Upper Keys Weekly 23-0817

NOTHING COMPARES TO LIFE AT KIDS CAY

Immerse yourself in the authentic essence of Florida Keys living at Kids Cay. Available for the first time, this unique and cherished property presents three enchanting residences: a timeless four-bedroom main house, an expansive four-bedroom guest house, and a charming two-bedroom caretaker's cottage. Your heart will be captured from the moment you set foot on this idyllic landscape, featuring over a quarter-mile of unspoiled white sandy beach that gracefully meets the Atlantic Ocean's shoreline. This tropical and tranquil estate has nearly 8.5 acres of upland plus 7.98 acres of ocean bottom with ample and protected concrete dockage (104 feet and 34 feet) plus oceanfront observation pier. Extra wide and spacious porches adorn every corner of the classic homes and are a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living, maximizing the infinite open water views and constant ocean breezes. Enjoy complete privacy lounging by the resort-style pool or stroll barefoot along your private beach; this estate is the epitome of true island living and serenity.

ISLAMORADA | $29,750,000 | Listing ID: 604054

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957

www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Postmaster

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

News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly

@theWeekly

Members of

RARE WHALE DIES OFF TAVERNIER SHORE

BIOLOGISTS CONDUCT NECROPSY ON GERVAIS’ BEAKED WHALE

Marine mammal responders rushed to Tavernier’s Harry Harris Park on Aug. 13 for the report of what was initially thought to be a distressed dolphin in shallow water. Upon arrival, Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder’s crew discovered a dead male Gervais’ beaked whale weighing more than 1,000 pounds.

Around 5 p.m., a boater noticed a large marine mammal, believing it to be a dolphin struggling in 2-3 feet of water not far from the oceanside park. Observing the struggling animal for several minutes, the boater called Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation (FWC) to report the incident. FWC dispatched the call to DPMMR, the primary responder for sick, injured and orphaned whales and dolphins in the Florida Keys, which swiftly responded to find a dead Gervais’ beaked whale.

Art Cooper, DPMMR founder, said FWC towed the dead animal from Harry Harris Park to Tavernier Creek Marina.

“We needed a beefier trailer than I had on hand. Tavernier Creek Marina was exceptionally gracious. They helped us tow the animal to their boat forklift. We were able to lay the animal onto the trailer,” Cooper said.

From there, the whale was transported to the U.S. Park Service facility in Key Largo, where DPMMR veterinarians and FWC biologists began a necropsy on Aug. 14. Cooper said they didn’t see anything out of the ordinary such as a boat strike. The necropsy concluded just before 4 p.m. Cooper said a CT scan of the animal will determine whether there was any barotrauma.

“It’s better on CT than gross examination,” Cooper said, adding they collected multiple organ and tissue samples.

The National Marine Fisheries Service will begin extensive followup testing and histopathology, or a diagnosis and study of diseases of the tissues.

“I’ve been doing this for 33 years. I’ve handled over 685 whales and dolphins in my career here and I’ve only seen three beaked whales in that whole time. This was quite rare,” Cooper said.

Since the animal was not euthanized and died organically, Cooper said they were able to take the remains of the carcass out to sea. Cooper commended all agencies responding to the incident.

“This takes a village. In order to do it well, everyone who can pitches in and helps out. It’s been fruitful for us to have this,” Cooper said.

Gervais’ beaked whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Per NOAA, the marine mammal faces threats from entanglement in fishing gear and human-caused noise.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

A dead Gervais’ beaked whale is hosed down as it’s prepared for transport. CONTRIBUTED

The covered body of a Gervais’ beaked whale is transported from Tavernier Creek Marina to a U.S. Park Service facility in Key Largo.

Elkhorn coral at Pickles Reef shows some signs of bleaching as water temperatures remain hot. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

The death toll from the wildfires on Maui rose to 106 on Aug. 16, per reports. Roughly a week ago, the wildfires ripped through the town of Lahaina. It’s the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii’s history.

HOT WATERS RAISE HURRICANE SEASON PREDICTION

Scientists at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service — have increased their prediction for the ongoing 2023 Atlantic hurricane season from a near-normal level of activity to an above-normal level of activity. Forecasters believe that current ocean and atmospheric conditions, such as record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures, are likely to counterbalance the usually limiting atmospheric conditions associated with the ongoing El Niño event.

NOAA forecasters have increased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60% (the outlook issued in May predicted a 30% chance). The likelihood of near-normal activity has decreased to 25%, down from the 40% chances outlined in May's outlook. This new update gives the Atlantic a 15% chance of seeing a below-normal season.

NOAA’s update to the 2023 outlook — which covers the entire six-month hurricane season that ends on Nov. 30 — calls for 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), of which six to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). Of those, two to five could become major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. These updated ranges include storms that have already formed this season.

The Atlantic basin experienced an active start to the hurricane season with five storms that have reached at least tropical storm strength, including one hurricane already. An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

“The main climate factors expected to influence the 2023 Atlantic hurricane

activity are the ongoing El Niño and the warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation, including record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures,” said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “Considering those factors, the updated outlook calls for more activity, so we urge everyone to prepare now for the continuing season.”

El Niño conditions are currently being observed and there is a greater than 95% chance that El Niño will continue through the northern hemisphere winter, according to the latest ENSO discussion from the Climate Prediction Center. El Niño usually results in atmospheric conditions that help to lessen tropical activity during the Atlantic hurricane season. So far, those limiting conditions have been slow to develop and climate scientists are fore-

casting that the associated impacts that tend to limit tropical cyclone activity may not be in place for much of the remaining hurricane season.

A below-normal wind shear forecast, slightly below-normal Atlantic trade winds and a near- or above-normal West African Monsoon were also key factors in shaping the updated forecast. More about hurricane season outlooks NOAA’s hurricane outlooks are forecasts of overall season activity, not landfalls. A storm’s landfall is usually the result of mesoscale weather patterns and are typically predictable within roughly one week of a storm approaching a landmass.

“The National Weather Service is dedicated to providing timely and accurate forecasts to empower individuals, families and communities to take proactive measures this hurricane season,” said Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “New tools such as a new hurricane model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System and the expansion of the National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Weather Outlook to seven days are examples of our commitment to enhancing our forecasting capabilities and services.”

In June, NOAA deployed a new model to help produce hurricane forecasts. The Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System was put into operation on June 27 and will run alongside existing models for the 2023 season before replacing them as NOAA’s premier hurricane forecasting model.

NOAA urges everyone in vulnerable areas to have a well-thought-out hurricane plan and stay informed through official channels as this season progresses.

NOAA GOES satellite captures Hurricane Ian as it made landfall on the barrier island of Cayo Costa in southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022. NOAA/Contributed

A summary graphic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. NOAA/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY

ISLAMORADA’S NEW MANAGER IN THE SADDLE

BRYAN COOK HOPES TO BRING ‘COUNTY FORMULA’ TO THE VILLAGE

Aug. 7 marked the first day for Islamorada’s new interim manager Bryan Cook, the county employee services director loaned to the village by County Administrator Roman Gastesi to provide stability through a busy budget cycle and the latter months of hurricane season.

For Cook, the transition was rapid, as Gastesi and he met separately with four council members on July 27 to discuss the idea. By Aug. 3, an agreement between the village and county to loan Cook as interim village manager was approved via 4-1 vote. Before Cook’s appointment, the dais voted 3-2 at a July 17 special meeting to forgo another year of employment with Ted Yates as village manager.

A Sugarloaf resident, Cook spent his first week acquainting himself with a new office, some of the issues facing the community and a village staff going through another transition at the top position.

“They’ve been through a lot and going through change now,” Cook said of staff. “The village has great people and the right people who are trained, qualified and eager to work.”

Cook also spent time preparing for a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 17, with 24 items on the agenda. The length of village council meetings, which have lasted as long as six hours, is one of the main contention points from the attending public left watching and listening well past 10 p.m. The council recently decided to move to a Tuesday-Thursday schedule in an effort to cut down on the marathon meetings. The change could begin when the dais meets in October, but Cook said he’s hoping to make meetings more efficient and improve the flow with the “county’s formula” before that change takes effect.

“Obviously, the staff and I will follow the direction of the council, but I would like to ask the council to try a few things before we go all that way,” he said.

In better managing the agenda, Cook hopes briefings with council members before the meetings will eliminate any element of surprise and give them reassurance knowing staff did their due diligence on an agenda item.

Cook is also examining the inner workings of agenda creation and how items are placed for consideration. Cook acknowledged the public’s statements about items placed on the agenda at the last minute, leaving residents little time to review before a meeting.

“We acknowledge there are emergency items that come up, such as a vendor didn’t sign a contract in time, but they signed a day before the meeting. It makes business efficiency sense to go ahead and add

DIVER DIES AT SPIEGEL GROVE WRECK IN KEY LARGO

Three Tragedies Over Eight Days In The Keys

The Florida Keys witnessed its third tragic diving incident in a span of eight days, as a man died while diving the Spiegel Grove wreck off Key Largo on Aug. 9.

that item to the agenda,” Cook said. “It’s not about surprises. It’s about only allowing last-minute items to the agenda if they meet certain criteria.”

Originally from Virginia, Cook spent most of his career in the private sector. Starting out recruiting temporary employees for various industrial and professional jobs around Tennessee and Virginia, he eventually transitioned to the printing company Robinette, where he worked in human resources for three years. From there, Cook moved to South Carolina, where he served as assistant human resources manager at a BMW manufacturing plant that employed 5,000 workers.

He moved to St. Petersburg and landed a job with the St. Petersburg Times, which merged with the Tampa Bay Times. Cook’s admiration for the Sunshine State — particularly scuba diving — grew as time progressed.

A human resources opportunity became available at Pinellas County, where he was hired as workforce strategy manager. He worked there six months before applying and successfully securing the employee services director position with Monroe County. He was hired Aug. 1, 2017 and closed on his house two weeks before Hurricane Irma caused destruction in the Keys.

“I went right into working,” Cook said. “It’s some of the most rewarding work of my career. I just pinch myself every day that I’m able to live and work in paradise and be part of this community, and do what I do and make a difference.”

Gastesi, an Islamorada resident, told council members at a July 27 meeting that the move to loan Cook to the village had the county commission’s full backing, as well as county senior management.

“This is just basically the county family coming in trying to help out the Islamorada family,” he said.

— Visit keysweekly.com for the full interview.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, divers with Horizon Divers recovered the man, who wasn’t identified in the report. He was brought back to the commercial boat around 1 p.m.

Adam Linhardt, MCSO spokesman, said detectives are investigating and working to notify next-of-kin.

Sunk off the Keys in 2002, the Spiegel Grove wreck sits at a maximum depth of 130 feet. The 510-foot-long former U.S. Navy landing ship dock serves as a reef ecosystem roughly 6 miles offshore.

On Aug. 1, 13-year-old Marathon boy Ben Segard passed away in a tragic dive accident. He was spearfishing with a fellow friend roughly 8 miles south of Duck Key when the incident occurred. A good Samaritan mariner transported him ashore to Marathon where he was taken to the hospital.

“This is a heartbreaking and tragic case,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said in a statement following the incident. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”

The following day, Key West diver Tommy Faulkenberry went missing during a dive at the Vandenberg shipwreck roughly 7 miles off Key West. Crewmembers aboard the vessel Dream Cat contacted Coast Guard Sector Key West on Aug. 2, reporting one of their divers overdue from a morning dive to the site of the 522-foot-long USS Vandenberg shipwreck.

For days, locals and the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies searched some 4,300 square nautical miles for the 44-year-old man. On Aug. 7, the Coast Guard suspended its search.

— Keys Weekly staff report

FRAZIER NIVENS/Florida Keys News Bureau

Bryan Cook is interim manager for the village of Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

PREVIEWING THE 2023 VOLLEYBALL SEASON

Prep squads hoping for big outings this fall

It’s time for bumps, sets and spikes again in the Florida Keys.

Though the Coral Shores Hurricanes graduated quite a few seniors last season, head coach Sam Ovalle feels confident that his team can adjust and be very competitive. Last season, they took an early lead in the district championship game, but ultimately fell to Palmer Trinity School. This season, the team hopes to make it to the finals again and reclaim the top spot in the district, which they held two seasons ago.

Returning to the court for Coral Shores is multiyear all-county athlete Brooke Mandozzi. “We expect her to have another great season for us,” Ovalle said. He also named Grace Leffler, Crystal Gutierrez and Iona Holmquist as key returners, describing them as ”huge contributors” last year. He expects more of the same from them this season.

Joining the veterans for the Hurricanes are Sophia Jans, Ivy Tiedemann and Sabina Naranjo. Though newcomers to the varsity squad, all are stepping it up to make Coral Shores look to be a strong competitor this year.

Ovalle is rather new to the team, himself. “I took over a few weeks into the season, so we only had the chance to do so much,” he said. “Between the girls we have coming back and the extra time we have, I’m excited to add some more plays and do some different things because I think this group is well-rounded and very capable.”

In the Middle Keys, head coach Kelley Cruz is working to prepare her team for a more challenging schedule. Though Marathon graduated six seniors last season, Cruz said she has plenty of players ready to shoulder the load, explaining, “We had a large senior class last year and will have a large senior class this year. So having all players who played last year come back has a large impact.”

A key piece for the Dolphins this season will be incoming junior Elena Eubank, Marathon’s top female athlete last year.

“Elena Eubank isn't young, but she continues to bring the fire. She challenges all the players on the court to become better players,” Cruz said.

Key West’s Lady Conchs should reap the benefits of a challenging schedule last season. They played over 20 matches, many against larger teams, and the experience the returning roster gained from facing the level of talent they played against in 2022 should give the Conchs an edge this season. It doesn’t hurt that they graduated only two seniors.

Returning for Key West are a slew of key players, many of whom have already seen extensive action in multiple seasons. Key West is jam-packed with seniors this year, including Elise Warwick, Victoria Pavlik, Annie Scepkova, Monica Jaroszewicz and Lyla Holland. Juniors Reese Haggard and Monica Bueno were key contributors last season and look to be even better in 2023. Another positive factor for Key West is the return of Bridgette Sweeney, who saw limited action last year due to an injury-plagued junior campaign. The seasoned senior adds height to the Lady Conchs’ blocking and has been a contributor since her freshman year.

Two Keys teams are set for some early action on Aug. 17 when Coral Shores heads down U.S. 1 to play a friendly preseason match against the Lady Fins of Marathon. Key West has a pair of preseason matches scheduled, both on the road. Marathon will play their first official match on Aug. 21 at Somerset Silver Palms. Coral Shores will then face Silver Palms at home on Aug. 23 in their opener. Key West’s first scheduled regular season match is Aug. 29 at Mater Lakes.

Top: Lady Fins volleyball players practice at Marathon High School. TRACY MCDONALD/Keys Weekly Center: Key West junior Reese Haggard. Lady ’Cane Grace Leffler (15) goes up on the attack in a 2022 match against Marathon. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

ATHLETES ARE FEELING THE HEAT

All across South Florida, people are remarking that it is the hottest summer they can remember, and a quick glimpse at any phone’s weather app will concur. While most can escape the oppressive temperatures, avoiding the outdoors entirely is not so easy for many high school sports teams. To protect the young men and women who play prep sports, coaches, athletic directors and trainers have received advanced training in heat illness prevention and treatment as part of the Zachary Martin Act and the latest FHSAA guidelines.

Zachary Martin Polsenberg was a high school football lineman who collapsed after a long practice on June 29, 2017. The Lee County athlete passed away from complications of heat stroke 11 days later. Since then, his family and lawmakers have worked alongside medical professionals to create a comprehensive plan which carefully balances the need for added safety when temperatures soar with the desire student athletes have to participate in outdoor sports. Some of the measures include the availability of ice baths, frequent water and shade breaks and careful monitoring of the temperature using a wet bulb reading. Unlike regular thermometers, wet bulb temperature measurement takes into consideration the stress direct sunlight and humidity have on a person outdoors.

Coaches and athletes know they have limited time to prepare for upcom-

ing seasons, but it’s so hot outside that even if safety were not a factor, they would be miserable due to high temperatures and humidity. Fortunately for the student athletes of Monroe County, school staff understand this and work hard to ensure players are as safe and comfortable as possible – and some are even getting creative in finding ways to beat the heat.

At Marathon High School, athletic trainer Luis Leal monitors the wet bulb reading frequently, before and during practices. He and athletic director Lance Martin clear teams to practice outdoors and ensure they follow the state’s guidelines regarding how long a team can remain outdoors. Under 82 degrees, teams are free to practice normally, but when the wet bulb reading surpasses 82, there is a sliding scale of how long teams can practice outdoors and how often they must break for shade and water. Larger teams like football are making it work by using the hotter hours of the day for classroom learning of plays and watching film.

The golf and cross country teams are avoiding the afternoon heat altogether. “We usually run around the city, but it is way too hot to not be close to water,” said Jim Murphy, the Marathon boys cross country coach. He added, “(Girls) coach Darby (Sheehan) and myself get with coach Leal each day for guidance and to make sure we are in compliance with the FHSAA. We always have backup plans to cross-train inside if needed.”

Left: Marathon athletic trainer Luis Leal monitors the safety level at practice using an electronic device capable of calculating the wet bulb temperature.

Right: Marathon athletic trainer Luis Leal adds ice to Shamar Wright’s cooling tub after a recent mid-afternoon practice. Matthew Delgado is pictured in the adjacent tub. TRACY

MCDONALD/Keys Weekly

Key West’s runners are taking a similar approach. Head girls coach Keara McGraw said, “We are getting creative with this current (no end in sight) heat wave. I've adjusted workouts and offered more morning practices, lots of water breaks, pace adjusting, and trying to get access to the pool for some good old cross-training in the water. Ice pops and frozen water bottles have become a pretty regular thing these days, although I may need an ice pop sponsor soon at this rate!”

In the Upper Keys, Coral Shores athletic director Ed Holly is taking the safety of students seriously. “We are hypersensitive to the impact of heat on our student athletes,” he said. “We are working very closely with our athletic trainer to implement our heat action plan.”

Head golf coach Danielle Thomas said her golfers are feeling the heat, too.

“It's definitely hot out there; I tell the golfers to wear light color shirts and dry fit material so it's more breathable,” she said. Thomas also brings extra water to her team’s practices and encourages her athletes to bring hats and umbrellas when they are on the course. She is also using the shade of the driving range at Founders Park, scheduling sessions there only when the golfers can be completely shaded. And when it’s just too hot no matter what precautions are taken, she calls it a day.

“I did have to cancel practice once because there was just no breeze and I was concerned for them,” she said.

Coaches find creative ways to beat extreme South Florida temperatures

The Coral Reef called for help... Mote answered — and so did you.

In response to the recent, record-breaking heat wave along the Florida Keys coral reef, Mote Marine Laboratory conducted an unprecedented evacuation of thousands of stressed and dying corals from our four offshore coral nurseries. This effort, and Mote’s ongoing dedication to science-based recovery and restoration, would not be possible without the continued, strong support of the Florida Keys community.

We wish to thank those in the local community who answered our calls for help without any hesitation, in many cases in the middle of the night, and aided in this historic event.

The fight is not over — Mote will continue to develop resilient-based solutions to combat stressors such as high water temperatures, ocean acidification and disease, to ensure healthy reefs for decades to come. Please consider joining us in this effort to save our coral reefs and continue our broader mission of innovative research for positively impacting the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of our shared coral reef by making a direct donation to Mote at: MOTE.ORG/SAVECORAL

THE POLITICS OF PSYCHOLOGY

2 KEYS HIGH SCHOOLS OFFER AP PSYCH

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Florida education officials decided it’s possible to teach AP Psychology — in its entirety — without breaking a new Florida education law or “indoctrinating” high school students. And two Monroe County high schools — Key West and Coral Shores — are doing just that.

Locally, 100 or so students are enrolled in the Advanced Placement, college-level, elective class that stirred controversy in Florida and garnered national headlines this summer.

In June, Florida’s commissioner of education, Manny Diaz, asked the nonprofit College Board, which administers Advanced Placement classes and their corresponding AP tests, to review its AP Psych curriculum for any sections that could violate Florida’s law restricting discussion of gender and sexual orientation. (That’s the law known by its critics as Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law.)

But the College Board group pushed back against Diaz and Florida, writing in a June letter, “Please know that we will not modify our courses to accommodate restrictions on teaching essential, college-level topics. Doing so would break the fundamental promise of AP: colleges wouldn’t broadly accept that course for credit and that course wouldn’t prepare students for success in the discipline.”

For 30 years, the college-level AP class, for which high school students can earn college credit by scoring a 3 or higher on the AP test, has included a section about gender and sexual orientation.

The College Board also told Diaz and Florida that it would not recognize, or award credit for, any AP Psych class that eliminated the chapter on gender on sexual orientation, as Diaz initially suggested.

The section discusses social stereotypes associated with particular genders, Monroe County Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford told the Keys Weekly on Aug. 14.

“Think about how when we were growing up and always learned that boys were better at math and girls were better at organization and penmanship,” she said.

Ultimately, given the threat of withholding college credit for the AP class for Florida students, Diaz and the Florida Department of Education capitulated. In an Aug. 4 letter to Florida’s school

superintendents, Diaz wrote, “the department believes AP Psychology can be taught in its entirety in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate, and the course remains listed in our course catalog. … I want to be clear, AP Psychology is and will remain in the course code directory making it available to Florida students.”

The state’s decision came too late for some Florida school districts that opted not to offer the course this year.

“District officials in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties had decided to drop the courses, citing previous guidance from the state they said was ambiguous,” states an Aug. 10 article in the Orlando Sentinel. “Orange, Osceola and Lake are sticking with their decision, while Seminole hasn’t revealed how it will proceed.”

In Monroe County, Axford’s patience was rewarded.

“When this all started (back in June), I sort of sat back and started watching everything,” she said. “I didn’t want to overreact and start changing schedules or eliminating classes. I think the media often seizes on these things and they get blown out of hand. But we had 100 kids registered for these classes and two great teachers who really wanted to teach it.”

In the end, all 100 students between Key West and Coral Shores high schools are enrolled in AP Psych.

In an abundance of caution, Axford also had parents of each enrolled student sign a letter to permit their student to take the class.

“In the letter, I wrote, ‘We believe the class is intellectually stimulating and age and developmentally appropriate,’” Axford said.

All parents signed and the class has been taught since the first day of school. It is not offered at Marathon High School because no one signed up for it.

AP classes are offered based on interest and enrollment at each high school, Axford said, adding that teachers who teach AP classes receive a $50 incentive bonus for every student who passes the AP test in that class.

“I certainly didn’t want to hurt students by eliminating a class, and hurt teachers by eliminating that potential bonus if they couldn’t teach AP Psych,” Axford said.

In addition to psychology, Monroe County schools offer AP classes in history, English, chemistry, physics, computer science, biology, calculus, drawing, environmental science, macroeconomics, Spanish, French, U.S. government and music theory.

TIME TO CUT MASSIVE COUNTY SPENDING

Monroe County Commissioners have embraced the county's wildly ambitious vision statement: “Creating a Better Life Every Day for Everyone in the Florida Keys.” Sounds like a job better suited for God, but commissioners are undeterred.

No wonder county spending is exploding.

Commissioners increased spending by an astounding 44% in the last two years. Yet most Keys citizens haven't a clue where the money goes.

In 2022, commissioners spent $465 million. In 2023, they spent $519 million. And starting this October, they'll spend $667 million! They decree how much of your money they want, raise your taxes, then spend it.

The newest boondoggle is the “starter charter” proposal being fasttracked by commissioners. Its primary purpose is higher taxes for a new Keys-wide bus system. Nobody wants buses or higher taxes.

Commissioners will increase the Tourist Development Council's budget this year by $50 million (totaling $125 million). No one reasonably thinks the Keys or U.S. 1 needs more tourists.

Commissioners' cynically use “sustainability” and “resilience” (who could oppose those concepts?) to silence opposition to certain programs. These terms hide an ocean of questionable spending, particularly those projects favored by “climate experts” peering 30-50-75 years into the future.

How soon before wind farms off the Keys?

Where will citizens find details of this spending and taxing spree? Commissioners buried them in a mindnumbing 937-page budget document available from the county budget department (305-292-4472). Math fact: Commissioners will spend $71,000 for every page in this year's budget.

County budget hearings open to the public are set for Sept. 6 in Key West, and on Sept. 20 in Key Largo with the final budget vote. Tell commissioners to roll back the budget to $500 million annually. If they can't run a tiny county, with just 82,000 residents, on a half-billion dollars a year, they're not up to the job.

When citizens object to out-ofcontrol spending, responsive commissioners listen and cut. Imperious commissioners don't listen, they rule.

— Patrick Foley, Islamorada

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

BUILDING SYNERGY

ROTARIANS ACROSS KEYS SET TO GATHER IN MARATHON

Life in the Keys presents unique opportunities and challenges. The eight Rotary clubs spread from Key Largo to Key West share a tourist economy along with the perils of U.S. 1 and high insurance rates.

There are nearly 445 active Rotarians in the Keys and about an equal number of people who passed through Rotary on their way to other phases in life. Members of the various Rotary clubs will gather at Marathon City Hall on Saturday, Aug. 26 to discuss Rotary in the Keys.

“Rotary is divided into districts and the membership of our clubs in the Keys makes up about 22% of the district, which include clubs from southeast Florida and Grand Bahama Island” said event organizer Frank Derfler, of the Upper Keys Rotary Club. “Per-capita, Rotary is very strong in the Keys. Our clubs share unique challenges of transportation, economics and environment. This meeting is an opportunity to build synergy among the Rotarians in the Keys.”

Sam Williams, Marathon Rotary Club president, said the gathering brings opportunities for networking among Rotarians and the chance to learn how other clubs operate.

“The goal is bringing Keys people closer so we are all familiar with each other,” he said. “I think this will get us reaching out more often to other Keys clubs and inviting others to events we have.”

The agenda includes a visit from Rotary 6990 District Governor Barbara Gobbi and District Membership Chair Joe Roth. The group will look at the image of Rotary in the Keys, cooperation after weather events and opportunities for community service.

Key Largo Boatyard & Storage, established in 2022, is a full-service facility located on mile marker 98 oceanside in Key Largo. Whether boat owners want to perform vessel repairs on their own or have the professional team perform the work, Key Largo Boatyard & Storage is the right place.The 85-ton marine travelift can lift vessels up to 80' in length and 27' 7" wide, for repairs, surveys and/or storage. Key Largo Boatyard & Storage o ers a number of services and maintenance including bottom painting, hull painting, detailing, berglass, gelcoat, inboard and outboard engines, and many more.

Managing partner Ricardo said, "Delivering a quality product on budget and on time with great customer service is the key to our success."

Located on the oceanside in Key Largo, look for the boat ramp signs when heading south. Address is 97951 Overseas Highway. Phone number is 305.852.2025. Ricardo can be reached via email at rm@keylargoboatyeardandstorage.com.

LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER

Yvette Talbot, Key West Rotary Club president, said she’s excited for the opportunity to meet other Rotarians from various sections of the Keys.

“All Keys clubs share common problems because of our geographic location,” she said. “I think it’s important our district governor will be there and will hear our concerns and suggestions. I think it will benefit everyone. I’m excited about it.”

Interested Rotarians should go to www.keysrotary. club to register for the meeting. Rotary Clubs in the Keys give back in many ways, through projects and fundraisers for students and groups on the island chain. The Key Largo Rotary Club’s annual Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge is set for Sept. 22-24, while the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club is gearing up to put on the annual Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 9. The Upper Keys Rotary Club will hold its Gigantic Nautical Market from Feb. 24-25, 2023 at Founders Park. Further south, the Marathon Rotary Club opened the Children’s Rotary Park with a new playground last year. The Lower Keys Rotary Club organizes 4th of July festivities in Big Pine Key. The Key West Rotary Club annually produces a 4th of July celebration and golf tournament, while the Key West Sunset Rotary Club holds a wine tasting in November to benefit the local SPCA.

— Keys Weekly staff report

The Florida Keys have a tremendous history. It’s one of the reasons people – like Cori Convertito, curator at the Key West Art & Historical Society; Corey Malcolm, Monroe County’s lead historian; and David Sloan, who gives a lot of his time and expertise while infusing the island chain with tremendous Key lime pie, paranormal (ghosts, portals, and Robert the Doll), and Key West Firehouse Museum history and so much more – spend so much time working to tell these islands’ stories.

The entire Florida Keys story will likely never be told – at least not that any of us will hear or read. New sources routinely come to light, and when they do, they often put a new spin on some piece of history – and the more life given to history, the more it grows.

It is more likely that the transaction, if it occurred at all (because that is, too, in question), was between Scott and Curtis Eugene’s father, Charles Curtis Chillingworth. It is easy to see that the elder C.C. Chillingworth’s name might be mistyped as C. E. because, on a typewriter’s keyboard, the “e” and the “c” are within striking distance of each other.

The bigger problem is there does not seem to be a single reference connecting Chillingworth, Scott, or Key Largo in property records or newspaper stories – and W.A. Scott is talked about fairly frequently in the local newspapers. While a connection may exist, a document has yet to be publicly revealed. However, this is not to say that the West Palm Beach lawyer cannot be connected to the Northern Keys, because he totally can.

THE DUSTY BOOKSHELVES OF HISTORY

Discovering New Bits Of Information Alters Original Thoughts

Those of us sharing the local history are just scavengers pushing our fingers at old documents and hoping that something appears that causes us to jump back in our chairs. It is not uncommon for new information to be gleaned from the dusty pages of history. While I cannot speak for others who ply their historical trade along this island chain, it is the uncovering of a truth, the learning that excites and keeps me engaged.

That being said, the history hole can get deep and consume more time and effort than it might seem worth. This would be tedious work if I did not love digging down into it as much as I do. However, the discovered information sometimes adds context or alters a previously documented piece of history. For instance, last year, I did a little sleuthing around North Key Largo and came across information refuting what I thought was a long-standing history.

Because I accepted the generally told story about the early history of the exclusive Anglers Club, I parroted it in my book “Key Largo” (Arcadia Publishing, 2012). What I found is not mind-blowing history but an important distinction.

As an entry in a book attempting to encapsulate a great deal of history into as few words as possible, the new information might amount to rewriting a couple of sentences. However, for someone who spends an inordinate amount of time digging into nooks and crannies (and always looking for my next column idea), I totally dig this kind of minutia.

As the Anglers Club story has always been told, somewhere around the turn of the 20th century, the North Key Largo property was owned by an attorney named C.E. Chillingsworth. Allegedly, he sold the 40-acre property to William Scott from North Dakota in 1912.

First, the Chillingsworth connection is suspect. Second, it was never about 40 acres. Truthfully, the Chillingworth (as the name is properly spelled) confusion could simply result from a typographical error.

C. E. Chillingworth, Curtis Eugene Chillingworth, was born in West Palm Beach, Florida 1896. In 1912, he would have been a 16-year-old boy, and probably not buying and selling property (or practicing law).

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

Charles Curtis Chillingworth was born in New York and later moved to Florida with his father. By the turn of the 20th century, C.C. Chillingworth was a prominent West Palm Beach citizen and one of its first two attorneys. The other was his partner, G.G. Currie. Chillingworth and Currie became law partners in 1897. By 1918, he was a judge, and in 1921, he was West Palm Beach’s official attorney.

How is Chillingworth connected to the Florida Keys? The Florida Star reported in its Oct. 17, 1902, edition: “C.C. Chillingsworth, of West Palm Beach, will soon commence improving his property on Elliott’s Key on quite an extensive scale. He will engage in growing pineapples. The Florida Keys have within the last few years become quite popular as a pineapple growing section.”

Whoever sold the property to William Scott and whoever he sold it to, identifying it as a 40-acre parcel is troubling, too. The earliest transactions I have found involving the original property, identified as Government Lot 1, indicate that it was not until Feb. 8, 1932, that a 40-acre property transaction occurred. On that date, the Roney Investment Company bought the 40-acre section of Government Lot 1 to establish the North Key Largo base of the Florida Year Round Club – the precursor to the Anglers Club. In the days that followed that transaction, a flurry of property deals were made and the parcel was bought and sold several times.

What is clear is that the early transactions for the property create a tricky trail to navigate – also, the original transaction made circa 1912 still has a broader story to tell. It also appeared to be at least a 75-acre property. As Johnny Carson used to say back when he was hosting “The Tonight Show,” and that little sparkle would glint in his eyes,

“Wild, wild stuff.”

The Florida Year Round Club at North Key Largo circa 1932. It would become the Anglers Club.

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.

AN ARTISTIC EYE

ARTS ORGANIZER AND PHOTOGRAPHER HAS HER FIRST SOLO SHOW

Recently, photographer Annette Nina was dutifully going about finding an artist to fill walls at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada. Museum staff, knowing that she had helped develop exhibits for the Art Guild of the Purple Isles, had called Nina for suggestions when their space had become available.

Suddenly, she was struck with an “aha” moment.

She had just hung up the phone, yet again, after going through her list — all of the artists had told her they couldn’t.

“I realized, I could fill the space,” she said, with an emphasis on the “I.”

And so, that is how her very first solo show was born — after happily helping to organize many group events at AGPI, and, most importantly, after years of fanning the flames of her passion for photography. From her childhood in Queens through moving to Florida and the Florida Keys and her decades-long career at Delta Airlines, Nina’s devotion to taking pictures has been a constant.

And for those who have had the courage to strike out on your own — whether it be starting your own business, finishing a novel or buying a house, or even crossing your first 5K finish line — you may relate to that scary-yet-feel-good moment of getting up on your own feet. Finally.

Nina’s exhibit is called “Wanderings” and is up at the Discovery Center through Aug. 27. The three walls of her photography have three themes: modern history, floral illusion and day-to-day. They are her testament to all the times she has slung a camera over her shoulder before running an errand, hoping that something will catch her fancy, whether it be a cloud passing over Anthony’s clothing store in Key Largo or a child looking at her with fascination at Burger King.

“I am always looking with an artistic eye,” she told Keys Weekly.

So, this is a very “boomer” question to ask, as the kids say: Remember those Kodak Instamatic cameras from the 70s? With the cubeshaped light that would melt and smell funny when you took a picture? That’s the camera that Nina’s parents gave her one Christmas when she was 11.

She fell in love with photography soon after receiving that gift. She had sneaked into the dining room to take a picture of her brother. As brothers do, he dove under the table when he saw her camera, but Nina snapped the picture just in time. When the photos came back from the developer — back then, it took a few days to get the prints — young Nina was triumphant.

“I envisioned the photo, and I got it,” she said, smiling at the memory.

Nina’s first subjects, the neighborhood kids, were on the streets around her home. And street photography remained a lifelong fascination, right up through the present.

However, the pandemic, as with many of us, forced her indoors to find new ways to express herself. She set up a table with two lights and a backdrop, and began to take still lifes of whatever caught her eye that day.

Just before the world began to isolate at home, she experimented by zeroing in on a tiny dead flower behind a drape of fine mesh, then blowing it up in a print. “Now it seems like a foreboding,” she said.

That photo, “Veiled Roses,” is now in the floral illusion part of the exhibit.

Nina points out that she printed all the photographs on display. Camera nerds may want to know that, yes, she did graduate from that Instamatic. The exhibit’s photos were taken by assorted cameras, including a Nikon Z72 and a Nikon D750.

Through her 30-year career at Delta Airlines, she traveled the world and took photos. Her Delta co-worker, friend and occasional travel companion Trudy Aguilar Zaldivar has bought four of Nina’s artworks, and they take pride of place on her walls.

“When I buy a piece, it really has to speak to me immediately. I don’t buy Annette’s work because she’s my friend; I buy because I’m a collector,” she said.

Others agree about Nina’s talent: The photo of the child in the Burger King won an honorable mention at the AGPI judged show in 2022.

Yet, Nina has never wanted to make her art a career.

“I want it for me, for my soul,” she said. “I always want my photography to be my photography, with no rules.”

“Wanderings” is available to view on the second floor at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway, oceanside, Islamorada, through Aug. 27, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Annette Nina at 305-394-1236.

UPPER KEYS PETS GET AN EARLY CHRISTMAS Civic Club Holds Food Drive

Many local families struggle to put food on the table, not only for themselves but also for their pets. The generous members at the Key Largo Civic Club conducted a Christmas in July pet food drive to benefit the Upper Keys Humane Society and the SOS (Star of the Sea) Foundation Food Pantry.

The SOS Food Pantry operates out of St. Justin Martyr church and serves 120 to 150 families per week. The pantry is open Mondays between 1:30-5 p.m. Both organizations accept pet food donations year-round. Those who wish to contribute may contact Shy Martin with the Humane Society at 305-766- 3074 or Pamela Niekamp with the food pantry at 248-672-4719.

Donations will go a long way toward helping all our neighbors, the two-legged as well as the four-legged kind.

From left, Barbara Hann, Sandi and Gary Beaucage, Renee and Andy Bartucci, Pamela Niekamp. CONTRIBUTED

From left, Andy and Renee Bertucci, Karla Perrine, Gary and Sandi Beaucage. CONTRIBUTED

Photographer Annette Nina holds her artwork “Marilyn,” currently on view at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. CHARLOTTE TWINE/Keys Weekly

MORE THAN JUST HONEY

Local Firefighter Keeps ‘Bee-sy’ With New Business

Once in a while, people learn about a local business that fascinates them not only for its incredibly delicious product, but also the story and the parallels in everyday life. It tends to make them ponder their existence in the grand scheme of things. Islamorada Honey Company is a perfect example.

Recently, the Keys Weekly met Tayler Russell, owner of Islamorada Honey Company and member of the Islamorada Fire Rescue, to learn more about the honey-collecting operation and other services he provides to the community.

We have 16 colonies in the bee apiary on our property, and another gentleman took care of it for about three to four years. Once, I went out back and got stung. After that, I never paid that much attention to it. One year, he didn't come back. I took over the apiary this year.

I have worked full-time for the Islamorada Fire Department for three years. I work 24 hours, and then I get two days off. I am also a commercial stone crab fisherman with my dad, and that season is from October to March. The honey season is from March to September. The timing lines up perfectly and keeps me busy year-round.

(Do they sting?) Yes, they do sting; however, I can walk around and they won't bother me. They fly in and out of the hives, like a runway, while they are working. If you leave

Honey produced by Islamorada Honey Company. MONICA SHEEHAN/ Contributed

them alone and let them do their thing, you will be fine; on the other hand, if you go and shake one of those boxes ...

Since it's my first year doing this, I've been figuring it out via "trial and error" and YouTube University. I give it a lot of time because I always try to educate myself. And sometimes, I sit outside in my chair and watch them do their flights.

It's all about what's around them. The bees need foliage, hardwood hammock or mangroves and we don't want people to be bothered by the bees. The proper placement is important, and we are always looking for more properties that could be a good fit for an apiary.

The hardwood hammock is from March to May, then the white mangrove — after that, it can be a bit more of a blend.

During the off-season, it gets quiet, and they live off their reserves. When we take honey out of the colonies, we leave them enough to support themselves and are ready to go for the next season.

There are typically 10,000 to 15,000 bees in one colony. There could be 50,000 to 60,000 bees if a queen is really great and there is an explosion of pollen. (Islamorada Honey Company’s) Colony 2 has produced 100 pounds of honey this season. A colony gets a harvest when they are ready to get a harvest — it varies.

We do have one colony that has been "playing on their phones" all season — Colony 6. We coddled and babied them, but not a drop of honey out of that colony. It comes down to genetics, and the queen gets mated with about 10 drones, and if the genetics are bad, this could happen, so we need to replace the queen. We always want hygienic, productive and gentle bees.

When we replace the queen, the older bees will cycle through, and the new bees will take over. The bees are only about 8 weeks old versus a queen who can live three-four years and doesn't have to mate again.

The queen bee looks for an open cell to lay an egg, and the nurse bees will come in and start feeding that egg. Nurse bees help take care of the queen and the fresh larva. When the bees get older, they turn into foraging bees when they can fly.

(How do you collect the honey?) Smoking the bees disrupts the communication process; it disrupts their sense of smell which is about 100 times higher than a normal person. The smoke throws them off without harming them.

Then we can take out the plastic tray (frame) in the colonies. The frames have a foundation, aka blueprint, to draw the comb and fill with nectar. The bees dehydrate it down, which gives the honey, and then they wax cap it. We cut off the cap and put it in a honey distractor which takes out the honey and then put it back in the colony. We do a little filtering in case of any partials, but that's it — it's as raw and unfiltered as it can get.

In addition to selling the honey, we also provide a beehive removal and relocation service from the property. After smoking the colony, we find the queen, put her in a little queen cage (which looks like a hair clip) and then the rest of the bees start alerting everyone and follow her to the box. It only takes a few hours, but I give them some time to integrate and then seal up the holes. We don't try to hurt or kill them or hire an exterminator who just sprays the bees at the entrance, which doesn't take care of the hive.

As a family operation, my mom, Mary Russell, helps with filming and is the best mom in the whole wide world. My fiancée, Ariel Haber, also helps and my dad, Rich Russell, has come to some bee relocations and recently helped with his knowledge on how to get to the area.

It's important to educate people and take care of the land too. Not only are we keeping bees and making honey, but it keeps the ecosystem going too.

It's been a great learning experience every single step of the way.

Those interested in purchasing honey or are interested in being a beekeeper or having a hive relocated can connect with Islamorada Honey Company via Instagram or Facebook, @ islamoradahoneycompany, and islamoradahoneycompany. com.

Owner Tayler Russell working on collecting from a colony. CONTRIBUTED

Tayler Russell with a honeycomb tray and a bag of finished product. CONTRIBUTED

REMEMBERING FHP LIEUTENANT EVELYN WYSE

A Life Dedicated To Community & Animals

PHOEBE

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” This week I have some sad news to report. A very dear friend to the foxes passed away after a battle with cancer.

REEF THE FOX

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

Evelyn Wyse served in law enforcement for over 35 years. She was a member of the 74th recruit class of the Florida Highway Patrol. Wyse loved every facet of the Key West community and was an avid animal lover. That is how she and my mom, Nicole Navarro, met by discussing their love of animals one day, years ago, down in Key West. Wyse supported my mom and her journey with the foxes every step of the way and was always so kind and generous to us.

We even have a brass fox head that hangs proudly on the front of our house that Evelyn gave us almost three years ago. It has always been a sweet reminder of her compassion toward all living creatures and will now serve as a sweet reminder that she is still cheering us on although she is not physically here anymore.

We were honored that her family chose Pawsitive Beginnings to be included for memorial donations in her honor.

She is survived by her devoted husband, James “Mike” Wyse. Other survivors include her daughter Brandee Williamson; son Troy Williamson; stepson James Wyse; stepdaughter Jeanna and her husband Javier Garrido along with their children, Andrew and Annabel; siblings Joseph Suggs, Anne Matthews and David Suggs.

A funeral service will be held in her honor at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea on Thursday, Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pawsitive Beginnings at pawsitivebeginnings.org, foxes@pawsitivebeginnings.org or The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea High School Capital Campaign at basilicaschoolkeywest.com, calling 305-294-1031 or sending a check to 700 Truman Ave., Key West, FL 33040.

That’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Meet Phoebe. This exquisite girl is a German shepherd mix, brimming with charm. She's just under 1 year old. If you're looking for a furry companion to join your family, Phoebe is currently available at MarrVelous Pet Rescues, and she's ready to bring joy and love to her forever home. What sets Phoebe apart is her gentle and affectionate nature. She's a sweetheart who thrives on making her human companions happy. Phoebe's desire to please is evident in every wag of her tail and every eager look in her expressive eyes. If you would like a loyal friend and a new loving member of your family, apply for Phoebe at www.mprescues.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, Aug. 17

• Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Agenda at https://islamoradafl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/118/files.

Friday, Aug. 18

• Sit and Sew from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Key Largo library. Bring your current project and meet new friends.

Monday, Aug. 21

• Bereavement group meeting at 6 p.m. at the St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church conference room. For details, call Janet Gillow at 561-396-5626.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

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

• Florida Keys Toastmasters meeting at 6 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, Islamorada. Call 305-923-6546 for more information.

• Matecumbe Historical Trust presents “The Florida-Cuba Connection” at 6:30 p.m. at Islamorada public library, 81830 Overseas Highway. Call 305-393-0940 for more information.

• Books on Tap from 6-7:45 p.m. at Keys’ Meads to discuss “The House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson. Borrow the book from the Key Largo Library or the ebook through Libby. Drinks are available for purchase.

Wednesday, Aug. 23

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

Thursday, Aug. 24

• Foster parent training classes begin at Wesley House Key Largo office, 99451 Overseas Highway, Suite 200. To register or for more information call Megan Burgess at 305-809-5020 or e-mail Megan. Burgess@WesleyHouse.org. Registration is required.

Evelyn Wyse patrolling photo courtesy of her daughter Brandee Williamson. BRANDEE WILLIAMSON/Via Instagram

KEYS WEEKLY WELCOMES GWEN FILOSA

LOCALLY OWNED NEWS OUTLET ADDS LOCALLY KNOWN JOURNALIST

important they possess incredible talent in their field, but they also share a philosophy of community involvement and support. For us, Gwen checked every box and then some – and we are honored to have her join the Weekly family.

“And adding Gwen has been of interest to us for some time, as she embodies the local spirit of ‘One Human Family.’ She is not only a highly respected journalist here in the Keys, but Gwen has a proven track record.”

Filosa said she also wanted a change from working remotely for mainland news outlets.

Florida-Cuba Connection at Islamorada library

Benefit for musician Steven Miller

A benefit to support musician Steven Miller is set for Oct. 8 at the Caribbean Club in Key Largo. A lifelong resident and Coral Shores graduate, Miller has played locally for most of his life. Miller is set to undergo surgery and to help him, organizer Daniel Kohn and friends are putting on a benefit with music, a 50/50 raffle and other activities. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Gwen Filosa is now digital editor at the Keys Weekly Newspapers, having joined the Keyswide team on Aug. 14.

Digital editor is a new position at the Weekly, created with Filosa in mind. She will manage the Weekly’s social media, host and produce the Weekly’s podcast and report on Keys news, culture and happenings across the island chain.

Filosa moved to Key West in June 2011 for a reporter job at the island’s daily newspaper. She later joined the staff of the McClatchy Companyowned Keynoter, then a subsidiary of the Miami Herald.

In 2016, the Miami Herald hired her to cover Key West and the Lower Keys.

In October 2022, Filosa left the Herald and signed on to spend six months reporting and producing public radio stories for Miami’s NPR member station, WLRN.

But in June 2023, Filosa decided she wanted to work for a locally-owned and operated news organization. She reached out to the Weekly’s publishers, Britt Myers and Jason Koler, and they agreed it was a great match: the newspaper with the largest circulation in the Florida Keys and a veteran journalist dedicated to local news for more than 25 years.

“As our three Weekly publications have expanded across the Keys, we have witnessed an explosion of digital growth across our website, daily eblast and social media platforms,” said Myers. “The role of digital editor is vital to providing fresh, updated content to local community throughout the week.

“Our mission at the Keys Weekly has always emphasized a ‘community first’ model,” said Myers. “When we search for local talent, it’s not only

“I’ve worked with some of the best reporters and editors in Florida and I’m grateful,” Filosa said. “But I wanted to be in a newsroom again, working sideby-side with people who actually live in the Keys. I’ve always been a hometown reporter – from tiny New Hampshire towns to the city of New Orleans and, for 12 years now, in Key West.”

Filosa arrived in Key West from New Orleans, where she covered Orleans Parish criminal courts for the Times-Picayune. During a decade at the metro paper, Filosa also kept tabs on state and federal courts, Louisiana prisons and the death penalty system.

She was part of the Times-Picayune’s staff that was awarded both the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News, and the Public Service medal, for coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They worked nonstop to report on the region shattered by not only the hurricane, which made landfall at a Category 3, but the levee system failures that left 80% of the city under water.

Before she arrived in New Orleans, Filosa wrote for the Concord Monitor in New Hampshire. She was a regional reporter before taking the police and courts beat. In 2000, she was on the team that covered New Hampshire’s then first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

Filosa graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and also studied at the Ernie Pyle School of Journalism.

In addition to journalism, Filosa has done standup at Comedy Key West since 2017, and has performed at the Key West Theater.

Filosa has become a grateful resident of Key West, where the Fighting Conchs rule – but remains a devout New Orleans Saints fan. Send her news tips, story ideas and hair compliments to gwen@keysweekly.com

The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host a free presentation at the Islamorada Public Library, located at 81830 Overseas Highway on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Rafael Penalver will give an overview of the history of Cuba and the Florida connection with special emphasis on the role played by Key West and the Keys. Follow the history of the island nation and its impact on Florida from the Spanish exploration and colonial rule, the Spanish American war, the Cuban Republic, the Castro Revolution, Bay of Pigs, the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Mariel Exodus, the Post-Soviet era and the influence of Florida’s Cuban American community will be told by Penalver, who came from Cuba as a young boy. He will share what the future might hold with the new leader of Cuba today. Penalver is president of Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute. Penalver came to the United States in 1961 and graduated from the University of Miami Law School and practices law in Florida and Washington, DC.

The presentation is free and open to the public. For information, call 305393-0940.

Foster

parent training

classes begin in Key Largo Wesley House Family Services is seeking nurturing families interested in providing a loving home to children and teens who are in the foster care system. Classes begin on Thursday, Aug. 24 at the Wesley House’s Key Largo office, 99451 Overseas Hwy., Ste. 200, and will be held for eight weeks from 6-9 p.m. Registration is required. The class uses the Creating and Retaining Excellence (C.A.R.E.) curriculum.

There is a great need for foster parents in the Upper Keys. If you can offer love and support to a child,you can be a foster parent. By providing a nurturing and caring home environment to the most vulnerable children in Monroe County, you can make a difference in your community. To register

or for more information call Megan Burgess at 305-809-5020 or e-mail Megan. Burgess@WesleyHouse.org. Registration is required.

Pilot rescued after plane crashes

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office rescued a pilot about three miles off Sawyer Key on Aug. 13 following a small plane crash in Lower Keys waters. There were no life-threatening injuries reported.

The sheriff’s office was notified at 10:18 a.m. Deputy Trevor Pike transported the pilot, there were no passengers, to waiting paramedics at Venture Out Resort on Cudjoe Key.

The pilot was identified as 40-yearold Adam Joseph Barney of Orlando. The aircraft was an Aero Commander 500. The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also responded to the incident. Aviation authorities will be investigating the crash.

Florida gas prices retreat from 2023 highs

Florida gas prices are retreating from 2023 highs. A little more than a week ago, the state average reached $3.84 per gallon — the most expensive state average since August 2022. The state average has since declined nineconsecutive days, falling a total of 10 cents per gallon, during that time.

On Aug. 13, the state average was $3.74 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since July 31. Despite the recent drop, Florida drivers are paying 8 cents more than this time last year.

“Florida drivers are likely relieved to see gas prices move lower again, but that downward trend may not last long,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAAThe Auto Club Group. “Last week, gasoline futures prices rebounded to the same levels that led to the 2023-highs we saw earlier this month. Since it can sometimes take a week or two before changes in the futures market hits the retail side, drivers could see gas prices move higher early this week or next.”

Musician Steven Miller. CONTRIBUTED

Gwen Filosa started as digital editor of the Keys Weekly on Aug. 14, 2023.

FLORIDA KEYS EATS

KRUST WITH A ‘K’

DELVE INTO THE MENU AT THIS TAVERNIER PIZZA SHOP

Notice

Krust is spelled with a “K” at this one-of-akind pizza joint, and guess what, with pizza this good they can spell it however they want.

SAMANTHA DELLILO

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

Everyone’s first question when walking into any pizza parlor is “what style of pizza do you serve?” New York, Chicago, Detroit?

Krust, much like its spelling, is unique and doesn’t officially fit into any existing style pizza description. I’ve come to call it, after many visits, Joe’s style, named after its inventor and the owner of Krust, Joe McDevitt.

Every course here is so phenomenal, especially for such a casual spot. We started with the Caesar salad. I’m not going to lie; my bar is set low when it comes to any salad from a pizza joint. The Caesar dressing and even the presentation of this salad rivals the Caesars I’ve been served at five-star steak houses. Huge cuts of romaine, creamy dressing and every inch covered with a snow-like shaved parmigiano. Next up were the all beef meatballs. They were a 10-out-of-10, especially served with a side of ricotta.

The main act of course is the pizza. We had the pepperoni with hot honey and the burrata pizza pies. I thought how courageous it is to name a place

Krust; do you know the pressure that is going to create to deliver on the actual crispiness of the crust. It was spot on. They created such a unique texture from the cheese being mixed into the dough, then they fire it until there was almost a parmesan crisp taste. The pepperoni with hot honey was my favorite type of mouth explosion of flavor. Savory, no wait sweet, no wait spicy, oh back to sweet, end with savory. Every bite of the burrata pizza was “the bite.”

We finished up with dessert, which is ever-changing and made from scratch by the other half of Krust’s ownership, Leslie McDevitt. I’m not going to get deep into the desserts because that experience deserves its own standalone future article. Mark and I are not big on pies, but let me tell you, we were fighting for each bite.

Honestly, Krust has the goods. The ball’s in their court; when they make food this delicious, they get to set the rules. They sell out daily and welcome you to be a part of the fun before they run out.

Not to mention as I tell everyone, the pizza heats up phenomenally at home in the oven. So, pick it up on your lunch hour and throw it in the fridge until dinner. It’s as crunchy at home as it is when its fresh. Arrange your schedule and give them a try.

1. A pepperoni pizza worth ordering from Krust. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly 2. Krust meatballs.

TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

CORAL EXPERTS TAKE ACTION TO CREATE HOPE DESPITE THE HEAT

In the face of unprecedented and smothering heat, Florida Keys coral scientists and restoration practitioners are showing up with the resiliency and resolve that they hope our local reefs can embody.

The Situation Has ‘Abated’

The beginning of July brought a recordsmashing marine heat wave to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). One weather buoy in nearby Manatee Bay even registered a jacuzzi-like 101.19 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperatures have resulted in mass coral bleachings, sponge and fish deaths and fear for the future of our marine ecosystem.

Additional reef monitoring, however, revealed that the “bleaching is site-specific and patchy,” reported a Mission: Iconic Reefs (MIR) factsheet emailed to the Keys Weekly. It also noted that “as of August 9, 2023, the rapid mortality previously observed primarily in inshore and shallower reefs seems to have abated” but that “the situation is still alarming.”

Reef Renewal USA’s founder Ken Nedimyer added, “From Channel 2 down, it’s bad. The better reefs are offshore and in the Upper Keys – from Davis Reef, up. Conch Reef, Pickles and Elbow are still in good shape.” He said these more intact reefs tend to be less exposed to Florida Bay and its salty, inshore waters.

In coral nurseries, the situation is also varied. Coral Restoration Foundation reported the loss of its entire Looe Key nursery, while Nedimyer discussed how both Reef Renewal and CRF’s Tavernier nurseries don’t yet have bleaching. “This is fortunate. Between these two, there’s more genetic diversity than in all the rest combined,” he said. “We have almost every genotype of elkhorn coral in the Keys in those two nurseries.”

The Rescue Plan

For the corals in the various in situ coral nurseries in our waters, there’s a two-part rescue effort underway, said CRF’s Jessica Levy: genetic preservation and stock protection.

For the former, NOAA coordinated a rescue effort with all restoration practitioners in the Keys to ensure the preservation of genetic material of acropora corals. These are the reef-building staghorn and elkhorn corals that formed our reefs and used to dominate them. In this effort, CRF relocated nearly 400 genotypes to two facilities out of the Keys “in case of total catastrophic loss,” Levy said.

Phase two focused on stock preservation “because we aren’t sure how long this will last,” she added. As many corals as possible were moved

RESCUE & RELIEF

into temperature-controlled land-based facilities like Keys Marine Lab, Florida Seabase and Florida Aquarium (FLAQ) or to new, deeper water in situ nurseries. So far, CRF has relocated 4,000 corals from low- or at-risk genotypes into tanks.

Reef Renewal rescued some corals into tanks at FLAQ and Marathon’s Dynasty Marine and has built new, deeper, cooler nurseries. Nedimyer said, “(FKNMS Superintendent) Sarah Fangman moved mountains to make things happen. … (Permitting a new coral nursery) is usually a twoto three-month process, and we literally got it overnight. … Unprecedented. The Army Corps of Engineers stepped up, and so did the sanctuary.”

The new nursery holds about 2,000 corals, a subset representing as many different species and genotypes as possible, Nedimyer said. These include endangered brain, star and pillar corals. Reef Renewal set up three new deepwater nurseries as close as possible to their existing regional in situ nurseries.

Nedimyer estimated the rescue effort took roughly 20 divers doing three dives a day, for six days straight. “That’s a lot of tanks and a lot of dives,” he said, grateful. Tavernier’s Conch Republic donated tanks and nitrox air fills. Local divers from the Mission: Iconic Reefs, Buoy and NOAA dive teams helped in the herculean effort. A dive business from Fort Lauderdale even brought five technical divers down to help install the new deepwater nurseries, and seven Georgia Aquarium helpers joined.

Lessons Learned

As the bubbles settled, the Coral Restoration Consortium (CRC) brought together coral experts around the world on a webinar about how to cope with the 2023 coral bleaching event. Their tips began with the practical, like monitoring coralreefwatch.noaa.gov to know if a specific reef is at risk for bleaching. The bleaching outlook is updated weekly and based on NOAA’s climate forecasting system. This can help prevent getting caught off-guard, CRC’s Tali Vardi said.

Levy suggested preparing to reduce catastrophic coral loss by having an abundance of coral stock with lots of genetic diversity, checking temperature loggers more frequently and spreading stock across multiple sites.

Other techniques like shading, fogging, cold water injections and cloud brightening were discussed.

In the end, practitioners focused on opportunity and hope. Austin Bowden-Kerby, a coral scientist working in Fiji, suggested, “Use the bleaching event as a selection event to get what we need for moving things forward” with more resilient corals. “This is an opportunity as well as a test.”

Nedimyer agreed, describing how Reef Renewal will be monitoring its subset of genotypes for heat tolerance. He said, “We really want to see which of our corals can handle the heat, then use that to develop the next generation of our restoration program. … There will be some that don’t bleach at all in hot water. We’re looking for them.”

“There’s still a lot of coral diversity on the reef,” Vardi said, “and it’s our job to save that. It’s not easy when it seems like the world is on fire, but the caring and coordination of this community gives me hope.”

Denise Nedimyer transports elkhorn corals on a new rope nursery. KEN NEDIMYER/Reef Renewal USA

Elkhorn coral colonies recently transported from the Florida Keys now living in the climate-controlled spawning laboratory at the Florida Aquarium. THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM/Contributed

A scientist pipettes the coral gametes released during the spawning of their rescued corals. THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM/Contributed

INVITATION TO BID

LEGO Construction Company and Department of Management Services –Florida Highway Patrol cordially invite interested subcontractors to complete and submit sealed bids by September 8th, 2023 no later than 3 p.m. for the followingproject/bid packages:

ADA Restroom Renovation – Marathon FHP – Phase 2 (02219020)

SELECT TRADE BID PACKAGES (see below)

This invitation to bid (ITB) includes the following trades. All contractors certified as SBE, MBE & M/WBE are encouraged to participate in any of these trades:

• Demolition

• Fencing

• Sitework

• Concrete & Masonry

• Metals

• Acoustical Ceilings

• Door, Frames, Hardware

• Windows

• Flooring and Wall Tile

• Drywall

• Painting

• Toilet Accessories

• Toilet Partitions

• Signage

• Plumbing

• Mechanical

• Electrical

• Final Cleaning

The bid manual, bid requirements, bid forms, specifications, drawings, and other construction documents will be available by reaching out to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@legocc.com or at 305-381-8421 Ext 105. There will be a Non-Mandatory Prebid conference and site visit on August 25th, 2023 at 12 p.m

All bids must be received no later than September 8th, 2023 @ 3 p.m. at LEGO Construction Co office located at 1011 Sunnybrook Road Suite 905, Miami Florida 33136. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid for ADA Restroom Renovation – Marathon FHP – Phase 2” along with the name of your firm and the trades covered in your bid. Subcontractors interested in working with LEGO must obtain prequalification with LEGO prior to bidding. All questions regarding prequalification & the bid process should be directed to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@legocc.com.

August 17, 24 & 31, 2023. The Weekly Newspapers

Key Lime Medical Associates

John W. Norris III M.D. PA

508 Southard Street, Suite 103 Key West, Florida 33040

Key Lime Medical Associates is transferring care of its patients and location to Keys Medical Group (KMG) effective September 1, 2023.

Patients’ medical records will remain at Key Lime Medical Associates, 508 Southard Street, Suite 103, Key West, Florida 33040 under the custodianship of Keys Medical Group providers and staff.

Patients wishing to pick up their records may do so after a signed medical records release is received after September 1, 2023.

Publish: August 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of WANDERLUST ASSETS located at 9 Sombrero Blvd. 211, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

DATED at Marathon, Monroe County, Florida this 10th day of August, 2023.

By: WOD Freak, LLC

Hannah E. Richards, Manager

Publish:

August 17, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SWEETIE PIE BAKERY located at 210 Apache Street, Tavernier, FL 33070 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Karen Buono

Publish:

August 17, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statutes (Section 83.801 –83.809). The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding on August 31, 2023, at 10:00am.

The following:

#104 Cameron Willett misc. home goods #405 Jessice Williamson misc. personal items, home goods #450 Brian Stevens misc. home goods #128 Kylie Safford misc. home goods #256 Kylie Safford misc. home goods #235 Mark Bewer misc. home goods #329 Melissa Bellovich misc. home goods #461 Lisa Kicker misc. home goods #420 Thomas Morgan misc. home goods #249 Julie Allen misc. home goods will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website at storagetreasures.com. All purchased items sold as is. Items are located at Big Pine Storage at 30677 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 and must be collected within 72 hours of auction.

Publish:

August 17 & 24, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will open sealed responses for the following:

2nd Round Events Funding, DACS II, III, IV and V, Monroe County Tourist Development Council 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:

LEGAL NOTICES

OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 5:00 P.M., on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

Your subject line must read as follows:

2nd Round Events Funding, DACS II, III, IV, and V, Monroe Co. TDC 10-12-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: 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 October 12, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

Publish: August 17, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 2023-CP-125-K IN RE: ESTATE OF STUART A. MEAD Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Stuart A. Mead, deceased, whose date of death was December 3, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME 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 August 17, 2023. The date of the second publication of this notice is August 24, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Erin Maltbie 49 Flanagan Drive Framingham, MA 01701 Attorney for Personal

Representative: Anthony J. Barrows Attorney for Andrew C. Von S.

Smith Florida Bar Number: 662569

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.com

Publish:

August 17 & 24, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-202-K

DIVISION: LOWER KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF ALLEN NOEL MURPHY Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Allen Noel Murphy, deceased, whose date of death was July 3, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: August 17, 2023.

Personal Representative: Allen P. Murphy 117 Sun Lane Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

August 17 & 24, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000190-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH H. DAVIS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ELIZABETH H. DAVIS, deceased, whose date of death was April 6, 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: August 10, 2023.

Personal Representative:

CABELL S. DAVIS III 230 Surf Drive Mashpee, Massachusetts 02649

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN FERRARI, JR.

Attorney Florida Bar No. 111132

Ferrari, Butler & Moneymaker, PLLC 2520 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 11 Nokomis, Florida 34275

Telephone: (941) 960-1676

Fax: (941) 296-8656

E-mail: johnf@elderlegalfl.com

Secondary E-mail: pollyb@ elderlegalfl.com

Publish:

August 10 & 17, 2023

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

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-92-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JAN WEITZ MULVIHILL Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JAN WEITZ MULVIHILL, deceased, whose date of death was June 27, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE

To: The Owners of certain weeks and units at the Marathon Key Beach Club Condominium II, to-wit: (see Public Notice hereby attached for the names of all owners of record and their respective units)

ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that the above units(s) of interval ownership, all of which are a part of the Marathon Key Beach Club Condominium II, according to the Declaration of Condominium, recorded in Official Records Book 859, at Page 786, in the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and as amended in Official Records Book 874, at Page 2169, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, as subsequently may have been amended, together with the percentage interest appurtenant thereto, in the remainder over in fee simple absolute, as tenant in common with the other owners of all the Unit Weeks in the abovedescribed condominium parcel.

WILL BE SOLD by the foreclosure trustee duly appointed by the Condominium Association, Margaret A. Broz, Esq., whose business address is: 434 Chatham U, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. This sale is being conducted in accordance with F.S. 721.855, for delinquent assessments the Claim of Lien for which was recorded in the Monroe County, Florida, Public Records, as set forth above, and which secures an amount representing delinquent assessments and taxes, interest and penalties accrued thereon, attorney’s fees and costs, and which amount will bear interest from the date of recording to the date of sale at a per diem rate equal to the highest rate allowed by law (currently 5.52% per annum).

Unless redeemed as set forth below, the sale will be held on August 31, 2023 at the Marathon Key Beach Club, 4560 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050, commencing at 1:00 p.m.

Obligor may redeem this timeshare interest on or before the sale date, by paying the amount set forth above together with the per diem amounts, in cash or certified funds remitted to the foreclosure trustee: if the week(s) are not so redeemed, the foreclosure trustee with proceed to conduct the sale pursuant and to issue a Certificate of Sale to the highest bidder at such sale.

List of Timeshare Properties for Sale

To: The following Owners of Timeshare Units at the Marathon Key Beach Club, to wit:

1. Sioux Shelton, 1712 Rio Vista, Ft. Pierce, FL 34949, Wk 47/E-202, Due

$2,070.07

2. Charles Khoury, 7343 Brisbane Hills St., Las Vegas, NV, Wk 46 and 47/B-201, Due $3,918.26

3. John & Kimberly Chandler, 2501 Snow Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28273, Wk 45/E-102, Due

$2,756.98

4. Jacqueline Mandica Lurch, P.O. Box 102, Allenwood, NJ 08720, Wk 37/C-102, Due $3,466.33

5. Dario Morell, 13405 SW First Terrace, Miami, FL 33184, Wk 40/E101, Due $2,318.94

6. Charles & Joanne Nimmericher, 25706 Countryside Dr., Millsboro, ND 19966, Wk 28/A102, Due

$3,053.44

7. Pamela Reznik, 6630 Scott St., Hollywood, FL 33024, Wk 28/D102, Due $3118.38

8. Jack & Emily Taylor, 2230 Cady Way, Winter Park, FL 32792, Wk 47/C-101, Due $5,372.79

9. Douglas & Laura Merrill, 40 Main St., Hampton, NJ 07827, Wk 17/A-

102, Due $13, 081.76

10. Estate of Violet Sibert, 132-855 Third Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 2K6, Wk 7/C-102, Due

$3,484.92

11. Estate of Linda Nascarella,

13337 Lamirada Circle, West Palm Beach, FL 33414, Wk 41/D-101, Due $2,318.70

12. Estate of Ronald Little, 17030 No. 49th St., Apt. 1026, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, Wk 15/D-101, Due

$3,474.92

13. Tony & Heather Sanders, 806 Eagle Lane, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, Wk 30/D-201, Due

$5,610.39

14. Robert Fine C/O Mathew & Michael Fine, 1408 Brickell Bay Dr. #701, Miami, FL 33131, Wk 34/D-

102, Due $7,168.31

15. Earl & Ernestine Johnson, 301 Bloomingfield Dr., Brandon, FL 33511, Wk37/D-202, Due

$4,349.76

16. Joseph McCarrie, 2 Teaberry Dr., Medford, NJ 08055, Wk 15/B101, Due $12,664.49

17. Harold & Greta Wahlman, 215 Cypress Way East, #E-2, Naples, FL 34110, Wk20/B-102, Due $4,439.46

18. Morris & Linda Morley, 10450

S.W. 149th Terrace, Miami, FL 33176, Wk 27/E-102, Due

$5,681.82

19. Estate of Jerry & Sarah Hagler, 5341 S.E. Bumingtree Circle, Stuart, FL 34997, Wk 40 and 41/B-101, Due $3,982.87

Margaret A. Broz, Esq. Florida Bar No. 712507

Law Office of Margaret A. Broz

434 Chatham U West Palm Beach, FL 33417

Telephone: 305-743-2222

561-312-3263

Publish:

August 17 & 24, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE

RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC. MONROE County, Florida

Non-Judicial Timeshare

foreclosure process

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to an action for nonjudicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Claim of Lien, which is dated May 30, 2023 and was recorded June 12, 2023, in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida in Official Records Book

3229, Page 1458 as Instrument Number 2421351, Florida, I will sell, to the highest and best bidder for cash, at MARATHON

KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM

II RESORT Manager’s Office, 4560 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 on the 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., the following described real property located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit:

Annual Timeshare Periods as set forth below 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.

Kai Cremata

14900 East OrangeLake Blvd

Kissimmee, FL 34747

C 101/23

$5,619.22 with a per diem amount of $2.77 from March 9, 2023

Gideon Eidelbaum 22 Teller Street Rehevot, Israel 76444

E 102/51

$4,680.93 with a per diem amount of $2.31 from March 9, 2023

Ray Epstein

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

E 101/31

$4,680.93 with a per diem amount of $2.31 from March 9, 2023

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

C 102/25

$6,671.90 with a per diem amount of $3.29 from March 9, 2023

Francis M Flynn and Rhoda K

Radow 4621 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, FL 33021

C 102/30

$6,516.30 with a per diem amount of $3.21 from March 9, 2023

C 102/31

$6,516.30 with a per diem amount of $3.21 from March 9, 2023

Jason Godown

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

A 210/23

$5,609.22 with a per diem amount of $2.77 from March 9, 2023

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

A 201/33

$4,447.31 with a per diem amount of $2.19 from March 9, 2023

Dennis Krausman 260 DaVinci Drive Punta Gorda, FL 33950

E 101/05

$5,643.03 with a per diem amount of $2.78 from March 9, 2023

Dennis Krausman, as Trustee of The Dennis Krausman Living Trust

Dated March 31, 2014 and any amendments thereto 260 DaVinci Drive Punta Gorda, FL 33950

A 201/06

$5,643.03 with a per diem amount of $2.78 from March 9, 2023

Gary A Le Duc and Stephanie A

Le Duc

69 Old Nugent Farm Road

Gloucester, MA 01930

E 201/21

$7,542.19 with a per diem amount of $3.72 from March 9, 2023

Gary A Le Duc

69 Old Nugent Farm Road Gloucester, MA 01930

E 101/22

$7,542.19 with a per diem amount of $3.72 from March 9, 2023

Michael Maurer and Gena Healy

174 Laux Road, Site 94 Monroeville, NJ 08343

E 201/28

$5,572.31 with a per diem amount of $2.75 from March 9, 2023

Frank Lynn Providenti and Jenna

Lynn Providenti

3922 Roseland Drive West Windsor, ON N9G 1Z5 Canada

E 202/05

$3,605.88 with a per diem amount of $1.78 from March 9, 2023

Jeffrey Scott Silen and Doris Silen

10422 Kirby Smith Road

Orlando, FL 32832

B 202/42

$6,701.46 with a per diem amount of $3.30 from March 9, 2023

B 202/43

$6,701.46 with a per diem amount of $3.30 from March 9, 2023

D 102/41

$6,701.46 with a per diem amount of $3.30 from March 9, 2023

E 102/44

$6,701.46 with a per diem amount of $3.30 from March 9, 2023

Richard Tappenden and Marjean

Tappenden 9103 58th Avenue SE Olympia, WA 98513

C 102/12

$3,605.88 with a per diem amount of $1.78 from March 9, 2023 Vista Holdings, Inc

C/O Deena Birenbaum

5408 Legacy Oaks Place

Asheville, NC 28803

C 202/08

$4,641.43 with a per diem amount of $2.29 from March 9, 2023

Lee Wanous

7236 E Lanai Street Long Beach, CA 90808

B 102/18

$7,732.19 with a per diem amount of $3.81 from March 9, 2023

David Williams 235 S Lake Avenue Lake Butler, FL 32054

D 101/20

$5,108.18 with a per diem amount of $2.52 from March 9, 2023

A 201/39

$5,108.19 with a per diem amount of $2.52 from March 9, 2023

The assessment lien created by the Claim of Lien was properly created and authorized pursuant to the timeshare instrument and applicable law, and the amounts secured by said lien are as set above.

You may cure the default at any time prior to the public auction by paying the amount due, as set forth in this notice, to the undersigned Trustee at the address set forth below.

THIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/ SALE is dated this _14th_ day of _AUGUST___, 2023.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of this NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE has been furnished by regular First-Class U.S. Mail to each of the obligors at the above listed addresses on this __14th__ day of _AUGUST______, 2023.

THOMAS L AVRUTIS, ESQUIRE TRUSTEE FOR MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC 201 Fletcher Avenue, Second Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 Telephone (941) 955-7715 Facsimile (941) 953-7625

Email: john @vacationfla.com

Publish:

August 17 & 24, 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

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

CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO: 2023-CA-108 K JAY ARCHBELL, P.A., a Florida Corporation, Plaintiff(s)

vs. KENNETH BUIRLEY and ANITA LYNN BUIRLEY husband and wife; MICHAEL L. COOK and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF MICHAEL L. COOK if any, and if deceased, and any all unknown parties claiming by, through under

or against the herein named individual Defendants, who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said unknown parties may claim an interest as spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, or other claimants; and BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, Defendant(s)

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: MICHAEL L. COOK and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF MICHAEL L. COOK, and if deceased any and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under or against the herein named individual Defendants, Michael L. Cook and Unknown Spouse of Michael L. Cook, who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said unknown parties may claim an interest as spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees or other claimants and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced against you to quiet title on real property, lying and being and situated in MONROE County, Florida, which is more particularly described as follows: Lot 22 and 23, Block 3, GULFREST PARK, a subdivision according to Map or Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 119 of the Public Records on Monroe County, Florida. Parcel ID Number: 00157130000000

Commonly known as: 3 El Monte Lane, Big Coppitt Key, Florida 33040 (the “Property”) This action has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any upon Plaintiff's Attorney, Angela M. Huber, Esquire, 17231 Camelot Court, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, by September 11, 2023 and to file the original with the Clerk of the Court either before service on the Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Amended Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 25 day of July, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK MONROE COUNTY CLERK & COMPTROLLER

By: Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk

Publish: August 10 & 17, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

BOATS FOR SALE

2021 Cobia 262 CC twin Yamaha 200hp (only 59 hours) Garmin screens 12 inch Reverso flush unit aqua traction floor windless anchor bath rm w/trailer. Asking $157,000 John 706-897-6953

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

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

Coast to Coast Pizza Company in Marathon is looking for Full and/or Part-time Cashiers to join our team! Full-time 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.

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

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., 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!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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 bed 1 bath unfurnished half duplex for rent in Marathon available immediately. Large kitchen, fence, backyard. Washer and dryer on site, parking. Long term $3,000/month. First, last and security moves you in. Inquiries (305) 928-9258

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

is accepting applications for the following full-time position in Key West

TERRITORY SERVICE AND SALES REPRESENTATIVE

This opportunity o ers you the ability to partner with our current customers in the Hospitality and Food Service industries. You will serve as the face of Ecolab, servicing Laundries and Dish machines, dispensing equipment, and systems for our customers. You will also provide recommendations on advanced cleaning and sanitation programs. Full training provided at our Headquarters.

Comprehensive bene ts package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, company paid pension, opportunities for stock purchase, tuition reimbursement, and more. Decal company vehicle provided.

$3000-$4000 Sign on Bonus available for this role!

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please call 786-512-2238.

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

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.

TRANSFER STATION OPERATOR

MONROE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT is looking for a responsible applicant for the Long Key Transfer Station, MM 68. 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

Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience.

Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please. dynastymarine.net

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER

Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

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

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

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR

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

11710 OVERSEAS

HWY, 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.

WE ARE NOW HIRING IN KEY WEST!

SENIOR IT USER SUPPORT ANALYST

WITH MONROE COUNTY BENEFITS PACKAGE, INCLUDING FLORIDA

STATE RETIREMENT PLAN (FRS).

Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court is seeking a full-time IT User Support Analyst in KEY WEST

The essential function of the position within the organization is to provide technology support to the judges and staff of the Circuit Court. The position is responsible for providing training to system users and/or providing analysis and support to the Court network infrastructure, email systems, manage and deploy Windows based workstations, assist with maintaining computer inventory, performing data and system backups, providing cybersecurity maintenance and support, maintaining the Court web site, provisioning of accounts, and preparing required documentation and reports.

Salary range is $62,000 – $67,000 annually, plus Monroe County benefit package. See complete job description at www.Keyscourts.net.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and State of Florida Application to Personnel@ Keyscourts.net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications can be found at www.Keyscourts.net. The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/ selection process, please notify us in at advance at 305-292-3423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

WE ARE NOW HIRING IN KEY WEST!

PROBATION OFFICER

WITH MONROE COUNTY BENEFITS PACKAGE, INCLUDING FLORIDA STATE RETIREMENT PLAN (FRS).

Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court is seeking applicants for a 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.

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

KEY

KEY

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities Email