Key West Weekly 23-0216

Fat Albert shot down over Keys; residents surprised to learn it was world’s largest piñata.

Spacious three bedroom, two full bath canal-front home in Key Haven just listed! Property features direct water access on a corner lot with boat davits rated for 5,500 lbs., hurricane rated doors and windows plus Bahama shutters, rare 2-car garage with hurricane rated overhead door and supplemental central air conditioning unit, separate water meter for irrigation and a future pool, large outdoor and covered paver patio, updated kitchen and baths, laundry room, tile floors throughout, metal roof, and a wonderful location close to all the best Key West and the Lower Keys have to offer.

KEY HAVEN | $1,650,000 | Listing ID: 604140

118.7M

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

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News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

According to Forbes, around 118.7 million viewers watched the Super Bowl halftime performance by Rihanna on Feb. 12. That’s up from the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dog, which had 103.4 million viewers.

‘Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community,’ at the Key West Museum of Art & History, explores the history and culture of often-overlooked residents of Bahama Village. Plus a Black History book signing. See page 8.

JIMMY BUFFETT’S

‘SECOND WIND’ BLOWS INTO KEY WEST

BAREFOOT TROUBADOUR PLAYS 4 SHOWS ON THE ISLAND

Unless you were living under a rock instead of “on the rock,” you’re fully aware that Jimmy Buffett was in Key West last week, performing four shows and giving local residents plenty of face time and photo opportunities around town.

Rams Head Presents coordinated the two shows, Feb. 9 and 11, at the Key West Amphitheater as well as two intimate shows at the Key West Theater.

The Southernmost City was added as a stop on Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band’s Second Wind Tour.

Social media exploded last week, with show photos, favorite song lyrics and sightings around town.

The Second Wind Tour name is based on the band’s 1976 song, “Kick It in Second Wind,” from their Havana Daydreamin’ album.

“So won’t you kick it in second wind / We got two more hours to go / Is there any more hope of scoring any more coke / And we’ve still got to do another show.”

1. The man, the myth, the legend: Jimmy Buffett thrills Key West audiences at four shows last week.

2. Vocalist Nadirah Shakoor performs with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band Feb. 9 at the Key West Amphitheater.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band at the Key West Amphitheater. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

FATAL SHOOTING OUTSIDE A KEY WEST BAR ROCKS COMMUNITY

PROSECUTORS SAY VIDEO EVIDENCE WOULD NOT SUPPORT SELF - DEFENSE CLAIM

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West Police are investigating a fatal shooting involving two well-known residents that occurred just after midnight Monday in the parking between Conch Town Bar and the Wendy’s on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Lloyd “Preston “ Brewer, 57, was arrested in the fatal shooting of Garrett Hughes, 21, and faces two felony charges of homicide and a felony “weapon offense,” according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius” by Nick Hornby

Key West resident Lloyd Preston Brewer, 57, faces charges of felony homicide and a felony weapons offense.

MONROE COUNTY

Hughes is a well-known Key West High School athlete who played football and ran track before graduating in 2020. Brewer owns the building that houses Conch Town Bar, where Hughes and friends were reportedly drinking.

Prosecutors with the State Attorney’s Office told the Keys Weekly that they have reviewed video evidence from the bar’s security cameras. The video shows a drunk and shirtless Hughes outside the bar, urinating on the side of the building.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE/ Contributed

The video shows Brewer arriving in his car and “exchanging words” with Hughes, said Joe Mansfield, chief assistant state attorney.

“The shirtless victim was clearly intoxicated and urinating on the wall when the suspect approaches,” Mansfield said. “I suspect the shooter was annoyed by what he saw, confronted the kid, then pulls a gun and shoots him in the stomach, which proved fatal. There are no weapons on or near the victim, nor is the victim seen reaching for anything. Now, I’d bet my 401(k) that the suspect will file a self-defense, Stand Your Ground defense, but the allegation that he was justified in using deadly force is not substantiated by the video evidence in this case.”

“In its simplest form,” says the website of Hussein & Webber, a Florida law firm, “Florida’s Stand Your Ground law provides that a person is justified in the use of deadly force and has no duty to retreat if either:

“The person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself, or another, or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony; or

“The person acts under and according to the circumstances set forth in Section 776.013 (presuming a reasonable belief as to the necessity of force in the context of ‘dwellings,’ residences, or vehicles).”

Eyewitness statements were also taken from Hughes’ two friends at the bar that night, Mansfield said, acknowledging that a defense attorney will point out their potential bias toward the victim.

Mansfield obtained a search warrant early Monday morning for a blood sample to test Brewer’s toxicology. Those results are pending, he said.

Police received a 911 call at 12:28 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

“Upon arrival, police encountered a subject who was lying in the parking lot and had been shot,” states the police press release. “While the subject was being treated for his injuries, officers immediately detained the suspect who was still on scene and recovered the gun. The victim was transported to the Lower Keys Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after. The scene was secured for several hours while KWPD detectives responded and took over the investigation. The suspect was transported to the police station, interviewed and arrested; charges are pending as the investigation is still ongoing.”

Police officers left the crime scene at 10:15 a.m. Monday, and no crime scene tape remained.

Why: Charles Dickens was a white guy who lived in 19th century England and was famous for writing novels. Prince was a black guy who lived in 20th and 21st century America and was famous for making music. On the face of it, they would appear to have little in common. Yet novelist and screenwriter Nick Hornby has written a lovely extended essay about how both were incredible examples of creativity and productivity. They did have a few things in common – both were raised in poverty, with family trauma shaping their lives and art. Both produced their greatest works as relatively young men. And sadly, both died at 58. This book isn’t just compare-and-contrast; it’s a readable profile of each man as an artist, with a dash of personal reflection from Hornby thrown in. And, at 159 (narrow) pages, it’s a quick read – the nonfiction equivalent of a novella. Thank you, Nick Hornby, for recognizing not every work of nonfiction has to double as a doorstop.

Where: This is available as a print book from the Monroe County Library system.

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

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

Key West Police are investigating a shooting that occurred outside of Conch Town Bar on North Roosevelt Boulevard late Sunday night, or early Monday morning. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Key West resident Garrett Hughes, 21, died of a gunshot wound to the stomach the morning of Feb. 13 at Lower Keys Medical Center. CONTRIBUTED

LOCAL POET HOLDS BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOOK SIGNING

BAHAMA VILLAGE HISTORY UNFOLDS AT MUSEUM EXHIBIT

“In each poem, Wright expresses pain, but transmutes it into love,” the book’s synopsis states. “Wright hopes that white people hearing or reading the poems will also look at their issues of racial prejudice and cross the threshold themselves towards tolerance and mutual understanding.”

Key West poet Arida Wright grew up black, but lives in a white world, where she struggles to straddle the racial divide.

“In all the circles I travel in — except church — I am the only person of color,” Wright writes in the introduction of her new book of poems, “Crossing the Threshold: Voice of a Black Woman.”

Those social circles include the Key West Writers Guild and the Key West Poetry Guild, two groups Wright had hesitated to join.

“To improve my writing, I had to start going to gatherings,” she says. “But I was uncomfortable, afraid they wouldn’t accept me as I read my radical poems to them.

“I was very surprised when the poems were praised,” she says. “The group encouraged me to put them out there in the world,” or, in Wright’s case, both worlds — black and white.

And so she did, earning an Anne McKee Artist’s Grant to help her publish a book of them.

In “Crossing the Threshold: Voice of a Black Woman,” Wright’s powerful and personal poems confront racism and compel the reader to consider its implications.

Back Then in Bahama Village

“Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community,” now on display at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, explores the history and culture of the often-overlooked segment of the community – former and current residents of Bahama Village.

The exhibit reveals the rich contributions the vibrant neighborhood of black Cubans, Bahamians, Chinese and others have made to the island city.

The exhibit runs through March 19.

“In the early 1800s and 1900s, the black and Indigenous community of Key West was skilled and hardworking. Many early settlers migrated to the island from St. Augustine, the Bahamas and Cuba, bringing their skills, education and culture,” states the museum’s description of the exhibit. “These settlers were great contributors to the island’s development and included African slaves imported by slaveholders to assist in the expansion of the island. Free blacks relocating to Key West were some of the first to become educated in America. They believed strongly in education, which began at home and in church basements, until the establishment of the segregated Frederick Douglass School in 1870. The island’s black community developed around, and enmeshed in, an area that we now refer to as Bahama Village.”

“This exhibition aims to build cultural equity by telling narratives of the black community’s significant contributions to local culture and industry,” said Cori Convertito, curator for the Key West Art & Historical Society. “We seek to redress a serious omission: that the substantial contributions of people of color are under-represented in our island’s historical narrative. The contributions of these skilled workers have been marginalized, when in truth, they were vital and valuable.”

“Never-before-on-view objects include a football helmet and shoulder pads from Frederick Douglass School, musical instruments from the estate of William McKinzie, a 19th-century Sanchez family bible and a suit once belonging to illustrious local musician Coffee Butler. These items, along with several others, will tell the inspiring history, culture, and contributions of the black residents.”

1. Key West resident Arida Wright will read from her new book of poems at a book-signing event on Feb. 20. CONTRIBUTED

2. Madrid visitors Sonia Martinez and Alejandro Gonzalez explore ‘Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community,’ at the Key West Museum of Art & History. CRICKET DESMARAIS/Keys Weekly

3. An exhibit at the Key West Museum of Art & History explores the history and culture of Key West’s Black and indigenous community.

WHO WILL IT BE?

KEY WEST OFFICIALS SELECT NEW CITY MANAGER THIS WEEK

mandy@keysweekly.com

More than 200 residents headed to Waterfront Brewery for a Feb. 13 reception to meet the four finalists for Key West’s city manager job.

David Burke, Albert Childress, Thaddeus Cohen and Abraham Conn each had a table at the event, where people could stop by to ask questions and get to know the applicants.

The position is not an elected one, as the mayor and city commissioners will select the city manager. But that didn’t stop the politicking, both at the reception and behind the scenes around town, with various individuals and organizations urging support for their favorite finalist to the mayor and commissioners.

Commissioner Clayton Lopez on Feb. 13 was vocal about his support for Cohen, given his background with the former Florida Department of Community Affairs. Conn handed out T-shirts bearing the words “Honest Abe for City Manager” to his supporters during the reception.

