Key West Weekly 23-0615

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That’s how long it took Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen to run two miles, shattering the 26-year-old world record set by Kenya’s Daniel Komen by a full four seconds . The feat occurred on June 9 in Paris.

By Alex Rickert, Jim McCarthy and Mandy Miles

MONROE COUNTY CLERK’S INVESTIGATION REVEALS 623 MISSING VIALS OF FENTANYL & OTHER NARCOTICS

AUDIT: OVERSIGHT FAILURES & SLOPPY INVENTORY ENABLED THEFT BY TRAUMA STAR FLIGHT NURSE

An audit of Monroe County Fire Rescue’s controlled substances procedures, released May 11 by the county’s Clerk of the Court, reveals glaring breakdowns in oversight that allegedly enabled a chief flight nurse with the county’s Trauma Star life-flight service to steal more than 200 vials of fentanyl, Dilaudid, ketamine and other narcotics.

Lynda Rusinowski, 56, had worked as chief flight nurse for Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) until she was taken to rehab by another MCFR employee and eventually suspended and arrested in September 2022. Her felony charges are still making their way through the courts. According to her arrest warrant, Rusinowksi “admitted to stealing the drugs for her personal use,” while she was en route to rehab in West Palm Beach.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office initially reported Rusinowski’s arrest, adding that officials with MCFR received an anonymous tip in late July 2022 about Rusinowski altering controlled substance inventory logs in an effort to pilfer the drugs. As chief flight nurse, she was an employee of Monroe County Fire Rescue, not the Sheriff’s Office.

Monroe County Fire Rescue is in charge of the flight nurses, Trauma Star’s medical supplies, patient records and oversight of all three. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the pilots and the three Trauma Star helicopters that annually transport 1,200 to 1,300 patients, often with lifethreatening conditions, to mainland hospitals, Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the Keys Weekly on June 12.

The audit report notes no wrongdoing on the part of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, but is highly

critical of Monroe County Fire Rescue and senior county administration.

In the two months following Rusinowski’s arrest, MCSO also arrested paramedics Harold Jaesson Perez, 34, and Damian Roberto Suarez, 44, for allegedly lying to detectives about knowledge of Rusinowski’s potential thefts and deleting text messages related to the investigation. Their cases are still ongoing as well, with separate hearings scheduled this month. Suarez and Perez continue to work for MCFR, Sheriff Ramsay said, but he added that they will never again work aboard a Trauma Star helicopter.

AUDIT FINDS 623 MISSING NARCOTICS VIALS AND CRITICAL DEFICIENCIES

In early August 2022, former MCFR Chief Steve Hudson formally asked the county’s Clerk of the Court to conduct an internal audit of the department’s emergency medical services’ system performance and controlled substance inventory records from June 2021 through July 2022. Hudson officially

A

retired in December 2022, although sources familiar with the audit told the Keys Weekly he wasn’t given a choice after requesting the audit.

The audit details a total of 623 vials of controlled substances missing from inventory logs during the audit period, including 242 vials of Dilaudid and 219 of fentanyl. (According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is a controlled substance, “a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic.”) Though it acknowledges that some discrepancies could be due to sloppiness in record-keeping, which are extensively criticized throughout the report, it estimates that 246 missing vials – including 91 of fentanyl and 84 of Dilaudid – were likely stolen via the intentional falsification of records.

The nearly 80-page audit report, submitted by interim internal audit director Pam Radloff and released on May 11, details massive discrepancies in controlled substance inventory

continued on page 6

Total vials of narcotics missing from inventory logs as a result of possible drug diversion during the audit period.

MONROE COUNTY CLERK OF THE COURT/ Contributed

study of Lynda Rusinowski’s working hours during calendar year 2021 revealed more than 2,000 overtime hours worked, raising her base pay of $71,386 to $180,967.

‘Mr. Frank’ Toppino celebrates his 100th birthday on June 15, as friends and family pay tribute to the centenarian. See page 8. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

A table showing discrepancies in controlled substance logs for various drugs that likely involved falsification of records, according to the audit. MONROE COUNTY CLERK OF THE COURT/Contributed

records due to theft, stating that “controlled substances were being diverted by MCFR staff along with a widespread lack of management oversight.”

The report cites a lack of attention by MCFR Medical Director Dr. Sandra Schwemmer as a “primary reason that the chief flight nurse’s alleged drug diversion activities went undetected for so long.” Schwemmer was counseled three times by then-Chief Hudson about proper procedures and oversight, according to the audit report.

The same report criticizes the “sloppiness of MCFR’s inventory and patient care records” and finds that “County Administration (did) not have effective preventive or detection measures to ensure … that controlled substances are secure from drug diversion.”

The report describes “significant breach of controls,” as staff responsible for managing the narcotics inventory at the Trauma Star supply room were the same individuals managing inventory counts on each helicopter.

“When personnel are destroying drugs, there’s supposed to be a witness present to affirm that they’re properly destroyed,” Ramsay told the Keys Weekly. “But in this case, (Lynda Rusinowski) would say she destroyed the drugs, then get someone to sign off that they had witnessed it.”

The audit further cites a lack of oversight that failed to catch an “extraordinary” amount of wasted narcotics. Of 88,143 micrograms of fentanyl recorded as dispensed during the audit period, 43,734 (49.6%) were recorded as wasted. The report cites a 2013 National Institutes of Health study showing that, on average, 22.2% of drugs dispensed become waste.

The audit states that interviews with MCFR employees conducted by Sheriff’s Office investigators “clearly revealed” the absence of a support structure within county government that employees could use to safely report their suspicions.

“The interviews … revealed that the chief flight nurse had for months exhibited warning signs that she could be diverting drugs and possibly experiencing a substance abuse disorder,” the report stated. “Had County Administration … implement(ed) basic drug diversion preventive and detective measures, they likely would have been alerted years ago that they should

have kept a close eye on the activities of the chief flight nurse.”

One such example: in the calendar year 2021, Rusinowski’s base pay was $71,386. Working more than 2,100 hours of “overtime” and “premium overtime” throughout the year, with zero vacation or sick days, her gross pay for the year totaled $180,967 – 253.5% of her base pay.

“There were so many red flags and checks and balances that were overlooked,” Sheriff Ramsay said. “This was a complete failure and breakdown of oversight. Supervisors should have been looking at the amount of drugs being used by each flight nurse on duty. Almost all of the nurses had a basic mean average of drugs they used for patients, while the chief flight nurse was using 10 times that norm. There were so many procedural violations, and then there were orchestrated efforts to derail our investigation. But we’re the ones that put a stop to it.”

Ramsay reiterated, and the audit report verifies, that there was no wrongdoing found on the part of the sheriff’s office.

COUNTY RESPONDS TO AUDIT

“We always welcome audits,” County Administrator Roman Gastesi told the Keys Weekly on Tuesday, June 13. “In this case, the previous fire chief, Steve Hudson, requested it. The good thing about audits is you get somebody to take an independent look at the organization and the functions, in this case it was controlled substances.

“What we enjoyed about the audit was the corrective actions taken from the recommendations are something we’re already doing,” Gastesi said. “For example, with inventory control, we have an electronic system. That in and of itself will resolve the issue.

“In this case, it was just one person that was unfortunately ill. I’m glad to report she’s been rehabbed,” Gastesi said. “It got out of control. We still had enough controls to catch it. There’s always room for improvement with any operation. Anybody can always improve. I’m glad to say we improved our operation.”

Monroe County Fire Chief James Callahan said everything recommended in the clerk’s audit report was implemented before its May release.

“We’ve improved the whole process of drug delivery, monitoring and accountability. We went to a new system for accountability that’s much stronger and better so it can be counted and measured more timely. We’ve done a number of things to make the system safer and stronger.”

ONGOING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Rusinowski, who pleaded not guilty last September, has a pretrial hearing on June 29 in Marathon. She faces two counts of grand theft of a controlled substance, two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and two counts of official misconduct.

Perez had a hearing scheduled this week, on Wednesday, June 14 in Marathon before Judge James Morgan. Suarez is set to be in court on Thursday, June 29 for a hearing in Marathon before Morgan. Both were charged with obstructing justice and destroying evidence, both third-degree felonies. Both pleaded not guilty.

Their charges stem from text messages they allegedly deleted from a group chat that described their concerns and suspicions about Rusinowski’s drug theft. Both reportedly lied to investigators at first, saying they had no idea about the charges against Rusinowski and knew nothing about drug theft or altered supply logs. A forensic dive into their phones was able to restore the deleted group chat and show their discussions and suspicions.

Suarez and Perez remain employed with Monroe County Fire Rescue. Callahan said the two are only responding to fires and wrecks and aren’t doing anything related to EMS, Trauma Star or patient care.

After retiring in May 2021, Callahan returned as fire chief in January 2023 following Hudson’s retirement last December. Callahan said Suarez and Perez were suspended with pay as he returned. He felt they should come back to work, albeit on a limited capacity with no involvement in administering drugs. Callahan said they’re awaiting the results in court before deciding what’s next for Perez and Suarez.

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FATHERS & SONS

‘MR. FRANK’ TOPPINO TURNS 100

John Toppino calls him “grandpa.” Richard Toppino calls him, “Dad.”

But to most of Key West, he’s “Mr. Frank” — businessman, family man, philanthropist — and he turns 100 on Thursday, June 15.

The community is on a first-name basis with the man whose last name — Toppino — is emblazoned in red and yellow on about 350 cement trucks and other pieces of heavy equipment from Key West to the 18-Mile Stretch.

Frank Toppino’s father, Charley, started Charley Toppino & Sons in the 1920s. Frank is the second of those five sons.

“The sons were Phillip, then me (Frank), Edward, George and Paul,” Mr. Frank said on a recent Monday morning at his Key Haven home — a meeting that had to be postponed once due to the centenarian’s Pilates class. Yes, Pilates. At 100.

“I’m not surprised,” John Toppino said, chuckling. “He has a much more robust social schedule than I.”

Frank Toppino remains on the board of the Key West Housing Authority after more than 30 years. He’s been a member of the Key West Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame since his induction in January 1994. And a bronze plaque honors him at the entrance to Poinciana Gardens assistedliving facility on Duck Avenue. Most recently, Key West officials on June 8 issued a proclamation declaring June 15 “Frank Peter Toppino Day.”

He still attends 9:30 Mass every Sunday morning at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, where he volunteers as an usher. A statue of the Blessed Virgin, draped in rosary beads, sits prominently on his kitchen counter, under the oil painting of his father. The portrait of his mother, Orsolina, is in the dining room.

In 1933, when Frank Toppino was 10, the Toppino family and their business moved to Homestead. By the time Frank was 14, he was driving a truck from Homestead to Marathon, delivering drinking water to the contractors who were building bridges over the Overseas Railroad via ducts after the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 had washed away the train tracks. By the 1940s, the family and business had relocated to Key West, where ever since they’ve played an integral role in building the Florida Keys — its roads, sidewalks, bridges, ballfields, schools, government buildings and homes.

“Mr. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1941 and spent 15 months in China,” states the city proclamation. “He was honorably discharged as staff sergeant in 1945. Back in Key West, he married Betty Rose in 1947 and they had three children, Daniel, Ramona and Richard.”

Richard is now president of Charley Toppino & Sons, and credits his father with instilling an irrepressible work ethic — along with empathy and generosity — in his family’s lives.

Richt: Frank Toppino celebrates his 100th birthday on June 15. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Below:

“My father has been a great role model my whole life,” Richard said. “He taught us, you get up every day and go to work, even if you’re not feeling great. He showed people how leaders are supposed to be, and he was always a fair leader. I remember one time, I was working in a hot ditch on some project and started feeling a little resentful — until I turned and looked, and saw my dad 10 feet to my right in the same ditch.

“I’ve been very lucky to have learned from my dad,” Richard said.

It was the exact thing Frank had said earlier in the week about his own father, Charley.

“I was lucky growing up,” Frank said. “My dad started the business, and every time he would learn something, I was there beside him to learn it as well.”

His sense of humor and mischief are still remarkably sharp.

“How do you feel, Mr, Frank?”

“With my hands.”

And as a parting gift for nearly every guest who leaves his house, Toppino reaches into his 6-foot-tall wine fridge and selects a bottle or two — or three. “No one leaves here without wine,” he said, leaning conspiratorially closer. “And I don’t buy cheap stuff.”

His grandson, John, laughed and nodded at the shared anecdote. “He doesn’t let anyone leave without a bottle of wine. And he’s not lying. He doesn’t buy cheap stuff.”

As the family was preparing for the 100th birthday celebration, John Toppino recalled his childhood with “the most generous grandfather.”

“He bought us all Shetland ponies one Christmas in North Carolina,” John Toppino said. “And he got me my first go-kart, which I proceeded to crash into a palm tree two minutes later.”

“But if there’s one thing my grandfather impressed upon us, it was that if an 80-year-old man — and this was 20 years ago — could be outside working, then certainly we young guys could do it.”

Mary Maxwell, a longtime friend of Frank Toppino, shared stories of his quiet generosity toward struggling families who needed work and a few bucks to tide them over.

Maxwell, a retired Key West, recalled arriving a few minutes to a Sunrise Rotary meeting when her car wouldn’t start.

“Frank gently chided me, as he was always very punctual, so I explained that my battery was dead and at the end of the meeting he offered me a ride to school.”

Frank offered to jumpstart Maxwell’s car after he dropped her at work, but instead bought and installed a new battery for her. Another time, a fellow teacher struggled with a flooded driveway issue due to heavy rains.

“When he jokingly asked Frank about a special teacher discount — and then never got a bill for the driveway work,” Maxwell said.

“Frank remains a most generous man and our southernmost family continues to be blessed by his astute knowledge and concern for working Conchs.”

A sepia-toned photo of Charley Toppino and four of his five sons hangs prominently in Frank Toppino’s Key Haven home.

WE

PLEASE

FANTASY FEST FUN & FURRIOUS EVENT

We are so excited to announce that we are o cially taking applications for the Royal King & Queen Campaign of Fantasy Fest! AH Monroe has passed the torch of this prestigious event after 34 years to now benefit the Florida Keys SPCA. We are ready to make a huge di erence in the lives of homeless animals and our community’s pets through funds raised with this 6 week Fun & Furrious event.

INTERESTED in being the next Fantasy Fest King or Queen and the FIRST for the Florida Keys SPCA? Applications are available at the Key West Campus or on our website: fkspca.org/event/informational-meeting-for-king-queen-of-fantasy-fest/

QUESTIONS on how to become a King or Queen?

Additional details on our event?

Contact Ti any at Ti any@fkspca.org

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DRAG QUEENS SPEAK AT MEETING; OFFICIALS AFFIRM KEY WEST AS A ‘WELCOMING CITY’

RESOLUTION CELEBRATES CREATIVITY AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF DRAG COMMUNITY

Ya gotta love Key West, where four local drag performers spoke at the June 8 Key West city commission meeting, encouraging officials to approve a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jimmy Weekley that affirmed Key West as a “welcoming city” for all.

“Given what’s going on in this state, I thought we needed to make a statement,” Weekley said when introducing the resolution. “Everyone has a right to be in this community and to live in this community as whoever they are. We are a safe haven for everyone, but it saddens me to know that people are leaving Florida because they don’t feel welcome.”

The resolution was drafted in response to a newly passed Florida bill that prohibits drag performances and drag performers from any place where children could see them.

The resolution that ultimately passed unanimously “affirms that the city of Key West continues to be a welcoming city, committed to ensuring the rights of residents and visitors, including drag queens, gender nonconforming, transgender, cisgender and all manner of humans to walk upon, and to use, public spaces while wearing attire of their own choosing (so long as it is in compliance with the city’s nudity ordinance and public health requirements; … Acknowledging the drag community for elegance and originality, for their ability to unite the community and for boundless events and contributions benefiting the charitable causes of our city.”

Prior to the resolution’s approval, local drag performer “Puddin’ Taine” told the commission, “These are some scary and troubling times in Florida for people like me … to have the hate from Tallahassee trying to govern us down here; to be told that what I’m wearing, or what I do for a living, is vulgar, well, please vote to keep Key West a safe space.”

Gary Marion, known worldwide as drag performer “Sushi,” told the commission, “You’re sending a message to all of Florida with this resolution, especially with what’s going on in Florida.”

Weekley’s resolution passed unanimously, despite some concern from Commissioner LIssette Cuervo-Carey, who ultimately voted to approve the

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Key West drag performer Puddin’ Taine speaks at the June 8 Key West city commission meeting in support of a resolution reaffirming Key West as a ‘welcoming city’ that specifically acknowledges the creativity and community spirit of drag performers. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly resolution, but expressed initial concerns, saying she agreed with everything in the resolution, except the part that criticized the state’s bill involving drag performers.

Carey said, “Some of my constituents, as parents, agree with that bill. We keep fighting the state on items that have already passed, but there are still residents who are proud of our state and who respect our governor.”

Commissioner Sam Kaufman acknowledged that Key West, as a welcoming city, has a responsibility, also, to affirm and welcome people with the beliefs mentioned by Carey, who ended up voting in favor of the resolution.

More opposition to state actions

Another piece of legislation, sponsored by Commissioner Clayton Lopez and unanimously approved, opposes recent state legislation — and urges Florida to rescind the bill — that allows health care providers to refuse to provide health care services to people with whom the provider disagrees on the basis of “conscience-based objections.” Such medical services could include abortions, the prescribing of birth control pills, care for transgender individuals and other health care services.

“Giving a medical professional the option not to treat someone based on the provider’s personal or religious beliefs, to me, is immoral, like so much else that’s happening in Florida today,” Lopez said at the June 8 commission meeting.

Servicio de Adoración a las 5pm Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

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“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.’’

‒ Psalms 1:12 NKJV

DODD

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS BOYS TRACK TEAM

For schools in geographically-isolated locations such as the Florida Keys, individual sports are where one might expect athletes to prosper, and the three Monroe County schools’ track and field teams did not disappoint this year. Keys gentlemen earned a total of six state medals this season, with representatives from each school bringing home some hardware. In addition to the state medal winners and qualifiers, many more athletes earned spots on the podium at regionals and districts. Key West earned the top spot in FHSAA 2A while Coral Shores took fourth place. Marathon’s boys were second overall in 1A competition. All three teams brought some fantastic positive attention and quite a bit of hometown pride home to their schools. From all of us at the Keys Weekly, congratulations to the 2023 All-Keys Boys Track Team.

SUHAREVSKIS NIKS-DAVIS

Junior, Key West Pole Vault, Hurdles

Suharevskis Niks-Davis established himself as a competitive jumper and hurdler for the Conchs, earning points for his team in some of the most challenging events. It only made sense for him to take up perhaps the most terrifying event track and field has to offer: the pole vault. Niks-Davis started vaulting last year, clearing impressive heights almost immediately. This season, his hard work and attention to detail paid off when he placed second at the FHSAA 2A Track and Field Championships in Jacksonville. The state silver medalist claimed first place in Region 4 after district victories in pole vault and the 110m high hurdle. With one more year to hone his craft, Niks-Davis has a solid shot at Key West’s school record in pole vault as well as a state gold medal in 2024.

ETHAN MARGUET

Junior, Coral Shores

400m, 4x400m Relay

Marguet won two runner-up medals at districts this year in the 400m individual race and 4x400m relay, advancing to regionals in both events. He holds the school record in both events and has respectable times in the 100m and 800m as well, making next season one of great expectations for the junior.

XAVYER ARRINGTON Senior, Coral Shores Shot Put, Discus

Arrington’s strength earned him two medals at states this season – sixth place in discus and eighth in shot put. The senior strongman won gold medals at districts in both events, holds both school records and won first in the region in discus.

AMBROSE SANCHEZ

Junior, Coral Shores

Hurdles, Utility Runner

Ambrose Sanchez is a coach’s dream as a utility runner. The multitalented athlete holds the school record in the 400m intermediate hurdles and has competitive times in every event from the 200m to the 3200m.

JOSH CANTERBURY

Senior, Key West Pole Vault, Discus

Canterbury capped his high school track career with a sixthplace medal at the state championships in May by adding nearly a foot to his top pole vault height this season. At districts, he won secondplace medals in both pole vault and discus.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

eighth-place medal in the 3200m at the state championship meet by dropping more than 20 seconds from his personal record time. As if his track feats weren’t enough, Bursa was the first to break the tape in the Seven Mile Bridge Run mid-season.

KENDALL MONROE

KEVON MILLS

Senior, Key West

High Jump, Long Jump, 4x400m

Relay

Mills is truly an all-around fantastic athlete. His strongest event was the high jump, in which he claimed a sixth-place medal at states this season. At districts, he won the high jump and long jump, qualifying for regionals in both events and the 4x400m relay.

AARON DOLTON

Senior, Marathon 110m and 400m Hurdles

Dolton attracted the attention of college scouts with his blazing speed over the hurdles. He earned second place in the 110m high hurdles, third place in the 400m intermediate hurdles, fifth on the 4x400m relay team and sixth in discus at districts. Dolton holds three school records in hurdles at the 110m, 400m and 300m distances.

LUCAS MONTIEL

Senior, Key West

800m, 4x400m and 4x800m Relays

Montiel won the district championship in the 800m and ran legs of the Conchs’ secondplace 4x800m relay and third-place 4x400m relay teams, qualifying him for regionals in all three events. This season, he shaved nearly five seconds off his already-fast 800m time.

FABBIANHO LOUIS JEUNE

Sophomore, Marathon

Long Jump, Triple Jump

Louis Jeune claimed secondplace medals in the long jump and triple jump events at districts, qualifying for regionals in both. He broke the school record in the triple jump early this season, and with two more years of eligibility to go, it is not unlikely he will become a state medalist in the coming seasons.

Sophomore, Key West High School

Bocce

Key West High School’s Kendall Monroe is a determined athlete who works hard to improve her bocce skills each time she steps onto the court. The rising sophomore is described by her coach, Tina Phillips, as “the light of the room” as “her infectious smile and laugh will brighten anyone’s day.”

Bocce is not the only sport Kendall excels in. In true Conch fashion, she most recently sharpened her baseball skills in a friendly game of tee ball with the Special Olympic Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) games, where she and her athlete buddy Sofia Korilova worked together to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles while forging a special friendship.

VANCE BURSA

Sophomore, Marathon 800m, 1600m, 3200m

Bursa had a standout 2023 season, claiming third-place medals at districts in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m races. He qualified for regionals in all three events, plus the 4x800m relay. He went on to win an

For her hard work, refusal to give up and genuine sportsmanship, Kendall Monroe is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Kendall Monroe (right) and Sofia Korilova round the bases in a friendly game of tee ball during Key West High School’s Special Olympic MATP culminating event. CONTRIBUTED

Kendall Monroe (front) with buddies Sofia Korilova (right) and Darien Hidalgo (left).

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Rick Mackenzie and contributed images.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

KEVIN FREEMAN & JUDD WISE LOOK BACK ON LENGTHY CAREERS

LONGTIME KEYS COACHES CHRONICLE EVOLUTION IN ATHLETICS

TRACY McDONALD www.keysweekly.com

Coaches in the Keys seem to be split between two camps. In one, they are here for a few years, coach a few sports, have a little fun, then move on to more affordable living on the mainland. The other group seems to have been here forever, coaching the kids of the athletes they coached at the beginning of their careers and becoming fixtures at the schools fortunate enough to have them. It is the second group of coaches who seem to have made an indelible mark on the students, athletes and communities in which they work, and their expertise is heavily relied upon by new hires and those learning how to survive in such a unique work environment.

With prep sports competition all but over for the summer, this week the spotlight will be on a pair of educators who have more than 65 years of combined coaching experience in the Keys. Kevin Freeman is a physical education teacher at Marathon High School and has coached plenty of different sports, many times taking the helm for three in one year. Judd Wise is a health and physical education teacher at Key West High School where he has done (and often still does) just about everything related to athletics.

Freeman is one of the longest tenured coaches still actively coaching in the Middle Keys. He started his career in 2002, taking roles in JV football and JV basketball that season. Over the course of his 20-plus years coaching, Freeman has filled coaching roles in football, basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis and golf.

He said the biggest change he has experienced is technology.

“We used to take a school bus to every single away game. We didn’t have school vans and didn’t do rentals then. Not everybody had a phone, so we would talk to each other on the bus trips,” he said.

“Players and coaches had conversations, and we used to have more fun traveling, even though it was on a school bus.”

He noted the positives of technology as well, such as the ease in creating interactive practice plans and finding new drills. “You used to have to go to a coach’s clinic or buy a book, but that’s all easier now,” he explained.

When asked about the craziest printable thing that ever happened to him in his two decades of coaching, he cited his varsity basketball team’s district championship win over Westwood Christian School in 2010.

“After we won the game, the kids dumped the cooler of water over me in the gym,” he recalled. “The assistant coach from Westwood slipped and fell in the water and had to get stitches in his head. He was already unhappy about the loss, so that didn’t help.”

Longtime Conchs coach Wise is a Key West athletics fixture. Wise started coaching in 1981 and rattled off a resume including coach-

ing roles in volleyball, swimming, football, boys and girls soccer, girls wrestling, basketball, baseball and softball. But you might recognize him from his current role as Coach Wise, announcing home games and events for the Conchs in the press box and on the radio.

When transportation became an issue on an island so far from the mainland, Wise earned his CDL and has been driving a school bus for 30-plus years. He’s worked the concession stand – “cooked a lot of food, raised a lot of money” – and even did a stint on cable television highlighting Key West’s sports teams.

Clearly he knows the ins and outs of athletics, and when asked about the changes in coaching, he did not hesitate. Like Freeman, Wise found technology to be the biggest difference.

“Social media has changed it all. Kids didn’t have phones 24/7 in the ’80s and ’90s,” he said. “Before the phone was such a big part of their lives, sports were everything.”

He had a lot of praise for today’s coaches, saying, “You’re a special person to coach today. You’ve got a lot to deal with outside the sport itself and parents are more involved. Parents didn’t go to practice in the ’80s, but now they take very active roles and make it difficult for some coaches.”

In his 40-plus years in athletics, Wise recounted an event that occurred during his first year in the Keys as the craziest. “My very first year of coaching down here, I was doing baseball. There was a foul ball and the catcher and first baseman ran into each other. The first baseman’s gum got caught in his throat, and we all had to rush to get it out because he couldn’t breathe.”

He credited “Coach Welch,” his assistant, in saving the player’s life. “We didn’t know much about the Heimlich back then. Coach Welch just reached in and grabbed it out.” Astonishingly, the first baseman finished out the game after his near-death experience on the field.

After decades in the classroom, Wise is contemplating retirement in the near future, but don’t worry, he says.

“I’m not giving up coaching.”

Left: Kevin Freeman stands for a team picture in 2010. Pictured to his left is Nyron Ross. Right: Kevin Freeman and Sean Kirwan pose for a pregame photo during the 2023 basketball season at Marathon High School. CONTRIBUTED

Left: Coach Judd Wise, right, with Reese Thompson circa 1986, early in his coaching career. Right: Coach Wise, right, poses with Key West soccer star Axel Correa signing his scholarship in 2022.

GREGORY LLOYD’S LETTER TO THE EDITOR PROMPTS HIS REMOVAL

KEY WEST OFFICIALS OUST PLANNING BOARD MEMBER

Things got a bit ugly at the June 8 Key West city commission meeting.

Officials voted 6-1 to remove a member of the city’s planning board who had refused to step down after he criticized the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, the Keys’ water utility, in an April 8 letter to the editor (published in a newspaper other than the Keys Weekly).

Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, who had reappointed Gregory Lloyd to the city’s planning board in 2019 and 2022, asked him in an April 10 email, two days after his letter was printed, to step down. “It is about your letter to the editor. … I feel your opinions express your prejudices on certain issues and therefore open the planning board to challenges on future items,” Hoover wrote.

Lloyd was appointed to his first three-year term in 2016 by then-Commissioner Margaret Romero. Hoover reappointed him twice, and his current term was scheduled to end in July 2025.

In the April email exchange with Hoover, Lloyd refused to step down, telling Hoover his printed letter summarized critical concerns about the FKAA and its water pipeline that are shared by residents countywide on social media. He assured Hoover his concerns would not supersede the rule of law and the city’s code, which determine his planning board votes.

Lloyd’s April 8 letter to the editor suggested that Monroe County consider a moratorium on development until FKAA corrects the issues with the Keys’ failing freshwater pipeline. He questioned the impacts of “new swimming pools and irrigation systems for vacation rentals and renovations/remodels” on the Keys’ drinking water supply, which is overseen by FKAA.

Lloyd’s letter sharply criticizes FKAA, saying that any qualified engineer would have advised that the Keys’ (50-year-old) pipeline “was in desperate need of repair, and our ever-increasing development and growing population could not sustain our consumption.”

“Instead of warning us of the pending crisis, the need to curtail development/usage, and get started on replacing the pipes,” the letter continues, “the FKAA’s board of directors chose to stay silent, build a new building with all the bells and whistles, and eliminated the need to have an engineering degree to serve as executive director.”

Lloyd writes that FKAA’s current executive director Greg Veliz — Key West’s former city manager — “made no secret of the fact that the only thing he knew about water management when he took the job was ‘how to turn on a tap.’” (Veliz was

city manager until April 2021, when he accepted the FKAA job.)

Lloyd’s letter also criticizes the water utility’s board members, appointed by the governor, for spending time approving lifetime medical benefits for members of upper management and their spouses, instead of answering questions about the failing pipeline and its replacement.

Following Lloyd’s refusal to step down, Hoover used a provision in the city code that allows the city commission to remove an appointed board member with a majority vote.

Commissioners took that vote at the June 8 meeting and ousted Lloyd. Mayor Teri Johnston was the lone vote in support of Lloyd, who spoke in his own defense at the meeting, along with his wife and five or so other residents who spoke of his integrity, dedication and research on the planning board, and his courage in putting his name to concerns many residents share about FKAA.

Lloyd and his supporters said Hoover’s request that he step down was retaliatory. Lloyd called Hoover’s behavior “abhorrent,” while resident Todd Santoro said Hoover “should be ashamed of herself” for the retaliatory behavior.

Romero, who first appointed Lloyd to the planning board in 2016, said, “I’ve always found him to do his homework and research and I think he’s always tried to do the right thing for the city. The reasons a person now wants him off the board seem to be prejudiced toward another entity.”

Before the vote to remove him from the board, Hoover said, “Planning board members are directly appointed by commissioners. There is no entitlement to the position if people’s values don’t align.”

She also said that Lloyd’s April 8 letter to the editor wasn’t the first time she’d had an issue with Lloyd “going to the press” and “telegraphing his opinion” in letters to the editor that mentioned topics that would come before the planning board for decision.

“Any applicant to the planning board deserves to be heard without fear of bias, and too many times he has telegraphed his opinion beforehand,” Hoover said at the June 8 commission meeting.

“I’m not here to speak for Greg Veliz or Shawn Smith at FKAA,” Hoover added, referring to Smith, the former city attorney, who left the city the year after Veliz and joined him at FKAA. “They’re big boys. But there were items in Mr. Lloyd’s most recent letter to the editor mentioning issues that come before the planning board.”

Key West attorney Bart Smith echoed Hoover’s statements, telling the commission that Lloyd had written a letter to the editor in 2021 criticizing Smith and the restaurant collection at Key West Harbor for which he needed planning board approval. (Lloyd’s letter about Bart Smith also was never submitted to the Keys Weekly.)

Smith said that Lloyd’s 2021 letter raised supposed questions about Smith’s Chicago-based business partners in the marina and restaurant venture. “Those business partners are my parents,” Bart Smith said at the commission meeting.

“Your job is to decide after hearing the facts, not beforehand, and then run to the press with your opinion,” Smith said.

In casting the lone vote to retain Lloyd and allow him to finish his term until July 2025, Johnston acknowledged Hoover’s authority to choose her own board appointees.

“But the fork in the road occurs because this is tied to Mr. Lloyd’s letter to the editor, and in the two months since, I haven’t spoken with a single person who doesn’t agree with the concerns he raised in that letter. Even we, as the city of Key West, asked the FKAA management to come in and explain their maintenance and replacement plans to us. Mr. Lloyd does the work, and we’d lose an intelligent, articulate, qualified individual on one of our most important boards.”

The mayor added, “If we were all judged by fiery letters to the editor, I don’t think Harry Bethel would ever have served on the city commission.”

Before voting to remove Lloyd, Commissioner Sam Kaufman expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s legislative process. “In effect, any one of us could bring a vote to the commission to get someone else’s appointee removed. It’s an awkward situation that I think we should fix,” Kaufman said.

City Hall got heated during the June 8 vote to remove a member of the planning board. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

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

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

From le to right: Dr. Hector Guzman D.D.S, Dr. David McDonald D.M.D Dr. Natalia Vazquez-Marrero D.M.D and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez D.M.D

FOR THE FIRST-TIME FATHERS

CHERISH EACH MOMENT BEFORE YOUR KID WANTS THE KEYS TO YOUR CAR

MILES TO GO

I HEARD YA, DAD (I ROLLED MY EYES, BUT I HEARD YOU)

he believes in community reporting, giving back and life on the waters.

Sitting in my favorite recliner, I watch my now 8-month-old son on the floor mat chewing on his favorite teether — drool pouring out the mouth as he blabs. He just recently found his voice, and it won’t be long before he starts to crawl all over the house.

Next comes the walking — and running and baby proofing. And it won’t be long until he reverberates that one word we wish never existed in our child’s vocabulary, “no.”

Before I know it, he’ll be off to kindergarten. And in a snap of a finger, he’ll be in high school and eventually off to college, ready to take on the real world.

In my eighth month of fatherhood, one thing rings true as I talk to parents here in the Keys whose kids flew the nest. “Enjoy it now. Before you know it, they’ll be taking the keys to your car.”

The time really does fly by as I sit here just a few months away from my son’s first birthday. Where did the time go?

Rewind eight months back, my little guy, Lucas, entered the world at a hospital in Miami. Emotions poured as I saw him for the first time — his mouth wide open and eyes shut as he cried. He already had a full head of blonde hair, which I couldn’t believe, and his rolls made him a miniature Pillsbury Doughboy. Sitting in the hospital room, my girlfriend, Brie, and I watched him as we were enamored at his facial features, little toes and tiny fingers. Excitement began to build as we prepared to bring him back to our Keys home.

As a first-time father, I had a lot to get accustomed to and learn — like the fact that he would dictate our sleep schedule for the months to come (thank you Red Bull for keeping us going). The diaper changing wasn’t so bad (I had the honor of changing the first-ever diaper.) And I certainly enjoyed watching him sleep in his high-tech baby swing that swayed back

and forth at different speeds with the press of a button on the remote. The technology in these chairs and swings nowadays is pretty incredible; they even play soothing sounds.

At 4 months, he kept us up routinely through the night as we fed him bottles and rocked him back to sleep. It was no doubt a challenge, but we worked through it. Eventually, we started giving him solid baby food to settle that fierce hunger. By 6 months, Lucas was sitting in a high chair with his mouth wide open as we shoveled jars of food into his mouth. I gotta give it up to the kid, he’s eating everything from peas and sweet potato to pear and mango.

In a matter of months, his newborn weight transformed into something similar to a 20 pound dumbbell. I found myself switching him from one arm to the other in just minutes. I think it’s time I get back to Froggy’s gym.

There are many moments in my son’s young life that I continue to look back on as I spend each day feeding him, getting down on the play mat to rattle toys and putting him to sleep. After all, these times won’t last forever; they’ll become a memory and a story worth telling or a picture stored in the iPhone to look back at in the months and years to come.

For all those first-time fathers out there, cherish each moment you have as you sit in the playpen and rattle toys, listen to “Cocomelon” (younglings are addicted to this show) and devour baby food in the high-chair. Each moment with your baby is different from the previous one. And, before you know it, they’ll be all grown up.

Happy Father’s Day to all the rockstar dads out there. And here’s a special shout out to the first-time dads working hard and having the time of their lives.

MANDY MILES

drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

arents never think their kids are listening to them. They’re convinced our whole lives that their words fall on deaf ears. And admittedly, sometimes they do. But not always. There are some things that permeate our thick skulls and stick there forever.

So in honor of Father’s Day, I went through my mental catalog of quotes from Bob Bolen, who has made frequent appearances in this space.

• “Of COURSE I have a double standard when it comes to you and your brother. Of COURSE he can stay out later than you. Why? Because boys have sex and girls have babies.”

• During a driving lesson at age 16, Dad had been preparing me for one of Jersey’s infamous traffic circles the whole 45-minute ride. “When you enter the circle, always stay in the outside lane. Then you won’t get stuck inside. Remember, stay in the outside lane.” Then, as the Somers Point Circle came into view, it was, “Here we go, just stay in the outside OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE LANE!” (The only thing louder than his panicked voice during this “teachable moment” was the sound of his right foot stomping uselessly against the passenger floorboard and its nonexistent brake.)

• “What gave you the idea that this family is a democracy where all things are fair and equal?”

• “Where are you? We’re on our way.” (His response to my 11 p.m. call from a high school party when I was in no

Pshape to drive home. On the way home, it was, “Your mother and I will ALWAYS come get you. Always. No questions asked.” And they did.)

• “No daughter of mine will throw like a girl.” (I don’t. And my dad or mom was at every high school softball, basketball and field hockey game — and I was terrible at field hockey. My only appearance in the highlights film was when my uniform skirt fell off in the middle of a play. I had shorts underneath, but it was my most interesting contribution to the sport.)

• “I’d have four more sons before another daughter. You’re killing me, kid.” (You brought a lot of that on yourself, Dad. I spent my adolescence telling Mom to have you tested. “There’s something wrong with your husband,” I said on more than one overprotective, eye-rolling occasion.)

• “Just because the state of New Jersey says you can drive doesn’t mean I do. Now you’ll take MY test.” (Thanks to his test, I can change a tire and jump a battery on my own.)

• “What happened to ‘Shithead?’” (Dad’s nickname for a long-ago boyfriend, and although my mom wouldn’t say the word aloud, she held the same opinion. Of course, they were right.)

• “I will always worry about you, kid. I’ll never stop, no matter how crazy you think I am; no matter how old you are. It’s my job and I love you, your mom and brother more than anything in this world.” (I will always roll my eyes in exasperation while telling Mom you’re insane. But I will always love you guys more than anything in the world and will never doubt for a second that I’m loved beyond measure. Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Want to go for a ride around the circle?)

Lucas McCarthy turned 8 months on June 4. CONTRIBUTED serves as editor of the Upper Keys Weekly. A Tavernier resident,

JIM McCARTHY

Spinning necktie hangers, shoe shine kits and “World’s Best Dad” mugs are fine Father’s Day gifts, sort of, even if they’re not entirely useful in the Florida Keys. And while moms get treated to brunch, runny eggs served in bed or a spa day for Mother’s Day, dads do things a bit differently. Always here to help, we give you…

10. Thirty minutes of bathroom time with no interruption. No knocking. No yelling. Just the sweet bliss of silence.

9. Sticky green.

8. Sixteen holes of cocktails, two holes of golf.

THINGS DAD REALLY WANTS FOR FATHER’S DAY

7. For someone to flush toilets, close doors and turn lights off. Just once.

6. Nothing to do with brunch, yoga or the name Vanderpump.

5. Yahoo! NFL package. It’s never too early.

4. For the hair to move from his ears and nose back to the top of his head.

3. A meal consisting of donuts, ice cream, potato chips and bacon.

2. Taylor Swift tickets.

1. A jet pack.

SIGSBEE CHARTER SCHOOL WRAPS UP YEAR WITH COOL PROJECT

HISTORIC FIGURES CAME TO LIFE AT LIVING MUSEUM

DYLAN OLIVE www.keysweekly.com

Editor’s Note: This article was intended to print before the end of the school year, but was held due to space constraints.

Historical figures came to life in Sigsbee Charter School’s cafeteria during the last week of school as teachers and parents witnessed a real-life “Night At The Museum.”

Sigsbee’s fourth-grade class celebrated the end of the year by teaching each other about historical figures in an hour-long ‘living museum’ experience. Students presented themselves as their chosen historical figure and gave firstperson speeches to visitors who “pressed their buttons” to make the living figures “come to life.”

The students spent weeks researching their heroes, preparing speeches and creating displays before the culminating live event. The project integrated multiple subjects and encouraged the students to dramatically present biographical information to teachers, parents, schoolmates and other visitors.

“The staff and parents were so impressed with the kids and how much hard work they put into their projects,” said Feliz Andrews, Sigsbee’s performing arts teacher. “I was amazed by the attention to detail. Their costumes were spot on.”

Andrews put the project together for the kids and believes it is an excellent way for the students to learn while having fun.

“They were so excited and enthusiastic throughout the whole process,” he said. “They were antsy to pass the information they had learned along.”

The cafeteria was bustling with miniature versions of many well-known historical characters, including Walt Disney, Steve Irwin, Albert Einstein, Billie Holiday, and Napoleon Bonaparte.

“Our school was filled with many significant role models,” fourth-grade teacher Stephanie Schifano said. “The kids worked very diligently to research their historical figure and dress like them.”

Dylan Olive is a Key West resident and current journalism student at University of Florida.

Left: Sigsbee Charter School fourth grader Brooklyn Pinto details the life of oceanographer Rachel Carson. Right: Sigsbee Charter School fourth grader Finley Ray embodies Albert Einstein for the school’s ‘Living Museum’ project the last week of school. DYLAN OLIVE/Keys Weekly

PARADE, PARTIES & A SEA-TO - SEA RAINBOW MARK CELEBRATION

KEY WEST PRIDE WELCOMES ALL

Parade photos by LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly and MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

Laser light photos by LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Twenty years ago, a documentary about Key West’s famous reputation for acceptance was called, “Key West: City of Colors.”

The full spectrum of those colors returned in rare form for this year’s Pride celebration from June 7-11 in Key West.

From the June 7 kickoff party at Hard Rock Cafe, to the rainbow of lasers that stretched over Duval Street for three nights, culminating in the annual Pride Parade, Key West refused to represent the rest of Florida, where drag shows and Pride events were canceled or diluted given recent state legislative action that has prompted LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to discourage gay travelers from visiting Florida — that is, the rest of Florida.

Key West demonstrated yet again last week that it is not the rest of Florida. And Pride went off colorfully, creatively and was a helluva good time for ALL.

BET BIG — IT’S FOR THE KIDS

KEY WEST ROTARY

HOSTS CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER JUNE 17

The Rotary Club of Key West presents its 7th annual Hippie Go Lucky Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Beachside Hotel.

All proceeds and donations benefit the Rotary Club of Key West and Take Stock In Children scholarship program.

Tickets are $100 per person. All guests will enjoy professional-level casino games ranging from backjack, Texas hold ’em, poker, craps, roulette and more.

To buy tickets, call Jessica Cranney at 305-7734016 or buy them online through eventbrite at eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-hippie-go-luckycasino-night-tickets-624802971507.

— Contributed

TUNE INTO THE KEYS WEEKLY PODCAST

britt@keysweekly.com

Jared “Dirty J” Watson of the Dirty Heads might be the coolest guy in music — and we have the podcast to prove It.

The Dirty Heads return Aug. 9 to Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater. We caught up with Jared “Dirty J” Watson on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss their upcoming show.

The California-based band has produced eight albums, collaborated across genres with dozens of performers (such as Pat Monahan of Train and Cypress Hill) and created some of the world’s most recognizable hits such as “Lay Me Down,” “Vacation” and “Rescue Me.”

Watson gets candid about his creative journey within sobriety, a unique secret about his bandmate and best friend, Duddy, and why their latest album, “Midnight Control,” is their best yet. For more on their Key West show, visit thekeywestamp. com.

To listen to the podcast episode, visit keysweekly.com/podcast.

FROM THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE GUN-RELATED CHARGES

An 18-year-old Stock Island man was arrested on June 12 for firing a gun during a party in Marathon. There were no reported injuries.

Eric Cassanova Townes was charged with shooting into an occupied residence, improper display of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm, and violation of probation.

The Sheriff’s Office was called to the Trailerama Mobile Home Park at about 10:45 p.m. Sunday regarding a shooting. There was a gathering of 30 to 40 mostly young people at a residence. Witnesses stated a man, later identified as Townes, discharged a handgun during an altercation outside, striking the residence at least once.

The Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and U.S. Border Patrol surrounded the area and Townes was found hiding at a nearby gas station. He was taken to jail.

Townes has a criminal history that includes previous firearmsrelated violations.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DISPLAYING HANDGUN

A 31-year-old Big Pine Key man was arrested on June 12 after displaying a handgun during an altercation at a school parking lot. There were no shots fired and no injuries were reported.

Michael Albert Gonzalez Rio was charged with improper display of a firearm.

The Sheriff’s Office was called to the Lighthouse Christian Academy parking lot at about 9 a.m. regarding a verbal dispute between Gonzalez Rio and another man.

The Dirty Heads will play Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Aug. 9, but before the show, band member Jared ‘Dirty J’ Watson joins the Keys Weekly Podcast with Britt Myers. Listen at keysweekly.com/podcast. CONTRIBUTED

Witnesses said Gonzalez Rio exited his vehicle while carrying a handgun before leaving the scene.

Gonzalez Rio was located a short time later and taken into custody without incident.

DIRTY HEADS BAND JOINS THE SHOW WITH BRITT MYERS BEFORE AUG. 9 CONCERT

BRITT MYERS

Sponsored in party by:

For more information on this and other Garden events, visit our website at www.keywest.garden

100 DAYS UNDERWATER

NAVY VETERAN SURFACES HOLDING A WORLD RECORD & CRUCIAL RESEARCH

Three months ago, at the beginning of March, Joseph Dituri said a last goodbye to the sun and embarked on an ambitious journey of scientific discovery. On June 9, he resurfaced outside of MarineLab in Key Largo after completing a 100day stay at the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge sitting 30 feet underwater.

He broke the world record for the longest time spent living underwater without depressurization. For Dituri, a Navy veteran and a professor at the University of South Florida, his experience wasn’t merely about winning a title, but about the possibility of conducting crucial research into the potential of hyperbaric, or high pressure, medicine.

Met by a crowd of MarineLab staff, doctors, international reporters, and children and teenagers attending MarineLab’s summer camp, Dituri resurfaced at about 10:30 a.m. Elated from a sense of accomplishment and of thankfulness for the staff of Project Neptune 100, he greeted his onlookers and exchanged hugs with his medical team and operations staff. Driven by his passion for scientific discovery, he had successfully completed one of the most formidable scientific undertakings in recent Keys history.

Throughout his stay, Dituri submitted to dozens of different tests meant to measure the physiological impacts of a high pressure environment. As Dituri’s stay progressed, his medi-

cal team began to notice significant changes in his health. His sleep quality had greatly improved, and more than 60% of his sleep cycle, on average, was spent in the rapid-eye movement (REM) stages. He’d exhibited a 30% to 50% reduction in inflammatory markers, a significant decrease in oxidative stress, and an increase in testosterone. He had even grown shorter.

“I used to scrape my head right on the top of the emergency escape hatch, and I can no longer do that,” Dituri said.

Among the most surprising of his discoveries was a drastic decrease in cholesterol levels. During his stay, Dituri’s levels dropped by 72 points. The risk of having a heart attack or stroke had diminished significantly.

“It was something that I would not have expected in any way, shape or form,” he said.

For the next four weeks, Dituri will continue to monitor his health and will potentially prolong his daily measurements if they do not stabilize within that period. He still is not aware of the full extent of the changes, but predicts an increase in stem cell proliferation and telomere length, which can help to reverse the effects of aging as a result of the high pressure environment.

As a professor with a focus on the use of hyperbaric medicine, he hopes his stay will help to solidify the various benefits and uses of the treatment. During and after his decades of naval service, Dituri had seen many of his fellow veterans suffer through traumatic brain injuries, and, in looking

for a treatment for these injuries, had turned to the world of hyperbaric medicine. In his stay at the Undersea Lodge, Dituri discovered that many of his predictions regarding the potential of hyperbaric medicine were confirmed.

“Hopefully we have solidified for the world the mechanism of action, hyperbaric medicine,” Dituri said. “The several (changes) that I have discovered already, plus an increase in stem cell proliferation, the extending telomere length, the decrease in inflammation, all of that (can help with a) traumatic brain injury.”

Despite the thrill of scientific discovery, Dituri’s experiences during the 100 days could be grueling. Although Dituri’s 28 years in the Navy had accustomed him to long periods of relative isolation, he’d begun to experience strong feelings of homesickness during the latter half of his mission.

“You can only get so much contact out of a video teleconference,” Dituri said. “It’s just not enough; we need physical contact.” Most of all, Dituri grew to miss the warmth and light of the sun. Yet he continued on, encouraged by both the significance of his mission and the unparalleled experience it offered him.

“One hundred days looking out my porthole was wonderful. My friend Fred the lobster, who was outside on the right — I talked about him all the time and all the kids have seen him — he actually got a family and grew up,” Dituri said. “It’s the first time underwater you see this type of stuff, you see a

lobster molting for the first time, you go, ‘oh my goodness, I’m actually living in the wild.’”

He was also inspired by the chance to educate students at home and abroad. During his stay, MarineLab set up appointments for him to speak to nearly 5,000 students in 15 different countries. From Ireland to the United Arab Emirates, he spoke to diverse groups of students from his station nine meters underwater.

According to Dituri, one of the program’s main goals was to “educate and inspire the next generation of kids.” He received visits from more than 30 students and teachers, who made daylong visits to the Undersea Lodge.

“MarineLab’s (educational experiences) have already had great impacts on our students. Meeting Dituri further adds another layer to that experience,” said Ginette Hughes, the chief executive officer of MarineLab.

Dituri plans to present his discoveries at the International Conference on Science, Engineering & Technology in Edinburgh this September. He plans to continue his research into hyperbaric medicine and his studies in marine science.

“I think that the experience has been very positive, I think that we’ve learned an awful lot from it, and we’ll be able to put that into the next mission, when somebody breaks my record. That’s a challenge to all of you kids out there,” Dituri said. As for now? “Tonight I plan on getting a great cheeseburger and watching the sunset.”

1. Joseph Dituri looks up to the sun as he surfaces from a 100-day stay at Jules’ Lodge in Key Largo on June 9. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau. 2. ExNavy veteran and University of South Florida professor Joseph Dituri embraces his team after successfully completing a 100-day stay beneath the depths at Jules’ Lodge. ZACK WOLTANSKI/Keys Weekly. 3. Dituri receives an aquanauts certificate. 4. Dituri emerges from the surface to mark the end of Project Neptune 100 on June 9. 5. During his underwater stay, Dituri held numerous video conferences with students attending MarineLab. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

A NON - RECENT FLAMINGO SIGHTING

At the party, according to Henry A. Patterson, there had been lots of “dancing, eating, drinking, conversing.” There were just enough women there, he said, to form three cotillions, which meant 12 men and 12 women. But then the ladies started drifting out of the room, and they were left with an excess of men, who carried on, forming an all-male cotillion where, he said, “We enjoyed ourselves as well as when we had partners of the fair sex.”

Before they quit, he said, “some of our party got a little intoxicated, rude & boisterous & some dissatisfaction was created among the more orderly sets.”

Words were said, displeasures expressed.

“I avoided all difficulties of that nature; & studiously abstaining from the indulgence of any angry feeling; went to bed in good humour with myself & every one else.”

The next morning he went saltwater fishing with William Hackley for the first time and caught, “some fifty or sixty grouper; yellow tails, & grunts.”

This was in late February 1843.

A few days later he sailed on a borrowed boat up to “Boka Chica” with his friend Alexander to go hunting. They were hoping to shoot some ducks, raccoons, or maybe even Key deer.

“But after spending an hour tramping through the water, mud & bushes, getting miserably bitten by innumerable musquitoes (sic); & finding no signs of game save occasionally a deer track, we got under weigh at five o clock, & beat up home again in four hours; thoroughly drenched with salt water, tired, & hungry. The game had all been driven from the island by two men who had been there shortly before us with dogs,” he wrote.

“On our return we saw a flock of flamingoes, some twenty or thirty in number; & endeavoured to get within shot of them as they stood in the water; but they took to flight too soon for us. The most awkward birds I ever before saw, are perfect specimens of grace & elegance compared with the appearance of these as they flew past us, their long necks stuck straight out before, & their equally long legs trailing behind. But their red & black plumage is said to excel in beauty all the feathered tribe,” wrote Patterson.

“Henry A. Patterson was a New Yorker who worked for a hardware company. And a fella in Key West had gotten into arrears on his accounts for the hardware business,” said Corey Malcom, lead historian at the Florida Keys History Center inside the Key West library. “And so Patterson was sent down here to make things right. And he spent three, four months here, and kept a diary, a detailed account of his whole time.”

“He was the nephew of Alexander Patterson, who was one of the big guys in early 19th century Key West. So he came down, stayed with his uncles and the family here, hung out with them, made things right as far as the debt went. He just had all sorts of crazy Keys adventures, and he wrote about it,” Malcom said.

We know about Patterson’s activities largely due to a cross-generational tag team of Key West historians. Betty Bruce, the original historian at the library, acquired microfilm of the journals in the 1960s from the New York Historical Society. But the film was seriously underexposed, and the pages of the journal were torn in half down the middle. With the technology of the time, the journal was mostly unreadable and sat in a drawer for decades.

Malcom found the microfilm in the drawer, scanned it, used Photoshop to both lighten the handwritten pages and reassemble them, and has been working in recent months to transcribe them. (The Florida Keys History Center will be posting the full set of Keys entries this summer.)

It was the flamingo part that got my attention when a library source told me about the journals. The image of a flock of 20 to 30 American flamingos in the waters between Key West and Boca Chica is, to me, beyond cool. But it also has scientific and environmental value beyond the historical significance.

Until several years ago, the state of Florida did not consider the American flamingo as a native Florida species, despite them being spotted here with some frequency. There was a belief that any flamingo seen in the wild in Florida had either escaped a zoo, Gulfstream race track in Miami, or an aviary. It took a team of biologists from organizations such as Zoo Miami, Florida Audubon and Big Cypress National Preserve to convince them otherwise, which they did by finding historical accounts, such as Patterson’s, as well as finding specimens of birds and eggs collected in Florida in a number of natural history museums.

“We don’t have a lot of records from before, like, 1860. The records are very rare, so this is a really cool observation,” said Steven Whitfield, conservation and research specialist at Zoo Miami, who was one of the co-authors of a paper that convinced the state to consider the American flamingo a native Florida species.

“I loved this record because it’s from a time period where we don’t have many reports. And always with these flamingo records, I’m worried if they’re actually seeing roseate spoonbills, but the way this guy describes the flamingos, it’s absolutely clear it’s flamingos and not spoonbills,” Whitfield said.

“It’s important that he says that he tried to shoot at them. Because it’s kind of unthinkable to shoot a flamingo these days, but the reason they’re not here any more is because people ate them all, and shot them for their feathers. So that’s a really important part of this as well,” Whitfield said.

“These old records give us a really good baseline for what we’d like to manage today. Knowing where flamingos were, how many they were, is really important for establishing recovery targets,” said Whitfield.

An American flamingo in flight in the Florida Keys. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MILITARY MATTERS

MONTHLY REPORT FROM KEY WEST’S MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Key West Military Affairs Committee’s (MAC) mission is to foster and strengthen the relationship between the military and civilians in our community.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Summer months bring a lot of military member turnover and MAC has bid farewell to several military leaders while welcoming new arrivals. Some of the recent changes in command include USCGC Mohawk, Navy Branch Health Clinic and USCG District 7 with several more to follow.

MAC’S JUNE MEMBER MEETING

Guest Speaker: Marina LeGree from Ascend — Leadership through Athletics

Marina LeGree was the featured speaker at the June meeting of the Key West Military Affairs Committee. The founder and executive director of Ascend: Leadership through Athletics, she spoke to us about her work in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where she has empowered women by teaching them rock-climbing. She also worked through the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and continues to work in the region today. As a lead civilian advisor to the U.S. government’s stabilization program in the east of Afghanistan, LeGree addressed insecurity by working directly with the Afghan people, especially women and kids. She possesses a unique understanding of the challenges that face women and young people in Afghanistan and Pakistan and strives to create and provide opportunities for them. LeGree has also worked as a senior trainer and mentor to the United States government in Afghanistan, providing critical support to US troops and

civilians in their stabilization mission. Anyone who desires to know more about this inspirational leader and her selfless dedication to others in remote and insecure settings should look up the “Ascend” organization.

FLAG DAY

National Flag Week is June 11-17, and Flag Day was June 14, so MAC members heard a presentation about our nation’s flag and its Pledge of Allegiance. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on June 9 directing “the appropriate officials to display the flag on all federal government buildings during this week, and I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the flag and honoring all of our brave service members and revering those who gave their last full measure of devotion defending our freedoms. I encourage the people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, set aside by the Congress as a time to honor the American spirit, to celebrate our history and the foundational values we strive to uphold, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.”

NAS KEY WEST SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM HONORED

Commander Matt Gibson presented helicopter pilot Evan Cook and rescue swimmer Logan Meier to be recognized for their outstanding performance in rescuing the VFC-111 pilot who ejected offshore on May 31 before his plane crashed into the water 25 miles off NAS Key West.

MAC President Ron Demes presented Ascend founder/executive director Marina LeGree with a $500 donation to support the Ascend mission. CONTRIBUTED

From left, retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel Dr. Tag Murn, MAC president Ron Demes, Father Marek Marchala and MAC board member Dr. Bruce Guerdan, a retired Air Force colonel. Father Marchala is a Polish priest who is considered the backbone of the refugee camp near the Ukrainian border, where Drs. Murn and Guerdan volunteer their medical services in Poland.

From left, VFC-111 Commanding Officer Matt Gibson, NASKW Search and Rescue Officer-in-Charge Evan Cook; rescue swimmer Logan Meier, MAC president Ron Demes, VFC-111 Command Master Chief Will Simpkins, and VFC-111 Executive Officer CDR Kearbey Robinson were on hand at the MAC meeting, when Gibson presented helicopter pilot Cook and Meier with recognition for their outstanding performance in rescuing the VFC-111 pilot who ejected offshore on May 31 before his plane crashed into the water 25 miles off NAS Key West.

JANICE GARY

is a writer, dog mama and author of the awardwinning memoir, “Short Leash.” Her lifelong love of the Keys led her to living local on the rock with her husband and their dog, Ozzy, the Canine Tornado. janicegary.com

PAWS IN PARADISE

MEET VINCENT, THE DANISHSWEDISH ISLAND DOG

As soon as I pulled into the driveway, the barking started. It was high-pitched, incessant and coming from a bouncing ball of canine energy that looked a lot like Vincent, the dog in the magnificent sunsetdrenched photos taken by his owner, Cudjoe Key photographer Lynne Bentley-Kemp.

In those photos, Vincent is a dog-god, gazing over the cloud-reflected waters as if he owns the place. But the dog in Lynne’s yard seemed a typical terrier — white body, reddish-brown spots, assertive personality. And that bark.

“Jack Russell?” I asked, as I dug out a treat for my new friend.

“No,” Lynne said. “Danish-Swedish farmdog.”

I looked closer. This dog was different. Bigger than a typical Jack with a squarer, more sturdy body. But still, in all my years of obsessively watching televised dog competitions, I’d never heard of anything like a Danish-Swedish farmdog.

Lynne was not surprised. Originally from Denmark and Sweden, the breed is relatively rare in this country. They were bred to be allaround farm dogs that could provide multidog services in one compact canine body.

“They can herd, they can hunt, they can protect,” Lynne said. “Their job was to do whatever was needed on the farm.”

But Lynne lived on a canal, not a farm. She needed a dog that could swim, could pull himself up on canal ramps. A dog that could trek through the backcountry and ride a stand-up paddleboard. In other words, an island dog.

Vincent’s breeder made notes of Lynne’s wish list, then told her she would pick the dog for her. After closely observing the pups in the litter, she zeroed in on a suitable candidate, and because Lynne had said she wanted a dog who could paddleboard with her, created a special puppy-size swinging board for him in the pen. “He loved it,” Lynne said. “Even slept in it.”

At seven weeks, her little farm boy arrived in the Keys, with a name, Vincent (after Van Gogh), and much to learn.

The first thing Lynne did was teach him to swim. She started him off in the canal outside her home and he took to it right away. “Now he’ll swim in anything,” she said. “Oceans. Pools. Even puddles.”

Around that time, Vincent met a real paddleboard. All the board work in his puppy pen had paid off. “He loved it,” Lynne says. “Was very enthusiastic.”

But it’s not all fun and games for this surfer boy. Vincent keeps iguanas off the “farm,” not only chasing them, but climbing after them. Yes. These dogs can climb trees. I’ve seen the pictures and it’s startling.

Roosters are also on his pest removal list. Vincent considers them “iguanas with feathers,” chasing and climbing to keep them from his yard. And rats? After a palm came down near the Kemps’ house, Lynne found five palm rats under her bed.

But perhaps the most extraordinary thing about this dog’s full-tilt island life is Vincent’s and Lynne’s shared love of Keys sunsets. Every evening, as sunset approaches, Vincent begins herding her out the door at just the right time to catch the descent, be it summer, winter, standard or non-standard time.

I’ve heard it said that some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Keys happen around the waters off Cudjoe Key and after viewing Lynne’s pictures, I must agree. Or maybe it’s something more, this shared awe between dog and person, standing there before the immense beauty of sunset in this special place.

While all the sunset pictures are breathtaking, the ones featuring Vincent — tramping through the flats, gazing across the water, or simply being a dog in nature — elevate these photographs to art. They remind me of classic 18th-century portraits of animals, especially the ones of dogs in action, capturing the intimate relationship between them and the natural world.

These amazing photographs are not a matter of coincidence or pure luck, although some of that may be in play. Bentley-Kemp is a photographer and master artist behind the camera. She has even taught Vincent how to pose. But only briefly. “I have to be quick,” she says. “He won’t stand there long.”

Vincent truly is a sort of dog-god out there on the flats, enjoying water and wilderness in a way only a dog can. He even has his own sunset stick collection. Each evening, when it’s time to go, he leaves his “stick o’ the day” in a special pile he keeps on the shore. When they return, he knows just where to find his “toys.”

Although the breed is not yet officially recognized at the American Kennel Club, they can compete in the “Miscellaneous” category at competitions, which Vincent did last summer at the AKC Nationals in Orlando. Although he was nervous at first, Lynne said he adjusted well to the demands of show life, taking both elevators and directions in the show ring in stride. Pretty good for a guy that’s basically still a puppy at 2 ½ years and a country boy at heart.

With only 300 Danish-Swedish farmdogs in the U.S., it’s with noting four of them live in the Keys. Statistically, that’s a high concentration, but it makes sense. The Keys are a wild and special part of the world. It takes a special kind of being — dog and human — to live here. Adaptability is key, and these dogs have it in spades.

I asked Lynne what she likes best about Vincent. “Well, he’s handsome,” she says, laughing. “And he gets me.”

And what annoys her the most? She didn’t hesitate. “That bark. You should hear him when he sits in the trees and screams at the iguanas.”

Maybe that’s not what a typical DanishSwedish farmdog does. But Vincent is, after all, not a farm dog.

He’s an island dog — and loves every minute of it.

Vincent the dog. LYNNE BENTLEY-KEMP/ Contributed

WHO WON THE ROBERT FROST POETRY CONTEST?

KEYS KIDS AND TEENS TAKE THEIR BOWS & GET THEIR AWARDS

The winners of the Robert Frost Poetry contest and their families and friends gathered on May 27 to celebrate the accomplishment of placing in the top 3% of entries. The contest, administered by The Studios of Key West, received over 400 entries this year and honored 12 students with awards. The winners were also able to read their poems aloud to the crowd of over 50 proud supporters.

The winners and honorable mentions are from Key West to Key Largo, and range in age from 6 to 17.

In the Kids 6-12 category, Tania Hull, 12, took first place. Lily Sobchenko, 12, took second place. Kaden Savedra, 12, took third place. Zyaire Allen,

12, Sam Mendez, 6, and Emilia Serissky, 9, also won prizes.

In the Teens 13-18 category, Isaiah Ruiz,13, took first place. Rose Centonze, 14, took second place. Dzyre Nesbitt, 15, took third place. Antonio Gomez, 16, Naomi Johnson, 16 and Jeremiah McLoud, 13, also earned awards for their poetry. Read the winning poems at tskw.org/kidspoetrycontest/.

Through funds established by the Jeane and Jessie Porter Fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the contest for children and teenagers was created, nurturing and developing the interest of budding poets, and their vital connection to the creative spirit of the Florida Keys.

— Contributed

Winners of the 2023 Robert Frost Poetry Contest for kids and teens attend a winners’ ceremony at Hugh’s View atop The Studios of Key West. Back row, from left: Rose Centonze, Dzyre Nesbitt, Tania Hull, Kaden Savedra, Zyaire Allen. Front row: Emilia Serissky, Sam Mendez, Isaiah Ruiz. Not pictured: Lily Sobchenko, Antonio Gomez, Naomi Johnson, Jeremiah McLoud. JOHNNY WHITE/Contributed

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

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

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

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

24 Ploggers met at City Hall including Police Chief Sean Brandenburg for the Friday morning event. They collected 109 pounds of trash, 7.5 pounds of recycling and 2.5 gallons of cigarette butts. City Manager Al Childress stopped by to thank the Ploggers for their hard work and dedication to keeping Key West beautiful.

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

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

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

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

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

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

— Contributed

JOIN A 1-HOUR FRIDAY MORNING CLEANUP

Friday, June 16: North Roosevelt by Denny’s

Friday, June 23: First State Bank on North Roosevelt – meet at the bank, park in the back lot

Friday, June 30: Nelson English Park at the end of Catherine Street

Augustus is a 5-year-old male, extralarge Cane Corso mix. If you “like big mutts and cannot lie,” Augustus is the dog for you as he weighs in at 107 pounds.

Kinsley is a 5-year-old female domestic shorthair. Kinsley would blossom in an environment with a confident kitty cohort to show her how safe and loving a home can be.

Ron is a 3-year-old male domestic shorthair. There are lots of cats who may look like him, but none are as sweet.

Neapolitan is a white rabbit. Neapolitan has been at our Key West campus for over a year and is looking to make the right family hoppy.

Taos is a 6-year-old male Turkish Angora mix. He loves treats almost as much as he loves the other cats in his room.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 06/30/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1GYEC63T84R286617 2004 CADI

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June 8 & 15, 2023

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 07/07/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FAHP2EW0BG154358 2011

FORD

1FTVF14585NA05196 2005

FORD

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Pursuant F.S. 328.17, United American Lien & Recovery as agent w/ power of attorney will sell the following vessel(s) to the highest bidder. Inspect 1 week prior @ marina; cash or cashier check; all auctions are held w/ reserve; any persons

LEGAL NOTICES

interested ph 954-563-1999.

Sale Date: July 21, 2023 @ 10:00 am

Location: 3411 NW 9th Ave.

#707, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33309

V12973 1972 Gulfstar

FL4518FG

Hull ID#: 532902 inboard

diesel fiberglass 36ft R/O

Leontyne Pyne Davydov Rud

Arnshek

Lienor: Pilot House Marina, 3 Seagate Blvd., Key Largo, FL 33037

Licensed Auctioneers FLAB422 FLAU765 & 1911

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June 15 & 22, 2023

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NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kirk of The Keys, Marathon, FL will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

SINGLE FAMILY HOME

Details at www.kirkofthekeys/ bid

Deadline is July 22, 2023.

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June 15, 22 & 29, 2023

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NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Pine Channel Nature Park Landscaping Enhancements Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.

LEGAL NOTICES

floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids.

The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on July 12, 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:

Pine Channel Nature Park Landscaping Enhancements 07-12-2023

Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery

PUBLIC NOTICE EVALUATION COMMITTEE MEETING

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH CITY HALL PROJECT

LOCATION: Key Colony Inn Banquet Room

700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

NOTICE IS GIVEN that on June 28, 2023, at 9:30 AM EST there will be a meeting of an Evaluation Committee for the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida regarding ITB -20230010-2023/DJT “CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH CITY HALL PROJECT”

The purpose of this public meeting is for the Committee to evaluate and rank all responsive bids received for this project. The public is welcome to attend. Discussion will be limited to members of the Evaluation Committee and staff.

Publish: June 15, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

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 12, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

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June 15, 2023

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SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00027673-CU-BC-CTL SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): ROBERT MICK, AN INDIVIDUAL YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): VAN DYKE & ASSOCIATES, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/se!fhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to

LEGAL NOTICES

call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dfas, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la inforrnacion a continuacion. Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas inforrnacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifomia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Par ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion

LEGAL NOTICES

de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): 330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

The name, address and telephone number of the plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):

Richard S. Van Dyke, Esq., Van Dyke & Associates, APLC, 451 A Street, Suite 600, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 344-0977

Dated July 15, 2022

By: Gabriel Lopez, Deputy Clerk

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June 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2023

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NUMBER: 23-CP000030-M

DIVISION: MARATHON

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CARL M. BENDIK, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CARL M. BENDIK, deceased, whose date of death was March 13, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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

MEETING NOTICE

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY

Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold a public hearing on the Amendment of the adopted budget for scal year 2023 on June 21, 2023 at 9:25 a.m. at the Nelson Government Center on Key Largo. A copy of the proposed amended budget is available online at www.monroecounty- .gov or by contacting the Land Authority office at 305-295-5180.

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 15, 2023.

Persons Giving Notice:

AMY B. DUMAS

201 Kensington Trace Canton, Georgia 30115

Attorney for Persons Giving Notice:

Christopher B. Waldera, P.A.

Christopher B. Waldera Florida Bar No: 980810 Attorney for Personal

Representative

5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050

Telephone: (305) 289-2223

Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: chris@cbwpa.com

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June 15 & 22, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 23-CP-78-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF EDMUND JOHN BENNETT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of EDMUND JOHN BENNETT, deceased, whose date of death was July 31, 2022, Case: 23-CP-78-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: June 15, 2023.

Personal Representative: GRETA-MARIE ELIE-BENNETT

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: June 15 & 22, 2023

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

FILE NO.: 23-CP-90-K IN RE: ESTATE OF LORA JEAN ALBRITTON

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Lora Jean Albritton, deceased, whose date of death was December 15, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS

AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 15, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Karen Martin Gibson

2215 Fogarty Avenue

Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: Gregory D. Davila, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0886998

Law Office of Gregory D. Davila, P.A.

1111 12th Street, Suite 411 Key West, Florida 33040 Telephone: (305) 293-8554

Fax: (305) 294-9913

E-mail: gdavila@ keywestlawoffice.com

Secondary E-Mail: e-filing@ keywestlawoffice.com

Publish:

June 15 & 22, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-134-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF LINDA E. BEST Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of LINDA E. BEST,

deceased, whose date of death was April 30, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 15, 2023.

Personal Representative:

BRUCE ANTHONY

NOWAKOWSKI

20110 Mulberry Knoll

Lewes, Delaware 19958

Attorney for Personal Representative:

JOHN FERRARI, JR.

Attorney

Florida Bar No. 111132

Ferrari, Butler & Moneymaker, PLLC

2520 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 11 Nokomis, FL 34275

Telephone: (941) 960-1676

Fax: (941) 296-8656

E-mail: johnf@elderlegalfl.com

Secondary E-mail: pollyb@ elderlegalfl.com

Publish:

June 15 & 22, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

I N THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 23-CP-000053-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN W. EAGLE, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOHN W. EAGLE, JR., deceased, whose date of death was October 26, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 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.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 15, 2023.

Personal Representative: KAREN EAGLE

15 Cindy Place Key Largo, FL 33037

Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ.

Florida Bar No. 1015363

HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP

88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com

Publish:

June 15 & 22, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

IN

THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000129-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARK B. POTTLE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Mark B. Pottle, deceased, whose date of death was March 26, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 15, 2023.

Personal Representative: Patricia G. Pottle 3827 McFarlane Drive Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert A. Pierce Attorney Florida Bar No. 0175399

AUSLEY & MCMULLEN P.A. 123 S. Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 Telephone: (850) 224-9115 Fax: (850) 222-7560

E-mail: bpierce@ausley.com

Secondary E-mail: spelham@ ausley.com

Publish:

June 15 & 22, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-29-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF CAROLE DIANNE RHODES A/K/A C. DIANNE RHODES Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CAROLE DIANNE RHODES A/K/A C. DIANNE RHODES, deceased, whose date of death was April 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 8, 2023.

Personal Representatives:

Lori LeAnn Ferguson-Harvey 147 NW 466 P Road Clinton, Missouri 64735

Jon Robert Ferguson 31734 133rd Trail Road Nelson, Missouri 65347

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: June 8 & 15, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-65-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL LANSING GAYLORD

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MICHAEL LANSING GAYLORD, deceased, whose date of death was December 3, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 8, 2023.

Personal Representative: PAUL ASHLEY GAYLORD CMR 460 Box 441 APO, AE 09752

Attorney for Personal Representatives:

URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ.

Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com

Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com

Florida Bar No. 382035

Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036

Telephone: 305-664-5065

Publish:

June 8 & 15, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-60-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER CHARLES UHLAND Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CHRISTOPHER CHARLES UHLAND, deceased, whose date of death was January 25, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 8, 2023.

Personal Representative: SUSAN L. MILLER 138 Mockingbird Rd. Tavernier, FL 33070

Attorney for Personal Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ.

Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com

Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish:

June 8 & 15, 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

HEALTH INSURANCE NAVIGATOREnrollment Assistance, Outreach, Education and Community Events. Paid Training and equipment. Bi-lingual a plus. Call 305-767-3883

MEDICAL ASSISTANT. Doctor's office, KL. PT flex hrs, perfect for student or retiree. Salary commensurate with experience, but willing to train. Send resume to drsusanamay@ gmail.com or fax to 305-852-8672.

TRUCK DRIVERS CDL CLASS A

We are hiring CDL CLASS A Drivers, Monday-Friday with overtime available. Hazmat not needed.

Apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.

129 Toppino Industrial Dr., Key West (ask for Cheryl) 305-296-5606 ext 126.

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.

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

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.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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.

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

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

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

MAINTENANCE

POSITION w/ busy Non-profit.

FT with benefits. Longterm position w/room for growth. Valid DL required. Must have maintenance or related experience, computer skills and relate well with people. Very physical position, heavy lifting, heat, etc. Drug-free workplace. EOE Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc. org NO phone calls.

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 (caregiver), 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.

MAINTENANCE POSITION WITH BUSY NONPROFIT

FT with benefits. Long-term position w/room for growth. Valid DL required. Must have maintenance or related experience, computer skills and relate well with people. Very physical position, heavy lifting, heat, etc.

Drug-free workplace, EOE. Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

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

COLLECTIBLES

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

Oceanside-Lot with building permit in Tavernier $399K OBO 305-933-9594

Owner-Agent [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!

SERVICES OFFERED

Registered Nurse available to help with your home health care needs. In-home care assistance is also available. Local references. 305-5870892. Please call and leave message or text.

YARD SALES

Moving Sale: Saturday, June 17 - 8am to 3pm. 900 84th Street Ocean, Marathon. No early birds please! Books and household goods. No furniture or fishing equipment. Please call 305-731-0771 with any questions.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

Need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.

Email Ma at eliteboatrentalsma @gmail.com. Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

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

Sweet Savannah’s IS HIRING BAKERS

IS HIRING!

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

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

IS HIRING!

PLANT STORE MANAGER TRAINEE

MARC is looking for a 40-hr/wk. Manager Trainee Good social/business skills, above average computer skills required (knowledge of POS a plus). Knowledge of tropical plants helpful. Requires a lot of manual labor and must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. EOE Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary Street, Key West – or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305-294-9526 *32

IS HIRING!

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

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

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

•

• Hosts

• Waitstaff

• Bartenders

• Bar Backs

• Bussers

• Line Cooks

• Dishwashers

Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

Must

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

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

- Line Cook

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

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

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Pool Physical Therapist

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

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, up to $15,000 Sign-on Bonus*

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Sign-on Bonus*

- Emergency Dept Team Coordinator

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

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

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

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

- Nurse Manager, Emergency Dept, $20,000 Sign-on Bonus*

- Nurse Practitioner

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Pool Physical Therapist

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

- Sanitation Technician

- Security Of cer

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

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

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

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

Lower Keys • Custoomeer Serrvicce Reppresseentaative • Assiissttaant B Branch O Operratiioons Manager r Upper Keys • Leead T Tellller r

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge in Islamorada is NOW OPEN and serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Key West • Telleer • Custtoomeer Serrvice R Reppressenntatiive • Addmmiinnissttratiivve A Assissttant Benefits Competitive Salary & Hourly Pay Rates • 401K with Employer Match Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-Term Disability Plans Available Paid Time Off Plus Federal Bank Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement Paid Time Off for Volunteering • Cash Profit Sharing

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**

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.