Upper Keys Weekly 23-0316

MOVE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Experience the original elements of the Florida Keys way of life at Kids Cay. Now being offered for the very first time, this one-of-a-kind legacy property boasts three charming homes; a timeless four bedroom main house, an expansive four bedroom guest house and a lovely two bedroom caretaker's cottage. Fall in love at first sight as you step into this natural beauty with over a quarter mile of pristine white sand beach that kisses the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This tropical and tranquil estate has nearly 8.5 acres of upland plus 7.98 acres of ocean bottom with ample and protected concrete dockage (104 feet and 34 feet) plus oceanfront observation pier. Extra wide and spacious porches adorn every corner of the classic homes and are a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living, maximizing the infinite open water views and constant ocean breezes. Enjoy complete privacy lounging by the resort-style pool or stroll barefoot along your private beach; this estate is the epitome of true island living and serenity.

ISLAMORADA | $29,750,000 | Listing ID: 604054

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

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As many as 100 million brackets are filled out each year during the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments. As far as having a perfect bracket, good luck with that. The odds are very slim, 1 in 9.2 quintillion.

KEYS RESIDENTS ASKED TO CONSERVE WATER AMID THIRD WATER MAIN BREAK IN LESS THAN A WEEK

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Homes and businesses from the Upper Keys to Key West turned their faucet handles to find little to no water flowing following a third pipe break during the evening hours of March 11.

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority repair crews worked throughout the night and into the morning at MM 84.5 — an area that witnessed two breaks in less than week — to restore the flow.

With water now running out of the faucets, FKAA is asking residents, the many tourists staying at hotels and campgrounds during spring break and businesses throughout the island chain to conserve water to allow the system to return to normal operations. In a statement, Greg Veliz, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority executive director, said the agency reduced output from its Florida City plan to relieve pressure on the system.

“We are asking for assistance from the public, in an effort to conserve water and rebuild our services,” Veliz said. “FKAA is generating enough water to service our customers. However, we are limited in our ability to build our reserves, which have been depleted as a result of the leaks that occurred last week.”

Veliz added that people should reduce irrigation systems, boat washing and running water through the faucet or shower for too long.

“Irrigation systems are a big killer for us,” Veliz said during a March 14 appearance on Keys Talk 96.9 radio with Michael Stapleford.

The many motorists traveling south on a heavily congested U.S. 1 on Plantation Key on March 13 passed by a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office message board urging them to conserve water.

FKAA had issued a precautionary boil water notice to residents from Windley Key to Key West, all of whom were affected by the latest water main break over the weekend. The precau-

tionary measure ended on March 14. All water passed testing in all areas, FKAA said.

Pipe breaks in the Upper Keys happened as FKAA prepares to begin a 4-mile, $42-million water main replacement project from Tea Table Relief at MM 79 to Whale Harbor at MM 84. Excavation work is slated for April to place new 36-inch water main transmission alongside U.S. 1. Veliz said the breaks at MM 84.5 are outside the scope of the project. Veliz told Stapleford during an interview with Keys Talk that FKAA will eventually replace 130 miles of water main. Veliz also emphasized the importance of planning once the new pipes are in the ground.

“We need to put out a 50 or 100year plan,” Veliz said, adding that FKAA can’t drop pipes into the ground and worry about it later down the road.

The first break in the Keys occurred during the early morning hours of March 8 near Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina. Repair crews battled the sun and heat as they spent 12 hours repairing the break and the road. Sheriff’s deputies and flagmen directed northbound traffic to the Old Highway and southbound traffic onto the northbound lane of U.S. 1.

Just as Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority crews were finishing repairs of a water main break at MM 84 near Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina on the evening of March 8, a second major leak was reported roughly eight miles north at MM 92 in Tavernier. As a result, crews were sent to the Tavernier water leak that Veliz said was much worse than the break in Islamorada.

Veliz said repair crews were working more than 29 hours between the first two breaks.

“And this isn’t sitting under the tree, this is 29 (hours) in the hole,” Veliz told the Keys Weekly.

Stanley Switlik and Plantation Key schools closed on March 9 due to the low water pressure. Coral Shores and Marathon high schools also closed, as well as the village of Islamorada

FKAA crews place new 30-inch pipe into the ground in place of an older pipe that burst at MM 92 on March 9. FKAA/ Contributed

Southbound traffic uses the northbound lane on U.S. 1 to allow FKAA repair crews to repair a water main break at MM 84.5 on March 8. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

U.S. 1 heading north closes to allow FKAA crews to repair a major pipe burst at MM 92 on March 9. Traffic was diverted to a southbound lane. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

The 30-inch pipe that burst at MM 92 on March 9. FKAA/Contributed

administrative building and the county tax collector’s offices in the Upper and Middle Keys. All schools and government buildings are currently open. A number of restaurants throughout the Keys were forced to close on March 8 and March 12 due to the lack of water.

A pair of ospreys are perched in a nest near Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada. DAVID GROSS/ Keys Weekly

BIG DECISION FOR BIG DEVELOPMENT

COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SET TO HEAR REQUEST FOR PUBLIX STORE

ROAD RAGE INCIDENT LEADS TO SHOTS FIRED

An apparent road rage incident in a Key Largo School zone led to a report of shots fired by one man that led to his arrest on March 10.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a 30-year-old driving south near MM 104 in Key Largo around 8 a.m. encountered an issue with the suspected driver turned shooter, Baldemar Martinez, 24, of Homestead. According to a report, Martinez got out of his vehicle, punched the victim’s vehicle several times and later hit the mirror with his hand when both vehicles were moving.

Further, the victim told police that Martinez fired several shots at his vehicle, causing two flat tires.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Aproposal that would pave the way for a grocery store, a liquor store and housing at a dormant Tavernier concrete property will go before the Monroe County Planning Commission next month.

Specifically, the planning commission will consider a request from the developers that would change county development code to allow nonresidential development up to 70,000 square feet on the property located at MM 92.5, oceanside. Current county code only allows for 10,000 square feet of nonresidential floor area.

The county planning commission would recommend approval to the five Monroe County Commissioners, who would have the final say in the matter. If all the necessary approvals are garnered, developers would then need approval of a major conditional use request in order to proceed with constructing a 64,000-square-foot Publix. Developers are also looking to construct a liquor store and 80 housing units for workers who make a majority of their income in Monroe County.

Property is still under the ownership of Cemex, but it’s under contract to be bought by the Blackstone Group - Tavernier 925, which consists of Andrew, Richard and John Toppino, Louis Perez and Mary Hurwitz.

Whether the development fits the community character of a quiet and tranquil Tavernier remain large questions for concerned residents, as well as county staff. Cheryl Cioffari, assistant planning director, told the county Development Review Committee during a meeting last October that the developer must address questions about the project and its consistency

with Tavernier’s community character and the Liveable CommuniKeys Master Plan, (LCP) which extends from MM 97 to Tavernier Creek Bridge.

The LCP aims to protect the environment, preserve historical elements in Tavernier and guide development in a manner that’s compatible with community goals. Under the plan’s community character element, goal three outlines a prohibition on designating new commercial land use districts in order to protect the existing viability of the U.S. 1 corridor area. It’s something Richard Barreto, member of the Tavernier Community Association, highlighted during an Aug. 23 community meeting.

County officials also sought a traffic study from the applicant to show what the project might do in an area that saw a new traffic light placed at U.S. 1 and Burton Drive heading into Harry Harris in early 2022. What once saw cars moving freely along the highway has now brought frequent stops and backups in order to allow motorists to come and go from the Harry Harris community.

A county calendar shows the next planning commission meeting on April 26 at Marathon Government Center at 10 a.m. The meeting will be a hybrid style, with attendance in person or via Zoom.

If the code change is approved, the developers would need to follow a similar process to obtain a major conditional use permit in order to construct the stores and housing. A community meeting, development review committee meeting and a planning commission meeting would take place to consider the proposal. However, the planning commission would ultimately give approval or disapproval on the use.

Deputies found Martinez at his job shortly after the incident occurred. Police say he confessed to the incident, and a .40-caliber handgun was recovered. Martinez was arrested and

NEW CRAB TRAP REGULATIONS TAKE EFFECT

Recreational crab traps in Florida will need to have an opening no larger than 6-by-2 inches to prevent accidental trapping and drowning of diamondback terrapins, a turtle species of special concern to scientists.

The ruling was passed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in December 2021 and went into effect on March 1. More than 25,700 people in Florida have recreational crab trap permits, according to 2020 FWC data, with up to five traps allowed per person.

The ruling is part of a larger effort to conserve terrapins, a small turtle species found in brackish waters across the state, whose populations are low. Terrapin populations are affected by several factors, including habitat loss and road mortality. Some people also collected them from the wild for the pet trade.

“We do not know the exact population of terrapins in Florida, but studies show their numbers are small and it is incredibly important that we protect what we have,” said Rick O’Connor, who is leading the project for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. “Many people do not even know these small turtles exist. They are so rare, and

charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, discharging a firearm into an occupied conveyance, and criminal mischief.

No injuries were reported.

— Keys Weekly staff report.

we have been concerned about their status for years.”

Free bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) are available at select University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension offices around the state and can be installed on existing crab traps to protect terrapins and bring crab traps into compliance.

“Terrapins are an important member of the salt marsh community,” O’Connor said. “They are a top predator of snails that feed on dead grass blades. The grasses are important to water quality and when these snail populations are not kept in check by the terrapins, the snails begin to eat the live grass blades which impacts the overall health of the salt marsh.”

For more, see keysweekly.com

An aerial view of the Tavernier bayside where a Cemex concrete property sits. Developers are seeking to develop the property into a Publix grocery store, liquor store and workforce housing. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

Monroe County Sheriff’s vehicle. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Free bycatch reduction devices can be installed on existing crab traps to protect terrapins and bring crab traps into compliance. CONTRIBUTED

STATE SESSION BEGINS

CRUCIAL SPECIALTY LICENSE CONTRACTOR BILL FILED; AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILL MOVES THROUGH SENATE

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Time is of the essence for painters, pavers, landscapers and other specialty contractors in the Florida Keys and throughout the state affected by a 2021 bill that preempted local occupational licensing.

A 60-day legislative session that began in Tallahassee on March 7 is the last shot to change House Bill 735 that was approved by the legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis following a 2021 session. Legislation sought to eliminate redundant licenses for contractors who work in various municipalities, all while protecting a homeowner against subpar work from inexperienced contractors.

However, the bill ultimately prevented local municipalities, like Monroe County, from issuing specialty licenses to those who work outside the scope of general contractors.

County officials stopped issuing new specialty licenses in July 2021, but existing licenses were honored for two years, the maximum allowed by law, before they expire this year.

Recently, state Rep. Jim Mooney, Republican who represents the Keys and a portion of south Miami-Dade, filed legislation after learning that a House member who was going to file the bill decided against leading such a change. Mooney filed the four-page House Bill 1625 on March 8. He called the bill important and noted that it has an uphill battle.

The bill’s text states that a license from a local government or the state isn’t needed for a job that’s outside the scope of contractor work. That would include painting, flooring, cabinetry, interior remodeling without a structural component, driveway installation, handyman services, decorative stone, plastering, pressure washing, caulking, awning and ornamental iron installation, to name several. All work performed within the job scopes without a license issued by a local government or the state must comply with all applicable local ordinances.

But specialty contractors could need a license that’s issued by a local government for a number of specialty

jobs if the local government imposed a licensing requirement before Jan. 1, 2021. Those jobs would include aluminum or screen enclosure, carpentry with a structural component, pool barriers, marine work, demolition, excavation and clearing, concrete forming, plaster and lath, rental apartment maintenance, roof painting, paving, hurricane windows, garage door installation and pile driving, to name several.

Changes to House Bill 735 sit high on the legislative agenda for Monroe County this year. Lisa Tennyson, legislative affairs director, said House Bill 1625 fixes the issues the county saw with House Bill 735 by reestablishing local licensing for important trade work. Now, she’s urging all contractors to reach out to representatives in Tallahassee by writing letters of support.

“I told the local contractors board that we will have to get personally engaged,” she said.

Legislation was referred to the House Commerce Committee, Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee, State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee and Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee.

A similar bill in the Senate was filed by Republican state Sen. Ed Hooper. Senate Bill 1570 was referred to the Regulated Industries and Rules committees. Tennyson said Hooper’s bill has the support of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILL MOVES THROUGH SENATE

On March 8, Florida senators voted 40-0 for an affordable housing bill that proposes hundreds of millions for housing programs. Senate Bill 102, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Alexis Calatayud, also included language pertaining to the Florida Keys’ 1,300 new building permit allocations for deed restricted affordable housing. In 2018, then-Gov. Rick Scott approved the Keys Workforce Housing Initiative that provided those allocations, which included a 48-hour evacuation in advance of hurricane landfall.

Those units went through a legal battle with the Third District Court of Appeals (Third DCA) ruling that the “early evacuation” requirement violated Florida Statute, which requires comprehensive plans of cities within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC), established in 1974, to “maintain a hurricane evacuation clearance time for permanent residents of no more than 24 hours.”

Requests for the Third DCA to rehear the case weren’t fulfilled. On Jan. 13, the state Supreme Court rejected an escalation of the appeal, seemingly leaving a legislative fix as the only viable option.

Marathon, Islamorada and unincorporated Monroe County were affected by the Aug. 3, 2022 reversal that put each municipality’s 300 units at risk. A total of 100 units for Key Colony Beach and Layton were also in jeopardy.

Legislation is especially vital for Marathon since it already allocated its units. As its own Area of Critical State Concern outlined in 1984, Key West’s units were protected.

State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez said she already filed a standalone bill that wasn’t part of the bigger affordable housing legislation that would have codified the 1,300 workforce housing units. Overall, Rodriguez said she’s delighted that Calatayud amended her bill to include language for the Keys workforce housing that unanimously passed the Senate floor.

“These desperately needed units will bring much needed affordable inventory for our workforce in the Florida Keys,” Rodriguez told the Keys Weekly.

Senate Bill 102 dedicates $100 million to the Hometown Heroes Program, which provides down-payment assistance to the community workforce. Teachers, health care workers, law enforcement and service members are among the workers who can receive assistance. The bill also prohibits government-mandated rent controls, outlines procedures for expediting permits and promotes multifamily housing opportunities in commercial, industrial and mixed-use areas, provided that 40% of those residential units are for families earning up to 120% of the area median income for at least 30 years.

Legislation was sent to the House for consideration.

The Florida State Capitol. CONTRIBUTED

200 YEARS OF ISLAND LIVING

HERE’S TO THE SOUTHERNMOST CITY, THE EARLY SETTLERS & THE SIPPING OF A KEYS COCKTAIL

The year 2023 marks Monroe County’s 200th anniversary, and the celebrations are underway.

is 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.

Unsurprisingly, the Southernmost City has absorbed much of the attention. It stands to reason, as Key West has always been Monroe’s heart, soul and county seat. Indeed, it has been its historical anchor, and there is much about Key West, the Florida Keys and Monroe County to celebrate.

The wrecking industry that transformed Key West into the country’s wealthiest city per capita is a significant nugget of local history. Sponges, cigars, turtles, writers, artists and pineapples have all contributed to the Monroe County story. The arrival of Henry Flagler’s train and the Overseas Highway went a long way to civilizing the Florida Keys by delivering conveniences like mail, food and household staples, which brought a greater sense of daily security — and not just to Key West but to all the communities developing up and down the island chain.

Settling in an outpost community like Key West, the county seat, was one thing. Carving out a life on one of the islands not named Key West was an altogether different experience. Those brave souls who struck out on their own, cleared paths, homesteads and farmland are often overlooked when stories about Key West and the Florida Keys are told, and those brave pioneers should most definitely be celebrated.

Their ancestral blood is the true conduit that links one island to another and joins the Florida Keys together. Let’s take a moment to recognize (among others, for which I will apologize in advance for not identifying) the Pents, Currys, Pinders, Alburys, Lowes, Saunders, Johnsons, Parkers, Thompsons, Bakers, Russells, Sands, Sweetings and so many others for their contributions to Monroe County history. In the spirit of the county’s 200th anniversary, let’s raise a toast to those good people.

It should be noted that the county looked very different than it does today, and not just because of development. Its modern boundaries incorporate 3,737 square miles, of which about 73 percent is water. When the county was established on July 2, 1823, it was a significantly larger piece of real estate.

The county became the territory’s sixth and was named after the then-sitting fifth President of the United States, James Monroe. In those days, the county lines extended north from Key West to the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee and west to the Gulf of Mexico. As Florida grew in population, Monroe County shrank in size.

On Feb. 4, 1836, the newly formed Dade County carved out a chunk of Monroe County that included some of the Keys. Dade County incorporated all the islands north (or east) of Bahia Honda. However, when the county lines were redrawn on Dec. 8, 1866, most of the Keys were returned to Monroe. At that point, Broad Creek, flowing north of Key Largo and between Broad Key and Swan Key, became the new and permanent county line. The handful of islands north of the creek remained in Dade County – though the spirit of Monroe County hopefully remains with them.

Southwest of Broad Creek, Manatee Creek flows under the first bridge encountered along the 18-Mile Stretch that links Key Largo to the mainland

(Jewfish Creek Bridge is the second). At Manatee Creek, around Mile Marker 115, on one side of the bridge is Dade County and the South Dixie Highway and, on the other, Monroe County and the Overseas Highway. To the west, up on the mainland, Monroe County borders Collier County, which means that the modern county is largely made up of islands and Everglades.

So, let’s celebrate the 200th anniversary of the county by risking a little case of brain freeze. Let’s make a toast with what should be considered the official drink of the Florida Keys, an ice-cold rumrunner. The sub-tropical libation was first concocted at a tiki bar on Windley Key in the Islamorada area back in the 1970s. The bartender who invented the drink was officially named John Egert but was locally known as Tiki John.

The impetus behind the drink was overstocked bottles, and Tiki John’s manager challenged him to create a drink in order to use up some excess inventory. Tiki John started experimenting, and the winning drink was a combination of rum, lime juice, sugar, banana, and blackberry liqueurs mixed in a blender with a scoop of ice and served frozen.

The original rumrunner did not have the reddish-pink hue it has today. The drink’s famous color came about after Tiki John ran out of sugar while at the tiki bar one day and had to improvise, which he did by substituting grenadine for the sugar. Grenadine, by the way, is made from pomegranate. Ever since his bar ran out of sugar, the rumrunner has been served frozen, red and frequently with a floater of dark rum or 151 – sure, you can have it on the rocks, but that is not how this classic Florida Keys cocktail was first imagined.

I think every one of them should have a little floater spilled on top for this special occasion. Cheers, Monroe County, and happy anniversary.

Key West from above. ROB O’NEAL/Florida Keys News Bureau

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Freshman, Marathon Track

&

Field

After dominating the Keys and most of the state of Florida in weightlifting, Marathon’s Justice Lee didn’t take too long to settle into her new sport and make her mark there as well. On March 4, Lee broke the MHS school record in javelin with a throw of 89.9 feet at the Pinecrest Relays. A week later, she traveled to the Miami Elite Invitational held at Monsignor Pace High School as Marathon’s solo entry, managing to earn enough points in three events to capture second place as a team of one.

