Marathon Weekly 22-1208

NOTHING COMPARES

Glittering oceanfront views, attention to detail and modern architecture define this island oasis located in Marathon. Nestled at the end of Man-O-War Drive, new 2019 CBS, 3-story home with metal roof, 8 foot impact windows/doors, 1 car garage, smart home technology, and marble decked concrete pool. This modern beauty features two-bedrooms, two-bathrooms, 1,902 square feet with 37.5 feet of new concrete capped, steel seawall and shore power on recently dredged canal. Be greeted by dazzling ocean views, 10 foot ceilings, plus high gloss custom epoxy flooring and countertops that mirror the ocean's color palette. Chef's open concept state-of-the-art kitchen features corner pantry, center island, high-end stainless GE Monogram appliances. Experience indoor/outdoor living with 8 foot pocket impact sliders on the 2 porches facing due South to enjoy the Atlantic breeze. Be enamored by 300 degree Atlantic Ocean views in the third floor master ensuite. Fall in-love with spectacular sunrises and cotton candy clouds from bed. Wander in wonder, there is truly no place like this in paradise.

Jo Ann Cook, Managing Broker Each office is independently owned and operated.

versary

6,

Dec. 6.

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KEYS SEEK MILLIONS FROM FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

LOCAL DELEGATION MEETS WITH STATE OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS PRIORITIES IN TALLAHASSEE

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Florida Keys officials hope another legislative session in Tallahassee will yield mil lions of dollars for ongoing projects, fixes to the state’s crippling insurance industry and changes to a law that has complicated matters for local specialty contractors.

Local municipalities, agencies and nonprofits relayed their list of priorities to state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez during a Dec. 5 virtual meeting of the Keys delegation. The Florida Legisla ture won’t convene for session until March 7, 2023, but work is underway to draft bills and develop money requests.

Funding for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which covers water quality projects, sits atop the priority list for Monroe County and other local governments. Passed by the Florida Legislature in 2016, the Stewardship Act once funded solely wastewater projects. Since then, funds have covered stormwater en hancements and canal restorations.

Last year, the Keys received $20 million in Stewardship Act funding and $5 million for land acquisition. County officials aren’t only looking to secure another $25 million in the upcoming session, but they’re also hoping to approve a recurring five-year, water-related work plan for distribution of state funding.

County officials are also seeking state funds for the development of mooring fields near Wisteria Island off Key West. A new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier in the year will force boaters who are not in a managed mooring area and 1 mile off Key West to move roughly a quar ter mile every 90 days. But that won’t take effect until the county and state install 100 new mooring buoys off the Key West shores. Lisa Tennyson, county legislative affairs director, said Keys officials went to work on a

feasibility study to develop mooring fields. The design, engineering and implementation will be costly.

“The two mooring fields the county commission is looking at will be around $1.7 million,” she said.

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston expressed the city’s support for funding to install new moorings. She also requested some state funds for costs to service the 100 new mooring balls.

In October, the county broke ground on a new emergency opera tions center at the Marathon Airport. Completion of the 28,300-squarefoot facility is expected around spring 2024. A sharp increase in project costs wasn’t expected, how ever. What was originally going to be a $27.8-million building escalated to $31.8 million due to construc tion materials and labor. Other cost increases add $2 million to the price tag. Now, county officials are seeking help from the state.

“We were hit with an unantici pated cost escalation and there is a funding shortfall of $6 million,” Ten nyson told Mooney and Rodriguez. “The county commission would like

to seek an appropriation to help with the shortfall.”

The EOC project is funded by three grants from the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Department of Emergency Management.

Monroe County is hoping for a change or repeal to House Bill 735, which preempted local governments’ ability to issue new local contractors licenses. Current licenses will expire in July 2023 if no changes are made, meaning only state-licensed general contractors and homeowners would be able to obtain work permits.

With no local license, hundreds of small specialty contractors in Monroe County and many more throughout the state won’t be able to obtain work permits. That leaves their livelihoods and businesses at stake.

“We remember the issue over specialty licensing and we want to make sure local specialty license holders are protected,” said Mara thon Manager George Garrett.

Monroe County Emergency Management Director Shannon Weiner, center, her staff, fire rescue administration and 9-1-1 communication operations will move to the new emergency operations center once complete. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

Pigeon Key Operations Director Chris Rowell, right, lets Zoe Dolan and her mom Brittany take a turn ringing the bell on the new Pigeon Key train. The train helped Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Faro Blanco lighthouse lighting in style. See page 30. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Everglades National Park celebrated its 75th anni

on

The park was dedicated on Dec.

1947 in Everglades City. A rededication ceremony held on Dec. 3 welcomed officials throughout South Florida to celebrate the occasion and view the newly renovated Guy Bradley Visitor Center.

JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ONE OF FLORIDA’S LARGEST EDUCATION FOCUSED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc., is seeking a private sector and Early Head Start/Head Start director to ll vacant board seats. To qualify members must meet the statutory requirements, as de ned in Chapter 1002.83, Florida statutes.

Governor appointed private sector business members, either for-pro t or nonpro t, who do not (or any relatives as de ned in s. 112.3143) have a substantial nancial interest in the design or delivery of the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (1002.51 – 79, Florida Statutes) or the School Readiness Program (1002.81 – 995, Florida Statutes).

To apply for this position go to https://www. gov.com/appointments/ and ll out the application.

Early Head Start or Head Start director, candidate must reside in Florida and be the director of an early care and education program o ering Early Head Start and/or Head Start and conducting business in Miami-Dade or Monroe County.

To apply for this position go to https://bit.ly/ELCMDM_BOD or scan the QR code for the application.

representative of private for-profit child care providers, including private for-profit family day care homes; a representative of faith-based child care providers; a representative of programs for children with disabilities under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; additional members who must be private sector business members, either for-profit or nonprofit. The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring high-quality early education for children in Miami-Dade and Monroe. Through a community-based collaborative approach, we are committed to promoting high-quality early learning, advocating on behalf of children, and preparing every child for success in both school and life.

This publication was made possible by Grant Number 90TP0068-02-00 from the O ce of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Key Colony Beach’s new city commission took shape on Dec. 1 with the swearing-in of newly elected commissioners Beth Ramsay-Vickrey and Freddie Foster. In the wake of former commissioner Ron Sutton’s passing on Oct. 25, the seated commissioners voted to appoint former Code Enforcement and Planning and Zoning Board chair Joey Raspe to fill the vacant seat.

Finishing as the top vote-getter with 42.3% of the vote in the Nov. 8 general election, Ramsay-Vickrey was re-elected following her appointment in April 2022 to fill the seat vacated by former commissioner Kathryn McCullough.

With 31.62% of the vote, Foster won his first term on the commission with the final open seat, defeating former secretary/treasurer John DeNeale (26.01%).

In addition to Raspe, the seated commissioners heard from applicants Phillip “Larry” Mills and Robert “Bob” Glassman to fill Sutton’s vacant seat. Per the city’s charter, remaining commissioners may appoint a qualified individual to fill a vacant seat within 45 days, with a special election held if an agreement cannot be reached.

Glassman, a former Planning and Zoning Board member, spoke of his experience as a soon-to-be fulltime resident and owner of a home formerly used as a vacation rental, a position he said allowed him to understand challenges and issues faced by both types of property owners in KCB. Working as a computer programmer for 36 years, Glassman also created and owned Florida Keys Tankless Water Heaters from 2006 to 2016.

Vietnam veteran Mills touted his experience as vice president of a private equity investment firm as well as a 48-year career in construction that began in his military days. Major projects included construction of electrical generating, water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities along with several gas and oil pipelines.

In addition to his service on two boards, which saw him work hand in hand with the city’s building department and code enforcement officer, Raspe discussed his membership in the Monroe Emergency Reserve Corps, a volunteer organization that supports the Monroe County office of emergency management, as well as his heavy involvement in the city fishing and boating club and its annual children’s fishing derby.

Though the seated members heralded all three candidates as qualified to hold the position, the commission voted 3-1 to appoint Raspe, with Foster instead voting for Mills. Raspe will serve the remainder of Sutton’s term, expiring in 2024.

“I just don’t think, at this point in time, that anybody’s more qualified than Joey to immediately walk into this seat and start operating at a professional and a full level from day one,” said Ramsay-Vickrey.

In a surprising 3-2 split vote that drew a buzz from the room, the commission chose former mayor Patti Trefry to continue in her post, with Foster nominating former vice mayor Tom Harding instead. Both Foster and Harding voted against Trefry’s selection. Ramsay-Vickrey secured the position of vice mayor with an identical 3-2 split, while Harding was chosen as secretary/treasurer in a 4-1 decision. Harding, who had nominated Foster, was the lone nay vote in his own selection.

KEYS SEEK MILLIONS FROM FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Mel Montagne, of Fair Insurance Rates of Monroe, told the state legislators that it’s advocating for a 10% rate cap on Citizens rates. As of now, rate increases are on a 1% increase per year glidepath beginning in 2026 — where it will ultimate ly reach 15%. FIRM is also seeking a return to the 10% cap for secondary homes that are used as annual rentals for locals. Montagne said roughly 80% to 90% of Citizens policies are written in Monroe County.

“They profit handsomely from Monroe County to the tune of $50 million a year. Those are numbers through 2021 and I anticipate they had a banner year in 2022,” he said. “We’d like to see Citizens move back to its original intent as a wind-only market and get away from everything else driving the issues, like the multi-peril policies and fraud.”

Monroe Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford said the district is working with Mooney and Rodriguez to expedite construction of an affordable housing complex on Trumbo Road in Key West. Axford noted that the district hires roughly 100 new people per year. This past year, 60 qualified candi dates were unable to accept offers due to the lack of afford able housing.

“We want to deliver the best possible service to all stu dents,” Axford said.

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will seek funds in the tens of millions to continue transmission line replacement in the Keys. “At a cost of $5 million a mile, as you can imag ine we’re eating up funds quickly,” said Greg Veliz, executive director.

The village of Islamorada and the city of Marathon are seeking possible legislative fixes to each municipality’s accep tance of 300 affordable housing units from the state follow ing Hurricane Irma. In August, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal deemed the allocations, which were characterized as “early evacuation” units, illegal. Per the ruling, the designa tion violated Florida statute requiring a hurricane evacuation clearance time for permanent residents of no more than 24 hours. A request to re-hear a case was turned down. Both Garrett and Islamorada Manager Ted Yates said affordable housing and ROGO were among the top priorities for their municipalities.

“We’re fighting alongside Marathon to see where all that’s going to play out,” Yates said

Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking $1 million for its coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys. The nonprofit with labs on Summerland Key, Islamorada and Key Largo received $1 million in state funds last year. Michael Crosby, president, said Mote Marine Lab employs 40 full-time staff who have out planted more than 40,000 corals.

Providing a carve-out for Monroe County from preemp tive vacation rental regulations, levying a 1 cent surtax with proceeds used for roads and transportation projects and funding through Florida’s Resilient Florida grant program for road elevation and flood mitigation projects were other requests made by Keys municipalities.

Mooney said he’s on the same page with all priorities outlined by all local governments. He enters his second term in office after his re-election in November. Mooney will have some leadership roles when he returns to Tallahassee. He’ll serve as Republican Committee Whip on the House Appropri ations Committee and vice chair of the State Administration and Technology Appropriations Committee.

SEEKING INFORMATION

U.S. officials want system to track whereabouts of Cuban migrants at sea

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

More than 120 Cuban migrants making the daunting journey from their home land to the Florida Keys were sent back by the Coast Guard on Dec. 5. Since October, members of the Coast Guard have inter dicted 2,755 Cuban migrants at sea, which is on pace to shatter last year’s total of 6,182.

Inquiries are growing among family members in Florida who are seeking the whereabouts of their family members making their way to the U.S. by sea. With calls flowing into their offices, U.S. Reps. Carlos Gimenez, Ma ria Diaz-Balart and Maria Elvira Salazar have written a joint letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, seeking a system to better inform family members.

Concerns are outlined in the letter over the Biden Administra tion’s shift in policy with Cuba, including an agreement with the Cuban regime to increase repatriations of Cuban nationals. The U.S. legislators who repre sent portions of South Florida say that it’s led to an increase in family members seeking infor mation on their loved ones who were interdicted at sea. The letter states that there’s no ef ficient and timely way for family or legal representatives to verify their location and basic details of their cases.

“This is a fixable problem,” the letter reads. “The United States government has ad dressed this issue for individuals in U.S. Immigration and Cus toms Enforcement (ICE) custody through the Online Detainee

Locator System (ODLS). ODLS is a publicly available online system that allows the public to search for persons to determine whether they are detained by ICE and if so, at which facility they are located.

“By making the informa tion available in this way, family members and legal representa tives are able to find basic infor mation without draining crucial resources or manpower from already strained and overworked agencies,” the letter continues.

With deportations of Cuban nationals on the rise, Gimenez, Diaz-Balart and Salazar said family and legal representatives would benefit if they received accurate information on whether they were interdicted and where they are located, among other details.

Even with more resources, the Coast Guard crews in the Keys continue to struggle with numerous migrant landing cases arriving in the Keys. Crews from the Coast Guard and other agencies continue to patrol the Florida Straits, Windward and Mona passages to stop danger ous maritime voyages.

"The sea state can change at a moment's notice and can lead to loss of life when attempting to illegally migrate in unsafe and unseaworthy vessels," said Lt. Paul Puddington, Coast Guard District Seven.

On land, U.S. Customs & Border Protection has also dealt with large numbers of Cuban migrants. On Dec. 5, CBP and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple migrant landings involving 26 adult males and 7 adult females. Three days before, CBP dealt with two migrant landings involving 30 Cuban migrants.

A beached Cuban chug at Long Key. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

EVERGLADES IS KEY TO THE FLORIDA KEYS

The Florida Everglades is the legacy of every Floridian, a vast, iconic ecosystem un like anything else found on Earth. The largest subtropical wet land in North America, it provides critical habitat for more than 70 different endangered or threat ened species like the manatee, the American crocodile and the Florida panther. Its bird community alone includes more than 360 different species.

Its 3 million acres covers a massive expanse, but perspective is important: what we now know as the Florida Everglades occupies less than half of its original foot print.

Those of us in the Florida Keys have a unique relationship to the Florida Everglades, one that should inspire each of us to become vocal and active advocates of Everglades restoration.

Without the Everglades, life itself would not be sustainable for the 82,000 residents and countless tourists in Monroe County. Further, much of the multibillion-dollar Florida Bay recreational fishing industry would not exist. That’s be cause the Everglades is the source for the drinking water that makes our lives possible and provides the freshwater needed to balance the salinity of Florida Bay.

The Keys’ drinking water is drawn primarily from the Biscayne Aquifer. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority wellhead is located in a protected rockland forest near Everglades National Park.

Thanks to the natural filtering action of the Everglades and the

underground Biscayne Aquifer, the FKAA wellhead draws some of the purest water in the United States, meeting or exceeding all regulatory drinking water standards direct from the wellhead. The treated wa ter is then distributed to the Keys through a 130-mile-long transmis sion main.

Just as the Everglades provides us the water we need to stay alive, it is also the source of the freshwa ter that makes Florida Bay one of the world’s most sought-after sport fishing destinations.

One of the most unique estu aries in the United States, Florida Bay is located on a shallow shelf lagoon where freshwater from the Everglades mixes with salt water from the Gulf of Mexico. The delicate balance of salt water and fresh in Florida Bay is what gives life to the seagrass, fish and other wildlife that contributes to Florida’s $7.2 billion recreational fishing industry.

Florida Bay’s seagrass provides food and shelter to species includ ing the economically important pink shrimp, stone crab and spiny lobster. Numerous wading birds, as well as endangered species like the bald eagle, also depend on a healthy bay.

The bay, however, is a “nega tive” estuary, meaning that evapo ration exceeds the input of new freshwater for most of the year.

For millennia, Florida Bay re ceived large quantities of freshwa ter via the Everglades watershed, but over the past century, man has siphoned off more than half of the fresh water that once flowed into

the bay. This has increased salinity across the bay, rendering the bay more vulnerable to drought and more susceptible to hypersaline conditions, seagrass die-offs, and algae blooms. Carefully increasing the timing and flows of freshwater into the bay through Everglades restoration has now become criti cal.

With all that’s at stake, resi dents of the Florida Keys should understand the importance of Everglades restoration to the bay’s health and the Keys economy, hopefully becoming vocal advo cates for completion of restora tion.

Fortunately, there have never been more resources available to those wanting to become more fa miliar with the issues involved. The Everglades Foundation maintains an extensive library of engag ing online educational tools and resources, and Florida Bay Forever maintains an informative list of re sources about the history, science and politics of the issues.

Whatever our political views or partisan affiliations, each of us has a lot at stake here. For those of us in the recreational fishing and hospitality industries, our livelihoods are in the balance, but for every one of us, this is a fight for the very water we need to stay alive.

— Eric Eikenberg, CEO, the Everglades Foundation.

— Jeff Baumgartner, executive director, Florida Bay Forever.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “Sorrow and Bliss” by Meg Mason.

Why: I read a review of this somewhere and picked it up just to see what all the fuss was about. Even Ann Patchett gave it a glow ing blurb. However, it seemed like something I would never read.

Let’s just say, I was pleasantly surprised. This is probably one of the best books I’ve read in the past decade. I became such a bore because I recommended it to every single person I met.

The plot is deceptively simple: A study of depression and its effect on a marriage. But don’t let that deter you from reading what is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. I mean, LOL funny.

I was vindicated recently read ing that Sofia Coppola said that this book is the one she would most like to turn into a Netflix series.

Way to go, Sofia! I always knew you had good taste.

Where: This is available as an ebook – and is on-order in printfrom the Monroe County Library system.

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

Recommended by: Jay Bea sley, library assistant, Key West branch

SEVEN MILE BRIDGE RUN REGISTRATION SET FOR JANUARY

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

The 42nd Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run will be on April 1, 2023 and plans are to again run from west to east. Registration, which costs $100, is online only.

Registration opens on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, be ginning at 6 a.m. Anyone can register on this date, but only 1,500 entries are accepted and the field fills very quickly. Runners must show a photo ID when picking up their bib num bers that matches the address used to register.

Early registration opens for Monroe County residents on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at 6 a.m. To qualify as a Monroe County resident, runners must use a county address that matches a photo ID. There is a limited number of entries avail able for locals only who register on this date. Runners must show a photo ID that has the same address used to register when picking up run numbers. If unsuccessful on Jan. 26, Monroe County residents may also try registering on Jan. 31.

Packet pickup at Faro Blan co will be on Friday, March 31, 2023 until 8 p.m. Runners need to be present with a photo ID that matches the registration address to pick up the runner’s packet.

Runsignup.com will again be used for registration, so prior registration of an account there will help to expedite reg istration for the bridge run.

Accommodations are made for Monroe County students who register at a dis counted rate, courtesy of Keys Federal Credit Union, early in the month of January. Those interested can send a selfaddressed stamped envelope to Marathon Runners Club, PO Box 500110, Marathon, FL 33050, and a student registra tion form will be mailed to them. These student-only regis tration forms must be received back at the Post Office box no later than Friday, Jan. 20.

More information is avail able via email to 7MileBridg eRun@GMail.com.

— Contributed

This is my first edition of Cap tain Joel's Fishin' Holes in the Marathon Weekly. My number one goal is to keep you, the reader, informed on what's biting, current conditions, techniques and tutorials, season openings and closures, upcoming tournaments and fishing events, significant recent catches and much more. The fishing industry is the heartbeat of the Florida Keys, especially in Marathon. I am proud to write for the Marathon Weekly as a locally-owned and -operated publication, and I'm honored to reach out to you each week in this column.

For those of you who know me, you probably know that I fish 300 days a year so I can afford to hunt the other 65, normally hunting in September, October and November. It's our slowest three months, which also conveniently falls during hunting season. This year, I spent a few weeks in the Midwest on a successful deer hunting trip, arriving back in Marathon just before Thanks giving. We've been running charters fairly steadily, and here's this week’s fishing report:

• Reef and wreck: A great quantity and quality of yellowtails are schooling up in between 20 and 100 feet. Mutton snapper and black grouper are showing up on the reef on slack or slackish tide. Some sailfish are being caught too.

• Bridges and ledges: My favorite fish to target at the Seven Mile Bridge this time of year are yellow jacks. They like live bait and will school into a chum line. They fight as hard as a jack crevalle, but they taste like a permit or pompano. While you're fishing for yellow jack, you catch many other game fish too.

• Back country and flats: The post-spawn mangrove snapper are hanging in four to eight feet of water over seagrass, staying warm when the water temp drops. Chum a lot and use a cut ballyhoo the size of your thumb on a jig head. Sharks, barracuda and juvenile tarpon can be targeted in the same skinny water.

…is a fifth-genera tion Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fish ing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

• Offshore: The mahi bite is starting to slow down. There are no birds or weed lines to be found, but if you happen to find a good floater – a large piece of floating debris – you have a fair chance of finding several good quality mahi and a wahoo or three. All sizes of blackfin tuna are thick at the Marathon Humps. The best tuna bite happens at sunup and sundown.

In Fishing News: Stanley Switlik Elementary has a new fishing club called Switfish Fishing Club. It's for any kid between the VPK and fifth grade who would like to fish and learn all about the sport. Special thanks to Captain Chris and city councilwoman Robyn Still of the Tackle Box for their hard work and commitment to the Switfish Fishing Club. If you have a child who would like to join or if you are in terested in volunteering, contact mara thonkeyfishingcharters@gmail.com or call Captain Jojo at 305-879-0564.

Tournament News: The second annual Marathon Premier Sailfish Tour nament was just announced for April 20-22, 2023. For info, visit www.mara thonsailfish.com or call tournament director Katie Lewis at 305-783-8313. In last year’s inaugural tournament, Katie Lewis, Mark Busch and their tourna ment volunteers, sponsors and 20 teams of participants raised more than $10,000 for a wonderful charity called Mission Fishin’.

I hope to see you all out there! Be safe and happy holidays!

— To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anaba nanafishing.com.

Hundreds of runners fill the Seven Mile Bridge at sunrise in the 2022 race. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

Capt. Joseph ‘JoJo’ Brandenburg, son of Capt. Joel Brandenburg, shows off a puffer fish to Stanley Switlik junior fishers in one of the Switfish Fishing Club’s meetings. CONTRIBUTED

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s neighbor is a familiar friendly face for those making trips to Home Depot for home improvement projects. Recommended by her coworkers for this feature, MHS senior Ky’ondra White balances her studies with an evening job as a cashier at the store.

What would you do if you won the lottery? I would move from the Keys to Orlando, buy a house for my family and maybe a new car.

KY’ONDRA

What’s the funniest app on your phone? Definitely TikTok. How about the funniest video you’ve seen on social media? I was on TikTok and I saw these three famous people live stream ing. The streamer’s girlfriend was eating pizza and she choked. She was chewing with her mouth open and then just started choking. (Edi tor’s note: we looked up the video. All involved parties are A-OK.)

How did you first come to the Keys? I was born and raised here, and it’s my last year at Marathon High School.

What are you involved in at the high school? I’m playing basket ball, I’m in leadership class and I’m part of Take Stock in Children. Those are the three things I’m jug gling right now.

What is your hype song and your sad song? My hype song would be “Big League” by Yo Gotti, and the sad song is “Her Way” by PAR TYNEXTDOOR.

If there was one chore you could have taken away from you forever, what would it be? Washing dishes!

What is one thing that’s always on the menu, but you will never try? Oysters. They just look slimy. What is one thing most people don’t know about you? That I’m a really good cook. I’m really good at appetizers and took culinary classes for two years.

Two truths and a lie: I have two siblings, I broke my leg when I was 7, and I’ve played basketball for four years.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Push your hardest and strive for the best. Never stop.

Would you rather every stop light you come to for the rest of your life be red when you first get there, or every year you turn into a loaf of bread for 24 hours?

I’ll take the red lights.

Ky’ondra White is an MHS student in her final year by day, and a friendly face at the checkout counter at Home Depot by night. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Spotlighting the amazing individuals who live and work in the Middle Keys

COUNTY COMMISSION SEEKS TOURIST DOLLARS FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County commissioners kicked off the Dec. 7 meeting in Key Largo by remembering the life and work of Mayor Emeritus Sylvia Murphy, who passed away on Nov. 26 at the age of 86. Following a video from her retirement in 2020, which looked back on the county commissioner’s work, a moment of silence was held inside the Murray Nelson Government Center.

During the discussion portion of the meeting, Mayor Craig Cates and county commissioners delved into ways to potentially use tourist dollars to support housing for a workforce that’s integral to the industry.

County Attorney Bob Shillinger said statute allows for Tourist Development Council dollars to fund the building, acquisition and modification of public facilities, so long as it’s needed to increase tourist-related activities in the county. Shillinger told commissioners that public facility projects include, but aren’t limited to, transportation, solid waste and pedestrian facilities. In Shillinger’s view, affordable housing would meet requirements in the statute.

“When the legislature starts a phrase with ‘including but not limited to,’ this is not an exhaustive list,” Shillinger said.

He acknowledged some limitations to using tourist dollars for public facilities projects. The county would need to receive at least $10 million in tourist tax dollars the year before. Shillinger said receipts in the county exceed that figure. If a vote came up to fund a specific project, the BOCC would need a two-thirds vote. And a 30% match would be required for the project that’s paid with non-tourist tax revenues.

Cates said the county constantly speaks about housing needs for the workforce. He acknowledged the important role workers in the tourism industry have on the local economy.

“We have a large amount of money. I don’t know the exact figure but I’d like to see money set aside,” he said.

No definitive action was taken on the matter. Shillinger said they’d need to seek input from the TDC on the proposal.

County commissioners approved a resolution to impose a facility charge on customers who rent cars from rent-

al companies at the Key West International Airport. The item was pulled by Commissioner Michelle Coldiron to allow Richard Strickland, airports director, to provide a presentation on the charge. Strickland said 95% of the $4 fee will be paid by traveling public visitors. The funds will help with the planning, design and construction of a new facility at the airport, he said.

“It will relocate and consolidate all rental car operations,” he said. “Currently they operate out of car washers and gas pumps there.”

The charge will be collected by rental car concessionaires beginning March 1, 2023. Projected revenue for 2023 from the charge is $1.6 million.

A Florida Department of Transportation grant totaling $852,000 to improve and expand public transit in Key West was approved by county commissioners. Per the grant, a local 50% match, $426,000, is required in order to submit the grant. Richard Clark, new county transportation executive director, said the grant will fund small, on-demand transportation to help move people between Stock Island and Key West.

Commissioners approved a resolution to set a public hearing in January 2023 for a proposal to amend the county’s alcoholic beverages code to create a definition section and address outdoor, on-premise consumption. According to Emily Schemper, planning director, the amendments seek to relocate existing definitions located in alcoholic beverages chapter to reside in a single location and define alcoholic beverage sales. Proposed amendments would also address common situations in the county that place conditions on alcoholic beverage use permits issued to applicants proposing outdoor on-premises consumption, with or without music and entertainment.

A Florida Department of Transportation representative unveiled its upcoming five-year work program to county commissioners. A 2024-2028 work plan includes $498 million in projects, of which $257 million will go to bridge repair and replacement. State funds for roads and bridges in the Keys have increased since the 2020-2024 work plan that dolled out $137.1 million. A Seven Mile Bridge replacement is slated for a 2030 work plan. The cost for the new bridge by FDOT is outlined at $677 million.

COMMERCE CORNER

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SPORTS & MORE

RALPH MORROW

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

ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

The United States’ par ticipation in the Group stage and the Round of 16 at the World Cup lasted only four games for soc cer fans (football to the purists), but it was a heck of a lot of fun.

To be honest, the United States still needs some help to look the big-time soccer powers in the eyes. We aren’t there yet. We need some strong players who can easily score. We had a hard time putting the goal in the net.

Soccer means a lot more to fans elsewhere in the world, which leads to strong players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé. I’m basing my opinion on what I’ve read as well as what knowledgeable people tell me.

I never played the game. It wasn’t offered at my schools. I guess I played every sport that was offered, but I had to wait until I had children so I could watch their games as Molly, Rob, Peter and John did play soccer.

The U.S. faltered in its open ing World Cup game, a Group B contest on Nov. 21, tying Wales, 1-1. The United States’ Timothy Weah scored in the 36th minute, while Gareth Bale equalized at the 82nd of 90 regular game minutes. And from what I’ve read, the United States had the superior team, but didn’t show it.

In its next group contest, on Nov. 25, the U.S. surprised a better team, England, with a scoreless tie.

That meant that in its third game of Round B, it would be necessary to come out a victor to advance to the Round of 16 and the United States did just that, defeating Iran, 1-0, on Nov. 29, with America’s ace, Christian Pulisic, scoring the goal at the 36th minute.

In the Round of 16, on Sat urday, Dec. 3, the U.S. drew a formidable opponent in No. 8 Netherlands, which was living on an unbeaten streak of 12 victories and four ties.

Netherlands soccer star Memphis Depay, seen here while playing for Barcelona in 2021, helped his team defeat the U.S. on Dec. 3. WIKIPEDIA/ Contributed

Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor recently resigned from her position amid allegations of impropriety when police body cam footage showed the chief and her husband attempting to use her position with the department to get out of a traf fic violation while driving a golf cart with no license plate on a road. She first flashed her badge, then identified herself as police chief before politely asking the deputy if he could “just let her go.”

We all know our beloved sheriff would never at tempt something like this, but we found ourselves wondering…

10. You may know my sister, Beth. She is a Key Colony Beach city commissioner.

9. I’m on my way to Mike Puto’s house for a cock fight.

8. Look deeply into the flat top.

7. You see that light in the corner of your eye? That’s your career dissipation light and it just went into high gear.

6. You know Crane?

5. Let’s draw for it!

For the first eight minutes of the game, the U.S. set the pace, out playing its well-regarded opponent. Even getting a shot on goal. But, of course, the die was cast.

Goals from Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries, starting with the Depay goal at the 10th minute of the first quarter, settled the issue.

After Blind scored just before halftime, the U.S. scored its goal at the half on a shot by Pulisic that bounced off Haji Wright and into the net at the 81:30 mark. That made it 2-1 Netherlands, but the Dutch soon scored another goal for the 3-1 final score.

“This is a difficult one to han dle,” U.S. head coach Gregg Berhal ter said in a post-match interview. “We came up short today, but not for lack of trying or lack of effort.”

So, the Netherlands moved on, while the United States team went home.

In 1930, with only 13 teams in the field, the U.S. made the semifi nal. But this is a different era. And, as I said, we need better players.

4. You mention this to anyone and you’ll be shoveling llama poop at the animal farm until your pension kicks in.

3. I don’t know how fast I was going, nor do I care because I own Dennis Ward.

2. What are you doing here? I thought you were one of our 45 empty patrol cars along the highway.

1. When bad news happens in our department, you’ll hear it from me first. … You’re fired.

USA NEEDS A POWER PLAYER TO COMPETE IN WORLD CUP

BEAUTIFUL GULF FRONT LOT

Located

Team

Marathon Girls Soccer

Marathon Boys Soccer

Marathon Boys Basketball

Key West Girls Basketball

Archimedean 11/29 W, 5-1

Archimedean 11/29 L, 5-2

Somerset S. Homestead 11/29 L, 51-33

Pace 11/29 L, 44-20

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Redland Christian 11/29 W, 62-26

Key West Girls Basketball

Key West Boys Basketball

Mater Lakes 11/30 L, 81-18

Miami Christian 11/30 L, 60-44

Key West Girls Soccer @ St. Brendan 11/30 L, 1-0

Coral Shores Boys Soccer

Pace 11/30 W, 5-1

Coral Shores Girls Soccer @ Pace 11/30 W, 8-0

Marathon Boys Basketball Silver Palms 12/1 L, 35-32

Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ LaSalle 12/1 L, 87-49

Key West Girls Basketball

Westminster 12/1 L, 48-42

Coral Shores Girls Basketball @ LaSalle 12/1 L, 34-24

Coral Shores Girls Soccer @ Florida Christian 12/2 W, 1-0

Key West Girls Basketball Gulf Coast 12/2 L, 59-18

Key West Boys Basketball

NSU University 12/2 L, 88-38

Marathon Girls Soccer Pace 12/2 W, 8-0

Marathon Boys Soccer Pace 12/2 W, 6-2

Marathon Girls Basketball

Coast 12/3 L, 48-26

Key West Boys Basketball Westminster 12/3 L, 65-30

Key West High School, Junior Girls Soccer

GRACE ANDREW

Key West’s solid 4-2 start this season is due in part to defensive midfielder Grace Andrew. A dynamic player, Andrew uses her speed to get the ball out of Conch territory and to set up offensive plays when needed. Grace plays her part on the team by creating scoring chances for the forwards, earning assists on offense and covering Key West’s half of the field when necessary. After watching Andrew’s performance in a win against Lemon Bay on Nov. 19 – a match in which she earned Player of the Game honors – and a second game against St. Brendan that ended early due to inclement weather, coach Scott Paul described her as a “dominant presence.”

– Scott Paul, Key West girls soccer coach

For her strong work ethic and unselfish performance, Key West’s Grace Andrew is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

“She was dominant defensively and made offensive runs as well.”

WEST MARATHON

101

Olympic Place Athlete

Athlete

1 Ella Dunn MHS 140 1 Ella Dunn MHS 130 2 Valentina Rizzo CSHS 120 2 Valentina Rizzo CSHS 100

Traditional 110 Olympic 1 Allie Brabenec MHS 230 1 Allie Brabenec MHS 200 2 Savannah Chadic KWHS 220

Danna Correa KWHS 185

Traditional

Valerie Thene KWHS 245

Savannah Chadic KWHS 165

Danna Correa KWHS 180

Olympic

Valerie Thene KWHS 220

Ella Hall KWHS 235 2 Ella Hall KWHS 190

Larissa Prieto MHS 200 3 Sierra Earnhardt MHS 175

Traditional

Olympic

Mikkel Ross MHS 230 1 Mikkel Ross MHS 200

Abigail Cowen KWHS 215 2 Kali Gormer CSHS 155

Cami Wrinn MHS 170 3 Cami Wrinn MHS 155 139 Traditional 139 Olympic 1 Rodemaelle Cineus KWHS 205 1 Lily Hitchcock CSHS 190 2 Lily Hitchcock CSHS 200 2 Alexa Condella KWHS 170 3 Malena Rocafort MHS 195 3 Malena Rocafort MHS 150 154 Traditional 154 Olympic 1 Dazmine Jenkins KWHS 235 1 Dazmine Jenkins KWHS 215 2 Nicole Merryman MHS 230 2 Nicole Merryman MHS 200 3 Cassie Brezil MHS 215 3 Cassie Brezil MHS 185 169 Traditional 169 Olympic 1 Jennille Arias CSHS

101 Traditional ALL-KEYS WEIGHTLIFTING RESULTS BY WEIGHT CLASS, NOV. 30 DOLPHIN DOMINATION Marathon wins all-Keys weightlifting meet

Jennille Arias CSHS 185

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

By:

WRESTLERS HIT THE MATS

Key West High School officially opened its season at the H-Town Throwdown in Hialeah Gardens on Dec. 2-3. The event hosted 20 teams across south Florida, and though they faced many competitors from larger 2 and 3A divisions, the 1A Conchs took an eighth-place finish.

Ralph Riche took second place overall in the 285-pound class. Riche logged three pins as he wrestled his way to the championship round, eventually falling to last year’s FHSAA 3A bronze medalist Gozie Mosi. In the 138-pound class, Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov earned four of his wins by pin, taking third place. Also earning third place in his 145-pound class was Jason Flynn. Abram Canet (138) and Jaden Fox (182) both placed fifth in their respective classes.

The Conchs take to the mats again on Saturday, Dec. 10 for the Bear Down Duals at Mater Lakes Academy, while Coral Shores started its season at Florida Chiristan on Dec. 7.

SOCCER SEASON IN FULL SWING

GIRLS

Key West took on St. Brendan in Miami on Nov. 30. Down by one in the first half, the Conchs made adjustments and were set to tie it up when a lightning delay and further inclement weather ended the match. Coach Scott Paul was pleased with his team’s performance against a strong team, and will have a chance to see whether a full game makes the difference when the two meet again in the district playoffs.

Marathon won two last week, beating Archimedean on the road on Nov. 29 before handing Monsignor Pace a solid 8-0 loss in the Fins’ home opener on Dec. 2. Marathon’s offensive onslaught was buoyed by hat tricks from both Rain Banks and Reese Elwell. Banks also had three assists in the match. Jordan MacDonald and Mackenzie Budi each had a goal in the game and MacDonald added three assists. Goalkeeper Kiki Hewlett had two saves plus a saved penalty kick to secure the shutout. In the Archimedean game, Budi scored two and Elwell, Banks and Hannah Davis had one goal each.

Coral Shores evened up its record with wins against Monsignor Pace on Nov. 30 and Florida Christian on Dec. 2. The Canes scored 8 against Pace, with a hat trick from Sophia Jans, 2 goals each from Ashley Jans and Kai Redruello and 1 from Jenna Mandozzi. Katarina Telhiard’s lone goal was all it would take to beat the Florida Christian Patriots.

BOYS

The Conchs had a big win against Boca Raton High on Nov. 28, beating the 7A Bobcats 2-1 on the road. Loubins Fleurridor and Jonathan Bahri each scored for Key West, while keeper Karel Bublak made some big saves to keep the Conchs in the game. The Conchs are currently tied for third place in FHSAA 4A District 16 play with nine games left in their regular season.

It was a mixed bag for Marathon’s boys this week. They were scheduled to play four matches in five days, but a last-minute cancellation gave them a break and a win by forfeit. Their first game of the week was a 5-2 loss against Coral Shores on Nov. 28. Jaden Rosete scored 1 goal and Henry Herrera scored on a penalty kick. The following day, the Fins played to a 5-2 loss to Archimedean. Scoring for the Fins were Mikhail Marshall and Juan Vasquez. The Dolphins used the next few days to regroup and rest before beating Monsignor Pace at home 6-2 with 2 goals from Vasquez, 2 from Rosete, 1 from Herrera and 1 from Oscar Cardona.

After beating Marathon on Nov. 28, Coral Shores played at Pace on Nov. 30, winning 5-1 against the Spartans. The Hurricanes are currently sitting in first place in the FHSAA 3A District 16 standings.

MIXED STARTS FOR KEYS HOOPERS

BOYS

Key West did not get a win in its first three games, but both the Conchs’ offense and defense are on the right track. In a loss to Miami Christian on Nov. 30, James Osborne had 14 points and Kevon Mills had 13. Eric Moore pulled down 9 rebounds and had 3 blocks. Two days later, Osborne went 4-for-4 from the three-point line, Mills had 5 rebounds and a block, Moore scored 10 points with 8 rebounds, and Watson Chery scored 10 with 7 rebounds in a loss to NSU University School. The next day, Chery scored 11 points with 7 rebounds against Westminster Christian. Mills had 7 points with 5 rebounds and a block and Nazair Bernanrd scored 5 with 9 rebounds and a block. The Conchs will look to rebound over an in-county rival on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. in Marathon.

Marathon started its season 0-2 against Somerset Silver Palms and South Homestead on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1, but head coach Kevin Freeman is undeterred. “We have lost the first two games so far, but there is definite promise with this team,” he told Keys Weekly. “Our defense is better than last year already, and getting better.”

GIRLS

Coral Shores enjoyed a big 41-9 win against Mater Bay on Nov. 28, led by Brooke Mandozzi’s 14 points. Lea Castellanos added 7 and Grace Leffler had 6 points and 4 blocks for the Lady ‘Canes. In their 34-24 loss against LaSalle on Dec. 1 Mandozzi again had the team high with 5 steals and 7 rebounds to go along with her 12 points, before ending the night early with an injury. Linsy Cedillo grabbed 10 rebounds and had 4 steals and 2 points in the game.

Key West played at Pace on Nov. 29 and at home against Gulf Coast Dec. 2, losing both games. Marathon played Gulf Coast Dec. 3 at home, also losing to the Sharks. Marathon and Key West will face one another Friday, Dec. 9 in Marathon at 5:30 p.m..

Daeshawn Holmes led the scoring in the 51-33 South Homestead loss with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. Oscar Garcia had 8 points and a rebound. In the narrow 35-32 loss to Silver Palms, Adrian Cruz scored 7 with 4 assists, Garcia had 10 points and 7 rebounds and Holmes had 6 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks for the Fins.

Coral Shores’ boys played three games in four days last week and came away with two wins. On Nov. 28, they put on a show at home against Mater Bay. Isaac Holmes scored 17, Matt St. Aubin had 15 and Eddy Espinosa added 11 in a massive 78-24 win. Allen Perez came up big with 10 rebounds and 8 points. The following night, the ’Canes enjoyed another lopsided 62-26 win, this time against Redlands Christian. Ayden Lane had a game-high 14 points and 9 rebounds and Perez scored 12 with 10 rebounds. LaSalle handed the ’Canes an 87-49 loss to ring in December, but St. Aubin put up 19 points in the effort along with 10 from Perez and 9 from Holmes.

Tracy and Sean McDonald

GIRLS/BOYS BASKETBALL

Coral Shores strong out of the gate; Marathon and Key West struggle

Coral Shores Donovan Thiery (11) goes for a lay up against Mater Academy Bay. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Coral Shores girls basketball player Makayla Hahn (1) drives to the net against

SANTA VISITS KIDS, FAMILIES AT COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT

1 3

2 4 5

Aline befitting the First Fam ily of the North Pole wound through the parking lot of Marathon’s Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company office as hundreds of children and families wait ed their turn to spill their Christmas wishes. The 2022 event was the office’s largest ever, with nearly 400 children making their way through in just a few hours. “Snow” was in the forecast as children enjoyed the beautifully lit of fice and free popcorn and goodie bags after a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

— Alex Rickert

1. It’s a sign of the season as Marathon’s Coldwell Banker Schmitt office is fully lit for the holidays.

2. Daniel Perry, left, and Brooke Perry have little man Theodore dressed for the occasion.

3. Dayna Rodriguez, second from left, is perfectly matched with her crew of Bri hanna Herrada, left, Alexander Martinez and Daniel Martinez

4. DD Schmitt, left, and Wendy Davis work to hand out goodie bags to the kids – but not without a photo bomb from Mike Puto.

5. Ashley Strama, left, and Sutton Sayer sell raffle tickets to benefit Stanley Switlik Elementary School.

6. Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet hundreds of children and families eager to meet them.

6

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

“Travis stepped up big time for this film, really improving his driving style and proximity control,” said Gymkhana director and Hoonigan cofounder Brian Scotto. “But what makes Gymkhana 2022 stand apart is Travis’ flat-out, just-ain’t-care approach that created some truly unforgettable, and downright sketchy, moments.”

“For me, to have fun, I’ve gotta be just absolutely sending it,” Pastrana told Keys Weekly in July.

One of the “downright sketchy” moments, a jump over the gap in the decommissioned Boot Key Harbor bridge with a helicopter hovering below, became a subject of contention when the Marathon City Council initially denied the event permit in January.

The opening credits of “Gymkhana 2022: Vacation Shred” introduce the high-octane stunt driving film’s set as the “Home of the Florida Man.”

The 10 minutes of vehicular insanity that follow live up to that name.

Eleven months after world-renowned stunt driver and motorsports legend Travis Pastrana first visited the Keys to film shots for the viral motorsports movie, Hoonigan Industries premiered the final cut of the newest Gymkhana film on Dec. 6.

The 12th installment in the wildly popular series, begun by professional rally racer Ken Block in 2008, opens with Pastrana’s highly-publicized base jumping accident in Fort Lauderdale in January. Just days after leaving the Keys for his first set of shoots, the action sports aficionado suffered multiple pelvic and vertebral fractures that delayed the film’s final days on scene in the Florida Keys.

From there, cameras, drones and helicopters follow Pastrana’s journey through the streets of Fort Lauderdale and several well-known Keys locations in a heavily modified 862-horsepower 1983 Subaru GL wagon known as the “Family Huckster.”

Helicopters, monster trucks, fighter jets, modified jet skis and unmistakable Florida Keys scenery – it’s all on the table in Travis Pastrana’s ‘Gymkhana 2022.’ HOONIGAN INDUSTRIES/Contributed

With a top speed of about 165 mph, the retro wagon is equipped with “active aero” flaps that move and allow the driver to adjust the car’s flight in midair – a feature that’s put to good use as Pastrana takes flight over not one, but two Keys bridges in Marathon and Sugarloaf Key.

Other stunts include donuts around a monster truck standing on its front two wheels, tandem donuts with a helicopter, a race with a jet along the Seven Mile Bridge and a 100-foot skim across a 6-foot-deep pond.

“Gymkhana 2022 is the wildest film I have done on four wheels. Period,” said Pastrana.

Revisiting the subject in June, the council eventually approved the jump with a 3-2 vote – as long as Hoonigan could satisfy an extensive to-do list including, among other items, a load test on the landing side of the decommissioned bridge, inclusion of the city in the company’s $10 million insurance policy, and an operational plan with a contract in place to immediately remove debris dislodged by the jump from the waterway. In addition, the city received a $30,000 donation from production company People First Media to be used for youth programs.

“The Gymkhana series is the most viewed motorsport film on the internet,” producer David Wells told the council in June. “The true hero is the location and its community. … The film is a postcard of the city, one that will be seen by millions.”

Multiple extreme drifts throughout neighborhoods in South Florida and Tavernier bring the Huckster’s rear bumper within inches of smashing into guard rails and other obstacles, something Pastrana said was made possible by the car’s shorter wheelbase in comparison to his last Gymkhana vehicle – a more modern (looking) Subaru STI.

Within 24 hours of its debut, the film had amassed nearly 2.3 million views.

To watch Gymkhana 2022, scan here:

In one of his rare feats of kindness, the grump with a heart two sizes too small paid a visit to Marathon’s Berkshire Hathaway Home Services office on Dec. 6. With a donation drive for pet supplies and monetary donations to benefit the Florida Keys SPCA, the Grinch spent two hours making new furry friends and creating photo opportunities for all visitors. Though the Keys Weekly pressed him for an answer, he was suspiciously quiet about the whereabouts of his own four-legged companion, Max.

— Alex Rickert

1. The Grinch makes introductions with Massimo and Adelaide.

2. The Berkshire Hathaway team.

From left: Trish Hintze, Hunter Demauro, Karen Raspe, Jessica Rojas, Joe Quallich, Tracy Chacksfield.

3. Cindy Lou Who (Jessica Rojas) holds Molly with the Grinch.

4. Joe Kuehl, left, and Tuna take their turn.

5. Julia Kaefer, left, and Karen Carl with Suki and Saylor.

6. Mimi Quinones, left, and Jamie Torna have Benito and Muffin dressed for the occasion.

7. Brutus takes a turn on the Grinch’s lap as Carley Childress supervises.

8. The Weekly Newspapers’ own Patti Childress, left, with Kohler.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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

Faro Blanco celebrates annual lighthouse lighting

Even cruisers on Marathon’s northern waterways are sure to see a sign of the season as Faro Blanco Resort and Marina welcomed Santa himself to turn on the holiday lights at the marina’s iconic 65foot lighthouse. Local rockers Abstract Radio provided the musical backdrop for the evening as kids and families enjoyed food and drink specials at sunset while waiting for their turn to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

— Alex Rickert

Main: A fully-lit Faro Blanco lighthouse has become a holiday staple in Marathon.

From top: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in style on the Pigeon Key train.

Cora Beckett, right, makes the most of her photo op with the North Pole’s most famous couple.

Abstract Radio’s David Campbell works the keyboard.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

... 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.

BIRDING WITH THE COSMIC UNCONSCIOUSNESS

Iwas up on Rockland Key, scanning around with my binoculars, somewhere between the highway, the cockfighting district and the roaring jets at NAS Key West, when I saw them – four big, white birds perched atop a small mangrove cluster, like candles on a cake.

And only one phrase came into my head: “plate of shrimp.”

I’m not exactly sure how, but during my high school and college years I, by casual estimate, man aged to see the movie “Repo Man” 30 or 40 times. Which is a lot considering I don’t believe I ever actually put the movie on myself. It was always just there, usually playing from a friend’s or roommate’s well-worn VHS tape.

The movie starred Emilio Estevez (arguably his best work, though I’ve never seen “The Mighty Ducks”) and Harry Dean Stan ton, and had cameos by a lot of musicians, including Michael Ne smith of the Monkees, the founding members of the Circle Jerks, and most unexpectedly, Jimmy Buffett of Jimmy Buffett fame. It was peak mid-’80s punk – cheaply cynical, wiseassed, borderline plotless, and funnier every time you watched it. It was so lowbudget that director Alex Cox overspent on glow-in-the-dark paint for the ’64 Chevy Malibu in the final scene and was almost unable to complete the movie. (Cox went on to make the very successful Sid Vicious biopic “Sid and Nancy,” then to make the much less successful, and hardly watchable, “Straight to Hell” with Dennis Hopper, Grace Jones, Elvis Costello, Joe Strummer and the world’s greatest traditional-Celtic-music-inspired punk band the Pogues.)

During a pivotal scene, Estevez and a character named Miller are in a parking lot burning old clothes in a 50-gallon oil drum when Miller lays out one of his life philosophies.

“A lot of people don’t realize what’s really going on. They view life as a bunch of unconnected incidents and things. They don’t realize that there’s this, like, lattice of coincidence that lays on top of everything. Give you an example, show you what I mean: sup pose you’re thinking about a plate of shrimp. Suddenly someone’ll say, like, “plate,” or “shrimp,” or “plate of shrimp” out of the blue, no explanation. No point in lookin’ for one, either. It’s all part of a cosmic unconsciousness,” he said.

For years afterwards, if any of my friends said “plate” or “shrimp,” or “plate of shrimp,” someone else would mention there’s no point looking for it. Because the lattice of coincidence is always with us.

At the Christmas Parade the other night, somewhere between Mayor Teri Johnston in her sporty Saturday Night Fever-ish pant suit, the Conchettes riding the Conch Train, and the person from Overseas Media Group winging a pack of Dots – much preferable to Smartees – at my chest, I was having an in-depth conversation with someone about what a seminal and important film “Repo Man” was, at least to me in my youth.

Right before that conversation about “Repo Man,” though, I’d been talking birds with fishing guide Aaron Snell. He said he was a bit surprised the other day when he was driving down U.S. 1 near Big Coppitt and saw a small flock of wood storks circling overhead.

He said something like, they’re pretty cool, and I said something like, yeah, they are pretty cool. And then the marching band came.

Wood storks are mainland birds. Their scientific name is Mycte ria americana, which roughly translates to “American big nose” on account of their big honking bill – though “honking” may not be the best adjective, as their voice is considered underdeveloped, coming off more like a grunt than anything. But the point is, they are Ameri ca’s stork, the only one we have. (USA! USA!) Back in Audubon’s day, their range spread from Florida as far north as Alabama, Louisiana and Texas. Audubon said he saw flocks of thousands. In the 20th century, though, their population, largely due to plume hunting, habitat loss and changes in Florida’s hydrology, crashed and re tracted mostly to central and south Florida. From 1984 to 2014 they were listed as a federal endangered species, and since 2014 have been listed as threatened, which is a lesser grade of protection, but still some protection.

In Audubon’s time they were officially known as the wood ibis, as they look something like an overgrown version of the more deli cate and diminutive white ibis. They were also known more casually as the gourd head, flint head, iron head, flinched, and for reasons unclear, the preacher and the Colorado turkey.

The focus on their head is probably due to two things: that big honking bill, which can probe deep into the mud, clamp down and snatch things up as large as a baby alligator by feel, and also the fact that their head is pretty much featherless, thus drawing even more attention. Most wading birds, when you stare at them long enough, look a bit like dinosaurs, but wood storks look really, really like dinosaurs. Which is why, I believe, both Aaron and I thought they looked pretty cool.

I’ve seen wood storks in the Keys maybe once or twice in my life. They tend to come down here as day trippers, out of a lark, out seeking new shallow muddy ponds to snack in. I’ve seen enough of them on the mainland that I didn’t really consider going out to try and find them. And honestly, five minutes after talking to Aaron, I’d forgotten all about those birds.

But then I was on Rockland, and there they were, as if they’d been waiting for me, as if the lattice of coincidence and the cosmic unconsciousness needed to remind me of the way the world really worked.

A wood stork in flight. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

City of Marathon City Council Agenda

9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, December 13, 2022 5:30 P.M.

(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)

Public Comments taken on all times and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter of after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

City Council Items

*A. Approval of Minutes

B. Discussion Concerning The Acquisition Of An Attorney General’s Opinion Concerning The City’s Ability To Modify Its Vacation Rental Ordinance (Councilmember Smith)

C. Discussion of House Boats as Vacation Rentals (Councilmember Still)

D. BPAS Fee Discussion (Councilmember Smith)

E. Use of Fourth Tuesday Council Meetings (Councilmember Smith)

City Manager Report

* A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report

* B. Grants Update

* C. Building Report

* D. Park and Recreation Report

* E. Marathon Fire Rescue Report

* F. Marina Report

* G. Code Report

* H. Wastewater Utilities Report

* I. Public Works Report

J. Establishment of Legislative Priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings:

A. Resolution 2022-131, Consideration Of A Request By Coco Vista Community, LTD and VC Seaview, LTD. For A Conditional Use Permit, Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (“The Code”) Entitled “Conditional Use Permits”, Authorizing The Development Of Sixty-Four (64) Afford able Housing Units Located At 96 Coco Plum Dr. Which Is Legally Described As Block 7 Lot 9 Coco Plum Beach PB4-166 Fat Deer Key, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00363700-000000, Block 7 Lot 11 and Adjacent Canal Coco Plum Beach PB4-166 Fat Deer Key, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00363720-000000 And Block 7 Lot 10 And Adjacent Canal Coco Plum Beach PB4-166 Fat Deer Key, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00363710-000000. Nearest Mile Marker 54.

B. Resolution 2022-132, Consideration Of A Request Coco Vista Community, LTD. For A Conditional Use Permit, Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (“The Code”) Entitled “Conditional Use Permits”, Authorizing The Development Of Sixty (60) Affordable Housing Units Located At 120 And 130 Pescayo Ave, Which Is Legally Described As Lot 7 Seaview Commons II-Ave A PB7-96 A Subdivision Being Re-Plat of Lots 5 And 6 Block 6 Coco Plum Beach PB4-166, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00363551-000700. Nearest Mile Marker 54.

Resolutions For Adoption

*A. Resolution 2022-133, Encouraging Governor Ron DeSantis To Appoint Dr. Daniel Zieg To The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board.

*B. Resolution 2022-134, Approving Cyber Security Software In The Amount Of $39,600 Annually; Authorizing The Waiver Of Bidding Procedures; Authorizing The City Manager To Expend Budgeted Funds; And Providing An Effective Date.

*C. Resolution 2022-135, Amending Resolution 2022-25, To Adjust The Rounding Error For The New Wastewater Rates As Described In Exhibit “B”, Authorizing The City Manager To Administer the Updated Assessment Charges; And Providing An Effective Date.

*D. Resolution 2022-136, Approving a Contract Between The City of Marathon And Errol Williams and Miriam Reyes for the Purchase of the Property at 398 116th Street Ocean, Marathon, FL with Parcel ID 00346050-000000; Appropriating Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*E. Resolution 2022-137, Approving A Project Specific Agreement With The Firm Of Florida Technical Consultants (FTC), A Continuing Services Contractor; Authorizing The City Manager To Sign The Agreement; And Providing For An Effective Date.

F. Resolution 2022-138, Amending The Building Department Fee Schedule; Providing For The City’s Reduction In Building Permit Fees In The Coming Year and Potentially The Following Year Based On The Large Fees Being Levied From Two Large Projects, Including The Valhalla Project, Providing For Additional Modification Of Those Fees As The City’s Rate Consultants Are Able To Analyze Our Current Rates More Thoroughly, And Providing For An Effective Date.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ ci.marathon.fl.us if

would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

O CHRISTMAS TREE

The joy of choosing and buying a Tannenbaum

After Thanksgiving and the leftover turkey hangovers subside, we are all free to direct our attention to the thing that matters most: the college football playoff picture! Actually, that’s not what matters most, espe cially how FUBAR this year’s stand ings have become. No, what really matters most is the choosing of a Christmas tree.

As a holiday season mental exercise, imagine yourself as a young fir tree, growing on a hillside in North Carolina. It’s your seventh autumn, and you’ve grown strong and tall during the different seasons throughout the years. And on this beautiful crisp fall morning, some flannel-shirt-wearing, chainsawwielding burly man cuts your trunk right out from under you. Oh, the humanity!

You are then grouped with a bunch of your fellow rootless siblings for a long dark truck ride to your next stop: the tree lot. Here, you will suffer the indignity of complete strangers lifting up your branches and looking at your trunk. If you pass muster, then you get to go home with a nice family — oh my God, they’ve got a kitten! At least there’s a drink of water waiting in the tree stand that will hold you upright dur ing your final month.

At this point in the story, we should discuss some of the different kinds of trees available. The south ern favorite is the good old Fraser fir — this is the one with all that great “Christmas tree smell” that truly enhances the holiday atmosphere. Other favorites include the longerleaf Douglas fir, as well as other pine and cypress varieties. And these choices often involve some animated holiday discussions at the tree lot: “Does that look symmetrical to you?” “Don’t you think that’s too tall?” “I like the longer needles on the Douglas fir!” “Why don’t you just pick a damn tree already!”

I love the holidays!

So now that you (the Christmas tree) are held standing by the three big screws of the tree stand, get ready to be poked and prodded. First, your family will string lights all around you, trying to hide the green wires deep within your underbranches. Some like colored lights; others prefer white lights that let the ornament colors speak for them selves.

After the lights are in place, it’s time for the family to hang decorations and ornaments from your branches. Some trees have very coherent and rigid themes, while others are an eclectic mix of different orna ments acquired throughout the years. There are cool traditional and even tropical ornaments avail able, and some are beautiful handcrafted creations of delicate blown glass — oh my God, they’ve got a kitten!

After that, it’s all a matter of taste. Some families drape their trees in tinsel, others prefer those “icicles” made out of tinsel. And others will sew garlands out of popcorn and red berries. As the tree, however, you soon become resigned to your fate. You realize you’ll spend your final dehydrating days propped up and bedazzled as life flows out of your browning needles.

I don’t think I need to remind you what comes next. Suffice it to say that your final resting place offers so little in terms of dignity and gratitude for a holiday season job well done. You should take comfort, however, in the fact that you brought a lot of joy to people. Christmas trees, since their origin in 16th century Germany, have helped make many a season bright. And, as a tree, it’s a better ending than being turned into paper … unless it’s wrapping paper!

Special thanks to Janet, Barry, Ryan, Pam, Heather, Shelbi and all the fine folks at Havana Jack’s and Glunz Ocean Beach Resort for their continued support of Presents In Paradise. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the wonderful tree lighting event and are looking forward to it next year. Also, thanks to George Garrett for making the trip from the North Pole.

— Catch John each Monday at Boon docks, 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

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF ANNOUNCES CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMIES

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will hold its next Citizen’s Police Academies starting in February and is looking for people who are interested in learning more about law enforcement and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Classes will begin the week of Feb. 7, 2023, and will continue through graduation the week of March 28, 2023. There will be three separate academies held during that time — one each in the Lower, Middle and Upper Keys.

Attendees will be asked to commit to spending one night a week between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. They will also be asked to participate in at least one ride-along with a deputy during the academy period. All participants will be asked to attend the last session at the Sheriff’s Office hangar at the Marathon airport. Otherwise, classes will be held in the individual district holding the academy. Class sizes will include ap proximately 15 attendees.

In the Upper Keys, classes will meet at the Roth Building on Planta tion Key.

In the Middle Keys, classes will meet at the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Hangar in Marathon.

In the Lower Keys, classes will meet at the Sheriff’s Headquarters building on Stock Island.

“If you have always wanted to know more about law enforcement, this is a terrific opportunity,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “Those who have attended these in the past really enjoyed themselves. You will have the opportunity to have a hands-on law enforcement experience if you attend one of these academies.”

CLASSES WILL INCLUDE:

• An orientation and intro duction to patrol proce dures.

• A tour of one of the jail facilities.

• Introduction to weapons: Simunitions and Taser.

• Traffic/felony stops.

• Crime scene investigations, including a hands-on mock crime scene.

• Building searches.

• Introduction to specialty units: SWAT, Bomb, Dive, Major Crimes and Special Investigations.

Space is limited, so anyone who is interested should contact the captain in the area where they wish to attend. Applications are due by Jan. 24, 2023.

Upper Keys: Capt. Spenser Bryan, 305-853-3211 or sbryan@keysso.net; or Capt. Derek Paul, 305-664-6480 or dpaul@keysso.net

Middle Keys: Capt. Don Hiller, 305-289-2430 or dhiller@keysso.net

Lower Keys: Capt. David Smith, 305-745-3184 or desmith@keysso.net

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Mara thon.

JOHN BARTUS

LIGHT THE NIGHT

Boat parades ready to roll this weekend

It’s lighted boat parade weekend in Marathon, with Boot Key Harbor and Key Colony Beach set to hold festivities on back-to-back nights on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11.

Boot Key Harbor will kick off the weekend with its 26th annual pa rade on Saturday at dusk. Sponsored by the Marathon Sail and Power Squadron, the procession will begin on the west side of the harbor and slowly make its way eastward, passing restaurants like Lazy Days, Burdines and Dockside before turning around in the boat basin at Sombrero Boulevard’s Yacht Haven Marina. A $500 grand prize awaits the best overall boat, with ad ditional $250 prizes for the best decorated boat in each division and a special prize for the best decorated dinghy. An awards party hosted by Dockside Boot Key Harbor will immediately follow the parade. To sign up, visit bootkeyharbor. com or direct questions to Gregory Absten at 305-849-0285.

Presented by the KCB Fishing and Boating Club and KCB Community As sociation, Key Colony’s parade will close out the evening on Sunday at dusk in the canal between Sadowski Causeway and 7th Street. With multiple prizes up for grabs – $1,100 for Best in Parade, $500 for Best in Class for boats over and under 30 feet, and awards for the most colorful, most creative and most spirited crew – the parade is free to enter for boats of all sizes and shapes. Overnight docking is available upon request. Contact Ted Fischer via email at ted.fischer1@ verizon.net or by phone at 302-841-9812 to sign up. See you on the water!

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Dennis and Linda Turner’s “Ricochet” out shined 14 other vessels to capture Best Overall at the 2021 Key Colony Beach parade. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Business rival targeted for lack of regard

It was May 22, 1914, when Captain Bell of the schooner Amelia wanted to get out of some high winds and set a course for the harbor at Key West. The Amelia was carrying a crew of 20.

When the anchor was dropped, Bell and six of his crew climbed into a launch and rowed to the docks. Bell and one of the crew walked into town. The others were left to watch the launch.

When Bell returned to where the crew members should have been waiting, they were gone. A mob of 500 had not only gathered but chased his men into a nearby store where two women brandishing pistols held the crowd at bay. Bell attempted to man his launch and row out of harm’s way, but members of the mob clawed at the boat and began ripping it apart. Bell jumped overboard and, while swimming away for his life, was fired upon. A bullet struck his left knee.

SPONGE WARS PIT GREEKS AGAINST CONCHS

When the sheriff arrived, he pulled out his pistol and maybe even fired a shot up into the air. He managed to get Bell away from the mob and, for his protection, to the county jail. Not everyone would be safe that night. At about 11:30 p.m., 25 armed men climbed into the launch Key West and paddled out to the schooner Amelia where they boarded and quickly took control of the ship. At gunpoint, the crew members were forced from the schooner without the benefit of collecting their belongings or even clothes to wear.

The Key West mob robbed the Amelia of any valuables before they lit dynamite. The ship exploded and burned with one crew member, John Manis, still on board. It was not the only ship that was robbed and burned that day. The Edna Louise was attacked near the Marquesas Keys. In both cases, sponges were the cause of the violence, Conchs were the aggressors, and Greek sponge fishermen were the victims.

Why were the Conchs so pissed off? When they were sponge fishing, a mother ship towed a small fleet of skiffs behind it. The boat would anchor near a sponge bed, and two-person crews would operate the skiffs. In “A True Story of Some Eventful Years in Grandpa’s Life,” the memoir of Henry Perrine Jr., printed in 1885, he wrote of the sponge fishermen. “When the surface of the water is rough, the spongers are able to examine the bottom, as their boat glides slowly along, by using a small keg or box, in the bottom of which a pane of glass is securely fixed. By pressing this into the water below the ripples they can see the bottom almost as well as on a calm day. To obtain them, the spongers are provided with poles about twenty feet long which have stout two or three-pronged hooks upon their ends. By inserting these under the sponges they are detached from the rocks and brought to the surface.”

The man in the front of the boat was called a hooker. His job was to scan the bottom for sponges and then use the three-pronged

BRAD BERTELLI

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

curved hook to harvest the sponge. When he did, a little piece of the sponge was left behind that would grow and regenerate. The Greek sponge fishermen, however, did things a little bit differently.

The Greeks used two techniques when harvesting sponges. They hooked them from the shallows like the Conchs did but also donned hard-hat diving gear that included 50-pound metal boots that enabled them to walk along the ocean floor. There, they were able to pluck sponges from depths the Conchs could not reach. These deeper sponges were often better quality sponges. Using both techniques, the Greeks could gather up to four times as many sponges as their Conch counterparts.

What infuriated the Conchs, too, was the Greeks’ disregard for the sponge beds, which were damaged as they stomped along the bottom in their heavy diving boots. In a blow to the Greeks, the state passed a law in 1917 that prohibited diving for sponges except in designated areas, and the shallows surrounding the Florida Keys were not among those waters. Primarily operating out of Tarpon Springs, on the west coast of Florida, the Greek spongers made repeated attempts to relocate to South Florida and the Keys. In 1927, Conch spongers went to Miami to protest an effort by the Greeks lobbying for the support of the Miami Chamber of Commerce to bring their business to Miami. A story about the Greeks’ efforts was published in the Aug. 20, 1927 Key West Citizen. “Miamians don’t know a conch from a sponge – all they want is to bring money to Miami. They’ve cleaned up the sponges of Tarpon Springs. Now they want to get into the Florida Bay, and know Miami is the nearest that they can hope to locate.”

Conch feelings for the Greeks did not temper over time. The April 14, 1930, edition of the Key West Citizen reprinted a story published in the Tarpon Springs News using the headline “Tarpon Springs Divers Warned From Key West.” It seems that a dozen or so Greek spongers from Tarpon Springs were considering moving their boats and their business to Key West. “It is well known that the average Key Wester has no love for a Greek sponger and look upon him as a rival and competition for his business.”

The Greek spongers never really landed in South Florida, and a sponge blight in the 1940s devastated the sponge beds for decades. For the Florida Keys, the sponge became another boom and bust industry. For Tarpon Springs, it left a more indelible mark on a community known still as the Sponge Capital of the World.

A FRENETIC FULL MOON

TCAPRICORN

CHRIS M cNULTY

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

ying up busi ness at the end of the year and preparing for the holidays always has an odd mix of hyperactivity and windingdown, but right now there is some particularly frenetic energy in the atmosphere. We are in the midst of a full moon in Gemini that is exactly conjunct retrograde Mars. Full moons always bring about heightened energy because they represent a culmination and release, and this one in particular carries with it some frustrated and hypersensitive feels because of the presence of Mars. In addition, Jupiter is just about to move into Aries from Pisces, and whenever a planet is about to switch signs it imbues the world with a healthy dose of anticipation. Now is a good time to practice some patience, get lots of sleep and give everyone just a little bit of space and understanding because there is some erratic tension out there.

Here are your Gemini full moon horoscopes. Read for your rising and sun signs.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You may have been feeling like you’ve been stalled or moving back ward when it comes to love and part nership, and this full moon will provide you with an intuitive understanding as to why. As you are able to see yourself more clearly, your needs in a relation ship come into focus. Take this time to feel your frustrations in relationships and interrogate them, but be careful not to lash out at the ones you love. Use these next two weeks to honor and enjoy your home and family.

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Have you been digging up some of your subconscious motivations lately? This full moon will bring about an awareness of how these hidden reasons infuse your daily routines. Do you leave the dishes in the sink because you’re afraid of living a sterile, Stepford life? Y’know, stuff like that. Use this full moon to consciously assess your routines to reform your un conscious hangups. This is your time to take control. Getting clear about your value system will help.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

This is a social time of year for you, Aquarius. Get out there and surround yourself with friends and supporters. They inspire and ignite your own creativity. However, Mars might have you feeling a bit stunted when it comes to your own creative output, and this full moon will bring that frustration to the forefront. Find a healthy outlet and let ’er rip! Show us your creative bliss. Practicing a little self-conservation will boost your creative wellspring.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

There has been some frustration when it comes to your home, your family or literally the land that you live on. (Are there some varmints in the basement?) This full moon will bring the frustration to a head and hope fully bring about a release. You may be using work as an escape, but lean into the irritation and discover that it is fleeting.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Clearly communicating yourself into the world around you may seem a bit impossible at the moment, like your words aren’t coming out the way you want or your facial expressions are misleading your audience. This full moon will give you some insight as to why that is happening and what you can learn from it. Something new is pushing through the familiar and

warping your wording. Embrace it!

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

You may have been feeling a monetary contraction lately, and it is probably due to investing in other people rather than yourself. You are actually probably a bit annoyed with yourself, and it looks like you may take that frustration and take a personal retreat to recharge. However, the energy, money and time that you have invested in others will come back to support you down the road, so main tain your faith in your choices.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

Reorienting yourself to yourself is at the forefront right now. Perhaps a new exercise routine or a new personal style is in the works. You are taking a step back in order to slingshot forward in the new year. This full moon will highlight this new you through a partner or loved one as they shine a light on the purpose of your process. Start to think about how you are needed and received by other people.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Your solitude is being highlight ed right now, and it might even feel a little frustrating. However, this full moon will make clear the underlying lessons of your retreat into alone time. You’ve been hitting the grind pretty hard this past month, and the time spent alone is preparing you to enter 2023 with renewed vigor. Enjoy it and be patient with yourself.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

It might feel like the people who are usually your biggest supporters are holding you back from doing what you want to do. Harumph! However, there is an underlying reason for their reticence, and this full moon should highlight their why. Your creative bliss is incredibly important, and the folks who support your success are pushing back on it so that you can eventually fly farther. Sit in the creative tension

for now.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Your work life may feel as though it is holding you back a bit or creating undue friction. This wonkiness at work is allowing your home life to shine as the place where you can be yourself and unwind. This full moon will reflect the real reason work is causing some discomfort by shedding light on the hidden plan. Trust the process and be patient.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

You want so badly to venture into lands unknown, but there is some invisible force holding you back from making the leap. It is not the time to be moving forward into new territories because your familiar surroundings need your attention. What is it about your local environment that is special? Appreciate what is right in front of you so the door to adventure will open.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

It may feel like the energy you are investing into other people is not being returned, but give it some time. Forward momentum is not the name of the game right now when it comes to the shared investments you are making, rather patience and preparation are at the heart of the matter. Mind your own needs for sure, but wait until the new year to see the bounty of sharing your assets with others.

NANCY MILLER 1940-2022

Nancy (Litwiller) Miller passed away Friday, Nov. 25 at Baptist Hospital in Miami. She was being treated for lymphoma and suffered a severe blood infection from which she was unable to recover.

Nancy was born to Lester and Alta (Hartzler) Litwiller in Eureka, Illinois on Nov. 5, 1940. She graduated from Normal Community High School in Normal, Illinois in 1958, Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois with a degree in education of the deaf in 1961 and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois with an master’s degree in audiology in 1967. She taught hearing-impaired and first-grade children, then practiced audiology for 31 years in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Montreal, Canada. She served several years as director of the hearing clinic at Boston University Medical Center.

After retiring to Marathon in 1998, she became active in the Marathon Garden Club, Marathon Yacht Club and Marathon Sail and Power Squadron, where she served a term as commander. At the Garden Club she served as president for four years and edited it's newsletter “Seeds for Thought” for 18 years. She also produced the club’s directory “Yearbook” for 19 years and printed some 140 copies for many years.

A life-long learner, she achieved the highest level of accreditation afforded to flower show judges by the National Garden Club organization. She was a master gardener, a certified landscape consultant, a certified environmental consultant and a certified gardening consultant. She was a life member of Marathon Garden Club, Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs Inc.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Carl Miller of Marathon; her brother James (Leanah) Litwiller of Normal, Illinois; her brother-in-law Edwin (Joann) Miller of Portland, Oregon and Tucson, Arizona; her sister-in-law Helen (Bill) Lampman of Centreville, Maryland; five nieces and nephews and 10 grand-nieces and -nephews.

A Celebration of Life service is not yet scheduled, but will likely occur in Marathon at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon Garden Club, P.O. Box 500826, Marathon, FL 33050.

BRIEFLY

Blood drive scheduled at Dolphin Research Center

Give the gift of life by donating blood when One Blood holds a blood drive on Friday, Dec. 9 at Dolphin Research Center, MM 59, Grassy Key. The bloodmobile will be stationed in DRC’s parking lot from noon to 4:30 p.m. Anyone who donates blood during the day will receive free admission to Dolphin Research Center, a free OneBlood plush blanket and a $20 e-gift card that can be used at Target, Walmart, Amazon, and other retailers. Donors also receive a free wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, pulse, and cholesterol screening. An appointment isn’t necessary. Blood is always needed for emergencies, and for people who have cancer, sickle cell, anemia, blood disorders and other illnesses.

Marathon Friends of the Library to hold book sale

Marathon Friends of the Library is hosting a book sale at the Marathon Library. New, like new and gently treated books, including children's books, will be available for prices ranging between $1 and $5. All proceeds benefit programs offered at Marathon’s beautiful new library. Hours for the sale are Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For book donations, contact Bruce Rumage at 912-634-6277.

Classes for days at the Marathon Library

Friday, Dec. 9: Photography: See the world through a photographer's eyes (teens/adults) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Arts and Crafts: Gingerbread houses (family) 3:30 p.m.; Adult Arts & Crafts: Gift making with mocktails, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10: Easy Yoga: Adaptive yoga for those with injuries or limitations (adults) 10 a.m.; Arts and Crafts (kids) 1 p.m.; Open Lab: Robots, games and virtual reality for a family fun afternoon, 2:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 12: Insurance Enrollment Assistance: Get help during open enrollment, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 3D Printing Lab, 10 a.m.; Teen Book Club, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13: Fine Art: Sketch, paint or use acrylics. Supplies included or bring your favorite tools (adults/teens) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Mahjong: Game of Tiles, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 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.; Meditation and Teaching Practice: Monthly event. Beginners welcome, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14: Easy Yoga (adults) 10 a.m.; Mango Meetup-Portuguese: Join Arlene and learn to use the free Mango app while we practice Portuguese. Registration encouraged (adults) noon; Mindfulness meetup with Carolyn Sant Angelo: A free weekly course until Dec. 14. Registration required, see website and social media to register or call library for info (adults) 2 to 4 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons (teens) 3 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons (adults) 5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15: Homeschool learning activities, 10:30 a.m.; Kids Dungeons & Dragons: Fun, imagination and kid story adventures (ages 9-12) 3:30 p.m.; Lego Maker Lab: Lego building, disassembling electronics and much more (kids) 4 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity to hold applicant info sessions

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys will be holding informational meetings for residents of the Middle Keys interested in applying for the new homes at Bell Haven. Meeting Location: Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Hwy, Marathon. The meetings are Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 7 from 9 to 10 a.m. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend one of these two meetings before applying for the homes. The application period for these homes will open on Jan. 3, 2023. Contact 305-743-9828 or email fsm@ habitatmiddlekeys.org with questions. Spanish translators will be at the meetings. Equal Housing Opportunity.

My Safe Florida Home accepting applications

The My Safe Florida Home Program is now open and accepting applications for free hurricane home inspections. Owners of any site-built, singlefamily residential Florida property may apply for a free home hurricane inspection. The owner will receive an inspection report and recommended improvements. Eligible applicants may then apply for program grant money for home strengthening improvements.

More information about eligible activities and grant applicants is at www.MySafeFLHome. com. Homeowners can register using the My Safe Florida Home Participant Portal.

CORRECTION

In the Nov. 24 issue of the Marathon Weekly, one of the students in the photos of Stanley Switlik’s performance of “The Lorax” was mistakenly identified as Danny Diaz. The student referred to in the caption is Gaven Pichardo.

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of UPPER KEYS WEEKLY located at 9709 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Weekly News Corp Publish: December 8, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MARATHON WEEKLY located at 9709 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Weekly News Corp Publish: December 8, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KEYS WEEKLY located at 9709 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Weekly News Corp Publish: December 8, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE TO SELL

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 328.17, 713.78, 715.109, Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, claims a Notice of Possessory Lien, Foreclosure of Lien on the following Trailer described as a 2004 Pace American Trailer VIN #4FPFB10104G081186 owned by Zachary O’Donnell. Vessel & trailer to be sold on 12/26/22 at 10:00 am at Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, 135 Hood Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

Publish: December 8 & 15, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

THE DISTRICT IV FISHING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(From the Long Key Bridge to MM 90.39) of the

MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a FISHING ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE – the applicant must reside full-time in the Florida Keys and have a fishingrelated business or represent and have knowledge of fishing tournaments that utilize/request funding from the specific bed tax district that he/she represents.

Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Fishing Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the TDC Administrative Office by emailing Laurie@fla-keys. com. The completed application should be emailed to: Laurie@ fla-keys.com.

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is: January 6, 2022, at 5:00 P.M. A resume may be attached to the submitted application.

Publish: December 8, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2022-CP-103-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF DOMENIC R. LOPARDO,

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DOMENIC R. LOPARDO, deceased, whose date of death was July 30, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is intestate. 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 WITHIN 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 the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

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

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

The date of first publication of this Notice is: December 8, 2022.

Personal Representative: Carol E. Blake 53 Horseshoe Drive West Boylston, MA 01583

Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: December 8 & 15, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000244-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF TRACY COX A/K/A TRACY A. COX, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of TRACY COX A/K/A TRACY A. COX, deceased, whose date of death was February 16, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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 the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (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 STATUTES WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME

EMPLOYMENT LEGAL NOTICES

PERIODS

The date of the first publication of this Notice is: December 8, 2022.

Personal Representative: PHILIP TENNEY 629 William Street Key West, FL 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: KARLEEN A. GRANT, ESQUIRE Fla. Bar No: 324531

Law Offices of Karleen A. Grant 1033 Flagler Avenue Key West, FL 33040 Telephone: (305) 292-4929

Publish: December 8 & 15, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

BOATS FOR SALE

2006 Willy Roberts, 15' Slo-Poke, 2006 40 hp Yamaha w/250 hours. $15,500. Call for pics/ info. 870-615-2750

BOAT SLIP/TRAILER STORAGE FOR RENT

Boat Trailer Spaces Available. $100 per week. Boat dockage available $100 per week. Easy access to the Atlantic and lighthouse. Boat length 32’ or less! Dockage is eighty feet long with good depth for boats. Phone 336-4088140 or 336-287-3345.

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.

CARETAKER COUPLE

WANTED at small Abaco, Bahamas beach resort having $500-$1000/ night accommodations in exchange for Security and Supervision of the Landscaper. Call or text 305-439-9991.

Professional medical practice seeking FT Receptionist in Upper Keys. Computer skills necessary. Send resume: keysinc2@bellsouth.net

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

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

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a CustomerService Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Part-Time Line Cook. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Hourly pay commensurate with experience. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

SS Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key is looking for line cooks, full or part time. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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

full time either Monday - Friday 10-6 or Wed. through Sunday 10-6. Must be outgoing with leadership traits and must be organized, self-motivated, and have a passion for customer service. Salary commensurate with experience and includes tips and 401k. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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

All Keys Yamaha hiring a Technician Marine Repair specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. Hours M-F 8a5p. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530

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

Meeting Notice

Monroe County Land Authority

The Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee will meet in the Marathon Government Center located at 2798 Overseas Highway, Media Room – 1st floor, Marathon, Florida on December 14, 2022 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The agenda is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by contacting the Monroe County Land Authority office at 305-295-5180.

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

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

Coast to Coast Pizza Company in Marathon is looking for an Assistant Manager for the front of the house,

305.743.0844

Immediate positions at the Grassy Key Marina.

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Support Services/Logistics, Paralegal, Utilities Maintenance, Recreation Specialist, Right of Way Technician, 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

Place your employment ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Resident Activities Coordinator. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@ kwha.org or 305-296-5621. 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, Full-time Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@ sweetsavannahs.com

Place your employment ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

LUXURY CONDO FOR RENT IN MARATHON. Seawatch Condos. 2 BR, 2 Bath, Den. 1650 sq ft plus large open balcony. Beautiful water view. Pool, tennis, full gym. Adults only. No pets. Yearly lease--$5250/month plus utilities or Seasonal rental $7500/month(2 mo min). F/L/S [first, last, and security deposit]. Contact Norman at 800-324-6982.

305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Waterfront Lot with Dockage for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $2000.00/month plus utilities. 305-731-5042

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: 144 S. HAMMOCK RD, ISLAMORADA | Fri, Dec. 9 & Sat, Dec. 10, 9am to 1pm both days | GIGANTIC SALE complete bedroom sets, dining set & hutch, nursery furniture, 2 lg tvs, NuWave cookware, 3 sewing machines, Breville toaster, Wagner paint sprayer, LGB Lehmann train cars, garden tools, pots, luggage, purses, airbeds, craft supplies, hundreds of DVDs, costume jewelry, small ladies clothing, shoes, plastic storage drawers. Lots of things, low prices. Follow signs and park w consideration J Photos: Facebook (@sarasestatesales).

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COORDINATOR

Monroe County is seeking an energetic multi-tasker with excellent computer skills to join our Benefits Team! Great customer service skills and a working knowledge of MS Office required. Coordinator works in a fluid, fast paced environment maintaining benefits records, data, and reports, as well as Group Health Plan eligibility. Position also supports the County’s Wellness program.

To apply, please contact Human Resources at careers@monroecounty-fl.gov.

Applications available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov. 305-292-4557. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

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

YARD SALES

FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT- FULLTIME