Key West 23-0511

NOTHING COMPARES TO WHAT’S NEXT

Nightly transient licensed. This home is beautifully furnished and was fully redone in 2019 with high-end appliances and finishes throughout. The open living room/kitchen has countertop dining and is beautifully appointed. The private porch is perfect for outside meals and evening cocktails. Both bedrooms are located on the upper level and can be set up with king beds or two twin beds. There is a full bath on the lower level and one on the upper level. A washer and dryer is an added convenience and there is a lockable owners closet on the first level. Unit 410 has its own parking space plus multiple guest parking spaces available for visitors. Live in full time or use as a vacation rental. Gumbo's Boathouse Pub/Bar is located on the property at the Marina, and it is very popular with locals and guests of Coconut Mallory. Easy bike ride to Smather's Beach, Key West Airport, shopping, and all the excitement of Key West.

KEY WEST | $1,475,000 | Listing ID: 604402

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CRUISE SHIP CONTROVERSY CONTINUES

KEY WEST HOLDS SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS PIER B — AGAIN

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West’s new city manager Al Childress got his first taste of the island’s great cruise ship debate during a special meeting on May 9 that packed city hall with pro-cruise ship business owners and anti-cruise ship activists.

Childress called the meeting at the behest of The Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships, which has led the three-year charge to reduce the number and size of cruise ships that are allowed to visit Key West.

The owners of Pier B, Key West’s privately owned cruise ship dock, are asking state officials to make permanent an expansion of the underwater area that Pier B leases from the state. A temporary use permit for the larger submerged area was granted in July 2022, but expires after a year. Pier B’s owners are asking the state to approve that lease for 25 years.

The company’s application states, “there are no modifications that would change the use of the leased area and no new structures are being proposed.”

Representatives from Safer Cleaner Ships and its supporters warned city officials that the permanent expansion could lead to larger cruise ships coming to Key West, and reminded the same officials of the public referendums that voters passed in 2020 to reduce cruise ships in Key West.

Those restrictions ultimately applied only to cruise ship docks operated by the city, as officials were warned repeatedly that the city would face significant lawsuits if it tried to interfere with the private business of Pier B.

The state legislature later voided the voter referendums and further

prohibited any municipality from doing anything that restricts maritime commerce in the state.

The anti-cruise-ship contingent wants the city to send a letter to the state opposing Pier B’s request for the permanent use permit.

“I encourage you to draft a resolution formally opposing this request,” Arlo Haskell, treasurer of Safer Cleaner Ships, told city officials.

But not all city commissioners were immediately on board.

Commissioner Sam Kaufman, an attorney by trade, and Commissioner Lissette Carey had several concerns about the city opposing the application, including whether it would constitute a restriction of maritime commerce that was expressly prohibited by state lawmakers.

“Before I make any decisions, I want to hear from our lobbyists how this will be viewed by Tallahassee,” Kaufman said.

Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover agreed, saying, “Sam also has me wanting to get this information from a legal perspective. I think there’s too much out there for us to move forward as of now.”

Mayor Teri Johnston was in support of Safer Cleaner Ships’ opposition request, but no formal votes were taken at the special meeting.

The commission will revisit the issue and decide the city’s position at a meeting on May 16.

City Attorney Ron Ramsingh and Childress will assemble some legal analysis and potential impacts. The commission can then decide whether to oppose Pier B’s application, support it or ignore it and let the state decide on the request for permanency.

Members of the public who commented on the topic were fairly evenly split between pro-cruise-ship business owners and anti-cruiseship activists who say cruise ships damage the environment and threaten the coral reef, a claim that other speakers said has been repeatedly refuted by reputable marine scientists.

“I don’t know when this city became anti-business, but it happened,” business owner Ed Swift said at the meeting. “This lease application is not going to bring any additional ships in and I think all this talk about that is misleading.”

Another member of the public pointedly told the commissioners that none of them depends on tourism for their income in Key West. While others who support Safer Cleaner Ships strongly urged the officials to “do their job and support your constituents who voted for those referendums.”

Key West’s cruise ship restrictions do not apply to the privately owned Pier B dock. CONTRIBUTED

West moms — and to our news team’s own amazing women.

This one goes out to the No. 1 in our lives — mothers.

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Celebrating the people who care for our community

They’re your neighbors, your friends, your family. They’ve held your hands in times of crisis and coached your child’s soccer team. They’ve served as Big Brothers and Big Sisters and hammered nails in Habitat for Humanity homes. They’ve built school butterfly gardens, planted trees in parks and helped after natural disasters. They’ve trekked thousands of miles to raise funds for cancer research with Bounce Back from CancerTM, as well as to increase autism awareness and to bring an end to heart disease, among other worthy causes.

And, they have saved lives.

These are the faces of Baptist Health.

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, May 6-12, and National Hospital Week, May 7-13, I would like to put thespotlight on the more than 27,000 individuals who work at Baptist Health from the Florida Keys through Palm Beach County. I have personally witnessed their selflessness and dedication to patients and each other, even during the most difficult circumstances. I am constantly amazed and humbled by their passion for purposeful work. And while Baptist Health has beautiful facilities filled with the latest technology, it is really about our people and the difference they make in the lives of our patients every day.

Our employees are compassionate and inspiring. Among them are the nurse at your bedside, the doctor who performs emergency surgery in the middle of the night and the dietitian who develops a special recipe just for the patient with a life-threatening food allergy. They include the nurse

who arranges an impromptu wedding for a hospitalized patient, the environmental worker who cleans and prepares a room to ensure it’s comfortable for care and the security guard who jumps your car battery in our parking lot.

Their jobs do not end with the day-to-day care they provide for patients at their most vulnerable times. Our teams are also looking to the future to ensure that we are here to help you and your families for many years to come. They are busy conducting research, developing new and innovative technologies that will lead to breakthrough medical cures and treatments, and advancing digital initiatives to improve the patient experience. They are also training and educating future generations of physicians, nurses, technologists, fellows, pharmacists and many others who will advance healthcare.

It is our mission at Baptist Health to improve the health and well-being of those in the communities we serve, and it is this mission that is possible only because of the strength of our workforce. I am proud to call Baptist Health employees, physicians and nurses my colleagues. They are making South Florida a better place to live, and I hope you will join me in saluting the faces of Baptist Health.

Bo Boulenger President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear South Florida Community,

FLORIDA BUDGET APPROVES CRITICAL KEYS FUNDING ASKS

GOVERNOR HAS FINAL SAY OVER LARGEST SPENDING PLAN YET

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Florida legislators concluded a 60-day session in Tallahassee on May 5 by unanimously approving a record $117-billion budget — up by roughly $5 billion from the previous year’s approved spending plan.

Overall, the Florida Keys came away with some $27.5 million for a host of projects that address everything from water quality and renovations to construction and providing more clean drinking water.

A request by Monroe County officials for full Florida Keys Stewardship Act funding landed in the final legislative budget, with $20 million for water quality projects and $5 million for land acquisition. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal included the county’s request, as did initial House and Senate spending plans. The Stewardship Act financially aids Keys municipalities in cleaning canals to produce better water quality and addressing stormwater.

It’s the third straight year that the Stewardship Act program was funded at the county’s request.

“It’s very nice to see that they funded the full amount the past couple years,” said Lisa Tennyson, county legislative affairs director.

Issues over drinking water were at the forefront in March following a series of pipe breaks in the Upper Keys. It led to a drop in the amount of water flowing through pipes per day, 26 million gallons to 22 million gallons, by Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority to try to mitigate any future breaks.

With a 40-year-old water main reaching its life, FKAA officials are digging in and planning a series of replacement projects. FKAA received some state assistance in the budget with some $10 million for a reverse osmosis facility in Marathon. FKAA can use reverse osmosis treatment plants in Stock Island and Marathon to supplement water supply during emer-

gencies. The plants withdraw from seawater wells to produce potable water from saltwater.

Recently, county officials visited the site of the new emergency operations center in Marathon for a “topping off” celebration. A $38-million project that’s slated for completion in 2024 needed several millions to cover a cost gap — the result of increases in products. State legislators decided to approve $6.2 million to help county officials cover construction costs for a state-of-the-art building that’s designed to withstand 220-mph winds.

And $10 million was included in the final budget for Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for an artificial reef within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The funds were initially included in the Senate proposal, but not the House spending plan.

“It came out of the blue,” state Rep. Jim Mooney said. “It was getting no traction on the House side. That was like a bonus for us.”

A county request was included for $1.6 million to engineer, design and install 100 new moorings near Boca Chica channel and an area off Wysteria Island. And $2 million in the state budget will go to renovations of Key West’s Bruce Hall — the Monroe County School District’s future administrative headquarters. San Carlos Institute in Key West received $1.2 million for urgent structural repairs.

Two requests from Islamorada made the final budget, including $250,000 for a council chambers and public works facility and $190,000 for a new ambulance. Key Colony Beach received $1 million for city hall repairs following damage from Hurricane Irma.

After receiving no funding from the state last year, Florida Keys Area Health Education Center will obtain $975,000 for its children’s primary medical and dental health centers. The budget also included $300,000 for the

Harry S. Truman Little White House’s ongoing exterior hardening and restoration project. At Pigeon Key in Marathon, $500,000 made the state budget for restoration and enhancements.

A $1-million request for Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral restoration in the Keys, brought forth by Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, was also included in the final budget.

“It’s always a pleasure to work alongside Representative Mooney and our local stakeholders to make sure we get our priorities over the finish line,” Rodriguez said. “I am honored and humbled by our many successes this session.”

To address safety issues on Card Sound Road — the Florida Keys’ alternative thoroughfare to the 18 Mile Stretch — the state budget included $300,000 for signs and pavement markers.

Not all funding requests made the budget, however. Requests by the Florida Keys Domestic Abuse Shelter and local Habitat for Humanity organizations didn’t reach the finish line. Mooney said he pushed hard for a Key West beach renourishment pilot project that didn’t garner approval.

The budget will head to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk where he can approve or veto funding line items before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. Last year, the governor cut $3.1 billion from the legislature’s $112.1 billion state budget.

State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and state Rep. Jim Mooney on the Senate floor. CONTRIBUTED

KEYS TOURISM OFFICIALS

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FREE EVENT WILL FOCUS ON STORM SURGE THREATS

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The new director of the National Hurricane Center will kick off an annual storm conference for the Keys tourism industry that will focus on storm surge.

The free three-hour virtual event begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 18 and is being organized by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council in partnership with the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West.

Director Mike Brennan, the keynote presenter, will delve into the NHC’s new seven-day Tropical Weather Outlook, as well as the importance of storm surge watches and warnings in supporting evacuation decisions.

Other presenters include Monroe County Emergency Management Director Shannon Weiner, who will discuss local plans and procedures and preview the county’s new Emergency Operations Center. Chip Kasper, the meteorologistin-charge for the Florida Keys National Weather Service Office, will explain how the local office works with the NHC and how the Keys weather office supports decisions related to

storm preparation, response and recovery.

Also on the agenda are Joe Roth, president of Regan Roth Insurance Agency, addressing new Citizens windstorm insurance regulations for the Keys and other flood risk areas; as well as Clint Barras and Andy Newman, web and public relations professionals for the TDC, who will focus on TDC programs that interface with emergency management and the weather service.

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion about increasing threats of storm surge for coastal communities. Panelists include Jamie Rhome, the NHC’s deputy director and storm surge expert; Jon Rizzo, the Keys weather office’s warning coordination meteorologist; and Weiner. Part of that discussion will center on lessons learned for the Keys from last year’s Hurricane Ian.

To register for the conference, send an email with your name, business name and email address to hurricaneconference@fla-keys.com.

— Contributed

WALK for

Mental Health Awareness

SATURDAY, MAY 20th Registration 8:00 a.m.

Home of the Miami Marlins

Mental health and suicide prevention can save lives.

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

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

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

NEARLY 400K PASSENGERS USED KEY WEST AIRPORT IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2023 NUMBERS ARE DOWN 5% FROM 2022

2 NEW HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WILL LEAD THEIR ALMA MATERS

CHRISTINE PAUL TAKES HELM AT MARATHON; REBECCA PALOMINO TO HEAD KEY WEST

School district officials announced the new principals for Marathon Middle/High School and Key West High School on May 4.

Christine Paul will take the helm at Marathon Middle/High School, and Rebecca Palomino will take the lead at Key West High School, Superintendent Theresa Axford announced. Laura Lietaert continues as principal of Coral Shores High School.

All three principals are graduates of the schools they’re leading.

Paul currently is principal of Stanley Switlik Elementary School in Marathon and will take over the high school position in August from outgoing principal Wendy McPherson, who will be principal at the new CFK Academy, a charter high school opening for the coming school year on the College of the Florida Keys campus in Key West.

“Her high level of expertise is accompanied by a personality that expresses her calmness, commitment to education and happy demeanor,” Axford said in a news release. “It is truly a pleasure to appoint a Marathon High School graduate to the role of principal. I am sure she will serve the Marathon community proudly and with love in her heart for all students and their families.”

high-quality education is the key to a better tomorrow.”

Meanwhile at Key West High School…

Palomino will take over as principal for the upcoming school year. Former principal Larry Schmiegel left in March for another job in New York.

Dave Perkins has served as interim principal since Schmiegel’s departure, but did not apply for the permanent position, Axford said.

Palomino has worked as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal at Key West High School, along with other positions at Sugarloaf School and most recently as assistant principal at Gerald Adams Elementary.

“Mrs. Palomino recently told me she bleeds crimson and gray, and I believe it,” Axford said. “Her passion for her alma mater is notable, and the variety of successful experiences she has had as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal have fully prepared her to take the helm of the district’s largest school. I am confident in her abilities and proud to place a former Conch in the highest leadership role at the school.”

Atotal of 396,275 passengers used the Key West International Airport in the first quarter of 2023. March was the busiest month with 147,500 travelers.

Compared to 2022, the first quarter of 2023 fell short by 5%. Compared to 2019, the best year on record for the airport before COVID-19, there was a 27% increase for the quarter and a 25% increase for the month of March alone.

Passenger volumes continue to adjust industry-wide following the pandemic, rising and unstable fuel prices, pilot shortages and a softening in leisure travel, states a press

release from Key West airport officials.

“These numbers are on track with where we expect to be,” said Richard Strickland, the county’s director of airports.

“While passenger volumes are still stabilizing, we expect to continue down a path of robust performance for 2023.”

Work on the new concourse at the airport continues, and will include significant improvements to the passenger departure area and baggage claim, where current overcrowding prompts traveler complaints.

— Contributed

Paul has worked for the Monroe County School District as a teacher and administrator since 1997.

“As a graduate of Marathon High School and a proud Dolphin, I look forward to working with teachers and staff to provide a school of excellence where all students can achieve their full potential,” she said.

“She envisions working collaboratively with teachers to ensure delivery of a rigorous and challenging curriculum that prepares students for success in college, career and beyond,” the news release states. “She will encourage students to pursue their passions, develop leadership skills and contribute to the community through service-learning opportunities. Simply put, she believes that a well-rounded,

Her breadth of experience with K-12 counseling and academics, her involvement on district level teams, and knowledge of Key West High School as an alumna and former staff member give Palomino a well-rounded perspective on the needs of the school and community. As a student-centered administrator, she believes the power of relationships can help students be successful academically and socially, the release states.

“I am truly overwhelmed with emotion and honored to return to my alma mater as principal,” Palomino said. “It has been my dream and aspiration to follow in the footsteps of legendary Conch principals. I look forward to carrying on the traditions of Key West High School that make us who we are as an academically competitive school and the source of Conch Pride for our community.”

Christine Paul

Rebecca Palomino

The departure area at Key West International Airport is regularly overcrowded and will be significantly improved during the ongoing renovations. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

An architect’s rendering shows the design of the new concourse at Key West International Airport. CONTRIBUTED

200 YEARS OF FLORIDA KEYS SUNSETS

BICENTENNIAL SUNSET CELEBRATION IN MARATHON ON MAY 19

ISLAMORADA SEA-TO-TABLE DINNER CELEBRATES KEYS’ FISHING AND CUISINE

EVENT MARKS ISLAND CHAIN’S BICENTENNIAL

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners cordially invites the public to its upcoming bicentennial Sunset Celebration, set to take place on the Old 7 Mile Bridge on May 19 from 6 p.m. to sunset. The event promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, food, and friends as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the county.

Henry Flagler’s Old 7 Mile Bridge is an iconic and historic landmark that spans from Marathon to Pigeon Key and is the perfect setting for this occasion. Guests can enjoy a beautiful Florida Keys sunset while listening to live music by the 79th Street Band, dancing on the bridge, and savoring locally inspired appetizers from Marathon High School’s culinary class and beverages from locally grown produce from Grimal Grove. The U.S. Navy will also host a flyover at 7 p.m. across the bridge. The Navy is also celebrating 200 Years in Monroe County this year. Beer and wine will be available for a charge through the Marathon Rotary.

As the sun sets at 8:05 p.m., a celebratory toast will be made to honor past and present county commissioners for their dedication to making Monroe County a great place to live, work and play. Monroe County was the sixth county admitted into the Florida territory and initially spanned from Lake Okeechobee to Key West. Today, it encompasses the entire Florida Keys island chain and a mostly uninhabited region of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve on the mainland.

“We are excited to celebrate 200 years of Monroe County with our community through events like this taking place throughout the Florida Keys,” said Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln.

“The sunset celebration will be a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy an evening of fun and festivity in the Middle Keys.”

This event is free. There will be free parking with Pigeon Key’s trolley available from the City of Marathon 7 Mile Bridge Marina (the old Salty’s) and Monroe County Transit from 33rd Street Stanley Switlik school parking area. There will be no parking available at the bridge. The unofficial afterparty will take place at Overseas Pub and Grill in Marathon following sunset.

More information is at monroecounty-fl.gov/flkeys200.

Other upcoming events to celebrate 200 years of Monroe County include the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Sea-to-Table event on Saturday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. (islamoradachamber.com); a free patriotic family picnic taking place at Rowell’s Park on Saturday, June 17 from noon to 3 p.m.; and a 200-year firework and laser light show in conjunction with Lower Keys Rotary on Monday, July 3 at 5 p.m. at Big Pine Key Community Park, when the county will attempt to regain its rightful title of having the world’s largest Key lime pie.

— Contributed

Florida Keys visitors and residents can commemorate the island chain’s bicentennial on Saturday, June 10, during a gala sea-to-table dinner in Islamorada, famed as the Sportfishing Capital of the World.

The banquet salutes the 200th anniversary of the Florida Territorial Legislature’s founding of Monroe County, which contains the entire Florida Keys, on July 3, 1823. As well as recognizing the historic anniversary, the dinner spotlights Islamorada’s longstanding fishing industry and captains, a vital aspect of the Keys’ two-century history.

“We welcome fans of Islamorada’s famous fishing along with those who savor the Keys’ exquisite seafood-centric cuisine to celebrate 200 years of fishing and dining during this unforgettable event,” said Judy

Hull, executive director of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the gala evening.

The sea to table dinner will take place at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina at 79851 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. A rooftop sunset reception is set for 6:30 p.m., while the dinner is to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the property’s Boat Barn.

Attendees can discover Keys artists’ work, historic photos and the coral nursery at Bud N’ Mary’s. Local fishing captains will host each table.

Tickets are $200 per person and premier tables are also available. Seating is limited and reservations are required; more information is available from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503.

— Contributed

A bicentennial sunset celebration will take place May 19 at the Old Seven Mile Bridge. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada will host a bicentennial dinner gala on Saturday, June 10. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS GRADUATES 110 AT 66TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

EVENT HONORS STUDENTS, TEACHERS, ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

COME SEE KEY WEST’S NEWEST HIGH SCHOOL

MEET THE PRINCIPAL & PREVIEW CURRICULUM AT CFK ACADEMY

The College of the Florida Keys invites prospective students, their family members and the community to learn about CFK Academy at an information event on Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the new academy building on the Key West campus.

The College of the Florida Keys held its 66th commencement exercises for the spring class of 2023 on May 5 in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus. Wearing blue and orange graduation attire, 110 graduates received their diplomas. The college expects to award a combined total of about 120 credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and college credit certificates, to spring graduates.

Isabella Filber, who earned an associate’s degree in marine environmental technology, opened the ceremony with the student address. She also presented the Instructor of the Year award, which was a tie between nursing instructor Laura Cox and marine resource management instructor Matt Semcheski. The college bestowed the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Kevin Mallinson, who earned his nursing degree at CFK in 1987 before becoming one of the world’s top experts in HIV/AIDS nursing care. Wall Street executive and philanthropist Ed Hajim delivered the keynote address, sharing his life story of triumph over adversity.

Jonathan Gueverra, the college’s president, honored the recently retired Key West city manager Patti McLauchlin with the 2023 President’s Award. The award recognized her efforts to collaborate with

the college on projects ranging from COVID-19 vaccinations to offshore water quality testing around the island.

The full ceremony can be viewed on the college’s Facebook page.

Following commencement, the college held a ceremony for students who completed their associate’s degree in nursing this semester. Upon passing the national NCLEX-RN licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse.

CFK’s summer semester begins May 15 and fall semester begins Aug. 15. Information about academic programs, steps to become a student and ways to pay for college is at cfk. edu/futurestudents.

— Contributed

New principal Wendy McPherson will present the academic acceleration opportunities available at the new tuition-free charter high school and provide a preview of possible class options. College representatives will answer questions and provide guidance about enrolling. Those interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP at cfk.edu/cfkacademy.

3.

Ed Hajim congratulates Bryan Ramos for earning a certificate of completion for Project ACCESS, a program for students with intellectual disabilities. Alina Trueba, the college’s director of academic affairs, assists Ramos while Jonathan Gueverra, the

CFK Academy, which opens in August, focuses on college and career readiness with curriculum centered on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and career technical education (CTE). Project-based learning experiences provide students with hands-on engagement in the learning process beyond the traditional classroom to develop communication, critical-thinking, and communication skills. Academy students are encouraged to earn college credit through the college’s dual enrollment program in classes on the same campus as the high school. Motivated students can graduate with their high school diploma as well as an associate’s degree, certificate, and/or industry certification. There is no cost to attend CFK Academy, including collegelevel classes.

The application for the 2023- 24 school year is at cfk.edu/cfkacademy. Space is limited. CFK Academy will start with grades nine through 11 in its inaugural year and will add grade 12 in the 2024-25 school year.

— Contributed

1. Graduates of CFK’s spring class of 2023 pose in the front of the Key West campus. CONTRIBUTED

2. CFK graduate Isabella Filber gives the student address to her fellow graduates.

Keynote speaker

college president, looks on.

4. Jonathan Gueverra, president of CFK, presents a diploma for an associate’s degree in arts to Riley McDonald. The dual enrollment student will graduate from Marathon High School later this month.

Wendy McPherson

KEEPING COMMUNITY ALIVE

BAHAMA VILLAGE ELDERS VISIT MUSEUM EXHIBIT

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

To many visitors, the Bahama Village exhibit at the Key West Museum of Art & History is just that, an exhibit, a collection of objects and photos of unfamiliar people.

But to the elders of Bahama Village, the exhibit is a personal photo album, a scrapbook and a high school yearbook all rolled into one.

On May 5, a group of about 40 community elders, most of whom were born and raised in Bahama Village, boarded a Conch Tour Train that took them to the museum so they could tour “Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community,” on display until May 21.

They strolled through largerthan-life photos of friends and relatives, pointing out everyone they recognized. They recalled the traditions of the annual Maypole ceremony and ran its green and white streamers through their fingers.

“Green and white were the colors of Frederick Douglass School,” said Virginia Irving, a former teacher at the school that served Key West’s black population during segregation and the current facilitator of the Frederick Douglass Black Educators Memorial Project.

“The response to the Bahama Village exhibit has been extraordinary,” said Cori Convertito, Key West Art & Historical Society curator and historian. “Living with the artifacts, images and stories of Bahama Village in the museum gallery, one cannot help but be both moved and stirred by the influences and impacts of our own black community.”

Artifacts on display include a football helmet and shoulder pads from Frederick Douglass School, musical instruments from the estate of William McKinzie, a 19thcentury Sanchez family bible, and a suit once belonging to illustrious local musician Coffee Butler.

“These items and several others tell the inspiring history, culture and roles of the black residents,” Convertito said. “We are exploring ways to make the exhibition and educational resources available on the internet. These online resources will be a superb asset for researchers wanting to discover more about Key West and the contributions of its black population,” Convertito said.

SUGARLOAF SHARKS SET NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

887 PEOPLE PERFORMED THE ‘BABY SHARK’ SONG AND DANCE

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The Sharks at Sugarloaf School have more than a new elementary wing to celebrate. The school — and surrounding community — hold a new Guinness World Record.

On the morning of May 5, 887 people broke the record for the most people simultaneously performing the ubiquitous “Baby Shark” song and dance that has now been playing on repeat in all 887 people’s heads since the big event.

The event was organized by Ajax Builders to mark the ribboncutting of the new elementary wing and to celebrate the school’s mascot. Students, parents, teachers, school board members, sheriff’s deputies, the Key West police chief, firefighters, local military members and more filled the parking lot while wearing shark sunglasses and other chomping costumes for the festivities.

