Marathon Weekly 23-0202

Love life again with better hearing!

If you’re struggling to hear, you may be missing out on some of life’s greatest sounds, including priceless conversations with the one you love.

Fall in love with life again through better hearing. Let Dr. Michelle help.

COLDWELL

Helping Keys Residents since 2002. The Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation was created in April 2002, and is dedicated to helping Keys’ residents whose critical needs are not being met through other means. The funds are donated to the Foundation through the generous hearts of the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate agents, staff, associates, business partners, and the public. www.gooddeedsinthekeys.org

SEE-ING IS CAN’T BELIEVING

Glittering oceanfront views, meticulous attention to detail and modern architecture define this island oasis located in Marathon. Nestled at the end of Man-O-War Drive, new 2019 CBS, 3-story home with metal roof, 8 foot impact windows/doors, 1 car garage, smart home technology, and marble decked concrete infinity-like pool. This modern beauty features two-bedrooms, two-bathrooms, 1,902 square feet with 37.5 feet of new concrete capped, steel seawall and shore power on recently dredged canal. Chef's open concept state-of-the-art kitchen features corner pantry, center island, high-end stainless GE Monogram appliances plus pot filler and Grohe disposal. Experience indoor/outdoor living with 8 foot pocket impact sliders on the 2 porches (totaling 1,909 square feet), facing due South, to enjoy the Atlantic breeze and unobstructed star gazing. Elevator shaft in place for further install if desired. Exterior is as exceptional as the interior with professional lush landscaping, orchids on palms, landscape lighting, sprinkler system, outdoor shower, plus covered first level porch, double doored garage, carport and utility room. There is truly no place like this in paradise!

MARATHON | $2,495,000 | Listing ID: 602402

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

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Web Master Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline

Tuesday 2 p.m.

Missed out on a spot in the 42nd annual Seven Mile Bridge Run? You’re not alone. The field of 1,500 runners for the race across the Keys’ most iconic span filled in less than four minutes when the link went live on Jan. 31. For those who made it, congratulations, and good luck on April 1.

KEY COLONY BEACH COMMISSION APPROVES BUILDING HEIGHT CHANGE

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Ayearslong point of contention for Key Colony Beach residents came to a close on Jan. 19 as the city commission voted to approve ordinance 2021-469, amending Key Colony’s Land Development Regulations and allowing a maximum height of 40 feet for homes citywide.

The change, which brings zone R-2B –a zone that previously restricted houses along Sadowski Causeway and 7th Street to a single level – into alignment with other areas of the city, is intended to help compliance with flood maps proposed by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). But to the KCB residents who spoke against the ordinance at multiple town meetings, including the Jan. 19 final reading, and sent pages of correspondence to the commission, resisting the change was a matter of preserving the city’s community character and addressing potential overcrowding nightmares.

Many expressed concern that with a host of existing homes constructed as duplexes on narrow 40-foot-wide lots, the change could bring about a boom in maxed-out stilted two-story vacation rental construction on the packed streets.

Key Colony’s existing ordinance caps vacation rentals at 10 occupants per home.

“The fear is that a two-level duplex is built, with the square footage to technically allow 10 persons per side, for a total of 20 people on one property,” attorney Stefanie Burford wrote to the commission in a Jan. 4 email. “I ask that the height be less than 40 feet, but FEMA compliant, if possible. … (And) only allow one level of living.”

Numerous other emails and letters echoed Burford’s request for a single level of living and decried the ordinance’s potential impacts on traffic and parking concerns, arguing that a maximum height of 34 feet would allow for a balance between flood concerns and preservation of the streets’ character.

“The quality of life for the residents will be reduced in terms of vista, noise, traffic and the sharp and rapid shift of culture from residing to renting,” resi-

New ordinance allows elevated multistory structures on Sadowski Causeway and 7th Street

dents David and Beverly McKeehan told the commission on Jan. 3. “The possibility of eight bedrooms and 4,000 square feet under air in KCB as stacked duplex rental units has the attention of developers and rental agents around the state. We have been receiving repeated and unsolicited text messages from someone named Dave at Vacasa in Jacksonville.”

“I think (residents opposed to the change) don’t see the correlation between going to two stories and a safety issue,” said commissioner Joey Raspe. “I think it’s very realistic that (investors) will come in and buy two of these groundlevel homes knowing they can put 10 people in each side as a rental, take the whole unit, and (demolish it).”

However, as some commissioners and proponents of the change pointed out, modifications to land development regulations to account for sea level rise are a no-brainer, and passing new ordinances allowing different property rights in separate areas of the city could wade into dicey legal waters. As with other Keys municipalities, Key Colony Beach’s ability to further restrict vacation rentals is all but nullified by state statutes.

“We cannot be strong-armed by the wishes of a few; all rules should be applied fairly and equally to all,” wrote Ernesto Perez, a Sadowski Causeway resident, on Jan. 5. “While the property values of some are going up, those that live in R-2B are at risk of devaluing and losing their resale value. … I would not

doubt that some may take legal action against the city as a result.”

“I would like to say on the record that it’s not that I am pro-vacation rentals. I am not for development, necessarily, in a lot of aspects,” Mayor Patti Trefry told residents gathered at the Jan. 19 meeting. “But as far as development in the city, the state has tied our hands. Simple as that.”

Trefry and commissioner Tom Harding both expressed their obligation to protect property rights equally across the city as the driving factors behind their eventual votes.

“(The maximum height increase) is consistent with what has been done throughout the county,” vice mayor Beth Ramsay-Vickrey told the Weekly after the meeting. “At the end of the day, this came down to being a legal issue.

“Based on Florida Chapter 70 language, I had great concern, which I discussed with (City Attorney Dirk Smits), that restricting these R-2B properties while we took the rest of our city to 40 feet would have resulted in a legal finding of ‘unfair and disproportionate zoning.’ As much as I sympathize with those on 7th Street who objected, and I truly do understand and sympathize with them, I simply could not vote to put our city into what would, most likely, have resulted in a losing lawsuit.”

The commission voted 4-1 to approve the ordinance, with Raspe as the lone nay vote.

With a change to the Key Colony Beach land development regulations, homes along Sadowski Causeway and 7th Street may now be redeveloped as elevated multistory homes. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Princess Leia (Stephanie Zajac) is just one of several beloved film characters under fire in vocal group Island Harmony’s cinema parody at Marathon Community Theatre’s “One Weekend Only.” See page 17. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

DAVID MANZ HONORED WITH FLORIDA BAR PRO BONO AWARD

MARATHON ATTORNEY ‘REPAIRS THE TEARS’ IN THE COMMUNITY

“I’ve practiced for nearly 40 years, and I’ve been really successful. This transcends all that.”

That’s what local attorney David Manz told the Keys Weekly when asked about his work with Monroe County’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program, a service that aids abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency systems.

Though Manz is the owner and partner at the Manz Law Firm in Marathon, he doesn’t take a dime for his work with these children. And on Jan. 26, the Florida Bar took notice, honoring him with the 2023 Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for Florida’s 16th judicial circuit. Established in 1981, the award is intended to encourage lawyers to volunteer free legal services by recognizing those who make public service commitments.

Manz’s community involvement doesn’t end with his GAL service – he also currently serves on the Human Services Advisory Board in Monroe County. With volunteer members appointed by the Monroe County Commission, the board decides how to allot roughly $2 million each year to communitybased nonprofits offering health and social services to Keys citizens.

In light of the recent honor, we sat down with Manz to discuss what exactly he does with the GAL program, and why he gladly offers hundreds of hours in service to Monroe County’s most vulnerable young residents.

For those who aren’t familiar, what is the Guardian ad Litem program, and what is your role? The Guardian ad Litem program has various volunteer guardians who get appointed to represent abused, abandoned and neglected children. They’re used in various cases and appointed automatically in severe criminal cases with a child victim. Most of my cases are capital sexual battery cases, which means that the child is less than 12 and there’s an automatic 25year sentence. These children are petrified, and they don’t want to relive the incident. I help walk them through the process in court proceedings – here’s what’s going to be asked, why you’re the most important person in the process, that sort of thing.

How did you get involved with this? About 20 years ago, I knew (Guardian ad Litem director) Alexsa Leto as an attorney. There were guardians, but there wasn’t an attorney for the program or anybody there to help with legal advice. I said to myself, “Wow. There’s an incredible need here.” It’s bad enough when somebody in a divorce case is getting crushed by the other side because they can’t afford an attorney, but when it’s involving children, it’s taken to a whole other level. I volunteered to start doing this regularly because there was a paucity of attorneys, and I think I’ve got 20 cases now.

Which individual cases were the most impactful or memorable for you? There was a case several years ago where I acted as an attorney for four siblings who were all in a home in Big Pine when the mother stabbed and killed the dad. The children went into foster care and there was obviously PTSD and severe psychological issues as a result of this trauma. I was able to do a great deal of research and determine that there were issues with their extended family in Michigan, where they were about to go, involving relatives who’d been imprisoned for battery. The children ended up getting adopted here in Florida and are now thriving. I got to see the turnaround from absolute tragedy and trauma to these kids thriving.

And then in another case, I met with three children in California who were going to have their deposition taken that day, and they were very concerned about it. As I was leaving, one of the little kids said, “Hey, are you gonna come back and talk to us tomorrow?” It was really endearing because it was very heartfelt with no guard up. It just showed that children need care and protection in these vulnerable moments.

What motivates you to keep going with your pro bono work? The business of law is one thing, but lawyers have an opportunity to transcend being a businessman. As somebody said at the Florida Bar ceremony the other day, they can help repair the tears in our community.

There’s a quote I live by with my Guardian ad Litem work from Cervantes’ “Don Quixote.” “It is not the responsibility of knights errant to discover whether the afflicted, the enchained and the oppressed … suffer this distress for their vices, or for their virtues: the knight’s sole responsibility is to (help) them as people in need, having eyes only for their sufferings.”

What does it mean to you to be recognized in this way? I’ve practiced for nearly 40 years, and I’ve been really successful. This transcends that, because it gives an opportunity for the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, the needy and the poor to be on equal footing. As far as the recognition, it’s important to me because now society and the Supreme Court recognize the importance of the work, rather than it being the dark or where nobody sees it.

Obviously, nobody can do it alone. Is there anyone you’d like to thank? I’d like to thank Alexsa. She’s a tireless advocate for children, she’s passionate, she’s committed, and she’s the one who actually appoints me to these cases, so she’s critical.

Marathon attorney David Manz, owner of the Manz Law Firm, is the 2023 recipient of the Florida Bar Pro Bono Award for Florida’s 16th judicial circuit. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

WHAT HAPPENED OUT THERE?

RESCUED FREEDIVER TELLS KEYS WEEKLY HIS HARROWING STORY

“One last dive.” That was Dylan Gartenmayer’s plan on Jan. 19, when he dove 35 feet to the ocean floor with a deep breath and a loaded speargun.

He never imagined the last dive of the day could be his last one, ever.

Video of Gartenmayer’s family finding him at sea, hours later, clinging to three rubber mooring balls in near-darkness, has gone viral since the incident. The video, shot by a cousin from the family’s boat, has appeared on CNN and countless other media outlets. The “Today” show interviewed Gartenmayer, 22, with his mother, Tabitha, who’s seen in the video clinging to her son in relief once he’s found and pulled on board.

While he was underwater, the powerful Gulf Stream current swept Gartenmayer, 22 and an experienced freediver, away from his 20-foot boat, where two other divers were watching for him to surface.

“I don’t know the guys, Justin and Chris, well,” Gartenmayer told the Keys Weekly on Jan. 30. “I had been diving with Justin once before, and we follow each other on Facebook and Instagram. But I just met Chris that day. They had been doing a good job following me at first.”

On his last dive of the day, “I was down and saw, by looking at the ocean floor, that the current had started pushing hard to the east. I started moving really quickly,” he said.

“The guys said they didn’t see me surface,” Gartenmayer said.

Gartenmayer did surface, minutes after descending, but he could no longer see the

boat, and the other divers couldn’t see him.

Night was falling and conditions on the water — already less than ideal — were deteriorating.

Gartenmayer swam over a mile, with the help of a piece of bamboo he found floating, to the shallow part of the reef that’s marked with floating mooring balls. He cut three of them free, lashed them together and used them as a flotation device. He also hoped their light color would make him easier to see, as Gartenmayer eventually heard a helicopter and boat in the distance.

Throughout the hours-long ordeal, Gartenmayer kept his speargun with him, knowing that dusk was prime dinner hour for bull sharks and other predators.

“If it were me, I would have stayed out looking for someone until I ran out of fuel,” Gartenmayer said “But after the guys searched for me, it was getting dark and they weren’t comfortable navigating at night. They called the Coast Guard with my last coordinates. Then they took my boat back to Murray’s Marina, even though I haven’t kept my boat there since October. We had left from behind the house on Riviera Canal that day. They also called a buddy of mine, who dropped everything he was doing and went to let my family know I was missing. They instantly got on another boat to come find me.”

Gartenmayer said on the morning of Jan. 30 that his two fellow divers hadn’t called to check on him since the incident occurred.

“That seems messed up,” he said. “But I called Justin today (Jan. 30) and we spoke. I’m a very understanding person.”

Gartenmayer said the two men have been portrayed as reckless and negligent villains in online comments.

“They’re not villains,” he said. “They did call the Coast Guard. They weren’t comfortable being out at night. I think they just panicked.”

Coast Guard Lt. Paul Benyovszky, who was the command duty officer at Sector Key West on Jan. 19, said it’s not uncommon for a diver to drift far from the vessel, given the surface wind and currents that can move in different directions at the surface versus the bottom.

“Additionally, in that area of Western Sambo, the depth changes dramatically, which also contributes to shifting currents,” Benyovszky said.

“We got a missing diver distress call from someone aboard Dylan’s boat at 4:19 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19,” Benyovszky said. “They had searched the area for Dylan for about an hour before calling us.”

The Coast Guard immediately launched a search vessel, based on Gartenmayer’s last known coordinates, and received assistance from a Coast Guard helicopter out of Miami, Benyovszky said.

“We were about a half-nautical mile away from the family’s own search boat, when we got a call at 6:35 p.m., saying they had found him,” Benyovszky said, adding that Coast Guard personnel examined Gartenmayer, ensured that his body’s core temperature was on the rise and released him to his family.

Benyovszky emphasized that “search and rescue operations are there for a reason. No one should ever hesitate to call us as soon as something doesn’t feel right. We have someone constantly manning channel 16 on the VHF radio and are always available by phone.”

He also reminded boaters to file a float plan and let someone on land know where they’re headed when they go out on the water.

“At least then we have a place to start the search,” Benyovszky said. “But as for this incident, we are just very, very thankful that this turned out as it did, because not all of those calls end as well as this one.”

Dylan Gartenmayer, 22, surfaces with an African pompano he speared during a prior free-diving trip off Key West. LANDON JOHNSON/Contributed

11-YEAR-OLD NEW JERSEY BOY ARRESTED FOR THREATENING KEYS SCHOOL

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

An 11-year-old New Jersey boy was arrested by authorities on Jan. 26 for allegedly threatening violence at Key Largo School. The boy, who wasn’t identified by name, faces a second-degree felony for sending a threat to kill or harm another person.

The incident happened on Jan. 3, one day before students, teachers and staff returned to the classroom following a two-week holiday break. Students arriving by bus and bike and parents who drove their children to Key Largo School, and other Keys schools, noticed a heavier police presence. The move by Sheriff Rick Ramsay was made to ensure the safety of everyone returning to their work and studies.

From there, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County State Attorney’s Office worked with New Jersey authorities to identify the source of the threat. An arrest warrant was issued on Jan. 4 for the New Jersey boy. By Jan. 26, the boy was in custody.

“I want to thank my staff, our partners at the Monroe County School District and State Attorney’s Office as well as officials in New Jersey for resolving this case quickly,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I take these threats very seriously and protecting our children is my highest priority.”

Monroe County prosecutors are working to extradite the boy to answer the charge in court. According to the Miami Herald, the boy’s mother is fighting the extradition. Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward told the Keys Weekly in early January that social media threats made against schools are “one of the most serious threats we have in these times.”

“Sheriff Ramsay and I take these threats very, very seriously, and people need to understand that we don’t care who you are and what age, if you make a threat against our schools, we’ll do whatever it takes to assure the safety of our children, teachers and school staff,” Ward said.

Threatening a school on social media could carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. According to the FBI, a threat is any communication of intent to commit an act of violence. A threat can be written, spoken or symbolic. This includes comments that imply or directly state intention to use guns, weapons or any other means to cause harm at a public school, even if the statement is a joke or prank.

It’s not the first time a Keys school received a threat through social media. Last May, Coral Shores students reported to staff that rumors of violence were circulating via social media. Few students were in attendance when school began on May 13. School and law enforcement officials said the threat was unsubstantiated. Another threat was reported roughly a week later as seniors were preparing for a parade to mark the end to their high school careers.

Similar threats have increased in the U.S., as more kids gained access to phones and social media channels such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram. In December 2021, schools across the nation were on high alert after threats were issued from TikTok. What made it more concerning was that specific schools weren’t named. As a result, some schools kept kids out of classrooms, while others had students under lockdown.

According to Pew Research Center, more than 90% of teens report going online daily. And 71% of teenagers scroll through more than one social networking site.

COUNTY MONITORS LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Key environmental funding request draws attention

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Lisa Tennyson, Monroe County’s legislative affairs director, is gearing up for another 60-day session of the Florida Legislature that begins March 7. Having served in the position for more than 10 years, Tennyson is closely monitoring a number of Keys priorities, including one county-backed proposal that seeks to allocate funding on an annual basis for the island chain’s precious environment.

Not only will she be going on the offense, Tennyson will also be playing defense to ensure Monroe County isn’t harmed by any of the thousands of bills filed by state legislators.

“It’s a roller coaster ride,” Tennyson told the Keys Weekly. “Not only are we working to get stuff done and get bills passed, we’re also looking at over 3,000 bills filed and lots of amendments. Any one of those bills could have a negative impact for us. It’s constant monitoring of all legislative activity happening.”

Sitting atop the priority list for Monroe County is legislation recently filed by state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez that would allocate $20 million annually to the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. The program was authorized by the legislature in 2016. Since then, millions of dollars have been distributed for Keys water quality projects and land acquisition. For years, legislators, lobbyists and Monroe County officials eagerly awaited the governor’s budget proposal, which either included or excluded funds for the program. It followed with intense advocacy for a program that protects the Keys’ nearshore waters.

If legislation passes this session, the Stewardship Act funds would be granted through a pool of roughly $1 billion from the state’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund. Everglades restoration projects and South Florida Water Management and St. Johns River Water Management districts receive annual allocations from the trust fund. It’s funded by documentary stamp tax revenue, or a tax on a

mortgage, lien or other indebtedness filed or recorded in Florida.

Tennyson said county officials argue that funding for Keys environmental projects merit the same statewide priority and attention as projects in the Everglades.

“There’s something particularly special about the marine environments of the Florida Keys. That’s the pitch we usually make,” Tennyson said. “There’s a lot of competition for this special source of funding. We think we’re deserving of that.”

If legislation passes and is signed into law, Tennyson said, there’s still no true guarantee that funding would be recurring each year. However, approval would put the program on a pedestal with other key environmental projects across the state.

“It would put us maybe 75 to 80% down the path of being able to know that we secured funding that year versus what we have to do right now, which is start from scratch,” she said.

Tennyson and county officials are also monitoring fixes to a bill passed in 2021 that preempted local governments from licensing local contractors. While House Bill 735 set out to create less bureaucracy for local contractors by eliminating the need for local licensing, Tennyson said it affected smaller contractors’ ability to obtain permits.

Those installing fences, pavers, granite or windows are able to get a license through the county to get a permit to do work. But House Bill 735 created a situation where only general contractors could pull permits.

Tennyson said they’re working on new legislation that would ideally repeal the preemption or modify the legislation to enable local governments to issue some form of licensing to make local small contractors whole.

“We’re not the only counties whose small contractors have been harmed by this,” Tennyson. “We’re working in conjunction with other counties that are trying to work on the item of local contractors as well.”

Tennyson was one of several county officials who visited Tallahassee last week to discuss county priorities. According to a county press release, County Administrator Roman Gastesi met with Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management director, to discuss a county request for $6 million to cover additional expenses associated with the Emergency Operations Center in Marathon. Affordable housing, flood mitigation and infrastructure were also discussed with state officials.

Lisa Tennyson. MONROE COUNTY/ Contributed

CAN’T STOP HIS SMILE

Carter Reyes, recently diagnosed with rare Pearson syndrome, is one tough and happy kid

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Meet Carter Reyes. He’s nine months old, completely adorable, and depending on whom you ask, looks just like the Gerber baby.

At first, Carter’s life with his mom Kaitlin, a medical assistant at Dolphin Research Center, and dad Zodiac, a sales manager for Florida Keys Jewelry in Key Largo, was completely normal. That all changed at his two-month checkup.

“(Our doctor) could tell that his lips were pale, so he ran a blood test right there,” Kaitlin told the Weekly. “He came back in the room and was like, ‘You need to go to the emergency room, right now.’”

In the seven months since, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has been a second home for Carter and his family as they traveled back and forth from their Key Largo home to Miami for a litany of tests, trying to nail down the root cause behind the low hemoglobin levels in Carter’s blood.

Even after an initial blood transfusion appeared to help, subsequent visits revealed a “downward trend” in Carter’s hemoglobin, platelets and white blood cell counts. By four months old, he was already undergoing the first of several bone marrow aspirations. When repeated needle sticks for IV lines proved more and more difficult as his little veins built up scar tissue, he eventually had surgery to place a port in his chest for future transfusions.

Genetic testing eventually revealed the answer in early January, as Carter was diagnosed with Pearson syndrome, an exceedingly rare disorder characterized by deletions of nucleotides in his cells’ mitochondrial DNA. Those who had the phrase “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell” drilled into their brains in high school may realize the logical effect: the deletions mean that cells lack critical proteins needed to convert energy from food into usable forms.

“They ran his mitochondrial genome against another normal genome. They found that 4,500 genes in his mitochondrial DNA are just gone,” Kaitlin said.

When we say the diagnosis is rare, we mean it – since the syndrome’s discovery in 1979 by Howard Pearson, there have been fewer than 100 cases documented in literature worldwide.

Pearson syndrome is a severe progressive condition, proving fatal for about half of the children with the disorder in infancy or early childhood. Its progression is unique in each case, making it difficult to tell at what point it will affect other body systems.

Older surviving patients frequently suffer from Kearns-Sayre syndrome, a related neuromuscular condition with wide-ranging effects on the eyes, ears, kidneys, heart, brain and more. As of now, there is no cure or known treatment for Pearson syndrome, aside from managing individual symptoms as they manifest.

Armed with this information, Kaitlin and Zodiac spent the weeks after Carter’s diagnosis lining up a team of specialists for their baby boy, which Kaitlin rattled off with ease to the Weekly.

“We saw gastroenterology and audiology, immunology, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, ophthalmology and neurology. In addition to his doctors from genetics and hematology that we already have,” she said. When all is said and done, Carter will have a team of about a dozen doctors on standby if new complications begin to develop.

Carter is a potential candidate for an experimental cell therapy treatment in Israel, and the family continues to stay in close contact with the Champ Foundation, a nonprofit that supports families with Pearson diagnoses while working to advance research toward treatments and cures for mitochondrial deletion syndromes.

With bills mounting and insurance companies reluctant to support a disease most have never even heard of, friends of the Reyes family have set up a GoFundMe account to offset the family’s medical expenses. Those who wish to help may scan the attached QR code to donate directly. Anchors Away Arts & Antiques, a side business run by Zodiac’s parents, has also launched a “Candles for Carter” line, with 50% of sales earmarked for the baby’s medical payments.

Despite visits to the hospital every two weeks, at a minimum, and multiple operations, Carter’s parents said he’s a happy, carefree little boy whose outward appearance doesn’t immediately match the severity of his condition. Beyond the family’s good fortune given his diagnosis, it’s also a testament to the little man’s outlook on life.

“He flirts with everybody, just smiles and smirks. Definitely with all of the ladies at church,” Kaitlin said. “Whenever they ooh and aah over him, he just coos and gives them the big two-tooth grin.

“He’s super interactive with all his nurses and doctors and loves being around people. So even when it’s a tough situation to be in, he’s very, very happy. We watch movies and we nap in the hospital when we have to be there the whole day, but there haven’t been too many really bad days. He’s just such a super stellar dude, and we love him so much.”

Scan to purchase “Candles for Carter.”

Scan to donate to the Reyes family fund.

The Reyes family, from left: Kaitlin, Carter and Zodiac. Carter is a ninemonth-old baby boy diagnosed with Pearson syndrome, an incredibly rare mitochondrial disease. CONTRIBUTED

MARATHON PLANS A SKATE PARK REDESIGN

Workshop scheduled to present preliminary ideas

Fun fact: the city of Marathon’s new skate park isn’t just for skaters.

“We’ll learn more about the skate park design features at the upcoming meeting, but the important thing is that it’s designed to be inviting to the whole community,” said Paul Davis, the city’s recreation director.

The public is invited to a design workshop on Monday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall, hosted by the city of Marathon and the Platform Group, professional skate park designers out of Tampa. The initial design includes a street course, a bowl and a pump track. That means users can replicate the urban skate experience by grinding on “curbs,” dropping into the bowl (which simulates an empty swimming pool) or cruising around the neighborhood that is, in this case, the Marathon Community Park.

“The new design means it can be used by skateboarders, but also inline skaters or people on a scooter,” said Davis. “The park is designed to accommodate novice and skilled athletes.”

Marathon resident and planning commission chair Matt Sexton said he’s particularly pleased with the pump track, a long and gently undulating course.

“The pump track is a feature that is accessible to everyone and can allow the design to flow into previously unused spaces around the existing park,” Sexton said. “I don’t normally skate because I prefer to fall on water over concrete these days, but anyone can grab a longboard and hit a pump track and feel like Tony Hawk for a second. Think of it like surfing asphalt on beginner waves. New skaters, old timers, bikes and scooters can all enjoy this

feature and there will be great spectator spaces all around for families and friends.”

Plans call for the existing park to be razed and a new, larger and linear skate park constructed along the front side of the park to be built parallel to Overseas Highway. At the meeting, designers will present a preliminary plan that calls for a 15,000-square-foot street course, a 2,000-square-foot bowl and a 2,300-square-foot pump track. More importantly, the new skate park will be constructed of concrete — a much more durable material.

“That means less maintenance and it will not wear as fast,” Davis said. The existing skate park is slowly being dismantled. Many of the features are past repair and are being removed from service in anticipation of the new build, which city staff hope will be complete by the end of 2023.

The skate park is a public-private partnership. The city has budgeted $300,000 and has applied for a 100% matching grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Another grant for $50,000 is awaiting approval from the Skate Park Project, and the city has promises of pledges from various private foundations.

The Florida Keys Community Center, a nonprofit headed by Sexton, has paid for the initial design. Once the Marathon City Council gives a formal approval of the design, Sexton said he can start fundraising in earnest, which he hopes will finance non-skate features like dedicated pickleball courts and bocce courts.

“What I love about the plan for this park is that we are taking an unused space, and transforming it,” Sexton said of the northern edge of Marathon Community Park.

Sexton also praised the draw for locals and visitors of a high-end skate park. “I’m a big proponent of action sports, and skateboarding is an Olympic endeavor. This park could be a gateway for local kids to a lifelong passion or even a career. And there’s a good possibility that skateboarding tournaments could generate revenue for the city of Marathon from a national, and even international, community.”

The design for the park will be presented by Tito Porrata of Platform Group. Porrata was the lead designer of Miami’s Lot 11 skate park, a renowned $1.8 million facility opened in 2019, and has designed more than 100 municipal parks. The company has had a hand in skate park and event facility designs in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Keystone, Colorado and the principals have combined experience in pro-level skate sports, skate park design and engineering. Platform Group’s sister agency, The Boardr, organizes industry events. Porrata said he’s pumped (pun intended) to create this park.

“Aside from some normal engineering challenges like groundwater, building up while maintaining sight lines, wind tolerances, etc., what makes it different is our process,” said Porrata. “We will work with the local community and stakeholders to reflect the identity of Marathon. This will yield a truly custom destination park that the community can be proud of with a linear street design, a pump track, art and landscaping. The experience with the users and the onlookers will also be great.”

The city of Marathon urges residents to attend the design workshop on Monday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.

— Contributed

The Platform Group will present preliminary designs for an expanded linear Marathon skate park that includes a bowl and a pump track. The public is invited. PLATFORM GROUP/Contributed

Michael Ohle & Leanne Ohle

MALLORY PINTO

I

Come visit the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Tara Edgecomb, right, and Treneisha Baker at Marathon’s brand new Starbucks. PATTI CHILDRESS/Keys Weekly

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

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.

This week is special with not one, but two Neighbors of the Week – and they’re an amazingly friendly motherdaughter duo working at the brand new Starbucks at the south end of Marathon. Without further ado, meet Tara and Treneisha.

TARA EDGECOMB & TRENEISHA BAKER

Store manager & shift leader, Starbucks

How did you first come to the Florida Keys?

Tara: I’ve been working in the Florida Keys for the last 20-some-odd years, but I’ve always resided in Homestead. My first job was at the Waffle House in Key Largo. From there I went to Ross in Key West, then to Hawks Cay Resort,

then to Islamorada Fish Company for 12-and-a-half years before I came here. I was training at a Miami Beach Starbucks and knew at some point I had to come to the Keys and open my store. My daughter wasn’t working at the time, and she loves Starbucks, so I said, “Hey, do you want to come and work for Starbucks?” She was like, “Yes! I’ll do it.”

What is your hype song and sad song?

Tara: Sad song: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa. Hype song: “Vegas” by Doja Cat.

Treneisha: Sad song: “Still Your Best” by Giveon. Hype song: “I Wanna Party” from “Rio”

The title of my autobiography would be…

Tara: “How Did She Survive, But She Lived a Damn Good Life”

Treneisha: “The Fall and the Rise”

If you could be any character from a TV series or movie, who would it be?

Tara: Joan Clayton from “Girlfriends.”

Treneisha: Albus Dumbledore from “Harry Potter.”

My significant other would say I am…

Tara: He calls me crazy every day.

Treneisha: Me and my mom both get the same one. We’re crazy.

What is one thing that’s on a lot of menus, but you will never try?

Tara: Oysters. I’ve tried them fried, raw and steamed. They’re disgusting and overrated. And beer. Beer is disgusting.

Treneisha: Seafood and anything that has to do with mushrooms.

What is the funniest social media fight you’ve ever seen?

Both: When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.

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

Tara: Dumping garbage or doing any outside work. (Answer given before we even finished the sentence.)

Treneisha: Cleaning the bathroom.

Have you ever had a brush with death?

Tara: Me? No. Treneisha? Yes. She was probably 5, and I was looking for her. I don’t know how she got outside, but she was hanging on the side of the pool trying not to fall in.

What’s your go-to Starbucks order?

Treneisha: A brown sugar shaken espresso with a cheese Danish.

Tara: A sugar cookie latte. It’s so good.

THE STARS ARE OUT

Marathon showcases wideranging talents for ‘One Weekend Only’

More than 30 acts, from body percussionists to hula hoopers and opera singers, will bring a talent overload to the stage at the Marathon Community Theatre for “One Weekend Only,” the playhouse’s annual variety show and largest fundraiser. Set for Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 2-4 with an 8 p.m. curtain each night, tickets to the show include a champagne toast, buffet with food from local restaurants and an opportunity to bid on more than 130 silent auction items valued collectively at more than $15,000.

“MCT is always proud to showcase our local talent for everyone to enjoy and appreciate,” said MCT President and OWO Director Joanne Zimmerman. “A big thank you to our members and patrons!”

Tickets are available at www. marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.

DAELANI’S DAY RAISES $4,600

The parking lot of Brutus Seafood Restaurant became a mini carnival ground on Jan. 28 as the Marathon eatery hosted a benefit in support of local teenager Daelani Holmes and her family. After suffering from prolonged repeated headaches, the resilient young lady was rushed to Miami on Christmas Eve for emergency brain surgery when a CT scan showed a 6.5-centimeter cyst had developed on her brain as a complication from a prior sinus infection. By the end of the day, the carnival netted more than $4,600 through donations, food purchases and raffles to help offset the family’s medical expenses.

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Hosts Dion Watson, left, and Jaimie Roberts are an act in and of themselves. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Island Harmony spoofs a collection of classics, no beloved film is safe.

Victoria Fairbrother-Smith parodies “Forrest Gump” and “The Sixth Sense”

Chiino Rios leads the crowd through core rhythms in a body percussion act.

TOM WALKER wwwkeysweekly.com

SHERIFF PROMOTES DONNY BARRIOS TO LIEUTENANT

VETERAN OFFICER TO BE BASED IN MARATHON

“Donny Barrios can walk into a room of 50 strangers and walk out having made 50 friends,” Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said on Jan. 30 while promoting Barrios, who was flanked by Tiffany, his wife of 25 years, and brother Robert.

Barrios, 47, previously the director of internal affairs and professional standards, will be station commander at the MCSO Marathon substation, serving under Capt. Don Hiller, the District 4 & 5 commander.

“I’ve known Donny for over 20 years,” Hiller said. “He’s a great guy and has contacts all over the place. He’s going to bring a lot of experience and leadership to the district.”

Ramsay, who presented Barrios with his declaration of promotion, said although it is “tough to pick the right person” for such a crucial spot in his chain of command, it is also his “favorite part of the job.”

In addition to being heavily involved in the Keys community, Ramsay said, Barrios has a genial, friendly demeanor.

Ramsay handed Barrios a gold wreathed lieutenant’s badge, one of only eight in an agency of over 200 sworn law enforcement deputies, and said, “I know you’ll continue to do the great things that are happening in Marathon. Congratulations; today is your day, sir.”

Born in Key West, Barrios began his career as a 16-year-old Conch with the Key West Police Department Explorers Program. Graduating from Key West High School in 1995, Barrios attended Pasco-Hernando Community College, receiving his Florida law enforcement certification. At the time, there were no open positions at Key West Police Department, so Barrios held one of the most unsung positions in any agency — communications officer.

That September, Barrios hit the road as a patrol officer, assigned to the midnight shift for the next four years. He also worked as a bike patrol officer and field training officer, mentoring younger trainees for the KWPD.

Policing in paradise might seem a dream job, but Barrios soon experienced the harsh realities of his chosen craft. In April 1997, he was on a routine bar check at Rick’s entertainment complex in the 200 block of Duval Street. A garbled radio transmission indicated there was an unknown problem at the former Rumrunners/Hide-A-Way Bar, now the location of Teasers, just up the block.

“I could barely understand what they were saying because the music was so loud,” Barrios recalled. Instead of waiting for clarification, he sprinted down the pavement, weaving through a crowded, late-night Duval Street to the front of the bar.

“People were just running out screaming, ‘There’s a shooting! There’s a shooting!’” Barrios recalled this week.

As he entered the chaos, a bouncer said he had the assailant’s gun and directed him to a man being pinned against the bar by a

group of good Samaritans. On his approach, Barrios had to step across one of four victims lying on the floor as more good Samaritans administered CPR. Unfortunately, that victim later died. Three others would recover from their gunshot wounds and the shooter, Jeffrey Wade Wallace, would receive a life sentence.

After cuffing the man, Barrios recovered 98 9-millimeter bullets in his possession.

“I would have done more if (I had) not been stopped,” the man, who would later enter a plea of not guilty by insanity, told another officer.

Two years later, Barrios became a motorcycle officer and traffic homicide investigator.

Raised navigating the waters surrounding the Keys, Barrios joined the marine unit in 2002. After a later stint as a recruiting officer, he was promoted to road patrol sergeant in 2015 and, as all new sergeants do, found himself back on the midnight grind.

In 2019, Barrios retired after a 24-year career as a KWPD officer.

But he still had gas in the tank and joined the Sheriff’s Office in June 2019.

“I’m looking forward to working with a very productive group of young deputies,” said Barrios, who will be responsible for about 30 deputies, including detectives, in Marathon.

Aspiring to the position of district captain, Barrios is slated to attend the prestigious Southern Police Institute Command Officers Development next week.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for the long haul,” he said.

Longtime Florida Keys law enforcement officer Donny Barrios is promoted to station commander for Marathon. TOM WALKER/Keys Weekly

Last week the Florida Keys was the setting of a protest against circumcision — yes, circumcision. The Keys Weekly broke the “cutting edge” story, which garnered widespread views and comments on our social pages, questioning many elements of the protest — including the organizers’ choice of venue. But it goes to show that America loves a good protest and these days citizens break out the poster boards and costumes for just about anything or anyone. But are the Florida Keys the best place to host your protest? Always here to help….

10. All the old hippies who would normally care have sold their homes and moved to Costa Rica or Ocala.

9. Keys residents are too busy bitching about vacation rentals to care about anything else right now.

8. The cause has nothing to do with real estate, fishing or drinking.

REASONS YOUR PROTEST WON’T WORK IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

7. The organizers use Tik Tok. The Keys still operate on Facebook or the dark web.

6. “If it doesn’t affect the price of Tito’s, it doesn’t affect me.”

5. Most residents in the Keys are too busy actively protesting a dozen other things on social media to give a shit about your protest.

4. Protests require dedicated staffing, planning and affordable lodging. ’Nuff said.

3. There is no real TDC data that the movement will actually “put heads in beds.”

2. Your protest doesn’t include a silent auction, cash bar, goodie bags or commemorative T-shirt.

1. Your protest conflicts with happy hour.

INTERNATIONAL DOMINATION

The Kelly McGillis Classic is an annual women’s flag football tournament in Key West that draws dozens of teams from the U.S., Central America, Europe and Asia for three days of competition in the southernmost city.

But as several Marathon squads proved this past weekend, the road to a championship runs, literally and figuratively, through the Middle Keys.

Two Marathon teams captured first place in their respective divisions, with the city’s “Juniors” squad grinding out a 13-6 win in their championship matchup. Meanwhile, the city’s youngsters destroyed all comers, the Marathon Mermaids outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 121-0 en route to their third consecutive title in the “Girls” division.

In another strong showing, the Big Pine Women entered the tournament playoffs seeded third in their “Women’s Higher” division, going 2-1 over their first three matches before falling to eventual champion Blue Wave.

— Alex Rickert

Middle Keys teams leave no doubt at Kelly McGillis flag football tourney

The Big Pine Women. CONTRIBUTED

The Marathon ‘Juniors’ squad. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

The Marathon Mermaids ‘Girls’ team

KEYS WEEKLY

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

EDDY ESPINOSA

THE SCOREBOARD

Eddy Espinosa during the Hurricanes’ rivalry matchup against Key West. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Senior, Coral Shores Basketball

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

played the best game of his career in the win over Key West.”

Coral Shores’ Eddy Espinosa has been a key contributor to the Hurricanes’ machine that has dominated Keys basketball all season. The past few games, though, Espinosa has made it clear that he is not just a contributor; he is a force in his own right.

– Coral Shores head coach Jarrod Mandozzi

Espinosa stepped up and helped lead his team to eight consecutive wins and counting. In the ’Canes’ big Jan. 24 win over Key West, Espinosa dropped 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. Head coach Jarrod Mandozzi said that the team has had many athletes step up throughout the season, but last week, “Eddy Espinosa was lights out, easily having his best game of the season.”

A dependable player all year, Espinosa stepped up when his team needed him and helped hand Coral Shores this year’s Kings of the Keys title with wins over both Marathon and Key West. For his continual effort and willingness to step back and be a team player, but also shoulder the team’s work when needed, Eddy Espinosa is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Marathon claims district title in girls weightlifting

Monroe County’s strongest young women traveled to Miami on Jan. 28 for the FHSAA District 16 Championships, turning in a strong showing for the Keys.

Key West’s 2A girls took third place in both the traditional and Olympic style lifts. Aleksandra Turek brought home a first-place medal in the 199-pound division for the Conchs, granting her an automatic berth at the regional competition. Savannah Chadic and Valerie Thene won second-place medals in the 110and 119-pound weight classes, respectively, earning them at-large bids to regionals. Also qualifying for the Lady Conchs were Danna Correa (110-pound), Ella Hall (119), Neslo Atilla (129), Whitney Nervilus (129), Alexa Condella (139), Dazmine Jenkins (154), Vera Rodger (154), Samantha Ventimiglia (169), Kayle Matas Cabazuelo (169) and Youma Midy (unlimited).

Coral Shores’ Madison Tillman (154) and Sydney Eysenbach (unlimited) won district championship medals in traditional style lifts, qualifying them for the FHSAA 1A Region 4 event. Second-place finishers were Rachel Rusch (110), Lily Hitchcock (139), Jenille Arias (169) and Vanessa Gabriel (unlimited) in traditional lifts and Tillman and Vanessa Gabriel (unlimited) in Olympic style.

A host of Lady Fins will join the Hurricanes at the 1A Region 4 event as Marathon’s entire team advanced to the next round of lifting. Winning first-place medals in both the traditional and Olympic style events were Allie Brabenec (110), Mikkel Ross (129), Justice Lee (169) and Sabrina Schofield (183). Winning first in traditional style were Ella Dunn (101) and Sierra Earnhardt (119). Nicole Merryman (154), Larissa Prieto (119) and Ella Evans (129) took second in traditional style, qualifying them for at-large bids to regionals.

Additional qualifiers for Marathon are Marquisha Abraham (139), Tatyana Hribar (139), Malena Rocafort (154), Cassie Brezil (169) and Angelika Perez (183).

Also qualifying are Coral Shores’ Valentina Rizzo (101), Elizabeth Giordano (110), Leticia Lima (119), Kali Gomer (129),Calista Wittke (129), Mira Jones (129), Emma Leigh (139), Abbie Bergeron (154), Jennille Arias (169), Sahara Hernandez (183), Olivia Wilson (199), Emily Brown (199) and Vanessa Gabriel (unlimited).

Coral Shores and Marathon will travel to Lemon Bay for the 1A Regional Championships on Friday, Feb. 4. Key West’s 2A event will be held at Archbishop McCarthy High School on the same date.

1. The Marathon Lady Fins weightlifting team took home the FHSAA 1A Region 16 district championship in Miami on Jan. 28. Marathon’s entire team qualified for the regional competition, along with several other Keys lifters.

2. Marathon coach Jessie Schubert, left, with sophomore Ella Dunn.

3. Allie Brabenec wins the 110-pound Olympic event.

4. Sabrina Schofield wins the 183-pound Olympic event.

5. Sierra Earnhardt claims the 119-pound traditional event crown.

6.Justice Lee takes first place in the 169-pound Olympic event. All photos contributed.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

PREP SOCCER PLAYOFFS UNDERWAY

Keys Teams Advance Through District Brackets

The end of January brought the start of district playoffs for Keys soccer teams, yielding a strong start with mixed results thereafter for Monroe County squads.

The Lady Conchs played MAST Academy on Jan. 25 in their quarterfinal match. Key West lost to the Makos 2-0, ending their season with an impressive 10-7 record.

The Lady Fins traveled to Somerset Silver Palms on Jan. 26. Avenging a 9-3 loss earlier in the season, Marathon upset the Stallions 4-0, earning the right to play Palmer Trinity in the district semifinals on Jan. 30. Scoring for the Dolphins were Mackenzie Budi with a hat trick and an assist and Rain Banks, who scored 1 and assisted Budi’s 3 goals. Goalkeeper Kylie McDaniel earned the shutout with 4 saves.

“We knew what we had on the line and we knew what we had to do,” McDaniel said of her team’s big win. Marathon is sitting on an 8-6 record, securing their first winning season and first playoff win since 2016.

In the Upper Keys, the Lady ’Canes played Keys Gate on Jan. 26, defeating the Knights 1-0. Freshman Kai Redruello scored the lone goal in the match, assisted by fellow freshman Natalia Hortensi.

“We did a great job passing the ball and dominating position on the field,” said head coach Zach Owens. “Keys Gate’s defense was very difficult to get through. We had a number of shots on goal, but just couldn’t put more in the back of the net.”

The Lady ’Canes advanced to the district semifinals against Somerset South Homestead in what should be a fantastic game. Owens is optimistic about his team’s chances, saying, “I feel if we play together as a cohesive team on Monday, we will get the result we want.”

All three Keys boys’ teams won their district quarterfinal matches, moving the teams into the semifinals and giving them each a chance at a district championship.

Key West defeated the Cobras of South Miami High School 4-3 on Jan. 25. Coach Marc Pierre said the Conchs “completely dominated” South Miami, adding that the score did not reflect the true tempo of the game. Jonathan Gvili struck first for Key West, scoring off a penalty kick. He followed up with an unassisted goal and later teamed up with Loubins Fleuridor, assisting on Fleuridor’s goal. Wyatt Gibson scored 1 goal, assisted by Sebastian Camargo.

Key West faces St. Brendan School in the semifinals, a team that narrowly defeated the Conchs earlier this season, but Pierre is “confident that our boys are ready for the task.”

Marathon won decisively against Keys Gate in their quarterfinal match on Jan. 25. Scoring for the Dolphins in their 7-1 victory were Jay Marshall and Oscar Cardona with 2 goals each, along with single goals from Brayam GonzalezCinto and the Fins’ only middle school varsity players, eighth-graders Estuardo Godoy and Giordani Prieto. Two days later, the Dolphins headed to Palmer Trinity, losing in the semifinal match 8-0 and ending the Fins’ season with a winning 10-9 record.

Coral Shores won their postseason opener 7-1 against Somerset South Homestead on Jan. 25 in a game that had to wait several hours prior to kickoff for a familiar reason: a lack of officials. After making short work of South Homestead, Coral Shores took on another Somerset team, downing Silver Palms in a 1-0 affair on Jan. 27. The ’Canes were scheduled to play in the FHSAA 3A District 16 championship game against Palmer Trinity on Jan. 31.

Coral Shores girls varsity soccer midfielder Sofia Jans controls the ball as a Keys Gate defender approaches.

Riley McDonald, left, and Mackenzie Budi work the ball toward the Silver Palms goal in their quarterfinal game on Jan. 26.

The Hurricanes battle for ball control against a Somerset South Homestead player. Fab Louis Jeune (13) takes control during the Marathon/Somerset game on Jan. 25.

Photos by Doug Finger, Kylie McDaniel and Trinity Jacox.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Photos by MICHELLE MACOSKEY/Contributed

PREP BASKETBALL BRACES FOR DISTRICTS

Girls Finish Regular Season, Boys Have One Week to Go

All three Keys girls’ basketball teams have completed their regular season play and are set to begin the first round of district action. The Lady Conchs ended their regular season with a 1-13 record and face a tough matchup against Killian in the opening round of postseason play. Key West’s young roster gained momentum as the season went on and they should prove to be a solid team as the core continues to play together for the next few years. In their final regular season game, Key West lost a close one to Coral Shores. The 34-30 final score marked a significant improvement from the 16-point defeat the team suffered earlier in the season.

After defeating Key West, Coral Shores played Hillel, winning 53-23 on Jan. 26, then defeated Florida Christian by a single point the following night. The 34-33 victory

marked the end to their regular season with a record of 9-6. The Lady ’Canes face Somerset South Homestead for their opening district matchup.

Marathon’s senior-dominant roster lost a heartbreaker to Carrollton on Jan. 26, putting a damper on the Lady Fins’ senior night, but the 63-27 loss did not stop Marathon from compiling a winning 10-9 record on the regular season. Marathon faces Westminster in their first district game.

Boys basketball closes out the regular season on Friday, Feb. 4, giving Coral Shores a chance to extend their winning streak into double digits if all goes the way the ’Canes hope. The team’s win streak currently sits at eight, and Coral Shores seems to be picking up steam as the season winds down. They have not lost a game since Dec. 28 and added a pair of wins to their impressive record last week.

The ’Canes beat Key West 75-58 at home on Jan. 24, then traveled to Hillel, defeating the Lions 58-24.

Marathon split a pair of games last week, winning 43-37 against Palm Glades Prep on Jan. 25, then losing to Palmer on the 27th by a score of 73-46.

Key West played two games after falling to Coral Shores on Jan. 24. The 3A Conchs took on Miami Christian on the 27th, losing 76-60, then faced Blanche Ely, a 6A school in Pompano Beach, the next night, losing 81-43.

District quarterfinal games begin Feb. 7 for boys’ basketball, pitting teams against one another based on power rankings. The ranking system gives teams with stronger schedules and better records an advantage, but still gives each team a chance to advance.

Marathon senior center Aniyla Hawkins, center, and her family on Senior Night.

Marathon senior center Ky’ondra White, center, with her family.

Marathon senior guard Janiya Pyfrom, center, with her family.

Marathon’s leading scorer Abrianna Marshall, center, with her family.

Kevon Mills

Eddy Espinosa

Kameron Roberts James Osborne

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

Snag some snapper this winter

It would be very difficult to catch every species of snapper in the Florida Keys in one day. In fact, I don't personally know of anyone who has accomplished that feat. The reason it would be so difficult is that different species of snapper prefer an array of different baits and are caught in different depths at different locations, with different seasons to legally harvest.

There are arguably nine prevalent species of snapper in the Florida Keys: cubera, mangrove, yellowtail, vermillion, lane, queen, red, mutton and schoolmaster, though some will claim that there are 10 or 11 total snapper species here.

One fish that many people mistake as a snapper species is a hogfish, sometimes referred to as a “hogfish snapper,” but marine biologists will tell you that hogfish aren’t part of the snapper family. Hogfish are members of the wrasse family with 600 other species of fish, typically all tropical fish, but snappers are members of the rayfinned fish family, also known as perciform fish.

Others may include yelloweye snapper as a Keys species, but catching one here is so rare that it isn’t considered a Florida Keys snapper. They are normally caught in the Bahamas and far off the coast of Miami. If you do happen to catch a yelloweye in the Florida Keys, it got lost somehow.

One thing is for sure: even though our nine species of snapper have a lot of differences, they all have one thing in common. They are the most popular table fare in the world. No matter what seafood market you go to, snapper is sold on the top shelf. Yellowtail snapper, for example, typically sells for around $30 per pound at most fish markets.

The top two snappers targeted in the Florida Keys are mangrove and yellowtail snapper. Both are open season year-round. Mangrove meat tends to be a little more firm than yellowtail meat, and yellowtail meat tends to be a little sweeter than mangrove meat. Mangrove is normally fileted, while most prefer yellowtail cooked as a whole fish with the head on.

Both fish fight well. The mangrove snapper is more of a digger with its fan tail, while a yellowtail is more of a thrasher with its large forked tail.

Number three on the snapper scale would have to be the mutton snapper, also open season year-round. Muttons have a

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

very distinct black dot near their tails – “When you see a button, it’s a mutton.” This black dot resembles an eyeball and serves as a defense mechanism. Predators such as sharks, barracudas, goliath grouper and others go for the black dot, thinking it's the mutton’s head, allowing the target fish to escape an attack.

Mutton meat is every bit as good as any other snapper; they are just harder to target and picky eaters. They typically only eat over a sandy bottom and are spooked by lead sinkers, heavy leaders and big hooks, making them hard to fool and catch.

Cubera snapper are by far the largest snapper species in the Florida Keys. Along with other fish, their diets include lobster. Old timers in the islands caught the heck out of cubera back in the day, mainly because lobster laws and regulations were lax or even nonexistent. Fishermen would hook up a lobster and send them down to their cubera holes.

Today, fishing for cubera with lobster can get a little complicated. Most marine law enforcement officers I've spoken to don't have any objection to using live, legal-sized lobster for cubera snapper bait. Here are a few issues with using live lobster for bait: they must be legal size, they must be used

during lobster season, and the lobster must be harvested using legal techniques. You can't spear the lobster, shoot them, gig them, broom them or hook them. When you use them for bait, you are hooking them, which makes this issue a gray area.

Queen snapper are targeted 1,000 to 1,500 feet deep using electric reels, huge lead weights and multiple hooks. The most important things about deep dropping for queen snapper are to use fresh bait and keep your line straight up and down. Queen snapper is my personal favorite snapper to eat.

I've never caught a red snapper in the Florida Keys. I've caught them 50-plus miles off the coast of Marathon in the Gulf of Mexico. I do know of several anglers, however, who have not only caught red snapper in the Florida Keys, but also know when and where to catch them fairly regularly. The season for red snapper is very short, the bag limit is small and each year the season changes.

I'd put lane, schoolmaster and vermilion snapper in a class of their own. They are also open season year-round. This class of snapper I'll call "bycatch" snapper, as they’re often accidental catches when you’re fishing in a school of another species.

We catch most snapper year-round. They're great fighting fish, awesome table fare and very plentiful in the Florida Keys. We'd love to take y’all out snapper fishing followed by a hook-and-cook meal at Castaway Restaurant.

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

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

Top: The black dot on the back of a mutton snapper acts as a defense mechanism, looking like a false eye to predators. CONTRIBUTED

The bright red queen snapper is a deep water species, usually pulled up in anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 feet of water. CONTRIBUTED

crystal@luxurykeysrealestate.com luxurykeysrealestate.com

Canal-front 3BD/2BA home in Harbor Isle. Beautifully remodeled with tranquil coastal decor throughout. Impact windows and doors. Boat lift, screenedin patio & more. This is a must see!

NEW QUARTERS

Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway, Starbucks celebrate grand openings

It’s official, people. Marathon has a Starbucks.

The evening of Jan. 25 found the parking lot of Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway filled with music, food and drinks as the popular boating hotspot celebrated the grand opening of its brand new retail store and office space built by Keys All-Area Roofing, along with the coffee shop to subdue Marathon’s caffeine cravings. Partygoers enjoyed dinner from Centennial Bank while listening to the tunes of local rockers Abstract Radio before joining the Marathon Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony with each business.

— Alex Rickert

1. The new retail space is stocked with snacks, bait, apparel and all the necessities for a day on the water.

2. Officials and staff from Starbucks, the City of Marathon and Chamber of Commerce celebrate the coffee shop’s opening.

3. Guitarist and vocalist Chris Campbell provides the tunes with Abstract Radio.

4. The sun sets over a lively parking lot as the community comes out to enjoy one of southern Marathon’s newest attractions.

5. A staple at events like these, the Centennial Bank crew serves up burgers and hot dogs.

6. Members of the Duck Key Fishing Club, sponsored in part by Captain Pip’s, made the trip south to join the celebration.

7. At long last, the Captain Pip’s crew commemorates the completion of a multi-year project with a ribbon cutting to open its new retail and office space.

Photos by Alex Rickert and Manuela Carrillo Mobley

T H IS WEEK’ S

EN T ER TAI N MEN T

THURSDAY, FEB 2 CHICAGO MIKE 6:30PM

FRIDAY, FEB 3

DAN SULLIVAN 3PM KILLER DUDES 8PM

SATUDAY, FEB 4 MASSIA 8PM

SUNDAY, FEB 5

TONY MANFREDI 3PM

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, FEB 6 ON THE FLY BAND 6:30PM

TUESDAY, FEB 7

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM

ON LY WAT ERFRON T DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEY S

• COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS

• DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

OPEN SUN THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM | FRI-SAT 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR

DJ TRAE DAE

MM 22 NOW OFFERS MORE THAN EVER

HIGH TIME TO CHECK OUT MORNING JOINT & MARY JANE’S CLOSET

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Have you been to MM 22 recently? For something other than lunch, drinks or dinner at Square Grouper and My New Joint?

There are now two new reasons to stop in that Lower Keys neighborhood, or even make a special trip.

Nearly next door to the Square Grouper, Lynn Bell’s popular mainstay restaurant for the past 20 years, on the same side of the street now comes Morning Joint and Mary Jane’s Closet, 22864 Overseas Hwy.

Morning Joint is equal parts delicious, welcoming and irreverent, playing as it does on Bell’s pot theme. (“Square grouper” is the term Keys boaters, fishermen and smugglers used to describe bales of mairjuana and kilos of cocaine that were found floating in the ocean.)

Bell bought the building that now houses Morning Joint, which is owned and operated by Austin and Miranda Gagnon.

The joint features Colombian coffee grown on a farm owned by the couple’s friend. It also offers some of the lightest and fluffiest gourmet waffles (one of which is topped with freshly made whipped cream and Fruity Pebbles breakfast cereal. Don’t knock it till you try it, as I did.)

The panini sandwiches are perfectly pressed and crispy on the outside, while the coffee and tea drinks come hot, iced or frozen.

“We really want to be a fun and inviting place for people in the Lower Keys community, because there really is no place in this neighborhood for people to gather, hold a small meeting,

DRC, FWC, OTHERS RESCUE 60 STRUGGLING TURKEY VULTURES

or just relax and hang out,” said Austin Gagnon, who also owns Elite Bartending and has likely trained more than half the bartenders in the Keys.

Morning Joint opens early for the commuters on U.S. 1 and is still playing with afternoon and evening hours. But whenever you do stop, don’t miss the back patio, where tables, chairs and swings hanging from trees welcome people, kids — and dogs.

Mary Jane’s Closet — a “provisions and paraphernalia” shop (get it?) shares the building with Morning Joint. The two are accessible to each other inside, and have separate exterior entrances.

Mary Jane’s Closet is part gift shop, part local art gallery and part artisanal food shop, featuring authentic and upscale Vermont cheddar cheese as well as wine by the bottle and glass and charcuterie assemblies that can be eaten on the premises, taken home or packed for a day on the boat.

In addition to the Square Grouper merch, such as hats and shirts, the Closet also features glassware, dishes, jewelry, local artwork, books, photography and more.

“While Morning Joint just opened last Monday, it was important to me to get Mary Jane’s Closet open before Christmas, so we opened two weeks prior in December,” Bell said. “I have a vested interest in the coffee shop, but I really wanted Austin and Miranda to do it and be part of it. They’re great people with a great business sense.”

An official ribbon-cutting and grand opening will take place around 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

Check out both places — and the original Square Grouper. You won’t be disappointed.

Birds were rehabbed at Marathon Wild Bird Center

On Jan. 23, Dolphin Research Center staff assisted in the rescue of about 60 waterlogged turkey vultures off the coast of Marathon. While conducting field research in a boat on the gulf side of Marathon, DRC staff came upon a turkey vulture struggling in the water. Turkey vultures do not swim, so staff took her on board and contacted the Marathon Wild Bird Center to evaluate the bird.

Dana Child, a volunteer at the center, advised that when one vulture is found in the water, there are typically many more. Every few years, mass numbers of vultures have been found stranded in water. The reason isn’t clear, but the birds sometimes suffer blunt force trauma from hitting the water or are simply cold and waterlogged without the ability to lift themselves out of the water. These events may be caused by a strong downdraft of air pushing them into the water.

