Upper Keys Weekly 23-0216

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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.

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,

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

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.

Coral Shores tennis player Johann Smith serves during a match against the Marathon Dolphins on Feb. 8.

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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.

Town Bar on North Roosevelt Boulevard late Sunday night, or early Monday morning. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

JIM MCCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

PEDESTRIAN KILLED AFTER BEING REPORTEDLY STRUCK BY FHP VEHICLE

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.

Traffic along U.S. 1 near Mile Marker 98 was at a standstill for a period of time on Feb. 13 after a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle hit and killed a pedestrian near Ballyhoo’s restaurant.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE/ Contributed

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.

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).”

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

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.

According to FHP, a trooper was traveling south on U.S. 1 around 12:30 p.m. when his marked car hit an adult female who was attempting to cross the highway. FHP Lt. Alex Camacho said both southbound lanes were closed throughout the afternoon as investigators pieced together the events that led to the crash. Traffic was backed up in the northbound and southbound lanes in what was a busy day on the road with Valentine’s Day approaching.

"The pedestrian died on scene as a result of her injuries," said Camacho in a statement.

As a result of the crash, buses were unable to transport students from Coral Shores High School to their homes. The southbound lanes opened four hours later, but heavy traffic remained on U.S. 1.

The names of the female and the trooper involved in the crash haven’t been released. Camacho said an investigation is ongoing.

Key West Police are investigating a shooting that occurred outside of Conch

VILLAGE FACES GARBAGE COLLECTION DECISION

Council appears to have two choices

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Discussions over the future of Islamorada’s garbage collection are underway. The council will face a decision this year of keeping the services of Waste Management, which took over garbage service in the village for Advanced Disposal after purchasing the company in October 2020 for $4.6 billion, or going with a smaller local company that’s expressed interest in providing garbage pickup.

The dais could exercise a five-year option with Waste Management, which currently takes care of trash twice a week, recycling once a week and yard waste once a week. Waste Management has served the village and its 4,000-plus residents with garbage pickup for 40 months.

Greg Sullivan, local manager for Waste Management, acknowledged to the village council at the Feb. 9 meeting his willingness to negotiate with Village Manager Ted Yates.

“We’re here to serve you and we hope we did a good job,” he said. “We’re not perfect. But the clock is ticking. December 31 is around the corner.”

Sullivan said he believes Waste Management’s service has improved over the last 20 months. He acknowledged that Advanced Disposal, the village’s previous garbage collector, struggled with pickups due to truck breakdowns and other issues.

Sullivan said going with a smaller company could mean limited resources.

“The biggest resource we need is folks to come pick up the garage, get out of bed at 5 o’clock in the morning and be to work at 6 and work outside in the rain or 90-degree days,” Sullivan said. “And then of course the other thing is

traffic. You all live here and know it better than anybody.”

But the village could also go out to bid for garbage collection and look at other interested companies. Brian Lindback is former owner and operator of Key Largo’s Atlantic Trash & Transfer. Since 2008, the company has provided rolloff Dumpsters, large Dumpster bags and porta potties. Recently, the Islamorada resident wrote to the village council members to express interest in bidding for garbage collection services in the village.

He said he recently sold his company in order to concentrate on running solid waste in the village. Glen Miller and Jim Wheatley, both Islamorada residents, would be Lindback’s partners. And Logan Malson, new owner of Atlantic Trash & Transfer, would also be a partner with his company a part of the business.

“With what I have learned from owning and running Atlantic Trash & Transfer, and my desire to hire local employees, along with the extensive experience of my partners in the solid waste industry, I believe we will be a perfect fit to keep our solid waste operations local while highly qualified,” Lindback wrote.

During a discussion at the Feb. 9 meeting at Founders Park Community Center, Councilman Mark Gregg highlighted some of the issues surrounding garbage collection in the Keys. He said he attended a conference among Florida municipalities in Fort Lauderdale several months ago. Multiple municipal vendors, including garbage pickup companies, were on hand. When Gregg and Yates asked if they’d consider picking up trash in Islamorada, Gregg said “none would touch it” and that it was too expensive to haul trash from the Keys.

Gregg shared concerns with placing the village’s garbage collection out to bid. However, he wondered whether the village could negotiate

with Waste Management while also putting the village’s garbage collection out to bid. Village Attorney John Quick told the council he wasn’t sure if that was possible.

“If they (Waste Management) don’t bid on this and no one else can handle it, we may be without a garbage carrier altogether,” Gregg said. “I’m just concerned we’ll put ourselves in a pickle if we don’t handle this carefully and openly.”

Malson, the new owner of Atlantic Trash & Transfer, told the council that his background includes automotive manufacturing and working with original equipment manufacturers. With that line of work, Malson acknowledged that missing shipments was never a good thing.

“It’s very similar with complaints about picking up trash,” he said. “The sincerity and levity of the issue is something we acknowledge. We hope we can work with you guys and provide a solution everyone is happy and proud of.”

In July 2021, the village council voted down a 7% commercial rate increase for trash pickup by Waste Management. The company received a contractually-obligated 3%. In August 2022, the dais voted 3-2 to increase the 2023 rate for trash pickup by 7.5% to address Waste Management’s rising labor and fuel costs. Waste Management originally sought a 16% increase.

A contract between Waste Management and Islamorada that ends Dec. 31, 2023 includes a 15% franchise fee that generates around $512,000 annually for the village.

Councilman Henry Rosenthal said he supports the idea of putting the service out to bid.

“If you were paying attention in the last 20 minutes, we were just propositioned to negotiation,” he said. “It just happened right in front of us. That’s what putting out to a bid creates, a competition.”

Mayor Buddy Pinder said he wants to avoid issues that Port St. Lucie residents saw with its trash and yard waste service. According to a March 2022 report by the Treasure Coast Newspapers, the city’s trash collector, Waste Pro, sent a letter acknowledging a breach of contract and a six-months notice that they’d be terminating service. It came after the company threatened to cancel its contract after the city didn’t pay back $1.2 million of the administrative charges the city withheld over the past three years for what it deemed poor service.

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 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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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 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.

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

By: 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.”

– Key West athletic director Justin Martin

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.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

CORAL SHORES LACROSSE HOSTS ‘CAT 5’ SCRIMMAGE

The Coral Shores varsity lacrosse team donned white and green uniforms for a scrimmage under the lights on Feb. 10. The “Cat 5” game served as a warm up for the regular season, which began Feb. 14 at Gulliver Prep. The team is coached by third-year coach Alex Pike and Darryn Bahn. Last year, the ’Canes finished 6-5 on the season. It was an improvement from the previous year’s 4-8 record.

— Jim McCarthy

TIME RUNS OUT FOR KEYS BASKETBALL SQUADS

LaSalle knocks out Key West in quarterfinals; Riviera Prep downs

Coral Shores in semis

Playoff dreams were still alive for two Monroe County schools last week in boys basketball. Key West and Coral Shores each fought to advance in their respective district brackets on Feb. 7. At the final buzzer, the teams would experience different outcomes.

Key West faced LaSalle in a FHSAA 4A District 16 quarterfinal game on Feb. 7. The Conchs fell to the Lions 72-33, ending their season with a 4-19 record. Key West returns their top three scorers and shot blockers as well as five of their top six leaders in rebounds per game, paving the way for Dexter Butler and his Conchs to have a very successful season in 2024 and give the current Kings of the Keys, Coral Shores, a run for their money.

At the other end of the islands, Coral Shores came out of the gates with business on their minds in their quarterfinal game against Palmer on Feb. 7. The ‘Canes jumped to a quick first-quarter lead on the shoulders of standout forwards Matt St. Aubin and Isaac Holmes, who combined for 13 of the team’s 17 points. The Hurricanes went on to a decisive 63-33 win over the Falcons, advancing to the semifinals the following night.

Head coach Jarrod Mandozzi knew he was facing a challenge with the top-ranked Bulldogs of Riviera Prep. The Hurricanes not only had to play short-handed, with Isaac Holmes declared inactive due to a knee injury, but the remaining players had to match up against a much larger team, with one Bulldog measuring 7 feet tall.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 33-4 lead in the first quarter. Despite the unbalanced score, Coral Shores did not give up, fighting back to outscore the Bulldogs 13-11 in the final quarter. But an early deficit was too great to overcome, and Coral Shores’ fairytale winning streak ended at 12 at the hands of Riviera Prep.

“I’m so proud of our guys and the season they put together. This Riviera Prep team is absolutely loaded with talent from literally all over the world,” said Mandozzi, undiscouraged by his team’s loss. “There’s some hope we get an at-large bid to move to regionals, but this is probably the end of the road for us realistically.”

Coral Shores senior forward Matt St. Aubin (22), seen here in a Senior Night matchup against Marathon, set the tone for the Hurricanes’ win over the Palmer Trinity Falcons on Feb. 7. JOY SMITH/Purely Joyous Photography

The “Cat 5” scrimmage saw teammates playing against one another in a warmup for the regular season. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

The Coral Shores Hurricanes are poised for a successful season after posting a 6-5 record in 2022.

The girls lacrosse team welcomes back senior goalkeeper Emily Murphy.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

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.

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

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

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

The longest-running, off-Broadway revue in history has been revised for the 21st century!

This crowd-pleasing comedy takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.”

SAILING THROUGH THE STORM

Young participants show leadership and fortitude during regatta

JACQUELINE HALE www.keysweekly.com

Rough winds and pounding rain during the 14th Buccaneer Blast Regatta failed to put a damper on the spirits of the 268 participants, the event’s largest ever fleet of competitors.

Why? Well, 9-year-old, Alec Voss Del Vecchio, first-year sailor from Coral Reef Yacht Club, gave his answer.

“In sailing, I just feel like it’s my happy place. I feel like I’m so open to do anything,” Voss Del Vecchio said.

First-year sailor Victoria Don, 7, had a more straightforward answer.

“I love water, especially rain,” Don said.

These kids, simply put, love being on the ocean, rain or shine.

The regatta, which took place Feb. 4 and 5 at Rowell’s Park in Key Largo, hosted youth competitors in the Optimist or “Opti,” ILCA/Laser, Club 420 and Windsurfing classes. Sailors came from nearby clubs like the Upper Keys Sailing Club and Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and from as far away as Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands and California.

The event, through raffles and sponsorships, netted around $40,000 for the Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program, according to executive director Rosa Lamela. The money will go toward equipment and scholarships for local kids to attend the program’s summer sailing camps.

According to the event organizers, parents, coaches and kids, the oppor-

tunity to learn sailing means a lot more than just competing in a sport.

“There’s so many life lessons on a daily basis,” Lamela said. “When these kids are out there on their little boats, it’s them, their boat and the elements. And they have to learn to figure things out. They adjust. It’s like a chess game out there. And it builds character mentally and physically.”

The regatta displayed the impact of youth sailing in a particular way during the weekend, as the young sailors not only showed off their talents but also put into action the life skills gained on the water.

Clouds rolled in early on Feb. 4 with an occasional shower, but during the second race of the day, the sky opened in a downpour that seemed to stall directly over the competing sailors.

Organizers canceled the race, and the sailors headed back to land. The high school Club 420 and ILCA/Laser sailors arrived first, with the Opti green fleet, the newest sailors, right behind. The young sailors fought against the increasing rain and wind, and the few parents and volunteers on land struggled to help the kids, many of whom had water filling the small boats. A group of high school sailors took control of the boat ramp area while another went out to rescue the Opti sailors drifting. Everyone landed safely.

“They were just downright heroic,” Lamela said. “It was very impressive to see them take leadership and initiative and just take total command of the situation.”

For the full story visit keyweekly.com.

Young sailors competed on Optimist or “Opti” boats, which are the largest sailing class in the world. JACQUELINE HALE/Keys Weekly

BALL Bougainvillea

UPPER KEYS COMMUNITY HONORS PASCAL ON BIRTHDAY

Local schools participate in cleanups

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

Located on 17 lush island acres, Reefhouse Resort & Marina is a destination unto itself: waterfront on Florida Bay with a private beach and onsite marina/dive shop. While on property, visitors can gear up for diving, boating, shing and parasailing. Bask in the Florida sun, explore the neighboring Florida Keys and swim with the dolphins.

Resort amenities include By The Bay Spa, heated outdoor pool, 24/7 tness center and a marina. Dining and drink options include Breezer's Tiki Bar and Gus' Grille, both with bay views.

“As one of the most luxurious Key Largo resorts on the beach, many of our stylishly appointed rooms and suites feature balconies and stunning bay views,” said General Manager Shannon Burdge. “Our resort also o ers 50,000 square-feet of elegant indoor and private outdoor event venues.”

Reefhouse Resort will be grounds for Mote Marine Laboratory’s new land-based coral nursery – the rst and only in Key Largo. With the addition of the coral nursery comes a focus of Mote’s resilience-focused restoration e orts in Key Largo to residents and visitors.

103800 Overseas Highway, Key Largo 305.453.0000 info@reefhousekeylargo.com

LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER

info@keylargochamber org

106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 WWW.KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG

On what would’ve been his 17th birthday on Feb. 2, local schools and the community at large celebrated the 4th annual Pascal’s Day of Service, dedicated to the legacy and memory of Pascal Weisberger, a 14-year-old student, volunteer and scout who passed away in May 2020.

He was known for his kindness and care for the community — a legacy that inspired a tradition of volunteering, beach cleanups and fundraising in schools and organizations across the district.

At Treasure Village Montessori, a cleanup effort involving students from every grade brought young volunteers to different beaches and parks throughout the Upper Keys. As Pascal’s former middle school, TVM has been committed to honoring his legacy since the inaugural Pascal’s Day of Service. Elementary school students participated in a “Fun Run” and were cheered on by older students. Students returned from volunteering for a kindness exchange, in which students were taught the value of compliments.

“Pascal was known for giving genuine compliments. He did so in a way that was natural and heartwarming,” said Kelly Mangel, the principal of Treasure Village.

“I greatly appreciate that Treasure Village Montessori initiated the concept for Pascal’s Day of Service after he passed away in 2020, an idea that seemed to quickly catch on with many individuals, groups, and organizations around the Upper Keys, and even beyond,” said Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father.

Ocean Studies Charter School, where Pascal had attended elementary school, collected donations for the Upper Keys Humane Society where Pascal extensively volunteered. Students also

painted “kindness rocks,” or pebbles painted with positive messages, in remembrance of Pascal’s noted kindness and compassion.

Key Largo School and Coral Shores High School similarly participated in cleanups and charitable efforts. Students at KLS participated in a cleanup around U.S. 1. Coral Shores students joined in on the effort by cleaning up marine debris in the mangroves behind their campus.

In the afternoon, a cleanup at Harry Harris organized by Poholek brought in more than 50 of Pascal’s friends, prominent community members and Scouts from Troop 912, which had been Pascal’s troop, to clean the beach and local park area. Pascal had frequently participated in cleanups of Harry Harris throughout his lifetime, and his final science fair project involved cleaning debris from its shoreline. Hundreds of pounds of trash were collected from the team effort.

“Pascal set an inspirational standard for how to be a good human,” said Barry Wray, Pascal’s former running coach, who attended the cleanup. “His influence on our community can be seen in so many ways, from a legacy of goodwill and community service, to aspirational goals of students who understand the value of determination and persistence in achieving their goals. For me and most who knew him well, we share the glow he left within us often and with passion, confident his legacy will help bring us to a better tomorrow.”

This year’s Day of Service is only one example of how Pascal Weisberger’s legacy has continued to affect the Florida Keys. Since his passing, countless people and organizations have taken it upon themselves to honor the life of a student, active volunteer and beloved friend lost too soon.

For the full story visit keysweekly.com

Friends of Pascal and community members participate in a cleanup at Harry Harris Park. CONTRIBUTED

ART GUILD WINNERS CHOSEN

Winners of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles’ 57th annual Members' Judged Show were announced on Jan. 12 at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. This year's show judges, Terre Rybovitch and Michelle Nicole Lowe, awarded first-, second- and third-place and honorable-mention ribbons in nine categories along with Best In Show. First-place winners are: Karen Kubacki (acrylics); Annette Nina (digital art); Gloria Avner (mixed media); Carol Ubben (oil); Claudia Moriarty (pencil and pastel); Ingrid Brooks (plein air); Carmen Alex (photography); Kaya McCoy Klivick (sculpture); Mary Ellen Cassata Holler (water media). Best in Show was awarded to K. Christine O'Neill for "Celebration" (water media) pictured. The exhibit is open through March 16.

V.

PAUL REYNOLDS/Art Guild of the Purple Isles

CAREER DAY

Key Largo School welcomes hot air balloon and local professionals

CORAL SHORES STUDENT WINS AMERICAN LEGION ORATORICAL CONTEST

Simon Gutierrez of Islamorada recently won the Post level of the American Legion Oratorical Contest. Gutierrez was required to present several timed speeches from a random selection of four topics to a panel of judges and an audience of family, the public and Post 145 Legion members. Gutierrez was awarded $550 in scholarship funds from his sponsor, Post 145. Judges were school board member John Dick, Special Operations Lieutenant Paul Bean and former supervisor of children family services Stacey Swain. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. James Hager served as coach for Gutierrez. Oratorical chairs for the contest were Post 145 adjutant Angie Glover and first vice commander Kim Dipre. Pictured from left are John Izanec, Gutierrez, Angela Glover, Kim Dipre and Mike Ehlers. AMERICAN LEGION POST 145/Contributed

Key Largo School students broke away from their books and lessons to meet law enforcement, local mosquito control, coral restoration practitioners and other professionals during Career Day on Feb. 10. Students were wowed by a RE/MAX hot air balloon that was made possible thanks to local real estate agent Kelly Randin. School principal Darren Pais was scheduled to go for a ride in the hot air balloon, but gusty winds kept it grounded. Pais said many students had their parents come in to talk about their careers. “We want the kids to be proud of what their parents do and let them know that there are careers out there that aren’t just focused on college,” Pais said. “They need to know what’s there for their options.” KLS’ Career Day was made possible by Eva Brown and Tiffany Zepeda.

— Jim McCarthy

Florida Keys Mosquito Control employees show students the helicopter that sprays neighborhoods when mosquitoes are out in large numbers. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Students gather for a picture in front of the RE/MAX hot air balloon. Real estate agent Kelly Randin was on hand to talk to students about the career

HEDGEHOG AND BABY GATOR FIND A NEW HOME

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I have some more animal-related news for you this week. It’s my favorite kind of news.

My mom and her friend, Jeanne Selander, who runs the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm, drove up the road to the Everglades Outpost on Feb. 10 to pick up two very special animals. First, a hedgehog named “JuJu” that was surrendered to another facility, Florida’s Wildest Animal Rescue; and second, a teeny tiny baby gator.

SERENA

Serena is a 3-month-old female gray tabby. She’s fixed and up to date on her vaccines. If you would like to make Serena a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give the Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

SAVE THE DATE

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole

The Everglades Outpost is a sanctuary for animals that have been confiscated from illegal, traumatic and abusive situations. Sanctuaries often work together to get animals where they need to go, and to the best homes possible. My mom told me she held the baby gator, and it was her first time holding one. It looks pretty darn cute, if you ask me. I mean, cute from a distance. I do not need a gator in my enclosure. My foxy instincts tell me it probably wouldn’t work out very well.

The hedgehog and the gator are all settled in down at the Sheriff’s Farm. Did you know you can visit the farm in person as they are open to the public every second and fourth Sunday of the month? I would highly recommend visiting if you never have.

Events around town: On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m., the Florida Keys Community Concert Band’s Pops In The Park is having a concert that is all about animals. How cool is that? This will take place at Founders Park in Islamorada and you can bring your pet for the parade. I also hear there will be prizes and dogs that are available for adoption. Make sure you bring a blanket or lawn chair.

On Sunday, Feb. 19, Florida Keys Brewing Company is having its 8-year anniversary party from noon to 10 p.m. Join the fun at the tasting room and beer garden for live music, food trucks, face painting, art vendors and special release of local beer. This is a free, family-friendly event and all are welcome, even well-behaved pets on leash. Live music will start at 1 p.m., food trucks will be open from noon to 8 p.m. and face painting will be available from 1 to 6 p.m.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Keep up with all things fox on our website, pawsitivebeginnings.org. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Friday, Feb. 17

• Islamorada’s Beats on the Bay music series featuring The Long Run at 6:30 p.m. at ICE Amphitheater. Free admission.

Saturday, Feb. 18

• 42nd annual Garden Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various gardens from MM 99 to MM 82. Complimentary activities include an art show and vendors at 94040 Overseas Highway, Tavernier. Tickets are $25.

• Keys Community Concert Band’s “Who Let the Dogs Out?” performance at 4 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Monday, Feb. 20

• Matecumbe Historical Trust presents a free audio and visual presentation on Long Key Fishing Club from the Irving Eyster archives at 6:30 p.m. at Island Community Church, Islamorada.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

• Islamorada Nature Walks & Talks with Susan Kolterman at 8:30 a.m. at Key Tree Cactus Preserve, MM 80.5, Islamorada. Class is $8. Class size is 15. Call 305-853-1685 to reserve a spot.

• Florida Keys Concert Association’s concert series featuring Spanish Brass at 7:30 p.m. at Coral Shores High School. Tickets sold at the door or at floridakeysconcerts.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• Grace Klinges presents “The Importance of Diversified (Coral) Portfolio: Mote’s Long-Term Investments in Genetic Management” at 6 p.m. at Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada.

• Local historian Brad Bertelli presents stories from Cayo Largo at 6 p.m. at Key Largo Library.

• Presentation on “The Science Behind Restoring Our Coral Reefs” at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Hosted by Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

Thursday, Feb. 23

• “Microplastic Dangers in our Water” presented by MarineLab at 7 p.m. at Divers Direct Key Largo, MM 99.6. RSVP by calling 305-451-0118.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm recently retrieved a baby alligator

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT LEGAL NOTICES

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.

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,

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

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

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 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

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

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.

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

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.

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

MUST SPEAK ENGLISH BIG PINE & BIG COPPITT KEY IMMEDIATE OPENING CALL: 7862340786 OR 7864888806

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.

ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED Experience

Explore the Upper Keys

HABITAT’S LAS VEGAS PARTY SUPPORTS HOUSING PROJECTS

Enjoy a spectacular evening of glitz, glamor and gambling (not the real kind, sorry) at the 20th annual Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ Cocktail Party. On Friday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m., Habitat is hosting a Las Vegas-themed silver anniversary party at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada.

Guests can enjoy a variety of food stations, unlimited beer and wine, dancing and gaming tables during the event. An Elvis lookalike contest will add to the fun and festivities.

“This fundraiser is the most significant annual event for our organization,” said Lindsay Fast, executive director of the Habitat affiliate. “We are especially thankful to our gold sponsors — CBT Construction & Development, Riva Motorsports & Marine, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, and American Caribbean Real Estate. We couldn’t hold this event without their generous support.”

Fast said work is underway to build nine more affordable homes in Islamorada on property. All proceeds from the event go to Habitat’s building fund, meaning the dollars stay local.

Highlighting the Las Vegas theme, gaming tables and roulette will be available for guests to use their special Habitat “chips” included with admission. Live and silent auction items will include jewelry, vacation stays, art, fishing trips and a jet ski. The organizing committee is still seeking items for the silent auction.

Tickets for the party are $225 per person. A table for 10 can be reserved in advance for $3,000,

which includes reserved seating and admission. A limited number of tickets are available on a first come/first serve basis for the preparty VIP reception and are $400 per person, including a reserved seat at and admission to the party.

A special VIP package may be purchased in advance for $4,000, all inclusive: admission for 10 to the VIP reception and admission and a reserved table for 10 at the party.

Tickets and more information are available at habitatupperkeys. org/lasvegas2023, via mail to Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, P.O. Box 2151, Key Largo, FL 33037, or at 305-453-0050. More information is at Facebook.com/ habitatupperkeys.

— Contributed

Attendees can expect dancing, gaming and auctions at the 20th annual Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ Cocktail Party on March 10. CONTRIBUTED

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

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.

TECHNICIAN

(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 IN A LIFETIME

THE GUIDANCE/CARE 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.

STUDIO SPOTLIGHT

Artist Lisa Lee documents fish through traditional gyotaku

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.

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 mem-

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ber 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.

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

WILLIAM DePAULA

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

A gyotaku print of a blackfin tuna by artist Lisa Lee. CONTRIBUTED

G I GA N T I C

N AU T I CA L F LE A M A R K ET

This year, in addition to great boat and nautical bargains, the Rotar y Gigantic Nautical Flea Market will have SIX TEEN food trucks!

It’s a boat show, nautical market, and food truck rally with a beach!