Marathon Weekly 23-0126

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Boeing CH-47 Chinook and Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters stationed at the Marathon airport are just a few of the many aircraft, vessels and vehicles making their way into the Florida Keys to assist with an extreme spike in migrant landings to begin the new year. See page 7. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

STANDING ROOM ONLY

Vacation rental workshop packs the house

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Any questions about community interest in a second, more interactive monthly meeting of the Marathon City Council were swiftly answered on Tuesday night: even those arriving on time found every available seat already filled.

With the highly charged topic of vacation rentals on the agenda for the Jan. 24 workshop, discussions were more civil and informative than most expected, with a thoughtful exchange between residents, staff and elected officials throughout the evening.

Marathon attorney Steve Williams opened the evening by reiterating the “good news and bad news” of Marathon’s vacation rental ordinance: the city adopted its vacation rental rules in 2010, prior to the enactment of a 2011 Florida state statute essentially preventing municipalities from restricting rentals in any way. Local ordinances adopted prior to the June 1, 2011 deadline were grandfathered in, but any attempt to modify Marathon’s existing ordinance would cause the city to forfeit that protection.

“Virtually every other municipal attorney I’ve ever spoken to, or spoken in front of, has the exact same opinion,” Williams told the crowd, quoting Pasco County attorney Jeff Steinsnyder’s stance that “once you start playing with (your ordinance), you lose that grandfather. The (Florida) legislature has taken away your ability to adopt a new vacation rental ordinance.”

The translation? If the current ordinance is struck down, any rental property in Marathon could be legally rented on a nightly basis (the current minimum is 7 days), and the city would lose all ability to locally enforce rental laws. Complaints would instead be referred to one of roughly eight state Department of Business and Professional Regulation enforcement officers covering the entirety of South Florida –with the closest one residing in Miami.

Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele provided a detailed overview of the tax implications for all transient rentals in the county – defined as 30 days or less – and discussed his office’s ongoing efforts to identify and collect

appropriate tax revenues from illegal unregistered rentals.

If caught, an illegal rental that refuses to become compliant with current regulations and registrations or provide their rental records could face a steep assessment from Steele’s office. Such an assessment could reach back up to 36 months to levy taxes based on a nightly rental at the property’s currently advertised rate. Continuing to ignore communications from the tax collector’s office may result in a lien being placed on the property as well as freezing of bank accounts and a referral to the state attorney’s office for criminal prosecution.

Of the 12.5% in taxes collected from rental properties, 7.5% goes to the Florida Department of Revenue as a sales tax, while 5% comes to Steele’s office – 4% for a tourist development tax and 1% for a tourist impact tax. How that money is spent is governed at the state level, not locally.

“This past year was record-breaking, by far. Close to $90 million (collected from the tourist development tax), which was 30% higher than a previous record in 2021,” Steele said.

With comments from several residents that the skyrocketing revenues and resulting taxes should be able to provide for additional code enforcement resources, City Manager George Garrett pointed out that the vast majority of the money is allocated to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and spent for items like Keys advertising and capital projects at tourism-related venues.

City Code Director Ted Lozier gave an update on Marathon’s code enforcement efforts, particularly concerning newly-purchased software to identify illegal rentals within the city. With 93 properties under investigation, Lozier said the department took 20 properties to code hearings within the last year, collecting associated fines of roughly $50,000.

Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele, left, discusses the tax implications and potential consequences for noncompliant vacation rental owners. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Thanks to the generosity of Marathon’s businesses and residents as well as a Herculean effort by Andy Sharf and the staff at Overseas Pub and Grill, the bar’s Jan. 21 “Mark Belile Day” was a massive success. More than $60,000 will go to support the 32-year veteran MCSO employee and his family as he battles Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

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A screenshot from a U.S. Coast Guard video shows just a portion of the 396 Haitian men, women and children crowded onto an overloaded sail freighter. The majority of the migrants were transferred to Bahamian authorities. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

COAST GUARD TRANSFERS MORE THAN 370 PEOPLE TO BAHAMAS

Coast Guard Cutter Legare's crew rescued a person in the water on Jan. 21, about 60 miles south of Andros Island, Bahamas. The person reported they fell off their sailing vessel, which was spotted a few miles in front of the cutter.

Legare's crew rescued 396 men, women, and children from the vessel.

Additionally, Coast Guard Cutter Angela McShan's crew rescued two Cubans on Anguilla Cay, Bahamas, on Jan. 22, after an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry law enforcement aircrew spotted them waving from the island.

“Trying to land in the U.S. by sea can make people ineligible for parole opportunities, and you will be repatriated to your country of origin or departure," said Lt. Matt Miller, Coast Guard District Seven. "Coast Guard and partner agency air and sea crews patrol all day, every day to ensure people return to their families alive."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, the start of fiscal 2023, Coast Guard crews have interdicted 1,766 Haitian migrants compared to:

7,175 Haitian migrants in fiscal 2022 1,527 Haitian migrants in fiscal 2021 418 Haitian migrants in fiscal 2020 932 Haitian migrants in fiscal 2019 609 Haitian migrants in fiscal 2018 419 Haitian migrants in fiscal 2017

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.-

SCOTT ADDRESSES KEYS MIGRANT CRISIS

SENATOR CALLS EVENTS ‘ABSOLUTELY HEARTBREAKING’

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Amid an explosion in migrant landings in the Florida Keys to begin the new year, Marathon received a visit from U.S. Sen. Rick Scott on Jan. 19 for a press conference regarding the ongoing border security crises affecting South Florida communities.

Scott’s appearance at the Marathon airport was preceded by a briefing from U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Brendan McPherson, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Air and Marine Operations regarding the current situation and local response to the extreme migrant influx in recent weeks. The senator’s visit also included a boat tour earlier in the day to view dozens of migrant vessels dotting the Keys’ shorelines.

“The Biden administration has got to be clear that we’re going to enforce our immigration laws, we’re going to enforce our asylum laws, we’re going to secure our borders,” Scott told reporters.

“What I heard and saw during my briefing and tour … makes me furious and is absolutely heartbreaking. Our brave law enforcement officers … are doing everything they can to keep our communities safe, but this administration has completely abandoned them.”

Scott’s conference joined a chorus of requests from local, state and federal leaders for a stronger response to the record landings. In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted a record 6,182 Cuban migrants before reaching shore. They are already on pace to smash that record in less than six months, with 4,881 migrants interdicted from Oct. 1, 2022 to Jan. 4.

On Jan. 6, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a 60-day state of emergency

and signed Executive Order 23-03, activating the Florida National Guard and other agencies to provide resources in support of local governments responding to the migrant spike.

Scott’s press conference comes on the heels of an influx of equipment and personnel in recent weeks from multiple military and law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, FWC Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida National Guard.

On Jan. 5, President Joe Biden announced a new U.S. policy that will accept 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The program is a pivot away from previous policies that would allow migrants who reached land to stay in the country as they waited for asylum hearings – a wait currently averaging 4.3 years, as reported by CNN on Dec. 26.

As of the same date, nearly 1.6 million asylum applications were currently pending – the largest number ever on record, according to an analysis of federal data by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.

“Do not just show up at the border. Stay where you are and apply legally from there,” Biden said. “Starting today, if you don’t apply through the legal process you will not be eligible for this new parole program.”

“We want to send a message out to these third-world countries about the changes in the policy now, which no longer allows you to come here and be released,” Ramsay said in the press conference. “You’re going to be put in secure detention until you’re sent back to your home country. We want those people to know that before they try to come here, so they can make that decision whether it’s worthwhile.”

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott speaks at a Jan. 19 press conference in Marathon addressing the ongoing migrant crisis in the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED

Coast Guard Cutter Legare's crew transferred 375 Haitians and two Cubans to Bahamian authorities on Jan. 24 following rescues in Bahamian waters.

FORMER COUNCILMAN ZIEG, CITY CLERK CLAVIER PLEAD NO CONTEST IN SIGN THEFT CASE

Settlement closes three-year legal spat with former councilman Senmartin

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Aprolonged legal battle spanning more than three years came to a quiet close on Monday as former Marathon city councilman Dan Zieg and his partner, current city clerk Diane Clavier, switched their initial pleas of “not guilty” to “no contest” in the 2019 theft of a sign outside former city councilman and current planning commissioner Mark Senmartin’s business.

According to Monroe County court records, as part of the Jan. 23 settlement, adjudication of guilt will be withheld, and Zieg and Clavier each must pay $223 in court costs, $40 in investigation costs and $250 in prosecution costs, for a total of $513.

Zieg and Senmartin have a contentious history throughout their time on the council, but this particular legal feud began when Senmartin posted a sign reading “Drop Doc Zieg” outside his Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn shop in Marathon’s Town Square Mall ahead of the November 2019 Marathon City Council election, in which Zieg was reelected to the council to serve with Senmartin.

On Nov. 25, 2019, surveillance camera footage showed Zieg’s car in the shopping center’s parking lot. In the video, Clavier exits the vehicle, takes down the sign and puts it in the open car window before the car drives away.

After initially offering amnesty if the sign – which he valued at $25 –was returned, Senmartin eventually filed a police report two days later when he said he received no response to an email sent to Clavier. Clavier contended that she was on vacation at the time and had eventually sent an email to Senmartin offering a $25 check as compensation for the sign, which had already been collected by garbage services.

Following police questioning, in which Zieg and Clavier admitted to taking the sign, the pair were charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for petit theft and were booked into the Marathon detention center on Dec. 8.

KEY WEST CONCH BECOMES TENNESSEE TITANS’ GENERAL MANAGER RAN

Former Marathon city councilman Dan Zieg. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

The settlement comes as the case was about to head to trial after three years of delays, partially hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and repeated motions to continue or dismiss the case as a political matter by Zieg and Clavier’s attorney, William J. Heffernan.

CARTHON HAS SOUTHERNMOST SUPPORT

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Why are so many Key West Conch sports fans now rooting for the Tennessee Titans?

Because the Titans’ new general manager, Ran Carthon, was — and always will be — a Key West Conch.

The Titans made the announcement earlier this month, though Carthon currently remains busy as director of player personnel with the San Francisco 49ers, as their postseason play continues.

Carthon received a football scholarship to the University of Florida, where he was a running back.

He signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played for three seasons in the NFL with the Colts and Detroit Lions, according to Wikipedia.

Former Marathon city councilman and current planning commissioner Mark Senmartin. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Zieg and Clavier maintained that Clavier was within her right as a city employee to remove what they believed was a political campaign sign as more than 10 days had passed since the city council election on Nov. 5. They viewed the charges as retaliation for an ethics complaint filed by Clavier against Senmartin when Senmartin privately trademarked the city’s seal and offered to sell it back at a cost of $1 plus the cost of registration ($87.50).

Senmartin, meanwhile, said the sign was commissioned and given to him by someone else. He said he viewed it as an expression of free speech, not a political sign, and therefore did not need the language required by law on political signs to disclose who paid for the message.

He also stated that he had not yet opened the Florida Commission on Ethics’ letter to him – dated Nov. 27 and sent via certified mail – when he filed his police report on Nov. 29, and that his intention in trademarking the city seal was an effort to protect it from others who might do the same and “hold the city hostage.”

Carthon, who turns 42 on Feb. 10, was a running back for Key West High School.

He graduated in 1999. As a junior in 1998, “he rushed for more than 1,300 yards and gained over 500 yards DESPITE missing seven games due to high ankle sprain,” Carthon’s high school coach, Jerry Hughes, told the Keys Weekly on Jan. 24.

“In my 40-plus years of coaching high school football, I have been blessed to have coached some superior athletes and outstanding young men who have made my coaching career rewarding and satisfying,” Hughes said. “Ran Carthon is one of these exceptional student athletes.

“My first conversation with Ran was very impressive (eye contact, firm handshake, speaking with confidence), all attributable to his family’s military background and the parental guidance he received while growing up,” Hughes continued. “When observing Ran on the practice field, my feelings grew even stronger due to his work ethic, leadership and athletic abilities.”

After his NFL career was over, he returned to Gainesville, and graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2008.

SInce 2008, he has worked in executive positions for the Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers before being hired as the Titans’ GM this month.

“I am so proud of Ran for being consistent, determined and relentless in pursuing his ultimate goal,” Hughes said, “all with the ‘attitude of a champion.’ GO TITANS!”

Bill Spottswood, whose son Billy went to high school with Carthon, was proud to have Carthon list him as a mentor on his resume.

“He was over here all the time,” Bill Spottswood said. “He still calls me Pops. He said, ‘You were tough on me, but you were tough on your own kids, too, and you loved me.’”

Spottswood credited much of Carthon’s collaborative spirit, communication skills and team mindset to his time in Key West.

Carthon is the NFL’s eighth black general manager.

City Council

Luis Gonzalez, Mayor

Robyn Still - Vice Mayor

Lynn Landr y, Councilmember

Kenny Matlock, Councilmember

Jeff Smith, Councilmember

City Manager

George Garrett

City Attorney Steve Williams

City Clerk Diane Clavier

Please note that more than one Marathon City Council/Board/Committee member may participate in the meetings listed. To view the City of Marathon’s full calendar, please visit www.ci.marathon.fl.us/calendar

Skate Park Public Input Meeting

2/6/23

• 5:30pm • City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

City Council Meeting

2/14/23 • 4:30pm • City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Code Compliance Hearing

2/16//23 • 2:00pm • City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

City Council Workshop

2/28/23 • 4:30pm • City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

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 any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.

NEW HOUSES & A NEW RUNWAY

Marathon Planning Commission debates traffic concerns, vegetation impacts for upcoming developments

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Apreliminary site plan for an upcoming development, division of land for other existing homes and an amendment to Marathon’s comprehensive plan to allow for a runway move at the Marathon airport all drew scrutiny before their eventual recommendations for approval at the Jan. 23 Marathon Planning Commission meeting.

The commission first considered a conditional use permit and site plan by Vaca Homes LLC – owned by developer Guillermo Torres – for the currently cleared land on Vaca Cut’s southeast edge next to San Pablo Catholic Church. As submitted, the site plan includes 11 residential homes and a clubhouse with a gym, meeting room and office space.

Commissioners Mike Cinque, Mary Ann Royse and Andrew George spearheaded a lengthy discussion of traffic considerations when entering or exiting the development. With no break in the median immediately in front of the proposed homes on U.S. 1, those approaching the development from the east or wishing to proceed west from the turnoff would need to make U-turns on U.S. 1 or use the parking lots of existing businesses near the Vaca Cut bridge.

Torres has received approval from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the creation of a deceleration lane for cars approaching the site from the west, and is working toward approval for an acceleration lane as cars exit the development traveling east before merging onto the busy highway. He said a new left-turn lane on the westbound side of U.S. 1, as suggested by several commissioners, was already denied by FDOT.

He additionally stated his intent to make some of the gym and clubhouse facilities close to U.S. 1 accessible to the public, though commission chair Matt Sexton pointed out that the commission would not have a chance to vote in the future on Torres’ changes to the development’s commercial space.

In a 3-2 vote, with Cinque and Sexton as “no” votes, the commission recommended approval of the development, adding as conditions that Torres should continue his pursuit

A proposed northwest runway shift at the Marathon airport would require removal of about 40 feet of vegetation from the airport’s northern buffer along Aviation Boulevard. CONTRIBUTED

A proposed site plan for 11 new homes and a clubhouse built by developer Guillermo Torres on the eastern oceanside edge of Vaca Cut. CONTRIBUTED

of FDOT approval for the acceleration lane and that the city should install “No U-Turn” signs at the highway median break near the intersection of 117th Street and U.S. 1.

Torres and city staff also fielded a laundry list of questions from George over the creation of divided lots for Torres’ existing La Palma development. Situated between 101st and 104th streets on the oceanside, the project has been scrutinized in recent years as what was previously deemed non-buildable land with protected native vegetation was eventually developed with three single-family homes along with three deed-restricted affordable duplexes.

The development again earned the local spotlight when the Marathon City Council voted 4-1 in November 2022 to use six administrative relief building allocations to allow completion of the duplexes – the homes’ original building allocations were revoked in August 2022, along with nearly 300 others in Marathon.

Previously listed as a single parcel, the new division creates three lots for the single-family homes, six lots for the existing duplexes, one parcel of conservation land to be donated to the city, and one remaining vacant lot to be tied to potential commercial space along U.S. 1 to the north of the nine homes.

With city approval, a small walkway could traverse the existing mangrove area from the southernmost single-family home to the waterfront, as long as there is a 5-foot vegetative buffer between the walkway and residences to the east of the development.

The commission again voted 3-2 to recommend the proposed division, with Sexton and George as the “no” votes.

A final ordinance sought to amend Marathon’s comprehensive plan to mirror language used by Monroe County as it prepares for

updates to the Marathon airport. In an effort to increase Marathon’s viability for commercial air traffic, the airport runway will eventually be moved roughly 40 feet to the northwest to comply with current FAA regulations. As a result, about 40 feet of the vegetative buffer on the airport’s north edge bordering Aviation Boulevard will be removed to create a new Runway Object-Free Area (ROFA).

Though the airport is located within Marathon’s city limits, Florida’s Airport Law of 1945 gives Monroe County regulatory authority over the site, rendering the runway move possible regardless of Marathon’s decision to change its comprehensive plan language.

Cinque expressed concern with a city board “rubber-stamping” removal of the vegetative buffer, while commissioner Mark Senmartin and Sexton opined that aligning with the county’s goals could at least give Marathon a voice to request items like a sound barrier wall or other noise reduction efforts.

Adopting the proposed change would also allow a request that vegetation removed would be replanted with native species in a mitigation effort in a 3:1 ratio, not the county’s 2:1 ratio. The proposed ordinance also requires removal of all invasive exotic vegetation in the development area.

Planning director Brian Shea confirmed that the altered comprehensive plan language would have no impact on developments outside the airport.

“They’re going to do this no matter what we say here tonight,” said Senmartin. “The only thing we can do is add in a little piece, ‘Could you, while you’re doing this?’ I think it doesn’t hurt.”

The council voted 4-1 to recommend approval of the ordinance, with Cinque as the lone “no” vote.

More than a dozen citizens offered comments to the council largely centered around enforcement issues and follow-through with common complaint topics like trash cans, noise complaints, parking and rentals crowded past their capacities. Some championed the idea of more lengthy educational materials required in all rentals, and most called on the city to do whatever it takes to add code enforcement personnel, specifically demanding night and weekend coverage to identify violators and address complaints immediately.

Several sharply criticized the city’s perceived pattern of allowing those who break the rules to remedy their violations after the fact without significant repercussions – and the current ordinance’s “three-strike rule” that allows for up to three violations per year at each rental property.

“The house directly across from me put in two extra bedrooms that had been closets without a permit,” said resident Michelle Franck. “The VRBO app had always listed the capacity at 10, and then it changed to 14. … Did the rental change back to 10? No. What eventually happened was they were granted a permit, and then they legally added the two extra bedrooms. … Did they lose money? No. Did they break the rules? Absolutely.”

“You can’t enforce the laws with the computer,” said Mike Leonard. “We need to divide the city into quadrants and assign a code enforcement person to each quadrant. … You can’t enforce 8 to 5, five days a week, without the right amount of people on the ground.”

Others like Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters owner Ben Daughtry said that while only high-end waterfront properties were historically used as vacation rentals, the group is now expanding into dry lot homes that would otherwise house Marathon’s workforce.

“I think that licenses need to increase, and as licenses increase, it’s possible that homes that aren’t renting for as often or as much per week will go back to workforce housing,” Daughtry suggested.

“We have tried to start self-policing ourselves,” said vacation rental manager Mallory Pinto. “If someone calls our office and says hey, we’ve got a dry lot house, my answer is no. … That’s a message that we have talked about internally as all different companies and said we’re not taking them because we don’t want to lose our neighbors.”

“I would just like to know what’s next,” Franck asked the council. “What can we all sitting here expect from you all?”

“I am going to tell you today that I will be getting with our city manager and our code director for the immediate hiring of several more code enforcement officers,” said Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez. “That will include, in their job description, working on the weekends.”

“You hear a lot, ‘Take it up with Tallahassee.’ Please, take it up with Tallahassee,” added councilman Jeff Smith. “Communicate not just to our reps but to every single rep in this state. Write them, make sure they hear your voice that you want local control back. And then if we get local control, the question for you to ask is, what are we willing to do with it?”

Gonzalez further promised to add a vacation rental discussion as a standing agenda item each month at council meetings “until everything gets in line.”

KEYS LEGISLATORS SEEK ANNUAL $20 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

Environmental Protection, and then sent to local municipalities to use for projects including stormwater and canal restoration.

The Senate’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee passed the bill on Jan. 17 via a 9-0 vote. Rodriguez, who serves as committee chair, said the bill’s passage through the first committee is “groundbreaking.” But Rodriguez said the bill has a long road to become law.

“As the bill sponsor, I could not be happier and I will continue to work tirelessly to get this legislation over the finish line,” she said.

Stewardship Act funding fluctuated year-to-year since its passage in 2016. Legislators representing the Keys, going back to former state Rep. Holly Raschein and former state Sen. Anitere Flores, fought each session to secure as much money as possible in the budget.

In the first year, $5 million was allocated for water projects and land acquisition. A year later, the legislature approved $13.3 million. Stewardship Act funds totaled $10 million in 2018 and $11 million in 2019.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Legislators in the Florida House and Senate are beginning to file funding requests and proposed policy changes as a 60-day session in Tallahassee starts March 7. Committees are gathering to consider bills, including one proposal recently filed by Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez to obtain millions in annual funding for a key Florida Keys program.

Legislation sponsored by Mooney and Rodriguez, House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 54, requests $20 million annually for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act that funds nearshore water projects and acquisition of environmentallysensitive land. Funds would be issued to the state Department of

Financial losses from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in Gov. Ron DeSantis cutting $1 billion for programs, including $10 million from the Stewardship Act. By 2021, full funding was granted for the program, with $20 million for water quality projects and $5 million for land acquisition.

“The main goal is just get it out of the begging mode every year,” Mooney said regarding the latest proposal.

Full funding for the Stewardship Act sits atop the legislative priorities for Monroe County in the upcoming session. Funds awarded to Keys municipalities can’t be used for wastewater projects, according to the proposal. Legislation was referred to the House and Senate’s Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations committees.

The bill would need to pass through the House and Senate before the governor considers signing it into law.

State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez. CONTRIBUTED

State Rep. Jim Mooney enters his second term in office. JIM MOONEY’S OFFICE/Contributed

Invested residents filled every available seat in the Marathon council chambers on Tuesday night, with dozens more standing along the walls. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, left, and council members Jeff Smith and Kenny Matlock address resident concerns. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Concert Association opens 53rd season with

Glenn Miller Orchestra

The band is known for its music and charismatic performances.

The Florida Keys Concert Association opened its 53rd concert season at Coral Shores and Marathon high schools with program director Norman Werbner and FLKCA board member Delcine Alexander introducing the audience to a well-known Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Miller was an American big band founder, composer, arranger and trombone player. In the dance band music era, also called the swing era, big bands needed musical parts for the musicians. At that time, Miller discovered a simple music formula that made his music distinguishable and broadly liked for its sound, simplicity and rhythm.

Miller chose a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing the melody together while the other saxophones provided harmony, with trumpets and trombones muted. In 1938, Miller formed his band that began breaking attendance records on the east coast. His romantic “Miller Sound” became so popular that from 1939 to 1943, Miller had 72 Top 10 records and 23 were No. 1 — more than Elvis or the Beatles had in their careers.

Today, the band has five saxophones, three trombones, three trumpets, a rhythm section of three (a piano, drums, and bass) and one female vocalist. The band’s saxophonist/vocalist Eric Stabnau is the music director. He took the position a yearand-a-half ago after graduating from Syracuse University with a master’s in music.

“I like Glenn Miller’s music for its iconic swing sound,” Stabnau said. “Miller is still popular and widely recognized. I always wanted to travel and tour. We have 200 concerts a year all over the U.S., Canada, and almost every year in Japan for the past decade.”

George Reinert, the band’s trombonist, enjoys playing in a big band and has played there since 1994. He enjoys the opportunity of touring, seeing things and having various experiences. For him, to be in the band is exciting, but it also has its price. George points out that everyone is not married in the band.

“Married musicians stay only seasonally. We have a different way of life,” Reinert said.

To Reinert, it is important to be a part of Glenn Miller’s music. “The band plays an important, popular historical music. Without it, we as musicians would have no purpose,” he said.

Lauren and John Dunn are longtime season ticket holders. Lauren is a real estate agent and John has his own electrical business. In his free time, John likes to play the guitar and piano. Lauren comes to the concerts to support culture and arts, which she thinks are underappreciated.

“Music like this (Miller’s music) you cannot put into the headsets. You must come and experience it with a band playing live right in front of you,” John Dunn said. “This band amazes me that they keep the band going for that long. With Glenn Miller’s songs, you know it right away. Our relatives and family liked Miller’s music and passed it on to us from their generation”.

Miller is considered to be the father of the modern U.S. military bands. The band pays a special tribute to veterans at each concert. The musicians and audience expressed their gratitude to the veterans by applauding them. The band paid tribute to the veterans by playing the “American Patrol” song.

The band ended its concert with the “Moonlight Serenade,” with an extra addition of the “Farewell Blues.”

ASTA KRASKOUSKAS www.keysweekly.com

SWEET CHILI ASIAN CUISINE CELEBRATES LONG-AWAITED GRAND OPENING

Marathon’s diverse food offerings leveled up a notch with the opening of Sweet Chili Asian Cuisine on Jan. 21. With a menu offering pad thai, stir fry, curry proteins and pho entrees along with Asian appetizers and other assorted dishes, the restaurant is the brainchild of Marathon local and former Publix manager Sopheap Smith and her husband Lavarski.

“I know this has been a real labor of love, and leaving your career as a senior manager is a big leap of faith,” said Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess at the eatery’s grand opening and ribbon cutting. “But we are so happy that you took that leap, because our stomachs are going to benefit greatly.”

Demand for the shop’s cuisine has been skyhigh in the days since its opening, with multiple menu items consistently selling out. Visit the eatery at 11524 Overseas Hwy. or visit sweetchilithekeys.com for more information. The restaurant’s Facebook page, “Sweet Chili Asian Cuisine,” posts daily updates as the business works through the logistics of its opening weeks.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Owners Lavarski and Sopheap Smith (second row, second and third from left) with friends, family and city officials and dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sweet Chili Asian Cuisine. MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/Contributed

SUPERINTENDENT DECISION LOOMS FOR SCHOOL BOARD

$8.9M GRANT WILL PUT SOCIAL WORKERS IN EVERY SCHOOL

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The school district has 18 months to find its next superintendent.

Superintendent Theresa Axford retires in July 2024, and school board members face a decision: National search, internal promotion or national search then internal promotion.

Four public speakers at the Jan. 24 school board meeting — some representing conservative political organizations — urged the board to conduct a national search for the next superintendent.

Christine Miller of Big Pine Key told the school board to hire a superintendent who “will bring prayer and God back to schools,” “post The 10 Commandments in every classroom,” “ban the LGBTQ agenda from all curricula” and still promote “the vision and values of our community.”

Marathon resident John Strickland simply told the board, “I want you to perform a national search for the superintendent.”

The topic wasn’t on the agenda for the school board’s meeting in Marathon, and the board did not discuss the superintendent succession plan.

Axford has been with the school district for nearly 35 years and was the longtime principal of Sugarloaf School, then Key West

High School. She was the district’s executive director of teaching and learning until July 2020, when the board appointed her superintendent in a tumultuous time.

The pandemic was raging; the previous superintendent, Mark Porter, had decided not to renew his contract; and the district had just lost its longtime finance director.

In other news

The school district received a five-year, $8.9 million mental health grant that will fund nine additional social workers and provide at least one for every school, Erin WIlliams, the district’s coordinator of student support, told the board on Jan. 24.

Currently, WIlliams said, some schools are sharing social workers, and the grant will place at least one in every school, and two or three in larger schools.

It also will fund foreign language training for the social workers, as only one of the district’s six current social workers is bilingual. Emphasis will be placed on Spanish and Creole, Williams said, though board chair Andy Griffiths pointed out that more than 30 different languages are spoken at Key West’s Horace O’Bryant Middle School. Williams agreed, and added that 120 languages are spoken throughout the district.

SUN, SAND AND FUN AWAIT AT SOMBRERO BEACH RUN

Races return weekend of Feb. 24

HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPOINTS FRY AS ADMINISTRATOR AND HEALTH OFFICER

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) has announced the appointment of Dr. Carla Fry as its new administrator and health officer.

Fry joined DOH-Monroe in December 2021 as nursing director. She was promoted to assistant county health department director in October 2022 when Mary Vanden Brook retired from the department.

Attracted by Florida Keys sunshine, athletic challenges and fun in the sun, hundreds of avid runners and walkers from around the United States are gearing up to head to the Middle Keys for the annual Sombrero Beach Run weekend. The 2023 event is scheduled Friday through Sunday, Feb. 24-26.

The outdoor run and walk encourages families to reconnect and participate in the healthful weekend together while contributing to a worthwhile cause. Proceeds benefit Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), a Marathon-based nonprofit organization that provides a food pantry, housing assistance, and emergency and relocation support among a host of other services.

Participants can register now and save. Registration for the combined 15K is $35 per adult age 18 and over. Students 17 and under can enter for $15. For each of the 10K and 5K events, registration is $30 per adult age 18 and up and $10 per student. The first 500 pre-registered participants are to receive a custom logo T-shirt and other goodies.

A traditional kickoff party is set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, with food, drinks, music and entertainment at Sombrero Beach, located at the end of Sombrero Beach Road at MM 50. Runners and walkers can pick up registration packets at that time.

Walkers and runners also can register on-site at 7 a.m. Saturday. The 15K challenge and 10K start at 8 a.m. and the 5K run and walk begins at 9:15 a.m. A free fun run for kids is planned for 10:30 a.m.

Race day attractions include music, beachside fun, refreshments and door prizes. At the event’s silent auction, bidders can vie for artwork, exclusive memberships and admissions to Keys attractions and area eateries. Also up for bid is a coveted single entry into the exclusive Seven Mile Bridge Run scheduled for April.

An awards ceremony on the beach follows the races with food, drinks and music. Overall male and female winners of the 10K, 5K run and 5K walk will be recognized, as well as finishers in multiple age categories. Those completing the 15K challenge will receive a special gift. Awards typically include resort stays, cash and Florida Keys eco-attractions and watersports experiences.

Sunday afternoon rounds out the family fun weekend with sporty activities such as kayaking and beach games as well as a barbecue, food and beverages.

Event information and registration is at sombrerobeachrun.org

“We are so pleased that the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted today at its regular meeting to approve a resolution supporting the appointment of Carla Fry as the administrator of the Monroe County Health Department by the Surgeon General of the State of Florida,” said current Health Officer Bob Eadie.

“Carla is very passionate about public health, and especially public health here in the Florida Keys,” Eadie said. “She is absolutely the perfect choice to lead DOH-Monroe into the future. The staff and clients of DOH-Monroe will benefit greatly from her experience and leadership skills.”

In a letter to Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates, Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo wrote: “Dr. Fry has an excellent and diverse background in all aspects of public health and has demonstrated her ability as a skilled leader. I believe Dr. Fry will be an asset to the Florida Department of Health and Monroe County as their new health department director.”

Prior to joining DOH-Monroe, Fry was the director of nursing and health sciences at the College of the Florida Keys. She served as director of nursing in academic settings for 12 years with 20 years of supervisory experience in her career. Fry is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army for six years as a medic and LPN. She received her doctorate in nursing with a minor in public health from the University of Florida in 2012 and her master’s degree in nursing and education in 2008 from Jacksonville University.

Fry’s first day in her new role will be in late February 2023.

Eadie will be retiring from DOH-Monroe in March 2023 following 16 years of service in the role of administrator and health officer.

Dr. Carla Fry will serve as DOH-Monroe’s administrator and health officer. CONTRIBUTED

The 2022 Sombrero Beach Run was a family affair for Abi and Chris Willis and their son Skylor. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

Team Sport Opponent Date Result

Key West Boys Basketball Sagemont 1/17 L, 89-43

Key West Girls Soccer Palmer 1/17 L, 5-0

Marathon Girls Soccer South Homestead 1/17 L, 5-1

Marathon Boys Soccer South Homestead 1/17 W, 8-3

Marathon Boys Basketball Everglades Prep 1/17 L, 57-32

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Key West 1/17 T, 2-2

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Mater Bay 1/17 W, 75-28

Coral Shores Girls Basketball Mater Bay 1/17 W, 44-14

Key West Boys Soccer Florida Christian 1/18 W, 3-1

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Mast Academy 1/18 W, 71-31

Coral Shores Girls Soccer LaSalle 1/19 L, 4-1

Marathon Girls Soccer SLAM 1/19 L, 3-2

Marathon Boys Soccer Booker T 1/19 W, 6-3

Marathon Boys Basketball Key West 1/20 L, 59-33

Key West Boys Soccer Coral Shores 1/20 W, 6-1

Marathon Girls Basketball Key West 1/20 L, 53-20

Key West Girls Basketball Carrollton 1/23 L, 76-12

Marathon Girls Basketball NSU Univ. School 1/23 W, 53-43

AILEE BRIGGS

Ailee Briggs on the winner’s podium at the Lady Waves wrestling tournament. CONTRIBUTED

— Key West wrestling coach Chaz Jimenez.

Freshman, Key West Wrestling

Ailee Briggs has only been a member of the Conchs wrestling team for a few weeks, yet she is already turning heads all across Florida. The freshman grappler recently went 3-0 at the Lady Waves Tournament hosted by Fort Myers High School on Jan. 21, winning the 142-pound title. She also claimed top honors in her division at the Rumble at the Ridge hosted by Seminole Ridge High School earlier this month. Briggs leads by example, putting in the work and paying attention to details, earning her the praise of her head coach.

“Even at such a young age, Ailee is a leader in the wrestling room because of the constant hard work she displays. She is very focused on having success at a high level.”

THE 2022 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS SWIM TEAM

AJ SMITH Junior, Key West

Smith is the reigning district champion in the 50 free and was a regional qualifier in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 medley relay and the 200 free relay events. Smith was also a state qualifier in the 50 free and placed 10th overall in the state competition.

CURRAN O’DONNELL Senior, Coral Shores

Curran O’Donnell specialized in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM. This season he led the ’Canes with strong performances including an appearance at regionals in the 200 IM, 100 breaststroke and 400 freestyle relay.

PATRICK O’DONNELL Junior, Coral Shores

Patrick O’Donnell was a strong swimmer in longer events, including the 200 and 500 freestyle. He qualified for regionals in the 500 freestyle, 200 IM and the 400 free relay for the Hurricanes.

Senior, Coral Shores

A distance specialist, Corley Smith represented the ’Canes at states in the 200 and 500 freestyle individual events, as well as swimming a leg on the Coral Shores 200 freestyle relay team. The reigning 8-mile Alligator Lighthouse Swim champ will continue her career at Harvey Mudd College in California next fall.

ABBIE SARGENT

Sophomore, Coral Shores

A member of Coral Shores’ district-champion 200 freestyle relay team, Sargent specialized in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM events. She qualified for states in the 100 breaststroke and 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

LAYNE SMITH Freshman, Coral Shores

Already an accomplished swimmer as a freshman, Layne Smith made a state appearance in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. The 200 and 500 freestyle specialist already has a district championship in the 200 freestyle relay with three more years of prep swimming eligibility.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

BOYS BASKETBALL S. HOMESTEAD MARATHON FEBRUARY 1 | 5 p.m.

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CORLEY SMITH

MVP

MVP

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Two Keys schools offer swimming as a varsity sport, and it is not surprising that a place surrounded by water has produced some of the top swimmers in the Sunshine State. Both Coral Shores and Key West made appearances at the state event this year, and many prep swimmers are underclassmen, providing a solid base for Monroe County swimming for the next several years of competition.

Recognizing several standouts in arguably the most fitting sport for an island chain, the Keys Weekly is proud to congratulate our 2022 All-Keys Swim Team.

EVAN OSIPOV Sophomore, Coral Shores

Only a sophomore, Osipov qualified for regionals in the 400 freestyle relay. In the regular season, he excelled in the 100 free and 100 backstroke events.

JOHN

SEARCY

Senior, Key West

Searcy was a team captain for the Conchs, swimming the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke events in the regular season. He was a regional qualifier in the 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay and 200 free relay.

RYAN MARTINEZ Senior, Key West

Martinez was a regional qualifier in the 200 IM and 200 medley relay and swam the 200 IM and 100 butterfly. He also served as a team captain for the Conchs.

LUCAS MONTIEL Senior, Key West

Montiel served as a team captain for Key West and was a regional qualifier in the 100 breaststroke and 200 free relay. In the regular season, he specialized in the 50 free and 100 breaststroke.

ISABELLA JOHNSON Senior, Key West

Johnson served as one of the Conchs’ team captains. She was a regional qualifier in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay and swam the 50 free and 100 breaststroke.

KAITLYN NOSS Junior, Key West

Noss was a regional qualifier in 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay. She also swam the 100 free and 100 backstroke and will return to the Conchs in ’23 for more action.

SERENA SANDER Senior, Key West

Sander was a regional qualifier in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay. She also swam 200 and 500 free and was a team captain for the Conchs.

LAUREN WALTERSON Senior, Key West

A team captain, Walterson was a regional qualifier in the Conchs’ 200 medley relay and swam fly and the 200 IM.

BOYS BASKETBALL S. HOMESTEAD MARATHON FEBRUARY 1 | 5 p.m.

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PREP SOCCER FINISHES REGULAR SEASON PLAY

District Action Underway in Monroe County

The regular season has closed for boys and girls soccer in Florida. Keys athletes will be working through their playoff brackets, determined by the Florida High School Athletic Association’s power rankings system.

In girls action, Key West played one game in its final week of play prior to district matchups. The team lost to Palmer Trinity School, 5-0, and takes a 10-6 record heading into districts.

The Lady Fins suffered two losses in their final week of regular season play, first falling to Somerset South Homestead on Jan. 17. Sara Strama scored the lone goal for Marathon off a Rain Banks assist in the 5-1 loss. On Jan. 19, the team headed to Miami to take on SLAM, losing 3-2. Banks scored both goals in the match, giving the Dolphins a 7-6 record to start the postseason.

Coral Shores ended with an 8-4

record in regular season play after falling to LaSalle 4-1 on Jan. 19. Joey Eysenbach scored for the ’Canes off of a corner kick at the end of the first half with an assist from Natalia Hortensi.

In boys play, the Conchs were busy in their final week of regular action, playing three games in four days. They tied Coral Shores on Jan. 17 with the help of a penalty kick from Jonathan Gvili and a goal from Loubins Fleuridor. Nikola Sulak assisted on Fleuridor’s goal. The next day, they beat Florida Christian 3-1. Fleuridor had a beautiful steal to score one goal, Jonathan Bahri scored on a Charilz Torres assist and Gvili scored on another penalty kick. On Jan. 20, the Conchs celebrated Senior Night with a convincing victory over Coral Shores, winning the match 6-1. Scoring for the Conchs were Bahri with a hat trick and one assist, Gvili with one goal and an assist, Fleuridor with a goal and Ervin Ordonez with

1. Marathon’s Kiki Hewlett (23) works for possession at Somerset South Homestead.

2. Marathon’s Rain Banks (11) fights for possession at SLAM Academy in Miami on Jan. 19.

3. Fab Jeune Louis, right, takes the ball on the offensive against Somerset South Homestead.

4. Henry Herrera, right, takes on a Somerset South Homestead defender in Marathon’s Jan. 17 game.

Photos by TRINITY JACOX/Contributed

three assists. The win put Key West in good position for districts with an impressive 10-3-2 regular season record.

Marathon’s boys had a positive week in play, beating Somerset South Homestead on the road on Jan. 17, 8-3. Henry Herrera had a hat trick and 3 assists in the match, and Jay Marshall had a hat trick of his own plus an assist. Gabriel Hernandez Olivas and Fabbianho Louis Jeune each scored a goal.

On Jan. 19, the Dolphins headed to Booker T., winning 6-3. Herrera scored two goals with three assists, Oscar Cardona scored two, Marshall scored a goal with two assists and eighth grader Giordani Prieto scored one. The Fins head into the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

The Hurricanes finished 4-6-1 after pulling off an upset tie against Key West on Jan. 17 at home. They did not fare so well in Conch territory, falling 6-1 three days later.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

BOYS BASKETBALL S. HOMESTEAD MARATHON FEBRUARY 1 | 5 p.m.

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By:

and

HURRICANES TOP SHORTHANDED FINS IN GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING

On Jan. 18, the Coral Shores Lady ’Canes played host to an in-county rival in girls weightlifting, squaring off against the Lady Fins from Marathon. The Hurricanes made the most of their opportunity against a shorthanded Marathon roster, avenging their loss to Marathon from earlier in the month to emerge victorious in both the Olympic (66-60) and Traditional (76-61) competitions. The lifters will now look for a strong close to their seasons at the district championships in Miami on Saturday, Jan. 28.

— Alex Rickert

Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

1. Marathon junior Mikkel Ross preps for a lift. 2. Marathon freshman lifter Ella Evans. 3. Coral Shores weightlifter Kali Gomer. 4. Coral Shores weightlifter Abbie Bergeron.

Tracy

Sean McDonald

BOYS BASKETBALL S. HOMESTEAD MARATHON FEBRUARY 1 | 5 p.m.

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By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

KEYS HOOPS HEADING DOWN THE FINAL STRETCH BEFORE DISTRICTS

Hurricanes Seal 7-Game Win Streak

Girls basketball will finish out their final week of play before district playoffs begin on Jan. 31. The boys have an extra week of regular season games before their district playoff brackets are generated on Feb. 7.

The Lady Conchs and Lady Fins met in Key West on Jan. 20 in both teams’ only game for the week. Marathon beat Key West 53-20 in the nondistrict matchup. Marathon’s Abrianna Marshall led the scoring for the game with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals. Elena Eubank scored 13 and added 12 rebounds, and Marti’yana Kilborne added 9 points and 6 rebounds.

The Lady ’Canes made the most of their game at Mater Bay Academy on Jan. 17, beating the Rays 44-14. Brooke Mandozzi had 16 points and 8 rebounds in the game, Makayla Hahn had 10 points and 4 steals and Lea Castellanos had 6 points.

In boys basketball, Coral Shores has been busy wreaking havoc across South Florida. They added three to their win streak last week, bringing the total to seven and counting. On Jan. 17 they beat Mater Bay 75-28. Isaac Holmes had 14 points, Ayden Lane had 13 plus 7 rebounds and Artorious Johnson had 12 points with 7 rebounds. Allen Perez added 10 in the big win. The following night, the ’Canes took on MAST Academy and won another decisive contest, outscoring the Makos 71-31. Holmes had 21 of those points, followed by Matt St. Aubin with 13 and 7 rebounds and Isaac Rivera with 9 points, 7 assists and 2 steals. On Jan. 20, they played Everglades Prep, winning 57-38. St. Aubin had a massive game, scoring 23 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and adding 3 assists for the ‘Canes. AJ Putetti had 13 points and Holmes scored 12.

Head coach Jarrod Mandozzi attributed the ’Canes’ recent success to his team’s willingness to sacrifice and give their all, playing into the team motto: “Whatever It Takes.” He called his team’s win streak against some high-caliber teams “a perfect storm” of many things, including solid work ethic, teamwork and experience competing against some of the best teams on the east coast over the holiday break.

“I'm so happy for the guys and proud of them,” said Mandozzi. “This group is really committed and it shows.”

Marathon played two games last week, losing both but showing some sparks of a late season run. On Jan. 17, they fell to Everglades Prep 57-32. Fisher Coleman-Sayer led the Fins with 8 points

in the loss, while Oscar Garcia, Jesus Gonzalez and Adrian Cruz each scored 6. According to head coach Kevin Freeman, the Fins played well in the first half, heading to the locker room only down 31-20. But with only 6 points in the third quarter, Everglades pulled away for the 25-point win.

On Jan. 20, Marathon and Key West played one another in Conch territory. The Conchs came out on top, beating the Fins 59-33. James Osborne scored 13 points and Kevon Mills added 10 plus 7 rebounds in the victory. Earlier in the week, Key West fell to Sagemont 89-43. Kameron Roberts had 11 points and 6 rebounds. James Osborne added 10 points and Watson Chery had 10 rebounds in the Jan.17 loss.

The Key West Lady Conchs square off against Marathon’s Lady Fins on Jan. 20. Marathon emerged victorious in the rivalry matchup, winning 53-20. Photos by ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

BOYS BASKETBALL S. HOMESTEAD MARATHON FEBRUARY 1 | 5 p.m.

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... is a photographer, 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 Audubon Society.

ANY ANI WILL DO

Ilove smooth-billed anis, despite the fact that every time I hear the word “ani,” it triggers the song “Sugar” by The Archies in my head. Only instead of hearing, “Sugar… oh honey, honey,” I hear, “Ani… oh ani, ani.” And the voice that sings it sounds more like George Harrison singing, “My Sweet Lord” than it does the guy who sang for The Archies. (I blame this on a small number of head injuries in my youth.)

I bring this up because the song has been in my head for a week or so, ever since one was reported at Fort Zachary Taylor. I couldn’t get over there when I saw the first report of the bird, and I didn’t expect it to stick around. But a few days later I got a text from Kevin Christman telling me he was at the park, looking at the bird.

It took me an hour to get there – Saturday morning after a late night – and by the time I did, the bird was gone. We combed the park, but without a lot of luck. I figured if I got there earlier in the morning in the next day or so, I might still have a chance of seeing it.

Anis are on the weirder end of the songbird spectrum. They’re actually closely related to cuckoos, though where most cuckoos tend to be shy and receding, with muted, earth-toned plumage, anis are larger and more gregarious, with iridescent black plumage and a cartoonishly high aquiline arc to their bill. They are essentially the goth kids of the taxonomic family, a notion that isn’t diminished by the fact that their call sounds like an ‘80s electronic simulation of what a bird call might sound like.

The word “ani,” by the way, is pronounced on-ee. It came from the Tupi tribe of the upper Amazon Basin sans further etymology “Smooth-billed” is in contrast with the closely-related groove-billed ani, though as far as I can tell, the smooth-billed ani is the only bird in the world with the word “smooth” in the name. How many species get their own adjective?

They’re usually seen in pairs or small groups. (One account I read said they were often seen “in larger groups of up to 17 individuals,” which made me think, What, no one’s ever seen a group of 18 or more anis? Such a specific number.)

The smooth-billed ani is a tropical and subtropical species, with a range that covers the Caribbean and South America. They were very rare in Florida until the 1930s, but their population grew rapidly, breeding as far north on the east coast as Titusville, and as far south as Key West.

I remember sometime around 2002 or so, sitting in a classroom at Fairchild Tropical Garden, taking the Florida Master Naturalist course, looking out the window, and seeing my first one. It was running across the ground with a Cuban anole in its mouth, the anole’s tail whipping around while its limbs pawed at the air. It looked more like the stop-motion “Release the Kraken!” scene from Clash of the Titans to me than it did an actual bird trying to ingest its necessary daily caloric intake.

I saw my first one in Key West soon after, at Indigenous Park. It was in a small cluster of mangroves toward the bocce courts. And I have looked for an ani in that same cluster of mangroves every time I’ve been in the park since then, with no further luck.

Fairchild was one of the more reliable spots for them, as was Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Flamingo in Everglades National Park, and the service roads near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. But then those populations began to decline, their numbers shrinking until they disappeared from those places. (In 2005 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was petitioned to consider protected status for the species, but essentially blew it off.)

Nobody really knows what happened to the birds. There’s not a lot of data. Some birders blamed it on development and changes in the landscape. But smooth-billed anis are not delicate creatures, habitat-wise. In Central America and the Caribbean, you often see them in the weediest lots and the scrubbiest habitats, often in some of the most human-altered landscapes. And the anis pretty much came in and found their eco-niche in South Florida coincident with the development era.

Over the years since, though, I’ve seen smooth-billed anis in the Lower Keys a number of times, in out-of-the-way places such as Sugarloaf Key and the Dry Tortugas. My most memorable sighting was out at the Marquesas, when I saw a group of six, which gave me a lot of hope. Maybe there still was a resident flock or family here. But I’ve been back there since, and I’ve asked everyone I know who’s ever fished out there, and there has been no sign of them

The theory I’ve heard about their decline that makes the most sense to me is, maybe some kind of deadly-to-them virus or communicable disease went through the South Florida population – an ani pandemic of sorts – which would explain the population crash and the fact that when I’ve seen them, it’s mostly been in out-ofthe-way, isolated places – places a virus or communicable disease may have passed by. But that is just a theory with, again, not much data to support it.

I went back to the park early this week and spent a lot of time staring at the bush near the moat where it was last seen. Then I walked out across the field, a.k.a. the Back 40, then looped around the park, looking into every bush I could, without much luck.

I may not go back to look for that particular bird again, but I will go back, and I will keep looking. I never want the last smooth-billed ani I saw to be the last smooth-billed ani I see.

A smooth-billed ani seen at the Dry Tortugas. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

‘ONE BITE, EVERYBODY KNOWS THE RULES’

Dave ‘El Presidente’ Portnoy reviews Coast to Coast Pizza

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

On Jan. 11, Marathon’s Coast to Coast Pizza Company received an unexpected visit from Dave “El Presidente” Portnoy, founder of the popular sports and pop culture media company Barstool Sports.

In recent years, the self-professed “media mogul” has drawn national attention for his “One Bite” pizza reviews, in which he travels the country sampling pies from highly-recommended eateries – even launching a dedicated smartphone app in the process.

Portnoy sampled the shop’s basic cheese pie, awarding it a score of 7.7 on his notoriously difficult 10-point rating scale. Praising the “good, quality football pizza that you could never get tired of,” he clarified that his rating pitted the shop against renowned eateries in New York City before closing with a final bold statement.

“I defy anybody to find better pizza in the Florida Keys than what I just found.”

Some online commenters and friends of the eatery speculated whether “El Pres,” an avid New England Patriots fan, subconsciously deflated his score after viewing Philadelphiabased general manager Anthony

Ludovici-DeBrigida’s tattoo: a piece depicting Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham’s game-clinching sack of then-Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. The tattoo inspired Portnoy to humorously use a colorful string of obscenities to describe Ludovici, none of which can be printed in this newspaper.

Legend has it that Ludovici immediately memorialized the shop’s score with an additional tattoo on his leg.

The review has garnered nearly 3 million views across various social media platforms since its online debut on Jan. 19. In the days since, Coast to Coast has reported its highest-grossing sales days since it first opened in the spring of 2022, selling out of all available pizzas several times.

It’s opportune timing, as the shop was forced to close its doors for more than four months due to building repairs with several lengthy construction and inspection delays. It reopened on Dec. 30, just 12 days before Portnoy’s visit.

Portnoy’s most recent trip through the Keys also included stops at Tavernier’s Enrico’s Pizza and KRUST, Key Largo’s The Pizza Slice and Big Pine Key’s No Name Pub.

Dave ‘El Presidente’ Portnoy, right, congratulates Coast to Coast manager Anthony Ludovici-DeBrigida on his shop’s 7.7 score. CONTRIBUTED.

BOOKS YOU’LL FLIP OVER

Three high-flying novels about the powerful world of gymnastics.

WINTERLAND

By Rae Meadows

HEAD OVER HEELS

By Hannah Orenstein

YOU WILL KNOW ME

By Megan Abbott

KAREN NEWFIELD

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

In the Soviet Union of 1973, Anya is a little girl with a big dream. When she turns 8 years old, she receives a knock on her door. Would it be ballet or gymnastics? With the assistance of her father, she prepares and is selected for the local sports school to become a gymnast. Anya wants to represent her country and help her family living in the remote mining village of Norilsk, their grim and grueling days filled with hardship. Food is scarce, the weather is bitter and her mother, a once-famous ballerina, mysteriously disappeared three years ago. Anya’s competitive edge comes naturally, and throughout her gymnastics career there is no room for error. The author expertly depicts the biting wind and below-Arctic temperatures along with the astonishing training, both mentally and physically, that these young women endure. “Winterland” takes the reader back to some of the most memorable years of gymnastics in the U.S.S.R. With mesmerizing detail and a wonderful cast of characters, this superb novel scores big.

Like many girls in the gym, Avery Abrams had but one goal: to be an Olympic gymnast. Unlike most, she truly was extraordinary and a promising career was on the horizon. She trained and surrendered her entire childhood – no junk food, few friends, no sleepovers and home-schooling. Avery and her parents sacrificed the simple things that most people take for granted. When she tragically injured herself at the Olympic trials, her chance to lead the girls team disappeared. In a flash, her career was over. After trying college gymnastics, she admitted her heart was no longer in it, and her life proceeded to spiral out of control for seven long years. Moving back home to the small town she grew up in, this former superstar is now forced to face the ghosts from her past and figure out her future. One day coach Ryan – a former gymnast she crushed on throughout her teenage years – convinces Avery to assist a promising young athlete for the upcoming Olympics, and she admits she is ready to begin the healing process. Funny and well-written, this adorable rom-com is filled with dreams and the crushing reality of competition. Definitely an all-around winner.

WATCH TIP: “Raising The Bar” on Netflix. A hopeful teen gymnast moves to Australia with her mom, making new friends and renewing her love of the sport. Familyfriendly with lots of life lessons.

You can practice more than anyone, suffer more discipline than all the others, but there is always one girl who is better. Devon Knox is number one. Every minute of the Knox family’s lives revolves around the schedule, cost and future of Devon’s gymnastic competitions. Her parents Eric and Katie are completely immersed in this world, with their little boy Drew quietly observing from the sidelines. Shortly before a gymnastics competition, a young family friend is killed in a hitand-run car crash, throwing the Knox family into chaos. Through investigations, hidden diaries and violent gossip that seem to tie Eric to the young man’s death, Devon’s mom does not know whom to believe, and protecting her daughter comes with a steep price. With dizzying twists and turns and a minor Tonya Harding scandal matched with brutal competitiveness, this peek into the world of gymnastics is a 10.

KNOW YOUR SOURCE

Sorting the treasures from the tricks in health literature

Everyone nowadays is a “health coach” and has something important to say with information that is “life-changing.” There are tens of millions of Instagram and Facebook accounts that will lead you to believe that their health information is based in fact and not opinion.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.