“We did it; we broke the record,” Key West Police Chief Sean

Brandenburg declared while still wearing his shark hat.

An open house and grand opening tours will be available at the new elementary wing in the coming week or so, said principal Brett Unke, who is retiring at the end of the year after 30 years with the school district.

The new elementary wing and the new world record were the perfect way to end his career, Unke said.

Sugarloaf School students, parents, siblings and community members set a new Guinness World Record for the most people performing the Baby Shark dance at once. ASHLEY ROBERTS/Contributed

School board members, the superintendent and Sugarloaf School’s leaders celebrate the new elementary wing and the new world record. From left, assistant principal Kevin Walden, school board members Sue Woltanski, Mindy Conn, Darren Horan and John Dick, Superintendent Theresa Axford and Sugarloaf principal Brett Unke.

Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg and Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay join the Baby Shark festivities.

Femi Manners pins a corsage on Constance Teate, one of the elders of Bahama Village. The flowers were donated by Carrie Grooms and Petals and Vines. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Virginia Irving recalls the tradition of the Maypole at Frederick Douglass School, which served Key West’s black students during segregation.

Retired teacher Virginia Irving and Joseph Russell find familiar faces in the exhibit entitled Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community.

Sisters Chandra Tynes and Diane Castillo point out familiar faces at the Bahama Village exhibit.

RALPH MORROW

... a veteran sports columnist, says the only sport he doesn’t follow is cricket. That leaves plenty of others to fill his time. ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

SPORTS & MORE

TALES FROM ENCOMPASS HOSPITAL

Ihope you missed me as much as I missed you. I haven’t written my weekly musings for several reasons

The main one is that I spent time, first at Lower Keys Medical Center, then a couple weeks thereafter at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami. I guess the reason would be that I lost energy, at least that’s what sent me to Miami.

Encompass Health concentrates on working on your body. Two ladies came to my room every morning and afternoon to take me to “the gym,” where a dozen or so machines were meant to stimulate the body. One gym featured part of an automobile where you relearned how to get in and out of a car. In the beginning, I was not very enthused, but I soon learned my departure date depended on my progress.

I liked both of the ladies whose assignment was to get me into shape, Francine and Leana.

I had a roommate for the entire two weeks named Orlando, but as he spoke mainly Spanish and I speak only English, there wasn’t much conversation. But the food, incidentally, was quite acceptable.

My main objective was to learn how to walk with a walker. I knew I needed to walk a distance to be eligible to go home. So I tried to extend my daily walk under Francine’s direction and was very glad to get home.

I DID KEEP UP WITH SPORTS in the hospital — except for the Miami Heat. The channel that carries the team

RACE WEEKEND DEADLY FOR AT LEAST ONE SEA TURTLE

FATAL BOAT STRIKE UNDERSCORES NEED FOR CAUTIOUS DRIVING

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

wasn’t available. When I got home, I was able to watch the Heat mount a rally that got them into the playoffs and their successful conquest of the favored Milwaukee Bucks. I watched it all.

I HAVEN’T WATCHED MUCH BASEBALL. I’m sure I’ll get with it after the NBA playoffs. But, I’m so attracted to basketball and PGA golf, I just haven’t found time for baseball.

Of course, I have found delight in the Heat. One thing that has bothered me, though, are the injuries — Jimmy Butler’s ankle from game to game, Tyler Herro’s broken wrist and Victor Oladipo’s ailments. I also have a side interest in the Los Angeles Lakers, because that’s where LeBron plays.

GOLF PUZZLES ME. I guess it’s because the LIV exists and it has taken close to 20 players from the PGA. Maybe it’s the season that draws the new players, but when I watch the weekend tournaments, there are players who are strangers to me. I know if they keep performing, I’ll get to know and maybe like them.

But as for now, it’s just good to be home.

Aweekend that challenged powerboat racers in the 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix with hazardous weather conditions also proved lethal for at least one member of a beloved Marathon marine species.

Shortly after the races, the Weekly contacted photographer Aldo Diaz for photos of a boat outdrive malfunction during one of Sunday’s races. In addition, Diaz sent the Weekly an image of a severely injured green sea turtle he photographed floating south through the Seven Mile Bridge about 20 minutes after the conclusion of one of the day’s races.

Later confirmed as a boat strike by the Marathon-based Turtle Hospital, there were no photos of the moment of collision and no way to pinpoint its exact timing or location.

Already airborne in a helicopter as part of the hospital’s efforts to patrol the race course for vulnerable wildlife, hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach said an immediate search commenced in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We actually went to the airport and refueled, and then went and spent over an hour searching for the turtle,” she told the Weekly. “My heart sank, as it does with every call.”

Challenging currents, winds and waves that rendered the nearshore waters nearly opaque made recovery impossible on Sunday. The hospital received another deceased animal on Monday, but Zirkelbach said that it was likely

a different turtle, as the second animal’s injuries didn’t align with the photo received by the hospital on Sunday.

Regardless, Zirkelbach added, the incident underscores the need for cautious boating in Keys waterways. So far in 2023, the Turtle Hospital has received 19 vessel-struck turtles in Monroe County. Other high-profile species such as manatees are also seeing the effects of increased boating traffic throughout the islands – just one day later, crews from Dolphin Research Center, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and FWC teamed up to rescue an injured mother and her calf with buoyancy issues likely caused by a boat strike.

During turtle mating and nesting season – generally lasting from late April through the end of October for most Keys species – turtles spend more time in shallower water as they conserve energy for the task at hand, making them more vulnerable to heavy inshore boat traffic.

“I do think it’s the heavy-powered boats that are really making it impossible for our animals,” Zirkelbach said. “It’s affecting us for sure, the boats in general.

“Some people don’t realize these animals need to surface to breathe. It is mating season, and they mate at the surface, so there’s a couple things that bring them to the surface. … It makes it a good point to really watch out for them. … (But) we do everything we can, and I think people are aware on every front in the Florida Keys to protect sea turtles.”

A fatally injured green sea turtle floats through the Seven Mile Bridge shortly after a race in the 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix. ALDO DIAZ/Contributed

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD

XAVYER ARRINGTON

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Senior, Coral Shores

Weightlifting, Track & Field

Coral Shores strongman Xavyer Arrington was not finished when he brought home his second gold medal in weightlifting last month. The Naval Academy-bound athlete is committed to play football next fall, but between his state championship in weightlifting and collegiate football career, Arrington will now compete for yet another set of state medals, this time in track and field.

Arrington recently took first place in the FHSAA 2A Region 4 championship in discus and sixth in shot put. The first-place finish in discus guaranteed him a spot at the state championship in Jacksonville on May 18. He is ranked sixth in the discus, but still has his sights set on two medals, having also earned an at-large bid in the shot put event with a 12th-place overall ranking ahead of the state meet.

Arrington has set school records in both events and has set the bar high for future Hurricane athletes. For his outstanding accomplishments in athletics and setting a stellar example for his teammates, Xavyer Arrington is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Xavyer Arrington shows off the first-place medal earned at Coral Shores’ regional track meet.

— Hurricanes track and field coach Herbert James

Xavyer is an awesome leader for the track team, always leading by example for the younger athletes.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

With an 8-4 win against St. Brendan on May 4, the Lady Conchs softball team are district champions. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Key West is home to a pair of district champion teams on the diamond.

The Lady Conchs softball team secured its title on May 4 by beating the Sabres of St. Brendan 8-4. Nevaeh Arnold pitched seven innings, surrendering four runs on six hits. Arnold struck out four in the outing. Offensively, the Conchs amassed a dozen hits in the win. Isabella Franco went 3 for 3 at the plate, adding a pair of RBIs to her stats. Madelyn Perusse, Ty Cervantes and Caroline Smith each registered two hits and Scarlet Niles, Miesha Hernandez and Tavyn Gage accounted for the rest of Key West’s 12 hits. The 16-3 Conchs faced Riviera Beach Suncoast in the regional quarterfinals on May 10, with a win sending them to the regional semifinals on May 16. Results were not available as of press time.

A loss to Palmer Trinity School on May 2 spelled the end of the road for Marathon in their playoff bracket. The Fins lost

Marathon loses in semifinals

to the Falcons 14-3 in the district semifinal game, ending the season with an 8-6 record. They managed seven hits against Palmer, with two each from Madelyn Thornton and Sara Robinson, both eighth-graders. Maeve Merryman, Alba Rodriguez and Sage Brown added one hit each in the loss. Allison Garcia was credited with the loss but will have a chance at redemption in 2024.

Despite the loss, the Lady Fins’ program looks bright for the next few years. With no seniors on their roster, the entire Lady Fins team is set to return next season.

Isabella Franco powered the Lady Conchs’ offense in the team’s district championship win with a 3-3 performance at the plate.

CONCHS CLAIM DISTRICT TITLE IN MERCY-RULE WIN

CORAL SHORES TOPS MARATHON FOR DISTRICT RUNNER- UP TROPHY

THE KEY WEST CONCHS HAVE A DISTRICT CHAMPION BASEBALL TEAM, AND THEY’RE NOT DONE YET.

Patience was a virtue in Key West’s 3-1 win over Miami Killian on May 2. The game would be a defensive battle for both teams with a pitchers’ duel that went scoreless until the fourth inning. Key West’s three-run flurry would be the only scoring the Conchs would do in the matchup, but it was more than enough for the win. Killian managed a single run in the matchup, and had two runners on base in the seventh inning with just one out, but the Conchs held their ground and took the win, placing them in the district championship game on May 4. Key West managed seven hits from seven batters, including Jack Haggard, Matt Greenberg, Gabe Williams, Anthony Lariz, Anden Rady, Jose Perdigon and Sam Holland. Andris Barroso was credited with the win, lasting six innings on the mound, while Jacob Burnham pitched the last inning for the victory.

The win against Killian sent Key West to the district championship game on May 4 against Miami Sunset. This time, the Conchs struck fast and kept striking until they ended the game in a four-and-a-half-inning mercy-rule win, destroying the Knights 13-0. The Conchs piled on a dozen hits in the game, with Lariz leading the stats with three. Haggard, Perdigon and Rady each had a pair of hits, with one of Rady’s clearing the fence in the third inning. Greenberg, Holland and Noah Burnham each added one in the championship win. Felix Ong went the distance, striking out six over five innings and allowing just one hit, one walk and zero runs. The Conchs took on the Somerset Academy Panthers of Pembroke Pines on May 9 in the regional quarterfinals, winning 8-5, and will now move on to the semifinal on Friday, May 12 against Miami Springs.

CORAL SHORES TOPS MARATHON, FALLS TO KEYS GATE IN DISTRICT HEARTBREAKER

A punishing first inning would be too much for Marathon to overcome in the FHSAA 3A District 16 semifinal game against Coral Shores on May 2. The ’Canes met the Fins in Dolphin territory, and despite several starters out of the lineup due to injuries, Coral Shores was able to beat its closest rivals 10-0 in five innings to move on to the district championship game.

Coral Shores struck quickly, pounding Marathon with six hits and scoring seven runs in the first inning. In total, the Hurricanes were good for a dozen hits, with three from AJ Putetti, two each from Campbell Lavoie, Donovan Thiery, Dylan Bloom and Andy Ladesma and one from Maykol Bonito. Thiery pitched five innings, allowing four hits and striking out six.

For Marathon, Bryan Broche, Jack Chapman and Mason Thornton had singles and Gavin Leal hit a double, but Coral Shores was able to protect the plate, shutting out the Fins.

Dylan Ziels started on the mound and Broche completed the final two innings in the loss. Marathon ends its season with a solid 17-9 record. The team will lose three seniors to graduation but stands to add a talented group from Marathon’s middle school program to the varsity roster.

In the win over Marathon, Coral Shores earned a shot at the district championship against Keys Gate on May 3. Dylan Bloom started on the mound for the ’Canes, going five innings, with Tate Brumbalow picking up the rest. Both teams scored one in the first inning and the tie held until the fifth. Coral Shores found a bit of the magic they unleashed on the Fins the night prior, scoring three runs and adding two more in the sixth.

Keys Gate answered back in the sixth inning with five runs of their own, tying the game up once again. Heartbreak came in the final inning for Coral Shores when a walk-off Keys Gate single gave the ’Canes the runner-up trophy and an end to their season. Putetti and Zeke Myers each had two hits on the night and Ledesma, Ian Anderson, Grayden Ross and Hugh Connolly also made it to base on hits for Coral Shores. The Hurricanes finished their season with an 8-13 record, losing several close games to opponents

7A division.

in the much larger

The Hurricanes celebrate a big win over the Dolphins.

The Key West Conchs claimed a district title as they dismantled the Miami Sunset Knights, 10-0.

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

Photo by ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

TOP RATED GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA AND VEGETARIAN MENU

WE LOVE KIDS & DOGS

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms across the Florida Keys. To celebrate, our Top 10 this week is all about you.

Above all, this is the place where you, our moms, get to say all the things you wish you had (and probably should have) been telling us all along. But for now, cut this one out and passively aggressively share it with your cynical teenager, or that 20-something who just won’t move out … or the adult offspring who still thinks God created you to come over and organize his sock drawer. Here are our…

THINGS YOUR

MOTHER SECRETLY WISHES SHE COULD TELL YOU ON MOTHER’S DAY

10. At age 35, it’s time to get your own cell phone plan and stop using mom’s house as a storage unit.

9. Your cat did not ‘find another home’ when you were 8. Your grandmother ran him over and I seriously doubt Mr. Whiskers went to heaven.

8. Stop asking me to tell the story of how your father and I met. We were drunk and I don’t remember anything about the night you were conceived.

7. Stop calling yourself an Instagram model in front of my friends. You’re 42. Get a job.

6. “Husky” was just a nice way of saying you were overweight when you were 10. I’m sorry the nickname stuck.

5. Stop raiding my medical marijuana stash in the back of the pantry. You’re 42. Get your own card. (See #7).

4. When I told you women will love you for you, and not for how much money you make or how successful you are, I lied.

3. I hate your wife.

2. Carl was not just mommy’s yoga’s instructor.

1. You’re adopted.

WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS... CATCH AND RELEASE THEM

YOUNG MUSICIANS PLAY RECITAL ON MAY 12

BAHAMA VILLAGE MUSIC PROGRAM PROVIDES FREE MUSIC LESSONS FOR KIDS

The Bahama Village Music Program will offer its Night of Music recital on Friday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theater. The concert is a fundraiser aimed at supporting the nonprofit organization’s mission to provide music education and build a safe, inclusive community through the power of music.

The Night of Music is the end-of-season performance that showcases the talent of the Bahama Village Music Program students, steel pan band, student teachers, Keys Kids Jr., and more. More than just an educational institution, the program creates a sense of community and pride, fosters important mentor relationships between local teenage musicians and their students, encourages parent participation, and enhances students’ self-esteem.

Bahama Village Music Program’s mission is to provide quality music education to children who would otherwise not have access to private music instruction.

Tickets for the Night of Music are available at keystix.com. All contributions made during the event will go to the Bahama Village Music Program’s mission.

Dr. Pat Phaneuf caught and released this lemon shark while fishing with Capt. Stan Miles about four miles west of Key West on May 7. Phaneuf divides his time between Key West and Canada. Miles has been fishing Keys waters for more than 30 years. CONTRIBUTED

Last year’s Bahama Village Music Program recital features students and mentors. CONTRIBUTED

NAVY DESTROYER IN KEY WEST FOR COMMISSIONING

USS LENAH HIGBEE WILL OFFICIALLY ENTER MILITARY SERVICE ON MAY 13

DO WE REALLY HAVE A BIG NOISE PROBLEM?

An open letter to the city of Key West and Code Compliance about the recent sound ordinance workshops:

First I would like to applaud the city for the use of community workshops to gather information and input for areas of critical concern. Having said that, at the first of three workshops to review the city’s sound ordinance it was never really articulated as to what the impetus was for this latest go around on noise in Key West. Code Compliance officials, however, did release some rather shocking statistics.

complainers or are the complaints broad based? Of the music complaints, how many relate to each of the top three respondents? Do we really just have one or two bad apples? And to repeat, how many of the 118 music complaints were determined to be actual code violations versus the perception of one? How many were referred to legal mediation and what were the outcomes? Do we really have a problem that needs a solution?

mandy@keysweekly.com

This is a big deal. The Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, will be commissioned at 10 a.m. May 13 at Key West’s Outer Mole Pier.

“If you’ve never seen a ship commissioning, you’re in for a treat. It’s by far one of the military’s most impressive traditions,” said Eddie Kertis, a member of the Key West Navy League who’s working with the local commissioning committee. “The crew of the Higbee voted 9 to 1 to hold their commissioning in Key West, and we’re so excited to welcome them.”

The USS Lenah Higbee was christened and launched in 2021 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, but won’t become an official part of the U.S. Navy until it’s commissioned here. The Navy’s commissioning traditions date back to 1775.

The 510-foot Higbee has been at sea for more than a year as its crew tests and masters all its state-of-the-art

systems before entering official service.

The ship’s namesake, Lenah Higbee, was a Navy nurse pioneer. She was the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work as superintendent of the newly formed U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War I.

“During the commissioning ceremony, orders are given to hoist the colors (flag) and the commissioning pennant,” states the Navy website. “At the moment the commissioning pennant is broken at the masthead, the ship becomes a Navy command in her own right, and a member of the Navy fleet.

“The most iconic part of the ceremony occurs when the ship’s sponsor gives the order, ‘Officers and crew of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, man our ship and bring her to life.’ Crew members run aboard the ship and man the rails side by side as the ship’s systems come online.”

Those interested in viewing the commissioning ceremony live may do so at the following link: dvidshub.net/webcast/31425.

Over the last five years there were only 195 noise complaints filed with the Code Compliance. It was never indicated how many of these were actual violations versus just a complaint. Over the last five years only 118 complaints related to music (two per month), 27 to construction noise, 19 barking dogs, 14 pool pumps and 13 leaf blowers and four generators. Do we really have a problem that needs a solution?

In the name of transparency I believe it would be helpful for the public to understand a bit more about these complaints and the so-called problem. For example: How many of the 118 music complaints are over two years old? Are five-year-old complaints even relevant? How many of the music complaints relate to private residences/condos? How many relate to hotels? How many actually relate to entertainment venues like bars and restaurants? How many relate to businesses that don’t even exist today?

Of the music complaints, how many came from each of the top three complainants? Do we have a couple of chronic

Is this a real issue impacting our city or one that is politically driven? Presumably before the city spent valuable resources hosting three workshops, there was an in-depth analysis done to understand the true nature of the noise issue? The only way to know is for Code Compliance to release its pre-workshop analysis and to answer the questions above.

I suspect when code provides answers to the above we will find: 1. That the number of current music complaints related to entertainment complexes is actually a very small number. 2. Many of those complaints come from a couple of chronic complainers. 3. Many of those complaints relate to only a couple of music venues. 4. Very few of the music complaints were determined to be an actual code violation.

So I ask again, do we really have a problem that needs a solution? Code Compliance needs to be more transparent and provide the public with relevant information as to the nature of the so-called noise problem.

Sincerely,

Bill Klipp of “Key West Wanderings”

MANDY MILES

The Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, USS Lenah Higbee, arrives in Key West May 5 before its commissioning on May 13. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

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.

In a certain way, owning a decent camera with a long lens has ruined birding for me. Or at least ruined things that previously would have suffused me with satisfaction.

I remember, years ago, the first time I saw a Swainson’s warbler, a small, brown, skulky bird that spends its days flipping over leaves with all the grace of a tai chi master. I mean, a Swainson’s can be five feet away and throwing leaves like Jason Statham throwing tables in a bar fight, but it will do it with such subtle and supple moves you could be staring right at it and not even notice it happening.

The first time I saw a Swainson’s warbler was at Indigenous Park. Someone had clued me in on a bush where one might be. And I sat on the ground in the damp mud, stared into the leaf litter and waited for something to move. I sat so long my legs started to go numb. But after 40 minutes or so, the Swainson’s made an appearance. It came out from behind one section of impenetrable thicket, walked slowly across two or three feet of relatively open space, and disappeared behind another section of impenetrable thicket. It was a 15- or 20-second look, but it was enough. I felt as if I’d seen the bird, caught all the field marks that distinguished it as a Swainson’s warbler – the overall drabness, the pointy triangularity of the head, the warm ruddiness of its cap – and had enough time to let it all sink into my brain.

I grooved on it for days. And for a long time, that type of experience was enough. I’d seen the bird, I’d understood what it was, I’d expanded my world.

Then I got a camera.

Cameras are great because they’re time machines of a sort. They won’t bring you back in time, but they will let you pause it, hold on to a moment, walk around in it as much as the frame will allow, keep it. In the practical sense, if you see a bird and don’t know what it is, you can figure it out later. And in the modern era of birding, if you see a rare bird, a lot of times it won’t be accepted as a record unless you can produce a photo.

Also, for some reason, if I take a photo, I have an easier time studying it and seeing new things, as opposed to looking at someone else’s photo. I think it has something to do with being connected to the moment the shutter snapped.

Those moments, though, are hard to come by. One of the first things you learn when you start down the road of wildlife photography is how many bad photos you have to take before you get a good one. I have so much respect for

TRYING TO FOCUS ON THE RIGHT THINGS

the people who captured good wildlife images on film, especially when every frame you shot had a price tag.

When Mark Whiteside called the other morning, my phone was across the room and I missed it. But then he sent a text, which I caught soon after. He’d seen a smooth-billed ani at Indigenous Park. So I grabbed my binoculars and my camera and headed down there.

He’d left by the time I got there, gone off to find warblers at Fort Zach and the Botanical Garden, so I spent a good bit of time wandering the park alone, not seeing the ani.

Anis are weird and distinctive birds, with a big, arced bill that looks like a parody of a Greco-Roman nose in profile. If you didn’t see its head, you could be forgiven for confusing one with a grackle, except anis have an iridescent scalloping pattern on the ends of their coverts and neck feathers, which make them look like fancy goth kids late at night at the club.

They are very common in the Caribbean and South and Central America. They were never common in South Florida, but there used to be several reliable communities of them. They were easy to find, partly because they’re a gregarious species and partly because they’re communal birds – so communal that multiple females usually lay their eggs in the same nest and raise them together. (It sounds kind of idealistic, until you learn that the latter nesting females will often push the eggs of earlier nesting females out of the nest, or sometimes just build another layer of nest over them, before laying their own.)

For some reason their Florida population crashed in the early 2000s, all but disappearing. Individual birds get seen on occasion, but with no regularity and in no reliable spot. There was one at Fort Zach this winter, but it disappeared before I got a look, and it’s probably been five or eight years since I’ve actually laid eyes on one.

Whiteside said the bird at Indigenous looked somewhat rough, making him think it had possibly just flown in from Cuba.

I’d texted Kevin Christman earlier, and when I was thinking about heading home, saw him walk into the park, then disappear. I tracked him down near the aviary.

“It’s right there,” he said. I took a step around him and flushed the bird.

This ani bucked his species tendencies and ended up being pretty lurking and shy. We spent the next 20 minutes tracking it through the bushes, catching sight of it here and there, only to have it slip away again. I got decent-ifbrief looks at it, and back before I had a camera, that would have been fine. But now I was all acquisitional and demanding. Every time I’d raise the camera it would focus on a branch or a leaf, or the bird’s head would be out of frame. Or the light would be bad. Or I’d manage to have the autofocus hit, but it would be the back of the bird’s head. Grumble, grumble, grumble.

Finally, I found a clear line through a tumble of branches and caught a few frames of its head from a weird angle that kind of worked for me, with a glint in the bird’s eye and a lot of detail in the face. And a few minutes later a full profile shot of the bird. Which filled me with something like a sense of relief – I hadn’t failed at this whole birdwatching photography thing.

I’ve been thinking over the last few days, though, that relief probably isn’t the right thing to feel when I see a rare and weird bird like that – or any bird, really. And that maybe I need to come up with a less spiritually impoverished attitude. Even if I’m not about to give up my camera.

A smooth-billed

ani seen recently at Indigenous Park in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

CHEF RICHARD BLAIS OPENS FOUR FLAMINGOS AT HYATT CENTRIC

MAY 5 UNVEILING DELIGHTS DINERS

KEY WEST’S SEA-TO-SEA RAINBOW FLAG TURNS 20

ISLAND CELEBRATES PRIDE JUNE 7-11

Acclaimed celebrity chef and popular television personality Richard Blais welcomed community members to his newest food endeavor, a summertime pop-up restaurant called Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen, at the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.

The waterfront sea-to-table concept pays homage to the original Four Flamingos in Orlando, offering a modern dining experience that celebrates the saltwater bounty of the southernmost city.

In a nod to its dockside location on the surrounding coastal waters, sustainability will be a focus of the restaurant with fresh, seasonal ingredients derived through partnerships with local purveyors and fishermen.

“At Four Flamingos in Key West, I want to offer our guests a chef-forward menu that provides not only a memorable and innovative island experience, but is reflective of the Hyatt Centric brand,” said Blais. “Every bite will be curated with our guest in mind, for locals and tourists alike, to be savored as they soak in the incredible view of Key West’s sparkling waters.”

The menu will showcase a bone-in swordfish chop, crusted in preserved black key lime and garlic butter, as well as a bacon-wrapped beef filet served

with a brown butter bearnaise. An onsite oyster-shucking station features baked and raw varieties. In addition, a newly crafted mixology program offers guests a unique tableside tasting.

“We are thrilled to partner with such an exceptional culinary talent like Richard Blais and provide an immersive dining and drinking experience never before seen on the island,” said Jessica Cain, general manager of Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa. “I look forward to having our guests be able to experience his creativity and vision for Four Flamingos as it comes alive.”

Blais is widely recognized as the first winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef All-Stars” and current co-host of the cooking competition, “Next Level Chef.” More information is at richardblais.net.

— Contributed

1. Skewers of light and flaky tripletail are perfectly grilled and seasoned with citrus flavors. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

2. Chef Richard Blais talks local fish with Key West fishing Capt. Stan Miles.

3. Diced, raw tuna sits atop a tostada with guacamole and is topped with a ‘yolk’ made entirely of mango.

Visitors and locals can celebrate diversity and mark the 20th “birthday” of Key West’s famed 1.25-mile sea-to-sea rainbow flag with a three-night laser light show during Key West Pride 2023, scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, June 7-11. Presented by the Key West Business Guild, Pride salutes the Florida Keys’ all-accepting “One Human Family” mindset on the island internationally known as a top LGBTQ vacation spot.

Attractions include daytime pool parties and late-night dance parties, sunset sailing excursions, theater performances, a Pride street fair, a high-energy parade and other events commemorating the creation and display of the sea-to-sea flag that became known around the world.

In 2003 Gilbert Baker, creator of the original rainbow flag that remains the international symbol of the LGBTQ community, worked with a volunteer team to construct a 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag in Key West that is believed to be the world’s longest. During that year’s Pride, thousands of volunteers unfurled it along the entire length of the island’s Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean in a sea-to-sea showing of openness and pride.

The 2023 festival’s opening activities Wednesday, June 7, include a lunch with presentations on the creation of Baker’s Key West flag and an evening kickoff party featuring the display of a 100-foot section of the famed banner. The latter

event is set for 5:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Café, 313 Duval St.

Pride 2023’s highlight will be a three-night laser light show that re-creates the flag above Key West’s Duval Street, with its colors once again stretching the nearly 1.25mile length of the renowned thoroughfare. From 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, visitors can walk “under the rainbow” to express their support for diversity, equality and acceptance.

Other events include a local bartender competition at the Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St.; an outdoor screening of the acclaimed documentary “Key West: City of Colors” in the 800 block of Duval Street; an all-day street fair Saturday followed by a disco party and dancing on Duval; the Big Gay 5k challenge for fitness buffs; and a traditional tea dance at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St.

Plans call for a 100-foot section of Baker’s 2003 flag to take center stage in the 2023 Pride Parade through Key West’s historic downtown, Sunday, June 11, beginning at 5 p.m. Spectators can view the all-welcome procession, which will feature colorful walking groups and lavishly decorated floats, streetside or from clubs, bars and restaurants along the route.

Pride’s closing ceremony will take place following the parade at the corner of Duval and Petronia streets — site of Key West’s permanent four-way rainbow crosswalk — capped by the final night of the sea-to-sea laser light show.

Volunteers reach the Atlantic Ocean June 15, 2003, carrying a 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag down Duval Street. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

Thanks, Mom

( FOR EVERYTHING, REALLY )

One day a year simply isn’t sufficient to honor the women who brought us into the world and spend the rest of their lives trying to protect us from it. Moms are everything, and we here at the Keys Weekly are humbled to honor the amazing moms who have made us what we are. We’ve asked moms for some of their best advice, and have also shared some of the most important lessons we’ve learned from our own moms.

Amy Tripp is mom to Savannah, 9, and Berkeley, who is “12 going on 20,” she said.

“Just to be patient and loving, I learned that from my mama. Also after having kids, I know now to never judge another parent for their parenting. I thought I knew it all before kids; once you have kids it is a lot of improvising and doing what works for you.”

Kathryn

She always taught me, “Treat other people better than you want to be treated. Don’t hesitate to help those that need help.”

wrong with spoiling your kids with love.”

“Enjoy all the little moments, those tiny times add up to being there and that means the world to your kids; you become their trusted confidant and advisor as they grow. Also, you learn a lot from the driver’s seat (literally); just listening as they chat helps you figure out how to best support them through all of life’s ups and downs.”

“My mom’s best advice is to ‘look for opportunities to show compassion and always be kind.’”

“I love my mom’s smile. My father was a lucky man and we were lucky kids.”

Tori

“Be kind to yourself and each other. Celebrate the great, minimize the challenge.”

“Your house will be messy but your kids will never remember that. They’ll only remember the laughing, the hugs, the tickle-fights and the love, so make sure you focus on the fun things more than the mess. P.S. It’ll just get messy right after you clean it up anyway.”

“Raising three kids is the most stressful job, but it goes by way too fast.”

Carol Simeon is a proud sixth-generation Conch (and a Cates, Curry and Gardner descendant).

The best advice she ever received came from her own mother, Clara Cates. “Patience and plenty of hugs,” she said.

“I was blessed with a wonderful mom, two amazing grandmothers, a very special godmother and a host of aunts — all living in Key West.”

David

mom’s best advice? ‘Don’t tell your sister you’re our favorite.’”

“Schedule time to take care of yourself, even if it’s just a 30-minute workout. I think it makes you a better parent. The love you pour into yourself feeds into your mood, the way you speak and interact with your kids, alleviates stress, and everything else in your daily life. Self-care is caring for your kids.”

“My mom, Lilian de Bruijn, gives you advice sometimes without you even knowing it. And then a few days later, when you have that aha moment, you think you figured it out all on your own. Pretty clever, and much appreciated, mom. I love you!”

is different than it looks on social media.”

Rebecca Guzman with husband Hector and kids Nena and Brock

Stephanie Mitchell with son, Jack Mitchell

Amy Tripp with her mom, Christina Argabrite

Annie Briening with mom Debbie Hamer

Beth Grooms with Kassidy, Ryan & Kelci

Larry Blackburn with his mom

Dyess Blackburn

Mary Crough, Kurt Lewin’s mom, with his dad, Kermit

Carol Simeon

Lee Rekas with daughter Madi and son Archer on the way

Cathy Sellers with son Damien “There’s nothing

Maison Sellers and mom

Benitez

Sloan with mom, Eileene “My

Irene de Bruijn with mom, Lillian de Bruijn

Kelly Norman and daughter Taylor “It takes an island. Find your tribe. Also, parenting

“Always listen and always be their friend. And remember, they absorb what you do way more than what you say.”

Mary Ann Bolen

“My mom (and dad) never let their kids doubt for one second that we are fiercely loved and always have a soft place to land when things get tough.”

Jessica

“I have two daughters, and I’m blessed that my daughter, Jessica Miano Kruel, comes here to Key West every winter to act. My best advice on motherhood is to allow your children to find their own happiness.”

“My son, Noah, is my greatest accomplishment and brings me joy every day.

“You don’t have to be the perfect mom. Mistakes will happen, so the best advice I have is to acknowledge mistakes when they happen and apologize. Apologizing is important for the relationship and it teaches the valuable lesson of being accountable for your behavior and empathy for others — something we could all use a little more of these days.”

Myers

Ashley and father Homer

“My mom’s best advice was, ‘Sometimes it’s best not to ask.’”

Taylor, Alina and Nicole (son, Luca, is not pictured)

“The best advice my mother ever gave me was to have patience and most importantly, to never drink alone. (That’s why I have a dog, Rooby, also not pictured).”

“Life isn’t supposed to be perfect. Enjoy each moment and appreciate it for what it is. Read to your children every night and read with them as they grow older. Nothing can replace that time spent with them.”

Hannah Bigger

“My advice is for new moms: Let your kids develop their own personalities and build from there; have rules and keep them. I always preached respect because you will need that your entire life. Most of all, love them and be proud if they come in first or last, at least they tried.”

Ivy, Shelton & Ainsley

“Always show that your love is unconditional and don’t forget to give yourself time-outs.”

My advice as a mom: Get on a schedule. Otherwise the baby will make it for you. Have a plan — with three backups for when it goes awry, and be fully prepared to toss said plan out the window. Be flexible; life is about balance. Lastly, hang on and enjoy the ride. Get all the snuggles and tell your family you love them every day.”

Sam and Ben

“Don’t stress the small stuff. Remember when you couldn’t understand why your parents were so mad or upset about something that seemed so small to you? Your kids don’t understand either.”

Kylie & Rider

“Make communication a priority.”

“I truly believe children are born with a certain spirit or nature and we as moms (parents) are here not to control them, but to guide them to be the best people that they can be.”

to use the chancleta, and when all else fails, the F-word.”

“Don’t be

“The advice from my mama that I say often to Andres is: Be happy with what you have. Live life intensely and be happy.”

Kirby Myers with husband Britt and Hudson, Dylan and Tristan

Key West Weekly publisher Britt

with mom Renee, brother

Kristen Eklund with daughter

Marla Orlowski with sons

Mandy Miles with mom

Michelle Mongelli with daughters

Shasta Munnerlyn with kids

Tayla MacMillan with kids

Kate Miano with daughter

Miano Kruel

April Fariss with husband Bruce and sons Emerson & Chase

Robin Boucree with kids Colette & Vance (and big kid Nate Dogg)

Danielle Wheeler with daughter Dylan Field

Tammy Fox with Pickles the dog

Yaremy Camejo with kids Vanessa, Herminio and Adrian

afraid

Marjorie Calderon with son Andres and husband Mario Aguero

SETTING THE STAGE

Every year brings the Key West Songwriters Festival to our fair city. Amid the throngs of badge-wielding spectators, and acoustic guitar-bearing songwriters, exists another group of men and women going mostly unseen. Usually wearing black so as to blend into the night, starting their day as the sun rises, and sweating through the afternoon heat, the applause and accolades for these folks rarely equal the effort they exert.

This year I had the opportunity to learn a bit about what it takes to set the stage for such a large event by working with the crew from Audio Images building stages. From building the stage, to setting up speakers, placing and running lights, setting up backline and then mixing the actual sound during the show, most performances will bear their fingerprints. From a two-person stage next to a pool to the multi-band final show on the street, it takes a group effort to make them run smoothly.

The day starts early at the shop/warehouse. Packing two or three venues’ worth of heavy staging (4x4 foot squares that connect together) stairs, footings, braces and rails onto a truck, they head out. Navigating these streets of ours during an event like this can be a challenge for the most experienced local drivers. Add to that the unfamiliarity of the terrain and the size of the truck required; the difficulty increases as the width of the streets seems to decrease. After the logistics of the placement and height of the stage are finalized, the work begins. Once the stage is built, the crew heads to the next venue to do it again,

RAY WEST

ADDITIONAL ARTCAMP SESSIONS SLATED FOR SUMMER

KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFERS

WEEK- LONG SESSIONS JUNE THROUGH AUGUST

returning to the shop to reload or to yesterday’s venue to tear down an existing stage.

... 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.

The delivery and installation of sound, lights and some kind of canopy to protect the players from the sun are all done by a different crew. The placement of lights and speakers is left to those with years of experience. All of this is only possible with more of the aforementioned heavy lifting and mid-day sweat.

For the bigger stages, the work is even more involved. The stage is driven in like a semi-trailer, which in and of itself can be problematic. The experienced crew raises it up and secures it through the use of hydraulics, muscle and mind power. Next the sound boards are set up, one in the field for the crowd and one by the stage for the players. These are large and complicated computerdriven boards that to the layman, and some non-laymen, resemble the cockpit of an aircraft. Through a myriad of cables and components, they control every sound, microphone and light that makes the experience what it is.

Finally, before the players take the stage, there is the backline — drum sets, keyboard, guitar amplifiers, and microphones that go with each of them.

These folks in black sleep wherever and whenever they can. They get up early and work till late, because the show can’t go on unless they set up the stage.

The Key West Art & Historical Society has expanded the number of summer camp sessions and is now offering six one-week summer ArtCamps at Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard. Beginning June 5, ArtCamp will provide full-day, in-person, week-long summer camp experiences for curious learners aged 5 to 12. Campers will experience museum exhibits, enjoy the adjacent Martello Parade Grounds, and engage in fun activities, collaborative projects and hands-on STEAM activities.

Using the art, history and creativity of the Florida Keys as a jumping-off point, campers have the chance to engage in fun, inspired activities that will ignite their imaginations. Whether your camper enjoys piratical pursuits, creative expression with found objects, storytelling or choosing their own adventure — or perhaps all four — the Key West Art & Historical Society offers a variety of options for summertime learning and exploration.

“Due to the popularity of our other summer ArtCamp sessions, we are delighted to add additional weeks of camp for our families,” says Kassandra Collett, education specialist for the society. “Each week of camp explores a new art or history topic which immerses campers in exciting projects and fascinating history.”

ArtCamp will be staffed by the Key West Art & Historical Society’s experienced educators and learning experts. Five weekly sessions will be available throughout the months of June through August, beginning June 5 through Aug. 4. The camp day will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The program kicks off with campers discovering what life was like for eighteenth century Caribbean pirates. There will be numerous pirate-themed activities, crafts, and codebreaking which will culminate in campers finding treasure in our local waters. Later camps include “Art in Nature,” a Wreckers Camp that will transport campers back in time to live a day in the life of a wrecking captain during Key West’s golden age, “Crafting with Beads,” “Out of this World Arts and Crafts,” and the ever-popular “Adventure Camp” in which campers are invited to work together on puzzles and projects to bring balance back to a mythical world.

ArtCamp registration is open. The cost is $200 per week for society members and $250 per week for non-members. Supplies for each camp are provided by the organization. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged. More information is at kwahs.org/childrens-programs or from Collett at 305-295-6616 ext. 504 or kcollett@ kwahs.org.

The Key West Art & Historical Society has expanded the number of week-long ArtCamp sessions this summer at Fort East Martello Museum running June 5 through Aug. 4. KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY/Contributed

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.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP

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.

FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Ploggers also met the volunteer group from ONE Realty at Bayview Park for the company’s community service day. Eighteen volunteers collected 76 pounds of trash, 11 pounds of recycling and a gallon of cigarette butts.

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 Friday morning cleanup from 8 to 9 a.m.

Friday, May 12: Truman Waterfront Park — meet in the big parking lot, to the right of the USCGC Ingham.

Friday, May 19: Smathers Beach Bridle Path — meet on the bridle path near the Dumpster across from the last entrance to Smathers Beach.

Friday, May 26: Caroline Street — meet in the city parking lot behind B.O.’s Fish Wagon.

Gus is a 1-year-old male rat. Gus and his pal Splinter will be adopted together. Rats are social, smart and make great pets.

Meech is a 5-year-old male domestic shorthair. He has been at the shelter his entire life and is looking for a patient home ready for a quiet shy kitty.

Tito is a 2-year-old male Labrador retriever/spaniel mix. He’s an energetic boy who could be a great family dog and loves playing with his toys.

Charrito is an adult male domestic shorthair. He is a calm, cool, cat who loves spending time with other cat friends.

Phence is a 2-year-old male domestic shorthair. He’s cuddly and happy to spend the day getting affection.

The Ploggers meet at the corner of Flagler Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard for the May 5 morning cleanup. In one hour they collected 14 pounds of trash, 12 pounds of recycling and three gallons of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE GETS PERFECT AUDIT

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REVEALS NO ERRORS, DISCREPANCIES OR QUESTIONABLE SPENDING

Tax Collector Sam C. Steele announced this week that his office recently received a perfect annual audit of its financial operations from Monroe County’s new independent auditor, RSM. It is the second consecutive perfect audit earned by the three-member finance department under Steele’s tenure since being sworn into office in January 2021.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment for our Finance Department,” Steele said. “Danny, Denise and Anita exemplify the very best in teamwork and diligence to ensure excellence in all aspects of financial operations. Our office collected and distributed a record-high $431 million throughout the year, and I couldn’t be prouder of these three for balancing to the penny.”

Last year, the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office earned the Excellence in Financial Operations Award, presented to a member of the Florida Tax Collectors Association. The award is determined by a fiveperson judging panel made up of government financial executives throughout Florida.

The panel examined the Tax Collector’s processes related to four areas of competency: innovation & automation; a perfect annual audit report; customer focus and budgeting.

— Contributed

From left, Chief Financial Officer Danny Cabot, Senior Finance Associate Denise Wells, Associate Finance Director Anita Zamora, and Tax Collector Sam Steele. The Finance Department recently received a second consecutive perfect annual audit. CONTRIBUTED

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

TUCKED

‘REMEMBER THE MAINE’

LECTURE DETAILS ILL- FATED BATTLESHIP ON 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS SINKING

FEATURING PROFESSIONAL DRAG COACHES & AMATEUR LOCAL CELEBRITY CONTESTANTS, WITH TONS OF TALENT AND LOTS OF FUN!

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

The battleship USS Maine and her sinking in Havana Harbor will be the subject of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s lecture, ‘Remember the Maine: 125th Anniversary of the Sinking’ on May 20. KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY/Contributed

On Saturday, May 20, Florida Keys historian Cori Convertito will consider and discuss the history and sinking of the USS Maine as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series. Her talk, “Remember the Maine: 125th Anniversary of the Sinking,” takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.

The USS Maine, a 6,682-ton second-class battleship, was built at the New York Navy Yard and commissioned in September 1895. Her active career was spent operating along the east coast of the United States and in the Caribbean, including much time in Key West. In January 1898, she was ordered to Havana, Cuba, to protect U.S. interests during a time of local insurrection and civil disturbances. Three weeks later, on Feb. 15, the battleship was sunk by a massive explosion that killed the great majority of her crew.

“The ship receives considerable attention as the flashpoint

that initiates the Spanish-American War and is the centerpiece for yellow journalism that proliferated during that era,” said Convertito. “Interest in this battleship has endured for 125 years and has, at times, provoked controversy as to the true cause of her sinking.”

Convertito has been the curator and historian for the Key West Art & Historical Society for 12 years while also acting as an adjunct instructor of American history at the College of the Florida Keys. She received a doctorate in maritime history from the University of Exeter. She presents regularly at the U.S. Naval Academy, the UK’s National Maritime Museum and is a Florida Humanities “Florida Talks” scholar.

To reserve your spot at the lecture, visit kwahs.org/ upcoming-events. Cost is $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for nonmembers.

— Contributed

DARREN & JESSICA HORAN

CROCODILE CAPTURED, RETURNED TO WATER IN ISLAMORADA

LAW ENFORCEMENT & RESIDENTS AID REPTILE TO SAFETY

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.

Sunday, May 14

• The Southernmost VFW Post 3911 will host the all-new Summer Mini Market featuring many favorite vendors from the Key West Artisan Market. The first market of the summer will offer brunch and mimosas for moms. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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.

Friday, May 19

Acrocodile making normal appearances at one Islamorada canal found its way to dry land at the Venetian Shores community on May 5. Law enforcement and nearby residents helped return the crocodile, known as “Old Gruesome,” back to its home in the water.

Members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation were aided by some good Samaritans to free the crocodile trapped between the road along Venetian Boulevard and a fence line.

According to the sheriff’s office, the call came in around 7:10 a.m. of a crocodile that was trying to gain entry to a canal. Deputies and FWC officers feared the animal would run into traffic while it tried to find the water. The uninjured crocodile was released into nearby waters without incident or damage to property.

— Keys Weekly staff report

A habitual canal resident, this crocodile by the name of “Old Gruesome” jumped out of the water and made it to land on May 5. He needed help after getting stuck between the road and fence line.

• St. Leo University presents its Criminal Justice Speaker Series featuring Chief Assistant Public Defender Kevin McCarthy, 1 to 3 p.m. at Naval Air Station Key West, A-718 Essex Circle. Attend in person or via Zoom. Register at saintleo.edu/cj-keywest.

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, noon, 201 William St.

June 7-11

• Key West celebrates Pride and diversity while marking the 20th “birthday” of Key West’s famed 1.25-mile sea-to-sea rainbow flag with a three-night laser light show during Key West Pride 2023. Presented by the Key West Business Guild, Pride salutes the Florida Keys’ all-accepting “One Human Family” mindset on the subtropical island internationally known as a top LGBTQ vacation spot.

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.

Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office help free a crocodile known to Venetian Shores residents as “Old Gruesome.”

Deputies hold the crocodile’s mouth closed. MCSO/Contributed

BRAD BERTELLI

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.

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE COCOLOBO CAY CLUB

PRIVATE VENUE SAW NEW OWNERS AND RAVAGING STORMS

Carl Fisher was synonymous with land development in South Florida during Florida’s land boom in the 1920s. He also knew a thing or two about promotion.

When he learned that president-elect Warren Harding would be visiting South Florida, Fisher sent his secretary, Ann Rossiter, to invite him personally to Miami Beach. Fisher understood that Harding had a penchant for beautiful women, and Rossiter (with whom Fisher was having an affair at the time) certainly qualified as a beauty. When she knocked on the door at his Marion, Ohio, home, she was let right in and visited with Harding in his study.

Fisher wanted to show off his Miami Beach development, and the ploy was successful. When Harding arrived in Miami, Fisher ushered him onto his cruiser and sped off for Miami Beach’s Flamingo Hotel. During his visit, Harding enjoyed some golf with a unique caddy to carry his clubs that was provided by Fisher. The caddy was Rosie, his pet elephant. Pictures of the event were published nationwide and, from there, word of Miami Beach entered the national consciousness.

Fisher also brought Harding to the Cocolobo Cay Club at Adams Key, which, at the time, was one of the most secluded clubs in the country and the perfect place for the president-elect to disappear from the public eye. Captain Charles H. Thompson was brought down to Adams Key to take Harding fishing. Thompson operated his charter fishing out of Miami Beach, where he had guided English lords, dukes and French nobility. Fishing the presidentelect was right up his alley. Thompson

later moved to the Middle Keys and became one of Marathon’s fishing legends. Harding was not the last president to visit the club, and Thompson was not the only local fishing legend to serve as a fishing guide at the club. The Jones brothers were also legendary figures around the local waters. They grew up in the northern Keys, where their family owned several of the islands, including Porgy Key, where the two boys lived. Lancelot and Arthur were skilled fishermen who knew the local waters as well as they knew each other. In addition to catching fish for sport, the brothers fished commercially, harvesting lobster and stone crab they supplied to the Cocolobo Cay Club.

In the late 1920s, the prestigious and private Cocolobo Cay Club boasted 46 members. In 1929, Black Tuesday arrived, the stock market crashed, and hard times fell on the club’s members, some of whom stopped paying their dues. Garfield “Gar” Wood, who made his money in truck and tractor manufacturing but made his reputation as a champion speed boat racer, bought the property in 1934 after it fell on hard times.

In 1935, the Jones brothers began working for the club’s new owner. While Wood operated the club, Lancelot and Arthur Jones worked on the club’s docks and used their considerable knowledge of the local waters to guide its members. According to Lancelot Jones, his clientele included Daniel Topping, who once owned the New York Yankees; and presidents Herbert Hoover, Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon – though some of those men fished at the club before being elected.

Wood owned Adams Key and the Cocolobo Cay Club for longer than Carl Fisher and his investors, but Fisher and the club’s heyday are the years for which it is best remembered. Wood, however, was not the island’s last private owner. He sold his interest in Adams Key to a group

of men headed by a long-time friend of Richard Nixon, Bebe Rebozo, in 1953. The club continued to operate with Rebozo at the helm for a time, but the sun had already begun to set on the Cocolobo Cay Club.

In early September 1965, Hurricane Betsy came barreling toward South Florida. On Sept. 8, the Category 3 storm blew across Key Largo. In the northern Keys, wind and storm surge inundated the islands. While Adams Key, with an elevation of 16 feet, withstood the surge, the powerful winds damaged the clubhouse and other buildings on the island. However, Betsy’s were not the only winds of change blowing across the northern Keys. There was also talk of the government creating the Biscayne National Monument, the precursor to Biscayne National Park.

One of the Cocolobo Cay Club’s former visitors, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed the bill that created the monument on Oct. 18, 1968. On July 15, 1969, rangers from the park service visited Adams Key and noted that the island’s buildings remained badly damaged from the 1965 hurricane. Rebozo ended up selling Adams Key to the government and did so for a handsome profit. When it came time to sign the paperwork, the initial sale price of $500,000, a number already above the market value for the island, was scratched out, and a new number was written in. The final price for Adams Key was $550,000.

The old, dilapidated club that once catered to the nation’s elite burned down on Dec. 21, 1974. Some of the club’s auxiliary buildings, including the caretaker’s residence and the “casino” building used by members for cards and other games, were rehabilitated by the park service, but were destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Today, the island serves as a picnic area in Biscayne National Park.

U.S. President Warren Harding and friends at the Cocolobo Cay Club between 1921 and 1923. HARRIS & EWING COLLECTION/ Library of Congress

CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

A SPEAKEASY BAR IS OPENING MAY 17 IN A SECRET LOCATION IN OLD TOWN

FWC RESCUES 4 PADDLEBOARDERS OFF KEY WEST

4 MILITARY MEMBERS NEEDED HELP NEAR BAY KEYS

Follow The Rabbit Bar will offer a speakeasy bar unlike any other. Guests fall into the rabbit hole, where a world of acrobatics, singing, circus arts and cocktails awaits.

Try the experience first, with live entertainment, drinks and snacks, starting on Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. The location will be revealed once curious attendees RSVP by emailing name and a guest’s name to itssocialtimesomewhere@ gmail.com by May 14.

The Rabbit makes potions served in surprising ways while your eyes and ears enjoy a wonderland. The Rabbit will offer pop-up entertainment from open to close. Guests who book Drink Tables or VIP Tables are guaranteed entry and seats. Walk-ins are welcome, if seats are available, for a cover charge.

The drink tables include password, cover charge, two-hour reserved seating, bar snacks, two cocktails, live entertainment and a unique venue. Upgrade to a VIP Table and get all of the above plus best available seats, souvenir mask, interaction with performers, plus a special dessert. Perfect for birthdays, special events and bachelorette parties.

The secret venue is hidden away in Old Town, Key West.

You will get the password and address 24 hours prior to your visit.

Follow The Rabbit Now: @Follow_The_Rabbit_Bar and www.followtherabbitbar.com

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a search and rescue call regarding four paddleboarders in need of assistance near Bay Keys, north of Key West.

FWC Officer Daniel Jones found and rescued the four paddleboarders. He secured all four men and their paddleboards inside his boat and returned them all safely to the Sigsbee Navy base, where they had rented the paddleboards.

Increasing winds had made their three-mile paddle to a nearby island easy, but they quickly realized that the paddle back would be difficult.

Winds that day ranged

from 17 to 23 mph with even stronger gusts. The men flagged down a local captain, but he was unable to get them back to shore, so he placed the call to the FWC.

“These guys were in great shape,” said Jones. “It just proves that fitness and swimming ability can only protect you so much. Always check the weather before setting out. High winds are not to be taken lightly. I am glad this search had a happy ending. It was an honor to help these heroes out.”

All four men had all the required safety equipment and were uninjured. For tips on safe boating, visit myfwc.com/ boating.

— Contributed

Florida Fish & Wildlife Officer Daniel Jones helped rescue four marines who were paddleboarding off Key West when they were besieged by high winds that didn’t let them make the return trip to Sigsbee Park. CONTRIBUTED

WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS A FUNNY FARCE OF MURDEROUS PROPORTIONS

‘ARSENIC & OLD LACE’ RUNS THROUGH MAY 27

AMY PATTON www.keysweekly.com

If you think your family is a little nuts, check out the kooky — and quite hilariously dangerous — characters of “Arsenic & Old Lace,” a revival now on stage at Waterfront Playhouse on Front Street in Key West.

The production, led by director and producer Tom Thayer, is a comedy of errors of the most delicious and deadly kind.

What happens when two sweet but sinister spinsters have a little extra time on their hands?

Why not take up a hobby?

Knocking off a few — OK, 12 — elderly gentlemen guests sounds like a good place to start.

The secret, they say, is in the arsenic-spiked elderberry wine (with “just a pinch” of cyanide).

It’s a deadly homemade concoction that Abby (played by Gerri Louise Gates) and sister Martha (Peggy Montgomery) serve up to boarders in their 1930s Brooklyn home just to, uh, relieve the unsuspecting men’s lonely lives and presumably empty existence. A mercy-killing spree of sorts, the two eccentric aunties rationalize their actions to the comedy foil and nephew Mortimer, who looks on at all the gently-administered carnage in horror. Sending these sad souls off to the “peaceful great beyond” is the ladies’ endgame. Religious services for the Brewster sisters’ victims add a humorous spike to the macabre scene.

Dreamed up by New York City writer Joseph Kesselring in 1939, “Arsenic & Old Lace” was thought to be inspired in part by real-life events that happened in that decade. According to law enforcement, serial killer Amy Archer-Gilligan murdered between 20 and 30 people in a similar way — including a couple of her husbands — afterward burying the bodies at her own Connecticut “nursing home for invalids” (all politically incorrect terms now) before the crimes were eventually discovered.

The show at the Playhouse opens to an exquisitely presented — creaky yet elegant — Brooklyn home (created by set designer Michael Boyer) that just happens to be adjacent to a cemetery. The sisters are doddering around while their loony brother “Teddy” (Steve Miller) bugles his horn unrelentingly, convinced he is the literal embodiment of former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt. Mathias Maloff steps into the scene as the cranky theater writer Mortimer Brewster, one of the sisters’ nephews. His newly engaged status to longtime gal pal Elaine (a cute and bold portrayal by Carolyn Cooper) has the aunties in throes of delight until Mortimer discovers the body of a man casually tucked into a bench by the window.

“What happened here?” he asks in disbelief. “The gentleman died because he drank some wine with poison in it,” the aunts explain casually. “Gentlemen just don’t die and end up in window seats,” the nephew retorts.

During the show’s preview on May 8 at the Playhouse, Kesselring’s breakneck dialogue and physical comedy that defines the nearly 90-year-old stageplay had the Key West audience erupting with laughter at each turn of the zig-zagging

plotlines. Cops (Ray West, Wayne Dapser, John Swann and Donna Stabile) come in to investigate all the mayhem. The policing, though, is at times as dysfunctional as the Brewster sisters themselves.

The fun ramps up when another brother, Jonathan, (portrayed with spectacular hilarity by John DeMicco), arrives with his own clever and deadly secrets. Zachary Franchini plays Jonathan’s sidekick Dr. Einstein, a quack plastic surgeon and the shady nephew’s reluctant partner in crime.

“Arsenic & Old Lace” debuted on Broadway in 1939 and enjoyed an incredible run for the comedy genre of onstage entertainment. In its time, the show was an instant “killer” smash, counting over 1,400 performances on the New York stage and abroad. The production eventually closed after winning audiences over and proving that even the macabre can be twisted into laughter. The film treatment of the story was released in 1944 starring Cary Grant, Peter Lorre and other Hollywood stars.

So consider the fate that landed Archer-Gilligan, the reputed protagonist for Kesselring’s story. She was a true villain who spent her remaining days in a very cozy “sanitarium” for the mentally compromised. Is it possible the whole gang in “Arsenic & Old Lace” just might end up like the real-life killer, this time at the nearby Happy Dale institution? Or what they used to call a nuthouse. But we won’t give away the ending.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “One of Us Is Lying” by Karen McManus

Why: With “One of Us Is Lying,” you’ll find a fast-paced murder mystery, brimming with high-school drama and darn good writing, as four detention cellmates attempt to solve a murder to save their own hides. The five-go-in-but-only-fourcome-out recipe makes for a timely plot riddled with social media shenanigans playing out as the thread tying everything together.

All readers will enjoy the ride. YA writers should be given the respect that all other authors are afforded.

Give it a chance, you might be surprised.

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

‘ARSENIC & OLD LACE’ shows at Waterfront Playhouse through May 27.

Visit waterfrontplayhouse.org for tickets. The box office is located at 407 Wall St. Call 305-294-5015 for more info.

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

info@keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Amy Skerly, library assistant, Key West branch

MONROE COUNTY DELINQUENT TANGIBLE TAX ROLL FOR 2022

NOTICE OF UNPAID DELINQUENT TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 197 FLORIDA STATUTES. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR 2022 ARE NOW DELINQUENT BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2023. SUCH TAXES ARE DRAWING PROPORTIONATE COST OF PUBLISHING THIS NOTICE. UNLESS THE DELINQUENT TAXES ARE PAID BY JULY 1, 2023, WARRANTS WILL BE ISSUED THEREON AND THE TAX COLLECTOR WILL APPLY TO THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR AN ORDER DIRECTING LEVY AND SEIZURE OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE TAXPAYER FOR THE UNPAID TAXES. THE NAME OF THE DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS AND THE AMOUNT OF TAXES INCLUDING THE COST OF ADVERTISING AND OTHER INTEREST AND PENALTIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

129.85

CORAL REEF TROPICAL POOLS INC ===============================

123 9087023 214.81

CORAL REEFERS ===============================

124 9097210 332.91

CORR GROUP LLC ===============================

125 8540426 75.44

COW KEY FOOD TRUCK

===============================

126 9101765 288.31

CRISTIAN LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICE INC ===============================

127 9104047 259.35

CUPCAKE SUSHI LLC ===============================

128 9090776 154.25

CUTTING DESIGNS UNISEX CORP

330 8515243 956.15

MARSH ENTERPRISES OF SW FLORIDA

331 9103612 114.29

MARTINEZ DAVID

1,880.65

8938986 137.29

MASHIN AHMED

335 10104857 547.85

336 9094499 748.11

MCMAHON MICHAEL J ===============================

337 8994063 992.47

MCMAHON MICHAEL J ===============================

338 9078037 992.47

MCMAHON MICHAEL J

===============================

339 9079316 897.12

MED-CARE INFUSION SERVICES INC

===============================

340 8928295 1,148.10

MIAMI CENTER OF EXCELLENCE LLC ===============================

341 8971744 337.67

MICHAEL & CAROL LAMPING ===============================

342 9086288 277.09

MICHELLE CASTLEMAN ===============================

343 9089766 631.98

MIDDLE KEYS WELLNESS CENTER LLC ===============================

344 8504195 528.10

MIKE LAGASSE ===============================

345 8892161 203.96

MIKEY’S ISLAND ART

347 9094808 2,047.79 MILLER MEDICINE

348 9104777 177.89

MINNCRAFT BOATWORKS

349 9104276 390.38

MIRACLE LEAF HEALTH CENTER

MIRACLE LEAF HEALTH CENTERS

355 9071580 92.05 NAILTINI LLC

356 9104491 413.37

NAKED MOOSE GLOBAL GOURMET CO

===============================

357 9003094 200.49

NATURES TREASURE KEY WEST LLC

===============================

358 8813724 82.94

NEW ROYAL DAY SPA INC

===============================

359 8928698 343.99

NICHOLAS ANDREW & EMI ITO ORTIZ

===============================

360 9104378 259.35

NICHOLS AUTO MARINE AND DIESEL REPAIR LLC

===============================

361 8819765 933.70

NUCO2 SUPPLY LLC

===============================

362 8923261 261.25

MONROE COUNTY DELINQUENT TANGIBLE TAX ROLL FOR 2022

NOTICE OF UNPAID DELINQUENT TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 197 FLORIDA STATUTES. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR 2022 ARE NOW DELINQUENT BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2023. SUCH TAXES ARE DRAWING PROPORTIONATE COST OF PUBLISHING THIS NOTICE. UNLESS THE DELINQUENT TAXES ARE PAID BY JULY 1, 2023, WARRANTS WILL BE ISSUED THEREON AND THE TAX COLLECTOR WILL APPLY TO THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR AN ORDER DIRECTING LEVY AND SEIZURE OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE TAXPAYER FOR THE UNPAID TAXES.

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SALTY KEYS SANDBAR

SAFARI located at 165 Dove Lake Dr., Monroe County in the City of Tavernier, Florida 33070-2927, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Tavernier, Florida this 4th day of May, 2023.

By: BRAVO NOVEMBER

Publish:

May 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of LIGHTHOUSE PILATES located at 911 75th Street Ocean West, FL 33050-3113, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Arlene F. Mirabella, LLC

Publish: May 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES INC, LOCATED AT: 7290 SW 41 ST, MIAMI, FL 33155, WILL SELL

AT A RESERVE PUBLIC SALE

AT 9:00AM THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES AT SAID LOCATION TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO F.S. 713.585/713.78 & 677.209/677.210.

1999 BWC VS BWCJA981A999

DATE OF SALE: MAY 29, 2023 AT 9:00AM LOCATION: 97951 OVERSEAS

HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037

P#: 305-852-2025

OWNER/LIENHOLDER: CITY OF MELBOURNE/NONE

2001 PLC VS PLCMD005G001

DATE OF SALE: MAY 30, 2023 AT 9:00AM LOCATION: 254 LOEB AVE, KEY LARGO, FL 33037

P#: 305-942-9532

1995 CATAM VS ARB604CNI495

DATE OF SALE: MAY 31, 2023 AT 9:00AM LOCATION: 112 VILLA BELLA DR, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036

P#: 305-335-2232

OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY RECOVER VEHICLE WITHOUT INSTITUTING JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY POSTING A BOND AS PER F.S. 559.917 NET PROCEEDS IN EXCESS OF LIEN AMOUNT WILL BE DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF COURTS PURSUANT TO F.S.713.585/713.78 & 677.209/677.210.

Publish: May 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 05/26/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FAHP33N28W199509 2008

FORD

1FMCU0F73EUB64747 2014

FORD

1FMRU17L2YLB37836 2000

FORD

1FVXTWEB6XHA77848 1999

FRHT

1HGCR3F85DA008128 2013

HOND

4JGDA5JB6EA420354 2014 MERZ

4YDT26R246G922072 2006 OUTB

WBXPA93494WC33964 2004

BMW Publish: May 4 & 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com

Art in Public Places Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:00 PM

Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 886 4789 6272

Passcode: 420127

Cultural Umbrella Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:00 AM

Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 894 7059 3683

Passcode: 861897

Publish: May 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

9TH STREET, 10TH STREET & 11TH STREET STORMWATER INJECTION

WELLS CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA

Sealed Bids for the construction of the 9th Street, 10th Street & 11th Street Stormwater Injection Wells project will be received by City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, at the office of the Mayor, Key Colony Beach City Hall, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, until June 13, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. local time. At that time, the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Project includes the following Work: Constructing five (5) gravity injection wells with precast stormwater inlets, drain piping, and associated restoration. Bids are requested for the following Contract: 9th Street, 10th Street & 11th Street Stormwater Injection Wells.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Mittauer & Associates, Inc., 580-1 Wells Road, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 278-0030. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office, Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Bidding Documents will be provided electronically as portable document format (PDF) files and as printed

Bidding Documents, both for a non-refundable charge of $150.00 per set payable to “Mittauer & Associates, Inc.”

Upon Issuing Office’s receipt of payment, the digital files will be emailed, and the printed Bidding Documents will be sent via UPS Ground. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

Bidding Documents also may be examined at the office of the City Hall, City of Key Colony Beach, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). A Pre-Bid Conference will not be held.

Bid security must be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

To be considered qualified the Bidder shall be licensed to engage in the business of contracting in the State of Florida by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. In addition, the Bidder shall have successfully completed, as prime contractor, a minimum of 3 projects of a similar nature within the past 5

years each having a minimum contract value of $300,000 with at least one project having a contract value in excess of $500,000.

The City of Key Colony Beach, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Instructions to Bidders:

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

Publish:

May 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

9TH STREET & 10TH STREET

STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA

Sealed Bids for the construction of the 9th Street & 10th Street Stormwater Improvements project will be received by City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, at the office of the Mayor, Key Colony Beach City Hall, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, until June 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. local time. At that time, the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The Project includes the following Work: Construction of approximately 1,100 LF (9th Street) and 850 LF (10th Street) of drainage swales and/ or perforated stormwater pipe along both sides of the streets with associated restoration work.

Bids are requested for the following Contract: 9th Street & 10th Street Stormwater Improvements.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Mittauer & Associates, Inc., 580-1 Wells Road, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 278-0030. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office, Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Bidding Documents will be provided electronically as portable document format (PDF) files and as printed

Bidding Documents, both for a non-refundable charge of $150.00 per set payable to “Mittauer & Associates, Inc.”

Upon Issuing Office’s receipt of payment, the digital files will be emailed, and the printed Bidding Documents will be sent via UPS Ground. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

Bidding Documents also may be examined at the office of the City Hall, City of Key Colony Beach, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). A Pre-Bid Conference will not be held.

Bid security must be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

To be considered qualified the Bidder shall be licensed to engage in the business of contracting in the State of Florida by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. In addition, the Bidder shall have successfully completed, as prime contractor, a minimum of 3 projects of a similar nature within the past 5 years each having a minimum contract value of $300,000 with at least one project having a contract value in excess of $500,000.

The City of Key Colony Beach, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Instructions to Bidders: For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the

LEGAL NOTICES

Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

Publish: May 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT

WAUPACA COUNTY CASE NO. 23CV56 PROGRESSIVE UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY

5920 Landerbrook Drive Mayfield Heights, OH 44124, Plaintiff, vs. ILDA DUMAS

300 Boyd Drive Key Largo, FL 33037, Defendant. PUBLICATION SUMMONS

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, To each person named above as a Defendant:

You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The complaint, which is also served upon you, states the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within 40 days after May 11, 2023 of this summons, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the complaint. The court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the Court, whose address is Waupaca County Courthouse, 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981, and to Monique T. F. Williams, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 2675 North Mayfair Road, Suite 600, Milwaukee, WI 53226. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 27th day of April, 2023.

YOST & BAILL, LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff Attorney Monique T. F. Williams State Bar No: 1116410 2675 North Mayfair Road Suite 600 Milwaukee, WI 53226

Telephone: (414) 259-0600

Facsimile: (414) 259-0610

Publish: May 11, 18, & 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-CA-000201-P Gregory K. Wunderlich and Theresa L. Wunderlich, individually, and as co-personal representatives of the Estate of Gerd L. Wunderlich, Petitioners, vs. Carl L. Wunderlich, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Carlos L. Wunderlich 2789 Ortiz Avenue

Fort Myers, FL 33905

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to “partition” the following property in Monroe County, Florida: 758 Dolphin Ave., Key Largo, Monroe County, Florida, more particularly described as: Lot 7, Block 2, According to the Plat of Oceana, as shown in that certain Deed recorded in Deed Book G-51, at page 198, of the public records of Monroe County, Florida. has been filed against you and

LEGAL NOTICES

you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Gus H. Crowell, the plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is P.O. Box 777, Tavernier, Florida 33070, on or before June 5, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070 either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

Dated: April 27, 2023

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

By: Yennis Holtz

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

May 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 2021-CA-726-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 31st day of May, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5734, Week 45, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY

FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S)

IX, X entered in a case pending in said Court, the 27TH day of April 2023 Syle of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ELLEN D. ABRAHAMS, DECEASED, ET AL Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2021-CA-726-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 5TH day of May 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

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

Publish: May 11 & 18, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 2021-CA-786-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 31st day of May, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street,

LEGAL NOTICES

Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

Unit 5334, Week 6, Even Year

Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY

FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) V entered in a case pending in said Court, the 27TH day of April 2023 Syle of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARY ELLEN

KIMBALL, DECEASED, ET AL

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2021-CA-786-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 3RD day of May 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

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

Publish:

May 11 & 18, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 2021-CA-786-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 31st day of May, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

Unit 5212, Week 2, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM

SUMMARY

FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 27TH day of April 2023

Syle of which is:

WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A

DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN

PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARY ELLEN KIMBALL, DECEASED, ET AL

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2021-CA-786-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 3RD day of May 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

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

Publish:

May 11 & 18, 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-000049-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY ANN GIBUS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARY ANN GIBUS, deceased, whose date of death was February 21, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88870 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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: May 11, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Lynn V. Gibus Mohr 4901 Shore Line Dr. Polk City, FL 33868

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:

May 11 & 18, 2023

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

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-86-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRISTINE M. SMITH.

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Christine M. Smith, deceased, whose date of death was August 23, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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 May 4, 2023. The date of the second publication of this notice is May 11, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Andrew C. Von S. Smith

52 Ash Tree Lane

New Canaan, Connecticut 06840

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Andrew C. Von S. Smith

Florida Bar Number: 662569

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.com

Publish:

May 4 & 11, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-DR-231-P

DIVISION: FAMILY IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: KATHIA MARIE MOYA

Petitioner, and, PEDRO GARCIA III, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR PATERNITY

TO: Pedro Garcia III

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 20826 SW 85th Court, Cutler Bay, FL 33189

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Paternity has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Kathia Marie Moya, whose address is 49 Silver Springs Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037 on or before June 4, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070, 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.

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: May 2, 2023

Kevin Madok, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Michelle Kosiek

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

May 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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. $6,500 215-317-4073

BOAT MISC FOR SALE

2-Yamaha F300's For Sale in Marathon. Motors are still mounted & ready to check out - my new motors are ready. Both motors: 4 blade SS. Fly by wire including 2

Station rigging. Excellent services. Runs perfect. (1)

2019 Yamaha F300, 1530 hrs. RH 25' shaft, $17k OBO.

(1) 2014 Yamaha F300, 3500 hrs. LH 25' shaft, $10k OBO

Johnny Maddox 305-481-3259

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/ OFFICE SPACE

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

EMPLOYMENT

City of Marathon 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

Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20 - 40 hrs. per week, $24 per hr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Cook, Housing Assistant, Maintenance Administrative Assistant (bilingual preferred) Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, 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.

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

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

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

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

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder now hiring Guest Service Representativeresponsibilities include assisting guests at our Key Largo and Islamorada locations, making reservations and/or answering questions over phone and in-person, taking and processing photos, and checking-in and out guests visiting our facility. To apply, please send your resume to andreaw@dpmmr.org.

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

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

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. Call 305-743-0844 today!

NOW HIRING FT FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT MARATHON, FL

Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience.

Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please. dynastymarine.net

CROSSWORD SOLUTION SUDOKU SOLUTION

THE FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY IS LOOKING TO FILL POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE KEYS

Middle Keys Distribution Systems Operator D

Middle Keys Leak Control Technician C

Upper Keys Temporary Distribution Systems Operator D

Benefit package and salary is extremely competitive!  See Job description, salary and on-line application at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

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.

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 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $40.35/hr. - $45.19/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: $108,332/annually$111,365/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.

•

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

•

•

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.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

e Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Join

Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $17.00/hour to start. Send resume to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel

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

Mon-ThursOPENDAILY 11am-9pm Friday&Saturday11am-10pm

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

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

e Turtle Hospital

Aquarist

e Turtle Hospital has a PT/FT opening for an Aquarist. Major duties consist of: maintenance, repair and cleaning for water filtrations systems and life support systems, water quality monitoring, habitat maintenance and cleaning. Must be physically fit, able to lift 75 pounds and work outdoors. Handyman skills and knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems required.

Compensation dependent on experience. Stop by to complete an application or email your resume to turtlehospitalmarathon@gmail.com

• FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER

• CARPENTERS & LABORERS

• EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

• ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Must have valid Driver’s License & Transportation

Location: Upper Keys

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

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

- 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, up to $15,000 Sign on Bonus

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

- Nurse Practitioner

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Pool Physical Therapist

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

- Sanitation Technician

- Security Of cer

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

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

MARINERS HOSPITAL

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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

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

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Crisis Counselor

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Crisis Counselor

Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children)

*Advocate (PT only)

Substance Abuse Counselor

Peer Support Specialist

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (or KW)

Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*Support Worker – Assisted Living

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

THEME: TV MOMS

ACROSS

1. Rodeo garb

6. Roman numeral 7

9. Spring occurrence

13. Like Corgi

14. Get a sum

15. Garlic mayo

16. Poet’s concern

17. Mail-back request, acr.

18. Handrail post

19. *Lionel Jefferson’s mom

21. *Keith and Laurie Partridge’s mom

23. Watson’s, Crick’s and Franklin’s concern, acr.

24. Big-ticket ____

25. #38 Down follower

28. Potter’s oven

30. Get by

35. Wyatt Earp’s card game

37. Wooden pegs

39. Measuring tool with a bubble

40. Copycat

41. All-season ____

43. Like certain people’s glasses

44. The Great ____, Muppet

46. 1 year older than frosh

47. Treat without respect

48. *Samantha Stephens’ mom

50. Four Corners state

52. Unidentified Jane

53. Summit location

55. Like tuna tartare

57. *Rory Gilmore’s mom

61. *Hilary and Carlton Banks’ mom

64. Motionless

65. Actress Thompson

67. Island off Manhattan

69. Skeleton, archaic

70. Lt.’s subordinate

71. Yemeni’s neighbor

72. Marines’ toy recipients

73. Banned insecticide, acr.

74. Nostrils

DOWN

1. Basin, without vowels

2. Last piece of a loaf

3. Lowest female singing voice

4. Evis’s blue shoes

5. Harrison Ford or Jason Segel in “Shrinking”

6. Bud holder

7. *Rhoda Morgenstern’s mom

8. “That is” in Latin

9. Wedding cake layer

10. Famous Allen Ginsberg poem

11. Away from wind

12. Skilled in deception

15. G. Orwell’s “______ Farm”

20. Valentine, e.g.

22. Bottom line?

24. Inner circle

25. Old enough (2 words)

26. Neutered rooster

27. Influencer’s creation

29. *Meg, Chris and Stewie Griffin’s mom

31. Egghead

32. “____ like the plague”

33. Canvas primer

34. *Alex and Mallory Keaton’s mom

36. Pasta option

38. Virgo and Libra mo.

42. ____ Lewis, Lamb Chop puppeteer

45. By word of mouth

49. What catastrophe and ratatouille have in common

51. Wear (2 words)

54. Treated with EVOO

56. *Pebbles Flintstone’s mom

57. Law school entry requirement, acr.

58. First name palindrome

59. Civil disorder

60. They’re on Freddy’s street

61. Widespread

62. Relating to armpit

63. 3 squared

66. Tight one in football

68. Bro’s counterpart

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 VOTE BY MAIL REQUEST IS NEEDED FOR THE 2024 ELECTION CYCLE.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS