Marathon Weekly 23-0525

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9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 483,000 stranded motorists during the holiday weekend. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts. At minimum, AAA recommends checking your tires once a month and before taking a long trip.

483,000

Glassy seas and a perfect sunset marked the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners’ celebration on the Old Seven Mile Bridge on May 19. The event was one in a series commemorating the 200th anniversary of Monroe County. See page 35.

KEY COLONY POLICE UNION ON TRACK AFTER ROCKY START

EARLY CONCERNS OF RETALIATION APPEAR HEADED TOWARD AMICABLE NEGOTIATIONS

“These changes to long-standing status quo practices of the department are very concerning, especially when considering they come on the heels of filing ‘interest cards’ to begin (the) unionization process,” Axelrad wrote on May 8, later telling the Weekly on May 23 that the timing of Turner’s email “didn’t pass the smell test.”

“That said, it is not our intent to take any legal action,” Axelrad’s May 8 email concluded, while requesting that “clearly retaliatory” directives issued after the city was notified of the unionization process be rescinded.

The Key Colony Beach Police Department will become the last municipal police force in the Keys to unionize after more than 60 years, following tensions early on in the process.

Mayor Patti Trefry confirmed to the Weekly that as of May 22, the city had filed a formal response giving a green light to the four-officer unit’s petition that formally began earlier this month. As required by Florida law, the department’s fifth employee, police chief Kris DiGiovanni, will not be a member of the unionized group.

“(The department) absolutely has a right to unionize, and I support them in that,” Trefry said. “We’re the only police department in the county that is not unionized. … I look forward to an amicable negotiation with the officers.”

Attorney Andrew Axelrad of the Dade County Police Benevolent Association, which has handled the negotiations so far, told the Weekly he “could not ask for anything more” than the past week’s progress, including work with KCB attorney Dirk Smits and the city’s filing.

The positive steps are a welcome turning point from the prior week’s communications between Axelrad and the city, which saw the former note possible violations of Florida Statute 447.501 and public employees’ right to unionize under the Florida Constitution. Axelrad’s notice, sent to City Administrator David Turner on May 8, cited emails sent by Turner to DiGiovanni within two hours of Axelrad’s May 3 email to Turner introducing himself and outlining the start of the unionization process.

Among other items, directives sent to DiGiovanni and his staff that Wednesday included time-stamped reports of patrols down individual streets in the city multiple times per shift, walking patrols of Sunset Park three times per street patrol, recorded vehicle mileage for patrol vehicles at the start and end of each patrol shift, a report explaining the rationale if a city vehicle leaves the city, maintaining vehicle cleanliness for spot checks, and a daily log of DiGiovanni’s activities. While some requests reinforced alreadyestablished duties, Axelrad said the email’s proximity to his initial contact raised questions of retaliation.

Turner’s May 3 email also drew the ire of KCB commissioner Freddie Foster, who suggested in an emailed response that Turner himself comply with a number of identical directives regarding day-to-day activities and post his cell phone number on the city’s website for easier contact by city residents.

Axelrad told the Weekly that after productive conversations with Smits, several of Turner’s May 3 requests have been suspended for the time being. Confirmed in a May 14 email from Turner to DiGiovanni, items relating to specific timestamped completion of individual street patrols and Sunset Park, as well as documentation for individual patrol vehicles leaving the city, were suspended pending union negotiations.

“Once Mr. Smits got involved and we were able to actually speak, it’s been very smooth since,” Axelrad said. “I’m confident that moving forward, it’s going to continue that way. … It’s been resolved.”

Speaking to the Weekly on May 22, Turner said his May 3 email was a case of “bad timing,” and was a response to mounting resident concerns – one of which he said he received a week before the email in question – as well as a continuation of discussions with the police department that were “nothing new.”

continued on page

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

With legal proceedings moving along, the Key Colony Beach Police Department will soon have its own union. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

44

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TOTAL $2.5M FOR 2023

Sixty-three students and their mentors proudly took the stage on May 20 at Marathon High School’s performing arts center as Take Stock in Children celebrated its 2023 graduating class.

As the number of students who have passed through its ranks rapidly approaches 1,000 throughout the Keys, the nonprofit aimed at providing scholarships and mentorship throughout high school for incomeeligible at-risk youth announced total awards of $2.5 million for this year’s graduates.

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN GRADUATES 63

The TSIC delegation achieved a collective GPA of 3.62 while completing 154 Advanced Placement courses and earning 53 dual enrollment credits for college courses. Nine students earned Bright Futures scholarships. They achieved all of this while honoring their commitments to stay crime- and drug-free, maintain a 2.5 GPA and meet with their assigned mentors once a week. Upon graduation, each student received a Florida Prepaid Project Stars scholarship to attend a Florida public university, college or vocational and technical school.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of our Take Stock Class of 2023,” said program coordinator Chuck Licis-Masson. “Our dedicated team of coaches and volunteer mentors have been there every step for our scholars, encouraging and supporting them as they now begin their next journey of post-secondary education. We are confident they will achieve success.”

From the staff of the Keys Weekly Newspapers, congratulations to the Take Stock in Children Class of 2023.

4.

6.

again, and that I am not alone.’

1. Coral Shores senior Simon Gutierrez, right, takes the stage with mentor James Hager. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

2. Take Stock in Children Program coordinator Chuck Licis-Masson greets the crowd.

3. Theresa Axford, school district superintendent, addresses the graduates.

The Take Stock in Children Class of 2023.

5. Coral Shores senior Gabriela Soca thanks those who helped her along her Take Stock journey.

Key West senior Bouchy Decembre showers praise on his mentor, Billy Muehlhauser, for acting as a father figure throughout his high school career. ‘He let me know that he will never let me fail

7. 2003 Take Stock graduate Dr. Michael Brooks delivers a commencement address encouraging graduates on their journey to navigate the ‘uncharted waters’ of a self-driven post-graduation life.

8. Key West’s Rodemaelle Cineus, second from right, receives her scholarship from Dr. Michael Brooks, left, Superintendent Theresa Axford and Monroe County Education Foundation President Bryan Green.

9. Coral Shores’ Jayden Ferrell, second from right, receives his scholarship from Dr. Michael Brooks, left, Superintendent Theresa Axford and Monroe County Education Foundation President Bryan Green.

10. Marathon’s Abrianna Marshall, second from right, receives her scholarship from, left, Superintendent Theresa Axford and Monroe County Education Foundation President Bryan Green.

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WHAT’S ALL THIS ABOUT A CHARTER COUNTY AND WHAT WOULD IT MEAN FOR MONROE?

THERE ARE PROS & CONS, BUT MAYOR CRAIG CATES HAS CONCERNS

County commissioners are considering a big change to the way Monroe County governs itself. The five elected officials on May 18 started the conversation about converting Monroe County to a charter county (as opposed to its current status as a non-charter county).

The decision ultimately would rest with the voters, who have to approve any proposed charter decision and governing document.

There are pros and cons to the change.

First, the good news…

The switch to a charter-style of government would enable Monroe County to levy a transportation surtax (as long as that tax is also approved by the voters) to fund pricey transportation and infrastructure projects for roads and bridges.

Non-charter counties have to get state legislative permission to levy such a tax, and for the past several years, the state repeatedly has shot down Monroe County’s requests for it.

“We’ve identified a funding need and this charter county surtax would address those needs, but only if we’re a charter county,” County Attorney Bob Shillinger told the commissioners. “It’s a reversible decision if you just want to start exploring it.”

Experience has shown that roughly twothirds of sales tax collected in the Florida Keys is paid by visitors, so the transportation surtax would be expected to shift the majority of the cost of the transportation and transit improvements from local taxpayers to visitors, county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood wrote in a summary of the charter county discussion.

Now for the bad news…

Charters in other counties allow county rules to preempt city rules, meaning the cities of Key West, Marathon, Key Colony Beach, Islamorada and Layton would lose their autonomy and be subject to the power of the county.

The five seated county commissioners emphasized on May 18 that they have absolutely no desire to interfere in the operations of the municipalities in Monroe County and directed Shillinger to begin drafting a charter document that preserves municipal independence.

“Don’t even bring that up,” Commissioner Michelle Lincoln told Shillinger during the discussion. “We don’t need a bunch of emails

COUNTY WANTS TOURISM MONEY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS

ALSO ON THE WISH LIST

Once the Florida Keys reopened following COVID shutdowns, the pandemic packed the island chain for more than two years. Hotel rates and monthly rental costs were among the highest in the country.

from the municipalities thinking we’re trying to do a power grab.”

Discussions are still in the very preliminary stages.

Four of the five commissioners said they are preliminarily on board with the switch to a charter county. But County Mayor Craig Cates has some concerns.

“We may say we don’t want to preempt city rules and laws, but we’re not going to be on the commission dais forever,” Cates said, acknowledging that voters would have to approve any changes to a charter document.

“But what if down the road one section of the Keys gets upset with one of the cities, and voters in that area will come out to approve a charter change,” he said. “Look how it is with the state legislators getting upset with federal interference, and county officials getting upset with state interference. Now we could have city officials getting upset with county interference and preemption. I just have some concerns, and I don’t blame others in the cities that have the same concerns.”

A little background…

Charters are formal written documents that confer powers, duties or privileges on the county. They resemble state or federal constitutions and they must be approved, along with any amendments, by the voters of a county, according to the Florida Association of Counties.

“According to several Florida constitutional scholars, the establishment of charter government was designed to remove the resolution of local problems from the state legislature’s busy agenda and to grant the county electorate greater control over their regional affairs.

“To date, there are 20 charter counties in Florida. Collectively these counties are home to more than 75% of Florida’s residents.”

The unprecedented visitor numbers for fiscal years 2020/21 and 2021/22 yielded a $25 million revenue surplus for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC), which collects a four-cent “bed tax” on every dollar spent at Florida Keys hotels and lodging establishments. The TDC uses bed tax revenue to advertise the Florida Keys and its five individual regions, to promote events that bring people to town and to fund large capital, or construction, projects that enhance tourism.