The city commission is expected to name a new city manager at a special meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. That meeting occurred after presstime, but visit keysweekly.com for a full report of the commission’s selection.

Prior to the public reception, candidates met one-on-one this week with the commissioners and city department heads.

The four finalists were selected from 43 initial applications.

Professional search consultant Dona Higginbotham narrowed that first list down to nine qualified applicants who met the city’s criteria. That list of nine was further whittled down to the four finalists who were invited for interviews.

David Burke, Albert Childress, Thaddeus Cohen and Abraham Conn. (Candidates’ resumes are linked on the city’s website at cityofkeywest-fl.gov. Click on the “City Manager Search” tab from the home page.)

Conn, a retired U.S. Army colonel, served three one-year tours in Afghanistan. He also worked for 26 years as a senior special agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Key West, according to his application.

Cohen is an architect who formerly worked as Key West’s planning director. He is now a project manager for MBR Construction in Fort Lauderdale. He also worked as a department head in charge of growth management for Collier County, Florida, his application states.

Burke is a retiring Navy captain who most recently has served as chief of staff for JIATF-South, the military’s elite Joint Interagency Task Force headquartered at Truman Annex in Key West.

Childress worked for Doral, Florida for 16 years, most recently serving as its city manager for two years. Before that, Childress was the code compliance director for Miami from 1996-2005.

COME WORSHIP WITH US

‘‘The churches of Christ greet you.’’ Romans 16:16 NKJV

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am (on site)

Service 11am (on site) & Service 6pm (on site)

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm (on site)

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm (on site)

Adorasyon 8:30pm (on site)

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm (on site)

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Servicio de adoración dominical a las 5pm (en el sitio)

Estudio bíblico del jueves a las 7pm (en el sitio)

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

‘‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.’’

15:58 NKJV

MANDY MILES

1. Al Childress and his wife Kitty. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

2. Finalist Abe Conn, center, with his wife, school board member Mindy Conn, and Frank Betz.

3. City manager finalist David Burke.

4. Finalist Thaddeus Cohen.

BRITT MYERS britt@keysweekly.com

COVERING THE BASES — FROM HALL OF FAME SNUB TO HIS ROLE AS ‘SKID MARK’ IN THE MOVIE ‘KINGPIN’

CATCHING UP WITH LEGENDARY PITCHER ROGER CLEMENS

Former major league pitcher Roger Clemens’ career legacy is regularly debated in baseball circles. On one hand, the righthanded Clemens, nicknamed “Rocket” on account of his commanding fastball and untouchable breaking ball, is widely considered one of (if not the) greatest pitchers in the storied history of the game. On the other hand, his place in baseball lore is marred, like many from his era, by allegations of performanceenhancing drugs — none of which, to this day, has ever been substantiated by a failed drug test or admission.

Regardless of the swirling debates around Clemens’ place in baseball history and his looming absence in the Baseball Hall of Fame, “Rocket” is seemingly content with the fruits of his 24-season career, which includes seven Cy Young Awards, over 350 career wins, 4,762 strikeouts, an American League MVP award, a back-to-back triple crown win – wins, strikeouts and ERA – an 11-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion and dozens of other accolades fans may never witness from a single pitcher again.

So when Clemens visited Key West this past weekend to serve as the master of ceremonies at a charity golf tournament, he did much more than simply show his face and go through the motions of the typical celebrity visit. He made stops at the newly renovated Key West baseball and softball fields to sign autographs and chat with local players, kids and parents. He was spotted on stage singing and performing at the Smokin’ Tuna, and when he showed up at the Key West Golf Club, he graciously posed for selfies and chatted with media – including me.

I grew up immersed in an era of baseball cards, player stats and memorabilia. But to this day, Roger Clemens remains one of the most accomplished and recognized figures in all of sports. So when I was given the opportunity to interview him, I had no idea what to expect. Can we talk about the Hall of Fame Snub? Will he be as domineering and to the point as his

on-screen personality suggests? All of these things were going through my head leading up to the interview.

But what I found was a man who remains extremely proud of his career and secure in the legitimacy of his feats. Clemens has come to peace with the doubters, trolls and snubs, and has tuned out the debates. Instead, Clemens focuses on the current chapter of his life, which includes his enduring love of family, his appreciation for what the game has afforded him and his charities that support children through the Roger Clemens Foundation.

I was blown away by how gracious and engaged Clemens was with our questions. Regardless of anyone’s opinion of him, this was clearly a man of sincere resolve — proud of his playing days, but more importantly, proud of who he is as a husband, father, grandfather and friend.

For the full-length video interview with Roger Clemens, visit keysweekly.com.

Below are some of the memorable moments and quotes from the Keys Weekly’s interview with Roger Clemens.

On who else, outside of himself, is the all-time foursome of baseball pitchers he would pick to play with…

Clemens: Obviously I have a soft place in my heart for Cy Young because I was able to win his award a number of times. When you pass some of the guys like Walter Johnson and guys like that you have great respect for players like him and I watched guys like Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver growing up. So those guys come to mind when you ask a question like that.”

On being snubbed by the Hall of Fame… Clemens: “I didn’t play the game to make the Hall of Fame. I played the game for the first couple of years to reset my mom’s life and my family’s life and then to win playoffs and championships.”

On claims that Clemens would have never been as aggressive had he played in the National League and taken regular at-bats…

Clemens: “You pitch inside to make a 17-inch plate a 24-inch plate. You don’t pitch inside to hit players. I think in 24 years I pitched around someone’s shoulder three times. I learned from Don Drysdale and Nolan and they told me you don’t have to intimidate batters when you throw 100 mph. My mechanics in general intimidated players.”

On the most common thing fans still say to him today…

Clemens: “The fans are why we play the game. But the funny thing my boys love to give me grief over is when someone comes to me for an autograph, and it’s not, ‘Can you sign this for my dad?’ It’s, ‘Can you sign this for my grandfather?’ (laughing) My boys love that.”

On his favorite shows and his personal moments in Hollywood…

Clemens: “Two of my favorite movies are ‘The Family Man’ with Nicolas Cage and I love ‘Molly’s Game.’ I still have my Screen Actors Guild card and we’re shooting a movie this summer about a guy breaking out of prison while a prison baseball game is going on. I’ve done about seven movies. I got to play in the movie ‘Cobb’ with Tommy Lee Jones and I got the opportunity to work with the Farrelly brothers. I was originally supposed to be in ‘Dumb and Dumber,’ but couldn’t do it, but ended up in ‘Kingpin.’ Of course my character’s name was Skid Mark.”

Roger Clemens visited Key West on Feb. 11 to support Toughest Kids and the David Maus Foundation. For more on Toughest Kids and how to support, including children who have lost a military parent, visit toughestkids.com. And for more on the Roger Clemens Foundation visit rogerclemensfoundation.org.

Roger Clemens pitches at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox in 1996. JERRY REUSS/Wikipedia

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

KEY WEST HOME TOURS CELEBRATE 63 YEARS OF PRESERVATION

GORGEOUS GARDENS ON DISPLAY

KEY WEST GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS

2 DAYS OF EXCLUSIVE TOURS

Five flourishing private Key West gardens will be on display for nature enthusiasts to explore from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25, during once-a-year tours presented by the Key West Garden Club.

Attendees will get a rare chance to discover examples of distinctive landscaping and plant-filled outdoor living areas central to the island’s easygoing, nature-oriented lifestyle.

Architectural highlights on the continental United States’ southernmost island range from small 19th-century cottages to ornate period mansions decorated with intricate wooden “gingerbread” trim. Visitors can explore homes embodying this stylistic heritage as well as contemporary gems during weekend home tours Feb. 1718 and March 17-18.

The nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF) presents the annual tours.

Established in 1960 to promote the restoration and preservation of Key West’s historically significant buildings, the OIRF is dedicated to safeguarding the island city’s architectural and cultural traditions.

Each tour weekend features about five homes chosen for their contribution to the Key West community as significant historic buildings, creative renovations or examples of the Florida Keys lifestyle.

“OIRF selects homes that showcase all sizes, ages, architectural features, family history, rehabilitation projects and island prominence,” said Nance Frank, the organization’s board chair.

Key West’s Old Town contains what is believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States with almost 3,000 structures. Many were constructed by shipbuilder-carpenters and cigar manufacturing barons in the 1800s,

1.

the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

2. Docents will guide all tours, offering insights into each property’s history, architecture and other attributes.

3. Visitors can view interiors filled with antiques and art as well as imaginatively planned outdoor living spaces.

so the island’s architecture reflects the building styles and cultures of its early inhabitants.

In part because of the OIRF’s work in raising awareness about the historic value of Key West structures, today scores of lovingly restored properties flourish as single-family homes, bed-and-breakfast guesthouses and museum attractions. The historic district and its restorations have drawn attention and honors from organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

All tours are set for 1 to 4 p.m. and participants provide their own transportation. OIRF volunteers serve as docents at each featured home, informing visitors about its history, architecture, décor and other elements.

Tickets for each tour cost $55 per person ($45 for OIRF members) when purchased in advance through oirf.org/ home-tours or $60 at the door on tour days.

More information is at oirf.org/ home-tours or 305-294-9501

— Contributed

Featured gardens, all within a 10-minute walking distance from each other in the Midtown area, were chosen to spotlight their unusual designs, plants and unique landscaping. Locations are 1316 Laird St., 1402 Laird St., 1407 Rose St., 1610 Patricia St. and 1525 Atlantic Blvd.

There are many examples of container gardening as a way to deal with Key West shallow soil and use of vertical spaces and structures to make the most out of limited space.

One garden has maximized and expanded its patio area to take advantage of more indoor/outdoor living. Still another has beautiful jasmine vines growing over its entry, creating a canopy of fragrant white flowers in the spring and summer. The gardens feature great ideas to apply to your own gardening areas.

Educational talks on both days will take place as follows:

11 a.m. — Hurricane recovery at 1316 Laird St.

1 p.m. — Ponds and Plants at 1525 Atlantic Blvd.

2 p.m. — Orchids at 1610

Patricia St.

Garden Club docents will be on hand at each stop, sharing detailed information with tour participants about the plants on display.

Tickets for the tours are $30 per person in advance at keywestgardenclub.com or $35 on tour

The Key West Garden Club presents tours of five private gardens Feb. 24 and 25. LYNNE BENTLEY-KEMP/Contributed

days at designated garden locations. Tickets are good for both days.

The nonprofit club is headquartered at Key West’s Civil War-era West Martello fort, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1100 Atlantic Blvd. Since the 1950s, the organization has maintained and planted a lush large-scale garden in the ruins of the fort, with all plants donated and cared for by club members and volunteers.

The fort’s brick arches are the backdrop for elements including spectacular orchids and bromeliads, mature fruit trees, indigenous plants, a colorful butterfly garden, a white perfume garden, a prehistoric garden and a dramatic pool and fountain.

The site is open free of charge from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except major holidays.

For more tour information, visit keywestgardenclub.com, call 305294-3210 or email Conner Boyd at cboyd@groupstar.com.

Old Town Key West contains what is believed to be

MANDY MILES

drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

MILES TO GO A SUPER BOWL MIRACLE (AND A RAISED MIDDLE FINGER)

It was sort of a Super Bowl miracle. Not because the Chiefs won. They deserved it, given the Eagles’ defense in the second half.

But because only one middle finger was extended during a five-hour Super Bowl party on Truman Avenue. Because four people, friends for 43 years, two Chiefs fans and two Eagles fans, watched the game together in the home they’re all sharing for two weeks in Key West.

I assume it goes without saying the middle finger belonged to an Eagles fan (in this case, my father), who raised it while handing over a five-dollar bill to settle the high-stakes bet the two couples typically make whenever Kansas City plays Philadelphia in any sport — and whenever the KU Jayhawks play the Villanova Wildcats in college basketball.

These bets and this rivalry, like the two couples’ friendship, goes back more than 40 years, to when I was 3 years old and my family moved to Overland Park, Kansas, just outside KC.

My dad had seen our potential new house first, visiting a few options with a real estate agent before bringing my mom, brother and me to look at the ones on the shortlist.

On dad’s first visit to the house at 10400 Earnshaw, a neighbor from down the street happened by, and asked whether my dad and his wife, both about 31 at the time, had any children.

My dad said he had a 6-year-old son, Kevin, and a 3-year-old daughter, Mandy.

The woman’s eyes lit up, as she and her husband had a 6-year-old son, Brian, and a 3-year-old daughter, Mindy.

The short interaction between a potential homebuyer and a potential neighbor grew into a lifelong friendship between two families — the Bolens and the Sandefurs.

My parents bought the house on Earnshaw, where we lived across the street and three houses down from the Sandefurs.

My mom and Andi became and remain the closest friends I’ve ever witnessed, through time, distance, kids, grandkids, family dramas and health scares.

Even after my family moved tearfully away from Kansas City five years later, we still saw the Sandefurs once a year. Mindy’s first view of the Atlantic Ocean was from the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, when the Sandefurs first visited us “down the Shore,” having driven all the way from Kansas City.

My first-ever ski trip occurred with the Sandefurs, who took me with them to Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado, where I conquered my very first (albeit green) slope. I still remember, the beginner’s trail was called “Schoolmarm.”

As the two couples — Mary Ann and Bob Bolen, Andi and John Sandefur — descended together on Key West for two weeks this month, the friendship is as strong as ever.

And as for that one Super Bowl middle finger, eh, what else would you expect from an Eagles fan?

KEY WORDS

Key West Writers Guild releases

Key West story collection

The Key West Writers Guild (KWWG) announces two events to launch its most recent anthology, “More Words from the End of the Road: An Anthology of Short Stories and Poems.” The collection features 44 literary gems from 24 storytellers and poets presenting skillfully woven impressions of the islands they love.

The diversity of talent and telling reflect the individuality, beauty, passion and mystique of the Florida Keys — iguanas, mistaken identities at a bar, poetry of the sea, journeys to Key West, Fantasy Fest and more. There’s something for everyone: memoir, poetry, essay and flash fiction.

There are two opportunities to meet the writers, hear them read excerpts of their work and have books signed.

Signings will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at Key West Island Books, 513 Fleming St., and at 10 a.m. on March 21 in the palm garden of the Key West library, 700 Fleming St.

There will be refreshments and door prizes.

Can’t make it? Copies are available locally at the Key West Writers Guild booth at the Artisan Market, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. They’re also available at Books & Books, Key West Island Books and Last Chance Gifts at Key West International Airport.

The Key West Writers Guild serves to educate, promote and encourage literary excellence and provide an opportunity to receive critiques and gain information about finding an agent, publishing and marketing.

The guild meets from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.

For the location and to attend, contact president Rusty Hodgdon at rusty.the.writer@ gmail.com.

For more information, visit keywestwritersguild.com.

Friday, Feb. 17

• Key West Art & Historical Society will present architect Bert Bender with the Scotti Merrill Preservation Award at the annual “Back In Time” Prohibition Dinner Party. The festive costumed event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Fort East Martello, which will be transformed into the “A1A Speakeasy,” featuring an open bar, hand-rolled cigars, rums, surf and turf dinner, and swing jazz. Visit kwahs.org for tickets and information.

Sunday, Feb. 19

• Gunhild Carling, “Sweden’s Queen of Swing,” performs at Key West Theater with members of her family. Carling sings swinging jazz standards, plays 11 instruments, juggles and tap dances. 7 p.m. Visit thekeywesttheater.com.

Monday, Feb. 20

• Congregation B’Nai Zion presents a free movie, “Persian Lessons,” a story of survival inspired by true events. A rabbi’s son from Antwerp, en route to a concentration camp, trades his sandwich for a book of Persian legends and avoids execution by very clever twists and turns. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.

• The Friends of the Key West Library’s speaker series presents Bob Kealing, a retired journalist and the author of five non-fiction books at 6 p.m., outdoors in the library’s palm garden, 700 Fleming St. Admission is free, but seats are very limited.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

• The College of the Florida Keys invites prospective students and their parents to learn about its Project ACCESS program at a virtual information session at 5:30 p.m. Project ACCESS is an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. Visit cfk.edu/projectaccess to register or contact Nicole Gerrard at ProjectACCESS1@cfk.edu or 305-809-3262.

Sunday, Feb. 26

• Key West Wildlife Center hosts the annual It’s for the Birds benefit, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at West Martello Tower, 1100 Atlantic Blvd., Key West. The event at the home of the Key West Garden Club includes food, drinks, live music, a silent auction and a “wine wall.” A two-night stay at Little Palm Island will be raffled, with tickets $50 each. Visit keywestwildlifecenter.com for information and tickets.

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WORTH SAVING: ARCHITECT BERT BENDER PRESERVES OUR PAST

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD MEET...

Someone at college told Bert Bender to “give it up,” that he’d never be an architect. They clearly didn’t know whom they were dealing with.

This week, Bender receives the prestigious Scotti Merrill Historic Preservation Award from Key West Art & Historical Society, one of many accolades he’s received in the 47 years he’s been running the firm he started in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1975.

“It’s no secret that historic preservation is a big deal for me. It always has been and it always will be,” Bender says. “I don’t think I will ever be able to change that.”

After a decade of it in Arizona, his wife Nancy asked him where he would consider living. “Wrong coast,” she said in answer to his Pacific Northwest interest. But Bender clearly landed in the right place on the right coast in 1985.

Key West is said to have the largest collection of historic, wooden buildings in the nation, a niche that helped Bender build (pun intended) a name for himself as both architect and historic preservationist. His firm, Bender & Associates, has completed many projects throughout Florida and the country, including transforming what was once Glynn Archer Elementary School on White Street into today’s Key West City Hall.

His longest client relationship is with Key West Art & Historical Society — a natural fit given the three historic properties the society stewards and the tenacity required to keep them in restored order despite the relentless sun, subtropical storms, salt and humidity.

When the society needed to restore the Key West Lighthouse and surrounding Keeper’s Quarters in 1988, no one wanted to touch it. But Bender’s firm more than willingly stepped in.

A few years later, he was called to help spearhead the nine-year, $9 million renovation of the Custom House — the iconic landmark

that since 1891 has stood sentinel over Key West Harbor. The building now houses the society’s award-winning Key West Museum of Art & History, with two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of island history, art, people and events.

Bender and his firm have become a trusted source for all the society’s historic preservation needs, “going above and beyond with every project,” said Michael Gieda, KWAHS Executive Director.

Still, the awards he gets in his life now give him pause.

“I keep thinking that people think I’m going to die around the corner, and that’s not the case at all,” he says. “Every day is better than it was the day before.”

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t had some pretty terrifying health scares in his life, he says. Bender had leukemia. Twice. Survival odds were 10%.

“I’ll take those odds,” he told them.

Last fall, Bender suffered a severe stroke while working out at a gym. Fortunately, a nurse was also working out that morning. He was helicoptered to Miami, where he met with a dozen specialists.

“Was it a tragedy? Or was it a gift?” he asks. “Because I had that stroke, they took care of a lot of other things that would have killed me.”

When I point out his tenacity and capacity for introspection, he blames it on genetics.

“They did a test on me. I’m 93% Jewish, 5% Genghis Khan and 2% unknown.”

Genes also account for a condition that left Bender legally deaf when he was 7 — 30% capacity to hear only low tones and with a continuous ringing in his ears. He got hearing aids at 28 that improved the quality of what he could already hear, but could not amplify the sounds he couldn’t hear. With the advent of digital hearing aids years later, there were all new sounds. Like birdsong.

“I had never heard a bird before,” Bender recalls.

His eyes are glassy as he tells this story on the stairs in front of the Custom House. (Mine aren’t dry, either.)

“Look,” he says. “I’m taller than you.”

He’s one step above me, in more ways than one. I tell him I’m always surprised that he and I are the same height — and I’m not tall. Maybe it’s because his spirit is as big as his list of accomplishments, I say.

“I’d like to think it’s my personality,” he says, grinning.

And very likely — as I discover in this interview — it’s his heart, which ticks tenaciously forward, always recognizing the significance of the people and places that matter to him.

Architect and acclaimed historic preservationist Bert Bender has given new life to some of Key West’s most iconic buildings. CRICKET DESMARAIS/Keys Weekly

Bert Bender will receive the Key West Art & Historical Society’s prestigious Scotti Merrill Historic Preservation Award on Feb. 17 during the society’s “Back In Time” Prohibition Dinner Party at Fort East Martello.

SEA OF LOVE GREAT WHITE SIGHT

JUVENILE WHITE SHARK SPOTTED OFF DUCK KEY

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Bulls, hammerheads and reef sharks are common culprits known to fishermen trying to reel their catches past the “tax men” in the Florida Keys.

A great white? Not so much.

Mikki McComb-Kobza, executive director of the Ocean First Institute with a shark lab in Key Largo, was surprised to receive a call from College of the Florida Keys student Travis Ellington. Sending over a bevy of photos and videos, Ellington reported a juvenile white shark hanging out off the stern of family friend Tom Eacobacci’s boat while fishing off Duck Key on Jan. 21.

“He was just losing his mind,” said McComb-Kobza. “They found our institute and were like, ‘Hey, can you guys confirm what we’re seeing?’”

“We were just yellowtailing, normal reef fishing, and it just came up next to the boat,” Ellington told the Weekly. “It stayed around for a while, probably five or 10 minutes, but it actually didn’t try to snag any of our fish. It kept looking at the chum bag, but it never tried to bite it or anything.”

McComb-Kobza has more than 20 years of experience researching endangered species, including worldwide studies of white sharks with baited remote underwater cameras from the northeast Atlantic down to Florida. From her own experience, and after conferring with four colleagues, Ellington’s pictures were a dead giveaway.

The researchers confirmed the sixor seven-foot shark as a juvenile white, likely less than a year old by their estimation, as newborn white sharks are already five feet long.

White sharks are known as a highly migratory species, frequently traveling from Canada all the way to the Gulf of Mexico and back throughout the year.

“They are cruising by the Keys, there’s no doubt; it’s just that we don’t know exactly when and why,” said McComb-Kobza. “But to find a juvenile is interesting. What we do know is that white sharks have a temperature preference, and 55 degrees is kind of their sweet spot. … The Keys have had some cold snaps, so that water is kind of conducive to those guys being there.”

The juvenile sighting marks the second publicized visit of a “snowbird” shark in 2023 as “Sable,” another juvenile white shark tagged by research group OCEARCH, “pinged” in the wa-

ters off Layton on Jan. 3. Named after Sable Island National Park Reserve, she was originally tagged in Nova Scotia but last “pinged” on Jan. 27 in the gulf waters off the Florida panhandle – a perfect example of the migration patterns McComb-Kobza described to the Weekly.

The long journeys aren’t unique to sharks in the western Atlantic, either, as McComb-Kobza described her trip in November to tag white sharks being chased away by killer whales in South Africa.

“It’s amazing to see where they’re going,” she said. “We think that those sharks in South Africa might be going all the way over to Australia.”

For all the trepidation a white shark sighting might trigger in most, Ellington and McComb-Kobza agreed: this was awesome.

“I’ve been in the ocean my whole life,” Ellington said. “It’s kind of crazy that in all the hours I’ve been on the water, I’ve only seen one.”

“It’s great news to be able to say that we’re seeing juvenile white sharks off the Florida Keys,” McCombKobza added. “It’s a good thing. And it’s indicating to us that management strategies that have been employed in the U.S. are working. In the ’80s, sharks really went down in numbers, and we’re starting to see those numbers rebounding.”

To view a live, interactive shark tracker with current and historical data for tagged animals like Sable, visit ocearch.com/tracker.

REHABILITATED TURTLE PAIR RETURNS TO THE OCEAN ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day in Key West was celebrated with the release of a rehabilitated sea turtle duo back to the Atlantic Ocean by experts from the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital.

Dubbed “Port” and “Starboard,” the two juvenile green sea turtles were rescued together some three months ago in Lower Keys waters and treated at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Now weighing 20 pounds and 50 pounds, respectively, they were recently deemed to be in good health and ready for release together.

“We have ‘Port’ and ‘Starboard,’ two juvenile green sea turtles that were rescued together in November, and how awesome is this — we were able to put them back in their ocean home today on Valentine’s Day,” said Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach.

After their rescue, both turtles were diagnosed with fibropapillomatosis — a debilitating tumor-causing disease that affects sea turtle species around the world. Treatment included tumor removal surgeries, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of greens and mixed seafood.

Several hundred people watched from Key West’s Higgs Beach as “Port” and “Starboard” were carried from the Turtle Hospital’s ambulance to the water’s edge. The crowd applauded as the pair swam away together to spend Valentine’s Day in their saltwater home.

Since it opened over 35 years ago, the Turtle Hospital has treated and rehabilitated more than 2,000 injured sea turtles.

— Contributed

Experts from the Turtle Hospital release two juvenile green sea turtles that were rehabilitated at the hospital on Valentine’s Day in Key West. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

A photo taken by Travis Ellington show a juvenile white shark behind his friend’s recreational fishing boat off Duck Key on Jan. 21. TRAVIS ELLINGTON/Contributed

NURTURING NATURE THROUGH A LENS

KEY WEST BOTANICAL GARDEN COMBINES ART & NATURE

“My whole idea is to inspire folks to get back out into nature and to engage by taking photos while doing that.”

So says Kristie Killam, a photographer and former U.S Fish and Wildlife park ranger. Her focus these days is documenting the vast variety of marsh birds, reptiles and complex meshwork of creatures and foliage that make up the integral, humming and living ecosystem that is the Florida Keys.

Killam will host a photography presentation and workshop starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.

Visitors will be treated to Killam’s technicolor — often breathtaking — images of the wildlife she encounters as a self-described “nature nerd.” The digital shots tell compelling stories about the animals and plants native to this area of vast and quietly unseen diverse species.

Organized in collaboration with the garden’s executive director Misha McRae, Killam will begin a three-part speaker series and hands-on photography workshop kicking off at 1 p.m. “The program is going to include inspiring stories about nature,” Killam said last week. “I’m going to show practical ways in which to engage or re-engage with photography as a way of connecting to the natural world that’s all around us.”

Preservation of those natural resources, Killam added, is crucially integrated with her digitally captured works of art.

“I’ve always had conservation as my top priority while doing this,” she said.“I’d like to share this type of storytelling — through photography

— with others. It’s all about what you can do to help and at the same time learn a new skill or develop advanced ways of using a camera to capture the beauty of the wildlife in the Keys.”

McRae agreed, saying he came up with the idea of adding such events to the garden’s calendar with an eye toward bringing more visitors to the nature retreat on College Road.

“This last year we decided we wanted to do more involved, extensive programs. Kristie’s presentation is part of our continuing plan to bring art and nature together,” McRae said.

He added that Killam is “known throughout the Keys for her wildlife photography. Especially for her shots of the marsh birds and the marshlands and the sunsets. She knows the camera and how to pick a subject. She’s an expert who can turn a photo into a piece of art.”

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is special in many ways, one of which is its status as the only “frost-free” vegetation and bird sanctuary in the continental U.S., McRae noted. “We’ve been designated as a wildlife refuge as far back as 1914 by the government. We have both flora and fauna species that exist nowhere else in the world.”

Though now retired from her ranger career, Killam’s decades of local experience have

given her, she says, a unique perspective that helps snare her subjects in the lens.

While she does use sophisticated equipment like a Sony mirrorless digital camera, the “nature nerd” emphasizes that a simple phone will do. “Some people might not be able to afford a more expensive camera or lens, but that’s OK. You can do cool stuff with light and perspective and be imaginative and creative. All you need is a way to record those images.”

Simply put, Killam said, “The best camera in the world is the one you happen to have on you.”

Her photography program on Feb. 25 is free for visitors and will be the first of three presentations offered this spring, with the next one scheduled for March 11. More information is at keywest.garden.

1. A Key deer and her fawn by wildlife photographer Kristie Killam, who will lead a workshop at the Key West Botanical Gardens beginning Feb. 25. KRISTIE KILLAM/Contributed

2. Keys wildlife photographer Kristie Killam at work. AMY PATTON/Keys Weekly

3. The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a natural oasis on College Road with walkways, ponds and an abundance of wildlife. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

TOP COP

KEY WEST POLICE CHIEF NAMES TYLER GETCHEL OFFICER OF THE YEAR

SPORTS & MORE

SUPER ENDING FOR SUPER BOWL LVII

Police Chief Sean Brandenburg named Tyler Getchel Officer of the Year for 2022 during the department’s recent annual awards ceremony at the Grand Key Resort. Getchel started with the Key West Police Department in October 2018.

“During his time with the department, he has earned a reputation as an individual who never says no,” said Brandenburg, noting that Getchel has served on road patrol and in the marine unit.

“In a year when our resources have been stretched, Officer Getchel’s willingness to take on the lion’s share of work has been invaluable to the department,” Brandenburg said. “He offers to take on extra days and assists outside agencies. He works to train his fellow officers to ensure that the duties of protecting our port are up to federal standards.”

Keys Federal Credit Union sponsored the award and presented Getchel with a check for $500.

“Officer Getchel conducts himself every day with enthusiasm, passion, pride and compassion,” the chief said.

— Contributed

MORROW

t halftime of Sunday’s Super Bowl, my friend, Jerry, asked me what I thought of the game. I said I thought it was rather boring. At that point, we had two quarterbacks getting ready to collapse, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes from his bad ankle and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts from his sore shoulder.

If I had written my column at that point, I would have praised the people at Fox who put together the pregame program that seemed to go on for hours (and did). It was entirely enjoyable, however.

In the second half, both QBs seem to find some energy reserves that would have carried either team to victory.

But in the end it was Kansas City that got the boost for the win.

Rihanna probably got the energy boost, too. I’m not a fan of hers, but, already pregnant with another child, she put on quite a show, performing high above the crowd, mostly on platforms that put her in the stratosphere. Most people, including the 20 or so watching with me, seemed to enjoy it. I thought the hype overwhelmed the performance.

Meanwhile, back to one of the best of the 57 Super Bowls in history. Early in the fourth quarter, Kansas City took a 35-27 lead. But with 5:15 left, Philadelphia caught up with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Getting the ball back, the Chiefs were having difficulty moving it back down the field, needing only a field goal and the elimination of time.

AThey got part of the first when Eagles cornerback James Bradberry was caught holding. It put the ball easily within field-goal distance and allowed Kansas City time to play around with the ball as the clock counted down.

Finally, with eight seconds left, Kansas City lined up in field goal position with Harrison Butker in the kicker position. With an estimated 100 million people watching worldwide and holding their breath, Butker kicked it straight through the uprights.

As the noise of celebration settled down, Bradberry was asked if he had really committed holding in the end zone in the final minutes. The Eagle defensive back admitted he had, hoping the official wouldn’t see it. The player easily could have said he didn’t. His coach and his teammates were just as honorable, praising the Chiefs as the better team.

The commentators went even further, wondering whether coach Andy Reid, quarterback Mahomes, and tight end Travis Kelce were the best of all time.

Maybe they hadn’t watched Bill Belichick. There was a period when it seemed he was coaching the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl every year with quarterback Tom Brady, who then collected another Super Bowl ring with his next team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Regardless, though, the ending of Super Bowl LVII was nothing short of super.

Keys Federal Credit Union president Jason Beeman, Officer Tyler Getchel, Chief Sean Brandenburg and Keys Federal Credit Union’s Gisselle Garcia. CONTRIBUTED

... 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

RALPH

Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Senior, Key West Soccer

Key West’s soccer squad has made most of its wins this year in undeniable fashion, outscoing opponents 63-24 throughout the season. But when the Conchs won an at-large bid in the playoffs against top teams in the state, they knew their typical high-scoring victories would be unlikely.

“Karel’s contribution in the playoff run was crucial. He came up clutch in the PK shootout vs. MAST and kept us in the game with numerous big saves vs. Gulliver.”

That’s where senior Karel Bublak came in. In multiple sudden-death scenarios with the season on the line, Bublak made valiant saves to keep the Conchs alive in the FHSAA District 4A tournament, most notably against MAST Academy. When the game went unresolved in double overtime, triggering a shootout, Bublak toed the line in goal and made the saves that sent Key West into the next round and ended the season for their opponent.

The Key West keeper puts in the work and leads by example. “Karel guides the defense into their proper positions,” said Key West coach Marc Pierre. “He also encourages his teammates to keep working hard.” For his leadership on the pitch and amazing saves in the net, Karel Bublak is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

– Key West athletic director Justin Martin

BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING SEASON OPENS

Marathon and Coral Shores making early gains

Coral Shores and Gulliver High School visited the Middle Keys on Feb. 8 to open their boys weightlifting season against Marathon. Many athletes are still working on figuring out their weight classes and opening lifts, making the meet a great opportunity to see what works and what needs to be tweaked.

Coral Shores’ Xavyer Arrington won the unlimited class by nearly 100 pounds at the meet, but it was more like a warmup for the defending state snatch champion. Arrington has the potential to put up some huge numbers this year in his quest to return to the state meet on April 15.

Other notable performances from Hurricanes include one from Julian Juvier, who won the 238-pound division with the help of a big 265-pound bench press. Keegan White (169), Daniel Warrington (129), and Sebastian Mollineda (154) also all had strong performances for an early season meet.

For the Dolphins, Yuni De Leon, a state qualifier in 2022, had good lifts in the 219-pound class, and Matthias Martinez (139) and Jesus Oquendo (129) performed well at the meet.

All athletes will have a couple of months to make gains and perfect their form prior to districts. The teams meet again five more times this season, alternating among Marathon, Coral Shores, and Gulliver until they face one another at districts at the end of March.

TENNIS SWINGS INTO ACTION

’Canes and Fins face off on Opening Day

Prep tennis season officially opened on Feb. 8 when two Keys teams met in Tavernier to begin with a friendly in-county match. Coral Shores was the big winner on opening day, but Marathon will have a chance to improve with three more matchups throughout the season.

The Lady ’Canes swept past the Fins, winning all their singles and doubles matchups. Coral Shores’ Olivia Hughes, Kai Guth, Macy Cakans and Guadalupe Guerrero outmatched the Dolphins in singles, then the teams of Hughes/Guth and Cakans/Guerrero partnered up to win their doubles matches.

For the gentlemen, Marathon’s Adrien Holdinga won his singles match, then teamed up with Hunter Claflin to win a doubles match as well. Coral Shores’ Aiden Althouse and Johan Smith started their seasons off with victories in singles play.

Members of the Marathon Dolphins and Coral Shores Hurricanes tennis teams square off in a season-opening matchup in the Upper Keys on Feb. 8. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Left: Marathon’s Yuni De Leon was a state qualifier in the snatch competition in 2022. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys

Right: Coral Shores state weightlifting champion Xavyer Arrington poses during the 2022 state championships at Port St. Joe High School. CONTRIBUTED

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Marathon traveled to Key West on Feb. 10 for a preseason track meet under the tutelage of coach Darby Sheehan. Sheehan has been the Fins’ pole vault coach for several years, but has stepped up to the head coach position this season. Marathon used the preseason meet to give athletes an opportunity to try out some new events.

Monroe County rivals meet for preseason showdown

Key West outscored Marathon 56-30. The Conchs swept the relay events, winning the 4x100m with Clerf Alexandre, Jacob Lavallee, Shane Lavallee and James Reynolds. Shane Lavallee was also a member of the winning 4x400m team with fellow Conchs Jacob Nicholsen, Te’Von Watson and Suharevskis Niks-Davis. Colbin Hill, Jerven Louis and Lucas and Marcos Montiel won the 4x800m relay.

Niks-Davis took first in the 110m hurdles and Nicholsen won the 400m. In field events, Brondson Etienne won high jump, Josh Canterbury won pole vault and discus and Benndy Ambrose won the shot put event.

The Dolphins had quite a few standouts of their own. Marathon’s Mikail “Jay” Marshall had big wins in the 100m and 200m sprinting events, while Vance Bursa swept the distance and middle distance events, winning the 800m, 1600m and 3200m. Fab Louis Jeune placed first in long and triple jump, and Mason Buxton had a personal best javelin toss that was good enough for first place.

The Lady Conchs had a slightly more decisive win, outscoring the Fins 66-30. Key West’s girls also swept the relays. The first-place 4x100m team consisted of Dazmine Jenkins, Savannah Chadic, Lilia Mook and Rodemaelle Cineus. Chadic and Jenkins teamed up with Naima Thomas and Nikole Tomita in the 4x400m and Alicia Bahri, Rose Detwiler, Laira Anaya and Caylaa Makimaa ran the 4x800m relay.

Chadic crossed the line first in the 200m, giving her three top finishes for the meet. Other first-place finishers for the Lady Conchs were Naima Thomas (400m), Laira Anaya (800m), Jenesis Perloff (100m hurdles), Grace Andrew (400m hurdles) and Caylaa Makimaa, who won both the 1600m and 3200m runs.

In the field, Abby Collins had the winning javelin toss, Anabel Portuondo was tops in pole vault and Abigail Cowen won the long and triple jump events.

The Lady Fins did well in the field with wins in the high jump by Caylie Globe, discus by Janiya Pyfrom and shot put by Nicole Merryman. Abrianna Marshall was the lone Lady Fin runner with a first-place finish in the 100m.

The regulation season for track and field opens Thursday, Feb. 16 and Marathon and Coral Shores will not be wasting any time, meeting at Coral Shores on that date. Key West opens its regular season at Palmer on Friday, Feb. 17.

Key West’s Suharevskis Niks-Davis. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly. See more meet photos at keysweekly.com.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

South Florida Symphony’s 25th Anniversary Season Celebration continues as Maestra Sebrina Alfonso conducts Brahms’ passionate Double Concerto – featuring emerging duo, violinist Geneva Lewis and cellist Gabriel Martins – along with Sibelius’ majestic FifthSymphony and the spirited overture to Berlioz’s opera Béatrice et Bénédict

Gabriel Martins Cello Geneva Lewis Violin

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FISH FROM DECEMBER 1ST TO JULY 31ST

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Florida

ADDING THE THIRD ‘R’

After rescue and on-site rehab, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters celebrates first manatee releases

ABIGAIL HADDOCK www.keysweekly.com

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (FKAE) has successfully completed the rehabilitation of two orphaned manatees –dubbed Lil Peep and Maverick. Now a member of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), FKAE provides a manatee rescue team and the only manatee rehabilitation center in the Florida Keys. With the young manatees arriving just last year, their release marks a massive milestone for the aquarium’s on-site rehab program that officially began just over a year ago.

“We knew even before we opened the aquarium that this was something needed here, and that we were interested in being a part of it,” said founder Ben Daughtry.

Lil Peep arrived at Aquarium Encounters with another manatee named Heavy Falcon on Jan. 4, 2022. Both were rescued by SeaWorld after they were found emaciated in central Florida.

After 104 days of rehab, Heavy Falcon made weight criteria and was released in Crystal River on April 28. Since manatees are social animals, Maverick, a rescue from Marco Island, was sent down from his critical care facility at ZooTampa on April 27 to finish his rehab and be a companion for Lil Peep.

Orphaned manatees like Lil Peep and Maverick need to be more than 2 years old, and weigh more than 600 pounds, to be ready for release back into the wild. Now that they have met that criteria, they are two of 13 manatees returning to the wild this week with the help of Brevard Zoo providing transportation.

Aquarium Encounters already has two more manatees coming in for long-term rehab, named Mettwurst and Plunk. Now stable after their res-

cues, but in need of some weight gain, both will make the trip from SeaWorld Orlando on Feb. 23.

Sea World currently has 38 manatees in its rehabilitation facility, so Aquarium Encounters plays a vital role by providing space for stable animals who still need to pack on the pounds while allowing critical care facilities like Sea World to free up space and staff for more incoming rescues. Mettwurst originally was found orphaned in Crystal River, and Plunk was rescued from cold stress in Captiva.

Here in the Keys, manatees’ main risks come from boat strikes and entanglements. One of the best ways to protect them is to watch out for manatees while boating. Another way to help is by simply leaving them alone, and not trying to feed or water wild manatees.

“Hose watering is a learned behavior,” said FKAE senior marine biologist Kee Bligh. “So don’t teach it to them!”

“Hoses mean docks, and docks mean boats,” added Daughtry. “They don’t need that.”

In order to reduce their dependence on humans and give the manatees the best chance at successfully being reintroduced to the wild, the team is very hands-off in the rehabilitation process.

“They aren’t hand-fed,” said Daughtry. “Staff spend 30 to 40 hours a week caring for them, but hands-on contact is kept to a bare minimum.

“Each manatee eats around 100 pounds of lettuce every week, high quality romaine, and that’s the biggest issue for us,” he continued. “Aquarium Encounters provides 100% of that cost out of our budget. There is no government funding for rehab centers that aren’t critical care, and it’s over $500 a day to feed our animals.”

Donations to Aquarium Encounters’ charity organization, R3EACH, help provide care for rehabilitating manatees and assist in other conservation projects. Those wishing to donate to the organization’s mission may visit floridakeysaquariumencounters.com/product/donation/.

If you see an injured, tagged or deceased manatee, always call FWC at 1-888-404-3922.

From top: Maverick the manatee receives a veterinary checkup. Aquarium Encounters’ 26-foot, 12,000-gallon pool allows rehabbing manatees to gain weight in a controlled environment where staff can perform regular checkups.

Keys Aquarium Encounters and Miami Seaquarium staff team up for critical manatee transports.

Photos by FLORIDA KEYS AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS/Contributed

Raise a glass

LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF WINE

As we embark on, or continue, the wine journey, it helps to have some understanding of the wine jargon and the special language of the wine world.

Let ‘s start with A for alcohol, which is the result of the fermentation process in which yeast transforms the sugar in ripe grapes into ethanol (alcohol). Remember chemistry class?

ABV (alcohol by volume) is the standard measure of how much alcohol, percentage-wise, is in a given amount of a liquid. It is the number of milliliters of pure alcohol in 100 milliliters of a beverage. Wines range in alcohol content from 5% (Moscato, Prosecco, Vinho Verde, Riesling) to 23% (Madeira, port, sherry and sake.)

The average ABV for wine is 11.5% to 12.5% (French Champagne, Bordeaux, Rioja, Spanish Cava, Sauvignon Blanc).

High alcohol, 13.5% to 14.5%, is typical of California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Argentine Malbec, Syrah and Zinfandel, though Zinfandel often can soar above 15%.

‘A’ is also for acid — tartaric, malic and citric. Acid is the backbone in every wine. The acidity balances out the sweet and bitter components of the wine. Acid levels are measured by a logarithmic pH scale and most wines range from 2.5 to 4.5 pH (7 is a neutral pH). High acidity in a wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño and Pinot Noir, will taste crisper and more tart. High acidity will make your mouth water.

Wines with low acid (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache) will feel soft and round on your palate. Acidity is the secret to a long-aging wine. Sauternes, for example, is a wine with both high acidity and sweetness and is capable of aging for decades. Great wines are in balance with their four major components: alcohol, acidity, tannin and sweetness.

Now, let’s step away from the techy terms.

‘A’ is for Airén (eh-rahn). Airén is the most planted white grape in the world. Surprise! Although Chardonnay is planted in more than 40 countries, Spanish Airén is grown mainly in Spain. It has low acid and

FINE ART AUCTION RAISES FUNDS

ANNE MCKEE ARTISTS’ FUND SUPPORTS LOCAL CREATIVITY

ELIZABETH SCHWEITZER

citrus flavors and is mostly used in the production of Spanish brandy. They have been making brandy in Spain since the 8th century and today the nation produces about 80 million bottles of brandy a year. There are bottlings of Airén blended with Viura, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, while Lussory makes a non-alcoholic wine with Airén.

... is a wine lover and expert, and is the eighth woman in the world to earn the title of master sommelier, the highest professional qualification in the hospitality industry.

‘A’ is also for Amarone (ah-mahrow-nee), a wine made in Veneto, Italy, specifically, from the province of Valpolicella, from the partially dried grapes of Corvina with Rondinella and other approved grapes. The name Amarone translates to “great bitter.” The ripe grapes are left to dry on straw mats for about 120 days, then they are fermented and aged in large oak casks. The final result is a very powerful, ripe, luxurious and full-bodied wine with low acidity and high alcohol.

Until next time … cheers!

LIZ’S WINE PICKS

Save a little: Albarinho Martin Codax, Rias Baixas, Spain. Martin Codax was a 13th century troubadour whose romantic songs are still sung locally. This wine is crisp and elegant with notes of pear, apple and melon. It is bright and un-oaked and a perfect example of this varietal. Try it with apricots and Spanish cheese, steamed mussels, Asian food with ginger and empanadas. Under $20.

Spend a little: Amarone della Valpolicella Zenato Classico. Dark red color. Aromas of dried fruits, perfume, roses, figs and blackberries. Silky, complex, full-bodied, lots of personality, with flavors of cassis, truffles, dark chocolate, mixed berries, some herbs and a long lingering finish. It is best served with stews, earthy dishes, braised meat or strong cheese. $70 to $80.

The Anne McKee Artists Fund is gearing up for its biggest event of the year: the 28th Annual Fine Art Auction to be held Sunday, March 12 at The Studios of Key West.

Tickets are on sale at mckeefund.org.

This year, 42 works of fine art will be auctioned. The artwork offers something for every taste, including photography, oils, sculpture, watercolors, jewelry, ceramics and more. Many of the artists are former Anne McKee Fund grant recipients whose work is highly prized.

The artwork has begun previewing on the Anne McKee Fund’s website as well as on its Facebook and Instagram pages. The live viewing of these fine works begins with an art opening on March 2 at The Studios of Key West. The works will remain on display in the gallery until the auction on March 12.

Artists who participate in the auction receive 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their work, while the McKee Fund receives the remainder. That money is used as grants to Keys artists for select projects. Founded by longtime Key West resident Anne McKee, the nonprofit fund has awarded more than $400,000 to more than 450 artists since 1994.

“When I started, I thought it would help people buy frames and

materials,” said McKee. “I never dreamed it would help people do so many big things.”

As well as fine artwork, attractions at the auction include gourmet hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and $60 for VIP seating and can be purchased at mckeefund.org.

— Contributed

‘Kolorful Swimmer,’ a fish sculpture by Nancy Adams, will be available at the Anne McKee Art Auction on March 12. CONTRIBUTED

‘Poppies on the Beach,’ a painting by Tony Gregory, and dozens of other works will be available at the Anne McKee Art Auction on March 12. CONTRIBUTED

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP EVERY FRIDAY MORNING

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

The Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. 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. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

The Ploggers jumped over to Stock Island for the Feb. 10 cleanup on College Road. In just one hour, 23 volunteers collected 230 pounds of trash, 13 pounds of recycling, three golf balls and four gallons of cigarette butts. This could be a record number of butts collected in one hour. Thanks to our host, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, and thank you to all the volunteers who come out each week, from our locals who show up every Friday to the visitors who see the article in the Key West Weekly and want to give back. Follow our efforts on social media: #PloggingtheKeys #litterattractslitter #keepkeywestbeautiful

One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.

Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Manage-

ment at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to Keep Key West Beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

— Contributed

cleanup from 8 to 9 a.m.

Feb. 17: North Roosevelt at the VFW (Meet in the VFW parking lot.)

Feb. 24: Eaton & Whitehead streets (Meet in the parking lot of First Horizon Bank.)

Ezekiel is a 14-year-old male domestic shorthair. He’s a sweet senior who loves treats, gets along with other cats and would like a soft blanket to nap on.

Candy Star is a 1-year-old female domestic shorthair. She can be shy at first, but with patience and love, could be a wonderful cat companion.

Lele is a 4½-year-old female medium mixed breed. She loves going on walks, playing with toys and will need an energetic home without any other animal in it.

Rudy is an adult male rat. Rudy, Gene and Bob are a trio of rats that are looking for their furever home together. They love snuggling in their hammock and running up and down the cages playing together.

Lemon is a 2-year-old female domestic shorthair. She’s a spunky girl who loves to play, could be trained to do tricks and would love a kitty friend.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN

The sound guy.

To quote a famous movie, “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”

In the business of the everyday rock band, behind that curtain is the sound guy.

For the audience, the audio engineer is the most important part of the band. In your average band situation many, if not all, of the instruments played are mic’d. That means all the sound the microphones pick up first go to the sound guy, then to the speakers, then to your ears.

That’s not to say you wouldn’t hear the drums or bass or guitar without the sound guy, but that would be all you heard. And the amount of each instrument or voice that you heard would be inconsistent at best. The volume of instruments can vary greatly from song to song, depending on the material being played, and the intensity of the player. What you as a listener hear is what is called a “front of house” mix.

The sound guy creates this using knowledge of microphones, acoustics, equipment and the most useful tool, a good ear. They will take two guitars that sound similar and, using several different pieces of gear, separate them out while keeping their tonal similarities intact. The same overlapping of tone happens down below with the kick drum and the bass guitar. As they battle for the same foundation-filling space, the sound guy must work to find a harmonious balance for the listener.

The singer, yielding an acoustic instrument in an electric instrument world, loves a talented sound guy.

The most useful tool a singer has is the stage monitor. A speaker pointed toward the player is how the bass player hears the singer while standing

RAY WEST

... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

next to the drummer. The sound guy supplies the speaker in front of the player with whatever the player needs to hear so he or she knows where they are in the music at all times. This, like everything the sound guy does, also requires good communication skills. In other words, always be nice to the sound guy.

All this aside, the sound guy has to have command of many different pieces of equipment. From a guitar cable to a compressor/limiter, from a microphone stand to the creation of a Baxandall shelf shape on a 31band equalizer, the sound guy is like the plumber. It’s not the few hours the plumber was working that you pay for, it’s the years of experience that allowed the job to only take a few hours.

And perhaps most importantly, a great sound guy has great ears. Along with knowledge of acoustics, the sound guy is able to shape the sound of all the combined microphones, speakers, and instruments into a ball of discernible and pleasing sound.

As the night goes on, adjustments need to be made. As more people enter the room, more sound is absorbed and the sound guy accommodates. As the drummer’s girlfriend flirts with another guy, he begins to strike his instrument a bit harder. The sound guy rides the volume slider to tame the sounds of a breaking heart.

So the next time you buy a round for a great-sounding band, don’t forget to look in the back of the room for the man (or woman) behind the curtain.

ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE HORRORS

SPANISH SHIP SET FOR CUBA HITS KEYS REEF TRYING TO OUTRUN BRITISH SCHOONER

By the end of the 17th century, the capture of men and women for colonial distribution in European markets was in full swing. The Atlantic slave trade operated from about 1525 to 1866.

