Marathon Weekly 23-0209

Changing to Better Serve You

Baptist Health Convenient Care Clinic, located at 5701 Overseas Hwy., Suite 17, in Marathon, has become part of Baptist Health Primary Care.

The clinic — an essential component of the healthcare fabric of this community — will now focus on offering primary care services for new and existing Baptist Health Primary Care patients with scheduled appointments. Same-day and next-day appointments, as well as virtual visits, will be available by calling 305-434-1400 or by visiting BaptistHealth.net/MarathonPC.

Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital remain the options for emergency care in the Keys. Online urgent care is accessible via the Baptist Health PineApp, available from your device’s app store or via the QR code below. In addition, the PineApp provides online primary care scheduling, access to health records and much more. Further, Baptist Health continues to provide cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery and orthopedic care in the Keys at our other medical practices.

We look forward to continuing to support the Florida Keys with healthcare services.

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

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Marathon Editor Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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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.

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News Deadline Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline

Tuesday 2 p.m.

$600M

The Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, Feb. 12 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will generate $600 million in gross advertising revenue for Fox. According to a CNBC report, Fox sold all its commercial spots. Peak prices came in at more than $7 million for 30-second spots.

With less than a week to go, we hope our readers have their Valentine’s Day plans set. But as our story on page 36 proves, not all romances walk on two legs.

MARATHON, OTHER KEYS MUNICIPALITIES EYE LEGISLATIVE WORKAROUND FOR REVOKED BUILDING ALLOCATIONS

Fate of 1,300 affordable housing units likely rests in Tallahassee

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Alegislative fix to restore the 1,300 affordable housing units, revoked in a decision by the Third District Court of Appeals (DCA), should soon be on its way to Tallahassee, Marathon city officials say.

Of all the municipalities that lost units in the stunning Aug. 3, 2022 reversal – 300 each for Marathon, Islamorada and unincorporated Monroe County, with another 100 split between Key Colony Beach and Layton – the fate of the legislation is most crucial for Marathon, as it is the only city that has already allocated its units.

Many are already built or occupied, including a 52-unit development on 39th Street Gulf, or were slated to provide large quantities of affordable housing in Marathon, as in the case of the upcoming multi-building Seaview Commons developments off Coco Plum Drive.

Key West and Islamorada have accepted, but not allocated, their units, while Monroe County has yet to fully accept the units, given the years-long legal challenges from environmental attorney Richard Grosso on behalf of

residents in Key West, Islamorada and Marathon.

The units were handed to the Keys in 2018 by then-Gov. Rick Scott through the state Department of Economic Opportunity, but were eventually deemed unlawful as the DCA ruled their “early evacuation” requirement violated Florida Statute 380.0552(9) (a)2, which requires comprehensive plans of cities within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC), established in 1974, to “maintain a hurricane evacuation clearance time for permanent residents of no more than 24 hours.”

As its own Area of Critical State Concern outlined in 1984, Key West’s units were protected. Segments of the Principles for Guiding Development in the Florida Administrative Code that govern the southernmost city’s evacuations provide simply for “an evacuation plan consistent with regional and county plans … which provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to evacuate to a place of safety during a natural disaster.”

A request for the third DCA to re-hear the case was denied, and the state Supreme Court on Jan. 13 rejected an escalation of the appeal, seemingly leaving a legislative fix as the only viable option.

The municipalities briefly considered accepting all the units through Key West, with its looser evacuation rules, and either later transferring them to the other cities or exchanging

them for “clean” Key West units. But as Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger advised the Monroe County Commission at its Jan. 18 meeting, “We all have to live under that 24-hour rule, and so (transferring) those allocations would be subject to challenge. They’re unlawful. … So we’d be landing in litigation.

“If Key West had unrestricted allocations that they were willing to send north, that particular issue that I see would not be in play,” he added. “There is some precedent and acceptance of the logic that if they were in the permanent resident phase, those can be shared across jurisdictional boundaries.”

Other early discussions floated the possibility of increasing the time limits for the Keys’ 24-hour evacuation models to 30 or 36 hours. As the evacuation models have informed the entire ROGO/BPAS system that regulates development in the Keys for years, a change to the models could have extreme implications, leading Marathon to draft a bill that, as described by City Manager George Garrett, “only focuses

continued on page 7

Seen here under construction in early 2022, a 52-unit building on 39th Street in Marathon is one of several developments relying on the Florida legislature to restore 1,300 revoked affordable housing units.

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

from page 4

on one thing.”

Marathon has provided a draft copy of its desired legislation to state Rep. Jim Mooney and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, who will likely be charged with sponsoring the House and Senate versions of the bill, respectively. A copy of the draft provided to the Keys Weekly clarifies and narrows the allowable statutes used to review developments within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern.

It also addresses a vague section of state statutes 125.01055 and 166.04151, which some previously interpreted as allowing near-unlimited construction of affordable housing units – and ONLY affordable units – outside of the typical ROGO/BPAS system.

Instead, targeted language in the legislation specifies that “within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern, this provision shall only pertain to the approved 1,300 Workforce-Affordable Housing Building Permit Allocations, as approved during the June 13, 2018 meeting of the Governor and Cabinet … and shall be considered an exception to the 24-hour evacuation time constraints.”

Opponents of the units, including appellants Cecilia Mattino in Marathon, Catherine Bosworth in Islamorada and Naja Girard in Key West, argued that the additional units posed a public safety risk by coloring outside the lines of statutes designed to ensure safe and orderly hurricane evacuations along the limited U.S. 1 corridor.

Owners and occupants of the units already built in Marathon will watch the legislation closely, as its outcome could have severe consequences. In 2001, Grosso successfully argued that a $3.3-million luxury apartment complex that was already constructed violated the comprehensive plan for Martin County, Florida and must be demolished.

The Marathon Weekly contacted Grosso and Mooney for comment, but had not received a response at press

THE SKATE DEBATE

Proponents pack skate park redesign workshop; detractors absent

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Vocal social media critics of early plans for a redesign of Marathon’s skate park were nowhere to be found at the city’s Feb. 6 workshop to solicit input from the public about the preliminary design concepts. Instead, Marathon City Hall’s council chambers were filled with dozens of residents, teens and families voicing their support for the project.

The evening opened with a presentation from Tito Porrata of Platform Group, a professional skate park design firm tasked with developing the overarching concept for the revamped park, billed as a “wheel park” to be used by skaters, rollerbladers, bikers and scooter riders alike. A preliminary plan as presented at the meeting includes a linear park with a 15,000-square-foot street course, a 2,000-square-foot bowl and 2,300-square-foot “pump track.” Porrata touted the new space’s potential as the start of a master redesign for the community park, offering multipurpose space and a unified front for the park along U.S. 1.

Porrata and current Marathon Planning Commission chair Matt Sexton, a longtime proponent of the park both personally and through his nonprofit Florida Keys Community Center, then opened the floor for suggestions, support and concern from those gathered.

Local teens and longtime users of the old park voiced encouragement for the project and its potential to serve as a family-friendly attraction and future event venue – some with typed speeches, as brought by 11- and 12-year-olds Aaron Hager and his friend Levi. Design requests included shade structures, water fountains, a closer bathroom and specific individual park elements.

While seizing another opportunity to raise the issue of Marathon’s 2016 nonbinding referendum vote to research a community pool, dozens of online commenters took umbrage with the

proposed design’s expanded boundary. As initially planned, the new park would reach beyond the current skate park footprint along the northern edge of the currently established soccer fields.

“I drove by the park yesterday afternoon and the soccer field was busy, skate park not so much,” wrote one of the more civil commenters. “I’m sure that has to do with safety and the current state of the park, but to take away from something that’s clearly being utilized frequently by both children and adults alike doesn’t make sense.”

Though not a single online commenter offered an in-person statement at the meeting to oppose the new park, the social media dialogue was clearly impactful for Marathon Parks and Recreation Director Paul Davis, who delivered a strong address to those gathered on Monday night.

programs as currently structured. In addition to creating smaller sideways fields near the park’s amphitheater for younger divisions while using the midsized field near the park’s eastern edge, he pointed to an agreement with Stanley Switlik Elementary School that would allow use of the school’s fields as needed.

“I would not bring (Platform Group) out to the field if we did not think about that first,” he said. “I’m not going to waste people’s time and say ‘hey, we want this skatepark, forget about everybody else.’

“This group right here, our teenagers, this is what needs to be addressed right now. … Every program that we do, I want to make sure everybody is taken care of. My kids are grown, but these (teens) are my kids right here.”

“We went a little bit beyond the skate park footprint to really make sure we’re positioning this in the right spot,” added Porrata. “I can’t predict (residents’) concerns, but we’re here to hear you out.”

A second meeting for public input will be established at a later date to be announced, the design group said.

“If you want to reach out, please do. And if you have any friends or other people that are interested in speaking their mind, this is the chance,” said Sexton. “We’re going to keep going further down this road, and if you wait till the end, it doesn’t really help us to make sure we can address your concerns. So please be proactive in sharing this information with the rest of our people in this community.”

Although the area to be occupied by the new park would subtract a portion from Marathon’s only publicly accessible full-sized soccer field – used at times for sports practices and event space during the city’s larger festivals – Davis said it would not affect the city’s youth sports

The new park is intended as a publicprivate partnership. The park’s design was paid for by Sexton’s Florida Keys Community Center, and Marathon has already budgeted $300,000 for the project while applying for a 100% matching grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It has also applied for a $50,000 grant from the Skatepark Project, a group founded by renowned skater Tony Hawk that helps municipalities build quality public skate parks. In a press release, the city stated that several private foundations have already made promises to support the reconstruction.

A park renovation concept developed by Platform Group shows the expanded skate park boundary along the northern edge of Marathon Community Park’s existing soccer fields. PLATFORM GROUP/Contributed

A preliminary design presented by Platform Group details the spacing of elements in the redesigned wheel park. PLATFORM GROUP/Contributed

GOVERNOR’S BUDGET INCLUDES KEYS FUNDING

DESANTIS SUPPORTS STEWARDSHIP ACT REQUEST

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal includes millions of dollars for the Florida Keys’ delicate environment, as well as substantial funds for a local college and a housing program.

KEY WEST FREEDIVER REUNITED WITH A BUOY THAT SAVED HIS LIFE

AKey West man nearly lost at sea has been reunited with one of the buoys that helped save his life. After being stranded on Jan. 26, strong currents pushed Dylan Gartenmayer into an ecological reserve managed by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. He used a knife to cut loose three mooring buoys that kept him afloat until his family found him in near darkness.

The castaway buoys were later found, and on Feb. 7 the sanctuary’s buoy team presented Gartenmayer with a keepsake of his heroic experience. The sanctuary manages a network of more than 900 buoys across more than 140 miles in the Keys.

“Our main purpose for being here and putting these buoys out there is to save the coral reefs from anchor damage. Turns out we saved a human life, and that’s inspiration to keep doing what we’re doing,” said Patrick Vandenabeele of the sanctuary’s Lower Keys buoy team. “We were out there just a few weeks ago. All three of these buoys that he chose to help him float and survive that ordeal were just recently serviced, including one of them that was brand new. Lo and behold, we heard they were missing, and for a good reason.”

— Contributed

On Feb. 1, the Republican governor unveiled a $114.8-billion spending plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which begins July 1. DeSantis’ budget proposal for the coming year is $4.9 billion more than his spending plan for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The Florida Legislature, which has the final say over the state’s budget, approved a $112.1-billion spending plan in March 2022.

DeSantis’ budget proposal includes one of Monroe County’s top priorities for the legislative session — $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. The program enables the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to distribute funds to Keys municipalities and utility agencies for projects that protect valuable water resources and acquire environmentally-sensitive land. Funds support canal restoration and stormwater projects.

With critical Keys programs and projects included in the governor’s budget, legislators say there’s still a long way to go before approval of the funding request.

Monroe County officials are hoping this could be the year that state legislators approve annual funding for the Stewardship Act. Each year, Keys officials and lobbyists fight to get funds included in the budget for the Stewardship Act. Some years have been successful, while others have been lackluster. A bill filed by state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez for the upcoming session would put the Keys program on a pedestal and provide recurring funds, like critical Everglades projects get each year through the state’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund. DeSantis’ budget proposes $478.5 million from the trust fund for Everglades restoration.

In addition to funds for the Stewardship Act, the governor’s budget proposes $20 million in nonrecurring funds to construct housing primarily

to serve moderate-income residents in Monroe County. Funds would come from the State Housing Trust Fund for the State Apartment Incentive Loan program, or SAIL, which provides lowinterest loans on a competitive basis to affordable housing developers each year. Developments in the Florida Keys can use 100 percent of the units for residents with annual household incomes below 120 percent of the state or local median income, whichever is higher.

DeSantis’ budget also includes $7.5 million for the College of the Florida Keys’ operating expenses.

Statewide, the governor proposes a $200-million increase in teacher salaries and $30 million to fund a second round of recruitment bonus payments for law enforcement officers who are new to the profession or relocating from other states. DeSantis is also requesting a base rate hike for correctional officers to $23 per hour.

Permanent sales tax exemptions are also proposed within the governor’s budget for baby and toddler necessities, cribs and strollers and over-the-counter pet medications.

“Florida will fight against federal headwinds by putting forth sound fiscal policies that keep more money in the pockets of Floridians,” DeSantis said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presents a $114.8-billion spending plan on Feb. 1. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/Contributed

Dylan Gartenmayer, second from left, receives his keepsake buoy from Brady Booton, left, Patrick Vandenabeele, Adam Brynes and Benjamin D’Avanzo. FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY/Contributed

Dylan Gartenmayer tied mooring buoys together to stay afloat while stranded

A NEW NOOK FOR THE BOOKS

The Marathon community celebrated a new home for bookworms with the grand opening of the Owl Library and Book Store in Marathon’s Town Square Mall on Feb. 2. As the brainchild of owner Alexia Mann, the new shop offers books, teas, literary novelties – including wrapped “blind dates with a book” – and home goods as well as a “take one, leave one” cart with an ongoing book swap for avid readers. The store’s back room features a multipurpose space intended for future use as a tutoring lounge or group game area, along with selections from Mann’s family collection of historic

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books, some of which date back more than five centuries.

“The big thing with doing this is getting books in people’s hands and showing that we are all connected through history through our literature and shared forms of communication,” said Mann at the opening. “It’s a big deal for little ones to see that and know that hundreds or thousands of years ago, people were still thinking the same things we’re thinking about now.”

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR

Sam Steele

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5055

FEBRUARY

• In observance of Presidents’ Day, all of our offices will be closed on Monday, February 20

• Taxes paid in February will receive a 1% discount

• 2022 real estate and personal property tax reminder bills for unpaid taxes will be mailed out

• Delinquent local business tax reminder bills will be mailed out

• Reminder that mobile home registrations expired on December 31 and are required to be renewed

• As of February 1, 2023, the tax roll is 85% collected, or $312,153,746

• Any property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented

• Please visit our website and follow us on Facebook for helpful information, forms, applications, and important announcements!

IS CASH STILL KING IN THE RESTAURANT BIZ?

OWNERS AND SERVERS COPE WITH INDUSTRY CHANGES

By Mandy Miles and Alex Rickert

We can tap a credit card or our cell phones against an electronic machine. We can slide a plastic card into the black folder restaurant servers present, then sign the slip of paper they bring back to us. Or, we can open that other section of our wallet, extract the appropriate bills and pay for something in cash.

Do people still do that? Pay in cash?

Turns out, yes, plenty of people still use cash, and plenty of service industry workers prefer it, but the rise of digital payment methods has taken a bite out of cash transactions.

“Six in 10 people now say they make ‘only a few’ or no purchases with cash today, nearly double the 32% saying they did so five years ago,” a 2022 Gallup poll revealed.

The increasing use of plastic money — and companies’ promise of “points” for purchases and airline tickets, is taking a slice out of some servers’ tips, depending on a restaurant’s policies.

Some servers, accustomed to having a pocketful of cash at the end of a shift, are now having to wait until the next paycheck to receive tips left by customers on credit cards.

“With so many people using cards these days, some restaurant owners are now putting servers’ credit card tips on their paycheck instead of cashing them out every night,” said Bobby Mongelli, owner of Hogfish Bar & Grill and Roostica Italian restaurant on Stock Island. “Some places don’t keep enough cash on hand to cash out their servers each night.

“I still tip my folks out in cash each night, and have had to make sure we always have enough cash on hand for that,” Mongelli said.

Daily cash from tips has always been one of the draws of the service industry, where adequately tipped workers earn a paltry hourly wage that has long made their weekly or bi-weekly paychecks inconsequential. Those checks have a greater significance when they include at least a week’s worth of credit card tips. It’s delayed gratification for waiters and waitresses unaccustomed to waiting for a paycheck.

Lynn Bell, owner of the Square Grouper restaurants in the Upper and Lower Keys

and My New Joint on Cudjoe Key, said she’ll always ensure that her servers and bartenders are tipped out in cash every night.

“That’s one of the draws of the job, and I’ll never change that, unless the industry forces me to,” she said, adding that she prefers to pay in cash whenever possible, knowing restaurant owners and employees prefer it.

In addition, the escalating fees charged by credit card companies and passed on to consumers have prompted some businesses to charge more for credit card purchases.

to accommodate that,” he said. “There have been a couple times, I’m not going to lie, that we’ve been short, but all we do is say ‘Hey, look, we’re short tonight, but we’ll have the money for you when you come in tomorrow.’”

“These people, that’s how they live,” Maldonado added. “They’re used to walking out with their money. … If you start sitting on the money, then they become suspicious. But you shouldn’t, because that’s their money. That’s kind of how the industry has always done it.”

Maldonado said he eventually could add a credit card surcharge. But he said he’ll “never” take a portion of the credit card fee out of his servers’ tips.

“I just don’t think that’s right,” he said. “I would never even think twice about that.

“When you really get into it and learn about it, (the customers) are saying ‘Yeah, I want to use this card so I can build my points,’ while I’m paying the fees for that. I just think, why should I have to absorb the fees when I do stuff like the veterans discount, the locals discount, and it all adds up at the end of the year.

“Not just the credit card companies, but every vendor and purveyor now adds on the additional fees to anyone who pays with a credit card,” Bell said, adding that she doesn’t withhold the 2% or 3% credit card processing fee from her servers’ tips, even though it is legal to do so in most states.

At her businesses, servers walk out each night with 100% of their credit card and cash tips (minus any agreed-upon tip outs to hosts, busboys or service bartenders).

The same is true in the Middle Keys, where Omar Maldonado is co-owner of the S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key as well as Marathon’s Coast to Coast Pizza Co. Though he said credit cards account for around 90% of his sales, that hasn’t affected his ability to keep servers – specifically because he prioritizes making sure his smaller staff walks out with cash in their pockets on a nightly basis.

“Maybe in some of the bigger restaurants, keeping that cash on hand every night might be a challenge, but we’re really able

“Using round numbers, if you have a million dollars in credit card transactions and on average you’re paying about 2.7% (in fees), that’s $27,000 you’re paying out of your pocket as a restaurant owner.

“The Keys might still be getting a feel for it, but if you get up into the mainland or places like New York and other parts of the country, it’s more prevalent. It’s like, sure, use your credit card, but you’ve got to pay a fee. Once you get a couple of big guys on, I think other people will follow and it will become the norm.”

Amber Klein is the manager of the Island Fish Co. in Marathon, a bustling waterfront venue serving food from breakfast to late dinners. Even as one of the larger venues in Marathon, Klein said the Island prioritizes the importance of nightly payments for its wait staff.

“We have a deposit and then petty cash. If we don’t have enough cash in our deposit, we take it out of petty cash. We give (the tips) to the servers every day and night,” she said. “The cash comes from us or from their tables that paid in cash. They’re never going home without money.”

It has been dubbed the “Chinese Balloon Incident” and continues to dominate headlines for more than a week now. And while most Americans believe the gigantic, white balloon that hovered over the United States was designed for spying on our nation, China has scrambled to control the narrative with a mixture of humor, anger and even a rare moment of concession. The question remains, what exactly were the Chinese surveilling?

Always here to help, and to perhaps set your minds at ease, the Keys Weekly has consulted with some of the top officials in our nation’s security sectors to determine what the balloon might actually have been up to as it wafted 60,000 feet over our nation. Here are our...

10. They wanted a better look at Sam Smith at the Grammy Awards to prove once and for all that all Americans are devils.

9. World’s largest floating fortune cookie.

8. It was an elaborate distraction in an attempt to keep 80 million American TikTok users from realizing The Red Dragon already has every element of their personal information.

THINGS THE CHINESE ‘WEATHER’ BALLOON WAS ACTUALLY DOING

7. It was auditioning for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

6. The balloon is actually the world’s largest gender-reveal balloon, sponsored by the China National Petroleum Company with generous support from the NBA.

5. Come to find out, the conspiracy theorists were right the entire time. There was no moon … it was just one big balloon all along.

4. The Chinese were experimenting with a new method of commercial air travel — that’s more spacious, timely and offers better service than any Americanowned airline.

3. They wanted a better view of Super Bowl LVII.

2. It was trying to cut in line for Jimmy Buffett tickets at the Key West Theater.

1. It was never intended to spy on Americans and was simply a “weather balloon” — just like Fat Albert in the Keys. (wink, wink)

Key West Police upgrade body-worn camera system

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE & KWPD ARE COMMITTED TO TRANSPARENCY

“The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police existence, actions, behavior and the ability of the police to secure and maintain public respect.” — Sir Robert Peel, founder of the London Metropolitan Police Force,1829

Regarded as the father of modern policing, Peel developed the above statement, in what is still taught today in law enforcement leadership training as one of the “nine principles of law enforcement.”

Fast forward to 2023, and public perception of officers’ actions has come under scrutiny in the wake of several interactions between police and public, whether it be a routine traffic stop or a physical altercation resulting in the death of a suspect or officer.

Most recently, in the case of Tyre Nichols, a young black man was brutally and fatally beaten at the hands of five black Memphis police officers in January 2023. The episode was recorded by a streetmounted surveillance camera and on the officers’ own body-worn cameras (BWC). The Nichols case is the latest to continue fanning the outrage of a national debate over law enforcement officers’ use of force.

While the Nichols murder is still an ongoing investigation, BWC video released to the public clearly shows the five, now fired and criminally charged officers, in their overt actions and inaction. Those officers are being held accountable because of modern technology that Peel could never have dreamed of, in what can best be truncated to a single descriptor: “transparency.”

The Key West Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office have long been

proponents of the BWC’s ability to enhance public transparency, efficiently address citizen complaints by corroborating the facts of a police/citizen encounter and identify training opportunities to improve law enforcement services.

The Key West Police Department recently stepped up its game with regard to officer accountability and service to the community. The department has invested $1.5 million in a new BWC platform that nearly eliminates the chance for human error and effectively allows an officer to concentrate on critical situations instead of having to manually fumble around to activate their camera — yet another piece of equipment on an already cumbersome uniform laden with accessories.

Key West Police Sgt. Joseph Stockon, in charge of Internal Affairs and Professional Standards among other duties, spearheaded the upgrade that so far has been rolled out to 80% of the department, including road patrol officers and detectives.

COVID relief funds earmarked for law enforcement paid for the upgrade.

“The package included 103 BWCs, 103 Tasers, 20 in-car camera systems with front and rear recording capabilities and two state-of-the art interview rooms with audio/video capabilities,” Stockton said.

Training in the nuances of such an upgrade is essential and the purchase of the new platform includes the certification of five in-house master instructors and five instructors to bring officers up to speed with this latest advancement.

Among seasoned law enforcement officers, old habits can die hard, but in the case of this new and innovative technology, “buyin” has been successful, Stockton said.

“It’s been a pretty smooth transition in going to this different platform. Every officer goes through eight hours of in-person training to become familiar with transition drills, the nomenclature and the individual characteristics of the device,” he said.

While an officer can still manually activate their BWC, the “transition drills” to which Stockton refers involve an officer drawing their new model Taser or their gun.

All the new Tasers and each officer’s gun holster are now equipped with a dedicated sensor that automatically activates the officer’s BWC when either weapon is drawn.

Moreover, and most impressively, at the same time, any BWC or in-car video system within a 35- to 50-foot radius is also activated at the same time, preserving valuable evidence about police and civilian conduct during an incident. In short, depending on the number of officers on a particular scene, multiple angles of the encounter will be recorded for eventual evaluation and evidence purposes.

In addition, some command officers up to and including Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg, will have the ability to patch into an ongoing situation, if needed, in real time during critical incidents.

“This new platform also syncs all camera footage in real time,” Brandenburg said. “Officers used to have to come into the station and wait for their footage to download, which was timeconsuming and frustrating. Now, the patrol cars are equipped with their own mobile hotspot routers. It’s become much more effective and efficient, and the officers don’t have to think about turning on their cameras.”

Although he’s been dead nearly 173 years, Peel would likely have approved of the Key West Police Department capitalizing on these technological advancements to “secure and maintain public respect.”

The Key West Police Department recently upgraded its body-worn and in-car cameras so they’re automatically activated whenever an officer — or one within 50 feet — draws their Taser or gun. TOM WALKER/Keys Weekly

RETIRING

Boy Scout Troop 901’s blaze was large enough to fully burn dozens of flags –a requirement for a respectful retirement. CONTRIBUTED

On Feb. 3, scouts and leaders from Marathon’s Boy Scout Troop 901 were joined by Cub Scouts from Marathon’s Pack 901, city officials and residents to respectfully retire more than 700 United States flags behind Marathon City Hall. As part of the ceremony, attendees were treated to a short history of the flag and its various iterations throughout the country’s history.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the procedure for retiring wornout flags by respectfully burning them was established via a resolution passed by the American Legion in 1937.

Cub Scouts, their leaders and city officials gather for a post-ceremony photo.

Scouts and leaders from Boy Scout Troop 901. From left: Justin Sifford, Wyatt Sifford, Giovanni Senmartin, Mark Senmartin, Arjen Holdinga.

Marathon to play host to Cirque Ma’Ceo next weekend

Think along the lines of Cirque du Soleil. Then add horses. Audiences entering the black-and-white Italian-designed circus tent on the green next to San Pablo Catholic Church next weekend are set to be dazzled by an equestrian spectacle as they take in Cirque Ma’Ceo, running from Friday to Sunday, Feb. 17 to 19.

Described as “where hoof-beats and heartbeats become one,” the show is designed to transport viewers back in time to the roots of festive gypsy life as acrobatic feats, aerial dancing and exotic horses blend together in a sensory spectacle.

Owner and director Olissio Zoppe is a ninth-generation equestrian performer who traces his roots to two Italian equestrian circus families.

“It’s about a 200-year history of performing with horses,” he told Keys Weekly. “The word ‘Ma’Ceo’ is a Latin name that translates to ‘gift of God,’ and we use that in reference to the horses because they’re such a magnificent animal, such a gift.”

A performer since the age of 4, Zoppe lists appearances in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Cheval Theatre, Circus Flora and Big Apple Circus on his resume, but eventually elected to create his own show by adding other disciplines to his family’s own bareback riding act. These include Russian Cossack riding – stunt work on a galloping horse that traces its origins to military riding – along with classical dressage and “liberty” performances, in which horses roam free within the ring while taking direction from their trainers.

And while it’s easy to see the tent and call the event a “circus,” Zoppe explained that his show is “more of a refined art form.”

“It’s a very intimate atmosphere … where you really get a chance to appreciate the training and the effort that goes into it,” he said. “You really understand, because you’re so close, what’s going on between the horse, the rider and the artist in the air, and the difficulty that it takes to do those feats.”

As a former animal trainer interviewing Zoppe, his description of Cirque Ma’Ceo’s training philosophy with such powerful, intelligent animals is refreshing to hear in an industry often criticized, fairly or not, for its methods.

“All animals are their own individuals,” he told the Weekly.

“Some horses are more brave, some are a bit more skittish. But typically it’s built on trust, love, and the horse liking what he’s doing and enjoying the interaction.

“It definitely has to be based on a lot of positive reinforcement and, over all, time. Our horses live with us, they travel with us, and when we come home from tour we live on the same property and I take care of them. We’re just this constant presence in their life.”

The 90-minute performances run at 7 p.m. on Friday, 5 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, with a possible matinee on Friday depending on demand. Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children in mezzanine seating, while ringside VIP seats for $60 include a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with the artists and horses. Tickets are available at cirquemaceo.com

Acrobats, equestrians, fire dancers and exotic horses will light up the ring as Cirque Ma’Ceo visits Marathon next weekend. CIRQUE MA’CEO/Contributed

... 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.

Sunday morning I was drinking coffee on my back porch when I heard it: the manic, cartoon villain call of a red-bellied woodpecker. He was up there behind all the green somewhere, his zygodactyl toes – toes that reach both forward and backward – casually gripping the bark as he worked his way around one of the branches. Intermittently I could hear the thock, thock, thock of him smashing his face into the tree as he dug for bugs and grubs and other one-syllable forms of protein.

I wondered what I often wonder when around a woodpecker – how many times does he have to smash his face into a tree to live his best life? Is it hard? Is it monotonous? Is there a sense of reward and accomplishment in the act beyond the caloric? Does he ever wake up and say to himself, “Man, I don’t know if I can smash my face into a tree all day again today”?

I get exhausted just thinking about it. I mean, if I smash my face into a tree just once I’m done for the day.

Later in the day I picked up a slim volume from the library that my wife had left on the coffee table – a Nick Hornby book entitled “Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius.”

At first, it seemed an odd pairing of subjects – Charles Dickens, the Victorian novelist, and Prince, the 20th century multi-instrumental mononymous musician. I worried that it was juxtaposition for juxtapositions sake, but Hornby made a pretty good case for why you could link them as subjects.

Both grew up poor and spent part of their teens borderline homeless. Both were self taught. Both were some of the biggest stars in their field during their lifetimes. Both had a lot of messy romantic entanglements. Both felt they got the short end of the symbiotic stick in the way their industries profited off of them. Both hit it big when they were 24. Both died when they were 58.

At 159 pages, it is a fun and fast read and, like most of what Hornby writes, sneakily poignant. It is somewhat ironic the book is so short, considering it’s mostly concerned with the sheer volume of significant work that both artists produced.

NOTHING COMPARES 2 WOODPECKERS

Dickens published 14 novels and at least 35 novellas during his lifetime – among them A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, Great Expectations, and Bleak House – totaling something around 4 million words. Nearly all his novels are still in print. He also wrote a good bit of journalism. Plus thousands of letters. And he edited a number of different magazines.

(Fun fact with a local connection: Household Words, the journal that William Hackley often mentioned reading in his 19th century diaries that are housed in our library, was edited by Dickens.)

Prince released between 27 and 55 albums during his lifetime, depending on what you consider to be a Prince album – among them 1999, Purple Rain, Sign ‘ ’ the Times, Lovesexy, the Batman soundtrack. He also wrote most of the music for the bands he produced (Vanity 6, Apollonia 6, The Time). Plus songs he wrote and gave to other musicians (Sinead O’Connor, The Bangles, Sheila E). Plus the estimated 5,000 to 8,000 (!) songs he recorded and did not release — enough, as Hornby put it, to put out “a ten-song album every six months for the next three or four hundred years.” When the boxed set of Sign ‘ ’ the Times came out, it came with an additional 63 tracks that didn’t make the original double album.

As someone who struggles to crank out a 900-word column every week, I’m amazed at how the work just flowed from both of them. I also found it somewhat overwhelming. Trying to understand how they could produce as much as they did is almost as exhausting as trying to figure out what it’s like for a woodpecker to smash his face into a tree all day.

Woodpeckers are, of course, purpose built, or at least purpose evolved, for their lives.

A red-bellied woodpecker pecks at the trunk of a tree at roughly 15 mph. They get away with doing it all day largely due to a number of adaptations. While their upper mandible

is fused to their skull, it is connected by a somewhat spongey segment of bone, thus absorbing some of the impact. And their lower mandible is slightly longer, hitting the tree first, and absorbing even more of the impact through the moveable half of their bill. And their brains are oriented to take frontal impact, unlike humans, which are designed to take vertical impact, such as running or jumping. Also, as David Sibley points out, woodpeckers’ brains “don’t weigh very much.”

Woodpeckers don’t just dumbly smack their heads into trees. Sometimes they do it as loudly as possible to attract a mate. (This is why they are big fans of amplifiers such as hollow trees and aluminum siding.) Sometimes they do it to excavate a cavity for a nest. But on a day-to-day basis, they mostly do it to feed.

When feeding, the banging is largely done to work with their other weird adaptation –their tongue, which is usually about three times the length of their bill, so long that most woodpecker tongues, when retracted, wrap around the back of their skull and their eyeball. The red-belly’s tongue also has a barb at the end, which is used to rake the bugs and grubs they find out of the holes they peck.

As every tree they scour is different, every acorn or seed they need to crack open is different, who’s to say that their head banging doesn’t have as much nuance as some of the fundamental repetitions of the art world – the stroke of a pen or a typewriter key, the pluck of a guitar string, the bang of a stick on a drum, the arc of a pencil.

Maybe it’s an art we don’t understand yet. Maybe the Prince or the Charles Dickens of the woodpecker world is out there right now, outpacing her peers in ways we can’t even fathom, creating work that would be doubly exhausting if we had the slightest clue how to understand it.

A red-bellied woodpecker feeding on a tree in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

SUPER BOWL LVII PROP BETS OR, 50 WAYS TO LOSE YOUR MONEY

At an Arlo Guthrie concert in Key West years ago, Arlo made a comment onstage about the Super Bowl; Philadelphia and New England played that year. Needless to say, this provoked a litany of audience responses from “Go Eagles!” to “Go Patriots!” to “Go (insert your favorite team name here)!” Not being a fan of the then too-often recurring AFC Champion, I offered up, “Anyone but the Patriots!”

My outburst got a tiny amount of applause … and then a stern look from Arlo Guthrie himself, who replied, “Son, you do know you have a stage full of Massachusetts people here?”

Properly chastised, I went back into the role of happy concert-goer and music fan. Seeing as this Sunday is Super Sunday LVII (maybe we should just use regular numbers after this), however, I’ve compiled a list of prop bets. These are things a person can actually place a bet on (but only in properly licensed gaming establishments and sports books, as our attorneys have advised us to say).

Here is the first, complete with odds: How long will it take for Chris Stapleton to sing the national anthem? Depending upon the betting service, the over/under for country star Stapleton to sing the anthem at Super Bowl 57 is set anywhere from 119.5 to 125 seconds. Yes, you can place a bet on that.

In a related bet, you can actually wager on whether any scoring drive will take less time than it takes to sing the national anthem.

The coin toss is a popular prop bet, but heads or tails is a 50-50 chance, and there are no odds or any particular research that will improve your chances.

If you’ve been following the coverage, you’ll know that this is the first Super Bowl where brothers will face off on opposing teams. You can place a (stupid) bet on whether both Kelce brothers will score (odds at +15,000). Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is very likely to score. Eagles center Jason Kelce is not, unless he recovers a fumble in the end zone. It’s a good bet only if you want to say goodbye to your hard-earned cash.

Which commercial will play first? This year, the contest is between Doritos and M&Ms. With the stupid “woke” controversy and new spokesperson Maya Rudolph, M&Ms might have an incentive to be first out of the gate. Doritos, however, remain the favorite.

An interesting bet is whether a player will score an octopus. An octo-

pus is where the player that scored a touchdown then scores the follow-up two-point conversion. Let’s look at the unlikely odds. 1) Two-point conversions are attempted after less than 10% of touchdowns. 2) They’re successful about 50% of the time.

3) It’s extremely unlikely that the quarterback will go to the same player who just scored the TD. Still, if you take the Yes bet, $100 will win you $650.

The halftime show offers a few prop bets as well. Rihanna is taking the stage for the first time in five years, and you can wager on a few things — what song she’ll sing first, will anyone famous accompany her as a surprise guest, and how many songs she will fit in. The over/under for that is 9.5 songs. You can also bet on what color her (first) outfit will be — black is the favorite at +125.

You can place a bet on the color of the Gatorade bath the winning coach will endure. Orange used to be the favorite, but blue was the color in the past two Super Bowls. Here are the latest odds: orange +350; yellow-green and blue +400; red-pink +450; clear/ water +500; purple +750; and no Gatorade bath +1,000.

Let’s not forget the eventual Super Bowl MVP. That fortunate individual will get to make a speech. There are odds on who the MVP will thank first. Really. Teammates are the favorite at -135; God comes in second at +150; home city odds are +900; family is +1,200; coach is +1,500; owner is +3,000. And there is a bet you can place where the MVP mentions none of these.

Now that you have this list of possible ways to part with your hardearned cash, you are surely ready for anything in Super Bowl LVII. Except maybe the commercials…

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

SPORTS & MORE

THE MOVIES & TOM BRADY

My friend Bill and I headed to the movies the other night to see “80 for Brady.”

As sports — and comedy — fans, we enjoyed it very much.

The movie is very funny, and, as stated in the credits, is based on a true story. I won’t divulge too much of the plot, though it didn’t take long to discern the true-story parts.

The four actresses are unmistakable, at least for anyone over a certain age: Sally Field, Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. And no matter your age, you’ll be able to name the athlete in the title: Tom Brady, longtime quarterback for the New England Patriots and more recently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The four women, of course, are veteran actresses and play their parts, whether humorous or dramatic, to perfection.

I doubt the film or its stars will be up for any Oscars, but they all made me laugh and caught me by surprise with their serious sides. Likewise for the former quarterback. Several other athletes played themselves, while actors played several others. Harry Hamlin did well in the humorous part of the story,

Bill and I enjoyed ourselves. As we were leaving the theater, he asked me which woman I enjoyed the most. I couldn’t decide at the time, but I can now. It was Tomlin, whose part called for her to play both comedic and serious roles.

RALPH MORROW

... a veteran sports columnist, says the only sport he doesn’t follow is cricket. That leaves plenty of others to fill his time.

ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

The theme of the movie is four Boston women (80 years old, of course) who are infatuated with Brady (while he was with the New England Patriots). The women are often dressed in Brady’s Patriots jerseys. They decide to go to the Super Bowl, which will be held that year in Houston. They’re short on funds to purchase tickets, but one of the women wins four tickets in a radio giveaway. Of course, there are multiple problems and issues.

THE NEW NFL PRO BOWL that was held over last weekend didn’t do much for me, though I did root for the American Football Conference (AFC), so I must have had some feelings for the conference that includes the Miami Dolphins. The NFC won this year’s Pro Bowl flag football game, which gave that conference the overall title.

For several years, the NFL has been trying to find an alternative to having the all-stars from one conference playing the all-stars from the other conference in a real game that jeopardized players’ health and career longevity. The game had become a watered-down, soft version of football with players barely touching each other and called it tackling. So the NFL reinvented the Pro Bowl.

“The players on the winning team in the 2023 Pro Bowl received $84,000 for their efforts, per Mark Ross of Athlon Sports. That marks the highest Pro Bowl winner’s share in NFL history and is more than the loser of the Super Bowl will make in game checks ($82,000 per player).

Meanwhile, the losers’ Pro Bowl share is also as lucrative as it has ever been and was worth $42,000 per player,” according to sportingnews.com,

ON FEB. 2, outstanding basketball player Kyrie Irving announced he wanted to be traded, as Brooklyn wouldn’t give him a long-term contract. It didn’t take long. On Feb. 5, the highly talented — but low on loyalty — player was traded to Dallas along with several players going both ways.

Until next week…

Paramount Pictures’ ‘80 for Brady’ stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Morena and Sally Field. BROADWAY WORLD/Wikipedia

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

JOHN BARTUS

City of Marathon City Council Agenda

9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 4:30 P.M.

(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)

Public Comments taken on all times and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter of after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

City Council Items

*A. Approval of Minutes

B. KEYS100 Ultramarathon--May 20-21, 2023 Request

C. Local Contacts for Vacation Rentals Discussion (Mayor Gonzalez)

D. Shriners Annual Paper Drive Request For February 18th (Smith)

City Manager Report

*A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report

*B. Grants Update

*C. Building Report

*D. Park and Recreation Report

*E. Marathon Fire Rescue Report

*F. Marina Report

*G. Code Report

*H. Wastewater Utilities Report

*I. Public Works Report

J. Discussion Of Recommended Procedures To Implement Charitable Donations

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings:

A. Resolution 2023-13, Consideration Of A Request For A Conditional Use Permit For A Preliminary Plat And Site Plan Approval As Submitted By La Palma 101 Inc For A

Plat Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 10 And Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (LDRs) Entitled “Subdivision Of Land/Plats And Re-Plats,” And “Conditional Use Permits” Respectively, Particularly, 400-800 101 And 104th Street Which Is Described As Part Of Government Lot 2, And Adjacent Bay Bottom, Section 6, Township 66S, Range 33E, Key Vaca, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00104460-000100 And 00104460-000000. Nearest Mile Marker 52.

B. Resolution 2023-14, A Request For A Conditional Use

Permit And Preliminary Plat Approval Pursuant To Chapter 102 Article 10 And Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (LDRs) Entitled “Subdivision Of Land/Plats And Re-Plats,” And “Conditional Use Permits” Respectively, For A Plat And Site Plan Approval As Submitted by Vaca Homes, LLC. Located At 11901 Overseas Highway; Which Is Legally Described As Part Of Lot 3 South Of Overseas Highway, Section 5, Township 66 South, Range 33, Fat Deer Key, Monroe County, Florida; Having Real Estate Number 00100740-000000, Nearest Mile Marker 53.

Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment

A. Ordinance 2023-01, Amending The City’s Code Of Ordinances, Chapter 26, “Streets, Sidewalks, And Other Public Places.” In Order To Modify A Portion Of The Chapter, To Add A New Article IV, And Renumber Articles And Sections; Accordingly, And Providing For An Effective Date.

Ordinances For First Public Hearing

A. Ordinance 2023-02, Amending The City’s Land Development Regulations, Chapter 104, “Specific Use Regulations,” Article 1, “General Provisions,” Section 104.64, “Waterfront Walkways And Docks:”; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Economic Opportunity After Final Adoption By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.

B. Ordinance 2023-03, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter Seven, “Transportation Element,” And Intending To Modify Policies 7-3.1.1 Through 7-3.1.3, “Ensure Consistency With The Plan,” “Protect Environmentally Sensitive Lands,” And “Protect The Airport Hammock Buffer,” Respectively, Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Economic Opportunity After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.

C. Ordinance 2023-04, Amending Chapter 102, Article 13, Entitled “Conditional Use Permits''; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; And Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances, City Of Marathon, Florida; And Providing For An Effective Date.

Resolutions For Adoption

Economic Opportunity, And Boat Works Investments LLC Concerning The Project Known As Boatworks; And Providing For An Effective Date

*B. Resolution 2023-15, Approving The Settlement Of The Litigation Styled Keys RV Mobile Home Condominium Association Inc. Vs. City Of Marathon, Case No. 2020-CA-000097m In The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit; Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Execute The Settlement Agreement And Any Additional Documents Related To The Settlement; Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Take All Actions Necessary To Implement The Terms And Conditions Of The Settlement Agreement; To Execute And File All Required Documents With The Court To Conclude The Litigation; And Providing For An Effective Date

*C. Resolution 2023-16, Approving Grant Agreement ID 22PLN65 Between The City And Florida Department of Environmental Protection For a Citywide Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan; Appropriating Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date

D. Resolution 2023-17, Approving Subject to Conditions, A Request by Thomas Morris to Abandon The Public Right Of Way Located at 11134 3rd Ave, Described As Being Adjacent To Unnumbered Parcel, Lot 10, Little Venice, Marathon, Having Real Estate Number 00344200-000000. Nearest Mile Marker 53; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*E. Resolution 2023-18, Approving an Amendment to the Emergency Professional Services Agreement with Early Alert, Inc. For Disaster Response Services by Extending the Term of the Agreement to and Through May 29, 2025; Appropriating Funds; and Providing for an Effective Date

*F. Resolution 2023-19, Expressing The Council’s Support For The Efforts Of The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority To Situate A Reverse Osmosis Plant In Or Near Marathon, Florida; Providing For An Effective Date

*G. Resolution 2023-20, Authorizing The Purchase Of Pro-Flow Yellow Hose For Emergency Replacement on Apparatus In An Amount Not To Exceed $37,650.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Appropriate Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*H. Resolution 2023-21, Approving Change Order #2 To The Contract With Reynolds Construction In An Amount Not To Exceed $30,303.40 For The Addition Of Piping Access Points, Platform Improvements, Additional Coatings, And A Signal Converter; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*I. Resolution 2023-22, Approving The Extension Of The Work Authorization Agreement Between The City Of Marathon And Noe Martinez An Additional Six Months; Providing For A Termination Date; Providing For An Effective Date

*J. Resolution 2023-23, Approving A Letter To The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary And NOAA National Ocean Service To Be Signed By The Mayor Requesting Increased Funding Levels For The Program And Site With The Pending Final Approval Of The Restoration Blueprint; Providing For And Effective Date; And Providing For Transferal Of The Resolution And Letter To NOAA And Other Interested Parties.

*K. Resolution 2023-24, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With Live Flyer, Inc. For Cleaning And Inspection Of The Boot Key Harbor City Marina Mooring Field In An Annual Amount Not To Exceed $49,883; And Providing For An Effective Date

*L.Resolution 2023-25, Approving A Revision To The Professional Services Agreement Between The City Of Marathon And The Firm Of MT Causley, LLC To Provide Building Application Review Services; Providing For Necessary Building Department Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date

*M. Resolution 2023-26, Approving And Accepting A Grant Agreement Between The City And The Department Of Economic Opportunity In The Amount Of $1,300,000.00 For The Florida Job Growth Infrastructure Grant Agreement; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*A. Resolution 2023-12, Approving A Resolution And Settlement Agreement Between The Parties Identified As The City Of Marathon, Florida, The Florida Department Of Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

KEYS WEEKLY

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Marathon senior Abrianna Marshall. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly

ABRIANNA MARSHALL

Marathon head

Marathon senior Abrianna Marshall has been an integral part of the Lady Fins’ basketball team since middle school, and her long reign of success is no accident. Marshall works year-round honing her hoop skills on her own, with the Dolphins and on travel teams. This season, Marshall averaged 15.2 points, 8 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game, making her a threat on both offense and defense.

Head coach Andra Garvey described her as “a great leader,” adding, “She takes initiative, she is a motivator, and she has a passion for the game.”

That leadership and motivation helped elevate the Fins to a winning record, a district semifinal appearance and county bragging rights with wins against both Coral Shores and Key West this year. For her solid skills, exceptional work ethic and oncourt leadership, Marathon’s Abrianna Marshall is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“She can score on any team that she faces and won’t back down from any opponent. She has a will to win.”

–

coach Andra Garvey

Marathon coaches Jessie Schubert, left, and Michelle James, right, with the Dolphins’ six medalists from the Feb. 4 FHSAA 1A Region 4 Championships. From left: Sierra Earnhardt and Nicole Merryman with state qualifiers Allie Brabenec, Ella Dunn, Mikkel Ross and Justice Lee. AMANDA LEE/Contributed

KEYS LIFTERS STATES-BOUND

Eight athletes advance to state championship on Feb. 18

Keys schools represented Monroe County in style on Feb. 4 at their respective regional championship meets. Multiple lifters qualified for the state competition, with several bringing home some hardware.

Marathon and Coral Shores spent the day in Lemon Bay at the FHSAA 1A regional competition, where Marathon finished in fourth place in the traditional event and fifth in Olympic style lifts.

Coral Shores came in eighth and ninth in the same categories. Key West’s trip was a little closer as they traveled to the 2A championships at Archbishop McCarthy High School, where the Conchs placed seventh in traditional scoring.

Multiple athletes won the chance to compete for a state championship by lifting enough weight to qualify for at-large spots in their weight classes.

Marathon’s Allie Brabenec won second-place medals in both the

Olympic and traditional styles in the 110-pound weight class and will travel to Polk County on Feb. 18 to represent the Dolphins. Brabenec is ranked in the top 10 for both events and has a strong chance to bring a state medal back to Marathon.

Teammate Mikkel Ross won a second-place medal in Olympic events in the 129-pound class. Joining them will be Ella Dunn (101) and Justice Lee (169). All four Fins earned spots to compete in both styles of lifts. Like Brabenec, Lee is ranked in the top 10 in Olympic lifts and stands a very good chance to medal at states.

Coral Shores’ Lily Hitchcock.

MHS’ Justice Lee won third place in the 169-pound class for Olympic style lifts. Lee also medaled in traditional lifts. AMANDA LEE/ Key West’s Valerie Thene with her third-place medal. Thene qualified for the FHSAA 2A State Championships in Polk City. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Coral Shores had two athletes advance to the state event. Valentina Rizzo (101) will compete in the Olympic events where she is ranked in the top 10. She will have some company with Lily Hitchcock (139) qualifying in traditional lifts and Vanessa Gabriel (unlimited) in Olympic lifts.

Key West’s Valerie Thene (119) brought a third-place regional medal home to the southernmost school. Thene will represent Key West in both events and is ranked in the top 10 in Olympic lifting, giving the Conchs hope for earning a state medal.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

PALMER TRINITY PLAYS POSTSEASON VILLAIN FOR KEYS SOCCER SQUADS

Key West boys are lone remaining team in the postseason

After receiving a bye in the quarterfinals, the Key West Lady Conchs lost to MAST Academy on Jan. 26 in the FHSAA District 16 4A semifinals. Key West ended its season with a 10-7 record and looks strong for 2024, despite graduating five seniors this year.

Marathon’s Lady Fins enjoyed their first winning season in six years, going 8-7 with a quarterfinal win against Somerset Silver Palms. Palmer Trinity ended their season when the Lady Fins suffered an 8-0 loss to the Falcons on Jan. 30. The winning is unlikely to end for Marathon next year, as they will lose just two seniors and return their top six scorers, including FHSAA 3A District 16 scoring leader Rain Banks.

Coral Shores junior Robert Tempkin scored the lone goal in the Hurricanes’ semifinal win against Somerset Silver Palms on Jan. 27. TRACY

MCDONALD/Keys Weekly

The Coral Shores Lady ’Canes won their district semifinal match against Somerset South Homestead on Jan. 30. Sophia Jans, Kai Redruello and Grace Goodwin each scored one goal in the 3-2 victory, earning Coral Shores a chance at the FHSAA District 16 Championship. In the big game on Feb. 1, Palmer Trinity came away with the win, defeating the Hurricanes 8-0 and ending a highly successful season for Coral Shoes. The district runner-up team managed an impressive 10-5 record. Even with eight seniors graduating this year, Coral Shores looks to have a solid base to build from in 2024.

On the boys side, Key West lost a heartbreaker to St. Brendan on Jan. 30 in their district semifinal match. The Conchs fell to the Sabres 1-0, but Key West’s power ranking was strong enough to qualify them for an at-large playoff berth. The 11-4-2 Conchs played MAST Academy on Feb. 8 in the regional quarterfinals, placing them within three games of the state championship match. Results from the game were not yet available at press time.

Marathon’s boys worked up a late-season run, including a win against Keys Gate in the quarterfinals, earning them a semifinal matchup on Jan. 27. A familiar foe took the Fins out of contention this year as Marathon lost to Palmer 8-0. The Dolphins will keep a good portion of their core, losing just four seniors from their roster. The Fins racked up a winning record, going 10-9 on the season.

Coral Shores did not post a winning record this season, but the ’Canes peaked at the right time, cruising to a win over Somerset South Homestead in the district quarterfinals and managing to come away with a W in a hard-fought battle against Silver Palms on Jan. 27. Robert Temkin scored the lone goal of the match, sending his team to the district championship game on Jan. 31. It would be none other than Palmer Trinity that took the win, defeating the ’Canes 6-0 in the championship game. The 6-7-1 Hurricanes will lose seven seniors from their roster next season, but with their deep bench, the district runner-up team looks to be strong again in 2024.

’CANES BOYS BASKETBALL STAYS UNBEATEN IN ’23

Coral Shores stretches win streak to 11 with playoffs starting

The Coral Shores machine just keeps on winning. The 17-5 ’Canes have not lost in 2023, with their latest win a decisive 6028 victory over Marathon to close out their regular season on Feb. 3. Coral Shores received a bye for the first round of the playoffs and beat Palmer in the quarterfinals, 63-33, on Feb. 7

Marathon is slated to play Somerset Silver Palms for their opening district playoff matchup. The Stallions of Silver Palms narrowly defeated Marathon by 3 points on Dec. 1, making for an exciting rematch.

Key West basketball’s regular season ended on Feb. 4 with an overtime 76-73 loss to Palmer Trinity. The 4-18 Conchs faced LaSalle in the opening round of FHSAA District 16 4A playoff action on Feb. 7.

The Lady Fins of Marathon were the lone team to advance past the first round of their postseason tournament bracket. While Coral Shores and Key West suffered season-ending defeats to Somerset Academy South Homestead and Killian, respectively, on Jan. 31, Marathon defeated Westminster Christian 57-46 on the same day before falling to top-seeded Somerset Academy Silver Palms, 76-33, the following day.

Isaac Holmes, left, and the Coral Shores Hurricanes have yet to lose a game in 2023. DOUG

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

TAUGHT BY THOMPSON

Keys kids participate in football clinic with NFL players, local legends

NFL tight end and camp director Colin Thompson addresses camp staff before the first set of drills on Feb. 4.

Youth in Key West and the Lower Keys enjoyed a preseason football camp on Feb. 4 at Truman Waterfront Park. NFL free agent and former Carolina Panthers tight end Colin Thompson headed the clinic, which was offered free of charge to Keys kids interested in improving their football skills. Thompson was joined by fellow NFL tight ends Ian Thomas and Stephen Sullivan, linebacker Brandon Chubb and Carolina Panthers offensive assistant coach Jody Owens. Joining the Panthers’ crew were Key West’s own Mekhi Sargent, running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and fellow former Key West football standouts Alvin Howard, Dorian Cannon, Zach Hughes and Carson Hughes.

The day campers participated in a variety of drills and stations, focusing on perfecting techniques in blocking, running, evasive moves, catching and other nuances of the game.

Thompson’s family has vacationed in the Keys for years and now runs several businesses in Key West. He said his family has felt so welcome that he offered the camp to give back to a community that he has grown to love.

OFF TO THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL

3 Hurricanes sign letters to continue football & swimming careers

Above: Coral Shores swimmer Corley Smith announces her intent to continue her swimming career at ClaremontMudd-Scripps College in California. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Top right: Coral Shores standout defensive tackle Xayver Arrington dons a U.S. Naval Academy hat after announcing that he signed a letter of intent to continue his football career.

Bottom right: Coral Shores offensive tackle John Holly, left, announces his letter of intent to attend Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi during National Signing Day.

Three Coral Shores senior standout athletes are taking their talents to the collegiate level. With family, friends, coaches and high school students in attendance, swimming sensation Corley Smith, defensive tackle Xayver Arrington and offensive tackle John Holly signed their names to national letters of intent and donned school attire to show where they’ll be playing at National Signing Day on Feb. 2.

Smith is a distance specialist who represented the ’Canes at states in the 200 and 500 freestyle individual events, as well as swimming a leg on the Coral Shores 200 freestyle relay team. She’s also the reigning champ of the 8-mile Swim to Alligator Lighthouse. She’ll attend Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College in California in the fall.

Dubbed the Iron Man of the ’Canes, Holly’s ability to pull and run for downfield blocks enabled the Coral Shores offense to be successful. The 6-foot-5-inch 285-pound senior tackle anchored the Coral Shores offensive line. Holly will play at Holmes Community College in Mississippi.

Arrington is a recognizable force the moment he steps onto the field. His incredible stats speak for themselves: Arrington, who’s set to play at the U.S. Naval Academy, amassed 64 tackles, 23 of them for a loss, plus 19 assists, 19.5 sacks, one touchdown, one fumble recovery, 28 pressures, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, three blocked punts and two blocked PATs.

— Keys Weekly staff report

MEDICAL ARTS IN MARATHON

Baptist celebrates groundbreaking on new home for physicians and specialists

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

On Feb. 1, community leaders gathered with officials from Baptist Health South Florida for the groundbreaking on the health care system’s new medical arts building next to Fishermen’s Community Hospital.

Built on the site of the old Marathon library, acquired by Baptist from Monroe County in exchange for the land where the new Marathon library branch now stands, the 10,000-square-foot facility is set to house primary care physicians in addition to specialty services like general surgery, orthopedics, gastroenterology and urology; rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others; and an expanded infusion therapy center.

“The new facility we have planned for this space will complete our vision to make Fishermen’s a one-stop all-inclusive medical and wellness campus,” CEO Drew Grossman said at the groundbreaking. “The new building will allow us to expand the number of medical oncology infusion therapy rooms from three to five, helping our local residents avoid long drives to receive chemotherapy.”

Local speakers included Baptist Health board of trustees chair Jay Hershoff and Fishermen’s Community Hospital board chair Peter Chapman, who both applauded Baptist’s continued commitment to the Marathon community after Hurricane Irma dealt massive damage to the campus recently acquired by the health care provider. Nearly every speaker lauded philanthropist Jane Packard, who spearheaded community support for the hospital’s rebuild as Baptist operated out of a modular facility from 2018 to 2021.

“She’s a secret weapon down here, the way she’s been … tirelessly campaigning, raising money and trying to get people to un-

derstand how hard we’ve worked to get to this day,” said Hershoff.

In an interview with Keys Weekly on Feb. 7, Grossman was clear that construction of the new $11.5 million facility is entirely separate from the special taxing district debated by Marathon residents and officials alike since its inception in 2018.

“This investment in building this medical arts building has nothing to do with saying, ‘Look what we’re doing, we still need to have the taxes,’” he said. “This is strictly capital from our corporate, who is very supportive because they knew we wanted to build the all-inclusive campus. … (The tax money) is never for bricks and mortar. That’s for the uninsured and underinsured.”

Grossman is no stranger to questions at local business and philanthropic organizations’ gatherings about the omission of prenatal and pediatric care from the hospital’s offerings. He told the Weekly that while these services are not part of Fishermen’s plan as a critical access hospital, the facility is still equipped to care for children and expecting mothers on an emergency basis, and the addition of the new building will still address a large quotient of Baptist’s Keys patients.

With the initial opening of the main building at Fishermen’s, Grossman said Baptist expected about a 15 percent or 20 percent shift in cases back to Marathon for patients who formerly traveled to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier for consultations, treatment and surgeries. However, with the opening of the new arts building and a dedicated space for infusion therapy, “we’re seeing probably a good 300-plus cases will increase in the first year or so.”

The new building is slated for completion in 2024.

A rendering of the entrance to the new medical arts facility. BAPTIST HEALTH/Contributed

Baptist officials conduct a ceremonial groundbreaking. From left: Alex Villoch, Baptist Health Foundation CEO; Peter Chapman, Baptist Health Fishermen’s Community Hospital board of directors chair; Jay Hershoff, Baptist Health board of trustees chair; Drew Grossman, Baptist Health Fishermen’s Community Hospital and Mariners Hospital CEO; Jane Packard, Baptist Health Foundation Council chair; Glenn Waters, Baptist Health Chief Operating Officer; Joe Natoli, Baptist Health Chief Administrative Officer. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Fishermen’s Community Hospital CEO Drew Grossman.

Baptist Health board of trustees chair Jay Hershoff.

Fishermen’s Community Hospital board chair Peter Chapman.

SS WRECK & GALLEY GRILL

T H IS WEEK’ S

MHS CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE ATTEND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP FORUM

Members of the Marathon High School Champions for Change, along with sponsors and chaperones, attended the CommunityBased Advocacy-Focused Data-Driven Coalition-Building Association (CADCA)’s national leadership forum during the week of Jan. 30 in National Harbor, Maryland. This year, Champions for Change was selected to present a session on youth recruitment, engagement and retention. Students presented an engaging 75-minute presentation to a packed conference room of more than 100 in-field professionals. Additionally, they had the opportunity to participate in Capitol Hill Day appointments with Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio’s aide to speak about the prevention needs in Monroe County. First row, from left: Christina Belotti, Marisol Diaz, Billy Martin, Taylor Sipe. Second row: Neek Perez Urra, Caden Pitcher, David Ornelas. Third row: Tina Belotti, Bill Martin, Gina Martin. CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOS WITH BETTY NET $1,730 FOR MARATHON

SPCA

On Jan. 17, Grassy Key’s Jolly Roger RV Resort hosted its second annual Betty White Fundraiser for the Florida Keys SPCA Marathon Campus. The park set up a life-sized Betty White cut out and encouraged park visitors and the general public to stop by during the 3-hour event for a photo with Betty and a gift to the shelter. This successful event, in honor of Betty White’s lifelong love of animals, raised $1,730 for the animals at the organization’s Marathon campus. Pictured with Betty are Brian McBride, left, and Lynna Kaminski as they present their donation to the SPCA’s Tara McFarland. CONTRIBUTED

Key West, 1825 Dear Mother,

This goes in a box of shells, which I bought from a New Providence vessel. They are curious, and beautiful, and intended to be divided among all my Brothers and Sisters, as they may think proper. The numbers of shells will allow them to make presents of a part to their friends. I have another box containing Marine production collected on this island, which I shall send you.

I send you also a cask of wine said to be Marseilles though, I think light Port mixes with water, it is very pleasant to drink, and we use it here at Breakfast and Supper in that way. I think you would find good for you giving strength to the stomach and system. It must be kept secure from the air, else it will soon become sower.

PIRATES IN KEY WEST?

1825

Like a joint passed around an island party, pirate stories in the Florida Keys are shared with a rapt audience. As a matter of fact, breaking out one has been known to lead to the revealing of the other.

But, based on all the available historical accounts and records, stories told of pirates in the Keys come with about the same structure and substance as those wispy tendrils of smoke rising from the bright hot cherry burning at the tip of a joint

If you ask a local, especially while passing a joint or perhaps while sipping rum, beer or some other adult beverage at one of the local watering holes, they will tell you these islands have always been home to pirates. The islands do have a history filled with stories, legends and lore of a piratical nature. Believe it or not, not every story about the pirates and their acts in the Keys is entirely accurate.

There are some really cool stories of piracy that have occurred on and around the Sunshine State’s favorite archipelago. The Florida Keys and piracy do have an interesting history. How could they not be linked? After all, Commodore David Porter and the West Indies Squadron, the anti-piracy unit in charge of clearing the local waters from their ilk, were headquartered at Key West.

The vast majority of pirates pursued by Porter and the West Indies Squadron frequented the waters off the coasts of Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula. A handful of documented cases demonstrate evidence of pirates operating closer to the Florida Keys, but those stories are far less swashbuckling than their Caribbean counterparts. Fortunately for all of us, there is one stunning firsthand account about a group of pirates on the island of Key West. The story is revealed in a letter written by William Morduit Jenners to his mother in Virginia:

FLORIDA

This wine, with a quantity of Flour, Butter, Lard, Rice & c was taken from the pirates on the coast of Cuba by the U.S. Galliot, Seagull and Brittish Schooner Union and Leon.

The Seagull also brought in 19 pirates, which were taken after a skirmish in which 8 others were killed. They remain on shore here Sometime, where I saw and talked with them every day in the Spanish language. A few of them appear to be gentle men, one Doctor. 14 have just gone to Havana the other 5 badly wounded still remain here.

It is not necessarily an exciting pirate story, but it does prove that there were legitimate pirates in the Florida Keys. If Porter and his men brought pirates back to Key West as prisoners, it was likely not a singular occasion. It is universally agreed that Porter was good at his job. One of the things that made him effective was that, unlike his predecessor Commodore James Biddle, when capturing pirates (even suspected pirates), Porter would hand them over to forces unencumbered by the American justice system.

Jenners’ letter indeed calls into question the idea that pirates were being hanged or otherwise dispatched in Key West during Porter’s reign or even in the years that followed. There is a popular Key West story about 12 or 18 pirates hanged from the ficus tree that grows in the middle of Captain Tony’s Saloon down on Greene Street. With no documentation corroborating the fanciful tale, it is offered as little more than another Key West story.

This is not to say that no one has ever dangled from Captain Tony’s legendary tree, because not every story told about Captain Tony’s and that ficus tree were made up to entertain tourists. As for any piratical connection, however, beyond the legendary Captain Tony himself, it likely begins and ends with the well-dressed skeleton hanging behind the bar.

It should be noted, however, that if there were ever going to be a cool cat to sit around with, passing a joint back and forth and telling pirate stories, it would have been Captain Tony Tarracino. They might not have been pirate tales from the days of old but rather 20th century stories about modern Key West. Captain Tony would have known those stories like the back of his hand as most considered him to be something of a pirate himself.

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.

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

letter reveals a skirmish and prisoners

Letter written by William Morduit Jenners from Key West to his mother in Virginia. DeWOLFE AND WOOD COLLECTION/Monroe County Library

is a writer, dog mama and author of the awardwinning memoir, “Short Leash.” Her lifelong love of the Keys led her to living local on the rock with her husband and their dog, Ozzy, the Canine Tornado. janicegary.com

PAWS IN PARADISE

ANIMAL ATTRACTION: VALENTINE LOVE STORIES

Puppy love and an overboard cat romance:

The Bachelor

Two weeks before the Weinerpalooza parade, the dog hair was flying at Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, where a bevy of excited canine contestants shed their inhibitions and vied for a chance to wed Key West’s most eligible canine bachelor, Alvin the Dachshund.

Key West’s own version of the reality love match show, “The Bachelor,” was dreamed up by organizer Ben Hennington as a prelude to Weinerpalooza, kicking off “A Month of Wieners” to benefit Luci’s Fund, a nonprofit that donates to Keys organizations supporting animals in need.

This year, the Palooza parade was going to include a spectacular post-parade dog wedding. The groom was Alvin, Ben’s beloved dachshund. The betrothed would be one of the suitors Alvin chose at Hank’s.

Ten dogs paid $10 to speed date, sniff and impress, but Key West’s “King of the Dachshunds,” decked out in his crown and cape, made it clear that none of them made the grade.

“He’s usually a sweet boy,” Ben said. “But he hated every one of the contestants.”

It threw everything off. The wedding was planned and ready to go — the venue, the catering, the champagne, even the pre-nup written by Alvin’s attorney. Ben had to think like a real reality show producer and change the script — quickly. He reached out to the owner of Henry, a min-pin that Alvin adored. “If my dog proposed,” he asked, “would Henry marry Alvin?”

The answer was “Yes.”

Two weeks later, after the last Wienerpalooza brigade marched down the street, 14-year-old Alvin and 12-year-old Henry were married in a ceremony put together by the firm Simply Weddings. Champagne toasts for humans and biscuit treats for dog attendees followed. And unlike the pairings on other “reality” love shows, this one worked.

“It was truly a happy ending,” Hennington says. “Alvin and Henry are like an old married couple. They tolerate each other.”

The Overboard Romeo

If you’ve ever rambled onto D Dock at City Marina, you’ve probably run into Captain Boo, a black

and white Maine coon cat who commandeers the space in front of his houseboat, the HB Aria.

Boo generally doesn’t give a s--t about other cats. But that all changed when a large catamaran named The Runaway Cat arrived last Christmas with a beautiful calico girl onboard.

Boo fell hard for the cat on the catamaran. Day after day, he began hanging out around her slip in the hope Miss Kitty would take the bait and slip out to meet him.

What he didn’t know was that the crew of the Runaway Cat had encircled the boat with chicken wire to keep the cat from running away. When he realized the calico was cloistered, Boo decided to take matters into his own paws.

One night, he waited until dark and leapt onto the Runaway Cat. Everyone on D dock heard the loud splash as Boo slipped off the side and fell into the drink. Fortunately, Maine coons are good swimmers. The Captain made it back to his boat where his folks, Bobbie Meck and Gary Ek, plucked him out of the sea. When Bobbie sprinkled him down to wash off the salt, his howls echoed throughout the marina.

This season, the calico and the catamaran returned to D dock. Boo appeared content to sit on the walkway and watch his love from afar. Then, just the other night, around 4 a.m., Boo tried again. Again, he fell overboard. No one knows if he’ll attempt it again.

Love is like that for a cat. Completely unreasonable.

Man Marries His Dog

“At first, she didn’t seem like much,” Chris Capp tells me. “She had strange light gray eyes, kind of ominous looking. I had no idea when I first saw her that she was a big love muffin.”

Chris was a volunteer at the Ocean County, New Jersey animal shelter when the staff asked if he would start walking the abandoned white pit bull. At one point, they had him slap on an “Adopt Me” vest and asked him to walk her to the local Pet Supermarket.

He did it once. Then he began putting her in his truck and taking her home to his yard, where she could run and exercise.

“The shelter told me I couldn’t do that,” so he said, “Fine. I’ll adopt her.”

By that time, he had realized Daisy was an extraordinary dog — intelligent, obedient and very affectionate. Their bond just continued to grow.

When he took Daisy to meet his 80-year-old mom, she fell in love with her, too, even taking her to work with her. Daisy became part of the family. Part of Capp’s life.

After she had been with him about a year, he decided to marry her.

“She had given me so much, provided love so unconditionally that I wanted to do something for her. This dog that had been abandoned and abused. I wanted to formalize my commitment to her.”

It was a small, simple ceremony. The groom wore his Ducati motorcycle jacket, the bride a pink collar. Vows were exchanged. The Bride and Groom kissed. They remained together until Daisy’s death.

After Daisy came Sarah and Hank and Jellybean, all pitties like Daisy. He loves them all, but still misses Daisy. “She was, and still is,” he says, “the love of my life.”

It sounds crazy, but when Chris Capp explains it, it’s completely understandable. After all, who hasn’t thought how great it would be if our human mate could be like our special dog? Lovable.

Trainable. Unconditionally accepting and adoring.

I only had three questions after hearing this moving love story.

Did he propose? “I didn’t have to,” he said.

Did she accept? “Yes.”

Were there treats involved? He laughs. “Absolutely.”

JANICE GARY

Harry and Alvin, the min-pin and the wiener dog, at their doggie nuptials.

Capt.Boo, the lovestruck Maine coon on D Dock in Key West. JANICE GARY/Keys Weekly

TRUSTS • WILLS POWERS OF ATTORNEY LADYBIRD DEEDS

Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those assets going through probate.

COMMERCE CORNER

Established in 2022, Marathon Boat Trailer Storage specializes in valet-style boat trailer storage on a locked and secure lot with surveillance.Owner Brandi Card says her key to success is their friendly and helpful service, plus they like to have fun, even when working! "We are centrally located in Marathon, offering easy trailer drop off and pick up. Our valet-style service ensures that whoever drops the trailer doesn't even have to back it up. We tow the trailer to its place and bring it back to the pick-up lane when it's time. We also offer online booking for people who want to book at midnight or don't want to talk to another human" said Card.

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marathonboattrailerstorage@gmail.com

www.marathonboattrailerstorage.com

Roses are READ Enemies

to lovers, roommate to roomance and a delightful girl Friday mystery. Three favorites to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day.

YOURS TRULY

By Abby Jimenez Briana’s

EXES & OS

By Amy Lea

Tara Chen has no luck with men. Her most recent catastrophe: her fiancé called off their wedding. After months of sulking at her sister Crystal’s house, she finds herself swapping apartments with Crystal’s soon-to-be husband. From the moment Tara arrives, she knows she is in trouble. Her new roomie, Trevor Metcalfe, is a hot hunk firefighter with a string of one-night stands. Tara, a.k.a. the online romance queen, is ready to take her book-loving followers to the next level. She challenges herself with her favorite trope: secondchance romance. Desperate for love and a date for a Valentine’s gala, Tara compiles a list of her 10 great lost loves. One by one she begins the search – after all, as her grandma always said, men get better with age. At the same time Mr. Hottie Roommate becomes her sounding board, helping Tara reel back her smothering ways. Their roommate connection (wink wink) is perfect while Tara tears apart the list one victim at a time. Finding humor in the challenging world of dating, this laugh-out-loud Valentine romcom is as sweet as any heart candy treat.

VIVIANA VALENTINE GETS HER MAN

By Emily J. Edwards

New York City, 1950. Viviana Valentine is well known as an efficient and faithful assistant. But she is not your typical girl Friday. Her boss, dreamboat Tommy Fortuna, is a top private investigator and she is his diligent sidekick, uncovering evidence and solving puzzles. Even though the handsome local cops treat her with kid gloves, Viviana’s rough-and-tumble background prepared her well for the surliest scoundrels. When Tommy takes on the wealthy Tallmadge Blackstone as a client, Viviana immediately senses trouble. His daughter Tallulah is a tabloid darling – beautiful, fashionable and chased by photographers. When the P.I. office is ransacked and Tommy disappears, Viviana befriends Tallulah in an effort to put the kibosh on the bad guys. With the help of her best girlfriends from the boarding house, Viviana sets out to decipher the mystery and save Tommy. Flawlessly set in 1950s vernacular, this charming whodunit is like watching an old movie; the glamour and romance of this bygone era was simply cool.

KAREN NEWFIELD

divorce is days away from being finalized and her brother’s kidneys are failing as he anxiously awaits a donor. Her promotion to head emergency room doctor at the hospital has been postponed. Oh, and Briana is living in the crumbling home in which she was raised, with childhood posters taunting her. In walks Dr. Jacob Maddox. Recently transferred from Memorial West, he is ridiculously handsome and out for her promotion. With one mishap after another, Briana keeps as far away as possible from Dr. Death. One day Jacob writes Briana a letter to explain himself – in pen, on paper. Jacob has been misunderstood. His severe panic attacks keep him at arm’s length, preventing typical social interactions. He is smart, kind and unequivocally does not want Briana’s job. Jacob recently suffered a horrible breakup and needs a pretend girlfriend to get his meddlesome family off his back. The two docs begin an unexpected friendship. Briana calms him while Jacob makes her feel safe. While neither imagined a new relationship so soon after heartbreak, it may be the prescription for both their problems. Love is in the air and the ER. “Yours Truly” releases on April 11.

... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www. readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield. org.

WATCH TIP: “Your Place or Mine” on Netflix. Always adorable Reese Witherspoon stars with Ashton Kutcher in this romantic comedy that is perfect for Valentine’s Day.

WHAT LIES BENEATH

PISCES

CHRIS

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

We are fresh off a high energy and theatrical full moon in Leo that was in a tight aspect to Uranus, which infused the lunar event with surprises and feelings of freedom. Underneath the rays of this full moon that perfected last Sunday, our island was treated to the annual onesie pub crawl that encouraged bands of roving cartoons and animals to frolic through downtown, and Jimmy Buffett played two surprise shows at the Key West Theater. Even for Key West, it was a high-octane weekend. This week, the main astrological event is a conjunction of Mercury and Pluto that perfects on Friday. When the fastest planet and the slowest planet are seen together in the sky, you can expect to uncover what is hidden, to discuss what is taboo, to engage dark thoughts, and to transform mindsets. Let your mind dip into the underworld this week and explore what lies beneath

Here are your horoscopes for the Mercury-Pluto conjunction. Read for your rising and sun signs.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You are a fiercely independent badass, Aquarius, and you do not need me to tell you that. But here I am, putting it in black-and-white for your own reflection. Solitude is a source of power for you, and you have been developing this for many years now. Now is an ideal time to think about your intense self-reliance - the good, the bad, and the ugly of it. Take some time for mediation or tell yourself some dirty jokes.

Feb. 19 - March 20

You have some really powerful hopes and dreams and a network of support that can help you achieve them. While your ambitions are not always articulated, it is an ideal time to get clear on where your intuition has been guiding you and who is aiding your quest. Who supports you without being conspicuous? Who has been there the whole time without making a big show of it? Turn your mind to the hidden heroes in your life and let it all click.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

How’s work? What we choose to do with our energy in the public square can be an intense decision because, like it or not, it is a part of who we are. Now is a time to think about the aspects of your career that rumble below the ground. Are you empowered in your work? Are you doing work that is beneficial to you, to others, to the world? Comedically commiserate with your coworkers right now because there are deep truths hidden in the humor.

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

We all have some sort of belief system, some way we frame our experiences so everything fits together – scientific, religious, spiritual, economic, legal, antagonistic, etc. Most of the time we don’t think about our underlying belief framework, we just let it operate in the background. Right now, Taurus, consider your personal philosophy. Does it need some tweaking or is it working for you just fine? Don’t fixate, just check in.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

This conjunction is affecting you deeply, Gemini, because your sign ruler Mercury is intimately involved. In particular, how you are invested in others is coming to light. Are you giving more than

you are receiving or are you finding sustainable balance in how you spread your energy around? Expect some truth to be revealed about your stakeholders and take an objective stance when you receive it.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Partnership has aspects that are both visible and invisible. There are the conversations we have and the things left unsaid. Under this sky, the invisible parts of your partnership will come to the surface, for better or worse. Take the knowledge you gain in stride and take time to think about it. To be honest, what you learn may feel a bit kinky and can be deeply empowering! Not all secrets are bad.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Expect a revelation about your current routines, Leo. Maybe your health routine isn’t actually as beneficial as you thought or the cleaning product you’ve been using to mop the floor is ruining the shellac. You might think to yourself, “I’ve been wasting my time!” Don’t worry about time lost, rather find an even deeper lesson here. Find the power in the learning and change your strategy.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

As a child of Mercury, this transit is going to pack a punch for you. You’ve been nurturing something - an art project, a new recipe, a romantic sidepiece, a literal child. Whatever it is, it brings you joy, and I expect that you are going to uncover something spectacular. Have deep conversations about the process you’re using to rear this person or project. There is truth to expose.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Family secrets! Mysteries at home! It looks like you can expect a revelation about your home and/

or family. Was great-grandma an aerialist in a traveling circus? Is there a golden relic under the front porch? The epiphany you experience may feel a bit destabilizing, but keep your feet on the ground and take the news in stride. When everything changes, nothing changes.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

This conjunction will be hitting you close to home. You may uncover a secret about a sibling, discover a new haunt in your neighborhood, or explore a new method of communicating with those around you. In my professional opinion, however, the highest expression of this transit is to dig deep and enter into a different flow. When you flap your wings, you create tornadoes in Kansas, but maybe you’re actually a hummingbird instead of a butterfly.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You are going to find buried treasure! Just kidding, I don’t roll with those kinds of predictions. However, you are going to uncover some new values; whether the value you find is ethical or gold is beside the point. Something hidden is about to enrich your life, and the question for you is, “Now what do I do with this?” Don’t jump to conclusions, but ponder your best course forward.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

When you look in the mirror, take a minute and do one of those long gazes that film actors do when they’re trying to make a big decision. You know the one. Gaze deeply because you are exploring a new self-image. There’s something ready to emerge from within you, and now is the time to get really articulate about what that something or someone is. Or maybe you’re just getting a new haircut.

NIGHTLY SPECIALS

BUBBA

11-year-old male cocker spaniel. Looking for: My forever couch and companion.

Turnoffs: When people call me old!

CANDI

5-year-old female calico. Looking for: A kingdom to rule as queen.

Turnoffs: Having the title of longest resident cat at the shelter.

Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

Football

Sunday: FUNDAY BRUNCH, LUNCH & BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

Close @ 2:30pm

TAKE ME HOME

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

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

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

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

STITCH & FAMILY

5-month-old rabbits. Looking for: A hip, hop, hippity hop, we’ve got rabbits to adopt!

Turnoffs: Nobody has come to adopt us yet.

Adoption Update: Ranger, a senior German shepherd, was adopted by Louis after three months in medical rehabilitation at the Marathon campus. His new dad couldn't be happier to give an older dog a furever home.

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

Marathon Parks and Rec hosts Valentine’s party

On Friday, Feb. 10, the Marathon Parks and Recreation department will host a “Prince and Princess Valentine’s Party” starting at 6 p.m. at the community park. The event will take place at the basketball courts and main pavilion. This is a free family event and donations of pizza, popcorn, snow cones, cookies and cotton candy will be served. There will also be games, dance contests, a DJ and prizes. All families are welcome. For more information, email wardj@ci.marathon.fl.us.

Marathon Garden Club to hold House and Garden Tour

The Marathon Garden Club will host its annual House and Garden Tour on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will feature four unique homes and gardens plus one exceptional garden with live music. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday), from the Marathon Chamber of Commerce, or at DK’s Beach Boutique in Key Colony Beach. Call the Garden Club at 305-743-4971 for more information or visit www. marathongardenclub.org.

Renowned vet to speak at Wildlife Society lecture

The Florida Keys Wildlife Society will hold a lecture on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. featuring renowned veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader, who will speak about his experiences taking care of wildlife here in the Florida Keys. From marsh rabbits to Key deer to manatees to a 15-ton sperm whale, Mader has worked on them all. He has written numerous textbooks, thousands of newspaper and magazine articles and is a bestselling author. After his lecture, Mader will be available to meet and answer questions. His latest book, “The Vet at Noah’s Ark,” will be available for purchase, or bring your personal copy and get it signed by the author. The free lecture will take place at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center located at 30587 Overseas Highway in Big Pine Key.

‘Keysino Royale’ to benefit Marathon BPW

Join the Marathon Business and Professional Women’s Foundation for the organization’s annual casino night fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 6-10:30 p.m. at the Mara-

thon airport terminal. Dress to kill in black tie attire for “007: Keysino Royale.” A refreshment hour will open the evening from 6 to 7 p.m. with food and drinks catered by Brutus Seafood. Gameplay opens at 7 p.m. and concludes at 10 p.m. with prizes awarded from 10 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $100, include 2,500 game chips and heavy hors d’oeuvres, and can be purchased by scanning the attached code. Event sponsorships are available by contacting Mallory Pinto at 813-846-6759.

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. For more information call 877-3981108 or email floridakeys@taoisttaichi.org.

Marathon Shrine Club to conduct annual charity drive

The Marathon Shrine Club will hold its charity drive 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 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 followup 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.

EATING FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

According to the National Institutes of Health, as of 2020, one in five U.S. adults age 18 and older – about 52.9 million – have been diagnosed with mental illness. Like many other illnesses, mental illnesses can be categorized and range from mild to severe.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

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

Of those 52.9 million people, 24.3 million received some sort of mental health intervention, which could include, but is not limited to: inpatient hospitalization, outpatient therapy, a primary care doctor visit and holistic health services.

Since the number of mental health patients is so large, the variables contributing to mental health illness are so vast (PTSD, trauma, genetics and more) and the severity of mental health illness varies so greatly, it is nearly impossible for physicians to create a universal treatment protocol which would address all of these nuances.

However, one thing all physicians, healthcare providers and healers could do is educate their mental health patients on how nutrition could be a critical part of their disease management.

Like our physical body, our brain has a “body,” a physical structure. Just like our bones, muscles and connective tissue, that structure needs specific nutrients to perform optimally. Consistently eating a wide variety of minimally processed foods influences mental health greatly.

Specifically, our mind’s “body” needs are:

Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids: These omegas enhance brain signaling, reduce inflammation and have been shown to help fight feelings of depression. Non-processed omega-3 can be found in flaxseed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, wild caught (not farm-raised fish) fish like salmon and mackerel, walnuts and even dark leafy greens.

Phytonutrients: Phytonutrients are also known as antioxidants and come in many forms. Scientists have found more than 4,000 different types of phytonutrients, and new ones are being discovered regularly. All different types can be found in fruits and vegetables, and all do vastly different things. For example, anthocyanidins are a type of phytonutrient found in raspberries and radishes and have been shown to improve vascularity (blood flow). Beta carotene is another phytonutrient, shown to decrease inflammation and slow the oxidation process. Winter squash, sweet potatoes and carrots are all high in this phytonutrient.

Protein: Proteins (amino acids) support brain structure and neural communication. Protein can be plant- or animal-based – just make sure you look for organic, non-GMO, and grass-fed when shopping.

Fiber: Fiber comes in two forms: soluble (digestible) and insoluble (non-digestible). Our body and our mind need both. Both types of fiber feed “good” bacteria to our gut, which in turn contributes to better memory, cognition and a fascinatingly better mood.

How can fiber help our mood? Our gut (intestinal tract and colon) is responsible for 90% (some researchers say as much as 95%) of our serotonin level. How amazing is that? Serotonin is a chemical that acts as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone, helping to stabilize our moods, regulate feelings of overall well-being and aid in sleep. Too little serotonin can lead to depression and anxiety. A healthier gut means better serotonin production, which overall means a better state of mind.

Mental illnesses are no different than any other kind of illness or health condition, and no one has the right to make anyone else suffering from these issues feel bad or ashamed. If you or someone you know may be suffering from mental health issues, please reach out to a professional health care provider who can help you get the right treatment you need. And, while doing so, give these nutrition changes a try. Support yourself the best you can while you put in the hard work toward feeling better. If you need more nutrition or exercise advice and support, please reach out to me. I’d love to help any way that I can. Jen-

niferlynnboltz@gmail.com

February 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-03-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD G. ARNESON

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Donald G. Arneson, deceased, whose date of death was December 21, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: February 9, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Dayna M. Arneson

50 Holt Ridge Rd. Bigfork, Montana 59911

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A.

12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: February 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-06-P

DIVISION: UPPER KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF HOWARD W. ADAMS III

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Howard W. Adams III, deceased, whose date of death was October 22, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88870 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must

file their claims with this court

WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: February 9, 2023.

Personal Representative:

David P. Adams

5501 Sweet Air Road

Baldwin, Maryland 21013

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Richard E. Warner

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

February 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-01-K DIVSION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF A. LYNN WILLIAMS A/K/A ALBERT LYNN WILLIAMS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of A. Lynn Williams, deceased, whose date of death was December 11, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: February 2, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Beau-Caprice Williams Vetch 662 Cline Road Randle, Washington 98377

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 23-DR-31-K

DIVISION: FAMILY

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: TERRY LEE HASHLEY, Petitioner, and, PAULA NICOLE HASHLEY, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: PAULA NICOLE HASHLEY

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 31127

AVENUE F, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on TERRY LEE HASHLEY, whose address is 31127 AVENUE F, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043 on or before February 27, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.)

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: January 17, 2023

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Riza Hall

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

January 26, February 2, 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

IN ADMIRALITY CASE NO. 23-10002-CIV-MOORE

IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF SBY KEY WEST, LLC, AS OWNER OF A 2015 23’ HURRICANE FUN DECK 226 MOTOR VESSEL, BEARING HULL INDENTIFICATION NUMBER GDY29341B515, FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY (“MONITION”)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the United States District Court for the Southern District Local Rule F(1) that the Petitioner, SBY KEY WEST, LLC d/b/a SPENCER’S BOAT YARD, as Owner of the 2015 23’ Hurricane Fun Deck 226 motor vessel, bearing hull identification number GDY29341B515 (the “Vessel”) have caused to be filed a Complaint for Limitation of Liability, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. Section 30501 et seq., for all claims against them or the aforementioned vessel which arose on or about July 15, 2022, on the navigable waterways of Monroe County, Florida as otherwise described in the Complaint (D.E. 1). All persons having claims against Petitioners or the Subject Vessel regarding the events described above must file them, as provided in Supplemental Rule F, with the United States

District Court Clerk’s Office, 400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33128 and serve a copy upon the attorneys for the Petitioner, Alexander Koffler, Esq., Fertig & Gramling, 200 S.E. 13th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316, on or before March 13, 2023 or be defaulted. Personal attendance is not required.

Any claimant desiring to contest the claims of the Petitioner must file an Answer to the Complaint, as required by Supplemental Rule F and mail a copy to Petitioner’s attorneys by the same deadline above.

DATED this 20th day of January, 2023.

BY: J Adams

Deputy Clerk Angela E. Noble CLERK OF COURT

United States District Court

Southern District of Florida

Publish:

January 26, February 2, 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-01

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:

2020/2154

Alt Key No: 8702809

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00573650-004020

Description of Property: UNIT A-20 GATEHOUSE DOCKS CONDOMINIUM UNIT OR984-568 OR1124-2330 OR1216-139/40QC OR1420-1741/44 OR22771748/52 OR2370-808/09

Name in which assessed: CSMC HOLDINGS 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

2023-02

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:

2020/2125

Alt Key No: 1699047

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00569442-000107

Description of Property: PRIVATE DWELLINGS AC 7-A AND 7-B ANGELFISH CAY CONDOMINIUM CHALETS NO 2 OR501-1099 OR585-738 OR714-553/54 OR753-1916/17 OR858-2362 OR897-310/11 OR915-1515/1516 OR9861205 OR1021-2193/2194WILL OR1027-203/04 OR1062-1265/66 OR2438-78ORD OR24382013D/C OR2444-2244/48P/R

OR2598-687/92

Name in which assessed:

ANGELFISH CAY 7 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 2023-03

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:

2020/1952

Alt Key No: 1642649

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00523380-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 14 BUTTONWOOD SHORES ADDN KEY LARGO

PB3-52 OR482-649 OR909-1744 OR2501-1847/48

Name in which assessed: LARSON MAX RESIDENCE TR 11/23/2010 C/O LARSON GLEN

CO-TRUSTEE

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 2023-04

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:

2020/1951

Alt Key No: 1642606

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00523340-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 10 BUTTONWOOD

SHORES ADDN KEY LARGO

PB3-52 OR188-435 OR909-1744

OR2501-1847/48

Name in which assessed:

LARSON MAX RESIDENCE TR 11/23/2010 C/O LARSON GLEN CO-TRUSTEE 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 2023-06

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:

2020/1578

Alt Key No: 1529711

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00431780-000000

Description of Property:

BK 17 LTS 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 AND 17 PLANTATION KEY COLONY FIRST ADDITION PLANTATION KEY PB4-4 OR34549 OR780-1587 OR781-954/56 OR782-201/02 OR782-1060 OR783-417OR1013-1029 OR1323-1203/04 OR1350-883/84

Name in which assessed: REGAN FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

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 2023-09

Notice is hereby given that TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, 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:

2020/479

Alt Key No: 9088578

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00111882-007300

Description of Property: LOT A-13 BREEZY PINES RV ESTATES CONDOMINIUM OR2292-1537/1627DEC OR24011254/55 OR2724-1512 OR2858143 OR2868-1817/19

Name in which assessed:

CASE JUDITH K CASE WILLIAM PATRICK JR

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 2023-10

Notice is hereby given that TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, 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: 2020/612

Alt Key No: 1187771

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00146520-000000

Description of Property: BK 7 LT 28 GEIGER MOBILE HOMES GEIGER KEY PB5-77 OR428-570/71 OR694-10 OR877-1756D/C OR897-661 OR1407-928/29P/R OR1574-1336 OR1626-1518/19 OR1806-1416 OR1820-114 OR1970-1318 OR2697-1763/64 OR27461632/34 OR2957-871D/C OR2957-0872

Name in which assessed:

CLASSIFIED CHARTERS 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

2023-11

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 OR16262146/47 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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 OR542-

1050 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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

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 OR2862-

1933/34 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

LEGAL NOTICES

2023-18

Notice is hereby given that CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate

Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2020/573

Alt Key No: 1165930

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00131780-000000

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

NR:20049350 VEHICLE ID NR:

3B6440805

Name in which assessed:

PEREZ MARIO

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: February 28th, 2023

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 9th day of December 2022

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

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

LEGAL NOTICES

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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Name in which assessed: WIMMER SARAH D

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: February 28th, 2023

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 9th day of December 2022

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

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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-25

Notice is hereby given that JANEL HARPER holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking provided. $20/foot. 305-928-9057

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

BOATS FOR SALE

THREE (3) BOATS FOR FREE in Marathon: Regal 35', and two Bayliners 25'. FOR SALE: Pontoon 25' for $500.00 305-610-8002

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

EMPLOYMENT

CARETAKER OR COUPLE

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

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

By: Aneta Jodkowska,

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2023-17

Notice is hereby given that CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC

CITRUS CAPITAL HOLDINGS FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2020/164

Alt Key No: 1044211

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00043580-000000

Description of Property: KW MONROE INVESTMENT CO SUB PB1-41 SW'LY 6' OF LOT 2 & ALL OF LOT 3 SQR 13 TR 20

G29-133/34 OR436-676 OR16481689D/C OR1712-2251/52P/

R OR1712-2253/55 OR19612316/18 OR1961-2319/2323AFFD

OR2143-1725/27AFF OR21431728/29Q/C OR2157-1329/30C

Name in which assessed:

LEEKER LESLYE

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

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

January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2023-19

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

Certificate Number:

2020/760

Alt Key No: 1242616

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00188681-019800

Description of Property:

LT 196 VENTURE OUT CUDJOE

KEY PB6-56 OR624-579

OR1771-256 OR2442-526 Along with mobile home: Make:

IN-HOUSE PALM Year:1998 Title nr:75851632 Vehicle ID Number: PH06119360FL Name in which assessed:

SMITH RALPH W AND REBECCA K GABBARD REV TR 9/17/01

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

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old 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 is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 2020 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number:

2020/419

Alt Key No: 1118575

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020 RE: 00101370-000000

Description of Property: 2/11

OR442-609/11

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

be

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

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

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

Certificate Number: 2020/313

Alt Key No: 9087870

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

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

Name in which assessed: TIDE RENOVATIONS AND CONSULTING INC

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

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

Sale Date: February 28th, 2023

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 9th day of December 2022

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

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

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

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS!

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2003 Mustang GT

Convertible, Manual 5 Speed, Metallic Grey, 40,000 miles, Great Cond. $16,500

Located in Marathon: Call 305-481-3067

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

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

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, Utilities Maintenance, and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here for $25. 00 /week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

EMPLOYMENT RV FOR SALE

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: HCV Specialist, Administrative Assistant, 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.

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

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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. Off-street 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

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

RV FOR SALE - 2017

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

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV Site for rent in Marathon. Up to 35', private gated property. $1.500/mo + utilities. Dockage available - inquire for price. 305-928-9057

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

YARD SALES

A BIG Treasures & Trash Yard Sale - Rain or Shine - Sat. Feb. 11 from 8am-3pm & Sun. Feb. 12 from 10am-3pm. Sold home - everything must go! 419 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon

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

JOIN US FOR A CAREER FAIR!

WED, FEB 8 | THURS, FEB 9 FRI, FEB 10 | SAT, FEB 11 10AM - 6PM

16th Judicial Circuit is hiring

CASE MANAGER – FAMILY COURT

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a full-time Court Program Specialist II (Case Manager–Family Court) in KEY WEST. This position assists judges and magistrates with the timely disposition of cases through case management, case monitoring, and program implementation. The position also serves as the point of contact for the public seeking to represent themselves in Family Court cases. Salary is $38,058.32 annually, plus State of Florida benefit package. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications can be found at www.Keyscourts.net.

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a full-time Probation Officer in KEY WEST.

This is responsible and professional work that attends court hearings and ensures the effective supervision of defendants placed on misdemeanor probation and diversionary programs.

Salary is $40,000 annually, plus Monroe County benefit package. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications can be found at www.Keyscourts.net.

OF THE HOUSE Bartenders Bussers Food Runners Servers Hosts WE

FRONT

SCAN TO APPLY! ARE

KITCHEN Dishwashers Line cooks Prep cooks

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

16th Judicial Circuit is hiring

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATOR

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a Full-time Court Program Specialist II (Domestic Violence Coordinator) in KEY WEST. The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate both civil and criminal domestic violence cases in order to facilitate judicial decision making and to ensure that cases move in a timely and effective manner from filing to disposition.

73814 Overseas Highway, Islamorada

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Salary is $38,058.32 annually, plus State of Florida benefit package. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications can be found at www.Keyscourts.net.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

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

Jr. Interior Designer

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

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.

A LIFETIME

HHA/HMK

MUST SPEAK ENGLISH BIG PINE & BIG COPPITT KEY IMMEDIATE OPENING

CALL: 7862340786 OR 7864888806

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

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.

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.

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

DIRECTOR OF GENERATION

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

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION (T&D) PROJECT ENGINEER

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

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $38.43/hr. - $43.04/hr. For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

SCADA/RELAY TECHNICIAN

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

SAFE PRODUCTS FOR PRECIOUS SEAS

Florida Keys divers continued to experience some bumpy conditions last week. Hopefully, we’ll see some calmer seas in the coming week.

The sport of scuba diving is a very gearintense sport. This appeals to most avid divers, but choosing which equipment manufacturer can be confusing. There are so many and the reasons to choose one over the other can vary. But recently there have been certain companies that are rising to the top for a special reason that resonates with our way of life.

WHAT IF YOU COULD WEAR SOMETHING THAT WAS GOOD FOR THE OCEAN?

Eco-friendly products are more sought after, and certain companies have listened. Two companies that come to mind are Fourth Element, which sells diving gear, and Stream2Sea, which makes reef-friendly sunscreen and lotions.

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.

Fourth Element’s mission statement reads, “To grow the brand through the creation of innovative, high performance products for divers, freedivers and ocean advocates, expanding our presence worldwide, providing exceptional service to our customers, considering the environment every step of the way.” This is what makes them stand apart from other manufacturers. Their “ocean positive” approach is not only apparent in their products but also their packaging. They work to eliminate single-use plastic from their packaging.

The majority of their products are made from at least 30% of recycled materials like plastic bottles and ghost fishing nets. It’s truly amazing to think that my fins are made of recycled post-consumer plastic waste, and my rashguard is made of ghost fishing nets. The price is no different than similar products that aren’t helping the environment.

Stream2Sea is the first and the only brand that ensures that all sunscreen and skin care are scientifically proven safe to fish, coral larvae and our bodies. CONTRIBUTED

Another product that anyone who buys sunscreen should choose is Stream2Sea. Many may ask, why? Did you know that 14,000 tons of chemical, non-biodegradable sunscreen are deposited into our oceans every year?

Stream2Sea is the first and only brand that ensures that all its sunscreen and skin care are scientifically proven safe to fish, coral larvae and our bodies.

Founder and formulator, Florida resident and Keys enthusiast Autumn Blum is a renowned entrepreneur, chemist, ingredient aficionado and life-long ocean advocate. Blum has testified before Congress, influencing notable bans on toxic ingredients in Hawaii, the Florida Keys, the Virgin Islands and other worldwide tourist destinations negatively affected by chemical-based personal care products.

This product should be in every person’s dive bag, boat and beach bag. We all have choices in life and I know that buying eco-friendly products seems like a drop in a very huge bucket, but if you’re a drop and I’m a drop and you teach your kids to be drops, all these drops will eventually overflow that bucket. So do your due diligence and choose to purchase from companies that make it their mission to produce an eco-friendly product, like Fourth Element and Stream2Sea. For more information on these amazing companies go to www.fourthelement.com and www. stream2sea.com.

A majority of Fourth Element’s products are made of ghost fishing nets, which turtles can find themselves tangled in while in the waters.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

PART TIME MORNING DOCKHANDS BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

DOCKHAND DUTIES include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking.

BOAT RENTAL APPLICANTS need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.

Applicants can email Ma at eliteboatrentalsma @gmail.com. Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

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. Salary Range: $62,155.44 - $98,454.90. 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: $56,857.66 - $106,846.65. DOQ

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus

- Exercise Physiologist

- Medical Manager Technology, $15,000 Bonus

- Medical Technologist

sales commission.

Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus

- Food Service Worker

- Lead Med Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Manager Environmental Services

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech

- Nurse Manager

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse, $20,000 Bonus

- Sanitation Technician

- Security Of cer

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

We

The

16th Judicial Circuit is hiring

Probation Of cer

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a full-time Probation Officer in MARATHON

This is responsible and professional work that ensures the effective supervision of defendants placed on misdemeanor probation and diversionary programs.

Salary is $45,000 annually, plus Monroe County benefit package. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications can be found at www.Keyscourts.net.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

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) Crisis Counselor

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Crisis Counselor

Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children)

*Advocate (PT only)

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (or KW) 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 – Assisted Living (PT only)

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

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