JUSTICE LEE

Just a freshman, Justice Lee is already putting the school on notice with her performance in field events.

“Justice is a great athlete. She works hard and is a leader on the team. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this season has in store for her.”

– Darby Sheehan,

Marathon head track

coach

CONTRIBUTED.

Key West Back on Top

On March 7, Coral Shores traveled to Marathon to play the only matchup between two Keys teams scheduled this season. The result was a win for the Hurricanes and the first blemish on Marathon’s season record.

Coral Shores racked up 12 hits in the game. Leadoff hitter Andrew Putetti went 4-5, including two doubles. Campbell Lavoie and Zeke Myers each had a pair of hits and Riley O’Berry, Dylan Bloom, Donovan Thiery and Steel Mientkiewicz each had a hit in their offensive onslaught. Three ’Canes combined on the mound for the win, including Grayden Ross, who went five innings, and MacIntyre and Tate Brumbalow, who covered one inning each. Marathon managed six hits in the game, led by Ryan Yablon with two, Dylan Ziels with a double and base hits from Dylan Globe, Mason Thornton and Gabe Leal.

Coral Shores evened up their record on March 10 following a 6-1 loss to True North Classical Academy. The ’Canes managed three base hits in the game off the bats of Mientkiewicz, Myers and O’Berry, scoring one run in the non-district matchup. The 3-3 Hurricanes are winning when it counts the most, though, remaining undefeated in district play.

Following their tough loss to district and Keys rival Coral Shores, Marathon hoped to salvage their week with a win against conference rival Palmer Trinity. It wasn’t in the cards for the Fins, though, as Palmer bested Marathon 8-0 on March 10. The Dolphins tallied three base hits, one each from Ryan Yablon, Tommy Norris and Dylan Ziels.

Pitching duties for the Fins were split between Ziels, who went for 5-1/3 innings against the Falcons, and Bryan Broche. The pair faced a team that averages nearly 10 hits per game, with its first six batters all carrying batting averages over .400. Marathon will face the Falcons again in April for a chance to balance the series.

CORAL SHORES HANDS MARATHON FIRST LOSS OF SEASON

It didn’t take long for the Key West Conchs to reestablish the winning machine after a pair of losses to West Broward. On March 10, Key West stacked up 12 hits against the Yellow Jackets of Bartow, who traveled nearly seven hours to meet the Conchs on the diamond. When they arrived, they faced Andrew Barroso and Felix Ong, who teamed up to pitch a no-hitter, walking just one batter each. Senior Jack Haggard had the magic bat Friday night, going 3-4 at the plate and driving home two for the Conchs. Wyatt Kuhn and Andrew Lariz each had a pair of hits, with the rest of them coming from Caden Pichardo, Anden Rady, Jose Perdigon, Matthew Greenberg and Gabe Williams. Rady made it to first four times after being hit by a pitch and walking twice.

One night later, the Yellow Jackets did some regrouping, narrowing the score, yet the result was still the same. Key West added another win at Rex Weech field, defeating Bartow 2-1. In Saturday’s outing, Greenberg had two base hits and the Conchs added one each from Haggard, Pichardo, Kuhn, Williams and Noah Burnham. Burnham started on the mound, facing 19 batters over five innings pitched. Lariz combined with Marlin Takovich to close the game. The Conchs protected home plate until the sixth inning, when Bartow scored their lone run. Key West will be busy over spring break with a pair of home games on March 17 and 18 against True North Classical Academy and a tournament.

From top: It’s a close call at first base as Marathon’s Ryan Yablon, center, tries to beat a Coral Shores runner to the bag.

Coral Shores batter Donovan Thiery takes a swing in the team’s 14-2 victory.

Marathon’s Ryan Yablon (7) races Coral Shores’ Dylan Bloom to second base.

Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

VS

GIRLS LACROSSE WESTMINSTER CORAL SHORES MARCH 16 | 4 p.m.

’CANES SERVE DOLPHINS PAIR OF LOSSES

Prep Tennis Less Than One Week From Districts

The Coral Shores Hurricanes picked up a pair of wins in their most recent battles for Keys court supremacy, defeating Marathon in back-to-back matches before falling to Pace on March 9. Coral Shores swept the Fins in true Hurricane fashion, beating them 7-0 on March 7 and again the following day. The Lady ’Canes winners were Olivia Hughes, Kai Guth, Macy Cakans and Lupita Guerrero, while the boys winners were Makani Burga, Aiden Althouse and Johan Smith. Both teams will finish out their seasons in the next few weeks before districts begin on April 11 in Miami.

Key West traveled to LaSalle on March 8, losing 7-0 to the Royal Lions. They play three more matches before districts begin in mid-April, with LaSalle on the schedule again as well as two matches against Marathon.

KEY WEST GIRLS TRACK & FIELD CAPTURES FIRST PLACE AT BIG BLUE INVITATIONAL

Boys Take Fourth

second-place 4x800m team with Makimaa, Alicia Bahri and Naima Thomas. Bahri also took third in the two-mile race. Rounding out the top performers on the track was Ruth Azard with a solid fourth-place finish in the 100m hurdles.

Key West’s gentlemen were fourth overall, led by a 10’6” first place finish in the pole vault from Josh Canterbury and a third place finish from Liam Flores, who cleared 10 feet. Kevon Mills cleared the high jump bar at 6 feet which was good enough for second place. Mills also teamed up with Clerf Alexandre, Shane LaVallee and James Reynolds in the Conchs’ fourth-place 4x100m team. The 4x800m relay team took third with a squad of Colbin Hill, Logan Phillips, Williams Forster and Lucas Montiel.

Key West’s throwers made a good showing with a second-place shot put throw from Benndy Ambrose and fourth-place tosses from Canterbury in the discus and Brondson Etienne in javelin.

It’s been more than a week since the Key West Conchs saw action on the track due to a cancellation last week, giving the teams some much needed rest after an extremely successful outing at the Big Blue Invitational at Archbishop McCarthy on March 4. The Lady Conchs outscored the home team and the rest of the field of 13, taking top honors in the meet.

In the field events, Abigail Cowan won the long jump with a 14’8” leap. Rodamaelle Cineus took fourth in the triple jump, Anabel Portuonodo was fourth in pole vault and Angeline Foster won third in the shot put.

Notable performers on the track were Savannah Chadic, who won the 400m in an incredible 57.76 seconds. Chadic was also part of the team’s second-place 4x100m relay with teammates Dazmine Jenkins, Nikole Tomita and Caylaa Makimaa as well as the third-place 4x400m team with Tomita, Makimaa and Kathryn Smith.

The Lady Conchs’ distance specialists racked up plenty of points. Makimaa came in second in the open 800m race and third in the mile. Laira Anaya was right behind Makimaa in the mile and ran a leg of the Conchs’

The Marathon Dolphins sent a handful of athletes to the Miami Elite Invitational on March 11. Vance Bursa blazed to a second-place finish in the mile, running the four laps in 4:36.68. Teammate Justice Lee owned the throwing events, winning the javelin with a toss of 86’7”. Lee also took third in discus and was a last-minute addition to shot put, where she secured another third-place finish.

The Conchs will travel to Calvary Christian for an invitational on Friday, March 17, then are off again for spring break. The Conchs, Coral Shores Hurricanes and Dolphins will race one another in an all-Keys showdown in Key West on Friday, March 31.

Seen here in a preseason meet, Key West’s Savannah Chadic turned in a blazing 57.76s finish in the 400m at the Big Blue Invitational. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Seen here in a preseason meet, Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa turned in second- and third-place individual finishes in the 800m and mile races as well as a trio of podium finishes in the 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m relays.

Top: Coral Shores’ Johan Smith returns Marathon’s Jonas Jones’ serve at Marathon on March 7.

Coral Shores’ Kai Guth, right, returns a ball in her doubles match with teammate Olivia Hughes.

Photos by TRACY MCDONALD/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald VS

GIRLS LACROSSE WESTMINSTER CORAL SHORES MARCH 16 | 4 p.m.

KEYS STORMS & CLIMATE CHANGE

METEOROLOGIST SET TO PRESENT AT LECTURE SERIES IN KEY LARGO

The 32nd annual lecture series, The Delicate Balance of Nature, returns to its in-person venue in Key Largo with a lecture that delves into the correlation between climate change and the impacts of tropical storm and lower-end hurricanes in the Florida Keys.

Nancy Barnhardt, of the Florida Keys National Weather Service in Key West, will serve as guest speaker on Wednesday, March 22 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the lecture beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The duration, speed, size and direction all play a part in how a storm affects the Florida Keys. With sea level rise and king tides already affecting coastal flooding, storm surge and additional flooding is a major concern. A longer-duration, weaker storm, which is becoming more prevalent, may be able to produce damage similar to a faster-moving, stronger storm. Barn-

hardt will address these concerns.

The lecture is sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. Attendees can view the lecture in person at the Visitor Center and Aquarium Auditorium at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It will also be offered virtually on Zoom, sponsored by the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. Reserved advance seating is available to Friends members, and everyone is invited to join and support the Key Largo Florida State Parks. Early Zoom registration is also offered to members. For more information on the Friends and to join online, visit: https:// pennekampparkfriends.org/

There is no cost to enter the park for the lecture series. Seating is limited, so it is recommended that visitors arrive on time to be assured a seat in the

wheelchair-accessible auditorium.

Attendees may wish to bring a cushion for added seating comfort. Temperatures in the auditorium vary and a sweater or light jacket may be desired. Please help us to accommodate those who are chemically sensitive by not wearing fragrances or other scented products.

