Upper Keys Weekly 23-0727

“Carlos is truly exceptional, we were impressed with his level of knowledge and amount of data that he has about the market. The amount of effort and time he put through the process was unbelievable and I don’t think we could’ve purchased our home without him.”

- Monica

“My goal is to give my clients the best real estate experience possible”

NOTHING COMPARES TO PICTURESQUE VISTAS

This spacious three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome, recently updated, can be best described as private, exclusive, and stunningly beautiful. This Maison Matecumbe unit is located directly on the ocean and overlooks the white sandy beach and 155-foot pier. Features include impact glass windows and doors, an open kitchen concept, granite countertops, modern baths, and wood floors. This enclave of 21 units has open verandas, ample covered parking spaces, a large free form swimming pool, beachside chickee hut with outdoor grills, and elevator. Located in the heart of Islamorada and minutes from nearby island galleries, restaurants, shops & marinas.

ISLAMORADA | $1,975,000 | Listing ID: 605738

50,000

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly

@theWeekly

Members of

Top left, Rich Russell, former Coral Shores athletic director, and Ed Holly, newly-named athletic director. JOY SMITH/Purely Joyous

COUNTY AWARDS DEBRIS COLLECTION CONTRACTS TO LAWSUIT OPPONENT

CHARLOTTE TWINE

www.keysweekly.com

On a sweltering July day, 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 disaster-response 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 five-year contracts: selectioncommittee 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. The county had been in danger of getting kicked out of the FEMAmanaged 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.

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.

Photography

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

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.

INTERIM VILLAGE MANAGER SEARCH UNDERWAY IN ISLAMORADA

COUNCIL TO DISCUSS PREFERRED

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

The days are passing by as an important Aug. 1 date looms over the village of Islamorada. By then, the village administrative building will have said “goodbye” to Manager Ted Yates, whose contract expires July 31 — a village council majority elected not to renew his contract on July 17.

Now, a more urgent matter in finding a temporary manager is before the dais. During a special July 20 meeting, Attorney John Quick outlined options for the council to select an interim manager. He also recommended the dais select one council member to act as a liaison between possible candidates and the governing body.

Following a back-and-forth discussion, the dais failed to agree on a member to take on that duty. The dais was originally scheduled to have a special meeting to discuss the interim manager on Friday, July 28. According to Marne McGrath, village clerk, the special meeting was canceled and the interim manager item was placed on the agenda for the regular meeting on Thursday, July 27.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin asked Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney to take on the liaison role since she wasn’t a part of the previous council that selected Yates as manager.

“I wonder if the vice mayor might

CANDIDATES JULY 27

take on this task due to the nature we’ve fallen into our various camps,” Jolin said.

Councilman Mark Gregg believed Mayor Buddy Pinder was suited for the job due to his notoriety within the county and state, as well as his experience selecting managers twice before in the village.

“I challenge you to drive up and down the county and ask somebody if they don’t know the Pinder name,” Gregg said. “He’s a good salesman for the village.”

Mahoney declined to take on the duty, stating that she felt uncomfortable doing so. But she brought forth a candidate she believed could get the job done in the village in the short term. His name? John Gallant.

A Plantation Key resident, Gallant formerly ran a construction company that operated in 33 states. He’s the licensed partner of the real estate company Engel & Volkers Islamorada. Gallant took to the podium to share his credentials and strengths with the council. He also proposed a few changes to the charter to address the way the village conducts business.

“I don’t have anything going on development-wise, I don’t have the business interests, I’m a fairly neutral sort of person,” he said. “What I would like to do is help carry this forward a little bit so we’re functioning a little bit better. Then you can find somebody

that wants to do that job permanently.”

Quick said the council could look internally for a temporary village manager. Maria Bassett, finance director, served as interim manager following the resignation of former managers Seth Lawless and Greg Oravec.

The dais could also select someone within the community, like Gallant, or go with a former city manager who may take the position on a temporary basis. Quick said he reached out to the headhunting firm Baker Tilly and the International City/County Management Association for possible candidates the council could examine.

“We’re going to have to do this in a quick time period,” Quick said.

On July 20, Baker Tilly offered a proposal to the village with three manager candidates who are ready to take the position. They were David Boesch, who formerly served as interim manager for two California cities; Dale Sugerman, former town manager with Lake Park, Highland Beach and Briny Beaches in Florida; and James Holgersson, former city manager of Arlington, Texas.

Quick also recommended the council request a transition memo from their outgoing manager in Yates, with information including important contacts, outstanding projects, pending development applications and any pending legislative items. An exit inter-

view with Yates is also required per his contract. That will likely be performed by Evie Engelmeyer, human resource director. Jolin requested the interview be sent to the council in written form. The July 20 special call meeting included 12 items on the council’s agenda. The council opted to decline a minor conditional use and site plan approval for improvements to vacant property on 146 Sunshine Blvd., located not far from Plantation Tropical Preserve. The dais directed staff plant trees and do away with any plans for a gazebo, parking and picnic tables. The dais also dealt with a road abandonment request and several fixes to village code.

FISHING GROUP ENCOUNTERS ORCAS OFF KEY LARGO

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Dolphins, sharks and manatees are some of the usual sightings off the Florida Keys shore. But earlier in the week, a group of friends fishing off Key Largo encountered something a little more rare — maybe even oncein-a-lifetime.

During the fishing excursion, the group discovered a pod of orcas, also known as killer whales, roughly 20 miles away from Key Largo on July 24. Mike Slaughter began to videorecord the encounter, which instantly went viral on Facebook and Instagram. Footage showed one orca close to the boat, while some orcas briefly sur-

faced, dipped below the surface and swam toward the boat.

Slaughter said on his Instagram post that the killer whales just killed something. The video shows two guys oozing with excitement as they donned snorkeling masks, jumping into the water to get a closer look.

“Oh, he’s coming right at you. The big boy! He’s looking at you.”

Capt. Bill Chrisman of No Regrets

Fishing out of Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina was one of the first to receive the incredible footage from his friends.

“I wasn’t even on the boat. They said, ‘Look at that, Billy.’ I said, ‘Send me the video.’ I couldn’t believe it,” Chrisman told Keys Weekly.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the killer whale is the ocean’s top predator. A member of the Delphinidae family, or dolphins, killer whales are found in every ocean in the world.

Killer whale populations are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA estimates 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.

A mammal stock assessment report by NOAA states that sightings have been sporadic of killer whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Kirk Linaje, marine scientist, told WPLG that he believes these were Caribbean orcas, which reside in the southeast Caribbean and Lesser Antilles.

This isn’t the first time that Florida has dealt with orcas this year. In January, a 21-foot, 5,000-pound orca washed up in Flagler County not far from Palm Coast. According to NOAA Fisheries, the older female had signs of various illnesses.

Mayor Buddy Pinder. KEYS WEEKLY FILE

PHOTO

A pod of orcas, or killer whales. NOAA/ Unsplash

PUBLIC NOTICE

ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA

VILLAGE COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 286.0105, all interested persons are advised that the Village Council will meet for the First Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 on Wednesday August 2, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida. The public is encouraged to attend or participate remotely via the Zoom video conferencing application. Details for participating via Zoom, are as follows:

• If phoning in, dial 301-715-8592 and enter the webinar ID: 911 0656 4166 followed by #. When the Mayor opens public comment pertaining to the agenda item you are interested in dial *9 to be recognized by the Zoom meeting monitor.

• If watching online via Zoom: Open the Zoom webinar link https://zoom.us/j/91106564166 and follow the prompts to join the webinar. When the Mayor opens public comment use the “raise your hand” feature to be recognized by the Village Clerk.

Marne McGrath Village Clerk

A CHECK FOR THE CORALS

The Islamorada Resort Collection presents a check for $1,000 to I.CARE on July 17 as part of its Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales from 2022. The local nonprofit organization works to restore the coral reefs surrounding the Florida Keys. The presentation coincided with Coral Reef Awareness Week, held July 17-23.

CONTRIBUTED

PUBLIC NOTICE ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA VILLAGE COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 286.0105, all interested persons are advised that the Village Council will meet for the First Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida. The public is encouraged to attend or participate remotely via the Zoom video conferencing application. Details for participating via Zoom, are as follows:

• If phoning in, dial 301-715-8592 and enter the webinar ID: 911 0656 4166 followed by #. When the Mayor opens public comment pertaining to the agenda item you are interested in dial *9 to be recognized by the Zoom meeting monitor.

• If watching online via Zoom: Open the Zoom webinar link https://zoom.us/j/91106564166 and follow the prompts to join the webinar. When the Mayor opens public comment use the “raise your hand” feature to be recognized by the Village Clerk.

Marne McGrath Village Clerk

Contact: Marne McGrath Village

Clerk Clerk@islamorada.fl.us

305-664-6412

www.islamorada.fl.us

Two or more members from various Village Committees may be present at this meeting. These meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Amer cans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodat ons to participate in this meet ng because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@Islamorada.fl.us or by phone at (305) 664-6448 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the Islamorada Village Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Contact: Marne McGrath

Village Clerk Clerk@islamorada.fl.us 305-664-6412

www.islamorada.fl.us

Two or more members from various Village Committees may be present at this meeting. These meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need spec al accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@Islamorada.fl.us or by phone at (305) 664-6448 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meet ng.

Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the Islamorada Village Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

CORAL SHORES LEGEND STEPS DOWN

Rich Russell passes the AD torch to Ed Holly after three decades of service

Big changes are in store for Coral Shores athletics this year, and they begin with the man in charge of it all. After more than 30 years as athletic director, longtime educator, coach and Upper Keys fixture Rich Russell is handing the reins to Ed Holly. But Russell is not retiring – he will stay on to teach Holly the ropes while taking on an administrative role for the ’Canes.

ROBERT ‘RJ’ DUBE

Rich Russell, former athletic director, is taking on an administrative role with the ’Canes. JOY SMITH/

Contributed

A new leader is not the only change in store for Coral Shores. The school is in the process of an athletic facilities upgrade, which will begin at Founders Park with their baseball complex, then move on to the school’s campus and the fields located there.

The ’Canes will retain their state classifications in all sports this year. The state will readdress them in 2024, but for now, Coral Shores will play within the same districts and levels as this past year. Though the classifications will remain the same, several coaching positions have changed.

“It’s crazy how much is going on,” Holly said.

Holly will remain as head football coach for Coral Shores and has added to his staff two new varsity coaches. The first is Tony Arcuri, who hails from Ohio and will coach football and teach English. The second is Juan Montano, who coached with Holly at Westminster Christian School previously as defensive coordinator. The final fall coaching change will be the addition of Lyndie Meyers as the head girls cross country coach.

Senior, Coral Shores Football

CONTRIBUTED

This winter, the boys basketball team will no longer be coached by Jarrod Mandozzi. Tony Simmons will take over as the head coach of the hoopsters. Simmons is not new to Upper Keys basketball; he has been the head coach at Key Largo School for more than two decades and had a prior stint at Coral Shores coaching basketball.

The spring is not immune to changes. Chris Carrow, who has been an assistant coach for the boys lacrosse team for more than a decade, will take over as head coach when the ’Canes have their first face-off of the season.

Holly described several other preparations undertaken by Coral Shores’ athletic squads this summer. The boys basketball team and the cheer team attended camps, and multiple football players attended summer training camps individually. With all the changes afoot, Holly says he is fortunate to have Russell and Coral Shores’ principal, Laura Lietaert, there to guide him, adding, “It’s going to be a fun year!”

A fun fact: Holly is just the fifth athletic director at Coral Shores High School. Prior to Russell taking the position in the fall of 1990, Wain Garrison served as interim athletic director after a two-year stint by Dennis Amico. Amico took the role from Upper Keys coaching legend Roger Allen, who was the first AD at Coral Shores. Allen began his teaching career there in 1957.

A new leader is not the only change in store for Coral Shores. The school is in the process of an athletic facilities upgrade, which will begin at Founders Park with their baseball complex, then move on to the school’s campus and the fields located there.

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-byexample attitude, Coral Shores’ RJ Dube is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Ed Holly is new athletic director at Coral Shores High School.

“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

THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS GIRLS LACROSSE TEAM

Key West had a breakout season this year, amassing a record of 11 wins and just three losses and a perfect 7-0 record in District 16 play. The Lady Conchs won their second consecutive district title and made a run into regionals. Though they lose seven seniors, they return their top scorer, goalkeeper, and one of their top ground ball winners, making a third championship well within reason.

Coral Shores ended its season with a record of 4-7, going 2-4 in District 16 action. The Lady ‘Canes graduate five seniors this season, leaving some spots to fill on their roster, but with several key players returning, they should be very competitive in ’24.

From all of us at the Keys Weekly, congratulations to the 2023 All-Keys Girls Lacrosse Team.

BELLA MARCHIANO Senior, Key West Attacker/Midfielder

Senior captain Bella Marchiano has been a staple of the Conchs’ team for the past four years. This season, she scored 34 goals and 21 assists, winning 69 draw controls, 41 ground balls and causing 28 turnovers. Key West coach Marisa Giacopuzzi described her as a force on the field, explaining, “She is fearless, hustles 100% of the time, humbly goes to goal and equally looks for teammates to pass to. She is the first to the field and the last to leave.” Marchiano is not quite finished. She will play next year at Palm Beach Atlantic University, the first Conch lacrosse player in school history to take her game to the next level.

MVP

Photos by Ella Hall and Doug Finger

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

The Conchs’ captain became the first player in school history to break the 100-goal barrier, with 48 this season alone. She assisted in 32 more goals for a total of 80 points. Baxter also had 25 draw controls, 26 ground balls and a dozen caused turnovers. Giacopuzzi noted her appreciation for the intensity Baxter brings to the game, saying, “Ella has a fierce fire in her when she steps onto the lacrosse field.”

Sophomore,

Conchs keeper Courtney Grabus didn’t leave the field for a single minute of play this season, amassing 92 saves, 13 ground balls and 9 forced turnovers. Grabus won her position with aggressive play, ability to shoulder the pressure of the position and complete fearlessness. Coach Giacopuzzi said of her keeper, “We couldn't have been as successful as we were these past two seasons without her!”

Freshman,

Freshman phenom Maria Chaney scored 37 goals and added six assists this season. She caused 14 turnovers, grabbed 31 ground balls and won four draw controls. The lefty also has speed and agility making her versatile anywhere on the field. Giacopuzzi has no doubts in her young attacker, saying, “Maria is destined for greatness and we look forward to watching her thrive and explode over the next three years.”

Senior, Coral Shores Midfielder

Senior midfielder Amelia Perchalski netted 27 goals this season and added seven assists. Described by her coach as “very versatile in her skill set,” Perchalski also added 39 ground balls to her stats. Coach Alex Pike praised her natural competitiveness and talent, adding that she “leads by example, is a friend to all, and always gives wonderful advice to younger players.”

EMILY MURPHY

Senior, Coral Shores

Goalkeeper

Emily Murphy led the Hurricanes’ defense in goal this season, earning a 64% save average. Her positive attitude and willingness to boost her teammates added another dimension to her play. “She is always communicating with the defense and makes sure that portion of the field works as a unit,”

Pike said of her senior keeper, adding that she “treats the team like a family and always tries to elevate her teammates in all aspects, attitude and skill wise.”

LEYLA OCHOA

Junior, Coral Shores

Attacker

Leyla Ochoa scored 22 goals and assisted another 14 this season. The ’Canes’ attacker picked up 22 ground balls and led her team by example. “Leyla is the first player at practice and almost always the last one to leave.” said Pike, adding about the junior captain, “I could always hear her giving younger/ less experienced players advice or a helping hand.”

MAKAYLA HANN

Junior, Coral Shores Defense

Hann held down the ’Canes defense with 48 takeaways this season. She scooped up 52 ground balls and managed to score two goals and assist on two more. The junior is described by Pike as an “overall incredible athlete and competitor” who “pushes everyone to do the best they can.”

COURTNEY GRABUS

Key West Goalkeeper

ELLA BAXTER

Junior, Key West Attacker/Midfielder

MARIA CHANEY

Key West Attacker

AMELIA PERCHALSKI

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.

BRAD BERTELLI

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

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

OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

MONDAY, JULY 31, 2023 at 9:00 A.M.

FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM

Founders Park

Tuesdays and Thursdays

88511 Overseas Hwy

steadybats@gmail.com

Tavernier

Upper Keys Baseball Development Foundation

ISLAMORADA COUNCIL APPROVES NEW TRASH CONTRACT

ISLAND DISPOSAL COMPANY BEGINS HAULING JANUARY 2024

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Anew company will haul Islamorada’s trash beginning Jan. 1, 2024, following the village council’s unanimous approval of a contract at a special July 17 meeting.

Details of the agreement between the village and Island Disposal Company, under the ownership of Islamorada resident Brian Lindback, include a 10-year term with an option to renew for an additional five years after it expires Dec. 31, 2033. Services would largely remain the same, with residential garbage pickup twice a week and yard waste and recycling gathered once a week.

Garbage and yard waste service and recycling collection are provided to some 4,385 residential customers living in single-family homes, multifamily duplexes and triplex buildings, as well as 289 commercial clients. Any building with four or more units is considered a commercial customer.

Lindback brought in a pair of village residents in Glen Miller and Jim Wheatley, who both had long careers in garbage hauling in various states, to help run the business. Lindback formerly ran Atlantic Trash & Transfer, which provides Dumpsters and porta-potties, before selling the business to Logan Malson.

A 5-0 vote to go with Island Disposal Company means the end of garbage pickup by Waste Management on Dec. 31. The multibillion dollar company acquired Advanced Disposal in October 2020. In 2013, the village had contracted garbage and recycling collection to Advanced Disposal over a 10-year period.

Issues of broken-down trucks and missed trash pickups transpired over that time, causing concern among community members and village officials. But those problems largely subsided once Waste Management took over collection.

“I’m concerned about the citizens of the village,” said Greg Sullivan, local manager for Waste Management, as he spoke to the dais on July 17. “When push comes to shove, they (Island Disposal Company) don’t have the depth we do.”

Before the vote, Sullivan took to the podium to address some concerns over the contract between the village and Island Disposal Company — one being the possible increase of rates over time. Per the agreement, Island Disposal Company is entitled to a cost of living adjustment for disposal. However, if disposal costs increase or decrease based on the current price Monroe County charges for garbage shipment to a landfill, the “village agrees to work with the contractor to provide any increase or decrease in the fees paid by customers in the village.”

And should the cost of diesel fuel increase in excess of 15% annually, the “village agrees to work with the contractor to alleviate such cost increase with temporary increase to cover the additional fuel

Brian Lindback, owner of Island Disposal Company, speaks to the council during a special July 17 meeting inside Founders Park Community Center.

CONTRIBUTED/Village of Islamorada video feed

BLEACHWATCH PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO MONITOR CORALS IN FLORIDA KEYS

cost.” Should the inflated fuel cost decrease, then the prior approved increase will automatically decrease, per language in the contract.

“They have the two biggest concessions in the world, fuel and disposal. You guys opened it wide open,” Sullivan told the council.

Councilman Henry Rosenthal asked Lindback how he interpreted the section of the contract related to the possible additional fees and how the village would work with his company to alleviate it.

“If there’s a decrease or increase, we will come to you and we’ll tell you what happened over the CPI (consumer price index) that things have gotten out of control, and can you work with us in a way to move the price up of the contracted dump,” Lindback said.

Village Manager Ted Yates said the cost to transport garbage to the transfer station, which is driven by the rate to haul to landfills in neighboring counties, is out of the company’s control. Rather than flat out saying “no” to a rate adjustment, Yates said, the contract allows both sides to sit down in “good faith” and examine the additional cost.

Last February, the village council directed Yates not to exercise an option to renew Waste Management’s contract another five years. And that was after Waste Management was turned down by the council for two rate increases to confront growing fuel and labor costs.

With the contract expiring Dec. 31, the village began to seek proposals for garbage, yard waste and recycling collection. Bids came back from Waste Management, Atlantic Trash & Transfer of Key Largo, and Island Disposal Company. An evaluation committee recommended the council choose Lindback’s company.

Per the contract, the village will pay Island Disposal Company $41.01 per month per residential customer, or $492.12 per year, for waste collection. That’s up just a few dollars from the previous fiscal year, when Waste Management collected $490 a year from residential customers after the previous council approved a 7.5% increase to address rising labor and fuel costs. Islamorada officials budgeted just over $2 million for residential solid waste services for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Per the contract, Island Disposal Company is required to pay a franchise fee of 15% of gross revenues for residential and commercial collection for use of the village’s streets, rights-of-way and roadways.

Lindback said he expects to have trash and recycling containers and trucks ready by the Jan. 1, 2024 start date.

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 heat-driven bleaching throughout the Florida Keys.

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

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.

NEIGHBOR OF THE WEEK

SPOTLIGHTING THE AMAZING INDIVIDUALS WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THE UPPER KEYS

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.

This week’s neighbor is a Plantation Key, Islamorada resident who’s spent decades working for the local Regan Roth Insurance Agency. She started there in 2002 as a data entry operator before moving to account manager and insurance agent.

HOLLY REDDING Insurance agent

What would you do if you won the lottery? Take care of my family and loved ones.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be? To be able to spend an hour with the loved ones which I have lost.

What is the best and worst part of the Keys? The best part is the small community feel even though we are a top vacation spot, and the worst would be the garbage which you see around on our beautiful islands.

If you could improve one thing in the Keys, what would it be? Protection of the fisheries!

What is your spirit animal? Flamingo.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I am a MET Master Angler and hold a world record in fishing.

What can people find you doing when you’re not working? Fishing with my husband, taking photos, and spending time with my loved ones.

The title of my autobiography would be: “Enjoying my Journey.” Your favorite movie? I have so many, it would be hard to say which is my favorite!

Favorite app on your phone? SiriusXM.

Saturday, August 12th, 2023

6 - 11 pm

Reefhouse Resort • Key Largo

Tickets$150

WesleyHouse.org/CasinoNight

MEET ‘DR. C’

LOCAL PEDIATRICS OFFICE ADDS SEASONED DOCTOR

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Alocal doctor’s office that’s treated youth and adolescents for more than 25 years has added a new member to its staff.

The fit between Dr. Metee Comkornruecha, or “Dr. C,” and Dr. Stan Zuba’s Florida Keys Pediatric & Adolescent Center in Tavernier was rather seamless. And it came at the perfect time as Zuba, who owns the practice, sees more traveling, fishing and biking in his future.

Comkornruecha officially started with Florida Keys Pediatrics & Adolescent Center in May, joining Zuba and Dr. John Weare as the other pediatricians.

“After over 25 years of practicing in the Keys, it is time for me to set up a gradual transition to younger doctors who will continue to provide the outstanding standard of care that my practice and my doctors and staff are known for,” Zuba said. “He (Dr. C) wants to get back into communitybased general pediatrics, and we are so happy he does.”

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Comkornruecha spent the last 18 years with Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami. He’s a Tulane University graduate who went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center College of Medicine. He specializes not only in pediatrics, but also adolescent medicine. He served as an adolescent specialist for 12 years at Nicklaus hospital.

Living in South Florida with his wife and two kids, Comkornruecha said he was ready to return to his roots helping children and developing new relationships with individuals and fami-

lies. An opportunity with Zuba’s office popped up, and Comkornruecha said something in his gut drew him to it.

“I called the number and talked to people. It was kind of a whirlwind marriage if you will, but they had a good feeling about me and it just clicked,” Comkornruecha said. “As Stan said, this is a wonderful community. Meeting the people and seeing just how close everyone is, it just solidified things.”

While pediatricians like Comkornruecha work to ensure the next generation of kids is healthy, helping parents navigate their child’s development is also a part of the job.

“The developmental process in itself is a very complex process. There’s a lot of different steps from motor skills, verbal skills, fine motor skills and physical development,” he said “We have to put all those things together in an easy way to translate it to the parents, and convey to the parents what they need to do.”

Comkornruecha added that vaccines play a big part in ensuring society has healthy kids growing up.

Dr. Metee Comkornruecha, or ‘Dr. C.’ JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

SHOP HOP

BOUTIQUES’ EXTRAVAGANZA ADDS SPARKLE TO SUMMER

ISLAMORADA

Over the weekend, Islamorada’s boutique shops pulled out all the stops – and glitter, flowers and fun – to host an afternoon delight. The Summer Shop Hop featured Heed Living, Evolve Boutique, Miss Monroe, Boo Kee Sue Botanicals and Jypsea Local Swimwear. Locals and visitors alike flitted between the Ocean Sotheby’s plaza and Village Square at the Trading Post, hugging as they passed and complimenting each others’ latest splurges. While shopping for their hearts, hips and homes, boppers were treated like island royalty. Indulgences included sparkling spritzers, glitter hair, henna tattoos, exotic bouquets and botanical sun prints. Everyone left a little more sparkly and glamorous than when they came.

— Tiffany Duong

1. Local yoga teacher Carrlee Denault makes a custom boutique with Kellen Clarke of Floral Fantasy during the Shop Hop. 2. Shoppers get inked – with henna tattoos – while shopping at Evolve Boutique in Islamorada. 3. Boo Kee Sue botanicals owner Sue Wright greets shoppers at her crystals, plants and gift shop at the Village Square at the Trading Post. 4. Miss Monroe owner Liz Huddleston matches with a local shopper during the Summer Shop Hop. 5. Natalie Flamm, the owner of Heed Living in Islamorada, sits in her favorite corner of her boutique with daughter Stevie. 6. Stefanie Holtzheuser, owner and designer of Jypsea Local Swimwear, holds up her iconic shopping bags. Photos by Tiffany Duong. Visit keysweekly.com for the full gallery.

BRAD SIEGEL

Brad Siegel, 67, of Islamorada, Florida passed away on July 15, 2023. From having a pool day with friends to listening to his favorite blues songs, he was the most loving and devoted husband, brother and friend one could ever have.

He is survived by his wife, Doreen; his sister, Cindy; his dog, Prince Harbor; and his black cat named Key Kat.

He touched many lives with his generosity and passion for life. He will be missed and loved very much by many, and most importantly, he will never be forgotten.

Siegel will live on forever in Islamorada just through all the love of local friends and his loving wife, Doreen. Please celebrate his life and share the memories. And don’t forget to cheers to one amazing man who had a great sense of humor.

A3-month-old tabby, Captain was born with an eyelid that wasn’t fully developed. He’s very sweet according to those at the Upper Keys Humane Society. And he doesn’t let his eye issue get in the way, as he loves to play with other kittens and visitors. If you would like to make Captain a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give the Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS is a nonprofit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

Thursday, July 27

• Lobster mini-season ends at midnight. Visit keyslobsterseason. com for the rules and regulations.

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Agenda can be found at islamoradafl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/117/files.

Saturday, July 29

• REEF Great Annual Fish Count with Key Dives beginning at 9:15 a.m. at REEF Interpretive Center, 98300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo followed by a survey dive at 11 a.m. at Key Dives, 79851 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

• Mote’s Islamorada coral nursery tour at 2 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina. Visit mote.org/keystours.

• National Night Out from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada and Key Largo Park.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

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

justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• Plant clinic welcomes master gardener volunteers to help with plant identification, disease diagnosis and more from 9 a.m. to noon at Key Largo library.

• Island Dolphin Care touch tank for children at 1 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Thursday, Aug. 3

• MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s Yappy Hour at 6 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery.

Saturday, Aug. 5

• Florida Keys Quilters gathering at 9:30 a.m.. Visit Florida Keys Quilters Facebook for more information.

Sunday, Aug. 6

• 2023 lobster season begins at 12:01 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 8

• Florida Keys Orchid Society hosts a forum on growing plants in moss balls at 6 p.m. at Key Largo Civic Club.

Blue Seas Lawn Care

Free Estimates

Licensed and Insured

More Than 20 Years Experience Locally Owned and Operated Keys Business

Est. 2020

0: 785.907.5531 | C: 305.879.0497 | blueseaslawncare@gmail.com

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

The Village Council has resumed the in-person regular meeting format. Virtual participation is still available to the public. Please see the last page of the agenda for participation details

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. AGENDA: Requests for Deletion / Emergency Additions

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT (This is general public comment. It provides an opportunity for the public to speak about matters not scheduled elsewhere on the agenda. The mayor opens public comment on agenda items throughout the meeting.)

V. CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS

A. Workforce/Affordable Housing Report - Don Horton

VI. VILLAGE ATTORNEY / VILLAGE MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS

A. Exit Interview - John Quick

B. Transition Memo - John Quick

VII. MAYOR / COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

A. Interim Manager Discussion

B. Manager Search

C. Timeline

VIII. CONSENT AGENDA (All items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Village Council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member so requests, in which event, the item will be moved to the Main Agenda.)

A. Resolution establishing a maximum number of committee members for non-Chapter 30 committees TAB 1 (John Quick, Interim Village Attorney)

B. Resolution Approving a Work Authorization with CSA Central for Creation of a Wayfinding Map for the Key Tree Cactus Preserve TAB 2 (Peter Frezza, Environmental Resources Manager)

KeysBank.com

Established in 1955, First State Bank o ers bank ing and lending ser vices to fit the needs of our Keys customers. We star ted out with a single branch and a handful of employees As the Keys community grew, so did the bank, steadily adding more ser vices and branches We’ve grown and changed in a lot of good ways. But our core values remain the same – we’re a proud, locally owned institution operated for the benefit of the people of Monroe County with a long histor y of ser ving, reaching out, and connecting in the Florida Keys

We are continually expanding our line -up of products, ser vices and deliver y systems o ered in our o ces from Key Largo to Key West. Although the oldest bank headquar tered in Monroe County, our technology, security, and customer ser vice are state of the ar t, allowing customers to feel confident whether they bank in-person, online, or in their mobile app.

First State Bank gives you the best of both worlds - employees who k now you and a local name you trust with digital ser vices and modern technology you demand

Key Largo contacts are VP and Upper Keys Regional Manager Laura Brown, SVP and Market Lending Leader Lori Bailey, and Branch O cer Danya Herzberg. Key Largo locations: 97670 Overseas Highway and 101433 Overseas Highway, Tradewinds Plaza. 305-296-8535.

THE KEYS’ HOMETOWN BA

IX. RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution Approving an Agreement with Sea & Shoreline, LLC for Canal 116 Backfill Restoration Project TAB 3 (Peter Frezza, Environmental Resources Manager)

B. Resolution establishing Village Council procedures TAB 4 (John Quick, Interim Village Attorney)

C. Resolution Approving Work Authorization No. 13 with WSP for Founders Park Boat Ramp Design and Permitting Project TAB 5 (Peter Frezza, Environmental Resources Manager)

D. Resolution Approving Purchases from SHI International Corp. for FY 2022-2023 - Continued from 7/6 - TAB 6 (Vince Tarves, Systems Engineer)

E. Resolution to Adopt Second FY 2022-2023 Budget AmendmentContinued from 7/6 - TAB 7 (Maria Bassett, Finance Director)

F. Resolution Approving First Amendment to Agreement with Dockmasters Marine Construction, Inc. TAB 8 (Maria Bassett, Finance Director)

G. Resolution Approving the Fourth Amendment to the Contract for Local Police Services TAB 9 (Maria Bassett, Finance Director)

H. Preliminary Rate Resolution for FY 2023-2024 Solid Waste Assessment TAB 10 (Maria Bassett, Finance Director)

X. MOTIONS

A. Motion to Accept Funds Appropriated by the 2023 Florida Legislature for Purchase of 2024 Freightliner Ambulance - Continued from 7/6 - TAB 11 (Maria Bassett, Finance Director)

B. Motion to Continue or Discontinue Standby Letter of Credit Requirement for Keys History and Discovery Center TAB 12

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Options for Viewing the Village Council Meeting: The public is encouraged to watch the meeting on Monroe County’s MCTV Comcast Channel 77. Alternatively, the public may view the meeting streamed live on the Village website from their personal computer, tablet or phone via the following link: https://islamoradafl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/117/files

ADA Assistance: These meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at (305) 664-6448 or by email at ADA@islamorada.fl.us at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

HEALING ‘TAILS’

FOX SURVIVAL STORIES INSPIRE GROUP DEALING WITH TRAUMA

ZACK WOLTANSKI

www.keysweekly.com

In 2020, Key Largo nonprofit Pawsitive Beginnings was created to provide both a home to rescued foxes and education on the nature of the fur farming industry.

Pawsitive Beginnings has greatly expanded its sanctuary and its goals under the leadership of founder Nicole Navarro. Since last year, Navarro’s fox rescue has become more than just an animal sanctuary. With Pawsitive Beginning’s partnership with the Kinder in the Keys treatment center, Navarro’s foxes have become outlets for empathy, providing therapeutic help to women recovering from trauma and PTSD.

Navarro began volunteering at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm in Key West in 2017. In 2018, two foxes were surrendered from a private home to the facility.

“That was my first experience with foxes,” said Navarro, who had always had a love for animals. “I became infatuated with the species, and the thought of these animals still being legally farmed for their fur, for something as irrelevant as fashion, really got to me.”

After acquiring the necessary permits, she began a small nonprofit fox sanctuary two years later in Key Largo, providing housing for her first two foxes, Libby and Louie. Several weeks ago, she acquired her eighth, an 11-month-old kit named Ridley. Her sanctuary is much larger now, due to generous community donations.

“The goal of this sanctuary is to provide a forever home to foxes that get surrendered,” said Navarro. She also seeks to educate and to inspire legislation. “I think it would be amazing if Monroe County would be the first county in the entire state of Florida to ban the sale of fur,” she said. “It would make a bold statement if Monroe was the first county in the state to take a stand against animal exploitation, environment exploitation and human exploitation, all of which fur farming promotes.”

All of Navarro’s foxes have been acquired from fur farms. The foxes are legally surrendered to a rescue in Minnesota, and are often afflicted with injuries or disabilities that render them less profitable to the fur industry. Many common fur farming practices tend to mistreat the animals, keeping them in small, claustrophobic cages and rarely allowing thems to touch solid ground. Ridley, her newest fox, is missing his tail.

“His mother, father, or both chewed off his tail,” said Navarro. She attributes this unusual behavior to the stressful and abusive environment that fur farm foxes grow up in.

Inspired by a friend, in 2022 Navarro reached out to the Kinder in the Keys trauma recovery center, which provides help to women who are recovering from intense trauma. Through their partnership, Navarro introduced the women of Kinder in the Keys to her foxes.

“Foxes aren’t therapy animals in the traditional sense,” said Navarro. “But because all of my foxes have survived trauma, the women can relate to them. These foxes, like (Kinder’s) clients, have come from trauma, abuse and neglect.”

Navarro, meeting once every few weeks with the women of Kinder in the Keys, has been able to educate her audience on each fox’s unique story of survival. “It’s not the foxes themselves that are therapeutic. It’s the foxes’ stories that have had a lot of impact on the patients who have met them,” said Navarro.

Navarro is proud of the direction her nonprofit

is taking, and considers its impact one of the greatest accomplishments of her life. “After every visit, patients request and yearn for more animal/pet therapy,” said a therapist from Kinder in the Keys. “Their demeanor, mood and behavior shifts to the positive and it brings light in their eyes as well. The context in which they begin to speak are healing words replacing the anger, fear and doubt they come in with.”

Upon hearing about Pawsitive Beginning’s partnership with Kinder in the Keys, the Florida Keys Children Shelter also reached out to Navarro.

“ I (feel) that just being around the foxes helps the children with connection without using words and it helps them decrease feelings of anxiety and stress,” said Francine Lemay, residential counselor at the Florida Keys Children Shelter. “Using the survival stories from the foxes and their behaviors (helps) the clients with their own feelings.”

Now, Navarro’s fox rescue is providing therapeutic help to multiple generations of people who have experienced tremendous difficulties in their lives. “In the past I myself have suffered trauma,” said Navarro. “Seeing my foxes recover from trauma has allowed me to realize that, if they can get over it, so can I.”

Navarro is affected by every fox that enters the sanctuary. She vividly remembers the first time that she witnessed a fox stepping foot on solid ground after years of torment in captivity.

“Once they set foot on solid ground and they instinctively feel safe, the healing starts,” said Navarro.

Nicole Navarro, Pawsitive Beginnings founder, with Ridley at Kinder in the Keys. CONTRIBUTED. Ridley is an 11-month-old kit recently acquired by Pawsitive Beginnings.

It would make a bold statement if Monroe was the first county in the state to take a stand against animal exploitation, environment exploitation and human exploitation, all of which fur farming promotes.

— Nicole Navarro

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 (gray) and 2023 (black) shows how much hotter this year has been. JULI BERWALD/Contributed

UNPRECEDENTED

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

TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

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 landbased 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).

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,

Publish:

July 27, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

LLC

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

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 APPEAR

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,

FLORIDA KEYS EATS

ISLAND BREEZE AND COCONUT DREAMS

NMLS: 1557151

The Florida Mortgage Lab, LLC

www.floridamortgagelab.com

305.517.6323

THURS July 27 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m.

FRI July 28 Hat Trick 6-10 p.m.

SAT July 29 Ray Jaworski 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Groove 6-10 p.m.

SUN July 30 John Mavis 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m.

MON July 31 Carousers 6-10 p.m.

TUES Aug. 1 Micah 6-10 p.m.

WED Aug. 2 Kimball, Bacen & Davidson

305.664.2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

THIS CAKE IS WORTH EATING AT BUZZARD’S ROOST

Iwith coconut, but I definitely taste hints of that tropical fruit in there. It’s topped with a warm pineapple rum sauce which I usually ask for on the side or skip all together. This delicious cake needs no sidekicks. It almost tastes like the cake version of the coconut cream ice cream that Mr. C’s sells.

SAMANTHA DELLILO

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

know for a lot of people, they either love or hate coconut. For me personally, It’s love, love love. Growing up my whole life in the Keys, coconut was the flavor and smell of everything. I spent my childhood keeping a watchful eye on my palm trees in case a coconut came crashing down. If I did score one that day, I would later wrestle with its hard shell until I was lucky enough to get a measly half-cup of coconut water. But boy, did that half-cup make me proud.

Go ahead and think back to the Keys in the ’90s: what did every person smell like? One could say Banana Boat tanning oil, which definitely had an over-the-top coconut aroma, in a good way. Could you imagine everything I just described in a dessert? It exists at the Buzzard’s Roost at MM 106 in Key Largo.

The coconut cake at Buzzard’s Roost has a sweet and dense coconut cake base, which tastes almost like a butter cake. They bake it slightly past a golden hue and lather on the cream cheese frosting. Now, the menu does not say the cream cheese is flavored

Honest to goodness, I’ve seen non-coconut lovers go for a second or third fork full of this dessert. I know every fiber of everyone’s being always wants to order the Key lime pie everywhere they go, but let the Key lime pie get some rest and try something new with this coconut delight. For the best service in Buzzard’s Roost, I always request Elvez Sosa as my waiter if I can. If he’s not waiting tables, I scan the bar to see if he’s bartending and grab two seats there. He’s always more than happy to help me out when I give my sauce on the side of the cake requests, no matter how busy they are.

Another thing to note is this cake saves great in the fridge. There have been times I couldn’t fathom eating a dessert after a big meal and we have gotten it to go for another time. It tastes identical even two days later in the refrigerator – that is if no one has snuck in to eat it all by then. Coconut lovers unite.

The Buzzard’s Roost is accessible by land or sea. They are open seven days a week and have a Sunday brunch.

Lissette M. Romero Mortgage Loan Originator

MANUFACTURED HOMES, LAND LOANS, NO INCOME, BANK STATEMENT & MORE

Coconut cake at Buzzard’s Roost in Key Largo. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly

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.

STUDIO SPOTLIGHT

MEDITATIVE EXPLORATIONS & MUSIC INSPIRE ARTIST ELENA MADDEN

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.

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

WILLIAM DEPAULA

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.”