Key West Weekly 23-0427

CONCH REPUBLIC

Independence Celebration

April 21-30, 2023

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

h DAILYh

10am-8pm: KEY WEST HISTORIC SEAPORT Conch Republic

Headquarters & Merchandise Booth at Elizabeth & Greene Streets, shopping, dining, live music, boats, schooners and more!

5:30pm: “CONCH REPUBLIC, THE MUSICAL!” at Little Room Jazz Club.

h FRIDAY, APRIL 21st h

FORTY YEARS ONE

“We’re All Here Because We’re Not All There ! ”

KEY WEST, FLORIDA

8-9am: CONCH REPUBLIC BEACH CLEANUP on Higgs Beach.

3-4am: “RAISING of the COLORS” CEREMONY at Mallory Square.

7am: CONCH REPUBLIC DAYS KICK-OFF PARTY at Schooner Wharf Bar.

7-9: “ADVENTURES of the CONCH REPUBLIC”

Last Chance Bar in Florida City.

h SATURDAY, APRIL 22nd h

8am: EARTH DAY CLEANUP on STOCK ISLAND at Bernstein Park.

11am-3pm: CONCH CRAWL BAR STROLL Check in at 801 Duval.

3-4pm: CONCH REPUBLIC DRAG RACES Check in 724 Duval.

7-9pm: VIP Screening of “ADVENTURES of the CONCH REPUBLIC” at Tropic Cinema.

h SUNDAY, APRIL 23rd h

Noon-1pm: SECESSION RE-ENACTMENT at 401 Wall Street.

1-4pm: PARTY LIKE A CONCH-STAR POOL PARTY at The Gates Hotel.

2-4pm: Public Screening of “ADVENTURES of the CONCH REPUBLIC” at Tropic Cinema.

5-7pm: JAZZ IN THE GARDEN at The Gardens Hotel.

h MONDAY, APRIL 24th h

5-7pm: CONCH REPUBLIC K-9 MUSTER in the Backyard Bar at The EmPOURium.

5-7pm: BLIND WINE TASTING at The Gardens Hotel.

h TUESDAY, APRIL 25th h

6-8pm: MILITARY MUSTER & CONCH-TAIL PARTY at the Southernmost Point Bar.

h WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26th h

3-5pm: “ART of WINE” GALLERY TOUR & WINE STROLL at The Saint Hotel.

6-10pm: HOT HAVANA NIGHT at Smokin’ Tuna Saloon.

h THURSDAY, APRIL 27th h

6-7pm: PRE-PARADE PARTY at Southernmost Point Guest House.

8-9pm: The WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE on Duval from the Atlantic to the Gulf.

9pm: PARADE AFTER PARTY & AWARDS at Schooner Wharf Bar.

h FRIDAY, APRIL 28th h

5:30pm: RACE WORLD OFFSHORE KICK-OFF PARTY at Aquarium Encounters, Marathon.

7pm: GREAT SEA BATTLE of the CONCH REPUBLIC in Key West Harbor.

8pm: “SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY” at Schooner Wharf Bar.

h SATURDAY, APRIL 29th h

10am-6pm: CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT FAIR on Duval, between Eaton & Greene.

2-4pm: BLUE RIBBON BED RACES on Duval, starting at Bourbon St. Pub.

5:30pm: RACE WORLD OFFSHORE RACERS & FANS PARTY at Sunset Grill, Marathon.

7pm: PIRATE BALL & COSTUME CONTEST at Schooner Wharf Bar, Historic Seaport.

h SUNDAY, APRIL 30th h

8am-3pm: RACE WORLD OFFSHORE

CONCH REPUBLIC CUP 7-Mile Bridge, Marathon.

1-4pm: SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES to Sand Key Lighthouse.

6pm: RACE WORLD OFFSHORE AWARDS

CEREMONY at Faro Blanco Resort, Marathon.

7pm: WRECKERS CUP RACE AWARDS PARTY & CEREMONY at Schooner Wharf Bar.

TICKETS & INFO: ConchRepublic.com

Come visit the Headquarters of CRIC 2023 at Elizabeth & Greene Streets in KW Historic Seaport, 10AM-8PM.

QUINTESSENTIAL ISLAND LIVING

home's open floor plan features a dining area and an inviting living room which flows through

a tinted sliding glass door to the balcony. The primary bedroom accommodates a king-size bed with room to spare and features a large walk-in closet with builtin storage. The private balcony is also accessible from the primary bedroom. Assigned covered parking with an attached private storage closet is located under the unit. KEY WEST |

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

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News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline

Tuesday 2 p.m.

A company known for its bedding products, kitchen wares and bath items is closing its 360 stores. Bed Bath & Beyond recently filed for bankruptcy following attempts to turn the business around. According to reports, April 26 was the last day to use coupons. All stores are expected to be closed by June 30.

360

Key West’s Conch Republic Independence Celebration continues through April 30. Visit conchrepublic.com and see page 2 for a full schedule of events. Keys Weekly file photo

JUDGE REFUSES TO REQUIRE HAIR SAMPLES FROM WITNESSES IN HUGHES SHOOTING CASE

PRESTON BREWER’S DEFENSE ATTORNEY SOUGHT TO IMPEACH WITNESSES’ TESTIMONY WITH HAIR TESTING

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

An April 26 hearing in the case against Lloyd Preston Brewer III, who is accused of fatally shooting Garrett Hughes outside a Key West bar on Feb. 13, ended with the judge refusing to force witnesses to provide hair samples for drug testing.

Brewer, 57, has been in jail since the Feb. 13 shooting death of Hughes, who was 21 when he was shot in the parking lot of Conch Town Liquor & Lounge on North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West, a few hours after the Super Bowl had ended.

Brewer, whose family owns the building that houses the bar, faces felony murder and firearms charges. His defense attorney, Chris Mancini, at the April 26 hearing before Judge Mark Wilson, argued that hair samples for drug testing should be taken from the three witnesses who were present that night with the victim. One of the witnesses, Carson Hughes, is Garrett Hughes’ brother.

Toxicology reports taken during Hughes’ autopsy showed a bloodalcohol limit of 0.24, which is three times the legal limit for driving, as well as evidence of cannabinoids in his blood and urine.

Monroe County Medical Examiner Michael Steckbauer, who conducted the autopsy, noted that the level of cannabinoids after death was not necessarily a reliable indicator, as substances often get “redistributed post-mortem.”

Mancini said during the hearing that Garrett Hughes had a medical marijuana card. Mancini also said that video footage from the bar that night showed Garrett Hughes and the witnesses passing something back and forth that “with great likelihood was a marijuana cigarette.”

He told the judge that hair samples for drug testing would provide evidence as to whether the witnesses were under the influence and to what degree that would have influenced their perception and reactions to what happened that night.

“It also goes to the witnesses’ willingness to testify to their own illegal activities,” Mancini said.

The defense attorney said the video footage of the actual shooting shows that “Garrett Hughes aggressively turned toward Mr. Brewer in the parking lot.”

Prosecutor Joe Mansfield, in his argument against the hair samples, told the judge that what Mancini described as a marijuana cigarette was actually a Black & Mild cigarillo.

Mansfield further told the judge, “What Mr. Mancini says he sees in the videos is not what I see. The only person who appears to be agitated is the defendant, who reaches into his waistband, pulls out a firearm and begins to march toward Garrett Hughes.”

Ultimately, Judge Wilson denied the defense’s request for hair samples from the three witnesses, Carson Hughes, Blake Arencibia and Logan Pellicier. Wilson cited legal precedent and said, “It’s not that their level of intoxication wouldn’t be relevant or helpful to impeach their testimony, but legal precedent prevails.”

If the hair samples would serve to place a person at a crime scene, or exclude them as a suspect, Judge Wilson said, that would be a different scenario, “so I’ll deny the motion.”

“The witnesses are not direct parties to this case, and have a right to privacy,” Judge Wilson ruled.

A second hearing was scheduled for 3 p.m. on the afternoon of April 26 (after presstime) involving the civil wrongful death case that Hughes’ family filed against Brewer. That hearing was scheduled to involve the freezing of Brewer’s financial assets. Stay tuned to keysweekly.com for more information.

Lloyd Preston Brewer remains silent in court during an April 26 hearing. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST STADIUM DEBATE CONTINUES

SCHOOL BOARD MOVES AHEAD DESPITE PENDING CHANGES

mandy@keysweekly.com

An April 25 discussion of the new Key West High School stadium involved four hours of somewhat contentious back and forth, but was the most productive conversation about the new facility that’s occurred in the past two years of its planning, said several Conch baseball supporters who attended the school board meeting after months of frustration about the lack of baseball amenities in the $20 million stadium plan.

The football team’s Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium backs into baseball’s Rex Weech Field, so any construction at the facility affects both teams. While the football team can and has been playing on an alternative field at The Backyard behind the high school, no other baseball fields are large enough for the high school program. Initial plans called for the baseball team, which has won 11 state championships, to cancel its 2023 season — a plan that was entirely unacceptable to coaches, parents and players, many of whom are being recruited by colleges. Construction was postponed until after this current baseball season.

“(Baseball) Coach Ralph (Henriquez) laid out what he wanted in the new stadium years ago, and none of it, until tonight’s newly presented option, was in there,” baseball booster and Key West business owner Jack Niles said at the April 25 meeting. “There has been a disconnect in this process, but finger-pointing gets nothing done here. This open forum tonight is fantastic because we’re connecting the disconnect. We’re spending $20 million on this. We simply want to be involved in the process, with fair and equitable treatment.”

In the end, the board voted unanimously to proceed with the project rather than delay it a year, but only after promising to add a new concession stand and enlarged press box for the baseball team in Phase 1 of construction.

The board approved a guaranteed maximum price for the new stadium, to be built by Ajax Builders, of $19.3 million, but acknowledged that those costs will increase based on the added baseball features.

At one point during the April 25 meeting, school board member John Dick accused the baseball boosters of “changing their minds and doing anything to delay this project. These are discussions that should already have taken place, and I thought that’s what was happening.” Board member Mindy Conn refuted Dick, saying, “I attended many meetings, John, and what baseball was asking for at Rex Weech is exactly the same. What did change was that we decided NOT to do anything with Rex Weech in Phase 1. The problem is not so much that they’re changing what they want. The problem is that what they want wouldn’t happen for eight years.”

The question of sod versus artificial turf on the new field consumed about two hours of the conversation, with Dave Black, a local contractor who has installed turf fields, questioning the estimated construction time frame that says it would take eight months to resurface the field.

“The city just resurfaced four fields at the Clayton Sterling complex in about four months,” Niles said. “And they’re glorious.”

The baseball team’s advocates strongly supported turf fields due to their lower cost of maintenance and the success of the turf infield at Rex Weech Field that is now six or seven years old and in great shape.

The final vote was to proceed with the project, and add amenities requested by baseball supporters to the first phase of construction.

With Sushi, Casey Arnold, Elle Taylor, Andrew Morawski, Dorian Patton, Q Mitch, DJ Sanaris, Jessica Deveraux, Blue Diamond, Tom Dustin, Puddin’ Taine & Beth Moyes

MANDY MILES

A concession area, foreground, at Rex Weech Field has been added to the new stadium plans for Key West High School. CONTRIBUTED

WOMAN FILES DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT AGAINST GAY MEN’S RESORT

ISLAND HOUSE DEFENDS ITSELF AT HEARING; SAYS IT RENTS SEPARATE UNITS TO WOMEN

AFlorida Keys woman claims she was the victim of discrimination because she could not stay at an all-male, clothing-optional resort for gay and bisexual men in Key West.

The resort’s owners and attorneys claim they do rent separate apartment units to women, but they don’t allow that specific woman to stay there because she was disruptive and combative during an annual fundraising event that welcomes women at the resort for a cocktail party around the pool.

Amina Chaudhry filed a complaint against the Island House Key West resort with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, which addresses discrimination issues. The complaint states that Chaudhry seeks no monetary damages, but rather wants to reverse the resort’s supposedly discriminatory policy, as well as be reimbursed for any court costs and legal fees.

Chaudhry, who lives on Cudjoe Key, represented herself at an administrative hearing held via Zoom on Monday and Tuesday, April 24 and 25, while attorneys Ashley Sybesma and Wayne Larue Smith represented the Island House and its owner Bobi Lore.

Chaudhry’s complaint stems from a June 2022 event at the Island House, which hosts an all-welcome Pride kickoff party and fundraiser at the start of Key West’s Pride celebration every June. Women and nonguests are welcome at the annual party from 5 to 9 p.m., when clothing is required around the pool. Chaudhry attended the Pride kickoff party at Island House in June 2021 and again in June 2022.

In 2021, when the kickoff party and fundraiser was ending and females and nonguests were asked to leave the resort, Chaudhry questioned owner Bobi Lore about why she couldn’t stay and why the resort didn’t allow women, Lore testified this week. Chaudhry took no action against the Island House until the following year’s Pride kickoff party on June 1, 2022, which she also attended.

While there in 2022, she placed flyers on tables around the resort’s pool citing the state’s discrimination laws and questioning its all-male policy. When invited into a private office area to discuss her concerns with owner Bobi Lore and the resort managers, Chaudhry eventually told them it was her intention to sue the Island House for discrimination against women, according to testimony from Lore and manager Jeffrey Smead at the hearing this week.

“I felt affronted by the fact that here was someone who was invited to the space and enjoying it, but while passing out literature to the detriment of our property and aggravating our guests,” Lore testified before administrative law Judge John Van Laningham. “We eventually had the police escort her off the property.”

During the hearing, the judge repeatedly reminded Chaudhry that she needed to base her case and arguments on whether she was individually discriminated against, not whether the resort’s overall all-male policy was discriminatory.

“I’m not here to decide in the abstract whether that policy is illegal or discriminatory,” Van Laningham said. “This is about whether the business individually discriminated against you.”

Chaudhry testified that when she and other nonguests were asked to leave the Pride kickoff party in 2022, she told the resort staff she would instead book a room there for the night.

She was told the resort was fully booked, as it was the start of Pride in Key West.

Further testimony revealed that the Island House has rented units to women since at least 2003, attorney Smith said. Those units are separate one- and two-bedroom apartments adjacent to the resort complex. Female guests are not admitted to the main, clothing-optional facility. But, Lore testified, Island House has agreements with Alexander’s Guest House across the street, which allows female guests from the Island House access to its pool and amenities. The Island House also has an agreement with Key West Fitness on Caroline Street for their rare female guests.

Attorney Smith said the resort only gets about two calls a year from women interested in staying there.

Attorney Ashley Sybesma told the Keys Weekly that Chaudhry’s own witness, a former front desk manager at Island House, testified, Sybesma said, paraphrasing his testimony, that, “usually when women call, it’s by mistake. They think they’re calling Island City House (a familyfriendly, all-welcome resort in Key West),” she said. “When they hear it’s a clothing-optional resort that primarily serves gay and bisexual men, they realize they called the wrong place and book somewhere else.”

Chaudhry told the Keys Weekly on April 26, “In no way do I want this to be an attack on gay men. I fully support them having safe spaces that are welcoming. I don’t want to go to outer space either, but if someone suddenly said women weren’t allowed there, I’d be first to join the protest.”

Resort manager Jeffrey Smead testified that Chaudry was not denied a room because she’s a woman, but rather because she had behaved poorly, and the resort’s liquor license gives them the right to refuse service to someone who is being disruptive.

The complaint process continues for another 60 to 90 days as the judge considers the testimony and drafts a recommended order to the Commission on Human Relations, Smith told the Keys Weekly after the hearing on April 25.

“We’re pleased with how the hearing went and are confident that the judge has a good grasp of the circumstances,” Smith said. “We are persuaded that our methods and model of doing business are in full compliance with the law.”

The Island House is a clothing-optional ‘sanctuary’ for gay and bisexual for men, says manager Jeffrey Smead. ISLAND HOUSE/Contributed

BOCC, DEO OPEN TALKS ON NEW HURRICANE EVACUATION MODEL

UPDATES WITH 2020 CENSUS DATA LOOM LARGE FOR KEYS DEVELOPMENT

A ‘BREAKTHROUGH’ FOR SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR LICENSE CARVE-OUT

Lisa Tennyson, the county’s legislative affairs director, delivered an update on efforts in the current Florida legislative session to modify or repeal House Bill 735. As the subject of understandable uproar among local contractors since it took effect in July 2021, the bill prevents local governments from offering specialty licenses. While not required in other areas of the state with looser requirements, the Keys’ designation as an Area of Critical State Concern requires contractors to pull permits for even small jobs like laying pavers or putting up a fence, rendering them unable to do many jobs legally if existing specialty licenses expire this July.

Though Tennyson said the House has “wanted to do little or nothing to help” House Bill 1383, which would provide relief, she praised the “unbelievable leadership” of Rep. Jim Mooney to keep the bill alive.

“Just this week, the Senate and House bills have been amended to offer some carve-out relief for Monroe County in terms of these licenses,” she said. “It’s been a big breakthrough, and we’re fairly confident that those bills will proceed.”

As of April 24, the bill had passed through committees but had yet to see a full vote in the Florida House or Senate.

IN OTHER NEWS

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Anew hurricane evacuation model is on the way, with massive implications for continued development in Monroe County.

The April 19 meeting of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) marked the commission’s first public exchange with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) as the agency works to create new data-driven hurricane evacuation models for the Florida Keys. The evacuation models, and the statutes they inform, are monumentally important to future development in the Keys, as building allocations dwindle across multiple municipalities within the Keys’ closely-monitored Areas of State Concern.

The statutes have significant legal implications as Keys governments brace for possible takings cases and other litigation when building allocations expire. One such high-profile case resulted in the temporary revocation of 1,300 affordable housing allocations – some of which were already built and occupied – in August 2022 based on statutory language involving the models.

And as Keys utilities and infrastructure struggle to support increasing crowds, with developers eyeing nearly every buildable space throughout the islands, residents have begun to question whether development has already reached a breaking point.

Based on 2010 census data, the prior evacuation model created in 2012 paved the way for a regimented distribution of 3,550 residential building permits throughout the county over a 10-year period from 2013 to 2023. In theory, the number of allocations given would continue to allow for safe evacuation of the Keys over a 24-hour period in the event of an impending storm.

Addressing the commission, acting DEO Secretary Meredith Ivey said that DEO is still in a stage of research and fact-finding as it works with the Division of Emergency Management to create a more formal report by the end of the calendar year based on 2020 census data.

“We recognize there is a need to update this evacuation model, and it is foundational for planning residential development in the Florida Keys over the coming decade,” she said. “Over the last several months, we have met with various local government officials and other stakeholders regarding the need for additional allocations to address affordable housing development pressures and takings claims.”

In addition to accounting for site-built homes, tourist units, and vehicle use in relation to the road capacity along U.S. 1, the new model would account for mobile homes and certain military personnel – some of which were previously included in a 48-hour evacuation – in its 24-hour evacuation.

While DEO regional planning administrator Barbara Powell said the new model is largely produced by updating the variables used to create the previous iteration – including the use of the same modeling program, as confirmed by Ivey – County Administrator Roman Gastesi stressed a need for community involvement as the new model takes shape, highlighting the importance of future workshops or meetings where residents can provide their impressions and concerns directly to DEO.

“Let’s make sure that whatever assumptions we’re going to make, the community is on board,” he said.

• Following a presentation from board chair Mel Montagne of Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM), a nonprofit and nonpartisan advocacy and lobbying group that works to bring insurance inequities to light in the eyes of state officials, the commission elected to give the group $50,000 to continue addressing pressing concerns affecting Keys property owners.

• The commission unanimously voted to approve an employment agreement with current Medical Examiner Michael Steckbauer to create a County Medical Examiner Department with Steckbauer as its head. Addressing the commission, Steckbauer said that absorbing the previously independent office will allow for greater control of the position and easier recruitment of new employees as necessary.

• The commission unanimously approved an ordinance to create the Richard A. Recupero Park at Key West’s Hawk Missile Site. As set forth in the ordinance, the park will be open for recreational use by the public between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Camping, alcohol, fires, grilling, drones and overnight parking are prohibited.

• The commission unanimously accepted a proposal from Banc of America Capital Corp. to provide the county with lease-purchase financing for the three Leonardo AW139 helicopters that will eventually replace the current Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Trauma Star air ambulances. The 15-year agreement for the $53 million purchase comes with an interest rate of 3.25%.

• Dozens of law enforcement personnel and other first responders filled the meeting’s early portion to support Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kathleen McKinney. Due to retire after 40 years of service, McKinney was presented with an Honorary Conch certificate by the commission.

Law enforcement professionals and first responders from throughout Monroe County joined the Board of County Commissioners on April 19 to recognize Lt. Kathleen McKinney for her 40 years of service. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/ Monroe County.

LOCAL CONCERT CELEBRATES BEATLES TUNES KWHS BAND IS INVITED TO PERFORM IN LONDON

THE MUSIC ROOM PRESENTS

43RD ANNUAL KIDS HELPING KIDS CONCERT

STUDENTS & PARENTS RAISE MONEY FOR EPIC TRIP

The Music Room’s 43rd annual Kids Helping Kids Benefit Concert: “All You Need is Love, Celebrating the Songs of the Beatles,” takes place on Sunday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road.

Who doesn’t love the music of the Beatles, especially when it’s performed by over 40 of Key West’s finest young musicians along with the island’s most popular entertainers including Chris Toler, Camille Russo Toler, Claire Caplan, Gregory James, Suzanne Moore, Dave Hoffman and Belle Jampol?

Experience the music of the legendary English rock band like never before.

Join the musicians for a musical journey from the early

years of the Beatles’ British Invasion through their legendary ’60s and ’70s recordings as well as their solo careers. Before the evening is finished, attendees may be singing along to all their favorite Beatles tunes – “Let It Be,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Hey Jude,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Twist and Shout” and more.

Directed by Robin Kaplan and accompanied by Joe Dallas and Skipper Kripitz, the concert benefits Kids Come First, a nonprofit organization that provides clothing, personal items and school supplies to children experiencing financial adversity in Monroe County. Tickets are available at keystix.com.

— Contributed

The Key West High School Band received big news and a huge honor recently. They were invited to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade in London, England. The week-long trip includes several additional performance opportunities.

Students, parents and band supporters are feverishly raising money to ensure that all students can participate in the experience.

Band director Gary Hernandez initially was hesitant due to the cost of the trip, but then he spoke with the band director at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, who told him the experience is invaluable for the students, and if there was any way at all make it happen, they should go, band parent Jamie Strunk told the Keys Weekly.

At Key West High School, the term “band” goes well beyond halftime performances during football games. The commitment to band extends to the classroom, where students earn fine arts credits for their participation in the grueling but enjoyable immersive musical experience.

“At Key West High School, the marching band is actually a combination of smaller musical groups, including the symphonic band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble and color guard,” Hernandez said, adding that the band received the highest

rating of “superior” during an evaluation performance in Palm Beach earlier this year.

“The band is an exceptional student-run organization under the direction of Mr. Hernandez,” Strunk said. “He’s a phenomenal leader and advocate for his students. I cannot say enough good things about this program, the students and their director.”

Piano student Eddie Strunk prepares for the Music Room’s May 7 concert celebrating the Beatles. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The KWHS Band is raising money to perform in London on New Year’s Day. Visit kwhsband.com for information and to donate. CONTRIBUTED

The KWHS Band will offer Dinner and a Show at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 in the high school courtyard.

Hover your phone’s camera over the QR code to go directly to the donation page for the band’s London trip.

HAPPY HOUR

FRESH SEAFOOD, STRONG DRINKS, PANORAMIC WATERFRONT VIEWS, OUTDOOR DINING AND PLENTY OF LOCAL CHARACTERS.

TUCKED AWAY IN SAFE HARBOR, STOCK ISLAND, THE HOGFISH BAR & GRILL IS A TRUE “LOCALS” SPOT

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

TASTE OF KEY WEST COMBINES FOOD, BOOZE & FRIENDSHIP

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

There is no fine print when it comes to Taste of Key West. No need to wonder how much of your donation actually reaches its intended recipient, in this case, AH Monroe. There’s no calculation of gross and net proceeds after expenses because the expenses are nearly nonexistent.

The generosity of all participating restaurants and beverage purveyors is what has made Taste of Key West so successful for the past 28 years. Attendees buy tickets at the door that are then traded for samples of food, wines and beers once inside the venue, which is lined with booths offering mouthwatering options.

Thirty-seven restaurant booths and three giant beer and wine tents made for another memorable Taste of Key West event on April 24 at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West.

Now in its 28th year, Taste of Key West combines everything good about the island community — people, food, adult beverages and generosity.

1. Tavern n Town at the Marriott Beachside Hotel joins the party at Taste of Key West. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

2. Chef Wesley from the College of the Florida Keys’ culinary arts program serves some spicy Cajun jambalaya at Taste of Key West. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

3. Cafe Sole serves samples of its award-winning portobello soup. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

4. Four Flamingoes, Chef Richard Blais’ pop-up restaurant at Hyatt-Centric in Key West, serves melt-in-yourmouth tuna. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

5. The Roostica crew serves homemade meatball sliders. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

COME WORSHI WITH US

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

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am

Service 11am & Service 6pm

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Adorasyon 8:30pm

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Domingo Estudio Biblico a las 4:30pm

Servicio de Adoración a las 5pm

Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

NAMI Miami-Dade is part of a national organization that offers free mental health programs. We are here to listen, offer a friendly voice and provide support to create awareness and help prevent suicide.

If you’re in crisis, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

MacKENZIE/ Contributed

SAVANNAH CHADIC

– Conchs coach Dave Perkins

Senior, Key West Track & Field

Key West’s Savannah Chadic has been making a name for herself on the track this season. The senior, whose blazing speed won her two individual district championships last week, is ranked second in the region in the 400 meter event and seventh in the 200 meter. Chadic’s 400 time of 56.02s should open the door for her to compete at the state level later in May. Chadic’s leadership was integral to the success of her sprint relay team and in bringing home district hardware for the entire team.

“Savannah leads on the track by example,” said coach Dave Perkins. “We depend on her to get the team ready to go.”

For her hard work on the track and the great things she is doing for Key West track and field, Savannah Chadic is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“Savannah is one of the most talented runners we’ve had at Key West High School.”

Savannah Chadic carries the baton in a recent relay for Key West.

The Lady Conchs softball team picked up a road win against Westminster Christian on April 21, beating the Warriors 14-8. Chloe Gilday earned the win, pitching 5-2/3 innings and striking out five. Nevaeh Arnold closed the game, striking out another three batters over 1-1/3 innings. Ty Cervantes led the offense for Key West with three hits, including a double. Dharma Murray, Caroline Smith, Isabella Franco and Tavyn Gage each picked up a pair of hits and Miesha Hernandez, Scarlet Niles and Madelyn Perusse added one each to make it 14 total for Key West.

The 14-3 Conchs play their last regular season game at Western High School in Davie on Friday, April 28. They should claim a bye in the first round of the district tournament, placing them in the 4A District 16 championship game on May 4 if they can hold onto their top seed.

Marathon softball split a pair of games last week, picking up a forfeit win from Hialeah Educational Academy but falling to Gulliver 9-4 on April 17. The Lady Fins managed eight hits in the loss, with three from the bat of Elena Eubank. Sage Brown had two hits and Sara Robinson, Allison Garcia and Eli Roque each had one hit. Garcia was solid in the circle in the loss for Marathon, pitching to 30 batters over six innings and striking out nine while walking just two. The 7-4 Fins will play two more games before districts begin. Their first playoff game should be on May 2 in 2A District 16 action.

Coral Shores beat Mater Bay at home on April 19, 17-15. Freshman Ivy Tiedemann had four hits on four plate appearances for the ’Canes. Coach Lesa Boneé said the team hit the ball well but struggled defensively. The Lady Hurricanes played the next day, losing 9-3 against Ransom Everglades on April 20. The ’Canes ended their regular season with a 5-6 record. The Hurricanes will host the South Florida conference championship game against Mater Bay on Friday, April 28 at 5 p.m.

KEY WEST, MARATHON SOFTBALL CRUISE TOWARD DISTRICTS

Lady Conchs ranked first in 4A District 16 bracket

LADY CONCHS LACROSSE FALLS IN REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

Keys prep lacrosse season closes with district champion squad’s loss

The scoring machine that is Key West reached the net just four times in its regional quarterfinal loss to Delray Beach’s American Heritage High School on April 21. The Lady Conchs ended their season at 11-3, with a perfect 6-0 record in their district. Unfortunate seeding pitted the Lady Conchs against the top-ranked Stallions. The 22-4 loss effectively ends their season, which has been nothing short of amazing. American Heritage will move on to face the other American Heritage High School out of Plantation in the semifinals.

Top: Coral Shores freshman Ivy Tiedemann approaches home plate. She had four hits on four plate appearances. Bottom: senior third baseman Mackenzie Baker. Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com

Isabella Marchiano and the Key West Lady Conchs ended their season at 11-3 with a loss in their regional quarterfinal matchup. Photo by ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

KEY WEST TRACK AND FIELD SQUADS ARE DISTRICT CHAMPIONS Keys

athletes claim 13 individual district titles

Key West and Coral Shores traveled to Tropical Park in Miami on April 19 for the 2A district track and field championships. The Conchs had multiple district champions and collected enough points to secure team wins for both boys and girls.

A total of 25 runners, jumpers, hurdlers and vaulters will represent Key West at the 2A regional competition on May 3 at Calvary Christian High School. Athletes who finish in the top four places at district meets move on to the next level.

In addition to the team championships, the Conchs won 11 individual championships at districts. Sprinter Savannah Chadic won both the 200m and 400m events in arguably the fastest district in Florida. Suharevskis Niks-Davis took firsts in the pole vault and the 110m high hurdles, and teammate Kevon Mills won both the high and long jump events. Lucas Montiel won the 800m race. Abigail Cowen won the long jump and also qualified for the triple jump event. Throwers Valerie Thene, Abby Collins and Angeline Foster won the discus, javelin and shot put competitions, respectively. Foster qualified for regionals in all three.

Other boys regional qualifiers for Key West were Colbin Hill (3200m), Jeremiah Harvey (javelin, 110m and 400m hurdles), Anthony Jenner (400m hurdles, javelin), Brandon Etienne (high jump), Clerf Alexandre (triple jump), Josh Cantervury (pole vault, discuss), Liam Flores (pole vault), Benndy Ambrose (discus, shot put), James Reynolds (javelin) and Jean Louis (shot put). The boys 4x400m and 4x800m relays will also compete at regionals.

Rounding out the girls regional qualifiers are Nikole Tomita (100m), Jenesis Perloff (100m hurdles and 400m hurdles), Ruth Azard (100m hurdles), Anabel Portuondo (high jump, pole vault), Riley Richard (pole vault), Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo (pole vault, discus, shot) and Victoria Daley-Willy (javelin). All three of the Conchs’ girls relay teams will also move on.

Coral Shores had its own double district champ in Xavyer Arrington. Fresh from his state championship in weightlifting, the ’Canes’ strongman won first-place medals in the discus and shot put events. Arrington will be joined at regionals by Ethan Marguet

(400m), Sean Andrews (800m), Xavier Johnson (110m hurdles), Ambrose Sanchez (400m hurdles), Riley Froman (pole vault) and Evan Osipov (discus). The Hurricanes’ 4x800m and 4x400m relay teams also made the cut and will race at regionals. No Lady ’Canes took a top-four spot at districts, ending their season at Tropical Park.

1A Marathon traveled to Palmer Trinity on April 20 for its district championship meet. The Lady Fins ended the day ranked third of nine district teams, and the boys secured the runner-up trophy. Though there were no district champions this season, 14 Fins earned individual spots at the regional event held at Westminster Christian School on May 6.

Moving on for the Fins are Ava Merryman, Samantha Batzer and Cullen Coleman-Sayer in the pole vault event. Jumpers Kayesha Christian, Fabbianho Louis Jeune and Shamar Wright qualified in long jump. Louis Jeune also qualified in the triple jump, and Daysi Williams will represent Marathon in the high jump event. Throwers Nicole Merryman (shot put), Mason Buxton (javelin) and Justice Lee (discus) round out the field qualifiers for Marathon. Buxton also qualified for the 800m race. Two sprinters made the cut as Tinashay Cunningham and Jakub Bursa will compete in the 400m. Vance Bursa qualified in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m races. Aaron Dolton, who signed to continue his track career with Flagler College this week, will represent the Fins in the 110m and 400m hurdles. The girls 4x100m and both boys and girls 4x800m relay teams will also compete on May 6.

1. Key West boys and girls track & field teams.

2. Mason Buxton qualifies in the javelin.

3. Fabiannho Louis Jeune qualifies in the long jump.

4. Ava Merryman qualifies in the pole vault.

5. Suharevskis Niks-Davis takes first in the pole vault.

Photos by RICK MacKENZIE/Contributed. See more meet photos at keysweekly.com

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

LAW CHANGE: 101.62 REQUEST FOR VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS

(1)(a)... 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.

Many of MONROE COUNTY voters vote by mail. These voters may think that they have a request in for the 2024 election cycle but they do not. A NEW

BY MAIL REQUEST IS NEEDED FOR THE 2024 ELECTION CYCLE.

WE ARE NOW TAKING VOTE BY MAIL REQUEST FOR THE 2024 ELECTION CYCLE.

Plant the seeds of better hearing this year

As warm weather arrives, plant the seeds of better hearing by calling Dr. Michelle today and scheduling your hearing consultation. Don’t miss a moment with the people who matter most! Call now to reserve your space and start your hearing journey!

PAPIO KINETIC

SCULPTURES

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY ON DUVAL

PEOPLEPOWERED PARADE

The annual Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade, held this year on Earth Day, April 22, celebrates imagination and encourages the use of reused materials while honoring Stanley Papio, a Florida Keys pioneering folk artist whose recycled metal sculptures teem with a sense of satire, tenacity and innovation.

The country’s first Kinetic Sculpture Race launched in Ferndale, California in 1969, igniting a craze that later grew to include national race events in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Port Townsend. Since then, other communities, including Key West, have hosted kinetic events, offering their own variation of these floats-withmoving-parts parades.

When kicking off its own parade in 2016, the Key West Art & Historical Society took the region’s laid-back attitude and eco-friendliness into account, eliminating the “race” component and adding the element of “art bikes” for the town known for its pedaling revelers.

The project won the support of a prestigious Knight Arts Challenge grant that rewards the best and most innovative ideas in the arts, along with additional support from the Helmerich Trust, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

— Contributed

The Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade, filled with human-powered floats, makes its way down Duval Street on Earth Day, April 22, in Key West. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

BILL PROVIDES A CHEAPER MOVE-IN OPTION FOR RENTERS

Mooney legislation passes the House

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Fronting thousands of dollars in move-in expenses can be challenging for working families or a single person needing a place to live sooner than later.

In the Florida Keys, a required first and last months’ rent — seemingly rising by the year as housing costs increase — on top of a security deposit can seem insurmountable.

State Rep. Jim Mooney’s House Bill 133, which passed through the House on April 20, seeks to address some of those issues through an option for a monthly fee in lieu of a security deposit that the landlord can offer a tenant.

Mooney’s bill, which failed to pass through the state legislature last session, doesn’t require a landlord to provide a tenant the option to pay a nominal, monthly fee. Per Mooney, those fees can be as low as $11 a month or upward of $25 monthly. It’s the landlord’s sole choice to offer such an arrangement for a tenant to pay a monthly fee to secure occupancy without dipping into their savings to pay a full security deposit upfront.

Tenants would still be required to pay the full security deposit once they have the means, as the monthly fee wouldn’t go toward that expense. Funds paid monthly by the tenant can be used by the landlord at their discretion, such as for insurance or a surety bond.

Following a serious accident involving his fiancée just a week before, Mooney traveled to Tallahassee to present his bill before the full House on April 20. Mooney told fellow members that the bill places

KEY WEST OFFICIALS TO HEAR NOISE COMPLAINTS

CITY PLANS 3 MEETINGS ABOUT SOUND CONTROL LAWS

guardrails on a process that’s already occurring in Florida. His proposal was met with opposition by House Democrats claiming the bill was a “junk fee” and a tax on the poor renter, as Jacksonville-based state Rep. Angela Nixon stated.

Some 16 amendments were filed by Democrats to expand the bill and add what some Republican bill supporters referred to as rent control language. Mooney passionately responded to those remarks in his closing.

“There’s nothing in perpetuity here. When you sign a lease, it is clearly stated that you may opt out of that fee at any given time,” he said. “If you get a bonus three days after you sign and you want to give the landlord $2,000, $1,000 or whatever the amount is, give it to them and opt out of the fee.”

“I think it’s wrong for your constituents to not have the opportunity to make the decisions themselves,” he continued. “This gets you and your family where you need to be at that moment.”

Per the bill, landlords who offer the monthly fee in lieu of security deposit arrangement must provide the option to all tenants renting dwelling units on the premises.

The House passed Mooney’s bill via an 89-22 vote. Similar legislation, Senate Bill 494, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Nick DiCeglie, is moving through several committees following favorable rulings.

The Key West’s city manager’s office and Code Compliance department are convening three community meetings to consider changes to the city’s sound control ordinance.

The meetings will be in the commission chambers at Key West City Hall, 1300 White St. Dates and times are as follows:

- Wednesday, May 3, 2 p.m.

- Monday, May 15, 10 a.m.

- Wednesday, May 24, 5 p.m.

The May 3 meeting will be focused on residents’ concerns and discussions. The May 15 meeting will focus on businesses’ concerns and discussions. The May 24 meeting will be focused on both residents’ and businesses’ concerns and discussions.

Members of the Key West City Commission and other board members may be in attendance at these community meetings.

State Rep. Jim Mooney

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW FEATURES KEYS WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

JAG GALLERY TO SHOWCASE WORKS BY MARK HEDDEN & LYNNE BENTLEY- KEMP

COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW.

WORLD FAMOUS LOBSTER PIZZA

TOP RATED GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA AND VEGETARIAN MENU

WE LOVE KIDS & DOGS

JAG Gallery, 1075 Duval St., will feature a joint art show by photographers Lynne BentleyKemp and Mark Hedden, who is also a Keys Weekly columnist and contributor.

An opening reception for the show entitled, “Photo/Work” will take place at the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 5. The show will be on display until May 23.

“Most of my shows have been of large, documentary photography projects – environmental portraits, street photography nightscapes and other topics. I’m really looking forward to showing some work that I’ve shot outside of those projects, stuff that maybe hasn’t had a home elsewhere,” Hedden said. “Some are images from the start of a new project, some are continuation of older projects, and some are standalone photos that I hope bring their own context with them.”

Hedden is a writer, photographer and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived and worked in Key West for close to 30 years. His photo work is primarily docu-

mentary, often accompanied by text. Inspired by the concept of resource partitioning in the natural world, where multiple species coexist in the same landscape, Hedden’s work often examines the tiny island of Key West from differing perspectives, creating a series of conceptual maps of the same location.

Kemp’s photographs, often of the natural world and the water surrounding her Florida Keys home, have been shown and sold worldwide.

“Lynne Bentley-Kemp has cultivated a meditative practice of documenting the natural environment that seeps into her life,” states a description of a prior photography show at The Studios of Key West. “As a daily practice, she captures the water and sky surrounding her home each morning, resulting in thousands of images.”

For more information about the show and the artists, email jaggallerykw@gmail.com or call the gallery at 305-407-6202.

‘Highway 19 Revisited,’ above, and ‘Cruciform Stork,’ below right, by Mark Hedden, and the seascape, below left, by Lynne Bentley-Kemp are part of the ‘Photo/Work’ photography show that opens May 5 at JAG Gallery. CONTRIBUTED

BEHIND THE BLONDE YEAR 2: SADNESS TO SUNRISES

HOTEL’S RECYCLING EFFORT HELPS CORAL REEF

NEW INITIATIVE WILL RECLAIM ALUMINUM WATER BOTTLES

KIRBY MYERS

is a busy mom, business owner and writer who’s not afraid to say what many of us are thinking.

This past weekend I was sitting on the beach in Fort Lauderdale watching the sunrise while my kids played in the waves, sipping on some lukewarm coffee and flipping through a new book. I told my husband that my two-year anniversary was approaching and he asked what I wanted to do to celebrate. I hadn’t thought about it really, but sitting there that morning, in the stillness, watching the world light up, I was reminded that just a few short (yet very long) years ago, I likely wouldn’t have woken the kids up to experience this moment. And if I had, my head would be aching, my body tired and worst of all my mind anguished over why I continued to let myself down. The shame and guilt mixed with the physical discomfort would have overshadowed something otherwise magical.

“Who could you be if you stopped?”

I’ve written about this before. It was the last lingering question on my mind and on my tongue every night before I finally slipped into bed after drinking and chain smoking for hours alone on my porch. I’m finally finding out.

The first year was survival mode — building boundaries, having breakdowns, feeling great, feeling like shit, questioning everything, beating myself up, forgiving myself, learning, trying, wanting. Wanting. I’ve wanted this life for so long.

That first year felt like a never-ending, rickety old wooden roller coaster that was scary as hell and constantly prompting the question, “Will this thing break?” I just had to believe its bones were strong enough to make it to the other side. The one-year mark was huge; that’s when things started to really shift. Year two has been transformative.

I remember hearing my sister-in-law once say, “We can only try and be better than who we were yesterday.” That stuck with me. I want to be better. I always have. I want to spend every day of the rest of my life being a better version of myself than I was the day before. There’s been a fire inside me since I was a little girl to see how far I could take this life.

So this past Tuesday, when I woke up two years free of alcohol and cigarettes, I decided to finally unbox those paddleboards I bought months ago and head out for sunrise. The stormy skies, however, had different plans, so I unloaded the boards and enjoyed a rainy early morning coffee with my husband. Maybe the universe was reminding me that bad weather happens, but it also passes. And as the skies lit up blue later that day I stared into the sun and acknowledged that I live for the little moments now. Because I see them and I’m present. Because I’ve spent the last two years becoming the person I knew I was always meant to be. The person who shows up — for myself and for others. Because I am a damn warrior. Because I want this life.

And because I’m just getting started.

Proud Source Water, the leader in sustainably bottled and packaged spring water, recently announced the launch of the Infinite Bottle Project at Hyatt Centric Key West.

The initiative will reclaim and recycle aluminum collected on the property and the surrounding Key West community.

With a goal of becoming a true single-use plastic-free resort, Hyatt Centric Key West has joined this project to add to its sustainability efforts. Strategically placed aluminum-specific collection bins, signs and “super sacks” have been placed throughout the property and will be distributed in many places in the neighboring community to assist in the collection process. The resort will donate 100% of the aluminum recycling proceeds from the collection efforts to the local nonprofit Reef Relief to aid in its mission to protect and preserve the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in North America.

“We have a responsibility as a consumer-packaged goods company to collect what we put out into the world,” said CJ Pennington, president of Proud Source Water, a division of SOURCE Global. “The Infinite Bottle Project is a progressive

and innovative program designed to promote true circularity, as aluminum collected at Hyatt Centric Key West and every future partner is infinitely recycled, including some eventually becoming Proud Source Water bottles.”

As one of its first steps in becoming a single-use plastic-free property, Hyatt Centric Key West began serving Proud Source Water in its recyclable aluminum packaging. Through the project and its collaboration with Replenysh, the property can now also track and ensure all aluminum cans and bottles collected are sorted properly so they can be recycled and reused. So far, the effort has collected nearly 400 pounds of aluminum for recycling.

“By providing our guests with Proud Source’s sustainable bottled water, we took a step forward in our mission to create a new, trusted circularity infrastructure in Key West,” says Jessica Cain, general manager of Hyatt Centric Key West.

“Through our partnership with the Infinite Bottle Project, Hyatt will now help recycle thousands of pounds of aluminum each year and further build sustainability throughout the Key West Community.”

Recycling bins throughout the Hyatt Centric property promote the hotel’s new recycling program that aims to reclaim and recycle aluminum water bottles over and over again. CONTRIBUTED

STOCK ISLAND CLEANUP CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

70 VOLUNTEERS FILL A 20-YARD DUMPSTER

’TIS THE SEASON... GROUPER SEASON!

Grouper season is almost upon us. Starting Monday, May 1, groupers are in season until Dec. 31 in Monroe County waters. The season closes the rest of the year to protect them while they are spawning and allow for a sustainable fishery.

Several species are primarily targeted on the reefs of the Florida Keys, including black, red and gag grouper. There is a threegrouper aggregate regulation, which allows for the harvest of one gag or one black grouper, or up to three red groupers per angler per day. For example, you are allowed to harvest a black grouper and two red groupers, or a gag grouper and two red groupers, but no more than a combined three fish per person.

The rules for most groupers vary based on species and your location, so make sure you read FWC regulations closely and use a trusted app like FishRules to fish within your limits.

bending fish and get some dinner. We target these species on most reef habitats in 25 to 120 feet of water. Live bait, including pinfish, ballyhoo, blue runners and pilchards, is preferred, but if the sargassum and bay grass aren’t too thick, trolling plugs along the patch reefs is another successful tactic. One of my favorite plugs to troll is the Nomad DTX-Minnow, which is available in different sizes and dives to various depths depending on where you want your lure in the water column.

Since grouper species typically occupy holes in structure on reefs and wrecks, the bottom 20 feet of the water column are the most difficult part of catching these fish. Groupers have an enormous amount of strength, so getting “rocked up” or having your line chafed and broken on a sharp rock as the fish try to hide is a common occurrence if you don’t immediately recognize the bite. Make sure your fishing line and leader is fresh and your knots are tied well, because they will be put to the test when you hook into a quality grouper.

The second annual Stock Island Earth Day Cleanup on April 22 drew 70 volunteers from Stock Island and beyond.

The event, which included dozens of local children and was organized by Jo Anne Ellis, filled a 20-yard Dumpster with garbage collected from streets, sidewalks and neighborhoods. Kids also participated in a workshop that taught them to make musical instruments from trashed items, and stuck a pin in a large map to show the specific areas they helped to clean.

— Mandy Miles

The minimum size is 24 inches total length – from the snout to the tip of the tail – on black and gag grouper, and 20 inches for red grouper. The FWC requires anglers to possess a descending device or venting tool that is readily available onboard a vessel while targeting any species of grouper. These tools assist in the successful release and survivorship of undersized fish so they don’t expire due to barotrauma, a condition caused by quick changes in pressure as the fish travels up through the water column.

Now that we have covered all the regulations, let’s get to the fun part of how to catch these delicious, rod-

I typically move to several different spots while grouper fishing. If I don’t get a bite in 20 minutes, I move on to the next spot or I make a minor move to get my bait down to a different area of the reef, where hopefully it will fall right in front of the eyes of a hungry grouper.

In order to keep the bite going for another day, consider releasing the fish that won’t fit on your plate for dinner. Depending on the species, these fish take between 4 and 10 years to reach sexual maturity when they can repopulate the reef. Whether they are in season or just a lucky bite, these fish are a fun and hard-hitting fight from the reef to the boat.

Good luck and angling success this grouper season here in the beautiful Florida Keys!

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

Stock Island resident Jo Anne Ellis organizes a cleanup event there for Earth Day that drew 70 volunteers, including several local kids, who were asked to put a pin in a map showing the neighborhoods they helped clean.

Trophies like this black grouper will be open for harvest in just a few days. BILL GILIBERTI/Contributed

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

CAPT. BILL GILIBERTI

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP EVERY FRIDAY MORNING

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

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

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

The Friday morning cleanup on April 21 was held at the corner of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard. A joint collaboration for the Conch Republic Days celebration included a total of 51 volunteers including the Ploggers, Conch Republic Green Ops, Coca Cola Beverages of Florida, Key West Police, First Horizon Bank and the Key West Business Guild. In one hour they cleaned Higgs Beach, White Street Pier, Atlantic Boulevard, the Indigenous Park and bocce courts yielding a total of 101 pounds of trash, 22 pounds of recycling and 6 gallons of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

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

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

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

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island

community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

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

— Contributed

Join a morning cleanup from 8 to 9 a.m. and stay tuned for the full May schedule.

Friday, April 28: Lazy Way & Key West Bight. (Meet next to mural at end of William Street.)

Monday, May 1: Cleanup at Bayview Park

Roscoe is a 2½-year-old male basset hound mix. He’s a friendly pup who’s good around kids, other dogs and people. He would love a home with a yard where he can sniff his heart out.

Arlene is a 4-year-old female domestic shorthair. Surrendered with her brother, Garfield, she enjoys his company, but may need time to meet other kitties. Once she trusts you, she’s full of purrs, snuggles and belly rubs.

Shandor is a 3-year-old female domestic shorthair. She’s a queen bee who will warm up to you with patience and a whole lot of treats.

Winter is an adult male American rabbit. He’s a long-term resident looking for a family willing to give him space to run, lots of greens and snuggle time.

Garfield is a 7-year-old male domestic shorthair. Calm, cool and collected, he loves snuggly beds, relaxing and watching the world go by.

Buckets and picker tools await volunteers for the weekly Key West cleanups.

Through April 30

COVERS: ONE SONG, MANY DIFFERENT SOUNDS

RAY WEST

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

For singers/songwriters/ guitarists making a living in any tourist town, playing versions of popular songs is often their bread and butter. Which song one may choose to cover is a topic we have breached before. But how one chooses to play these cover songs is fresh subject matter.

The most obvious method is to reproduce the song as closely as possible to the original. From the tone of the singer’s voice, to the kick drum, from the keyboard’s organ sound to the A-minor arpeggio guitar sweep at the chorus, the effort is in the art of reproducing what you have heard many times. This takes a special skill set. It takes an understanding of music as well as an ear for tones and texture. It often takes patience to listen to a song many, many times and a specific passage many more times to get it right. Then of course, there’s the time and energy it takes to be able to perform that piece in a live setting. Granted, some songs are simpler than others to reproduce. But every player approaches their instrument a little differently, whether striking chords at a certain time or with a technique that must be adapted to reproduce that sound, or feeling.

Another way to cover a song is to hit all the main points, and leave some parts open for interpretation.

Let’s say a player lays out the intro lick to “Ventura Highway.” They sing the familiar melody, strum the pre-chorus and move seamlessly into the harmonized sing-along section. Then, after recording a bit into a loop pedal that’ll play that bit back forever, the musician plays a guitar solo, over the top. This guitar solo in no way resembles the recorded version, but it sounds good. Then the player picks up another instrument, say a flute, and performs a creative solo that catches your ear, then launches into the next verse and those familiar lyrics. The skill set required here differs in that a player is depending on their own particular creativity to add a new, and hopefully interesting, flavor to the original piece.

A most interesting approach is to change some major ingredient of the song itself. This could include instrumentation, genre, speed, texture, intensity and anything else. A great example of this might be Richard Cheese’s version of “Killing in the Name Of” by Rage Against the Machine. Complete with a horn section and a glockenspiel, it may be the polar opposite of the original, while also creative and exceptionally well done.

There are varying combinations of all these things and this is an oversimplified attempt to explain something that may be more opinion than fact. Yet I dare say that if you were to take a musical pilgrimage down Duval Street on any given evening, you may catch Myles Mancuso’s tight country rock version of a song with which Reggae Lou and the Kind Buds just chilled you out. And it’s the same song that Kari Wolf just made you fall in love with.

• Conch Republic Independence Celebration continues through April 30, with daily events on and off the water to highlight Key West’s lighthearted secession in the 1980s. See page 37 for a schedule of events and visit conchrepublic.com.

Thursday, April 27

• The Key West High School band presents “Dinner & A Show.” Dinner will include Cuban-style fare, including salad, drinks and desserts, and will be offered from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the KWHS courtyard, with the band’s Spring concert to follow in the KWHS auditorium starting at 7 p.m. For tickets and donations, please see: https://www. vancoevents.com/us/events/ landing?eid=31331&qr=true

Saturday, April 29

• 2nd annual Cuban Sandwich Throwdown, noon to 3 p.m. at the Green Parrot Bar, Key West. Tickets are $20 to participate in taste tests of nine Cuban sandwich entries. 100% of proceeds benefit The Learning Center preschool.

• Cori Convertito from the Key West Art & Historical Society discusses “Crossing the Florida Straits: 150 Years of Cuban Migration to South Florida,” 1 p.m. in the Toppino Nature Chapel at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, College Road, Stock Island.

Monday, May 1

• Volunteer cleanup at Bayview Park, 8 to 9 a.m.

Wednesday, May 3

• City of Key West holds a meeting for residents about potential changes to the city’s sound control law, 2 p.m. at City Hall, 1300 White St.

Thursday, May 4

• The Interfaith Ministerial Alliance, plus local clergy, and city officials observe the National Day of Prayer at 9 a.m. in front of City Hall, 1300 White St. Chaplain Robert Spivey of Naval Air Station Key West will give the opening address.

Sunday, May 7

• The Music Room students and local musicians present Kids Helping Kids Concert celebrating the songs of the Beatles, 6:30 p.m. at Tennessee Williams Theater.

Friday & Saturday, May 12 & 13

• The Key West High School Drama Club presents its spring musical, “Mean Girls,” with shows at 7 p.m. both nights in the school’s auditorium.

Monday, May 15

• City of Key West holds a meeting for businesses about potential changes to the city’s sound control law, 10 a.m. at City Hall, 1300 White St.

Wednesday, May 24

• City of Key West holds a meeting for businesses and residents about potential changes to the city’s sound control law, 5 p.m. at City Hall, 1300 White St.

Sunday, May 28

• Schooner Wharf Bar’s Minimal Regatta, 12 p.m., 201 William St.

June 30-July 4

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

Kari Wolf, one of the talented troubadours on Duval Street, offers a creative version of your favorite cover songs. PAUL BLATT/Contributed

A ‘RICH’ PAST

‘COCOLOBO KEY’ PRIMED FOR PINEAPPLES AND PRIVATE CLUB

is an author, speaker, Florida Keys historian and Honorary Conch. His latest book, “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1,” shares fascinating glimpses into the rich and sometimes surprising histories of the Florida Keys.

Coccoloba diversifolia is a native tree that produces a small reddish-purple fruit that my dog, Beau, likes to eat on our morning walks. Birds and other small mammals like to eat them, too, which is one reason one of the common names for the tree, and the fruit, is pigeon plum.

Pigeon plum can be eaten out of hand but is often made into jelly. It can also be used to make wine or distilled into a more potent beverage, a drink that has caused the pigeon plum also to be called the tie-tongue tree.

There is an island in the Florida Keys called Cocolobo Key – at least it was called that once or twice by mistake. Its real name is Adams Key, which dates back to at least the 1862 U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey that shows the identifier. The island has an interesting history, some based in fact and a bit that alludes to a connection with a local legend that has confounded and confused the historical record for centuries.

Some people have said that Adams Key served as the hideout for the legendary pirate Black Caesar, and Biscayne National Park has erected an interpretive panel alluding to the pirate’s history at a spot that overlooks the creek flowing between Old Rhodes and Elliott Keys, where an islet bearing the pirate’s name breaks through the surface. The creek, by the way, Caesars Creek, also bears his name. By most accounts, the pirate or pirates operated from a lair on Elliott Key – but Black Caesar is a tale for another day.

Adams Key was not much of a topic of conversation before the 20th century. It was not until after the turn of the century that the island began to build its notoriety as an exclusive fishing club that hosted Washington’s elite, including several presidents. It did not start that way.

As far as early ownership, the history appears to be a little murky. A report printed in the Tampa Daily Times on March 27, 1914, stated: “Land on Key Largo and Elliot’s key, the principal lime keys, has been selling fast this spring, among the purchasers being W.N. Hull, 240 acres; H.G. Ralston, 140 acres; Earl Fonda, 120 acres, being the whole of Adams key.”

Clearly, not all of that acreage was on the relatively small island listed in various newspaper articles as 79 acres, 77 acres, and 28 acres. It is also possible that the island purchased by Mr. Fonda was misidentified, as the general history told about Adams Key is that it was owned by a man identified as Jeremiah Saunders. A Bahamian from Green Turtle Cay, Saunders received a land grant for acreage on Elliott and Adams Keys in 1886.

What he did on Adams Key is unclear, but on Elliott Key, he did what Elliott Key is perhaps best known for: he grew pineapples. According to a 1900 report published in the Florida Times Union, Saunders shipped 6,000 dozen red Spanish pineapples and 500 dozen Puerto Rico pineapples from his farm at Elliott Key.

The history of Adams Key began to develop in earnest when Saunders sold Adams Key in 1917, or at least that is the story often told about the island. If it was true that the island was sold to Carl Fisher in 1917, it makes a notice published in The Miami Herald on Oct. 2, 1916, a bit premature. The notice announced the application for a charter to form a not-for-profit social club called The Cocolobo Cay Club.

According to Article 1: “The name of the corporation shall be called ‘The Cocolobo Cay Club,’ and is said to be located on what is known as Adams Key.”

Article 3 stated: “Any white person of good moral character, eighteen years of age and over, shall be eligible for membership in said corporation.”

The board of directors consisted of Charles W. Kotcher, president; James. H. Snowden, vice president; Carl G. Fisher, secretary and treasurer; and W.E. Brown, and Frank B. Shutts.

A Jan. 14, 1919, article in the Miami News mentioned that Carl G. Fisher, Harry Stutz, and Robert Maypole of Miami Beach traveled from the mainland 40 miles south to Adams Key aboard Fisher’s “fast express cruiser,” the Shadow V. According to the article: “Cocolobo Cay, formerly known as Adams Key is owned by a few of those wealthy men, who have made it a beauty spot by erecting a commodious club house, building dockside facilities, and clearing up and improving the landscape.”

The New York Herald edition dated Jan. 30, 1921, posted a story about Fisher, the island, and the club. “The Cocolobo Club has a unique location. Carl Fisher, one of the most enthusiastic sportsmen in the southern part of the peninsula, established it a year ago on the spot where ‘Black Caesar,’ most famous of all Gulf pirates, used to make his headquarters in the buccaneering days of 1847.”

While the Black Caesar angle might not be anything more than a classic Florida Keys legend, the Cocolobo Cay Club became a playground for the elite, and that story will be explored in next week’s column.

The grounds of the Cocolobo Cay Club at Adams Key. BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK/Contributed

BRAD BERTELLI

* if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

Learn more about all of Tobacco Free Florida’s tools

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.

MOCKERS IN THE HOOD

The sound I heard out front could only be described as a terrific yowling. And it lasted for a minute or two, which is a long time for a terrific yowling, or any kind of yowling really. It was like the aria of a terrible atonal opera.

Finally, I got up and opened the door.

The cat bolted so fast I never saw it, just the sea grape leaves moving in its wake. But the northern mockingbird was not afraid. It stood its ground, tail held high, on the tailgate of our truck, making a loud chitting noise every few seconds which any universitytrained birdsong specialist would tell you translated to, “Keep going, you Sterno bum!”

It was, I assumed, the same mocker that had been coming into our backyard and landing on the table, acting a little more like he owned the place every time.

I’ve probably phrased it this way way too many times, but birdsong is largely about sex and real estate – establishing a turf and attracting a mate. And northern mockingbirds are arguably the best singers out there.

Nightingales were once considered the most elegant and vocally facile songbird in the world, at least among those who felt Europe to be culturally superior to America. The Dutch-born Edward Bok, founder of Bok Gardens and builder of the 205-foot Bok Tower in Lake Wales, imported a half dozen or so to make the place more sophisticated, and to no doubt remind himself of home. His hope was that they would learn to imitate the melody of the Bok Tower carillon, a set of 60 church bells that could be played like an organ.

The birds didn’t fare well in the sub-tropical climate. At least one nightingale was killed by a rival nightingale. Another was eaten by a snake. They never mastered that carillon thing, but before they all dwindled away, they were known for giving stirring evening concerts.

Bok described one such concert in which the singing of the nightingales drew in a pair of northern mockingbirds, who sat on the roof of the aviary and listened. They returned the next night and listened again, though at the end of the second concert, the mockingbirds knocked off the entire nightingale concert note for note.

It was an impressive feat, Bok noted, especially considering the nightingale had a “repertoire of 93 notes, the largest of any bird.” Still, he judged the mockingbirds inferior to the nightingales in the sweetness and clarity of their notes and the overall quality of their singing. Then again, he made his money as the editor of Ladies’ Home Journal for 30 years, yet held the opinion that women should be neither formally educated nor given the right to vote, and should be happy living the simple domestic life at home, so maybe his judgment wasn’t foolproof. Also, how could the nightingales have the largest repertoire of any bird, when the mockingbird could sing all of their 93 notes, and then some?

Several of the older accounts I have read about northern mockingbirds describe them as the King of Song, then say that calling them the King of Song is kind of trite, then go on to say, but they are the King of Song.

It used to be believed that everything northern mockingbirds sang was mimicry, but it turns out most of what they sing are their own compositions, improvised on the spot. It’s just that, like Quiet Riot, or a lot of the bands you hear in bars, the songs that really grab you are the cover songs. I’ve heard them do convincing imita-

tions of car alarms, cell phone rings and other electronic ephemera, and of course, birds. (The one I’m still mad about is the time a mocker did a mangrove cuckoo call and I fell for it, because mangrove cuckoos are really hard to find and I got all excited.) Their Latin name, Mimus polyglottos, means “many-tongues mimic.”

What was interesting to me the other morning about the mockingbird and cat scenario, was two things. First, the mocker managed to hold his ground against the cat, and possibly freak the cat out. It doesn’t totally surprise me, because I’ve seen mockingbirds go after dogs quite a few times. Our German short-haired pointer Elly, from a fancy bird dog kennel in Okeechobee, would not walk down certain blocks in Key West because she’d been traumatized by mockingbirds trying to chase her out of their territory. I personally have had them come at me, going so far as to tug on my ponytail, when I’ve gotten too close to a nest.

But cats are a different story. While dogs might be curious about birds as small as mockingbirds, and might harm or kill the occasional one, free-roaming domestic cats in the United States are stealthier creatures and estimated to kill between 1.3 and 4 billion-with-a-b birds every year. (People who let their cat roam free are generally convinced their cat could never do such a thing. But clearly somebody’s cat does such a thing.)

Birds like mockingbirds, kingbirds, crows, blackbirds and grackles will often gang up and mob a potential predator such as a hawk or an owl, but usually they will avoid and evade a cat before getting confrontational. So it was curious to see a mockingbird get aggressive like that, chitting and squawking and acting as if he had weight to throw around – and getting away with it.

The second interesting thing was that the mockingbird was being so aggressive before breeding season seems to have kicked in, before he really had territory, a mate, or chicks to protect. I’ve always thought that, like in West Side Story, things started with the singing, then got tough. But this seemed to be the pre-singing phase, with him policing the neighborhood, putting the riffraff on notice.

No doubt it is seasonal hormones kicking in. And I’m not sure if this is an especially aggressive mockingbird, or if I just haven’t been paying enough attention. But it’s going to be fun to watch over the next few months.

A northern mockingbird in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES INC., LOCATED AT 7290 SW 41 ST, MIAMI, FL 33155, WILL SELL AT A RESERVE PUBLIC SALE ON MAY 24, 2023 AT 9:00 AM THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES AT SAID LOCATION TO SATISFY LIEN

PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 713.585 OF THE FLORIDA STATUES.

2004 XMO VS XMO08161M404

DATE OF SALE: MAY 24,2023 AT 9:00 AM LOCATION: :97951 OVERSEAS

HWY KEYLARGO, FL33037 P#:305-852-2025

OWNER/LIENHOLDER: TYLER WESTBROOK/GOODFAITH TO PD OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY INSPECT/RECOVER VEHICLE BY CONTACTING BEST LIEN SERVICES 7290 SW 41 ST MIAMI, FL 33155 (1-866-299-9391) AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE, ALL SALES ARE WITH RESERVE 20% BUYERS PREMIUM.

Publish:

April 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (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 a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

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 may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below:

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

Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is Friday, May 19, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

April 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDI-

NANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO

WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 17, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AMENDING

SECTION 8-37 (“PASSAGE OF FOUR YEARS TO PROSECUTIONS”) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF MONROE COUNTY TO CLARIFY THAT CODE COMPLIANCE PROSECUTIONS MUST BE INITIATED WITHIN FOUR YEARS OF THE ACTUAL DISCOVERY OF THE VIOLATION BY THE MONROE COUNTY CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING THAT THIS CONSTITUTES AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE THAT THE RESPONDENT CARRIES THE BURDEN TO RAISE AND DISCHARGE BEFORE THE CODE COMPLIANCE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE; TO CLARIFY THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO PROSECUTION(S) BASED UPON FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PERMIT; TO CLARIFY THAT WORK WITHOUT A PERMIT, SUCH AS DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CONSTRUCTION OR LAND CLEARING), IS CONSIDERED A CONTINUING

LEGAL NOTICES

VIOLATION THAT CONTINUES UNTIL REQUIRED AFTER-THEFACT PERMIT(S) ARE OBTAINED AND CLOSED OUT. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the May 17, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on May 5, 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 May 17, 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) 292-4441, 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 21st day of April, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish:

April 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 17, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADDING DIVISION 4 TO ARTICLE VII, OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES INCLUDING SECTION 2-428 THROUGH 2-432, TO CREATE THE MONROE COUNTY CONSERVATION LANDS ORDINANCE WHICH ESTABLISHES A DEFINITION OF “MONROE COUNTY CONSERVATION LANDS”; DEFINES THE ROLE OF THE COUNTY LAND STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SAID LANDS; CREATES A PROCESS TO ADD COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTIES TO THE INVENTORY OF MONROE COUNTY CONSERVATION LANDS; AND PROVIDES FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the May 17, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on May 5, 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 May 17, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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 21st day of April, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish:

April 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

City of Key Colony Beach

600 W Ocean Drive Key Colony Beach, FL, 33501

ITB - Invitation to Bid City Hall ITB -2023001-0-2023/DJT

The City of Key Colony Beach Commissioners requests interested parties to submit formal sealed bids/proposals for the above.

Scope of Work: See bid package Ordering Instructions: This package can be downloaded from DemandStar Corporation on our website at https://www. demandstar.com.

Bid Bond: See bid package

Pre/Bid Proposal Conference: NON-MANDATORY SEE BID

PACKAGE

Due Date/Time: 6/5/2023 4:00:00

PM Eastern City of Key Colony Beach must receive bids no later than said date and time. Bids received after such time will be returned unopened.

NOTE: ALL PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS/RESPONDENTS ARE HEREBY CAUTIONED NOT TO CONTACT ANY MEMBER OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH STAFF OR OFFICIALS OTHER THAN THE SPECIFIED CONTACT PERSON.

M/WBE's are encouraged to participate in the bid process.

Contact:

David Turner City Administrator

Phone: 305-289-1212 ext. 2

Publish:

April 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

On June 5, 2023, at 10:00AM, Vacation Ownership Title Agency, Inc., whose address is 2900 Adams St., C-19, Riverside, CA 92504, as Trustee pursuant to the Notice of Appointment of Trustee recorded March 8, 2023 in Official Records Book 3214, Page 2438, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, will, in accordance with Sec. 721.855, Florida Statutes, sell at public auction to the highest bidder at front entrance to Monroe County Courthouse, 302 Fleming St., Key West, FL 33040 all right, title, and interest in and to the timeshare units and weeks described in Exhibit ‘’A’’ attached hereto, all of such timeshare units and weeks being in The Reef at Marathon, according to the Declaration of Condominium for The Reef at Marathon, a Condominium recorded in Book 849 at Page 2268, and any amendments thereto. The foreclosure is in respect of Claims of Lien (the ‘’Lien’’) recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41 in the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida with respect to each of the aforesaid timeshare units and weeks.

EXHIBIT “A” WILLIAM L.

MALONEY, LEONOR MALONEY, JOHN BILLER AND CYNTHIA N. BILER, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: P.O. BOX 610041, NORTH MIAMI, FL 33261; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $2,938.36 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 4, Week No. 24, THE REEF

LEGAL NOTICES

Condominium. JAMIE FAULRING, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 9138 STATE RD., COLDEN, NY 14033; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL.

Total Due: $3,369.65 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 11, Week No. 52, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium.

JAMIE FAULRING, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 9138 STATE RD., COLDEN, NY 14033; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL.

Total Due: $7,238.66 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 15, Week No. 50, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. JAMIE FAULRING, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 9138 STATE RD., COLDEN, NY 14033; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL.

Total Due: $4,346.31 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 15, Week No. 51, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. EDDY FAYLE, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: P.O. BOX 2231, BUCKEYE LAKE, OH 43008-2231; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $4,275.85 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 2, Week No. 41, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. EFREN GALLARDO AND BRUNA GALLARDO, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 905 E. 24TH ST., HIALEAH, FL 33013; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $5,482.26 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 12, Week No. 46, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. ALLEN C. HOWERTON AND JANET K. HOWERTON, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 7471 S. CLINTON ST., APT. 1503, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80112; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $5,024.86 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 18, Week No. 13, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. WILLIAM MARTIN, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to:

7822 KILBOURN AVE., SKOKIE, IL 60077; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $4,601.57 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 02, Week No. 03, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. WILLIAM MARTIN, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to:

7822 KILBOURN AVE., SKOKIE, IL 60077; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due:

$4,435.31 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 02, Week No. 04, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. WILLIAM MARTIN, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to:

7822 KILBOURN AVE., SKOKIE, IL 60077; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due:

$4,826.96 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 02, Week No. 5, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. WILLIAM MARTIN, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to:

7822 KILBOURN AVE., SKOKIE, IL 60077; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $5,697.80 as of April 21, 2023;

Described as Unit No. 22, Week No. 40, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. MILLENNIUM HOLDING CORP., Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: P.O. BOX 615, LAKE DELTON, WI 53940; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL.

Total Due: $8,980.43 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 16, Week No. 49, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. CAROL B. NISSEN, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 280 N. SYKES CREEK PKWY., MERRITT ISLAND, FL 32953; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $3,786.72 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 15, Week No. 20, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. ALAN SACKS, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 1022

TARPON AVE., PORT ISABEL, TX 78578; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $26,887.06 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 14, Week No. 33, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. ALAN SACKS, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 1022

TARPON AVE., PORT ISABEL, TX 78578; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $11,261.23 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 14, Week No. 47, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. ALAN SACKS, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 1022

TARPON AVE., PORT ISABEL, TX 78578; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due:

$9,565.07 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 14, Week No. 43, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. CHARLES L. TALLENT AND MARIETTA TALLENT, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to:

14532 BOURNEMUTH DR., SHELBY, MI 48315; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $5,230.77 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 18, Week No. 44, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. DAVID H. TUCKER AND JANIECE

A. TUCKER, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to:

6200 TOLLBRIDGE RD., BELTON, TX 76513-7581; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL.

Total Due: $6,683.61 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 2, Week No. 34, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. ELLSWORTH F. WARMOUTH, JR., Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 6 EAGLE LANE, PALM HARBOR, FL 34683; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $6,208.21 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 2, Week No. 31, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. SHERRI Y. WIDMANN, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 3321 ORANGE BLOSSOM CT., PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 33410; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL.

Total Due: $6,807.89 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 16, Week No. 40, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. LISA L. WOJCIECHOWSKI, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 404 LAKE DORA RD., MT. DORA, FL 32757; Claim

of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $8,731.14 as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 12, Week No. 21, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. WALTER WOJCIECHOWSKI AND LISA L. WOJCIECHOWSKI, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 404 LAKE DORA RD., MT. DORA, FL 32757; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $12,360.63

as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 8, Week No. 35, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. LISA L. WOJCIECHOWSKI, Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose sent via first class mail and certified mail to: 404 LAKE DORA RD., MT. DORA, FL 32757; Claim of Lien recorded February 23, 2023 in Book 3213 at Page 41, Public Records of Monroe County, FL. Total Due: $11,013.23

as of April 21, 2023; Described as Unit No. 15, Week No. 37, THE REEF AT MARATHON, a Condominium. The default of each obligor that is the basis for the foreclosure is the failure of the obligors to make payment of assessments under the applicable provisions of the Declaration of Condominium referenced above and under Sec. 721.15, Florida Statutes. Exhibit ‘’A’’ attached hereto also sets forth: the names and notice addresses of each obligor and any junior interest holders (if applicable); the amounts secured by the Lien (and per diem amounts, if applicable) to account for further accrual of the amounts secured by the Lien. The obligors may cure the default and any junior interest holder (if applicable) may redeem its interest up to the date the Trustee issues the certificate of sale by paying in full the amounts due. The sale hereunder will be made without any covenants or warranty.

EXECUTED this 18th day of April 2023. Vacation Ownership Title Agency, Inc., as Trustee: By: Deborah Macias, Authorized

Agent

Publish:

April 27 & May 4, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000047-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF JEAN ELLEN PINDER, Deceased.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The administration of the estate of Jean Ellen Pinder, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

The file number for the estate is 23-CP-000047-P. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will is March 23, 2017.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in Section 90.5021, Florida Statutes, applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

Any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of administration is served must file with the court, on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person, any objection that challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the court. The 3 month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may

not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 733.212(3), Florida Statutes, all objections to the validity of a will or any codicils, venue or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an order of final discharge of the personal representative or 1 year after service of the notice of administration.

Persons who may be entitled to exempt property under section 732.402, Florida Statutes, will be deemed to have waived their rights to claim that property as exempt property unless a petition for determination of exempt property is filed by such persons or on their behalf on or before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on such persons or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceedings involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property. Unless an extension is granted pursuant to section 732.2135(2), Florida Statutes, an election to take an elective share must be filed on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on the surviving spouse, an agent under chapter 709, Florida Statutes, or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse; or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent's death. Under certain circumstances and by failing to contest the will, the recipient of the notice of administration may be waiving his or her right to contest the validity of a trust or other writing incorporated by reference into a will.

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Personal Representative: Jeffery M. Fine 9010 S.W. 117 Street Miami, Florida 33176

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Nicholas E. Christin, Esquire Florida Bar Number: 179561 Patricia D. Blanco, Esquire Florida Bar Number: 101707 Wicker, Smith, O'Hara. McCoy & Ford, P.A.

Attorneys for Personal Representative 2800 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 800 Coral Gables, Florida 33139 Telephone: (305) 448-3939 Fax: (305) 530-9409 E-Mail: miapleasdings@ wickermsith.com

Publish: April 27 & May 4, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000047-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JEAN ELLEN PINDER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Jean Ellen Pinder, deceased, whose date of death was January 9, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, 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

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN

THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: April 27, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Jeffery M. Fine 9010 S.W. 117 Street

Miami, Florida 33176

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Nicholas E. Christin, Esquire Wicker, Smith, O'Hara. McCoy & Ford, P.A. 2800 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 800 Coral Gables, Florida 33139

Telephone: (305) 448-3939

Fax: (305) 530-9409

E-Mail: miapleadings@ wickermsith.com

Publish:

April 27 & May 4, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-23-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF ARNOLD GEORGE STEINMETZ, JR.

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Arnold George Steinmetz, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was March 25, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is April 27, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Chelsea S. Lyons

1156 Camino Del Vientos

Marathon, Florida 33050

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: April 27 & May 4, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 23-CP-000021-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES BARNHILL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of James Barnhill, deceased, whose date of death was February 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME 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: April 27, 2023.

HUNG V. NGUYEN

Personal Representative

2020 Ponce de Leon Blvd., #1105-B

Coral Gables, FL 33134

HUNG V. NGUYEN, ESQUIRE Florida Bar Number: 597260

THE NGUYEN LAW FIRM

Attorneys for Personal Representative

2020 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,

#1105-B Coral Gables, FL 33134

Phone: (786) 600-2530

Fax: (844) 838-5197

E-Mail: hung@nguyenlawfirm.net

Publish:

April 27 & May 4, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000101-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE H. GOULD, IV

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The ancillary administration of the estate of George H. Gould, IV, deceased, whose date of death

was June 29, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the ancillary personal representative and the ancillary personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: April 27, 2023.

Ancillary Personal

Representative:

George H. Gould, V 186 Tioga Drive Rochester, New York 14616

Attorney for Ancillary Personal

Representative: Brian C. Perlin

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 357898

Law Office of Brian C. Perlin, P.A. 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 503 Coral Gables, FL 33134

Telephone: (305) 443-3104

Fax: (305) 443-0106

E-Mail: brian@ perlinestateplanning.com

Secondary E-Mail: florencia@ perlinestateplanning.com

Publish:

April 27 & May 4, 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-000040-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT A. MATHIAS, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROBERT A. MATHIAS, JR., deceased, whose date of death was January 9, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 27, 2023.

Personal Representative: ROBERT CORRADI 12185 SW 78th Place Dunnellon, FL 34432

Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com

Publish:

April 27 & May 4, 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-29-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND CHARLES ALFONSO, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of RAYMOND CHARLES ALFONSO, deceased, whose date of death was December 20, 2022, Case: 23-CP-29-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

LEGAL NOTICES

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 20, 2023.

Personal Representative:

JENNIFER ROQUE

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 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-79-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF VAN NEVIN SMITH Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of VAN NEVIN SMITH, deceased, whose date of death was October 1 2022, and the last four digits of whose social security number are XXX-XX-4098, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040; that the total value of the estate is unknown at present and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:

TAJ ADAMS

Personal Representative

806 Thomas Street, Apt. B Key West, FL 33040

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 SECTION 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 first publication of this notice is: April 20, 2023.

Personal Representative:

TAJ ADAMS

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

LINJE RIVERS, ESQ.

The Witherspoon Law Group Florida Bar No. 79063 822 N. Hwy A1A, Ste. 310 Ponte Vedra, FL 32082 (904) 544-8502 (phone) (904) 506-00824 (fax) rivers@twlglawyers.com

Publish:

April 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-13-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF LOIS E. SARGENT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of LOIS E. SARGENT, deceased, whose date of death was October 1, 2022, File Number

23-CP-13-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 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 has been 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 TIME 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 SO FILED 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: April 20, 2023.

Personal Representative:

JOE A. CATARINEAU

91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

Attorney for Personal

Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU

Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish:

April 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-DR-116-M

DIVISION: FAMILY IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: JENESYS GIDSEG GARCIA Petitioner, and, MIGUEL ANGEL GARCIA FLORES, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: MIGUEL ANGEL GARCIA FLORES

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS:

UNKNOWN

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 JENESYS GIDSEG GARCIA, whose address is 240 SOMBRERO BEACH ROAD, APT. 4D, MARATHON, FL 33050 on or before May 15, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050, 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: UNKNOWN

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: April 4, 2023

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

By: Barbie Morales

Deputy Clerk Publish:

April 13, 20, 27 & May 4, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

SUDOKU SOLUTION

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT COMMERCIAL/ AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483

BOATS FOR SALE

1989 Parker Southwester Cabin Boat w/2008 250hp Suzuki 4 stroke w/130 hrs. Hull newly painted w/Alexseal. Located in Marathon. $25,000 910-269-7629

Marlow-Hunter 18' Daysailer w/spinnaker, Mercury fourstroke 3.5 engine, and trailer. Excellent condition. Lots of fun! Located in Middle Keys. $7,500 215-317-4073

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking provided. 305-928-9057

COMMERCIAL/

NOW HIRING

DIVE INSTRUCTOR DIVEMASTER TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT GUEST SERVICES

PART-TIME LAWN MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT MANAGER

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

11710

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.

OFFICE SPACE

1100 sq ft Office Space available for rent in Marathon. $2,000 triple net 305-928-9258

EMPLOYMENT

Food for Thought in Marathon is hiring! FT and PT positions available, customer service, retail and kitchen prep. Healthy lifestyle and good sense of humor preferred. Call (305) 743-3297

SS Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key is looking for servers and bartenders, full or part time. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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.

NOW HIRING: Bookkeeper. Key by the Sea Board of Directors is hiring an Office Manager with bookeeping experience for a 200 unit condo association. Associate Degree with concentration in bookkeeping preferred or equivalent combination of education, minimum 2 years of related bookkeeping experience required. Starting range $21-$25/hour. Apply by email: manager@ keybythesea.org

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

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.

Join

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

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

Coast to Coast Pizza Company in Marathon is looking for front of the house cashier, part time. Will train, but should be outgoing with leadership traits and wellorganized, self-motivated, with a passion for customer service. Salary commensurate with experience and includes tips and 401k. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Customer-Service Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

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.

Place your Employment Ad here for $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

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 SALES

Place your Yard Sale Ad here for $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy.

$17.00/hour to start. Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS

LOCATION: MARATHON

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for Distribution System Operators to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems.  We provide on the job training for qualified applicants. Requires a High School Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary:  $48,909.19. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

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!

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, pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. 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

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.

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 

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

•

Must have valid Driver’s License & Transportation

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

Experience

Linda I. Halvorsen 1951-2023

Linda I. Halvorsen passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from a heart condition at Kearsley Homes, where she resided. Linda was born on May 28,1951 in Frankford Hospital, Philadelphia, PA to John and Sophie Halvorsen. She lived most of her early life with her family in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. She worshiped with her family at St. George’s PE Church for many years, and was active in children’s church groups. She graduated from Richmond Elementary School, Jones Jr. High School, and Girl’s High School, all in Philadelphia. As a child, she enjoyed summer day and overnight trips with her family to Ralph Stover’s State Park in Bucks County, PA. After graduating High School, she attended Community College of Philadelphia and then Temple University, receiving a BA degree cum laude with a major in Anthropology.

After graduation, she worked for several years at a publishing company in center city Philadelphia and then in the 1980s, moved to Key West Florida where she worked cataloging artifacts recovered from the historic Spanish Treasure shipwreck Atocha. For the next thirty years, she worked in Key West, Florida in the hospitality industry in a variety of jobs from bartending to bookkeeping. She returned to Philadelphia in the early 2010s to care for her elderly father, who continued to live in the house where she grew up and who later passed away in 2017, at age 97. Linda developed an illness and transferred her residence to River’s Edge Nursing Center. She moved to Kearsley Homes in the summer of 2022.

Linda was an animal lover and has kept cats and turtles as pets. She enjoys reading books and magazines of all types, seeing movies, making museum visits and enjoying detective shows on TV. She follows current events closely through newspapers and television. She is survived by her older brother John who lives in New Jersey.

In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be dedicated to Linda by check payable to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Line Cook

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- 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

- 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

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

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge in Islamorada is NOW OPEN and serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent) IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent) Guest Services Staff (Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/Permanent) Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

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.

©2023 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC.