Key West Weekly 23-0713

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”

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News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline

Tuesday 2 p.m.

Is the Heat Miser vacationing in the Florida Keys? One would think so with the recent hot spell. Per the National Weather Service Key West, the Marathon International Airport reached 98 degrees on July 11, breaking the previous record of 96 degrees that was set in 1991.

KEY WEST OFFICIALS TO TOAST LOCAL RUM DISTILLERY

COMMISSION WILL ALSO HONOR RETIRING CITY MANAGER ON HER LAST DAY

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

This week’s Key West city commission meeting, on Thursday, July 13, could be more exciting than usual.

It takes place on the day the city is proclaiming “Key West Legal Rum Day,” AND it’s retiring City Manager Patti McLauchlin’s last day of work.

If that’s not a reason to celebrate with locally made rum, we don’t know what is.

The rum proclamation is in honor of Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery, created by Paul Menta and Tony Mantia, on its 10th anniversary as the first license ever issued in Monroe County for a business to legally and locally produce alcohol, the key word being “legally.”

The distillery has also become an integral part of the Key West community, helping and donating to countless charity projects and hurricane recovery efforts.

But back to the city commission meeting, which starts its morning session at 9 a.m. and its evening session at 5 p.m.

In the morning, in addition to the rum proclamation, city officials will honor McLauchlin and hear an update “to provide essential information on the progress of the Florida Keys Water Pipeline Replacement” from Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Director Greg Veliz.

Captain David Dipre of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will discuss the presence and removal of derelict vessels in Keys waters. The city’s port director will also provide an update on the proposed mooring field in Man of War Basin around Wisteria Island. The county has proposed 100 mooring balls for the area.

Officials also will discuss the new welcome sign being designed for the entrance to the island, and Code Compliance Director Jim Young will update the commission on his department’s activities and priorities. Officials also are expected to award an $8 million construction contract to the locally owned Keystar Construction to build the new and improved Frederick Douglass Gym and Community Center in Bahama Village.

The morning session of the meeting also includes approval of the consent agenda, which includes special event permit approvals, equipment purchases and other non-controversial items that typically get approved without discussion.

And then comes the evening session, starting at 5 p.m.

That session will include a discussion about The Lofts workforce housing development at Truman Waterfront, which has been wrestling with questions over a $4 million request from the Monroe County Land Authority. Developers of the new community oppose the requirement that each new tenant and homeowner at The Lofts would be required, under land authority policy, to requalify annually for the income guidelines. Such a requirement, developers fear, would discourage residents of The Lofts from pursuing pay raises and better employment given the fact that it could jeopardize their residency in the workforce housing development.

The commission will hear the latest update about that project during the evening session of the commission meeting.

Officials also will consider changes to the city’s ordinance governing the placement and main-

tenance of newspaper racks on city sidewalks. The proposed revisions include a permitting system that would prioritize the racks based on the frequency of publication.

“The City Manager shall be guided by the following criteria of priorities in issuing permits whenever more than four news racks are proposed for any one news rack location: First priority shall be daily publications (published five or more days per week). Second priority shall be publications published two to four days per week. Third priority shall be publications published one day per week. Fourth priority shall be publications published less than one day per week.”

For the full agenda, visit cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

The Key West City Commission will proclaim Thursday, July 13 at ‘Key West Legal Rum Day’ in honor of the 10th anniversary of Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery on Simonton Street. CONTRIBUTED

Retiring City Manager Patti McLauchlin speaks during Key West’s dedication as a Coast Guard City in August 2022. See page 8. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Cuervo y Sobrinos x Emeralds International

Friday July 21st / 5 - 7 p.m.

Cuervo y Sobrinos and Emeralds International are pleased to invite you to the launch event of the new Historiador Hemingway Watch Collection.It will take place at the historic San Carlos Institute in Key West on Friday July 21st, 2023, from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. We will be honored to have the presence of John Hemingway, grandson of the great writer, at this special occasion.

Please RSVP by July 10th to ensure your place at this significant event. You can confirm your attendance by contacting Marina Marcial at 305 294 2060 or marina@emeraldsinternational.com

We value your presence and look forward to seeing you there.

OIL BILLIONAIRES

WON’T BUILD TEACHER HOUSING

TRUMBO ROAD APARTMENTS FOR SCHOOL EMPLOYEES BACK TO SQUARE ONE

LOCAL FOUNDATION SEEKS MORE DIVERSITY IN KEYS TEACHERS

INITIATIVE PROVIDES FINANCIAL FELLOWSHIPS FOR BLACK TEACHERS

Public schools in Monroe County have about 1,500 black students, representing 16% of the overall enrollment, but as of two years ago, there were only eight black teachers in the county school district, representing 3% of all teachers. Gerald Adams Elementary School in Key West, for example, has a student population that is 40% black.

so these educators need to apply through the normal routes, get hired by the school district and start teaching.

“Fellowship awards will be presented to teachers in their respective classrooms next week by Terry Huff, representing the Golden Fleece Foundation,” Padget said.

The oil billionaires who had agreed to build teacher housing on Trumbo Road in Key West have pulled out of the deal, Superintendent Theresa Axford announced during the July 11 school board meeting in Marathon.

“On Friday, I got a call from Jed Molleston of SPGL LLC, who said, regrettably, that they couldn’t help us with the Trumbo housing. They are still building the sheriff’s office housing on the lot neighboring theirs, so we do still have a reason to be thankful for their support of our community, if not the school district.”

The school board on July 11 was slated to approve a ground lease with SPGL for the school district’s Trumbo Road property, but the Friday call from Molleston made that a moot point.

Jed Molleston and his wife, Meg, own the luxury Steam Plant Condominiums adjacent to the school district’s property that houses its headquarters and current administrative building.

Meg Molleston’s brother, Walter “Wag” Woodward, had infamously told the school district’s housing task force in May 2022, “We have a pile of cash that a long-legged show dog couldn’t jump over.”

But apparently that cash won’t be used for teacher housing.

Axford told the board that members of the district’s housing task force

were amenable to reissuing a Request for Proposals from potential developers of that property.

“The urgency for housing is still there, because we are still losing teachers and having potential teachers turn down job offers here because they can’t afford housing in the Keys,” Axford said.

The withdrawal of SPGL, which was going to fully fund the housing development, will likely give the school district more flexibility with the number of units built on the property and the height of the buildings, said school board attorney Gaelen Jones.

“We had a lot of self-imposed limits in our agreement with SPGL, including that we wouldn’t build a third story even if it was allowed by the city’s height limits, and we had said we wouldn’t build to the maximum density allowed on that property. But presumably a different developer wouldn’t have those same concerns. I believe the maximum density was 237 units.”

The agreement with SPGL would have been limited to 80 units.

The ability to build more units with a larger density could make the project more financially attractive to potential developers, Jones added.

So now all options are back on the table for teacher housing on Trumbo Road, where school board members and administrators have talked for 25 years about moving the administration building off that property and converting it to employee housing.

The Black Educators Initiative, created and funded by Key West businessman and philanthropist John Padget through his Golden Fleece Foundation, provides financial fellowships as an incentive for black teachers to apply for jobs in the Monroe County School District.

Research shows that having a black teacher has several positive effects on black students. One study found that black students who had one black teacher by third grade were 7% more likely to graduate high school and 13% more likely to enroll in college. After having two black teachers, black students’ likelihood of enrolling in college increased by 32%.

“I think the ramifications of this program could be dramatic,” Padget told the Keys Weekly on July 11.

“We expect this program to expand,” said Bryan Green, board member of the Golden Fleece Foundation that funds the fellowships. “Including the newly hired teachers, the district will now have 22 black teachers (provided the new hires can find housing in the Keys). The Black Educator Initiative has made good progress, but the goal is to have teachers that fully represent the demographics of the students.”

The Black Educators Initiative, with funding from the Golden Fleece Foundation, provides a $30,000 fellowship to black teachers who are hired by the local school district.

Padget emphasized that he and the foundation “have nothing at all to do with the hiring process,”

Huff is a graduate of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), the nation’s first public liberal arts institution for African Americans and a Historically Black College/University in Durham, North Carolina.

The $30,000 fellowships are awarded to newly hired black teachers in Monroe County. Huff said that awardees from out-ofcounty receive $15,000 at the beginning of their first year. Then, coinciding with their continued employment, they receive $10,000 at the start of their second year, and $5,000 for their third year.

Teacher Anita Linville was one of the first teachers to receive a BEI fellowship after being offered a job at Key West High School.

“The Black Educator Initiative is designed to bridge the gap of inequity and inequality so often seen in education today,” Linville said. “It is a powerful program to provide an opportunity for diverse students to learn from a diverse group of teachers. Because the intent is so radically genuine, the Golden Fleece foundation makes the process easy for potential Black educators.”

Key West High School teacher Anita Linville is one of the first recipients of a fellowship provided through the Black Educators Initiative in Monroe County schools. CONTRIBUTED

For more information and to apply, black educators should visit blackeducatorinitiative.com for details.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

This aerial map shows the location of the school district headquarters on Trumbo Road in Key West that has long been discussed as a prime location for employee housing. CONTRIBUTED

3 ARRESTED IN LOWER KEYS METH CASE

ARRESTEES WERE FOUND SLEEPING IN A SELF - STORAGE LOCKER

CAN YOU HELP MONITOR CORAL BLEACHING AT THE REEF?

FREE TRAINING OFFERED JULY 15 AT ECO DISCOVERY CENTER

As sea temperatures rise to record highs, Mission: Iconic Reefs (M:IR) coral restoration practitioners and NOAA resource managers are bracing for large-scale, coral bleaching events that devastate the coral reef and its ecosystem.

On Saturday, July 15, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) invites citizen scientists to learn how to collect field observations and report on conditions at the reefs before, during and after bleaching events. The Florida Keys BleachWatch program training led by M:IR partner Mote Marine Lab’s coral reef assessment & monitoring senior biologist Cory Walter will take place at the Eco-Discovery Center at Truman Waterfront in Key West from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Three Key West men were arrested on drugrelated charges after they were found sleeping at a storage locker business on East Rockland Key.

James Richard Greer, 56; his son Hunter James Greer, 29; and Matthew Steven Bostrom, 33; were each charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.

Bostrom was also charged with providing a false name to law enforcement and criminal mischief causing property damage.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to the Storage Rentals of America property at 10:21 a.m. Saturday regarding a suspicious person sleeping near a rental locker. The locker was opened and two more people were sleeping inside. All three were identified as those arrested.

Police said about 15.7 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, plastic baggies, pipes, and other drug paraphernalia were found in the locker. An additional 2 grams of meth was found in James Greer’s wallet.

— Contributed

Initiated by FKNMS in coordination with Mote Marine Lab in 2005, the community-based reporting program serves as an early warning network for bleaching events. BleachWatch volunteers help scientists understand where bleaching is occurring, what coral species are more vulnerable, how long and severe the event is, and ultimately, what the recovery and resilience potential is.

BleachWatch field observation data is integrated with existing NOAA satellite analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of current conditions throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary –3,800 square miles of coastal and ocean waters and since 2019, home to M:IR, one of the world’s largest coral restoration initiatives.

“Although remote sensing and in-situ data collection can provide an indication of when conditions are ideal for onset of coral bleaching, the actual onset of bleaching can be a gradual process, and effects can vary over an area as large as FKNMS,” said Walter. “In order to accurately assess the initial effects of bleaching events and to assess coral condition during and after bleaching events, a large network of trained observers are needed to provide regular reports of actual coral conditions on the reefs – our “eyes on the water.”

Florida’s corals require temperatures in the 64- to 86-degree range; sudden changes can cause them to expel the nutrient-producing zooxanthellae they host.

NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch’s summer outlook predicts an Alert Level 2 for a bleaching event which means mortality is likely, Walter said.

Observers can also play a crucial role in identifying corals that aren’t bleaching, especially in areas with corals that are. This can provide restoration practitioners with potential founder stock for heatresilient genotype sourcing.

For those interested but unable to attend, visit www.mote.org/ bleachwatch for online training. Future workshops will take place at Mote and the Upper Keys. More information is available from Walter at 305-395-8730 or cwalter@mote. org, or at www.mote.org/bleach.`

Iconic Reefs field team diver monitors coral outplants. A special BleachWatch training program helps support their efforts. JAY CLUE/Contributed

A July 10 arrest at a self-storage facility on East Rockland Key yielded 17.7 gram of meth and drug paraphernalia. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

SO LONG, FAREWELL, YOU’LL BE MISSED

CITY MANAGER PATTI MCLAUCHLIN RETIRES AFTER 40+ YEARS

“I’m committed to this community, my community. I’m committed to our employees … and I’m extremely honored to be the first woman city manager of my community.”

Those were the words of Patti McLauchlin in June 2021, when she was appointed the first female city manager of Key West.

Her last day as a city employee before retirement is Thursday, July 13.

McLauchlin moved into “the big office” on the second floor of city hall on June 15, 2021 — and the adjective of “interim” was no longer before her title. She was Key West’s city manager — and the first female to have the job.

When I first walked into that office to interview Patti, I immediately snapped a photo of her beneath the artwork that showed the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, with one of her famous quotes, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

Her desk was already lined with photos of her grandkids, who are two of the main reasons she’s retiring now. Forty-seven years with the City of Key West are the other reasons.

The city commission voted unanimously on June 15, 2021 to make McLauchlin the permanent city manager after her predecessor, Greg Veliz, moved to a job at the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.

“There’s a new level of calm in the city,” Teri Johnston told McLauchlin at that meeting. “You treat people fairly and equitably. You think before you act and you reach out to the community before you make a decision. We know you’ll lead this community in a moral and equitable way.”

Former city commissioner Greg Davila added back then, “I never liked the word ‘interim’ in front of your name. You are our city manager.”

To honor McLauchlin, thank her for her accessibility and honesty to me as a local media representative, and to wish her the very best in retirement, we gathered a few comments and memories from people who have worked with Patti for a long time and in various capacities.

“I was on the commission through eight city managers. We may have had those with more experience in municipal management, but in Patti, we had the best ‘can do’ spirit in her willingness to do boots-on-the-ground and handson all the way.”

— City Commissioner Clayton Lopez

“Years before I was ever in consideration for city manager I walked into Patti’s office and told her if I got there, she would be the assistant city manager. She thought I was crazy and we’ve laughed about it often. When the day did eventually come, I reminded her of our conversation and said it was time. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Patti has given her life to this city and we owe her a great debt of gratitude.”

— Greg Veliz, director of Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (and former Key West city manager)

“Patti should be applauded for her 47 years of service to our community. It is a rarity these days for someone to stay engaged with one employer for 4½ decades. As the first woman city manager ever appointed in our 200-year history, Patti handled herself with grace, dignity and a strong commitment to make Key West more livable for all. We wish you peace and fulfillment in your next chapter.”

— Key West Mayor Teri Johnston

“Patti is an inspiration to all of us for her love and dedication to the City of Key West. She will be greatly missed. It has been a pleasure to get to know her in these past few months. I wish her the best in her retirement.”

— Key West City Manager Al Childress

“Patti has been a wonderful city manager to work with. She has led the city that she loves. City employee morale has improved significantly throughout her leadership. She will be greatly missed.”

— City Commissioner Sam Kaufman

“Patti McLaughlin is one of the finest, most ethical people I have ever known. I am proud to call her my dear friend. But if anyone has earned her retirement, it’s Patti. Now she’ll have the time to be the best ‘mee-maw’ ever!”

— Key West City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover

1. Patti McLauchlin, Police Chief Sean Brandenburg and former Chief Donie Lee.

2. McLauchlin, Patricia Neyra and the late Diane Neyra Eliopoulos.

3. McLauchlin hard at work during the COVID crisis.

4. McLauchlin with Mayor Teri Johnston at a Key West Business Guild luncheon.

5. Friend and colleague Dorian Patton with McLauchlin at her retirement party.

6. McLauchlin with superstar singer Adam Lambert during his Key West concert.

7. McLauchlin with her successor, City Manager Al Childress.

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

RALPH MORROW

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

ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

SPORTS & MORE

ARRAEZ GIVES MARLINS A NEW LOOK

These are not your father’s Miami Marlins. They’re not even your Marlins of last year. These Marlins can compete with any team in the National League. Well, maybe not the Atlanta Braves. But close.

Kim Ng is the general manager and a very good one. Apparently, she selected Skip Schumaker as manager. Both get credit, at least from me, for the Marlins landing in second place, eight games or so behind Atlanta.

Renowned second baseman Luis Arraez flirted with and occasionally topped a .400 batting average during the first half of the season. The last player to top .400 for a whole season was Ted Williams, who hit .406 for the Boston Red Sox in 1941.

This is Arraez’s first season with Miami after four years with Minnesota, for which he hit a league-leading .316, then was traded to Miami for pitcher Pablo Lopez and a couple of minor leaguers.

Arraez, who makes $6.3 million this season, has only played second base for the Marlins, but also played first and third for the Twins. The highest paid Marlin, reserve outfielder Avisail Garcia, makes $12 million.

At first base for the Marlins are Yuli Gurriel or Garrett Cooper. Both bat and throw right-handed.

Joey Wendle, 33, is the regular starter at shortstop, backed up by Jon Berti, who fills in at all infield positions. Wendle bats left, while Berti bats right.

Garrett Hampson, 28, is listed as a third shortstop, but as he throws right-handed, he can fill in anywhere.

Jean Segura, 33, is the regular third baseman and the Marlins’ long ball specialist, hitting 20-some homers for Miami. He hits and throws right handed. Despite his homers, he doesn’t hit much of anything else, carrying a batting average close to .200.

Nick Fortes, a holdover from a year ago, along with Jacob Stallings, is the regular catcher. He bats and throws right-handed, as does Stallings, 26.

BECAUSE OF INJURIES, the outfield has been varied. Injuries have interrupted the career of Jazz Chisholm Jr. He was the electric second baseman a year ago and I thought he should stay there. His continued presence on the injured list and Arraez’s presence at second are two good reasons he’s not.

At 25, Chilholm would probably be the starting center fielder if he were stronger. Instead, the 31-yearold Jonathan Davis, batting righthanded around .250 and throwing right, was the starter until he was injured. Now, the starter is rookie Dane Myers, 27. He bats and throws right-handed.

Bryan De La Cruz is the left fielder and seems to hit better each season. At one step near the midpoint of the season, De la Cruz, 26, was hitting .273.

In right field is Jesus Sanchez, 25, batting left, throwing right and hitting around .250.

In the designated hitter position all year is Jorge Soler, 31, who was hitting around .250. and batting right-handed.

STARTING THE PITCHING ROTATION with the National League Cy Young winner would seem to be a great way to begin the season, but it hasn’t been for left-hander Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara, 27, did his part, but his relievers had problems. Consequently, Alcantara had a losing record at mid-season. The Marlins’ projected best pitcher is being paid $6.3 million, while 33-year-old Matt Barnes received $8.34 million.

Next up is Jesus Luzardo, who was unbeaten in seven games. He’s 25 and a lefthander. Luzardo is often followed by Braxton Garrett and then Bryan Hoeing, and J.T. Chargois in the starting pitching rotations.

WHEN STARTERS RUN INTO trouble, it’s time for the relief corps. As manager Skip Schumaker doesn’t seem to favor complete games for pitchers, there’s plenty of room for the relievers to ply their trade. Of course, the rested starters have a shot at being called, too.

Stephen Okert is often the first relief pitcher. Tanner Scott can provide a powerful left-handed fireball. George Soriano wraps up the relief. Then it’s time for the closer, and the Marlins have a good one in A.J. Puk. You can’t miss him. Puk is 6’7” and has a body topped by a mass of red hair — and a yen for victories.

R.J. ESTEVEZ

Senior, Key West Football

Offseasons are when a student athlete can really make gains, and R.J. Estevez has been doing just that. He has been diligently attending summer workouts and putting in the time and effort needed to improve his game. Conchs football coach Johnny Hughes believes he will play multiple positions, both offensively and defensively, this season. The rising senior will see time at linebacker, defensive end, fullback and tight end in some situations. His hard work in the weight room will ensure he quickly becomes an impact player for the Conchs this year. For his dedication to his team as well as relentless selfimprovement, R.J. Estevez is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“R.J. has added size, strength and speed this offseason. He works hard in the weight room and on the field.”

– Johnny Hughes, Key West football coach

THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS BOYS LACROSSE TEAM

Coral Shores secured a winning 7-5 record this year, winning half of their district games and a high-profile showdown with Key West. The ’Canes graduate 11 seniors this season, but return their top goal scorer and faceoff winner as well as one of their top three ground ball scoopers, giving them a solid foundation to build upon for next year.

Key West faced adversity this season with a plague of injuries hampering their success. Their 2-16 record was not indicative of their potential when fully healthy. The Conchs will graduate five seniors, but their relatively young team will return several key scorers and their goalkeeper, setting the stage for success in 2024.

Key West junior attacker and captain Mack Hill was voted as the Conchs’ offensive MVP. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

SULLY MCDONOUGH

Junior, Coral Shores Attacker

McDonough led the Hurricanes with 28 goals scored this season. The unselfish junior had no problem helping his teammates net goals as well; he earned 17 assists, which was second for the ’Canes. McDonough picked up 28 ground balls and was credited with five takeaways, placing him in the top portion of his team in nearly every statistical category but one. McDonough was tied for last in penalties, proving he embraces enough finesse and understanding of the game to enhance his aggressive scoring style rather than hinder it. With another season of play next year, McDonough will undoubtedly do big things for Coral Shores in 2024.

MATEO LOPEZ

Freshman, Key West Goalkeeper

In Mateo Lopez’s inaugural season playing lacrosse, he saved 113 out of 267 shots on goal for the Conchs, giving him a 43% save percentage. The freshman was awarded the MVP commendation for Key West for his positive impact on his team both on and off the field.

ALEX SEBBEN

Senior, Coral Shores Attacker

Senior Alex Sebben has been an integral part of Coral Shores’ team for the duration of his high school career. This season he moved from defender to attacker, scoring 17 goals and 18 assists for the ’Canes and still managing to earn six takeaways. His versatility was key in many of the team’s wins this season.

EDDIE MOLINE

Junior, Key West Goalkeeper/Defender

Moline was another first-year player for Key West, using his prior baseball catcher skills for his new sport of choice. He was credited with 27 ground balls and 22 saves this season, due in part to his quick reflexes and to the discipline he showed in play.

DOMINIC GONZALEZ

Senior, Coral Shores

Midfielder

Gonzalez netted 15 goals this season and was credited with three assists as well. The hard-working senior picked up 51 ground balls for the ’Canes, averaging more than five per game in his efforts to hold down the midfield.

MACK HILL

Junior, Key West Attacker

In an abbreviated season due to injury, Conchs captain Mack Hill scored 16 goals, assisted another 16 times and won 24 ground balls in his junior campaign. Hill was voted the team’s offensive MVP despite playing in just over half of its games and was elected captain the past two years.

ANDREW KUMAR

Senior, Coral Shores

Midfielder

Kumar led the Hurricanes in ground balls this season with 58, averaging 5.3 pickups per game. His hustle went both ways on the field. He ended his senior season with 11 goals scored and was credited with 14 assists offensively.

TATE GARR

Junior, Key West Defender

With 17 takeaways and 22 ground balls this season, Tate Garr was a force on defense, scoring one goal offensively as well. The junior impact player was elected the defensive MVP for the Conchs and also earned a Scholar-Athlete Award.

LANDON BLACKFORD

Senior, Coral Shores Midfielder

Landon Blackford was all over the field this season, attacking as much as he was defending. The senior netted 16 goals and four assists for the ’Canes offensively. He is also credited with 24 ground balls and a takeaway for Coral Shores.

JONDEL TORO

Junior, Key West Midfielder

Conchs midfielder Jondel Toro had seven takeaways, 26 ground balls, one goal and one assist last season for Key West. The versatile junior was elected a team captain by his teammates and won the Unsung Hero Award this year for his extraordinary yet often unrecognized play.

CHUCK JACOBSEN

Senior, Coral Shores Midfielder

One look at Chuck Jacobsen and you would never guess he was a first-year player for Coral Shores. Jacobsen dominated face-offs, winning 68 this season. He picked up 45 ground balls and is credited with five takeaways, making him a terror to opposing teams on defense. Offensively, he scored a pair of goals and helped out with another pair of assists.

REESE JAHN

Senior, Coral Shores

Goalkeeper

Senior goaltender Reese Jahn took his position as the last line of defense seriously, earning a 66% save percentage while blocking 147 shots from scoring this season. Jahn was also credited with 29 ground balls and three takeaways during his senior campaign.

Coral Shores junior attacker Sully McDonough is the 2023 All-Keys Lacrosse MVP after a 28-goal, 17-assist season. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

MVP

ROADWORK TO AFFECT SOUTH ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD

NIGHTTIME CLOSURES START JULY 16

3 KEYS RESORTS MAKE TRAVEL + LEISURE’S WORLD’S BEST LIST

LITTLE PALM ISLAND, MARQUESA HOTEL & OCEAN KEY RESORT ARE TOP IN FLORIDA

Beginning Sunday, July 16 at 10 p.m., northbound and southbound lanes of South Roosevelt Boulevard, and the pedestrian pathway, will be closed nightly Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. from just east of Key West by the Sea condominiums to the east end of Smathers Beach. This closure allows workers to install stormwater drainage pipes across the road. The work is expected to be complete by late July. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should plan an alternate route during these nightly closures.

During the road closure, access to the Key West International Airport, and businesses and residences east of the airport, will be from the east side of South Roosevelt Boulevard, via Flagler Avenue or North Roosevelt Boulevard.

La Brisa Condominiums, Margaritaville Beach Resort

and Key West by the Sea will be accessible from the west end of South Roosevelt Boulevard via Bertha Street.

Detour signs will be in place at Flagler Avenue, Bertha Street, First Street, the Key West International Airport and North Roosevelt Boulevard.

The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

This work is part of the ongoing road project along South Roosevelt Boulevard from Bertha Street to the end of Smathers Beach.

For more information, contact FDOT’s public information office at 305-470-5349 or community outreach specialist Julie Brown, at 305-927-1479 or Julie.Brown@exp.com. For additional information about this and other FDOT projects, visit southflroads.com.

— Contributed

Travel + Leisure on July 11 announced the results of its annual World’s Best Awards, ranking three Florida Keys properties, all operated by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, as top Florida resorts.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa obtained the No. 1 ranking; the Marquesa Hotel is No. 2 and Ocean Key Resort & Spa is No. 8 in Florida.

Each year, Travel + Leisure recognizes the top hotels, islands, cities, cruise lines, airlines, spas and more around the globe, according to the results of the World’s Best Awards 2023 readers’ survey. This year, nearly 165,000 Travel + Leisure readers completed the survey, resulting in a total of more than 685,000 votes cast across the ballot.

“It’s always an incredible honor to receive recognition within the World’s Best Awards as the results come directly from our guests,” said a representative of Noble House Hotels & Resorts. “The rankings are a true testament to our commitment to an exceptional stay experience and bespoke hospitality each property provides. We are thrilled to see Little Palm Island in the number-one ranking – the property is truly one-of-a-kind and we’re grateful for the guests that return to the island time and time again.”

The 2023 World’s Best Awards are published on Travel + Leisure’s website at travelandleisure.com/

worlds-best/worlds-best-2023 and will be featured in the August 2023 issue of the publication.

About Noble House Hotels & Resorts

The Noble House Hotels & Resorts portfolio is a collection of 25 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America—all designed for discerning travelers seeking to escape the daily routine. Noble House can be trusted to unlock the most authentic experiences in the most compelling destinations. This promise is delivered through their carefully curated collection that pairs boutique local charm with consistent high service and comfort standards. All concepts within their collection offer immersive, active adventure experiences that bring out the best of their destinations. Headquartered in Seattle, their family-owned business philosophy creates value for each concept’s community, environment, ownership, staff, and guests. The portfolio includes over 75 restaurants, bars, and lounges; the Napa Valley Wine Train; a collection of spas, marinas and private residences throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico; a range of beachfront resorts from California to Florida; luxury retreats in Jackson Hole, Wyo., British Columbia, and Colorado; and awardwinning urban hotels in Seattle and San Francisco.

Readers of Travel + Leisure rank LIttle Palm Island, off Little Torch Key at MM 28 in the Florida Keys, the No. 1 resort in Florida for 2023. LITTLE PALM ISLAND/Contributed

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.

We were 20 miles offshore, 70 miles from Havana, in about 900 feet of water, when Kevin Christman described the bird we were all watching as “cute.”

The bird was a stormpetrel, and it was flying around a chum slick dotted with popcorn and, I believe, Meow Mix, which is the kind of food that attracts a bird like a storm-petrel on the high seas. It was flying low over the slick in a pretty discursive manner, landing briefly on occasion, before taking off again and continuing its discursiveness.

It was a dark, roundbodied bird, with a white stripe across the base of its tail feathers. It looked a bit like an aquatic pigeon, if there was such a thing. It also had a somewhat bulbous forehead, making it looking reminiscent of a flying Beluga whale.

At first we thought it was a Wilson’s stormpetrel, because that’s the species you’re most likely to see in those waters. But Wilson’s storm-petrels have longish legs that extend out beyond their tail, and this bird did not. We ruled out Leach’s storm-petrel, as Leaches have a deep, v-shaped notch in their tail, and this bird did not. Which got us to band-rumped storm-petrel, which is kind of an appropriate name, with the bird having a band across its rump, though it is not the only storm-petrel with such a band.

Storm-petrels are thought to be some of the most common birds in the world, but people hardly ever see them. They are pelagic birds of the deepwater. They come to land only to breed. And when they do breed, they tend to do it in burrows on the cliff sides of out-of-the way islands. The closest places this bird could have been hatched were the Galapagos or the Azores.

Pelagic birding, which basically consists of driving around in a boat on the ocean, looking for birds, seems odd. It’s rather traditional in the birder world, but we weren’t a terribly experienced crew. Kevin had put the trip together. He’d done one other pelagic out of Homestead. Matt Jolley had done one off of Cape Cod. Steph and Kirby from up around Jupiter had never been on one before.

A band-rumped storm-petrel seen recently about 20 miles south of Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

SOOTIES, NODDIES & SHEARWATERS, OH MY

The captain of the Fishizzle, a 33-foot Mako with three very large Mercurys on the back, who was also named Kevin, was pretty game, though, steering the boat where we pointed, slowing down or stopping when we asked, and having some pretty good suggestions of where some birds might be.

I’ve done pelagic trips off of Islamorada, New Smyrna Beach, Cape Hatteras, NC, and Lima, Peru. I’ve also done about 30 runs out to the Dry Tortugas, almost always riding on deck, sometimes on the ferry, sometimes on overnight boats where we swung out into the deeper water to look for birds.

But, man, I never feel confident on a pelagic trip. For one, everything is in motion. And not only are the birds rarely at rest, they also tend to be pretty fast moving and distant. So you’re looking through binoculars, trying to pick up enough bits of visual information to coalesce into a clear perception of the needed field marks, while literally everything is in flux. And I tend to go years between pelagic trips, so I get rusty. A lot of times I find myself cramming with a field guide as the boat leaves the marina.

I’ve never in my life been seasick – knock wood – but staring for long periods of time through my 8x42 binoculars, or worse, through the long barrel of my 400mm camera lens, I sometimes get a notional inkling of what it might feel like.

As we pulled out of Key West Harbor that morning, there was a good sense of adventure. We were kind of making it up as we went along, as no one we knew had ever really done a pelagic off Key West. Who knew what we might find?

We went out through the main shipping channel, zigzagging between channel markers. Mostly we were seeing the white terns – least terns, sandwich terns, and a good number of roseate terns, which can be hard to see from land. We could see Sand Key in the distance to our right, and soon the water went from the

familiar aqua of the nearshore to the rich sapphire blue of the deep water.

Soon, three backlit dark shapes flew past us. I went for my camera before I went for my binoculars, which was a rookie mistake, and I ended up getting neither a good look nor a good shot. Or any shot really. The results were the same for all of us. But logic-ing it out, the birds being terns but having no white on their bellies, we realized they were brown noddies.

Not too long afterward we came across a small flock of birds swooping and diving quickly into the water. There were more brown noddies. There were also other terns of similar size, but black and white, with that pied, tuxedoed vibe, making them sooty terns. Both breed at the Dry Tortugas, and I’ve seen thousands of each, but seeing them that far out at sea was a whole different experience.

In the next flock we found more sooties and noddies, but also Audubon’s shearwaters, which flew lower and had more rounded wings, and a tendency to bob on the surface of the water periodically. And then we began to see Cory’s shearwaters in the mix – brown, not black, and half again as big as the Audubon’s shearwaters.

After that we saw several flocks with pretty much the same makeup. I won’t say we became inured to the sooties, noddies and shearwaters, but as birders, you’re always craving something new. Which was when the band-rumped stormpetrel slid into view on the chum slick.

Kevin spent a lot of time wondering aloud if, being 20 miles offshore, it would be legitimate to add it to his Monroe County list. I’m actually terrible at, or at least terribly disinterested in, keeping lists, so I spent a few minutes wondering whether I’d seen a band-rump before, and came to the conclusion that I hadn’t. At least not that I could remember. So it was nice to pick up a lifer.

Also, I had to agree with Kevin that the bird was pretty cute. At least as far as pelagics go.

A NEW MARINA IS COMING TO KEY WEST

2. The redeveloped marina building at Happy Landings Marina should be finished by summer of 2024, while the boat slips and boat lifts should be available for lease in September 2023.

HAPPY LANDINGS TO OPEN THIS FALL OFF N. ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West’s housing crisis gets a lot of attention these days, but there’s another shortage that some people feel a little awkward complaining about, given the severity of the housing situation and its threat to the island’s workforce.

For the past few years, there’s been a significant shortage of boat storage space in Key West, both in and out of the water, with some boaters forced to keep their vessels as far north as Big Pine or even Marathon.

That’s about to change.

Happy Landings Marina is set to open 75 brand new wet slips at its new facility, located at 2409 N. Roosevelt Blvd., behind the Lions Club building.

The underused waterfront property, down the driveway past the Lions Club building, across the boulevard from the Fairfield Inn & Suites, is being transformed for the Key West boating community.

“Happy Landings Marina will cater to the residents and locals of Key West,” said Sam Napp and Daniel Robles, principals of Happy Landings Marina. “The goal is to lease all 75 slips on a long-term basis for those interested in a secure and prime location along North Roosevelt Boulevard. Boaters will have 24/7 access to their vessels with the ability to keep boats out of the water through our boat lift rental program. While there will be limited transient dockage, we are working on obtaining the necessary approvals to accommodate up to seven charter boats.”

The new marina will be able to accommodate 68 boat lifts with a starting capacity to lift 16,000 pounds that will be owned by the marina and installed based on customer demand and preferences, and then leased to the tenants of the slips, Napp and Robles told the Keys Weekly.

The locally owned Keystar Construction is building the docks, utilities and amenities, which are expected to be finished in August, with leasing to begin this September. Phase II of the project will include the complete redevelopment of the upland building that formerly housed the medical practice of Dr. Richard Walker. The building and landscaping should be finished by summer 2024, Napp and Robles said.

“Phase I will deliver dockside utilities, including shore power (30-amp electrical service), freshwater spigots for each customer and a centralized pump-out station. Other marina amenities include comprehensive surveillance systems, 24/7 gated access, a commercial ice machine, and a fish-cleaning station. To supplement that, we are also exploring a weigh station that’s certified by the International Game Fish Association.”

Finally, as an add-on service to marina tenants, Happy Landings staff will facilitate routine vessel maintenance, including washdowns, engine flushing, electronic checks and more.

“We are also planning to roll out a concierge service to stock and provision boaters’ vessels with ice, refreshments and food in advance of launching,” the principals said.

Phase II, the upland portion of the project, will include a boater lounge, restrooms, showers, marine-grade locker storage large enough to accommodate fishing and dive gear and a waterfront grilling area.

“Key West is facing a significant shortage of boat storage space,” Napp and Robles said. “Our marina aims to alleviate the supply issue for a large segment of the market and provide a spectacular boating experience for the community. While our 75 slips may not solve the entire problem, they are designed to cater to boaters in the 25- to 40-foot segment who have seen the most pressure over the last several years. It is worth noting that many of the newer marinas are in Stock Island and primarily cater to larger vessels and transient boaters.

“Happy Landings is poised to become Key West’s first boat lift-centric marina. This unique characteristic will provide boaters with unrestricted access to the open water by eliminating the need to rely on forklift drivers and standard business hours at other marinas’ haul out slips. We understand that Key West has been a seafaring community for well over 200 years, consisting of those who prefer early departures and flexibility when the conditions are right or when the bite is on.”

The boat lift leases will ensure that vessels are out of the corrosive saltwater, thus reducing the annual repair and maintenance costs while enhancing the boat’s longevity and resale value.

“The essence of the Happy Landings Marina experience lies within our carefully curated amenities and the strong sense of community we aim to cultivate through events and programming,” Napp and Robles said. “It’s through these elements that we seek to provide a unique and fulfilling experience for our customers.”

More information is at happylandingsmarina.com.

1. An aerial rendering of the new Happy Landings Marina that will soon open at 2409 N. Roosevelt Blvd., behind the Lions Club building. AMERICAN MARINA PROPERTIES/Tiltpixel

THREE ARRESTED IN LARGE FRAUD/ DRUG CASE

ARREST WARRANT LEADS TO DISCOVERY OF 100- PLUS STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

Monroe County sheriff’s deputies arrested three individuals at a Key Largo motel on July 6 after they were reportedly found with a large number of stolen credit cards, IDs and checks and other items in what appeared to be a large criminal enterprise.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies descended upon Sunset Cove Beach Resort around 2:30 p.m. to assist a bail bondsman. He stated that Katie Campbell, 42, of Islamorada, had an arrest warrant and was at the hotel along with two other people. Deputies say they discovered evidence of stolen mail and illegal narcotics while taking all three people into custody.

Criminal investigations detectives then executed a search warrant and found passports, more than 100 credit cards that did not belong to any of the suspects, burglary tools, forged checks and more than 20 different identification cards/paperwork from different states/countries that did not belong to the suspects. Detectives also discovered hundreds of items of mail that did not belong to the suspects and a scanner used to make illegal credit cards.

Fentanyl, marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and drug paraphernalia were also found during the search. Deputies also arrested Jacob Michael Majewski, 27, of

Miami; and Michael George Harvey, 30, of Miami.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay said the sheriff’s office is working alongside other law enforcement agencies in the Keys and South Florida in the ongoing investigation.

“Detectives are alerting banks, credit card companies and the U.S. Post Office of this incident. To have an investigation of this magnitude in our area is significant,” Ramsay said. “It is so important for law enforcement, financial institutions, the U.S. Post Office, and our citizens to be vigilant and work together.”

Campbell, Majewski and Harvey were charged with 125 counts of criminal use of personal identification information; 100 counts of traffic in or possessing counterfeit credit cards; 100 counts of theft/ obtaining credit card through fraudulent means; 25 counts of unauthorized possession of, and other unlawful acts concerning a driver’s license or ID card. They were also charged with possession of burglary tools; grand theft of more than $10,000; possession of fentanyl (under 2 grams); possession of mushrooms (under 1 gram); possession of marijuana (less than 20 grams; and six counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Keys Weekly staff report

COUNTY COMMISSIONER MICHELLE LINCOLN ELECTED FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

On June 30, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln was elected as the first vice president of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) at the association’s annual conference in Orlando. Commissioners Holly Merrill Raschein and Jim Scholl were also at the conference.

Lincoln previously served as second vice president and sits on many policy committees, including Health, Safety, and Justice and Water and Environmental Sustainability.

“Public service is something I truly enjoy,” said Lincoln. “By continuing to serve on the association’s executive committee, I have the opportunity to assist my community in a unique way by being their representation at a state and national level.”

In addition to her leadership position at FAC, Lincoln holds an Advanced County Commissioner II designation, the highest level of commissioner education offered by the Institute for County Government.

“In recent years, I have seen Commissioner Lincoln step up to the plate for her community,” said Ginger Delegal, FAC executive director. “Observing her determination to be a leader in the association has proven her as an asset to Florida’s 67 counties.”

As first vice president, Lincoln plays a vital role in the association’s advocacy and policy efforts along with representatives from Charlotte, Okeechobee, Pinellas and Seminole counties.

Founded in 1929, FAC has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties and Floridians, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community.

— Contributed

—

Sheriff’s vehicle. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln at the Florida Association of Counties’ annual conference. Lincoln will serve as the association’s second vice president. FAC/Contributed

Explore the I Love Stock Island Festival through July 16. Visit ilovestockisland. org for a full schedule of events. I LOVE STOCK ISLAND/Contributed

SPEND THE WEEKEND ON STOCK ISLAND

I LOVE STOCK ISLAND FESTIVAL NOW THROUGH JULY 16

Stock Island is a tiny parcel of land across Cow Key Channel from Key West. Always known as a working community — from its days as a freighter port with ‘stock’ for the liveries to today’s bustling docks for the shrimp and fishing boats to the liveaboard marinas — Stock Island has an eclectic, rustic charm all its own.

The I Love Stock Island Festival is a celebration of all the reasons to love Key West’s hard-working neighbor to the north.

For a full schedule of events, visit ilovestockisland. org.

STOCK ISLAND FOOD TRUCK

TOUR - ALL WEEKEND

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure through the self guided “I Love Stock Island” Food Truck Tour. Savor the vibrant food truck scene of Stock Island at your own pace, with no tickets required.

Guide yourself with our interactive map on the I Love Stock Island website at ilovestockisland.org.

Stops include:

• One Love Food Truck, Stock Island Chevron

• Paradise Food Truck, Beach Weekend Marina

• Taco Express, Behind Sandal Factory

• DeLuna’s, Boyd’s Campground

• Rock Key Cafe, Mama’s Garden Center

6 MONTH CD AT 4.75% APY

$10,000 MINIMUM BALANCE TO OPEN CD

STOCK ISLAND MURAL ART

TOUR - ALL WEEKEND

Set out on your own artistic scavenger hunt with the Stock Island Mural Art Tour, a captivating exploration of street art and creativity. This self-guided tour allows you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of murals that adorn the walls of Stock Island. Find one, find them all! Don’t forget to take a photo, post it and tag it with #ilovestockisland.

Guide yourself with the interactive map on the I Love Stock Island website to find all these secret spots:

• One Love Food Truck, Reggae Garden

• Leo’s Campground

• Sandal Factory

• The Smokehouse

• First State Bank

• Car Quest

• A-Plus Roofing

• Oceans Edge Water Sports

• Cayo Hueso Brewing

• Chico’s Cantina

STOCK ISLAND HISTORY

TOUR - FRIDAY, JULY 14

Tour Stock Island in the comfort of Up The Keys’ air-conditioned tour van. In the one-hour tour, passengers learn about Stock Island’s rich history and colorful characters that have allowed for the preservation of the old Florida Keys lifestyle so that it is still present today. Limited space available. Advanced reservations required.

Leaves from The Perry Hotel & Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 07/06/2023, subject to change at any time and is based on interest compounding monthly. This is a limited time offer and can be withdrawn at anytime without notice. Interest rates are fixed for the term of the certificate of deposit and a penalty

COME WORSHIP WITH US

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

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am

Service 11am & Service 6pm

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Adorasyon 8:30pm

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Domingo Estudio Biblico a las 4:30pm

Servicio de Adoración a las 5pm

Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’’ ‒ Psalms Joshua 1:9 NKJV

2222 N. Roosevelt Blvd | Key West | 305.394.5100

COLLEGE GETS APPROVAL FOR NEW 4-YEAR DEGREE

PROGRAM PROVIDES BACHELOR’S IN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION

KEYS ENERGY WORKS TO PREVENT POWER OUTAGES

PROACTIVE INFRARED STUDY IDENTIFIES ‘HOT SPOTS’

The College of the Florida Keys recently received final approvals to launch its new bachelor of science degree in exceptional student education (BS-ESE). Both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Florida Department of Education sent formal notification of final approvals at the end of June for CFK’s fourth baccalaureate degree program.

The bachelor’s degree in ESE enables aspiring educators to become Florida certified teachers ready to fill teaching positions locally and beyond. Through coursework and field experience, the curriculum trains and educates individuals to assist and empower children with disabilities who need specially designed instruction and related services. Graduates of the program will be eligible to earn a Florida professional teacher certification in exceptional student education (ESE) with additional endorsements in reading and English for speakers of other languages.

The college’s BS-ESE was born through collaboration with the Monroe County School District to help meet the need for credentialed K-12 teachers in the Keys. Through the district’s Grow Our Own initiative, MSCD is encouraging its paraprofessionals to pursue this

opportunity and will provide tuition support for eligible individuals.

CFK’s new bachelor’s program follows a 2+2 model, in which a student first earns an associate in arts degree or equivalent from CFK or another accredited institution before applying to the bachelor’s degree program to complete two years of upper-level courses.

BS-ESE pre-req bootcamp:

To help students seeking to start the new BS-ESE in the fall, the college is offering a “pre-req bootcamp.” Students will be able to quickly complete one or two courses that are required for admission in the BS-ESE program. The courses are Introduction to the Teaching Profession (EDF 2005) and Introduction to Special Education (EEX2010). Classes for the bootcamp run July 31 through Aug. 8 and will use technology to provide access to individuals throughout the Keys. Students have the option of attending classes in person on the Key West campus or virtually during scheduled class meeting times. Field work associated with each course will be completed outside of classes.

More information is at cfk.edu/ education/bs-ese or from Marissa Owens, CFK director of recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or 305-8093207.

Keys Energy Services (KEYS) Transmission and Distribution (T&D) department employees have been working to prevent power outages before they occur by identifying and repairing “hot spots” within KEYS’ service area.

Brady Infrared Company, a company hired by KEYS to perform infrared testing on transmission and distribution equipment, recently identified 161 heat anomalies, or “hot spots”, which would have resulted in power outages if left uncorrected. During the study, a special infrared camera was used to detect these anoma-

lies, which are a red flag for future equipment failure.

“Knowing that a component may fail gives us the opportunity to complete corrective maintenance to achieve the highest reliability possible,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ general manager & CEO.

KEYS prioritized repairs based on the problem and will address all in a timely manner. Repairs include cleaning, replacing, realigning, re-crimping, and/or rewiring electrical connections.

KEYS performs an infrared study of its equipment on a yearly basis.

— Contributed

A CFK student studies in a classroom on the Key West campus. CONTRIBUTED

Left: An infrared image of electrical equipment in Key West. The connection glowing bright white/orange is a heat anomaly, or ‘hot spot,’ which could result in a power outage if left uncorrected. The hot spot has been repaired. Right: The same image except not in infrared. The arrow in the image indicates the location of the heat anomaly, or ‘hot spot.’ CONTRIBUTED

KEY WEST TEENS ARE WORKIN’ FOR A LIVIN’

IDLE HANDS SUMMER

JOBS PROGRAM OFFERS

SUMMER JOBS, SKILLS & PAYCHECKS

Plenty of teens want and have summer jobs, for the money and the sense of independence those earnings can bring, but how many consider the real long-term value of those mostly “entry-level” positions?

Billy Davis, founder and executive director of A Positive Step of Monroe County, understood that value very well, and more than a decade ago, as a long-time youth and family advocate, set out to design a program to build on that value for the benefit of low-income and high-risk teens. He then took his idea to Key West city leaders, and in 2010, Davis’ nonprofit and the city partnered to launch the Idle Hands summer youth employment program, which has provided paid summer jobs in a variety of city departments for Key West High School students for 13 years (with the exception of the COVID-19 summer of 2020).

This summer, 18 students are interning in seven departments: Alisha Valeus in Coding; Rood Thania Pierre in Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Josue Thanus, Jeremiah Harvey, Dumel Voltaire and Jerven Louis in Transportation; Youma Midy, Eliany Leal Espinoza and Dazmine Jenkins at the KWPD; Tcheniya Brevil and Magdalena Vazquez Marquez in the Multimodal Transportation area of the engineering department; and Landawa Sylla, Brianna Nelson, Stanley Clermont, Zaikee Lopez, Clerf Alexandre, Ralph Riche and Dajon Edwards at the Key West City Cemetery.

Transportation Director Rod Delostrinos’ interns are 16 and entering their junior year of high school in the fall. All said they plan to attend college, with Harvey interested in law, Louis in

engineering and entrepreneurship, and Voltaire looking at a degree in engineering with “probably a minor in business.” Thanus, who plays varsity basketball, says his dream is to play college ball and have a career in the NBA, said he will probably major in business.

Delostrinos pointed out that while cleaning and maintaining city buses may not appear on the surface like college prep activities, “the ‘soft’ skills acquired – such as collaboration, self-discipline, teamwork and planning and execution of tasks are all crucial to success in college and in life.”

Among Cemetery Sexton Rosa Diaz’ interns, Zaikee Lopez has expressed interest in pursuing a plumbing training program and to one day launch his own plumbing business; the rest are planning on college and earning business degrees, Diaz said. “Every one of my interns has a great head on their shoulders,” she said. “I’m thankful for the extra help they provided to the cemetery this summer, and I’m sure the families of the interred will be too when they come and see the difference they’ve made with their hard work. Their potential and eagerness to learn makes me believe they are all on a great path in life.”

Each step of the program, which has been guided over the past several years by educator Lynne Casamayor, is an educational and motivational experience for the interns, beginning with a job readiness/orientation component that includes coaching in tax preparation, substance abuse awareness, college planning and job interview strategies.

Many of the program students contribute some or all of their earnings to their households, and with this in mind, salaries were increased to $17 per hour this year and orientation was shortened from two weeks to one in order to allow the students an extra week of earning time.

With an annual cost of about $70,000, the city contributes $35,000 and APSMC raises the balance via an ongoing series of fundraisers, such as the annual “Rudolph Red Nose 5K,” and the generosity of local individual donors, clubs and business benefactors, including the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club, and the local Lilly Pulitzer boutique.

“It’s very gratifying to watch each summer as the student interns develop greater confidence along with important work and social skills,” said Davis. “We see them discovering previously unrealized talents and discarding old patterns of low expectations. Whether they go on to college or directly into full-time working life, they have become more aware and confident of their strengths, selfworth, and ability to contribute as a professional.”

“APSMC deeply appreciates our partnership with the City of Key West and with Key West High School, who provides space for our job readiness program, lunch for the students, and whose staff helps to identify eligible participants each year,” Davis said.

APSMC also offers a cost-free “Fatherhood Program,” available in English, Spanish and Creole, to assist fathers, including incarcerated ones, with parenting skills and co-parenting skills, along with anger management, health and substance abuse awareness.

More information is available at apsmc.org or from Davis at 305-304-1969 or APSMCCRP@aol. com.

1. Tcheniya Brevil, 17, a KWHS senior and intern with Multimodal Transportation Coordinator Ryan Stachurski in the city’s engineering department, offers free bike safety items to Sharla Sharkey from a booth set up at the corner of North Roosevelt Boulevard and Palm Avenue. CAROL TEDESCO/A Positive Step of Monroe County

2. Key West Cemetery Sexton Rosa Diaz, left, describes the famous ‘I told you I was sick,’ mausoleum to interns Landawa Sylla, 18, center, and Brianna Nelson, right, 17, both incoming seniors at Key West High School.

3. Dumel Voltaire, foreground, and Jerven Louis, both 16 year-old juniors at KWHS, clean windows on a city bus.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AVAILABLE IN KEY WEST

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

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

HAPPY HOUR

DAILY 3PM- 6PM

ALWAYS A LOCAL DISCOUNT WITH LOCAL ID

POOL PARTY & LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAYS 12-3PM

Kellee Reed, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

Christina Kemp Sawyer,

$20K DONATION RESTARTS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP AT CFK

FUNDS GIVEN IN HONOR OF LATE NURSE AND CFK GRAD JULIE ECKARD

The College of the Florida Keys has re-established the Julie Eckard RN Scholarship for students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing at CFK.

Dr. Kevin Mallinson, CFK’s 2023 Distinguished Alumnus, and his husband Robert Hansen donated $20,000 to the CFK Foundation to endow the scholarship, which was initially established in 1991 following the death of the well-known HIV/AIDS nurse Julie Eckard, who was Mallinson’s classmate in the nursing class of 1987.

The scholarship will support student nurses who are passionate about advocating for patients challenged by adversity, stigma and/or discrimination — much as AIDS patients were in the ’80s and ’90s. By endowing the scholarship, the donation will be invested and its earnings will provide scholarship awards to students in perpetuity — forever memorializing Eckard and supporting nursing education at CFK.

Eckard was working toward an associate’s degree in nursing at CFK when she received an HIV/AIDS diagnosis at 23 years old. She overcame significant physical and social barriers to complete her degree and become a registered nurse. Over the following three years, before she succumbed to AIDS, Eckard cared for many people living with HIV in Key West during the height of the AIDS epidemic and became an advocate for the rights of those facing stigma and discrimination.

“This scholarship honors Julie’s love of the nursing profession and serves to remind us of her unwavering strength, tenacity, and sense of humor,” said Mallinson, who recently organized a reunion of the college’s 1987 nursing class at the Key West Campus.

Inspired by his fallen classmate, Mallinson went on to dedicate much of his career to HIV/AIDS health care.

After graduating from CFK, he worked as an ICU nurse caring for many HIV/ AIDS patients while continuing to pursue higher education. Over the course of 36 years, he served on national committees and advisory boards, conducted research, published numerous articles, and shared his scholarly work on five continents. He was a consultant for a U.S. Surgeon General and several ministers of health in Africa. He also served on the national board of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care and as the president of the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board. Mallinson recently retired as an associate professor and director of the doctorate program in nursing at George Mason University. CFK honored him with the Distinguished Alumni award at the spring commencement ceremony in May.

The Julie Eckard RN Scholarship of $2,000 will be awarded this fall semester, which begins Aug. 18. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Sunday, July 16. More information is at the “Ways to Pay” section of the college’s website, www.cfk.edu.

Mallinson is looking to grow the scholarship fund. “I encourage anyone whose life was touched by Julie or any nurse who provided exceptional care to consider contributing to the Julie Eckard RN Scholarship fund. Our world needs more nurses. This scholarship is an excellent way to invest in deserving students and the future of health care.”

Donations to the Julie Eckard RN Scholarship fund can be made online at www.cfk.edu/give or by contacting Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president of advancement and CFK Foundation executive director, at 305-809-3214 or foundation@cfk.edu. Gifts to the foundation are tax-deductible.

— Contributed

From left, CFK President Jonathan Gueverra, donor Robert Hansen, CFK 2023 Distinguished Alumnus and donor Dr. Kevin Mallinson and CFK Vice President of Advancement Lana Gaspari.

The late Julie Eckard poses on her graduation day in 1987 after earning an associate degree in nursing from CFK. CONTRIBUTED

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

ISLAND HOME COMES WITH PERILS

There are many pleasures to be found on our island for cats and dogs — chickens to chase, lizards to hunt, popcorn to pick up from the sidewalk in front of the Green Parrot. But there are also perils, many of which are in plain sight. Here are a few:

HEAT

It’s obvious, right? The Keys are hotter than most places in the United States due to our proximity to the equator. And in the summer, not only is the sun more intense, but the sub-tropical atmosphere is even more humid than usual. This double whammy ramps up the seriousness of heat risks to pets. Dogs and cats pant to evaporate moisture and take heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves and their temperature can skyrocket to dangerous levels — very quickly.

In dogs, look for warning signs such as excessive panting, glazed eyes, salivation and rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these signs, get them into air conditioning immediately and monitor them closely.

While heatstroke is less common in cats, felines can be affected by heat, especially long-haired kitties or short-snouted cats such as Persians. Notice if your cat is panting. This can be normal on an extremely hot day, but constant or very heavy panting in a cat means they are much too hot — and could indicate the start of heat stroke.

The best prevention is to keep your fur babies cool. Pay attention to your pets whenever they are outside on hot days. If they look too hot or in distress, get them out of the heat. Add a cool compress to their bellies and paws. And if symptoms persist, take them to a vet.

TOXIC PLANTS

My dog’s motto, like most of his kind, is “eat first, ask questions later.” This extends to the flowers and hanging fronds we pass by on our walks. It’s never a good idea to let your pet munch his way through flora and fauna here. Many specimens of beautiful and lush greenery in paradise can cause illness or even death.

There are numerous plants that can make your animal sick. Keep your pets away from the following popular plants, found in our gardens and along our streets:

• Sago Palm: This distinctive palm is a stunner in tropical landscapes but looks are deceiving. The entire tree, including seeds and fronds, is toxic to dogs. Sagos are easily identifiable by their thick, textured trunk that resembles a wide, squat pineapple. They range from 3 to 10 feet in height. The danger is in ingestion, so while a tinkle on the bark won’t harm them, eating any part might. Best to keep your dog from getting too close.

• Desert Rose: Walking around town, you’ll notice many containers and plant beds containing a distinctive small tree with pink flowers and succulent leaves. With its yearround flowering and low maintenance, the desert rose is a popular, decorative choice for many Keys homes. But if you’re a pet owner, don’t be tempted to plant it or let your animals go near it. The desert rose is toxic to your dog or cat if ingested or even licked.

• Lantana: This popular hot weather plant with its bursts of pink, orange and yellow flower clusters is widely available in most garden centers. But beware of its charms. All parts of the plant are poisonous to dogs and cats if ingested, especially the leaves and green berries. While most pets don’t ingest enough of the berries to cause death, it can cause severe stomach upset and worse.

CATERPILLARS AND TOADS

Snakes and gators are not the only dangers lurking on the ground here. These little critters can cause big trouble for your pet.

• Puss Caterpillar: This hairy-looking piece of fluff is one of the most venomous caterpillars in Florida. Recently, it has been seen in the Keys, where it drops out of trees in spring and fall. Measuring about an inch long, the insect is covered in hair-like bristles with an orange streak frequently running down its back. According to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the caterpillar’s attractive hairs hide “extremely toxic spines” that stick to the skin of your pets. The sting can be incredibly painful. Spines can be pulled out with cellophane tape, but take care not to touch it yourself or you’ll all be howling.

• Bufo Toads: One of the pleasures of walking a dog on rainy evenings in Key West

is hearing frogs celebrating a wet world. But don’t let Fido investigate pop-up ponds or standing water too closely. There is always the possibility of running into the extremely dangerous Bufo toad. About 4 to 6 inches long with reddish-brown to olive-gray coloring, the Bufo toad’s call is unique, with a chorus that sounds like an idling diesel engine. Most canine exposure to this toad occurs in the early morning or late evening hours after periods of rain. While generally harmless to people, if a dog bites or swallows them, chemicals are released that can result in sickness and death in as little as 15 minutes without proper treatment.

If you suspect your animal has made contact with a Bufo toad, wash toxins out of their mouth using a hose or wet washcloth for 10 minutes. And get your dog to a vet asap.

Accidents can happen at the worst possible times. If your animal is in crisis outside business hours, Cruz Animal Hospital on Ramrod Key provides emergency veterinary care for the entire Florida Keys 24/7. I suggest putting their number in your contacts just in case.

So, remember, this ain’t Disneyland. The Keys are beautiful, but also wild under the manicured exterior. No matter how intoxicating it is to simply be here, don’t forget to keep an eye out for your pets. You want them to enjoy paradise as much as you do.

The author keeps her dog a safe distance from the sago palm behind him. JANICE GARY/Keys Weekly

The puss caterpillar’s toxic spines can stick to the skin of a pet and cause intense pain. FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE FOUNDATION/Contributed

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

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.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

Moo is a large, 11-year-old male terrier/ English Staffordshire mix. A staff and volunteer favorite, you’ll fall in love the minute you meet him.

Fresno

you.

The Ploggers met at Truman waterfront for the Friday morning cleanup. In one hour, 19 volunteers collected 28 pounds of trash, 24 pounds of recycling and 2 gallons of cigarette butts. The city manager’s ‘Extra Mile’ coin went to Tom Keller. CONTRIBUTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Contributed

Join a Friday morning cleanup from 8 to 9 a.m.

Friday, July 14: South Roosevelt between Riviera Canal and Dead Man’s Curve. Meet along the sea wall on South Roosevelt at the end of the airport runway.

Friday, July 21: Southard and Whitehead streets hosted by Courthouse Deli & Whit’s Custard

Friday, July 28: Duval and Virginia streets. Meet at the corner.

Poppie is a 1½-year-old male white rabbit. He’d be so very hoppy to come home with

is a 2-month-old male domestic shorthair. He and his brother, Pimento, are looking for forever homes, either together or separately.

Tilly is a 3-month-old female domestic shorthair. She’s a little shy and would love to have a feline friend in the home to show her the ropes.

Pimento is a 2-month-old male domestic shorthair. He and his brother, Fresno, are looking for forever homes, either together or separately.

A FOCUSED FIRE

CHRIS McNULTY

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

We started this week with some major thinkin’ and chattin’ dynamics as cerebral Mercury formed major aspects to ethereal Neptune and volcanic Pluto. We probably all had some thoughts or communications that went from balm to bombshell.

Did you write a poem that was well received, only to turn around and learn that your friend has been living a whole secret second life? That’s obviously too specific for everyone to relate to, but it’s the energy of the past weekend. Mercury is a quick one, though, so those energies have already moved along.

However, last Monday, a more lasting astrological shift took place that will be in effect for six weeks. Mars, the planet of hop-to-it-ness and willpower, moved out of Leo and into Virgo. Collectively, this means our driving force is no longer geared toward being seen and acknowledged; rather, it is now time to put our energy into preparation and getting all of our ducks in line. In other words, focus that fire. Put out the bonfire for the revelers and turn on the oven for dinner.

Here are your horoscopes for Mars’ ingress into Virgo. Read for your rising and sun signs.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Drink plenty of water because you’re going to be doing a lot of talking, Cancer. Mars is moving into your house of communication and learning, so expect a lot of focused discussions, hashing out nitty gritty details with friends and coworkers, and perhaps even pursuing a new line of thought.

Be wary of getting too argumentative, though. Mars can bring some heat into the conversation.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

It’s high time to go after the things you want. For the next six weeks, you have a special fire in your belly to get your finances in order, to gather the material things that you desire in life, and to get your values straight. Go after that job. Make that investment. Be wary of seeking immediate gratification, however, because there’s a potential for impulsive spending.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

It is a fantastic time for you to advocate for your Self, Virgo. By that, I mean if there is some way of expressing your inner Self that you have been afraid to try or haven’t felt ready for, now is the time. Dye your hair. Try that activity. Assert yourself. You are being invigorated to get in tune with who you are. Let that sexy beast out.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

You have the opportunity to put on your spiritual warrior armor and head out to battle. Not literally, but it is a time when you can activate your spiritual practices. Meditate. Pull out the tarot cards. Journal. Pray. Whatever your practice is, you will be motivated to give it your time. Also, you may feel the need to put up some boundaries with people in your life, and that is quite all right. You can find your passion in solitude.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

For the next few weeks, you will be anything but lonely. Mars is entering your house of friends and social networks, bringing a lot of energy into this part of your life. In fact, you will be the catalyst to bring everyone together, so be

ready to take on some leadership responsibilities. Break out the fine china or the reusable plastic plates because you’ve got some parties to plan.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Work will take on some extra activity in these coming week, Sag, so be ready to focus and dig in. You might be called upon to do more work than usual at your job, or there might be a lot of restless energy that you need to process. Either way, be ready to tackle it systematically so as not to burn out or get aggressive. Also, try channeling this energy into getting what you want at work.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Your engines are revving for a bold new adventure. Mars has entered your house of new experiences. Whether that is foreign travel, a new course of study, or a whole new philosophy of life - be ready for your horizons to expand with gusto. Be mindful about learning new things with some measured humility, though, because there is the possibility of carelessly barreling into this new space. Remember to appreciate the locals.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You’ll find a boost of energy and courage when it comes to making investments, paying off debts or boldly managing any shared financial projects. Take care not to be too foolhardy here, because courage’s adolescent partner is recklessness. It is the perfect time to be getting your assets organized, so make sure they are working as you would like.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

If a relationship has been feeling a little sluggish, the boost of adrenaline you’ve been hoping

for is here. There’s a new infusion of energy into an important partnership, be it romantic, business or platonic. Amidst the flurry of new action, be careful not to fall into argumentative or aggressive traps. Keep the heat focused on your shared goals.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

This is a particularly productive time for you, Aries. You have an opportunity to direct your energy and attention into workflows and routines that will produce the outcomes you want. Beginning a new service project, workout regimen or daily habit will pay off in spades. Take full advantage of these next few weeks and change the grooves of your lifestyle.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Get ready to start feeling overjoyed, Taurus. Energetic Mars has entered your house of bliss and creativity, so light your creative spark however you go about creating. The energy and the focus are there for you to produce a great body of work. But be wary of frustration if your work does not come out immediately as you hope, because this energy needs to stay concentrated.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

You are going to have a lot more activity on the home and family front, Gemini. Perhaps you have family coming to visit, a new pet energy in the house, or an actual move from home to home. However this plays out, home and family are going to be particularly dynamic. Remember to take the influx of energy in stride, however, because there is a potential for agitation here.

Gabriela Tejeda drove down a cypress-lined side road in Everglades National Park. The newly minted National Geographic Society 2023 Young Explorer was on one of her regular jaunts to the park to take photos and video to document the scenes for her social media — 10,000 followers and counting.

“The water levels are high,” she said, looking into the clusters of trees. “It brings out the reds and golds — wow, an owl. Two owls!”

She suddenly skidded her car to a halt.

“I saw them fly,” she exclaimed. “I never thought I’d see them in action.”

Tejeda grabbed her camera and, slowly and gingerly, got out of the car so as not to scare away the pair of barred owls, which had settled onto tree branches opposite the road from each other. She swiped away dive-bombing mosquitos while snapping photos of the squat, puffy creatures, which were giving her the side eye.

“I think one is male and one is female,” she said. “See? One of them is bigger.”

Yes, we see. Keys Weekly was along for this romp in the wilderness, and now we couldn’t help but be stoked too. And that is the allure of Tejeda — her enthusiasm for nature is infectious. Stomping around in a swamp while battling heat and insects? Sure, count us in!

And the world is catching on. Over the past couple of years, the 25-yearold Tavernier resident, content creator and wildlife storyteller (and former Keys Weekly staffer) has racked up a resume that could impress nature documentarian David Attenborough. She received a National Geographic Society Young Explorer designation in May 2023. Her 2021 wordand-photography project called “Fire & Water” documented prescribed burns in the Everglades and was sponsored by National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy and Paragon One. She’s been appointed as a Jackson Wild 2022 Summit Fellow and Jackson Wild 2023 LatinX Film Lab Fellow, during which she covered marine conservation issues; and, as a cherry on the sundae, in November 2022, her video of barred owls cozily nestled together in a tree went viral and was seen by over one million viewers.

“To have people be like, ‘You’re great at this,’ and also love to do it, that’s lucky,” she said. “How often is it that you can turn that passion into impactful work?”

Her latest project is an immersive experience for the Everglades that she has been pitching to outlets such as Zoo Miami.

ENTRANCED WITH THE WILD

Tavernier Resident & National Geographic Young Explorer Tells Innovative Nature Stories

The creature that launched Tejeda’s viral video: a barred owl. GABRIELA TEJEDA/Contributed

“Gabby provides a valuable service,” Gue said. “The public don’t realize how fire is a critical piece to ecosystems to help them remain healthy. People like Gabby help us tell that story in a way to push the communities in the right direction to find a balance with nature. It’s more digestible than the scientific jargon. … Also, she doesn’t have an inside track to Nat Geo like other people I know. She’s done all this all on her own. That says a lot about her.”

CONTRIBUTED

“Think ‘Van Gogh Exhibit’ (the immersive experience in Miami) meets Disney. It’s physical props and augmented reality so you can blast it on a wall and really evoke the feeling you get when you walk through the Everglades.”

Tejeda’s colleagues are applauding her creativity.

“I’ve had the privilege of being ‘in the backroom’ with her on several projects, and it is fun and exciting to think about how she will interpret and represent our natural world for all to access,” said Tiffany T.V. Duong, who is an environmental advocate and writer for such venues as Keys Weekly, where she met Tejeda as a staffer. “She’s self-aware, up to any challenge, and boatloads of fun. I mean, who else could make owls go viral and romanticize a swamp?”

Tejeda worked with Michael Gue, South Florida prescribed fire manager, on her “Fire & Water: An Ecological Love Story” project.

Tejeda was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Athens, Georgia, where she “spent hours outside in rocks and mud.” She graduated from Boston College, and through a marine conservation internship with REEF, found her way to the Florida Keys. And she has stayed after becoming entranced with the wilds of South Florida.

Her goal for now is to continue to pitch her projects, work her side hustles in nonprofit marketing and as a Florida Keys Brewing Company bartender — and keep on exploring the Everglades.

Meanwhile, back on that Everglades road trip, she pointed out more wildlife through the car window. “Look at that anhinga!” she said. “Look at that spearshaped beak. I feel like I’m in Jurassic Park.”

With Tejeda, we silently watched the bird cut through the sky. And we felt like we were in Jurassic Park too.

Follow Tejeda on Instagram @gabtejeda or at gabtejeda.weebly.com.

SUBSURFACE SONGS

Reef protection highlights Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

Aone-of-a-kind undersea concert spotlighted reef protection Saturday while entertaining divers and snorkelers in Florida Keys waters -home to the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.

The 39th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival was held at Looe (pronounced Lou) Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary south of Big Pine Key. The sanctuary protects the waters surrounding the entire Keys island chain.

Designed to encourage environmentally responsible diving and preservation of the Keys’ coral reef, the event was presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and staged by US1 Radio 104.1 FM.

Music broadcast by the radio station was piped underwater via speakers suspended beneath boats that were positioned above the reef. Several hundred divers and snorkelers listened to the “sub-sea soundtrack” as they explored Looe Key’s colorful realm of tropical fish, coral formations and other marine life.

The ocean-inspired playlist included the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins” and the soundtracks from films “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Several mermaids -- or at least divers dressed as the mythical lovelies -- entertained attendees beneath the sea, dancing and pretending to play their own tunes on underwater instruments.

While the festival offered a unique experience, its primary purpose was to inform participants about eco-conscious diving practices and ways they can help protect the Keys’ reef ecosystem. The broadcast featured public service diver awareness messages about how to enjoy the reef responsibly while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

— Contributed

Kelly Angel, left, and Kara Norman rock the guitar and trumpet. FRAZIER NIVENS/ Florida Keys News Bureau

Mermaid Donna Whitney serenades divers on the harp.

Kristen Livengood takes on the task of lead vocalist.

Mermaid Tamara Bredova strums the ukulele.

BRAD BERTELLI

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

BOOM & BUST

THE KEYS ONCE HAD THRIVING WRECKING, SPONGE, PINEAPPLE & CIGAR INDUSTRIES

When the second escalation of the Seminole War erupted in 1835, fear spread throughout South Florida and the Keys. Between 1836 and 1840, both experienced several acts of hostility, including attacks at New River (Fort Lauderdale), Cape Florida Lighthouse (Key Biscayne), Key Largo, Tavernier Key and the southernmost attack in the Florida Keys, the Aug. 7, 1840 event at Indian Key.

With the conclusion of the second escalation in 1842, the Navy depot, established first on Tea Table Key and later moved to Indian Key, was abandoned. At Indian Key, the only evidence of the former military presence is three round red-bricked cisterns. While Indian Key, once the most important island in the Florida Keys not named Key West, had been deserted, Key West was thriving.

As it turned out, the outpost city was not some one-trick pony relying solely on the wrecking industry to bring dollars to Key West. New industries were on the rise. In 1849, a sampling of sponges harvested from local waters was sent to markets in New York to be graded for their quality. They were judged to be just as good as those imported from the Mediterranean, and with that nod of approval, the sponge industry was born.

Did you know that the sponge industry inadvertently spawned what has become the Florida Keys’ very own sweet claim to fame, Key lime pie? It began as a hooker’s tale. Hookers, in this case, were the men manipulating 30-, 40- and 50-foot poles as they scooped up sponges growing on the ocean floor. They did not work alone and were accompanied on their boats by partners who peered beneath the surface through glass-bottom barrels and worked to direct the aim of their partner’s pronged poles.

In 1856, the process for making sweetened condensed milk was patented, and that accomplishment significantly affected local history. For the spongers out on their boats for days at a time, it enabled them to keep a dairy product to sweeten their coffee. At some point, they began to use those cans of sweetened condensed milk to create a treat. After pouring milk into their coffees, they mixed fresh squeezed lime, egg and stale Cuban bread in the can.

When they returned to the mother ship with their haul of sponges, a sweet treat awaited them. Eventually, the combination of ingredients made its way to Key West kitchens, and Key lime pie went on to become Florida’s official state pie.

While the sponge industry was booming, the wrecking industry was being affected by navigational improvements. On Dec. 3, 1855, the following appeared in the Bangor

Daily Whig and Courier: “Since the erection of the celebrated Carysfort and Sand Key Iron Lighthouses and the establishment of the Coast Survey of a chain of beacons along the whole extent of the reef, the falling off in the wrecking business has been very great. In 1846 and 1847, over forty vessels were engaged wholly in saving lives and property upon this coast. At the present time, there are but twenty regularly employed and this number will soon be reduced, the business being too uncertain and the salvage decreased where service is rendered too inadequate. Since, then, wreckers are falling and wrecks becoming rare, rates of insurance must be reduced to correspond more equally with the risks incurred.”

Work marking the Florida Reef continued. In 1857, the Lighthouse Board recommended a series of iron lighthouses to mark the reef line so that it would become “as perfectly lighted as it is believed any capable and intelligent mariner could desire. In a distance of three hundred miles there will then be Dry Tortugas, Sand Key, Dry Bank (Sombrero Reef), Alligator Reef, Carysfort Reef, Cape Florida and Sebastian Inlet seacoast lights.”

Some lighthouses were finished before others, thanks in no small part to delays caused by the Civil War. Eventually, six lighthouses were established at the reef. In addition to the Carysfort Reef and Sand Key lighthouses, Sombrero Key Lighthouse was lit in 1858, Alligator Reef Lighthouse in 1873, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse in 1878, and American Shoal Lighthouse in 1880.

By the turn of the century, the wrecking industry was gasping its last breaths. Back on land, however, new industries had blossomed. Because wrecking was not a full-time job, many wreckers developed side jobs like fishing, turtling and, for Captain Ben Baker, pineapple farming. Baker, once referred to as the King of the Florida Wreckers, is considered the first to introduce pineapple farming to the Florida Keys. He was not the last.

The Max Marx cigar factor in Key West. IDA WOODWARD BARRON COLLECTION/ Florida Keys History Center

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a four-part series on Monroe County’s 200th year.

By Abigail Haddock and Alex Rickert

Marathon-based Better Than Most Scuba went out on April 27 for what seemed like a normal morning spearfishing dive off Duck Key. Their team included the owners, Schwenke and Jeanie. The location was one they hadn’t visited in a week, but going there on that day “was meant to be.”

Jeanie was the first one in the water, and less than 50 feet away from the boat she noticed a tackle box.

“Then I saw a couple Top Spot maps, some fishing rods, a bucket, even an anchor,” she said. “That’s when I signaled my guide to say ‘Hey, there’s a lot of stuff here!’ I remember thinking to myself, are we going to find a boat? We started collecting the stuff, and we bundled it into one area.”

That’s when Schwenke swam by and saw Jeanie’s discovery. “I swam by and saw her carrying a bunch of loot,” said Schwenke. “She pointed me in the direction, and we went all across the area looking for anybody, or a boat.”

With no sign of the boat, they started bringing the salvaged cargo up. In addition to more fishing rods and tackle boxes, the team recovered everything from prescription sunglasses to a fire extinguisher – and most importantly, an old prescription bottle, since used to store sinkers, with a name on it.

Switching from dive guides to detectives, the team recalled a report from the U.S. Coast Guard about a capsized boat seven miles off of Duck Key, not too far from their recovered gear, just three days earlier.

SCUBA SAVE

The boat had capsized on April 24 due to a presumed cracked transom, prompting a search and rescue effort by Coast Guard Station Marathon that Monday. The two passengers were safely rescued from their life raft, but an incoming front prevented tow boats from recovering the sinking boat until the day after.

Armed only with the name she found in the tackle box, Jeanie continued her investigation with local tow boats until she found the owner of the missing gear, Doug McComb. She reached out just in time – McComb and his girlfriend Dawn Austin were leaving his condo in Marathon the very next day – and made arrangements to return everything they had found in person.

Speaking with the Weekly on July 11, Austin recalled a harrowing experience that left her and McComb with only minutes to unpack, deploy and board their life raft as the boat flipped. But more than anything, they sang the praises of the Schwenkes.

“They had everything in a nice container for us, and it was wonderful,” said Austin, who added that she and McComb are now considering pursuing their scuba certifications with Better than Most. “Just that they took the time to call us, because they really didn’t have to do that at all. Just honesty, and good people. They were even getting ready to go out for a dive (when we went to pick up the gear) and they took the time to get off the boat and come and shake our hands.”

“That was a lot of expensive fishing gear,” said Jeanie. “It was nice getting it back to them.”

“He was really shocked, and really thankful,” said Schwenke. “Also he was

generous and wanted to take care of the crew, (so) he gave the crew on the boat that day a tip. It was good karma points.

“We’re a small operation, she’s mom and I’m pop. We started this business after Hurricane Irma, but I’ve been teaching diving for 30 years. We’ve also had our share of boat struggles, (so) we’re empathetic to a bad day on a boat, and glad we could make someone’s day a little better.”

“It was meant to be; we’re the only dive boat that goes out there,” said Jeanie. “The timing just happened to be perfect.”

For more about Better Than Most, call 305-432-1214, visit www.btmscuba.com or email btmscuba@gmail.com.

Better Than Most divers make a feel-good find

Doug McComb makes an emergency satellite phone call from inside his vessel’s life raft.

DAWN AUSTIN/ Contributed

Doug McComb and Dawn Austin had minutes to board their life raft as their WorldCat catamaran began taking on water on April 24. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

The Edwards family has been fishing with Noreaster for many years now and recently had a great mahi and mangrove snapper trip on the Noreaster 2 with captain Mike Nealis.

JUST THE TIPS FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…

SHELF HELP

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

What: “Love, Theoretically” by Ali

Hazelwood

July 12-16

• The I Love Stock Island festival celebrates Key West’s hardworking neighbor to the north. Enjoy culinary events, island cleanups, art strolls and more. See the July 6 Key West Weekly for a complete event guide and schedule.

Thursday, July 13

• Key West City Commission meeting, 9 a.m. session and 5 p.m. session

Saturday, July 15

• Mel Fisher Day tribute to the late, legendary Key West treasure hunter starts at 4 p.m. at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., Key West. Visit melfisherdays.com for a full schedule of events.

July 18-23

I’m happy to report that the fishing is pretty darn good right now.

sonably-sized live bait or cut bait and you should get a bite. They’re feeding aggressively.

Please be reasonable in the amount of fish you take. It’s not an unlimited resource. We abide by the state five-fish-per-person limit. A jig head, knocker or fish finder rig with 30-pound leader should do it.

is the owner and operator of Noreaster Sport Fishing in Marathon. A Massachusetts native, Nick fished for bluefin tuna and striped bass before moving to the Keys in 2005.

Within the last week or so the mangrove snapper have started to bite in the daytime on the reef, where they are gathered to spawn. Tuna at the humps has been consistent to say the least, good numbers of nice-size mahi are pouring through, and the super strong 3- to 4-knot current that has made it difficult to deep drop has slowed to a more reasonable and fishable 1.5 to 2.5. What’s not to love?

Masses of mangrove snapper are ganged up on certain locations on the reef right now in 30 to 70 feet of water to spawn. Usually a crowd of boats will give away one of these locations, but that doesn’t mean they’re not anywhere else. Do some searching with that bottom machine and pull that anchor a few times looking for them. Chum heavy, and you’ll know within 15 minutes if they’re there.

Use enough weight to reach bottom with just about any rea-

As far as the mahi, there are LOTS of little chickens out there, so just keep looking. The nicer fish have been a little further, about 15 to 25 miles out. The birds are on them. Even some masses of birds that would initially seem like they were on skipjacks turned out to be circling bunches of dolphin.

Troll through the school and hook one up, then slow down and leave that fish about 50 feet from the boat. More will come. With the fishing as good as it is, don’t measure any fish. If it’s even close to not being legal, shake it loose with your de-hooker. Again, here we like to abide by the five-fishper-person state limit.

The current was perfect out there on Sunday for deep dropping, so give those mahi a break, grab a sandwich, and send a rig down. When scouting I like to make long drifts if possible – there have been plenty of times where I’ve hooked a fish on what seemed like nothing on the bottom machine. You just never know!

Why: Romance has developed a near-infinite number of subgenres (Amish! Dinosaurs! Shifters!). My favorite might be STEMinist – books where our heroine is also a science, technology, engineering and/or math nerd. No one is doing that better than Ali Hazelwood (a neuroscientist herself in real life) and her third full-length novel is her best yet. Elsie has a doctorate in physics and is scraping along as an adjunct professor at three different colleges. Jack is a professor at MIT, where she’s applying for a job. Naturally, they hate each other – especially since Elsie is fake-dating his brother as a side gig. If enemies-to-lovers with a dash of fake dating are tropes you like, this book does them exceedingly well. Along with hilarious emails from Elsie’s students, a lot of shade about academic politics and some hard truths about family dynamics.

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

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

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager

• An array of literary events awaits readers and writers during Hemingway Days 2023. The festival celebrates the talent and Key West lifestyle of author Ernest Hemingway, who lived on the island for most of the 1930s. Visit hemingwaydays.net for a full schedule of events.

Tuesday, July 18

• Leadership Monroe County invites the public to a social reception and Class XXXI program introduction at the Key West Woman’s Club, 319 Duval St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Potential Class XXXI members will have the opportunity to meet LMC alumni and board members and learn about the 2023-24 sessions, including the scope, mission and benefits of becoming part of this county wide program which supports the building of relationships for constructive alliances among Florida Keys leaders.

Wednesday July 19

• Leadership Monroe County invites the public to a social reception and Class XXXI program introduction at the Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 20

• Leadership Monroe County invites the public to a social reception and Class XXXI program introduction at the Key Colony Inn on Key Colony Beach, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

CAPT. NICK BORRACCINO

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.

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

LOT FOR SALE

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

3 yr. old soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, neutered male, good jogger, trained. AKC registered. Price negotiable. 505-699-4199

YARD SALES

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

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

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS

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.

We are looking for a hard-working, self-motivated salesman in Islamorada with previous and demonstratable sales experience.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU: oversleep, have no alarm clock, have no car, have court often, have no baby sitter every day, have to give friends rides to work later than we start work, experience flat tires every week, have to hold on to cell phone all day, need to go on a vacation in the next three weeks, or become an expert at your job with no need to learn or take advice after the first day.

Should not expect to receive Purple Ribbons or Gold Stars for showing up.

If this is you, please send your resume to: brandon@oceanrecruiting.com

JOIN OUR TEAM !

PEDRO FALCON CONTRACTORS INC.

WE ARE HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

• Carpenters • Laborers

• Electricians & Electricians helpers

• Supervisor(s)

Email resume to mari@pedrofalcon.com or call our office at 305-872-2200. Competitive pay & benefits. Contact us for more information. O ffice located in Big Pine Key.

P.F.C, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Section 3 Candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

T&D ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

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

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

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

305.407.3262 or april@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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.

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.

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

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

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S

your availability.

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

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