Islamorada resident Jim Enright shares stinging observations of quasi-judicial hearing on Crooked Palm in a recent Letter to the Editor in the Keys Free Press
"Of all the people speaking in favor of the [Crooked Palm] redevelopment, not a single one of them live on Gardenia Street, a residential area, which is directly across the street from the proposed brewpub/ distillery "
"Mayor Pinder and Councilman Gregg repeatedly stated the applicants had invested both time and money in the project and they should be granted all the variances requested so they didn't lose their money."
"Apparently, being friends with council members guarantees one's ability to not lose money when investing in property. These same guarantees weren't provided to the homeowners on Gardenia Street, whose home values and quality of life will certainly be diminished."
"The very first line of the village's Mission Statement states, 'To Protect the Residents' Right to Quiet Enjoyment of Life.' It was just after 5:30 p.m. when the council members swore their oath Almost exactly six hours later they violated it "
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Number of glasses of sparkling wine consumed each New Year's Eve, according to WalletHub.
The staff of the Keys Weekly wishes our readers a wonderful start to 2023. But before that, please sit back and enjoy a walk through the year that was as we put a bow on 2022.
learning in the Upper Keys. Key Largo School originally was scheduled to open in 1971. Delays however, pushed administrators to come up with a different plan as the school construction continued. In the end, businesses in the Key Largo community stepped up to house students from different grade levels from August until January when the new building was ready.
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.comThe year 2022 had no shortage of stories in the Upper Keys. In Islamorada, turnover in village hall and an intense election for five open seats had the community talking. A Key Largo School reached a milestone, and a big development in Tavernier had residents concerned that it would bring more traffic.
The Islamorada Village Council started 2022 with a shakeup as manager of six months, Greg Oravec, put in his resignation on Jan. 10. Hired in June 2021, Oravec said that he believed the village would be best served by another manager. He signed a contract with a salary of $169,000 and $13,500 in moving expenses in June 2021. Following his announced resignation, the dais approved a separation agreement that handed him salary and benefits through March 31.
A stretch of road on Lower Matecumbe will be raised to mitigate flooding from storms and address rising waters that have eroded a nearby beach. Heavy equipment began arriving in Islamorada on April 25. An $18.1-million project by the Florida Department of Transportation will elevate and strengthen the road and shoulders from MM 73.8 to MM 76. FDOT says the project will take roughly 18 months.
Twinsburg, Ohio Mayor Thomas “Ted” Yates was selected as Islamorada’s next manager during a special meeting at Founders Park Community Center on May 6. Yates came to Islamorada with 12 years of experience in Ohio as the mayor and chief executive officer for the city of Twinsburg’s 19,000 residents. A contract with Yates includes an annual salary of $200,000.
Key Largo School administrators past and present participate in a ceremony to recognize 50 years. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
Former and current administrators, teachers and students peered at yearbooks and past pictures inside the Key Largo School library on Jan. 19. Fifty years ago to the day, the school opened its doors to a new era of
For the second time in 2022, a top village official announced his resignation. This time it was Village Attorney Roget Bryan, who was chosen as the first in-house attorney for the village in 2013. Bryan, in his remarks to the council, said he had no appetite for external politics within the village and the attacks on his name and reputation. Bryan’s separation agreement prompted an investigation by the state attorney's office into whether council members committed a Sunshine violation. That case was closed in October with no further action.
A proposed redevelopment of the former Cemex property in Tavernier to a Publix Supermarket and more than 80 affordable housing units received overwhelming concern from local residents during an Aug. 18 community meeting. Some 15 property owners speaking on the project say they fear more traffic, noise and change to the small community’s character would be the result. During an Oct. 25 meeting, county planning officials said they had questions about the project and whether it fits the community character. The project will go before the county planning commission in 2023.
Islamorada voters elected three male incumbents and two female newcomers to the village council on Election Night. Elizabeth Jolin and Sharon Mahoney both beat male incumbents to take a seat on the dais. Incumbents Henry Rosenthal, Buddy Pinder and Mark Gregg won their seats to serve another two-year term. The new council was sworn in on Dec. 6 and went right to work on a contentious proposal for a major conditional use permit for Crooked Palm Distillery at the former BB&T building on Plantation Key. The request was approved via a 3-2 vote.
Village shakeups, 50 years for one school & a massive road project
Coral outplantings, dives to collect debris, and wildlife rehabilitations dominated a busy 2022 in the Florida Keys. Meanwhile, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary officials put the finishing touches on their recommendations on a plan to regulate and manage the waters off the Keys — better known as the Restoration Blueprint. With the good came the bad, however, as the island chain witnessed some unfortunate wildlife deaths — with blame put on human activities.
Harvesting goliath grouper will be allowed in state waters, albeit on a limited, regulated basis, beginning in spring 2023. An abundance of goliath grouper, and more requests to reopen harvest in Florida, prompted state wildlife officials’ approval to allow 200 harvest permit tags in state waters, 50 from the Upper Keys’ backyard — Everglades National Park.
A 51-foot sperm whale was the last thing one expected to see on the
morning of May 11, laid out in the gravel parking lot of Robbie’s Marina on Stock Island. There it was. A striking but sad sight, with a mouth of biblical proportions.
The male sperm whale was found on May 10, beached on the northeast side of the Mud Keys about eight miles offshore of Key West. Investigation by biologists into the death found a massive intertwined line and plastic bag-type material, among other debris in the whale’s stomach.
Horrific was the word Bette Zirkelbach, manager of Turtle Hospital, used to describe the reported death of a female loggerhead turtle after she was run over by a car on U.S. 1 near Sea Oats Beach in Islamorada in June. “This area continues to be a hazard for sea turtles during nesting season,” Zirkelbach said.
Sea turtle nesting season in the Keys runs from mid-April to mid-October. This means there are active sea turtle nests throughout the Keys during that period.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said roughly 85% of reefs in the Florida
Keys are eroding. But assumimg restoration plans outlined in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Mission: Iconic Reefs initiative are met through the year 2040, researchers says some locations could see reef-building capacity restored.
A new, land-based coral nursery announced in March is bringing a new kind of reef restoration to Key Largo. Community leaders and Mote Marine Laboratory staff gathered on Aug. 11 at Reefhouse Resort & Marina to celebrate Mote’s second satellite nursery in the Upper Keys.
The following day, Mote CEO Michael Crosby and Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein joined Mote researchers aboard Rainbow Reef’s dive boat to outplant the first 50 elkhorn and 50 staghorn corals at French Reef.
A two-day meeting to analyze and recommend changes to regulations within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary — the Restoration Blueprint
— saw Sanctuary Advisory Council members in agreement on a number of measures. Day one saw resounding support for expanding the sanctuary’s boundary, prohibiting discharges from cruise ships except cooling water and requiring single or rafted vessels 65 feet long to use designated large vessel mooring buoys, to name a few. Day two, however, saw some differences of opinion on catch-and-release trolling and bait fishing in Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs). Sanctuary staff will now consult with stakeholder agencies – including FWC and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, among others – to hear additional recommendations before submitting an updated
SIMON GUTIERREZ / Senior, Coral Shores Season Record: 17:53.00
Gutierrez led the Hurricanes this season, on and off the course. “Simon is graduating this year and his leadership and positive attitude are going to be missed,” said Coral Shores coach Gabriel Suarez. ”He has set a great example for the new runners, and I hope they follow a similar path in running.”
MASON BUXTON / Junior, Marathon Season Record: 18:20.00
“Mason is the veteran on our team. He just finished his 4th season and has one more to go. Mason’s times dropped a lot this season and he should be a monster on the track this spring.” – Marathon coach Jim Murphy
JAKUB BURSA / Junior, Marathon Season Record: 18:20.00
“Jakub is the workhorse who logs the most mileage on our team. He put in many 50-plus-mile weeks throughout the season and was one of our most consistent runners. He will be coming back next season for his senior year stronger and ready to go.” – Marathon coach Jim Murphy
Seventh grade, Marathon Season Record: 18:38.10
“Tony is only in seventh grade and is already running consistently in the 18s. He has multiple great examples in his household that he learns from and I'm excited to see what he can do when he reaches high school.” – Marathon coach Jim Murphy
COLBIN HILL / Junior, Key West Season Record: 18:48.20
“Colbin is a runner whose actions speak louder than his words on and off the field. His work ethic is unparalleled, and he is always willing to go the extra mile in his training. He was the clear leader of the team this year, and we’re looking forward to great things from him next season.”
– Key West coach Mark Coleman
The 2022 cross country season in the Florida Keys was marked by a number of standout individual performances, crowned by Marathon sophomore Vance Bursa’s blazing finish in the FHSAA 1A state championship meet to claim ninth place.
And in looking ahead, Keys teams appear to just be revving up for 2023.
In a sport with no timeouts, no substitutions and only one significant statistic, choosing the inaugural All-Keys cross country teams was a relatively simple matter. But in naming the top six male and female cross country athletes in the county, our staff noticed something: 11 of the 12 athletes, should they so choose, will have the chance to compete again in 2023, and two of them haven’t even hit high school yet
Needless to say, we can’t wait.
From the staff at the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap, congratulations to the 2022 Keys Weekly All-Keys Cross Country Teams.
VANCE BURSA / Sophomore, Marathon Season Record: 16:18.20
“This was Vance’s second year running cross country, but watching him you would think he was a veteran runner. He is already the second-fastest Dolphin ever with a 16:18 PR and placed the second-highest ever at states for the Dolphins with a 10th place finish. Excited to see what he can do in the next two years.” – Marathon coach Jim Murphy
CAYLAA MAKIMAA / Sophomore, Key West Season Record: 20:36.00
“Caylaa is a ray of sunshine in life and on a race course. Always smiling and turning negatives into positives, Caylaa was one of only two veteran cross country runners on this team. She ensured that she was always lending a helping hand to our runners who were newer to the sport. Caylaa works hard, and it showed up this year; Caylaa is full of potential as a runner and has a bright future ahead of her.”
– Key West coach Keara McGraw
Eighth grade, Marathon Season Record: 22:40.40
“Madelyn is an amazing athlete with tons of natural talent. I have no doubt she can do anything she sets her mind to and I can’t wait to see how far she goes with cross country.”
– Marathon coach Darby Sheehan
Season Record: 23:07.60
LAIRA ANAYA / Sophomore, Key West Season Record: 22:48.70
“In running, mental grit is one of the keys to success, but it's the hardest thing to teach. Laira is one of the grittiest ladies I've ever met – she's inquisitive and always looking for ways to improve. I'm so proud of how far Laira has come this season in so many ways, one of which was learning to take feedback and apply it to her races positively. As a first-time cross country athlete, I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Laira in the sport.”
– Key West coach Keara McGraw
MIKKEL ROSS / Junior, Marathon Season Record: 23:02.00
“Mikkel is an incredible leader on our team. She is the person that all the girls look up to and come to when they need help. She has a fun personality that always keeps everyone laughing.” – Marathon coach Darby Sheehan
ELLA DUNN / Sophomore, Marathon Season Record: 22:36.50
Kai Guth’s time was not the only thing making her a top athlete
the
“Kai
Simon (Gutierrez) both helped with getting sponsorships for the team and helped fundraise
To this day they are still running, entering local 5k races and encouraging my newer runners to join.”
–
our new
“Ella is such a wonderful athlete to work with; she brings so much joy and light to everything she does. She is someone you can always count on to lift you up when feeling down.” – Marathon coach Darby Sheehan
In recent years, “the media” seems to have become an easy target and scapegoat when news comes out that some would rather not see in print. But here at the Keys Weekly, our staff is proud to work for a company just as dedicated to celebrating our community’s triumphs as it is to covering its trials. Here is just a small sampling of stories from 2022 that made us proud to celebrate the One Human Family in the Florida Keys.
1. Rescue crews from Dolphin Research Center and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters prepare an injured manatee for a tow to Sombrero Beach. CONTRIBUTED.
2. Tortie is fitted with her satellite tracker at the Turtle Hospital. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau
3 Finishing her first Ironman, Sandy Brito shows off her medal. CONTRIBUTED
4. The 2022 Castaways Against Cancer kayak team, from left: Caleb Isenberg, Roger Dabdab, Kari Linfors, team captain Eric Pino, Suzy Cury, Castaways founder Steve O’Brien, Patrick Linfors, Paul Kumer, Jaime Lemus and Omar Beceiro. CONTRIBUTED
5 From left, Daniel and David Hernandez are handsome 5-year-old twins diagnosed with varying degrees of autism. CONTRIBUTED
6. Students at the Carrie Brazer Center for Autism receive one-on-one care. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
ONE ANIMAL FAMILY, TOO
Those who live in an island chain surrounded by one of the most magnificent ecosystems in the world are already more willing than most to do whatever it takes to protect the animals sharing their environment.
In January, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters became the only facility in the islands to house rehabilitating manatees as it welcomed “Heavy Falcon” and “Lil Peep” on their journey toward eventual release.
In March, when birds at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center needed a new home, Eagle Scout candidate Keegan Wittke stepped in to get the job done.
In May, the staff at Dolphin Research Center took on a Herculean task as they committed to hand-raising a newborn calf born at the center, providing round-the-clock care for months. The center also welcomed a rescue from Texas and celebrated a second calf later in the year.
In June, a couple was heartbroken as their French bulldog Sailor went missing from their home. But due to a collaborative effort between MCSO and the Miami-Dade police, Sailor made her way home in just over a week, with the suspects who demanded a ransom detained.
The next month, the Turtle Hospital celebrated the release of “Tortie.” The juvenile green sea turtle was rehabilitated against all odds after suffering from a load of fibropapilloma tumors and fitted with a satellite tracker upon release to raise awareness for her species.
In late November, Middle Keys residents gathered to celebrate the release of three manatees rescued throughout the previous seven months – some in collaborative allnight community endeavors – showcasing the combined capabilities of multiple Keys rescue organizations.
And as protection of our coral reefs increasingly becomes a race against time, organizations like I.CARE and Reef Renewal USA are blazing a new path in eco-tourism, engaging community partnerships and putting volunteers who want to help with critical restoration activities to work.
Some Keys residents accomplished physical feats this year that left us dumbfounded.
Average New Year’s resolutions were put to shame by a Marathon couple who dropped 240 pounds in just one year.
Thanks to Coral Shores’ Xavyer Arrington and Marathon’s Rylan Chapa, the Keys are home to two state weightlifting champions.
Upper Keys mom Sandy Brito performed an ultimate feat of endurance in May when she became an ironwoman at a Texas race. As did David Castro, who described his journey from homelessness to conquering some of the world’s toughest challenges with a 135-mile race through Death Valley.
jim@keysweekly.com
Business bustled in the Upper Keys as locals and visitors frequented new restaurants and storefronts in 2022. Various owners celebrated anniversaries, while family-owned operations changed hands.
1. A taste of Italy came to Islamorada in July with the opening of Italian Food Company at the former Bentley’s restaurant. Owners are Tony and Isis Wright. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
2. Located above Square Grouper, Sunset Lounge became one of the hot spots for a night out in Islamorada in 2022. Lynn Bell is the owner. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
3. Jim and Sara Bernardin recently sold Pines and Palms Resort after 25 years of ownership to Nick and Raynie Reizen and Chad and Katie McKimm of Naples, pictured. CONTRIBUTED
4. F—ing Bagels opened in Islamorada to serve breakfast and lunch items. Trinity VanSteenburg is the owner. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly
5. Sandbar Books brought fresh pages and some reading time to Tavernier. Becky Washam is the owner. MELINDA VAN FLEET/Keys Weekly
6. Pilates in Paradise and owner Christi Allen Franchini celebrated 20 years of business. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly 7. Cafe Largo Owner Robert DiGiorgio and family celebrate 30 years of business. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly
A new, but familiar, face took his seat on the Monroe County Commission in 2022. Meanwhile, new county facilities broke ground while others opened following a ribbon cutting. Also, county commissioners received the price tag to raise roads amid impending sea level rise.
A former Key West manager and naval aviator who commanded Naval Air Station Key West, Jim Scholl was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on April 29 to fulfill the term of Eddie Martinez, who resigned in December 2021 following his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence. “I’ve always said I don’t run for office; I run from office,” the county commissioner told the Keys Weekly days after the news of his appointment. Scholl is serving the remainder of Martinez’s two-year term.
The snipping of a ribbon marked the grand opening of the Plantation Key Government Center in Tavernier on June 2. The state-of-the-art, 48,240-square-foot facility, which broke ground Oct. 18, 2019, houses the 16th Judicial Court of Florida, Monroe County Clerk of the Court, State Attorney’s office, Monroe County Sheriff’s substation and Monroe County Public Works.
Final results from a roads vulnerability analysis unveiled on June 15 stated that raising 311 miles of county roads vulnerable to sea level rise would come with a $1.6-billion price tag. Those roadways provide access to 71% of the county’s housing units.
A ceremony celebrating the renaming of Cow Key Bridge in honor of Cheryl Cates, the late wife of County Commissioner Craig Cates, saw more than 100 people in attendance on July 26. Cates died in December 2020 after
a battle with COVID. The renaming was approved by the Monroe County commissioners, Key West commissioners and the Florida Legislature.
Farmer Jeanne Selander received the Honorary Conch Certificate on Aug. 24. Selander has overseen the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm at the Stock Island Detention Center for 17 years. The jailhouse farm is believed to be the only one of its kind in the U.S.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER BREAKS GROUND County, state and federal officials broke ground on a new Emergency Operations Center at the west end of the Marathon airport. The project consolidates several existing organizations into a new state-of-the-art 28,321- squarefoot, 220-mph-wind-rated facility that will include Monroe County’s Emergency Management, Fire Rescue administration and the Sheriff’s Office 911 center. It’s scheduled to be completed in spring 2024.
OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS
Feb. 16 — Tom Hambright retires after serving 36 years as Monroe County historian.
June 6 — Corey Malcom succeeds Tom Hambright as county historian.
June 14 — Harry Harris Park restoration project is completed.
Aug. 17 — BOCC passes no smoking ban at county parks and beaches.
Aug. 24 — Pine Channel Nature Park in Big Pine Key opens to the public.
Sept. 9 — State and county officials gather at the Marathon airport a day before the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma, to discuss the importance of preparedness. Irma hit the Keys as a category 4 storm.
Oct. 5 — Richard Clark named new executive director of transit.
Nov. 15 — Craig Cates named Monroe County mayor.