During that period, roughly 12.5 million Africans were captured and shipped off the continent for New World harbors.

Human cargo was generally shipped in one of two ways, and the business model incorporated a mortality factor. If a “tight pack” was used, every inch mattered, and the objective was to squeeze every human being possible into the least amount of space. For the trade’s practitioners, it was a numbers game. Every square foot equaled a dollar figure, and the goal was to successfully transport as much viable product as possible for the least amount of dollars.

The other way to transport the enslaved people was a “loose pack” where fewer people were transported in the same space and, subsequently, fewer deaths theoretically occurred during the transAtlantic crossing because of the “improved” travel conditions. For the slavers, all that mattered was the total number of viable bodies that were ultimately delivered.

The trip across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa’s west coast is historically referred to as the Middle Passage. Of the 12.5 million people transported from Africa, nearly 2 million suffered unspeakable deaths during the Middle Passage and were tossed overboard like chum.

By 6:15 p.m., the brig was firing her cannons at the gaining Nimble, and for the next 30 minutes, the two ships exchanged cannon and musket fire until the brig feigned surrender by firing a blank and flashing a conciliatory light. The Nimble ceased fire, and the brig made another run when she did. In its attempt to outrun the Nimble, the Guerrero slammed into Carysfort Reef off of Key Largo at full sail.

According to an 1831 edition of the United States Service Magazine, “The masts of the chase were heard to fall with a tremendous crash, followed with a horrid yell from those on board, which left no doubt of her being a Guineaman.” The ship’s hull split open and when the Guerrero filled with water, 41 Africans shackled in the ship’s hold drowned where they were chained. The Niles Weekly Register reported, “The cries of 561 slaves and crew were appalling beyond description.”

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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.

By 1827, the international slave trade had been illegal in Spain for seven years, the United States for 19 years, and Great Britain for 20. However, Spanish-held Cuba paid little heed to the prohibition, as evidenced in a letter written from a British officer in Havana to one in London dated July 31, 1827. It read, in part, “The illicit slave trader from this port … appears to be about to resume its former activity, no less than four Spanish vessels having during the present month sailed are the brigs Guerrero. … She is well armed, and has a crew of ninety men; and there can be little doubt that her purpose is to plunder their cargoes of slaves any weaker vessels that she may fall in within the coast of Africa.”

The Guerrero was just over 110 feet long with a beam of 27 feet, 5 inches. When the ship left the west coast of Africa to make the over 4,000-mile voyage to Havana, 561 enslaved people were held on board. On Dec. 19, 1827, Lt. Edward Holland and the 56man crew aboard the schooner H.B.M. (His Britannic Majesty) Nimble was patrolling the Florida Straits 250 miles north of Havana. The Guerrero was spotted off the coast of Orange Cay, Bahamas. The noon entry into the Nimble’s log read, “Observed stranger to be a suspicious looking brig. I set topsail, cleared (the deck) for action and fired two guns to bring strangers to whom we observed hauling up to avoid us; made more sail.”

The following morning, wreckers aboard the Thorn, Florida and Surprize arrived on the scene. Approximately 20 Spaniards and 142 Africans boarded Captain Austin Packer’s 39-foot schooner. Aboard Captain Charles Grover’s schooner Thorn, 246 Africans and 54 Spaniards were boarded. The two ships set sail for Key West but were hijacked by the Spanish and redirected to Santa Cruz, Cuba, where the human cargo was sold to sugar field plantation owners.

The remaining 121 Africans were boarded onto the Nimble and delivered to Key West. One person died in transit. The Africans were clothed, fed and housed for 75 days. Four additional Africans died during that period. At Key West, rumors began to circulate around the island that Spanish warships would be sailing for the island, and it was decided that for everyone’s safety, it was best to transfer the surviving 117 people to the St. Augustine area.

A letter written by the U.S. Marshal in St. Augustine to Richard Rush, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, stated, “While they were in Key West, attempts were made to take them from the possession of my deputy, by force, and by bribery; and, the night before I removed them from the island, an attempt was made to carry off a part of them.”

Unable to support the enslaved, the U.S. Marshal rented the Africans out to St. Augustine area plantation owners. During their time in St. Augustine, 17 Africans either died or escaped. In the end, of the original 561 Africans pirated away from their homeland, 100 people were attempted to be repatriated to Africa. Nine more Africans died during the Atlantic crossing.

Slaves aboard the bark Wildfire from Harper’s Weekly June 2, 1860. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION/Contributed

MORE THAN 100 HAITIAN MIGRANTS LAND IN THE KEYS

DILAPIDATED SAILBOAT GROUNDED NEAR TAVERNIER

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Oleander Street resident Mike Diaz took out his phone and went to his balcony to videorecord a breathtaking Florida Keys sunrise the morning of Feb. 9. He slowly panned his camera to the left and noticed a surprise off the Tavernier shore.

As Diaz took a closer look, he noticed a large sailboat carrying what appeared to be migrants. The boat grounded just off the shore of Tavernier around 7 a.m. A total of 114 Haitian migrants jumped ship and swam to a private residence at the end of Oleander Drive.

Diaz’s video captured the moment they reached land, shouting for joy following a lengthy journey from a country that’s been afflicted by gang violence.

“They were super happy,” Diaz said.

A Haitian appearing in front of Diaz’s camera expressed his excitement after touching U.S. soil. Diaz said the event happened quite fast.

“I stepped out for two seconds right when I woke up, and I saw this big sailboat coming,” Diaz said. “And I was like, what?”

Diaz said it’s the second time the Tavernier neighborhood has witnessed a migrant landing. Not long ago, a Cuban chug arrived in the same vicinity.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection agents were assisted at the scene by the U.S. Coast Guard, a number of Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies. By 9 a.m., a U.S. Homeland Security bus arrived to load the Haitian migrants, a majority of them being males, for processing. Migrants walked from the property to the bus as they smiled and put the thumbs up as neighborhood residents watched from the side.

It’s the first major landing since Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida National Guard on Jan. 6 following an influx of migrants from Cuba and Haiti to start 2023. The move by DeSantis came after federal, state and local resources were overwhelmed by the arrival of roughly 300 migrants at

Dry Tortugas National Park located 70 miles west of Key West. Since August 2022, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have encountered more than 8,000 migrants in the Florida waters.

Various law enforcement agencies, from Florida Highway Patrol to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, were deployed to respond to migrant landings in the Keys. DeSantis said he activated more resources due to what he called President Joe Biden’s “lawless immigration policies” that burdened local law enforcement. Personnel, airplanes and helicopters were deployed, as well as more marine patrols by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Last month, the Biden administration shifted its immigration policy in an attempt to slow the flow of migrants from the southern border and the Florida shores. New rules detail the expedited removal of migrants who illegally enter the U.S. They would also be subject to a five-year ban from attempting to reenter the U.S.

Haitians and Cubans seeking to legally enter the country would need to pass health and background checks, have someone in the U.S. to sponsor them and arrange their own air travel.

On Feb. 10, the Florida Legislature approved a measure, Senate Bill 6B, to give DeSantis the ability to relocate migrants who arrive in the state wherever he sees fit. Legislation, which is expected to be signed by the governor, allocates $10 million for the state Division of Emergency Management for what’s known as the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program. State Rep. John Snyder, a Republican from Stuart, sponsored the bill. He said he wanted to give the administration as much flexibility as possible to relocate the migrants.

“I trust the folks in the Department of Emergency Management to continue to exemplify the Florida way,” he said on the floor. “We’re giving them the flexibility to address each scenario on a case-by-case basis.”

DeSantis has until Feb. 25 to sign the bill.

A dilapidated wooden vessel transported 114 Haitian migrants, the majority of them men, from their home country to Tavernier. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Haitian migrants who swam to shore after their boat grounded off the Upper Keys shore on Feb. 9 walk to a U.S. Homeland Security bus.

STUDIO SPOTLIGHT

Artist Lisa Lee documents fish through traditional gyotaku

HURRICANE ISLAND OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL RESUMES SPRING SAILING PROGRAMS

WILLIAM

Stories told by humans of wildlife and the natural surroundings go back thousands of years. People viewing tribal art, for example, see representations of nature.

What about that big herd of animals humans hunted over centuries? Well, there are plenty of drawings and paintings depicting the hunt. After all, people love to show what they caught while hunting or fishing. It’s in our nature.

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

It’s easy to say you saw something or caught something now, with cameras on our phones. But before technology, things were very different. You caught a really big fish that was so amazing and cool? Don’t believe me? Another tall tale? Here is this rubbing of the fish to prove it to you.

You might have gone to an art show or gallery and seen large fish impressions. If they look a little different from traditional art, that is because they are. They are called gyotaku. It is a traditional Japanese method for printing a fish. Some of the earliest examples date back to the mid-1800s. The earliest known gyotaku dates from 1857, and features a carp caught in the Mogami River.

The word gyotaku is a compound word: gyo, which means fish, and taku, which means stone impression. While the word is exotic, it clearly describes what it is. Gyotaku was originally a way for fishermen to record their catches.

How did this Japanese art become so prevalent in the United States? Two main reasons. The first was an exhibition in 1956 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The exhibition was called “Gyotaku: the Impression of a Fish.” The second is a book by Yoshio Hiyama called “Gyotaku: The Art and Technique of Fish Print.” While the exhibition introduced America to this Japanese art of printing fish, the book taught about the mechanics of gyotaku. Since then, gyotaku has grown in many creative ways, becoming an art form of its own.

In the Florida Keys, we are known for our fishing. It is no wonder we couldn’t escape the allure of the beautiful Japanese art of gyotaku. Islamorada is home to a professional gyotaku artist, Lisa Lee. She is a professional

member of the Gyotaku Art of Europe and the Nature Printing Society. Lee has been featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Only in the Florida Keys” and PBS’s “Art Loft.” I was lucky to catch up with her and talk to her about her gyotaku process.

Here is Lisa’s process in her own words: “In traditional gyotaku, they would apply inks to one side of the freshly caught fish, cover it with kozo paper and rub the papers to create an impression of the fish. I like to stick to this original method as closely as possible. I use a non-toxic ink so when I’m done with the printing process the fish is still perfectly fine to filet up for dinner so nothing goes to waste. All of my papers are imported from a small papery in Japan so each roll may be slightly different.”

She added, “Once I’m finished printing the freshly caught fish, I take the prints back to my gallery to properly trim the edges of the paper and then embellish them with as much or as little color as I see fit. Traditional gyotaku, only the eye was embellished leaving the print as is. I love this aesthetic; however, having been a professional marine artist for about 15 years, I enjoy adding back the fish’s full color, bringing it back to life. Detailing the eyes of any fish is a meticulous process, but I find it to be one of the most important finishing details. Once I’m finished with the piece I have them professionally photographed and archived as well as professionally framed.”

The art of gyotaku has come a long way from Japan to here in the Keys. What started as a way to document a fish you caught transformed into an art form in itself. I often wonder what is next for this art form.

PROGRAM’S BOATS SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH REFUGEE CRAFTS

Hurricane Island Outward Bound School (HIOBS), an organization that focuses on experiential learning through outdoor expeditions, recently returned to its Florida base camp in Big Pine Key to run its winter and spring sailing programs.

From November to March, HIOBS offers six- to nine-day sailing programs in the Keys for adults and veterans as well as gap year and semester courses that encompass expeditions like whitewater rafting, canyoneering, kayaking and surfing. On the sailing courses, a 30-foot open sailboat becomes both home and classroom for participants. Students build connections with their crew and are taught skills such as beginning, intermediate and advanced chart and compass navigation, small boat seamanship, weather observation and anchoring.

Part of the Florida Keys community since 1978, HIOBS is one of 10 independent Outward Bound schools in the U.S. and serves people of all ages and backgrounds through active learning expeditions that inspire character development, self-discovery and service. The programs use unfamiliar settings as a way for participants across the country to experience adventure and challenge in a way that helps

them realize they can do more than they thought possible.

During the summer and fall seasons, the nonprofit operates from its two base camps in Maine — providing sailing, sea kayaking and rock climbing expeditions on the Maine coast as well as backpacking, climbing and canoeing programs out of its mountain base in Newry, Maine. Expeditions range in length from one week to semester-long courses and serve middle and high school students, college students and adults. The organization also provides customized programming for educators, business professionals and veterans.

“Our hope is to increase community awareness of our sailing programs and vessels in the Florida Keys and help alleviate any potential concerns from residents or local law enforcement when they see our boats and students on the water,” said HIOBS marketing manager Kim Ratner. “The images here provide visual representation of our boats in the backcountry as well as what the sleeping setup looks like.

“While we have a good working relationship with the Coast Guard and they are aware of our presence, we have recently had some recurring issues with our boats getting mistaken for refugee boats and community members notifying local law enforcement.”

More information is at hiobs. org

Lisa Lee sticks to the traditional method of gyotaku and uses non-toxic ink during the printing process. CONTRIBUTED

Sailing vessels used by the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School are both a home and classroom for the school’s students and should not be confused with refugee boats in the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SAWYER PERMITTING SERVICES located at 21 Aster Terrace, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-6205, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Tavernier, Florida this 8th day of February, 2023.

By: Marissa Carol Sawyer

Publish:

February 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Fun House located at 419 Caroline Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KW Boardwalk, LLC

Publish:

February 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on

March 6th, 2023, Leonard Richford

Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Michael Harrington

Unit 1223

$476.74

Todd Nichols Unit 1449

$600.15

Elizabeth Nowarah Unit 1028

$529.20

Geno Gotti Unit 1632

$852.25

Lois Morgan Unit 1219

$529.20

Brian Long Unit 1504-51

$1,300.60

Michael Heit

Unit 1403

$1,556.30

Publish:

February 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE TO SELL

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 328.17, 713.78, 715.109, Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, claims a Notice of Possessory Lien, Foreclosure of Lien on the following Trailer described as a

2004 Pace American Trailer VIN

#4FPFB10104G081186 owned by Harry Richard Daniels. Trailer to be sold on 2/27/23 at 10:00 am at Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, 135 Hood Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

Publish:

February 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 02/24/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1N4AL2AP0CN540030 2012

NISSAN

Publish:

February 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

MEETING NOTICE

QUARTERLY MEETING NOTICE:

LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION

DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, March 3, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Tiffany Albury at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305)592-1452 ext. 121 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish:

February 16 & 23 and March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION

DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be hosting a public hearing on Friday, March 3, 2022 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. This public hearing is open to community members who would like to present or discuss any comments related to the transportation disadvantaged. We welcome you to attend! Persons should contact the HCSF staff 48 hours in advance if they are interested in commenting. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment. Any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Tiffany Albury at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 121 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish:

February 16 & 23 and March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl.

gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Wednesday April 5, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Monroe County, Layton, Marathon, and Key Colony Beach watershed management plans and vulnerability assessments 4-5-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED.

Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 5, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

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

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

Publish:

February 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Big Pine Community Park Flood Panels

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Big Pine Community Park Flood Panels 3-22-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery

LEGAL NOTICES

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on March 22, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish:

February 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Design/Build of New Land Authority Offices on Big Pine Key Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Design/Build of New Land Authority Offices on Big Pine Key 4-6-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 6, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

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

Meeting ID: 4509326156

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

+16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

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

Publish:

February 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

OF WISCONSIN

LEGAL NOTICES

SUMMONS

(PUBLICATION)

CASE NO. 23CV14 CASE CODE: 30303

LISA MILLER and DAVID J. WING 23225 188th Street, N.W.

Big Lake, MN 55309 Plaintiff, v. WEINEGER ENTERPRISES TRUST 132 North Indies Drive Marathon, FL 33050 Defendants. THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, to each person named above as a Defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

Within 45 days after February 16, 2023, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: Clerk of Court Polk County Courthouse 1005 W. Main Street, Suite 300 Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Plaintiffs’ attorney, whose address is: Barry C. Lundeen Mudge, Porter, Lundeen & Seguin, SC 110 Second Street Hudson, WI 54016 You may have an attorney represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 45 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 10th day of February, 2023. MUDGE, PORTER, LUNDEEN & SEGUIN, S.C.

Attorneys for Plaintiffs

By: Barry C. Lundeen State Bar No. 1011860

Barry.lundeen@mpl-s.com

110 Second Street P.O. Box 469 Hudson, WI 54016 (715) 386-3200

Publish: February 16 & 23 and March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-09-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE M. FRERICHS Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of George M. Frerichs, deceased, whose date of death was December 7, 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 16, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Carl Frerichs 9229 Babbit Way Charlotte, North Carolina 28216

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 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE STATE OF FLORIDA

FILE NO.: 44-2022-CP-000366-

A001-KW

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JUDITH LYNNE SMITH, a/k/a JUDITH L. SMITH

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JUDITH LYNNE SMITH a/k/a

JUDITH L. SMITH, deceased, whose date of death was April 18, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and her attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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 the 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. NOT WITHSTANDING 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 16, 2023. Signed on this 8th day of February, 2023.

Personal Representative:

KAREN L. SMITH

256 Horseneck Road Westport, MA 02790

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

DARAH L. SCHOFIELD Marshall Law Offices, Ltd Florida Bar No. 109259 300 Centerville Road, Suite 204W Warwick, RI 02886 Telephone: 401-732-8070 / Fax” 401-732-8073

Primary Email: Darah@jmarshalllaw.com

Secondary Email: Kristin@ jmarshall-law.com

Publish: February 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

FILE NO.: 2022-CP-114-P DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF LANE MORGAN CAVINESS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Lane Morgan Caviness, deceased, whose date of death was August 10, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 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

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.

LEGAL NOTICES

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:

Susan E. Klock

2555 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 600 Coral Gables, FL 33134

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Susan E. Klock, Esq. Florida Bar No. 41294

Rosco Klock Perez Nieto 2555 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 600 Coral Gables, Florida 33134

Telephone: 305-476-7113

Email Address: sklock@ rascoklock.com

Publish:

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

OF

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 OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2003 Mustang GT Convertible, Manual 5 Speed, Metallic Grey, 40,000 miles, Great Condition, $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!

EMPLOYMENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

For details and to RSVP, visit: www.baptisthires.com

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

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS!

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

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.

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.

MUST SPEAK ENGLISH BIG PINE & BIG COPPITT KEY IMMEDIATE OPENING

DIVE INSTRUCTOR TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT GUEST SERVICES MARKETING COORDINATOR PART-TIME LAWN MAINTENANCE

Please contact April at 305.407.3262 or april@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com for more information.

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

16th Judicial Circuit is hiring

Probation Of cer

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.

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

MALE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a Full-time Male Laboratory Technician in KEY WEST.

The primary functions of this position include the observation and collection of urine samples, data input, analyzer maintenance, and analysis of client samples.

Salary is $35,000 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.

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 Executive Department:

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION (T&D) PROJECT ENGINEER

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

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

SCADA/RELAY TECHNICIAN

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

(GENDER SPECIFIC DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE JOB)

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.

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

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

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

HIRING: FOH: HOSTS, SERVERS, BARTENDERS, BUSSERS, RUNNERS. BOH: LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS, DISHWASHERS.

Great pay, benefits and perks. We offer a stable 40 hrs-per-week to our hourly employees, and more hours if you want! Part-time positions available if you are looking for a second job, or after-school job.

We also offer a $1,000 Sign-On Bonus to all new hires, and a $500 Referral Bonus for employees who help us build up our team!

No Inglés. No Problema. Lo importante es que trabajes bien. Pa gen angle. Pa gen pwoblèm.

Tout sa ki enpòtan se ke ou travay byen.

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

**We are an Equal Opportunity Employer**

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

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.

ONCE

ARE CENTER, Inc.

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.

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.

No visit to Key West is complete without a trip to Matt’s Stock Island, a local and tourist favorite. Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience with unobstructed views of our state-of-the-art marina, outdoor fire pits, and your favorite cocktails

by Chef Graham Dailey

Breakfast: 8am – 11:30am

Sunday Brunch: 8am – 1pm Dinner: 5:30pm – 9pm

LIVE FROM THE LAWN

free concerts, featuring:

February 25th | 8pm

Tony Baltimore & The Wilde Awake

March 4th | 7pm

Nick Norman with Special Guest, Chris Weaver

March 17th | 6pm

Mike Stack & DLew with DJ Chaka, Jason Lamson, & Kaira Jayde