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Two South Florida sports teams are just four wins away from hoisting some serious hardware. In the NHL, the Florida Panthers clawed their way to the Stanley Cup final where they’ll play the Las Vegas Golden Knights on June 3. In the NBA, hot play on the court by the Miami Heat have them in the Finals against the Denver Nuggets. That series begins June 1.

The Coral Shores Class of 2023 tosses their caps into the air to conclude the commencement ceremony inside the gymnasium on May 24. JAVIER EXPOSITO/ Keys Weekly

ISLAMORADA PARTS WAYS WITH DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR DAN GULIZIO

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Islamorada’s director of development services and planning, Dan Gulizio, was let go on May 30 following more than a year of employment with the village.

Village Manager Ted Yates told the Keys Weekly that Gulizio will be transitioning away from the village.

Gulizio was hired in November 2021 by then-village manager Greg Oravec following the departure of then-planning director Ty Harris in July 2021. Gulizio, who has more than 25 years of planning and land management experience, began with the village on Dec. 1, 2021.

He came from New York, where he served as the deputy director of planning for Suffolk County. He was also the commissioner of planning, environment and land management for the Town of Brookhaven, New York, commissioner of planning and development for the Town of Islip, New York, and executive director of Peconic Baykeeper, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving ground and surface water resources.

During his time in the village, Gulizio dug into the village’s land development regulations and comprehensive plan— ultimately leading to several presentations that highlighted a number of inconsistencies and gaps within the language. Gulizio ultimately crafted a list of items the council could address to fix the village’s complicated code, which ranged from smaller “housekeeping” items to larger overhauls.

By mid-April, the Islamorada Vil-

lage Council had 11 proposed changes to the village code before them during a workshop meeting. Items addressed permits that allow establishments to sell alcoholic beverages, establishing a permanent mobile food vendor program with guidelines outlined in a two-year pilot program that ended in March 2022, defining terms such as buildable area and lot area and limiting outdoor storage and display in a tourist commercial district, to name a few.

A special meeting held on April 11 saw brief discussion on the series of code fixes. Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney expressed concern that residents would be limited to speak for three minutes on the 11 proposed code fixes. The items were pushed to May to allow for more discussion.

Two days later, at its April 13 meeting, the dais agreed to move some less controversial code fixes ahead to a first reading at a future meeting. Ordinances pertaining to those proposed fixes were discussed during a May 18 meeting of the village council.

Items included the alcoholic beverage use permits, which repeals a section but keeps certain protections; adding single-family residences as a

permitted use in multifamily zones; incorporating boat dealership as a major conditional use in tourist commercial zoning district; standardizing notice provisions for the development review process; allowing a variance for lot area administratively, provided the request is limited to a maximum of 5% or 250 feet of the minimum required lot area and changes related to outdoor seating areas.

But before Gulizio explained the proposed changes on May 18, he acknowledged severe challenges working in the village of Islamorada. He said he was accused of arbitrarily selecting things and plucking them out of thin air. He was also questioned for bringing forth a proposed resolution during the April 13 meeting that sought the services of Cyriacks Environmental Consulting Services in order to gather data as it relates to floor area ratio (FAR) in residential areas in Islamorada.

Gulizio told the dais that the village has FAR standards for commercial districts but not for residential districts. In his comments, Gulizio noted the changes in the village’s character due to development decisions that allow someone to take a 1,500- square-foot home and construct a 12,000-squarefoot home with a 7-foot setback.

“Floor area ratio is the single best tool to measure intensity of individual lot,” he said. “This doesn’t provide recommendations in terms of what the FAR ought to be. It’s just giving us basic information, the building blocks of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NORTH CAROLINA MAN DIES WHILE DIVING THE DUANE WRECK OFF KEY LARGO

pronounced dead. Foul play does not appear to be a factor. Autopsy results are pending.

According

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 65-year-old Perry Lane Anderson was diving the Duane wreck

off Key Largo when the incident occurred. Other divers assisted the man back to a Rainbow Reef Dive Center commercial dive boat at about 9:40 a.m. where CPR began immediately.

Anderson was taken to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier where he was

The Duane wreck is located 100 to 130 feet beneath the surface off Key Largo.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Dan Gulizio. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

Abusy Memorial Day Weekend on the water resulted in the death of a Mooresville, North Carolina man.

to the

information so we can provide you (the council) sound policy and guidance.”

Some council members, including Mayor Buddy Pinder, said he learned about the April 13 item when he received his book with agenda items. He told Yates he would have liked a briefing before discussion at a meeting.

“I would appreciate it if you (Yates) and Dan would have called me and said, ‘Hey, help me understand this.’ I’d like to understand what we’ll be voting on,” Pinder said.

Yates said his door’s open every week for a briefing.

“I reached out to everyone at the beginning of the week to talk about the meetings we had. I’m happy to spend as much time as you guys want getting briefed on this,” Yates said.

The dais elected to pull the item from the agenda. It was never brought back.

Fast forward to May 18. Gulizio told council members that he went to work weeks before only to be advised by a staff member that he was about to be fired. He came in another week and was advised by another staff member that he was “resigning today.”

“I didn’t come from New York and say, ‘Hey, you need to change everything.’ What I did was come and read what the area of critical state concern says in terms of the 10 goals and read the comprehensive plan and its goals, policies and objectives,” he said. “Planning is a process of gaining information, analyzing that information so that I can provide you, the council and community members, with the best possible recommendation. I don’t vote on things. I’ve always been respectful of my position that I make recommendations. I don’t approve anything.”

Gulizio said the idea that the village shouldn’t gather information because members of council aren’t sure what that information would be used for speaks to a lack of trust or faith in the department.

“I’ve heard from members of the community speaking before the council saying ‘why are they proposing all these changes? We don’t need these changes. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,’” Gulizio said. “The only thing I tried to communicate to the council in my time here is that while the process may not be broken for a handful of people who benefit from securing permits through this process … when I look at the data that’s out there, whether it’s the amount of groundwater we’re consuming, which is 240% more than we consumed in 1976. … those are a failure of the regulatory process from my perspective.”

Gulizio said he’s happy to do whatever makes the most sense for the community and council. He told the dais at the meeting that he’d be more

than happy to stay and fight for the issues or step down from the position the next day. But he said he couldn’t perform the duties satisfactorily in an environment of uncertainty and angst over whether he’d be fired.

“My office is always open. If someone has a problem they can come talk to me. But the idea that I can propose something as a recommendation and never have a conversation with somebody but they make 14 phone calls riling people up on it, it’s not a functional environment for me. I don’t work well with the coconut telegraph. The idea that we have this secret communication system that runs around and I find out things from staff members of what’s being said, that doesn’t work for me.”

It’s unknown whether Gulizio’s position will be filled, as Yates said that discussion hasn’t taken place inside village hall. For now, the village’s planning director, Jennifer Deboisbriand, will take over the department. She was hired last December. The decision to bring a new person on is up to the village manager.

“It’s part of our responsibility to run the day-to-day operations here,” Yates told the Keys Weekly. “When we look at situations like this where we lose individuals, we try to look at the department as a whole to determine where our needs and gaps are and take an opportunity to build a department that’s most effective for servicing our residents.”

Council members received word of Gulizio’s firing Tuesday morning just before 10 a.m. Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin expressed her disappointment in the decision in a phone call to Yates.

“I did try to get a better explanation for the reason and was dissatisfied,” she said. “My experience with Dan is that he has been nothing but professional with an ethical and moral compass that is sound and the village is in desperate need of that type.”

Councilman Mark Gregg said he didn’t know Gulizio’s departure was coming. But Gregg believed the breakup between Gulizio and the village was inevitable.

“To use his very own words in his statements at the meeting on the 18th, he might not be a good fit. He said the current situation was unsuitable. And if it was the right thing he said he would happily step down,” Gregg said.

Gulizio and Gregg met following the May 18 meeting. Gregg said Gulizio’s statements during the sitdown were similar to the ones made at the meeting.

“It just looked like he was headed in one direction and we were heading in another,” Gregg said.

The Keys Weekly reached out to Pinder for a comment and didn’t receive response before press time.

LT. GOV. NUÑEZ TALKS

WATER SAFETY & VISITS

WW II VETERAN IN KEYS

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Summer in the Florida Keys unofficially began May 26 as students jubilantly scurried out of the classrooms — another school year in the books. On the road, vehicles and RVs filed into the Upper Keys from the 18-Mile Stretch for a Memorial Day Weekend that saw scores of boats packing local sandbars.

At the Founders Park Community Center, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez met with local officials to relay messages of precaution and safety on the water and around pools as part of National Water Safety Month.

Flanked by county commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein and several state officials, Nuñez especially drew attention to a sobering statistic: 96 children in Florida died from drowning last year. Nuñez acknowledged that she felt compelled to hold the event to urge adults to remain alert and avoid distractions, like looking at phones, when children are around pools and bodies of water.

“It just takes a few seconds if you lose focus and concentration. … We’re always connected to our phones,” Nuñez said.

She also emphasized the importance of taking swimming lessons and CPR training, as well as ensuring barriers and gates are installed around pools. Also, check local weather conditions before heading out on the water.

“We can all work together to improve and prevent unnecessary drownings and loss of life,” she said.

Shevaun Harris, secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Families, joined Nuñez in the press conference. Harris said parents should have safeguards in place, which include having a “water watcher” if a parent needs to take a phone call or step away from their child. A mother of two, she also urged parents to put their infants through special swim classes.

“When my kids were little, 6 months, I put them in what’s called the infant swim resources classes. It teaches them how to protect themselves from falling in,” Harris said. “Classes like that and others offered through local YMCAs are really critical to invest in, and so many organizations offer free or reduced cost classes.”

Harris recalled a time when she almost drowned at a pool as a young girl during a vacation with her parents.

“My mom wasn’t near me and didn’t see me fall in. I still remember

the look on her face, the look of terror and fear, when I came out. My hope is no parent has to experience that,” Harris said.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Maj. Alberto Maza said National Water Safety Month also coincides with National Safe Boating Week. Maza said FWC’s focus remains on safe boating practices, which include driving sober and wearing life jackets. Maza said 64% of boating deaths were from drowning.

“Unexpected things can happen on vessels,” Maza said. “When you’re on the water, put a life jacket on.”

Following the press conference, Nuñez briefly met with World War II veteran and Islamorada resident Dick Barnes, who recently turned 100. Barnes spent several minutes telling the lieutenant governor stories from his time in the U.S. Navy, which entailed everything from salvaging and flying “Flying Duds,” or combat-damaged aircraft, to organizing air shows during his time stationed in Niagara Falls and New Orleans.

“We have the utmost respect for our veterans, especially those who get to the age of 100. The governor and I send you our most heartfelt congratulations,” Nuñez said.

Nuñez is no stranger to the Florida Keys, specifically the Upper Keys. When the schedule allows, Nuñez and her family spend time in Islamorada.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez talks about water safety during a May 26 press conference with state and county officials inside Founders Park Community Center in Islamorada. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

Local resident Dick Barnes visits with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and county officials on May 26 inside the Founders Park Community Center in Islamorada.

ISLAMORADA REMEMBERS THE FALLEN

An American flag waved in the wind on a picturesque Memorial Day as community members descended upon the Hurricane Monument in Islamorada to remember those who sacrificed their lives in service of the country. The program, organized by the Matecumbe Historical Trust, welcomed state Rep. Jim Mooney and County Commissioner David Rice as guest speakers. Local scouts presented the colors, while the invocation and benediction were given by Pastor Tony Hammon. Patriotic songs were played by The Two Big Brothers. Wreaths were laid by Capt. Skip Bradeen, Cinnamon Edgar and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Dear Editor:

Please allow me to thank the Upper Keys Weekly for their publication of our Memorial Day ceremony. The audience was eager to be treated to a solemn and uplifting event. The many parts of this ceremony were brilliantly and spectacularly carried out in every detail.

They included extraordinary performances by the United States Coast Guard Honor Guard, Islamorada Station; Scout Troop 912; Florida Keys Community Concert Band and maestro Robert Sax; scout orator Zack Woltanski; singer Kathy Miller; bugler Hurbert; Airborne Ranger Sgt. Brian Mundey, flag presenter; Gold Star recipient and keynote speaker Chuck Elllsworth; speaker Sandi Bisceglia; and VFW chaplain Tim Link.

Cathy Crane, Monroe County director of veterans affairs, the tech support of Leonardo Morin and Jethon Williams, along with veterans service officer Kevin Perham, were logistically brilliant and steadfast, while laying the bedrock upon which this event rested. Without the guidance and leadership of our State Attorney and VFW Post 10211 Commander Dennis Ward, this Memorial Day Ceremony would not have been kept relevant and operational.

American Legion Islamorada Post 145, with their decorated military vehicle, remains a groundwork of patriotic fervor, forever availing themselves in service to their country and community.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies, Key Largo Fire/Rescue and Truck Ladder Company under the direction of Chief Don Bock, law-enforcement agencies and first responders across the board; we thank you for your support and service to our county.

The Memorial Day videos presented were breathtaking and heart-wrenching, reminding us of the depths of the sacrifices endured by our veterans killed in action.

David Kay’s devotion and determination to memorialize our Memorial Day proceeding will be forever remembered, never forgotten and always appreciated. Thank you so very much.

John Donnelly, Purple Heart recipient Key Largo

— Jim McCarthy

1. Capt. Skip Bradeen and Cinnamon Edgar place a wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank.

2. The American flag waves in the wind during the ceremony. 3. Local scouts from Troops 912 and 914 present the colors. Photos by Jim McCarthy.

FOURTH OF JULY

THE KEY PLAYERS COMEDY OPENS IN KEY LARGO

PLAY DELIVERS LAUGHTER THROUGH A SERIES OF HILARIOUS MIX- UPS

The setting for The Key Players’ latest production is a small, seaside destination wedding hotel called Lover’s Landing. The show opens with the lovable yet flaky hotel clerk, Candy, working the phones at the front desk and preparing to welcome guests to this mystical retreat.

“I’m very clumsy in this show, so I’m supposed to be swinging around and stuff like that,” said Jax Terrasa, who plays Candy.

This is Terrasa’s second time performing in a Key Players production, an experience the 21-year-old describes as rewarding.

“I’ve made so many new friends; it makes me so happy to be here,” said Terrasa, who when not under the bright lights works as a barista at the Key Largo Starbucks.

The seven-member cast is made up of The Key Players veterans and novice actors alike.

Patrice Messina started with the community theater group in 1996. In this production, she plays the snooty Beatrice Rutherford-Smythe, the mother of a bride who disapproves of her daughter’s choice of a husband.

“I haven’t been on stage in like six years, so for me it’s almost kind of a love-hate relationship,” said Messina. “It’s the nerves and the stress before the show and then it’s the jubilation after.”

Messina’s daughter, Traci, is played by 19-year-old Erykah Moses. This is her third production with the The Key Players. Moses said her character becomes a little high strung during the show.

“She has a lot of meltdowns, but she’s okay, I swear,” said Moses with a laugh.

Moses’ fiance, Peter Mudd, is played by Angel Martin. Off stage, Martin and Terrasa are best friends.

“I am honored to work with my best friend in our second show together,“ said Martin. “Everyone in the cast is amazing.”

This will be Casey LaMorte’s first show with the The Key Players. On stage, LaMorte plays Audrina Brown, a woman who recently inherited the

hotel from her late father but soon discovers her Uncle Bubba is running some shady operations on the property. In real life, LaMorte is a mother of two young daughters and an operating room nurse at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier.

“You have to be very strict with your time management,” said LaMorte of juggling rehearsals along with an already very busy life.

“I just lean on my community and lean on my friends and my family because other than that I couldn’t juggle all this, because it’s a lot,” she added.

Key Largo spec home builder Robert Pozo plays the sketchy Uncle Bubba. Pozo says for him, acting in community theater is all about stepping outside of his comfort zone.

“I’m always about that, whether it’s physical like skydiving or doing Ironman races; this was just something that was completely out there,” said Pozo. ”I thought it would be fun.”

Full-time FIU student and Key Largo resident Andrew Fleites is becoming a familiar face in the The Key Players and has several shows under his belt.

In “Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses,” Fleites plays the mysterious Douglas DuPont, a role he finds both challenging and entertaining.

“I’ve got a secret to hide, so that’s kind of cool,” said Fleites.

Producer Mary-Margaret Dale described the play as funny and cute. She said this show has been a few years in the making after being derailed once by the pandemic.

“We originally planned to do this play in 2021 and when one of the variants came back around with the pandemic, we had to postpone it,” said Dale. “We knew we really wanted to do it; we just didn’t know when we could do it.”

Jonelle Kop is directing this show.

“Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses” opened June 1 at the Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center. There will be a total of seven performances. For more information on show dates, times and ticket prices, visit thekeyplayers.org.

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

1. The cast of ‘Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses,’ along with producer Mary-Margaret Dale and director Jonelle Kop, hold a dress rehearsal for the comedy presented by The Key Players. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly. 2. Robert Pozo (Uncle Bubba), wearing snorkel gear, talks to Jax Terrasa (Candy) during a scene in which Pozo had to dive into a septic tank to repair a stuck drain field valve. 3. Patrice Messina (Beatrice Rutherford-Smythe), right, and Erykah Moses (Traci) discuss the upcoming nuptials at the Lover’s Landing hotel.

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR

Sam Steele

JUNE

• Property tax bills for the first installment of 2023 were mailed out and are due by June 30. If the first installment is not paid by July 31, then you will be removed from the plan.

• Delinquent tangible taxes for 2022 must be paid by June 30 or a warrant will become e ective on July 1.

• Local business tax renewals will be mailed out at the end of June for the 2024 business cycle.

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist

Follow

development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• A property that is being rented out for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented.

• Specialty license plates and pre-sale vouchers are now available for purchase directly through our website.

Bicentennial

Patriotic picnic & fireworks

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF MONROE COUNTY

BREATHING NEW LIFE

OCEAN SAFARI RESTAURANT WORTH THE EXPLORATION

is a Keys native who has a passion for all things food. She runs the local food blog, “Florida Keys Eats.”

This past weekend, Florida Keys Eats was invited to Ocean Safari Restaurant & Lounge at MM 73 in Islamorada. If that name isn’t ringing any bells, you may be more familiar with its former nickname, the Dead Animal bar.

Let me tell you, these animals have come back to life and are ready for a fresh start. My first impression upon pulling into the parking lot was, “Are we at the right place?” It looked completely different; the gorgeous manicured grounds were the first thing to catch my eye. I swear it even looked like they raked the sand.

The building was sparkling with a new wrap-around deck to get you as close to those oceanfront views as possible. If basking in the Florida sun isn’t your mood, you won’t miss a thing sitting in the A/C. The panoramic windows let you see every ocean wave from your table.

Service was above and beyond; every staff member was on their A game. Within five minutes they had taken my drink order. On this day, a mojito was calling my name. Let me preface by saying I’ve had mojitos galore in my life, including at a bar run by Gloria Estefan which specializes in the minty cocktail. I didn’t think it got any better than that, but this mojito at Ocean Safari was “ahhh-mazing.” I ended up having some conversation with a couple one table over who also let the waitress know it was the best mojito of their life.

The menu had so many tempting items and we were encouraged to try as much as we wanted. The tuna tartare appetizer was enormous. It was

enough to share as a table appetizer. It was a fresh and light starter with a spicy kick.

Next, we noticed the fried pickles and saw they opted to serve them in spears as opposed to the traditional chip. Where has this fried pickle spear been all of my life? The minute I bit into this, the fried pickle chip option officially became obsolete. Only fried spears for me from here on out. The ratio of batter to pickle was all you could dream of when ordering it.

For entrees, we tested out their fish and chips, served classic Englishstyle with beer batter and cod. In my opinion, beer batter is the best version of fried and it’s surprisingly not available at many restaurants down here. The batter had an audible crunch and no oil. It was textbook beer-battered fried fish. I couldn’t stop dipping everything into their housemade tartar sauce, maybe the tastiest tartar sauce I’ve ever had.

We finished our calorie coma with the ocean safari seafood roll. Think lobster roll but shredded lobster, crab and whole shrimp. Served cold in a warmed bun with a little romaine and tomato, it came with a side of fries and coleslaw. Again, big enough to share and quality ingredients.

Currently, Ocean Safari is in its soft opening stage but will be officially open Friday, June 2. Honestly, spending the afternoon here was so pleasant.

FLORIDA KEYS EATS

SAMANTHA DELLILO

Mojitos served at Ocean Safari Restaurant & Lounge. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly

Tuna tartare.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE 2023 ALLKEYS BOYS SOCCER TEAM

Key West was the dominant Keys team this year in boys soccer, beating Marathon twice and splitting against Coral Shores with one win and one tie. The Conchs ended their season with a 12-5-2 record, which included a lateseason run deep into the FSHAA 4A playoff bracket. The only thing to stop the Conchs would be an overtime shootout against eventual state champion Gulliver Prep. Though they lose quite a few of their starting lineup, Key West’s bench should be deep enough to repeat their success next season.

Fifty miles up U.S. 1, Marathon ended with a winning 10-9 record, winning a postseason game and gaining momentum for next season during a rebuilding year. The team will lose just four athletes to graduation.

The Coral Shores Hurricanes ended with a 6-7-1 record, including an opening-round playoff win. Coral Shores returns most of its lineup in the fall, making for some exciting in-county play next year.

Congratulations from the Keys Weekly Newspapers to the 2023 All-Keys Boys Soccer Team.

Jonathan Gvili Senior, Key West Midfielder

Key West’s Jonathan Gvili is listed as a midfielder on his team’s roster, but anyone who caught a Conch game this season might have noticed that he was all over the field. The senior two-time captain led his team to the ninth-place spot in the state, scoring at will and defending just as readily. Gvili racked up 21 goals and 9 assists this season and was selected to the Florida Senior All-Star Team. Gvili is described as an extremely hard worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team, filling in for other positions when needed and exuding an infectiously positive leadership style.

Henry Herrera Senior, Marathon Midfield/Defense

A natural leader, Henry Herrera helped solidify the Dolphins’ defense this season. The senior workhorse shouldered multiple roles when needed, playing as midfielder at times and amassing a dozen goals and 6 assists.

Mikail Marshall Sophomore, Marathon Midfielder/Forward

Described by coach Kelley Cruz as “a force on the field” and “a man of few words,” Marshall spoke with his play instead. He is one of the fastest players Marathon has seen in years, using that speed to net 11 goals and 1 assist this season.

Fabbianho Louis Jeune Sophomore, Marathon Defender

Described by his coach as “the backbone of the defensive line,” Fabbianho Louis Jeune was a force for Marathon’s defense. His combined speed and strength are his greatest asset. The multi-skilled defender even managed to score a goal of his own this season.

Cardona Sophomore, Marathon Forward

Cardona scored 10 goals for the Fins this season and was a threat any time he touched the ball. Cruz liked the fresh perspective he brought to Marathon’s game, adding, “It didn’t matter how tired he was, he wanted the ball the very next play.”

MVP

Oscar

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Burga led the ’Canes in scoring this season, carrying the load all the way to the district final game. Described as a hardworking leader, Burga returns to the pitch for one more season next year.

Weinstock was a three-year varsity athlete for the ’Canes, earning two shutouts this season and amassing 217 saves. The senior keeper held down Coral Shores’ defense, keeping them in many matches this season.

Smondy Joseph brought a lot to his team this season, but his biggest contribution was his energy. The utilitystyle midfielder scored 1 goal and 3 assists this season and helped control the play and tempo of the game with his energetic style and speed.

Temkin made the most of his cross country training this season, transferring his stamina to the soccer field. Described as a dependable player with enormous potential next season, Temkin should help carry the ’Canes deep into playoffs in ’24.

Bahri was a four-year varsity player for Key West, scoring 9 goals and adding 8 assists in his senior season. Bahri’s natural leadership commanded as much respect from his teammates as his stealthy shot did from his opponents.

The Conchs’ last line of defense proved integral in their deep run into the playoffs. Karel Bublak kept his team in the game in several key matches this season, including a pair of shootouts in district games. Bublak registered three shutouts, and when there wasn’t much action in the net, he made use of his skills on the other side of the field, earning an assist.

Vazquez was crucial in the Canes’ defense this season, using his expert ball control and precision passing to keep the ball on the other side of the field for much of the game. The senior was a four-year starter for Coral Shores, leaving a big hole in their defenses next season.

Fleuridor’s greatest asset is his speed, and he isn’t afraid to use it. The freshman forward blazed past defenders, scoring 15 goals and 3 assists this season. The Conchs have not had such a prolific scoring freshman in quite some time, giving cause to hope for a repeat of Key West’s stellar season in coming years.

Smondy Joseph Senior, Key West Midfielder

Karel Bublak Senior, Key West Goalkeeper

Makani Burga Junior, Coral Shores Forward

Robert Temkin Junior, Coral Shores Midfielder

Leo Vazquez Senior, Coral Shores Defender

Kaiden Weinstock Senior, Coral Shores Goalkeeper

Jonathan Bahri Senior, Key West Forward

Loubins Fleuridor Freshman, Key West Forward

FRESH WATER BURSTS ONTO THE SCENE IN THE KEYS

RELIABLE SUPPLY TOOK TIME TO ARRIVE

BRAD BERTELLI

Back in March, there was a disruption in the flow of fresh water through the Florida Keys when a series of cracks erupted in the pipes buried in the Upper Keys. Work on the pipeline is still underway as miles of the old pipes are being replaced by new ones.

found at Indian Key Historic State Park, though they can no longer hold rainwater.

Even after the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, the most powerful storm to make a North American landfall, cisterns were built into the foundations of the Red Cross or Hurricane Houses constructed in response to the Category 5 hurricane. Those cisterns were designed to collect enough freshwater during the rainy season to get a family through the dry season.

In the Lower Keys, the highway was still hugging the coastal edges of Sugarloaf, Geiger and Boca Chica Keys. The road had some tight turns that were fine for cars, trucks, and even Greyhound buses but were a little too tight to accommodate the heavy equipment the Navy needed to transport down the highway. Also, some wooden bridges connecting the islands could not bear the extra weight of the military loads.

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

The fresh water provided to the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys comes from the Biscayne Aquifer. We are lucky because, in terms of quality, it is some of the highest-rated water in the country. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, the entity in charge of our water, operates from a wellfield in a pine rockland forest west of Florida City on the mainland. A reliable supply of fresh water took time to arrive because of the challenges associated with linking a string of islands like the Keys to the mainland. Before the pipeline was buried along the island chain in the early 1940s, fresh water arrived by boat, via Henry Flagler’s train, or it was trucked in over the highway. Families also used cisterns to collect rainwater for day-to-day living.

The use of cisterns in the Florida Keys dates back to the pioneer communities that developed in the years following the signing of the AdamsOnis Treaty, which transferred ownership of the Spanish territory to the United States — and frankly, for those who called the islands home while it was still considered Spanish property. Cisterns dating back to the early 1800s can be

The arrival of a freshwater pipeline through the Florida Keys brought welcome relief. Its appearance had a lot to do with World War II. The U.S. Navy base at Key West needed access to more fresh water than could be produced by a desalination plant on the island. While the project was all about supplying the island chain’s major communities with fresh water, the objective was also to create a conduit capable of delivering gallons to the Navy base to satisfy the thirsty nature of the military machine.

When the project was completed, an 18-inch freshwater pipeline linking the mainland to Key West began delivering a consistent supply down the island chain. The first drops flowed down the new pipeline and arrived in Key West on September 22, 1942. The conduit followed the original right-of-way of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad.

The considerable expenditure was shared on state and national levels, with the U.S. Navy footing two-thirds of the bill. The project was not just about the flow of water but also about reconstructing portions of the Overseas Highway. In addition to a significant freshwater source, the Navy needed to transport heavy equipment to its base. The lone conduit connecting the base to the mainland needed updating to get those vehicles and the loads they carried to Key West.

In 1942, the Overseas Highway still entered Key Largo from the mainland over Card Sound.

To improve military access to Key West and the overall driving experience, the Overseas Highway was upgraded for the third time. When the third version opened to traffic in 1944, it had been straightened out a bit and shortened. At this point, the 18-Mile Stretch and the Jewfish Creek Bridge were incorporated into the highway. The “Stretch” offered a more direct entry into the Keys than the Card Sound route offered and cut away 14 miles from the road to Key West. The new and improved highway also bypassed the coastal route along Sugarloaf Key, shaving off three more highway miles.

The Overseas Highway has seen improvements since 1944, most notably with the additions of the bridge at Bahia Honda in 1972 and the Seven Mile Bridge in 1982. The freshwater pipeline has also seen upgrades. In 1980, the 18-inch transmission pipe running from the wellfield through Tavernier was increased to a 36-inch pipe. Between Tavernier and Upper Sugarloaf Key, the pipeline was refitted with a 24-inch pipe. From there to Key West, the pipe remained 18 inches in diameter.

As the pipes continue to age, what seems clear is that more upgrades are needed to accommodate the increasing demands of those living in and visiting the Florida Keys. In the meantime, we will just keep our fingers crossed that those upgrades will occur before the next break in the aging pipes and not as an emergency response after the fact.

Freshwater pipeline installed in 1942 in the Florida Keys. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION/Contributed

SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR KLWTD BOARD

The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District’s Board of Commissioners is soliciting resumes to fill a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners. Individuals must be a registered voter, residing within the boundaries of the District consisting of Key Largo, extending from east of Tavernier Creek, up to and including Cross Key. The term of office expires in November 2024. The candidate will run for commissioner in the November 2024 general election. The Board presently meets twice monthly at 4:00PM. Attendance is required.

Resumes must include permanent resident address, contact information including telephone number and email address. Resumes must be received no later than 3:00 PM on June 6, 2023. Resumes may be submitted by mail to the District’s administrative office located at 103355 Over seas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037 or by email to Clerk@klwtd.com.

The Board of Commissioners will consider all resumes at a public meeting scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Candidates are encouraged to attend the meeting to address the Board. You can attend several ways:

• In person, KLWTD administrative office located at 103355 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

• Computer, tablet or smartphone: go to our website: www.klwtd.com, click on Current Agenda, click on Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone

For further information, please contact the District Clerk at 305-451-4019 Ext. 210 or via email at Clerk@klwtd.com.

Note that all resumes are considered public records and are available to anyone upon request.

SITTING DOWN WITH THE TAX MAN

Hi friends!

Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I have quite the treat for you this week.

Monroe County

REEF THE FOX

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

Tax Collector Sam Steele visited over the weekend to sit down for an interview. He’s a pretty cool guy and I even let him take some photos with me.

Reef: I have to be honest, I wasn’t quite sure who you were.

You know, I don’t pay taxes or anything, but I saw your face pop up when I was scrolling my social media pages. I did a bit of research and the first article I came across mentioned that you were the youngest tax collector ever elected in Monroe County’s history and I must be blunt here: without that beard, you don’t even look old enough to pay taxes, let alone collect them. So, my first question is what moisturizer do you use?

I’m sure both men and women would be interested in obtaining that youthful glow.

Sam: I have had this beard for at least 10 years now because if I shave it, I probably couldn’t purchase a bottle of NyQuil without getting carded. And as far as what moisturizer I use, this is all natural, Reef. The youthful glow is just a benefit from paying $49.99 per year for an iPhone app.

Reef: Thankfully I don’t need to pay for an app, I am just plain adorable and people should be paying me for my photos! Next up, were you born and raised here in the Keys?

REBA

Sam: I was born in Milwaukee, but my family moved to Miami when I was a year old, which is where I lived until I left for college. My family has always had ties to the Keys. My parents lived in Tavernier for a few years in the 1980s, and ever since my two sisters and I were kids, my dad would drive his boat from Miami to Islamorada every summer for a week for a family trip. While I was attending Florida State University, I met my wife, Lauren, who is a sixth-generation Conch. I still have no idea what they were doing here six generations ago, so I can only assume they were pirates. Lauren introduced me to Key West, and I fell in love with it. We told each other that one day we would get married and start a family here. Fast forward 15 years, we achieved that goal and have been blessed with three beautiful, healthy, saltwater Conchs; Carter, 5, Audrey 3, and Jax, 10 months.

Reef: Since you’re a numbers guy, would it shock you if I told you that according to the 2017 economic census that Florida was No. 8 in the country for fur sales? Were you aware that the industrial farming (killing) of animals for their fur was still happening (legally) in the U.S. and do you think that that practice needs to stop?

Sam: I find that very shocking and I do not support the killing of any animal for their fur. I did not even realize fur coats were still a “thing.” It’s an even bigger surprise to me that this has not been banned in Florida, let alone the U.S. I have always found it difficult to trust someone who does not like animals, and killing them solely for the use of wearing their fur is cruel and evil.

Visit keysweekly.com for the full interview with Steele. Until next time, Reef over and out.

Reba is a 5-year-old calico that’s spayed and up to date on vaccines. She was found abandoned by MM 106 in the neighborhood of Buzzards Roost. No one has come to claim her. If you would like to make Reba a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

SAVE THE DATE

June 1-3

• The Key Players’ “Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses” production at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo. Visit thekeyplayers.org for more information and tickets.

Thursday, June 1

• Yappy Hour at 6 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada.

Saturday, June 3

• I.CARE dive and coral transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Islamorada Dive Center. Visit icareaboutcoral.org to learn more and sign up.

• Florida Keys Quilters gathering at 9:30 a.m. at Key Largo library.

Sunday, June 4

• Benefit for Florida Keys Children’s Shelter from noon to 5 p.m. at Alabama Jack’s, 58000 Card Sound Road, Key Largo.

Tuesday, June 6

• Mote Marine Laboratory tour through Islamorada nursery at 2 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, MM 79.8, oceanside, Islamorada. Visit mote.org/tours to sign up.

• Leash-cutting ceremony of the revamped dog park at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Wednesday, June 7

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

June 8-11

• The Key Players’ “Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses” production at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo. Visit thekeyplayers.org for more information and tickets.

Thursday, June 8

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada.

June 9-10

• Residential hazardous household materials collection for Islamorada residents from 9 a.m. to noon at the south park entrance of Founders Park, the Administrative Center parking lot.

Saturday, June 10

• Sea to Table, a gala to commemorate 200 years of fishing and dining from the sea, at 6 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada. Purchase a ticket by calling 305-6644503.

Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele meets Reef the fox in Key Largo. CONTRIBUTED

RUNNING THE WAY PASCAL PAVED

5K FUNDRAISER BENEFITS LOCAL SCHOOLS

ZACK WOLTANSKI

www.keysweekly.com

The third annual Pascal’s Way 5K Run/Walk, a month-long fundraiser that sought to raise money for local schools and to honor the memory of Pascal Weisberger, concluded on May 31. More than $4,300 was raised for two schools the young boy attended. Weisberger, a local teen known for his exceptional kindness, empathy and curiosity, passed away in May 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy of charity and goodwill. It’s something his 5K, which began with an in-person run and walk on May 6 and continued virtually through the end of the month, carried on.

The event began in the morning of May 6 as dozens of runners and friends of Weisberger gathered at Treasure Village Montessori School. They competed with one another while remembering a beloved student, friend and activist. They also raised money for Treasure Village and Ocean Studies Charter School, both of which Pascal had attended.

The yearly event, which began in 2020 and was organized by Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father, and Barry Wray, his running coach, has grown exponentially since its inception. This year, the run and walk brought more donations and volunteer engagement than ever before, raising thousands of dollars to send to various projects and goals at the two schools.

As a student, Weisberger sought to improve his school environment and had been very involved in any extracurriculars or opportunities that his schools had to offer. As a student at Ocean Studies elementary school, Weisberger and Poholek inspired his classmates to join them on monthly beach cleanups at Harry Harris park.

“He was concerned about environmental issues and pollution, and encouraged his classmates to feel the same way and to help (with cleanups) for a number of years,” said Poholek. Later, at Treasure Village, he similarly sought to be involved, and played a major role in the school’s volunteer work and advocacy for Florida Bay Forever, a South Florida organization hoping to raise awareness on the threats facing the Florida Bay environment.

By raising money for causes that Pascal had supported, Pascal’s Way 5K remembers his commitment to his community.

“I think Pascal would be very touched by people wanting to remember him and doing activities and events to honor his memory,” said Poholek, when speaking about community involvement in Pascal’s 5K.

“He would definitely be grateful for everyone’s support and would be very appreciative of it.”

Pascal’s Way 5K began as a community get-together that would reflect Weisberger’s deep love for running that he had from a young age. He joined Treasure Village’s running club when he was about 6 or 7 years old, and his running coach Barry Wray re-

members him as a dedicated athlete and an amazing person.

“I used to run with him a lot on an individual basis as he got older,” said Wray. “We would meet at Founders Park and we would talk the entire run. I would tease him a little, as I would any kid. He was so pure, so simple, so determined and self-inspired, with humble goals to just do his best. A lesson in happiness.”

After the event on May 6, the run and walk continued virtually, with virtual participants taking their 5Ks on different days throughout the month. More than half of the runners and participants chose the virtual option, people of all ages seeking to honor the life of a beloved friend gone too soon.

Keys Club hosts Juanita’s Orchids

Florida Keys Orchid Society will host Juanita’s Orchids on Tuesday, June 13 at 6 p.m. at the Key Largo Civic Club. Tough love and dirty hands are her specialty — and the plants love it. Enjoy buying plants, raffles and great information with folks who love beautiful plants. Everyone is welcome.

Bicentennial picnic & fireworks in Key Largo

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners announce the third bicentennial event of the year, which will include a picnic and fireworks display on Saturday, June 17 at Rowell’s Park in Key Largo.

The Monroe County Bicentennial Picnic and Fireworks will kick off at 6 p.m. The event will showcase a fireworks display starting around 9:15 p.m. Attendees will witness a visual spectacle that reflects the heritage and spirit of Monroe County.

In addition to the fireworks celebration, the picnic will feature musical performances by two bands. The U.S. Navy Band, Pride, known for its electrifying energy, will take the stage with its blend of rock, pop and soul. Also performing will be the Mangrove Swamp Band, with its fusion of blues, country and rockabilly.

The event is free for all. As part of the festivities, a wide range of family activities and entertainment options will be available, including interactive games, face painting and inflatable bounce houses. There will be free hotdogs served by Monroe County Fire Rescue firefighters and mini cupcakes.

Other food vendors will be available for a charge, offering local cuisine. The American Legion will be serving beer and wine for a fee.

“We are thrilled to celebrate two hundred years of Monroe County’s rich history with the entire community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Holly Merrill Raschein. “This event promises to be an unforgettable evening, filled with entertainment, camaraderie, and a reflection on our 200 years of accomplishments.”

More information is at www. monroecounty-fl.gov/flkeys200 or on the Monroe County BOCC Facebook page. There will be no parking available at Rowell’s Park. Free parking will be available at Key Largo School with shuttle service.

Pascal’s Way 5K runners and walkers. CONTRIBUTED

Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father, pictured left, with fellow Pascal’s Way 5K participants.

BRIEFLY

June marks one year since Conch Republic Divers, located at Tavernier Creek Marina, got new owners. Dave and Ashley Hudson moved to the Keys from Texas to pursue their dream. The Keys Weekly recently sat down with Ashley to learn about their history and what’s new at this popular dive center.

My husband Dave has been a scuba instructor since he was 18. I got certified in 2007 when I was with my mom in Texas. Dave had a dive shop in central Texas. He certified divers in the shop, and then they would go on a trip — Bahamas, Bon Air, Mexico, the Keys, etc. for the practical certification.

In 2010, my mom, sister and I were going on a cruise. He had a scuba program in his shop, and I went into his shop to try to get scuba information for my sister. He also had a printing shop on the side and offered to do some work.

The following year, he was going

COUPLE CHASES THE ULTIMATE DREAM

CONCH REPUBLIC DIVERS REFRESHES WITH NEW OWNERS

finding something on the water.

through a divorce, and I was as well. He was in the BVI, and I came into the shop to get my order, and his mom noticed the difference in my name; his mom said, “My son is going through a divorce too; you are so cute, and you two should meet.” When I came in to finalize the artwork on the order, we started talking.

I was in health care for 20 years and would go to work to build up enough PTO to get to the ocean. A man we knew on our travels had asked why I went to work and then said, “Wow, then you’re an idiot. If that’s what you love and that’s why you go to work every day, then you should find something that gets you on the water.” It was a catalyst.

In December of 2021, Dave had a massive heart attack, which was a genetic factor. It was eye-opening as it made us realize that life is short, and if we are going to live these dreams one day, then we need to live today and not put it off. At the 90-day mark, and he was all clear, we started thinking about

So, on Memorial Day weekend, 2022, Dave got an email that Conch Republic was for sale. We came down on June 4, shook hands on June 6, I left health care on the 23rd, left Texas on the 27th, and was here on June 30. Every single puzzle piece came together, including a place to live. Our entire journey has been about timing.

We run two trips a day — morning and afternoon. All of our dives are two tanks, one-hour dives for each tank, and a different location. Each diver has a timing device. The one hour starts after the briefing and as long as the air consumption allows it. It’s how the shop has always done things.

A typical shop has group dives with a divemaster in the water, and then when someone has low air, they all come up. We prefer everyone to have a dive buddy, and if you are a single diver, we will see if you want to hire a guide or pair you off with someone else.

We get a lot of locals. We are an independent type of experience and get a lot of experienced divers. And we refer to other shops if someone is more interested in diving with someone in the water.

We’ve updated the shop with big screen TVs, sunscreen, towels, sunglasses and sunglass floats, and hats for the people that need things to rent

boats, as there is a rent-a-boat company at Tavernier Creek Marina.

We remodeled the upstairs, so we have a nice-sized classroom, and downstairs has cubbies for people to place their stuff. We organized, cleaned and painted the whole shop — really opened and freshened up the space.

We did a total makeover on the Republic Diver, our 46-foot Newton — new engines, a new deck, wrap, solar, infrared, night vision and radar. When we have over 20 divers, we add another mate for safety. Our mates and divemasters don’t go in the water. We let people dive, which is different from other dive boats.

Our new vessel is a 30-foot Island Hopper called Mermaid Diver. She’s inspired by the AJ Bailey Adventure Novels; thanks to local author Nicholas Harvey.

I am so excited to be here every day. And everyone who comes here wants to be here. People feel that when they come in. They tell me, “I love the crew and the energy; everything’s so positive.” And it’s blossomed. Most of our divemasters are 1099 contractors who do this because they love diving; several have been with us for a long time.

For more information and to schedule conchrepublicdivers.com. Follow @ conchrepublicdivers on Facebook or Instagram.

Dave and Ashley Hudson. MIKE KALUZA/Contributed

The Conch Republic Diver boat.

CHAPTER CLOSED

CORAL SHORES’ 189 SENIORS RECEIVE DIPLOMAS

Aspate of gloomy and rainy weather didn’t deter some 189 Coral Shores graduates from obtaining their diplomas, flipping their tassels and tossing their caps into the air on May 24. The commencement for the Class of 2023 was originally scheduled to be held on the football field. Unsettling weather, however, drew school officials to an alternate plan, as graduates, family and friends packed the gymnasium for the ceremony.

— Jim McCarthy

The Coral Shores Class of 2023 receive their diplomas and celebrate with family and friends inside the gymnasium on May 24. JAVIER EXPOSITO/Keys Weekly

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES INC

LOCATED AT 7290 SW 41 ST, MIAMI, FL 33155 WILL SELL AT A RESERVE PUBLIC SALE

AT 9:00AM THE FOLLOWING

VEHICLES AT SAID LOCATION TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO F.S. 713.585/713.78 & 677.209/677.210.

1996 VYPER VS CAJW00013096

DATE OF SALE: JUN.27,2023 at 9:00AM LOCATED AT: 97951 OVERSEAS

HWY., KEY LARGO, FL 33037

P#305-852-2025

OWNER/LIEN HOLDER: RONALD

SHARLETTE / NONE

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

Publish:

June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

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

LEGAL NOTICES

LLC DBA GILBERTS RESORT-SLIP 1984 CTY CTYK4335M84F

$5,088.40

Publish:

May 25 & June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT

HEARING

SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-484

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

Thursday, June 15th, 2023, 9:35 am OR at the conclusion of the Public Hearing

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

The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2023-484], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATED TO “BOATS, BOAT TRAILERS, MARINE FACILITIES AND WATERWAYS”, ARTICLE III, “MARINE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS, DOCKING OF BOATS”, DIVISION 3 “DOCKS, PIERS, AND MOORING EQUIPMENT”, SECTION 5–43, ENTITLED “ELEVATOR LIFTS” TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM LIFTING CAPACITY FOR ELEVATOR BOAT LIFTS WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the

LEGAL NOTICES

City Hall of Key Colony Beach.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, June 15, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City of Key Colony Beach, City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

Publish:

June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

HARBOUR DRIVE BRIDGE (#904604) REPLACEMENT

PROJECT

DUCK KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented

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

LEGAL NOTICES

a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/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 July 6, 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:

HARBOUR DRIVE BRIDGE (#904604) REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Duck Key Florida 07/06/23

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 July 6, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

(New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT

TO FORECLOSE

To: The following Owners of Timeshare Units at the Marathon Key Beach Club, to wit:

1. Sioux Shelton, 1712 Rio Vista, Ft. Pierce, FL 34949, Wk 47/E-202, Due $2,070.07

2. Charles Khoury, 7343 Brisbane Hills St., Las Vegas, NV, Wk 46 and 47/B-201, Due $3,918.26

3. John & Kimberly Chandler, 2501 Snow Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28273, Wk 45/E-102, Due $2,756.98

4. Jacqueline Mandica Lurch, P.O. Box 102, Allenwood, NJ 08720, Wk 37/C-102, Due $3,466.33

5. Dario Morell, 13405 SW First Terrace, Miami, FL 33184, Wk 40/E-101, Due $2,318.94

6. Charles & Joanne Nimmericher, 25706 Countryside Dr., Millsboro, ND 19966, Wk 28/A102, Due $3,053.44

7. Pamela Reznik, 6630 Scott St., Hollywood, FL 33024, Wk 28/D102, Due $3118.38

8. Jack & Emily Taylor, 2230 Cady Way, Winter Park, FL 32792, Wk 47/C-101, Due $5,372.79

9. Douglas & Laura Merrill, 40 Main St., Hampton, NJ 07827, Wk 17/A-102, Due $13, 081.76

10. Estate of Violet Sibert, 132855 Third Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 2K6, Wk 7/C-102, Due $3,484.92

11. Estate of Linda Nascarella, 13337 Lamirada Circle, West Palm Beach, FL 33414, Wk 41/D-101, Due $2,318.70

12. Estate of Ronald Little, 17030 No. 49th St., Apt. 1026, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, Wk 15/D101, Due $3,474.92

13. Tony & Heather Sanders,

LEGAL NOTICES

806 Eagle Lane, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, Wk 30/D-201, Due $5,610.39

14. Robert Fine C/O Mathew & Michael Fine, 1408 Brickell Bay Dr. #701, Miami, FL 33131, Wk 34/D-102, Due $7,168.31

15. Earl & Ernestine Johnson, 301 Bloomingfield Dr., Brandon, FL 33511, Wk37/D-202, Due $4,349.76

16. Joseph McCarrie, 2 Teaberry Dr., Medford, NJ 08055, Wk 15/B101, Due $12,664.49

17. Harold & Greta Wahlman, 215 Cypress Way East, #E-2, Naples, FL 34110, Wk20/B-102, Due $4,439.46

18. Morris & Linda Morley, 10450 S.W. 149th Terrace, Miami, FL 33176, Wk 27/E-102, Due 5,681.82

19. Estate of Jerry & Sarah Hagler, 5341 S.E. Bumingtree Circle, Stuart, FL 34997, Wk 40 and 41/B101, Due $3,982.87

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose on a lien for delinquent assessments on the week(s) of interval ownership you own at the Marathon Key Beach Club Condominium II, according to the Declaration of Condominium, recorded in Official Records Book 859, at Page 786, in the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and as subsequently may have been emended, has been filed against you and you are required to redeem your timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured by the lien, as set forth above, in cash or certified funds, together with interest thereon at the rate of 18%, remitted to Margaret A. Broz, Esq., the foreclosure trustee duly appointed by the Condominium Association, whose address is 434 Chatham U, West Palm Beach, FL 33417, or or before June 27, 2023; if you fail to do so, the above-named foreclosure trustee will proceed to conduct a sale of your week(s) of interval ownership pursuant to the provisions of F.S. 781.855 and to issue a Certificate of Sale to

the highest bidder at such sale.

Margaret A. Broz, Esq. FBN 712507 434 Chatham U West Palm Beach, FL 33417 Phone: 561-312-3263 peggy_broz@yahoo.com

Publish:

June 1 & 8, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

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.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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: May 25 & June 1, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2022-CP-000045-M

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOANN ROSE BEETSCHEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of JOANN ROSE BEETSCHEN, deceased, whose date of death was December 05, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File No.: 2022-CP000045-M, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative(s) 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN

THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent

or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 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 June 1, 2023.

Co-Personal Representatives:

Eileen Cronin

Theresa McCormick

Estate of Joann Rose Beetschen

c/o Cynthia F. Civil, Esq. CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A. 5196 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 (305) 743-5884 cfc@ccivillaw.com

Attorney for Co-Personal

Representatives:

CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, ESQ. Florida Bar No.: 0082988

CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A. 5196 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050 305-743-5884

Email: cfc@ccivillaw.com

Publish: June 1 & 8, 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 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

LEGAL NOTICES

Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU

We

Paradise Watersports Rentals in Marathon is looking to hire reliable, friendly employees for a new location. Pay will be commensurate with experience and we are willing to train quali ed applicants. The only requirement for employment beyond being reliable and friendly, is that you must be willing and able to operate boats and personal watercraft.

If interested in either management or sta positions, please email Je Vastola at Je V@paradisewatersportsrentals.com to schedule a live interview in Marathon on June 14th.

FOR

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-67-P IN RE: ESTATE OF NANCY A. LANCASTER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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 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

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

Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish: May 25 & June 1, 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

Debs Dream Canvas in Tavernier now hiring. Pulling staples & help making patterns. Call 305-394-3747

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: 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.

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

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.

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.

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder is hiring an overnight Security Guard- responsibilities include but are not limited to observing marine mammals to ensure quality care, the ability to follow written instructions, and follow protocol and procedures as directed. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs and must be able to stay awake and alert for a 13 hour shift (6:00pm7am). DPMMR is a drugfree workplace. To apply, please send your resume to nancyc@dpmmr.org.

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

Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls. Apply

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

STUDIO SPOTLIGHT

ARTIST JASON

BARTH DIGS INTO THE DETAILS

There is a quiet in nature that almost feels unreal. If you have ever been to some of the fringe places of the Everglades, you get that feeling.

It’s a world that artist Jason Barth does a fantastic job of creating. At the age of 15, when most kids are just trying to get their homework done on time, Barth was a published and paid illustration artist. He illustrated the cover and sections of The Dade County Environment Story, published by the Friends of the Everglades. It was first published in 1984 and continues to be republished. His artwork, even at this young age, showed just how deeply he is connected to nature.

Barth has continued that early success. He has won several competitions and was chosen as the featured artist for Islamorada’s Island Fest in 2017, Uncorked in 2015, the Upper Keys Garden Club in 2015 and the First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run in 2022.

The first thing you notice about Barth when you meet him is his comfort in being an artist. It is as if he always knew he was going to be an artist.

Barth is very friendly, often helps his fellow artists and cares deeply about nature, using his art to help further environmental causes. He focuses his energy on doing acrylics featuring wildlife, botanicals, land and seascapes. He also does portraits and murals.

WILLIAM DEPAULA

With the outstanding detail in his work, it is clear to see that he is inspired by the Italian Renaissance artists Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. He said the Dutch master Rembrandt is a source of inspiration.

Doing a mural is not an easy job — many people don’t understand the amount of work it takes to make a good-looking mural. You are often not working on the best of surfaces and it is hard to keep the scale of the work correct. Barth has created murals up and down the Florida Keys.

“I love painting murals and from Shark Key to Key Largo, I’ve lost count,” Barth said. “They are mostly in private residences. It feels impossible for me to have a favorite. There is a piece of me in each one. But, the mermaids with the coral background hold a very special place in my heart.”

A Greek myth says a mural was painted so realistically that birds would fly into the wall trying to eat the grapes on it. This style of realistic depth is called trompe l’oeil. Barth practices the style in his murals, giving an uncanny depth where you feel like you can step into the painting. Fittingly, trompe l’oeil translates into “fool the eye.”

Barth paints with really small brushes and painstakingly adds the detail.

“I have a habit of not wanting to

stop with the details. I sometimes forget that the viewer won’t be as close as I am when painting,” he said.

One animal that you often see in Barth’s work is the octopus. He loves to paint them because they can have such different poses.

“You can just do so much with an octopus,” he said.

Barth’s work can be found at Key Largo Art Gallery at MM 103.2, Our Place in Paradise at MM 88.7, and the Fish House Restaurant at MM 102.4. Barth does commissions and murals; he can be reached at jsbpaintmonkey@ yahoo.com.

1. Artist Jason Barth is very friendly, often helps his fellow artists and cares deeply about nature, using his art to help further environmental causes. CONTRIBUTED. 2. Artist Jason Barth enjoys painting octopuses, as they always have a different pose.

3. Jason Barth focuses his energy on doing acrylics featuring wildlife, botanicals, land and seascapes.

is an artist, designer and gemologist who believes in the power of art.

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

HOBBIES/COLLECT. YARD SALES 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

LOT FOR SALE

LOT FOR SALE

Oceanside-Lot with building permit in Tavernier $399K OBO 305-933-9594 OwnerAgent [3% to selling office]

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

Sat. June 3, 8am to 2 pm. Huge moving sale with a little bit of everything, including nautical and fishing...Everything Must Go! 123 High St. Tavernier Florida, just three blocks south of the High School on Old Highway.

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

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR LAWN MAINTENANCE (PART-TIME)

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

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

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

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

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

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

T&D ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $108,332/annually$111,365/annually

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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 quali cations 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 quali cations and experience: $28.53/hr. - $31.95/hr. For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

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

APPRENTICE AUTO MECHANIC

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $23.73/hr. - $26.57/hr. For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

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

MAINTENANCE PERSON

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $28.38/hr. - $31.78/hr. For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

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

APPRENTICE MAINTENANCE PERSON

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

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

Benefits

IS HIRING!

This position is available at our Adult Day program. This position provides direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must.

FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary Street, Key West – or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305-294-9526 *32

IS HIRING!

PLANT STORE MANAGER TRAINEE

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

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

NOW HIRING FT FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT MARATHON, FL

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent/Temporary Gift Shop positions that involve direct contact with our visitors & is another opportunity to ensure they leave DRC with a happy & positive experience. Some of the duties involve; being familiar with all merchandise in the selling area, suggest specific merchandise & offer product advise. Walk around the grounds and see dolphins every day.

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

e Turtle Hospital Aquarist

e Turtle Hospital has a PT/FTopening for an Aquarist.

Major duties consist of:

maintenance, repair and cleaning for water filtrations systems and life support systems, water quality monitoring, habitat maintenance and cleaning. Must be physically t, able to lift 75 pounds and work outdoors.

Handyman skills and knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems required. Compensation dependent on experience.

Stop by to complete an application or email your resume to turtlehospitalmarathon@gmail.com

IS HIRING!

SUPPORTED LIVING COACH FULL TIME

Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and In Home Support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or year for year experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Background screening, current FL driver’s license, and references required. Salary commensurate with experience. EOE

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

IS HIRING!

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

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

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary Street, Key West – or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305-294-9526 *32

•

Must have valid Driver’s License & Transportation

Location: Upper Keys

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

Experience

ONSITE JOB FAIR

TUESDAY, JUNE 6TH

9 AM - 3 PM

2 LOCATIONS: Mariners Hospital & Fisherman’s Community Hospital

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

- Dietitians

- Patient Advocates

- Med Techs

- Imaging Techs

- Registered Nurses

- RN Supv/Mgrs

- Physical Therapists

- +More!

For details and to RSVP, visit: www.baptisthires.com

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.

BETTER FUTURES BEGIN AT BAPTIST HEALTH

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Visual Communications (Full-Time/Part-Time, Seasonal)

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full-Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff (Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/Permanent)

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

Trainer (Full-Time/Permanent)

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays

Full job descriptions available at www dolphins org/career opportunities

Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins org EOE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

Teaching... Learning... Caring

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

Great pay, bene ts and perks. We o er 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.

We have re-opened as a brand-new full-service restaurant & bar, with a full kitchen with all brand new equipment, a beautiful bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a beachfront lounge on our own private beach. 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.

THEME: OUTDOOR FUN

ACROSS

1. Bryan of “Summer Of ‘69” fame

6. Lake in Provence

9. ____ ____ good example

13. Hypotenuse/opposite side

14. Fuss, to Shakespeare

15. Pine

16. Filthy dough

17. Marxism or Taoism, e.g.

18. Skylit lobbies

19. *Outdoor repast

21. *Two-wheeling

23. Agreement word

24. *Climbing turf

25. “I wish I ____, I wish I might...”

28. Cracked by yegg

30. Cowardly color

35. Slightly (2 words)

37. Matterhorn location

39. Charles III’s ex

40. She played Carla on “Cheers”

41. Nev.’s neighbor

43. Rotisserie skewer

44. Indianapolis team

46. Underwater “nose”

47. Color of a bruise

48. Trying experience

50. “The Breakfast ____”

52. p in mph

53. Ranee’s husband

55. ____ de plume

57. *Gather berries, e.g.

60. *Water slaloming

63. Soft single in baseball

64. *Sun “kiss”

66. Beau’s and Jeff’s acting dad

68. Cut-down sailing sheep

69. How many “if by sea?”

70. Have effect

71. Gibbons, e.g.

72. Coniferous tree 73. Rejuvenate or renovate

DOWN

1. Knee-related acronym

2. Make pretty (2 words)

3. Mushroom spore sacs

4. Shawn Mendes’ 2016 hit

5. Parts of a play

6. Secular

7. Commercial break clips

8. Fast food option

9. Looking for aliens org.

10. Get bacon?

11. H.S. math class

12. All Nippon Airways, acr.

15. Rattled on

20. Writer Asimov

22. Like icee

24. Not an original

25. *Call to Polo

26. Opposite of adore

27. Triangular road sign

29. *Capture it!

31. Speech defect

32. Drink like a cat (2 words)

33. Chilled (2 words)

34. *Balloon filler

36. U.K. art gallery

38. Place for a house plant

42. Get an F

45. Serape, alt. sp.

49. Jet follower

51. Water-heating apparatus

54. Bulwark

56. Hundred Acre Wood creator

57. Wing motion

58. Exude

59. Fish eggs, pl.

60. Winter precipitation

61. Person, place or thing

62. Swirling vortex

63. *Part of a bikini

65. Leave speechless

67. Morning condensation

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 income-eligible 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 LicisMasson. “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.

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. 4. The Take Stock in Children Class of 2023.

5. Coral Shores senior Gabriela Soca thanks those who helped her along her Take Stock journey. 6. 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 again, and that I am not alone.’

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, secondfrom 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.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com