To attend this event virtually, registration is required. The Zoom format creates the opportunity for others to attend, but it will be a limited audience (100 online participants). Please plan to sign on a few minutes in advance of

the presentation to ensure your inclusion in the list of attendees. Information to register will be available on the Friends web page: https://pennekampparkfriends.org/events Click on the event shown on the calendar.

For more information or accessibility needs, contact Elena Muratori, park services specialist, at 305-676-3786. For more information on Florida’s State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

— Contributed

Tropical Storm Eta’s winds brought a large billboard down in Key Largo in 2020. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

TAKE HEART

KEY LARGO ENERGY PRACTITIONER HELPS CLIENTS SHAKE OFF BAD VIBES AND TRANSFORM THEIR LIVES

Certified Ahai 7D Energy Healing practitioner Melinda Van Fleet is “a beacon of light and radiant energy,” according to one of her clients.

Another woman said that after a session with Van Fleet, her knee with a 24-year-old injury felt “good as new.” Yet another client said, “Since my session, I’ve experienced positive shifts in my life and energy and will be going back for more.”

And bonus: She’s just darn fun to talk to. Bubbling with positive energy, she gives out big-sis vibes, chatting about everything from fishing to the latest Netflix streamer.

“It feels good to help people,” she told Keys Weekly a few days ago over a cup of coffee. She explained that her own journey led her to Ahai. “And if I have a gift to do this work, then I should be doing it.”

At this point, let’s provide a full disclosure: Van Fleet is one of Keys Weekly’s intrepid reporters. She is not a doctor. However, she is also a certified life and business coach, constantly searching for new ways to help her clients — and herself — get unstuck and make healthy decisions, mentally, physically and spiritually. This journey has led her to add another modality to her practice, Ahai.

And it seems to be working. The testimonies that kicked off this story

are those from happy clients. She has even helped this reporter out of a jam (more on that later).

“In 2020, I felt stuck,” she said. “I was still a sales rep and trying to get my coaching business off the ground. I was buried in sadness, with my brother dying tragically at age 29, and my husband, Ryan, and I had lost jobs.”

Van Fleet’s work with a spiritual teacher and her own research made her aware of Christina Rice, an intuitive channel and the founder of Ahai 7D Energy Healing. Rice theorizes that everything is energy, from health to money and relationships, and that humans have the ability to change their energy and experience miracles.

According to Van Fleet, Rice was given a high-frequency energy called Ahai from the seventh dimension — the “7D” in the modality’s name. The seventh dimension is the frequency where miracles happen.

Van Fleet is well aware there may be skeptics who firmly reside in the third dimension, where many of us can barely find the TV remote and worry about finding health insurance, among other things.

“It’s all good,” she said with a laugh. “As with anything, there’s always going to be skeptics, people who are like, ‘No way, Jose.’ I totally get it.”

But when she participated in Ahai’s healing sessions, they changed

her life.

“My veil of sadness lifted,” she said. “New people and collaborations came into my life and business, where before I was hiding and scared. And it helped my neck and shoulder.”

In fall 2022, Van Fleet felt drawn to provide Ahai healing in her practice, and she went through a mentorship to become a practitioner.

“I’m the channel conduit for the Ahai energy, and it really just magnifies the clients’ own energy for their intentions,” she explained. “For someone familiar with energy healing, reiki is similar, but Ahai is stronger.”

Van Fleet conducts the one-hour sessions either in person or on Zoom. She discusses what the client is seeking to heal, then she channels energy for 20 minutes to amplify their intentions.

One of Van Fleet’s clients, Gretta Zutz, personally attests to the power of an Ahai session.

“I’ve seen tremendous transformation,” Zutz said. “I felt a deep relaxation through my neck, and I had been experiencing neck pain which Melinda did not even know about. The channeling helped me clear a cloud of a recent professional breakup, and I also was left with some very positive reflections.”

For more, see keysweekly.com

Energy practitioner Melinda Van Fleet gives off fun big-sis vibes, and clients say her work has had a positive effect on their lives.

MARY GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed

JELLYFISH DAYDREAM

LOCAL TATTOO ARTIST AND DIVER TURNS DREAM INTO REALITY WITH TAVERNIER SHOP

On Cassandra Clark’s lower right arm, a vivid blue, green and purple parrot fish swims amid a sea of coral. The tattoo, the first of many marine creatures now decorating her body, captures a moment still colorfully poignant in Clark’s memory: her first time snorkeling in the Florida Keys.

“This fish caught my attention because it was so colorful, and I’m such a colorful person,” Clark said. “My artwork is colorful. I was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.’”

Back on the dive boat, she pulled out a pen and doodled an underwater scene on her hand to try to capture every shadow, color and fish from memory. The next day, she returned to the reef.

Clark, who has now completed well over 500 dives and is a PADI open water scuba instructor, remembers this moment as one in a cascade of events that led her to open Jellyfish Daydreams, a tattoo shop and art gallery, in Tavernier.

As a young girl, Clark grew up on food stamps in a small house in upstate New York. It was a childhood, she described, with a lot of “no’s,” but she still pursued her dreams. Clark began tattooing in 2006, received a bachelor’s degree in painting and drawing from the College of Saint Rose, and opened her own shop in New York in 2012.

“I have a lot of daydreams. But what do I do? I follow them,” Clark said. “My saying used to be hard work and determination equals success, and that you can do anything that you put your mind to. Everything that I’ve ever wanted to do, I’ve accomplished.”

Her first trip to the Keys was the catalyst to many others, always drawn back by her newfound love of reefs and a recurring guest spot at Paradise Tattoo in Key West. She soon knew that she wanted to call the Keys home, and, in 2015, Clark set a five-year goal to see the dream fulfilled. In the meantime, she drove from New York several times a year to tattoo for a few weeks in Key West and work on her diving certifications for a few more weeks at Key Dives.

The vibrant colors and energy of sea life in the Keys captivated Clark, and soon that sea life began to work its way into her artwork and her business.

When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, her tattoo business in New York slowed to a standstill, so she began to make suncatchers, a decoration she used to make with her grandmother, to pay the bills. Around the same time down in the Keys, Michael Goldberg at Key Dives co-founded I.CARE, a local organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs. Wanting to support the cause even from far away, Clark began to donate 10% of her sales to I.CARE.

But it didn’t feel like enough. Not one to let dreams defer, in August 2020, despite the pandemic, she, her fiancé and his two children moved to the Keys. She began tattooing at South of Heaven in Key Largo, and participated in every coral plant she could with I.CARE, still donating 10% of her sales.

But the dream was to own her own shop, a unique shop – one full of color and completely environmentally friendly. After several months of slogging through business loans, rent prices and restrictions on tattoo shops, she opened Jellyfish Daydreams in July 2022.

Now a scene similarly vibrant to the one that exists on her arm exists inside the shop. The vividly tattooed, cheerful-toned, blond-haired, big-smiled, business-minded Clark crafts tattoos as electronic music fills her white-floored, blue-walled store covered in marine-themed artwork in a splattering of hues.

Her customers come locally and from afar for her tattoos that range from geometric, psychedelic and cover-ups to oceanic illustrative and watercolor. Many come during their Florida vacations looking to get something ocean-themed, which provides the perfect segue to discuss the reefs Clark has come to love and the ways to protect them.

“There are people that have walked in here not knowing anything about our reefs, not knowing anything about the pollution,” Clark said. “And they sit here, and I’ll tell them this and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, you’re going to make me cry.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t mean to make you cry. But I mean to educate you so you can make better choices from here on out.’”

Nearly everything in the store, from the toilet paper to the rugs, is eco-friendly. She buys her plantbased razors and compostable rinse cups and tattoo supplies from Good Judy, a Canadian tattoo supply company. She continues to donate 10% of her sales now to a plethora of organizations, including I.CARE, REEF, Mote Marine Laboratory, the Turtle Hospital and Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. She estimates that she has donated over $8,000.

The vision, however, is to create a spot not only for the tattoo-seeker. The walls are covered in artwork from local artists, including Mike Papish’s ocean photography, Clark’s suncatchers, candles, paintings and more. Clark holds many art classes and events at Jellyfish Daydreams, including paint nights with Painting with Maria.

“I want all kinds of people to come in here and see it as an art gallery, a place where you can get unique gifts that are not made in China, that are handmade by local artists that are quality,” Clark said. “I want people to not be afraid to walk in here because of the word tattoo. I’m trying to break that stigma.”

A love of the ocean influences many of Cassandra Clark’s tattoo designs. CONTRIBUTED

Originally from New York, Cassandra Clark moved to the Keys to open an eco-friendly tattoo shop in July 2022. CONTRIBUTED

Cassandra Clark enjoys designing geometric, naturethemed tattoos, like this bee mandala. CONTRIBUTED

JACQUELINE HALE www.keysweekly.com

The Jellyfish Daydreams shop provides a colorful, welcoming spot for locals and visitors to get a tattoo or enjoy local artwork. CONTRIBUTED

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BABY BIRDS IN THE HOUSE

KEYS WILD BIRD CENTER HELPS NATIVE FRIENDS FLY

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier was established by Laura Quinn and incorporated in 1991. The Upper Keys Weekly recently sat down with Maggy Pollicino, outreach coordinator, to learn more about this essential nonprofit in our community.

It’s very helpful when people can bring the sick or injured birds to us. We service from MM 70 to MM 106. If people call us from the mainland, we don’t go up there for rescues, but if they can drop the bird off at Everglades Outpost, we will send an intern or volunteer to pick them up, so that’s kind of a good way that we can serve the Homestead or Miami area. There’s also the Key West Wildlife Center and Marathon Wild Bird Center, which both do great work. Permits do not allow us to focus on pets; we refer people to a veterinarian.

We have a board that tells us everything we need to know about our patients. Our baby season is from about now until June, so we start to have a ton of baby birds in the house.

The most common are songbirds and raptors like owls and hawks. People just find them in their yards. Occasionally we get a bigger bird like a spoonbill or a heron, but a lot of the bigger seabirds nest offshore on rookeries and such, so people aren’t coming across them as much. So it was amazing to help a frigate bird and release him back over the ocean.

A lot of the time, when they find the baby, there’s actually nothing wrong with them, so we encourage people by saying, “Okay, can you look for this or this?” And if this condition, if all of those are true, we want you to leave the baby alone so the parents can continue to care for it.

It’s a case-by-case basis because we want the absolute best chance that that baby is going to be in the wild with its parents but we have supplies that we can give people. If the bird needs to be popped back in the nest, but they can’t find the nest because

it’s too high, we can give them little baskets and newspaper and supplies to tie it to a tree, and they may watch the parents come back, which is very fun.

Our emergency room is where every bird coming through our doors comes first. The first thing we do is take a temperature because, just like with people or other animals, if a bird is too cold, the stress that can be induced by further handling can cause a lot more problems. So, we always take a temperature and make sure they’re warm enough to continue. If not, we put them in a crate, get warmed up with some sort of external heat source and then do a head-to-toe exam. We have an X-ray machine if we need to do that. We have all the supplies for wound care and splinting — all different issues.

They see us as predators and don’t know we are helping them. Some get familiar, but we don’t want that. We want to keep them as wild as possible because familiarity with humans can get them into trouble, particularly with pelicans. People might feed them at the marinas, and then they associate food with people. The birds might see a fisherman, and they’re like, “He has food at the end of this big long stick,” and they go after it, and they get hooked or some other similar injury.

We try to return birds as close to the spot we found them in as possible. With juveniles, you can be a little bit more flexible because they haven’t established any sort of territory yet. If we are getting a young bird in, unless we can renounce that bird within about 24 hours, we probably need to raise it until it can be released because the parents will abandon the nest if they don’t see their baby there for a while.

If a bird can catch live prey, that’s a good sign it can be released. We put the birds in a flight cage to see if they can fly properly and find their own food. There is a lot involved. We want to ensure they have the best chance of survival in the wild. Our mission is to get them back into the wild and at their best.

Top left: Juvenile barn owl in a flight enclosure built for birds in the final stages of rehabilitation to build up their flight muscles and dexterity before being released back into the wild. RACHEL LECATES/Contributed

Top middle: Wildlife Rehabilitators Greg Russ (left) and Deja Canter (right) treat an adult brown pelican with a pouch tear by placing staples and debriding old tissue. MAGGY POLLICINO/Contributed

Top right: Veterinarian Nancy Saxe, right, performs a hook removal surgery on a juvenile brown pelican with assistance from wildlife rehabilitator Deja Canter, left, while avian care fellow Caselyn, and interns Grace and Julie, observe. MAGGY POLLICINO/Contributed

Middle: Maggy Pollicino, outreach coordinator, left, and wildlife rehabilitator Greg Russ perform a medical examination on an osprey. CASELYN LITTLE/Contributed

Birds that are permanent residents (at the center) are because we are concerned they would not do well in the wild — again, it’s a case-by-case basis.

If babies come in by themselves, we give them a mirror so they can imprint on themselves. Birds tend to not do very well in the wild if they imprint on their caretaker. So if we get the same species of birds, we may put them together as long as they don’t have any parasites.

Our new office manager, Fredricka, aka “Fred,” recently retired from the sanctuary. She was the pet of our founder Laura Quinn, who passed away in 2010; she had her since the ’80s. Quinn had started by taking birds into her house, learning from Dr. Robert Foley, and had a community of volunteers that helped her. For Fred’s retirement party, we played Fred’s favorite movie, “Jurassic Park.”

I’ve been here for about a year-and-a-half; I was previously up in New Hampshire and saw this listing on an eco-job board and applied. I thought getting into the rehabilitation side of things would be interesting. After about a year, they asked me if I wanted to stay on as the outreach coordinator because of my previous experience, and I said yes. It’s a lot of fun, there are incredible teachers, and it’s a great work environment.

We have our directors, licensed rehabilitators, and four to six interns at any time. We usually have three to five people at the hospital and staff at the sanctuary. Two people are on call when we are on call when we are closed because of the 24-hour emergency service. We also have wonderful volunteers that help with cleaning and transport.

It’s very rewarding to work here; you know you did a good thing even if the birds don’t know.

Visit missionwildbird.com, go to Facebook @keyswildbird or Instagram @keys_wild_bird to learn more. Donate through the website or directly at the hospital or sanctuary.

MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

Founders Park

Now Hiring! Summer Staff 2023

Looking

Check

Summer Recreation Camp Counselors (Seasonal position only):

Founders Park Summer Recreation Camp will run from June 5 through August 4, 2023 (break from July 3-7). Counselors will be responsible for creating & implementing activities for various age groups, as well as supervising, children (6-12) and teens (13-15)! Activities Include: Games, Arts & Crafts, Sports, Movies, Board Games, Swimming at the Pool & Beach, etc. Fun for everyone!

Lifeguards (Seasonal & ongoing Part-Time positions):

Lifeguarding is a dynamic, challenging, & rewarding job! Lifeguards are responsible for patron safety in & out of the pool and provides high quality customer service to the public at the Ron Levy Aquatic Center. Position also involves light maintenance duties. *Employment Incentives!*

Facility & Recreation Attendants (Seasonal, ongoing Part– Time and Full–Time positions)

Facility Attendants are customer service experts that provide information to the Public pertaining to Park Programs & Events, assist with program registrations, collect fees for admittance to Founders Park & The Ron Levy Aquatic Center, and enforce park rules. Position involves use of standard office equipment and cash register. Security detail involves patrolling park on foot or cart.

Must be 15 years of age or older.

Salary depends on qualifications

Scan

Interested individuals contact Evie Engelmeyer, HR Manager for more info at (email) hr@islamorada.fl.us

Founders Park: (305) 853-1685

BANDS DOWN BY THE BAY

ANNUAL MUSIC FEST BRINGS ROCK AND CELTIC FLAVOR

Documentary debuts marking Keys’ 200 years

“The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise, ” an hour-long television documentary that explores the history of the continental United States’ southernmost island chain, debuted on many Public Broadcasting Service channels across the U.S. on March 1.

Produced by South Florida PBS, the documentary’s nationwide airing coincides with the Florida Keys’ bicentennial year. The Florida Legislature established Monroe County, encompassing the entire 125-mile-long string of islands, on July 3, 1823.

During the program, viewers journey through the region’s dramatic history as told through the eyes of residents who live and interpret that history every day.

for future groups. The sessions will be held every Wednesday in April from 5 to 6 p.m. at the St. James Garden Conference Room. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Questions may be directed to Barbara Koch, St. James outreach committee, at 716-913-1061.

United Way scholarship open for marine science

United Way of Collier and the Keys has opened its 2023 marine science educational advancement scholarship for Monroe County residents pursuing marine science-related studies.

Celtic Sands brings the traditional Irish tunes. ICE/Via website

Local musicians, California rock and contemporary Irish music will take to the ICE Amphitheater at Islamorada’s Founders Park for the 28th annual Bay Jam Outdoor Music Fest on Sunday, March 19.

“We are so happy to be partnering with Founders Park and Florida Keys Brewing Co. this year as a part of the Beats on the Bay series,” said David Feder, president of ICE. “But we never forget our roots, so we’re featuring all-star homie bands from across the country with some favorite local Keys musicians.”

Among the bands set to rock the stage are the San Diego blues-rock band Gypsy Sally. Bay Jam listeners will hear old-school blues and rock with the occasional bossa and Latin twist. Celtic Sands, featuring Tracy Sands, is a well-known Irish traditional and contemporary vocalist from County Down in Ireland.

The Bay Jam lineup also includes the homegrown Key Largo Jam Band playing classic rock, R&B and jazz tunes; Uncle Rico’s pop, reggae, alternative, funk and grunge; Micah

and the Carouser’s famous favorites with country, rock and bluegrass flavors; Lower Mat Cats, rock; and singer-songwriter Scott Youngberg.

Gates open at 11 a.m. and music starts at noon at the ICE Amphitheater. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Feder noted that the ICE website, keysice.com, has more information on these bands.

“This Bay Jam as always will be a truly unique experience,” Feder said.

Bay Jam has everything for a family day of music and fun in a spectacular setting on the Florida Bay. Concertgoers can enjoy a swim at the bay front beach just steps away from the ICE Amphitheater stage. Bay Jam also features food vendors, local craft beer and wine, and art vendors, soft drinks and snacks.

ICE is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to bringing quality entertainment and cultural events to Upper Keys residents and providing support for local music and arts programs.

— Keys Weekly staff report

‘FESTIVAL OF MUSIC’ GRACES FOUNDERS PARK

The Florida Keys Community Concert Band will take to the ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park Saturday, March 18 at 4 p.m. for a concert titled “Festival Of Music.” This is a family-friendly concert of movie, Broadway and patriotic music, including a special sensory presentation of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” Ukulele Joy will entertain before and after the concert. Bring a blanket, a chair and a picnic basket for a concert in the park.

Topics include the Keys’ booms and busts, industries such as shipwreck salvage, cultural and artistic expression, sport fishing, community leaders, natural disasters and renewal, environmental conservation and the legacy of black pioneers.

Multimillion-dollar residential listing in Upper Keys

Kids Cay, located at 141 Cortez Drive in Islamorada, is up for sale with a price tag of $29.7 million. Listed by Sarah Ewald and Sabrina Wampler of Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, this property boasts three homes; a main house, an expansive guest house and a caretaker’s cottage. The property contains a quarter mile of white sand beach. This tropical estate has nearly 8.5 acres of upland plus 7.98 acres of ocean bottom with ample and protected concrete dockage, plus oceanfront observation pier. Homes have ample water views, spacious porches and a resort-style pool.

Bereavement support group at St. James Episcopal Church

Most people experience the pain of grief at some point in their lives. Support groups can provide muchneeded emotional and practical help during those difficult times.

St. James Episcopal Church is offering ongoing bereavement support groups throughout the year, starting with a four-week pilot program to help determine the best format for bereavement groups in the Upper Keys. The four sessions that are planned will explore some common myths about grief, develop an understanding of the grief process as well as strategies for coping with loss. Sympathetic listening to others’ stories and concerns will be a part of each session. Participants are free to share as little or as much as they find helpful. By the end of the four weeks, group member feedback should aid in the formulation of a plan

Last year, UWCK awarded six scholarships to students throughout the Keys. With these scholarships the recipients have been afforded opportunities for success, including Key West residents Gracia Rojas and Cricket Desmarais. Rojas completed an EPP/ MSI funded research study titled “Effects of direct removal on the population dynamics of corallivorous snails” and was on the College of the Florida Keys President’s List in the fall of 2022. Using her marine science education and experience in creative writing, Desmarais has recently taken a position as NOAA’s communications coordinator for Mission: Iconic Reefs.

A scholarship committee will review the applicants, taking into consideration educational achievement, career objectives, school activities, references, and financial status. Priority will be given to students already participating in this work and demonstrating financial need. The application period is open and ends Friday, April 7. Eligibility requirements and more information about the scholarship, as well as a link to the application, are at keysunitedway.org/marine-scienceeducational-advancement-scholarship.

Health Departments gets new clinical manager

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) announced the promotion of Priscilla Hunter to clinic manager.

In her new role, Hunter will maintain all three clinic schedules and continue efforts to standardize processes to deliver the highest quality care using evidence-based practice.

“We are so pleased to promote Priscilla Hunter into the role as clinic manager,” said DOH-Monroe Administrator and Health Officer Dr. Carla Fry. “This is a new position for the department. Our staff and clients will both benefit greatly from Priscilla’s experience and leadership abilities.”

Hunter has more than a decade of nursing experience. She began her new role on Feb. 24.

Her experience includes pediatric emergency medicine, adult acute care, college health, and public health.

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The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects.

The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:

Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes.

The deadline for receipt of applications is April 18, 2023 , and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecounty-fl.gov/bids).

For more information, please call the TDC Administrative Office at: 305-296-1552, and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

Established in 2020, Blue Seas Lawncare specializes in commercial and residential lawn care, including mowing, edging, trimming, palm trimming, weed removal, mulching and pea rock installation. The team at Blue Seas can also design gardens. This family-owned business prides itself on being predictable and reliable, while o ering competitive prices.

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HIGH-PROFILE VISITS

‘WILD WOMAN’ AND GOLDEN GLOBE ACTRESS CHECK OUT FOX

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I have an action-packed recap of events to report on from the past week.

SANCTUARY

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

Last Tuesday my friend, Christina “Wild Woman” Wilson, stopped by with Zak Cole, who runs a YouTube channel called Wild FL. You might know Wilson from around town and also from her appearances hosting on the Discover Florida Channel, Brave Wilderness and Travel and Leisure. Mom introduced all foxes here at Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. in Key Largo and talked extensively about the fur farming industry that is still active in the United States. Coral was a big show-off and wanted to be on camera the whole time. I will let you know when our episode comes out on YouTube.

Okay, here’s a “take-a-seat” announcement. Golden Globe and Honorary Academy Award winning actress, Liv Ullmann, came over to meet us foxes last Friday. Like holy cow, friends. Vanity Fair described her as “legendary” and she is regarded as one of the greatest European actresses

of all time. And she was here, to see me. I was such a well-behaved gentleman. All of the foxes were on their best behavior. She was so kind, so gentle and came down to our level to give us snacks when most people just stand and tower over us (which can make us nervous). She even spoke to us in her native language, Norwegian. It was mesmerizing. She gave my mom a copy of her book, “Choices,” and my mom read the whole thing on Saturday. Mom was trying to sit outside with us to read but I kept trying to steal the book. Hey, I can read too. Well, mostly with my teeth, but whatever.

As for an update on Purdy, the dog my mom rescued a few weeks ago, she had her much needed dental cleaning and extraction with our primary veterinarian, Michael Claudio, at Mobile Pet Doctors. She made it through the surgery just fine and is doing well. She’s an old lady but she sure has a strong will to live. We are happy she’s here.

Finally, our friend and veterinarian, Doug Mader, gave an amazing and factual lecture, as part of the College of the Florida Keys VIP series, on the problems with the invasive pythons in the Everglades and how they may threaten the Florida Keys. If you didn’t know, Mader released his book, “The Vet at Noah’s Ark.” If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, you can check out his website at dougmader.com

I promised an action packed report, and I think I delivered. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Top: Christina Wilson, or “Wild Woman,” stops by Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. in Key Largo to meet Coral and the other foxes. CONTRIBUTED

Right: Liv Ullmann, Golden Globe- and Honorary Academy Award-winning actress, visits Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. and founder Nicole Navarro. CONTRIBUTED

Thursday, March 16

• Morada Way Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada. Visit moradaway.org to learn more.

Friday, March 17

• St. Patrick’s Party featuring bands, food trucks and drinks beginning at noon at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada.

• St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl at 5 p.m. at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, Islamorada.

Tween board game night at 4:30 p.m. at Key Largo Library. For ages 10-12.

Saturday, March 18

• Florida Keys Community Concert Band’s Pops in the Park at 4 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Sunday, March 19

• Bay Jam featuring bands, drinks, craft vendors and food from noon to 8 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada. Free admission.

Monday, March 20

• Matecumbe Historical Trust free presentation on Indian Key at 6:30 p.m. at Island Community Church, MM 83.2, bayside, Islamorada.

Tuesday, March 21

• Islamorada Nature Walks & Talks at 8:30 a.m. at Founders Park & Plantation Hammock Preserve. $8 per person. Call 305-853-1685 to sign up.

Wednesday, March 22

• Line dancing with instructor Carlene Jarbo at 11:30 a.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Visit justolderyouth.org to learn more.

SWEET MAMA

This 2-year-old female is spayed and recently saw her three babies enter new homes. Now, this pretty mother is seeking her next home. She’s very sweet and gets along with others. If you would like to make this cat 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 is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

PAINTING IN PARADISE

ART GUILD PRESENTS WILDLIFE EXHIBIT

The Art Guild of the Purple Isles (AGPI) is presenting its fifth art exhibit of the winter season, Wildlife of the Keys. All types of Florida Keys wildlife, including birds, fish and mammals, are depicted in original paintings and sculptures by artist members from the guild.

The show is open to the public at Our Place in Paradise Art Gallery, MM 88.7, oceanside.

The Wildlife of the Keys exhibit will be on display at the gallery Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 25. Some of the art is available for purchase. Admission is free and attendees can also enjoy the artwork by local, national, and international artists on display throughout the gallery.

A nonprofit organization, AGPI is a group of artists supporting the visual fine arts in all media and photography in the Upper Keys. The guild welcomes new members interested in the arts and interested in promoting the arts throughout the community.

AGPI provides opportunities for members to share artistic knowledge, take part in group activities such as art education classes and workshops and volunteer with local schools on art-related activities.

For information about the guild, visit www.agpi.us.

— Contributed

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS

DO YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS DEPENDABLE, PASSIONATE AND EXEMPLIFIES GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE? NOMINATE THEM FOR A ROSE AWARD TODAY!

APRIL

20, 2023

at Hawks Cay Resort

ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards recognize Monroe County front line hospitality employees who demonstrate excellent customer service.

These industry champions showcase the region’s commitment to creating an extraordinary visitor experience.

Any business in the hospitality and tourism industry is invited to submit nominations (you do not have to be a member of FRLA to nominate)

Nominees can also include tour drivers, attractions, welcome center, boat tour, etc.

NOMINATION DEADLINE

APRIL 6, 2023

TO VIEW THE CATEGORIES, SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION AND LEARN ABOUT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE VISIT

FRLA.org/monroe-rose-awards

Art Guild president Laurie Richardson, coordinator of the Wildlife of the Keys exhibit. AGPI/Contributed

“Splashdown” an oil by Deborah Spencer. AGPI/Contributed

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of LFish located at 5409 Overseas Highway, # 347, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Lance Adventures, LLC

Publish:

March 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of T COMMERCE CENTRAL located at P.O. BOX 29, TAVERNIER, FL 33070 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Tristan Garcia

Publish:

March 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 03/24/2023 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.

1FAHP2EW0BG154358 2011 FORD

5J6YH18563L004553 2003 HOND

5N1ED28T1YC531945 2000 NISS

JM3LW28JX50532360 2005 MAZD

Publish:

March 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Island Storage, Inc., 10730 4th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon, Florida 33050, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents of the following units to satisfy delinquent storage liens.

The following unit contains commercial kitchen items:

Shamera Simmons

Unit H-13

$472.50

Auction will occur from 8:00AM – 5:00PM on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Island Storage, Inc., 10730 4th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050. The terms of the sale will be cash only. Island Storage, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any bids.

Publish:

March 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES INC. LOCATED

AT9:00AM AT: 7290 SW 41 ST

MIAMI, FL 33155 WILL SELL AT A

RESERVE PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00 AM

THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES AT SAID LOCATION TO SATISFY LIEN

PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 713.585 OF THE FLORIDA STATUES.

1974 PORS CV 4742920800

DATE OF SALE: APR. 3, 2023 AT: 1503 AQUEDUCT

LANE, KEY LARGO, FL 33037

PHONE#:786-328-9393

2019 ROCE TL

7KJBYEX26KA015287

DATE OF SALE: APR. 10, 2023 AT: 97951 OVERSEAS

HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037

PHONE#:305-852-2025

OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY INSPECT/RECOVER VEHICLE BY CONTACTING BEST LIEN SERVICES

7290 SW 41 ST MIAMI, FL 33155

(1-866-299-9391) AT LEAST 1 WEEK

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

Publish:

March 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-32-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF FLORA A. VAUGHN

A/K/A DYNE B. VAUGHN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate

of Flora A. Vaughn a/k/a Dyne B. Vaughn, deceased, whose date of death was November 5, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: March 16, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Michael S. Vaughn 29520 Cupon Rd. Big Pine Key, Florida 33043

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 359173

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish:

March 16 & 23, 2023

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

FILE NO.: 23-CP-45-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. IMMENDORF-GEORGE

A/K/A PATTI A. GEORGE

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Patricia A. Immendorf-George a/k/a Patti A. George, deceased, whose date of death was January 15, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2)

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: March 16 & 23, 2023

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000063-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GENO J POPOLI, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of GENO J POPOLI, deceased, whose date of death was February 21, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division: File Number 23-CP-000063-K the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative(s) and the personal representative(s)’ attorney is set forth below. The Fiduciary lawyerclient privilege in s. 90.5021 FLA. STAT. applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmature, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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 MARCH 16, 2023.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE:

ALTOVISE E. MOORE 414 Julia Street Key West, Florida 33040

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE:

Nakeitha Sweeting Hodrick, Esq.

FBN: 0079847

Sweeting Law & Mediation, P.A. 20451 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 1125 Miami, Florida 33169 786.279.4841

Publish: March 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000038-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GLORIA L. WINDUS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of GLORIA L. WINDUS, deceased, whose date of death was October 7, 2022; File Number 23-CP000038-K, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of 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 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. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 16, 2023. Signed on this 6th day of March, 2023.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES:

VALERIE L. TRUDEAU 263 Lake Street Saranac Lake, New York 12983 VICTORIA L. RUSSO 2926 W. Balmoral Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60625 ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVES:

Joshua T. Keleske, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0548472 Joshua T. Keleske, P.L. 3333 W. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 204 Tampa, Florida 33609 Telephone: (813) 254-0044

Email: jkeleske@trustedcounselors. com

Publish: March 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000086-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF KIMBERLY FARIS SCHMIDT,

LEGAL NOTICES

aka KIMBERLY SCHMIDT WEAVER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of KIMBERLY FARIS SCHMIDT, also known as KIMBERLY SCHMIDT WEAVER, deceased, whose date of death was July 28, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 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 PERIOD 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: March 16, 2023. Signed on this 6th day of March, 2023.

Personal Representative: SAMANTHA L. WEAVER 2313 Calle Lobina San Clemente, CA 92673

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Steven A. Sciarretta, Esquire Florida Bar No. 542695 STEVEN A. SCIARRETTA, P.A. 2799 NW Boca Raton Blvd., Suite 203

NOW HIRING

IT Support Analyst

INCLUDES MONROE COUNTY BENEFITS PACKAGE

LEGAL NOTICES

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Telephone: 561-368-7978

E-mail: steve@saslaw.net

Secondary E-Mail: susan@saslaw. net

Publish:

March 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000046-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF SARA ELLEN MARIE VITA, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Sara Ellen Marie Vita, deceased, whose date of death was December 24, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR

MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S

DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: March 16, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Donna Marie Vita

3 Foster Lane Norwalk, CT 06853

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Dawn Ellis, Esq.,

Dawn@MyFloridaProbate.com

Florida Bar Number: 091979

My Florida Probate, P.A. P.O. Box 952 Floral City, FL 34436-0952 (352) 726-5444

Publish:

March 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-19-P IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM EDWIN ARMSTRONG Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of WILLIAM EDWIN ARMSTRONG, deceased, whose date of death was January 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 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

NOW HIRING

Network Administrator

INCLUDES MONROE COUNTY BENEFITS PACKAGE

The 16th Judicial Circuit Court is seeking applicants for a full-time IT Support Analyst in the FLORIDA KEYS.

The IT Support Analyst will provide front-line primary technical support to end users on various technical issues and problems relating to hardware, software, and peripherals. They will also be responsible for responding to, documenting, and resolving service requests in a timely manner. The IT Support Analyst must have excellent problem-solving skills to diagnose, evaluate and resolve complex problem situations.

Salary is $45,000 – $52,000 annually, depending on experience, plus Monroe County benefit package. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

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

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

The Network Administrator is primarily responsible for maintenance and support of all network and server infrastructure services including LAN, firewalls, servers, wireless and associated network management, and monitoring platforms. This includes enterprise network planning, high-level troubleshooting, security, and network system administration.

Salary is $65,000 – $72,000 annually, depending on experience, plus Monroe County benefit package. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

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

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

The 16th Judicial Circuit Court is seeking applicants for a full-time IT Support Analyst in the FLORIDA KEYS

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA

PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: March 16, 2023.

Personal Representative: KSENIA LEONTEVA

82260 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, FL 33036

Attorney for Personal

Representatives:

URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ.

Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com

Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com

Florida Bar No. 382035

Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A.

P.O. Box 783

Islamorada, Florida 33036

Telephone: 305-664-5065

Publish:

March 16 & 23, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000006-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF VIVIAN H. WILSON

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Vivian H. Wilson, deceased, whose date of death was June 30, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division (Marathon Courthouse), the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 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: March 9, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Heidi I. Begeot 869 Smith Road New Wilmington, PA 16142

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Evan C. Leach, Esq.

Florida Bar No. 91794

Loshak Leach LLP

1221 S 21st Ave Hollywood, FL 33020

Telephone: (954) 334-1122

E-Mail: evan@loshakleach.com

Secondary E-Mail: service@ loshakleach.com

Publish: March 9 & 16, 2023

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

FILE NO.: 23-CP-0004-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF JIM WADKINS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Jim Wadkins, deceased, whose date of death was December 24, 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: March 9, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Jennifer A. Hammond

166 Valley Street, Apt 6M320

Providence, Rhode Island 02909 Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Katherine B. Schnauss Naugle

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 514381

SCHNAUSS NAUGLE LAW

810 Margaret Street JACKSONVILLE, FL 32204

Telephone: (904) 366-2703

Fax: (904) 353-9040

E-Mail: knaugle@jaxlawteam.com

Secondary E-Mail: aforquer@ jaxlawteam.com

Publish:

March 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-44-K

DIVISION: FAMILY IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: HADAR MOSHE, Petitioner, and, CLAUDIA GALINDO, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: CLAUDIA GALINDO

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 4320 SW 5TH STREET, MIAMI, FL 33134

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 HADAR MOSHE, whose address is 3839 DUCK AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before April 17, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner

or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

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

Dated: March 13, 2023

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

By: Marissa Lockwood

Deputy Clerk

Publish: March 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 23-DR-98-K

DIVISION: FAMILY

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: PETAGAY MEGAN STRONG, Petitioner, and, TRAVIANCE MARQUIS STRONG, Respondent.

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

TO: TRAVIANCE MARQUIS STRONG

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 2729 FLINTLOCK PLACE, EAUSTELL, GA 30106

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 PETAGAY MEGAN STRONG, whose address is 3930 S. ROOSEVELT BLVD., APT 414W, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before March 27, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

You must keep the Clerk of the

Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

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

Dated: February 15, 2023

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

By: Marissa Lockwood Deputy Clerk Publish:

February 23, March 2, 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS!

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

EMPLOYMENT

Frank's Grill in Marathon now hiring servers and bussers. Evening and daytime. Call Joanna at 305-731-8346

Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20 - 40 hrs. per week, $21 per hr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. $14/hr, Private Club & Friendly Atmosphere, Flexible Afternoon/Evening Hours Tuesday – Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

EMPLOYMENT

SS Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key is looking for line cooks, full or part time. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

Coast to Coast Pizza Company in Marathon is looking for front of the house cashier, part time. Will train, but should be outgoing with leadership traits and wellorganized, self-motivated, with a passion for customer service. Salary commensurate with experience and includes tips and 401k. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515, or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com.

Grassy Flats Resort on Grassy Key now hiring Housemen, Housekeepers, Kitchen Staff & Front Desk Agent. Email: hiring@grassyflats.com

Keys Cable Park on Grassy Key now hiring Kitchen Staff, Watersports Guide & Retail Manager. Email: hiring@grassyflats.com

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

San Pedro Church in Tavernier needs a Music Director (Part Time). Should share the Catholic faith, have knowledge of the Liturgy and Music. Email a Resume to the Pastor at ferrybrutus@gmail.com

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Customer Service Rep./Admin. Asst., WW Operator/Controls Trainee, and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

NOW

Administrative Assistant III/ Receptionist

INCLUDES STATE OF FLORIDA BENEFITS PACKAGE

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

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

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

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Customer-Service 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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

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

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

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

LUXURY CONDO FOR RENT IN MARATHON. 2 BR, 2 Bath, Den. 1650 sq ft plus 350 sq ft open balcony. Beautiful water view. Full gym, pool, tennis, fishing. Adults only. No pets. $3750 per month plus utilities F/L/S [first, last, and security deposit]. 800-324-6982. Key Largo - like new, very nice ground floor private room and bathroom. Marble tile flooring. Furnished. Private community. Pet restrictions. $1,950/month. 786 -258 -3127

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

to

clients

This position is responsible for high level administrative, clerical and accounting/budget responsibilities in Court Administration within the Senior Judge/Magistrate and Finance divisions, as well as acting as the Administrative Assistant to the Trial Court Administrator and the receptionist for the Freeman Justice Center.

of

CROSSWORD SOLUTION IS HIRING!

Salary is $43,867.09 annually, plus State of Florida benefits 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.

$1000

BONUS AFTER 3 MONTHS IS HIRING!

SUPPORTED

FULL TIME

LIVING COACH

Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and In Home Support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or year for year experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Salary commensurate with experience.

200 Years of Paradise.

Free Bicentennial Concert & Drone Show.

Saturday, March 25th | Truman Waterfront Park, Key West Gates open at 5 PM | fla-keys.com/keys200

Our Bicentennial kicks off with food, fun and a free concert featuring Nick Norman followed by trop-rock all-star Howard Livingston. We’ll then light up the skies with a Keys-centric drone show. This event was 200 years in the making. So come party like there’s no tomorrow.

Presented by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council.

NOW HIRING

• Full time.

• Flexible start and end times.

• Must have excellent database and Quickbooks knowledge.

• Marathon location.

Email resume to bhager@royalcompletehome.com

NOW HIRING

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.

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 Executive Department:

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

T&D ELECTRICAL 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.

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.

MAINTENANCE WORKER

4

Monroe County BOCC is looking for applicants for a Maintenance Worker 4 within our Facilities Maintenance department. Locations include Marathon & the Middle Keys areas. The primary function of this position is to perform all related repairs and/or maintenance to county facilities and grounds. High School Diploma or GED, 5 years minimum of prior related work experience in electrical, plumbing or carpentry & a valid FL driver’s license required. $44,308.30 to $68,677.88 annually (depending on experience).

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV. For questions, please contact us at careers@monroecounty-fl.gov or 305-292-4557. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent/Temporary Gift Shop positions that involve direct contact with our visitors & is another opportunity to ensure they leave DRC with a happy & positive experience. Some of the duties involve; being familiar with all merchandise in the selling area, suggest specific merchandise & offer product advise. Walk around the grounds and see dolphins every day.

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

•

HIRING

Must have valid Driver’s License & Transportation

Location: Upper Keys

Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruct.com Or call: 305-852-3002

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, full-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.

Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

MAINTENANCE POSITION WITH BUSY NONPROFIT

FT with benefits. Long-term position w/room for growth. Valid DL required.

Must have maintenance or related experience, computer skills and relate well with people. Very physical position, heavy lifting, heat, etc.

Drug-free workplace, EOE.

Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls.

Benefits

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

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

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. Competitive benefit package including Florida Retirement System. $62,155.44-$98,454.90. DOQ

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

LOCATION: MARATHON

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Distribution System Operator to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or GED; supplemented by 1 yr. previous experience and/or training as a pipefi er with a public utility, construction or plumbing company preferred. Must have a High School; Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Must obtain a FDEP Level 3 license w/in 18 mos. of hire date. Salary: $48,909.19. Excellent benefits.

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.

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 in March. We need to start assembling and training our team now!

COME JOIN US!

**We are an Equal Opportunity Employer** Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge, 786-626-6124 73814 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) 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.

(search

THEME: COLLEGE BASKETBALL

ACROSS

1. Matt Damon/Ben Affleck

1999 movie

6. *Top seed

9. *Player’s target

13. Earth Day month

14. State V.I.P.

15. ____ firma

16. Rationalistic theology

17. Former name of Tokyo

18. Formed a curve

19. *One-____-____ rule

21. *Last year’s NCAA men’s tournament winner

23. Lenon’s wife

24. E-mail command

25. Bug spray brand

28. “By ____ of” or “by means of”

30. Like certain floss

35. Life stories, for short

37. Gulf War missile

39. Dough

40. Tiny purse or case

41. Mandarin’s headquarters

43. Like an omelette

44. Jaunty rhythms

46. Derived from capable

47. Party in Maui

48. Trouser measurement

50. L in SNL

52. *Encouragement from coach

53. Foretell

55. Lt.’s subordinate

57. *J in NJCAA

60. *Gambling scheme

64. Dick Van Dyke’s “____ ____

a Happy Face”

65. Freudian topic

67. Kind of ray 68. Silly 69. Mudbath site 70. Artemis’ companion 71. Type of salmon 72. College entrance exam 73. Instagram videos

DOWN

1. Bit of baby talk

2. Precedes sesame

3. Power system

4. Botch

5. Marcona nut

6. Curved molding

7. Endorsement

8. Call forth

9. Not his

10. Aquarium show star

11. Mine deposits

12. Water lily leaf

15. One behind the other

20. *Like crowd of fans?

22. “____ the crowd goes wild!”

24. Misstep

25. Obelus, pl.

26. Oddball’s attempt? (2 words)

27. *Each player gets 5 before disqualification

29. *Org.

31. Witty Coward

32. Dress up or deck out (2 words)

33. Blue-Green scum

34. *Easiest shot?

36. Location

38. Hero shop

42. Never say what?

45. Abduction of the ____

Women, Roman myth

49. Farm call 51. Bewitch

54. One step to success?

56. Close call

57. Elliot Page’s 2007 role 58. Home of Jazz 59. Unacceptable, to a baby

60. Gravy holder

61. ACL location

62. Short for “and elsewhere” 63. Small amounts 64. Selfie, e.g.

66. *Qualifying ____, eligibility criterion

LIFE IS MEANT FOR LIVING

KEYS YOGI LEADS LIFE - CHANGING RETREATS AROUND THE WORLD

“My heart hasn’t been this open since I gave birth!” a grateful Lauren Ferrante told her laughing yoga students, travel partners and friends. Seated around a long, communal table, the group of 27 had just spent the prior week together at La Dogana, a traditional organic olive oil estate in the middle of Italy. Now, we held up generous glasses of red and white wine while singing Dean Martin’s classicand-kitschy “That’s Amore” to toast our gracious teacher and host on our last night together.

This was actually Ferrante’s firstever retreat – though you wouldn’t know it by how incredible the week was. Beneath the Tuscan sun, we all became a little family – exploring, laughing, eating and, yes, doing some yoga.

We would have anywhere from one to three hours of morning practice that were completely and truly optional – no judgment. You could get on the mat or sleep in. Then we’d sit down for a fresh cappuccino and breakfast, sweaty, happy and together, before starting our day’s adventures. These included cultural experiences like pizzamaking class and wine tastings, a picnic with fresh cheeses and more wine, wandering around medieval Italian cities and experiencing la dolce vita. All of it felt steeped in tradition and genuine, and never touristy. Finally, we’d return home to our villa for a homemade, communal dinner, followed by more relaxing, dancing, chatting and connecting.

“Thinking about Italy gives me goosebumps,” Ferrante told the Keys Weekly from her beachfront “yoga studio” at Islamorada’s Cheeca Lodge, a few months after returning. “I love traveling, new experiences and getting out of my comfort zone, and I

is a self-made mermaid who loves all things cheesy (romantic and dairy) and thrives in the 3 a.m. hour. She believes in leaving it all on the field and has never met a (mis)adventure she didn’t love.

absolutely f***ing adore what I do, so to marry all those things was just out of this world!”

Ferrante’s retreats are – in her words – “yoga AND …,” meaning there is a balance of time on the mat and everything else that the host location has to offer. She curates balance and fun alongside deep and “juicy” yoga practices.

“A lot of people who come to my retreats are in the grind and living that life, and this takes them out of that,” Ferrante said. “It allows them to reset and get a taste of what I try to create for myself every day here in the Keys – being surrounded by nature and enjoying a simpler life. It’s just so much more beautiful to me. Those are the things I want my retreats to allow people to experience.”

Ferrante’s appeal – among many things – is her authenticity. She explained, “There are days I’m feeling woo-woo, and I’ll get emotional and deep, and there are days when it’ll be light, and there will be f-bombs, and it’ll be whatever it’s going to be. And, I’m just being me.”

“And, that gives other people the permission to do the same. I do think this practice is for every body, every single body, and the more people can come to everything they do in life as themselves and be honest and be in alignment with what their truth is, then

the happier they’re going to be,” she added.

The Keys yogi is an Islamorada mainstay, teaching daily classes at Cheeca Lodge and Casa Morada. The retreat guests who weren’t her Keys regulars were past resort guests who had wandered into Ferrante’s classes and became hooked on her particular zest for life and style of teaching.

“My style of yoga is intuitive,” she explained. “I really try to feel into the people that have shown up to my class and what they need and try to tap into my intuition. And, when I do so, it’s always right. People seem to be getting exactly what they need.”

It doesn’t matter if you can do warrior two or a headstand, or if you just want to stay in child’s pose the entire time, she encourages. She knows, and she teaches, that yoga is about giving yourself what you need and nothing

else.

Her style clearly resonates with people. Ferrante’s classes are the No. 1 attraction listed for the village’s Spa and Wellness category on TripAdvisor – with a perfect, five-star rating. Her first retreat sold out in a record three days; her upcoming retreat in Greece also sold out in days. And, this year’s revamped Italy itinerary includes “experiences you couldn’t imagine” during two back-to-back weeks at La Dogana. There are just a few spots left in each week.

“It’s going to be incredible – not to be missed,” Ferrante closed. “Life is to be lived and experienced. So, let’s do it.”

To learn more about Ferrante’s classes or retreats, follow her on Instagram @ IslandFlowYoga, email Laurenferrante1@ gmail.com or call (516) 458-8622.

The entire retreat “famiglia” gathers for a photo during the traditional white party dinner on the last night. CONTRIBUTED

TIFFANY DUONG

Lauren Ferrante leads a “juicy” vinyasa flow class at La Dogana during her 2022 retreat. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly