Key West Weekly 23-0330

Luxury isn't a price point, it’s a level of service.

We present the Florida Key’s most dynamic real estate professionals – professionals who offer an alternative to the status quo real estate experience, where negotiation skills matter, marketing prowess matters, and integrity comes rst. When a home is represented by Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, it bene ts from cutting-edge marketing and global recognition. Contact our team today.

Karen Verri 305.434.0148

Lori Patrick 305.783.8974

Jeff Erickson 305.589.2741

Gina Kennedy 305.240.0707

Jenna Stauffer 260.433.2319

Dominic Paolillo 305.304.7062

Jenny Potter 305.304.2879

Kellie Alper t 305.923.1696

Matt Car lson 612.791.2345

Kathleen Bur ns 305.304.5007

Ellen Gvili 305.304.2933

Bob Cardenas Broker/Owner 305.304.8292

Russell Post Broker/Owner

Everett Smith 520.304.2651

Debbie Cardenas 305.304.9434

Jessica Blass 305.393.2518

Marc Ulanowski Equestrian Sotheby’s 815.861.3359

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

Publisher Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Editor Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com

Web Master Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Postmaster

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

According to the South Florida Water Management District, around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in Central and Southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors for watering lawns, drinking and bathing, growing crops and servicing industries. Future water demands are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040.

KEY WEST WELCOMES NEW CITY MANAGER TO APRIL 4 MEETING

LOCAL LAWMAKERS OPPOSE STATE LEGISLATORS AGAIN

OPPOSITION TO STATE BILLS

And now on to the continuing rancor between some city commissioners and their counterparts in the Florida Legislature.

The April 4 agenda lists five pending bills in Tallahassee that city officials could urge politicians to defeat. The vote to oppose these bills may not be unanimous, as none of the following proposed resolutions opposing state bills is sponsored by all seven elected Key West officials. Commissioners Sam Kaufman and Lissette Carey are not listed as sponsors on any of the resolutions opposing state bills.

Those bills being considered in Tallahassee would:

• “Prohibit the display of the Conch Republic Flag, the Pride Flag, or any flag other than the United States Flag, the Florida State Flag, and the POWMIA Flag on public property.” (House Bill 1011/ Senate Bill 668). Sponsored by Commissioners Jimmy Weekley, Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow and Mayor Teri Johnston

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Two Key West city managers will be present for the next several city commission meetings — Patti McLauchlin and Al Childress, who starts work on Monday, April 3 and will take part in the April 4 meeting.

The next two or three months of overlap are intended to give Childress time to get acclimated before McLauchlin retires this summer.

Childress is expected at the April 4 meeting to present some proposed changes to the city commission agendas.

The April 4 agenda is a heavy one, laden with more opposition from Key West lawmakers to Tallahassee lawmakers. More on that in a moment.

CITY ATTORNEY CONTRACT & NEW CITY CLERK

But first, the commission is expected to approve a four-year employment contract with City Attorney Ron Ramsingh with a one-year renewal option after four years. If approved, Ramsingh will earn a $215,000 annual salary with an option to renegotiate after the first six months. He also will receive a monthly $500 car and $150 cell phone allowance.

The commission also has to start looking for a new city clerk, which is one of only three positions in city government the commission hires directly. The city manager and attorney are the other two. The city manager or their designee is responsible for hiring all other workers.

An agenda item for April 4 calls for the establishment of a search within Florida and the creation of a screening committee to review applications for the job.

• “Prohibit local governments from prohibiting or restricting private waste management providers.” (House Bill 975/Senate Bill 798). Sponsored by Lopez, Johnston and Wardlow

• “Prohibit gender affirming treatment for anyone under the age of 18.” (House Bill 1421/ Senate Bill 254). Sponsored by Weekley and Lopez.

• “Pertaining to defamation claims, which would restrict the First Amendment Rights of Florida residents….” (House Bill 991/Senate Bill 1220). Sponsored by Lopez, Mary Lou Hoover, Weekley and Johnston.)

• “Would allow concealed carry of weapons and firearms without a license.” (House Bill 543/Senate Bill 150). Sponsored by Lopez, Hoover, Weekley and Johnston.

Key West lawmakers are expected to pass a resolution on April 4 opposing a state bill that would prohibit the display of the Conch Republic, Pride or any flag other than the American, Florida and POW/MIA flags at public buildings. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Waterfront Playhouse presents the Pulitzer-winning play ‘Three Tall Women’ April 6-22. For tickets visit waterfrontplayhouse.org.

SINCE 1997

THE LARGEST & MOST TRUSTED PROFESSIONALLY CONDUCTED ESTATE & MOVING SALES IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

FRI MARCH 31 & SAT APRIL 1

9AM - NOON

727 WINDSOR LANE | KEY WEST

Second Chance Sale!

Includes MORE books, additional men’s clothing, art, fine crystal, along with general household items, Christmas and more!

Saturday, April 1st, 10am 2pm 5210 College Road

3 EGG HUNTS!

Ages 0 3 11 am

Ages 4 6 12 am

Ages 7 12 1 pm

Non members $5/child 3 & up

Maximum $10/family

I Confess

APRIL 13-15, 8PM

CREATED, PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY HURRICANE ALAINA

The anonymous confessions of Key Westers—along with secrets collected from all over the country— are retold onstage by a cast of professional actors, including New York City-based Alaina Albertson, Emmanuel Achigbu, Hari Bhaskar, as well as Key West actors Kitty Clements and Jeffrey Johnson.

TICKETS AT TSKW.ORG OR CALL 305-296-0458

$80 FRONT ROW (VIP), $60, $50 MBRS. sponsored by Rent Key West Vacations

old town new folk

Concert series sponsored by Blue Heaven

COMMUNITY PLANS GARRETT HUGHES BENEFIT CONCERT

APRIL 8 EVENT TO RAISE FUNDS IN MEMORY OF SHOOTING VICTIM

Garrett Hughes’ friends and family want to ensure that his tragic death on Feb. 13 — the result of a shooting at a Key West bar — was not in vain.

A scholarship fund has been established in Hughes’ name.

An April 8 benefit concert at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater will raise money for that fund.

“Mike Stack is headlining the show and is a major force behind the organizing of this,” said Amber Acevedo, former principal of Key West High School and a close friend of the Hughes family. “Other local performers and supporters include D-Lew, DJ Sanaris, Homegrown, Southernmost Trell, Sharese and Luff Kid.”

The family-friendly concert and party will feature food, drinks, T-shirt sales and raffle prizes, all to raise money for the GH Memorial Scholarship Fund for local kids.

Garrett Hughes’ family thanks community:

“From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to say thank you for your support, compassion and sympathy during this difficult time. The countless acts of kindness and caring from friends and the community, far and near, have provided comfort and strength to our family. We are humbled by the outpouring of love for Garrett and his family. It is truly heartwarming to see how many lives he touched in such a short time.”

Forever grateful, the Family of Garrett Hughes

“The community has been absolutely amazing,” Acevedo said. “We have dozens of sponsors at all levels, as so many people are willing and eager to help and volunteer. This will be a wonderful celebration of Garrett with all the things he loved the most — his family, his friends, and his hometown.”

Hughes died in the early-morning hours of Feb. 13 after being shot outside Conch Town Liquor & Lounge on North Roosevelt Boulevard. Hughes was unarmed and shirtless when he was shot while urinating on the wall of the building after Super Bowl Sunday. Lloyd Preston Brewer, 57, was arrested and is being held in jail without bond and faces multiple felony charges, including murder.

Gates for the benefit event open at 6 p.m, on Saturday, April 8. Admission is $20 for people 12 and older. Kids under 12 are free. Visit thekeywestamp.com for tickets and information.

— Contributed

Old Dominion shows canceled this weekend

• Old Dominion regrets that the March 31, April 1 & 2 shows in Key West are postponed by a year due to an accident with frontman Matthew Ramsey. The rescheduled dates are March 22, 23, and 24 of 2024. Friday, March 31, 2023 tickets will be honored on Friday, March 22, 2024. April 1, 2023 tickets will be honored on Saturday, March 23, 2024 April 2, 2023 tickets will be honored on Sunday, March 24, 2024

Thursday, March 30

• The College of the Florida Keys continues its VIP lecture series with “Truckin’ — a Grateful Look at Cooking,” at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West, featuring chef Stephan Juliusburger, of the faculty of culinary arts at CFK. In his 20s, he was the tour chef for the Grateful Dead for six years and later wrote his master’s thesis on the sociology of food. Tickets are $5 at the door. Admission is free for CFK and Monroe County students. For information, call 305-296-9081 or visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/VIP.

Saturday, April 1

• Migration Mania at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is the garden’s only fundraiser that keeps its state standardaligned field trips free for local students. The day features two age-level egg hunts with 6,000 eggs, environmental education booths, kids playground, games, crafts, and face painting.

Friday, April 14

• Application deadline for May Sands Montessori School in Key West. The free, public charter school serves students in Pre-K through eighth grade. Application packets and instructions are at maysandsmontessori.com or at the school’s front office. The public admissions lottery drawing will be held on May 5. For more information, call 305-293-1400 ext. 53418.

April 15 & 16

• Blue Angels return for the Southernmost Air Spectacular at Naval Air Station Key West at MM 8. Admission is free both days. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the show starts at 11 a.m.

April 21-30

•Conch Republic Days commemorate the Florida Keys’ symbolic 1982 secession from the United States and formation of the independent republic. Visit conchrepublic.com for schedule and details.

Saturday, April 22

• Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade kicks off at noon from the Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front St. Mobile sculptures and art bikes will travel the length of Duval Street to the Southernmost Pocket Park, where a block party and awards ceremony celebration will take place from 1 to 3 p.m.

June 30-July 4

• Key West’s Key Lime Festival will celebrate the world’s most sensational citrus with a bountiful array of festivities across the very island where Key lime pie was conceived.

Key Wester Garrett Hughes died Feb. 13 at age 21.

GOVERNOR REAPPOINTS HIGGINS & TOPPINO TO WATER UTILITY BOARD

EX- WIFE OF FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THEN SUES UTILITY

A LETTER FROM THE FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY

Iwanted to take this opportunity to update you on the water situation that we are experiencing here in the Keys. As you know, we recently endured three very significant breaks in our system. Following the third break, we all suffered a complete loss of water, or at the very least, significant drops in pressure.

All of our leaks have now been repaired and service has been restored. However, all of us are still seeing reduced pressures at the tap. I am going to attempt to explain what is occurring and what you can expect going forward.

mandy@keysweekly.com

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last month reappointed two members to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) board of directors. Richard Toppino and Cara Higgins were reappointed to four-year terms.

Two weeks after the reappointment, Jolynn Reynolds, a former aqueduct authority employee and the ex-wife of its former executive director, Jim Reynolds, filed a lawsuit against the Florida Keys’ water company.

In the March 10 lawsuit, Jolynn Reynolds claims Cara Higgins “used her position on the aqueduct authority board to act in favor of her own personal interests and to retaliate against anyone who opposed her or attempted to bring her misconduct to light.”

The lawsuit alleges that Higgins, who has been in a relationship with the plaintiff’s ex-husband, Jim Reynolds, since the Reynoldses separated, contributed to the end of her marriage and used her position on the FKAA board to help Jim Reynolds’ private company secure contracts with the FKAA involving inspection services for the new FKAA headquarters building in Key West.

Higgins told the Florida Commission on Ethics more than a year prior to the lawsuit that she had abstained from voting on any and all matters related to Jim Reynolds’ company and any contracts potentially awarded to it. The claims levied in Jolynn Reynolds’ lawsuit are the same eight allegations she filed in earlier ethics complaints against Higgins. All eight allegations

were dismissed by the Florida Commission on Ethics.

In July 2022, the Florida Commission on Ethics “found no probable cause on eight allegations of violations of the ethics laws,” against Higgins, according to documents from the state commission.

“(HIggins) is a public officer who is involved in a dating relationship with a vendor of her agency. The relationship was disclosed to the (FKAA) Board…. (Higgins’) actions seemed reasonable and in the best interests of FKAA and the taxpayers,” wrote Elizabeth Miller, advocate for the Commission on Ethics, who investigated all of JoLynn Reynolds’ allegations against Higgins.

When reached by the Keys Weekly on March 28, Higgins said, “The Ethics Commission reviewed the numerous allegations made, performed an extensive investigation and found no evidence whatsoever to support any of it. The investigator did however find that my actions were not only reasonable, but also in the best interest of the FKAA. I will not comment on the rehashing of already refuted accusations. My focus remains on moving forward with the FKAA on improvements to our infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and service to our ratepayers. This is an exciting time for the FKAA. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve another term with our current Board and with Mr. Veliz at the helm.”

Greg Veliz, the current executive director of FKAA, told the Keys Weekly last week he cannot comment on pending litigation.

No hearings had been scheduled for the lawsuit as of March 28.

We have customarily pumped between 23 and 26 million gallons per day out of our Florida City location. Prior to COVID, our levels were closer to 19 to 21 million gallons a day. The demands on our system have continued to increase. We have known for some time that our transmission main that runs 130 miles from Florida City to Key West was in desperate need of replacing. Those of you that travel U.S. 1 more regularly have seen that the work has already begun.

The pipe, in its current condition, is simply not able to support the volume of water or the pressures required to move it, therefore we have been forced to make reductions.

Despite the reduced output from Florida City, we have been able to make gains in our water tanks that are spread throughout our system. These tanks hold reserve water stores so that if there is a break, we can continue to serve a majority of our customers until repairs are completed. By our third and final leak, we had exhausted our reserve supply, and that was why we were unable to supply water throughout the repair.

Unfortunately, despite the restoration of our reserves, we do not feel confident that our pipes can continue to handle 23-26 million gallons per day, so we have limited our output to 22 million gallons per day. In order to achieve these reductions and continue to serve all of you, we have had to reduce pressures at our master taps. This is why you are seeing pressures lower than those to which you have become accustomed. I apologize if these reductions in pressures have proven problematic for some of you, but we are making decisions that we believe will allow us to continually serve you, even if it is at lower levels.

We are continuing to make adjustments and get you back to the levels of pressure you have come to expect. I wish I could tell you that this will be a quick fix or even a temporary inconvenience, but I cannot. Rest assured, we are doing our very best and meeting daily to figure ways to better serve you. We thank you for your patience and your assistance in our conservation efforts.

— Gregory W. Veliz, executive director

MANDY MILES

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s new headquarters, 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West. CONTRIBUTED

LARGE KEYS REQUESTS INCLUDED IN STATE BUDGET

STEWARDSHIP ACT & AHEC FUNDING PART OF HOUSE AND SENATE PROPOSALS

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Several critical Keys programs found their way into the Florida Senate and House budget proposals that were unveiled last week in Tallahassee.

While the amounts for the Keys differ between the two chambers’ budgets, the inclusion of key funding for education and environmental programs is an encouraging sign as state legislators begin work on the budget. On March 28, the House and Senate Appropriations committees approved their own versions of a budget, each totaling more than $112 billion. State Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez serve on their chambers’ appropriations committees. The representatives for the Keys voted in favor of their chambers’ budgets.

The chambers will need to agree on a spending plan before May 2 in order to meet a 72-hour “cooling off period” before lawmakers give final approval before the end of regular session on May 5.

Senate and House budgets include $20 million in Florida Keys Stewardship Act funding to construct projects that protect, restore or enhance nearshore water quality and fisheries. Many local municipalities have used the funds in recent years to address poor water quality in canals. The money also helps local governments in acquiring land.

Keys officials are hoping funds allocated to the Florida Keys Stewardship Act are annually included in the state Department of Environmental Protection’s budget. For years, legislators representing the island chain fought not only to include an appropriation for the program, but also to secure the full amount needed for critical environmental projects. House Bill 135, sponsored by Mooney, would put funding for the Keys environment on a pedestal with the Everglades and water management districts. Mooney’s bill awaits consideration in the House. A companion Senate Bill 54, sponsored by Rodriguez, was supported by members in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Some $5 million for a reverse osmosis plant in Marathon was includ-

ed in the Senate’s budget proposal. Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is pumping 22 million gallons of water per day from its primary source in the Biscayne Aquifer. Seawater plants in Stock Island and Marathon help supply additional water in emergency situations, as when three pipe breaks earlier in March forced FKAA to use the Stock Island plant.

House and Senate budgets propose varying amounts for the Florida Keys Marine Protection Mooring Field project. The House budgeted $805,000 while the Senate allocated $500,000 in its proposal.

Both legislative chambers propose $9.7 million for operational expenses at the College of the Florida Keys. The House and Senate also propose similar amounts for college nursing grants, $748,000.

Three requests by the village of Islamorada made the House budget, including emergency backup generators storage facility, $150,000, an Islamorada Village Council Chambers/Public Works Facility feasibility study, $150,000, and a new ambulance, $190,000. The Senate’s budget proposal allocated $250,000 for the village’s council chambers and public works facility study.

To assist in the coral recovery effort, both chambers propose $1 million to Mote Marine Laboratory. The Senate’s budget includes a $10 million allocation to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to establish and implement the framework for placement, monitoring and maintenance of artificial habitat.

The Senate budget proposal also includes $2 million for renovations to Bruce Hall in Key West; $150,000 for ReMARCable Citizens and $500,000 for Key Colony Beach City Hall. The Senate proposed $250,000 for the Keys Area Health Education Center, or AHEC, while the House proposed $487,000. The House proposes $3.5 million for the county’s Emergency Operation Center in Marathon.

The budget also includes a pay increase for FWC officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers in Monroe County.

COME WORSHIP WITH US

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

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am

Service 11am & Service 6pm

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Adorasyon 8:30pm

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

DOMINGO ESTUDIO BIBLICO A LAS 4:30 PM

Servicio de adoración dominical a las 5pm

Servicio de Adoración a las 5pm

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

‘‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.’’

‒ Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV

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.

WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS ‘THREE TALL WOMEN’

AWARDWINNING PLAY IN AN AWARDWINNING THEATER

What if you could speak to the person you once were? Or to the person you are to become?

Would you see yourself at the physical peak of your 20s, the compromised middle ground of your 50s or in your decayed and terminal 90s, when all of life’s lessons and cruelties have been learned and endured but, ironically, are no longer fully remembered?

Edward Albee’s Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning play, “Three Tall Women,” opens Thursday, April 6 at the Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square. Opening-night tickets include an after-party in the sculpture garden opposite the theater, sponsored by Kate Miano of The Gardens Hotel

“Three Tall Women” plays at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday evenings through April 22, with a sneak preview on Wednesday, April 5 and a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee on April 15. For tickets call 305-2945015 or visit waterfrontplayhouse. org.

Directed by John McDonald, designed by Michael Boyer with costumes by Leigh Hooten, “Three Tall Women” plays as two symmetrical, but distinct plays. In the first, a doddering woman of 91 belligerently banters with two younger women: A terse nurse of 52 and a beautiful but bitter law clerk of 26. Together they bicker over the lives they will live, are living or have lived. Act Two is a turn of events that may leave audiences stunned.

Ben Brantley of The New York Times called the show “a truly moving work … an undeniably affecting

SANCTUARY USES NEW TECHNOLOGY TO CLOSE FISHING SITE

WESTERN DRY ROCKS CLOSED TO FISHING APRIL 1 TO JULY 31

emotional core and a shimmeringly black sense of humor … essential for anyone interested in the forces that have shaped this influential writer.”

“Three Tall Women” features Leslie Greene, who last appeared at the Waterfront in “The Year of Magical Thinking,” along with Maggie McCollester, a recognizable face from TV and commercials, and Jessica Miano Kruel, who most recently appeared as Nicole in the hit musical “Kinky Boots!”

Albee has written and directed some of the best plays in contemporary American theater and three of his plays – ”A Delicate Balance,” “Seascape” and ”Three Tall Women” – have received Pulitzer Prizes. His most famous play, ”Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play.

— Contributed

‘THREE TALL WOMEN’ Waterfront Playhouse

April 6-22

Tickets: 305-294-5015 or waterfrontplayhouse.org

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has deployed self-setting buoy anchors for the first time in support of a state fishing closure at Western Dry Rocks that runs from April 1 to July 31. The four-month closure started in 2021 without boundary buoys to mark the site, as water depths at the location are beyond working depth for the sanctuary buoy team to drill traditional anchors. A solution turned up in the form of 1,000-pound pyramid anchors fabricated with ductile iron by a New Hampshire company.

“No matter which way they fall they will always have a digging edge with the eye-shank in the correct position,” said FKNMS Marine Operations Technician Benjamin D’Avanzo, who spearheaded the project.

The anchors were dropped on Monday, March 27 through an interagency agreement with Key West-based ATMO, the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Targets and Marine Operations unit. Sub-surface buoys are holding downlines in a vertical position about 20 feet from the surface, and sanctuary team members will soon return to install six 32-inch yellow boundary buoys that will remain in place until the seasonal closure is lifted. Last year, at least

one commercial boat was cited for fishing during the closed period.

“Western Dry Rocks is a unique location that is a multispecies spawning aggregation site for many recreationally and commercially important fishes, such as permit, and numerous species of snapper and grouper,” said Jessica McCawley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “Protection of fish spawning aggregations used in coordination with other traditional management tools can be an effective strategy to sustain and potentially enhance our fisheries. The

FWC is grateful for our partnership with FKNMS and their support in marking the boundaries of Western Dry Rocks to help the public easily identify the location of the seasonal closure. However, the work is only just beginning as FWC staff continue with the multi-year Western Dry Rocks Science Plan to evaluate whether the April – July seasonal closure is achieving its intended conservation benefit.”

Western Dry Rocks is located 10 miles southwest of Key West. A seven-year sunset provision will allow FWC to revisit the closure and discuss future management in this area.

The new buoy anchors were dropped at Western Dry Rocks in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary on March 27. CONTRIBUTED

NO BUTTS ABOUT IT; TOSSING CIGS CAUSES HARM

PLASTIC IS DRASTIC, SAYS KEY WEST CLEANUP CREW

AMY PATTON www.keysweekly.com

Question: What’s (by far) the largest source of plastic litter found on Key West’s beaches and streets? If you answered bottles, grocery bags or straws, you’d be wrong.

Truth is, the thousands of pounds of tossed cigarette butts collected each year by city volunteers who affectionately dub themselves “Ploggers” hold a secret: The filters in these smoking materials, specifically in commercial brands like Newports, Marlboros and others, are lined with “micro-polymers;” also known as cellulose acetate.

The oft-discarded gunk tossed by pedestrians on walkways and in waterways is better known by most folks as plain old plastic.

“People are inhaling this stuff,” Kimmie Hellman exclaimed during one of the volunteer cleanups that takes place every Friday morning from 8 to 9 a.m. in a particular island neighborhood. This cleanup happened to be on the north end of Simonton Street.

Hellman is one of dozens of people who collect tossed butts and other debris across the island every week. When asked why she takes the time to do the work, she gave a simple explanation. ”I want to help my community,” said the Plogger.

The effort pulls in visitors, too, like Alison Blenkinsopp, a part-time resident of Key West.

“I do the same thing at home,” she said of her other community in England. “But this is far more organized. I want to help keep this place beautiful and special.”

Dorian Patton, the city of Key West’s special projects manager who helms the program, said the environmental consequences of this careless habit are undeniable. Patton wants smokers to understand the impact that discarding the stubs has on the local ecology. “The cigarette butts wash into the drains here and then eventually make their way to the ocean,” Patton said. “Then the turtles and fish end up eating all those chemicals and tiny plastic pieces.”

According to a report last year by National Geographic, the trash problem is a global one. A staggering 18 billion smokes are consumed worldwide every day. That means trillions per year — only a third of the butts make it into the trash — are left to linger on

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP EVERY FRIDAY MORNING

Cigarette and cigar plastic filter waste collected by volunteers in just one half-hour. The material will be sent by the city of Key West to TerraCycle to be processed and recycled. AMY PATTON/Keys Weekly

city streets and in waterways, where toxic chemicals like nicotine, arsenic and heavy metals seep out and pollute.

Patton said the quantity of material picked up around the island may startle some.

“Last week we collected about seven gallons of cigarette butts. That’s roughly 4,000 per gallon.” The good news is that the city actually sends the collected waste with other nonbiodegradable debris like condiment packages to TerraCycle, an innovative company in New Jersey that helps remediate the world’s “throwaway culture” by receiving and processing everything from lipstick containers to baby food pouches.

But if you think the message from the Ploggers is for people to quit nicotine altogether, it’s not.

“We’re not lecturing people to stop smoking,” insisted Hellman. “We’re just asking those who do to please dispose of the butts in a responsible way.” She added, “You can make a difference just by doing that. Please consider the serious environmental consequences before flicking your used cigarette or cigar onto the ground here or anywhere.”

Patton said the cleanup team is always welcoming new volunteers. Bottled water and all equipment including vests are provided. To join the Ploggers and find them every Friday morning, check out the city’s schedule on Facebook: City of Key West – Government and each week in the Key West Weekly newspaper.

Brian

coin for not only being some of the original Ploggers. but for writing a song about Plogging that is available on YouTube. (Search ‘Walkin’ Pickin’ Ploggers’.)

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

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

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

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters,

Piper Simons joins her mom, Kasey, as a volunteer Plogger on March 24.

ing sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

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

Join an upcoming Friday morning cleanup from 8 to 9 a.m.

March 31: Mallory Square

(Meet in the parking lot near Dumpsters.)

and mak-

The Ploggers met at Simonton Beach for the March 24 morning cleanup. In one hour, 32 volunteers, including a few young spring breakers, collected 73.5 pounds of trash, 13 pounds of recycling, and 4 gallons of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

Fields, right, presents Harriet and Ray Riendeau with the city manager’s ‘Extra Mile’

LARGER & FASTER MEDICAL CHOPPERS TO BOOST TRAUMA STAR OPERATIONS

COUNTY APPROVES THREE STATE - OF -THE - ART HELICOPTERS AT $52- MILLION PRICE TAG

NEW DOWNSTAIRS ENCLOSURE INSPECTIONS DRAW OPPOSITION

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Downstairs enclosures

— spaces under stilted homes whose legality as living spaces has long been debated — are again a hot topic in unincorporated areas of Monroe County.

seller would need to request an inspection if they have a downstairs enclosure below flood level. County building staff would inspect the structure documentation would be provided stating whether the enclosure is in compliance with county standards.

Monroe County Trauma Star is operated in partnership with the Board of County Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue. Sikorski S76s, pictured, are currently used to transport patients to critical care facilities in Miami. On March 22, the BOCC approved the purchase of three new Leonardo AW139 helicopters to boost operations. MCSO/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Speed, range and lift: That’s what three new air ambulances will provide to an area that averages close to 1,400 flights annually from the Keys to critical care facilities in Miami.

The county Trauma Star program, a partnership of the Monroe Board of County Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue, currently flies patients using three Sikorski S76s. The helicopters are over 20 years old, with a 25-year life expectancy. Monroe county commissioners approved the purchase of the larger and more powerful Italian-made Leonardo AW139 helicopters during a March 22 meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay said the program won’t receive those helicopters — at a total price of $52 million — for another two years, since they have to be built and outfitted. Pilots will also need training. Ramsay described Monroe County Trauma Star as one of the busier programs in the country. Average air medical programs across the U.S. conduct 260 flights a year.

County residents who are airlifted out of the county to a care facility in Miami aren’t balance billed, which is when a provider bills the

difference between the provider’s charge and the allowed amount.

“This program is four flights a day and we’re saving lives each day,” Ramsay said. “We never thought this program would be flying in the black. … Public safety is never designed to make a profit, but we’re able to make a profit and still provide free service to citizens.”

Ramsay said Miami-Dade’s air ambulance program also uses the AW139 Leonardo. Flying at 190 mph, the helicopter would be able to get a patient from the Dry Tortugas to Miami without needing to stop and refuel. Ramsay said the program also needed a larger helicopter that could carry two adult patients along with pilots, medical staff and equipment.

“It made our decision to go after this aircraft very limited after looking at the special needs in our area,” Ramsay said. “Most other areas are flying a single patient and a 10-minute flight. Ours are longer.”

Funding for the three new helicopters comes out of the infrastructure penny sales tax, which is paid not only by residents but also by tourists. The penny sales tax was extended via referendum in November, according to the county. The money also helps pay for fire station projects, among other expenses.

County flood regulations approved by Monroe County commissioners in late 2022 took effect March 7. With them came changes to the definition and size of an accessory structures. Not new to the code, however, is an inspection that’s required of downstairs enclosures prior to the sale of property in unincorporated Monroe County. Known as the Transfer of Ownership program, the rule has been in effect since 2012, but the inspections weren’t regularly performed by the county’s building department, which lacked the capacity to perform them.

For many Keys title and real estate agents, the inspection requirement that carried forward into the new flood regulations came as a surprise. Some within the Keys real estate world said they were only made aware of the inspection requirement from an email by the Florida Keys Board of Realtors several days after the ordinance took effect.

Downstairs enclosures have long been an issue in the Florida Keys, as they formerly provided affordable housing in the form of studio apartments, but were made illegal due to their vulnerability to flooding. The units continued to appear and exist, however, often through unpermitted work.

County commissioners acknowledged the confusion within the real estate community over the rule and concern over how it would affect upcoming real estate closings. As a result, the BOCC put a temporary bandage on the issue by approving a resolution that shields sellers from any lawsuits by buyers in regard to the inspection program. Commissioners also set a special April 6 meeting at 10 a.m. at the Marathon Government Center to further discuss the matter.

“Nobody was preparing for it to take effect,” County Mayor Craig Cates said.

Karl Bursa, county senior floodplain manager, said a buyer or a

If a downstairs enclosure was found to be illegal and unpermitted, Bursa said there would be no code compliance case brought against the owner where a teardown would be required of the enclosure. But it would affect the new property owner’s ability to obtain a permit if that enclosure was identified by the county as illegal and unpermitted.

Bursa said the inspection requirement was put in place to inform the buyer whether the downstairs enclosure complies with current county regulations.

Marlen Weeks, a Key Largo resident and title agent, said she learned of the inspection program through a friend who encouraged her to watch the March 14 Contractors Examining Board meeting. Weeks was critical of county staff for not reaching out to title agents, loan officers, real estate agents and local boards to present information. She said the industry is trying to figure out how to move forward while the county works on the details needed to carry out the inspections. She asked the BOCC to change the effective date of the inspection until the building department has forms and staff in place.

“If these revisions were adopted in November, why isn’t the process already in place? You have caused unnecessary chaos in our industry, which has real-world consequences for all of us,” she said.

Changes to the code through an ordinance began with community meetings in December 2021 and in January and February 2022. The proposal then went through the county’s Development Review Committee, planning commission and the BOCC, which approved the ordinance on Nov. 15, 2022. Emily Schemper, county planning director, said the county doesn’t normally notify every single party who may be affected by an ordinance. “They’re publicly noticed when there’s an adoption hearing. In November at the adoption hearing, it was noticed.”

For more, see keysweekly.com.

MARCH 26 TO APRIL 1

Join your favorite restaurants in supporting the mission of MARC. Each participating restaurant will donate a portion of their sales for the week to MARC. Enjoy your meals!

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. MARC provides wrap around life services for adults throughout Monroe County with Developmental and Intellectual disabilities.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS INCLUDE:

True Oceanfront Living on the edge of the Atlantic! 2 bed/2 bath condo at the Key West Beach Club with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. $1,730,000

Thousands of Monroe County residents and guests gathered March 25 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West to celebrate the Florida Keys Bicentennial. The 200-year anniversary soiree included a drone “fireworks” show, loads of trop rock, Keys cuisine and of course … plenty of rum and margaritas. And while we tip our hats to the organizers on a job well done, two centuries of pirates, famous authors, land development and partying got us thinking — just how much have the Keys really changed in 200 years? Always here to help, with extensive journalistic research — and plenty of rum, we found…

THINGS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED IN KEY WEST & THE FLORIDA KEYS OVER THE PAST 200 YEARS

10. The first bowl of conch chowder was reportedly created by Italian settler and prize fighter Francis Jebediah Mongelli in 1823. Today, his great-great-great-greatgreat-grandson Bobby Mongelli continues to serve the same secret chowder recipe at his local restaurants on Stock Island.

9. There has always been some variation of a “Reimagine Key West” contingent in the Keys. The first group was organized by Spanish settlers, who reimagined the island chains without the Calusa and Tequesta Native American tribes, who first inhabited the area.

8. Two hundred years ago, Key West was the main seat of the Florida Keys, which meant all business and government dealings took place on the southernmost island. Today, 200 years later, Key West still demands that everyone in the county drive down to them to celebrate a bicentennial party.

7. Key West was named “Cayo Hueso” by the Spanish, which literally means “bone cay,” because the island was once littered by the bones of Native Americans who used the island as a communal graveyard. Today, the Keys are still used as a symbolic resting place for snowbirds waiting to die.

6. Henry Flagler installed the Keys’ first pipes for drinking water following the American Civil War. Those same water mains are still being used — and repaired — by FKAA today.

MILES TO GO IDENTITY CRISIS

MANDY MILES

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

5. Pirates pillaged and plundered Keys inhabitants 200 years ago, taking our resources and profiting on them in other parts of the world. Pirates still carry out these atrocities today, yet they go by a different name. Now they are called vacation rentals

4. The Keys’ first public servant, Jimmy Weekley, was sworn into office by Lt. Matthew C. Perry in 1822. A year later, the first Fausto’s Food Palace was built. Both Weekley and Fausto’s still serve the local community to this day.

3. As Henry Flagler worked to develop the Keys with roads and bridges, makeshift cottages had to be created for laborers due to a lack of workforce housing. Actually, workers had more places to live 200 years ago than they do today.

2. Although rare, real estate agents did exist in the Keys 200 years ago and used primitive photography to produce the first headshots seen on business cards. Many of those same agents are using their headshots from two centuries ago.

1. It was widely known that 10 prominent families developed and controlled all matters of commerce in the Keys 200 years ago. Today, those same 10 families still control all matters of commerce in the Florida Keys.

We had a bit of a crisis on South Street last week. An identity crisis. For a cat. Seriously.

Our sweet (if occasionally ornery) 6-month-old kitten, Georgia, was all set to be spayed a couple weeks ago at the SPCA’s wonderful clinic on College Road.

We had completed and returned all the pre-surgical consent forms online. We provided her name, age, sex, etc.

She would be spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. Easy stuff. Stan dropped her off at 9 a.m. We would pick her up at 3 p.m.

But a worrisome phone call at noon showed up on my phone’s caller ID as “SPCA.” Oh god. What happened? Is Georgia OK?

Virginia, the sweet clinic manager, assured us our cat was fine, but she had some news: “Georgia’s a boy!” Virginia announced.

Whaaaat? No way.

This cat, the tiny little thing that Stan had brought home (from Georgia, hence the name) at 8 weeks old, lies on her back all the time. She lets us rub her belly. She walks directly over our faces whenever it’s the most direct route to wherever she happens to be heading.

There was nothing between HER legs. How could this be?

Turns out, Georgia is a cryptorchid kittie — meaning “his” little testicles had never descended out of the body. And his little pee pee was always concealed by lots of soft, fluffy fur.

It’s a genetic defect that we later learned had also affected Georgia’s half-brother from a prior litter. (Her mom in Georgia was a

Georgia/Giorgio the cat has no preference when it comes to pronouns.

MANDY

MILES/Keys Weekly

bit promiscuous, but who are we to judge? She gave us our soft, sweet kitten.)

Not to worry, Virginia at the SPCA assured us. The cat was 100% fine. But instead of spaying her, the vet would neuter him and remove the little male bits we hadn’t known existed.

She had also changed the name on Georgia’s medical chart from Georgia to George.

Upon arrival at the SPCA that afternoon, I suggested we call our cat Boy George, but Stan, who was never a fan of the band Culture Club, was also not a fan of my clever nickname, even though the folks at the vet clinic found it hilarious.

Regardless, we collected a groggy, but otherwise perfectly healthy, kitten. The cat was fine, just a little miffed and confused, trying to figure out what the hell had happened, who had shaved his belly and why he felt like crap.

Stan and I then found ourselves equally confused.

Any pet owner accustomed to saying things like, “good boy,” “c’mere girl,” and using every other nickname and form of address for their pet knows how difficult it is to break that habit when interacting with an animal of the opposite sex.

Nevertheless, it’s now two weeks later and Georgia/George/ Giorgio is safe and sound at home, and none the worse for wear.

But rest assured, our cat has a gender neutral litter box and a loving home, regardless of their pronoun choice or non-binary identity.

(And thanks, SPCA, for taking such good care of the animals in our community.)

KEYS ENERGY TO SURVEY UTILITY POLES

NO POWER OUTAGES EXPECTED

COUNTY SUPPLIES LITTER COLLECTION TOOLS AT BOCA CHICA BEACH

OTHER PARKS AND BEACHES MAY GET EQUIPMENT, TOO

Keys Energy Services (KEYS) has hired a company called Osmose Utilities Services to conduct an extensive pole and facility inspection from Key West to Shark Key that will begin on Monday, April 3.

The project will take about three months and include 7,000 utility poles.

Osmose crews will inspect each pole, sometimes hammering, drilling and digging around the base of the pole to gain information. The work being done will not affect electric service; however, crews may walk through private yards and other property to gain access to utility poles.

Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday work, if needed, will occur from

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make up lost time due to inclement weather.

Contractors who work for KEYS, as well as all KEYS employees, are required to carry identification. If someone claims to be a KEYS contractor or employee, customers are urged to ask to see their identification. While they may need to enter private yards, at no time will a contractor or employee need to enter private residences or businesses. Additionally, all contractor vehicles will have decals indicating they are a “Contractor of KEYS.”

KEYS customers who are uncertain about an individual’s association with KEYS are urged to call 305-295-1010 or 305-295-1000.

— Contributed

“To help keep this park clean and dapper, grab a bucket and a nabber. So everyone can join the fun, please return it when you’re done.”

A new system to help with litter accumulating from things that wash ashore is on trial at Boca Chica Beach. It is possible that the system, which can be easily duplicated, will be coming to other Monroe County parks and beaches soon.

“This beach bucket system has been pretty successful in other South Florida beach counties, so we figured we would try it,” said Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “The kids had a great time using it and exploring the beach while helping out, and we have so many eco-minded people in our community, we think this will be a big hit.”

— Contributed

Inspectors from Osmose Utilities Services will be inspecting utility poles between Key West and Shark Key starting April 3. CONTRIBUTED

During spring break, two local girls, Ava and Cadence, test the new litter collection system. JOHN ALLEN/Monroe County Parks and Beaches

The new sign and cleanup station at Boca Chica Beach encourages visitors to do their part to remove litter.

GEAR UP FOR THE PAPIO KINETIC SCULPTURE PARADE

REGISTER YOUR ART BIKE & HUMANPOWERED SCULPTURES NOW

Love pedaling the Zombie Bike Ride or the monthly Southernmost Slow Ride? Recycle a few of your old CDs, paint old PVC pipes left over from home improvement projects, or grab the bubble wrap from your latest package delivery to create an art bike or human-powered kinetic sculpture for this year’s Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade, set to kick off at the Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front Street, on Saturday, April 22 at 12:00 p.m., which also happens to be Earth Day.

Mobile sculptures and art bikes will launch at noon from the Key West Museum of Art & History, traveling the full length of Duval Street to the Southernmost Pocket Park where a block party and awards ceremony celebration will take place from 1 to 3 p.m.

Co-produced by Key West Art & Historical Society and Wonderdog Productions, the family-friendly kinetic parade –think art with parts that move – is a way to put your creative and engineering talents on dis-

play. Human-powered kinetic sculptures and art bikes can be simple, whimsical, futuristic or fantastical, and teams of any number and age can enter. Recycling is highly encouraged. Cash prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, including a youth/school category. Registration is $25 for kinetic sculpture floats and $15 for art bikes.

The parade’s namesake is Stanley Papio, the late Florida Keys folk artist and rebel metal artist who explored the value of recycled materials around the time the first Earth Day event took place in 1970. Many of his witty and imaginative works are on permanent display in the “Stanley Papio: Junkyard Rebel” exhibit at Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.

More information is at papiokineticparade.com. The event is supported in part by the Florida Division of Arts & Culture, the Helmerich Trust, Destination Florida, WeCycle, Keys Weekly, and Fran Sessa and Norman Hunt. — Contributed

The Papio Kinetic Sculpture & Art Bike Parade returns on April 22 and is presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society and Wonderdog Studios. KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY/Contributed

JUST THE TIPS

Heating back up after the cold front cooled the bite

Alate-season cold front tapped the brakes on an early spring last week. Air temps in the low 70s and even 60s briefly cooled inshore waters, and with that, the bite. I happen to have felt it even more on a family trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia last week, where the first two days were in the 50s and one morning we woke to 39 degrees.

My hopes of getting on a charter with some good redfish action were dashed as I was informed by a local captain with Southeastern Angling that the water had dropped from 74 to 59 in two days. That, coupled with some big tides, had really shut the bite off, and I was better off waiting till next time. The professional honesty was refreshing and appreciated. Look them up if you’re ever in that area.

Before the front in the Keys, we were in the midst of some inshore action heating up. The tarpon thing is starting to get going around the bridges, both large and small. As long as the water temp is 75 or higher and there is some current moving, you’re in the game. Live mullet is the bait of choice on a larger circle hook, but a half laying on the bottom sometimes does the trick too. There have been large schools of mullet up and down the beaches that provide a National Geographic-type spectacle. Match the hatch (mullet) and you should sooner or later be hooked up to a tarpon, jack, barracuda or shark. Good times.

Various creeks, docks, cuts and canals have started getting lively too. Working these areas with live shrimp, pilchards or even a swim bait or top water lure with some dedication should yield snapper, jacks, redfish and even snook. Some areas are better than others on any given day, so cover some water till you find a honey hole.

CAPT. NICK BORRACCINO

is the owner and operator of Noreaster Sport

Fishing in Marathon. A Massachusetts native, Nick fished for bluefin tuna and striped bass before moving to the Keys in 2005.

With that being said, please realize that it is quite frowned upon, if not altogether prohibited, to fish under cleaning stations at marinas. This should go without saying, but it’s worth mentioning to newcomers. These places (like Robbie’s in Islamorada and A&B Marina in Key West, for example) have resident tarpon and other fishes that live under the dock and feed daily on the scraps from the charter captains’ filet tables. They are basically dock pets that are a huge attraction to people on the dock, kids and locals.

Trying to catch them usually results in them leaving and is just plain unethical. There are hundreds of other locations to fish, so please respect the resources and attractions that make this place special. Again, any restaurant, marina or cleaning station falls in this category.

Out on the reef, clear water has made things difficult. On the days the water is a little powdery, preferably with a steady westbound current, the yellowtail fishing has been very good. Fish from 12 to 20 inches are coming in steady in 40 to 80 feet. Keep the chum flowing and use small baits. Again, this will change daily with the conditions. If it’s clear, maybe try something else.

“Like what?” you say. Thought you’d never ask.

I’ve had multiple reports of some stud mangrove and mutton snapper coming off the shallow patch reefs and even in Hawk Channel. Bounce around on the anchor until you find some action. Anchor and chum and sit a live bait or half of a fresh ballyhoo on the bottom in the back of the slick. Ignore the nibbles and wait for the thump! There are still some cero mackerel in those areas that are going to want a live pilchard or ballyhoo on a light wire.

If that doesn’t pan out, you can also try trolling. Diving Nomads at 6 to 9 knots and wire-rigged ballyhoo with a skirt or chugger in front have been catching wahoo and the occasional tuna and rogue mahi. Focus from 150 to 500 feet of water. Permit are showing up in larger numbers on the deep spawning spots and should start biting better in the next week or two. This is a catch-and-release fish, but a spectacular one. Crabs and shrimp are your only hope.

Good luck, and c’mon back!

KEY WESTERS REVEAL REAL-LIFE SECRETS IN

‘I CONFESS’

THE STUDIOS PRESENTS THE PLAY APRIL 13-15

The secrets Key Westers keep will be revealed on stage April 13-15 at The Studios of Key West. In partnership with New York City-based artist Hurricane Alaina, The Studios presents “I Confess,” a 75-minute production in which the anonymous confessions of locals — along with secrets collected from all over the country — are retold onstage by a cast of professional actors.

Earlier this season, Alaina Albertson, who goes by “Hurricane Alaina,” put out a call to Key West, inviting islanders to submit their secrets through an anonymous online portal. Funny, heartbreaking, uplifting, and sometimes shocking, the selected confessions were then edited down and artfully assembled into a play.

“This project was inspired by Tennessee Williams’ little known gem, ‘Confessional,’ a play in which characters share their innermost thoughts directly with the audience,” said Alaina. “After spending some time in Key West, appearing at The Studios as an actor in three of Williams’ lesser-known, one-act plays, I felt the need to push my own work forward in a new way. Williams is so intimately connected with Key West that it seemed like a perfect place to stage the fifth rendition of ‘I Confess,’ a project that has seen so much success in other locations.”

The confessions run the gamut from repressed memories to joyful epiphanies. But whether someone who has submitted a confession sees their story dramatized on stage or not, the themes running through the pieces will resonate with everyone.

“What I love about this piece is its ability to move audiences from laughter to tears all in the same breath,” continued Alaina. “There’s something incredible about giving people a chance to reveal closely guarded secrets — anonymously, yes, but in a way that helps us all recognize how very much we all have in common.”

“I Confess” stars New York Citybased actors Albertson, Emmanuel Achigbu and Hari Bhaskar, as well as Key West actors Kitty Clements and Jeffrey Johnson.

Audiences should note that “I Confess” may include descriptions of substance abuse, sexual situations, sexual violence, dysphoria and self-harm.

— Contributed ‘I CONFESS’ April 13-15

The Studios of Key West Tickets: tskw.org or 305-296-0458.

There are reports of solid mutton snapper, pictured here, on patch reefs and in Hawk Channel in recent weeks. CONTRIBUTED.

The artist known as Hurricane Alaina presents ‘I Confess’ at The Studios of Key West April 13-15. CONTRIBUTED

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

JACK HAGGARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Weekly

Senior, Key West Baseball

On a team that stands out, it is difficult to be a standout player, but that’s just what Key West senior Jack Haggard has done with his bat this season. Haggard leads the Conchs in batting average (.465) and hits (20, three of which are triples). With a little more than half the season to go, he also leads the team in RBIs with 16. The threat he poses to opposing teams doesn’t end once he reaches a base; Haggard has successfully stolen seven this season, leading the Conchs in that category, too. For his dependability at the plate and explosive offensive play, Jack Haggard is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

– Conchs head coach Ralph Henriquez

“Jack has become an outstanding baseball player for us and I expect him to continue this path in college. As we look down the road we are counting on him to carry our club into the playoffs.”

Key West senior slugger Jack Haggard. ELLA HALL/Keys

RAIN BANKS

Junior, Marathon

Banks has been a staple of Marathon’s varsity team since the sixth grade and only gets better each year. She was Marathon’s leading goal scorer as a defensive midfielder. Banks netted 20 goals and 11 assists as the top scorer in the FHSAA’s 3A District 16, made even more impressive by the fact that Marathon played fewer games than most other schools in the district. “Having Rain on our team is like having an extra coach,” said Marathon head coach Tracy McDonald. “She scored most of her goals under double- and tripleteam pressure and still managed to run our offense. Rain is truly a special player.”

JORDAN MacDONALD

Sophomore, Marathon MacDonald scored nine goals and was credited with nine assists this season for the Lady Fins. With the ability to score with both feet from anywhere south of the 50yard line, MacDonald was a huge asset to Marathon. “Jordan has really developed into a more defensive player this season, which has helped us tremendously,” said McDonald. “She is completely unselfish, and her willingness to drop back and fight for possession has made us a far better team this year.”

THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS GIRLS

SOCCER TEAM

This season, all three Monroe County teams managed winning records, a feat driven by the talented young women who populated the rosters. Key West finished 10-7 in its challenging schedule, stacking up seven shutouts and scoring 54 goals in the 17-game season. Marathon finished 8-7 with five shutouts and 49 goals in just 15 games. Coral Shores finished 10-5 on the season. The ’Canes registered eight shutouts and netted 39 goals in 15 games, making it to the district final match. With just four seniors on the All-Keys roster, the future of prep soccer in the Keys looks exciting.

From all of us at the Keys Weekly Newspapers, congratulations to the 2023 Keys Weekly All-Keys Girls Soccer Team.

In her sixth year playing for the Lady Fins’ varsity program, McDonald shored up the midfield, serving as an integral link between the offense and defense. “Riley can be summed up in one word: dependable,” said McDonald, who coaches her daughter. “She is often overlooked on the field because she is where she needs to be, doing what she is supposed to be doing. She is also masterful in the area of clock management.”

REESE ELWELL Junior, Marathon

Forward Reese Elwell scored six goals for Marathon in the first half of the season, moving to wing when injuries forced changes for the Fins. “When we needed to change our lineup, Reese moved to her new role unselfishly and cheerfully,” said McDonald. “She is the type of player who will literally run herself into the ground before giving up and her tenacity is admirable.”

SMITH Junior, Key West

With 22 goals and five assists this season, junior forward Kathryn Smith was a threat every time she touched the ball. “Kathryn is one of those dominant offensive forces that only comes along a few times in a team’s history,” said Conchs head coach Scott Paul. “She has a combination of speed, athleticism and toughness that makes her very hard to stop in front of the goal. Kathryn came into her own this year and should be unstoppable next season.”

NIKOLE TOMITA Senior, Key West

Conchs midfielder Nikole “Nikki” Tomita netted seven goals and five assists this season. “Nikki is what you need as an engine in the midfield of any team,” said Paul. “She is super confident on the ball and can play with both speed and physical toughness through a crowded midfield. Nikki emerged as a leader on the field, ‘the straw that stirred the drink’ of the Lady Conchs’ offense.”

RILEY McDONALD Senior, Marathon

KATHRYN

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Maddie Kilduff chalked up six goals and five assists this season as just a freshman. “Players like Maddie don’t come around often, and it is a joy to see someone play with an abundance of developed talent and competitiveness on the field when you know she hasn’t even hit her prime,” said Paul. “She is playful off the field, but fierce and determined on the field. Her future here looks very bright.”

Conchs goalie Teagan Lavin is the stingiest keeper in the Keys, shutting out seven opponents this season. “I said at the beginning of the season that I thought Teagan would be one of the best to ever play in goal for us, and we have had a few very good goalkeepers,” said Paul. “Teagan is always willing to learn and develop her game and is one of the most coachable players I have had the pleasure to work with. Dominance and loads of skill are just two of her strengths.”

GRACE ANDREW Junior, Key West

Key West’s Grace Andrew is a multi-talented defender who found the goal three times this season and assisted twice. “Grace makes everything happen in the defensive half of the field when it comes to transitioning from defense to offense,” said Paul. “She has turned into a nearly perfect stopper or defensive midfielder in just a very short time span. She is very hard to beat and can get up and down the field with the best of players.”

SKYLAR LANOUE Senior, Key West

Conchs sweeper Skylar Lanoue helped Key West shut out opponents seven times this season. “Skylar grew quickly from a JV player a short time ago to a dominant sweeper who can control and guide the backline of the defense,” said Paul. “She was a strong voice in her position and an extremely fierce competitor. At her best, she could shut down strong offensive players with her smart play and physical toughness.”

Hurricanes midfielder Sofia Jans scored nine goals with four assists this season. “Sofia was the core to our midfield,” said Coral Shores head coach Zachary Owens. “She distributed the ball well and was a great team player. She showed up to play every day at practice and at games. Teammates looked to her for help on the field and as a friend off the field.”

Freshman forward Kai Redruello netted nine goals and nine assists this season playing forward for the ’Canes. “Kai was our finisher. We looked to her to take a shot and place the ball in the back of the net,” said Owens. “Kai worked hard on and off the field. She knew when she needed to be selfish and when to distribute.”

SAYDIE HENDRIX Freshman, Coral Shores

Hurricanes defender Saydie Hendrix kept opponents’ offenses in check this season, playing a key role in Coral Shores’ ironclad defense. “Despite her small stature, Saydie was a force to be reckoned with on the right side,” said Owens. “She was quick and agile. Many teams had a tough time getting around her, and once she won the ball she would look to distribute the ball and start the attack.”

EDY KEMMER Senior, Coral Shores

A four-year varsity player for the Hurricanes, sweeper/fullback Edy Kemmer took her role as team captain seriously. “Edy was our anchor in the back. She was the team captain. She was trusted with the last line of defense and made her presence known to the opposing team. We had 8 clean sheets this year and Edy was a part of the reason why.”

MADDIE KILDUFF Freshman, Key West

SOFIA JANS Sophomore, Coral Shores

TEAGAN LAVIN

Junior, Key West

KAI REDRUELLO Freshman, Coral Shores

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

RALLY FOR OUR RIGHTS OPPOSES RIGHT- WING RESTRICTIONS

KEY WEST SENDS COLORFUL MESSAGE TO POLITICIANS

An estimated 200 demonstrators filled Bayview Park and lined the surrounding streets on March 25 to Rally for Our Rights.

The nonprofit Queer Keys organized the rally, where the Key West Business Guild orchestrated a letter-writing campaign to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez.

“Like many states in the country, Florida is currently awash in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. From criminalizing gender-affirming care to the erasure of LGBTQIA+ people from public education to banning inclusive books, our state

government is actively working to instill fear, impose a particular worldview, and take away life chances from members of our community,” states a press release announcing the rally. “Key West is a powerful community, and while it may feel sometimes like we are a world away, we are not. We have a responsibility to stand as and with our LGBTQIA+ community in the face of state oppression and attacks on our humanity. … We want to show Tallahassee that the Conch Republic believes in equity, justice and love for all members of our One Human Family.”

— Keys Weekly staff report

The nonprofit Queer Keys holds a Rally for Our Rights demonstration March 25 at Bayview Park. Protesters held signs and called on state and national Republican lawmakers, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, to rein in the restrictions on the LGBT community, abortion and African-American history. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

SUNDAY, APRIL 9 TH 2023

FLAGLER BALLROOM BREAKFAST

7:00AM–10:30AM | FLAGLER BALLROOM

EASTER EGG HUNT

11:00AM | EAST BEACH | EASTER BUNNY ARRIVES AFTER THE EGG HUNT

EASTER BRUNCH

11:30AM–3:00PM | FLAGLER BALLROOM | LIVE MUSIC | $95++/ADULT, $30++/CHILD Soup | Salads | Ice Sculpted Raw Bar & Sushi Boat Display | Charcuterie & Cheese

1855 Angus Ribeye | Huli Huli Grilled Chicken | Coconut Cashew Crusted Mahi Mahi

Kids Buffet | Omelet Station | Home Baked Desserts | Ice Cream Sundae Bar

EASTER DINNER

5:30PM–9:30PM | SUN-SUN BEACH BAR & GRILL | LIVE MUSIC

Regular Dinner Menu with Chef’s Easter Special Plate | A la Carte Pricing

FRESH NEW MENU SERVING

WHERE DUVAL MEETS THE ATLANTIC!

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AVAILABLE IN KEY

AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS.

Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce.

MARK HEDDEN

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

MYSTERIES IN SARGASSUM

Ispent most of the morning driving around the Lower Keys looking for ducks, because some days you just want to see a duck. I didn’t find any, but I did see some other things. On Big Torch Key, an earlyreturned gray kingbird on the phone line seemed to be staking out turf a solid month before the rest of his cohorts return. On Cudjoe, down at the end of Blimp Road, a guy carrying a staff and wearing an olive drab kilt and a matching olive drab wizard hat gestured that he would like me to stop and give him a cigarette. Or maybe a joint. I’m not sure. I didn’t stop.

I made it up to Big Pine, where I failed to find any peacocks. This has happened multiple times, the not-seeing-peacocks thing, despite people who live in the allegedly peacock-rich neighborhoods telling me it’s impossible to miss them. At the Blue Hole, the gator was hiding, tail out, under the observation deck, like a cat under a couch. Near Port Pine Heights I drove at an appropriately slow speed past a Key deer and wondered how I’d never noticed that stripe of dark fur that runs up the back of their necks.

I decided I didn’t have time to drive out to No Name Key, because it always takes forever and on my last couple trips there hadn’t been much to see, birdwise. But then muscle memory kicked in, using my generally distracted nature to choose sides between the brain’s directives and the heart’s unuttered wants. I found myself on autopilot, driving down Watson Boulevard, past the No Name Pub and then over the No Name Bridge, very carefully, as it was full of families casting fishing lines.

I always get a small, unsettling twinge when I drive down that road, thinking about the woman, or at least the fact of the woman, who was found stabbed and horribly mutilated on No Name Drive in the late ’80s, just before I moved to the Keys. The crime looks less and less likely to be solved with every passing year. But I try to leaven that feeling with the thought that wretched acts of humans should not dominate our thoughts about a place. A landscape does not carry guilt.

Though my last couple of trips haven’t been great, I’ve seen a lot of good birds out there –mangrove cuckoos, white-eyed vireos, and my first Wilson’s phalarope, swimming in a circle in one of the ponds. And you have to love a place whose name is a denial that it has a name.

I parked at the end of the road, slung my camera and binoculars over my shoulder, and weaved between the huge chunks of quarried oolite that keep people from driving into the water.

It’s always amazing when you find a bit of open shoreline in the Keys, even when you

know it will be there. The world opens up. There’s a lot more light. You remember the crazy fact that islands are totally surrounded by water.

Looking out toward the horizon, I continued my streak of ducklessness. The small dock to the north, usually a reliable spot for royal terns, and sometimes shorebirds, was empty. My birding fruitlessness streak at No Name continued.

But then I heard all the twittering. Off to the south, about 30 yards in front of me, were several bands of sargasso weed that grew darker in color the farther they were from the water.

People talk a lot of smack about sargassum, but it is a crucial part of the Keys ecosystem, and many other aquatic and littoral ecosystems. Fish depend on it. Crabs depend on it. Birds depend on it. Ask any fisherman or biologist. The huge mass of sargassum that may come this way this summer might be a different story, as too much of anything is rarely good, but it’s pretty eye-rolling to hear people complain about the smell and other effects when it hasn’t actually happened yet.

The twittering was coming from a flock of 100 or so shorebirds moving around on the sargassum bands in front of me in something of a feeding frenzy. They were all one of two species – ruddy turnstones or least sandpipers, the ruddies about twice the size of the leasts. Most of them were on the weeds that had been pushed up onto land, but about a third of them were out walking across the floating seaweed, like loggers riding a raft of logs down a river.

Hopping among all of them, with the vertical leap of Michael Jordan with a rocket pack on the moon, were these white things, about the size of my pinkie nail, arcing through the air like just-popped kernels of corn. They were pale, whitish, almost translucent. I’d always thought of them as sand fleas, but later research (which included texting the Nature Conservancy’s Keys eco-guru Chris Bergh) would show them

to be isopods – small invertebrate crustaceans defined by their four mouths and 14 legs. If that was what the shorebirds were eating, it was impressive when isopods moved that fast and that dramatically, though the shorebirds could have been feasting on other, slower moving prey items.

In an instant, all the birds were gone, the flock panicking and acting as one entity, shooting out over the water, then toward the dock, before doubling back, and landing again, though staying mostly on the outer, floating edges of the sargassum.

I’m not sure what set them off. I don’t think it was me, because I had been there for a little bit and hadn’t moved. But you have to wonder how the decision for a flock to erupt like that gets made, how the information is communicated, how it is understood by all the birds so quickly. Is it the jumpiest birds that set them off? Is there a leader bird whose jumpiness is trusted by the flock? An executive council of jumpy birds? How can something that happens so quickly be considered decision-making?

Do the ruddy turnstones trust the least sandpipers? And the sandpipers the turnstones? What’s the decisional hierarchy? Who makes the decision, and how does the decision get made, when they all turn, seemingly simultaneously, in midair?

There are, of course, a lot of theories on this in the ornithology world. Visual signaling, audio signaling and so forth. Some have suggested a kind of telepathy among members of the flock. None of this has really been figured out yet. Part of me thinks it never will be.

The birds took off again a few minutes later, and I moved to the edge of the sargassum, sat down and waited for them to come back. Which they did. They went through the cycle several more times – panic, flee, return.

I took a few pictures, but mostly I just watched them, happy to find a little mystery at the end of the road.

Least sandpipers feed on floating mats of sargasso weed off No Name Key. MARK HEDDEN/Keys

Experience an inviting, upscale wine bar and store nuzzled in the energy of Duval Street.

Wine-O’s extensive collection of wines includes your favorites, cult-classics and hard-to-find gems from top wineries around the country.

APPETIZER

JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKE $22

Avocado remoulade sauce, spring salad

MAIN COURSE

Havana Bone-In Ribeye $68

Cumin-crusted 16oz ribeye steak, cilantro seared onions, Cuban chimichurri sauce, yucca fries

LOBSTER & SHRIMP LINGUINI $58

8oz Maine lobster tail. jumbo shrimp, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, sherry cream sauce

DESSERT

SOUTHERN BOURBON PECAN PIE $9

Whipped cream, caramel sauce

DRONE SHOW & MUSIC FILL THE AIR

FLORIDA KEYS CELEBRATE 200 YEARS

The Florida Keys this year are celebrating their bicentennial — the 200th anniversary of the Territorial Florida legislature’s establishment of Monroe County, which contains the entire Keys island chain, that took place July 3, 1823.

From Key Largo to Key West, community events in the coming months will recognize the anniversary and recall the Keys’ two centuries of rich and vibrant history.

The celebration launched on March 25, with a “200 Years of Paradise Kick-off Concert” and drone show in Key West.

Some 250 drones lit up the sky as more than 2,500 spectators applauded. The silent drones formed symbols including a sailfish, conch shell and Florida Keys Over-Sea Rail-

road train — all representing the subtropical island chain and its heritage.

Musician Nick Norman, and headliner Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band, provided the soundtrack for the evening. Monroe County commissioners offered Keys heritage presentations and big-screen video segments illustrated the region’s history.

To accompany Livingston’s Keys-inspired signature song “Blame It On the Margaritas,” he and the five commissioners prepared margaritas onstage using a 1952 Johnson outboard motor as a blender — and raised their glasses to the audience in a heartfelt toast to the Keys.

— Contributed

A free concert, drone show and historical presentations marked Monroe County’s Bicentennial celebration March 25 at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

PROMOTING CONCH PRIDE SINCE 1971

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

Family owned and operated by Damien, Cathy, Tiffany & Nikki.

Raise a glass

D IS FOR DESCRIPTORS

Deciding on my next column, the friendly and awesome manager/bartender, Bo, at The Roost on Fleming Street blurts out, “Descriptors.”

“Of course,” I said. “Great idea.”

And so, here we go, ‘d’ is for descriptors. When we taste wine, we use all five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. What? Hearing? Yes, we have to talk about the wine. This is where our vocabulary of descriptors becomes so important.

Each tasting experience is unique, depending on your mood, time of day, amount of sleep you’ve had, if you are falling in love, or the opposite ( I hope not), whether you took an antihistamine, ate too much or did not eat anything. It depends on your location, the people you’re with and many other factors. The thing is, each tasting is unique to itself and our mission is to experience and describe that wine at that time.

I taste hundreds of wines and to have a vocabulary to categorize them is essential.

What are the smells? Floral? Earthy? Citrus? Is it crisp? Creamy? Oaky? Light and crisp or full-bodied and complex? Let’s break it down into categories: fruit, floral, spice, vegetal, earthy, and oak.

FRUIT: apple, apricot, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, orange, olive, plum, prune, strawberry, wild cherry, nectarine, grapefruit, lime, lemon, pear, sour cherry, pomegranate, lychee, nectar, jammy, ginger.

FLORAL: acacia, red rose, honeysuckle, jasmine, lilac, yellow rose, pink rose, dried flowers, gardenia, iris, lavender, hyacinth, cherry blossom.

SPICE: dill, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, red pepper, green pepper, basil, spearmint, sage, licorice, mint, oregano, anise, cardamom, black pepper, patchouli, Earl Grey tea, clove, curry, fenugreek.

VEGETAL: fresh cut grass, hay, green tea, ivy, autumn leaves, wet grass, asparagus, peas, red onions, green olive, wet dog, seaweed, green pepper, Christmas tree, eucalyptus.

EARTHY: incense, cedar, tobacco, graphite, sandalwood, cigar box, smoke, coffee, truffle, fireplace, leather, barnyard, horse, coffee beans, pencil lead, wet leaves, petroleum, bacon.

OAK: vanilla, cognac, gunpowder, fire, lead pencil, caramel, charred wood, cedar, fresh cut lumber.

There are classic descriptors for certain grapes and wines. German and

ELIZABETH SCHWEITZER

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

some Australian Rieslings have a petroleum smell. New world Chardonnay is usually described with an apple aroma whereas old world Chardonnay, i.e. white Burgundy, has a chalky and mineral character. Sauvignon blanc is associated with herbaceous smells like fresh cut grass, peas and asparagus unless it is from New Zealand and then there is prominent grapefruit. Also herbaceous are Cabernet Franc and Carménère, often described with green pepper and green tea. Because of the prevalent trees, Australian Shiraz has obvious eucalyptus notes. Lychee is usually the first descriptor for Gewürztraminer and it is accurate. Argentine Malbec has a yummy chocolate smell.

Coffee and red raspberry often describe New World pinot noir. The classic Cabernet Sauvignon smell is cassis and black currant.

We also need to mention the other attributes of the wine. Light, medium or full-bodied? Do the flavors resemble the way the wine smelled? Is there a short or lengthy finish? Is the wine balanced on the palate?

These do not need to be long conversations, but a few words about the wine that you are drinking will show it some respect. It had a long journey before it got into your glass.

Until next time, Cheers!

(Feel free to contact Liz Schweitzer at Raiseaglass2023@gmail.com.)

LIZ’S WINE PICKS

SAVE A LITTLE: Domaine Chandon Brut Napa CA. Refreshing, soft and dry with juicy apple and pear. Notes of almond, caramel and brioche leading to a lengthy dry finish. Easy to drink, I testify, I had several on my last sunset cruise. Delicious! $16 - $20.

SPEND A LITTLE: Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Napa CA 2018. Elegant, complex, plum, blackberry, boysenberry, licorice, coated in dusty tannins and cedar. Serious power and structure. Take your time, decant and wait. $185.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “Groundskeeping” by Lee Cole

Why:Lee Cole is an extremely talented young writer with incredible attention to detail. The plot, which I’m assuming is somewhat autobiographical, recounts the story of a young man returning home to Kentucky to save what’s left of his misspent youth. Yeah, going home to live in your Grandpa’s basement — that always works. He garners a groundskeeping gig on a local small college campus in exchange for free tuition to a creative writing class. The rest you will have to discover for yourself.

If you like Richard Russo, Dawn Powell, Raymond Carver, Richard Yates and/or David Sedaris, then you’ll probably vibe with Lee Cole. It IS a love story, so you have been warned. And it will end in tears. Yeah, depressing. But despite the melancholy, it is absolutely worth everyone’s time. Especially if you are a Southerner who has had to return home unwillingly ... and learned that not only are we all FROM a place, we all are OF a place, whether we like it or not.

Where: This is available as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Library system.

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

Recommended by: Jay Beasley, library assistant, Key West branch

CRUISE SHIPS, COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES & TAXES

An open letter to the Mayor and Key West City Commissioners:

All business that takes place in Key West’s commercial properties generates funds that are used to pay for goods, pay competitive wages and most importantly for our city, pay more taxes.

When foot traffic decreases, revenue usually goes down along with profits. When foot traffic decreases, rent decreases or stops entirely when tenants go out of business.

Just last week Jim Wilson, one of the Florida Keys’ most trusted property appraisers, sent me the following email:

“Ed: Commercial retail rents on Lower Duval, Greene and Front streets initially declined 15% to 30% due to COVID and cruise ship restrictions. Recently it appears to be generally closer to a 50% to 60% decline from 2019.”

This, in turn, inevitably decreases values and eventually taxes paid by the owners to the City and County and thus increases our residential taxes to pay for our police, fire, city and county improvements and personnel payrolls and subsequently leads to larger increases in our home property taxes.

Whenever anything negatively impacts property values, the results are felt by everyone in the community at large.

Sincerely,

Ed Swift, III

THE TAP - DANCING GUITARIST

So you’re walking up to the stage to throw that $20 bill into the tip jar, when you notice a seemingly endless array of boxes at the guitar player’s feet. They’re covered with small lights, knobs, and buttons, and the guitarist seems to know what each one does, as he tap dances across them, making the lights blink on and off, bends down to turn a knob ever so slightly, all the while shredding his guitar to pieces.

Welcome to what is fondly known as the signal chain. From the guitarist’s brain, to the fingers, to the guitar string, to the guitar pickup, to the pedals, to the amplifier, to the speakers, to the mic, to the sound board, to the p.a. system, to your ears. There are as many variations to this chain as there are models of automobiles. But like a car, they basically run on the same principles, and serve the same purpose.

We’ll take a look at the pedal board. Most players plug their instruments directly into a string of effects pedals ensconced in some sort of carrying case. These pedals do exactly as advertised, affecting the signal (sound from guitar strings) they receive. There are hundreds of effects, and countless numbers of pedals to choose from. When I say countless, I mean that Americans spent $3.2 billion on pedals in 2022.

The prices of these pedals range from free to tens of thousands of dollars. While the debate is eternal on whether cheap pedals are inferior to more expensive ones, one thing is certain: being a professional guitar player takes some investment — in addition to time, of course.

Some pedals are quite familiar sounding. We’ve all heard the smack of a wah-wah pedal in every funk tune we love and every Metallica solo ever (slight exaggeration). It’s a pedal which you operate with your foot to go from high to low like a gas pedal. Distortion and overdrive pedals give us the grit we associate

with rock and metal. Pedals like these have an on and off footswitch, with knobs and buttons that tweak the sound for variety and creativity. These pedals usually go from slight effect to outrageous amounts of saturation with the push of a button, operated by stepping on it. That is why effects pedals are also known as stomp boxes.

There are reverb and delay pedals that cause the guitar to sound as if it is in a cave or large hallway, while delay repeats the original guitar part in a variety of patterns and time signatures. Along with distortion pedals these are by far the most widely used. David Gilmore of Pink Floyd is well known for his use of these effects, as is The Edge from the band U2.

There are compressor pedals that squeeze the signal in order to cause the intense notes and light notes to be close to the same volume. There are chorus pedals that sound like the intro of every ’80s rock ballad ever written (slight exaggeration). There are pitch-shifting pedals that modulate the original note up or down as the artist desires. There are acoustic simulator pedals designed to make an electric guitar sound like an acoustic guitar. And the list goes on.

Your friendly neighborhood guitarist has to not only play the instrument well, but must also work with numerous different technologies, use the science at hand and navigate a commercial market bent on extracting every cent it can with the newest and the greatest. And this does not include digital pedals with amp simulators and impulse response that can combine hundreds of pedals into one.

Seeing all this, you reach into your pocket and pull out another $20 bill (slight exaggeration).

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Lele is a 4-year-old female mixed breed who enjoys human companionship and is a favorite among her caregivers and volunteers. Lele’s behavior toward other animals is a work in progress. She’s not a fan of most dogs and definitely not of cats and other small animals.

Zuna is a 5-year-old female domestic shorthair. She can be a bit shy at first, but that may be because she’s been waiting for her forever home since 2019. Given time and space to settle in, she will become a great friend.

Rosie is an almost 12-year-old female domestic shorthair who is a big bundle of love! She will melt your heart when she gives you the warm and fuzzy look she’s known for.

Asta and Yuno are a bonded pair of guinea pigs who must be adopted together to keep their friendship and happiness intact. And March is Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month.

Billie Joe is a nearly 4-year-old male domestic shorthair. This young man is spunky, friendly

and easygoing. He loves people, toys, his roommates and will likely do well with children.

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

QUITTING SMOKING? START HERE

KEYS AHEC PARTNERS WITH TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA

ALEX RICKERT

Keys residents looking to kick their smoking habit for good will have even more support on their side thanks to a partnership between Keys Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) and Tobacco Free Florida (TFF).

Already known as one of the Keys’ largest advocates for community and children’s health and education, AHEC’s tobacco cessation services are offered for free within Monroe County. Those looking to quit can choose their preferred participation method with local tobacco treatment counselors, and for a limited time, group quit session participants are eligible for $50 to $125 gift cards for attending.

Quit Smoking Now is a fourweek, in-person, one-hour-per-session group course that works with clients on the process of planning, quitting, managing triggers and preventing relapse. Quit Smoking Now sessions are held throughout the Keys, with all clients eligible for two free disbursements of nicotine replacement therapy.

Tools to Quit is a one-time group counseling session preparing clients for the journey to quit smoking by reviewing steps in the process and identifying participants’ needs and challenges to give them a head start in the quitting process. Participants receive one free disbursement of nicotine replacement therapy and may return for another session if they need further support.

Clients may also participate virtually in Tools to Quit via a Zoom meeting available three days per week in Monroe County, and if none

THE BUCKET LIST BRIDGE

of the prior options are viable for clients due to health or other considerations, counselors can arrange to conduct a telephone counseling session.

“Working with Tobacco Free Florida and the state surgeon general has allowed us to not only provide no-cost nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum and lozenges, but now also gift cards to Publix ranging from $50 to $125,” said Keys AHEC CEO Michael Cunningham. “There’s never been a better time to enroll.”

Responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, according to TFF. Every year, smoking claims 32,300 lives in Florida alone. For every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 more live with a serious illness related to smoking, meaning that more than 16 million Americans live with a disease caused by smoking.

The body begins to heal within hours after quitting. According to TFF, two to five years after quitting, an individual’s risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker’s. In five years, the chance of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder is cut in half. In 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a non-smoker’s.

More information is available by calling 305-743-7111, ext. 205 or visiting keysahec.org/tobacco-cessation. Health care providers can provide client referrals by completing a Tobacco Cessation referral form and emailing it to tobacco@ahec. ufl.edu. For additional resources with even more support to help quit smoking, visit tobaccofreeflorida. com/quityourway.

80-YEAR-

OLD PAUL TODD WILL TACKLE THE 2023 SEVEN MILE RUN WITH THREE GENERATIONS OF FAMILY

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

For some, the Seven Mile Bridge run is a competitive dogfight at the front of the lead pack. For others, it’s an opportunity to take a pretty sweet selfie at the top of “the hump,” or perhaps just “beat the bus.”

For the Young family, the 2023 bridge run will check off one more item on a multigenerational bucket list.

The first time Chris Todd Young, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, ran a race with her dad, she had barely cracked double digits. Just 10 years old, she entered the 1980 Sarasota Herald Tribune 10K in the 13 & Under division, finishing the race in just over 64 minutes as her father Paul Todd crossed the line just 30 seconds behind her.

Though it would take another 36 years before the pair toed the same start line again, their next race had a third generation in tow, as Young’s daughter Caidyn joined the father-daughter duo at the 2016 Duck Key Turkey Trot.

With barely a month to go until his 80th birthday, Todd will make the journey down from Nokomis, Florida to once again lace them up with his daughter and granddaughter. According to him, racing with his family in his first tangle with the bridge is a prime “bucket list” opportunity.

“We’re making (Caidyn) do it with us, which is funny because she’s not a runner,” Young told the Weekly with a laugh. “I told her, ‘We’ve gotta get to the top of the hump, and we’ve gotta get a picture with dad. Then you can fall out.”

Though the full field for the 2023 race has yet to be revealed, if Todd ran in last year’s race, he would finish in a tie as the secondoldest participant. Even still, Young doubts the buses will catch her father, who still runs at least two days per week.

“He’s definitely going to beat the bus,” she said. “And he’s gonna beat me, unfortunately.”

When asked why he chose such a sweaty endeavor as his 80th birthday present, Todd’s answer is one that should resonate with most who’ve braved the bridge.

“I just wanted to see if I could do it.”

BRIDGE TO CLOSE ON SATURDAY MORNING

Please be advised that the Seven Mile Bridge will close from about 6 to 9 a.m. for the 2023 Seven Mile Bridge Run. Motorists should plan to be on their destination’s side of the bridge before 6 a.m. to avoid delays. For more race information, including packet pickup, shuttle times and parking info for runners, visit 7mbrun.com.

Three generations will take on the Seven Mile Bridge Run as Paul Todd, left, Caidyn Young and Chris Todd Young plan to run the race together. CONTRIBUTED

With help from Keys AHEC and Tobacco Free Florida, Keys residents can say goodbye to their last cigarette. CONTRIBUTED

JASON KOLER jason@keysweekly.com

LOSS OF AN ICON Marathon

remembers George Steinmetz

Marathon was left reeling this past weekend as word of the unexpected passing of George Steinmetz began filtering across town.

A celebration of George’s life is in the works and more details will be shared as they become available.

A respected businessman and former marine patrol officer, Steinmetz’s imposing frame belied a generous and affable nature that endeared him to – well, everyone.

I thought there was a giant behind me,” he recalled. Later, Steinmetz would become the area captain. “He was well respected because he always put his officers first and he could ‘walk the walk.’ The only thing bigger than George was his heart.”

Those who knew him appreciated the altruistic nature of a gentle giant. Stories of him lending a hand, making a donation or offering advice would fill more than a book – we are talking volumes.

Those who knew him best could fill another set of books about his exploits that we wouldn't consider publishing due to the salacious nature of the content and legal ramifications of those fortunate enough to come into his orbit.

George is survived by his wife Angie and her children Esteban and Jean, his second mom Maria (Riet) Steinmetz, brother Erik Steinmetz and children Alek Steinmetz, Chelsea (Evan) Lyons, and grandchildren Avery and Alric. He was preceded in death by his mother Jean and his father Arnie.

Former FWC officer Bob Dube was busting looters in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew when he first met the young marine patrol deputy in 1992.

as sort of a

“I knew him since he was a teenager,” said former Marathon Mayor Mike Cinque. “Everyone will tell you the same thing – he was a gentle giant just like his dad. He was a sweetheart.”

In 2007, his family’s construction company was contracted to rebuild the Castaway restaurant after the dining room collapsed into the canal. “George was a very, very good customer of mine,” said Castaway proprietor John Mirabella. “He loved sushi. He would eat a ‘Boat for 2’ by himself. That’s 78 pieces of sushi.”

“Instead of a big teddy bear as we all know him today, George was very intimidating as a marine patrol officer,” said Florida Keys Aquarium founder Ben Daughtry, who graduated from Marathon High School a few years behind George. The aquarium’s largest goliath grouper, Big George, is named in his honor. “He was such a likable, good person. We certainly share in all the sorrow that everyone else is feeling.”

“We both started in law enforcement in the early ’80s,” said Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain Don Hiller. “We always seemed to be working together. Later on we served together on the Pigeon Key board of directors. If you called, he would always answer.”

George’s pride and joy was his family. Pictured in 1994 at age 32 with his kids, Chelsea (5) and Alek (10 months).

Recreational fishing captain Jason Long said George was always in his life

big brother. “He just made you smile every time you saw him,” Long said. “He always had a word of encouragement and sometimes all I needed from George was just a look.”

Local attorney Rich Malafy says, “George was just a friend, he was a great friend. He was a friend that was always there when you needed and only asked for your friendship in return. I am honored to have known him and I will miss him immensely.”

FLORIDA KEYS

ONE OF A ‘CONCH’

SEA SNAIL’S IMPRINT ON THE KEYS SPANS FROM THE MENU TO A FLAG

In the old days, fishing skiffs slowly paddled across the clear Atlantic waters with two fishermen on board. One man slowly paddled while the other dipped a glassbottomed bucket beneath the surface and scanned the bottom for Strombus gigas

When one was spotted, his partner stopped paddling and grabbed a pole, sometimes 30 feet long. The “hooker” would skillfully maneuver the pole through the water until he was able to insert the hook at the end of the pole into the lip of the shell and bring it back to the surface. The process was repeated until the boat’s planks were covered with horny shells.

Strombus gigas is the elegantly-housed gastropod, or sea snail, more commonly called the queen conch. As this is the Florida Keys, there is a great deal to be said about the conch – specifically, the pink-lipped queen conch. The queen is only one of an entire family of Strombidae, slowly moving on their long foot through the warm shallows that roll up against Florida’s beaches and islands. Other species of true conchs in the waters surrounding Florida and the Keys are the milk conch and fighting conch.

The massive horse conch, the largest gastropod inhabiting the Sunshine State’s coastal waters, and Florida’s state shell, is not from the family Strombidae and, therefore, not a true conch. Neither a conch nor a whelk, the horse conch is the second largest gastropod in the world and a tulip snail from the Fasciolariidae family.

According to the dictionary by MerriamWebster: “conch (kongk, konch) is 1. the spiral shell of a gastropod, often used as a horn. 2. any of various marine gastropods. 3. the fabled shell trumpet of the Tritons. 4. a native or inhabitant of the Florida Keys.” Elegantly housed and slow-moving, the pinked-lipped shell of the queen conch is a fitting symbol for an island chain referred to as the Conch Republic.

For the record, conch rhymes with bonk and honk, and not haunch or paunch – though that is not what the aboriginal people called it. What they called it, I do not know. I do know they used the meat as a protein and the shell as a tool, weapon and ceremonial object. Inhabitants of the Florida Keys have always dined

extensively on conchs. The meat was valued, and the shell has been a must-have souvenir for more than 100 years.

When they are not harvested, or eaten by turtles, octopus or nurse sharks, they can live 20 to 30 years. As fast as snails, however, the queen conch was nearly picked clean from Florida’s waters, and like the sponge and turtle industries before it, the conch fishery boomed and busted. The island chain’s old-timers sometimes talk about wading through the shallows, picking them up, and bringing them home for dinner. In the 1950s, they could take a watery stroll while pulling a small wooden skiff behind them and fill it up in a few hours.

The locals and fishermen had to see what was coming, especially as the 1960s began creeping up in the 1970s. Like many industries before and after it, the harvesting of conch and the industry it supported collapsed, and the culprit was overfishing. The first to go was the commercial side of conch fishing, with the commercial harvesting of conch being banned in 1975. The recreational harvest was banned in 1985, and in 1986, taking live conch was banned in federal waters.

A few years ago, I was at a Florida restaurant and, while perusing the menu, noticed that they offered conch fritters and “local” cracked conch. For the record, local conch has not been served in the Florida Keys or anywhere else in the country for decades. However, I have long since heard rumors of one of the Florida Keys fast food establishments – which will not be identified – that, along with their chicken, served fried conch through their drive-through window. From what I have heard, it was amazing. I hope it was not poached conch.

The conch shell is a symbol of the Florida Keys, and fittingly it is emblazoned on the flag of the Conch Republic. The self-proclaimed micro-nation made international headlines when it was formed in 1982. More of a publicity stunt than anything else, the extraordinary measure was enacted to protest the United States government after it effectively erected a border checkpoint at the top of the road leading into the Florida Keys and constructively ended the tourism trade.

The motto of the newly formed “country” was “We seceded where others failed.” While the political protest was brief, and Conch Republic officials surrendered to the U.S. Navy shortly after declaring the Conch Republic a sovereign nation, the heart and soul of the Conch Republic (as well as the national flag) have remained an integral part of the island chain’s identity ever since.

Strombus gigas, on the other hand, has continued to struggle in its native waters. Though it is still found on menus up and down the Florida Keys, today’s conch is imported from Central America, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos –home to the Caicos Conch Farm, the world’s first commercial conch farm.

The Conchs who live on the islands, the families who have lived on these islands for generations, are as proud of their heritage and as strong as ever. The Honorary Conchs, on the other hand, are those residents who have been given the title by the official declaration of the acting mayors of the Florida Keys over the decades, myself among them, and like the horse conch, we will never be considered true Conchs.

A man hunts for conch while pulling a skiff. ARTHUR ROTHSTEIN/National Archives, Florida Keys Library Collection

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.

HASSLE FREE TRAVEL

HASSLE FREE TRAVEL

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH AIR TREK PRIVATE JET CHARTERS

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1978!

RETAIL THERAPY HELPS KEY WEST TEENS

LILLY PULITZER DONATES A PORTION OF ALL SALES TO A POSITIVE STEP OF MONROE COUNTY

• No long lines, layovers, overbooked flights or lost luggage

• Travel on your schedule –you pick the day and time!

• All aircraft are pet friendly

• Aircraft are cleaned and sanitized before and after each flight

1-800-247-8735

WWW.AIRTREK.AERO

KOLEEN BETHEL KIDS COME FIRST

WANT TO HELP OUR KEYS COMMUNITY?

FIND OUT HOW AT VOLUNTEERKEYS.COM IN PARADISE FOR GOOD

For the seventh year in a row, the Key West Lilly Pulitzer boutique donated 10% of the day’s sales on March 25 to A Positive Step of Monroe County, which has been serving the Florida Keys’ highest-risk kids and their families since 1999. Proceeds will help support APSMC’s Idle

Hands Summer Youth Employment program, which is partially supported by and run in partnership with the City of Key West. For more information on APSMC and its programs contact Davis at apsmccrp@ aol.com or visit apsmc.org.

— Contributed

From left, Michelle Nelson, Billy Norwood, Lisa Morris, Eva Norwood and Burke Morris pose with Billy Davis, far right, founder of A Positive Step of Monroe County, during the March 25 Lilly Pulitzer fundraiser for APSMC. AMY TRIPP/APSMC

Billy Davis, founder of A Positive Step of Monroe County, explains his organization’s Idle Hands summer youth employment program to a shopper at the Key West Lilly Pulitzer boutique on March 25.

FIREWORKS OF THE FUTURE

DIGITIZED DRONE LIGHT SHOWS DAZZLE THE SKIES WITHOUT FIRES, NOISE OR MESS

“Atrain – wait, it’s moving! Oh, it’s Flagler’s!”

“Yes! A conch shell!”

On March 25, the skies above Key West’s historic Truman Waterfront dazzled with a drone “fireworks” display to end a night of fun for the Florida Keys’ bicentennial celebration. Some 250 synchronized drones illuminated the night with pictures from this little island chain’s storied history. It was a fitting tribute by and to the Florida Keys – a paradise worth protecting.

The drones moved in unison into different formations, much like a marching band does at halftime shows. Preprogrammed flight commands resulted in animated, large-scale, color-changing displays hundreds of feet in the air. The drones were programmed to emit specific color LEDs for specified durations. The impressive show, while itself silent, synched to tropical music and made for an extra special – and eco-conscious – celebration.

In comparison to traditional fireworks, drone displays:

• Don’t come with loud bangs and flashes that scare dogs and/or harm babies and the hearing-sensitive.

• Create zero air pollution and don’t leave a toxic chemical fog residual.

• Leave no falling debris or plastic pollution that could end up in our waterways and harm our wildlife.

• Use electric batteries instead of greenhouse gases and chemicals to power them.

• Are reusable and more affordable ways to celebrate.

Joanne Delaney, NOAA’s resource protection and permit coordinator, warned of some of the other concerns with traditional fireworks displays. “Permits issued by FKNMS emphasize the need to conduct such activities away from sensitive wildlife habitats, carefully contain and dispose of plastics and wrappers from the pyrotechnics, and clean up any debris on land or in the water after events conclude. These efforts are important to ensure that debris doesn’t become entangled or embedded in sanctuary habitats or impact immobile organisms, and to maintain the aesthetic qualities of the sanctuary.”

Aside from sanctuary permits, traditional fireworks also require notice and permission from local fire marshals, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other municipal and federal entities. Drone fireworks – or any drone – within five miles of the Key West airport would require clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration. Drones are banned in restricted military airspace, including Boca Chica Field.

The procedures are grounded in real concerns. On New Year’s Day, Keys locals paddleboarding to Pelican Key quickly shifted their trip into a “garbage haul” of fireworks debris. Appalled guests from a nearby resort had been told that their fireworks were biodegradable; and yet, hard plastics, metal coils and plastic wrappers littered sanctuary waters from their revelries. These could easily damage corals, choke birds and fish and entangle manatees, sea turtles and dolphins.

One disheartened local commented, “Maybe it’s time for a change and to protect our fragile ecosystem that we all

enjoy and live off down here. Maybe we could switch to a drone show ... good for environment and pets.”

With this latest, monumental celebration of “200 Years of Paradise,” perhaps we’re moving that way already. As one young conch screamed out, “This is the best thing ever!”

A one hour paddleboard trip resulted in this much fireworks debris picked up – and that only accounts for what was floating. NEXT

TIFFANY DUONG

The Florida Keys kicked off celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Monroe County’s founding with a drone fireworks display in Key West. VINH PHAM PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of High Exposure Visuals located at 33 Blue Runner St Key Largo FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Michael J Kanik, PA

Publish:

March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Mr. Beans’ Books & Beans located at 2960 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Jeffrey Shapiro

Publish:

March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of American Marina Properties located at 1646 W Snow Ave., Ste. 29, Tampa, FL 33606, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: American Marina Properties, LLC

Publish:

March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Happy Landings Marina located at 1646 W Snow Ave., Ste. 29, Tampa, FL 33606, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: American Marina Properties, LLC

Publish:

March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of BACKYARD STASH located at 2661 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Apt. 1, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key West, Florida this 24th day of March, 2023.

By: AMR ONLINE MARKETING

LLC

Publish:

March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be:

JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Cultural Umbrella Committee

LEGAL NOTICES

Meeting Time: Mar 31, 2023 11:00 AM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 890 9699 8063

Passcode: 556714

Publish: March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on April 19th, 2023, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, 33050 the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE RICHARD A. RECUPERO COUNTY PARK AT THE HAWK MISSILE SITE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE II, TO INCLUDE A SECTION ON CONDUCT SPECIFIC TO THE RICHARD A. RECUPERO COUNTY PARK AT THE HAWK MISSILE SITE FOR PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND REGULATIONS AND PARK HOURS; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Please note that public participation in these meetings may be conducted via Communications Media Technology (“CMT”). The connection information for members of the public who wish to attend or participate in the Public Hearing(s) via a Zoom virtual platform will be posted on the Monroe County website at @ http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m., prior to the scheduled meetings; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 24th day of March, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish: March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Key West International Airport Monroe County Runway 9-27 Repairs Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3)

(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/bids.

The Public Record is available upon request.

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

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

gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Key West International Airport Monroe County Runway 9-27 Repairs 5-2-2023

Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on May 2, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish: March 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-17-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ARTHUR E. BALLEN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Arthur E. Ballen, deceased, whose date of death was January 6, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s

LEGAL NOTICES

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 30, 2023.

Personal Representative: Barbara Ballen

2 South Drive

Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal

Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A.

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

Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

March 30 & April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 2023-CP-34-P

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM E. ZANE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of William E. Zane, Deceased, whose date of death was January 28, 2023 and the last four digits of whose social security number are 2404, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 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 §733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 the first publication of this notice is the 30th day of March, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Louise Harper c/o Law Office of Jack Bridges, P.A. P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Jack Bridges Fla. Bar No. 175950 P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690 jack@jackbridges.us linda@jackbridges.us

Publish: March 30 & April 6, 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-30-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROSA WILTRAKIS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROSA WILTRAKIS, deceased, whose date of death was December 27, 2022, 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 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 30, 2023.

Personal Representative: LINDA L. POWERS 914 S. Ruby Drive Key Largo, FL 33037 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 30 & April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

THOMAS JOSEPH CONROY Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of THOMAS JOSEPH CONROY, deceased, whose date of death was January 26, 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 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 23, 2023.

Personal Representative: JAMES C. CONROY 121 Navajo St. Tavernier, FL 33070 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 23 & 30, 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-33-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH JAMES OLIVEROS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOSEPH JAMES OLIVEROS, deceased, whose date of death was March 1, 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 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

LEGAL NOTICES

notice is: March 23, 2023.

Personal Representative: GEORGE VASTARDIS 8777 SW 134th St. Miami, FL 33176

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 23 & 30, 2023

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

CASE NO.: 23-CP-21-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD CLAIRE MCCOMB, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (summary administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE:

You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the Estate of Richard Claire McComb, deceased, File Number 23-CP-21-P, by the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070; that the Decedent’s date of death was November 17, 2022; that the total value of the Estate is $5,000.00; and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:

NAME Sandra Sheffler 2594 S County Rd 7 Loveland, CO 80537 Patrick Buckley 3190 Hwy 95, Lot 1605 Bullhead City, AZ 86442 Jodi Candlin Box 1 Silver Plume, CO 80476 Brandon Sheffler 512 Wildcat Parkway Wiggins, CO 80654

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

All creditors of the Estate of the Decedent and persons having claims or demands against the Estate of the Decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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 23, 2023.

Person Giving Notice:

Sandra Sheffler 2594 S County Rd 7 Loveland, CO 80537

Attorney for Person Giving Notice: Nicholas W. Mulick

E-mail Address: lisa@mulicklaw. com Florida Bar No. 0337757

Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070 Publish: March 23 & 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-24-P

DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY

IN RE: ESTATE OF DANIEL H. STEELE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Daniel H. Steele, deceased, whose date of death was January 3, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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 23, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Rosemary A. Steele

131 Harbor Lane

Tavernier, FL 33070

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 23 & 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NUMBER: 23-CP-64-K IN RE: ESTATE OF FLORENCE MAY BOUSQUET, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of FLORENCE MAY BOUSQUET, deceased, whose date of death was 9 December 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, the address of which is Freeman Justice Center, 302 Fleming 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, 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 23, 2023.

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus

- Line Cook

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Monitor Technician

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Bonus

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse, up to $25,000 Sign on Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, $15,000 Bonus

- Surgical Technologist

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- Emergency Dept Team Coordinator

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus

- Food Service Worker, $5,000 Bonus

- Lead Med Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Bonus

- Nurse Manager, Emergency Dept, $20,000 Bonus

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Patient Scheduler

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse, up to $25,000 Sign on Bonus

- Sanitation Technician

- Security Of cer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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

Personal Representative: Kenneth Bousquet

2407 Blue Water Bay Drive Katy, TX 77494

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197

116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036

Phone: 305.664.2200 Fax 2205

Primary Email: tom@ tomwoodslaw.com

Secondary Email: eserve@ tomwoodslaw.com

Publish: March 23 & 30, 2023

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

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 23-CP-36-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARK STEPHEN DEJONG, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARK STEPHEN DEJONG, deceased, whose date of death was January 7, 2023, Case: 23-CP-36-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: March 23, 2023.

Personal Representative:

MARIE CHRISTINE DEJONG

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw. com

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: March 23 & 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000077-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARK DENNIS THOMPSON

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of MARK DENNIS THOMPSON, Deceased, whose date of death was January 14, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File No.: 23-CP-000077-K, the address of which is 500 Whitehead

IS HIRING!

SUPPORTED LIVING COACH

FULL TIME

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. Background screening, current FL driver’s license, and references required. Salary commensurate with experience. EOE

Apply at 1401 Seminary St, Key West or online at marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org or phone 305-294-9526 *32

IS HIRING!

DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM

This position is available at our Adult Day program. This position provides direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, preemployment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE

Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West or online at marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org or phone: 305-294-9526 *32.

LEGAL NOTICES

Street, Key West, Florida 33040.

The name and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the Decedent’s Estate, including unmatured, 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 23, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Cynthia Fleming Zachares 625 Overseas Highway, Apt. 202

Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Paul F. Berman, Esq. Berman & Berman, P.A. 9560 SW 107 Avenue, Suite 208

Miami, Florida 33176

Telephone (305) 274-0829

Facsimile (305) 274-7829

Florida Bar No. 156612 paul@bermanandbermanlaw.com

Publish: March 23 & 30, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE #: 2017-CA-195-K

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 14th day of April 2023 AT 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Lot 43, Block 3 of Pine Ridge, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page(s) 42, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Property address: 2110 Palm Beach Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESCHEDULE FORECLOSURE

SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15th day of February 2023

Style of which is:

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

Plaintiff VS. LEE R. ROHE; SUSAN L. ROHE, et. al

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2017-CA-195-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 28th day of March 2023.

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

BUSY NONPROFIT HAS NEED FOR BOTH A WOMEN & FAMILY PROGRAM MANAGER AND A MEN’S PROGRAM MANAGER

These are full-time salary positions. Great benefits. Must have excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills. Must be compassionate and professional. Bachelor’s degree, field experience, and Spanish is a plus.

Drug-free workplace, EOE.

Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org

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.

Deputy Clerk

Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

March 30 & 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-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

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS!

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not.

$CASH$ 305-332-0483

EMPLOYMENT

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.

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 305433-0515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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 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 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

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

EMPLOYMENT

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Resident Activities Coordinator, Grounds Caretaker, and HCV Specialist (No experience necessary. The KWHA will provide training for this position to the right candidate). 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.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

26 ft. Trailer for rent, newly refurbished, on 25th Street. $1,400/mo F/L/S req. Electric & propane not included. See at Marathon Auto Air, corner of 25th St & US1, Marathon.

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

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

NOW HIRING

DIVE INSTRUCTOR DIVEMASTER

TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT

GUEST SERVICES

FULL OR PART-TIME LAWN MAINTENANCE

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

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

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.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

NOW HIRING Program Coordinator

Full time position, starting April 3. Responsible for program development, coordinating presentations, media relations and traveling exhibits. Must have excellent writing and public speaking skills. Knowledge of graphic design programs helpful. $45K annual salary.

Keys History & Discovery Center

82100 Overseas Hwy. Located on the property of the Islander Resort. For more information, email vivian@keysdiscovery.com

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.

Shell

medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Architects

We have openings for Intern Architects, Emerging Professionals, and Production Architects. Experience in High End Residential design is a plus.

Carpenter

Framing & drywall repairs, kitchen & bathroom remodeling, etc.

Interior Designer

Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess an interior design background and history of achievement in quality projects.

Hiring machine operators, deckhands, general labor, mechanics & welders in the Upper Keys. 40/hrs per week. Monday-Friday. 305-440-3304

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)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Crisis Counselor

Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children)

*Advocate (PT only)

Substance Abuse Counselor

Peer Support Specialist

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (or KW) Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*Support Worker – Assisted Living

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

Check

(search

THEME: BOARD GAMES

ACROSS

1. G in mg

5. Medicinal amt.

8. Say no

11. Popular Scotch mixer

12. Country dance formation

13. List of candidates

15. Certain battery component

16. Exclamation of sorrow

17. *”The Game of Unspeakable Fun”

18. *”Fascinating two-handed strategy game”

20. Dutch cheese

21. Not quite right

22. *”I thee ____”

23. CrËme de ____

26. Where Japan is

30. Part of circumference

31. Threatened Asian or African

odd-toed ungulate

34. Ready for picking

35. Reasons to sue

37. Romanian money

38. English county

39. Popular Arabic name

40. Lemon, in Paris

42. Latissimus dorsi, for short

43. Angola’s southern neighbor

45. Dairy farm glands

47. Relax, or ____ out

48. Brooke or John Jacob, of New York

50. USPS delivery

52. *Cards against what?

55. Medicinal plant with purple berries

56. Bug-eyed

57. Tiny bottle

59. a.k.a. jumping bone

60. Plucked string instrument

61. Makes a mistake

62. *”____ Day,” desirable square in The Game of Life 63. Bard’s before

DOWN

1. Govt. property org.

2. Fabled fliers

3. Mine passage

4. India’s Chennai, pre-1996

5. Flooring choice, pl.

6. Hose woes

7. 100 centavos in Mexico

8. Rum cake

9. Particle in A-bomb

10. What’s-old-is-new-again

prefix

12. Somewhat late

13. Be at the helm

14. *Not chutes

19. #39 Across, pl.

22. Is no longer

23. *Trade, build, settle this island

24. Oenophile’s concern

25. Curtain fabric

26. *Connect how many?

27. Theater passage

28. Asparagus unit

29. Written works

32. Hipbones

33. Butterfly catcher

36. *Like pursuit of no vital importance

38. “____ ____ a high note”

40. A Camel, for short

41. Result of equipment failure

44. The beauty of the ball?

46. Morgan Freeman in “Driving Miss Daisy,” e.g.

48. Sign of bad news

49. Inflict a blow

50. Supernatural life force

Drunkard, slangily

Exhibiting good health

Swing seat, sometimes

Knitter’s supply

Tree fluid

Dropped drug, acr.

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

FRESH

NEW MENU

Breakfast: 8am – 11:30am

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

LIVE FROM THE LAWN

free concerts, featuring:

April 21st | 7pm

Nick Norman with Special Guest, Cliff Cody

May 5th | 5pm

Key West Songwriters Festival

May 6th | 2pm

Key West Songwriters Festival