Kew West Weekly 23-0727

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50,000

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

It is estimated that there are around 50,000 killer whales globally. Approximately 2,500 killer whales live in the eastern North Pacific Ocean — home to the most well-studied killer whale populations.

DEBATE ENSUES OVER KEY WEST’S WELCOME SIGN

SOME ROTARY CLUB MEMBERS OPPOSE ITS REPLACEMENT

Willy Duran and Santy Codina celebrate Beards & Brews’ Bubba Award for Best Barbers at the July 22 awards gala. For the full list of winners, see page 30.

The replacement of Key West’s welcome sign prompted some debate at the last city commission meeting.

The current sign in the center median was funded and donated to the city by three local Rotary clubs more than a decade ago. It later garnered national headlines in 2017, when the sign went missing following Hurricane Irma in September of that year. The sign was presumed to have fallen in the storm and then been stolen.

The Rotary clubs asked for the sign back, no questions asked. It later turned up in Fort Myers and was returned to the southernmost city. Rotarians again paid to restore and reinstall the sign.

Now, two grants of $100,000 each will fund new landscaping around the entrance to the island as well as the new sign.

But there was some debate as to whether the Rotary clubs were aware of plans to replace the current sign.

The existing sign includes the legend “Rotary Clubs of Key West” at the bottom. The new sign as proposed would not have those words.

Mayor Teri Johnston said some Rotarians were in attendance at the two publicly noticed workshops about the project. Commissioner Lissette Cuervo Carey said the president of at least one Rotary Club was unaware of the project.

Rotarian Warren Leamard called the new plans “a slap in the face to the hundreds of Rotarians who support this city in so many ways. At the very least, the city should have reached out to the clubs.”

City Manager Al Childress pledged to reach out to the public and the Rotary Clubs before seeking final approval for the new sign from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Commissioner Billy Wardlow added that the city should also ask FDOT to install some parking spots near the sign’s new location (on the right side of U.S. 1 when entering Key West) to allow people to safely stop and take photos at the sign.

Current plans for the new sign include the words, “Welcome to Key West,” along with either the city seal or an image of a conch shell. The sign will be made of coral rock and will be lighted at night.

There was also discussion at the July 13 commission meeting about whether to have something on the back of the sign thanking people for visiting Key West, much like the Islamorada sign, with its sportfishing motif, says, “Catch ya later.”

All the details are still being worked out.

A proposed design for the new welcome sign at the entrance to Key West must be approved by the city commission, then by the Florida Department of Transportation. CONTRIBUTED

RALPH De PALMA/Keys Weekly

The current welcome sign was donated to the city by local Rotary clubs more than a decade ago. CONTRIBUTED

WOMAN DIES IN BOAT FIRE ON STOCK ISLAND; 2 MEN TREATED FOR BURNS

FIRE MARSHALS ARE INVESTIGATING; BOAT WAS DOCKED AT THE PERRY HOTEL & MARINA

mandy@keysweekly.com

Avisiting yacht from St. Petersburg, Florida caught fire just after midnight on July 26 while docked at The Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island.

Two men escaped the fire, but one female victim did not make it out, according to Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Sgt. Tyler Blanton, who was on scene.

The two other passengers, both men, are being treated for burns at Lower Keys Medical Center. One of them may have been transported to a MIami hospital and burn center for further treatment.

The majority of the vessel is now under water, Ramsay said, adding that divers were going to remove the body before the boat was raised. The victim is reported to be Linda Vella, 52.

The vessel and its occupants were reportedly in town for lobster mini-season, Ramsay said. County fire marshals were on the scene to investigate the cause. Blanton also notified the sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit.

Stay tuned to keysweekly. com as further details become available.

MANDY MILES

A boat fire at The Perry Hotel & Marina in the pre-dawn hours of July 26 reportedly claimed the life of a 52-year-old woman who was on board and could not escape. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

THANK YOU THANK YOU

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SPORTS & MORE

THE OPEN BRINGS RECORD - BREAKERS

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

The British Open is a strange piece of the Big Four in professional golf. To start, it’s not the British Open; it’s the Open and this past weekend was the 151st version.

Christo Lamprecht — an amateur — was one of the leaders on Thursday. Amateurs don’t win the Open. At least they haven’t for nearly 100 years. It didn’t happen this year either.

Lamprecht put a 65 on the board early Thursday. “Early” means very early when you’re talking about the Open. I was up and watching it at 4 a.m. Thursday given the time difference.

Lamprecht is 6’8” and a competent golfer. He qualified for the Open a year ago, but didn’t make the cut. This year, at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, he barely made the cut, following up his 65 with an 8-over 79.

Club favorite and member Matthew Jordan, who lives at Hoy Lakes, where the golf club is located, shot a first-round 81.

Despite his potential homecourse advantage, Jordan didn’t sink four birdies and wrap up the day with an eagle. That honor belonged to the secondday leader — and ultimate winner — American Brian Harman, who finished six shots ahead of Australia’s Jason Day, Austria’s Sepp Straka, South Korea’s Tom Kim and Spain’s Jon Rahm, according to CNN. The 36-year-old Harman had taken a commanding five-stroke lead heading into the final round.

One golfer’s Open performance that we’ll always remember is Ben Curtis, known as the “most unpredictable”

golfer. He came out of the woodwork, ranked 396, and won the 2003 Open. He was fighting Tiger Woods and Davis Love III down the final holes.

Curtis played a few more years, then retired, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. He now coaches golf for the Roosevelt High School Roughriders in Kent, Ohio, according to the TV announcers on ABC. The leading player on his team is his son, Liam, a junior.

Back when Justin Rose was still an amateur, he shot a 65 in the Open. This year, he didn’t make the cut.

While four tournaments (the Open Championship, the U.S. Open, the Masters and the PGA Championship) are recognized as the Big Four of golf, a few other tournaments have tried to expand golf’s royalty. Among those over the years are the Western, the Memorial and the Players Championship.

AT VARIOUS TIMES, NBC, USA, Golf Channel and Peacock were telecasting the tournament. A golfer must be younger than 61 to qualify for The Open.

Besides qualifying for the top four tournaments for four years each, last weekend’s winner qualified for the Players Championship for five years.

The pool for the Open was $6.5 million.

Among those who didn’t make the cut were: Keagan Bradley, Ben Griffin, Sahith Theegala, Harris English, Billy Horschel, Justin Rose, Michael Kim, Trey Mullinax, Sam Burns, Taylor Gooch Darren Clarke, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Justin Thomas, John Daly, Adam Schenk and Dustin Johnson.

ROBERT ‘RJ’ DUBE

Senior, Coral Shores Football

With the football season fast approaching, Coral Shores is fortunate to have upcoming senior Robert “RJ” Dube on its roster. The hardworking multiyear starter has been diligent in the offseason, training in the weight room and on the track as a sprinter. Dube will return to his role as an outside linebacker, and opposing teams can expect a bigger, stronger and faster athlete facing them this year. Hurricanes coach Ed Holly described Dube as the sort of player every coach would feel blessed to have. For his diligence in preparation for the upcoming season and his lead-by-example attitude, Coral Shores’ RJ Dube is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“He’s been in the weight room every day. He works his hardest all day and is a phenomenal athlete to have on your team.”

– Ed Holly, Coral Shores head coach.

Photo by Joy Smith

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

Sean McDonald Names His Top Basketball Teams in Monroe County History

Afew weeks back, we brought you the top football teams in Monroe County history. It garnered more feedback than any other piece we have done, so with summer winding down and just a few weeks left before the pages are filled with scores and prep sports news, we are bringing you the top basketball teams in Keys history. Listed here in chronological order are Sean McDonald’s top picks.

1961-1962 MARATHON

The ’61-’62 Marathon boys team amassed a 14-4 record while leaning heavily on the play of Dave Sutherland. The Fins won the district trophy under the guidance of head coach Gene Dull and made the trip to Gainesville to participate in the state playoff series with the backing of the community, which helped raise money for the young team’s travel. The deep run into playoffs was made more notable by the fact that it was just the fifth year the program existed at Marathon.

1967-1968 KEY WEST

Coach Dave Fedor’s ’68 Conchs won the state title and set the school record for wins with 31, a record which remains over a half century later. Fedor was named Florida’s Coach of the Year that season. His talented team was bolstered by the inclusion of players who formerly attended Douglass School, which closed in 1965. Notable team members included forward Ron Harris, the first Monroe County basketball player to receive All-State honors. Harris went on to play ball at Florida State University on a scholarship and received interest from professional teams, which he turned down to continue his education. The rest of the Conch roster included talent such as Lou Albury, Quinton Thurston and Bill Butler.

CONTRIBUTED

1968-1969 KEY WEST

Coach Dave Fedor’s ’69 Conchs won 26 contests and made a postseason run that went all the way to the state championship game, in which the team earned second place. Notable players were Mike Raymond, Lou Albury and future Conchs coach Bill Butler. Butler was honored with first-team All-State honors at guard. The team played for a devoted home crowd that sold out the gym the entire season. The Conchs dominated their county rivals, but Coral Shores and Marathon were not too dismayed – each enjoyed their first

season indoors with new gymnasiums. Prior to that season, the ’Canes and Fins played outside on the asphalt.

1970-1971 MARY IMMACULATE

Mary Immaculate School won 27 games in ’71, a school record which included a sweep of the rest of the county. The team eventually took second place in the state tournament. Notable players for Mary Immaculate were Rodney Wallace, Tom Ferguson and John Albury. Ferguson and Albury were named to All-State squads, the first players in school history to receive that honor. The team was coached by John Dougherty.

1971-1972 MARY IMMACULATE

For the second season in a row, John Dougherty coached Mary Immaculate to a second-place spot at the state tournament. The team won 20 games that season, including wins across Monroe County. John Albury was selected to the All-State team for a second season and teammate Maurice Thurston was a big contributor for the Mariners. The team was ranked as high as sixth in the polls during the season.

1983-1984 CORAL SHORES

The Hurricanes won a district title in 1984 under the excellent coaching of Don Shipp. The team broke the school win record that season, earning a re-

Key West’s Ron Harris, who played for Conchs coach Dave Fedor’s 1967-68 squad, played collegiate basketball at FSU and went on to become a medical doctor.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

cord of 24-4. The ’Canes’ top scorer for the season was Willie Mitchell. Mitchell earned, then held, the all-time top scoring record until the 1992 season when Alvin Taylor surpassed it. Coral Shores went all the way to the regional final that season, taking second place.

1986-1987 MARATHON

Coached by Jim Sikora, the ’87 Marathon boys basketball team set the school record that season with 27 wins. Star forward Rodney Holmes did the majority of scoring for the Fins, was named the Miami News Player of the Year, and received a second-team All-State nod. The team won the first district championship in Marathon history and came in second place at regionals.

1991-1992 CORAL SHORES

Coral Shores’ first regional championship team was coached by Dan Smith. The ’Canes won 22 matches in the ’91-’92 season, with two of those victories over Key West. Alvin Taylor was the leading player for Coral Shores, earning second-team All-State honors as a forward. Taylor broke the career scoring record that season and went on to play collegiately at both Western Nebraska and Central Connecticut.

1992-1993 MARATHON

Coached by Stuart Kantor, the ’93 Dolphins enjoyed hometown success by defeating the Conchs that season, then took their skills a bit further. Six hundred miles, to be exact, which was the distance the Fins’ five traveled to the state tournament that year. Marathon made it all the way to the Final Four, losing to the eventual state champion. The team was led by first-team AllState center Tony Bryant, who went on to play football professionally, but not before carrying the load for the Fins on the hardwood.

2001-2002

KEY WEST

Coach Bill Butler’s Conchs won 29 games in ’02, winning the runner-up spot in the state tournament. Butler had an arsenal of talent that season, including a trio of All-State players. The Conchs’ talent pool included twins Damitrius and Dominique Coleman and Lamar Moore. Dominique earned the title “Mr. Basketball” in Florida and earned a National Junior College Championship ring at Hillsborough, transferred to Colorado University, and went on to play for the LA Lakers’ summer league team. Damitrius played at Mercer and Bethune Cookman. Moore played at a community college

in Minnesota before transferring to Florida Atlantic University, where his play caught the eye of professional scouts. He played professionally with the Continental Basketball Association overseas.

2001-2002 MARATHON GIRLS

Coached by Teresa Konrath, the Lady Dolphins were ranked as high as seventh in the state that season. Marathon broke its school win record with 21 Ws, including the district championship match. Konrath had a plethora of talent to work with, including second-team All-State center Consuelo Lezcano, who earned a four-year scholarship to UCLA, and third-team All-State guard Veronica Doughman, who played collegiately at Palm Beach Atlantic.

Coach Teresa Konrath’s 2002 Lady Dolphins celebrate their district championship win. The team set a school record with 21 wins. CONTRIBUTED

MONROE COUNTY AWARDS DEBRIS COLLECTION CONTRACTS TO LAWSUIT OPPONENT, ADDRESSES DOWNSTAIRS ENCLOSURE CAP

On a sweltering day in July, the Monroe County commissioners and staff met and tackled topics that no one, we can safely say, adores to discuss in our island paradise: hurricanes and floods.

Specifically, they voted to give out two contracts for hurricane debris removal — to AshBritt and DRC Emergency Services — and took suggestions from the public about enforcing the size of downstairs enclosures.

The debate for awarding the hurricane debris removal contract got a mite testy at times between AshBritt chairman Randy Perkins and county attorney Bob Shillinger.

Notably silent: Mayor Pro Tem Holly Raschein. Raschein is currently employed as the director of government relations at AshBritt, one of the six companies vying for the contract.

Shillinger assured the board that he has the Florida Commission on Ethics “on speed dial” and that Raschein is in compliance with its code of ethics by sitting out the vote.

County administrator Roman Gastesi and Shillinger had differing opinions about whom to award the contract to. Gastesi supported re-upping the contract currently in place with the team of nationwide disasterresponse company AshBritt and Key West–based construction firm Charley Toppino & Sons, citing the experience that they have in the county already.

“I have a different view,” responded Shillinger, explaining that in order to maximize the chance of FEMA financial reimbursement, he’d like to follow selection-committee recommendations: their first choice was DRC, second was TFR Enterprises and third was AshBritt.

AshBritt had handed in higher price quotes for its services than DRC and TFR,

which may, Shillinger implied, make FEMA blanche at reimbursement.

Perkins came out swinging at the speaker podium: “Bob, I don’t mean to make this about you and I — we have a personal history, and I’ll leave it at that.”

AshBritt sued the county just after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Monroe County had claimed that AshBritt was having trouble removing trash in the Lower Keys after the storm hit, and, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Transportation, had hired other contractors at higher prices.

The lawsuit dragged on for years and was only settled this past March. AshBritt sought almost $3 million in damages and legal fees. In the end, Monroe County agreed to pay the company $100,000 and said the contract would be put out to bid.

Perkins said that Shillinger was “factually incorrect about what FEMA would pay” and that AshBritt quoted higher prices than the five other companies making bids due to such expenses as employee housing, the cost of labor and equipment rental.

In the end, the board came to a compromise by approving not one, but two fiveyear contracts: selection-committee favorite DRC and AshBritt/Toppino.

The board moved on to another controversial topic later in the meeting: FEMA’s floodplain management.

County staff met with FEMA recently in Atlanta to discuss two items that had drawn the ire of Keys locals: a 299-square-foot cap on downstairs enclosures and an inspection-on-sale program for those enclosures.

“(FEMA) basically said, ‘What proposals do you have to offer as part of a revised remedial plan that would give us comfort that the county would not backslide into the position that we were in decades ago,’”

said Shillinger, “when, quite frankly, we were paying lip service to these regulations. We found ourselves in hot water with FEMA.”

The county had been in danger of getting kicked out of the FEMA-managed National Flood Insurance Program, he explained. The county had agreed to regulations such as the 299-square-foot enclosure cap to get back into the agency’s good graces.

But, as speakers said in the board meeting, that cap didn’t always make sense.

Amedeo D’Ascanio of construction contractor D’Asign Source said that detached garages are legal, “but if it’s underneath your house, that’s not legal. So some of the logic doesn’t square.”

Shillinger said that during their Atlanta meeting, FEMA agreed to consider raising the cap.

Speakers from the real estate community had expressed concern about another FEMA-inspired regulation: an inspection that buyers and sellers are required to request upon sale of a property if there is an enclosed structure below flood elevation. Although work identified as unpermitted may not result in a code case against the current owner, it would affect the new owner’s ability to pull a permit later.

This inspection program has had an unforeseen effect: Buyers’ agents have begun to limit showings to homes in incorporated areas of Monroe County that do not fall under the same restrictions. Turnaround times for inspections by the understaffed building department are also affecting transactions that are on the clock to lock in a mortgage rate.

With this in mind, the board agreed to hold more workshops about these issues and approved a resolution to limit liability for home sellers and buyers who may be affected by the inspection program — a grace period that had originally been due to end on September 1 — through Jan. 31, 2024.

Crews from AshBritt Inc. and Toppino & Sons clear storm debris following Hurricane Ian in Key West. The two companies will continue to serve Monroe County’s debris clearing needs on new five-year contracts. CONTRIBUTED CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

KEY WEST’S HOG’S BREATH SALOON HAS NEW OWNERS

HOSPITALITY EXECS BUY ICONIC DUVAL STREET BAR, PLEDGE TO HONOR ITS LEGACY

SOUTH ROOSEVELT ROAD WORK CONTINUES

NIGHTTIME LANE CLOSURES ARE OVER; PARTS OF PROMENADE TO CLOSE FOR CONSTRUCTION

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

David Siegel, president and CEO of Westgate Resorts, and longtime business associate Jim Gissy have purchased the iconic Hog’s Breath Saloon on Key West’s Duval Street, Westgate Resorts announced in a July 21 press release.

The Hog’s Breath Saloon is known for its lively atmosphere, live music, surprise celebrity appearances (Kenny Chesney has taken the stage a few times), signature cocktails and good food.

“Westgate Resorts recognizes the unique cultural significance of the venue and is committed to preserving its authentic spirit while enhancing the overall guest experience,” the press release states.

“I am honored that Mr. Gissy and Mr. Siegel will continue the tradition of Hog’s Breath in Key West for many years. My late husband would be proud,” said Sherry

Dorminy, longtime owner of Hog’s Breath Saloon. “After 47 years, it’s time to pass the torch. I am so grateful to the staff, especially my twin sister Sheryl, for making Hog’s Breath the beloved institution it is today.”

Initially established in Fort Walton Beach in 1976, Hog’s Breath was the brainchild of Jerry Dorminy, who moved it in 1988 to Key West, where it quickly became one of the most popular bars on Duval Street.

“We are honored to continue the long tradition of the Hog’s Breath Saloon as a staple of the Key West area,” Gissy said. “This iconic establishment holds a special place in the hearts of many, and we are dedicated to preserving its unique charm and authenticity. We are committed to ensuring that Hog’s Breath Saloon remains a vibrant hub of entertainment and enjoyment for years to come.”

Expansion plans and discussions are underway, the release states.

The nighttime construction that required the road closure on South Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West is now complete. The road is open 24 hours a day, said Florida Department of Transportation local spokeswoman Julie Brown.

FDOT is approaching the next phase of construction on the project along Smathers Beach and South Roosevelt Boulevard.

On July 24, crews began installing the remainder of the barrier wall, and closed the rest of the promenade throughout the project limits. Those traveling through the area may

use the road or the pedestrian path.

There will be no parking along the south side of the road, as it will be an active construction zone. Access to the beach will be from the three crosswalks that are currently in place.

This closure is necessary to continue road and sidewalk repair and drainage installation on the south side of the roadway. Officials expect this area to be under construction into early 2024, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.

— Contributed

Road work and drainage improvements along Key West’s South Roosevelt Boulevard have prompted the closure of parts of the promenade. CONTRIBUTED

The Hog’s Breath Saloon on Lower Duval Street in Key West has been sold to hospitality executives David Siegel and Jim Gissy. CONTRIBUTED

MARSHALL TUCKER BAND TO PLAY KEY WEST IN MARCH, 2024

TICKETS GO ON SALE JULY 28; PRE - SALE FOR LOCALS TO BE HELD JULY 27

KEYS ENERGY’S CEO REMAINS WITH STATEWIDE GROUP

LYNNE TEJEDA ON BOARD OF FLORIDA MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY

The Marshall Tucker Band is coming to Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater on March 16 at 7 p.m. Pre-sale tickets for locals go on sale on Thursday, July 27 at 10 a.m. and for everyone else on July 28. The presale code for locals is MTBKW. Visit thekeywestamp.com, the box office at 512 Eaton St. or call 305-985-0433.

When you wake up and want to put a smile on your face, you think of songs that take you back to a different place and time. The Marshall Tucker Band provides the soundtrack to so many of those memories. For decades, the tried-and-true Southern institution has been performing favorites like, “This Ol’ Cowboy,” “Fire on the Mountain,” and “Can’t You See.”

“I’ve been in tune with how music can make you feel, right from when I was first in the crib,” said lead vocalist and bandleader Doug Gray, who’s been fronting the MTB since the very beginning. “I was born with that. And I realized it early on, back when I was a little kid and my mom and dad encouraged me to get up there and sing whatever song came on the jukebox. There’s a certain gift I found I could share, whether I was in front of five people or 20,000 people. I was blessed with that ability and I’m thankful I can share it with others.”

More information is at marshalltucker.com.

— Contributed

Officials from public power utilities throughout Florida recently elected five officers to lead the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s (FMPA) board of directors and executive committee during a meeting in St. Petersburg.

Keys Energy Services’ general manager and CEO Lynne Tejeda was re-elected as vice chair of the executive committee.

Tejeda was first elected to the agency’s leadership in December 2014. She has served on the executive committee since 2005.

FMPA’s executive committee includes one appointed representative from each member of FMPA’s All-Requirements Project. The executive committee governs and manages the business affairs of the All-Requirements Project.

CONTRIBUTED

FMPA’s All-Requirements Project provides the wholesale power needs of 13 Florida cities, including Bushnell, Clewiston, Fort Meade, Fort Pierce, Green Cove Springs, Havana, Jacksonville Beach, Key West, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Newberry, Ocala and Starke.

Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power agency owned by municipal electric utilities in Florida. Its mission is to provide lowcost, reliable and clean power, plus value-added services for FMPA’s owner-customers that benefit their communities and customers. The 31 members of FMPA serve nearly 2.7 million Floridians and employ nearly 3,700 people.

— Contributed

The Marshall Tucker Band seen back in 2006. CONTRIBUTED/Wikipedia

Lynne Tejeda, Keys Energy Services’ general manager and CEO.

MANDY MILES

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

MILES TO GO

LOADS OF LOVE MAKES LIFE — AND LAUNDRY — EASIER

Clean laundry shouldn’t be considered a luxury. But in homes without a washer and dryer — and there are plenty in Key West — that April-fresh scent costs money and time, both of which are in short supply for working families.

I’ve lived and worked in Key West for 25 years now, and for exactly one of those years, I had a washer and dryer inside my own apartment, no coins required. Our current complex on South Street has a convenient shared laundry room — four washers and four dryers — in the storage building next to the pool, about 30 yards from our back door. The price of a load is considerably cheaper than local laundromats and it’s easy to throw in a load or two and go back to my usual business.

But it still requires quarters. And it still requires schlepping the laundry out the back door and down the pathway. So I still hate doing laundry, which is partly why I love the story I’m about to tell.

A group of volunteers from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Duval Street, back in 2022, launched a project called Loads of Love.

They spend a few evenings a month at local laundromats dropping quarters into washers and dryers for anyone using them that night.

I caught up recently with two of the volunteers, Sarah Kindinger and Tammi Hoback, who were busily feeding quarters into machines at the Habana Plaza laundromat for residents like Donovan Jones, a young guy in his 20s, and local woman Janet Gomez.

Jones and Gomez each had their own Ziploc bags of fresh quarters, carefully collected, counted and squirreled away, specifically for laundry day. The gratitude and surprise on their faces when they didn’t have to spend their own quarters was genuine and heartwarming.

“It’s from the church. The church wants to pay for your laundry,” Kindinger told them both as they loaded their clothes, speaking slowly in case they didn’t speak English. (They both did.) Loads of Love volunteers have printed signs in four different languages that say, “Loads of Love: Prepare your washer, then give us a

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wave and we will put money in. Move clothes to the dryer, give us a wave and we will put money in.”

St. Paul’s, under the direction of Pastor Donna Mote, who likes to be called “Padre,” takes up collections for Loads of Love in the back of the church — in a Tide bottle.

She and Hoback have visited every laundromat in town since October 2022, when they started after Hurricane Ian flooded so many washers and dryers and soaked so many clothes.

They know how much one washer load costs at each place (it ranges from $2.75 to $8 for a giant, industrial-sized load) and how many minutes of drying time each quarter provides at each place.

One or two nights a month, they’ll show up with rolls of quarters and some detergent to donate as well. They’re also known to give some free laundry advice.

“You don’t think about it, but some people from other countries have never used a washing machine and they don’t know how much detergent to use,” Kindinger said, adding that there are no laundromats on Stock Island or in Bahama Village, forcing many residents to schlep (ugh!) their laundry on bikes or in cars across town.

The Loads of Love budget is about $300 per night in quarters.

It’s a relatively small investment in a simple idea, but it has some of the most immediate and obvious impacts that I witnessed firsthand last week.

While I still hate doing laundry, it did my heart good to see such a simple act making someone’s life easier. We need more of that in today’s world.

To support Loads of Love or for more information, email info@stpaulskeywest.org or call the church office at 305-296-5142.

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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 is imposed for early withdrawal which could reduce earnings on account.

Donovan Jones thanks Loads of Love volunteer Sarah Kindinger as she drops nine quarters into a dryer for him. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

DYLAN OLIVE www.keysweekly.com

LESSONS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

KEYS WEEKLY’S COLLEGE INTERN ATTENDS POLICE ACADEMY CLASS

Inever imagined spending a Saturday of my summer break sitting in a classroom full of future police officers, hearing about the dangers and difficulties of law enforcement careers.

But I recently joined a class of over 20 brand new police recruits as they continued their training, learning to protect and serve in paradise.

This particular Police Academy course, taught by Inspector Michelle Maxwell of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, prepares students for the state certification exam, which they must pass during their five-month training to become a law enforcement officer, and a member of the Key West Police Department, which often sponsors police recruits. The KWPD will pay for the academy training in exchange for a commitment that, once certified, the officer will work for the KWPD for a certain amount of time.

Maxwell is an attorney and a certified law enforcement officer who has worked as an inspector in the office of internal affairs for MCSO since 2011. She has a master’s degree in internal relations from Georgetown University, a law degree from West Virginia University and more than a decade of experience teaching this class.

“The legal block in the Basic Law Enforcement Academy provides law enforcement officers with an intense, immersive lesson on the United States Constitution and constitutional law as well as laws specific to the state of Florida,” Maxwell said.

In the short time I attended the class, the daunting tasks facing these recruits became abundantly clear. (Apparently, police officers DON’T just park on the side of the road, waiting for a college kid like me to speed by.)

After just one day observing the class, I had a new understanding of what it truly takes to protect and serve.

Police officers and sheriff’s deputies must know the laws they are entrusted to enforce — and which ones are civil matters for a court to decide. How do you protect the public from illegal behavior without violating a suspect’s civil rights?

Is a homeless person allowed to sleep on the beach in Key West? What happens when a child custody dispute — typically a civil matter handled by the courts and not the police — escalates to a criminal situation due to violence or gun threats?

While Maxwell reviewed both real-life and hypothetical scenarios, I realized just how difficult and unpredictable the job is. Officers must make precise, crucial and split-second decisions that can have lifechanging outcomes, both good and bad. And they’re expected to make those decisions in good faith based on their training.

It was clear to me the goal of the class was not to create perfect law enforcement officers, but to prepare them for the imperfect society they’ve sworn to protect and serve.

“Learning to be a great police officer takes time and comes with experience,” said Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg, who has led the force since 2018. “The academy is meant to make sure officers are ready to go out in the field and make good, solid choices and judgment calls.”

Maxwell gives them the chance to make those calls in the classroom before they’re at a crime scene. And she manages to make the class interesting, engaging and enjoyable even as students learn about lawsuits they could face and decisions that could cost them their job.

Left: Key West Police Chief Sean Brandeburg has been a police officer for more than 20 and has led the department since 2018. Right: Attorney and certified law enforcement officer Michelle Maxwell is the internal affairs inspector for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office who also teaches a police academy course about the judicial intricacies of the job. CONTRIBUTED

“When I attended the academy as a recruit, the classes were absolutely, miserably boring. I knew I could do a much better job,” Maxwell said, “I try to keep the class relevant and interesting using real-life examples from right here in the Florida Keys, which is not hard since this place has one of the most fascinating legal histories in the United States.”

After just a few hours of Maxwell’s pointed examples and humorous anecdotes, I had a new understanding of and respect for the challenges police officers face and the insane amount of information they must remember.

Plus, I learned a vital personal lesson: Name-drop Inspector Michelle Maxwell next time I get pulled over. (Just kidding, Inspector.)

Dylan Olive is a journalism student at University Florida and a summer intern with the Key West Weekly.

1. Sea turtles are among the many species affected by extreme heat. BETTE ZIRKELBACH/The Turtle Hospital 2. Many small, tropical fish overheated and died in the unprecedented marine heat wave. WILL BENSON/Contributed. 3. Dying sponges secrete a thick mucus as a last defense. Hot and deoxygenated water has killed off many sponges. TOM MATTHEWS/Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish & Wildlife Research Institute. 4. Seagrass beds covered in a mix of dead algae and sediment. 5. A temperature graph comparing Upper Keys water temperatures in Florida Bay from 2022 (blue) and 2023 (black) shows how much hotter this year has been. JULI BERWALD/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG www.keysweekly.com

UNPRECEDENTED

WHAT DOES THE UNBEARABLE MARINE HEAT WAVE MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CORAL REEFS?

Are we witnessing the death of an entire ecosystem?

It’s too early to tell, but that’s the unbearable – and hopefully unfounded – fear in the back of many minds as historic water temperatures continue to decimate coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems the Keys are known for.

“The biggest unknown from this heat wave is what it could do to our habitats,” said Ross Boucek, the Florida Keys initiative manager at Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT). “Lots of sponges are dying, corals are bleaching, and the heat is certainly stressing our seagrasses. In addition to these stresses on the habitats, the heat wave is causing fairly intense algae blooms in some places. We are in uncharted territory with this heat, so it is hard to predict what our systems will look like on the back end of this.”

In late June, an unprecedented heat wave (above and below the surface) began suffocating the Keys. This sweltering heat has intensified and stayed, causing catastrophic coral bleaching and death on most of the reefs throughout the Keys.

In a somber and urgent written statement, Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) reported the “unimaginable – 100% coral mortality” in its Sombrero Reef nursery, where they’ve been working for over a decade. Additionally, CRF reported the almost complete loss of its Looe Key Nursery in the Lower Keys. They, and other restoration organizations in the Keys, are now “rescuing” as many corals as possible from in situ ocean nurseries and relocating them to land-based holding systems as a “last lifeline” for many species.

By mid-July, dead fish and sponges dotted our waters.

“The hot still waters cause a cascade of disturbances that harm numerous species in the nearshore hardbottom habitat,” said Tom Matthews, program administrator of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish & Wildlife Research Institute. “Poor water quality and increased sediment has caused the decline of this habitat for decades, but more frequent harmful algae blooms and now unprecedented and prolonged high temperature is causing the death of a broad array of sponges, soft coral (gorgonians), and even the few corals that are normally considered particularly hardy and resilient.”

Sponges are the “unrecognized water pumps and super filters of our marine ecosystem,” Matthews added. While limited saltwater facilities exist for corals, there isn’t enough capacity to rescue sponges. And, as hot water increases, the frequency and size of algae blooms that harm sponges has increased, and sponge restoration efforts have not been able to keep up, he said.

So, what’s going on? “Heat does a lot of things besides causing fish to overheat and die,” Boucek said.

“All plants and animals need oxygen to live,” Matthews added. Warm water holds less oxygen than cool water, and this year’s extreme temperatures

have caused oxygen levels to decline below the levels needed by many species to live – causing their death.

Additionally, the hot water promotes the growth of phytoplankton and green algae that color our clear blue waters dark shades of lake green and brown, he added. While not harmful like red tide, they further deplete the water’s oxygen levels at night and smother sponges and corals.

Furthermore, excess heat without rain can increase evaporation and make some areas extra salty. This is really bad for seagrasses and Florida Bay, Boucek said. Finally, heat can kick bacteria and microbes into overdrive, breaking down organic matter and increasing nutrient loads. These increase algal blooms and further decrease oxygen – a dangerous positive feedback loop.

Mobile marine species aren’t necessarily faring better. BTT reported that most dead fish are tropical species that scientists expected would be more resilient to heat. In the nearshore hardbottom, dead fish include juveniles of important reef species like snapper, grunts and other ornamentals, Matthews said. The seagrasses, corals and sponges that are dying serve as critical nursery habitats for these species and many more, so the decline of the former is causing a cascade of ecological harms.

Bette Zirkelbach, manager at The Turtle Hospital, worries that the rising temperatures will also affect the sex determination of sea turtles during their incubation period on our coastlines. Warmer sand produces females, and cooler sand produces males, she said. “The last four summers in Florida have been the hottest on record, and the scientists that study hatchlings (baby sea turtles) have found no male sea turtles,” she added. “If sea turtles continue to hatch overwhelmingly as females, this could lead to a decline in genetic diversity within the population.”

Scientists throughout all disciplines urged that this devastating event highlights why it is so urgent to do everything we can to protect our sensitive habitats from local stressors like vessel groundings, anchoring, marine debris, declining water quality and overfishing – especially with mini-season upon us.

“Collectively, Monroe County cannot single-handedly change the trajectory of our climate,” Boucek said, “but we can do a better job of regulating, enforcing and educating boats to reduce vessel damage to sensitive habitats, and increase investment in local water quality improvement projects that will make our systems healthier and more capable of withstanding these events.”

The community is waiting with bated breath, hoping for rains and a swift decline in temperatures. In the meantime, report fish kills and other concerns to FWC (email Tip@MyFWC.com, call 1-888-404-FWCC or dial *FWC or #FWC from a cell phone) and dead sponges, bleached corals, algae blooms, dead fish or fish gasping for air at the surface to BTT (email ross@ bonefishtarpontrust.org).

owned and operated by Damien, Cathy, Tiffany & Nikki.

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.

As a rule, it’s not hard to find a house sparrow in the U.S. It seems I’ve seen them on nearly every block of every city, as well as in most suburbs and agricultural areas. I’ve also seen them inside airports, grocery stores, Kmarts (when they used to exist), and several Walmarts.

The first time I really noticed them, as a species, was from the porch of my mother-in-law’s farmhouse in Massachusetts, watching them build a nest in her eaves.

House sparrows can be a little more elusive in Key West than other places.The trees in the Overseas Market parking lot used to be a reliable spot to see them, but their numbers have dropped in recent years. With all the recent renovation, and the leafy landscaping trees being replaced with palms, I thought maybe they had ceded this part of their range.

I wasn’t thinking about house sparrows at all when I drove through the parking lot of the Walgreens on North Roosevelt the first time, aiming for The Home Depot. I was thinking about the pair of white-crowned pigeons I’d seen mating on a wire over the road, back near Taco Bell. The wire swayed a bit in the wind while they were doing it, and it was one of the more impressive feats of balance and determination I’ve seen. I just hoped they decided to build a nest somewhere with a little less car exhaust.

I didn’t think about house sparrows until I drove through the Walgreens parking lot a second time, this time with the windows open to release the heat from the car. That’s when I heard it, the telltale twitter.

I saw the bird fly up from the ground and toward the building, a flash of gray, brown and white. So I parked and grabbed the binoculars I keep on the floor behind the passenger seat and was prepared to wait patiently. But I didn’t have to — because I know how to read.

House sparrows apparently have a thing for sans serif fonts. They had completely eschewed the flowing script of the Walgreens logo. But on the middle bar of the letter E in “OPEN 24 HOURS,” displayed in a thick, Helvetica-type font, someone had tried to build a nest. It had apparently failed, possibly because the egg rolled off the right-hand edge. All that remained was a broken weave of grass and twigs. (If it had been a serifed font, or a lowercase e, the results might have been different.) But inside the inner triangle of the 4 in 24, and the lobe in the R in HOURS, there were nests.

There were also nests in the lobes of the P and R of PHARMACY and the R of LIQUORS, as well as another nest in the lower cup of the

SPARROWS AND THEIR TYPE

letter S at the end. And they were all going like gangbusters – needy fledglings being taken care of by harried parents.

I was strangely elated to see them back, even though I, like most birders, have a relationship to them as a species that ranges from the conflicted to the ambivalent.

House sparrows used to be called English sparrows and, as their name indicates, are an Old World species. Our native sparrows, a.k.a. New World sparrows, are in a separate family, but called sparrows because the new European immigrants in the 1600s and 1700s just named the new species they were seeing after the birds they resembled back home.

It was a practical move, a way to begin to understand the species around them, but it was also a way of reorganizing things in a way that pleased European-derived sensibilities.

It was that urge to European-ize the continent that led, I believe, to a trend in the mid-1800s, of importing house sparrows. The first eight pairs were brought from England and released in Brooklyn in 1851. They were never really seen again, so it was decided “they did not thrive.” Although releasing birds onto a new continent and not seeing them again does not seem like proof that they did not thrive.

In 1852, members of the Brooklyn Institute collected $200 to purchase about 100 house sparrows from Liverpool, England that were shipped to the United States aboard the steamship Europa.

Fifty of those birds were released as the ship came into port. The rest were housed in a tower of the chapel at the Greenwood Cemetery. When those birds were seen to be doing poorly midwinter, they were brought into someone’s house until spring, then released in the cemetery with a man hired to watch over them. Those birds thrived and multiplied.

In the coming years other batches were released in Boston, Quebec, Galveston, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City and San Fran-

cisco, as well as less populated places, like Portland, Maine and Peace Dale, Rhode Island. They were generally released in flocks of 20 to 200 birds, though in many cases the exact number wasn’t recorded. The peak was in 1867, when 1,000 house sparrows were released in Philadelphia.

There are also records of smaller groups being released in places such as Alabama, Wisconsin and Georgia, though it is unclear if those birds were imported directly from Europe, or if they were captured in American cities where they were thriving, and redistributed.

What is sure is that the Europeans brought them in, though the rationalizations I’ve read for doing so all seem somewhat vague. It’s believed that part of the idea was that house sparrows eat insects, and thus were a sanitizing force. It’s also thought they were a balm for homesickness, a familiar creature for immigrants from France, Germany and England in an unfamiliar land. No doubt it also had something to do with the belief that things from Europe were somehow better.

By the early 20th century, they were considered an agricultural pest and great efforts were made to eradicate them, but obviously failed. They were also thought to be crowding out native species.

The thinking on that has shifted in recent years. Or at least agricultural techniques have changed enough that house sparrows are no longer considered the pests they once were.

And the notion of them crowding out native species has gotten a little more nuanced. Like rock pigeons and free roaming chickens, they don’t thrive in wild habitats, but rather in habitats greatly altered by humans. They don’t drive out the other species, they just occupy habitats that are no longer suitable to the native species.

So yeah, I was happy to see them doing so well at the Walgreens the other day. Sort of.

A house sparrow seen recently at a Key West Walgreens. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

BLEACHWATCH PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO MONITOR CORALS IN FLORIDA KEYS

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

ANNUAL EVENT TO SHOWCASE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MILITARY

Bleaching of elkhorn coral observed on July 17 at Sombrero Reef, where water temperatures have already reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods this summer. MICHELLE DOBLER/Nova Southeastern University

With unseasonably high ocean temperatures in the Florida Keys, local coral reefs are bleaching, a stress response which increases susceptibility to disease, predation and mortality. Mote Marine Laboratory, in partnership with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, is seeking volunteers to monitor for heatdriven bleaching throughout the Florida Keys.

Cory Walter, Mote senior biologist and BleachWatch coordinator, will lead three additional BleachWatch training sessions in the coming weeks to engage volunteer divers and snorkelers in the Florida Keys BleachWatch program. BleachWatch provides critical monitoring data before, during and after coral bleaching events in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

As a community-based reporting program, BleachWatch relies on a large network of trained observers to be “eyes on the water,” providing regular reports on actual coral conditions. This field observation data is synthesized with NOAA’s monitoring data to provide scientists, resource managers and the public summaries of current conditions on Florida reefs. The data is also essential to inform future restoration strategy.

Mote’s BleachWatch program has operated since 2005 in partnership with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). BleachWatch receives funding from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and from the Protect Our Reefs grants program, which distributes funds from sales of Florida’s Protect Our Reefs specialty license plate.

Recreational and professional divers and snorkelers can get involved by attending an upcoming training session led by Mote. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes. No scientific background is needed.

• Wednesday, Aug. 2: 6 p.m. at the Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada

• Saturday, Aug. 5: 10 a.m. at Reefhouse Resort & Marina Conference Center, 103800 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

• Saturday, Aug. 12: 10 a.m. at Florida Keys Country Club, 4000 Sombrero Boulevard, Marathon

Pre-registration is requested at mote.org/bleachwatch. If unable to attend an in-person workshop, online training is also available at mote.org/ bleachwatch. For more information contact Cory Walter at: cwalter@mote.org or 305-3958730.

— Contributed

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and its law enforcement, military and community partners will host National Night Out events in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys.

All of the events will feature food, refreshments and a great chance to meet your neighbors, members of the Sheriff’s Office, police department and firefighters. Also included are members of the military from a wide variety of divisions and special teams, as well as many others who are all involved in public safety here in the Florida Keys.

The goal of National Night Out is to bring the community together to discuss how we can all make our neighborhoods cleaner, safer and more secure. Community members will learn how to heighten their crime prevention awareness.

Each event — depending on the area — will feature displays of the Sheriff’s Office elite units such as the dive team, SWAT and crime

scene investigation, among others. Sheriff’s Office personnel will be joined by many of their partners such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol, Monroe County Fire Rescue and other fire districts, Monroe County schools, business chambers and many more.

Events will occur from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 1:

• The Key Largo event will be at Key Largo Community Park.

• The Islamorada event will be held at Founders Park in Islamorada.

• The Marathon event will be held at the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Hangar at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport.

• The Lower Keys/Key West event will be at Bayview Park in Key West.

More information about any of these events is available from local Sheriff’s Office substations at www. keysso.net/locations

SWAT medic Cesar Moreton lends a helping hand as young ones try to lift his shield at Marathon’s 2022 National Night Out event. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Ryan Barnett Chiropractor Dr. Laurence Oliviero Chiropractor

Dr. Randall Sheffield Physical Therapist

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards celebrated its 10th year on July 22, honoring local businesses, people and nonprofits for their commitment and contributions to the Key West community.

Presented by the Key West Weekly and hosted by owners Britt Myers and Jason Koler, the awards gala featured jokes, toasts, roasts and a grand finale performance of “I’m From Key West,” by Mike Stack and D-Lew.

More than 500,000 votes were cast in the nomination and final voting phases of the awards that truly are the people’s choice.

The public visits keysweekly.com to nominate their favorite people and places in nearly 100 categories ranging

THE BUBBAS 10TH ANNIVERSARY COMBINES CELEBRATIONS, DONATIONS & LIBATIONS

HILARITY IN THE NAME OF CHARITY

from best bar or restaurant bathroom and best margarita to best teacher and best nonprofit. The top three nominees in each category advance to the final voting round to determine the winner.

As always, the Key West Theater donated the venue, and 100% of all ticket sales benefited Samuel’s House, which provides help and housing to homeless and struggling women and families.

In its decade of awards, the Bubbas have raised more than a quartermillion dollars for local charities, including Samuel’s House, Wesley House Family Services and the Bahama Village Music Program.

Stay tuned for more photos in next week’s Key West Weekly, and see them all at keysweekly.com.

The 10th annual Bubba Awards gala takes place July 22 at Key West Theater.

Photos by MARK HEDDEN and RALPH De PALMA.

CHARITY

PRESENTED BY

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

FOOD & DRINK

Best Key Lime Pie

KERMIT’S KEY WEST

KEY LIME SHOPPE

Best Cuban Sandwich

SANDY’S CAFE

Best International Restaurant

BENIHANA

Best Cup of Co ee

CUBAN COFFEE QUEEN

Best Breakfast

GOLDMAN’S DELI

Best Brunch

BLUE HEAVEN

Best Lunch

MOONDOG CAFE

Best Bar

GREEN PARROT

Best Gay Bar

22&CO

Best Wine Selection

GRAND VIN WINE BAR

Best Beer Selection

MY NEW JOINT

Best Mojito

EL MESON DE PEPE

Best Bloody Mary

TWO FRIENDS PATIO

RESTAURANT

Best Margarita

PEPE’S CAFE

Best Martini

VIRGILIO’S

Best Bartender

MICAELA ELECHKO @ GREEN PARROT

Best Waterfront Dining

LATITUDES

Best Pizza

ROOSTICA

Best Seafood

HOGFISH BAR & GRILL

Best Steak

PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Best Taco

GARBO’S GRILL @ HANKS!

Best Food Truck

GARBO’S GRILL @ HANKS!

Best Dessert Spot

BETTER THAN SEX

Best Ice Cream/Gelato

FLAMINGO CROSSING

Best Conch Chowder

CONCH REPUBLIC

SEAFOOD CO.

Best Wings ROOSTICA

Best Smoothie

SMOOTHIE SHUTTLE

Best BBQ

SMOKED BBQ

Best Sushi

MISOHAPPY SUSHI AND THAI

Best Raw Bar/Oysters

HALF SHELL RAW BAR

Best Ceviche

THE DOCKS RESTAURANT + RAW BAR

Best Late Night Spot

MARY ELLEN’S BAR & RESTAURANT

Best Catering Company

CATERED AFFAIRS OF KEY WEST

Best Organic Health Food

THE CAFE

Best Bar or Restaurant Restroom

TAVERN N TOWN

Best Service & Sta

LA TRATTORIA OCEANSIDE

Best Happy Hour

BOAT HOUSE BAR & GRILL

Best Overall Restaurant

A&B LOBSTER HOUSE

OUR COMMUNITY

Best Place to Take the Kids

KEY WEST BUTTERFLY & NATURE CONSERVATORY

Best Event/Local Festival

KEY WEST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

Best Tourist Attraction

THE HEMINGWAY HOME AND MUSEUM

Best Local Celebrity

MIKE STACK

Best Teacher/Professor/School Admin.

ALI FERGUSON @ POINCIANA ELEMENTARY

Best Nonprofit Organization

FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

Best Elected O cial

SAM STEELE - MONROE COUNTY TAX

COLLECTOR

Best Local Musician

CAFFEINE CARL

Best Local Band

CAFFEINE CARL AND THE BUZZ

Best Local DJ

DJ SANARIS

Best In Drag

QMITCH

Best Artist

LANCE BERRY

Best Thespian/Performing Artist

ERIN MCKENNA

Best Volunteer/Community Activist

KIRBY MYERS

Best Live Music Venue

GREEN PARROT BAR

Best Performing Arts Venue

KEY WEST THEATER

Best Art Gallery or Studio

THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST

THE BUSINESSES

Best Accounting Firm

OROPEZA & PARKS

Best Law Firm

OROPEZA STONES & CARDENAS

Best Charter Fishing Captain or Guide

DJ BARRIOS (ROUGH SHOT CHARTERS)

Best Furniture Store

ROYAL FURNITURE & DESIGN

Best Dive Shop

CAPTAIN’S CORNER DIVE CENTER

Best Bait & Tackle

KEY WEST BAIT & TACKLE

Best Watersports Company

FURY WATER ADVENTURES

Best Marina

A&B MARINA

Best Customer Service

STRUNK ACE HARDWARE

Best Resort/Hotel

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA

Best Grocery Store

FAUSTO’S FOOD PALACE

Best Contractor

KEYSTAR CONSTRUCTION

Best Photographer

NICK DOLL

Best Doctor

DR. MELANIE YOUSCHAK

Best Veterinarian

LOWER KEYS ANIMAL CLINIC

Best Realtor

BASCOM GROOMS

SPONSORED BY

Best Real Estate O ce

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

HOMESERVICES KNIGHT & GARDNER REALTY

Best Bank or Credit Union

FIRST STATE BANK OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

Best Jewelry Store

JEFF’S GEMS & NAUTICAL DESIGNS

Best Car Dealer

NILES SALES & SERVICE

Best Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouse

THE GARDENS HOTEL

Best Chiropractor

KEY WEST CHIROPRACTIC - DR. RYAN BARNETT

Best Dentist

DR. HECTOR GUZMAN

Best Florist

LOVE IN BLOOM FLORIST

Best Insurance Company

UNITED ATLANTIC INSURANCE

Best Liquor Store

TIPSY ROOSTER LIQUOR STORE & BAR

Best Local Retailer

KIRBY’S CLOSET

Best Fitness Center/Gym

FYT KEY WEST

Best Nail Salon

NAIL BAR & LOUNGE

Best Spa

PRANA SPA

Best Hair Salon

SALTY ROOTS

Best Barber BEARDS & BREWS

BARBERSHOP & BAR

Best Airline With Key West Service

DELTA AIRLINES

Best Summer Camp

REEF RELIEF

Best Family-Owned Business

FAUSTO’S FOOD PALACE

Best Overall Business

LA TRATTORIA OCEANSIDE

LOVE ON THE BRAIN

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

Compared to last week, this week’s astrology is downright vanilla with just a couple of rainbow sprinkles. Was last week daunting AF for you? If so, you were right on time. The astrology of the week beginning July 16 was incredibly challenging, starting with a contentious new moon followed by a no-exit Mars-Saturn opposition. We were all locked in battle and struggling with our inner demons. I hope you learned something from the rapids because we are in smoother waters now. At the end of that choppy week, Venus turned retrograde and will stay in apparent retrograde motion until the beginning of September. We are in the midst of a 40-day period of reflecting, revisiting, reinstating, reinterpreting and refining our values and relationships. Turning our focus to right now, the biggest transit this week has Mercury meeting up with our retrograde Venus before changing signs from Leo into Virgo. Wherever Mercury moves is where our minds go, and we are all being encouraged to spend time thinking about and analyzing our loves, relationships, and values. Talk it out and write it down.

Here are your horoscopes for Mercury’s conjunction with retrograde Venus. Read for your rising and sun signs.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Happy birthday, regal Lion! Soak in all of the light and love of Leo season and show out with your luxurious mane. Two quick questions: How is your relationship with yourself and how do you value yourself? Perhaps you’re in the right relation to yourself or perhaps you could really treat yourself better and honor your

badassery. At any rate, check in on your self-love right now and gauge your bearings. Think it through.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

You know that feeling after you’ve accepted a breakup and you’re back on your feet and wondering how your unconscious traumas came out of you all over again even though you thought you’d figured them out? Yeah, that feeling. Whether or not you’re in the broken hearts club right now, you’re having a similar experience to that. Take time to think about your real values, the subconscious ones that emerge in tough times. How can you respect those more?

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Put on your editor’s glasses and take a look around at the groups of people that surround you. Are they showing you love and making you feel valued, or are you seeking approval on the regular? Our social networks are reflections of ourselves, so take a moment to make sure that you like what you see. You deserve a clan that helps you shine.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

Does your work align with your values? Do you love what you do? I think most of us fall somewhere in the “It’s all right – I gotta make a living” category. One thing everyone deserves, however, is to feel valued for their labor and their intrinsic personhood. If you are not feeling that right now, really think about your alternatives. If you are, take a moment for gratitude and invest more.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Recall a time when you fell in love with a new experience, a new location, a new idea, a new belief. Right now is the perfect time to relive or revive that feeling. As with all novel experiences, they eventually become normalized and

maybe stale over time. Remind yourself why expanding your horizons elicits feelings of love for that which is unfamiliar – and go chase that feeling!

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

There is no way around it, we need other people. This requires investing our time and energy into other people in some capacity, and this is a dynamic that we have control over. We get to choose how and when we invest in others. We also get to determine what we expect in return, if anything. Right now, make sure the way you allocate your time and energy reflects your values. Take a value stock of your energetic and financial investments. Make necessary edits.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

This Venus retrograde season is all about your partnerships, Aquarius. How are you showing up or how have you shown up in relationships? Are your values aligned with the values of your current or past partners? Now is a good time to get clear on these questions and either reconsider or reinvest in the partnerships you’ve created. Also, don’t be surprised if any past loves come a-callin’.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Love ain’t always easy, and what’s easy ain’t always love. There is work to be done to maintain the people and things that you love and value. Right now, it’s a time to analyze how you are using your labor for love. Are your routines matching your values? Are you putting in work to ensure that you aren’t taking your loves for granted? Love don’t cost a thing, but it takes work.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

This is a happy transit, Aries, because you are being urged to reinvest and remember what brings you bliss. As children, we find nat-

ural enjoyment in being creative and playful, and we can still hold onto those things as adults despite the societal pressure to “grow up.” Reinvigorate your playtime. One thing to be wary of though: look out for past flings to return and make really intentional decisions about them.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

How does your home reflect your values? Is it just a place to be when you’re not out and about, or does it really feel like a place that you love to be in when you are there? Check in with your relationship to your home, and make sure that it is a reciprocal one. If you are good to your home it will be very good to you.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

Expression and communication are more than just sterile words and empty phrases. The way we communicate is a vehicle for our values and shows who and what we love. If there is more than one way to share something, figure out the way that really carries your intentions with it. “Good afternoon” is much different than “Good to see you.” Now is the time to get creative with your language.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Do you feel an urge to do a Marie Kondo-esque purge of the things in your life that do not spark your joy? Perfect timing. If the things you surround yourself with elicit love, you will only dive deeper in love with yourself. In the same vein, it is an ideal time to get thoughtful about how you are earning and spending money. If your values are at stake in your finances, it’s time for a rewrite.

HEMINGWAY DAYS FESTIVITIES CELEBRATE THE LITERARY LEGEND

LOOK- ALIKE CONTEST & ‘RUNNING OF THE BULLS’ HIGHLIGHT THE WEEKEND

Just call him “Papa.”

Actually, call them all “Papa” — all 140 of the white-bearded men wearing either fishermen’s knit sweaters or khaki fishing shirts while competing for the title of 2023 Hemingway Look-Alike winner.

The 2023 title went to Gerrit Marshall from Madison, Wisconsin on his 11th attempt.

Marshall, a retired television broadcast engineer, triumphed over nearly 140 other entrants to win the contest’s final round on Saturday, July 22, which was also Marshall’s 68th birthday — and one day after Hemingway’s birthday. (He would have been 124 years old on July 21.)

“This is the best birthday I have ever had,” Marshall said after his victory at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where Hemingway often gathered with friends while living in Key West during the 1930s.

The contest is a highlight of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festival that wrapped up July 23. Preliminary rounds took place July 20 and 21, with most look-alike entrants emulating the rugged “Papa” persona that Hemingway adopted in his later years.

For the final round on July 22, spectators packed Sloppy Joe’s, cheering wildly and waving signs when their favorite “aspiring Ernests” paraded onstage to be judged by a panel of past winners.

Marshall said he shared an interest in writing

and outdoor pursuits with Hemingway, but doesn’t envy the late author’s four marriages.

“Like Hemingway, I have a love of the outdoors; I love fishing one heck of a lot,” he said. “I only have one wife, but that doesn’t matter — that’s all I need.”

Earlier in the day on July 22, dozens of the same white-bearded men resembling Ernest Hemingway and a breed of “bull” likely found only in Key West starred in the “Running of the Bulls,” a lighthearted spoof of the famed run held annually in Pamplona, Spain.

A slow-paced ramble rather than a “run,” the Key West event featured stocky, bearded Hemingway look-alikes — dressed in the all-white garb and red scarves typically worn at the Pamplona challenge — parading through the island’s historic downtown with a “herd” of life-size replica bulls on wheels.

The annual Hemingway Days festivities salute the adventurous lifestyle and literary talent of the Nobel Prize-winning author, who spent nearly a decade living and writing in Key West.

“It is exhilarating to know that Hemingway was here, and to walk in his footsteps,” said Marshall.

During his Key West years, the author wrote many of his most famous works, including “To Have and Have Not,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” — Contributed

1. The ‘Running of the Bulls’ — Key West version — starts at the corner of Duval and Greene streets in Key West. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

2. Key West’s version of the Running of the Bulls looks a lot different — and safer, for both the bulls and the bearded men — during the annual Hemingway Day festival.

3. Gerrit Marshall of Madison, Wisconsin wins the 2023 Hemingway Look-Alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar on July 22.

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

SEPTEMBER 6-10, 2023

10, SEPTEMBER 6-10, 2023

ARE JOINING FORCES TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE CELEBRATION OF LGBTQ+ WOMEN.

This exciting event, hosted by the vibrant LGBTQ-friendly destination, Key West, promises to be a spectacular gathering of queer women from all around the world.

The festivities will take place September 6-10, 2023, and participants can expect an exhilarating lineup of activities, parties, and community-building events. Attendees will be able to revel in Key West's welcoming atmosphere, stunning scenery, and a wide array of activities that cater to everyone's interests.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENT DETAILS, SEE THE OFFICIAL KEY WEST WOMENFEST WEBSITE GAYKEYWESTFL.COM/WOMENFEST

Olivia Travel will be actively engaging with attendees throughout the Womenfest events, there to answer any questions, add to the fun, and distribute branded prizes. Womenfest attendees will also get the chance to enter Olivia's "Beautiful Together" sweepstakes, Olivia’s 2023 promotion for one lucky winner to choose between a breathtakingly beautiful Alaskan Cruise or a sunworshipper’s all-inclusive Vallarta resort trip for two in 2024. The winner will be treated to an unforgettable travel experience in company of amazing LGBTQ+ women from all walks of life.

Together, Olivia Travel and Key West Womenfest share a common mission of empowering LGBTQ+ women by providing them with affirming spaces to promote visibility, celebrate their identities, and form meaningful connections with one another. This partnership aims to uplift and support the LGBTQ+ women’s community while promoting a spirit of community and love.

Media inquiries with Olivia Travel, please contact: Autumn Nazarian autumnn@olivia.com

Media inquiries with Key West Womenfest, please contact: Fritzie Estimond fritzie@gaykeywestfl.com Follow the excitement on social media using the official event hashtag: #KeyWestWomenfest2023

ANGLING TEAM RELEASES A WHITE MARLIN AND A SAILFISH

OUTER LIMITS WINS KEY WEST MARLIN TOURNAMENT HEMINGWAY DAYS COMBINES KEY WEST & CUBAN TRADITIONS

DOCKSIDE FISH - OFF USES SPOOLED HAND LINES

Releases of a white marlin and a sailfish proved to be the winning combination for the Outer Limits team, skippered by veteran Key West captain Jay Miller, at the 41st annual Key West Marlin Tournament that ended Saturday, July 22, off the Florida Keys.

The two billfish releases earned the team first place and a prize estimated to exceed $100,000, according to tournament director Tim Greene.

Eric Harpel of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, released the sailfish on the second day of the three-day tournament. Not long afterward, Outer Limits teammate Tyler Whitmore of Lawrence, Kansas, released the white marlin.

“We caught the sailfish first and immediately got the baits out there, and it wasn’t but just a couple of minutes that elapsed and the white marlin came up on the right outrigger,” said Miller, who has been in the Keys charter boat industry for 22 years. “It popped the lure, but then went to the left rigger and bit a ballyhoo.”

Miller, who said he has fished the tournament since 2004, credited the first-place finish to his anglers’ skill.

“They did an excellent job,” he said. “I’ve had the tournament in my grasp but just never have been able to solidify it — but we did it this year.”

Linda D V, with Key West’s Captain Billy Wickers III at the helm, ended the tournament in second place. Team member Nicholas Cioffi of West Palm Beach, Florida, released a blue marlin estimated at 400 pounds on the first fishing day after a fight that lasted nearly four hours.

Sanctuary, skippered by A.J. Barry and part of Key West’s Cowboy Cowgirl fishing fleet, placed third after angler Craig Vaughn of Richardson, Texas, released a blue marlin estimated to weigh 250 pounds. According to Barry, the marlin was the first offshore fish Vaughn had ever caught.

Organizers said the 2023 Key West Marlin Tournament drew about 175 anglers fishing on 32 boats. It took place in conjunction with the annual Hemingway Days festival that salutes the literary talent and angling prowess of the late author, who lived and wrote on the island in the 1930s.

Greene announced July 17-20 as dates for the 2024 tournament.

— Contributed

‘Papa’ Hemingway lookalikes compete in a lighthearted, dockside fish-off during this year’s Hemingway Days festival in Key West. The event included a catch-andrelease challenge using traditional Cuban-style ‘yo-yos,’ also known as hand reels, just outside Conch Republic Seafood Co. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

The Outer Limits team, with Capt. Jay Miller, earns first place at Key West Marlin Tournament that ended Saturday, July 22, 2023, after team members released a white marlin and a sailfish. CONTRIBUTED

Nicholas Cioffi (front) of West Palm Beach, Florida, releases a blue marlin estimated at 400 pounds on July 20, the first fishing day of the annual Key West Marlin Tournament. Cioffi fished on the Linda D V skippered by Key West’s Captain Billy Wickers III. CONTRIBUTED

ESCALATIONS & INNOVATIONS

CONFLICTS IN THE KEYS BRING INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

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

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.

Monroe County has seen significant change over the last 200 years, and has been affected by a few wars. Maybe the first was the Seminole War, which heated up and cooled off through several escalations over the course of decades.

The first escalation erupted before “La Florida” became an American territory. The last, the third escalation, occurred after Florida achieved statehood in 1845 and lasted from 1855-1858.

During the second escalation, hostilities erupted in the Florida Keys — including the southernmost attack at Indian Key on Aug. 7, 1840. The Seminole War was a seminal event in Monroe County history, as was the Civil War that pitted Southern sympathizers against Northern supporters. This was especially prevalent in Key West. While Florida was part of the Confederacy, Key West remained a Union stronghold.

This was due, in no small part, to the construction of Fort Zachary Taylor that began in 1845. Though not completed until 1866, the U.S. fortress remained under the command of Union soldiers throughout the war. Heavily armed with cannons equipped with a three-mile firing range, the fort played an important role during the war as it helped to stop Confederate ships running supplies between Gulf and Atlantic ports.

It was not the last war to leave its footprint on the island chain. Remember the Maine? When the U.S. battleship Maine blew up in Havana Harbor on Feb. 15, 1898, killing 266 men, it ignited the Spanish–American War. Injured and dead soldiers were brought to Key West, and some were buried in the Key West Cemetery, where a monument to the fallen was erected in 1898.

The two world wars left different footprints on the island chain. When hundreds of World War I veterans were brought to the Keys to work on bridge projects for the Overseas Highway in 1934, more than 200 would become victims of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. To this day, it registers as the most powerful hurricane to strike North America. One of the unintended results of World War II was the arrival of the first freshwater pipeline to the Keys. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Commission was formed

in 1937. When the U.S. Navy required more fresh water than it could manufacture at its base in Key West, it joined forces with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Commission to build a pipeline.

To reach Key West, 130 miles of 18-inch pipe was laid in trenches, underwater, or attached to automobile bridges that connected the islands to a wellfield on the mainland in a pine rockland forest west of Florida City. The Navy paid two-thirds of the extensive bill. When the project was completed, the first water to pour down the pipeline reached Key West on Sept. 22, 1942.

Another boon to the communities up and down the island chain was the arrival of electricity. Unlike the freshwater pipeline, electricity was generated in community pockets before spreading up and down the Keys. John Jay Philbrick established the Key West Electric Company circa 1889. It was the first of its kind in the Florida Keys. Competition arrived circa 1897 as an electric plant was developed by the William Curry’s Sons Company. In later years, Philbrick’s KWEC purchased the operation. As Key West grew, as well as the demand for service, so did the KWEC. In 1943, the KWEC was incorporated into the Key West utility City Electric.

It was not until the 1930s that electricity began to spread up the Keys. Tavernier’s H.S. “Mac” McKenzie worked with Florida Power and Lighting to build a small electric plant in the Upper Keys. Located behind the Tavernier Hotel, it was powered by a single 50-horsepower diesel generator. Electric lines stretched about a mile between Tavernier’s Coconut Row and the Driftwood Trailer Park. Service hours were limited to 5 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. On Saturday nights, the electricity was left running until midnight. McKenzie’s plant served some 37 customers.

Like McKenzie, Alonzo Cothron built a private electric plant. He served a small community on Upper Matecumbe Key and served about 22 custom-

ers. Like McKenzie, Cothron offered service for limited hours in the mornings and evenings.

The same story, more or less, repeated itself in Marathon, where Captain Bill Thompson, for example, operated a private electric plant to power his properties and likely a few neighbors.

President Franklin Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification Administration helped unify these private operations by offering federally funded loans to bring electricity to rural communities. A group of 300 members, or future customers, had to sign up to qualify for the funds. A $5 membership fee was required. Securing 300 members was no easy task. Marathon resident Allen Parrish purchased 20 memberships to reach the goal. On Jan. 22, 1940, the Secretary of State certified the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association Inc. The office address read: Marathon Grocery, Marathon, Florida.

The battle of the Conch Republic was the last war to leave a discernible footprint on Monroe County and the Florida Keys. It was Sunday, April 18, 1982, when the U.S. Border Patrol established a roadblock at the junction of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road. Armed officers approached each vehicle exiting the Keys, asking for identification, and not just from the drivers. Leaving the Florida Keys had become tantamount to leaving Canada or Mexico.

It did not take long for the resulting snarl of traffic to stretch all the way to Key Largo, 18 miles away. The roadblock devastated the Keys’ economy. International media outlets began billing the quagmire as the world’s biggest parking lot. The resulting battle between local jurisdictions and federal agencies resulted in an uprising and the creation of the Conch Republic.

While this is the fourth and final column celebrating Monroe County’s 200th anniversary, this column has been celebrating local history for years. With no plans to stop, more amazing history will be shared right here next week.

Interior of the old City Electric Plant in Key West. WRIGHT LANGLEY COLLECTION/Florida Keys History Center

TIME TO START BUGGIN’ OUT

It's that time of year again – lobster season. It all starts out with the two-day mini-season on July 26 and 27. Tourists from all around the world flock to the Florida Keys to get a chance at catching their lobster limit.

While the tourist lobster hunters are praying for clear skies, no wind, no waves, great visibility and no rain, the commercial lobster fishermen are doing a rain dance hoping for the opposite. Commercial lobster harvesting in the Florida Keys is big business, and a very tough and taxing business. Miniseason gives the recreational lobster divers a chance to harvest their limit of six per active harvester per day a week before regular season starts on Sunday, Aug. 6. Our lobster season ends at the end of March. The lobster season dates are arranged to avoid their mating season, which happens from early April to late July.

Mini-season is known for turning the Keys into a crowded, frantic island chain. Overseas Highway gets congested with trucks pulling boats. All the boat ramps are packed, all of the marina slips are taken, and you had better get to the fuel docks early or you'll wait in line to get your fuel and ice. Many of the dive shops in the Florida Keys have lines going out of their doors.

While locals’ thoughts on miniseason are mixed, its impact on the local economy is undeniable. Most of the hotels, motels and vacation rental homes are all booked up in advance. Mini-season and opening day of lobster season represent the last real economic shot in the arm before the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday rush. After the regular season opens in August, things start slowing down in the Keys until another holiday rush in December.

The thing a lot of people don't seem to realize is that diving for lobster during the slow months can be just as productive, if not more productive, than the two days of mini-season and opening lobster season week. Tourists ask me all the time, "What's the best time to dive for lobster?” I think September and October are prime time for harvesting lobster.

New batches of lobster migrate here from the Caribbean daily, replenishing the population throughout the year. You can come to the Keys, pay off-season rates for lodging and not have to deal with the insane crowds. There are no crowds on the water, and depending on the weather, plenty of

Harvesting spiny lobster, when done safely, responsibly and within legal limits, is a time-honored tradition among friends and family for Keys residents and visitors.

JOEL BRANDENBURG/Contributed

lobster to catch. November and December are also great months to harvest lobster, but as we go into the colder months it gets tougher and tougher to catch them.

OFFICERS CHECK SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION

KEY WEST POLICE WORK WITH FEDERAL MARSHALS

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

Several reputable local charter companies, including Ana Banana, offer lobster trips and bully netting charters at night. Make sure your guide asks important questions to understand your level of experience, comfort and fitness with swimming, diving/snorkeling, and lobster-catching techniques. Some of the same unfortunate events seem to happen every year. People come into the Keys a week or two before mini-season or before regular season and get caught harvesting lobster out of season. All of Florida, and specifically the Keys, are very protective of our natural resources –when someone gets busted harvesting lobster out of season, it's big trouble for them. Other tragic events that occur are boat accidents and drownings, many of which are alcohol-related. Hopefully this year we won't see any of these.

Spiny lobster are a blast to harvest and great to eat. I feel fortunate to live in the spiny lobster capital of the world where I can dive down any day during season, harvest lobster and feed them to my family. We love hunting and eating lobster, and we hope everyone enjoys the lobster experience as much as we do. We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys our slice of paradise here in the Florida Keys.

To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.

The Key West Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit recently partnered with the United States Marshals Service to conduct biannual sex offender registration checks.

Detectives and agents conducted checks on all offenders who reside in the city of Key West, including some who reside on liveaboard vessels surrounding Key West. The Key West Police Marine Unit assisted with transporting detectives and agents to the liveaboard vessels and nearby islands to locate the offenders.

The registration checks consist of gathering and confirming the offender’s personal information, such as any new employment, vehicles, vessels, phone numbers, social media and taking photographs of the offender as required by Florida Statutes.

During this operation, detectives conducted 23 registration checks, which led to one arrest for registration violations.

— Contributed

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

The Key West Police Marine Unit transports U.S. marshals to liveaboard vessels anchored offshore to verify the registrations of convicted sex offenders.

Key West police detectives and U.S. marshals join forces to conduct a twiceannual sex offender registration check. CONTRIBUTED

July 26 -27

• Locally dubbed “miniseason” because of its short duration, the statewide two-day lobster sport harvesting period began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, and ends at midnight Thursday night, July 27. Regular lobster season begins at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, and continues through March 31.

Thursday, Aug. 1

• The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement, military,and community partners will host National Night Out events in the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. All events feature food, refreshments and a chance to meet neighbors, members of the Sheriff’s Office, police departments, firefighters and military personnel. All events are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Key Largo Community Park, Founders Park in Islamorada, the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Hangar at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport and at Bayview Park in Key West.

Aug. 9-13

• Tropical Heat is the hottest annual five-day party for gay, bi, queer and trans brothers ages 21 and up in Key West and the Florida Keys. The all-male themed parties, clothing-optional events, and adult entertainment promise to be hot. Visit gaykeywestfl.com.

Aug. 31- Sept. 4

• Key West BrewFest has grown to be the largest event put on by Key West Sunrise Rotary. The multi-day festival includes beer pairing dinners, pool parties, and other activities around town, culminating with the signature tasting event at Southernmost Beach Cafe. Visit keywestbrewfest.com.

Sept. 6-10

• Key West’s Womenfest (5day celebration) attracts thousands of lesbians, transwomen, and allies to what is arguably the premier LGBTQ+ vacation destination in the country. Womenfest has a simple goal: to celebrate ALL women. Visit gaykeywestfl.com.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “The 2000s Made Me Gay”

Why: Collections of personal essays can feel self-indulgent, but as a fellow “smack-dab-in-the-middle millennial,” I devoured Grace Perry’s writings. Perry and I are the same age; we watched the same shows and read the same books. In these essays, she weaves together an autobiographical discussion of the impact pop culture had on her understanding and presentation of her own sexuality. She connects pop culture and personal experience in a way that, looking back, helps me to better appreciate the (mis)representation in movies and TV shows my LGBTQ+ friends waded through in our formative years. We are all products of the prevailing cultural norms of our early lives: representations we accepted and those we eschewed.

So, if you’re trying to understand millennial relationship beliefs, or if – like me – you’re a millennial trying to understand your own biases and neuroses, this book is an excellent place to start – regardless of whether the 2000s made you gay.

Where: This is available as a print book from the Monroe County 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: Faith Price, librarian, Key West branch

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

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

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

The Ploggers met July 21 on the newly paved Whitehead Street for the Friday morning cleanup. Twenty-three volunteers met at the Courthouse Deli and spread out into the surrounding streets. They collected a total of 63 pounds of trash,

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew

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 Dump-

sters 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

Mister is a 7-year-old male medium shepherd mix. As cool as his name, he’s a very happy dog who is always at the ready to play or snuggle.

Ashley is a 12-year-old female domestic shorthair. She and her BFF Molly are a bonded pair who are looking for a heart and home big enough for both of them.

Molly is a 12-year-old female domestic shorthair. She and her BFF Ashley are a bonded pair who are looking for a heart and home big enough for both of them.

Blueberry is a 1½-year-old female American rabbit. She’s ready to hop out of the shelter and into your heart.

22 pounds of recycling and 3 gallons of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

Lorelai is a 1½-year old female domestic shorthair. She’s ready for a home filled with love.

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS GET NAKED –FOR PROPER SKIN CARE, OF COURSE

Time to get naked. Yep, you read that right, it’s time to get naked and get yourself both a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror. Do I have your attention yet? Piqued your interest? Wondering if this is the article where Jenn goes rogue and spills the beans about the benefits of self … self-skin care checks? Lucky for you, you’re right.

Skin cancer remains one of the most prevalent and potentially deadly forms of cancer affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In Florida, with its sunny climate and abundant outdoor activities, the risk of skin cancer is particularly high. Understanding the different types of skin cancer, recognizing warning signs and adopting preventive measures are crucial steps towards reducing its impact.

Skin Cancer Types

Skin cancer generally falls into three main categories: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma, although less common, is the most dangerous form, with the potential to spread rapidly to other parts of the body. BCC and SCC, on the other hand, are more prevalent and tend to grow slowly, often appearing as open sores, red patches or raised bumps.

Skin Cancer Statistics for Florida

The incidence of skin cancer in Florida is notably higher than the national average due to the state’s year-round sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle. According to the Florida Department of Health's most recent data, approximately 4,500 new cases of melanoma and over 250,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed in the state each year. These figures underscore the urgency of spreading awareness about skin cancer prevention and early detection.

How to Perform a Self-Check

Regular self-examination of the skin can be an essential tool in detecting potential skin cancer at an early stage. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to perform a self-check: Find a well-lit room with a fulllength mirror. Examine your entire body, including areas that are not typically exposed to the sun.

Check your front and back. Raise your arms and inspect your right and left sides. Also, look at the front and back of your legs.

Examine your arms: Don't forget to inspect your underarms, palms and

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

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

the spaces between your fingers.

Inspect your neck, scalp and face. Use a handheld mirror to check these hard-to-see areas.

Check your lower body. Sit down and examine your feet, including the soles and spaces between your toes.

If you notice any suspicious moles, spots or growths that have changed in size, shape, color or texture, consult a dermatologist promptly.

Prevention Tips

Taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Here are some valuable tips for Floridians to protect their skin:

Sun protection: Use sunscreen with a high SPF. The best type of sunscreen depends on your skin type, activity and exposure to the sun. All health authorities agree that SPF 15 is the minimum, but SPF 30 or higher is ideal for outdoor activities. You should also look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. There are two main types of sunscreen ingredients, chemical and physical, and both are FDA-approved and effective. Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking shirts and sunglasses. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). With our sensitive marine environment in the Florida Keys, be sure to look for Reef-Safe sunscreen.

Avoid tanning beds: Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Regular checkups: Schedule annual skin screenings with a dermatologist to monitor any changes and receive expert advice.

Stay informed: Educate yourself and your family about skin cancer risk factors and early warning signs.

As Florida continues to bask in its sunny glory, the prevalence of skin cancer poses a real and present danger to its residents. Understanding the various types of skin cancer, conducting regular self-checks, and adopting preventive measures are the key to reducing the impact of this potentially deadly disease. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, Floridians can protect their skin and lead healthier lives.

CFK EXPANDS MARINE PROGRAMS TO UPPER KEYS

PROGRAMS INCLUDE DIVING, MARINE SCIENCE & MARINE ENGINEERING

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) has expanded several popular programs in its Marine Science and Technology division to the Upper Keys Center (UKC) in Key Largo. This fall, beginning Aug. 18, students at CFK’s northern location have access to associate degrees, certificates, and courses in diving, marine science and marine engineering. Courses with diving components will include class time at the UKC as well as field excursions through local marine facilities.

Degree programs include an associate in science in marine environmental technology and an associate in applied science in diving business and technology. Additionally, students can earn college credit certificates in fundamentals of professional diving, professional research diving, professional dive instructor, and professional welder. Credits earned in certificate programs can be applied toward an associate degree.

The college is also debuting several marine engineering courses at the UKC, including basic seamanship, two- & four-cycle outboard theory, two- & four-cycle outboard repair and maintenance. Students can earn Yamaha maintenance certification through the specialty marine engineering course. Upon

completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the exam through Yamaha.

“CFK is well known for our unique marine science, diving, and marine engineering programs. Students come from all over the world to study at CFK,” said Jonathan Gueverra, CFK president and CEO. “It is part of our mission to provide a quality education close to home. Extending and expanding our marine-related learning opportunities and career pathways to students in northern Monroe County is our way of being true to our mission while supporting local and regional maritime businesses.”

In 2021, CFK was designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training & Education by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). The designation recognized 27 colleges and training institutions that prepare students for careers in our nation’s maritime industry. CFK is one of two organizations, and the only college, in Florida to receive the designation.

More information is available at cfk.edu or from Marissa Owens, CFK director of recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or 305-809-3207.

— Contributed

CFK marine engineering students Cat Olortegui and Luke DeFalco work on an outboard engine. CONTRIBUTED

‘DESTINATION DIVE’ TV FEATURES FLORIDA KEYS ON DISCOVERY

5 EPISODES FEATURE KEYS LOCATIONS AUG. 6- SEPT. 3

Following the airing of a successful television pilot in 2022, a five-episode series of “Destination Dive” is slated for broadcast on Discovery each Sunday from Aug. 6 through Sept. 3. Emphasizing conservation and protection, “Destination Dive” takes viewers on dive adventures as unique as the area it covers: the Florida Keys. This chain of subtropical islands is both an intriguing setting for viewers to explore and one of the global epicenters for environmental conservation and renewal.

”The Florida Keys is an area teeming with amazing diving, marine life and people passionate about protecting our oceans,” said Mike Zimmer, the program’s executive producer. “Destination Dive’s stories are unique and our audience will be captivated by their content, characters and the visual beauty of the Florida Keys.”

Episodes include:

Key Largo: Sunday, Aug. 6 @ 8 a.m. ET/PT

Key Largo, often called the dive capital of the world, features extraordinary shipwrecks and spectacular coral reefs with a focus on innovative coral restoration efforts.

Islamorada: Sunday, Aug. 13 @ 8 a.m. ET/PT

Islamorada offers a wealth of shipwrecks and reefs, crystal-clear water teeming with sea life, and a unique program designed to educate divers about the benefits of coral restoration and regeneration.

Marathon: Sunday, Aug. 20 @ 8 a.m. ET/PT

Notable elements in the Middle Keys include a shipwreck hit by 500 lightning strikes, spectacular reefs filled with marine life, and Special Operations veterans on a mission to save corals.

Big Pine Key & The Lower Keys and Key West: Sunday, Aug. 27 @ 8 a.m. ET/PT

Off Key West lies the Vandenberg, an awe-inspiring shipwreck that was a missile-tracking ship during the Cold War and subsequently tracked Florida space launches. Big Pine Key is home to spectacular reefs including Looe Key, widely regarded as a “ top 10” dive site. There, a one-of-a-kind undersea concert entertains divers and boaters while promoting eco-conscious diving and conservation.

Noah’s Ark: Sunday, Sept. 3 @ 8:30 a.m. ET/PT

It’s a race against time as a disease threatens Florida’s corals. The Florida Keys are at the epicenter of coral research and conservation, where scientists created and carried out a pioneering plan. In a unique move, experts from across the United States joined forces. They rescued, grew and replanted corals that now reside on Keys reefs. It started with one idea and turned into a national movement.

“Destination Dive is the next generation of dive shows and it’s all about protecting our oceans,” Zimmer said. “I’m particularly proud of the people whose stories we are sharing.”

For a sneak peek, visit destinationdive.tv.

Top: Sea turtles are always a popular site when diving in the Florida Keys and will be featured in an upcoming episode of ‘Destination Dive.’ Bottom: The Florida Keys’ Shipwreck Trail is featured in the upcoming series, ‘Destination Dive’ to air on Discovery. CONTRIBUTED

STUDIO SPOTLIGHT

MEDITATIVE EXPLORATIONS & MUSIC INSPIRE ARTIST ELENA MADDEN

WILLIAM DEPAULA

There is a certain rush when you see a tarpon moving just below the water’s surface. Maybe it is the fish’s prehistoric features or the color that reflects off its scales.

Anyway you look at it, it is a magical moment. This essence of magic has been captured in a painting. When you walk into the main lobby area for Cheeca Lodge Resort in Islamorada, you are greeted by this enormous painting. The painting takes you to that moment, perhaps the moment and the reason you came to the Florida Keys in the first place.

A symphony of color in the moment a tarpon glides through the water, reflecting stunning colors balanced by the colors found on the water’s surface. The painting, standing approximately 9-by-22 feet, takes the moment and makes it larger than life. The painting was created by local artist Elena Madden.

There is no way of denying that Madden is from the south — she exudes a polite energy and has an infectious accent that makes you feel instantly welcome in her presence. She was born in Columbia, South Carolina and went to school that is perhaps the more prestigious art school in the south, the Savannah College of Art and Design.

If you ever get a chance to visit Savannah, Georgia, I highly recommend it. It is a city rich in history and is visually stunning — a great place for a budding artist. Madden has been a powerhouse of an artist since graduating, having many shows and exhibitions. How did we get from the south to the Florida Keys, which is ironically the southernmost portion in the US. geographically, but not culturally southern at all? Madden would visit the Florida Keys during her summers and fell in love with the light, periwinkle skies and sunsets of the Keys.

In her own words, “Meditative explorations of water, light and ever-changing fluid surfaces work as inspiration. My process is drawn from memory, emotionally-driven absorbing power, energy and the beauty of my subject. ... later to be expressed in my studio. Creating intuitively is liberating, in turn the viewers are free to have their own vision, interpretation gleaned from experience, nostalgia or see their world in a different way.”

Madden likes to work with Conte’ crayons and acrylics on cradled wood panels. Her work is based on reflection, light, energy and movement. When painting Madden doesn’t use references or photos, she will sketch a small thumbnail from memory and then refer to that when she creates the painting. Her paintings are greatly inspired by music. The music helps create the flow of the painting. Besides the light and reflections, music is her main muse when painting.

While Madden listens to a wide variety of music, some of her favorites are Iron & Wine, Ben Howard, The Shins, Coltrane, Widespread Panic, Fiona Apple and Cage the Elephant. All the paintings start with a red base layer. She maps out the “bones” of the painting with a Conte’. She then layers acrylic paint on the painting moving from light to dark. Moving from transparent to opaque gives it a glow. Finally, she moves to using iridescence to create movement and shimmer.

Madden’s parents were artists, and because of this, she has always lived a creative life. It was just natural to her because of her upbringing. Madden takes inspiration from the world around her, the light, energy and movement and then creates an expressive work through music with acrylics on wood panels. She is focused on her work — she will continue to grow and develop through her subject. To see Madden’s work, visit her gallery located at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District at 81641 Old Highway or online at her website ElenaMadden.com. She also has an exhibit at Chef Michael’s restaurant, the perfect place to eat wonderful food and be transported by Madden’s paintings.

1. Madden’s work is featured at Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

2. Elena Madden surrounded by her artwork inside her gallery. 3. Elena Madden’s “Bending Light.” 4. “Convergence of Blues.” 5. “Deliquesce.” 6. “Find the River.” 7. “Sunshine and Rain.”

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

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SUNSET YACHT

CLUB & MARINA located at 59073

Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Blue Marina Marathon, LLC

Publish:

July 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KHAOSINKSPRESS located at P.O. Box 343, Key West, FL 33041 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Gloribel Baires Serrano

Publish:

July 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Pursuant Florida Statute 713.585

F.S., United American Lien & Recovery as agent w/ power of attorney will sell the following vehicle(s) to the highest bidder; net proceeds deposited with the clerk of court; owner/lienholder has right to hearing and post bond; owner may redeem vehicle for cash sum of lien; all auctions held in reserve.

Inspect 1 week prior @ lienor facility; cash or cashier check; any person interested ph 954563-1999.

Sale date August 18, 2023 @ 10:00 am 3411 NW 9th Ave Ft Lauderdale FL 33309

38212 2015 Chrysler VIN#:

1C3CCCAB7FN581602

Lienor: Key West Chrysler Dodge Jeep 1618 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West 305-294-5126

Lien Amt $788.13

Licensed Auctioneers FLAB422 FLAU 765 & 1911

Publish:

July 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of Seizure - Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805/83.506, Tavernier Mini Storage Inc, 135 Hood Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070 will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All Contents in:

Unit D-55 Tim O’Brien Sale of all goods will be 8/14/23 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage Inc reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

Publish:

July 27 & August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statutes 328.17, 713.78, 715.109, J.C. Rentals LLC, claims a Notice of Possessory Lien, Foreclosure of Lien, to satisfy the line for the amount owed for storage services and administrative fees for the following Vessel described as a 1997 20’ Aquasport Boat VIN # AQABBG04B797 & 2013 Trailer

VIN# 1M5BA2015D1E78314 owner William Stephens. Vessel & trailer to be sold on 8/14/2023 at 10:00 am at 92425 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. J.C. Rentals LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

Publish:

July 27 & August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on August 7th, 2023, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will

be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Allan Costow Unit 1208

$582.75

John Mcallister Unit 0007

$657.60

Anita Lezcano Unit 1559

$567.80

Corey McGahen Unit 1184

$473.64

Sheila Chamberlain Unit 1167

$416.90

Publish:

July 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

Notice is hereby given The Pigeon Key Foundation will receive and evaluate responses to the following until 9/1/23 at 3 pm.

Pigeon Key Historic Structure Painting Project, Monroe County, Florida

Description of scope of work, and details relevant to the project can be obtained by emailing pigeonkey@aol.com

The Pigeon key Foundation will receive bids electronically via email. Please do not mail or hand deliver bids. Only emailed bids will be accepted.

The Pigeon Key Foundation hereby directs bids be submitted via email to: Pigeonkey@aol.com, no later than 3 pm on 9/1/23. Your subject line on the bid email should read as follows:

Pigeon Key Historic Structure Painting Project

Publish:

July 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000146-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN C. IMBUS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOHN C. IMBUS, deceased, whose date of death was January 8, 2023, is pending in the Monroe County Courthouse-Key West, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS

STEPHEN C. GINN

5517 NE 31 Avenue

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Attorney for Personal Representative:

SHARON QUINN DIXON

Florida Bar No. 350311

Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler

Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.

Attorneys for Personal

Representative

2200 Museum Tower

150 West Flagler Street Miami, Florida 33130

Telephone: 305-789-3200

E-mail: sdixon@stearnsweaver.

com

Publish:

July 27 & August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000148-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF LIZABETH ANN MOODY Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Lizabeth Ann Moody, deceased, whose date of death was May 19th, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 27, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Lynn Howell 6266 10th Avenue South Gulfport, FL 33707 Attorney for Personal

Representative: KIMBERLY A. COLGATE, P.A.

Attorneys for Personal

Representative

6981 CURTISS AVENUE, SUITE 2 SARASOTA, FL 34231

Telephone: 941.927.2996

Florida Bar No. 875661

Email address: kcolgate@fllawyer. com

Publish: July 27 & August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 18-CP-000309-K

DIVISION: KEY WEST FLORIDA BAR #980810 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF EMMA E. FIEDLER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Emma E. Fiedler, deceased, whose date of death was May 19, 2017, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: July 20, 2023.

Persons Giving Notice:

Lillian Gonzales

1010 Anaya Avenue Santa Rosa, New Mexico 88435 Attorney for Persons Giving Notice:

Christopher B. Waldera, P.A.

Christopher B. Waldera, Esq. Florida Bar No: 980810 Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050

Telephone: (305) 289-2223

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

Publish:

July 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000082-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF WALTER M. MEINHARDT, SR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of WALTER M. MEINHARDT, SR., deceased, whose date of death was April 23, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 23-CP-000082-P, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS

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

THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: July 20, 2023.

Co-Personal Representatives: DOROTHY E. CRECELIUS 15300 Letcher Road East Brandywine, Maryland 20613

WALTER M. MEINHARDT, JR. 15611 Baden Naylor Road Brandywine, Maryland 20613

Attorney for Personal

Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273

LEGAL NOTICES

Turner & Lynn, P.A.

7 Barracuda Lane

Key Largo, Florida 33037

Telephone: (305) 367-0911

turnerlynnpa@gmail.com

Publish:

July 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-000166-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN HARWOOD NICHOLSON, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOHN HARWOOD NICHOLSON, JR., deceased, whose date of death was February 1, 2023; File Number 2023-CP-000166-K, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 20, 2023.

Personal Representative: RENE BETH ROSS

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Sean F. Bogle, Esq. sean@boglelawfirm.com

Florida Bar No. 106313 BOGLE LAW FIRM 101 S. New York Ave., Suite 205 Winter Park, FL 32789

Telephone: (407) 834-3311

Fax: (407) 834-3302

Publish: July 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-DR-33-P IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF:

T.A.G. DOB 09/08/11

D.O.B.F. DOB 01/11/13

Minor Child NOTICE OF ACTION

(JOINT PETITION FOR STEPPARENT ADOPTION)

TO: THOMAS G. GALLAGHER

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Michael Stevens & Renee D. Foster, has filed a Joint Petition for Adoption by Step-Parent for the following children: T.A.G., born on September 8, 2011 and D.O.B.F., born on January 11, 2013. A copy of the Petition is on file with the Clerk of the Court.

You are hereby commanded to appear on August 16, 2023, at 10:45 am, before the Honorable Magistrate Sandra Taylor, at the Plantation Key County Courthouse, 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070, by zoom with a zoom meeting ID 967-4668-8252 and passcode 207718 for an ADVISORY HEARING. Answer due August 14, 2023. FAILURE TO PERSONALLY

AT THIS ADVISORY HEARING CONSTITUTES CONSENT TO THE JOINT PETITION FOR STEPPARENT ADOPTION. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR ON THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED, YOU MAY LOSE ALL LEGAL RIGHTS AS A PARENT TO THE CHILD OR CHILDREN NAMED IN THIS NOTICE.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040, 305-2923562 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call 711 WITNESS my hand as Clerk of said Court and the Seal thereof, this 26th day of June, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, as Clerk of Court

By: Jennifer Havengar Deputy Clerk Publish:

July 13, 20 & 27 and August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 23-DR-518-K YAMILET ORTUETA Petitioner, and, JOSE A. KLEPASKI, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: JOSE A. KLEPASKI RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on YAMILET ORTUETA, whose address is 529 PARK DRIVE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before AUGUST 14, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: July 6, 2023

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

By: Riza Hall

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

July 13, 20 & 27 and August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 23-DR-520-K

JUAN FELIPE JARA

GALLEGUILLOS

Petitioner, and, CLAUDIA SUSANA ALMEIDA CHACON, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: CLAUDIA SUSANA ALMEIDA CHACON

RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 112 PEARY COURT, UNIT B, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on JUAN FELIPE JARA GALLEGUILLOS, whose address is 112 PEARY COURT, UNIT B, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 on or before AUGUST 14, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: July 11, 2023

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

By: Riza Hall Deputy Clerk Publish:

July 13, 20 & 27 and August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CIVIL ACTION NO.: 23-DR000497-K FAMILY DIVISION

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF ELZBIETA TERESA DORVILLE and JOSE ANIBAL DORVILLE

NOTICE OF ACTION CONSRUCTIVE SERVICE (NO PROPERTY) NOTICE FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: JOSE ANIBAL DORVILLE (ADDRESS UNKNOWN)

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Dissolution of your Marriage has been filed and commenced in this court and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Malgorzata J. Kon, Esq., Attorney for Petitioner, whose address is KON & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2131 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 507A, Hollywood, FL 33020 and file the original with the clerk of the above styled court on or before August 21, 2023; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief prayed for in the complaint or petition.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, require certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal of striking of pleadings. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said court at Monroe County,

LEGAL NOTICES

Florida on this 13 day of July 2023.

Kevin Madok, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Riza Hall

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

July 20 & 27 and August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2022-CA-511-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 7th day of August, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: UNIT 5224, WEEK 42, ANNUAL WINDWARD POINTE, A LEASEHOLD CONDOMINIUM (“CONDOMINIUM”), ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1803, PAGE 844, PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND ALL EXHIBITS THERETO, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THEREOF (THE “DECLARATION”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) II, III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 27TH day of June 2023

Syle of which is:

WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A

DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Plaintiff vs. JAMES KEFFER, et.al

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2022-CA-511-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 27TH day of June 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

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

Publish:

July 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 2022-CA-511-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 7th day of August, 2023 at 11 o’clock

a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

UNIT 5311, WEEK 41, ODD YEAR

BIENNIAL WINDWARD POINTE, A LEASEHOLD CONDOMINIUM (“CONDOMINIUM”), ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF

RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1803, PAGE 844, PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND ALL EXHIBITS THERETO, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THEREOF (THE “DECLARATION”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S)

VI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 27TH day of June 2023 Syle of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Plaintiff vs. JAMES KEFFER, et.al Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2022-CA-511-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 27TH day of June 2023.

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

By: Shonta McLeod

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

Publish:

July 20 & 27, 2023

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

CASE NO.: 2022-CA-511-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 7th day of August, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

UNIT 5732, WEEK 52, ANNUAL WINDWARD POINTE, A LEASEHOLD CONDOMINIUM (“CONDOMINIUM”), ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1803, PAGE 844, PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND ALL EXHIBITS THERETO, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THEREOF (THE “DECLARATION”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE

AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S)

VII, VIII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23rd day of June 2023

Syle of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Plaintiff

vs. JAMES KEFFER, et.al Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2022-CA-511-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 27TH day of June 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

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

Publish:

July 20 & 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks.

Runs or Not.

$CASH 305-332-0483

BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT

Boat Slip For Rent with parking for boat trailer and car. 80’ wet slip on easily accessible canal less than 100 yards to ocean. Two boats 34’ or less can easily be docked. $150.00/ week with monthly rental availability. Call or text 336-408-8140 or look at dockage and slip at 901 63rd St. Ocean West, Marathon or email stc471@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING - Full Time Seafood Packers/Graders and Receivers. Competitive Wage and benefits. Apply in person at Keys Fisheries Fish House, 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon. EOE DFWP

Coast to Coast Pizza Company in Marathon is looking for Front of the House Cashier, part time. Will train, but should be self-motivated, quick learner, and team player. Salary commensurate with experience. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

Zero Dress Code Boutique Hiring sales personnel in Islamorada & Ocean Reef Club. Competitive pay, discounts and great atmosphere. Send resume to zerodresscode@gmail. com or call 305-393-4445

HEALTH INSURANCE

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

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. $15/hr, Private Club & Friendly Atmosphere, Flexible Afternoon/Evening Hours Wednesday – Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

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

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

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Personal Care Aide, Resident Assistant, Cook, 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

EMPLOYMENT

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.

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

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

PETS FOR SALE

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

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: 29575 Cupon Rd, Big Pine Key | Friday, July 28 & Saturday, July 29, 9am to 1pm both days |

MULTI-MEMBER FAMILY ESTATE SALE (PART 2) of lifelong Floridians with a love of travel, art, jewelry, furniture, a fine table, plus dachshunds, elephants and fish. 1000s of collectibles: American sterling, beer steins and rare Scandinavian and Danis h modern furniture and MCM accessories. Located near SeaCamp on Oceanside of BPK. Follow signs and park with consideration. More photos: estatesales.net

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent/Temporary Guest Services & Gift Shop positions that involve direct contact with our visitors & is another opportunity to ensure they leave DRC with a happy & positive experience.

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

PERSONAL CHEF FULL-TIME

A beautiful private property in Islamorada is looking for a professional, experienced, friendly, clean & organized, knowledgeable and practices food safety procedures full-time personal chef. Competitive salary and great benefits. Must pass a background check & drug test.

Please email resume to Apply4APREI@gmail.com

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

• Hosts

• Waitstaff

• Bartenders

• Bar Backs

• Bussers

• Line Cooks

• Dishwashers

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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

TRANSFER STATION OPERATOR

MONROE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT is looking for a responsible applicant for the Cudjoe Key Transfer Station, MM 21.5. The primary function of this position is to weigh vehicles in and out of transfer station and maintain transfer station property.

Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED, working knowledge of computers and other office equipment, and a Florida Driver’s License Class B CDL within 6 months of hire. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position. An employee in this position is subject to the mandatory Department of Transportation drug testing program which involves random drug testing. Starting salary: $40,188.94 plus benefits.

Application available at: www.monroecounty-fl.gov via the position link on our employment page. For more information, contact Human Resources at: Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov or call 305-292-4554. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Medical Assistant-Keys AHEC is seeking a Medical Assistant to join its Primary Care School Health Center in Key West and the Lower Keys. Position is considered full time following the Teacher’s school schedule during the year with limited Summer Hours. Duties will be to support our Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant within the clinical setting and the agency administratively. Candidate should have medical training, strong computer skills and bi-lingual is a plus.

Please submit resume/CV to mcunningham@fkahec.org for consideration for this position. EOE

NOW HIRING FT FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT MARATHON, FL

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.

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR

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

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

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

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

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.

16th Judicial Circuit is hiring

FULL-TIME TRIAL COURT STAFF ATTORNEY

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a full-time Trial Court Staff Attorney in KEY WEST.

The essential function of the position within the organization is to assist the judiciary with case management, pending litigation and issues, and/or process criminal and civil appeals. The position is responsible for drafting memoranda, opinions, orders and reports; conducting legal research; reviewing briefs and case files; and advising judges on pending litigation and issues. Annual salary is $66,533.08, plus State of Florida benefit package, including retirement. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net. Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications can be found at www.Keyscourts.net.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

IS HIRING!

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services & Gift Shop 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.

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

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

16th Judicial Circuit is hiring

FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME MALE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

(GENDER SPECIFIC DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE JOB)

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a full-time or part-time Male Laboratory Technician in KEY WEST

The primary functions of this position include the observation and collection of urine samples, data input, analyzer maintenance, and analysis of client samples.

Salary is $19.25 an hour, plus Monroe County benefit package*. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications can be found at www.Keyscourts.net.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

*Must work a minimum of 25 hours a week to receive benefits

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

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living *No experience required for these positions. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

COME CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

FOR THE VIEW.

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