Marathon Weekly 23-0406

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What would Easter be without chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and Peeps? According to Wallethub, total Easter candy spending is around $3.3 billion. Chocolate eggs and bunnies are the top candies found in the basket, followed by jelly beans and candy coated eggs.

GOVERNOR SIGNS AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILL

Language related to the Keys’ 1,300 units was a small piece of a Senate bill that provided $711 million in housing projects and assistance. Around $259 million went to a state program that provides low-interest loans to developers building affordable housing. A total of $100 million was provided for first-time homebuyers who work in law enforcement and fire rescue, serve in the military or teach in the classroom.

A total of $252 million for another state program will give local governments incentives to build partnerships with developers who are preserving available housing or producing more housing.

An affordable housing bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 30 safeguarded the Keys’ 1,000plus affordable housing units that were given by the state and challenged in court over evacuation ahead of a hurricane.

With Senate Bill 102, the units are exempt from state statute that mandates a hurricane evacuation clearance of no more than 24 hours.

In 2018, then-Gov. Rick Scott approved a program that presented the workforce housing units to the Keys, so long as tenants of those units left 48 hours ahead of a hurricane.

Questions over the evacuation eventually led to a legal battle and decision by the Third District Court of Appeals that revoked the units, claiming they violated state statute. A request for the third DCA to re-hear the case was denied, and the state Supreme Court on Jan. 13 rejected an escalation of the appeal, seemingly leaving a legislative fix as the only viable option. The decision left Marathon in a bind, as the city had already allocated and built a number of its 300 units given by the state.

The city of Key West and village of Islamorada accepted their 300 units but never allocated them. Key West’s units were never in jeopardy from the court ruling. Monroe County never fully accepted the units as it monitored the battles in court and the legislative fix in Tallahassee.

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

“The 24-hour limit is there for a really good reason; it’s there to protect the people of the Keys,” attorney Richard Grosso told the Weekly on Feb. 9. “The idea that it’s only a good idea until we can’t develop any more, and that it’s no longer important, is just incredibly reckless and dangerous. It flies in the face of the reality of the real-world limits to development in the Keys. … This is continued pursuit for development at all costs.”

The legislation also implements new policy preempting counties on zoning, density and height restrictions for certain multifamily rental developments in commercial and mixed-use areas. Specifically, a county must authorize multifamily and mixed-use residential as allowable uses in any area zoned for commercial or mixed-use, if at least 40% of the units will be affordable for at least 30 years and serve incomes up to 120% of area median income.

The bill also requires a local government maintain a policy of procedures and expectations for expedited processing of building permits on its website.

The legislation also prevents local governments from imposing price controls on rent, unless the entity finds that such a price would “eliminate an existing housing emergency, which is so grave as to constitute a serious menace to the general public.”

Republican state Rep. Alexis Calatayud, of Miami-Dade County, sponsored the legislation that gained support from Democrats and Republicans. The Senate voted 40-0 on March 8. Only six of the 109 House members who voted on the bill said “no” on March 24.

“The biggest housing concern we hear from young people is that there is no place for them to raise their own families in communities they grew up in, where their extended families have lived for generations. That changes today,” Calatayud said.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

1,300 units prevail legislatively following court battle

A 52-unit building on 39th Street in Marathon is one of several developments that relied on the Florida legislature to restore 1,300 revoked affordable housing units. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

Firefighters Xavier Simancas, left, and Benjamin Lebish soak up the sunrise as they take on the Seven Mile Bridge Run in full gear. See page 36. KRISTY YEIDER/Contributed

305.743.5417

AFTER HOURS

Who: Turtle Hospital

When: Wednesday, April 12th 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

What: Great networking, food & beverages; come promote your business and meet Marathon business owners, executives, and leaders!

When: Tuesday, April 18th 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Where: Marathon Grill & Ale House

5800 Overseas Hwy #12

Speaker: Mel Montagne, FIRM Board Leader

Topic: New Property Insurance Legislation and it’s Effects on You

By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy

LOCAL OFFICIALS QUESTION & OPPOSE HOUSE PROPOSAL

STATE’S TOURISM MARKETING UNDER SIEGE

Astatewide tourism marketing arm charged with promoting Florida tourism to national and international markets could be in jeopardy of losing funds, if the Republican-controlled House has its way.

Recently, the House unveiled a bill that would essentially gut any state funding for Visit Florida, a nonprofit marketing corporation created by the legislature in 1996. Instead, the bill would force counties to fork over a percentage of their tourism development tax (TDT) dollars to fund Visit Florida for three years.

After those three years, counties would have the option to contribute funds to Visit Florida through their own, locally collected tourism tax dollars, if the county commission in that area votes in favor of such a move. But they could also elect to keep their revenue and not financially support the marketing program. Counties would also need to hold referendums every six years to continue collecting their tourist development taxes, also known as bed taxes, that are paid by overnight guests at Florida lodging establishments.

The proposal, which is far from a done deal, has local Republicans and tourism officials in the Florida Keys scratching their heads.

“I don’t understand it,” said Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates, a Republican on the county commission. “Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner is behind this, but it’s hard to understand. We’re constantly praising Florida’s tourism as the reason we don’t have a state income tax. But here he’s taking money out of both sides of things. Usually, you can see an endgame in these political moves, and eventually figure out what someone ultimately wants, but this one makes no sense. There’s so much opposition to it, I’m hoping it doesn’t get much traction.”

Republican state Rep. Mike Giallombardo, of Lee County, told House Regulatory Reform & Tourism Development Subcommittee members on March 28 that Visit Florida was essentially a startup to boost the state’s tourism industry. Statewide, revenue from TDTs exploded from $600 million in fiscal year 2012-13 to $1.5 billion some 10 years later.

“Now, we’re looking at some counties at $302 million a year in bed tax,” he said. “These counties are able to self-sustain so now they can start funding the program and we can start pulling ourselves off.”

The legislation would also force Visit Florida to spend at least 75% of all funds to assist what the House considers rural counties — and that doesn’t include Monroe County — and state parks and forests.

Visit Florida could be dissolved if funding falls below a certain amount or it accepts any money from the state, per the bill.

“This bill is intended to dismantle Visit Florida and over the course of a few years, dismantle local county tourism promotional efforts,” Stacey Mitchell, director of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, told the Keys Weekly on March 31.

“It’s being promoted by House Speaker Paul Renner, and as a Republican, you’d think he’d be pro-business,” Mitchell said. “Renner feels that the private sector in the tourism industry has made so much money in the last two years, and he’s absolutely correct. There’s been a historic amount of revenues collected since during the COVID pandemic. The speaker feels that private industry doesn’t need and shouldn’t rely on what he calls entitlement programs like Visit Florida and rental car surcharges that help fund Florida’s tourism marketing efforts. Apparently, he doesn’t realize that the reason Florida doesn’t have a state income tax is because of our tourism and its marketing efforts.”

The bill was ruled favorably out of the subcommittee on March 28 and could pass

through the full House sometime this month. But if budget proposals by the two legislative chambers and the governor are any indication, the bill could face an uphill battle. A House budget proposal released last month showed no funds allocated to Visit Florida. The Senate, however, allocated $80 million. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ spending plan set aside $100 million.

“With the governor proposing $100 million for Visit Florida, I don’t see how Governor DeSantis could support this bill from Speaker Renner,” Mitchell said. “As I said at the recent TDC board meeting, we don’t know how far this bill will go, but this is just the start of potential huge changes to tourism and tourism funding given the amount of people moving into Florida — and into the Florida Keys — who don’t depend on tourism for their income.”

Visit Florida estimates that around 35.1 million visitors spent time in the Sunshine State between July and September 2022.

And with financial woes from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole last year, the state’s investment in Visit Florida could be more vital than ever before. In 2021, Florida’s Office of Demographic Research reported that for every $1 invested in Visit Florida, $3.27 is returned in tax revenue, the highest ever calculated for the organization.

“Visit Florida’s worth has been tested and proven. Governor DeSantis knows that tourism is Florida’s No. 1 industry and these additional dollars will be felt across every community in Florida and by every resident of this state,” said Dana Young, Visit Florida president and CEO.

Dan Samess, Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO, said the bill would affect the livelihoods of many in the tourism sector.

“When you start talking about defunding or deregulating where funds go, it’ll not only hurt Visit Florida, which promotes the entire state to the world, it could also potentially affect local visitors’ bureaus like ours,” he said.

​​Vehicles rolls on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway’s Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo, past a sign designating the road’s status as an All-American Road. The Keys’ 110-mile-long thoroughfare, with 42 bridges over water, was one of five highways to receive an All-American Road designation in 2009. ANDY NEWMAN/ Florida Keys News Bureau

“There’s so much opposition to it, I’m hoping it doesn’t get much traction.”

— Craig Cates

STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION LEAVES UNANSWERED QUESTIONS FOR SCHOOL BUDGET

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Uncertainty about impending effects of the 2023 Florida state legislative session hung a cloud over otherwise good news in the March 28 budget report to the Monroe County School Board from Beverly Anders, the district’s executive director of finance and performance.

Owing to anticipated increases in property tax revenues, $500,000 in anticipated expense savings, and decreases in salary expenses as the district struggles with staff retention, Anders said she expected an increase of roughly $6 million in the district’s unassigned fund balance for 2022-23, bringing the fund to a balance of $17 million. The new balance would represent about 13.23% of the district’s yearly revenue.

Anders said she anticipated about a 25% increase in property taxes for next year’s budget, but cautioned the board that it would likely need to look at saving more in its unassigned fund. As such significant yearly jumps in property values are unlikely to continue, she said these savings would prove crucial as the district looks to continue its raises for staff, a priority championed by Superintendent Theresa Axford.

Raises of $5,000 per teacher – $4.4 million total – are budgeted for next year, and a meeting with the United Teachers of Monroe union is set for Monday, April 24.

Though the district began its budgeting process several months early, as pointed out by board chair Andy Griffiths, results of the ongo-

JUDGE DISMISSES SUIT BY FORMER EMPLOYEE AGAINST SHERIFF’S OFFICE

PHELPS WAS FIRED FOR TELLING A SUBORDINATE TO ACT LIKE A NEO - NAZI WHILE DEALING WITH A BLACK SUSPECT

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

ing Florida legislative session could have major implications for next year’s budget.

An already-anticipated $500,000 increase in retirement costs could balloon to a $5 million price tag with the potential passage of House Bill 239 to amend the Florida Retirement System.

In addition, House Bill 1, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 27, could potentially cost the district about $2.5 million extra in Family Empowerment Scholarships in 2023-24. The scholarships are designed to financially assist students in kindergarten through 12th grade who choose to attend a private school or public school other than the one they were assigned, as well as providing families of students with disabilities the option to receive a personal Education Savings Account (ESA) for their student. The scholarships added an additional cost of $900,000 to the 2022-23 budget.

The exact cost for next year is still uncertain, Anders said, but her estimate was calculated based on the number of homeschooled students in the district who are not currently enrolled in the program.

“It’s very much up in the air with a lot of things to watch,” Anders told the board. “Really, until May 5, it’s going to be very difficult to anticipate what’s going to happen.”

Afederal judge on March 31 ruled in favor of Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and his office by dismissing a lawsuit filed by a former high-ranking officer who claimed she was fired because of her sexual orientation.

Former sheriff’s captain Penny Phelps sued the sheriff, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and several MCSO employees after she was fired in 2019 for “using her authority as a high-ranking officer to direct a subordinate to act like a white supremacist and harass a suspect whom she knew was African-American to such a degree that he would file a citizen’s complaint,” states Judge Jose Martinez’s March 31 ruling granting summary judgment in favor of Ramsay, the sheriff’s office and all other defendants in the lawsuit filed by Phelps.

The case stems from a November 2017 stabbing on Stock Island that became known locally as the “tree house murder.” A woman who lived on Stock Island was attacked by two men who slashed her throat, although she survived. A third man who rushed up the steps to help the victim was stabbed to death, and the attackers fled.

During the investigation, in trying to confirm the prime suspect’s identity, then-Capt. Phelps, who was in charge of the sheriff’s office Major Crimes Division, directed a subordinate officer “to act like a neo-Nazi, white supremacist and harass a known African-American suspect in connection with a highprofile murder investigation,” Martinez writes in his ruling.

Phelps’ direction to the officer was recorded.

In his 30-page ruling, Martinez writes, “There is no dispute of material fact on the record as to (Sheriff) Ramsay’s reason for (Phelps’) termination. … Her conduct led to an internal affairs investigation where both Colonel Lou Caputo and Major Chad Scibilia recommended termination. … Additionally, several community organizations reached out directly to (Sheriff) Ramsay regarding the allegations against (Phelps). The president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association expressed his opinion that (Phelps) should be removed from ‘oversight in any capacity, including training.’ Leadership Monroe County revoked (Phelps’) invitation to present at their upcoming session and the president of the College of the Florida Keys advised Ramsay that he revoked (Phelps’) adjunct teaching privileges and banished her from teaching at the college campus. On this record, therefore, this court finds that defendants proffered a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the (termination).”

Further, Martinez writes, “(Phelps) has not put forth a single shred of evidence tending to show her termination had anything to do with her gender or sexual orientation. In fact, despite long standing knowledge that Phelps is a homosexual woman, (Sheriff) Ramsay promoted her several times, giving her a great deal of influence and responsibility in a high ranking, public facing position. What’s more, Ramsay replaced (Phelps) with a homosexual female officer. (Phelps) does not dispute this fact, but instead attempts to explain it away with the self-serving argument that, ‘Defendant intentionally replaced her with a homosexual female to avoid liability for sex and/or sexual orientation discrimination.’”

Bills could bring millions in additional expenses next year

KAROLINA​GRABOWSKA/Pexels

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

THE KEYS’ ‘CRYSTAL BALL’

With Sheldon, you get a true leader and somebody with high integrity, ethics and values. He brings a calming presence to any situation during really stressful times, whether it’s post-Irma or during the pandemic. He has so much experience … that if there was a crystal ball, he kind of came closest to it. I was kind of in awe of really hearing him delve into how he views intertwining customer service within the culture of a company.

“I think he also helped a lot of people where even if they had to leave Hawks Cay, they left as a better and more capable person, which allowed them to move up the ladder. Sheldon is like a good head coach with a coaching tree. … He’s one of the OGs of the resort managers here, and there are a lot of folks who’ve worked under him in leadership roles who have moved on to bigger roles.

“Even with different owners at Hawks Cay, he was the common glue, the steadfast leader that they all wanted. They were able, to their credit, to see that there’s really no one who can run that resort like him.

Grassy Key’s Hawks Cay resort is widely regarded as one of the gold standards for hospitality and customer service in the Florida Keys. Since 2009, a large portion of that success is directly attributable to the standards, ethics and vision of Sheldon Suga, its now-retired vice president managing director.

Just don’t tell him that.

“Everything was about the people,” he told the Weekly when we sat down with him on March 23. “I may come up with a concept or idea, but I have to give credit to the team that I’ve got that knows how to execute.”

He’s being modest. In an industry known for bringing in managers for short stints to open or reform properties, Suga’s 14-year career at Hawks Cay – spanning four management companies and three separate ownership groups – is a testament to his integration as a mainstay in Keys tourism and the Marathon community.

With many resorts operating as borderline self-sustaining entities, Suga was unwavering in his commitment to serve the surrounding islands, whether through his Heroes Salute weekends to honor first responders or supporting local nonprofit KAIR through donated proceeds from guitar auctions in Hawks Cay’s Keys to Country concert series.

While at Hawks Cay, he’s chaired the Tourist Development Council’s District III Advisory Committee and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA)’s state executive committee, and served on the boards of the College of the Florida Keys, Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Visit Florida. The list of awards won by Hawks Cay during his tenure could fill a page by themselves, and in November 2022, the FRLA honored his suc-

“Throughout the last 14 years, Sheldon has been extremely committed to the community and to the destination. The ability to have a top-tier resort and have somebody like Sheldon remain there – it’s not only a great value to the company, but a great value to the Florida Keys. That’s one of the big reasons why I love him so much. He’s been here and he’s been part of the ups and downs. Anything I’ve asked of Sheldon for the betterment of Marathon and the destination, he’s always done for us. He thinks methodically, his decisions are all very calculated, and it’s not just about what’s good for the resort, it’s about what’s good for the Keys.

“I think there were some folks who were critical about how long it took Hawks Cay to reopen after Hurricane Irma, but in the end, they did the right thing to pause and to come back with a new, different, and much, much better product. They could have done Band-Aid stuff very easily and got back up and running in a couple months. But they knew that they had to do some refreshing, and they just decided, you know what, it's a good time to do this. And the product they came out with did nothing but enhance themselves and Marathon as a destination.”

cess with an induction into the FRLA Hall of Fame as the Hotelier of the Year.

Though he has no plans to leave the Keys as he savors retirement with his wife Laura, Suga says he will enjoy sitting back and watching Hawks Cay’s evolution after his own 30-plus years in the industry.

“I think the one thing I’ve instilled here is that there’s so much more potential,” he said. “My disappointment would be coming back here and seeing that things didn’t change.”

As Suga and his colleagues from around the Keys reflect on his career, the Marathon Weekly sat down with four who knew him in different arenas to better understand the legacy that began on Duck Key, but has made impactful waves from Key Largo to Key West.

“Sheldon is the most humble person, and grateful for things. Gratitude just exudes from him. He’s also a very caring person. There were times when I was not doing really well, and he always checked on me with a little bit of encouragement. It was special to have that little bit of a bond, not only from DAC but in the hotel business itself and then on onto the personal level.

Upon his retirement from Hawks Cay, tourism authorities reflect on Sheldon Suga’s legacy

Sheldon Suga, center, is inducted into the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Hall of Fame as he accepts the Hotelier of the Year award from FRLA president and CEO Carol Dover, left, and board chair Olivia Hoblit in November 2022. CONTRIBUTED.

– Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess

TDC media relations director Andy Newman

“Sheldon has always struck a good balance between being a pain, which he never has been, and not being afraid to call and give me a concise summary of the challenges he was facing. That’s so important for a person who has a position like his, particularly when it’s an expanding resort. He has the ability to very efficiently summarize the relevant information that lets me be helpful. When the phone rings and it’s him, I have a feeling most everybody is like I am –they kind of smile as they pick up. That’s Sheldon.”

— Monroe County Commissioner David Rice

REQUEST VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS NOW

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE REMINDS VOTERS TO ACT NOW

STATE HOUSE PROHIBITS TALK OF MENSTRUATION UNTIL 6TH GRADE

APPROVAL COMES DESPITE DATA THAT SUGGESTS PUBERTY CAN START AT AGE 9

The Florida House of Representatives has passed a bill that would, among other things, prohibit the discussion of menstruation in school health classes until sixth grade.

The bill, which was drafted by Republican Rep. Stan McClain, passed the House on March 31, a day after Rep. Ashley Gantt, a former school teacher, asked McClain, “So if little girls experience their menstrual cycle in fifth grade or fourth grade, will that prohibit conversations from them since they are in a grade lower than sixth grade?”

McClain answered, “Yes, it would,” despite evidence from the Mayo Clinic that states that girls may experience puberty as young as 8 and boys at age 9.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Supervisor of Elections

Joyce Griffin is reminding Monroe County voters that they must request vote-by-mail ballots through her office’s website or in person at her offices if they wish to receive ballots in the mail for upcoming elections.

“Many of our voters vote by mail. These voters may think that they already have a request in for the 2024 election cycle, but they do not,” Griffin said. “Please help me get the word out to our voters that they must request for 2024.”

The need to re-register for vote-by-mail ballots is due to a change in the law that states,

“One request is deemed sufficient to receive a vote-by-mail ballot for all elections through the end of the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election.”

“We are now taking voteby-mail requests for the 2024 election cycle,” Griffin said.

In prior years, requests for mail-in ballots covered two years of elections. That is no longer the case.

Griffin’s office usually has received about 13,000 requests for mail-in ballots by now, but has only received less than 2,000 requests thus far.

For more information, or to register for a mail-in ballot, visit keyselections.org/voters/voteby-mail-request.

Florida Keys State Rep. Jim Mooney voted in favor of the bill that also requires school health education classes to “teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age students while teaching the benefits of monogamous heterosexual marriage; and emphasize that abstinence from sexual activity is a certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other associated health problems.”

The proposed changes to Florida’s health and sexual education curriculum are significantly more conservative than previously approved statewide curricula, one of which was approved by the Monroe County school board earlier this year.

The health curriculum approved by the local school board separated discussions of biology and puberty by grade level. The curriculum

acknowledges the existence of, but does not promote or oppose, same-sex relationships. For ninthgrade students, it discusses contraception and safer-sex practices to reduce the chance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

“The curriculum we selected a few months ago was a totally Florida-approved health education curriculum,” Superintendent of Schools Theresa Axford told the Keys Weekly on April 3. “I don’t know what, if any, changes will be required based on recent actions of the Florida Legislature.”

Axford said she also is concerned about language in the bill that requires schools to remove books and materials from a school library as soon as one parent raises an objection.

Axford called the language “disturbing,” but said the local school district “follows legislation very closely so we are familiar with what they’re considering. However, we wait for the state board of education to implement specific rules that help us follow the new legislation and laws.”

If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the bill into law, it will take effect across the entire state on July 3, 2023.

A view of both the historic and the current Florida state capitol buildings in Tallahassee. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

EGG-CITED FOR EASTER

Marathon churches, businesses ready to welcome the holiday weekend

From sunrise oceanside services to traditional masses in the pews, Marathon has a range of offerings as residents and visitors prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday on April 9. Whether you’re looking to entertain some little ones or just trying to relax with friends and family, be sure to visit one of the many restaurants and businesses with special events and food on deck for this holiday weekend.

CELEBRATE EASTER, ON THE BEACH OR IN THE PEWS:

• St. Columba Episcopal Church will host a Good Friday service at noon on Friday, April 7, an Easter vigil service at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 and Easter Sunday services at 9 and 11 a.m.

• Kirk of the Keys will hold a contemporary worship service at 9 a.m. with traditional worship at 11 a.m. on Easter Sunday. An egg hunt will take place at 10:10 a.m. between the services for children. The 9 a.m. service includes a Sunday school for children pre-K to eighth grade. All are welcome.

• Pastor Larry White of St. Paul AME Church will lead a Relay for Christ starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 7 at San Pablo Catholic Church. Walkers are invited to join him as he carries a cross past 17 Marathon churches, ending at Marathon Church of Christ on 26th Street.

• The Marathon Community Church will hold a community sunrise service at Sombrero Beach at 7 a.m. on Easter Sunday, with an Easter worship service in the sanctuary at 3010 Overseas Highway at 10 a.m.

• San Pablo Catholic Church will hold a Liturgy of Good Friday on April 7 at noon and 7 p.m., as well as Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m. On April 8, it will hold a Blessing of the Easter Baskets at 11 a.m. and an Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday masses will be at 8 and 10 a.m.

COMPLETE THE FESTIVITIES:

• Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar will host an “Adult Easter Egg Hunt” on Saturday, April 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants can buy an egg to support Presents in Paradise and have a chance to win valuable prizes.

• Sunset Grill & Raw Bar will host its 13th annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza with an all-day barbecue and pool and beach party on Easter Sunday. The Easter Bunny will pay a visit as the restaurant hosts a kids Easter egg hunt at 3 p.m. with poolside games and prizes. DJ Trae Dae will provide the jams from 1 to 5 p.m.

• The Lighthouse Grill will host an “Extravagant Easter Buffet” on Easter Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Easter Bunny will stop by as guests enjoy omelet and waffle stations, bourbonglazed ham, asparagus frittata, salmon en crout, a raw bar, a chef’s dessert table and more.

• The Marathon Rotary Club will host its annual Easter egg hunt at the new Marathon Rotary Park on Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m. The Easter bunny will be present for photos as kids hunt for thousands of eggs and enjoy refreshments provided by Publix.

City

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

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

City Council Items

*A. Approval of Minutes

B. Marathon 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix April 28-30, 2023

C. Leadership Monroe County 30th Anniversary Proclamation

D. Non-Profit Donations Scoring

City Manager Report

* A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report

* B. Grants Update

* C. Building Report

* D. Park and Recreation Report

* E. Marathon Fire Rescue Report

* F. Marina Report

* G. Code Report

* H. Wastewater Utilities Report

* I. Public Works Report

J. Sunset Celebration on the Old 7 Mile Bridge May 19th 6-9 pm

K. New Amount Not To Exceed For MT Causley

L. Watershed Master Planning Grant

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings:

A. Resolution 2023-35, Approving A Final Plat As Submitted By QOF, Inc. For A Plat Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 10 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulation (LDRS) Entitled “Subdivision Of Land/Plats And Re-Plats,” Particularly, 4800 Overseas Hwy Unit 14 Which Is Described As Thompson And Adams Subdivision PB2-24, Part Lot 4 And Adjacent Filled Bay Bottom And Adjacent Bay Bottom (A/K/A Parcel D & Bay Bottom Parcel A), Section 10, Township 66 South, Range 32 East, Key Vaca, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00327140-000200. Nearest Mile Marker 50.

B. Resolution 2023-36, Approving The Allocation Of Commercial Building Permit Allocation System (CBPAS) To Joanne Marie G/K LLC For Period 2, Year 31 (January 14, 2023

To July 13, 2023); And Providing For An Effective Date.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing

A. Ordinance 2023-05, Adding To The City Code Of Ordinances Article IV Of Chapter 32 To Be Titled “Electric Bicycles And Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices”; Creating Sections 4-1 Through 4-8 Of Article IV Of Chapter 32 Of The City Code Of Ordinances; Creating Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.

Resolutions For Adoption

A. Resolution 2023-31 Approving Amendments To The Rates And Rental Fee Schedule For The Use Of Boot Key Harbor City Marina Facilities; and Providing An Effective Date.

*B. Resolution 2023-37, Awarding Project Specific Agreement PSA-23-6 for the Construction Engineering Inspections for the Area 7 Disc Filter CIE to Weiler Engineering Corporation.; Approving PSA-23-6 in contract amount of $95,775.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date. This work qualifies and will be submitted for reimbursement through the existing CDBG-DR grant.

*C. Resolution 2023-38, Approving Amendment No. 1 of Grant Agreements Nos. 2853 Between The City And The Monroe County Tourist Development Council For a Restroom Facility At The Quay Property; And Providing For An Effective Date

*D. Resolution 2023-39, Amending A Grant Agreement With The Florida Department Of Environmental Protection For Canal And Culvert Projects; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Grant Amendment On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date

*E. Resolution 2023-40, Approving A Fourth Amendment To The Lease Agreement No. 4547 With The Board Of Trustees Of The Internal Improvement Trust Fund Of The State Of Florida For The Management Of Properties With The City Of Marathon Purchased For The Purpose Of Conservation; Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Amendment To The Agreement; And Providing An Effective Date

*F. Resolution 2023-41, Approving An Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Between The City Of Marathon And The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority To Add An Additional Fire Hydrant, Including Piping, To An FKAA Request For Proposals, As Part Of Upgrading Existing Fire Protection In Association With The Crawl Key Distribution Upgrades.

*G. Resolution 2023-42, Approving A Partial Refund Of Building Permit Fees Pursuant To 553.80 F.S.; Establishing A Procedure For Issuance Of The Partial Refunds; And Providing An Effective Date.

*H. Resolution 2023-43, Amending The City’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget; And Providing For An Effective Date.

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

THE SCOREBOARD

Junior, Marathon Baseball

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

DYLAN ZIELS

Marathon junior ace Dylan​Ziels.​BARRY​ GAUKEL/Keys​Weekly

When Marathon needs a W, they send Dylan Ziels to the mound. The junior right-hander has delivered for the Fins in four of five outings this season. On March 31, he sent 15 of 25 batters he faced back to the dugout as he continued to add to his stats. As of April 3, his 80 strikeouts firmly planted him as the FHSAA leader in total strikeouts for the state of Florida this season, with second place a full 20 strikeouts behind. Offensively, Ziels commands respect, too. He has amassed eight hits this season, including three doubles. Ziels’ coach has called his season thus far “nothing short of historic,” solidifying his selection as this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

–​Joey​Gonzalez,​Marathon​baseball​coach

“Dylan is such a coachable, adaptable and hardworking young man. He pours positivity into the team and is constantly that vocal leader that we can count on in any situation.”

Marshall averaged 15.2 points, 8 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game this season, making her a threat anywhere on the court. The senior captain is described by her coach as a motivator, leader, initiative-taker and incredible athlete. “Abrianna understands the game very well,” said Marathon head coach Andra Garvey. “She can score on any team that she faces and won’t back down from any opponent. She has a will to win.”

Marathon’s Elena Eubank averaged 11.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.6 steals per game this season. Only a sophomore, Eubank plays with a refinement beyond her years. “Elena is a team player; she will play any position you place her in,” said Garvey. “She is an overall athlete. She sets examples for her teammates in and out of basketball and has phenomenal communication skills.”

Hurricane forward Brooke Mandozzi led the Keys in points per game, averaging just over 19, while pulling down 8.3 rebounds and adding 3.5 steals per game. Coach Jarrod Mandozzi explained the crucial role his daughter played this season.

“Brooke carried a lot of responsibility as one of the few returning players with significant varsity experience from last season. She consistently faced double and triple coverage from other teams, but was still able to have a huge impact on the game.”

THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS GIRLS

BASKETBALL TEAM

Monroe County prep basketball closed on Feb. 1 when Marathon, the final Keys team standing, was defeated in the second round of playoffs.

The Dolphins earned the honor of county champs this season, defeating both Coral Shores and Key West twice. Marathon finished with a record of 11-10, and though they lose their top scoring threat, they return two of their top three athletes in scoring, rebounding, stealing and blocking next season. Key West finished 1-14, with a win in a home matchup against Coral Shores. The Conchs return their top three scorers next season and will likely reap the benefits of experience from their struggles as a young team this season. Coral Shores finished 9-7 and has great potential for next season; the team graduates just three of 15 on its roster. Most stat leaders will return for the ’Canes, making for some enticing Monroe County girls basketball matchups next year.

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

ZIAMORA CARTWRIGHT SENIOR, KEY WEST CENTER

Conch senior Ziamora Cartwright kept her team in multiple games with aggressive rebounding and blocks this season. Coach Shonta McLeod explained that Cartwright “was the leader of this team on and off the court, especially with her defense and rebounds this season.” While the Conchs will miss their starting center, McLeod added, “I hope nothing but the best in her future.”

GRACE LEFFLER SOPHOMORE, CORAL SHORES FORWARD/GUARD

Coral Shores’ Grace Leffler averaged 9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game this season. The ’Canes used her height all over the court, playing Leffler in just about every position. Defensively, she was a game-stopper for opponents. “She was our secondleading scorer, consistently making teams pay when they doubleteamed others whether she was playing inside or on the perimeter,” said Mandozzi. “Grace developed so much as a player over the course of the season.”

JAILA HICKS FRESHMAN, KEY WEST FORWARD

Jaila Hicks made huge strides in her basketball career this season. She started on the junior varsity squad, was called up to the varsity team, and ended her season on the All-Keys team. The freshman forward showed that she was able to do anything her coach asked on the court, earning one of the top spots in shooting percentage, points per game, steals, assists and rebounds.

“She showed us that she had what it takes to be a varsity player as a freshman, averaging about 5 points per game and grabbing rebounds and steals,” said McLeod.

ABRIANNA MARSHALL SENIOR, MARATHON GUARD

ELENA EUBANK SOPHOMORE, MARATHON GUARD

BROOKE MANDOZZI JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES FORWARD/GUARD

MVP

CORAL SHORES BRINGS HOME DISTRICT WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP

Marathon and Coral Shores participated in the FHSAA District 16 1A Championships on April 1 at Pine Crest High School. Six Hurricanes brought home district championships, and their team took top honors in both the Olympic and traditional categories. Marathon came in third place in both styles of lifting, and though they did not come home with any first-place finishes,

nine Fins lifted enough to qualify for regionals. Sebastian Mollineda won a district title in traditional style lifting while Tyler Bettner, Dantay Diorio, AJ Johnson, Julian Juvier and Xavyer Arrington brought home traditional and Olympic lifting championships, making it 11 titles for the ’Canes this season. The lifters will travel to Frostproof on Wednesday, April 5 for the FHSAA Region 4 1A championships and will compete for a spot

FISHER

Dolphin​lifters​Max​Childress,​left,​and​ Henry Herrera, right, claim second and third​place,​respectively,​in​the​169-pound​ weight class for Olympic lifts, earning a bid to​regionals.​CONTRIBUTED

on the state qualifying list.

Also qualifying for the regional event were Kristers Vutans, Daniel Warrington, Cody Roberts, Jordan Henderson, Tristan Court, Keegan Wittke and Zane Rindom for Coral Shores. Marathon’s qualifiers include Matthias Martinez Velez, Jesus Oquendo Santiago, Damian Stasiewicz, Max Childress, Henry Herrera, Jaxon Parrent, Tanner Ross, Thomas Eubank and Brody Vandervoort.

Another accolade is in the books for Marathon’s Fisher Coleman-Sayer, as the standout senior has been selected for the Florida Dairy Farmers’ Academic All-State team.

“This is the most prestigious award the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) gives out each year, and we are grateful for Fisher representing Marathon academically and athletically,” said Marathon athletic director Lance Martin.

Coleman-Sayer joins elite company, as he becomes only the seventh MHS athlete to ever earn the coveted award. State champion weightlifter Rylan Chapa represented Marathon on the 2022 team.

The Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team honors 24 graduating seniors from around the state who excel in both athletics and academics. Eligible students must carry a 3.5 unweighted GPA and earn varsity letters in at least two FHSAA-sanctioned sports during their junior and senior years.

Each student-athlete will earn a $1,700 scholarship and commemorative medallion to honor their selection. From the field of 24, two Scholar-Athletes of the Year, one boy and one girl, will be announced at the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Awards Banquet in June. The Scholar-Athletes of the Year, the most prestigious honors conferred on an active studentathlete by the association, will receive an additional $4,600 each, as well as a trophy.

As a standout on the golf course, basketball court and baseball diamond, Coleman-Sayer was selected to the Keys Weekly All-Keys golf and basketball teams this year. On Nov. 28, he signed a national letter of intent to play golf at Division 1 Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

“There are many people that have played a role in my successes, and I’m grateful for all of them,” Coleman-Sayer told the Weekly. “I’m honored to represent the teachers, coaches, school and community of Marathon.”

COLEMAN-SAYER EARNS ACADEMIC ALL-STATE HONORS

Standout golfer recognized on Florida Dairy Farmers’ prestigious team

CONTRIBUTED

The​Coral​Shores​boys​weightlifting​team​will​advance​to​regional​competition​as​District​16​1A​champions.​ERIN​HAMILTON/Contributed

CONCH BASEBALL WINS THREE

Less than a month remains in regular season

The Key West Conchs baseball team returned from spring break with a vengeance, ripping off a threegame win streak to start the final stage of their regular season.

The team took on Berkeley Prep on March 30 and April 1. They won the first matchup 3-0, logging five hits from Jack Haggard, Caden Pichardo, Anthony Lariz, Gabe Williams and Anden Rady. Andris Barroso was credited for the win on the mound, going six innings and striking out seven of 21 batters. Felix Ong closed out the final inning, striking out three of the five batters he faced.

The Conchs continued their winning ways on March 31 against John Carroll Catholic School, beating the Rams 5-4. Jacob Burnham was credited with the win, pitching six innings for Key West while Lariz closed out the final inning. Wyatt Kuhn led in hitting, adding two base hits to his stats. Matt Greenberg pounded a double and Haggard, Noah Burnham, Lariz and Rady each logged a hit, while Rady drove in 4 RBIs in the contest.

In the April 1 Berkeley Prep game, Ong earned the start and the win, lasting five innings on the mound for the Conchs while Marlin Takovich closed out for the win. Leading the offensive onslaught

for Key West was Gabe Williams with a single and a triple. Jose Perdigon and Sam Holland had two base hits apiece. Haggard doubled and Noah Burnham, Kuhn and Lariz each added a single, giving the Conchs 10 hits in their 8-4 victory.

The Marathon Dolphins racked up 10 hits against Posnack on March 27, defeating the Rams 7-4. Ryan Yablon and Dylan Globe had two hits each, with the others coming from Bryan Broche, Gabe Leal, Micah Sauders, Brody Reininger, Aidan Gonzalez and Mason Thornton.

Dylan Ziels was credited with the win, striking out seven batters over three innings pitched.

On March 29, the Fins faced LaSalle at home, losing 5-3 despite registering six hits against the Royal Lions. Leal had a

pair of base hits while Thornton, Gonzalez, Ziels and Broche each had one.

Two days later, the Fins kept their composure despite an early run from Miami Country Day. Ziels held the Spartans to three hits, striking out 15 over the full seven innings. Marathon’s three hits – one each from Yablon, Ziels and Leal – would be all they needed to beat the Spartans 4-2. They did the rest with aggressive baserunning, stealing a dozen bases in the matchup.

The Hurricanes split a pair of games last week, defeating Somerset Silver Palms on March 29 before a loss to Sagemont on March 31. In the Silver Palms game, the ’Canes put together seven hits, including a pair of doubles by Ezekiel Myers, two hits from Donovan Thiery and one each from Dylan Bloom, Ian Anderson and A.J. Putetti. Tate Brumbalow was credited with the win, striking out seven batters.

Coral Shores’ bats weren’t as active against Sagemont. Campbell Lavoie was credited with two of the ’Canes’ four hits. The others came from Donovan and Bloom, who combined on the mound in the loss.

The 4-9 Hurricanes will do their best to remain undefeated in district play on April 7 against Keys Gate at home.

The​Key​West​Conchs​take​on​Berkeley​Prep​in​the​Spring​Break​Classic.​Key​West​ won both back-to-back matchups, 3-0 and 8-4.ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Wyatt Kuhn. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

LADY FINS STUMBLE AGAINST SPARTANS

Loss primes softball squad for Coral Shores matchup

The Marathon Lady Fins softball team played host to the Miami Country Day Spartans on the final day of March to close out the first half of their season. The Spartans prevailed in a 5-2 affair, snapping a five-game win streak for Marathon and giving the team some extra motivation heading into their April 4 matchup against county rival Coral Shores. Results were not available as of press time.

1.​Marathon​third​baseman​Sage​Brown​ fi​elds​a​ground​ball​and​throws​the​runner​ out​at​fi​rst.

2. Lady Fin Elena Eubank connects for a triple.

3. Shortstop Elena Eubank makes a play at second base.

4.​Marathon​pitcher​Allison​Garcia​fi​elds​ the​ball​and​throws​the​runner​out​at​fi​rst​ base.

5.​Outfi​elder​Maeve​Merryman​goes​after​ a​deep​fl​y​ball.

6​and​8.​Elena​Eubank​slides​safely​into​ home.

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

— Alex Rickert

7. Marathon catcher Madeline Thornton gives the home plate ump a few tips on strike​zones.

A locals favorite, Bongos is an oasis of tropical fruit trees and herb gardens. Offering over 20 craft beers on tap, signature craft cocktails, and delicious light and local fare highlighting many of our “Grassy Grown” organic fruits, herbs, and fresh local Keez Beez honey.

Banquets and Catering available please contact events@GrassyFlats.com

Jump, climb, and slide your way through the twists and turns of our massive floating playground, which features everything from floating trampolines to towering climbing walls. Challenge your friends and family to a race along the course or take on the obstacles solo for an extra adrenaline rush.

Please call 305.414.8245 for inquiries and bookings or visit RideTheLagoon.com for more info!

WE ARE HIRING!

JOIN OUR TEAM

Marathon and Key Largo Elections Of ces

• Be proficient in basic computer knowledge – data entr y, email, internet.

• Employees must be able to occasionally carr y/lift voting equipment and boxes (30 – 40 lbs).

• Must be able to maintain a working knowledge of the Elections Laws, Rules, Opinions, and Office Policy.

• Work with the public in a responsive, courteous, and professional manner. Work well with others.

• Commitment to continuous learning. Laws change daily

• Must sign a “do not smoke” affidavit for the county

• This office will use E-Verify once a job has been offered and has been accepted.

• FDLE Criminal Histor y check will be done once a job has been offered and has been accepted.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Email: info@ke ys-elections.org or (305) 292-3416

BENEFITS:

• Retirement

• Paid Vacation and Paid Sick Leave.

• Starting pay $43,000 per year.

COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!

French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses

SPECIALS

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls

Tacos and Tequila

LIVE MUSIC: ROGER JOKELA

Wednesday: Wine Time

Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles)

Thursday: Prime Rib Night

LIVE MUSIC: JOHN BARTUS

Friday: Abstract Radio

LIVE MUSIC: ABSTRACT RADIO

Saturday: Brunch

BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

LIVE MUSIC: ROGER JOKELA

Sunday: Brunch

BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

Break out the kites for the fight of a lifetime

Moderate winds out of the east combined with an east current created epic sailfish tailing conditions off of Marathon last month. The ocean water had a high level of sediment, which gives it a powdery appearance, and makes sailfish easy to spot as they migrate through the Florida Keys.

To catch these majestic billfish, you need to have quality live bait. Bait can include goggle eyes, big pilchards or ballyhoo. The most effective way to hook into a sailfish in these conditions is to sight cast to them. This technique requires an angler with bait ready to pitch at a moment’s notice and everyone on board keeping a sharp eye looking for a fish coming down the waves. A sailfish in these conditions may look like a black garbage bag suspended a few feet below the surface.

I prefer a light tackle set up to make this fish of a lifetime a fun fight: a seven-foot medium to light action rod paired with a 6500 series spinning reel spooled with 20-pound monofilament. To join the 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to your main line, I implement a Bimini twist to an Albright knot. A 5/0 circle hook will allow the fish to get hooked in the corner of the mouth with a very low chance of it becoming fatally gut hooked.

Even though you are allowed to legally harvest one sailfish a day, it is highly frowned upon in our fishing community, as these fish are not good table fare. When they are released healthy, they will live to fight another day, and several catch-and-release tagging programs have seen the same fish caught several times.

Several tournament boats caught double digit numbers of sailfish in March. Even though the sailfish bite

CAPT. BILL GILIBERTI

is the owner and operator of Top Notch​Sportfi​shing​ in Marathon. His passions include scuba diving and enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

was epic early in the month, they will be a highly targeted species for the next several months as they continue to migrate through the Florida Keys. Another tactic to target this species of billfish is to kite fish. Kite fishing is a technique in which a literal kite is deployed with several clips on its line tethered to a fishing reel on the boat. Typically, you can run three fishing lines off each kite while flying two kites at a time. The fishing lines are run through release clips that release the fishing line when the fish bites and enough tension is created. This allows you to fight the fish directly from your rod and not through the kite. Bycatch of this style of fishing includes delicious blackfin tuna, beautiful wahoo, giant king mackerel and bonita. If you are looking to catch a sailfish, patience is definitely a big part of the process. Anglers will frequently target this species all day with only one or two shots at effectively reeling one in, while on other days you can catch over a dozen. If you are looking to target one of these beautiful fish in the waters off Marathon, contact a local, reputable charter captain who has the experience to put you on the fish of a lifetime!

To book a trip with Top Notch Sportfishing, call Captain Bill at 732-674-8323.

While​they​aren’t​considered​table​fare,​a​fi​ght​with​a​powerful​sailfi​sh​is​a​bucket​list​ item​for​many​anglers.​BILL​GILIBERTI/Contributed

SMALL ISLANDS, NATIONAL STAGE

Leadership Monroe County Class XXX completes advocacy mission on Capitol Hill

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

The Florida Keys represent less than 0.004% of the land area in the United States. But on March 27-29, unique challenges facing the island chain had a national audience as 10 members of Leadership Monroe County (LMC) Class XXX – “Leaders Gone Wild” – flew to the nation’s capital on a nonpartisan advocacy mission.

Representing Class XXX were real estate agent Lauren Hoefert Dunn, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Sarah Fangman, First Horizon Bank Market President Dwight Hill, Monroe County Project Management Director Cary Knight, Assistant County Attorney Christine Limbert-Barrows, Florida Keys Brewing owner Craig McBay, Hemingway Home and Museum Director Andrew Morawski, Marathon Weekly Editor Alex Rickert, First State Bank residential lending Vice President Chris Rivett and Monroe County Solid Waste Management Director Cheryl Sullivan. The delegation was joined by County Administrator Roman Gastesi and virtually by United Way Keys Area President Leah Stockton.

Tasked, as is every group graduating from the LMC program, with developing a year-end class project, Class XXX identified a need and opportunity for members of Florida’s congressional delegation to be reminded of critical issues in the island chain as they work to pass legislation during the spring 2023 sessions of the U.S. House and Senate.

Inspired by the example set by LMC Class XVII’s Florida Keys Days in Tallahassee, now a hallmark event for elected officials and government staff throughout the islands, Class XXX hopes the inaugural trip will serve as the opening chapter for expanding yearly advocacy visits well into the future.

“It’s not often that our legislators are approached in person by such a diverse group of community leaders from their home states, without a devoted special interest agenda, during their time on Capitol Hill,” said Knight. “Providing firsthand, honest accounts of our daily realities impacted by legislation in the hands of these representatives can be a powerful tool that we hope can serve our islands well into the future.”

The contingent’s perseverance found a welcoming audience in D.C., where class members secured meetings with five members of Florida’s Congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen.

Rick Scott and U.S. Reps. Carlos Gimenez, Jared Moskowitz, John Rutherford and Mario DiazBalart. The class also attended the opening of a photography exhibition showcasing the Florida Wildlife Corridor, where they had the pleasure of conversing with U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor and Darren Soto at the Florida House, the only established state embassy on Capitol Hill.

Billed from the start as a nonpartisan mission with a focus on education and advocacy while avoiding direct lobbying, the trip’s priority topics with Congressional delegates included Everglades and coral reef restoration and protection; necessary upgrades to bridges, pipelines and other related infrastructure; and addressing the Keys’ status as ground zero for sea level rise. With roughly half of Class XXX making the trip to D.C., the remaining class members tackled similar issues in advocacy letters addressed to the same delegates.

The group also secured a heavily-staffed meeting with more than a dozen representatives from FEMA and a presentation from U.S. Capitol Police general counsel Thomas A. DiBiase arranged by Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger. Conversations with FEMA lasted more than an hour and covered a wide range of topics from insurance hikes to the unique statutory challenges hindering rebuilding efforts in the Keys and the lived reality of residents searching for decisive answers in the wake of major disasters.

“I’m very enthusiastic about building the bridge between our federal government and the Florida Keys,” said Sullivan. “Every representative and agency we met with was very receptive to our concerns.”

“The reception from Florida’s delegation and

organizations we met with was overwhelming, especially for a first-time visit,” said Rivett. “Every office expressed their commitment to maintaining and developing a partnership to enhance their connection and communication with Keys community leaders moving forward.”

“We generated some exciting initial momentum toward our goal, and established new relationships while learning valuable lessons about ways to be impactful with federal agencies and elected officials,” added Fangman.

Tours of the Capitol building, Library of Congress and National Archives, as well as admission to the House gallery during active debates of the HR 1 energy bill passed on March 30, rounded out an all-encompassing 72 hours.

Class XXX extends its sincere thanks to each and every senator, representative and agency and their staff who made such crucial meetings and opportunities a reality, including Erin Miles, Clayton Stein, E.J. Valentine, Elliott Shin, Carlos Fanjul, Alex Ferro, Katie Heffernan, Elizabeth Dos Santos and Diana Beckmann.

The class also extends its thanks for the generosity of the Gardens Hotel Key West, Monroe County, Florida Keys Brewing Company, Waste Management, First State Bank, First Horizon Bank, the Hemingway Home and the Keys Weekly Newspapers in sponsoring the ambitious project. They also extend a special thanks to County Commissioner Holly Raschein for her presence and invaluable guidance throughout the planning of the inaugural visit.

“The trip was a phenomenal experience for all of us,” McBay concluded. “We will start working towards making it a yearly visit to continue advocating and working to keep issues facing the Keys in the minds of our federal legislators and agencies.”

Established in 1992, Leadership Monroe County is an educational nonprofit community leadership organization developed to address the rapidly changing needs and concerns of the county, develop a group of well-educated leaders, help guide the community in a positive direction and foster countywide effective and nonpartisan alliances. Through a series of single or multi-day sessions over seven months, participants examine the fundamental public and private segments throughout the county. These experiences help participants grow as Monroe County residents and leaders as well as provide invaluable connections among other leaders across the county.

1. Class XXX capitalizes on a rare break to take in the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument.

2. U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez discusses his role on the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

3. Highlighting the Florida Keys’

unique struggles with disaster recovery, insurance premiums, building permits and geographical challenges, Class XXX spent over an hour in talks with more than a dozen staff members in person and online from FEMA.

4. U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, left, converses with Class XXX members Dwight Hill, Cary Knight and Andrew Morawski.

5. Staff assistant Elliott Shin provides a fully narrated tour of the U.S. Capitol.

6. U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, center with blue jacket, discusses the entrenched obstacles preventing bipartisan partnerships with Class XXX.

7. The class arrived just in time to witness the famed cherry blossom bloom in the nation’s capital.

8. ‘Tastes like freedom’: Key lime cookies from Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys made the trip to the capital as thank-you gifts for those who took the time to meet with Class XXX – with a few left over to enjoy after two packed days of meetings.

9. The Great Hall in the Library of Congress.

Stops on a tour of the Capitol included the old Supreme Court chamber used from 1810 to 1860

Photos by Alex Rickert, Cary Knight and Brianna Dapuzzo

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

When the Keys Weekly caught up with, unbeknownst to us at the time, the 2023 Seven Mile Bridge Run champion Vance Bursa and asked how he did after the race, his answer was pretty common: “I beat the bus!”

The part he left out? “...And the other 1,499 people on that bridge.”

As evidenced by significantly slower average times than in recent years, a stiff headwind and high morning temps challenged hundreds of runners in the race’s 42nd iteration, won by Bursa with a time of 41:01 – that’s a 6:02 mile pace. The 15-year-old MHS distance phenom said he and returning 2022 champ Collin Wainwright paced each other for most of the race, chasing a pack of frontrunners led by eventual second-place winner Joanna Stephens.

BRINGING THE TITLE HOME

15-YEAR- OLD MARATHON RUNNER CLAIMS SEVEN MILE BRIDGE RUN CHAMPIONSHIP

“When we got off the hump, I thought it was probably time to go catch (Stephens),” he said. “I said, ‘Collin, you wanna go?’ … He didn’t pick it up enough to where we could catch her by the end of the race, so I just said ‘I guess I have to take off.’ So I did.”

Bursa’s win resumes a proud recent run of victories by Marathon locals, with his cross country contemporaries Aydan Child and Jonathan Pitchford winning the race in 2018 and 2019, respectively. He was quick to acknowledge strong finishes by his current teammates and family – his brothers Jakub, 18, and Tony, 13, took eighth and ninth place overall, respectively, while his mother Helena braved the course with a broken wrist and still claimed the top spot in her age division.

With two more years before graduation, the Weekly only had one other question that we knew Vance would never come out and say on his own: If he can fend off strong runs from his own family, does he have his sights set on a repeat championship?

“That’s the plan,” he laughed.

“We are relieved and happy that the 42nd Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run is now in the books,” said race director Ginger Sayer. “We are so appreciative of all of our volunteers, law enforcement officers, and our local fire personnel. It seemed as though the runners had a good time and were kept safe, and we are now looking forward to the 43rd Annual, which we hope to gain approval for on April 13, 2024.”

3. It takes a city to put on the Seven Mile Bridge Run, and volunteers are the lifeblood

4. Staying true to their promise, Chris Todd Young, right, and her father Paul Todd crossed the finish line just in time to beat the bus, checking off a bucket list item for Paul’s 80th birthday.

5. The women’s overall podium was composed of Shelby Nowak (3rd, left), 2022 women’s winner Holly Smith (2nd, center) and 2023 women’s champion Joanna Stephens.

6. Top overall male finishers included Joel Martinez (3rd, left), 2022 bridge run winner Collin Wainwright

1. Overall winner Vaclav “Vance” Bursa breaks the tape in 41 minutes, 1 second. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

2. Joanna Stephens takes the women’s title with a second place overall finish in 41 minutes, 13 seconds.

of the race.

(2nd, center) and 2023 champion Vance Bursa.

TRUSTS • WILLS

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

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

NOREASTER WINS THE SWORD FIGHT

The third drift was the charm for Noreaster Sportfishing as they hooked a massive swordfish on April 2 while 30 miles off the coast of Marathon. After a six-hour inch-by-inch fight, captain Nick Borraccino sealed the deal with a wellplaced harpoon. The fish measured 93 inches from the lower jaw to tail fork, with an estimated weight of just over 400 pounds. Pictured, from left: Blake Donahue, Kira Mann, Josh Mann, Borraccino, Frank Ottolino, Kyle Franz. HARLIE FALZONE/Contributed

TALK ABOUT A SPRING BREAK STORY

This 66-inch, 97-pound amberjack was the trophy of the day on March 29 for Jude Harrison, who visited his family’s home in Marathon for his senior year spring break. “It took him an hour to get it in the boat,” his mother Rhonda told the Weekly. “What a way to spend a spring break!”

RHONDA HARRISON/Contributed

IF YOU NEED A CRANE, IT’S BEEN A GOOD DAY

On March 29, captain Matt Pelphrey, left, Ray Woody and Art Brown found themselves in a fight with a 344-pound swordfish. After hooking the beast at 1 p.m., the crew battled for eight hours, traveling more than 21 miles before putting their prize in the boat. The fish measured 148 inches from lower jaw to tail fork. CONTRIBUTED

THE ONES THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY

Marathon anglers stack up impressive catches

Not that anyone truly forgets, but sometimes it’s good to get a reminder: there’s a reason the Florida Keys are widely regarded as the sportfishing capital of the world. Over the last week, the Marathon Weekly received several submissions from individuals and crews who landed the catch of a lifetime after battles with powerful species. Break out the tape measure and call the taxidermist – these are true trophies.

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.

Iwas meeting Kevin Christman to do some birding at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, which I always think of as just the Botanical Garden, but I had to run some errands first and he arrived before me. His first report from the field was a text that said there was an Easter egg hunt on and kids everywhere, but he thought if he got in there, he could probably beat most of them to the eggs.

I thought about it for a second, Kevin being 2 to 3 times taller than most of the more youthful participants, which would give him an advantage in stride length and finding eggs set on top of things. But the kids were much closer to the ground, giving them not only much tighter turning radii, but also limiting how much effort they had to put into stooping down and scooping up the eggs. And they would have an advantage finding the eggs that were hidden under things. Not to mention all the over-protective parents Kevin would have to fight off. And really, aren’t eggs just birds that don’t move? Where’s the challenge in that?

I was driving, but hoping to text him some of these thoughts at the next stop light, when another text from him came through. This one said, “BANANAQUIT!!!”

All thoughts of Easter eggs were vanquished.

Bananaquits are these chattery sugar junkies from Central America, South America and the Caribbean. They are a little bigger than a North America warbler, and huskier in shape, and with a sturdy, long-for-a-songbird, downcurved bill. They have bright yellow breasts and bellies and black heads with thick white eyebrows that are often described in the literature as conspicuous. They feed mostly on fruit and nectar. I’ve seen a few thousand of them in my travels, usually swarming hummingbird feeders for the easy fix. But I hadn’t seen one for a long time, and I’d only ever seen one in the U.S., years ago at Bahia Honda State Park.

I did what I could to get there faster which, in the land of lollygagging golf carts and swerving scooters, was not much. The sides of College Road, when I got there, spilled over with parked cars, making me mutter profanities about parking like a person from up the Keys. Then I ended up getting tips from someone about ducks and where to find them.

Inside, the park was as packed as I’d ever seen it. People were everywhere. Kids were everywhere, wandering and weaving in an anticipatory Easter egg hunt haze. I tried to hurry, but mostly concentrated on not tripping over any of them. As Whitney Houston once said, “I believe that children are the future.”

A NOT- SO - PERFECT DAY FOR BANANAQUITS

And as my niece has often said to my sister, they’re the ones who will be picking our nursing homes, not to mention running them. Also, they were all pretty cute with their bunny ears and painted faces.

I found Kevin as far out of the fray as he could be, under a fig tree, staring straight up.

“I’ve got a spindalis,” he said.

“No bananaquit?” I asked.

“I’m not sure,” he said.

Kevin had been walking around and heard a bird very softly singing a song he didn’t recognize. So he opened up Merlin and the app told him it was a bananaquit.

Merlin was developed by the folks at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology where you can upload a picture of a bird and the app will tell you what it is, though I’ve never used that option. But you can also hit a button and it will start recording, and it will identify the species of all the bird calls it can hear. I used that option a great deal when I was in Scotland last year and I wasn’t familiar with what I was hearing, and it was pretty spot on.

The thing is, it’s good, but not perfect. It should be taken as presenting a possible ID of a bird, but not a definitive one.

Now it was unclear if there were both a bananaquit and a Western spindalis in the tree, or if a singing spindalis sounds enough like a singing bananaquit to fool Merlin.

By spindalis he meant Western spindalis, a Caribbean rarity that shows up in the Keys once a year or so. There are seven species of Western spindalis, and it has been the belief in the birding world for a long time that they would be split, at some point in the future, into several different species. There are two types that get seen up in South Florida – green-backed and black-backed. Black-backed are more common, and are thought to be from the Bahamian population. A pair even tried to breed in the Everglades a few years ago.

The green-backed are the rare ones. Until last fall, only one green-backed Western spindalis had ever been seen in the U.S. Then last October one was found by a birder named John Groskopf at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. It hung around for a few days, then disappeared. But on New Year’s Eve I saw one at Indigenous Park. And then in late January I got an email from a visitor named Craig Triplett with a photo of a green-backed spindalis in the Key West Cemetery.

It seemed more likely that this was the same individual bird being seen multiple times, but it was hard to be sure.

The spindalis Kevin and I were now looking at was straight up, in the glare of the sun, so getting a good look at it was pretty uncomfortable, and we were only seeing its face and its belly. But we had two things to figure out. Was it the spindalis that was singing? And did the spindalis have a green back or a black back?

It took a while, but eventually the bird did hop to another branch and change the direction it was facing, and let us see the green on its back. It was probably the same individual that had been seen before.

It was in really great light, though, and almost out in the open, and I raised my camera to take the shot, clicked the shutter button, and got a message on my screen telling me there was no card in the camera. Because I am a professional.

I lowered the camera and let it hang on the strap around my neck like the albatross of photographic incompetence.

A few minutes later we could hear the singing again, and we raised our binoculars to see its throat and its bill moving, meaning it was the spindalis that Kevin had been hearing all along.

Not the rarity we thought it was, but a rarity nonetheless.

We never did get any of those Easter eggs, though.

A Western spindalis seen recently at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. KEVIN CHRISTMAN/Contributed

BOOKS

HISTORICAL FICTION, LAUGH - OUT- LOUD ROMANCE AND A MURDER MYSTERY. THREE FANTASTIC READS TO PUT YOU IN A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND.

FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL

By Renée Rosen

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE

By Kate Spencer

THE ALIENIST

By Caleb Carr

In 1938 in New York City, a woman named Estée Lauder was producing face creams and lotions in her small apartment. Employment was scant and war fast-approaching. Her husband Joe floundered from one menial job to the next, spending most of his time caring for their son, Leonard. Estée starts selling her products in beauty parlors, giving facials and free samples to any woman with a moment to spare. As her line increases, so do her visions of fame and fortune. One day she befriends Gloria, the new shampoo girl. Estée takes the younger and less assured Gloria under her wing and fills her with a drive she never imagined. Gloria, once a pampered socialite, lost everything when her father went to Sing Sing for a Ponzi scheme, a secret she would never reveal. As Estée’s products battle rivals Revlon, Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden, she remains wholly focused on getting her cosmetics into Saks Fifth Avenue. These spirited women help each other attain success and happiness, determined to prove that women really could have it all. Based on the true life story of icon Estée Lauder, this fascinating journey expertly pulls the reader back through time.

KAREN NEWFIELD

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

One morning when Franny Doyle arrives at her busy Manhattan office, she is summoned to the conference room. After four faithful years as an interior designer, she is laid off due to severe cutbacks. In shock, Franny fills a box with her meager belongings and heads to the suffocating subway. Her pretty summer dress gets caught in the doors and rips straight through the back. Surprisingly, as good Samaritans are rarely found in NY, a charming, handsome man comes to her rescue. Crying, sweating and now wrapped in his suit jacket, a flustered Franny makes her way home. Naturally, every passenger had their phone handy and this subway surprise goes viral as the strangers become the latest social media sensation. When the local news picks up the story, Franny and Hayes Montgomery III unite on a popular morning show. With much awkwardness, Franny thanks her knight in shining Gucci and expects this fiasco to end. Frustrated, jobless and questioning all her life decisions, Franny ironically continues bumping into handsome Hayes. Despite the many difficulties of being single in the city, sparks fly throughout this adorable and steamy love letter to Manhattan.

In 1896, John Schuyler Moore, a New York reporter, is summoned by his old Harvard friend Theodore Roosevelt, the police commissioner. Roosevelt is trying to crack down on corruption, and crime is at the top of his agenda. He enlists Moore and eminent psychiatrist Dr. Lazlo Kreizler to solve a string of gruesome murders: young boys who cross dress and offer services at various brothels are dead. These boys are severely mutilated. It’s an obvious pattern, and quite suspicious that the police are covering it up. Kreizler, Moore and secretary Sara Howard begin to unravel the many clues to this serial killer. Kreizler is an alienist, a term coined for psychiatrists at the time, who focuses on the minds of the mentally ill with violent histories. As one of the most famous novels set in New York, this story introduces the history of forensic techniques such as fingerprinting along with Kreizler’s psychological profiling of how childhood abuse can lead to adult violence, a phenomenon more fully understood by society today than 100 years earlier. A chilling fictionalized account of social history. A series recently adapted for the screen is also on HBO Max.

WATCH TIP: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” follows the life of Midge in 1958 NYC as a typical housewife who shockingly decides to take a turn at being a stand-up comic. The fifth and final season of this comedy releases April 14 on Prime Video.

April 1, 2023, the efforts of hundreds of people culminated in the success of the 42nd Annual 7-Mile Bridge Run. The Marathon Runners Club wishes to say THANKS to all of those people who participated in the planning and execution of the run, as well as the dedicated law enforcement officials who so efficiently carried out their traffic control and safety responsibilities.

"I Promise" crew

Julie Elgersma - Supply Disbursement

Dave Daniels - Safety Team and T-shirts

The Sayer Family

Bobbie & Chuck Bayles & Family

Luis Gonzalez Family

Don Scoמּen Family

Kevin Freeman - Mile Markers

Pete Worthington - Communication Team

Numbers Aﬞernoon Crew

Jim Murphy

MHS & MMS Coaches & Teams

“Murph” and Lance

Best Packet Pickup and Stuffing Team

Entire Faro Blanco & Lighthouse Grill Hospitality Staff

Diane’s Nurses Team

We wish to acknowledge contributions made by:

Rafael Medina

Mike Puto

Sue Corbin

Zoltan Polgar & Agency 44

Renee and Team

Marathon Electric Sign & Light

Pat Kersey

Don & Son Fence Co.

Split Second Timing

Florida Keys Electric Co-op

Denise & Chris Pankow

Southernmost Runners Club

Bill Becker/Jim Dorl

Key West Visitor Center

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

King’s Concrete Repair

Big Pine Motel

Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge

Bank of America

Crane Point Hammock

Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce

Marathon Lumber

Tom Wright’s Office Crew

CM & Dennis Bishop

Sunbelt Rentals

Jahaira Montalegre

UPS Store Sharon & Paמּy

First Horizon & Trich

Dean Richardson

John Bartus

Tiffany & Cathy

CFK ANNOUNCES PRINCIPAL OF NEW CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

WENDY M c PHERSON TO TAKE HELM AFTER 9 YEARS AT MARATHON HIGH SCHOOL

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) has named Wendy McPherson as the first principal of CFK Academy, the college’s new collegiate charter high school. She will start fulltime with the college in July after completing a nine-year tenure as principal of Marathon High School in June.

“Dr. McPherson is a veteran educator who knows the Keys community and understands the importance of educating our next generation. She is an effective and highly engaged academic leader,” said Jonathan Gueverra, CFK president. “Under her leadership, the CFK Academy is well positioned for a strong launch and a successful future that will benefit our students, their families, and the community at large.”

McPherson began her career of more than 30 years as a teacher at Sigsbee Elementary for 11 years before working as a district administrator and English/language arts coordinator. She then served as an assistant principal at Sugarloaf School and Marathon High School before becoming principal of Marathon High School. McPherson was named Principal of the Year twice by the Monroe County School District, in 2016 and 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida State University, a master’s degree in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction from University of West Florida, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Southeastern University.

CFK Academy, which opens in August, is a tuition-free charter high school authorized by the Monroe County School District. With a focus on college and career readiness, the curriculum centers on science, technology, engineering and math and career technical education. The school will use project-based learning experiences that provide students with hands-on engagement in the learning process to develop skills, knowledge and character. CFK Academy students are encouraged to earn college credit — at no cost to the student — through the college’s dual enrollment program in classes located on the same campus as the high school. Motivated students can graduate with a high school diploma as well as an associate degree, certificate, and/or industry certification.

Applications for the 2023-24 school year are available at cfk.edu/ cfkacademy. CFK Academy will start with grades nine through 11 in its inaugural year and will add grade 12 in the 2024-25 school year.

— Contributed

WOOGSLEY

2-year-old female bulldog mix.

Looking for: After being abandoned, I’m looking for my forever home.

Turnoffs: Walking on a leash. What is that?

TAKE ME HOME

Florida Keys SPCA

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

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

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

TUX

2-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A place to grow up and play.

Turnoffs: Nothing at all.

JETHRO

3-year-old male domestic shorthair. Looking for: Someone to notice me.

Turnoffs: Being passed up because I’m not a kitten.

Wendy​McPherson​will​start​as​ the​fi​rst​principal​of​the​new​charter​ high school, CFK Academy, in July. CONTRIBUTED

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the

BRIEFLY

Floodplain workshop to address downstairs enclosures on April 6

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will hold a workshop on Thursday, April 6 at 10 a.m. at the Marathon Government Center to reexamine certain provisions in the FEMA-required floodplain ordinance. The ordinance was adopted in November 2022 and became effective on March 7, 2023. The public, including construction and real estate industry members, are invited to provide input on potential changes to the ordinance, including updates to the regulation of downstairs enclosures below base flood elevation, and continuation of the requirement that enclosures are inspected when there is a transfer of ownership. The BOCC also approved a resolution limiting liability for home sellers and buyers through Sept. 1, 2023 that may be affected by the ordinance. The building department is updating procedures for the required inspections of downstairs enclosures to integrate with the county’s new online permitting system.

Three men arrested

In Marathon drug bust

A litany of drugs were found and three Marathon men were arrested following the search of a residence on March 30, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Special Operations Unit detectives as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection members searched a residence on 109th Street Gulf.

Justin Andrew Kornetti, 30, was charged with trafficking in fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance, possession of amphetamine, possession of synthetic cannabinoids, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Antoine James Freeman, 31, was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana. Thomas Lester Lee, 62, was charged with possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the following narcotics were found throughout the residence: 4.5 grams of Fentanyl, 10 dosage units of buprenorphine strips, 0.5 grams of amphetamine/MDMA, three dosage units of lorazepam, three dosage units of flexeril, two cartridges of synthetic cannabinoid, 2.2 grams of cocaine and 2.7 grams of marijuana.

A fourth person was found sleeping in a van outside the residence on the property. That person was not arrested.

Keys Watercolor Society opens scholarship applications

The Florida Keys Watercolor Society will award a $250 scholarship to a Monroe County graduating senior pursuing a higher education degree in visual arts. The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 30. Please Contact FKWCS scholarship chair Peter Turner at psterlingtri@gmail.com or 305-8575746.

Anne McKee Artists Fund grant applications are open

The Anne McKee Artists Fund is offering grant opportunities to individual visual, performing and literary artists who reside in Key West and the Florida Keys. The fund was created to give project-based assistance to individual artists. Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and/or to promote recognition of emerging talent. Other factors considered are a history of dedication and excellence in the applicant’s area of expertise and their commitment and involvement in the cultural community of Key West and the Florida Keys. The original Anne McKee Fund artist grant awards up to $2,000 per artist for as many as 20 artists for project-based work. In addition, there are three youth-based scholarships, with categories for age 14 and over and 14 and under, as well as the John McIntosh Student Grant for Artistic Advancement. An application and details can be found at McKeeFund. org or by emailing McKeeFund@gmail. com. Submission deadline is April 14.

Cultural Umbrella funding available through Arts Council

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts has announced that the application for Tourist Development Council Cultural Umbrella funding is now available. Funding amounts will be $25,000, $30,000 and $35,000. The application is at keysarts.com. Requests for an application may also be e-mailed to director@keysarts.com. Cultural Umbrella funding is used for the advertising and promotion of cultural events taking place between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024. Organizations intending to apply for Cultural Umbrella funding are strongly encouraged to attend one of the free workshops on the application and the media/marketing procedures being offered via Zoom. Please register in advance by contacting the arts council office at 305-295-4369 or director@keysarts.com. Workshops are Tuesday, April 11 at 4 p.m. and Wednesday, April 12 at 10 a.m. The deadline for submitting the application is Wednesday, April 26 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.keysarts. com.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SONG Local singer-songwriters create their own music

One of the best parts about living in or visiting the Florida Keys is the ubiquity of live music. Our islands feature a plethora of great local talent playing a variety of music. While I have played a huge amount of cover tunes, I always continued writing and recording my own songs. Many years back, I made a conscious decision to play a lot more of my original music at my gigs here in the Keys. I’m not getting any younger, and if I don’t play them…

This decision has had a major upside. People come to my shows and expect to hear my songs — and I get a lot of requests for my music! Locals and visitors alike have their own favorites, and it’s really inspirational to think that my music has touched other people’s lives. And it’s good to play music that isn’t heard in every other joint throughout the island chain.

There is a demand for original music. Key West and Key Largo both host their own songwriter festivals, and their events are well attended. Both festivals, however, import talent from Nashville; local songwriters often play second fiddle to the visiting writers.

We have a lot of really good songwriters right here in the Keys. Hopefully, my words will inspire our local talent to share more of their originals with audiences at each performance. And most of the writers I’ll mention have CDs for sale, a streaming presence on one or more of the various outlets like Apple Music or Spotify, or both. There’s some really good homegrown music right here, and I hope you’ll get a chance to check some of it out.

Adrienne Z – Adrienne has written and recorded a lot of songs, and I listen to her Chameleons CD (album/ collection of streams) quite a bit. I perform with Adrienne a couple of times a month, and I’m always happy to accompany her on her songs — especially “Chameleons” and “Blue Day.” Each of us brings something to the other’s music, and I love her playing on my songs as well. adriennemusic.com

Brian Roberts – Brian gigs his a$$ off each week, and he has written (or co-written) some very cool tunes. One of these, “Angels of Mercy,” is a cowrite with our friend David Crawford. It’s a heartfelt tribute to nurses and the contributions they make to all of our lives. His 2005 CD "At the Time” features some cool compositions as well, including the title cut and “42 Bridges.” brianrobertsmusic.com

David Feder – David is a very talented guitarist who took his Latin influences and combined them with

JOHN BARTUS

his classical and jazz background, creating his own genre of Flamencoinfused folk music. His songs have been featured on NPR and PBS programs, and David has performed at numerous festivals around the world. David is truly a local musical treasure. davidfeder.com

Cory Young –Cory plays a lot of his songs at his shows. This is fitting, because more than a few of them celebrate the island life we cherish and embrace every day. (If you’re not cherishing and embracing the island life, what’s wrong with you?) Cory has an interesting story, and is very talented when it comes to telling that story through song. coryyoungmusic.com

Ty Thurman – Ty also writes about island life, and has released a few albums’ worth of his musings. Ty and Cory both spent years in Nashville, and have performed together more than a few times. Ty performs both solo and with his band, and his 2018 Beachballs CD had several songs place in the Trop Rock Top 20. leapthecreek. com

Ericson Holt – Ericson’s new album 99 Degrees won him several awards at the recent Key West Music Awards, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Best Blues Act. Ericson is a talented keyboardist and guitarist, and his three CDs are populated with characters struggling to realize the American Dream — combining his rock, blues and Americana influences to create a sound that’s truly Ericson’s own. ericsonholt.com

These are just a few of our local musicians who create their own music; many more are worthy of mention here as well. Sure, it might be fun to have a sing-along with “Wagon Wheel” or “Country Roads” — but it’s incredibly rewarding to hear local songwriters performing their own works to appreciative audiences.

— John’s Perpetual Island Tour stops every Monday at Boondocks, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Key Colony Inn, and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music! Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow.com

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

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of PICKLES

PUB’S SANDBAR located at 511 Greene Street, #101, Key West, Florida 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Kahunas Deerfield Beach, LLC, a Florida limited liability company

By: Justin M. Acita,

Publish:

April 6, 2023

Manager

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 04/27/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

JH2RC50546M200427 2006

HOND Publish:

April 6 & 13, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II)

DAC II – (From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business, who shall represent the general public, and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is “directly”. This means no direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon tourism).

Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com or sent via U.S. Mail to the address shown below:

Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, April 28, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, 1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

Publish: April 6, 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 and ABC

Application Workshop

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10:00

AM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 822 5189 1343

Passcode: 720956

Cultural Umbrella Event and ABC

Application Workshop

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 847 4407 0590

Passcode: 268890

Art in Public Places Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 883 8294 3545

Passcode: 080834

Nominating Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 859 3558 5953

Passcode: 349383

Executive and Finance Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 871 0919 9534

Passcode: 941860

Publish:

April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING

SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-482

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.

Thursday, April 20th, 2023, 9:35 am OR at the conclusion of the Public Hearing

Location: Located at the Temporary Meeting Place for the City of Key Colony Beach, at the Key Colony Inn Banquet Room, 700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach.

The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2023-482], entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA RELATED TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING

SECTIONS 17-1 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE UPDATED REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, MOTORIZED SKATEBOARDS, HOVERBOARDS AND OTHER MICROMOBILITY DEVICES WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF FOUND TO BE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEAL, AND CODIFICATION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to

appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, April 20, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida

Publish:

April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT

HEARING

SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-483

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.

Thursday, April 20th, 2023, 9:30am OR at the conclusion of the Public Hearing Location: Located at the Temporary Meeting Place for the City of Key Colony Beach, at the Key Colony Inn Banquet Room, 700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach.

The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is ORDINANCE NO. 2023-483, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING ARTICLE III, CHAPTER 101 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA RELATED TO THE REDUCTION OF SETBACKS FOR RESIDENTIAL POOLS; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SECTIONS 101-13 AND 101-26 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO REDUCE THE SETBACKS FOR POOLS WITHIN THE R-2B ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF FOUND TO BE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEAL, AND CODIFICATION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, April 20, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida

Publish: April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The City of Key Colony Beach will be holding Public Hearings on:

Planning & Zoning Hearing:

Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 9:30

A.M.

City Commission Public Hearing:

Thursday, May 18, 2023, 9:30 A.M.

Key Colony Beach,

LEGAL NOTICES

Florida, will hold a Planning & Zoning Hearing on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., and a City Commission Public Hearing, on May 18, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., at the City of Key Colony Beach Temporary Meeting Place at the Key Colony Inn Banquet Room, located at 700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida, 33051,to hear a Variance Request from Shawn M. and Donna Saban Ogni, owners of the property located at 260 9th Street, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings.

Applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 101, Section 26 (11), to allow the installation of a pool within the 10’ setback to 5’. Current setback requirements are 10’ feet. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, or Thursday, May 18, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net . and your comments will be entered into the record.

Publish: April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The City of Key Colony Beach will be holding Public Hearings on: Planning & Zoning Hearing, Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 9:30 A.M. City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 9:30 A.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Planning & Zoning Hearing on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., and a City Commission Public Hearing, on April 20, at 9:30 A.M., at the City of Key Colony Beach Temporary Meeting Place at the Key Colony Inn Banquet Room, located at 700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida, to consider a Development Agreement with Garrison Bright Marina Inc, 400 Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests approval of a Development Agreement pursuant to Chapter 101 of Land Development Regulations Article XII, Section 101-176, seeking approval for redevelopment of an existing marina property. The project combines the two (2) properties located at 400 Sadowski Causeway and adjacent 300 Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach into one property (the “Property”) that will continue to operate a marina facility as its principal use. The proposed marina facility would comprise (a) a marina and ship store, (b) live-aboard vessel slips and other temporary docking facilities, (c) redevelopment of one (1) 3,894 sq. foot restaurant and (d) renovation of existing commercial 6,465 sq. ft building on the Property. New Restaurant will be tiki

style construction and new finished floor will meet current flood zone regulations. The maximum height of structures on the property shall be 40 feet in accordance with building plans and permits issued by the City. The unified Property is zoned B-1 Neighborhood Business District and comprises approximately 1.75 acres with a maximum allowable density of 8 units per acre. The request was submitted by Greg Oropeza, Esq., Oropeza, Stones & Cardenas, 221 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida 33040. This notice is made under the provisions of Chapter 163.3225, Florida Statutes. The Development Agreement may be inspected by the public by contacting the City Clerk. These matters are subject to quasi-judicial rules of procedure. Interested parties should limit contact with the City Commission on this topic to properly noticed public hearings or to written communications to the City Clerk. All interested parties are hereby advised that they may appear at said meetings and be heard with respect to said agreement. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, or Thursday, April 20, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Publish: April 6, 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 19, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REVISING ARTICLE III OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, SECTION 2-58 COUNTY ADMINISTRATION; REVISING ARTICLE VI PURCHASING AND CONTRACTS, SECTION 2-346 DEFINITIONS, SECTION 2-347 COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES, AND SECTION 2-348 CHANGE ORDERS TO CONTRACTS OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S SIGNATORY AUTHORITY; PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF GOODS AND SERVICES SUBJECT TO THE COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED TO BE SIGNED BY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION WITHIN THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES AND RENUMBERING AS NECESSARY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the April 19, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on April 7, 2023 at: http://

monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the April 19, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; 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 27th 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:

April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Gravity Flow Injection Well Water

Quality Improvement Projects

Canal #58 Key Largo 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 May 9, 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:

Gravity Flow Injection Well Canal #58 Key Largo 05-09-2023

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on May 9, 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:

April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Gravity Flow Injection Well Water Quality Improvement Projects

Canal #278 Eden Pines, Big Pine Key Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on May 10, 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:

Gravity Flow Injection Well Canal #278 Eden Pines BPK 05-10-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on May 10, 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:

April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Rock Harbor Breakwater Repair & Seaweed Barrier System Water Quality Improvement Project Monroe County, Florida

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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 May 23, 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: Rock Harbor Breakwater Repair & Seaweed Barrier 05-23-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED.

Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on May 23, 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:

April 6, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Tavernier Breakwater Repair & Seaweed Barrier System

Water Quality Improvement

Project 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 May 24, 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: Tavernier Breakwater Repair & Seaweed Barrier 05-24-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on May 24, 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:

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.: 23-CP-80-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. STERNER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of THOMAS J. STERNER, deceased, whose date of death was December 18, 2022, Case: 23-CP-80-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: April 6, 2023.

Personal Representative:

CHRIS WELTS

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:

April 6 & 13, 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 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.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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

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 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

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

LEGAL NOTICES EMPLOYMENT AUTOS WANTED

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

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.

ALL YEARS! Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not.

$CASH$ 305-332-0483

AUTOS FOR SALE

2011 Chrysler Town & Country Van, only 109,000 Indiana miles. New tires. Located in Marathon. $5,500 317-450-7179

BOATS FOR SALE

1992 24' Sovereign Sailboat w/Yenmar Diesel, spacious cabin w/enclosed head. Marathon located w/Bahamas capability. $6,500 317-450-7179

Come join our team. St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon is seeking an experienced keyboard musician to rehearse and play with choir and with contemporary band. For more information email stcolumbamarathon. office.com

Come join our team. Organist/Pianist – St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon is seeking an experienced organist. St. Columba has a long standing commitment and appreciation for traditional music in the liturgical setting. For more information email stcolumbamarathon. office.com.

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.

Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20 - 40 hrs. per week, $23 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.

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

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

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a CustomerService Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housing Assistant, 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

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, full-time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours. Please stop by and fill out application or fax resume to 305-852-9639.

HOUSING FOR RENT

2 Bedroom 1 Bath in Marathon. Tile, carpet, appliances, gated property. No pets. $2400/ mo. 305-610-8002

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

RV LOT FOR RENT

RV Site for rent in Marathon. Up to 35', private gated property. $1,500/mo + utilities. Dockage available - inquire for price. 305-610-8002 YARD

FINANCIAL/ OFFICE MGR

Keys AHEC seeks an experienced Financial/O ce Mgr with extensive knowledge and expertise with QuickBooks and bookkeeping. Non-Profit experience a plus. Successful candidate must be able to handle accts payable/receivable, purchasing, payroll, bank reconciliations, working within multiple budgets, producing financial reports, and have human resources experience. Additional position requirements include general o ce and administrative duties, working with program sta , and interacting with the public. Candidate should also have strong computer and organizational skills.

Qualified applicants should email a resume and cover letter to Michael Cunningham, CEO at michael@keysahec.org EOE

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

IS HIRING!

DIRECT CARE STAFF  GROUP HOMES 24/7 FT/PT

MARC is looking for Direct Care Staff – Group Homes 24/7 (FT/PT). Position requires a minimum of high school completion and 1 yr. exp. or 1 yr. college. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. EOE

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary Street, Key West – or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305-294-9526 *32

IS HIRING!

PLANT STORE MANAGER TRAINEE

MARC is looking for a 40-hr/wk. Manager Trainee Good social/business skills, above average computer skills required (knowledge of POS a plus). Knowledge of tropical plants helpful. Requires a lot of manual labor and must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. EOE

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary Street, Key West – or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305-294-9526 *32

IS HIRING! SUPPORTED LIVING COACH FULL TIME

HIRING

• FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER

• CARPENTERS & LABORERS

• EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

• ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Must have valid Driver’s License & Transportation

Location: Upper Keys

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

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

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

Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club on Grassy Key now hiring Housemen, Housekeepers, Kitchen Staff & Front Desk Agent.

The Lagoon Grassy Key Adventure Park & Bongo’s Botanical Beer Garden on Grassy Key now hiring Watersports Guide, Kitchen Staff & Retail Manager.

Email: hiring@grassyflats.com

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.

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.

Working Warehouse Manager

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge in Islamorada is NOW OPEN and serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

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.

NOW 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 have re-opened as a brand-new fullservice 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. 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.

THIS IS WHERE

We are ready to help you find or manage your Oasis. Keys Ocean Vacation Rentals strives to give every customer the true Keys experience; we don’t just book homes, we book vacations of a lifetime. Ranging from large single family homes to cozy condos, we are here to find what you are looking for. Don’t delay, please contact us today!

OUR SERVICES

24/7 CONTACT | ADVERTISEMENT

PROPERTY INSPECTIONS | SALES TAX COLLECTION

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS | GUEST CONCIERGE SERVICE MAINTENANCE STAFF | HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

UP TO DATE MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY

We are constantly striving to meet market demands with the newest technology. We have Premier Partner status on HomeAway/VRBO with most of our properties.

IN HOUSE SERVICES

Our team of cleaning, maintenance, and contractors are always available.

CONCIERGE

Our guest can book different activitiesthrough us for a one of a-kind trip.

24/7 SERVICE

Our mobile app provides guests all the information they need about their vacation rental.

Keys Ocean Vacation Rentals

Inspections before and after guests allow us to keep the house in optimal shape.

10035 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305-735-4095 Ext. 2

www.KeysOceanVacationRentals.com