Now, the county’s elected officials want to use the $25 million tourism windfall on “public facilities projects” — and eventually on affordable housing, according to County Mayor Craig Cates.

At the May 17 county commission meeting, officials scheduled a public hearing for June 21 to add “public facilities projects” to the list of allowable TDC expenditures. If approved on June 21, then infrastructure upgrades such as transportation, sewers, drainage and potable water projects will be eligible for TDC funding.

“Once we get approval for the public facility expenditures at the public hearing, my whole goal is to be able to use TDC money for housing,” Cates told the Keys Weekly on May 19. “Whether that requires state legislative permission, or an attorney general’s opinion, that’s the goal.”

Cates added that only surplus bed tax revenues would be spent on public facility projects, so the funds spent on advertising, events and capital projects to enhance tourism will not suffer.

Meanwhile, tourism and lodging experts are warning people not to count their surplus eggs before they hatch.

“We didn’t think we’d come back from the COVID shutdown as quickly and as earnestly as we have,” TDC director Stacey Mitchell told the Keys Weekly on May 17. “For nearly three years, we had zero competition from other destinations. People couldn’t go to the Caribbean. They couldn’t go to Europe. And they couldn’t take cruises.

“We’ve certainly reaped the benefits, but I’ve warned every entity that will listen: Enjoy it now because business is leveling off. Monroe County’s bed tax collections are $4 million less than last fiscal year. Key West’s collections are down by $2.1 million,” Mitchell said.

“Am I panicking? Not at all. I knew this day was coming. I hope our business community has prepared for it.”

An aerial view of Florida Keys’ Overseas Highway between the Atlantic Ocean, left, and the Gulf of Mexico on the right near Big Pine Key. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

WATER WORRIES?

STATE AGENCY ISSUES ‘WARNING LETTER’ TO FKAA OVER PIPELINE CONDITIONS

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Astate agency tasked with protecting Florida’s water resources recently issued a “warning letter” to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority over its deteriorating water system.

Possible violations were stated for FKAA’s failure to “maintain its system in good operating condition,” per a May 5 letter by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to FKAA officials. Greg Veliz, FKAA executive director, said his agency is communicating with DEP over system improvements — funding remains the key component to more progress.

DEP said the letter is part of an agency investigation following several water main breaks in the Upper Keys in March. The first break occurred in the early morning of March 8 near Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada. Just when that pipe was repaired, another major break was reported roughly eight miles north in Tavernier.

Water users from Tavernier to Key West experienced low water pressure as crews worked diligently to repair the pipe. FKAA’s reserves for emergencies were depleted following a total of four breaks between March 8 and March 23. Messages to conserve water were issued to residents and visitors through various channels to help the system restore. Boil water notices were also issued for a short time.

To relieve pressure on the system and mitigate further breaks, FKAA reduced the amount of water that was pumped into the Keys from its Florida City plant. At one point, FKAA pumped 26 million gallons of water per day. Today, 22 million gallons per day are being pumped from the mainland to the island chain.

Veliz, who appeared before the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on May 17, said the agency is incrementally increasing the pressure.

“We’re serving the needs of the community,” Veliz said. “There’s a lot of water. We have plenty of water. It’s just getting it down here and babying this along until we can finish some of these pipe projects.”

DEP said it’s reviewing possible violations of the Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Act, Chapter 403.161, and Maintenance of Public Water Systems, Chapter 62-555, which deals with keeping all public water system components in good operating condition. Jon Moore, DEP spokesman, said the warning letter to FKAA was issued as a first step in its enforcement process. FKAA is required to develop a structured path toward a timely and thorough rehabilitation of the drinking water infrastructure.

“DEP will continue its stringent oversight to ensure the remaining repairs are conducted in a thorough but expeditious manner so that residents have access to a restored, fully functioning drinking water system as soon as possible,” Moore said.

DEP also noted an inspection of the Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Plant that was completed last October. In the letter, DEP states that the plant was in a deteriorated state.

Veliz said FKAA has been communicating with DEP and providing it with any requested information regarding the system.

“Prior to them receiving the last batch of information requested, they sent out the warning letter, which caught us by surprise,” Veliz said. “Apparently, it’s not something unusual when it comes to DEP. They acknowledged that we’re doing all the corrective actions we need to do.”

Veliz added that he spoke to the DEP’s district deputy director, who told him that FKAA is headed in the right direction with $115 million in current projects to address worn pipes.

“I’m fine with all of us working together; just a large part of what we do is contingent on funding,” he said. “If they can work with us to help us secure funding, then I will keep whatever they put out for us.

“I can move as fast as the funding is supplied. We’re going through every avenue we know possible to get funding,” Veliz continued.

Work began last month on a $42-million, 4-mile transmission main replacement project between MM 79.5 and Whale Harbor Channel at MM 84 in Islamorada. So far, construction crews successfully installed 900 feet of new pipe underwater at Tea Table Relief crossing and roughly 3,660 feet of new transmission main along the highway.

Veliz said FKAA also has plans to replace roughly two miles of deteriorated pipe on Windley Key and several miles of pipe on Plantation Key. Veliz said two osmosis plants in Marathon and Stock Island are in the planning stages. Together, the two plants will generate 8 million gallons a day.

“That (drinking water) will be obviously easier to access than bringing it from Florida City, although more expensive to run,” Veliz said.

A pipe with noticeable wear that burst at MM 92 in Tavernier last March. FKAA/Contributed

Crews have installed more than 3,600 feet of new transmission main in Islamorada since early April.

Workers prepare to place a 42-inch pipe underwater at Tea Table Relief crossing in Islamorada.

MARATHON COUNCIL WORKSHOP OPENS BUDGET DISCUSSIONS

STAFF COMPENSATION, CAPITAL PROJECTS AND BUILDING RIGHTS FEES HEADLINE TALKS

The Marathon City Council’s shortest session in recent memory saw just two community attendees at a 30-minute meeting with requests from council members to city finance director Jennifer Johnson as she begins preparations for Marathon’s 2023-24 budget.

After receiving budget templates from department heads throughout May and June, Johnson will meet with council members and City Manager George Garrett throughout the summer to address concerns before the final millage rate – the city’s “price” per $1,000 in taxable value – and budget are the subjects for two public hearings in September.

Requests from councilman Jeff Smith included a human resources compensation report to determine if the city is offering competitive salaries in most staff positions and a discussion of possible uses for money raised through the city’s newly-enacted parking fees at beaches and boat ramps. He also asked for a reexamination of current transfer fees for transferable building rights (TBRs) and transferable development rights (TDRs).

Johnson said the city’s last formal compensation study was completed in 2016, and that she has already budgeted for 9% salary increases based on the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by Miami’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. City employees last year received a similar adjustment of 9.6%

“I think we could probably look immediately to the south

FLORIDA KEYS RECORD TWO SHARK BITES IN 36 HOURS

INCIDENTS HAD VASTLY DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES

and north of us and see what the salary scale is,” said Mayor Luis Gonzalez. “Those are our immediate threats on where our people would potentially go. … We can start from there.” Smith advocated for discretion to be given to department heads to appropriately compensate “top performers and underperformers” as opposed to across-the-board flat raises.

“I think the first thing we need to do is to look at each of the positions where we are particularly in need of increasing their compensation, because we simply aren’t being competitive with neighboring jurisdictions,” said Garrett. “Then you look at what positions aren’t being filled and why, and frankly, some of this just gets down to that it’s hard to live in the Keys.”

The city’s website currently lists openings for four different job titles. Johnson said she has only received a request for one additional budgeted position next year in Marathon’s fire rescue department.

Garrett also advised the council to begin considering how to treat those currently on the Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS) waitlist who have contributed funds to affordable housing or conservation initiatives in order to earn points within the system. With the city’s remaining allocations dwindling, several will likely be unable to receive the allocations in the foreseeable distribution schedule.

Gonzalez, Smith and councilman Lynn Landry formed the council’s quorum for the evening. Vice Mayor Robyn Still and councilman Kenny Matlock were absent.

According to the victim’s account, a bull shark was responsible for bites to the leg of 20-year-old Kevin Blanco. CONTRIBUTED

again, and that he hopes to be back in the water as quickly as possible.

The Florida Keys experienced two more recorded shark bites in less than two days on May 18 and 19, in entirely different scenarios.

On Thursday, 20-year-old Miami resident Kevin Blanco was spearfishing with friends in about 70 feet of water off Marathon when what he believed to be an estimated 9- to 10-foot bull shark bit him twice in the left leg at around 3 p.m.

“I don’t really remember the pain, but I remember the pressure and the force. … It felt like I got hit by an F-150,” Blanco told CBS Miami.

Using a belt as a tourniquet, Blanco’s friend Daniel Maduro tried to stop the bleeding as the group brought the injured diver to shore at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar. The Seven Mile Bridge closed in both directions for about 45 minutes to allow Trauma Star’s air ambulance to land and airlift Blanco to Jackson South Medical Center in Miami.

“I hardly know Danny, who I consider a hero, but what he did was miraculous,” said Omar Blanco, himself a captain with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, in a press conference. “Everything that could have gone wrong went right in this situation.”

Kevin is expected to make a full recovery and be released from Jackson South by early next week. He said the incident will “absolutely not” prevent him from spearfishing

In a second incident the following day, a 35-year-old man fishing off a dock on Summerland Key was bitten in the foot by a shark, according to a release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Social media reports that have not yet been officially confirmed indicate the man was attempting to free the hooked shark when the incident occurred.

The man was flown via Trauma Star to Jackson South, and his immediate condition was not known, according to MCSO.

Though the risk of being bitten by a shark remains extremely low, the Keys have now experienced nine publicized bites over the last 13 months. Of the nine incidents, four involved spearfishing or an already-hooked animal and are therefore classified as “provoked bites” by the Florida Museum’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF).

According to ISAF’s 2022 yearly summary, there were 57 unprovoked bites worldwide last year, along with 32 provoked incidents. The United States claimed 41 of the 57 unprovoked bites (71.9%), with Florida alone responsible for 16 bites (28% of the global total).

In Florida, Volusia County recorded the most bites in 2022 (7) with Monroe County in second place (4).

In a break from recent trends, 2022 saw surfers and those participating in board sports account for fewer incidents (35%) than swimmers and waders (43%).

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

The Marathon Youth Club is an incorporated Nonprofit and is fully run by volunteers. Sponsorships help us provide equipment, scholarships, and anything else needed to help run our youth sports programs. We appreciate the support from local businesses to provide wonderful athletic opportunities for the children in our community! We are so grateful for our sponsors!

THANK YOU

SUPERINTENDENT NAMES 3 MORE NEW PRINCIPALS

SUGARLOAF, GERALD ADAMS AND SWITLIK GET NEW LEADERS

School Superintendent Theresa Axford has named three new principals for the 20232024 school year — in addition to the new principals already announced for Key West and Marathon high schools.

and will move into the new position upon the retirement of principal Fran Herrin. Before serving in her current role, she spent time as an assistant principal of Key West High School.

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Trevor Tyler will take the helm of Sugarloaf School. Melissa Alsobrooks will lead Gerald Adams Elementary and Linda Diaz will be principal of Stanley Switlik Elementary. All three have extensive experience with the district and are looking forward to their new positions.

“Trevor Tyler is a true believer that every child can be successful, and an advocate for teachers and staff,” Axford said. He is currently an assistant principal at Marathon High School and will take over for retiring principal Brett Unke at Sugarloaf for the upcoming school year.

Alsobrooks brings an extensive educational background to her role as principal of Gerald Adams Elementary. She is the current director of accountability and assessment

Diaz is filling the principal role at Stanley Switlik Elementary that has been vacated by Christine Paul, who will take over as principal at Marathon High School. Diaz moved to the Keys in 1988 and immediately connected with the Monroe County School District as a substitute teacher while completing her degree in elementary education. During her 35-year career, she has held several key roles including teacher and assistant principal, and she currently is an Exceptional Student Education transition specialist who works with teachers, parents and students.

Trevor Tyler

Linda Diaz

Melissa Alsobrooks

KEYS FISHERIES HOSTS KAYAKERS RAISING MONEY TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER

On May 19, Marathon’s Keys Fisheries played host to an intrepid group of paddlers “Kayaking the Keys for Hope” as they raised money to support childhood cancer research through the SebastianStrong Foundation. As the paddlers and their support team took a brief break in the middle of their five-day, 110-mile trip from Key Largo to Key West, the bar donated 15% of its sales to the heroes’ cause, adding in a raffle for a cooler, gift cards to Marathon restaurants and Keys Fisheries apparel. The foundation takes its name from Sebastian Ortiz, who passed away at the age of 15 after a battle with rhabdomyosarcoma. Learn more at sebastianstrong.org.

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

DAYSI WILLIAMS

THE SCOREBOARD

Freshman, Marathon Track & Field

On May 17, Daysi Williams went into the FHSAA 1A Track and Field Championships seeded 10th in the high jump, a pretty good spot for a first-year jumper. In fact, Williams has been competing in high jump for just over a month after trying it out in a field-event-only meet earlier this season.

“She and coach Bursa have been working tirelessly for the last three weeks, and it paid off,” said head coach Darby Sheehan.

It is Williams’ positive attitude and strong work ethic which set her apart from the pack. Her 1.52m leap broke the school record and took fourth place at the FHSAA State Championships, bringing home a medal and quite a bit of excitement for the coming years. For her constant drive to improve and exceptional athleticism, Daysi Williams is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“Still surprised and unaware of her talent, Daysi is a hardworking athlete who never complains. Because of her positive attitude, she is always fun to work with.”

–

Marathon jumping coach

Helena Bursa

Daysi Williams proudly displays her fourth-place medal at the FHSAA 1A State Championships. Contributed

Marathon freshman Daysi Williams is in disbelief after clearing 5 feet in the high jump at the FHSAA 1A State Championships. Williams placed fourth in the event. CONTRIBUTED

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

DECORATED TRACK STARS

Keys athletes bring home 10 state medals

Xavyer Arrington stands on the podium after taking sixth place in the FHSAA 2A discus championships. CONTRIBUTED

All three Keys track and field teams sent athletes to Jacksonville last week to compete in the FHSAA State Championships held at University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium. 1A Marathon’s events were held on May 17 while Coral Shores and Key West participated in the 2A division the following day.

Marathon sent four to the big show and returned with four PRs, three school records, three medals and a very proud group of coaches. Sophomore Vance Bursa is not new to distance running, nor is he new to high-caliber competition, but this season the 3200 meter run was stacked with an incredibly talented group of athletes. Ever the competitor, Bursa shaved off 24 full seconds from his personal best in the event to win an eighth-place medal.

Senior Nicole Merryman placed 11th in the shot put and will leave a legacy beyond her school records; Merryman plans to return next season to help coach the next generation of Dolphin throwers. Her younger sister, Ava, placed seventh in the pole vault, breaking her own school record in the process as she cleared 9 feet 4 inches. The freshman made the cut for states last season as an eighthgrader and has made big gains, giving the Fins hope for another medal in 2024.

Fellow freshman Daysi Williams shocked everyone but her coaches with a fourth-place finish in the high jump. Williams picked up the event very recently and has been working daily to fine-tune her technique. Her 5-foot leap set a new school record.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these kids and my heart couldn’t be fuller,” said first-year head coach Darby Sheehan. With three of the four state-qualifying athletes back for more next season, the Dolphins should continue making waves.

Key West qualified the most athletes for states and also brought home the most medals to Monroe County. The Conchs have been highly competitive in pole vault for well over a decade, and this year was no different as Suharevskis Niks-Davis took second place in the event. NiksDavis was seeded eighth in the event and added nearly 18 inches to his personal best to win the silver medal. Teammate Josh Canterbury added nearly a foot of extra clearance as well, finishing with the sixth-place medal.

Anabel Portuondo cleared the bar 6 inches higher than her previous attempts, securing 10th place in the women’s pole vault, just two places from a medal.

MIAMI SUNSET UPSETS CONCH BASEBALL IN REGIONAL FINAL District

Marathon’s state-qualifying athletes show off their medals. From left, head coach Darby Sheehan, Ava Merryman, Daysi Williams, Nicole Merryman, Vance Bursa and coach Helena Bursa. CONTRIBUTED

Rounding out the field events for the Conchs was senior Kevon Mills, who brought home a sixth-place medal in the high jump event. Mills is a multi-sport athlete whose talents run deep; he recently signed a letter of intent to play football at Beloit College in Wisconsin.

On the track, Savannah Chadic claimed two individual medals. The speedster came in eighth place in the 200m and sixth in the 400m race. Chadic also ran legs on both of Key West’s 15th-place relay teams. Joining Chadic in the 4x400m relay were Nikole Tomita, Jenesis Perloff and Caylaa Makimaa. The 4x100m team included Chadic, Dazmine Jenkins, Valerie Thene and Abigail Cowen.

Coral Shores sent just one athlete to states in senior Xavyer Arrington. He qualified in two events, bringing home medals in both as he earned sixth place in discus and eighth in shot put. The senior strongman will be heading to the US Naval Academy Prep School to play football this fall.

Now that track and field has come to a close in Florida, most of the throwers, runners, jumpers and vaulters will not get much of a break. They will move on to summer training and strength programs for their fall sports, which officially open July 31.

Key West will need to wait another year to reach its elusive 12th state championship. On May 16, the Knights of Miami Sunset upset the Conchs 2-1 in front of a packed house at Rex Weech Field. Both teams put up a valiant defensive front, with a blank scoreboard until the fifth inning when a brief two-out rally put the Conchs ahead. Michael Greenberg singled, then advanced to second when Wyat Kuhn hit a hard grounder to left field. Jack Haggard hit a double, sending Greenberg across the plate. The lead held until inning six, when the Knights chalked up three of the four total hits they would earn in the entire game. Two runs scored would be all Miami Sunset needed to pull off the upset.

Haggard was 3-3 at the plate with an RBI and a stolen base. Kuhn and Greenberg accounted for the remaining five Conch hits. Andris Barroso started on the mound, lasting 5-2/3 innings and striking out five. Jacob Burnham finished the final stretch of the game, fanning three of the four batters he faced.

Though their storied season came to a close, the Conchs enjoyed a great deal of success this year, earning a district championship, regional runner-up trophy, and a final record of 22 wins and 6 losses.

Wyatt Kuhn. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

KEY WEST CROWNED REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

CHLOE GILDAY THROWS NO-HITTER TO ADVANCE LADY CONCHS SOFTBALL TO FINAL FOUR

The Key West Lady Conchs softball team is bound for the Final Four.

On May 16, Key West played sixth-ranked Somerset Pembroke Pines in the FHSAA Region 4 4A semifinals. The Conchs were ranked second heading into a game many thought would be a blowout. The Panthers came to the Southernmost City with their A-game, though, and made the Lady Conchs work for their win.

Scarlet Niles led the team offensively with three hits, including a double and a triple. Niles crossed home three times and drove in a run in the game. Miesha Hernandez, Ty Cervantes and Isabella Franco each had two hits, with one of Franco’s being a walk-off single to send her team into the regional championship. Madelyn Perusse and Tavyn Gage also earned hits in the win. Nevaeh Arnold got the start and held the Panthers to just two runs in five innings pitched. Chloe Gilday came in and sealed the deal, but would have to throw an extra inning to do so.

Key West stayed in front until Somerset tied it up in the sixth inning, but the Conchs kept their composure and took care of business, winning in the eighth when Franco drove in Niles for the go-ahead run. The 7-6 victory advanced Key West into the regional finals against the No. 1-ranked team in Region 4.

Patience was the key for the Lady Conchs in the regional championship game on May 19. Key West traveled to Plantation to face the Patriots of American Heritage – along with their notoriously stingy sophomore pitcher, Koda Travers.

The game was a defensive standoff, going scoreless in regulation play. In the eighth inning, the Conchs found a crack in the Patriots’ wall when Scarlet Niles reached first on an error. Isabella Franco laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Niles to second. With two outs in the extra inning, Miesha Hernandez hit a hard ground ball, allowing Niles to score the first run of the night. Hernandez would be left stranded on second base, but enough damage was already done to American Heritage.

The Lady Conchs’ defense, led by pitcher Chloe Gilday, quickly ended the bottom half of the inning, securing their spot in the FHSAA Final Four. Gilday delivered a superb performance for Key West, throwing her first career no-hitter to upset the Patriots.

The Lady Conchs now find themselves in familiar territory, as they reached the Final Four in 2022 as well. Key West faced off against the War Eagles of Wakulla High School at 1:30 p.m. on May 24 (results were not available at press time). A win against Wakulla would send the Conchs into the state championship game the following day to face the winner of the Lake Wales/Lemon Bay semifinal game.

Key West junior Chloe Gilday put the clamps on the American Heritage Patriots in her team’s regional championship game. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

The Key West Lady Conchs softball team are the 2023 Region 4 4A champions. BERT BUDDE/Contributed

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

SPRING FOOTBALL

SEASON A SUCCESS FOR KEYS SCHOOLS

Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores Work to Fill Gaps

Throughout the past week, Monroe County’s football faithful got a small preview of this fall’s Friday night lights.

Marathon hosted Somerset South Homestead for their spring game, losing to the Hurricanes 40-14. The Fins scored once in each half, first on a Carlos Lezcano pass to Fab Louis Jeune and again on a Shamar Wright 47-yard run. Josh Wall added two to the score on a short run for a twopoint conversion. The 35-player roster included 11 eighth-graders, many of whom saw extensive playing time. The young team brings benefits and drawbacks to the Fins, but coach Sean McDonald focused on the positives.

“We need to just be patient; we are a young team with a lot of learning to do,” he said. “We are going to stay positive, continue to be consistent at practice, and improve weekly.”

McDonald praised Wright for his positive attitude and effort as well as Tanner Ross, who is moving to linebacker and showing a lot of promise. Also promising for Marathon is first-year player Mikail “Jay” Marshall, whose speed should prove to be quite an asset.

He did, however, note that there was work to be done, saying, “We need to work harder on blocking and tackling going into the fall.”

McDonald was elated with the big turnout from the Marathon community at the spring game and expressed gratitude for the support his team felt all spring as he began coaching “a fantastic group of athletes.”

Coral Shores showcased its upcoming football team against Coral Springs Charter School on May 19. The Hurricanes divided their 48-player crew of ninth- through 11th-grade athletes in half, playing the older, more experienced half of the roster in the first half, then the younger, newer players in the second. The ’Canes also had about 30 eighth graders dressed and watching.

The defense did not miss a beat since last fall; Coral Shores did not give up any points in their veteran-run first half. The Hurricanes won the half 7-0 on an AJ Putetti touchdown run.

The newer players spent their time learning what it takes to be a varsity football player. They were outscored “by a couple of touchdowns” according to head coach Ed Holly, whose greatest takeaway from the spring game was “the love.”

“A lot of guys at Coral Shores love to play football,” he said. “We have a great booster program and a great group of moms helping out.”

Holly also praised some of his returning players, including Yemcel Moreno, Isaac Holmes, Robert Dube and Putetti, who have stepped up to fill leadership roles left vacant by his graduating seniors.

Coral Shores will participate in the FIFC Conference this fall and will spend the summer lifting, running and throwing to prepare for July 31 when the fall ’23 season officially begins.

Key West’s spring football season will culminate on May 25 in a Red-White scrimmage. The Conchs were unable to secure an opponent, but an intrasquad scrimmage ensures Key West athletes receive the most reps. Coach Johnny Hughes is confident in his team’s improvement over the month, particularly in blocking and tackling fundamentals.

The Conchs will have big roles to fill from the departure of their graduating seniors. “We expect big things from Jaden Fox this year at B-Back and have been excited about the potential of newcomer Walson Morin at running back,” said Hughes. “Adrian Mira looks good after finishing track. We believe he is ready to elevate his game this season.”

Perhaps their biggest hole to fill was left by the highly-recruited Andre Otto, who will leave Key West for Florida State this fall.

Hughes has great hopes for rising sophomore Noah Mercer in that role. “Mercer looks like he will be the next bigtime OL prospect for us,” he said. “He is improving by leaps and bounds.”

Carlos Lezcano III (1) blocks a Hurricane pass deep in the end zone, preventing a Hurricane touchdown.

Marathon’s Fabbianho Louis Jeune (2) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Josh Koler (3).

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

MESSAGE SHERIFF

It’s that time of year again! I hope all of you have your hurricane plans ready to go. Some of us may know a new neighbor or resident who is not as familiar with storm season. Now is a great time to go over your plans and reach out to others as well. Like I tell my staff, we’re all on this together!

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Here’s a list of things everyone should have on hand:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)

• Non-perishable food

• Manual can opener and cooking supplies

• First-aid kit

• Prescription medicines

• Personal hygiene items

• Important documents and phone numbers

• Emergency cash

• Battery-operated radio, NOAA weather radio

• Cell phone and charger

• Sunscreen and bug/mosquito spray

• Matches and lighters

• A camping stove with fuel or charcoal

• Fire extinguisher

• Heavy-duty plastic bags

• Pet supplies and medications

For more information on hurricane preparedness and county re-entry, go to www.monroecountyem.com Let’s make this storm season as safe as we can!

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$3,000 sign-on bonus for Communications Officers!

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IVAR

8-year-old male pit bull mix.

Looking for: Someone to be with me all the time. Turnoffs: Being alone

TAKE ME HOME

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

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

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

CAMBRIA

1-year-old female calico. Looking for: A cool crib with a safe outdoor space

Turnoffs: I’m new here, so we’re not sure yet.

Hazelnut

2-month-old domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Playtime. So much playtime. Play with me.

Turnoffs: I just saw a dog. WTH was that thing?

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

Dr.Fred TroxelJr., DDS

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Having Fun in the Middle Keys

200 YEARS OF UNFORGETTABLE SUNSETS

picture-perfect sunset over glassy waters greeted partygoers at Monroe County’s 200th anniversary celebration on May 19 at the restored Old Seven Mile Bridge.

Marathon High School’s culinary arts students served up a bevy of appetizers while drinks from Big Pine Key’s Grimal Grove and the Marathon Rotary Club wet attendees’ whistles. Crowds packed the northern side of Old Seven and toasted the sunset as they looked for a green flash with a musical backdrop from Marathon’s 79th Street Band.

The event was the latest in a series to celebrate Monroe County’s bicentennial anniversary since its July 3 founding by the Florida Territorial Legislature in 1823. Formerly spanning from Lake Okeechobee to Key West when it was the sixth county admitted into the Florida territory, the county’s current boundaries include the Florida Keys island chain and a mostly uninhabited area of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.

The next event in the county’s anniversary series is a Sea-to-Table event at Islamorada’s Bud N’ Mary’s Marina on Saturday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. More information is at islamoradachamber.com.

MONROE COUNTY BOCC HOLDS BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ON OLD SEVEN MILE BRIDGE

2. A picturesque Keys sunset ended an evening of music, food and drinks to commemorate Monroe County’s 200th anniversary.

3. There’s something about a drink in your hand that makes sunsets that much better. Right, ladies?

4. Chef Flavor and Marathon’s culinary arts students served up an assortment of finger foods for hundreds of hungry partygoers.

— Alex Rickert

1. Commissioner Michelle Lincoln leads a sunset toast to honor all past and present commissioners who have contributed to the evolution of Monroe County. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

5. From left, commissioner Michelle Lincoln, Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates and Mayor Pro Tem Holly Raschein.

6. From left, Holly Enders, Iraida Diaz, Jerry Harris, Alex Makowitz, Suzi Makowitz, Bill Makowitz, Janet Harris, Nick Makowitz, Samantha Makowitz and Dulce Fontes put the props in Key West Party’s photo booth to good use.

7. From left, Rachel Vollemans, Mike ‘Ladies Man’ Puto and Kristina Helms.

8. TJ, left, and Anneke Patterson take in the sights from Old Seven.

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

ABIGAIL HADDOCK

www.keysweekly.com

AFTER YEARS OF WORK, HOUSE ON NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES FINISHES INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

THE OLD CRANE HOUSE GETS A NEW LOOK

The Crane Point Museum and Nature Center’s historic Crane House, built in 1954, has completed renovations, returning the home’s original style and integrating modern amenities.

The house is named after Francis and Mary Crane, the conservationist couple who owned the property until the 1970s. Considered one of the earliest examples of modern architecture in the Keys, it was designed by architect Wahl Snyder.

“He was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright,” said designer and Crane Point board vice president Lynn Voit. “His work is quite before its time.”

Snyder built schools, hotels and homes throughout Florida, but not all the buildings were as lucky as the Crane House to have advocates like Voit and Crane Point CEO Charlotte Quinn. In 2021, Snyder’s home in Miami Shores was demolished, to the dismay of local historians, architects and artists. His “Crawford House” in Baton Rouge, Louisiana met a similar fate, despite local preservation societies’ attempts to get it on the National Register of Historic Places – including a petition with more than 7,000 signatures.

The Crane House however, now gets new life as a tribute to the history of South Florida and the Keys.

“I was taking three trips a day to the house during these renovations, and I never got tired,” said Voit. “But I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it.

“I remember coming here 40 years ago, and there was nothing here. And then through Charlotte’s perseverance, we got that train. That got me interested. I’m an artist, so I like the visual presentation, and I like the history.”

Now the house is filled with history. Original ceiling decorations honor the Great Pyrenees dogs the Cranes saved during World War II

and brought to America, becoming founders of the breed in the U.S. Recreations of indigenous artifacts reflect pieces the couple collected and donated to museums.

Recovering this history was a huge effort. The many windows overlooking the Gulf of Mexico took six washers three days to clean. One bedroom still had its original 70-year-old 2-inch green shag carpet. And the bathrooms, now redone with ’50s-style colorful tiles, were simply described by Voit as “nasty.” Now the rooms are picturesque with vintage charm and Gulf views. The details, from the doorknobs to countertops, are authentic to the original vintage house, but also modern and functional.

Quinn and Voit both emphasized that this project was possible thanks to donors.

“We are very grateful,” said Quinn. “We’ve seen so much generosity from such incredible people to make this happen.”

Voit also praised the Marathon community. “Everybody here is giving back,” she said. “It’s a very giving community, and a melting pot of people. The people here at Crane Point are a melting pot too, but we all come together preserving this fabulous wonderland.”

With the renovations complete, Crane Point will be opening the Crane House as a venue for weddings, parties and business events. It is a prime spot for event photo opportunities, and offers a historic and naturally beautiful venue.

1. The living room space has more information on the Cranes and their history, as well as photos of the house from the ’50s. ABIGAIL HADDOCK/Keys Weekly

2. Lynn Voit, the mastermind of the interior redesign, with some of the authentic 1950s items from throughout the house. ABIGAIL HADDOCK/ Keys Weekly

3. Mary and Francis Crane, original owners of the house, pictured with their pack of Pyrenees dogs. DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE/Contributed

4. Even after renovations, the parlor room’s ceiling decorations honoring the Cranes’ dogs are still in place. ABIGAIL HADDOCK/Keys Weekly

5. The bedrooms, fully renovated, keep the vintage appearance, but lose the 70-year-old shag carpets. ABIGAIL HADDOCK/Keys Weekly

6. The house’s renovated kitchen. ABIGAIL HADDOCK/Keys Weekly

7. Views from the house’s many windows include the Gulf of Mexico, a

mangrove forest and Crane Point’s ‘fish pedicure’ pond. ABIGAIL HADDOCK/Keys Weekly

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FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

GOING OUT TO EAT, WITHOUT GOING OFF THE RAILS

Dining out decades ago used to happen every once in a while and was saved for big celebrations. Now, going “out to eat” seems to be a regular occurrence and is often used to help save you time and misery from the dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?”

It’s no coincidence that as visits to fast food establishments and decadent restaurant meals increase, so have the rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. As our world continues to grow and as technologies continue to change, our fast-paced lives aren’t changing any time soon. The need for “to-go” meals isn’t going away, and you know what? That’s okay.

In fact, if you do a little searching, there are a lot of healthy options when you dine out, and there are plenty of ways to make your experience a nutritious one. One that won’t blow your caloric budget in two bites, while still letting you enjoy a delicious meal out and not feel like you are sacrificing.

But before we take a deep dive into menu options at our amazing local restaurants, there are a few key practices that you can do every time you go out to eat which will set you up for success. These key practices will ensure you will leave your dining experience feeling full, but not overly full, and will give your body the nutrition it needs to work its best.

Key practice #1: Do not go all day without eating because you know you are going “out to eat” later. Starving yourself all day is a surefire way to overindulge when it comes time to order. Eat your normal meals throughout the day and have a smart snack before you head out to dinner. An apple or a yogurt will help you not feel ravenous when the server asks you, “Do you want more bread?”

Starting with a salad full of fibrous veggies

without packing on the calories. JASMIN SCHREIBER/Unsplash

Key practice #2: Start with a salad and a glass of water. Seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Starting with food to stop you from eating more food? Salad is filled with fibrous veggies, which don’t just provide you with vitamins and minerals but also help you to feel full. The more fibrous the veggie (e.g. broccoli or cauliflower), the longer you will feel satiated. Water also helps, and not just with feeling full. Often we mistake a hunger cue with a thirst cue. Many times we are dehydrated, but instead feel hunger because the body knows if we eat we will most likely get fluids from those foods.

Key practice #3: Slow down. The majority of the human population does not chew enough or eat slowly enough to give our bodies a chance to tell us when we are “full.” Putting your fork down between bites helps to remind you that you aren’t in an eating competition and that you are there to enjoy the experience while being mindful of your eating habits.

Key Practice #4: Read the fine print. A dish may sound healthy, but when you start reading the preparation it all goes downhill. When choosing which dish sounds best – while keeping your overall health in mind – always choose pan-seared or grilled over fried or crispy. When the option presents itself, choose things that are locally sourced. And lastly, clear broths or sauces over creamy ones.

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

when dining out will help you feel satiated

A.I.

My mind is blown.

I was minding my own business this past Sunday morning when an alert from YouTube showed up on my phone. Normally, I ignore them. This one, however, came from Paul McCartney’s YouTube channel, and it suggested I watch the video called “New (ft. John Lennon).”

As a lifelong Beatles and McCartney fan, I was more than a little aware of the song “New,” a jaunty McCartney tune from the album of the same name. I really enjoyed the album and the song, but I knew that this particular song came out in 2013, more than 30 years after John Lennon’s death. Needless to say, I fired up the YouTube app and loaded up the song.

The harpsichord arpeggio intro began, and the song was off. When McCartney’s vocal came in, I immediately noticed that it sounded as if someone had taken nearly 40 years of age off of Sir Paul’s voice. As he recorded “New” when he was 70 years old, his voice showed a few signs of his age. This “New” version sounded like McCartney sang it in 1967.

As the song progressed to the first “middle-eight” section, the vocal was no longer that of Paul McCartney. The voice coming out of the speakers was now John. Lennon’s. Voice. It sounded real, as if McCartney and Lennon had secretly recorded this song during the Revolver album sessions.

If that wasn’t unsettling enough, the very next verse sounded as if George Harrison had also returned from the grave to join in with Paul. (George passed in 2001.) The Beatles fan in me was amazed at how much the 21st Century McCartney song now sounded like it was an outtake from 1967 featuring three out of four Beatles on vocals (it wasn’t difficult to imagine Ringo on the drums).

For those of us who love the Beatles, hearing this song reimagined as a Beatles song is a bit emotional. When John’s voice comes in on the bridge, and then

GOOD… OR EVIL?

George starts singing the second verse, it’s like the Fab Four are creating new music and are young all over again. As one commenter put it, “Absolutely brilliant, great work. It’s like the Beatles are back.” After repeated listens, I prefer this version to the original — obviously for sentimental reasons.

The person responsible for this creation is a YouTuber named Dae Lims. He used artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the song as a Beatles number. He also chose a John Lennon song from 1980, “Grow Old With Me,” and used AI to add Paul’s voice singing the bridge. The result is nothing short of mind-blowing.

Dae Lims intended these AI recreations to be tributes; Universal Music Group saw it differently and had YouTube remove the original posting of “New.” I imagine that Paul McCartney must have liked the recreation as well, as the Beatles’ version of “New” is now available on Paul’s YouTube channel.

Although these recreations are benign, some rightfully wonder how far and just where this technology will take us. Will we begin hearing new songs from our favorite deceased musical artists? Will there be new Frank Sinatra albums? New works from Tom Petty, perhaps? If the creations are totally new compositions as opposed to remakes, do any of the financial proceeds go to the estates or recording companies of the original voices? What if the estate or recording company of the original voice doesn’t want any new AI songs in the image of the original voice? And how will we distinguish the artificial from the real when the technology allows almost anything?

There are far more questions than answers at this point. The only two things I can say with any certainty are that it’s going to be interesting to watch how these issues play out over the next several years, and it was nothing short of wonderful to hear the Beatles singing together again … as if we were “New.”

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

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

JOHN BARTUS

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

There are several ways to target trophy bull dolphin. During this time of year, there are several mahi tournaments going on around the Florida Keys. In some, like the Habitat for Humanity’s Mother’s Day tournament in Marathon in the middle of May, the winning dolphin was just over 20 pounds. In the Tom Thumb Bull and Cow tournament, the winning bull dolphin was 35 pounds. Gray’s Taxidermy claims the average bull dolphin mounted is between 50 and 60 inches long. The world record bull dolphin is 87 pounds, caught in 1976 in Costa Rica. The Florida record is 81 pounds, caught in 2007 in Lantana. My personal best bull mahi is around 50 pounds, and the biggest bull dolphin caught by anybody I personally know was one caught by Doug Dittmer a few years ago off the coast of Daytona that weighed in at 72.6 pounds.

…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

My definition of a trophy bull dolphin is any bull over 30 pounds. I feel a bull over that weight is about one in a thousand.

The last nine out of 10 trophy bull mahi caught on the Ana Banana boats were caught under diving frigate birds. If you’re offshore fishing and you happen to find a diving frigate bird, it is mandatory to troll under or cast to that bird. Frigate birds can’t land in the water like pelicans, seagulls, ospreys and other sea birds of prey, and they have been known to stay in the air for 100 to 200 days in a row.

Mother Nature equipped frigates with a hooked beak and a serrated bill so they can swoop down without hitting the water and snatch their favorite food from the air, which is a flying fish. Because frigates have a ravenous diet for flying fish, they wake up each morning searching for the biggest pair of dolphin they can find – yes, pair, because once a bull and cow dolphin exceed 30 inches, they are believed to feed and breed together for life. A big bull and cow hunting in pairs are the most likely to push up and spook the most flying fish to the surface, and the frigates instinctively know that.

Diving frigate birds can be one key to finding trophy bull dolphin. CONTRIBUTED

We also target big bull dolphin by finding floaters. Anything bigger than a Styrofoam cup is considered a floater offshore – pallets, logs, buckets, migrant rafts. Some avid offshore dolphin anglers swear by using teasers, some swear by planers and downriggers, and some swear by having multiple baits out at the same time while trolling. Some say they catch more bulls with a kite. My favorite bait for trolling is a naked double-hooked ballyhoo on 50-pound 6-foot monofilament fluorocarbon.

Some avid mahi anglers swear by lures; many say color matters, many say reflective mylar in your color pattern matters. My favorite colors while trolling for mahi with artificial baits are pink and root beer.

I’ve found if you hook a big bull, be ready for the large cow partner to hit your bait quickly, and many times you’ll be doubled up. However, if the large cow hits first, it may take a while for the bull to hit afterward – the bull seems to be upset that she ate a bait before him. Bull are angry creatures; a big bull will eat after the cow, but he’s an emotional creature and it takes time for him to get his head right enough to eat.

Dolphin are the fastest-growing fish in the ocean and they reproduce more times than most other ocean fish. They are seasonal here in the Florida Keys; the best time of the year is May to September. That doesn’t mean you won’t catch dolphin between October and April. It just means that the best migration for dolphin is between May and September.

There’s been a lot of talk about this big weed blob heading toward Florida. Some people think the more weeds, the more mahi; others think the more weeds, the less mahi, because it’ll be harder to target them when finding a weed line as it would just be another brick in the wall. Some people even claim that there’ll be so many weeds, we won’t even be able to drive boats offshore or out of our canals. My personal thoughts on “the blob” are that it will affect the west coast a lot more than the east coast, and I feel the Florida Keys will be spared because of our strong Gulf Stream.

The dolphin bite is already picking up with good quality, and we look forward to taking you out dolphin fishing.

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

continued from page 4

Marathon American Legion plans Memorial Day services

Marathon youth soccer registration is now open

Marathon’s American Legion Post 154 will conduct two services on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The first will be held at 10 a.m. at Big Pine Key’s Memorial Gardens of the Keys, located at 31211 Avenue A. Members will place flags on veterans’ graves before returning to Marathon for a second tribute at 11:30 a.m. at Post 154’s headquarters at 4115 Overseas Highway. A flag raising is scheduled for noon, with free hamburgers and hot dogs after the tribute. OneBlood’s Big Red Bus will conduct a blood drive on site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pennsylvania brothers win Tarponian Invitational

A team of two Pennsylvania brothers took top honors at the Tarponian Invitational that wrapped up May 10 in Marathon. Rusty and Ray Martz released 16 fish over three evenings for the overall win. Taking second place with 13 tarpon were anglers Harry Scott and David McGill, while the family of Corky, Pat and Chris Cain released 11 tarpon for third place. Each year the tournament mandates that teams must fish with a different captain each evening, rotating among the three major bridge channels in the Middle Keys – the Seven Mile, Long Key and Bahia Honda bridges. Because of this format, captains are awarded for the overall number of tarpon landed on their boats. Named the first-place captain with 22 fish was captain Jared Dieguez of Marathon. Captain John Callion, also of Marathon, tallied 18 tarpon to land the second-place slot. A field of 32 anglers on 12 boats participated in the event, releasing a tournamentrecord 88 tarpon. Next year’s tournament is scheduled for April 28 through May 2, 2024.

Registration is open for the Marathon Youth Club’s 2023 fall season of youth soccer. Children ages 5 to 12 may register to play. The registration fee is $75 per child, with a $20 discount when registering additional siblings, plus a $3 transaction service fee. Registration is open through Friday, June 30, with a $15 late fee assessed after June 18. Children ages 7 and up must attend an evaluation at the Marathon Community Park soccer fields on Friday, July 7 or Monday, July 17. The season will run from the week of Aug. 14 through Oct. 20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Register at MYC’s by scanning the QR code. For more information, follow “Marathon Youth Sports” on Facebook or email MarathonYouthClub305@ gmail.com.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

MHS band seeks instrument repair sponsors

The Marathon High School band currently has many older wind instruments that are in need of repair to work properly for students. There are 65 instruments that are in need of repair. Most repairs are more than $100 each. The band is asking for sponsors to “adopt an instrument” for repair. Each sponsorship is for $75 and will include a brass engraved name plate on the instrument case with the sponsor’s name, foundation name or business name in a prominent location. Each instrument repair sponsor will also be listed in the band concert programs for the remainder of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. Community support will help keep participation in band and music classes free for every student. Sponsors may write checks payable to “Marathon Band” with “instrument repair sponsorship” in the memo line. They can be mailed to the high school, dropped off, or picked up if requested. Contact morris. brooker@keysschools.com for more information.

He said one of his top priorities was to pinpoint violations of the city’s code and potential work by unlicensed contractors, as directed by the city commission.

“There’s no retaliation,” he told the Weekly. “I just want them to do their job. I want my chief to run their department, just like every other department in every other municipality. Whether that’s with a union, non-union, it doesn’t matter.”

He added that he declined to answer Axelrad’s first email because he had turned the communication over to Smits for counsel.

An email from Turner to Smits on May 15 outlines the justification for his directives sent on May 3. Among other items, the email states that Turner met with a KCB commissioner on May 2 at 11:30 a.m. – one day before the email in question from Turner to DiGiovanni – to discuss unlicensed contractors and code enforcement.

He attributed the requests for additional patrols to reported property damage to signs, bathrooms and trees in the city’s parks, as well as an after-hours fight on the city’s golf course.

He stated his request to know why officers were spending time outside the city was to ensure a prompt emergency response, and that “this email serves as my notice, if (anything) happens because I was told to rescind the above, that I not be held accountable.”

“We have one police officer on duty in our city,” he further elaborated when speaking with the Weekly. “If they’re outside the city, seconds count in a medical emergency.”

In another strongly-worded email written to DiGiovanni on May 17, with a request to distribute his message to the city commission, KCB officer Joe Burden stated he could “no longer stay silent about an injustice.”

Referencing the fight on Key Colony’s golf course on the night of October 29, 2022, Burden said it was “unconscionable” that “one of this agency’s success stories is being portrayed … as one of its greatest failures.” Burden’s email goes on to outline the details of the night in question and the response of KCB’s officers.

“In this situation, every system worked flawlessly, and the truth was brought to light,” he concluded.

Declining to comment in detail while negotiations are still underway, DiGiovanni told the Weekly

that he looked forward to “working with (city officials) in the best interest of the city and my officers.”

Changes in employee policies drive divide

Though Axelrad and some commissioners who spoke to the Weekly declined to comment on driving forces behind the department’s petition, others opined that a potential change to the city’s employee policies that began months ago regarding accumulated sick and vacation time may have primarily catalyzed the situation. While some spoke of a brewing rancor between Turner and the police department, others attributed the change to simply align with the actions of other departments throughout the Keys and around the country.

Under KCB’s previous policies, buyouts of accumulated sick and vacation time for employees leaving the city had approached six figures in some instances, as stated by Trefry at the commission’s May 18 meeting. In some cases, hours stockpiled by employees while earning a lower wage would later be paid out at a significantly higher rate upon the employee’s resignation.

“In my past in business, this was considered excessive, and we have to be competitive,” said treasurer Tom Harding, who voiced concern with the “unfunded liabilities” at the May 18 meeting. “If we really want to be serious, we should fund this as a reserve account. … It’s not a retirement income. Sick leave should be used for sick.”

Foster strongly opposed the change, stating that he found it “uncomfortable” to “look at the most important asset we have as a financial burden” and that excessive payouts should be attributed to poor prior management of employees.

“We’re doing the wrong thing by our employees,” he said.

Proposed changes, approved 4-1 at the May 18 meeting with Foster as the lone “no” vote, limit the number of hours employees may “bank” at 168 hours of vacation time. Hours accrued in excess of this maximum must be used within the first six months of the following calendar year, and employees may not use more than the vacation hours earned in that particular year during their final year of employment. Payout amounts are capped at $8,000 for sick leave and $12,000 for vacation time.

... 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.

The road to Flamingo in Everglades National Park is long and not particularly winding. Driving it some days, it feels like you could bungee cord the steering wheel, take a nap, and wake up refreshed, still in the same lane. This is not recommended. Also, you would miss all that openness, and all those calming acres of sawgrass, as well as the cypress domes, the mahogany hammocks, and the chance to see gators, bobcats, roseate spoonbills, eastern meadowlarks, swallow-tailed kites, great egrets and a lot of other wildlife.

On my first trip down there, about 25 years ago, I kept a sharp eye out for a snail kite (then called an Everglades snail kite) because I’d never seen one and my out-of-date field guide told me the drive was a good place to look. On the subsequent trips down that road, I continued to keep a vigilant eye, though I have to admit the intensity of my vigilance diminished somewhat every time I drove the road without seeing one.

I did eventually manage to lay binoculars on one – metaphorically – but it was way across Tamiami Trail, in that area that is a mix of Seminole tribal lands and Big Cypress National Preserve. And then I saw another from the dike at the edge of the urban development boundary west of Fort Lauderdale. And then more in the areas around Lake Okeechobee, and up near Paynes Prairie south of Gainesville.

One did pass by the Florida Keys Hawkwatch in Marathon during the fall migration in 2019, and I was there, but I was walking to my car. When someone yelled to me about it from the platform, I transmogrified the name of the mega-rare-in-the-Keys snail kite in my head with the far more common swallow-tailed kite, and just gave a friendly wave, got in my car, and drove home without bothering to look. Because my brain lets me down sometimes.

Part of the reason I hadn’t seen one in the park was because at the same time I was starting to look for them, their population began to crash, and their range shrank drastically. They’ve been on the federal endangered species list since 1967, but between 1999 and 2002 their population halved, from an estimated 3,400 birds to an estimated 1,700 birds. By 2007 their population was down to an estimated 700 birds.

They were another victim of habitat loss and humans re-plumbing the Florida Everglades to aid development.

UNEXPECTED EVOLUTIONS AND THE SNAIL KITE

Honestly, I’d kind of given up hope of seeing one in Everglades National Park and had forgotten it was even a place you were supposed to look. At least until I was driving north toward the exit a few weeks ago, glanced out the window and saw a distant one turning slow circles over the sawgrass. I made some kind of exclamatory noise to express my giddiness, and my wife nodded politely, the way she always does when I get excited about a bird that has been seen in North America more than five times and further than five miles from our house. (She has rules.)

I mean, it is always cool to catch sight of a snail kite. But also, catching sight of it was most likely caused by a species evolving in ways no one quite expected.

The snail kite is one of the world’s more specialized raptors. It is essentially a South American species that worked its way across the Caribbean and established a population in the Florida peninsula. It subsists here on a diet that consists almost exclusively of the Florida apple snail. Because its prey is not exactly a fast-moving target, its wings are broad and rounded, and its flight tends to be low and appear almost lackadaisical. Most adults can pluck them from the water without getting their belly wet.

The snail kite’s bill arcs down into a tight curve, in a shape that almost mimics a snail’s shell, and sharpens to a point that almost looks like a claw. It’s an adaptation that allows the bird to easily sever the meat of a snail from its shell.

Specialization is an interesting phenomenon in evolution. Oftentimes it allows a species to evolve into a narrow niche without a lot of competition for resources. Which is great, until something changes in that narrow niche, and suddenly the bountiful resources aren’t as readily available.

What changed for the snail kite was that the water levels in South Florida were drastically and repeatedly messed with over a short number of decades. Not only had the species’ habitat shrunk, but the changes in hydrology made the Florida apple snail even harder for the kites to find within that habitat. To make matters worse, the Florida apple snail was now competing with – and losing to – an introduced exotic species from South America called the island apple snail, which was two to five times bigger than the Florida apple snail, and whose population had exploded since it was introduced in Florida around the millennium, most likely through a process biologists refer to with the technical term “aquarium dumping.”

The newly abundant island apple snails were too large for the snail kites, with their highly specialized bill, to readily eat. Or so everyone thought.

In 2017, though, a group of biologists from the University of Florida published a paper documenting the fact that in the relatively few years since the island apple snail’s introduction, the snail kite’s bills had evolved, growing over a few short generations an average of 8%, and sometimes up to 12%. That increase in bill size allowed the kites to take advantage of the invasive exotic snails as a food source. The average body size of the population also increased.

In 2022 the estimated population of the Florida snail kite was back up to about 3,000 birds. With any luck it will continue to grow.

This is not to say that invasive exotic species are a good thing. In most cases they are profoundly and unequivocally not. No one is sure what the long-term effects of the island apple snail invasion will be on the ecosystem as a whole. But it’s okay to stand back once in a while and just appreciate a win.

I look forward to driving down to Flamingo again and trying to catch sight of another one.

A male snail kite in flight with nesting materials. MARIAH HRYNIEWICH/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY FINAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 21, 2023, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo FL 33037, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider approval of the following Monroe County resolution: Monroe County, Florida

Canal Restoration Program

Final Assessment Resolution

Canals 82-83-84, Key Largo

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE CANALS 82-83-84 AREA IN KEY LARGO WITHIN THE CANAL RESTORATION PROGRAM; IMPOSING ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN CANAL RESTORATION MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT; APPROVING THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A geographic depiction of the properties subject to the assessment is below:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDERADOPTION OF COUNTY FINAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 21, 2023, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo FL 33037, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider approval of the following Monroe County resolution:

Monroe County, Florida

Canal Restoration Program

Final Assessment Resolution

Canal 105, Tavernier

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE CANAL 105 AREA IN TAVERNIER WITHIN THE CANAL RESTORATION PROGRAM; IMPOSING ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN CANAL RESTORATION MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT; APPROVING THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

A geographic depiction of the properties subject to the assessment is below:

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ISLAND CUTTER TRADING CO. located at 72 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Michael Darch Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of BEAD ARTS located at 100 Avenue D, #7, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Heidi Schramm Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SEAFOAM LAUNDRY located at P.O. Box 35, Islamorada, FL 33036 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: 116 Mott St. Realty Corp. Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Canal 105 Tavernier, FL

Canals 82-83-84 Key Largo, Florida

The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments and collection of the assessment on the ad valorem tax bills. All affected property owners have the right to appear and provide input at the hearing, and may le written objections with the County Attorney’s Of ce at any time within twenty (20) days following publication of this notice.

The Assessments have been proposed to fund ongoing annual maintenance costs for the canals, including but not limited to cost of maintenance for air curtains and related services. The assessment for each parcel of property will be based upon the number of Lots in the Assessment Area. The estimated assessment rate for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2023 is $575 per lot per year or $47.92 per lot per month. A more speci c description is set forth in the Initial Assessment Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on April 19, 2023. The assessments will be collected by the Tax Collector on the ad valorem tax bill, commencing with the tax bill to be mailed in November 2023, as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certi cate to be issued against the real property, which may result in a loss of title.

If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Haag at 305-453-8774 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The proposed Final Assessment Resolution may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 21, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 8, 2023 at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx. The resolution may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Of ce, at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Of ce, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available at our web portal at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx, for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 18th day of May 2023.

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

Publish: May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments and collection of the assessment on the ad valorem tax bills. All affected property owners have the right to appear and provide input at the hearing, and may le written objections with the County Attorney’s Of ce at any time within twenty (20) days following publication of this notice.

The Assessments have been proposed to fund ongoing annual maintenance costs for the canals, including but not limited to cost of maintenance for air curtains and related services. The assessment for each parcel of property will be based upon the number of Lots in the Assessment Area. The estimated assessment rate for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2023 is $891 per lot per year or $74.25 per lot per month. A more speci c description is set forth in the Initial Assessment Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on April 19, 2023. The assessments will be collected by the Tax Collector on the ad valorem tax bill, commencing with the tax bill to be mailed in November 2023, as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certi cate to be issued against the real property, which may result in a loss of title.

If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Haag at 305-453-8774 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The proposed Final Assessment Resolution may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 21, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 8, 2023 at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx. The resolution may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Of ce, at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Of ce, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available at our web portal at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx, for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 18th day of May, 2023.

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

Publish: May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vehicles will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vehicle repair and storage cost pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.585 or Florida Statutes 713.78. Please note, parties claiming interest have right to a hearing prior to the date of sale with the Clerk of Courts as reflected in the notice. The owner has the right to recover possession of the vehicle without judicial proceedings as pursuant to Florida Statute 559.917. Any proceeds recovered from the sale of the vehicle over the amount of the lien will be deposited clerk of the court for disposition upon court order.

“No Title Guaranteed, A Buyer Fee May Apply” JULY 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM MANGROVE MARINA HOLDING LLC DBA GILBERTS RESORT-SLIP 1984 CTY CTYK4335M84F $5,088.40

Publish:

May 25 & June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING QUARTERLY MEETING NOTICE: LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be hosting a public hearing on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Tiffany Albury at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 121 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Public Meeting Announcement

– Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB)/ Monroe County Board of County Commissioners

The Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) will meet Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 10:00 AM in the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Meeting Room on the 2nd floor, 2798 Overseas Highway. The Board will make recommendations on the County Fiscal Year 2024 funding for human services.The meeting will be a hybrid format with the HSAB meeting live at the Marathon Government Center. The public will be able to participate in-person or via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform.

The HSAB meeting will begin at 10:00 AM, on Thursday June 1, 2023. The webinar will begin at 09:30 AM, a ½ hour before the meeting, to allow time for people to join and test connections. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/82278950669

Or iPhone one-tap :

US: +16465189805,,82278950669# or +16699006833,,82278950669#

Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 646 518 9805  or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 822 7895 0669

International numbers available: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/u/

kAp16OkKL

For a copy of the agenda or other information, contact Oksana Christow, Grants Coordinator, in writing at 1100 Simonton St., Room 2-213, Key West, FL 33040; by phone at 305-2924474; or by email at ChristowOksana@monroecounty-fl.gov.

If members of the public wish to submit written documentation, the documentation must be submitted to Oksana Christow prior to the meeting and no later than May 26th, 2023, by 5:00 P.M. The public is advised that some or all the members of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners may attend the meeting and discuss items that may come before the Commission.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:00

A.M., at the Opal Key Resort & Marina, 245 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting

All Tourist Development Council

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

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish: May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV)

(Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

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

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

Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is Friday, June 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 21, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 23-200, TOURIST DEVELOPMENT PLAN, OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE, TO ADD PUBLIC FACILITIES AS A PERMISSIBLE USE OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX REVENUES, TO MAKE REVISIONS TO THE CODE TO COINCIDE WITH THE PROVISION AS SET FORTH IN 125.0104, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND PROVIDING FOR REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT PLAN; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 21, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 9, 2023 at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx.

The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 16th day of May, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of

County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 21, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 6-240 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES IN ORDER TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF CERTAIN SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR LICENSES THAT WERE ACTIVE AS OF JUNE 30, 2021, TO JULY 1, 2024; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 21, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 9, 2023 at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx.

The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 19th day of May, 2023.

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

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 21, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ABOLISHING THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD CREATED BY ORDINANCE NO. 6-1981 AND CODIFIED UNDER MONROE COUNTY CODE SECTION 15-67 THROUGH 15-72; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 21, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 9, 2023 at: http://monroecountyfl.

iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx.

The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 18th day of May, 2023.

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

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 21, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AMENDING SECTION 19-4 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE PROVIDING FOR REVISED TOLL RATES AND TOLLBY-PLATE RATES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 21, 2023 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 9, 2023 at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx.

The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

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

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 17th day of May, 2023.

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

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING, AND INSPECTION

SERVICES FOR THE HARBOUR DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

DUCK KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Respondents must be pre-qualified by FDOT for WORK GROUP 10.0, Roadway Construction Engineering Inspection 10.1, Construction Materials Inspection 10.3, Minor Bridge and Miscellaneous

Structures CEI 10.4, Major Bridge CEI 10.5, Major Bridge CEI-Concrete 10.5.1 and Major Bridge CEI--Steel 10.5.2. Monroe County is seeking the services of a firm or individuals to provide construction, engineering, and inspection (CEI) services for the Harbour Drive Bridge Replacement Project located on Duck Key. The CEI will ensure that the roadway and bridge construction work conform with the plans and specifications and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) standards and will facilitate communications between all parties ensuring responses and resolutions are provided in a timely manner. Although the project is not FDOT funded, the County will require that FDOT construction standards be followed with FDOT construction forms and other reporting be included with contractors’ applications for payment. This solicitation qualifies for local preference.

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physicallydelivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M., on June 27, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

PROFESSIONAL CEI SERVICES, HARBOUR DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT Duck Key 06/27/2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on June 27, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

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

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on June 28, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Installation of Fire Hydrants Monroe County 06-28-2023

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on June 28, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish:

May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT

WAUPACA COUNTY

CASE NO. 23CV56

PROGRESSIVE UNIVERSAL INSURANCE

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 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

of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

Clerk

By:

Yennis Holtz Deputy Clerk Publish:

May 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ANNUAL RATE RESOLUTION – CANAL 266

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 21, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will hold a public hearing to consider approval of the following County resolution:

Monroe County, Florida

Canal Restoration Program

Annual Rate Resolution

Canal 266

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE CANAL RESTORATION PROGRAM; IMPOSING ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN THE CANAL RESTORATION MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT; APPROVING THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The gure below depicts the Assessment Areas within the Canal Restoration Municipal Service Bene t Unit subject to the assessments:

LEGAL NOTICES

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

CASE #: 2017-CA-195-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 9th day of June 2023 AT 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Lot 43, Block 3 of Pine Ridge, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page(s) 42, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Property address: 2110 Palm Beach Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO CANCEL FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 12th day of April 2023 Style of which is: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff

VS.

LEE R. ROHE; SUSAN L. ROHE, et. al Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2017-CA-195-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 1st day of May 2023.

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk

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

Publish:

Canal 266 Big Pine Key, FL

The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments and collection of the assessment on the ad valorem tax bills. All affected property owners have the right to appear and provide input at the hearing, and may le written objections with the County Administrator at any time prior to the public meeting or within twenty (20) days following publication of this notice, whichever is greater.

The Assessments have been adopted to fund ongoing annual maintenance costs for the canals, including but not limited to cost of electricity to run air curtains, vegetation removal and related services. The assessment for each parcel of property is based upon the number of Tax Parcels in the Assessment Area. A more speci c description is set forth in the Initial Assessment Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on July 17, 2019. Copies of the Initial Assessment Resolution, the plans and speci cations for the Maintenance Activities, and the preliminary Assessment Roll are available for inspection at the Monroe County Administrator’s Of ce, 1100 Simonton St., Suite 2-268, Key West Florida 33040, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The annual assessment rates are:

$1,247.95 per Tax Parcel in the Assessment Area

The assessments will be collected on the ad valorem tax bill, commencing with the tax bill to be mailed in November 2023, as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes and in future scal years. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certi cate to be issued against the real property which may result in a loss of title.

If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Haag at 305-453-8774 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, F.S., if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made.

The public can participate in the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Of ce, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available at our web portal at: http://monroecounty .iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx, for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

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

Publish: May 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

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 YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 25, 2023.

Personal Representatives:

Elanna Butler 3480 Byron Drive Doylestown, PA 18902

Donald J. Glidden, Jr. 315 Iroquois Drive Brick, New Jersey 08724 Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Paul E. Roman Florida Bar No. 0586633 Roman Northwood PLLC 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste 460 Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Telephone: (561) 862-4139 paulroman@paulroman.com

Publish:

May 25 & June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-67-P IN RE: ESTATE OF NANCY A. LANCASTER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

LEGAL NOTICES

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 25, 2023.

Personal Representative:

PEGGY L. COSTELLO

3151 Henderson Road Mount Pleasant Township, PA 15301

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

JOE A. CATARINEAU Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish: May 25 & June 1, 2023

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-15-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF PETER F. SCHMIDT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Peter F. Schmidt, deceased, whose date of death was October 31, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish:

May 18 & 25, 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-000028-P IN RE: ESTATE OF TERRY MICHAEL BATES, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of TERRY MICHAEL BATES, deceased, whose date of death was October 14, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 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.

May 25 & June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-000061-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD J. GLIDDEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DONALD J. GLIDDEN, deceased, whose date of death was April 14, 2023, file number 23-CP-000061-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives' 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

The administration of the estate of NANCY A. LANCASTER, deceased, whose date of death was April 21, 2023, File Number 23-CP-67-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

All 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 18, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Patricia S. Crenshaw

8104 Captain Mary Miller Drive Shreveport, Louisiana 71115

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

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 18, 2023.

Personal Representative:

MICHAEL BATES

2650 Weinman Road

Wexford, PA 15090

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 18 & 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-57-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF SONIA PAPINEAU

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of SONIA PAPINEAU, deceased, whose date of death was February 12, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 18, 2023.

Personal Representative:

GINA P. GALLERINI 14902 Forest Landing Circle North Potomac, MD 20850 Attorney for Personal

Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com

Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com

Florida Bar No. 382035

Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065

Publish: May 18 & 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 23-CP-000046-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STANLEY G. BRYAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of STANLEY G. BRYAN, deceased, whose date of death was December 25, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 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 THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons

having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (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 18, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Stanley G. Bryan, Jr.

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Amy J. Fanzlaw, B.C.S.

Board Certified in Elder Law

Board Certified in Wills Trusts & Estates

Florida Bar No. 054860

Osborne & Osborne, P.A. 1515 S. Federal Highway, Suite

106 Boca Raton, Florida 33432

Telephone: (561) 395-1000

Fax: (561) 368-6930

Email: AJF@osbornepa.com

Secondary Email: LFB@ osbornepa.com

Publish:

May 18 & 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-000114-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT A. FLETCHER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROBERT A. FLETCHER, deceased, whose date of death was March 16, 2023, is pending in the Monroe County Courthouse-Key West, Probate Division, the address of which

E ective June 27th, 2023, HCA Healthcare’s Miami International Cardiology OFFICE PRACTICE, located at 100460 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 will be closing.

E ective June 27th, 2023, Dr. Bruce Boros will no longer be a liated with HCA Miami International Cardiology-Key Largo, located at 100460 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037.

Our Mercy cardiology practice is open for your patient care needs. The practice is located at 3683 South Miami Avenue, Suite 500, Miami, FL 33133. Please call the Mercy o ce at (305) 285-5666 to schedule an appointment. You may also contact your insurance carrier or primary care physician for a list of behavioral health providers in the area.

Your o ce medical records will be maintained at 3801 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137. To obtain your o ce medical records, please feel free to call 305-571-0620.

Publish:

May 25, June 1, 8 & 15, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 18, 2023.

Personal Representative:

ROBERT S. FLETCHER, Petitioner 20 Brewer Lane Duxbury, MA 02332 Attorney for Personal Representatives: SHARON QUINN DIXON Florida Bar No. 350311 Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. Attorneys for Petitioner 2200 Museum Tower 150 West Flagler Street Miami, Florida 33130 Telephone: 305-789-3200 E-mail: sdixon@stearnsweaver. com

Publish:

May 18 & 25, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 22-CP-000108-P IN RE: ESTATE OF HOLLY J. TREJO Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Holly J. Trejo, deceased, whose date of death was May 2, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this

LEGAL NOTICES

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 18, 2023.

Personal Representative: John C. Trejo 476 Bahia Avenue Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal

Representative: Gary W. Lyons, Esquire Florida Bar No. 268186 McFarland, Gould, Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan, P.A. 311 S. Missouri Ave. Clearwater, FL 33756 Telephone: (727) 461-1111

E-mail Addresses: glyons@mglegalteam.com mpenny@mglegalteam.com

Publish: May 18 & 25, 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

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.

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

HIRING: PATIENT COORDINATOR/FRONT

DESK. Full-time opportunity at dental specialist practice in Key Largo. Looking for organized and personable personality. 3 days in office, 2 days either in office or remote. Salary open. Reply to Workout798@aol. com or call (954)292-5708

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.

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Cook, Maintenance Administrative Assistant (bilingual preferred) Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, and Grounds Caretaker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

EMPLOYMENT

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!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

RV LOT FOR RENT

RV Site for rent in Marathon. Up to 35', private gated property. $1,500/ mo + utilities. Dockage wavailable - inquire for price. 305-610-8002 up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

YARD SALES

ESTATE SALE: 556 70TH

ST GULFSIDE, MARATHON

Sat May 27 & Sun May 28, 10A-2P. Boat, Cars, Tools, Furniture & Misc. Household Items.

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

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

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 qualifications and experience: $40.35/hr. - $45.19/hr.

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.

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.

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

TREE TRIMMER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $26.29/hr. - $29.45/hr. 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.

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

AUTO DIESEL VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $28.53/hr. - $31.95/hr.

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.

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

APPRENTICE AUTO MECHANIC

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $23.73/hr. - $26.57/hr.

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.

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

MAINTENANCE PERSON

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $28.38/hr. - $31.78/hr.

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.

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

APPRENTICE MAINTENANCE PERSON

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $23.60/hr. - $26.43/hr. 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.

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Line Cook

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Sign-on Bonus*

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Sign-on 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*

- Security Of cer

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- Emergency Dept Team Coordinator

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Sign-on Bonus*

- Lead Med Technologist, $15,000 Sign-on Bonus*

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Sign-on Bonus*

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Sign-on Bonus*

- Nurse Manager, Emergency Dept, $20,000 Sign-on 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.

* Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

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

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

Open interviews Monday – Friday from 11am to 4pm at Oceanside Safari. Located at MM 73.5 right on the ocean at Caloosa Cove Marina, 73814 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

NOW HIRING

FOH: HOSTS, SERVERS, BARTENDERS, BUSSERS, RUNNERS.

BOH: LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS, DISHWASHERS.

Great pay, benefits and perks. We offer a stable 40 hrs-per-week to our hourly employees, and more hours if you want! Part-time positions available if you are looking for a second job, or after-school job. No Inglés. No Problema. Lo importante es que trabajes bien. Pa gen angle. Pa gen pwoblèm. Tout sa ki enpòtan se ke ou travay byen. We have re-opened as a brand-new fullservice restaurant & bar, with a full kitchen with all brand new equipment, a beautiful bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a beachfront lounge on our own private beach. COME JOIN US!

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Crisis Counselor

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Crisis Counselor

Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children)

*Advocate (PT only)

Substance Abuse Counselor

Peer Support Specialist

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (or KW)

Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*Support Worker – Assisted Living

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

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

Banquets and Catering available please contact events@GrassyFlats.com

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

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