and sea level rise improvements for the Fiscal Year beginning on October 1, 2023 and continuing until discontinued by the County.

The proposed resolution, which contains the legal description of the real property subject to the levy and states the need for the special assessment, can be inspected by the public by viewing the agenda packet for this meeting at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx

All interested persons are invited to attend, either in person or by zoom. The zoom link can be found at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE

The City of Key Colony Beach is now in possession of 4 boat trailers abandoned in our storage lot. All attempts to contact the last known owners to claim and remove these trailers have failed, and these trailers are deemed and defined as abandoned under Key Colony Beach Code of Ordinances, section 11-2. These trailers are designated as:

• Boat Trailer expired MA Tag No. D3372, VIN 1N9BS14232F206019 (2 axle)

• Boat Trailer expired FL Tag No. LSVL76 VIN 1M5BA262181E35112 (2 axle)

• Boat Trailer No Plate, VIN 4YPAB30393TO31082 (3 axle)

• Boat Trailer No Plate, VIN unidentifiable (1 axle)

Accordingly, the City of Key Colony Beach will hold a public, silent auction for disposal of these trailers. These trailers DO NOT have titles and are being auctioned AS IS. The City of Key Colony Beach DOES NOT make any representations or warranties with regard to any aspect of these trailers, nor does the City of Key Colony Beach assume any liabilities with regard to any aspect of these trailers. The highest bidder will be awarded the trailer(s) and must immediately remove it/them from City property.

This auction will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the City of Key Colony Beach short-term trailer storage lot, north entrance off 8th street. Inspection of these trailers will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., and the silent auction will be from 9:45 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Bids will be placed in sealed envelopes, to be opened by City personnel, and payment is CASH ONLY. All bidders must include a name, address, email address, telephone number, and a copy of photo ID. If the highest bidder is unable to remove the trailer(s) at the conclusion of the auction that bid will be forfeited, the CASH returned, and the trailer awarded to the next highest bidder. (No bids accepted from Key Colony Beach employees or their families).

The City of Key Colony Beach will provide a Bill of Sale representing the auction transaction, but obtaining a new registration for any trailer is exclusively the responsibility of the buyer, and the City of Key Colony Beach DOES NOT make any representations or warranties with regard to any aspect of the ability to register any of these trailers, or any state’s laws with regard to registration of any of these trailers.

Anyone claiming to have an ownership interest in any of these trailers must provide official state registration and/or title documents to me prior to the auction date to claim the trailer and remove it from the auction.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Barry G. Goldman, Code Enforcement Officer City of Key Colony Beach, 305-289-1212, ext. 4 P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 codeofficer@keycolonybeach.net

Publish: November 10 & 17, 2022. The Weekly Newspapers

A RESOLUTION OF Monroe County, FLORIDA ELECTING TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED WITHIN THE County FOR ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AND SEA LEVEL RISE IMPROVEMENTS; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAILING OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The resolution, if adopted, would indicate the County’s intent to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem special assessments to be levied within the County as authorized by section 197.3632, Florida

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 1st day of November 2022. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on December 7, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, at the Monroe County BOCC Chambers at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will consider adoption of the following resolution:

A RESOLUTION OF Monroe County, FLORIDA ANNOUNCING NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED WITHIN THE County BEGINNING WITH the TAX BILL ISSUED IN NOVEMBER 2023 FOR CANAL RESTORATION PROJECTS ON CANALS 82, 83 AND 84 IN KEY LARGO; CANAL 105 IN TAVERNIER; CANALS 255, 287, 290, 295, 297 AND 315 IN BIG PINE KEY; AND CANAL 474 IN GEIGER KEY; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAILING OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed resolution, which contains the legal description of the real property subject to the levy and states the need for the special assessment, can be inspected by the public by viewing the agenda packet for this meeting at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx

All interested persons are invited

Dr. Roberto Leoni, D.O. will be relocating North, and is no longer practicing at Islamorada Medical Center at the following location e ective December 13, 2022: 90130 Old High way, Tavernier, FL 33070.

Patients are encouraged to continue receiving their medical care at Islamorada Medical Center with Dr. Leoni until his last day, and after December 13th, with one of our many excellent physicians at Islamorada Medical Center including Dr. Miguel Diaz, Dr. Julio Gonzalez, Dr. Bledar Haxhiu, Dr. Kelvin Ong and Dr. Douglas Guevara.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may contact the o ce by calling 305-852-9300, or by sending an email to scheduling@islamoradamedicalcenter.com, to request a records release.

Publish: November 17 & 24, and December 1 & 8, 2022. The Weekly Newspapers.

to attend, either in person or by zoom. The zoom link can be found at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 1st day of November 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: November 10, 17, 24 and December 1, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS

The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida (“the County”) hereby provides notice, pursuant to Section 197.3632(3)(a), Florida Statutes, of its intent to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem special assessments, for the cost of providing certain wastewater capital improvements and connections, to be levied within the unincorporated area of Monroe County encompassing the Stock Island, Key Haven, Big Coppitt, Lower Sugarloaf through Big Pine Key, No Name Key, Long Key, Duck Key; excluding Indies Islands, and three (3) parcels on Boca Chica: RE# 122870-000000, 012288000000, and 122890-000000 for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2023 and continuing each year until discontinued by the County. The County will consider the adoption of a resolution electing to use the uniform method of collecting such assessments authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, at a public hearing to be held on December 7, 2022 in the Commission Chambers, Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Mile Marker 102 and by Communications Media Technology (CMT). Such resolution will state the need for the levy and will contain a legal description of the boundaries of the real property subject to the levy. All interested persons are invited to attend.

The proposed resolution may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the December 7 BOCC meeting which will be posted beginning on November 25, 2022 at: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/citizens/default.aspx. The resolution may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the December 7, 2022, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/citizens/default.aspx.

Unit 58 Vicki Lindquist Unit 65 Victor Calderon

of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: November 10, 17, 24 and December 1, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodation in order to participate in these proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292- 4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida this 2ndt day of November, 2022.

Kevin Madok, Clerk and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: November 10, 17, 24 and December 1, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK (CMAR) SERVICES FOR WIND-RETROFITS AT 10 COUNTY BUILDINGS

MONRE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

AT RISK (CMAR) SERVICES FOR WIND-RETROFITS AT 10 COUNTY BUILDINGS 1-5-23

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, January 5, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish: November 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 2:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Grant Writing and Administration Services

Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 2:00P.M., on Thursday, December 15. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Grant Writing and Administration Services 12-15-2022 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 2:00 P.M., on December 15, 2022. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish: November 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Professional Engineering Continuing Services Contract Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on December 15, 2022. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Professional Engineering Continuing Services Contract 12-15-2022

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on December 15, 2022. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish: November 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION Case Number: 22-10082-CIVMARTINEZ

IN RE: THE COMPLAINT OF LIGHTHOUSE PARASAIL, INC. AS OWNER OF A 2009 31’ OCEAN PRO PARASAIL BOAT TITLED “AIRBORNE” BEARING THE HULL IDENTIFICATION NO. CNX00096B909

ITS ENGINES, TACKLE, APPURTENANCES, EQUIPMENT, & ETC., IN A CAUSE OF EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, Petitioner.

_________________________/

ORDER APPROVING AD INTERIM STIPULATION, DIRECTING ISSUANCE OF MONITION AND INJUNCTION

A Complaint having been filed herein on the 26th day of September 2022, by Petitioner, Lighthouse Parasail, Inc. as owner of the 2009 31’ Ocean Pro Parasail Boat "Airborne" bearing the Hull Identification No. CNX00096B909 its Engines, Tackle, Appurtenances, Equipment, etc. (the “Vessel”) for Exoneration

From or Limitation of Liability as provided in 46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq. and pursuant to Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims for the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, for any and all loss, damage, deaths, personal injuries, damage or destruction of property or other occurrences allegedly resulting from the incident that occurred on or about May 30, 2022, referred to in the Complaint;

And Petitioner having deposited with the Court as security for the benefit of Claimants, an Ad Interim Stipulation not less than or equal to the amount or value of his interest in the vessel and pending freight, if any, as required by the rules of this Court and by the law;

IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that Ad Interim Stipulation for the value of Petitioner’s interest in the Vessel for no more than

the amount of $100,000 plus costs of Court and interest at the rate of six (6%) percent per annum from the date hereof and filed herein by Petitioner as an Ad Interim Stipulation for the purpose of this action, is hereby approved as to form and amount.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that Petitioner and any claimant who may properly become a party hereto may contest the amount or value of Petitioner’s interest in the Vessel as fixed in the Ad Interim Stipulation, subject to such increases or decreases in its amount, together with adequate security, as the Court may from time to time order according to the rules and practices of this Court.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that if the amount of the Ad Interim Stipulation is not contested by any claimant herein, the Stipulation shall stand as a Stipulation for Value and an appraisal by a Commissioner will not be required.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that a monition shall be  issued by the Clerk of this Court advising and  admonishing all persons asserting claims for any and all losses, damages, injuries, deaths or destruction allegedly as a result of the occurrences and happenings recited in the Complaint, to file their respective claims with the Clerk, United States District Courthouse for the Southern District of Florida located at 301 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida 33040, and serve on or mail copies thereof to Petitioner’s attorney, Mintzer Sarowitz Zeris Ledva & Meyers, LLP, on or before December 16, 2022, or be defaulted. If any Claimant desires to contest Petitioner’s right to exoneration from or limitation of liability, Claimant(s) shall file and serve on Petitioner’s attorney an answer to the Complaint, on or before said date, unless his claim has included an answer to the Complaint so designated.  Failure to do so will result in default.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that publication of the aforesaid notice in the form required by Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Monroe County area once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date fixed for the filing of claims.  No later than the date of the second weekly publication, a copy of said notice shall be mailed by Petitioner to every person or corporation known by the Petitioner to have a claim against Petitioner arising out of the accident set forth in the Complaint.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that the commencement or further prosecution of any action or proceeding against Petitioner, the vessel or other property of Petitioner with respect to any claims for which Petitioner seeks exoneration from or limitation of liability herein, including any claim arising out of or incident to or connected with any loss, damage, injury, death or destruction, more fully described in the Petition, be and the same is hereby STAYED and RESTRAINED until the hearing and determination of this action.

IT IS FINALLY ORDERED that the service of this order as a restraining order in this District may be made in the usual manner as in any other district of the United States by delivery by the Marshal of the United States for such district of a certified copy of this order on the person or persons to be restrained or to their respective attorneys or, alternatively, by mailing a conformed copy of it to the person or persons to be restrained or to their respective attorney.

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Miami, Florida this 20 day of October, 2022.

JOSE E. MARTINEZ UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Publish: November 10, 17, 24 & December 1, 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-287-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JANE FLORENCE DAWKINS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JANE FLORENCE DAWKINS, deceased, whose date of death was August 4, 2022, Case: 22-CP287-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: November 17, 2022.

Personal Representative: JESSICA NEWMAN 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: November 17 & 24, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000339-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES W. MCKNIGHT, JR. A/K/A CHARLES W. MCKNIGHT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Charles W. McKnight, Jr. a/k/a Charles W. McKnight, deceased, whose date of death was August 29, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands 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: November 10, 2022.

Personal Representative: Patricia Magnon 14905 Heronglen Drive Lithia, Florida 33547

Attorney for Personal Representative: Judy Karniewicz

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 694185

THE KARNIEWICZ LAW GROUP 1211 W. Fletcher Avenue Tampa, Florida 33612 Telephone: (813) 962-0747 Fax: (813) 962-0741

E-mail: Judy@tklg.net

Secondary E-Mail: Calli@tklg.net Publish: November 10 & 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-126-P IN RE: ESTATE OF GERD CARL WUNDERLICH Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of GERD CARL WUNDERLICH, deceased, whose date of death was August 4, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: November 10, 2022.

Co-Personal Representatives: Gregory K. Wunderlich 186 Arbor Lane Tavernier, FL 33070 Theresa L. Wunderlich 910 State St. # 2 New Albany, IN 47150

Attorney for Personal Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com

Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com

Florida Bar No. 382035

Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036

Telephone: 305-664-5065

Publish: November 10 & 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000137-P IN RE: ESTATE OF

You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of DIANA D. NEWMAN, deceased, File Number 22-CP-000137-P, by the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070; that the decedent’s date of death was August 9th, 2022; that the total value of the estate is $0.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:

Name: LISA LAPRADD as Trustee of the DIANA D. NEWMAN Declaration of Trust dtd March 27, 2003 Address: 148 Harbor Lane, Tavernier, FL 33070

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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: November 10, 2022.

DIANA D. NEWMAN Declaration of Trust dtd March 27, 2003 LISA LAPRADD, Trustee 148 Harbor Lane Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorneys for Person Giving Notice: Palmer Palmer & Mangiero 12790 S. Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33156 Telephone: (305) 378-0011 Florida Bar No. 818119

Email Addresses: eservice@ ppmpalaw.com david@ppmpalaw.com Publish: November 10 & 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-231-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JUDITH THOMPSON GADDIS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Judith Thompson Gaddis, deceased, whose date of death was May 17, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands 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

DIANA D. NEWMAN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (summary administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE:

LEGAL NOTICES

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: November 10, 2022.

Personal Representative: LYNN MARIE SMITH 712 William Street Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: Gregory D. Davila, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0886998

Law Office of Gregory D. Davila, P.A. 1111 12th Street, Suite 411 Key West, Florida 33040

Telephone: (305) 293-8554 Fax: (305) 294-9913 E-mail: gdavila@ keywestlawoffice.com

Secondary E-Mail: e-filing@ keywestlawoffice.com Publish: November 10 & 17, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

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

Case No.: 2022-DR-87-M

Division: Family DAVID RODRIGUEZ, Petitioner, and KAYE RODRIGUEZ, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: Kaye Rodriguez 43 Morley Close Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0LG

United Kingdom

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Michelle Klinger Smith, attorney for David Rodriguez, whose address is 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 7, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before December 12, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

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

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida

Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 27TH day of October 2022.

Kevin Madok, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida

By: Shakia Mitchell

Deputy Clerk

Publish: November 10, 17, 24 and December 1, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 22-DR-745-K

DIVISION: FAMILY

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: MARIO TORRES, Petitioner, and, LAURA ZURITA, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: Laura Zurita

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Mexico

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Mario Torres, whose address is 1019 Margaret Street, Apt. 5, Key West, FL 33040 on or before December 12, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

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

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

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

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: November 7, 2022 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk

Publish: November 10, 17, 24 & December 1, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 22-DR-229-M DIVISION: FAMILY IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: HILARIA PARTIDA, Petitioner, and, RAUL EDUARDO JUAREZ SAC, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: Raul Eduardo Juarez Sac

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Unknown

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Hilaria Partida, whose address is 1337 Ocean Breeze Avenue, #47, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before December 5, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

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

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

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

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure,

LEGAL NOTICES

Dated: October 31, 2022

Kevin Madok, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Calvin Joseph Deputy Clerk Publish: November 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2022-CA-000674-K

JUDGE: Timothy Koenig RAYMOND J. VAZQUEZ AND MATTHEW A. NOONER, Plaintiff, Vs. NANCY MILLINGER a/k/a NANCY B. MILLINGER, deceased, her unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under or against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: NANCY MILLINGER a/k/a NANCY B. MILLINGER, deceased, his unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under or against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described,

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Complaint has been filed against you by the Plaintiff in the above-styled court for the purpose of quieting title to the following described property situate and being in Monroe County, Florida:

All that part parcel or lot of land lying and being in the County of Monroe and State of Florida, described as follows:

In the City of Key West and known on Whitehead’s plan of said city delineated in February, A.D., 1829 as part of Lot Two (2) in Square Number Sixty-three (63):

Commencing at a point one hundred and five (105) feet from Southard Street and two hundred (200) feet from Whitehead Street, and running thence in a Southeasterly direction Fifty (50) feet; thence Northeasterly Forty (40) feet; thence Northwesterly Fifty (50) feet to land adjoining the Estate of John Bullman.  The Southeasterly front of forty (40) feet being along the line of a ten foot alley.

YOU ARE REQUIRED to serve a copy of your written defenses,

EMPLOYMENT LEGAL NOTICES

if any, to it on Richard J. McChesney, Esq., Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood, & Sterling, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 500 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040, on or before the following date: December 5, 2022, and to file the original with the Clerk of the Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on 26th day of October, 2022.

KEVIN MADOK, as Clerk of the Court

By: Shonta McLeod, as Deputy Clerk Publish: November 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

- Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

BOAT SLIP/TRAILER

STORAGE FOR RENT

Immediate positions at the Grassy Key Marina. Under new ownership and looking for smiling faces. Fulltime or part-time 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.

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: Paralegal, Utilities Maintenance, Recreation Specialist, Right of Way Technician, Part-time 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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

HOUSING FOR RENT LONG TERM

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

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

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, 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.

EMPLOYMENT

All Keys Yamaha hiring a Technician Marine Repair specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. Hours M-F 8a-5p. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530

Join the Ocean Dayz Team! We are accepting applications for a Sales Associate in Islamorada. Must be outgoing, detail oriented and willing to work weekends. Experience a plus. Starting pay dependent upon qualifications. Apply in person at Island Dreamz, 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada or submit resume to: csteele@oceandayz.com

Boat rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic. Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006

Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight coverage at an Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am with weekly stipend Drug and background screen required. Apply at www.westcare.com

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

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

NOW HIRING - Full Time Seafood Packers/Graders and Freezer Worker. Competitive Wage. Apply in person at Keys Fisheries Fish House, 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon. EOE DFWP

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for several temporary Distribution System Operators to perform entry-level, semiskilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. This position runs through 9/30/23. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or GED. $25.00/hr. with paid holidays and enrollment into the Florida Retirement System. Upper Florida Keys, EEO, VPE, ADA, DFWP Apply online at: http://www.fkaa. com/employment.htm

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

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

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

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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave

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.

requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

LONG TERM

FOR SALE YARD

OPEN POSITIONS

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus

- Manager Medical Staff

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Hyperbaric Tech

- Nurse Supervisor

- Monitor Technician, Cardiac Telemetry

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

- Patient Experience Advocate, Patient Experience

- Pool Physical Therapist

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

Location: Upper Keys Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruct.com Or call: 305-852-3002

to join our team in a very fast paced, exciting and dynamic role that is structured with details varying on each project.

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.

www dynastymarine net

Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world

FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT- FULLTIME

Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

- 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

Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $16.00/hour to start. Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING!

School Programs

& Outreach Curriculum Specialist

(Full-Time - Permanent)

Visual Communications

(Full-Time/Part-Time, Seasonal or Permanent)

Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff (Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/Permanent)

Accounting Director (Full-Time/Permanent)

Education Registration & Enrollment Specialist (Full-Time/Permanent)

Gift

Benefits

SUNSET GRILLE IS LOOKING FOR A FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

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

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

• Oversee and support front of house supervisors

• Oversee overall maintenance of the restaurant and property

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

• Responsible for ensuring guest satisfaction and quality guest experience

• Maintain employee records

• Oversee training and identify training needs

• Responsible for new hire onboarding and orientation

• Conduct staff meetings when necessary

• Monitor labor and operational costs

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

• Perform other duties as assigned

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

305.735.4962