Key West Weekly 23-0803

This completely remodeled two-story mixed-use property is tastefully appointed and boasts 2,262 sq. ft. of interior space, office space, and a spacious backyard with heated/ chilled pool and water feature. With extreme attention to detail, this impressive, industrialdesigned two bedroom, three full bathroom home plus office, media room, and laundry room has been renovated to the highest standards, including a Green building certification. A 14-ft. high ceiling in the living/dining area opens to a custom gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, roof vented exhaust fan, a pantry, and quartz countertops. All doors, windows, and skylights are impact rated. The property offers a split floor plan with work and living space at the center of old town Key West just half a block off famous Duval Street and a bike ride to the Truman waterfront and Fort Zachary Taylor park & beach. It has two off-street parking spaces and a whole-house Kubota diesel generator. In addition, the property is located in an X- flood zone and transient license receivership location for short-term rentals. Great opportunity to work and live in Key West!

KEY WEST | $3,199,000 | Listing ID: 605147

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK

50,820

Per the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections, there are 50,820 active, registered voters in the Florida Keys as of Aug. 1. Of the voters, 22,740 are Republicans, followed by Democrats, 14,896, and those in other parties, 13,184.

It’s back, the school year, that is. Monroe County students return to class on Thursday, Aug. 10 with some new faces in principals’ offices and a brand new charter high school. See story below.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

GOODBYE, SUMMER

SCHOOL STARTS

AUG. 10 IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

It’s time. Florida Keys students return to school on Thursday, Aug. 10. At least they have a short week to ease them into the renewed routines. And then they get a three-day weekend for Labor Day in a few short weeks.

But the schooltime routine starts up again — early-morning alarms, bus stops, packed lunches or a hot lunch menu stuck to the refrigerator in hundreds of kitchens. Homework. Tests. Pop quizzes. New locker combinations. New color-coordinated folders, notebooks and pens. New backpacks, protractors, glue sticks, scissors and loose leaf paper.

And in the Lower Keys, a brand new high school.

That’s right, the CFK Academy opens this year as a free charter high school on the campus of the College of the Florida Keys. (Stay tuned next week for more details on the new academy.)

And for students at Key West and Marathon high schools, there’s a new principal awaiting their arrival on Aug. 10.

Rebecca Palomino will take the lead at Key West High School, while Christine Paul becomes principal in Marathon.

With Laura Lietaert continuing as principal of Coral Shores High School, that means that all three high schools are being led by women who graduated from them.

CONTRIBUTED

Palomino is a familiar face at KWHS, having worked there as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal, along with stints at Sugarloaf School and most recently as assistant principal at Gerald Adams Elementary.

“Mrs. Palomino recently told me she bleeds crimson and gray, and I believe it,” Superintendent Theresa Axford said. “Her passion for her alma mater is notable, and the variety of successful experiences she has had as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal have fully prepared her to take the helm of the district’s largest school. I am confident in her abilities and proud to place a former Conch in the highest leadership role at the school.”

Palomino said, “It has been my dream and aspiration to follow in the footsteps of legendary Conch principals. I look forward to carrying on the traditions of Key West High School that make us who we are as an academically competitive school and the source of Conch Pride for our community.”

The new CFK Academy, a free charter high school, opens this school year on the Key West campus of College of the Florida Keys. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Rebecca Palomino takes over as principal of Key West High School when school starts Aug. 10.

MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

LAST-MINUTE DAYCARE CLOSURE HAS DIRE IMPACT ON LOCAL FAMILIES

SUNBEAM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WAS THE LAST FACILITY TO ACCEPT INFANTS

The impending Aug. 4 closure of a Key West child care center and preschool has the parents of more than 50 children — from 8 weeks to 4 years old — panicking, while asking the pastor of the church that operates the facility to reconsider.

Sunbeam Christian School, owned and operated for more than 40 years by Fifth Street Baptist Church, notified parents on July 28 that “our program will close at the end of the business on Friday, Aug. 4 due to staffing issues.”

Those staffing issues, according to several parents and teachers, were caused by the church’s pastor, Josh Dryer, who reportedly required the school’s teachers and director — who are of varying religious denominations — to sign a 22-page personnel manual in which they would commit to living a “Biblical lifestyle,” as defined by the conservative, born-again Christian denomination and donate 10% of their income to the church, a religious tenet known as tithing. Employees of the school were also expected to sign a statement about any other jobs they have. Second jobs are common in the Florida Keys, where the cost of living is among the highest in the country. “Any outside employment that contradicts the faith and values of the Fifth Street Baptist Church is forbidden,” the manual states.

All nine teachers received a letter on July 28 confirming their termination, effective Aug. 4.

“Fifth Street Baptist Church is terminating you due to your unwillingness to sign and abide by the Fifth Street Baptist Church personnel manual. … We communicated that your reception of and abiding by the manual was a condition of your employment. … Please remove all personal belongings from your classroom and return all property belonging to Fifth Street Baptist Church at the end of business day on Friday, Aug. 4. … We will be in prayer for you as you search for your next place of employment.”

CHURCH BYLAWS

According to the 33-page “Constitution & Bylaws” document that governs the church, non-pastoral employees, meaning those who are not ordained, need not be members of the church, but must “endeavor to live a Christian lifestyle,” and must acknowledge receipt of the church’s bylaws, the document states. It also states that the pastor and personnel committee have authority to hire and terminate nonpastoral employees.

The constitution and bylaws of the church also state that every active member of the church, aged 16 or older, may vote on matters pertaining to the church and brought forth for consideration. Only members aged 18 and older may vote on matters pertaining to property owned by the church, which includes Sunbeam.

The Keys Weekly asked Dryer in an email whether the congregation, personnel committee or church council had voted on the closure of the school and termination of its teachers, but received no response.

1. The sign in front of Fifth Street Baptist Church states the church exists to ‘serve the community.’ MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

2. Sunbeam daycare and preschool in Key West is closing on Aug. 4, panicking working families. Sunbeam was the last facility in Key West that provided infant care.

3. Church officials called the police on Sunday, July 30, when concerned parents of Sunbeam students showed up at the church service to question the pastor’s decision to close the daycare and preschool.

MANDY

PARENTS PROTEST; PASTOR CALLS POLICE

Parents initially were notified on July 24 that the church was “considering” closing the school and daycare. Four days later, the employees and parents learned the center would close less than a week later.

“There’s about 56 children currently enrolled, not counting the new ones who had signed up for the coming school year,” said Pamela Lopez, a former director of Sunbeam who now operates The Learning Center child care on Truman Avenue. “I’ve had Sunbeam parents call me for placement of their children. But Sunbeam is the only facility left in Key West that takes infants due to the higher required staffing ratio for babies.”

The July 24 and July 28 letters to parents were not signed by Dryer, but rather ended with the email addresses for “pastor@fcbckw.org” and “personnel@fsbckw.org.”

Repeated emails to both addresses, voicemail messages left on the church’s main phone number and knocks on the church office door by the Keys Weekly on July 28, 29 and 31 were not answered.

Sunbeam parents signed a petition and showed up at the church’s Sunday, July 30 service despite asking the church to reconsider the closure. When their concerns grew heated on Sunday, church officials called the police on the parents. Dryer, saying he had a service to preach, did not step outside to meet with the parents or police, but instead sent another church leader. That church leader said Dryer would be available the following day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to meet with parents.

When that time came, the pastor distributed a sign-up sheet and said he would meet with parents individually, but told each of them that he would not reconsider his decision, according to parents who met with him.

“No parent would place an infant in daycare if they didn’t need to work,” said Kimberly Sprague, who has no child care for her infant daughter as of Aug. 4. “I just came back to work after maternity leave and I can’t find a place for my daughter. I don’t understand why he would do this. There are so many kids there. And the homepage of the church’s website talks about ‘serving the community.’ I’m just shocked.”

Sprague added that she and her husband moved to Key West seven years ago and have made it their home, but they have no family in the area that can help with child care.

Another Sunbeam parent, Angelica (who didn’t want to in-

clude her last name because of her husband’s job in the community) is a sixth-generation Conch whose daughter loved her years at Sun beam.

“The staff there is so loving,” she said. “The new pastor came from Jacksonville a few years ago and has been changing everything, includ ing making the Sunbeam staff tithe. I think when parents and teach ers started pulling back from the church’s requirements, the pastor decided to shut it down. But it’s got to be a revenue source for the church.”

Families pay $200 to $320 per week for child care at Sunbeam for one or two children, according to Sprague.

“In his letter announcing the closure, the pastor said the decision had been made ‘with much prayer and consideration,’ but he definitely doesn’t seem to have the Key West One Human Family attitude,” Angelica said.

The electronic sign in front of the church also states, “We exist to evangelize the lost, equip the saved and serve the community.”

The church’s Constitution & Bylaws also outline its commitment to Christian education, stating, “As a church, we will conduct Biblical based education efforts such as Bible studies, social activities, church schools and other such functions.”

The closure letter to Sunbeam parents ends by stating, “Laurie Dunn, the Monroe manager for the Early Learning Coalition offered assistance to help you find a new childcare program. You may reach her at ldunn@elcmdm.org and 786397-3088.”

PASTOR JOSH DRYER

Pastor Josh Dryer came to Fifth Street Baptist Church from Jacksonville, Florida in 2018. He had been in Jacksonville for three years, according to a 2021 article on the Florida Southern Baptist Convention website that touts his consulting experience that helps other churches analyze their area’s demographics to better serve their communities and grow their congregations.

“For some churches, the consultations have led them to start childcare ministries for the young families in their communities and others have started Christian education programs to connect with those families,” the article states.

Dryer and his wife, Darlene, live in a 2,700-square-foot home on Eagle Avenue that is owned by the church trustees, according to county property records.

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR AUGUST

• Specialty license plates and vouchers may be purchased on our website.

• The second 2023 property tax installment bills will be mailed on August 31 and are due by September 30.

• Local business tax renewals must be paid by September 30.

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

• All rental properties are required to pay a local business tax regardless of how long they are being rented.

• If you suspect a fraudulent property rental, you may report it on our hotline at 1-855-422-4540.

• Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 2023 Bubba Awards and thank you for the honor of receiving the award for BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL! It is a privilege to serve you!

When historic and harmful ocean temperatures began ravaging the reefs and coral nurseries, Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) and coral practitioners stepped up to the challenge. Together, they’re working at a breakneck pace to safeguard hope, despite this record heat.

Coral restoration science actually began over a decade ago in the Keys with Mote Marine Laboratory and Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) pioneering different restoration techniques. Since then, our local scientists and restoration practitioners have continued to push the forefront of this new scientific sector.

Under normal environmental conditions, offshore nurseries allow practitioners to grow corals en masse and under more optimal conditions. Over the years, dozens of coral nurseries have been established throughout the Keys to support restoration efforts; until recently, these were all full of endangered and important coral species, being grown out for eventual outplant back onto our degraded reefs.

Then June and July happened.

An unprecedented marine heat wave settled upon the waters. Ocean temperatures at this time of year are typically 85 degrees Fahrenheit; however, recent readings hit between 92 and 97, and a buoy in Manatee Bay –northwest of Key Largo – broke a world record by registering a jacuzzi-like 101 degrees. Our coral reef – the third largest barrier reef in the world and the lynchpin of our local economy – is suffering under this extreme heat, with many corals bleaching and dying. This includes wild and corals of all species,

CORAL RESCUE AND RECOVERY

Layton’s Keys Marine Laboratory Works To Save Endangered Corals

as well as coral fragments in in situ ocean nurseries.

The marine heat wave forced all restoration groups to act fast to save as many corals as possible; most decided to bring bleached and stressed corals from offshore nurseries to landbased facilities to save them from the extreme temperatures.

One of the safe havens is Florida Institute of Oceanography’s Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) in Layton. Hosted by USF, the scientific research field station supports researchers from various organizations and universities by providing marine biology expertise, saltwater raceways, boats and scientific divers. During this crisis, they’ve become the triage station for thousands of corals coming in hot and hurting from offshore nurseries.

“It is obviously disheartening to see all of this happening, especially in such a short amount of time. It's painful to see, but we’re trying to see the silver lining,” said Emily Becker, Tavernier resident and KML’s seawater systems manager. “By providing this

service for people to bring in coral and keep them in this facility where we can maintain optimal conditions, it brings me more hope.”

KML recently added new, stateof-the-art systems and raceways to its facilities. The field station now boasts 60 seawater tables, ranging from 40 to 4,000 gallons. They de-gas, sterilize and manipulate the temperature of raw seawater before it hits their tables. This eliminates large particles, bacteria and other pathogens, Becker said. The system also allows KML to mimic normal offshore reef temperatures, meaning the KML team can optimize their systems for temperature, pH and salinity to provide stable conditions for corals and other animals in their care.

“Ideally, we would’ve been able to test each component of our new system one-by-one, but this event made us test it all at once – and I am so happy to see all components doing what they’re meant to,” Becker said. “It’s allowed us to serve this critical role at this really devastating time.”

Currently, KML is holding roughly 1,500 corals from various coral restoration groups in its tanks; Becker estimates they have the ability to hold 3,500. Practitioners are also bringing corals up to the mainland to other facilities and using innovative transportation methods like CRF’s new “coral bus.”

The seawater systems expert noted with pride how practitioners will breathe a sigh of relief once they get corals out of the hot water and into KML’s tanks. “Because we’re here and we have these systems, they can take a breath, reassess and know that everything in the tables is okay,” she said. “They can make plans for the future. That’s been a huge positive.”

The eventual goal is to rehabilitate the corals in these controlled systems until temperatures drop and the reef is safe for them again. And, it’s working. When the Keys Weekly visited KML last week, Becker discussed pillar coral that came in stressed from CRF’s Tavernier nursery. The coral pieces came in paled and bleached on a Saturday; by Thursday, a few had regained their characteristic coral color – and, importantly, their symbiotic algae that give them this hue and the majority of their energy. Pillar coral is one of the most endangered corals on our reefs, so this is a great sign.

“These corals we have here, no matter how pale they are when they come in, if we can get them to a healthy point in the next weeks and months, this is the hope for the future of the reef,” added Cynthia Lewis, KML director. “This is what practitioners will be growing, restocking their offshore nurseries with and eventually outplanting. This is hope, right here in our raceways.”

These corals from CRF’s ocean nursery are recovering in KML’s land-based systems; the darker specimens have recovered their zooxanthellae and are getting healthier under KML’s care. FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY/Contributed

An ultra-rare pillar coral plug recovered its color – and its symbiotic algae – with care from KML. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

FWC’s coral nursery stock bleached due to the extreme heat; in KML’s tanks. FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY/ Contributed

KML’s small but mighty team has been housing and rehabilitating corals rescued from in water nurseries. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST NEEDS MORE MONEY FOR TRUMAN WATERFRONT HOUSING

AFFORDABLE - HOME OWNERS WILL HAVE TO REQUALIFY ANNUALLY FOR INCOME ELIGIBILITY

“If any homeowner’s income exceeds 160% of the county’s area median income, they’d be obligated to sell,” Bart Smith told the city commission at their July 13 meeting. “To us, that’s not homeownership. It restricts your ability to be successful. It restricts upward mobility and we feel it’s a nonstarter. Now, if the commission directs us to accept the land authority money with its restrictions, we’ll do it, but we’d rather not.

SHELF HELP

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West officials had a discussion on July 26 about The Lofts workforce housing development long planned for Truman Waterfront.

The development is slated to include 98 rental apartments and 28 home ownership units.

But funding and affordability issues arose at a July 13 city commission meeting, when it was revealed that a moderate-income family would be expected to pay about $700,000 for a townhome at The Lofts.

Without an additional $4 million — at least — the purchase price of the “affordable,” owned townhomes for moderate-income families would be $635,000 for a two-bedroom and $705,000 for a three-bedroom — plus condo fees, plus crippling insurance costs.

Bart Smith, the attorney for The Lofts’ development group, on July 13 suggested the project be converted to all rentals — 126 apartments.

Commissioner Clayton Lopez, whose district includes the housing site, has adamantly supported the home ownership units, saying the commission promised the community an entry method into home

ownership, but the purchase prices being presented were entirely unaffordable for working families.

At a July 26 budget workshop that included a discussion of The Lofts, the commissioners heard from Christine Hurley, director of the Monroe County Land Authority, who pointed out that even with the $4 million from the land authority, a significant gap in affordability would make the home ownership units out of reach for most income levels given the cost of down payments, insurance and condo fees.

She suggested the commission increase its funding request from the land authority, adding that the fund currently has about $13 million available for Key West projects.

Additional funds from the land authority would significantly lower the purchase price of the units.

But…

Land authority funding comes with restrictions — and always has.

If the city and developers accept that funding to lower the home purchase prices, then all owners of the “affordable” townhomes would have to re-qualify every year and prove they still meet the income limits for affordable housing. If their income ends up exceeding the limits, the homeowner would be forced to sell the townhome and move out.

“Our goal is to complete this project, but we don’t feel that people having to restrict their income in order to stay in their home is a good policy,” Smith said.

The commission committed during its July 26 discussion to work toward changing the language of the land authority funding restrictions to prevent people from having to sell their homes if they end up earning more than the maximum amount. But that will require a legislative change from state officials in Tallahassee.

SOME BACKGROUND

The long-awaited — and debated — affordable housing has been slated for the last 3.2 acres of Truman Waterfront since 2002, when the Navy gave the entire 28-acre property to the city of Key West as part of military downsizing that declared the former submarine base surplus property.

The city spent nearly two decades turning most of the parcel into a popular and well-used park, with ballfields, green space, art installations, a kids’ splash pad and an amphitheater.

The last 3.2 acres were always slated for affordable housing to benefit local residents, particularly those in the adjacent neighborhood of Bahama Village.

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

What: “Pageboy” by Elliot Page

Why: I don’t read celebrity memoirs very often. I think I’ve read two in my entire life. This book is so well written that I would gladly read it over and over. Elliot Page tells their story in such an interesting way that I was hooked from the very first page. I’ve seen reviewers talk about how disjointed this book was because it doesn’t necessarily follow a linear path. It didn’t bother me though, at all. It just seemed more natural that way. It’s a fantastically written, attention-grabbing memoir. Give it a try.

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

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

Recommended by: Jill

Kenna, senior library assistant, Key West branch

The Lofts community — 98 rental apartments and 28 home ownership townhomes — is slated for Truman Waterfront, but is facing funding and affordability issues. CONTRIBUTED

RALPH MORROW

SPORTS & MORE

HALL OF FAMER FRED MCGRIFF HONORS FANS FROM ALL ‘HIS’ TEAMS

Editor’s Note:

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

ralphmoro1936 @gmail.com

The Keys Weekly is honored to publish this final column by longtime sports writer and editor Ralph Morrow, who died in his sleep on July 30 at his Key West home. He was 87. Morrow had covered sports and interviewed some of the biggest superstars for more than 60 years in Rochester, New York, then for decades at the Dayton Daily News in Ohio. He moved to Key West with his late wife, Patsy, 27 years ago and continued his journalism career as a sports writer, editor and columnist. He wrote 91 columns for the Keys Weekly since 2020 and was inducted by this editor into a different Hall of Fame.)

Fred McGriff played for several Major League Baseball clubs, including his hometown Tampa Bay Rays and was inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 23 with Scott Rolen of the St. Louis Cardinals.

One of the great tributes of the Hall in Cooperstown, N.Y. is a carving of each player’s head wearing a ball cap. Most players who are still living when inducted get to choose which team’s cap they’re immortalized in. The chosen cap allows the team to boast of “their” Hall of Famer.

McGriff chose to go capless in his Hall of Fame tribute.

During an interview with Tricia Whitaker on a Tampa TV network, the first baseman explained why he chose to go capless when he and Rolen were inducted last month. While Rolen honored the Cardinals with a cap, McGriff said he appreciated all the fans from all six teams for which he played.

For the record, I disagree with him. He should have picked one team (I would have selected Tampa Bay) and worn its cap for the Hall of Fame.

McGriff was selected unanimously by the 16-member Veterans Committee of 16 members. It took 12 votes to get in the Hall and no one else on the ballot got the

number. Former Miami Marlins Manager and longtime New York Yankee Don Mattingly received eight votes. Curt Schilling received seven and Dale Murphy six.

At the induction, McGriff talked of the work it took him and paid tribute to Veronica, his wife of 34 years. He said they have been together “since we worked together at Burger King,” then added, “Honestly, I would have been happy just playing one day in the big leagues.”

Born Oct. 31, 1963, in Tampa, he said he got into baseball when his mother signed him up for Little League and his father bought him a backyard mechanism that returned a thrown ball, to teach him fielding skills.

McGriff broke in with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1986. Over 19 seasons, “Crime Dog,” as he was nicknamed, hit 493 home runs, batted .284 and had 1,550 runs batted in, hitting and throwing lefthanded. He hit 30 or more home runs for a record five different teams. He was a five-time All-Star.

I SUPPOSE YOU are well aware of the pro football players, particularly of the Miami Dolphins, who have been injured.

We can start with Miami star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who underwent knee surgery and is likely to be out of action for several months. Coach Mike McDaniel said Ramsey sustained a non-contact injury during practice. Miami acquired the All-Pro from the Los Angeles Rams. Before the 2020 season, the Rams signed Ramsey to a five-year deal worth $100 million.

In Cincinnati, quarterback Joe Burrow was looking fine, then on television, I saw him fall, get up, then fall again. He was unable to get up. He was carted to the training room.

Kevin Harlan and Trent Green will call Miami’s season opener at the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. CBS has assigned the same duo for the first home game at 1 p.m Sunday, Sept. 24 against Denver. The second game will be at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, at New England.

It’s beginning to look a lot like football…

BROOKE BISKUPICH

Senior, Key West Competitive Cheerleading

Incoming senior Brooke Biskupich takes her role on Key West High School’s competition cheerleading team seriously, and her efforts show in their incredible performances. Perfectly-timed stunts, difficult tumbling and crowd-pleasing choreography does not simply happen; it takes months of planning and practice to execute a short routine to perfection. Biskupich puts in the work to make it all happen for the Conchs while also taking the initiative to guide her teammates. Coach Tiffany Hughes said, “She has also shown great leadership skills throughout the summer workouts by mentoring the younger athletes.”

For her hard work and dedication to her sport and the willingness to go above and beyond to lead and inspire her fellow teammates, Brooke Biskupich is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“Brooke has shown tremendous work ethic this offseason. She attacks our conditioning sessions with passion and intensity.”

– Tiffany Hughes, Key West cheer coach.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

FHSAA IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN

Referee shortage spurs lack of home games, cancellations

With fall sporting events beginning in less than a month, coaches and athletes are busy preparing for competition, but there is one key element which they do not control and cannot compete without: officials. Without them, games cannot be played, and the number of men and women qualified to officiate prep sports has dwindled over time with very few new recruits to take the places of those who have moved or retired.

The lack of officials has put a strain on the few still available. It also takes its toll on athletic directors, who must now take into consideration the availability of a handful of qualified and willing bodies to work games when they are scheduling home matches.

Traveling to Miami or further takes its toll on students and coaches alike, making home games something to look forward to, but without enough officials, catching a game will become an automatic trip to the mainland. Athletic directors and coaches already have a difficult time finding teams willing to make the trip to the Keys, and the added worry of available officials makes the job all the more complicated.

The shortage affects Key West and Marathon the most, as Coral Shores often draws officials from Dade County due to its proximity to the mainland. Fall sports are lacking in numbers of available referees, but soccer season became a dire issue last year.

Justin Martin, athletic director at Key West High School, was forced to juggle rescheduling, relocating and even canceling matches last winter due to the shortage.

“It has been a lot of give and take,” he said last November after a long series of game changes and relocations. A rescheduled match sets off a domino effect at the school level, altering everything from exams to transportation.

So what happened to the officials who presided over the games and matches in years past? “The officials in Key West have mainly aged out or moved away,” said Lance Martin, athletic director at Marathon High. “The naval base used to have a lot of guys do some officiating on the side, but that is not the case anymore. It is very difficult to get new ones due to the low pay and the verbal abuse they take at times from spectators.”

Indeed, fans can be troublesome, and parents even worse at times, but those issues can be controlled, to a degree, at the school level. All three Keys schools have administrators on duty at home games, and often the school resource officer is also present. At football games, there are often multiple officers, and the Florida High School Athletic Association has stressed sportsmanship from players and fans as of late, making the belligerent fan in the stands hurling profanities and insults far less common than in the past.

This leaves the issue of pay. While it would be impossible to make a living in Monroe County by refereeing alone, the job could make a great side hustle for an avid sports fan. Football officials make $111 per game. Volleyball and soccer referees make $79 and baseball and softball umpires’ pay stands at $85. The pay scale is set by the FHSAA and can include travel expenses as well, making it a decent deal for a few hours of work for someone who enjoys sports.

If you are interested in becoming an official, you can find all the information at fhsaa.com. To be a regular official, the first step is to register with a local officials association. A good start would be to check out midkeysofficials.com or contact the president of the Middle Keys Officials, Casey Scheu at 305-360-3054. You must be 18 years old to serve as a referee; 16- and 17-year-olds, while they can’t be head refs, can become junior officials.

Prospective officials can study materials supplied by the FHSAA and then take an untimed online exam and undergo a background check. In addition to enjoying on-field sports action and earning some extra money, you would be helping keep prep sports alive in the Florida Keys.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

AND THEY’RE OFF!

Fall Practices Officially Open For Keys Varsity Sports

After a two-month hiatus, prep sports teams returned to their respective fields, courts and pools to open the 20232024 school year this week. Official seasons begin to open in just three weeks, making practices prior to the opening of school a necessity.

Beginning July 31, varsity teams were cleared to begin practicing for the upcoming fall season. Indoor sports such as volleyball can enjoy the benefits of air-conditioning and be worryfree about late-summer downpours and lightning strikes, but teams using outdoor venues are not so lucky. Fortunately for the athletes and coaches who must endure what seems to be the hottest summer in recent history, schools have heat acclimatization and heat illness prevention procedures in place to keep our student athletes safe while they prepare for their upcoming seasons.

Football tends to be the sport in the news most regarding athletes having negative reactions to the blistering summer temperatures, so it is not surprising that it also has the most heat acclimatization rules to help prepare athletes for the weather gradually. Gone are the days of two-a-day practices in the brutal heat of the summer.

Football begins in shorts outdoors and takes steps every few days, adding helmets, then pads and finally moving to full equipment and full contact practices on Aug. 5. The time spent outdoors is also monitored for athlete safety, and cold water immersion tubs, ice sponges and electrolytes are on hand in case of emergency. Coaches and athletes are trained to recognize the symptoms of heat illness and stroke, how to avoid them and what to do if the symptoms appear.

Football preseason classics can begin on Aug. 14, and official games kick off on the 25th. All three high schools will play their preseason contests on Aug. 18. Marathon hits the road to play

at Varela at 4 p.m., while Coral Shores and Key West will play at home. The ’Canes play Somerset Silver Palms and the Conchs play Trinity Catholic, with both games kicking off at 7 p.m.

Cross country runners also hit the road this week to begin preseason practices. Teams are taking advantage of morning and evening respites from the heat by holding their workouts early in the morning or after the midday heat subsides. Their preseason races may begin as early as Aug. 14, with the official season opening on the 21st. Swimming, volleyball and golf follow the same preseason and official season dates as cross country.

The Coral Shores varsity football team conducts a practice on Aug. 1. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Marathon assistant coach Sean Roussin goes over some basics on opening day of practice. CONTRIBUTED

Incoming senior setter Reese Elwell practices a drill at the first day of tryouts at Marathon High School. CONTRIBUTED

Coral Shores senior Crystal Gutierrez works on her serve. CONTRIBUTED

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KEYS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Marathon’s Elena Eubank works on blocks during the Fins’ tryout practice on July 31. CONTRIBUTED

The Key West girls cross country team finishes a 7 a.m. workout on July 31. From left: Briana Nodal, Violet Jangraw, Ava Gonzalez, Mia Steer, Caylaa Makimaa, Rose Delice. CONTRIBUTED

Coral Shores volleyball coach Sam Ovalle addresses his team on the first day of practice. CONTRIBUTED

Marquisha Abraham practices her serves at Marathon’s tryout practice on July 31. CONTRIBUTED

BACK-TO-SCHOOL IS SERIOUS BUSINESS FOR 2 LOCAL HOTELS

CASA MARINA & THE REACH HOST BARBECUE & GIVEAWAY FOR WORKERS

MORE REVENUE MEANS MORE SPENDING School

Board Approves Tentative Budget

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Basic back-to-school necessities can break the bank for some working families in the Florida Keys.

In Key West, management of Casa Marina and The Reach resorts wanted instead to give their employees a break. For the second year in a row, the hotels hosted a back-to-school bash for workers and their families.

Resort staff from the Curio Crew, which coordinates community outreach, volunteer events and employee appreciation programs, stuffed more than 100 backpacks with basic school supplies and gave them away during the July 30 event at The Reach Resort,

Last year’s event took place at the Casa Marina, which is temporarily closed for renovations.

In addition to the backpacks, expert barbers from Beards & Brews and Moore than Fades set up their hair chairs in a resort ballroom and gave free back-to-school haircuts.

The families also were treated to coloring books, bingo games and a barbecue buffet on a balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

“We just wanted to give something back to our employees and their families, and hopefully ease some of the expenses that come

when the kids go back to school,” said Andy Rosuck, the resorts’ director of sales and marketing.

The Curio Crew also invited representatives from the SOS Foundation and food bank who helped eligible families sign up their kids up for free and reduced-price school lunches. The foundation also sent families home with granola bars and other items for school lunch boxes.

The first day of school in Monroe County is Aug. 10.

Atentative Monroe County School District spending plan totaling nearly $300 million seeks to raise even more property tax dollars than the previous year — and that’s despite a slight drop in the proposed millage rate. This comes as the school district grapples with some 28 vacant teacher positions as students return to the classroom Aug. 10.

Monroe County school board members unanimously approved a tentative 2023-2024 budget following a public hearing at Coral Shores High School on Aug. 1. A tentative millage rate of 2.8960, which is expected to generate some $120 million in property tax dollars, was also approved by the board. Last year, the school board adopted a 2.9620 millage rate that gathered close to $109 million in property taxes.

A budget breakdown shows dayto-day operational expenses totaling $149.20 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Capital projects account for $89.85 million, followed by debt service, $20.65 million.

Dustin Tran, school district comptroller, said an additional $12 million in spending this year will largely go toward teacher raises, $4.8 million, and pay hikes for other school district personnel, $3.2 million.

Property values in Monroe County have soared since the COVID pandemic saw many people desiring a home on the islands. Along with new construction coming online, the county’s assessed tax roll has eclipsed $52 billion this year — up from $44 billion the previous year.

“Before COVID-19, our average increase on our property value was

around 6%. Last year, we experienced a 32% increase in our property (value),” Tran said.

And while property tax collections for the school district continue to increase, Tran said state funding for schools has largely remained the same since 2013. Tran said the school district is expected to receive around $12 million in state funding.

Homesteaded properties are limited to a 3% increase per the Save Our Homes amendment. Such homes also qualify for a $25,000 homestead exemption, which lowers the assessed value of the home by $25,000.

Homesteaded properties will see a roughly $12 increase on their tax bills, while homes with no homestead exemption could see an increase of $111.80 from the previous year.

While school board member John Dick supported the budget, he shared concerns about the 28 vacant teacher positions. Dick said teachers in classrooms are important for academic success.

“Hopefully that number changes, (but) that’s a big problem to me,” he said. “Who’s going to be in front of those classrooms? And where I think the problem arises, and we have to see this because the future is not looking bright, fewer people are going into college to be teachers.”

Dick said the district should also examine and reduce its 72 administrators as a way to give more money to teachers.

“I think we can condense that and get a couple more thousand dollars into everybody’s pocket,” he said.

A budget workshop is set for Aug. 22 at Marathon High School. A public hearing on the final budget is set for Sept. 5 in Key West.

1. The Curio Crew team from The Reach Resort coordinates community outreach, volunteer projects and employee events, such as the July 30 backto-school barbecue for staff and their families. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

2. Willy Duran, a barber from Beards & Brews, gives free haircuts at a July 30 back-to-school party for employees of Casa Marina and The Reach resorts.

3. Janeysi Jimenez, 3, Jazaylah Jimenez, 5, and Jorell Sanchez, 11, show off the new backpacks, filled with school supplies, they got at a back-to-school barbecue held for employees of The Reach and Casa Marina resorts.

The Monroe County School Board examines the tentative 2023-2024 budget during an Aug. 1 meeting at Coral Shores High School. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

RALPH MORROW

Prize-winning journalist Ralph Allison Morrow died July 31, 2023, of natural causes in his home in Key West. He was 87 years old.

Mr. Morrow, most recently the sports columnist for the Key West Weekly, worked more than 64 years for newspapers including nearly 30 years at the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio, where his report on the death of player Maurice “Mo” Stokes was selected as the nation’s best basketball column of the year, and at the Key West Citizen, where he served eight different times, primarily as sports editor. He won numerous other national and state writing awards at those and other newspapers.

In Florida, Mr. Morrow was editor of Island News and managing editor of Konk Life, both in Key West. He was government writer at the Marco Island Eagle; editorial page editor at the Charlotte Sun and assistant lifestyle editor at the Fort Myers News-Press. In New York, he was a sportswriter at the Rochester Times-Union and in Ohio, a general assignment writer at the Cambridge Jeffersonian (summers) besides his time at the Dayton Daily News.

Mr. Morrow also was an adjunct professor at the University of Dayton and Wright State University and was manager of Harbour Place Condominiums in Key West and of the Key West Golf Club Homeowners Association. He was also a seasonal tax preparer at H&R Block. He served six years in the New York Army National Guard. Mr. Morrow was a co-founder and president of Center City Schools in Dayton, Ohio.

He was married three times, the first to the former Lynne Thurlby, who survives and is the mother of their daughter, Lisa Dunn (Bruce). Lisa is the mother of his grandsons Christopher and Sky Dunn and grandmother to his great-grandsons Isaac and Oliver Dunn, all of Rochester, N.Y.

Mr. Morrow and his second wife, the late Patricia Powderly, were parents to Molly (J.D.) McMahon of San Diego, California, and the late Joshua Morrow (Julie Newhall) of Columbus, Ohio.

His third wife, Patsy O’Neal, to whom he was married for 36 happy years before her death in 2014, added the late Christopher Winfield, his daughter Sharon; Scott Winfield (Sheila) and their children Ryan (Shannan), Amanda, Savannah and Noah Winfield. Ryan and Shannon are parents to Mr. Morrow’s great-grandchildren Lyndsi, Zoey, Tessa and Gavin. Patsy’s sons, whom he helped raise and considered his sons, are Rob O’Neal (Stacey Mitchell), Peter O’Neal and his children Philip and Ashley, and John O’Neal (Jessi) and their children Cassi and Jack. John O’Neal and former wife Alisia Collins and their children Chelsea and Trent Collins (Katie), and great-grandsons are Cam and Teddy Collins of Dayton. Another grandson is John’s son Austin Porter of Kentucky.

Besides his parents, Ralph S. and Helen F. Morrow, Mr. Morrow was predeceased by his cousin Howard William “Bill” Davis of Cambridge, Ohio, and his sister-in-law Phyllis Risner (Tim) of Germantown, Ohio.

Mr. Morrow was born March 13, 1936, in Cambridge, Ohio. He was a member of the National Honor Society at Cambridge High School and coeditor with his friend, Jeri Lou Wastaff Rodibough, of the Cambridge High School Newspaper, The Reporter, and yearbook, Cantab. He lettered on the varsity basketball and freshman football teams.

He went on to Ohio Wesleyan University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree, majoring in journalism and history and minoring in English. Mr. Morrow was president of his fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, editor of the university yearbook, LeBijou, assistant editor of the OWU newspaper, The Transcript, and helped with several other publications.

He also leaves his brother-in-law Tim Risner, his cousin Jean Morrow Black (Dick); other cousins; and friends Brad Tillson of North Carolina (with whom he watched countless sporting events “together” virtually via text), Jeri Lou Rodibaugh, Dominika Lensasova, Lisa Sacco, Evan Corns, Jim Hogan, Ben and Becky Ianotta and their daughters, Elsa and Bella, Wendy Tucker, Mandy

Miles, David Livingston Sloan IV, Idania Rodriguez-Subrenat (Cedric), Ken Fradley, Terry Schmida, Alisia Collins, Robin Chafin-Sisk, Julie Newhall, John Hackworth, Jeff Brammer, J.W. Cooke, Ron Cooke, Willis Jacobson, Mary Martin, Darlene Zuwala, Dolores Hileman, Kate Lawson, Peggy Hoogsteden, Tamara Patzer, Charissa Feldborg, Diane Beruldsen, Bill Ellis, Daymi Guitterez, Lisa Angel, Marc Katz, Chick Ludwig, Hal McCoy, Kelly Davis, Betty Davis, Joe Cunningham, March Cox, Sandy Boggs, Carrie and Doug Helliesen and Shirley Freeman.

Mr. Morrow also leaves his children’s Ohio friends including Jimmy Bird, Jaren Neff, Jeff May, Aron Jacobs, Mikey Serotkin, Matt Erickson, Billy G.D. Hall, Bill Brackman, Arash Khatibloo and Matt and Teresa Beasley, with all of whom he and Patsy attended several rock concerts including Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett and the mighty Rolling Stones, multiple times.

Mr. Morrow loved and appreciated his many doctors on the island and the staff at Poinciana Gardens, namely Connie Inocencio and Mimi Vila, as well as health care providers, Sarah Squire and Virtue Fernandez of Island Home Health Care.

A service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 401 Duval St. in Key West on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. Mr. Morrow’s preferences for those who wish to contribute to his memory are the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Key West High School sports program.

(Read Ralph Morrow’s final sports column on page 12.)

IT’S HARD OUT THERE FOR A HAWK

MARK HEDDEN

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

The wing fluttering was the giveaway, the way the one hawk sidled up to the other on the branch with its wings low and quivering, as if trying to perform a forgotten dance from the 1920s or imitate a very anxious penguin.

Ellen Westbrook said something about how the bird seemed to be favoring one leg, but birds stand on one leg all the time, so I didn’t think much about it.

The wing fluttering, though – that was a confirmation of something I’d suspected for quite a while.

Short-tailed hawks are Florida birds. One will stray occasionally from Mexico across the border into Texas or Arizona, but in the U.S., if you want to try to see one, come to Florida. They are pretty common in Central and South America, but there are only an estimated 250 breeding pairs in this state. They tend to breed in the northern two thirds of the peninsula in the summer, where they spread out and can be very hard to find, then winter in the southern two thirds of the peninsula. A number of them migrate into the Keys every fall – last year the counters at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch recorded 71 passing by Curry Hammock State Park, which is a pretty big segment of the population.

With land so finite here, there are a good number of short-tails in a relatively compressed area. If I ride my bike around in the winter, or walk the dog, or look out the window, I tend to see them three or four times a day. They come in both light and dark phases, so I know I’m not seeing the same bird over and over. Some days I’ll see two dark phases or two light phases at the same time. For a lot of visiting, out-of-state birders, short-tails are at the top of their mustsee list of Florida birds. The fact that I get to see them so often can feel like an embarrassment of riches.

Short-tails completely disappear from the Keys in the summer, though, heading north to their breeding territories. Or at least they used to completely disappear. Over the last couple of years I’ve begun seeing them at odd and random intervals during the months they’re supposed to be gone – June, July and August. Which made me wonder if maybe they were breeding here.

A couple summers ago someone told me about a hawk nest near Passover Lane. They said there’d been a lot of activity and a lot of noise from the hawks and that maybe I should check it out. It took me a couple days to get over there, and when I did, the nest was empty. I stopped by again several times and the nest remained empty. (Birds don’t tend to stick around the nest once the chicks have fledged.)

It might have been a short-tailed hawk nest. Or it might have been some other unexpected hawk species. Red-shouldered hawks nest in the Keys, but they tend to eschew the hustle and bustle of Key West. A pair of Cooper’s hawks nested in town a few years ago, but do not seem to have returned (which is odd, because Cooper’s hawks really like chicken, and we have so, so many.)

So when Ellen called me a few weeks ago and told me she was looking at a short-tail in a tree on Ashe Street, I hurried over. As I understand it, the bird had been on the ground, making loud calls, over by the cemetery and someone had called the Key West Wildlife Center. Debbie Babich had gone over, seen the hawk, called Ellen, and followed it when it flew off to Ashe Street. At least I think that’s what my notes said.

The short-tail in the tree was definitely a young bird. Mature, white-phased short-tails have very pristine white breasts and bellies. This bird was more tawny, and you could see scalloping on the edges of its scapulars, the tracts of feathers that overlap the longer flight feathers.

We watched the bird for about 10 minutes when another short-tail, an adult light phase, landed a few branches up. Then the young bird hopped up to the branch the adult was standing on and started to wing flutter, the universal sign in bird world for a fledgling wanting to be fed by a parent.

So we were looking at what I believe is the first and only short-tailed Hawk to hatch in the Florida Keys.

Three weeks later Ellen texted me that the short-tail was sitting in a tree in the cemetery just off Frances Street. I stopped by and closed the car door with a soft click so as not to scare it. The bird was on the low branch of a mahogany tree just over the fence, seemingly nonplussed by the two people staring at it and all the scooter and car traffic passing close by. I ran home to get my camera, and pulled up again just as the bird leaped up and flew deeper into the cemetery. I was downhearted to miss the shot, but glad I might get to see this bird more around the neighborhood.

Sadly this was not to be the case.

A few days later, the Key West Wildlife Center received another call about the young hawk on the ground. They went over and caught it easily, something you can’t generally do to a healthy hawk.

Turns out Ellen was right about there being something not right about the foot. There were burn marks on it, meaning the bird had most likely been electrocuted on a power line. And there was a good deal of necrotic, or dead, tissue.

Peggy Koontz treated the bird, cleaning out the dead tissue. Ellen said she fed the bird several times (frozen white mice), and it ate well. But then the necrosis spread further. The bird stopped eating and the decision was made to euthanize it.

It’s a sad story, tinged with a little hope. There’s a chance the short-tails might try again next year. And short-tails usually lay a clutch of two eggs, so it is possible there is a sibling that survived.

I really would love to be able to see shorttails in the Keys year round. It would be an even greater embarrassment of riches.

A fledgling short-tailed hawk seen a few weeks ago in Old Town Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys

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BY THE NUMBERS:

MCSO

• 541 vessel stops/resource/safety inspections

• 0 physical arrests

• 2 mandatory notice to appear in court citations for wildlife violations

A SAFE SEASON

BUG - HUNTING SCRAMBLE MARRED BY BAD WEATHER SEES NO DEATHS OR PHYSICAL ARRESTS

While winds, rain, lightning, rough seas and limited visibility in milky water were less than ideal for bug hunters throughout both days of the Florida Keys’ 2023 mini-season, law enforcement officials enjoyed a relatively normal period during the normally hectic two-day scramble.

“Overall, the 2023 lobster mini-season was typical – though a bit slower in some areas perhaps due to weather – for the Sheriff’s Office,” an MCSO press release said. “Most people were in compliance and the number of vessel stops, notice-to-appear in court citations and arrest figures were normal compared to recent years.”

YOU CAN’T DO THAT…

Although the Keys’ mini-season was relatively quiet, things were a little different in Broward County, where FWC officers on Wednesday reported three fishermen allegedly in possession of 138 lobsters – 102 over their legal limit, as hunters may keep 12 lobster per person per day outside of the Keys. According to an FWC press release, the officers saw a commercial vessel with a dive flag flying while the boat was underway. Stopping the vessel to speak to the operator about the incorrect use of the dive flag, they conducted a routine fisheries inspection, discovering the 138 lobsters.

RAMSAY & GUERRA TO THE RESCUE

On the second day of mini-season Sheriff Rick Ramsay was driving down U.S. 1 in Marathon around 3 p.m. when he spotted five men aboard a sinking center console boat near the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Ramsay alerted the Sheriff’s Office 911 communications specialists, who relayed the information to marine deputy Willie Guerra. Arriving at the scene in minutes, Guerra was able to safely bring the men ashore in Marathon, where no life-threatening injuries were reported. FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard also responded to the scene, and FWC is investigating the cause of the vessel sinking.

MCSO deputies Jennifer Hughes, second from left, and Nicholas Galbo, right, report a compliant group at the Key Haven boat ramp. MCSO/Contributed

console boat submerges off the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

Two FWC officers pose with 138 lobster discovered aboard a commercial fishing vessel during lobster mini-season – 102 over the limit for the three men on board. FWC/Contributed

Upper Keys lieutenant Charlene Sprinkle barely needs a gauge for Anthony’s Wednesday catch.

Marine deputy Willie Guerra, left, responded to the scene in minutes, safely transporting all five passengers to shore. MCSO/Contributed

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BIKE BOXES AIM TO CURB CARS IN KEY WEST

LOCKERS FOR COMMUTERS ARE PART OF ‘CAR- FREE KEY WEST’ INITIATIVE

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

What’s up with the new bike lockers at the Park and Ride garage downtown?

A reader sent us a photo of them last week, asking what they were, who they were for and how long it would take for someone to rent them out as AirBnBs during Fantasy Fest. (He was kidding about that last one — we think.)

So the Keys Weekly headed down to the garage at Caroline and Grinnell streets to see for ourselves, then spoke with Ryan Stachurski, Key West’s multimodal transportation coordinator.

His goal — and that of the city’s Car-Free Key West initiative — is to “make it safe and easy for more people to bike, walk and use transit (buses) and carpool more often.”

The new bike lockers are just a small part of an overall vision that could take more than a decade to fully implement — more and safer bike lanes, wider roads, bike-share apps, better signage, educational campaigns and more.

The bike lockers, funded mostly by a transportation grant, are part of the “Final Mile” project that “seeks to install bicycle, pedestrian, and bus rider amenities at high-use bus stops and public areas along the Lower Keys Shuttle bus route. These amenities address the ‘final mile’ or barrier for those who would otherwise use public transportation,” states the Car-Free Key West website at carfreekeywest.com.

The vision, Stachurski said, is to have commuters who work downtown, but live in, say, Big Coppitt or Stock Island, to be able to take the bus to the parking garage, then hop on their stored bike for the short ride to work. The lockers could also be used by people who typically drive their own car to work downtown. The lockers would enable them to park in the garage rather than search for on-street parking, then take their bike to work downtown.

While city buses are equipped with bike racks, each one can typically accommodate three or four bicycles. The lockers offer a safe, secure, dry and well-lit storage area.

The two banks of bike lockers at the downtown garage can accommodate a total of 16 bikes that can be

stored for up to 72 hours at a time. Each box is divided diagonally inside, allowing each box to hold two bikes, with locking doors on each side of each box.

The lockers are free, but users must provide their own U-lock style locks for the lockers.

“The lockers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but like all the city’s bike racks, bikes can only remain there for up to 72 hours,” Stachurski said.

In answer to our questions about what’s to stop homeless people from sleeping in a locker, or stowing all their belongings in one, Stachurski acknowledged, “Obviously, there’s an opportunity for abuse that we’re hoping to prevent.”

The city has the ability to remove, or cut, a U-style lock off a locker door if someone is misusing or chronically overusing a locker, Stachurski said. “We’re hoping users will self-police the use of lockers and report any misuse to the city through the Key West Connect phone app,” he said.

The app, available on the city’s website at cityofkeywest-fl.gov, allows users to report non-emergency issues in the city — broken parking machines, street lights, dangerous potholes, tripping hazards on sidewalks, overhanging trees and other issues.

The city also is installing new bike racks in several places around town, and has added bicycle fix-it stations in seven locations that provide air for tires and basic repair tools. Visit carfreekeywest.com for more information.

The new bike lockers at the parking garage on Grinnell Street allow free, safe storage of bicycles for up to 72 hours at a time. Users must provide their own U-style locks for the locker doors. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

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WINNERS CELEBRATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

BUBBA AWARDS COME WITH BRAGGING RIGHTS

What’s the point of winning something if you can’t brag about the accomplishment?

Social media seems made for such bragging rights, and The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards are a worthy topic for boasting.

Since the July 22 awards banquet at Key West Theater, winners have been celebrating their Bubbas success on Facebook and Instagram, with the hashtag #Bubbas2023.

For the past 10 years, The Bubbas have been celebrating the best people, products, programs and places in Key West and the Lower Keys. Nominees and winners are entirely decided by the public, who nominate finalists and vote online at keysweekly.com.

Here’s a roundup of how some folks are using their wellearned bragging rights.

Christina Kemp Sawyer, MD

FANTASY FEST SEEKS POSTER DESIGN

SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH AUG. 14

BUSINESS IN THE FRONT, PARTY IN THE BACK

KEY WEST TEEN NEEDS YOUR VOTE IN USA MULLET CHAMPIONSHIP

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Kane Grissinger wasn’t even born when his “business in the front, party in the back” hairstyle was in its heyday. The incoming freshman, who starts Key West High School next week, didn’t grow up in the era of Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” and long-short hair. He wasn’t even born in 2001, when David Spade rocked the mullet in the movie “Joe Dirt.”

But that hasn’t stopped the Key West teen from nurturing and celebrating the “mullet” that has made him a Top 10 finalist in the annual USA Mullet Championship, an online contest whose final round of voting runs Aug. 7-11 at mulletchamp.com. It’s free to vote, but contestants also get credit for donations made in their name to a charity that provides housing for veterans. A donation link is also available at the contest website.

the style and her son’s “old-school” ways.

“I’ll admit, at first I was completely against it. The grow-out phase was really awkward. But I’m now a proud mullet mom. It’s been a great form of expression for him.”

Designs for some previous Fantasy Fest themes. CONTRIBUTED

Be a part of the legacy of design artists. Submit your artwork to become the official limited-edition poster and festival T-shirt for the 2023 event.

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts and Fantasy Fest 2023 “Uniforms & Unicorns” asks artists to submit their vision of this year’s theme for the annual Fantasy Fest poster and t-shirt. Remember, The Florida Keys and the Navy are celebrating their bicentennial this year.

Winning selections that best represent the 2023 theme will become the official Fantasy Fest poster or the official T-shirt.

Artwork that creatively and graphically reflects the theme, characteristics, flavor and the whimsy of Key West will be reviewed by a selection committee and selected

artists will each receive $750, a signing party and recognition as the official poster/T-shirt artist for Fantasy Fest 2023.

Artists are asked to include the words “Fantasy Fest” and the 2023 theme words “Uniforms & Unicorns” in their designs.

The deadline for online submissions is 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14.

Artists may submit up to three different images online for consideration. Posters may be horizontal or vertical, with a preferred finished size of 18 by 24 inches. The Key West Tourist Development Association may ask artists to make modifications to artwork proposals.

The artwork will be the sole property of Fantasy Fest upon selection and payment to the winner. Winning art will be announced Friday, Aug. 18.

Grissinger is competing in the teen category, and with 2,200 votes, was ranked first out of 100 contestants in his division when the first round of voting ended.

“My mullet came to mind in the summer of 2021. My father and I went to the barbershop, and my dad suggested I get a mullet — probably jokingly. I didn’t even know what a mullet was. But he suggested it because he thinks I’m an old soul. I love old-school music and movies. AC/DC is one of my favorite bands. “Back to the Future” is in my Top 5 movies. When he showed me a picture of a mullet, I said, ‘YES.’

“I have been growing it out ever since. Many people have tried to convince me to cut it. My grandfather once offered me $500 to cut it, but I can’t do it. It’s a part of who I am. The mullet is me. I am the mullet.”

Despite his mom’s initial misgivings about the hair, Vanessa Grissinger now says she embraces

Vote for Kane “Hurrikane” Grissinger at mulletchamp.com Aug. 7-11 in the teen division. (The website also provides a surprising history of the mullet, which reached the height of its popularity in the 1980s, but didn’t get its name until the 1994 Beastie Boys song, “Mullet Head.” By then, the hairstyle had been relegated to a sort of counterculture style statement, although the mullet made a bit of a comeback in 2020, perhaps due to the pandemic, which closed barber shops and left people to their own devices when it came to haircuts.

“Voting in the contest is free, and no registration or login is necessary, but donations help boost his score,” Vanessa Grissinger said.

All donations benefit Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing critically injured U.S. veterans with injury-specific, accessible and mortgage-free homes. Donations help the group rebuild and remodel homes to meet the unique needs of each veteran.

Kane ‘Hurrikane’ Grissinger is a finalist in the USA Mullet Championship and needs online votes Aug. 7-11 at mulletchamp.com. CONTRIBUTED

Dr. Ryan Barnett Chiropractor

Dr. Laurence Oliviero Chiropractor

Dr. Randall Sheffield Physical Therapist

WATER PIPE PROJECT REACHES HALFWAY POINT

MANDY MILES

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

MILES TO GO

I’M GIVING IT A SHOT

Let’s talk about the thing that everyone — and no one — is talking about. The skinny shots.

That’s my oh-so-technical term for the semaglutide drugs — Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro — being used for weight loss.

Countless men and women here in the Keys and throughout the country are secretly injecting themselves once a week while claiming the impressive weight loss stems from their own hard work, renewed fitness regime and healthful eating habits.

I’m not one of those people.

That said, over the past seven years of weight gain, I’d begun to hate seeing photos of myself. I’ve looked up online tips on how to appear slimmer in photos. And I’ve refused to descend a tunnel slide with my grandniece for fear of getting stuck, instead telling her that the slide wasn’t designed for “fluffy” people such as myself. To her endearing credit, the little 6-year-old didn’t hesitate for a second when she replied, “But Aunt Mandy, you’re beautiful.” Love that kid.)

I look at some of the old summertime photos that line my parents’ hallway in Ocean City, N.J., and my wedding photos from 13 years ago, even in photos from six years ago, I recall specific pieces of clothing that I loved but could no longer wear.

Crews have reached the halfway mark about two months ahead of schedule on the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s (FKAA) Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project. With 11,000 linear feet of the new 36-inch transmission main installed between MM 80 and MM 82, crews are continuing to move north toward MM 84.

“I want to thank the top-notch crew we have working 24/7, Monday through Friday on this legacy project that will ensure access to clean drinking water for many years to come,” said Greg Veliz, FKAA executive director. “Their continuous commitment to support the business community, residents and visitors is such an integral part of the success of this project.”

While traffic has been flowing steadily without major delays along U.S. 1, a rolling lane closure of 1,000 to 1,500 feet has been in effect at the work zone, which is currently near MM 82. To support the businesses and those traveling, the rolling lane closure is being suspended for major holidays and

events, like July 4th and lobster mini-season.

Last April, crews began installing the new transmission main via open-cut trench installation along U.S. 1. Additionally, 900 feet of new transmission main has been installed underwater at Tea Table Relief bridge crossing via horizontal directional drill (HDD), to protect it from high winds and storm surges. An additional main will be installed via HDD at the Whale Harbor bridge crossing.

This project is being funded with $35 million in grants and $7 million through low-interest loans. To abide by the grant requirements, materials have been sourced from U.S.-based companies, including the American spiral-welded steel pipe from South Carolina and the iron and steel butterfly valves.

The water main project is slated for completion in February 2025, but traffic impacts are expected to lessen after March 2024.

— Contributed

I’m doing the shots and I freely admit it.

I’m taking the easy way out. A shortcut. Cheating. Call it what you will.

I call it better living through chemistry, and now that production has ramped up and people with actual diabetes aren’t being denied their crucial medication so that some soccer mom can lose those last 15 pounds of baby weight, I have no guilt, only hope.

I just started this journey on July 24 and have had two shots so far of Mounjaro. I’ve lost 5.8 pounds in my first eight days, through, admittedly, no effort on my part. And again, I’m OK with that. I just feel the need to be honest about it.

I have no willpower. I work long hours, often in a sedentary position in front of a computer. I enjoy chips and queso dip. I hate kale. And at 47 years old, I find that any efforts I DO make to exercise or eat right take way too long to see any results, so I give up. Granted, my expectations are a bit unrealistic. Apparently, power-walking two or three miles DOESN’T result in an instant loss of eight pounds.

So I made a decision and booked an appointment with nurse practitioner Erin Kane, who runs New You Health Clinic in Key West to help people lose weight. She immediately sent me for blood work and started trying to get my insurance to cover the shots. They wouldn’t.

So she works with a compounding pharmacy to get me the less expensive generic versions.

(Note: I have received no discounts or compensation for mentioning Erin in this article.)

This journey will cost me about $300 per month, a burden I thank my husband for sharing in order to make myself happier. And I sincerely hope the cost decreases in the coming year or so as more of these medications become available so they’re accessible to many more people who need them.

So far, I’ve had very minimal side effects with just an occasional afternoon headache, and simply find myself “not hungry” for most of the day. And the shots don’t hurt one bit — I promise.

So there, I said it. I’m doing it. I admit it, and I’m happy about it.

New water transmission pipe is placed into the ground in Islamorada. FKAA/Contributed

SATURDAY AUGUST 5, 8 PM

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO INVITE YOU TO OUR MUCHANTICIPATED “PROFESSIONALS IN PARADISE” NETWORKING EVENT, HOSTED AT THE RENOWNED IRISH KEVIN'S.

The Keys Weekly and South Florida Professionals are thrilled to bring our business community together in a setting that truly encapsulates the 'paradise' we are lucky to call home.

We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating our collective commitment to Key West's thriving professional scene

operated by Damien, Cathy, Tiffany & Nikki.

45 MINUTES TO ROCK

RAY WEST

... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

It’s a typical Monday night in your average, mid- to largesized city, in your averagesized dive bar with local music every night. There are four bands on the schedule tonight. You’ve never heard of any of them. As you wait for the first band to start, you notice a group of similarly dressed people and another group of people who look a touch out of place. As the first band comes on stage, this group cheers and you surmise these are family members of this band. You’ve stumbled upon one of the nuances in the quest to be a successful original band.

The first band is usually in its very beginnings, playing that night because the drummer’s sister goes out with the third band’s guitar player. They are excited to have their first gig and have invited their family to help them celebrate. They have 45 minutes to play the music they have written, and learn the lessons only stage time can teach.

At the 45-minute mark the next band is sitting beside the stage, instruments in hand, as they know time in this slot is precious. They are a bit more experienced and know they have their modest crowd combined with the small crowd from the previous band that won’t be there long. If you time it right you can play to a decent crowd before the exodus of the first band’s family, and during the influx of the third band’s fans.

The third slot is the premium placement. The person who presented this lineup to the bar is

probably in this band. These guys are well rehearsed and are usually the most aggressive with merchandise and promotions. There is a bit of a buzz around town and a fair amount of people come to see them. This placement is great because you have the crowd from the second band hanging out. Your crowd is coming in, and the headliners’ fans are starting to arrive. The house is nearing its peak for the evening.

The headliner is next, and is probably the only band making any money if there is any to be made. By the time they play, the crowd consists mainly of their fans. This band has done this for a while, has sold some recordings, and has a dedicated fan base. Their friend from the third band brought this gig to them and they were happy to have a gig on a Monday night.

It was a successful night. Every band did well, people came and you rocked. That 45 minutes was worth it all. Worth the long rehearsals. Worth the arguments and drama with band members over the smallest of musical choices. Worth the arguments with your girlfriend over the constant band practice and late nights. Worth the hours of work to buy the gear that makes the music.

The next morning you wake up and go to your job. Your feelings of inevitable rock stardom fade as you pull into the parking lot — because your boss is the girl who played bass in the second band last night.

Sunday, Aug. 6

• Join the staff of Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., to explore one of the island’s Civil War-era forts and its exhibits that encompass our rich and diverse history. Dubbed “Family Museum Day,” the program is designed to coincide with the popular Community Day, offering free museum admission for Monroe County residents the first Sunday of each month. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The Key West Poetry Guild has hosted an unbroken chain of 552 open poetry readings, “First Sundays @7,” since it was established 46 years ago. Their next monthly meeting takes place Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at 327 Elizabeth St. Admission is free. Amateur poets as well as casual listeners are invited to share the well-chosen words on diverse topics by diverse people.

Aug. 9-13

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

Sunday, Aug. 20

• Key West Elks Lodge hosts its 2nd annual golf tournament starting at 7:30 a.m. Call the Key West Golf Course to pre-register at 305-294-5232. Cost is $125 per player with teams of four. Volunteers and prize donations are needed. Call Fredy Varela at 305-745-4718 to help.

Aug. 31- Sept. 4

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

Sept. 6-10

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

ELKS LODGE CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

TEE TIMES START

AT 7:30 A.M. ON AUG. 6

The Key West Elks Lodge No. 551, located at 3825 Flagler Ave., will hold its second annual golf tournament on Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Key West Golf Course, starting at 7:30 a.m. Call the golf course to preregister at 305-294-5232. Cost is $125 per player with teams of four. Volunteers and prize donations are needed. Call Fredy Varela at 305-745-4718 to help. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Elks’ charitable contributions and scholarship programs.

The Key West lodge recently donated $6,000 to the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys, which helps cancer patients with housing and living expenses while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments that leave them unable to work.

The lodge that meets on Flagler Avenue in Key West was instituted in 1900, and currently has 62 members, with former mayor Dennis Wardlow its leader.

For the year 2024, the lodge received grants from the Elks National Foundation to assist in the development of programs serving local youth, veterans and others in need.

More information is at elks. org.

— Contributed

The live music at dive bars all over the world gives many bands their start. CONTRIBUTED

Pre-register for the Key West Elks Lodge golf tournament by calling the course at 305-294-5232. CONTRIBUTED

LADIES, APPLY NOW FOR SCHOLARSHIP$2,000

CONNIE GILBERT MEMORIAL FUNDS HELP WOMEN RETURN TO COLLEGE

OUT TO SEA

An octopus has what…?

Kids can say the darnedest things. They can write some amazing things as well. And when kids grow up in a seaside community, the nearness of the ocean has a decidedly wonderful effect on them. From learning to swim at a very young age, to knowing more about boats and fishing and the water than 99% of the rest of the world, seaside kids can have a great perspective on life. The sea teaches many valuable lessons.

For some of the younger kids, the sea can be a source of endless amusement for themselves – and the adults who read their writings. The following pieces of literature authored by some young Hemingway wannabees were forwarded to me by a friend, and I couldn’t resist sharing them with you this week –enjoy!

From Kelly, age 6: “This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles.”

From James, age 6: “Oysters’ balls are called pearls.”

From Wayne, age 7: “If you are surrounded by sea you are an island. If you don't have sea all around you, you are incontinent.”

have to plug themselves into chargers.”

From Kevin, age 6: “When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small.”

From Becky, age 8: “Divers have to be safe when they go under the water. Two divers can’t go down alone, so they have to go down on each other.”

And from Julie, age 7: “On vacation my mom went water skiing. She fell off when she was going very fast. She says she won't do it again because water fired right up her fat a--.”

The Key West Chapter of the National Organization for Women has opened its application process for its annual Connie Gilbert Scholarship Awards.

The three $2,000 scholarships will go to Monroe County applicants who identify as female, and who wish to continue their higher education career or procure a professional license. Applicants must be women returning to college from the workforce, seeking professional certification or licensing, or entering at least their second year of college.

The deadline for application is Sept. 30. Requests for a scholarship application may be

obtained by contacting kwnowinfo@gmail.com.

The funds are raised each year by KWNOW through donations, their March film festival, orchid auctions and other community events.

Gilbert was one of the original organizers for the local NOW chapter and is remembered by the Keys community for her commitment to the fight for social justice, patronage of the arts, and performance in local theatrical productions. She was also an accomplished writer, publishing many works of fiction, poetry and journalism.

— Contributed

From Kylie, age 6: “Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She's not my friend no more.”

From Billy, age 8: “A dolphin breathes through an a--hole on the top of its head.”

From Mille, age 6: “My uncle goes out in his boat with pots, and comes back with crabs.”

From William, age 7: “When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would have been better off eating beans.”

From Helen, age 6: “I like mermaids. They are beautiful, and I like their shiny tails. And how on earth do mermaids get pregnant? Like, really?”

From Amy, age 6: “I'm not going to write about the sea. My baby brother is always screaming and being sick, my Dad keeps shouting at my Mom, and my big sister has just got pregnant, so I can't think what to write.”

From Christopher, age 7: “Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they

As you can see, seaside kids have a unique perspective on life, one that is denied their landlubber cousins. Adult writers also have things to say about the sea, like Dave Barry: “There comes a time in a man's life when he hears the call of the sea. If the man has a brain in his head, he will hang up the phone immediately.”

From Libba Bray: “You can’t believe how bleeding scary the sea is! There’s, like, whales and storms and s--t! They don’t bloody tell you that!”

From Margot Datz: “Darwin may have been quite correct in his theory that man descended from the apes of the forest, but surely woman rose from the frothy sea, as resplendent as Aphrodite on her scalloped chariot.”

And, finally, this from John F. Kennedy: “And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins, the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came.”

— Catch John live every Monday at Boondocks, Wednesdays at Brutus Seafood and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus. hearnow.com

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.

JOHN BARTUS

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

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

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

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

Rogue is a 4-month-old female domestic

Marshmallow is a 2½-year-old female lionhead rabbit mix. She may well be the friendliest and sweetest animal at the Key West campus.

Candy Star is an almost 2-year-old female domestic shorthair. She’s shy at first, but becoming comfortable with attention and petting from humans.

Tiger

shorthair. One of our newest residents, this sweetie is ready to grow up in a home filled with love.

Bantha is a 3-month-old female large terrier mix. This sweet girl is the last of our Star Wars puppies and she is ready for a home to call her own, far away from Tatooine.

is a 2-year-old male domestic shorthair. He’s ready to make your heart roar with delight.

‘BREAST IS BEST’

CAROLYN DEPAULA www.keysweekly.com

For thousands of years, mothers have breastfed their infants. It is a wellproven strategy which has nurtured our ancestors and is still relevant, optimal and ideal today.

Scientists are studying its remarkable adaptive abilities, its newly-discovered properties and its continual positive effects on both infant and maternal health. However, this doesn’t mean breastfeeding, although simple, is always easy for every mom.

Thousands of years ago, moms had their own mothers and extended family who knew about breastfeeding from a store of collective knowledge, passed down from generation to generation. Regrettably, some of this knowledge has been lost in certain cultures and needs to be regained.

As societies advance, we realize some things never change — breast is still best. Formula has its rightful place, medically as a last resort, and as a choice for those who have extenuating circumstances, for those who can’t and for those who won’t. Given the chance to receive education and support, most moms would like to breastfeed when they realize the benefits not only to their babies but to themselves. For example, once breastfeeding is well-established within the first few weeks, it is possible for moms to exclusively provide breastmilk to their babies while also working full-time through the modern invention of the breast pump.

An excerpt from the National Library of Medicine, published in September 2021, states that “Extensive data demonstrate that breastfed children have a lower incidence of many acute or chronic diseases, such as otitis media, acute diarrhea, lower respiratory tract infections, sudden infant death syndrome, inflam-

matory bowel disease, juvenile leukemia, diabetes, obesity, asthma and atopic dermatitis. It is known that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of age lowers mortality against infectious diseases by 88% and lowers the possibility of death compared to partial breastfeeding as a dose dependent effect.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics caused a stir last year when it amended its breastfeeding recommendations to reflect the increasing body of research which supports breastfeeding past the 12-month mark. The new recommendations, updated in June 2022, support continued breastfeeding until 2 years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child. This recommendation, made in light of new research, indicates that prolonged breastfeeding, well into toddlerhood, has a positive effect on mothers’ health and lowers the risk for cervical cancer and breast cancer.

Breastfeeding is also not solely for nutrition, as its auxiliary positives include built-in skin-to-skin contact, which nurtures trust, closeness and secure attachment. By its very nature, breastfeeding promotes ideal heart rate, temperature regulation and respiration in newborns. Exclusive breastfeeding also lowers the risk for postpartum depression.

Why are we talking about breastfeeding? The question ought to be flipped: Why are we not talking about breastfeeding? Observed since 2011, August is National Breastfeeding Month, established by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), is celebrated Aug. 1 through Aug. 7.

Each week in National Breastfeeding Month is dedicated to raising awareness on specific topics: Week 1, World Breastfeeding Week; Week 2, Indigenous Milk Medicine Week; Week 3, Asian American/Native American and Pacific Islander; Week 4, Black Breastfeeding Week; and Week 5, Semana de la Lactancia

Latina (Week of Latin Lactation). The 2023 World Breastfeeding Week overarching theme is “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents.”

We all have heard the popular phrase “it takes a village.” This is as true for breastfeeding as it is for raising children in general. Many mothers feel they don’t have the resources — whether they be financial, physical or emotional — to breastfeed, because they lack support. Mothers need support — from their families, healthcare providers and communities at large.

In Monroe County, the Florida Department of Health’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC), private lactation consultants, and organizations such the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition help mothers get off to a good start in their breastfeeding journey. With the goal of good health for all the Florida Keys front and center, breastfeeding is the foundation for its youngest members, their mothers and their families. This radiates outward to benefit us all.

More information on the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition is at keyshealthystart. org. Information on WIC Monroe is at monroe. floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wellness-programs/wic/index.html.

— DePaula is a breastfeeding peer counselor coordinator/breastfeeding expert for the Florida Department of Health - Monroe County WIC Program.

Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition compiled a list of businesses committed to a family-friendly environment by supporting working mothers who need to pump and feed their babies.

Florida Keys mother Yrenia Salas feeding her baby, Stellan, on Smathers Beach, nine months and 21 days into his breastfeeding journey. ALLISON STEEDLY/A. Elena Photography

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The July 28 morning cleanup event was at Flamingo Crossing ice cream on Duval Street, where 19 volunteers picked up 78.5 pounds of trash, 14.5 pounds of recycling and only 1.5 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to our host, who gave every volunteer a coupon for a free ice cream cone. The extra mile coin this week went to Floyd Jenkins, executive administrator to Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg. CONTRIBUTED

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

— Elizabeth Andrew

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

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

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

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

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every

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

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

— Contributed

The Friday cleanups for August take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at the following locations:

Aug. 4: Lazy Way Lane — meet in the parking lot across from Breakfast Club, Too

Aug. 11: Duval & Olivia streets — meet across the street from Nailtini on Duval Street

Aug. 18: Venetian & Flagler Avenue — meet In the parking lot of Peace Covenant Church

Aug. 25: U.S. 1 at the Triangle — meet next to KW Marriott Beachside on the bike path. Parking available in Beachside parking garage

HISTORY OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

FILLING

A 40-MILE GAP

AUTOMOBILE FERRIES & KEY VACA ROAD CONNECTED ISLANDS

The Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway did not bring loads of tourists to the island chain. The building of State Road 4A, the original Oversea(s) Highway, hoped to rectify that.

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.

The original highway plan envisioned a complete system, not a road that traveled from the mainland south and abruptly ended at Lower Matecumbe Key — the road picked up again at No Name Key. From there, cars could drive the rest of the way to Key West. The 40-milegap between Lower Matecumbe and No Name required an automobile ferry to navigate.

According to a series of newspaper articles that either quote or evoke the words of local politicians, the original plan was to have the road extend beyond Lower Matecumbe Key, cross to Long Key via a bridge of viaduct design, then travel across the island. From there, a viaduct would link Long Key to Grassy Key, where the Vaca Key Road would travel down the Middle Keys to Knights Key. A viaduct would connect Knights Key to No Name Key.

After it was understood that building the bridges would take two years and $13,500,000, authorities came up with another plan. That plan was to bridge the 40-mile highway gap between Lower Matecumbe Key and No Name Key with automobile ferries — the county purchased three vessels for $120,000.

The ferry system was problematic. Beyond natural forces like wind and tide that could make the trip across the open water a challenging passage, it was not uncommon for people driving from the mainland,

over the bumpy and dusty road to Lower Matecumbe Key, to discover the ferry was filled to capacity.

In an article published in the Jan. 24, 1928, edition of the Miami Herald, the day before the official opening of the highway and six months after it unofficially opened to public transit, Dr. Fons Hathaway, chairman of the state road department, who was also speaking for Governor Martin, assured the citizens of Monroe County that the state had plans to construct a series of automobile bridges to connect Lower Matecumbe to No Name Key.

In the meantime, the promise of a road to Key West prompted the Cuban government to jump on the highway bandwagon. Anticipating an influx of tourists driving to Key West, “the Cuban government appropriated one million dollars to build highways deep into the heart of the interior and President Machado announced that ferries will be built by the government to transport automobile tourists across the 90 miles of gulf separating Havana and Key West (Miami Herald, Jan. 25, 1928).”

Still, plans were underway to build a road through the Middle Keys. According to the Jan. 24, 1928, edition of the Miami Herald, engineers thought additional road work over Key Vaca, Crawl Key and Grassy Key would be completed within a few months. The conduit was referred to as the Key Vaca Road.

The Key Vaca Road project was awarded to the Jenners Brothers after they submitted a bid of $167,000 to build 12 miles of road across Grassy Key, Crawl Key and the Vaca Keys — as well as the bridges necessary to complete the project. According to at least one story, the job was supposed to be completed by Nov. 22, 1928 (and the actual number of dollars it took was quoted as $166,844).

By all accounts, the Jenners Brothers fulfilled their agreement and built the Key Vaca Road on time. By Oct. 15, 1928, a public request for bids to build two ferry slips, one at Hog Key and one at Grassy Key, was making the rounds in local newspapers.

Shortly after completion, however, a tropical storm of some degree blew over the Middle Keys and damaged the Key Vaca Road, and it was not until 1931 that the road was repaired and opened to traffic. The ferry terminals were addressed in the April 15, 1931, edition of the Miami News: “Building the approaches and repairing the slips necessary to put the Grassy Key – Key Vacas ferry route in condition.”

The new route through the Middle Keys opened in early to mid-April. An article from the Feb. 17, 1931, edition of the Key West Citizen announced that the new ferry system eliminated 1 hour and five minutes from the route between Key West and Miami. According to Carl Bervaldi, chairman of the county commissioners, “The change, just inaugurated, will make travel over the highway more popular since the former 40-mile ferry trip is divided and its monotony relieved by the driver over the Key Vacas road.”

The article added that the inaugural use of the road and ferries in the Middle Keys had been done in contrary weather and that the new additions to the route could save even more time when conditions improved.

The automobile bridges connecting the mainland to Key West were eventually built. That version of the highway, the Overseas Highway 2.0, opened in 1938, and when it did, the ferries were no longer required.

Monroe County ferry launched at Jacksonville in 1927. GIFT OF DR. HERMAN MOORE/ Florida Keys History Center

WELCOME TO THE ‘SCRUB HUB’

It isn’t a secret that many teachers are switching careers as of late. Low pay, student behavior issues, stress and disrespect from students are all factors influencing many of these recent career changes.

Rebekah Norgaard is a former teacher who has done just that. After a music education career spanning more than 20 years, she joined the ranks of other disgruntled educators who chose to pursue a different path.

Norgaard has loved both music and the water ever since she was a little girl, she told the Weekly. As a practicing divemaster, the ocean has always fascinated her, but her career path was with music education, not commercial diving.

“I’ve always loved the ocean. I consider myself to be a mermaid,” she said. “That’s why I chose a mermaid to represent my business. If I could have a superhero power, it would be to breathe underwater.”

Things began to change for Rebekah during the pandemic. Wanting a different life, she looked into colleges where she could blend her love for construction, the medical field and the ocean. She found a perfect fit at the Commercial Diving Technologies Institute (CDT) in Hudson, Texas to learn more about the underwater world. As she completed her education, she was recruited down to the Florida Keys to begin her new career.

Besides being a divemaster, Rebekah is certified in underwater oxy-arc cutting, has her hyperbaric and diving medic technician certifications, and graduated CDT as an Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver (USSD). She worked on restructuring power lines from the 7 Mile Bridge down to Sugarloaf Key for a while, and then came up with the idea of starting her own business: Scrub Hub Diving Services.

Already well-versed in many aspects of commercial diving, she came up with the idea for Scrub Hub because she saw the need for vessel maintenance in the Keys.

“Boat maintenance may be the most difficult aspect of owning a boat,” she said. “I serve my clients in maintaining not only their vessels, but their seawalls and boat lifts as well. It’s a complete package.

“The Florida Keys have everything I’ve always wanted: warm, crystal-clear water, beautiful coral reefs and most importantly, sunshine. It’s the perfect place for me to pursue my lifelong dream of being an entrepreneur.”

Scrub Hub’s services include type I and II seawall and vessel surveying, which includes the inspection of a vessel, photos, videos and measurements. Other offerings include piling cleaning and protective wraps, dock maintenance, boat lift pressure washing, zinc anode replacement and hard growth removal. She’ll even tackle boat cleaning and detailing from top to bottom, propeller pull outs, salvaging old boat parts, welding both above and below the water, and any other underwater technical diving needs. And she’s always open to trying something new.

“We offer many services, so please just ask me and I’ll let you know if I can provide that,” she said. “If I can’t, I’ll make sure I refer you to someone who can.”

While her current career path may be very male-dominated, Norgaard said, “I’m not afraid of a challenge.”

“I understand that this isn’t the typical career path for women, but I’d like to change that,” she added, saying her next goals are to expand Scrub Hub’s community partnerships throughout Monroe County. “I’m definitely excited about the opportunities to grow my business. I’d like to start working with schools and colleges that have technical and underwater welding programs, such as the College of the Florida Keys, and offer internships and diving experience. I’m excited for what the future holds.”

More information is available at scrubhubdivingservices.com, by email to rebekah@scrubhubdivingservices. com or by phone at 305-622-3131.

Right, as a practicing divemaster, Rebekah Norgaard checks her gear before starting dock maintenance.

Diving services company was born from a music teacher’s career change

Photos by KINSEY BECK/Oceanfilm

KAREN NEWFIELD

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

ASIAN AMERICAN VOICES

The cutthroat world of publishing, a KoreanAmerican family searching for answers and a female physician in 15thcentury China: Literature continues to spark conversations about diversity, stereotypes and rich cultural history.

YELLOWFACE

By R. F. Kuang

#WORTHWATCHING: “Always Be My Maybe” on Netflix. Laughout-loud romantic comedy about childhood sweethearts who reconnect after 15 years. Starring outspoken, talented and hilarious comedian Ali Wong.

June and Athena attended Yale together. They weren’t best friends but shared a dorm and some classes. Years later they find themselves reconnecting in D.C. While June published one book to a minimal audience, beautiful Athena Liu continues to write bestseller after bestseller. It bewilders June why this successful woman would befriend her, but Athena makes a concerted effort to maintain the relationship. Secretly drowning in jealousy, June cannot resist sharing Athena’s spotlight. One evening after too many drinks, the women find themselves in Athena’s apartment. A shocking accident occurs and Athena is dead. June witnesses this tragedy – and she also witnesses Athena’s latest manuscript lying nonchalantly on her desk. June swipes the unfinished masterpiece and calls 911. After properly mourning her friend, she completes the novel. June’s agent creates a frenzy and it shoots to the top of the rankings. Now Athena’s ghost is stalking her, and June must decide how long she can tolerate this elaborate scheme. Narrated in first person, this story focuses on diversity, racism and the horrors of the social media mob mentality. Reader, you will not put this one down.

HAPPINESS FALLS

By Angie Kim

The pandemic wasn’t easy for anyone – but not calling the police right away was the biggest mistake of Mia’s life. She’s home from college, slightly bored and perpetually annoyed with her family. Her twin, John, antagonizes her constantly while her younger brother, Eugene, needs a lot of support due to his combined diagnosis of autism and a rare genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome. One day Eugene returns home after an outing with their father Adam to River Falls Park. Eugene is surprisingly alone and agitated. His clothes are dirty, and he has blood under his fingernails. Normally over-analytical, Mia ignores what is right in front of her. John and their mom get home from work and Eugene, who cannot verbally communicate, becomes more distraught throughout the day. Her father is missing, and his family will do anything to find him. As detectives and experts get involved, Mia dives into online sleuthing to track his last location and every lead they can decipher. Deeply immersed in the world of linguistics, they slowly uncover emotional and scientific clues that ultimately shape this fast-paced mystery.

LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN

By Lisa See

Yunxian is a child when her mother passes and she is sent to be raised by her paternal grandparents. As her father travels to work for the Imperial Dynasty, her grandmother prepares her to be a female healer, as she herself is famously known. Yunxian is devastated when she is matched for marriage and must leave the family residence. As women rarely venture from their compound, she misses her loved ones and especially her closest friend, Meiling, daughter of the midwife. In her new home, the Garden of Fragrant Delights, Yunxian is lonely and conceals her special talents. She must be the elite wife her mother-in-law expects. Yearning to care for others while she awaits the birth of a son, Yunxian finds ways to treat the numerous women in their home and teach her daughters many traditions. This magnificent work of fiction takes the reader to the Ming Dynasty during the 15th century. A novel of friendship, family and motherhood, it shines a light on the true story of a remarkable female physician who practiced Chinese medicine. A fascinating record of history.

SEPTEMBER 6-10, 2023

10, SEPTEMBER 6-10, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of X-Mill-Inc. located at 5030 5th Ave, Unit 16, Key West, FL 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: X=Stream Millennium Inc.

Publish:

August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of PEACEFUL WATERS located at 23930 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key, FL 33042, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Diane E. Prince

Publish:

August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

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

BEACH ESTATE located at 95490 Overseas Highway, Monroe County in the City of Key Largo, Florida 33037-2024, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key Largo, Florida this 27th day of July, 2023.

By: JOYCE BENNETT LLC

Publish:

August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES INC. LOCATED

AT: 7290 SW 41 ST, MIAMI, FL 33155 WILL SELL AT A RESERVED

PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00AM THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO CHAPTERS 713 .585/713.78/677.209/677.210/328/

17 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES.

2009 WEL VS WELGLA02A809

DATE OF SALE: AUG. 28,2023 at 9:00AM LOCATED AT: 36 E SECOND ST, KEY LARGO, FL 33037

P# 305-852-2025

OWNER/LIEN HOLDER: HUGO J ACOSTA / GEMB LENDING OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY RECOVER VEHICLE WITHOUT INSTITUTING JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY POSTING A BOND AS PER FLORIDA STATUTE 559.917

ANY PERSON(S) CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE ABOVE VEHICLES/ VESSELS SHOULD CONTACT: BEST LIEN SERVICES, 6800 SW 40 ST, SUITE #279, MIAMI, FL 33155 (1-866-299-9391)AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE.

Publish:

August 3, 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 954-5631999.

Sale date August 25, 2023 @ 10:00 am 3411 NW 9th Ave Ft Lauderdale FL 33309

38258 2016 Ford VIN#:

1FA6P8TH0G5245342

Lienor: Key West Ford 1618 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West 305-294-5126

Lien Amt $814.95

Licensed Auctioneers FLAB422

FLAU 765 & 1911

Publish:

August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 08/25/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FTBF2A64CEC91115 2012 FORD

1FTCR14X2VPA12035 1997 FORD

1G1FB3DX6L0121142 2020 CHEV

Publish:

August 3 & 10, 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

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

NOTICE OF CONTINUANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE PLANNING & ZONING BOARD HEARING ON JULY 19, 2023, HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNTIL: NEW DATE/TIME:

Planning & Zoning Hearing:

August 16th, 2023, 9:30 a.m. City Commission Public Hearing:

September 21, 2023, 9:30 a.m. LOCATION:

City of Key Colony Beach

Temporary Meeting Place at the Key Colony Inn Banquet Room, 700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051

THE FOLLOWING AGENDA ITEMS HAVE BEEN CONTINUED:

Agenda Item 7. Appeal of Building Permit Denial Permit Application #B23-000027 1295 Coury Drive: Applicant appeals the decision of the Key Colony Beach’s Building Official pursuant to Sec. 2-2, Sec. 6-14, and Sec. 101-170, for the denial of a building permit for the property located at 1295 Coury Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051.

8. VARIANCE REQUEST(s):

a. 521 9th Street – Owners: Jane & Jim Walther: Applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 101, Section 26 (11), to allow the installation of a pool within the 10’ setback to 5’ on one side of the lot. Current setback requirements are 10’ feet.

b. Sunset Park Tiki Hut – Owner: City of Key Colony Beach: Applicant requests a review and confirmation of no variance requirements to the City of Key Colony Beach Land Development Regulations Article III, Section 101-19, for the replacement of the current Tiki Hut with dimensions of 9’ x 9’, to a

line must read as follows:

Park, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051

9. Review of Pool Side Setback

Requirements to apply to all Zones of Key Colony Beach

The

DATE/TIME:

Planning & Zoning Hearing:

Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 9:30 A.M.

City Commission Public Hearing:

Thursday, September 21, 2023, 9:30 A.M.

LOCATION:

City of Key Colony Beach

Temporary Meeting Place at the Key Colony Inn Banquet Room, 700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, to hear a Variance Request from Charlie Petersen, agent to Jennifer Goldstein, owner of the property located at 160 13th Street, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Land Development Regulations Article IV. Sec. 101-26 (2), to allow the installation of a tiki hut with a maximum floor area of 192 square feet. Current maxim floor area: 80 square feet with maximum roof overhang of 18 inches. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

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

If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, or Thursday, September 21, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach

Publish:

August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will open sealed responses for the following:

2nd Round Capital Applications for DACS II and III

Monroe County, Florida

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl.gov, no later than 5:00 P.M., on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Your subject

2nd Round Capital Applications, DACS II & III, 09-20-23 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 9:00 A.M., on September 20, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish:

August 3, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

STATE OF FLORIDA

FLORIDA BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

FEMC Case No.: 2022043254

FLORIDA BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, Petitioner, vs. DAVID HEMMEL, P.E., Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: David Hemmel, P.E. Post Office Box 4255 Key West, Florida 33041 UNLICENSED ACTIVITY

The Florida Board of Professional Engineers has filed an Administrative Complaint against you, a copy of which may be obtained by contacting, Rebecca Valentine, Legal Department, Florida Board of Professional Engineers, 2400 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, Florida 32308, (850) 521-0500 ext. 106.

If no contact has been made by you concerning the above by September 14, 2023, the matter of the Administrative Complaint will be presented at a hearing pursuant to 120.57(2), F.S. before the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the individual or agency sending notice not later than seven days prior to the proceeding at the address given on the notice. Telephone: (850) 257-6097; 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800955-8770 (v), via Florida Relay Service.

Publish:

August 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF ACTION RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE PROCESS

LEGAL NOTICES

C 101/23

$5,619.22

Gideon Eidelbaum 22 Teller Street Rehevot, Israel 76444

E 102/51

$4,680.93

Ray Epstein C/O Brad Epstein 388 Bridge Street #39A Brooklyn, NY 11201

E 101/31

$4,680.93

Richard Fevang 245 Sunnyridge Avenue, Apt 6 Fairfield, CT 06824-4643

C 102/25

$6,671.90

Francis M Flynn and Rhoda K Radow 4621 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, FL 33021

C 102/30

$6,516.30

C 102/31

$6,516.30

Jason Godown P.O. Box 814 Hobe Sound, FL 33475-0814

A 201/23

$5,609.22

George Klaus 4875 NW Second Street, Apt B Delray Beach, FL 33445

A 201/33

$4,447.31

Frank Lynn Providenti and Jenna

Lynn Providenti 3922 Roseland Drive West Windsor, ON N9G 1Z5 Canada

E 202/05

$3,605.88

Jeffrey Scott Silen and Doris Silen 10422 Kirby Smith Road Orlando, FL 32832

B 202/42

$6,701.46

B 202/43

$6,701.46

D 102/41

$6,701.46

E 102/44

$6,701.46

Vista Holdings, Inc

C/O Deena Birenbaum 5408 Legacy Oaks Place Asheville, NC 28803

C 202/08

$4,641.43

Lee Wanous 7236 E Lanai Street Long Beach, CA 90808

B 102/18

$7,732.19

David Williams 235 S Lake Avenue Lake Butler, FL 32054

D 101/20

$5,108.18

A 201/39

$5,108.18

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Claims of Lien on the following described real property, located in Monroe County, Florida, to-wit:

writing to:

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire TRUSTEE FOR MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC.

201 Fletcher Street, 2nd Floor Sarasota, FL 34237 within 30 days of the first date of publication of this Notice.

If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

Dated this 20th day of JULY, 2023.

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, TRUSTEE TRUSTEE for MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB ASSOCIATION, INC

Publish:

August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 44-2020-CA-45-K

AMENDED 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 21st 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:

AN UNDIVIDED 1/104TH INTEREST

AS A TENANT IN COMMON WITH OTHER OWNERS IN THE RESORT FACILITY (1 TIME SHARE INTEREST), ACCORDING TO THE TIME-SHARING PLAN THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS

BOOK 1047, PAGES 1785

THROUGH 1856, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA (PLAN). TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO OCCUPY, PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, UNIT 701, DURING UNIT WEEK 50.

Pursuant to AMENDED DEFAULT FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF TIMESHARE LIEN ON COUNT XI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 1st day of August, 2023.

Syle of which is: THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff v. MELANIE SCHELL, ET. AL.

Defendant

Florida, to wit:

CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 501 OF UNIT WEEK 32, OF BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST, CONDOMINIUM, TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN COMMON ELEMENTS, ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 988, AT PAGE 1510, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Pursuant to DEFAULT FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF TIMESHARE LIEN ON COUNT I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of July 2023

Syle of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff v.

WARFIELD M. LEWIS Defendant And the Docket Number of which is 44-2020-CA-45-K (Count I, Unit 501, Week 32) WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 26TH day of July 2023.

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

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this 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:

August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO. 44-2020-CA-45-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 21st 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:

River, IL 60021

A 102/03

$3,592.23

Kai Cremata 14900 East Orange Lake Blvd Kissimmee, FL 34747

Annual Timeshare Periods as set forth above in MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 859, at Page 786, as amended in Official Records Book 874, at Page 2169, all of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all subsequent amendments and exhibits thereto. has been filed against you. If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in Section 721.855, Florida Statutes. You may choose to sign and send to the trustee an objection form, exercising your right to object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure. If you would like an Objection form, you should contact the undersigned Trustee, Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, in writing. Upon the trustee’s receipt of your signed objection form, the foreclosure of the lien with respect to the default specified in this notice shall be subject to the judicial foreclosure procedure only. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. Objections must be made in

And the Docket Number of which is 44-2020-CA-45-K (Count XI, Unit 701, Week 50)

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 1st day of August, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Riza Hall

As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this 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:

August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO. 44-2020-CA-45-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 21st 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,

AN UNDIVIDED 1/416TH INTEREST AS A TENANT IN COMMON WITH OTHER OWNERS IN THE RESORT FACILITY (1 TIME SHARE INTEREST), ACCORDING TO THE TIME-SHARING PLAN THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 988, PAGES 1510 THROUGH 1580, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA (“PLAN”). TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO OCCUPY, PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, UNIT 503, DURING WEEK 41.

Pursuant to DEFAULT FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF TIMESHARE LIEN ON COUNT XII, entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of July 2023 Syle of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff v. MEREDITH PEACE Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 44-2020-CA-45-K (Count XII, Unit 503, Week 41) WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of July 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this 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: August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

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

CASE NO. 44-2020-CA-45-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 21st 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:

AN UNDIVIDED 1/416TH INTEREST

AS A TENANT IN COMMON WITH OTHER OWNERS IN THE RESORT FACILITY (1 TIME SHARE INTEREST), ACCORDING TO THE TIME-SHARING PLAN THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS

BOOK 988, PAGES 1510 THROUGH 1580, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA (PLAN). TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO OCCUPY, PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, UNIT 506, DURING

WEEK 34.

Pursuant to DEFAULT FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF TIMESHARE

LIEN ON COUNT IX, entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of July 2023

Syle of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff v. RORY N. HORTON

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 44-2020-CA-45-K (Count IX, Unit 506, Week 34) WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of July 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this 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:

August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 44-2020-CA-45-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 21st 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:

AN UNDIVIDED 1/416TH INTEREST

AS A TENANT IN COMMON WITH OTHER OWNERS IN THE RESORT FACILITY (1 TIME SHARE INTEREST), ACCORDING TO THE TIME-SHARING PLAN THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1003, PAGES 1806 THROUGH 1877, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA (“PLAN”). TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO OCCUPY, PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, UNIT 606, DURING WEEK(S) 35.

Pursuant to DEFAULT FINAL

SUMMARY JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF TIMESHARE

LIEN ON COUNT XV, entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of July 2023

Syle of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

AMIR ESFANDYARI Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 44-2020-CA-45-K (Count XV, Unit 606, Week 35) WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of July 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this 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:

August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 44-2020-CA-45-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 21st 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:

AN UNDIVIDED 1/416TH INTEREST AS A TENANT IN COMMON WITH OTHER OWNERS IN THE RESORT FACILITY (1 TIME SHARE INTEREST), ACCORDING TO THE TIME-SHARING PLAN THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 988, PAGES 1510 THROUGH 1580, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA (PLAN). TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO OCCUPY, PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, UNIT 507, DURING WEEK 33.

Pursuant to DEFAULT FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF TIMESHARE LIEN ON COUNT X, entered in a case pending in said Court, the 5TH day of July 2023

Syle of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff

v. JUDITH A. BETTERIDGE

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 44-2020-CA-45-K (Count X, Unit 507, Week 33)

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of July 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this 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:

August 3 & 10, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-76-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOYCE LEE FRIEVALT

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOYCE LEE FRIEVALT, deceased, whose date of death was May 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: August 3, 2023.

Personal Representative: Douglas A. Frievalt 13 Palm Beach Road Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal

Representatives:

URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ.

Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com

Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com

Florida Bar No. 382035

Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783

Islamorada, Florida 33036

Telephone: 305-664-5065

Publish:

August 3 & 10, 2023

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000146-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN C. IMBUS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 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:

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 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.

LEGAL NOTICES

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 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

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED;

HOUSEHOLD MANAGER

Live in household manager/ caregiver. Single or couple. Private apartment and auto provided. 7 months in N Key Largo and 5 months in Canada (Ontario)Salary based on skills and experience. Reply to: safd12@aol.com

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 Full and/ or Part-time Cashiers to join our team! Fulltime with a potential to become our Front of House Assistant Manager. Salary commensurate with experience and includes tips and 401k. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key is looking for Servers– full or part time; includes tips and 401k. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 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

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Responsible for food and kitchen prep. Competitive pay at a private club, opportunities to advance. Flexible afternoon/evening hours Wednesday –Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and 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 Guardresponsibilities 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: HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, 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 Kennedy Dr.,

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

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.

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 Customer-Service Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 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!

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

3BR/2BA NEW HOUSE, MM87, Islamorada. Homeowner's boat ramp. Lawn service. Exterminator monthly. $4,400/monthly F/L/S 305394-4360 305-522-2014

2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon. Tile floor, appliances, gated property. No pets. $2,700/ mo. incl. electric, water, sewer. 305-610-8002

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, fully furnished in Marathon. $2,000/month includes electric, water, sewer, cable, internet. Available November 1st. No Pets. 305-610-8002

MARINA FOR SALE

FOR SALE IN MARATHON: Marina & Storage on US

1 Frontage, 1.5 acre, 3211 sq. ft. repair shop, 150 ft. dockage on 640' X 240' deeded BB, ready for expansion under existing dock permit, electric & sewer in. MU zoning. $3.499 million 305-928-9057

NOW HIRING Operations Manager

Responsibilities include

• Managing 7,500 sq. ft. facility, ensuring regular equipment and exhibit maintenance

• Financial operations including banking, records management and payroll

• Manages training for and implementation of staff duties in their various roles and responsibilities and provides institutional leadership

• Serves as primary point of contact between the Board and the staff

• Represents the organization for member organizations including chambers of commerce and business development groups

Annual salary $70,000.

Visit www.keysdiscovery.com/foundation-staff for more information.

Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

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.

NOW HIRING FT FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT MARATHON, FL

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR

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

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

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

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

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

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

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION T&D ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

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

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

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

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER?

COURT ADMINISTRATION IS NOW HIRING PROBATION OFFICER

The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for full-time Probation Officer in KEY WEST.

This is responsible and professional work that ensures the effective supervision of defendants placed on misdemeanor probation and diversion supervision.

Salary is $40,000 annually, plus Monroe County benefit package, which includes State of Florida Retirement System Plan. 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.

enter your availability.

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS

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

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, 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

Email Ma

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