Even big celebrities have been known to mingle in this health world and become leaders of health movements. I mean, if Rob Lowe believes in the Atkins diet, then it must really work, right? If Jason Alexander used Jenny Craig, I probably should too. If this Instagram “influencer” drinks apple cider vinegar and hangs upside down for 10 minutes a day, I probably should too. She’s got 10 million followers, so it has to be real…

My point is, it’s very hard to know who’s providing factual, peer-reviewed, science-based information and who is just a very enthusiastic, charismatic, believable health nut who thinks their information ought to be out there for you to believe and try. So, I thought, before I write any more articles on health, I should bring to your attention a few very important things to look for when doing research on health topics.

When gathering information, start by using sources that are American Accreditation Commission International (AACI) accredited. From their website: “The development of the AACI clinical excellence standards is part of the AACI Quality and Patient Safety Program. The AACI’s standards and emphasis on clinical practice guidelines help organizations establish a consistent approach to care, reducing the risk of error. Once certified, the benefits include risk mitigation and improved operational efficiency, which leads to better performance, lower costs and ultimately, better patient safety.”

A few recognizable sources that are AACI-certified include Healthline. com and MedicalNewsToday.com. Open any one of their articles and you will see the content has been written by scholars, fact-checked by another physician or appropriate professional, and (most importantly) all the sources have been noted for the reader with a direct link to the scholarly paper or research.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is another entity looking to ensure factual and science-based information. Some of the sites governed by HHS are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. Both organizations’ emblems are easily accessible with a Google Images search.

Lastly, if you come across a health topic that interests you, but you aren’t sure if the source is reliable, plug the topic into www.scholar.google. com. You can search for any health topic and the search engine will produce scholarly, peer-reviewed published journal articles. For a paper to be published it must go through a grueling process of review by professionals to legitimize both the information and the ethical integrity of the studies.

If that seems like too much work, do me one favor and at least look into the background of the person posting the newest “too-good-to-betrue weight loss trick.” Find out the following:

1) Did they get an advanced degree in a health and wellness field (e.g. exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise science, kinesiology, dietetics)?

2) Are they certified with a nationally known organization (for example, the American College of Sports Medicine)?

Just because a “health coach” has six-pack abs, posts inspiring quotes and shows before and after pictures all day long, it does not mean he or she is legit, and it does not mean that plan is for you.

Your health matters, so make sure the information you are getting is going to help you and not harm you. And if you still need help navigating this crazy health world, email me at Jenniferlynnboltz@gmail.com.

MUSICAL SYNERGY

When a band is truly greater than the sum of its parts

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending my third Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit concert. I mentioned Isbell and his band in a previous column from 2021; since then, he has released a couple more albums and has toured regularly since the pandemic (hopefully) eased. Unlike the two times I saw him before, Amanda Shires (his enormously talented singer-songwriter-fiddle-playing wife) joined the band for this show.

It was my dream Isbell/400 Unit concert. He played nearly everything I would have written down on my perfect setlist, and simply owned everyone in the room throughout an amazing 19-song set. Instead of going on about the specifics of the concert — songs played, sound quality, etc. — I want to reflect on something that was brilliantly subtle yet blatantly obvious to the more-than-casual music lover: synergy.

Synergy is that amazing thing that happens in the best musical performances and recordings. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.” Musically, it’s the way each musician exercises their craft while contributing to the group effort to produce a magnificent sound.

The Beatles had synergy in spades. U2 is another band that has it. Jazz groups and rock bands alike rely on synergy for a good performance, with a player’s improvisations — and the other band members' responses and reactions — taking the music to new and wonderful places.

Watching the 400 Unit is a master class in musical synergy. Many of the arrangements are solid and the same from show to show, but the interactions between the band members during the improvised instrumental portions of the songs are really breathtaking. Isbell plays acoustic guitar and sings during “Last of My Kind” (a great song from The Nashville Sound album), but what lifts the song to the heavens is the interplay between Shires’ fiddle and Sandler Vaden’s slide guitar as they trade passages that seamlessly move between piano and fortissimo (soft and loud). Isbell hangs out by the backline as the rest of the band crescendos to their climax. The instrumental jams take the song to the highest heights and then eventually come to rest in a smooth soft landing. It’s a similar situation in “Cover Me Up” (from Southeastern) as Isbell starts

JOHN BARTUS

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

the song alone with an acoustic guitar. The band members come back on stage one by one, until they are all playing incredibly intensely, yet with the steadiness of a heartbeat, until the song ends again with just Isbell’s guitar and Shires’ fiddle.

Watching a band like the 400 Unit makes one appreciate just how good the interplay is between Isbell and Vaden when they jam out on electric guitars during the rocking numbers. But guitarists and fiddle players would be out there alone without an amazing rhythm section — and the 400 Unit’s is stellar. Drummer Chad Gamble and bassist Jimbo Hart hold down the groove and are responsible for a lot of the amazing dynamics, while keyboardist Derry DeBorja adds colors and fills and pads that support the songs perfectly.

All this would be for naught if there weren’t any good songs. I’m not sure Jason Isbell has ever written a bad song, but his good ones are some of the best around. Their concert was a true display of amazing musical synergy that is somewhat rare these days.

* * * * *

Many readers may remember my column about David Crosby’s For Free album back in May 2022. It was definitely one of my favorite records of last year, and his 80-year-old voice sounded as young and angelic as ever. Sadly, David has left us, and hopefully has found some great players to jam with in heaven. I was fortunate to have seen Crosby Stills Nash and Young together twice, and CSN once. I’m really sorry I missed his solo show at the Key West Theater. His old bandmates have offered touching tributes, and the world loses another beautiful talent. As someone posted on Facebook, the angels wanted their voice back. Ironically, Crosby’s last performance on stage was with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit in February of last year, singing CSNY’s “Ohio” with the band and Shawn Colvin. Rest in Peace, Croz.

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

KARL

1-year-old male mixed breed

Looking for: Hi, I’m Karl. I love everyone and I’m happy, happy, happy!

Turnoffs: Nothing. Everything is great. People are cool and dogs are cool too!

TAKE ME HOME

MAXIMUS

2.5-year-old male domestic shorthair

Looking for: I’m a big panther, a total ham and supermodel.

Turnoffs: There’s one cat here – he and I have some beef.

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida

Keys SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

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

SQUEAKS

1-year-old male guinea pig

Looking for: I’m a family guy looking for some kids to love me forever.

Turnoffs: Not having enough people around.

CHRIS M c NULTY

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

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.

SHELF HELP

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

ISLA BELLA HELPS SAVE-A-TURTLE

Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping sea turtles in the Florida Keys, just received a donation of $8,000 from Marathon’s Isla Bella Beach Resort. On numerous occasions, Isla Bella’s management, employees, their families and volunteers have assisted with SaveA-Turtle’s beach management program, helping with dune restoration, seagrass planting and beach cleanups. Restoring the natural habitats on Keys beaches helps nesting sea turtles and shore birds. This donation is earmarked for continued beach restoration projects in the Keys. Pictured, from left: Justin Nels, managing director, Isla Bella Beach Resort; Harry Appel, president, Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys; Gianny Darias, F&B director, Isla Bella Beach Resort; Brenda Hinton, rooms director, Isla Bella Beach Resort. CONTRIBUTED

OBITUARY

DONALD SCOTTEN JR. 1944-2022

Donald Root Scotten Jr., born on Nov. 4, 1944 in New Castle, Indiana, passed away on Dec. 25, 2022 at the age of 78.

Don was the fourth of five children born to Donald Root Scotten and Mary Lucille McLeod Scotten. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy D. Scotten; his parents; his siblings; and his daughter Michelle. He is survived by his daughters Dani Crowley, Darla Jividen and Deonda Scott. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.

Prior to moving to the Florida Keys, Don served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. Don had a great love for this country and its people.

Don discovered his true home and purpose once he moved to the Keys. He was an active member of many clubs. These include

the Masons, Shriners, Elks, Moose, American Legion and VFW. He loved this community and enjoyed helping however he could.

There is so much more that could be said about Don and the life he led. He was a man of many talents and many interests, and he lived his life to the fullest.

A random quote sums it up best: “Many men have left footsteps on this earth, but there are some who leave a path for others to follow.” Don was truly one of these men.

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge in Marathon on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Marathon’s local charities.

What: “Leviathan Wakes” by James S.A. Corey

Why: One of the better sci-fi TV shows of recent years is “The Expanse.” Even better is its source material, a series of novels by James S.A. Corey (a pen name for a pair of writers). “Leviathan Wakes” is the first in the series, and it’s a series you should read in order. These books are good old-fashioned space operas with life-threatening interplanetary peril at every turn, even as the characters are coping with basic human questions. One of the writers formerly worked as an assistant to George R.R. Martin; like A Song of Ice And Fire, the books are built on chapters from alternating characters’ point of view. Unlike Martin, these guys managed to turn around their books in a timely manner – even after TV took an interest! – so you won’t be left hanging as we are in (book-version) “Westeros.”

Where: This is available as an eBook from the Monroe County Library system.

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

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager, Monroe County Public Library

Seafood differently

Head down to the docks of Hawks Cay Marina at MM61 for the coldest draft beer and freshest Key specialties in the lower latitudes. Order off our menu or, bring us your filets for some great hook and cook options.

Lunch: 11:30am - 3:30pm Daily Captain’s Hour - 3:30pm - 5:30pm Daily Dinner: 5:30pm - 10pm Daily (305) 209-9991 | AngerAndAle.com

BRIEFLY

Florida Keys Arts Council issues call to visual artists

The Monroe County Art in Public Places Committee and Florida Keys Council of the Arts has a call to visual artists to become qualified as public artists. Artists who are approved through this process become eligible for five years to apply to all calls including upcoming projects, the Key West International Airport Expansion, Monroe County Library Branch renovations and more.

The application and information are at www.keysarts.com. Application requirements include an artist statement, current resume, five to 10 images of recent artwork and a cover page.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Artists must meet the criteria in the initial application process to become qualified. Qualified artists will then be eligible to receive the request for proposals (RFPs) issued by Monroe County for five years, as well as for the city of Key West’s Public Art Program. Please call the Florida Keys Council of the Arts at 305-295-4369 with any questions.

Applications open for new charter high school

The College of the Florida Keys celebrated the completion of the building for its new charter high school, CFK Academy, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 18.

CFK Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school, focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE). CFK Academy students can access college-level courses on the Key West campus to simultaneously earn college and high school credits through the college’s dual enrollment program. Motivated students can graduate with their high school diploma as well as an associate degree, certificate and/or industry certification.

The application for the 2023-24 school year can be found on the CFK website at CFK.edu/CFKAcademy. The initial enrollment period ends March 15. Should the number of applicants exceed the capacity for a given grade, class, or building, a lottery process will be followed. CFK Academy will start with grades 9 through 11 in its inaugural year and will add grade 12 in 202425. The college is planning information sessions for prospective students and their families to learn more about CFK Academy and tour the facility. The first event is scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Florida Keys Wildlife Society announces astronomy lecture

The Florida Keys Wildlife Society will hold a lecture on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. featuring speakers Jay and Elizabeth Elliott. The Elliotts have been sharing their knowledge and presenting numerous astronomy educational programs in the Florida Keys since 2013. Elizabeth became a NASA Solar System Ambassador volunteer in 2009 and has presented many programs specifically related to NASA missions. Their lecture will provide an explanation of what you could see and why you should see what is in the night sky. There will be a short talk followed by activities, star hopping, stories and a look through the telescopes. The free lecture will take place at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center located at 30587 Overseas Highway in Big Pine Key.

Author of Key West Food Critic series to speak at Marathon Library

Roberta Isleib, who writes as Lucy Burdette, will speak at the Marathon library (3490 Overseas Hwy.) on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. The talk is free and open to all. Isleib is the author of 21 mysteries, including “A Dish To Die For,” the latest in the Key West series featuring food critic Hayley Snow. The 10th book in her Key West food critic mystery series, “The Key Lime Crime,” won the Florida Book Award’s bronze medal for popular fiction, and her books and stories have been shortlisted for Agatha, Anthony and Macavity awards.

The speaker series continues at 2 p.m. on Thursdays through March. Go to www.keyslibraries.org and click “events” to see upcoming speakers. For more information, stop by the library or call 305-743-5156.

Marathon Garden Club to hold annual January Jamboree

On Saturday, Jan. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Marathon Garden Club, located at 5270 Overseas Hwy., will hold its annual January Jamboree. Local plant experts will be on hand to answer questions. There will be plants and orchids for sale as well as local vendors, jewelry, pottery, a huge rummage sale, food and fun. The jamboree will offer a chance to buy plants grown in the Keys that are specifically geared to the climate and soil conditions found in the islands.

SEA ISLE AT KEY COLONY BEACH

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Key West Boat & Jet Ski Adventures located at 5016 5th Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Lauderdale Jet Ski Adventures, LLC

Publish: January 26, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Andrews Inn located at 233 Eanes Lane, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Andrews Inn KW, LLC

Publish: January 26, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES INC.

LOCATED AT9:00AM 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 STATUES.

THE FOLLOWING WILL SALE

AT:1503 AQUEDUCT LN KEY LARGO, FL33037P#:786-328-9393 FEB.6,2023

2022 TAOT MC

LYDYFTKH3N1500034

2022 YNGF MC

LL0TCAPF3NG001474

2005 CHEV VN

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1969 FORD 2D 9R02M153260

2011 DODG TK

1D7RB1GT2BS530619

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1955 CHEV 2D VC55T193217

2017 DONF MC

LXDTCABA5H1010058

2001 SHA VS SHA24429L001

2013 FORD UT

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2013 HOND ATV

1FHTE2301D4400319

2003 CHEV TK

1GCHC23103F217561

2014 NISS 4D

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FEB.7,2023

2011 BIGH TL 5SFBG3526BE229365

2014 TAOI MS

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FEB.10,2023

2020 YNGF MC

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2013 FORD 4D

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2003 CHEV VN

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2022 TOYT 4D

5YFEPMAE8NP312650

2020 POLA ATV

3NSNAE998LH857838

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: January 26, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

REBID SANDS SLR ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PILOT PROJECT BIG PINE KEY, MONROE COUNTY,

FLORIDA

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3)

(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.

floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

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

Bidders must be FDOT prequalified in the types of work specified for the project.

The prime bidder must be prequalified in at least one major type of work regardless of the number of major types that are solicited. For any type of work that isn’t met by the prime, the subcontractor must meet the prequalification requirement.

The team must be pre-qualified in all types of work needed for the project.

The project is federally funded by a Community Development Block (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), IR026.

The awarded contractor (CONTRACTOR) is bound by the terms and conditions of the County’s Subrecipient Agreement with DEO.

The CONTRACTOR is required to be familiar with and shall be responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations that in any manner affect the work. The CONTRACTOR agrees to provide reports or information to the County as needed to comply with the County’s obligation to submit reports to DEO on the progress of the work.

The Scope of Work consists of construction of a “pump and treat” storm water drainage system, reconstruction and elevation of roadway segments intersecting and including

Eduardo Gonzalez-Blanco, M.D. Key West Urology Associates PA 1111 12th Street, Suite 108 Key West, Florida 33040

Dr. Eduardo Gonzalez-Blanco will be retiring and will no longer be practicing at Key West Urology Associates PA e ective December 29, 2022.

Patients’ medical records will remain at Key West Urology Associates PA, 1111 12th Street, Suite 108, Key West, Florida 33040 under the custodianship of Dr. Taweh Beysolow and his sta . Patients wishing to pick up their records may do so starting February 1, 2023.

Publish: January 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

The project includes drainage structures, wet wells, pollution treatment device, and a related elevated pump station with a back-up emergency generator, pre-treatment, wet wells, pumps, piping, electrical controls, instrumentation, and injection well(s) for final disposal of treated storm water. The roadway improvements will include utility relocation and adjustment of access drives to homes. The CONTRACTOR will work with the residents on all modifications involving resident access and property.

Contractors are required to “Target Section 3 Workers”.

Section 3 is defined as: Section 3 business concern means: (1) A business concern that meets one of the following criteria: (i) It is at least 51 percent owned by low or very low-income persons; (ii) Over 75 percent of the labor hours performed for the business are performed by low- or very low-income persons; or (iii) It is a business at least 25 percent owned by current public housing residents or residents who currently live in Section 8-assisted housing. (2) The status of a Section 3 business concern shall not be negatively affected by a prior arrest or conviction of its owner(s) or employees.

(3) Nothing in this part shall be construed to require the contracting or subcontracting of a Section 3 business concern.

Section 3 business concerns are not exempt from meeting the specifications of the contract.

The Prime CONTRACTOR must be prequalified in at least one major type of work regardless of the number of major types that are solicited. For any type of work that isn’t met by the prime, the subcontractor must meet the prequalification requirement.

The team must be pre-qualified in all types of work needed for the project.

Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposal/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bid be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on April 4, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents.

Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

REBID SANDS SLR ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PILOT PROJECT 4/4/2023

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 4, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

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

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Professional Services for Special Assessments

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

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Professional Services for Special Assessments 3-1-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: January 26, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Higgs Beach Restrooms

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

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Higgs Beach Restrooms Replacement 3-14-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 14, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: January 26, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Professional Architectural and Engineering Services for the Rockland Key Public Works Master Plan Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar. com OR www.monroecounty-fl. gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Professional Architectural and Engineering Services for the Rockland Key Public Works Master Plan 3-2-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.

gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 2, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

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

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: January 26, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-5-P

DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE WOOD PERDUE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOSEPHINE WOOD PERDUE, deceased, whose date of death was DECEMBER 5, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, TAVERNIER, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

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

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 26, 2023.

Personal Representative: JAMES WILLIAM WOOD c/o R.T. McDaniel, Jr., Esq. P.O. Box 144555, Coral Gables, FL 33114-4555

Attorney for Personal Representative: R. T. McDANIEL, JR. Email Addresses: thornatty@ gmail.com Florida Bar No. 855715 P.O. Box 144555 Coral Gables, FL 33114-4555 Telephone: 305-815-3777

Publish: January 26 & February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-000002-P

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JANET ELIZABETH REESE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JANET ELIZABETH REESE, deceased, whose date of death

Father Tony Way in the Sands Subdivision of Big Pine Key.

Publish: January 26, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

Name in which assessed: MORRIS DONAL J ESTATE SR

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 9th day of December

2022

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By:

Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2023-16

Notice is hereby given that CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/506

Alt Key No: 8933761 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00119540-000100

Description of Property: 15 67 27 SUGARLOAF KEY PT LOT 5 N OF SR 4A OR180-447/48 OR493-453/454 OR1239-1551/57 OR1362-1891/93 OR1371-685/87 OR1395-74/76C OR1395-77/79C OR1402-1522/23 OR2835-228/30

Name in which assessed: PACE WILLIAM HARDY

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: February 28th, 2023

Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 9th day of December 2022 KEVIN MADOK

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2023-17

Notice is hereby given that CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/164

Alt Key No: 1044211

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00043580-000000

Description of Property: KW MONROE INVESTMENT CO SUB PB1-41 SW'LY 6' OF LOT 2 & ALL OF LOT 3 SQR 13 TR 20 G29-133/34 OR436-676 OR16481689D/C OR1712-2251/52P/ R OR1712-2253/55 OR19612316/18 OR1961-2319/2323AFFD OR2143-1725/27AFF OR21431728/29Q/C OR2157-1329/30C

Name in which assessed: LEEKER LESLYE

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

LEGAL NOTICES

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 9th day of December 2022

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR

TAX DEED 2023-18

Notice is hereby given that CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS FBO SEC PTY

holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/573

Alt Key No: 1165930 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00131780-000000

Description of Property: BK A LT 45 LINCOLN GARDENS NO-1 STOCK ISLAND PB5-89 OR570-926 OR930-833 OR11192192 OR2870-599/600 ALONG WITH MOBILE HOME:MAKE: IN-HOUSE BRIG YEAR: 1982 TITLE NR:20049350 VEHICLE ID NR: 3B6440805

Name in which assessed: PEREZ MARIO All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 9th day of December 2022

LEGAL NOTICES

Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 9th day of December

2022 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

By:

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED LEGAL NOTICES

ALL YEARS!

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-22

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-24

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

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

KEVIN

MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-19

Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 2020 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/760

Alt Key No: 1242616 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00188681-019800

Description of Property: LT 196 VENTURE OUT CUDJOE KEY PB6-56 OR624-579 OR1771-256 OR2442-526 Along with mobile home: Make: IN-HOUSE PALM Year:1998 Title nr:75851632 Vehicle ID Number: PH06119360FL

Name in which assessed: SMITH RALPH W AND REBECCA K GABBARD REV TR 9/17/01

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old

NOTICE OF

APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-20

Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 6120 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/786 Alt Key No: 1255548 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00193660-000000

Description of Property: BK 2 LT 50 SUMMERLAND KEY COVE ADDITION #6 PB 5-41 SUMMERLAND KEY OR237515/516 OR722-693 OR865-1790 OR2975-0486

Name in which assessed: CHANDONNET MARK CHANDONNET JENNIFER

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 9th day of December 2022

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-21

Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 2020 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/419

Alt Key No: 1118575

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00101370-000000

Description of Property: 2/11 66 32 KEY VACCAS PT GOVT LOT 2 SEC 2 & PT GOVT LOT 1 SEC 11 OR204-30/32 OR204-33/34 OR205-586/87 OR367-922/23 OR442-609/11 OR769-1920 OR832-2039 PROB #84-37-CP-23 OR929-2469AFF OR958-989/90 OR971-2270/71 OR1159-1838/40 OR11591841/43 RE101380 COMBINED FOR ASSMT PURPOSES 6-16-93 OR1422-2194/98

Name in which assessed: TROPICAL ISLE RESORT INC C/O JAMES J DONOVAN, CPA All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am

Notice is hereby given that TLOA OF FLORIDA LLC CAPITOL ONE BANK, C/O TLOA HOLDINGS, LLC

holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/1272

Alt Key No: 1437913 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00356230-000000

Description of Property: BK 1 LT 79 AMENDED PLAT OF FLAMINGO ISLAND ESTATES

BOOT KEY PB5-121 OR545-329 OR759-552 OR762-569C OR1091163 OR1443-123 OR1443-124 OR1443-123 OR1443-124 OR1813-1807R/S OR2782-117/21 OR2790-1043/46

Name in which assessed: BLANTON SPENCER C All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 9th day of December 2022

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-23

Notice is hereby given that TLOA OF FLORIDA LLC CAPITOL ONE BANK, C/O TLOA HOLDINGS, LLC

holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/313

Alt Key No: 9087870

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00084961-011600

Description of Property: UNIT RU-116 THE MARINA CLUB AT BLACKWATER SOUND, KEY LARGO, A COMMERCIAL CONDOMINIUM OR22451373/1489DEC OR2264524/627AMD OR2777-1256/58

Name in which assessed: TIDE RENOVATIONS AND CONSULTING INC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: February 28th, 2023

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 9th day of December 2022

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Notice is hereby given that ATCF II FLORIDA-A LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/221 Alt Key No: 8678771 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00063560-013500

Description of Property: UNIT C-331 1800 ATLANTIC CONDOMINIUMS OR1086213 OR1150-1786 OR11592058/59CT OR1189-1572 OR1243-2344/45 OR13772219/20TR OR1404-1614/15 OR1423-721RS OR1463-1175/76 OR2455-1320/22(ORD)L/E

Name in which assessed: WIMMER SARAH D

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: February 28th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 9th day of December 2022

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-25

Notice is hereby given that JANEL HARPER holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/475 Alt Key No: 8968367 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00111720-000203

Description of Property: 27 66 29 BIG PINE KEY PT LOT 1 OR785-4/5 OR818-1413 OR818-2090 OR845-955/957 OR1042-1104/05 OR1078-286/87 OR1189-1087/89

Name in which assessed: IMPACT INVESTMENTS INC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: February 28th, 2023

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 9th day of December 2022 KEVIN MADOK

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

EMPLOYMENT

Paver Dave Now Hiring Bobcat operators in the Lower Keys. Drivers license and transportation required. Please call 305-741-7688

CARETAKER OR COUPLE WANTED For small Abaco Bahamas beach resort. Call or text 305-439-9991

Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight coverage at an Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm8am with weekly stipend Drug and background screen required. Apply at www.westcare.com

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 404-2193359 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 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: WW Operator/ Controls Trainee, Support Services/ Logistics, Paralegal, Utilities Maintenance, Recreation Specialist, and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

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

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.

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

Dated this 9th day of December 2022 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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!

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

BASEBALL AND SPORTS MEMORABILIA WANTED. Private collector buying sports cards, old programs, pennants, autographs, photographs, ticket stubs, bobbin’ head dolls, etc. Call Alan 503-481-0719

HOUSING FOR RENT MISC. FOR SALE

HOUSING FOR RENT LONG TERM 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. 2 BR, 2 Bath, Den. 1650 sq ft plus 350 sq ft open balcony. Beautiful water view. Full gym, pool, tennis, fishing. Adults only. No pets. $4250 per month plus utilities F/L/S [first, last, and security deposit]. 800-324-6982.

$500 each at MM2 786883-5607 for photos.

RV FOR SALE

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

A BIG Treasures &

Yard Sale - Rain or Shine - Sat. Jan. 28 from 8am-3pm & Sun. Jan. 29 from 10am-3pm. Sold home - everything must go! 419 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon

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

WHALE HARBOR GROUP RESTAURANTS

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Exercise Physiologist

- Hyperbaric Tech

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech

- Medical Technologist

- Monitor Technician

- Patient Care Supervisor

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist $15,000 Bonus

- Supervisor Pharmacy Operations

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY

HOSPITAL

- Cook $5,000 Bonus

- Dietitian $5,000 Bonus

- ED Team Coordinator

- Environmental Tech

- Food Service Worker

- Lead Med Technologist $15,000 Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech $9,000 Bonus

- Medical Technologist $15,000 Bonus

RESORT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING:

RESORT MANAGER

Full-time position for licensed FL CAM with min. 3yrs experience. Knowledge of QBs, ability to produce reports, accounting skills, MS word/excel required. Must be familiar with F.S. 718 & 721. Familiar with Rhea program a plus but will train. FL RE Broker license a plus. Perfect candidate will have strong people/hospitality skills and be familiar with timeshares. Proficiency in English a must. Competitive salary with onsite housing available.

MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Full-time and experienced with knowledge and competency in plumbing, electrical, HVAC repair, appliances, carpentry, drywall and other general maintenance which may require repairs/replacement. Must be efficient with hand tools, power tools, small machinery as well as lifts. Knowledge of technical WIFI/TV cable a plus. Must be able to take direction as well as work independently with minimal supervision as well as manage others. Must be familiar with all safety protocol required by the state of Florida, Monroe County and OSHA. Proficiency in the English language required. Competitive salary.

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Full-time position must be proficient in bookkeeping/ accounting skills and organized, efficiency in MS work/excel with strong computer/software skills. Must be able to take direction. Knowledge of Rhea software or other similar owner data program a plus. Will be personable, friendly and have hospitality skills. Proficiency in the English language required. Competitive salary.

Resumes should be sent to employment@marathonkeybeachclub.com

- Patient Care Manager

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Phlebotomist

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist 2

- Sanitation Technician

- Security Of cer

- Supervisor Laboratory $15,000 Bonus

Two oversized buckskin Italian leather rocking recliners and a Braxton tropical solid wood loveseat.

Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone 305-294-9526*32, fax 305-292-0078.

HELP WANTED

GENERAL MANAGER OF VENTURE OUT AT CUDJOE CAY, INC.

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Full-time and part-time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours. Please stop by and fill out application or Fax resume to 305-852-9639.

- a (659) unit Mobile Home / R.V. condominium community on Cudjoe Key seeks a professional property manager for this sixty-six(66) acre diverse water recreational community. Located in the lower Keys on Kemp Channel with direct boating access to both the Ocean and Gulf. Very competitive salary and benefits will be offered to the right candidate.

This a full-time salaried position, candidate is required to currently possess and maintain in good standing, a Florida Community Association Manager’s (CAM) license, while in the employment of the Venture Out.

Candidate must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidate must be proficient in the operation of computer systems and programs for office management, budget preparation, planning and accounting. The General Manager reports directly to the President of the Board of Directors, and provides any other assistance as directed by the Board of Directors.

The General Manager’s duties and responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise the day-to-day operations of Venture Out.

• Implement the policies adopted by the V.O. Board of Directors.

• Supervise all employees of V.O. Supervision shall include direction, disciplining, hiring, and terminating.

• Attend all Board of Director Meeting and committee meetings

• Serve as official liaison between the V.O. Board of Directors and secure bids from independent contractors, including but not limited to attorneys, accountants, engineers, and insurance agents.

• Shall enforce all By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the Association.

• Coordinate the proper maintenance and management of the common element facilities and infrastructure systems.

• Create a Monthly Report on any major incidents or problems, action taken, and need for any policy changes.

Email resume and references to vojenn@att.net

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:

DIRECTOR OF GENERATION

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $137,323$141,168/annually.

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, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Executive Department:

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION (T&D) PROJECT ENGINEER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $103,172/annually$106,061/annually.

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, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $38.43/hr. - $43.04/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, 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 lled.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

SCADA/RELAY TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $30.64/hr. - $34.32/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, 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 lled.

LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS

MUST HAVE an active Journeyman Electrician License. Duties: Install, inspect, test, repair, and maintain all new and existing generators, motors, transformers, motor controllers, and associated equipment throughout our system, with base location in the middle keys.

Minimum qualifications: Journeyman’s License, emphasis on electronics, industrial electrical, pneumatics, controls, building automation, fire alarm and HVAC systems, load calculations, conduit requirements, thorough knowledge of NEC requirements. Must be able to operate and use computers with various so ware applications, including Microso O ce Suite. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be able to communicate and comprehend the English language. $57,551.33 - $91,161.94. DOQ.

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY & DUCK KEY

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION IS GROWING, and we need (3) WWTP Operators with a Florida “C” license or higher. You will perform skilled/ technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Salary Range: $54,645.98 - $98,454.90.

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST:

• Be able to pass FDLE background check.

• Sign a loyalty oath required by law.

• Provide excellent customer service. Excellent interpersonal communication is required for working with the public in a responsive, courteous, and professional manner.

• Possess basic computer knowledge and be proficient in data entry.

• Be capable to carry/lift voting equipment and boxes weighing approximately 40 pounds.

• Be able to maintain a working knowledge of elections laws, rules, opinions, and office policy.

• Maintain a working knowledge of the services we provide and become familiar with services other county offices provide in and away from our office building.

• Work well with others, develop, and maintain a mature, professional teamwork relationship with the ability to perform in a flexible work environment.

• Commit to continuous learning.

• Be able to perform in an environment of constant change.

• Be able to present oral and written reports clearly and concisely.

• Be able to exercise considerable independent initiative and sound judgment in completing day-to-day assignments and activities to support operations.

• Be available to work weekends and after hours, sometimes with little notice.

Call or email for an application.

Supervisor of Elections contact information: Phone 305-292-3416, email: info@keys-elections.org

for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program.

Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE IN MARATHON & KEY LARGO ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge in Islamorada is getting ready for a GRAND OPENING and we're looking to hire for all restaurant positions!

Open interviews Monday – Friday from 11am to 4pm at Oceanside Safari. Located at MM 73.5 right on the ocean at Caloosa Cove Marina, 73814 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

HIRING: FOH: HOSTS, SERVERS, BARTENDERS, BUSSERS, RUNNERS.

BOH: LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS, DISHWASHERS.

Great pay, benefits and perks. We offer a stable 40 hrs-per-week to our hourly employees, and more hours if you want! Part-time positions available if you are looking for a second job, or after-school job. We also offer a $1,000 Sign-On Bonus to all new hires, and a $500 Referral Bonus for employees who help us build up our team!

No Inglés. No Problema. Lo importante es que trabajes bien. Pa gen angle. Pa gen pwoblèm. Tout sa ki enpòtan se ke ou travay byen.

We are re-opening as a brand new full-service restaurant & bar, with a full kitchen with all brand new equipment, a beautiful bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a beachfront lounge on our own private beach. We’re currently in the final stages of renovation of the building and property, and we’re planning on opening the end of February. We need to start assembling and training our team now! Come join us!

**We are an Equal Opportunity Employer**

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge, 786-626-6124 73814 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Crisis Counselor

Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children) *Advocate (PT only)

MARATHON

Admissions Utilization Specialist Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs and LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem) Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*Support Worker

*Night Monitor-Free private room included.

*No experience required for these positions. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP