Upper Keys Weekly 23-0202

“What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin.” — Mark Twain

F E B R U A R Y 4 - 5

R o w e l l ' s W a t e r f r o n t P a r k

K e y L a r g o , F l o r i d a

S A T U R D A Y , N O O N - 6 P M

L i v e R a c i n g | R a f f l e E v e n t

S U N D A Y , 1 1 A M - 3 P M

L i v e R a c i n g | A w a r d s C e r e m o n y

B e n e f i t t i n g y o u t h s a i l i n g i n t h e U p p e r K e y s

MODERN FLORIDA BAY HOME

Timeless and classic, this has been recently renovated with neutral tones throughout which creates the perfect beach house, vacation rental or permanent residence. This home offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms amounting to 3,321 square feet of living space with wood tile flooring and custom lighting throughout. The kitchen is appointed with granite countertops, antique white cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. This is a true concrete fortress with a reinforced concrete roof, hardie board siding and impact windows and doors. Composite wood deck on outdoor patios and dock. Rare deepwater dockage offering 8 feet of controlling depth in the channel and 6 feet at the L-shaped dock complete with davits, a 3,000 pound lift for jet skis and room to add another boat lift. Ocean access via Adams Cut or Jewfish Creek. Plenty of room for a pool and summer kitchen! Relax after a long day on the water under the shade of your tiki hut while you watch the sunset silhouette over the Florida Bay.

KEY LARGO | $3,599,000 | Listing ID: 601555

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

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PASCAL’S LIGHT SHINES

Annual day of service remembers a local boy who cared for his community

On Thursday, Feb. 2, local schools, charitable organizations and the community at large will come together to celebrate the fourth annual Pascal’s Way Day of Service. This local holiday seeks to carry on the legacy of Pascal Weisberger, a 14-year-old student, volunteer, scout and beloved friend, who tragically passed away in May 2020. He left behind a legacy of service, extraordinary kindness and empathy.

Pascal is widely recognized for his dedication to serving and helping the community. “If someone needed help, he never hesitated to want to help them,” said Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father. Last March, the Monroe County Commission officially declared Feb. 2, his birthday, as Pascal's Annual Day of Service. On this day, local students are encouraged to take part in community service activities, such as beach cleanups.

“Pascal’s light continues to shine down on our community,” said Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein, who named Pascal’s Day an official day in Monroe County.

In his last years, Pascal accrued thousands of community service hours. The Upper Keys Humane Society, where he spent more than 2,000 hours volunteering, recently named its new surgical suite in his honor.

“(Pascal Weisberger) spread a little kindness everywhere he would go,” said Karla Perrine, who manages the shelter.

“All the animals at the shelter always took to him because of his calm, kind nature,” said Hillary Cassel, one of his teachers during elementary school.

He is also remembered for his interest in science and for how much he cared about the environment. Starting in elementary school, he and his father attended monthly beach cleanups.

“Pascal was an activist for the envi-

ronment. He was not just the boy who said ‘The ocean is dirty,’ he was the activist who takes the actions necessary to clean it up. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to help clean our oceans through conducting experiments and devising solutions to make our world a cleaner place,” said Bobbi Burson, his middle school science teacher at Treasure Village Montessori. His science fair experiments throughout elementary and middle school touched on environmental problems like plastic pollution. Pascal’s Environmental Stewardship Award is given to projects at the middle school and high school levels of the district science fair that explore local environmental issues.

“Pascal genuinely cared about everyone in his life, from his closest family members to acquaintances he just met,” said Martha Loizeaux, his elementary school marine science teacher. “He showed the same level of care for animals and the environment.”

Pascal is most of all remembered for his empathy and compassion.

“He made me want to be the best person I could be, not just as a father but as a person,” said Poholek. “It’s easy to get absorbed in whatever we’re

Kids take part in the 13th annual Buccaneer Blast Regatta in Key Largo in 2022. Roughly 200 sailors participated in the sailing. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

thinking about but it's worth it to take a minute to make a difference.”

Jordan Lubis, who had been one of his best friends, remembers him for his beautiful character. “He was incredibly caring towards everyone and was such an amazing friend and person. His laughter was contagious, and he never failed to make me laugh or smile. I am grateful beyond anything to have had him as my best friend.”

Treasure Village Montessori plans to hold a “Kindness Exchange” on Pascal’s Day, in which students are taught the values of kindness and compliments.

Events taking place on Pascal’s Day of Service include a cleanup at Harry Harris from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Locals are invited to join Pascal's former Boy Scout troop, Troop 912, as well as his father and close friends, to pick up marine debris at the beach. Treasure Village Montessori and Ocean Studies Charter School, both of which Pascal attended, will be holding special events for their students.

On May 7, Pascal's Way 5K, an event inspired by Pascal's love of running, will be held at Treasure Village Montessori as a fundraiser for the Upper Keys Humane Society.

“Pascal would be greatly touched and overwhelmed by the continued love and recognition he has received since he died,” said Poholek. “There’s no doubt that he would be incredibly honored that people continue to remember him in these ways, and as his father, I am deeply appreciative of the community’s continued remembrance of Pascal.”

ZACK WOLTANSKI www.keysweekly.com

Pascal Weisberger participates in a debris cleanup in the mangroves. CONTRIBUTED

Pascal and Ocean Studies Charter School marine science teacher Martha Loizeaux. 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.

SUPERINTENDENT DECISION LOOMS FOR SCHOOL BOARD

$8.9M GRANT WILL PUT SOCIAL WORKERS IN EVERY SCHOOL

The school district has 18 months to find its next superintendent. Superintendent Theresa Axford retires in July 2024, and school board members face a decision: National search, internal promotion or national search then internal promotion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In other news

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

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

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

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.

VARIANCE REQUEST TABLED FOR KEY LARGO 7-ELEVEN

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe county planning staff recommended the county planning commission deny a variance request by the applicant for a curb cut requirement at a proposed 7-Eleven gas station in Key Largo. A lengthy discussion led the planning commission to table the matter at a Jan. 25 meeting in Marathon.

Owners Daniel Barry Jr. and Archer Barry filed an application in February 2022 to turn the clothing store at MM 98.2 into a 7-Eleven gas station with 11 fueling stations and a 24/7 convenience store. No specific deceleration lanes are currently provided entering the property from U.S. 1. The site currently has four curb cuts that allow motorists on U.S. 1 to enter and exit.

Per a proposal brought forth by the applicant’s agent, Axis Infrastructure, an enter-only and exit-only would be provided for each direction of U.S. 1. Curb cuts to allow traffic in and out of the site on the northbound and southbound sides would have been roughly 146 feet apart, which didn’t meet county code requirements for 245 feet.

County staff told the five planning commission members they were recommending denial of the variance request. According to a staff report, land code states that no use fronting U.S. 1 or County Road 905 can receive a permit for change of use, expansion or substantial improvement unless it is brought into compliance by provision of combined drives or parallel access, and with any access standards or requirements by the Florida Department of Transportation.

“However, to date, the applicant has not submitted documentation which demonstrates that FDOT has

approved the proposed access drive configuration,” the report states. “Additionally, the subject property appears to have adequate area to either reduce and/or completely eliminate the number of access drives off of U.S. 1 and take access from Grand Street.”

Joe Scarpelli, planning commission chairman, said he believes deceleration lanes are needed to access the proposed 7-Eleven development. Ron Demes, vice chair, said traffic will “hugely increase” when looking at a 7-Eleven compared to a clothing store.

With the matter tabled, developers will need to come back before the county planning staff and the commission with an updated plan with one driveway on both sides of the property. A meeting to take up the major conditional use request to allow for the 7-Eleven development hasn’t been scheduled. Twelve public commenters voiced their opposition not only to the variance request, but the project as a whole.

During the Jan. 24 virtual meeting, 12 county staff members who make up the Development Review Committee voiced no other major issues with an application for a major conditional use permit at the current Anthony’s clothing store. The DRC makes recommendations to the Monroe County Planning Commission, where four of the five members must vote “yes” to approve the major conditional use request.

During recent community meetings, local residents living near the proposed project shared concerns over more traffic and fears of accidents. The developer’s agent, Jason Green of Axis Infrastructure, said the project doesn’t create more traffic in comparison to destinations like a clothing store. Green said the gas station and convenience store only capture vehicles driving into and out of the Keys.

A Marathon gas station, foreground, sits adjacent to the proposed 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station at the current Anthony’s clothing store in Key Largo. DAVID GROSS/ Keys Weekly

Lisa Tennyson. MONROE COUNTY/ Contributed

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

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

EDDY ESPINOSA

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 e ort 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

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.

Photos by MICHELLE MACOSKEY/Contributed

Kevon Mills

Eddy Espinosa

Kameron Roberts

James Osborne

Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Coral Shores’ Brooke Mandozzi and Key West’s Herlani Leon Lopez.

Makayla Hahn passes the ball. Gabriella Mallidis looks to retrieve the pass. Coral Shores’ Brooke Mandozzi and Key West’s Ziamora Cartwright, at left, and Herlani Leon Lopez, at right.

By:

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.

Keys soccer teams recently entered postseason play. Some teams won their openers, including the Coral Shores and Marathon girls and boys squads, as well as the Key West boys team.

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.

Photos by Doug Finger, Kylie McDaniel and Trinity Jacox.

‘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

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.

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.

FLORIDA

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

LOIS ELIZABETH SARGENT 1928-2022

Lois Elizabeth (Gill) Sargent, 93, of Islamorada died on Oct. 1, 2022, in Miami after a brief illness. Daughter of the late Edward Jeslyn Gill and Lois Emily (Kress) Gill, Lois was born on Nov. 12, 1928, in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Lois was a 1948 graduate of the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in Boston and worked as a dental hygienist for many years, first in Massachusetts and then in Florida. Also in 1948, Lois married Frederic Milton Sargent Jr. on Dec. 15. They were married for 69 years until Fred’s death in 2018. The couple first lived in Weymouth and then had a house built in Norwell, Massachusetts.

In addition, Lois and Fred enjoyed Lois’ family home in Wellfleet, Cape Cod as a second home. Lois researched her genealogy and found family relationships which led directly back to Mayflower passenger Stephen Hopkins through his daughter Constance/Constanta (Hopkins) Snow. This led Lois to become a lifelong member of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants. Lois relished nature, beaches and biking on the Cape. Also, Lois and Fred enjoyed many years of sailing and socializing with friends at Wellfleet’s Chequessett Yacht Club.

Seeking a warmer climate during their middle years, Lois and Fred became full-time Florida residents, especially appreciating their home in Islamorada. During their lives, Lois and Fred raised large dogs. They also bought a small RV and traveled through the Southwest where they met and socialized with many new friends. Lois had a fantastic eye for purchasing pottery and handmade wooden items on her flea market and garage sale forays.

After Fred’s death, Lois’s care provider team helped make her final years more joyful with shopping outings, sunny lunches, dinners with neighbors and evening entertainment to hear Bill Todd play guitar and sing. One of the most exciting days of Lois’ life was her 93rd birthday party at Cheeca Lodge, planned by care provider extraordinaire Sharon Fischer. Lolo, as the care team called her, dressed in a long black and white floral dress with a ruffled black shrug and sparkly birthday crown, savored her candlelight birthday dinner with a table full of neighbors and friends. Lois expressed many times that she hoped to live to 100.

Lois was predeceased by her younger sister, Carolyn Beverly (Gill) Fitts in 2020. She is survived by her brotherin-law, Robert W. Fitts, as well as her nephews Charles E. Fitts, Stephen W. Fitts, and Robert A. Fitts as well as her niece, Elizabeth Louise (Fitts) Reighart. A remembrance celebration will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 5:30 p.m. at Plantation Lake Estates Community Park. After the gathering, people will be invited to take a short walk down to Mr. C’s Ice Cream shop to enjoy an ice cream in honor of Lois. Plantation Lake Estates is found near Mile Marker 87 on the oceanside of Overseas Highway.

REALTOR

SPOTLIGHT Amy Bruggeman

If you are like me you came to The Keys and said: “I want to live here”. I remember driving down for vacations and when we would hit the bridge from the mainland a feeling came over me, a calming. I swear it’s something in the air. What a better place to be in the Real Estate business! I feel my past career choices all had a part in leading me to “selling the dream” here in the beautiful Florida Keys. From working in the mortgage business to being a homeowners’ insurance adjuster to a project manager for a construction company. A lifetime of servicing clients in these different businesses lead me to be a Realtor. I currently sit as a director on the Florida Keys Board of Realtors for 2023. I also volunteer for MarrVelous Pet Rescue, it’s my passion to work with animals in need.

Keys homeowners fling open their gates to share dream-worthy outdoor spaces

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

Meditation garden? Check. Dock leading to a boat? Check. Wall of succulents? Check. Outdoor kitchen? Check. No, this isn’t the punch list for your pimped-out fantasy home. Nor are these items at an exclusive “White Lotus”-style resort. They are just a few of the dreamy, jaw-dropping sights that locals can see during the Feb. 18 Garden Walk, now in its 42nd year of being run by the Garden Club of the Upper Keys.

As part of the 70-year-old club’s mandate to showcase the natural beauty of the Keys, tour-goers will be able to see the finely tended gardens of five Upper Keys homes, with monikers including Tropical Sanctuary, Tavernier Creek Tranquility, Bayside Bounty, Kocoville and Vetter Park.

Master gardeners will be on hand at many of the properties, happy to talk about bromeliads and vanilla bean orchids — which, by the way, can be seen impressively crawling up one of the gumbo limbo trees at Vetter Park.

But attendees may be excused if, when gazing at the 16 species of palms at Tropical Sanctuary, they simply want to plunge into the pool and take the afternoon off. Yes, that silver palm is spectacular. Can we have a cocktail, please?

“I want to call the cabana boy for a margarita,” said Kathy Holmes jokingly during a media preview day of the Garden Walk. She was looking at the half-submerged lounge chairs at the shallow end of the curvy swimming pool at Tavernier Creek Tranquility.

Holmes is the Garden Walk 2023 house chairman and has been helping organize the tour for so long that she has it down to a science. She probably deserves that cocktail. Or two.

She also has a love for the distinct Florida Keys beauty. “We’re passionate about our plants and our gardens,” Holmes said.

“C,” the homeowner of Kocoville, is thrilled to show visitors her gardens, lovingly tended over many years. “Why do you have these things if you don’t share them?” she said, a wide smile on her face.

“C” has had a green thumb since she was “a toddler in coveralls in Wisconsin” and has her outdoor space divided into sections,

such as the Tea Garden and the Zen Garden. (We spied Green Bay Packers signage in her outdoor kitchen, but we’ll forgive her.)

When she bought the property, rocks and debris littered the ground, which was cleaned up and laid with pathways to create the sections. Native plants include mahogany, wild tamarind, gumbo limbo, Bahama strongbark and lignumvitae.

Other homeowners are just as passionate: Jim Vetter, who takes care of his garden Vetter Park with his wife, Nancy, is only too happy to talk about his 75 species of plants and palms, some nurtured for 37 years. The couple bought an adjoining plot to expand their plantings, which include a plethora of fruit trees that regularly supplement their mealtimes, such as starfruit, dwarf banana, Key lime and Meyer lemon.

Pat Uhl, who is in charge of publicity for the garden club, stole a moment to sit in a spot under a canopy of trees in Vetter’s yard. “Being in a garden transports me,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Bayside Bounty homeowner made sure to usher visitors over to see her husband’s coral garden. “Make yourselves at home,” she said.

Don’t mind if we do. The backyard has clusters of palms (fishtail, cabada, Christmas, Bismarck) to give the space a tropical-vacation feel. You go on ahead — we’ll wait here for that cabana boy.

The Garden Walk will take place on Saturday, Feb.18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $25, the proceeds of which are used to maintain the Francis Tracy Garden Center.

They can be bought in advance until Feb. 17 at the following locations: Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, Mile Marker 106; Key Largo Flowers and Gifts, Mile Marker 100; Island Home Nursery, Mile Marker 88; and Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, Mile Marker 87.

Tours of the gardens are self-guided, and the Francis Tracy Garden Center at Mile Marker 94, bayside, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy an art show (Art Guild of the Purple Isles) as well as a market featuring the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck and assorted vendors: plants, crafts, artisan wares and art work.

Tickets and more information can also be found at gardenclubupperkeys.org.

From bromeliads to Bahama strongbark, there’s plenty to marvel at in the Garden Walk put on by the Garden Club of the Upper Keys. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

SAILING SPECTACLE

More than 250 sailors ages 8 to 18 from across the U.S. and Caribbean will set sail on Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4 and 5, in the 14th annual Buccaneer Blast Regatta.

Youth sailors will compete in the Optimist or “Opti,” ILCA/ Laser, Club 420 and Windsurfing classes. The single-handed dinghy “Opti,” intended for use by youngsters up to age 15, is the largest sailboat class in the world.

The weekend begins Friday, Feb. 3, with a welcome reception at the Upper Keys Sailing Club, 100 N. Ocean Bay Drive in Key Largo, and a sunset cruise on Buttonwood Sound for registered sailors, families and sponsors.

Racing is scheduled from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. According to organizers, the 2023 regatta will feature the largest number of competitors in the event’s 14-year history.

The public is invited to catch live-action racing both on the water and near shore from Rowell’s Waterfront Park at Mile Marker 104.5, bayside. On both days, spectators who make a small donation can board a pontoon boat to head out and see the racing up close on Blackwater Sound.

Following Saturday’s races, spectators are invited to participate in a raffle at the park.

An awards ceremony is scheduled around 3 p.m. Sunday to crown the winners in each class.

The event and raffle support the Upper Keys Sailing Club’s nonprofit Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program. The program provides affordable, accessible and inclusive sailing camps and instruction for Upper Keys and south Miami-Dade youth.

— Contributed

Young sailors from various states and countries hop in their sailboats for a day on the water. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly File Photo

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

of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

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

By: Daniel T.

Publish:

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

Ryan

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/

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

305.743.0844

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

STUDIO SPOTLIGHT

The Florida Keys is one of those special places in the world. One artist who comes to mind when I think of the Keys’ natural beauty is John David Hawver. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, that is okay; I’m pretty sure you have seen his work. And in the long run, the work is what really matters.

If you have been inside the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, Mariners Hospital, or the new courthouse on Plantation Key that still smells like fresh paint, then you have seen Hawver’s work. He paints in a style that is calming and mesmerizing at the same time. His style is based on an exploration of “meaningful marks,” as he calls them.

“It’s about the dance of daubs, dots and dashes, squiggles, scratches and patches of color that work together magically to create the illusion of form and depth, space and time,” he said.

If you look across the room and see beautiful landscape painting, walk up close to the work and you will see many lines and meaningful marks. These complicated, almost abstract forms and lines are what create the landscape when viewed from a distance. It would be easy to label Hawver as a Florida Impressionist, but the artwork isn’t really impressionism. It is a more contemporary version of impressionism — a type of realistic impressionism.

Since his mother was an artist, it was perhaps inevitable that Hawver would become an artist. He’s a Florida native, growing up in Hollywood. He graduated from Miami Dade College and the University of Florida. He received a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Miami. He has a long list of impressive art shows, solo shows, group shows, exhibitions, museum shows, as well as having work in private, public and corporate collections. Hawver lives in Islamorada and loves the beautiful landscape of the Florida Keys where he gets his inspiration.

I had the pleasure of hanging out at Hawver’s studio. It was interesting to see his process. One fascinating part is that he pretty much always starts with a pink background and builds the landscapes and colors around it. Hawver has a larger-than-life persona that commands a room even though he is generally quiet. With his long hair and beard, he fits the description of a knowledgeable sage.

When you start to talk to him about art he lights up in a friendly and charming way. His studio is by necessity of a pretty good size, since his works are on the larger side. The size of the paintings only adds to the mystique of the artwork. They dominate the room and beckon you to view and enter the world Hawver has created — a peaceful natural idealistic version of the Keys in which we all wish to participate when down here.

We spoke of art and the old Keys. His favorite painting is usually the painting he is currently working on. He referenced many artists as inspiration. Some of them you have heard of: Monet, Manet and Velázquez, to mention a few. Some you probably haven’t heard of such as Neil Gavin Welliver, who is a large-scale landscape painter. He is also a fan of modern abstract painting. Artists tend to be a passionate lot, looking for ways to expand and dive into new realms of art. In between working on large-scale paintings, he has been doing more abstract pieces; many of them involve his paintings reimagined as abstract collages.

At his studio I glance around, looking at a new work in progress on the wall, a definite treat. I love to see how artists create and their ideas on handling different issues while painting. Hawver, a clear nature lover, carefully places his meaningful marks across the canvas. Like a talented musician, he is a master of his craft and rhythmically creates a symphony dedicated to the natural scene he depicts. I look around at the different painted canvases carefully stacked and I start to think of the time and dedication it took to paint each one and the stories each painting must hold.

Hawver closed the John David Hawver Gallery so he could spend more time painting in his studio. If interested in viewing or purchasing his works, you can visit johndavidhawver.com or check out some of his pieces at the Rain Barrel in the Art on a Whim Gallery. If you want to contact Hawver, the best way is through his website. Of course, you also can see his artwork throughout the community.

is an artist, designer and gemologist who believes in the power of art.

WILLIAM DePAULA

John David Hawver leaves meaningful marks around the Keys

Top: “Meditative Mangrove” by John David Hawver.

Far right:“Glorious” by John David Hawver.

Right: “Down the Creek” by John David Hawver.

John Hawver in his studio in front of a work in progress. WILLIAM DePAULA/ Contributed

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.

tips & 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

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”

DOWN

1. “Clueless” catch phrase

2. *Get-together

3. End of a break-up phrase

4. Explosive of Czechoslovakian origin

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.

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

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

WEATHER CONDITIONS

FRIDAY

Sunny

SATURDAY

Southeast winds, 15 mph

DIVING FOR DEBRIS

Trash trek tasks community to clean

Upper Keys waters are still seeing bumpy conditions. As a result, we had a few days of canceled dives this past week. But calmer days are on the horizon.

Dreaming of these calm dive days reminded me of a cool event we have coming up in May. I.CARE (Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education) is hosting their inaugural Trash Derby, sponsored by National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. This will help reduce the amount of debris affecting our islands. I.CARE is a nonprofit dedicated to incorporating recreational divers in activities to restore the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. In the first two years, I.CARE has transplanted almost 10,000 corals of varying species of corals.

This event not only serves as a way to help clean our seas, it is also a fundraiser to help I.CARE continue its work on our reefs. The derby will include one-and-a-half days of debris collection, followed by a family-friendly festival

ERIC BILLIPS

is the owner, captain and instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Keys Dive Center. He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfishing and captaining in the Florida Keys.

SUNDAY

10 mph

2 foot seas

10-15 mph

at Founders Park in Islamorada. The festival is open to the public and will include an award ceremony, raffles, silent auction, games and activities, food, music, environmentally-minded vendors and local organizations working to improve our reefs.

The event schedule starts on May 11 at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina for the captains meeting from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On May 12, debris collection will go from sunrise to sundown, from Key Largo to Big Pine. The trek for trash continues on May 13 from sunrise to 1 p.m. A final weigh-in is slated for 2 p.m. at Founders Park. The festival and awards ceremonies will follow.

This event is a win-win. Not only does it clean our seas, but it also continues the mission of I.CARE, all while getting the community working together for a great cause. And a bonus: it’s fun. More information is at www.icaretrashderby.com.

Diver JD Reinbott unravels ghost line from around the reef. Derelict fishing gear can continue to harm corals and animals. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

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