Amassive influx of Cuban and Haitian migrants dominated the headlines in the Florida Keys and South Florida in 2022 (and that’ll likely continue going into the new year). Between the economic despair, violence and oppression, men, women and children scurried from their homes onto homemade vessels — some dilapidated and not suitable to deal with the ocean’s rage and unpredictable weather — in hopes of brighter futures in the U.S. Not all have made it to land successfully. And those who’ve arrived have been met by the Coast Guard, U.S. Customs & Border Protection and local authorities. From the heart-pounding rescues to the scenes of hundreds of migrants detained on land, here are some of the bigger stories that made it into print.
A chug carrying 15 Cuban immigrants reached the shores of Marathon near the Sunrise Isle area of Sombrero Beach Road on Jan. 4. Although all 15 migrants were soon detained by authorities, there was an initial belief that a few of the migrants had traveled across Man-O-War Drive and entered the mangroves surrounding Marathon Middle and High School.
In response, the school underwent a temporary precautionary lockdown to allow officials to search the area. “Our students are not in harm’s way,” said principal Wendy McPherson in a memo to parents. “Classes are being held in place until law enforcement has found all of the individuals. We expect the situation to be resolved soon.”
After reviewing footage taken by residents in the Sombrero Beach Road area, it was eventually determined that all migrants known to have come ashore were accounted for, and the lockdown was released shortly thereafter. Migrants were taken into Customs & Border Protection (CBP) custody. It’s unknown whether they were sent back to Cuba or were released to family.
1. A large boat containing 356 Haitian migrants runs aground near Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo on March 6. JASON RAFTER/Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation.
A little more than 120 Haitian migrants hopped off a vessel and made their way onto land via a Summerland Key residence’s beach on the morning of March 14. U.S. Customs & Border Protection agents and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene at a private property beach where the migrants were landing. A local resident notified law enforcement that a suspected migrant vessel was about to run aground with around 100 people on board. Eventually, the dilapidated vessel ran aground near a residential shoreline on Summerland Key. CBP said migrants onboard the vessel jumped off and safely swam ashore. Law enforcement officers responding immediately were able to secure the area without further incident and render first aid to migrants who were dehydrated. The group — totaling 123 — told officials that they had left La Tortue Island in Haiti on March 9. Migrants were transported to Marathon and Dania Beach Border Patrol stations for further processing and were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
EASTERN EUROPEANS ARRIVE ON BOAT FROM CUBA Police and government vehicles filled the plaza at the top of Duval Street on April 3 after a fishing boat pulled up to the pier there and dropped off a dozen or so Eastern Europeans who said they had been in Cuba. The Keys Weekly spoke briefly with one of the Eastern Europeans, all of whom were seated at tables inside the Southernmost Beach Cafe with luggage and duffel bags next to them. They were well dressed and their clothes were not wet as if they had waded ashore. Most had smartphones they were using while awaiting further instructions. One man told the Keys Weekly they were from Uzbekistan and former Soviet republics. It’s unknown whether they were sent back to their home countries or remained in the U.S.
2. A Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba crew member feeds a child rescued off an overloaded sailing vessel near Rodriguez Key on Nov. 21. LT. ROBERT COLLINS/U.S. Coast Guard
3. A chug of Cuban migrants approaches offshore of Key West. LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly
Cubans and Haitians arrive to the U.S. at record levels
Coast Guard interdictions of Cubans 6,182 in fiscal year 2022 838 in fiscal year 2021 49 in fiscal year 2020 313 fiscal year 2019 259 in fiscal year 2018
Coast Guard interdictions of Haitians
7,175 in fiscal year 2022 1,527 in fiscal year 2021 418 in fiscal year 2020 932 in fiscal year 2019 609 in fiscal year 2018
— Capt. Robert Kinsey, Coast Guard District Seven on Dec. 20.
In one of the largest migrant landings seen in the Keys in 2022, a sailboat packed with more than 300 Haitian men, women and children grounded near North Key Largo’s Ocean Reef Club on Aug. 6.
A total of 113 migrants hopped off the vessel and made it to land at the exclusive Ocean Reef Club in North Key Largo. But 220 migrants remained on the boat. A swift rescue ensued by the U.S. Coast Guard as many migrants were in the water without life jackets. Migrants making it to land were in U.S Customs & Border Protection’s custody. They subsequently went through removal proceedings. Those who were boarded on a Coast Guard cutter were sent back to Haiti.
In September, the Keys Weekly team took an in-depth look at the growing number of migrants making the journey to the Florida Keys, U.S. immigration policy and some of the next steps they face when interdicted on the water or caught on land.
Part 1 Part 2
The Florida Keys experienced yet another large migrant landing in less than three days, as a sailboat carrying a total of 123 Haitian migrants ran aground offshore in the area of 79th Street Ocean in Marathon on Aug. 8. Of the migrants on board, 109 entered the water, making the swim to land before they were eventually apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in a multi-agency collaboration with Florida Fish & Wildlife, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. Fourteen migrants who remained aboard the vessel were taken into custody of the Coast Guard for repatriation. The rest went through removal proceedings.
4. Cuban refugees arrive at Smathers Beach by boat in early October. MARK HEDDEN/ Keys Weekly
5. Officials from county, state and federal agencies collaborated to take 109 migrants into custody who made the swim to land on Aug. 8. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
A search and rescue effort by the U.S. Coast Guard ensued after a vessel carrying roughly 30 Cuban migrants sank not far from Stock Island. U.S. Customs & Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Walter Slosar said his agents and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the migrant landing around 1 p.m. on Sept. 28. Four migrants swam to shore after their vessel sank due to inclement weather. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation to locate 23 other migrants. Not all were successfully rescued, as the Coast Guard reported that they found one deceased person near Ocean Edge Marina. It’s unknown whether the remaining migrants who made it to land and were successfully rescued were sent back to Cuba.
An overloaded 50-foot vessel initially sighted in Key Largo carrying a large number of Haitian migrants on rough waters ran aground at the sandbar south of Whale Harbor in Islamorada around 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 21. Eighteen people were found in the water as multiple agencies rushed to rescue them from dangerous ocean currents.
The vessel carrying the migrants was spotted off the shores of Key Largo during the early morning hours of Nov. 21. The rescue effort by the Coast Guard started after a good samaritan contacted Sector Key West around 5 a.m.
On Nov. 26, the 180 on the sailboat, 89 men, 55 women and 46 women were sent back via a Coast Guard Cutter. Ten people onboard the vessel were going through a joint interagency process. On Nov. 29, the Coast Guard said seven people were repatriated and three were transferred back to U.S. officials.
"This year, we've needlessly lost 13 lives to the sea as a result of people choosing to attempt maritime migration in grossly overcrowded and unsafe vessels."MARK
Shots of a sunset, with clouds emanating in color over a calm, glassy ocean, aren’t the only photos that best depict the Florida Keys. Through the lens, photographers of the Keys Weekly captured some breathtaking moments beneath the depths, in the air and around the community in 2022. We could probably devote a full paper to photos taken by some of the best to do it in the Keys, but here’s a snippet of what our crew captured.
In June, Keys Weekly freelancer Tiffany Duong joined Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo to test out PADI’s “Dive Against Debris’ course. Rainbow Reef’s Bianca Blandshine uses a lift bag to bring up an anchor. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly
Coral Shores Class of 2022 graduates, including this group of seniors dressed as captains, paraded up Old Highway on boats and vehicles as part of a senior send-off celebration on May 20. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly
Nearly 200 kids hopped into their sailboats for the 13th annual Buccaneer Blast Regatta at Rowell’s Park in Key Largo on Feb. 4-6. Young sailors from Caribbean countries and various U.S. states took to Blackwater Sound, where sun and light winds greeted them as they showcased their sailing abilities. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly
4. CONCH SCRAMBLE
Golfers dressed in costumes enjoyed a nine-hole round on the water during the annual Conch
Scramble on Oct. 1. Using a club and biodegradable balls that turn into fish food, participants targeted floating greens as they raised money for various charities in the Keys. DOUG Finger/Keys Weekly
5. NIGHTTIME
Spectators gaze into the nighttime sky for a fireworks display to remember during the Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park on July 4. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly
A cheerful Bahamian junkanoo takes to the streets near the end of the 5th annual Islamorada Seafood Fest & Art Show on March 20. Visitors came out to enjoy the flavors and festivities, drink their favorite local beer, as usual, and to support Moose Lodge Charities. ADRIANA ABREU/Keys Weekly
7.
Keys residents had a clear look at a lunar eclipse that turned the moon blood red on the night of May 15. The moon passed through the Earth’s shadow around 9:30 p.m. It reached totality, or fully within Earth’s shadow, some two hours later. It stayed there for an hour and 25 minutes. GEO TOTH/Contributed
U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet #7 landed at Naval Air Station Key West’s Boca Chica Field on Dec. 20, for a planning meeting for the upcoming 2023 Southernmost Air Spectacular air show on April 15 and 16, 2023.
Pilot #7 and air show narrator Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman touched down at Boca Chica Field in a two-seater F/A-18F Super Hornet jet with Pilot #8 and events coordinator Lt. Cmdr. Brian Vaught occupying the back seat. The two pilots conducted a site visit and met with key players from the air station, Key West Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to discuss details of the upcoming air show.
“The Navy has a long and proud history in the Florida Keys and we look forward to celebrating our 200th anniversary in Key West at the Southernmost Air Spectacular,” NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Beth Regoli said. “As a thank-you to our community, we’re opening our gates to what is sure to be an exhilarating show.”
The NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is scheduled for April 15 and 16, 2023, at Boca Chica Field. The show is in celebration of 200 years of the Navy in Key West and 200 years of Monroe County. Admission is free and the show is open to the public.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brian Vaught stands on an F/A-18F Super Hornet of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron on Naval Air Station Key West’s Boca Chica Field. Vaught and other Blue Angels pilots were in town to plan the Southernmost Air Spectacular April 15 & 16. NICHOLAS V. HUYNH/U.S. Navy
States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 500 million fans.
NAS Key West is the state-ofthe-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations.
More information is at AirShowKeyWest.com.
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.
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
all 67 counties. Board members include: a Department of Children and Families regional administrator or his or her permanent designee who is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the department; a district superintendent of schools or his or her permanent designee who is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the district; a local workforce development board executive director or his or her permanent designee; a county health department director or his or her designee; a children’s services council or juvenile welfare board chair or executive director from each county, if applicable; a Department of Children and Families child care regulation representative or an agency head of a local licensing agency as defined in s. 402.302, where applicable; a president of a Florida College System institution or his or her permanent designee; one member appointed by a board of county commissioners or the governing board of a municipality; a Head Start/Early Head Start director; a 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.
It’s not just what we cover, it’s what we truly believe at the Keys Weekly.
With offices, editors and editions in Key West, Marathon and the Upper Keys, our team continued its unwavering commitment to local news, people and the Keys community in 2022.
Whether we’re in the Keys Weekly booths at local seafood festivals, or driving decorated golf carts in our hometown holiday parades, the Keys Weekly is your local newspaper and we thank you for trusting us with…local matters.
— The Keys Weekly EditorsOne of our biggest additions this year, Sports Wrap offers complete coverage of high school sports by Tracy and Sean McDonald, who also produces and hosts our weekly Sports Wrap podcast.
The past year saw an unprecedented number of breaking news stories, social media engagement, fun local events in which we proudly took part and some new bylines for the Key West Weekly.
We welcomed freelance writers Cricket Desmarais and Amy Patton, whose profiles, theater reviews, fun features and news stories have added new voices and fresh perspectives to the Key West Weekly. Columnist and author Janice Gary now pays tribute to our four-legged fur babies with her monthly column Paws in Paradise, while Ray West covers the local live music scene with his twice-monthly Hip to the Scene column.
Publisher and owner Britt Myers continued the success of the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast Show, scoring interviews with the likes of musical legend Warren Haynes, Major League pitcher — and surgery namesake — Tommy John, as well as Queen front man and singing sensation Adam Lambert.
Our annual Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards drew 400,000 online votes from all continents except Antarctica. The awards gala in July packed Key West Theater with humor and high honors while raising more than $30,000 for the Bahama Village Music Program.
And as always, our team had a great time at countless community events, fundraisers and political forums.
It’s been an exciting year at the Keys Weekly. Watch what happens next — onward and upward for 2023 in the Florida Keys.
Publisher Britt Myers, with wife Kirby Myers and daughter Dylan, lead the team in the decorated Key West Weekly and Overseas Media Group golf cart for Key West’s Hometown Holiday Parade. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
The heart of the Florida Keys kept new blood pumping in 2022. Our year began with a new partnership with the Florida Keys SPCA, working to bring furry companions in shelters to our pages every week. As the months progressed, we welcomed contributions from talented freelancer Abigail Haddock, and closed the year by debuting a brand-new health and wellness column by Jennifer Boltz-Harvey along with Joel Brandenburg’s Captain Joel’s Fishin’ Holes.
The year was not without loss, as we bid fair winds and following seas to beloved columnist Mike Barber, who passed away in March following a battle against aggressive pneumonia.
The return of the Marathon Meltdown saw 39 Middle Keys residents shave off an astounding 437.8 pounds in total, with one contestant losing 18.2% of her body weight –and we’re sure they’ve all kept it off.
Our 14th annual Best of Marathon awards brought nearly 300 guests to a phenomenal evening honoring the standout businesses and individuals in our city – even when nasty weather necessitated a last-minute venue change to Million Air’s hangar.
With the new school year, the Marathon office spearheaded a new partnership with Sean and Tracy McDonald to produce the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap, the only locallyowned sports section covering Monroe County athletics – AND a fantastic podcast taking intricate dives into Keys sports history. We cannot thank them enough for the way they’ve transformed our sports coverage and reaffirmed our commitment to celebrating local athletes’ accomplishments.
Best of Upper Keys attendees raise a glass to the late Mike Forster, who championed the idea of bringing a people’s choice event back to the Upper Keys. The Keys Weekly was proud to be the ones to do it. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
The Upper Keys Office in Tavernier bolstered its team to start 2022 by welcoming Jill Miranda Baker as business development officer. A 25-year resident of Plantation Key, Miranda Baker elevated new relationships with the business and nonprofit sectors while maintaining strong connections with longstanding clients.
Months later, the Keys Weekly added more talent to its roster, this time bringing in Manuela Carrillo Mobley as director of sales. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she spent several years with AT&T in the Florida Keys before joining the Key Weekly team.
New bylines hit the papers as the year progressed. Earlier in the year, the Upper Keys added former TV reporter Kellie Butler Farrell to its talented freelance team. Coral Shores student Zack Woltanski and Upper Keys resident Carolyn DePaula also joined as freelancers.
New features debuted, including Pet of the Week and Joyful Keys Living, which highlighted some local residents making a difference in their communities. The Upper Keys Weekly closed out the year with the new “Artist’s Corner” column by local artist William DePaula.
A people’s choice awards event, which we dubbed Best of Upper Keys, debuted in the fall. People had the opportunity to submit their favorite businesses, places, people and more. Finalists were chosen by the people in roughly 50 categories. On Nov. 5, winners were crowned at Whale Harbor Events in Islamorada, and more than $19,000 was raised for the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.
A young deputy editor arrived at the Upper Keys Weekly. His name? Lucas Matthew McCarthy. Upper Keys Weekly editor Jim McCarthy and his beautiful other half, Brie Conway, welcomed an 8.8-pound boy into the world on Oct. 4.
Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.”
Now that all of the excitement has settled down from our big fundraiser, I can report on Coral and her big surgery that happened on Dec. 9 with Whiskers and Paws Forever of Monroe County. Veterinarian Brian Huntsman performed her surgery alongside the amazing volunteers that run this clinic in the Upper Keys. Although this was Huntsman’s first fox, he has done tens of thousands of surgeries throughout his career, and here in the Florida Keys, he has assisted in controlling the feral cat population.
Margie Schwartz founded Whiskers and Paws 20 years ago and she and my mom discussed Coral using their clinic when other scheduling conflicts came up with our regular veterinarians. Margie and her volunteers dedicate their lives to helping our community and the animals that reside in it.
Mom left the house that day with Coral at 8 a.m. and didn’t get home until 12:30 p.m. The surgery was over in less than an hour, but Miss Coral enjoyed her sedation a little too much and it took her two hours to wake up. Nothing was wrong, oh no, she just enjoyed her drugs and milked it for as long as she could. Coral is all healed up now, well, except for her shaved belly, which I absolutely tease her about all the time. She looks like one of those naked cats on the underside. Ridiculous. Not that naked cats are ridiculous, a fox with a naked belly is ridiculous. Mom had to break out a dog sweater for Coral last weekend since it was chilly for Christmas.
If you need more information about Whiskers and Paws you can check out their website at whiskersandpawsforever.com.
On that note, from all of us at Pawsitive Beginnings, we wish you the safest and happiest holidays. Thank you for all of the support you show us. Eat some pie for me.
That’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
Hawksbill sea turtles are known for having a residence. “Harris” has been seen by divers swimming around the wreck of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Duane for several years.
Arare hawksbill sea turtle, found injured 10 days ago by divers on a shipwreck off Key Largo, was fitted with a satellite tracking tag and returned to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary on Dec. 21 after it was treated at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
The female turtle, dubbed “Harris,” had a large fishing lure deeply embedded in her shoulder. She received medical treatment and wound care at the hospital and, during examination, was found to be carrying eggs.
“We were able to fit her with a satellite tag, and what that means is that we can track her,” said Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach. “She is with eggs, so the exciting thing is we may be able to see where she goes and nests.”
Their nesting behavior, however, remains a mystery in the Florida Keys. Only a few hawksbill nests have been found in the Middle Keys around Marathon, but none in Key Largo. Researchers and Turtle Hospital staff hope the satellite tag will help them discover where “Harris” might lay her eggs.
Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered and Zirkelbach reported that “Harris” is unusually large for the species.
“She is 171 pounds,” Zirkelbach said. “In the books they say hawksbills grow to 150 pounds, so she was huge — most likely well over 50 years old.”
The divers who rescued Harris, including the owner of Key Largo-based Horizon Divers, worked alongside the Turtle Hospital team on the release at the Duane wreck, about 6 miles off Key Largo near Molasses Reef.
Injured turtle, found off Key Largo, rehabbed and releasedHarris, an egg-bearing female hawksbill sea turtle, is released near Key Largo on Dec. 21. WOODY MOREHEAD/Florida Keys News Bureau Harris swims underwater following her release. HAYLIE DAWSON/Florida Keys News Bureau
The interesting year is ending, and from all indications, 2023 is lining up to be just as interesting, if not a little more.
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.
By this time last year, I was officially unemployed and trying to figure out just what the frickand-frack I was going to do. Thanks to Collier County Museums, Key Largo Anglers Club, and Florida Bay Forever, I was afforded opportunities to work on freelance projects as I began to navigate 2022.
Truth be told, there are few opportunities for an unemployed historian in the Upper Keys. What remained clear is that I would carry on doing what I was doing and sharing these fantastic histories of the Florida Keys. What I wondered was how that certainty would manifest. I knew I would keep writing this column, which is both a challenging and amazing outlet. I will insert a big “Thank You!” to the wonderful people at The Keys Weekly Newspapers (including Jason Koler, Jim McCarthy, Alex Rickert and Mandy Miles for accommodating the 800-900 words about the local history I write every week).
This year’s two big surprises developed from my Facebook group Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli. First, the response to the group has been incredible. In just this first year, membership has risen to over 10,000. The page became so popular that it inspired the second big surprise, my latest book, Volume 1 of “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli.” Volumes 2 and 3 will be hitting the bookshelves in 2023. One of them will be dedicated to Black Caesar and other legendary pirate stories from the Florida Keys. The subjects for the other one are still developing.
The unsung hero of 2022 might be “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files.” I can’t say why yet but that story will be told at some point this year (fingerscrossed). I wrote the book because I hadn’t dabbled in fiction for over a decade, and I wanted to just play and reconnect with the joy I get from telling a good story. The idea for the book came from an actual 1977 sighting that occurred near what is today Snapper’s Restaurant on Key Largo.
For those who remember “The Blair Witch Project,” I modeled the book after the film by creating a series of fictional Skunk Ape (Florida’s Bigfoot) events that are presented as if they were real. The book is also filled with some great Florida Keys history because I love to write and couldn’t help myself from sharing some great local history to an audience that might not engage with it otherwise.
“The Skunk Ape Files” also reignited my desire to improve my storytelling when exploring these Florida Keys’ histories. This is also the reason why I published my last book and why additional volumes are on the horizon. My column is a great place to share, but 800-900 words are often not enough to tell the stories I want to tell, and, in book form, I can use all the words I need.
There is a reason I continue to repeat that it is difficult to tell a Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, or Key West story because they become larger Florida Keys stories. For such a small chain of islands, they are home to amazing stories. The Florida Keys have always been connected by more than schooners, trains or automobiles. They have, too, been bridged by something stronger than concrete and steel and thicker than water. The conduit that connects the Florida Keys, one island to another, is the pioneer blood of the families who first called these islands home.
I consider it an honor to be able to learn about and share these stories and, what seems to be shaping up is that, in 2023, I will be sharing them on a growing array of platforms. In addition to this column and the release of at least two more volumes of “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli,” I will continue my popular monthly talks at the Islamorada Moose Lodge on the first Monday of every month. On Monday, Jan. 2, I’ll be telling stories about Alligator Key, Alligator Reef and Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
Additional speaking events have been scheduled at the Key Largo Library, the Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade Historical Society, and the Key West Garden Club. Other plans on the horizon of early 2023 include a bicycle tour with Keys Ebikes in Islamorada. I hope to post more information about that endeavor in the next few weeks.
Discussions are underway, too, for a series of “History Dinners” for those interested in learning about some local history while enjoying a good meal. I’ll share those details as plans firm up.
In the meantime, I’ll continue writing about and talking about the history of the Florida Keys every chance I get. Also, I’ll be bartending down at the world-famous Robbie’s Marina a couple of days a week for anyone looking to sip an adult beverage and chat about history.
Happy Holiday to everyone, and Happy New Year to you and yours from the Sioux Street office!
Josephine Wood Perdue, born on Sept. 5, 1934, passed peacefully on Dec. 5, 2022 at the age of 88 in Boone, North Carolina.
“Joey” was born in Miami and attended Miami High. She enjoyed the many businesses she was involved in, including The Sandpiper, Interiors By Joey, and Overseas Ace Hardware.
Her gardens were her pride and joy. Family and friends will always remember her parties, hurricane evacuations and graduation celebrations at her home at Beaver Horn Elk Ranch.
She was predeceased by her husbands Richard Wood and Pete Perdue. She is survived by her three children, Janet Wood, Allen Wood and Jay Wood, all of Islamorada.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Jay, Paris, Joseph, Brittany, Sami Jo, Lorelei, Paxton, Harvey, Maverick, Levi, Eleanor and Harbour.
Online condolences may be shared with Joey’s family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
The annual Blessing of the Fleet at Islamorada’s Whale Harbor Channel will begin Sunday, Jan. 1, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The procession will go through the Whale Harbor Channel to the bridge. Spectators are asked not to watch from the bridge. The event is sponsored by the Islamorada Charter Boat Association.
The Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride takes place Friday, Jan. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 7, in the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. Residents and visitors are encouraged to cheer on and support the warriors or join them for the community ride on Saturday in Key West.
“The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is an opportunity for those who honorably serve or have served our nation to build confidence and strength from wounds incurred in service,” said Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane. “We enthusiastically welcome these warriors as they ride through the Florida Keys.”
Motorists should take extra time to get to their destination during the ride times. U.S. 1 will remain open for the Soldier Ride, but motorists should be patient, use caution and note there may be rolling lane shifts in traffic.
The 39th annual Art under the Oaks Festival presented by San Pedro Catholic Church will take place on Jan. 14, 2023 at the church gardens at 89500 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The church grounds provide the venue to enjoy fine art and original crafts on display by local and regional artists.
The festival includes local food, beverages, bake sale items, a raffle of arts and crafts and a variety of live music. Admission is free and there is free parking at Plantation Key School just north of the church or in church parking lot for a $5 donation. More information is at 305-852-5372 ext. 3.
Project Graduation is raising money for the Coral Shores class of 2023 to have fun events during the last week of their senior year. No donation is too small or too big. Project Graduation is a nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible. Those wishing to donate can write a check to Project Graduation, P.O. Box 1078, Tavernier, FL, 33070, Zelle to weinstock.laura@gmail.com or visit sites.google.com/view/2023cshs/ home and click the Square link.
Now hiring an energetic, hard-working individual to pick up and deliver furniture part time two days a week. Schedule is flexible.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MerrellWorks LLC located at 247 W. Seaview Circle, Duck Key, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By: Cheryl A. Merrell
Publish: December 29, 2022
The Weekly Newspapers
Best Lien Services Inc. located at: 7290 SW 41 St., Miami, FL 33155, will sell at a reserve public sale at 9:00 am the following vehicles at said location to satisfy lien pursuant to Chapter 713.585 of the Florida statutes:
2011 IBW VS IBW3X376H011
Date of Sale: January 11, 2023 at 9:00 am
Location: 254 Loeb Avenue, Key Largo, FL 33037 P#: 305-942-9532
The following will sell at: 2017 DODG 2D
2C3CDZAG5HH527464
1985 CHEV TK
2GCCC14H5F1207829
Date of Sale: January 13, 2023 at 9:00 am
Location: 1503 Aqueduct Lane, Key Largo, FL 33037
P#: 786-328-9393
Owner/Lienholder may inspect/ recover vehicle by contacting Best Lien Services, 7290 SW 41 St., Miami, FL 33155 (1-866-299-9391) at least 1 week prior to the lien sale. All sales are with reserve 20% buyers premium.
Publish: December 29, 2022
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 22-CP-117-M
DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS
IN RE: ESTATE OF WALTER FLORIMONT Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Walter Florimont, deceased, whose date of death was October 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 names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: December 22, 2022.
Personal Representative: Cynthia Dawn Florimont 925 43rd Street Marathon, Florida 33050
Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134
RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com
Publish: December 22 & 29, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 22-CP-111-M
DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS
IN RE: ESTATE OF ALLEN L. SIMMONS Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Allen L. Simmons, deceased, whose date of death was November 6, 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 names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: December 22, 2022.
Personal Representative: Susan M. Simmons 5 Ocean East Marathon, Florida 33050
Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134
RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com
Publish: December 22 & 29, 2022
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION
Case#: 2012-CA-000363-K
Federal National Mortgage Association Plaintiff, -vs.Joseph Patrick Clements a/k/a Joseph P. Clements and Debra Lynn Clements a/k/a Debra L. Clements a/k/a Debbie L. Clements; Branch Banking and Trust Company, Successor by Merger to Republic Bank; Iberiabank; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants; Unknown Parties in Possession #2, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to order rescheduling foreclosure sale or Final Judgment, entered in Civil Case No. 2012-CA-000363-K of the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, wherein Federal National Mortgage Association, Plaintiff and Joseph Patrick Clements a/k/a Joseph P. Clements
COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, AT 11:00 A.M. on January 18, 2023, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit:
LOT 23, BLOCK 2, AMENDED PLAT OF COPPITT SUBDIVISION, (A RE-SUBDIVISION OF PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 116) LOCATED IN GOVERNMENT LOT 5, SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 67 S., RANGE 26 E., BIG COPPITT KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS RECORDED INP LAT BOOK 4, AT PAGE 50, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED.
Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711.
KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O'mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pou-ou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711.
Kevin Madok, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Monroe County, Florida
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.
ALL YEARS! Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483
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 336408-8140 or 336-287-3345.
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
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time server. $12/hr + Guaranteed tip pool, employee meals, private club & friendly atmosphere. Weeknight and Saturday evening availability. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.
The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Customer-Service 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 404-219-3359 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.
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
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 8a-5p. 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
Immediate positions at the Grassy Key Marina. Under new ownership and looking for smiling faces. Fulltime or part-time available. Pay rates are commensurate with experience but we are willing to interview those with no experience who have an interest in working in a marina environment. Please call Randall Glass to schedule an interview at 305-465-1491.
City of Marathon Current Job Openings: WW Operator/Controls Trainee, 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
NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older, Fulltime Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@sweetsavannahs.com
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 305296-5621. 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.
Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
305-743-4578
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
Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
RV FOR SALE - 2017 Thor Citation RV, 24ft Mercedes V6 Diesel, 2 slides, Cummings Diesel Generator, Low Mileage, Many Upgrades, Call Richard 305-363-8021
Large RV Waterfront Lot with Dockage for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $2000.00/month plus utilities. 305-731-5042
Place your RV LOT FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Customer Services Department:
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $19.82/hr. - $22.20/hr.
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Fleets & Facilities Section:
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $27.17/hr. - $30.43/hr.
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
This being the last dive report for 2022, I decided to reflect back on the year of diving.
We had two crazy years in 2020 and 2021, but 2022 came back down to Earth a little bit. We still had a good amount of divers visiting our reefs and wrecks. The one thing that kept standing out to me about 2022 is the amount of dive volunteerism we are now seeing. I feel our world is becoming more conscious that we need to protect and restore our natural resources, so future generations will still be enjoying the same beauty we are today. This has become very apparent in the scuba world.
ERIC BILLIPSis the owner, captain and instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Keys Dive Center.
Divers are participating in numerous conservation activities that help our ocean resources. The dive shops in the Keys, from Key Largo to Key West, offer programs for divers that include coral restoration, marine debris cleanups and shark awareness. Both my shops offer coral restoration trips with the Coral Restoration Foundation and I.CARE. I.CARE has transplanted a total of 8,560 corals. This is made possible by local and visiting divers. These numbers would not be achievable if it weren’t for certified divers from all over the world getting involved.
He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfishing and captaining in the Florida Keys.
are offering divers the opportunity to help clean up our reefs and wrecks. And divers are jumping at this opportunity. Not only do they get to dive on some of the most beautiful reefs in the world, they get to “give back” by picking up debris that shouldn’t be there. We’ve seen more divers getting involved in this in 2022 and feeling a sense of accomplishment that they helped clean up or restore the reefs they love so much.
Another conservation program that has really gained steam this year is shark awareness. Educating divers on the importance of sharks – and why we should not fear them and need to protect them – has become one of the most popular classes we offer. Divers or snorkelers take part in a brief informative PowerPoint presentation that showcases the very important role sharks play in our ecosystem. It also details the threats many sharks face and why we need to act to protect these amazing creatures. In the afternoon, divers and snorkelers are guided on a reef that has a huge nurse shark population and occasionally more apex sharks.
The best thing about all these amazing programs is that we see so many divers participating in them as a family. I can’t think of a cooler way to spend a day with my kids than to not only educate them on ocean conservation, but to actually watch them and participate with them in cleaning, restoring and supporting our coral reefs and oceans resources.
Another conservation program that is helping our oceans is the DAD or “Dive against Debris” programs. Numerous dive shops
2022 was a big year for ocean conservation and I see 2023 as being even bigger. Thank you to everyone who participated and to everyone looking to participate this new year; together we can make a difference.
