THINGS TO EXPECT AT A CONCH WEDDING

10. Everyone, from grandmothers to grade schoolers, knows 12 variations of the Electric Slide and can perform them effortlessly to random ’90s rap & country songs.

Two Florida Keys weather buoys that collect and report weather and marine data are scheduled to be deactivated Feb. 28, according to Chip Kasper, meteorologist-in-charge at the Florida Keys National Weather Service office in Key West.

The buoys at Pulaski Shoals Light in the Dry Tortugas and Molasses Reef off Key Largo are slated for closure.

“Weather and ocean data have been collected routinely at both sites since the mid1980s (Molasses Reef) and early 1990s (Dry Tortugas area),” Kasper reports.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the weather buoys, is accepting public comments about the planned closure until Feb. 21.

In his email newsletter this week, Kasper shared a notice from Ajay Mehta, director of the National Weather Service’s Office of Observations.

“The U.S. Coast Guardowned Pulaski Shoals Light structure is unsustainable due to the deteriorated condition of the platform,” Mehta reported.

“The National Data Buoy Center has partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard to seek repairs, but with no resolution. A 30day public comment period is available until Feb. 21, 2023.”

For alternate weather information, refer to the nearby NDBC station in the region, Sombrero Key off Marathon. All weather buoys are accessible at ndbc.noaa.gov.

For information or to comment, email William Burnett, director of the NDBC, at william.h.burnett@noaa. gov. National Service Change Notices are at weather.gov/ notification. — Contributed 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

9. Understand that every Conch in attendance can tie over 100 fishing knots, but will likely need assistance with their necktie.

8. Somehow everyone is Cuban or “part-Cuban,” but no one speaks a lick of Spanish.

7. Everyone with the last name Barrios will attend the wedding. After all, they are cousins with every Conch in the Keys.

6. Atocha coins are an accepted form of payment at the bar.

5. You never need to learn a Conch’s name at the wedding. If confused, simply ask to see their 24K gold name chain — typically worn around a neck or ankle.

4. Do not ask a dude named Donny Barrios to tase you. He will.

3. Top-shelf liquors are not listed on the bar menu. If desired, use one of the following codewords while speaking with the bartender — “Cuzzie,” “Bubba” and/or “Blessed.” (Note: Bonus points if you bring your own Yeti cup to the wedding).

2. Everyone, from grandmothers to grade schoolers, knows every word to ’90s rap songs — including 2 Live Crew.

1. You’ll meet, chat with, enjoy and get to know the best people on earth. And above all, congrats to Damien and Maison!

We’ve crossed the threshold into Aquarius season, the time of year when the sun’s light is infused with visions of our own uniqueness, impulses to explore and understand the peripheries of our culture, and thoughts of worlds beyond. It is the time of year when we lay the groundwork for all of the joys, sorrows, adventures, successes and failures of the year to come. Currently, all of the planets are moving direct since Mars and Mercury moved out of retrograde motion over the past two weeks, so we should all be feeling some propulsion forward, like the sluggishness has worn off and our tires are hitting the pavement. I hope you are participating in the forward momentum right now and moving in the direction of your purpose – it is a great time to feel supported. Here are your horoscopes for the week. Read for your rising and sun signs.

Aquarius

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Happy birthday Aquarians! It appears that you have been showing yourself some tough love in recent days – perhaps a strict health regimen, a new mindset practice, or a constraint of personal vanity. Very soon, you will see a beautiful payoff from this work you’ve been doing, which could be a gift of something you value or good old-fashioned cash. Pay attention to your thoughts when you are alone and consider how your local environment is helping you heal.

Pisces

Feb. 19 - March 20

There is some tension between what your friends are telling you and the way in which you value your empathy. It’s like you were trying to be helpful, but you’re being told that you did something wrong. Remember your intentions, but listen to and learn from the criticism without taking it personally, because you’re about to get hit with a big helping of self-love.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Things are finally starting to move forward with a sibling, something in your neighborhood, or a conversation you’ve been trying to have. You are finally seeing the people who are in your corner and they are helping you determine the steps forward with crystal clear vision. Hop on this momentum! Also, prepare yourself for a little love retreat – revel in your solitude and luxuriate in your alone time.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Your work has been feeling a bit constricting lately, but hopefully you’ve used the pressure to streamline some of your processes. You’re feeling some serious anticipation, and that anxious awaiting is about to release into a giant cuddle puddle of friends and supportive people showing up to shower you with affection. Let your thoughts of adventure challenge your feelings of isolation.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

Your thoughts have been trained on how you are investing in other people, for good or bad, and you’re being challenged to evaluate how your effectiveness is either enhanced or stifled by the people you surround your- self with. It’s a lot to take in, but remember you are highly adaptable. Make a commitment and use your wiles to get you there. Your heart is about to align with your work very soon.

Cancer

June 22 - July 22

With your career and reputation at the forefront of your mind right now, be sure to make decisions based on where you will be most effective at helping those around you. Keep your partnership at the forefront of your mind, and make decisions that will benefit your own recovery and your communication with a loved one.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Love and partnership are currently in the spotlight, Leo, and you are seeing a lot of activity from your friends who are emotionally supporting you as you embark on your love adventures. Your peeps have got your back so make sure they feel recognized. Soon you will see a boon regarding other people’s money, so pay off that debt or rely on an investment you’ve made.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Your creative thoughts are finally making some headway, so make use of them while you’ve got them! Put pen to paper and get your words flowing. Use the vulnerability you’ve been experiencing from a new adventure you’ve embarked on as inspiration. A loving relationship is around the corner, whether that is with a romantic partner or business partner – keep your eyes peeled.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

It appears you’ve been feeling quite inspired lately, Libra, and it is about time to take that energy and make it a regular routine. Your creative spark is lit, but in order to integrate it you need to turn it into a habit. Your mind is on your home and you’re doing some healing with a partner. How can you bring these two parts of your life together?

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

You’re actively investing in other people right now. Keep it up and tap into your courage for the next few months and you will reap the rewards. The projects you are passionate about are about to take center stage and you will be acting as a magnet for inspired artistry. Listen to your intuition now and let your heart lead you.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Home is where the heart is, and your heart is about to plop decidedly into the home space. Take some time to relish in the home that you are building around you and luxuriate in it like it’s a warm bath. While you’re at it, enjoy the luck and the bounty of your inventive spirit because big things are coming. Get crafty!

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

You’ve been getting your money affairs in order. Well done! There might be an impulse to get stingy, but remember that money is meant to be circulated and do a little spending on something you love in your local community. Now is the time to show that you care about your community because the time is ripe for your community to love you back.