Knowing there may be a large number of birds in need of rescue, Dolphin Research Center staff along with Child and Kirk Linaje, founder of the Marine Order for Research and Action through Environmental Stewardship (MORAES), returned to the location to search for more birds. The DRC boat spent the next four hours searching for and rescuing these birds. Eventually, 27 waterlogged turkey vultures were brought on board.

DRC staff were also joined by an FWC patrol boat, and there were reports of local fishermen and boaters who rescued a number of birds.

In total, about 60 birds were brought to the Marathon Wild Bird Center. Over the following two days, the bird center successfully rehabilitated and released all of the surviving vultures from the event.

As carrion eaters, vultures are a critical part of the ecosystem. They remove pathogens and toxins from the environment, helping keep the ecosystem disease free. Their digestive systems contain a very strong acid that destroys many of the harmful substances found in dead animals.

A still from drone footage shows DRC staff preparing to bring an injured vulture onboard for transport. DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER/Contributed

DRC staff members bring a struggling turkey vulture on board for transport to the Marathon Wild Bird Center.

Miranda and Austin Gagnon opened Morning Joint coffee and sandwich shop on Jan. 23.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

LET’S PARTY

Just in time for the end of Dry January, Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club will host its fourth Full Moon Party under the stars on Feb. 4 beginning at 4 p.m. Happy Hour will kick off the celebration, with one drink ticket included with admission before 6 p.m. As the sun sets, the beach will come to life with live music, fire dancers, a late night poolside DJ and a Junkanoo parade. Early tickets are $25, with day-of passes sold at $35. In a show of appreciation to locals, Marathon residents with valid IDs can buy tickets for $10 at the door. To purchase tickets, scan the attached QR code. BRYAN SODERLIND/Contributed

KCBCA — MORE THAN JUST AN ACRONYM

And some amazing Sunday Concerts in the Park

Many people do not know that Key Colony Beach, established as a city in 1957, used to have its own Chamber of Commerce. As the young city began developing as an oceanfront resort town, property sales, business development and local promotion needed an effective advocate. Their mission was “to aid in the development and reasoned growth” of the new tropical town.

Fast forward to 1991, and the Chamber realized its original purpose had been fulfilled. Commercial development in the city was complete, and the Chamber’s actions had become more community-oriented. So at the Chamber’s annual meeting in April 1991, they changed their name and mission.

The Key Colony Beach Community Association was born, and their new mission was to create “activities for beautification, security, safety and recreational enjoyment of the community.” Judging by the events and community activities the association undertakes every year, I’d say it’s a continued mission accomplished.

Each November, the KCBCA hosts a welcome-back dinner for returning snowbirds and old and new friends. Along with the Fishing and Boating Club, they put on the annual Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Every January, people sign up for the Coconut Crawl, a bicycle-oriented pub crawl throughout the different establishments in the city. And every March, the association stages its biggest event: Key Colony Beach Day. This one-day event celebrates the anniversary of the incorporation of Key Colony Beach. It’s a huge event with entertainment, food, drink, fun and games, vendors and a parade. This year, KCB Day is March 5; it will take place near the golf course on 7th Street and will feature entertainment from Papa Pete, David Quick and the Rick & Dayna Band.

a really stellar lineup of talent, truly with something for everyone. All concerts start at 4 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments. The best part: admission is free!

I have been honored the last many years to be the musical artist who gets to kick off the concert series, with this year’s performance on Sunday, Feb. 5 – the Sunday between the NFL’s conference championships and the Super Bowl. Coincidentally, the month of February is the anniversary of my first-ever performance in the Keys, at the old Holiday Inn in Marathon in February 1984. This year’s show will be my 39th anniversary concert, and I’m looking forward to this show as one of my favorite performances of the year.

I am blessed to have a lot of friends and fans come out to these concerts, and I usually bring extra guitars and my A-game. It’s so good to see so many friends from my local gigs, as well as a great representation from the Key Colony Sunset Singers — and they’ll invite you to stay for their nightly sunset celebration. I really do look forward to this show every year, and I hope to see you there.

BROADWAY BOUND

Thanks in part to a $2,000 donation from the Marathon Rotary Club, members of the Marathon High School Thespian Troupe will soon hone their craft at the Broadway Student Summit in New York City. Scheduled for Presidents’ Day weekend, 15 students will sharpen their acting skills throughout the three-day workshop with nationally recognized talents. Pictured are thespian troupe and drama club officers Zyan Wiggins, left, Casey Horvat, Rylee Seligson and Jack Horvat with Marathon Rotary Club president Mike Puto and thespian troupe sponsor Carrollyn Cox. CONTRIBUTED

The association also hosts Sunday concerts in the park during season. These concerts feature the best local talent, staged at Key Colony’s beautiful waterfront Sunset Park on West Ocean Drive. Musical acts scheduled for this year include Rick & Dayna (2/19), Ericson Holt with Mick Kilgos (2/26), Bob Howard & The Ukaholics (3/12), Abstract Radio (3/19), Lady A Band (3/26), and Bob, Crystal, Patty and Joe (4/2). This is

Another aspect of the Key Colony Beach Community Association is that their events and activities help raise funds for a lot of local nonprofits. Some of these worthy organizations include the Florida Keys SPCA, Habitat for Humanity, KAIR, Grace Jones Day Care, Marathon High School, the Rotary Club of Marathon, the Autism Society of the Keys, and the City of Key Colony Beach. If Key Colony Beach is the Gem of the Florida Keys, the Community Association is the group that keeps it polished and beautiful.

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

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

JOHN BARTUS

MARK HEDDEN

... 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.

Iwas sitting on the cement wall down at Rest Beach, watching the Sandwich terns, when the band started up. It looked to be a New Orleansstyle second line – a trombone, a trumpet, a tambourine, a couple drums, a neon sousaphone, an electric guitar, and at least three types of saxophone – a funeral or memorial service of some kind.

As you often do in a small town, I wondered if it was for anyone I knew, at least in passing.

The band, and the crowd that mixed in with them, made their way over the elevated part of White Street Pier – the section they’d added a while back so the water could flow through and keep the sargassum from building up, and thus keep the neighborhood from becoming too acridly fragrant in the warmer months – and then continued out into the wider expanse of the pier. I was expecting them to play something of a dirge, but the song was pretty up-tempo, a little jazzy, something I didn’t recognize, that faded the further they went out on the pier.

Whoever’s service it was, I wondered if they got what they wanted out of their life, and hoped that they did.

Meanwhile, the Sandwich terns went about their business.

Sandwich terns don’t necessarily throw themselves at life, but they do throw themselves at lunch. Also, dinner, breakfast and the occasional between-meal snack. They aren’t one of those bird species that wander around, pecking at things. And they don’t freeze like statues, waiting to stab at something with their bill. They are plunge divers, committing their whole selves to falling out of the sky with the intention of nabbing a single fish – usually something about an inch and a quarter long. According to the literature, on average they are successful three out of four times.

They are smallish birds. With their wings folded they are about the length of a large meatball sub. (This is not where their name comes from.) They are relatively subtle and quiet about things, so sometimes it is difficult to notice how full-contact their lives are.

I’d actually come down to try and photograph them diving and was finding myself a little frustrated. Other plunge divers are easier to track. A brown pelican, for instance, will start to do a barrel roll when they dive, sometimes hitting the water sideways, like a tomahawk, sometimes angling in and hitting the water almost inverted. An osprey will hover, flap, then rise up a little bit, before falling down on its prey. Both species face into the wind before they do it.

SANDWICH TERNS DIVING TO BEAT THE BAND

Sandwich terns will also face into the wind, and sometimes hover. And it’s pretty easy to track them to that point with a long lens. But then they will just drop out of the frame, faster than you, or at least I, can follow. They don’t give any warning, as far as I can tell, they just fall. Sometimes you might catch them rising up out of the water again, but mostly they just lose you. Or at least me.

After a while I gave up with the camera and decided to just watch to better understand the dynamics of their dives.

I counted a total of nine of them at one point, all working the same area. They seemed to pay no attention to one another, flying on different vectors, switching zones, shifting around in the air like a poorly organized soccer team. Sometimes one would give a call that sounded similar to a smoke alarm with a low battery.

Occasionally one would dive, hit the water, splash, then rise up, I hoped with a fish in their bill. More often than not, though, they would start a dive, then break off part way and abandon it, circling around for a second as if they had something better to do.

The thing that got me about their dives when they did make them was how fast they were. While pelicans follow a path similar to the arc of a rainbow, and osprey hit with something close to Superman drama, the Sandwich terns just dove wings out, almost straight down, like a fast-forwarded kamikaze dive. It was lightningfast, deftly efficient, and as visually deceptive as a game of three-card monte.

A trio of brown pelicans worked the same bit of ocean. They seemed to be diving five or 10 times as often as the terns.

I started to wonder why there was such a difference in their rates of diving. Looking it up later, a Sandwich tern, when feeding, tends to dive slightly more than twice a minute. With these birds it seemed more like once every five minutes.

It had been blowing for days, and the water close to shore was pretty cloudy – that inharmonious beige-suspended-in-blue color we get down here. So visibility probably had something to do with it. Possibly it was the fact that the average size of the fish a brown pelican will consume is about two-and-a-half inches – twice the size of the ones Sandwich terns consume.

But I also started to think about their different hunting techniques, as well as the birds’ physical forms. The brown pelican’s methods are pretty similar to fishermen using a seine net. They basically hit the water open mouthed, aiming at whole groups of fish, capturing as much as 20 pints of fish-filled water in their gullet, then slowly draining the water out until they are left with nothing but fish.

Anyone who’s ever witnessed a peregrine falcon maraud into a flock of birds will see that they don’t chase the group as a whole, but instead pick out one individual and aim for it. Sandwich terns, it would seem, need to employ a similar surgical precision, and maybe picking out an an inch-and-a-quarter long fish in cloudy water from 20 feet up was not as easy as it seemed to the casual observer.

While I wondered about all this, the second line started up again, getting louder as they made their way back down the pier, playing what I believe was the same song again, but then switching to something new and a little more up. They kept playing until they made it to the parking lot, where people hugged and talked for a while before they slowly dispersed.

The terns and the pelicans kept feeding, or at least trying to. I watched as the light halved itself, then halved itself again, as the people on the pier turned to silhouettes, then shadows. I was trying to catch that moment when the birds called it a night. I was still watching when I realized they already had.

A Sandwich tern hunting for fish at Rest Beach. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

STOP WAITING FOR YOUR BOSS TO

Please

Whether

‘EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’

Summerland Key has colorful history

Weird things happen in the Florida Keys. Some of these odd occurrences can occasionally appear to have a paranormal connection, which makes sense considering that Key West is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States.

Grabbing onto the idea that Key West, occasionally referred to as Key Weird, is not the only island in the chain where unusual events occur, the following potential weirdness is offered.

If you have ever driven along the Overseas Highway and across Summerland Key, near MM 25, and that classic 1960s folk song “Everybody’s Talkin” pops into your head, there may be a good reason.

The song was written by New York folk singer Fred Neil in 1966 and was released the same year. “Everybody’s Talkin” was famously featured in the Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman classic “Midnight Cowboy.” Though scores of singers have recorded the song, perhaps the most famous version was done by Harry Nilsson. It is Nilsson’s version that is featured in the movie. Nilsson was a favorite of the Beatles and was once considered the “American Beatle.” While his voice might echo in your mind, he is not the reason the song popped into your head.

That reason would be Fred Neil, who wrote the song while recording his second album, the self-titled Fred Neil, in a Los Angeles studio. Anxious to return home to Florida and one track short for his album, Neil’s producer told him that if they recorded one more song, he could leave. According to the story about that moment, Neil went into a bathroom and created the song in 10 minutes. When he stepped back into the studio, he recorded it in one take and flew home to Coconut Grove.

Neil spent his final years living on Summerland Key, where he died in his

home on July 7, 2001. When the police arrived, a reported $13 was found in his wallet, and a will was discovered on a nightstand by his bed. Though he was being treated for skin cancer, “natural causes” was noted on his death certificate after the autopsy. Perhaps, though Fred Neil left the physical plane, his spirit is still connected to the Florida Keys and that is the reason an old classic like “Everybody’s Talkin” might seep into your brain as if it had been delivered by the island breezes blowing across Summerland Key.

The island is home to another little mystery that presents a bit of a local puzzle. First, it should be noted that there has been more than one Summerland Key. There is the Summerland Key where Neil died at his home, and 10 miles east, after crossing Ramrod, Little Torch, and Big Pine Keys, there is West Summerland Key – identified in the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey chart No. 168, “Florida Reefs Long Key to Newfound Harbor Keys,” as Summerland Key in 1863.

The modern Summerland Key east of West Summerland Key is the larger of the two islands and vastly more developed. Around the turn of the century, it was home to the homestead of the Niles family, which is why the bridge connecting Summerland Key to Cudjoe Key is called the Niles Channel Bridge. When the Niles family owned a large part of the island, they had a chicken farm that also had livestock. In the 1940s, the Niles homestead was bought by Henry Hudgins, who developed the island into the residential community it is today.

When discussing the Summerland Keys, everybody talks about why the name West Summerland Key was chosen when the island is so clearly east of Summerland Key. The answer may be linked to Henry Flagler. As it turns out, before the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway came thundering

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

down the Florida Keys, West Summerland Key, found in the area of MM 35, was one of three islands. As a group, they were once called the Spanish Harbor Keys. Individually they were known as West Summerland Key, Middle Summerland Key, and the easternmost island of the bunch that appears to have gone officially unnamed. During the Flagler era, fill was used to create the singular West Summerland Key.

While it is certainly odd that West Summerland Key was east of Summerland Key, the “west” designation was not referencing Summerland Key but the three Spanish Harbor Keys. It was the westernmost of those three islands and had no real connection to the larger Summerland Key.

West Summerland Key was once home to several Indian mounds and some buildings left over from the days when Henry Flagler’s men were building his railroad. They were also used for housing, as can be seen in the accompanying photograph. The island has since been renamed Scout Key and is home to the nine-acre oceanfront property called Camp Jackson Sawyer Boy Scout camp.

A classic folk song might not be drifting on the Atlantic breeze while crossing West Summerland Key, across Scout Key, but don’t be surprised if “Everybody’s Talkin” suddenly crawls into your head like an earworm while driving over Summerland Key.

Railroad structures on West Summerland. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION/Contributed

FLORIDA KEYS

T H E B E A C H B A R

HOUDINI

3-year-old female mixed breed.

Looking for: A friend. I love people!

Turnoffs: Cages and kennels. How do you think I got my name?

TAKE ME HOME

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

J o i n u s a t M a h i n a , w h e r e t h e

P a c i f i c R i m m e e t s F l o r i d a K e y s

s e a f o o d , o r p u l l u p a s t o o l a n d

c a t c h t h e o c e a n b r e e z e a t T h e

B e a c h B a r

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. Thanks to Luci’s Fund, adoption fees for dogs like Buddha are waived all month long.

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.

PC

6-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I’m a former street kitten looking for a home.

Turnoffs: Nothing! I’m a happy dude.

STITCH

1-year-old female rabbit.

Looking for: Now that I’m fixed, I’d love a rabbit companion.

Turnoffs: I’m recovering from surgery, but I’m all better now.

BRIEFLY

Author Jessica Argyle to speak at

the Marathon library

Author Jessica Argyle will discuss her new historical novel, "Sidetrack Key," at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, as part of the Marathon Library’s Coffee, Cookies & Conversation speaker series. The talk is free and open to all.

In "Sidetrack Key," after disposing of her vicious husband Billy in the Great Depression, Elle Woodman returns to No Name Key, a crumbling house and a woman who knows exactly what she did. The 1935 Labor Day hurricane ushers Elle into a new life on No Name Key, safely washing Billy’s remains out to sea where he can never hurt her again. But Blanche, who owns the lodge where Elle works, loved Billy and suspects Elle of murdering him.

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 Shrine Club to conduct annual charity drive

The Marathon Shrine Club wishes to thank the citizens, visitors and Shriners of the Middle Keys in advance for their continuing support of the club’s charity drive, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 18. Collected funds go to the support of Shriners Hospitals and the Transportation Fund at Mahi Temple. These funds are used exclusively to transport Keys and South Florida children to the Shrine Hospital in Tampa or to one of the other Shrine Hospitals scattered around the country. At these hospitals, children are given free state-of-the-art orthopedic care and burn treatment. The Transportation Fund ensures that the children are able to get to the hospitals for their care and follow-up treatment without any cost.

Those who know any child under the age of 18 who could benefit from orthopedic, spinal cord or burn treatment are encouraged to call the organization at 800-237-5055 and get the ball rolling.

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.

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.

Come take a class at the Marathon Library

The Marathon Library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

Taoist Tai Chi Society to hold introductory sessions

The Florida Keys branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society is holding introductory sessions at St. Columba Episcopal Church's parish hall on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m. All are welcome to attend. For more information call 877-398-1108 or email floridakeys@taoisttaichi.org.

ARTS COUNCIL HOSTS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

COUNTY’S 200TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION KICKS OFF

County officials, board members and advisors descended on historic Pigeon Key on Jan. 26 for the Florida Keys Council of the Arts’ annual meeting. Attendees included Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Holly Merrill Raschein, the board of county commissioners’ liaison for the council.

The membership meeting included unveiling “Culture,” an annual magazine placed in hotel rooms and other locations for visitors to learn about cultural events and activities throughout the Florida Keys. Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates does the welcome message in the magazine.

In addition to the magazine’s calendar of cultural events, two local writers have featured stories. Historian and Keys Weekly columnist Brad Bertelli exposes “The Florida Keys: Historic Lighthouses, Island Wonders and Natural Beauty,” while Jill Zima Borski chronicles “200 Years of the Florida Keys” in her piece. Each spoke at the membership meeting.

The county is celebrating its 200-year anniversary this year, and the Florida Keys Council of the Arts is helping celebrate by including bicentennial themes in its annual events.

The 2023 “Connections Project” is also celebrating 200 years of the Florida Keys. The project will

Board members, advisors and supporters of the Arts Council’s work pack the train to Pigeon Key.

include 300 unique art pieces on 6- by 8-inch canvases that will travel from Key Largo to Key West from Feb. 7 to April 20. Receptions will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the following locations and are open to the public:

– Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo, Tuesday, Feb. 7

– Royal Furniture showroom, Marathon, March 2

– Artists in Paradise Gallery, Big Pine Key, March 24

– Historic Gato Building lobby, Key West, April 20

To view the “Culture” magazine, visit fla-keys.com/pdf/culture/CultureMag2023.pdf. To learn more about the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, visit keysarts.com. —

From left, Arts Council director Elizabeth Young, historian Brad Bertelli, writer Jill Zima Borski, Pigeon Key executive director Kelly McKinnon and Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Holly Merrill Raschein. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KEY BUSINESS

SERVICES located at 25 Pequena Lane, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: DelGuidice Enterprises,

Publish:

January 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of RYAN MANAGEMENT located at 3410 Eagle Avenue, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-4652, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations

of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Tavernier, Florida this 26th day of January, 2023.

By: Daniel T. Ryan

Publish:

February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF 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.13,2023

2006 LEXS 4D

JTHCK262665003913

2002 MERZ UT

WDBJH65J52X073066

2018 ZHNG MC

L5YTCKBH5J1167218

2006 TAKM MC

3CG3E1D4163001030

FEB.14,2023

2012 NISS 4D

1N4AL2AP7CC119465

2010 BMW 4D

WBANU5C54AC366409

2015 FORD TK

1FD8X3HT7FEC88296

2009 HD MC

1HD1CZ3159K454345

FEB.16,2023 1960 HD MC 60XLH2191

FEB.17,2023

2014 TAOTAO MC

L9NTEACB7E1200202

1976 PONT 2D

2D37M6A142406

2002 PIO VS PIOTH107I102

OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY INSPECT/RECOVER VEHICLE BY CONTACTING BEST LIEN SERVICES 7290 SW 41 ST MIAMI,

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - DISTRICT SIXHYBRID PUBLIC KICK-OFF MEETING

SR 5/US 1 Long Key Bridge Over Long Key Channel (Bridge # 900094)

Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study

From Mile Marker (MM) 63 to MM 66 Monroe County, Florida

Financial Project ID: 448206-1-22-01

Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) Number: 14451

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Six will host a Hybrid Public Kick-off Meeting for the referenced project on Thursday, February 16, 2023 starting at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in an informal, open house format with a brief presentation at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the project, become familiar with the study process, and provide feedback.

The purpose and need for this study is to evaluate the replacement of the Long Key Bridge to address bridge deficiencies, assess capacity and safety needs, evaluate mobility, improve evacuation and emergency response, and to evaluate bicycle and pedestrian needs. This meeting is an opportunity for the public to discuss the social, economic, and environmental effects of the potential improvements.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FDOT.

The Hybrid Public Kick-off meeting will be held simultaneously, both in-person and virtually. There are two ways to participate during the meeting:

ATTEND IN PERSON: The in-person meeting will be held at the Marathon Government Center – BOCC located at 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd Floor, Marathon, FL 33050. The latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) social distancing guidelines will be followed.

ATTEND VIRTUALLY: To participate virtually from your computer, tablet or smartphone please register using the following link https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5142809936165957470 or scan the QR Code provided above. You will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. If you are using a mobile device, the free “GoToMeeting” App will be required to attend. Participants can also call in by dialing +1 (562) 247-8321 and enter access code 691-965-490

IN-PERSON MEETING LOCATION: Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Nicholas Danu, P.E. at (305) 470-5219; in writing to FDOT, 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172; or by email at Nicholas.Danu@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the Public Kickoff Meeting.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Community Outreach Specialist Veronica Paredes at 305-215-8673 or by email at veronica.paredes@stantec.com. You may also visit the project website at www.fdotmiamidade.com/LongKeyBridge

Publish: February 2, 2023. The Weekly Newspapers

FL 33155 (1-866-299-9391) AT

LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE, ALL SALES ARE WITH RESERVE 20% BUYERS PREMIUM.

Publish:

February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

**PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS

ANNUAL RETURN

The annual return of the private foundation

THE FRANCES LOUISE WOLFSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC required to be filed under section 6033 Internal Revenue Code, is available for public inspection at its principal office 56283 Ocean Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 305-743-5060 for inspection during regular business hours by any citizen upon request, within 180 days after the date of this publication.

Cheryl Wilcox

Principal Manager

January 26, 2023

Publish:

February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV)

(Between the Long Key Bridge and Mile Marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be a person involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who has demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks and

other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which he/ she is applying).

Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing Laurie@fla-keys.com.

Completed applications should be emailed to Laurie@fla-keys. com.

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, March 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapesr

DEPARTAMENTO DE TRANSPORTE DE LA FLORIDA - DISTRITO SEIS REUNIÓN PÚBLICA DE LANZAMIENTO

Estudio de Desarrollo del Proyecto y Medio Ambiente (PD&E) para la Carretera Estatal 5/US 1 Puente Long Key sobre el Canal Long Key (Puente #900094) desde el marcador de milla (MM) 63 al MM 66 Condado de Monroe, Florida Número de Identificación del Proyecto Financiero: 448206-1-22-01 Número de Toma de Decisiones de Transporte Eficiente (ETDM): 14451

JUEVES, 16 DE FEBRERO DE 2023

El Departamento de Transporte de Florida (FDOT), Distrito Seis, llevará a cabo una Reunión Pública de Lanzamiento para el proyecto referenciado el jueves 16 de febrero de 2023, a las 5:30 p.m. Esta reunión se llevará a cabo en un formato informal de con una breve presentación a las 6:00 p.m. Esta reunión proporcionará una oportunidad para que el público aprenda sobre el proyecto, se familiarice con el proceso de estudio y ofrecer comentarios.

El propósito y la necesidad de este estudio es evaluar el reemplazo del puente Long Key para tratar las deficiencias del puente, evaluar las necesidades de capacidad y seguridad, evaluar la movilidad, mejorar la evacuación y la respuesta de emergencia, y evaluar las necesidades de bicicletas y peatones. Esta reunión es una oportunidad para que el público discuta los efectos sociales, económicos y ambientales de las posibles mejoras.

La revisión ambiental, la consulta y otras acciones requeridas por las leyes ambientales federales aplicables para este proyecto están siendo, o han sido, llevadas a cabo por el FDOT de conformidad con 23 U.S.C. § 327 y un Memorando de Entendimiento de fecha 26 de mayo de 2022, y ejecutado por la Administración Federal de Carreteras (FHWA) y FDOT. La Reunión Pública de Lanzamiento se llevará a cabo simultáneamente, en persona y virtualmente. Hay dos formas de participar durante la reunión: Participar en Persona: La reunión en persona se llevará

PARTICIPAR EN PERSONA: La reunión en persona se llevará a cabo en el Marathon Government Center – BOCC ubicado en 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd piso, Marathon, FL 33050. Se seguirán las directrices de distanciamiento social del Centros para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC).

PARTICIPAR VIRTUALMENTE: Para participar virtualmente desde su computadora, tableta o teléfono inteligente, regístrese utilizando el siguiente enlace https:// attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5142809936165957470 o escanee el código QR proporcionado anteriormente. Recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación con información sobre cómo unirse al seminario web. Si está utilizando un equipo móvil, la aplicación gratuita "GoToMeeting" se requerirá para participar virtualmente. Participantes también pueden llamar marcando +1 (562) 247-8321 e ingresar el código de acceso 691-965-490.

LUGAR DE REUNIÓN EN PERSONA: Se solicita la participación pública sin distinción de raza, color, origen nacional, edad, sexo, religión, discapacidad o estado familiar. Las personas que requieren adaptaciones bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades o las personas que requieren servicios de traducción (sin cargo) deben comunicarse con Nicholas Danu, P.E. al (305) 470-5219; por escrito a FDOT, 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172; o por correo electrónico a Nicholas. Danu@dot.state.fl.us al menos siete (7) días antes de la Reunión Publica de Lanzamiento. Si desea obtener más información sobre este proyecto, comuníquese con la Especialista de Comunicación de Comunidad Veronica Paredes al 305-215-8673 o por correo electrónico a veronica.paredes@stantec.com. También puede visitar el sitio web del proyecto al www.fdotmiamidade.com/LongKeyBridge

THE DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V)

(From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland Portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be an owner or operating/general manager of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which he/she is applying.

Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the TDC Administrative Office by emailing: Laurie@fla-keys. com, and submit the completed application via email to: Laurie@ fla-keys.com, or via U.S. Mail to the address shown below:

Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is: Friday, March 3, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. A resume may be attached to the submitted application.

Publish:

February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SEEK LEGISLATION

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given of intent to apply to the Florida Legislature in the 2023 regular or any special or extended legislative sessions for passage of an act relating to the City of Key West as an Area of Critical State Concern to create an exception from the building permit allocation system, as limited by F.A.C. Chapter 28-37, for certain residential developments to serve the employees and workforce of the Monroe County School District, and other “essential services personnel” as authorized by Florida Statute § 1001.43(12)

Publish:

February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

INVITATION TO BID Construction Services Request Wesley House Family Services is seeking bids for the renovation and construction of an office and services building in Key Largo, FL. Parties interested in submitting a bid may contact us at ConstructionServices@wesleyhouse.org for additional information.

Publish:

February 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: New Beacon Pole and Relocate Existing Beacon 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/

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

By: Aneta Jodkowska,

Clerk

Publish:

Deputy

January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2023-11

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:

2020/1509

Alt Key No: 1507261

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00413050-000000

Description of Property:

BK 2 LT 21 PLANTATION BEACH

PB2-76 PLANTATION KEY OR50558 OR804-2469 OR1608-501L/E OR1619-917D/C OR1626-

2146/47 OR2954-0628

Name in which assessed:

LOOKOUT INVESTMENTS LLC

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 2023-12

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:

2020/1508

Alt Key No: 1507253

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00413040-000000

Description of Property:

BK 2 LT 20 PLANTATION BEACH

PB2-76 PLANTATION KEY OR5421050 OR615-457D/C OR717-258 OR1608-501L/E OR1619-917D/C OR1626-2146/47 OR2954-0628

Name in which assessed:

LOOKOUT INVESTMENTS LLC

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

OF APPLICATION

2023-14

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: 2020/796

Alt Key No: 1259870

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00198260-000000

Description of Property:

LT 15 SUMMERLAND BCH ADDN

#5 SUMMERLAND KEY PB3-82

OR475-397 OR759-1127/29

OR824-869/70 OR825-174/75

OR827-1344 OR830-1363/64

OR1026-1483R/S OR1356-546

OR2833-440D/C OR28621933/34 OR3004-1931D/C

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,

&

LEGAL NOTICES

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.

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 OR1119-

2192 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

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,

LEGAL NOTICES

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 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

2023-20

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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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 2023-22

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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

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

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

FOR TAX DEED 2023-24

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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

ALL YEARS!

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

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 10pm-8am 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 CustomerService Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

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

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: WW Operator/Controls Trainee, Paralegal, Utilities Maintenance, 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 305-296-5621. 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.

EMPLOYMENT HOUSING FOR RENT

Immediate openings for experienced plumbers and helpers (with or without experience - we will train the right person). Must have a valid driver's license & clean driving record. Please apply in person at 10700 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerpinc@gmail.com

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

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

HHA/HMK

MUST SPEAK ENGLISH BIG PINE & BIG COPPITT KEY IMMEDIATE OPENING

CALL: 7862340786 OR 7864888806

WHALE HARBOR GROUP RESTAURANTS

is preparing for another busy season and we are interviewing for all positions. Great income potential, fun work environment, and lots of room for growth.

WE ARE INTERVIEWING FOR cooks, dishwashers, servers, bussers, bartenders, hosts, shift supervisors, maintenance people, admin assistant and more.

Available for 1 person. 2 1/2 rooms + 8' X 22' screened porch. All utilities incl. wifi, satellite TV, washer/dryer. 2nd house from ocean. Offstreet parking. Private & quiet. MM 96 Key Largo. $1,850/ month F/L/S 305-853-3779

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.

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

Complete our Easy App if interested in a great new job: www.whaleharborrestaurant.com/jobs

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Administrative Assistant

To assist the president of our Coastal Source R&D Lab in Marathon. Must be well organized with a strong work ethic. Help ensure all communications, projects and operations are run in compliance with the company’s best-in-class requirements. Research and gather critical data; copywriting and wordsmithing; possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Junior Interior Designer

1+ year experience with basic interior architecture detailing. Strong knowledge of CAD/REVIT and experience in sales environment a plus.

Project Architect

Interior Designer

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

SMALL MARATHON INTERVAL OWNERSHIP 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

ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research and rescue of marine mammals. We are looking to hire a full-time VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION, responsible for the company’s financial, accounting and administrative functions. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Policy development and implementation

• Liaison with Insurance agents, bankers, audit firm, 401(k) administrator, attorneys and financial management systems

• Internal and external financial reporting

• Member of Executive Steering Committee

• Management of Human Resources, Information Technology, Retail Gift Shop and Guest Services

• Facilitation and coordination of payment reimbursements for all Grants

• Oversight of all Insurance policies

• Fixed Asset Management

• Budget Administration

• Cash Management

• Recruitment and training of accounting staff and direct report department heads

The successful applicant will possess a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting and have 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in not-for-profit finance/accounting roles. The applicant must have excellent oral, written, analytical, interpersonal, management and organizational skills coupled with the ability to meet organizational goals, handle competing priorities, take initiative, and think creatively and strategically. CPA preferred. Must live in the area.

DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total compensation package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits with the option of adding an HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.

To apply please send your resume to Human Resources, Attention Jeanne Welever, 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050, fax to 305-289-8902 or email drc-hr@dolphins.org.

Monroe Assoc. for ReMARCable Citizens is hiring:

PROGRAM COORDINATOR / DIRECT CARE F/T

TAVERNIER OFFICE

Full-time position. Responsible for development, implementation, and goal setting for clients. Interaction with co-workers and supervision, and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed to acquire and maintain employment. Associates degree or 2 years of experience working with DD individuals.

MIN REQUIREMENTS: Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Level II background screening and references. EOE. 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.

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

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS

AND HELPERS NEEDED

Experience is required. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

PART TIME OPPORTUNITY

Is offering two part time positions

PARISH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Position is responsible for providing clerical support and undertaking the day to day office operations.

Must have working knowledge of MS Outlook, MS Publisher, MS Word and Excel. Friendly work environment.

Location: 550 122nd Street, Marathon

Work Schedule: Weekdays 9am-3:30pm; 30 hrs per week

COMPETITIVE SALARY!

to schedule an interview

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.

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 qualifications and experience: $38.43/hr. - $43.04/hr. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

SCADA/RELAY TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $30.64/hr. - $34.32/hr. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

Live in paradise and see dolphins play every day!

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN

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

Tired of your boring job? Looking for an exciting new challenge?

If so, we are offering an opportunity to join our team in a very fast paced, exciting and dynamic role that is structured with details varying on each project.

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.

www dynastymarine net

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

FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT- FULLTIME

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

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

The

sales commission.

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

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.

THEME: VALENTINE’S DAY

ACROSS

1. “Without further ____,” pl.

5. Sweet 16 gift

8. Steps to the river, in India

12. *Michael BublÈ’s “____ the Last Dance for Me”

13. Bigger than big

14. Nonkosher

15. Big-ticket one

16. October birthstone

17. *#5 Down’s target

18. *Reason to celebrate

Lupercalia, Valentine’s Day predecessor

20. Make over

21. Omit

22. Hexagonal fastener

23. December birthstone, pl.

26. Most gem¸tlich

30. Ed.’s request

31. Two dots above a letter

34. Brussels org.

35. Church recesses

37. ____ or chicken?

38. Encourage (2 words)

39. What hoarders do

40. He crossed the Rubicon

42. Jet follower

43. English county courts, in the olden days

45. Gentlemen’s gentlemen

47. Chop off

48. Paparazzo’s quest

50. Port in Yemen

52. *Heart-shaped box content

56. Range

57. Top notch

58. Baron Munchhausen, e.g.

59. Journalists and reporters

60. Speed unit

61. All is well that does this well

62. Bald eagle’s nest

63. Ever, to a poet

64. Tinkerbell’s powder

DOWN

1. “Clueless” catch phrase

2. *Get-together

3. End of a break-up phrase

4. Explosive of Czechoslovakian origin

5. *Winged one

6. September stone

7. Bank on

8. *____ card

9. Not tails

10. ‘70s hairdo

11. Sylvester, to Tweety

13. Wholism, alt. sp.

14. Monotonous hum

19. Intestinal obstruction

22. “Wayne’s World” catchphrase

23. Japanese port

24. Necklace clasp location, pl.

25. Affirmatives

26. *Kisses’ partners

27. National emblem

28. Type of weasel

29. BBQ tool

32. Pasturelands

33. Accompanies wisdom?

36. *a.k.a. St. Valentine’s

Malady

38. *Muse of love poetry

40. Large edible mushroom

41. Long-legged shore bird

44. Regions

46. Bummed about

48. Bell’s invention

49. Laurels

50. Homesteader’s measure 51. Active one

52. Soap block 53. Hokkaido language 54. Small amounts 55. Formerly, formerly

*Romantic destination