Key West Weekly 23-0831

‘Marked Safe’ from thousands of posts showing rain and wind.

August 31, 2023

BREWFEST IS BACK FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND | P. 8

Friday & Saturday Sept. 1 st & 2 nd

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

AUGUST 31

• Throwback Thursday Kick-off Pool Party with Vera Cruz at Havana Cabana

SEPTEMBER 1

• Pineapple Pool Party & Bellyflop Contest with Islamorada Brewery at Southernmost Beach Resort

• Five Station Beer Pairing Dinner with FL Keys Brewing Co. at Southernmost Beach Cafe

• Live Music by Nick Norman and The Marshall Morlock Band hosted by The Keys Collection, New Belgium Brewing, Sierra Nevada & 3 Daughters Brewing at Sunset Green Event Lawn

SEPTEMBER 2

• Brewfest Signature Tasting Event at South Beach

SEPTEMBER 3

• Rehab Pool Party with Channel 3 and South Beach Brewing at The Marker

• Waterfront Brewery Pool Party at Ocean's Edge

• Beer Pairing Dinner with Matt's Stock Island Kitchen and Cayo Hueso Brewing at the Perry Hotel & Marina

SEPTEMBER 4

Bingo at the Green Parrot Bar

THE POSSIBILITIES OF WHAT’S NEXT

A rare opportunity to own a private island with 50 acres and only minutes from Key West. So many possibilities. Build your own Equestrian Estate, “The Southernmost stables”. This property would be an excellent place to host large events like concerts, weddings, farm to table / wine tastings, or possibly therapeutic programs or retreats. Beautiful beach areas. Easy to get to, as the island has access to the mainland via a ½ mile land bridge. The property is also located next to one of the largest mega yacht marinas and close to two upscale hotels. The owners used to run a small farm, bee keeping, music events, and kids summer camps on the island. One of the few places with untouched nature left in the Florida Keys. There are about a hundred hives and bee boxes throughout the island - that's up to three million bees.

STOCK ISLAND | $9,500,000 | Listing ID: 601267

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

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK

Members of

Americans aren’t afraid to back up sports smack talk with their hard-earned cash. With fantasy football season just around the corner, the Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association (FSGA), which represents more than 150 companies across the USA and Canada, estimates the fantasy sports market at a staggering U.S. $7.22 billion annually.

$7.22 B

IDALIA ‘SWIPES LEFT’ OF KEY WEST

LOWER KEYS SEE WIND, ROUGH SEAS & MINOR FLOODING

Jeri Nolan and Kelly Crowe, co-chairs of Key West Brewfest, prepare for the Sunrise Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, taking place Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. See page 8. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Packing 125-mph sustained winds and promising catastrophe, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a dangerous Category 3 storm around 7:45 a.m. Aug. 31 in the Big Bend of Florida, where the peninsula bends into the state’s panhandle, the National Weather Service reported.

The storm had reached Category 4 status an hour or so before landfall, where state and county officials spent two days pleading with people to evacuate to higher ground, often to no avail.

Idalia was pounding Florida’s west coast the morning of Aug. 31 and as of press time was threaten-

ing to deliver life-threatening storm surge of more than 12 feet in some places.

The Keys were spared Idalia’s worst impacts, facing a windy, squally day with the Southernmost Point buoy being sloshed per usual and street flooding in Key West near Higgs Beach, which is expected during tropical storm conditions.

Offshore, Sand Key reef location topped the peak gust reports on Aug. 29 with 61-mph winds, according to the National Weather Service in Key West.

Boaters in Key West faced more volatile hardships, especially those on the ocean side of Key West, where harsh south winds blew 5-foot waves into piers and threatened to send boats onto their sea-

On an island known for its lack of waves, Higgs Beach roils with whitecaps spawned by then-Tropical Storm Idalia the morning of Aug. 29.

walls. The ocean’s relentless inundation was exacerbated by the week’s “super moon” and king tides, which would have increased high tide levels even without a storm pushing more water onto shore.

Monroe County did not need to open any storm shelters, all county operations took place as usual and schools remained open.

“This is a good trial run for us,” Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi said during one of the countywide storm coordinating calls that Idalia presented a good dry run for Monroe County, which escaped all but minor inconvenience from an otherwise devastating storm.

Storm watchers on Key West’s Edward Knight Pier are surrounded by churning waves the morning of Aug. 29. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Waves crash over the end of Reynolds Street in Key West the morning of Aug. 29 as Idalia, still a tropical storm, ‘swipes left’ for the Florida Keys.

KEY WEST NATIVE KILLED IN SHOOTING IN JACKSONVILLE

ANGELA MICHELLE CARR WAS 1 OF 3 VICTIMS OF RACIST SHOOTER

FLORIDA BUSINESSES FACE NEW IMMIGRATION RULES

THOSE WITH 25 OR MORE EMPLOYEES MUST E -VERIFY WORKERS’ STATUS

MANDY

Anew anti-immigration bill in Florida that took effect July 1 is affecting local restaurants and other businesses, and was opposed by the statewide Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

“And I don’t know that we fully understand the downside to the new law. I know the intentions were good. But, again, this is a federal issue that needs to be resolved at the federal level.”

Key West native Angela Michelle Carr, 52, was killed in the Aug. 27 racist shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. CONTRIBUTED

GWEN FILOSA

gwen@keysweekly.com

A52-year-old woman who was born and raised in Key West was one of three black people fatally shot Saturday at a Dollar General Store in Jacksonville, Florida, by a white man on a racist rampage, according to a family member.

Angela Michelle Carr was the first victim murdered at 1:08 p.m. Saturday by the shooter, who was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said in a press conference Sunday.

Kawana Staffney-Ashe, of Key West, said Carr was her cousin, and that she learned of the murder from her family members before authorities released the victims’ names.

“She never bothered anybody,” Staffney-Ashe said. “She didn’t deserve this, just because of the color of her skin.”

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters holds a press conference following the Aug. 27 mass shooting in which a racist gunman shot and killed three Black people before shooting himself at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida.

JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF’S OFFICE/ Contributed

Carr, known as Angie to her family and friends, left Key West years ago. Staffney-Ashe said she hasn’t seen her since the early 1990s.

Carr was shot while parked in her car outside the store. Then the killer entered the store and murdered Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19, and Jerrald Gallion, 29.

“We continue to pray for the loved ones of those who were lost through this maniac’s acts of senseless violence,” Waters said during a press conference Sunday.

The sheriff’s office believes the shooter, 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter, killed himself at the store after taking the three lives.

— Mandy Miles contributed to this report.

When the Key West chapter of FRLA met on Aug. 24 at Opal Key Resort & Marina, chapter leaders, including local restaurateur Bill Lay, reminded members that Senate Bill 1718 requires all private employers in Florida with 25 or more employees to use EVerify, the federal online immigration database used to confirm whether someone is eligible to work in the U.S.’

FRLA opposed Senate Bill 1718, “and now FRLA wants to hear from you about the impacts of the new bill on your business and your employees,” Lay said. “We are working behind the scenes. We have a labor issue in Florida and we have a labor problem.”

Many employers in Florida say the new law and its requirements will only exacerbate the state’s labor shortage, as immigrant workers — including those who are here legally, but may be living with or married to those who are not — are afraid to work in Florida.

Opponents of SB 1718 point out that immigration is a federal, not a state issue.

Even the state’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a Republican, acknowledged that the immigration law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis during his campaign for the presidency could have “unintended consequences” for the state’s construction and tourism industries.

“I do think that there are unintended consequences in our construction industry, in our hotel, restaurant lodging association,” Simpson was quoted in an Aug. 4 article in Florida Trend.

The nonprofit Florida Policy Institute estimates that without undocumented workers, some of Florida’s most labor-intensive industries — agriculture, hospitality and construction — could lose 10% of their already strapped workforce.

“That could lead to a drop of $12.6 billion in Florida’s Gross Domestic Product in a single year — about 1.1% — which would, in turn, cut workers’ spending power and reduce state and local tax revenue,” according to a May article by NPR.

“But the most worrisome measures — for businesses and undocumented immigrants alike — are the host of penalties for those who violate new employment mandates,” the NPR article states.

Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity will be responsible for enforcing the E-Verify requirement, and DeSantis has touted new, harsh penalties for employers who violate it.

A graphic on the governor’s office website states that employers who fail to use E-Verify could be fined $1,000 a day following multiple violations. For workers, it will be a felony to use a false ID to get a job.

Critics of the law point out that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, which is tasked with enforcing the E-Verify requirements, “does not have a robust enforcement section and creating new positions to oversee the new provisions would result in significant costs to the state,” the Florida Policy Institute states.

Despite ongoing court challenges to some sections of the new law, it is in effect as of July 1 and the potential penalties for violations will begin in July 2024.

BELLY UP TO THE BEER...

ROTARY CLUB’S BREWFEST IS BACK FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

TICKETS ON SALE FOR WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE’S

85TH SEASON

‘ROCKY HORROR’ STARTS THINGS OFF

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

“Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.”

Key West’s Sunrise Rotary Club will celebrate that discovery — and its golden results — at its biggest fundraiser of the year — Key West Brewfest.

Stretching out the Labor Day weekend, Brewfest events take place Thursday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 4.

The signature shindig, featuring more than 150 varieties of libations, happens Saturday, Sept. 2 from 3 to 8 p.m. Beer booths fill South Beach and thirsty revelers sample scores of ales, ciders, stouts, seltzers, lagers and more — all in the name of charity.

“It’s for the children,” one well-lubricated attendee said last year.

He wasn’t wrong. All proceeds from Brewfest events enable the Rotary Club to provide annual scholarships to local high school graduates. (To be clear, though, one must be 21 or older to partake in the sampling.)

The main tasting event on Saturday is bookended by pool parties and pairing dinners at local restaurants and resorts.

For more than 10 years, Brewfest attendees have selflessly sacrificed a Saturday afternoon, or an entire holiday weekend, for the betterment of young people in the community by drinking beer and eating exceptional cuisine and going swimming. (We didn’t say it was a painful sacrifice.)

The Rotary Club members and volunteers who coordinate Brewfest and other events are some of the most active and involved volunteers in any community.

“Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problemsolvers,” states the organization’s website. “Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.”

Visit keywestbrewfest.com for tickets and more information.

SEE

Located on Mallory Square, the Waterfront Playhouse will usher in the season with a revival of “The Rocky Horror Show.” Starring Christopher Peterson, Jillian Todd, Jack D’Emilio, Carolyn Cooper, Talitha Jones, Ray West, Riley Vogel, John Swann, Mathias Maloff and John McDonald, performance dates are Oct. 18-27 at 8 p.m.

Then it’s the musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” Jordan Thomas Burnett, who appeared last season in “Escape to Margaritaville,” stars as Seymore, with Jones as Audrey, Maloff as Mushnik, Mariah Woessner and Fritzie Estimond and Damaria Quick as the urchins. Bruce Moore will return to Key West in the role of the Dentist. D’Emilio will play the derelict and Richard Quint will voice Audrey II with Zach Franchini as the plant manipulator. Showtimes are Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 1, 2, 5-9, 12-16 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.

On Jan. 4-6, Joe Posa returns to the Waterfront in his one-man show, “Joan Rivers.”

Then rain gear will be available for the “rain zone” when the hit musical “Singin’ In The Rain” opens. Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, the show will hit the Waterfront stage in January, and yes – it will rain. The cast includes Burnett as Don Lockwood, Vogel as Cosmo Brown, Todd as Kathy Selden, Jones as Lina Lamont, Kathy Russ as Dora Bailey, McDonald as R.F. Simpson, Maloff as Rod, and Dominic Paolillo, Franchini, West, Swann, Cooper, Cassidy Timms, Woessner, Kelly

Tucker and Barbara Mundy in the ensemble. “Singin’ In The Rain” plays January 24-27, 30 and 31, along with Feb. 1-3, 6-10, 13-17 at 8 p.m. and on Feb. 3 at 2 p.m.

Ken Ludwig’s new adaptation of the Agatha Christie thriller, “Murder on the Orient Express,” will preview on March 13. A snowdrift stops a luxurious train in its tracks. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, and the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer. David Black plays Poirot. Paolillo plays Monsieur Bouc. Morgan Fraga Pierson plays Mary. West plays Hector MacQueen. Karl Stahl plays Michel. Mundy plays Princess Dragomiroff. Jessica Miano Kruel plays Greta Ohlsson. Timms plays Countess Andrenyl. Glenda Donovan plays Helen Hubbard and Maloff plays Colonel Arbuthnot/Ratchett. “Murder on the Orient Express” plays at 8 p.m. March 13-16, 19-23, 26,-30, April 2-6 and at 2 p.m. on March 23.

A staged reading of Tennessee Williams’ “Ten Blocks on the Camino Real” will play for one performance at 8 p.m. on March 17. The ever popular “Trunk Material” will play at 8 p.m. March 31.

Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers” will complete the season. Playing at 8 p.m. April 24-27 and 30. And then May 1-4, 7-11 and at 2 p.m. on May 4. This Pulitzer prize-winning comedy features Russ as Grandma Kurnitz, Cooper as Bella, Maloff as Louie, and Kruel as Gert.

Individual tickets and membership information are at waterfrontplayhouse.org.

— David Rains Wallace

Key West Brewfest co-chairs Jeri Nolan and Kelly Crowe prepare for the Sunrise Rotary’s Labor Day weekend event. MANDY MILES/KeysWeekly

farrow, tandoori glazed carrots, marcona almonds, goat feta cheese, mint raita

KEYS WEEKLY

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

CAYLAA MAKIMAA

THE SCOREBOARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Junior, Key West Cross Country

Caylaa Makimaa did not become Key West’s top female cross country runner overnight – she has worked consistently for the past three years to gain strength and speed. Her positive attitude and willingness to put others first are an asset to the Conchs, and her team-first spirit has helped Key West improve greatly over the past few seasons. Makimaa’s 5K time last week (22:58.37) in the season opener for the Lady Conchs was just 30 seconds from her time at districts last season, putting her in great position to continue to lead Key West toward the ever-elusive bid to states in November. For her fantastic athleticism and her encouraging, positive attitude, Caylaa Makimaa is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“Caylaa is a welcome returner to the cross country team. As one of our captains, she’s always positive and encouraging to her fellow runners. It’s been great to see the girls really working together this season to build the strength of our top five runners.”

– Keara McGraw, Lady Conchs cross country coach

Caylaa Makimaa leads the Lady Conchs in a 2022 cross country meet. RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed

Tracy and Sean McDonald

PREP GOLF SWINGS INTO ACTION

Keys coaches impressed with early-season play

Two of three scheduled golf matches took place in the Keys last week, allowing local golfers to take their best shots against some friendly competition. An Aug. 21 match at Marathon was canceled due to weather and poor course conditions, but by the 23rd, conditions were good enough to play in Key Largo at Ocean Reef’s Hammock course. Marathon and Coral Shores played nine holes, and both coaches were pleased with their teams’ first outing. The next day, all three Monroe County teams met in Key West for a round.

In the Ocean Reef match, Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas was first by one stroke, just ahead of Marathon’s Summer Haines. For the gentlemen, Coral Shores took the top three spots with Preston Carroll in first, Tanel Irons in second and Luke Warfield in third. Marathon’s Roco Piscetello was the Fin with the lowest score of the day. Coral Shores coach Danielle Thomas likes how her teams’ seasons have begun, saying, “Preston Carrol had a fantastic start of the year at Ocean Reef, leading the team with a score of 44. He was able to get himself out of trouble on the third hole and ended up parring it.

“Tanny Irons and Aidan Althouse had a great match even though the greens did slow down their short game a little,” she added. “Gabby Thomas parred two holes and is continuing to improve from last year.” She also thanked Roman Gastesi and Mike Leone for organizing the match.

In the Southernmost City on Aug. 24, Key West’s boys took the top three spots, with Peyton Zubieta winning overall and Ty Hill and Andrew Bassett tying for second place.

“It was the first match of the year for the Conchs and I couldn't be happier with my team's performance,” said Key West coach Josh Bassett after the match. “I had several kids on the team playing in their first high school competition, and I am very proud of how they came out and represented themselves and our Conch community.”

He was also impressed with the play of his girls team, which may lack experience but has been eager to learn and improve. “It's impressive to see how far they have come since we've started,” he said. “Claudia Steling and Althea Olsen were our low scorers on the day.”

He praised Key West newcomer Lexi Finigan as well as some players not wearing Conch red. “I made the calculated decision to place my freshman, Lexi Finigan, with the top group of girls (Steling plus Gabby Thomas and Haines),” he said. “Lexi has only been playing for a year, but has shown some great potential for the game. … I particularly wanted Lexi to learn from these girls how to handle situations when they don't go your way.

“I knew what to expect with Claudia – she is always looking to the next shot and doesn't let the small stuff bother her. I told Lexi to do two things by the end of the match: walk off the course with her head held high, and smile. Golf is a game of integrity, etiquette and sportsmanship, and Summer and Gabby were the very definition of all three in our match yesterday.”

While it is unusual and refreshing to hear a coach from an opposing team afford genuine praise and admiration for the athletes in direct competition with their own, Bassett was not finished with the accolades.

“I can't help but think that it is indicative of their coaching and how the programs are run at both Marathon and Coral Shores,” he said. “I thank the girls and their coaches for helping me in our match.”

All three teams had new members on their rosters, many play-

ing their first competitive rounds. Coral Shores’ Brock Bynum played his first high school match on the 23rd, and coach Danielle Thomas deemed it “a great showing.” The following day, she said, “two players new to the sport played their first nine-hole match, Dylan Lindmar and Fischer Daly. They both had an excellent first start and I am excited to see them progress in their golfing career.”

The loss of four Marathon seniors who formed the core of the team for years could have been a major setback for coach Mary Coleman-Sayer, but a big turnout this summer helped ease the blow. Coleman-Sayer added many names to her roster this season, including Makenna Haines, Dylan Ziels and Mason Thornton, and low scorer Piscetello is just a freshman.

"I am very happy with the progress of this year's team and the individual performances of each player this week,” said ColemanSayer. “We are only going to keep getting better this year, and these athletes are working daily to improve their game. We have so many players who are new to the game and picking up on it quickly."

With all three teams growing and helping one another develop, the Keys are in for a fantastic season on the greens.

Marathon’s Mason Thornton watches his shot at Key West Golf Course. CONTRIBUTED

Dylan Ziels lines up a putt.

Leo Mendez, left, and Caden Pitcher prepare for their match.

FOOTBALL IMG WHITE KEY WEST SEPTEMBER 1 | 7 p.m

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

GRIDIRON SQUADS DROP ROAD GAMES

Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores still looking for Win #1

Three Keys teams faced very different opponents to officially open their seasons on Aug. 25, but experienced similar outcomes.

Key West traveled to Clewiston to take on the Tigers on the southernmost shore of Lake Okeechobee. Though Conchs coach Johnny Hughes was pleased with his defense and felt confident his team could move the ball against anyone, turnovers cost the Conchs dearly. Some early-season miscues and jitters led to a total of seven reversals of fortune for Key West, with three inside the 15-yard line. “We dominated every stat,” Hughes said, “but turnovers and depth are a concern right now.”

Though the 28-21 final score was not indicative of the Conchs’ potential, they proved they are a threat on the ground and in the air. For one of their three touchdowns, Adrian Mira connected with Brondson Etienne for 22 yards in one of Key West’s three touchdowns on the night. A long Jaden Fox run and an RJ Brown rocket sweep added two more.

To get into the win column, Key West will need to defeat IMG White out of Bradenton, Florida. Hughes explained that the all-star powerhouse school has three football teams – one at a national level, one state-level squad and one a more typical varsity team. And while Hughes and the Fighting Conchs will not have to see the national team across the line of scrimmage, they face the state-level unit, which is full of talent.

“They have a big line and a 6’5” receiver,” Hughes said, adding that IMG will likely run a spread offense against his Conchs in The Backyard on Friday, Sept. 1. Though the teams have not played one another since 2017, Key West came out on top in that matchup and they hope to do the same Friday.

Marathon looked like the better team on Aug. 25, but it would not be the play of Pompano Beach that defeated the Fins. Six fumbles left points on the board, and Marathon lost by just one point in the final seconds of the game. Despite the disappointing outcome, coach Sean McDonald found some positives which he feels will only continue to grow.

“Our team is so young and relatively inexperienced, so unlike most teams, freshmen and sophomores end up being contributing players here,” he said. “Jesus Gonzalez completed a pass to Daeshawn (Holmes) in his first attempt at throwing the ball in a game situation. That’s huge for a freshman.”

McDonald also loved his team’s attitude, saying they are willing to work hard and learn and that their effort and desire are exactly where they need to be.

“We just need more experience, and sometimes when you are earning that, you have games like we did on Friday,” he said. “You pick up and learn and get better.”

Leading the stats for Marathon was Carlos Lezcano, who was 2-4 on completions for 37 yards in the air and racked up 101 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries on the ground. Lezcano was also credited with three tackles defensively. Tanner Ross had some key blocks and managed to pick up 62 yards offensively as well as 6 tackles. Fabbianho Louis Jeune had two carries for 26 yards and one touchdown, plus an incredible onehanded interception. Nolan O’Hara, a relative football newcomer, had three solo tackles and two sacks, giving Marathon some serious defensive weapons, which they will need on Sept. 1 when they play Somerset Silver Palms.

Silver Palms has a highly skilled offense loaded with year-round seven-on-seven players, and they love to air the ball out. Marathon prefers a more physical game on the ground, which should make for an interesting matchup in the Fins’ home opener.

“We have been studying film and adjusting our play so we can match Silver Palms to the best of our ability,” McDonald said. “We really want to give the Marathon community a good showing because they have been so supportive of us.”

Coral Shores was on the road last week as well, playing True North Classical Academy at Tropical Park. The Titans have steadily built a solid program the past few seasons, and when asked if True North lived up to the hype, ‘Canes coach Ed Holly did not hesitate to acknowledge that they were, indeed, loaded with talent.

“They had a really good football team with dynamic players on offense and defense, and they’re well-coached,” Holly said, adding, “I’m proud of the way the guys competed for 48 minutes on Friday.”

It looked like it was going to be a closer game, with True North scoring first on a breakaway run, but Coral Shores kept their composure and AJ Putetti answered back with his own style of tough running. It would be the last score of the game for the Hurricanes, though, and True North’s larger roster, in both size and number, was just too much for Coral Shores. Coach Holly was undeterred by the loss and said that despite the score, his team is showing improvement and just may gel at the most opportune time.

“We’re a work in progress,” Holly said. “We are getting better every week.”

The ’Canes have a big game Sept. 1 against Palmer Trinity, a conference rival with a talented roster of their own. The Falcons of Palmer should be a tight matchup, as last season Palmer bested Coral Shores by just five points.

Carlos Lezcano drops back to pass the ball in Marathon’s opening drive against Pompano Beach on Aug. 25.

Clerff Alexandre gains yards in the first quarter. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

KEYS RUNNERS BRING HOME HARDWARE FROM CONQUISTADOR KICKOFF

Friday, Aug. 25 marked the official start of racing season for Key West and Marathon. Both teams traveled to Homestead’s Larry & Penny Thompson Park to participate in the 2023 Conquistador Kickoff. Marathon’s boys and Key West’s girls placed second overall, and Marathon’s girls came in just behind their southern neighbors.

Conchs girls coach Keara McGraw called it a “great start to the season,” saying it was “awesome to see the girls working together to close the gap in our top five.” Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa took eighth place, finishing in 22:58, with teammate Naima Thomas right behind her. Thomas shaved an incredible two minutes from her previous personal record time. Rounding out Key West’s top seven spots were Laira Anaya, freshman Violet Jangraw, Briana Nodal and Mia Steer. Nodal is the only senior on the

junior-heavy team, giving the Conchs a lot to look forward to this season and next.

Marathon’s girls were close behind in team rankings, bringing home the third-place trophy and settling right into the race scene. Leading the Fins was senior Mikkel Ross in 11th place with a time of 23:29. Behind Ross was a trio of freshmen in Rilynn Richards, Maeve Merryman and Sara Robinson. Completing the Dolphins’ top seven were Ella Dunn, Rain Banks and Madelyn Thornton. Though their times did not count toward Marathon’s team scoring, the eighth- and ninth-place finishers for the Fins, Rebecca Merryman and Shaina Robinson, are in seventh and sixth grade, respectively, giving Marathon quite an advantage for the foreseeable future.

Marathon’s boys took second place at the meet, led by junior Vance Bursa with a

CORAL SHORES VOLLEYBALL STARTS SEASON WITH PAIR OF WINS

Marathon has two matches in the books this season, one against Somerset Silver Palms and one against University School. The team’s record stands at 0-2, but the Lady Fins are picking up steam, and came close to an upset on Aug. 24.

“Yesterday’s match was a nice learning experience for the girls,” said coach Kelley Cruz. “We started off running our usual rotations and something wasn’t clicking. So after the loss of the second set, we made a change and won the next two sets.” Addison Collins was crucial in the fourth set with a string of aces, which helped put the set in the win column for the Dolphins. Heading into the fifth set, Marathon picked up a small lead, but ended up losing the final set. Cruz credited her middle hitters, Marquisha Abraham and Bethann “Kiki” Hewlett, with key blocks and some fantastic kills at the net, while setter Jordan MacDonald played what Cruz called “one of her best games yet.”

Marathon plays its southernmost neighbor Aug. 31 in Key West in what will be the first of a long series of road matches. They do not return to their home court again until Sept. 19.

Coral Shores jumped to an early 2-0 record this season, defeating Somerset Silver Palms

and Colonial Christian last week. Hurricanes coach Sam Ovalle was pleased with the wins, but said his team has things to work on if they want to continue picking up Ws.

“We’ll need to clean some things up when we get into the meat of our schedule against some of the stronger teams we’ll face this year,” he said.

Working well for the ’Canes are the defensive efforts of Brooke Mandozzi and Sofia Jans, who have fought for every ball. With Jans, Mandozzi and Sabina Naranjo, Coral Shores combined for 40 digs against Silver Palms and 26 against Colonial Christian, with 15 credited to Mandozzi alone. Blocking is another strength for Coral Shores, with sophomore Violet Matthews earning five and Mandozzi with two in the Silver Palms game. In the same match, Mandozzi, Naranjo and Iona Holmquist were credited with seven kills each.

Coral Shores is off until Sept. 6, when they take a short trip to Keys Gate for a district matchup.

Key West took a four-hour trip to Boca Raton High School, where they faced the 7A Bobcats on Aug. 25. The Conchs lost in two sets against a team that was not only much larger, but ranked fifth in the state of Florida. Coach

17:44 time, good enough for third place overall. Breaking the 20-minute mark early in the season were Mason Buxton and Jakub Bursa in second and third place for Marathon. Rounding out Marathon’s top seven were Tony Bursa, Caleb Shelar, Dillon Shelar and Allan Taylor. The youngest Bursa and Taylor are both eighth graders.

Key West’s boys took eighth place at the meet, led by senior Colbin Hill, who ran the course in 18:45 and finished in eighth place overall. Following him were Andrew Fedor, Sebastian Jaroszewicz, Prometheus Delacerda, William Forrester and Wyatt Gibson. All of the Conchs are upperclassmen besides Delacerda, a sophomore. However, many are new to the sport and thereby likely to drop their times quickly, giving Key West’s boys a lot of upside for the remainder of the season.

Sara Eckert described the Bobcats’ offense as fast-paced with strong hitters. Though the Conchs came out a bit too slowly at first, they were able to regroup and adjust.

“I was proud that the entire team adjusted to play at a high pace,” Eckert said. “Our defense sped up and blockers were up early, forcing their hitters to adjust their swing. Our back court defense aligned faster, giving us better passes to be able to incorporate our own offense.”

Making the necessary adjustments allowed the Lady Conchs to hold their own against a powerhouse team.

“We are capable of playing competitively at that level, but need to be comfortable setting that tempo for ourselves and not allowing the opposing team to dictate the speed of the game,” Eckert said. She had high praise for senior Bridgette Sweeney, saying, “Bridgette is doing a great job hitting and setting and her back row defense gets stronger every day.” Eckert was also happy with the play of senior Annie Scepkova and sophomore Audrey Smith, who did “a tremendous job speeding up the pace on the block to improve our overall defense.”

The Lady Conchs have their home opener against 3A Marathon on Aug. 31. After that, Key West will participate in a variety of tournaments across the state to get some more experience playing some of the highest-caliber talent in Florida.

FAMILY-OWNED FUNERAL HOME GETS NEW FAMILY OWNERS

PETER BATTY BUYS KEY WEST’S OLDEST BUSINESS

MANDY

Long before those businesses, and right after high school, Batty attended the seminary, where he was studying to become a Roman Catholic priest. (His father, Peter Batty, is also a Key West businessman and deacon at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea.)

“After a few years, I felt that God had a bigger plan for me,” said the younger Batty, who grew up in downtown Key West. “I’ve known the Dean family most of my life. Bob Dean and my father have been close friends for as long as I can remember.”

As an altar boy at St. Mary’s, he worked alongside Bob Dean at many funerals.

CASE CLOSED: SOUTHERNMOST POINT FIRESTARTERS AVOID JAIL

ings. Perkins made his plea in April and Jacobson followed suit in May, court records indicate.

For as long as people have lived in Key West, so too have they died.

One local funeral home has handled final arrangements and helped Key West families navigate the hurdles and hardship of death since 1869.

That tradition continues today on Simonton Street, where Dean Lopez Funeral Home has comforted countless Key West families — the families we choose and the families we inherit.

The business we know today as Dean Lopez started four years after the Civil War, when Robert Morrow opened Morrow Undertaking at 619 Fleming St. Thirty years later, Morrow left the business to his younger protege, Benjamin Lopez, whose family name remains attached to the business more than a century later.

Through decades of births, deaths and marriages — and three former locations — the funeral home found its way to 418 Simonton St., where Bob Dean has operated it since 1958.

“According to our research, the funeral home is the oldest business still operating in the city of Key West, and we intend to keep it that way,” said Peter E. Batty, who recently bought Dean Lopez Funeral Home from Bob Dean. The sale includes the familyowned crematorium on Big Coppitt Key and Castillo & Thurston Mortuary on Truman Avenue, which is run by Aaron Castillo.

Batty is president and owner of United Atlantic Insurance Group, a co-founder of Gulf Atlantic Bank and owner of ICAMCO property management firm.

“He always had an aura of respect around him. It’s difficult to describe. He was like a priest, a consultant and a psychiatrist, all wrapped into one. Everyone who knew him seemed truly impressed by him. He is the definition of what it means to be from Key West.”

The families have remained close for the past 20 years, as Batty started his own family and launched several businesses.

A year and a half ago, Dean asked if Batty would consider taking over Dean Lopez Funeral Home.

“It’s not something I had ever considered, but after speaking with my wife, Bob and some of the staff, I felt it was something I wanted to do,” Batty said. “I liked the business, but more importantly, I liked the impact a funeral director and staff can have on people in the hardest of times. I had watched Bob do it for so many families for so many years.

“I knew this was part of the bigger plan God had for me,” Batty said, acknowledging the challenges and responsibilities of the business.

He spent nearly a year shadowing Dean, learning the business, its intricacies and delicacies.

“Spending this time with Bob has been the best part of this experience,” Batty said. “And I won’t let that change. Bob Dean remains a huge part of everything and will be for as long as he wants. I just feel fortunate to be called a part of that family and honored to continue its legacy.

“I hope to one day look back and have someone to pass this business on to so they can serve our community the same way I must, and the same way Bob and his family have for over 150 years.”

It was the peculiar Key West crime story heard around the world: Two tourists rang in the new year by lighting a fire that scorched the island’s most popular selfie spot.

And their inexplicable mischief – involving a discarded Christmas tree, a lighter and failing to tip a bartender – was captured on the webcam pointed 24/7 at the famous Southernmost Point buoy.

Two years later, the case was resolved quietly without any announcements from the city or state prosecutors.

Circuit Court Judge Mark Jones in Monroe County sentenced each to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, restitution for forcing the city to redo the Key West tourist attraction, and ordered them to send written apologies to the city.

Perkins, who lit the discarded tree the two had dragged to the buoy on Dec. 31, 2021, paid $5,379 to reimburse the city for the buoy repair.

Perkins, who at the start told Key West police he had made a “colossal mistake,” during his New Year’s trip to the island, wrote to the city that he came to Key West with his friend to have fun and didn’t intend to end up damaging the big buoy or “show any disrespect to the city of Key West or its citizens.”

“I had too much to drink and made a poor decision,” Perkins wrote, in the letter filed in court May 26.”I take full responsibility for my actions. This is not typical behavior for myself. I have been to the Keys there several times in the past without incident.”

No letter of apology from Jacobson had been filed at court as of Tuesday. His probation order, dated July 10, said he had 30 days to turn it in.

The pair were universally roasted on social media and their names rang out as miscreants across the biggest names in news outlets.

The culprits – 24-year-old David Brendan Perkins Jr., of Leesburg, Florida, and 23-year-old Skylar Jacobson, of Henrietta, Texas –each took a deal from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.

Both pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor criminal mischief to avoid jail, according to Monroe County court fil-

And the pair were tracked down with the help of Irish Kevin’s Bar, where Perkins and Jacobson drank New Year’s Eve. Even on a crowded, busy night, bartender Cameron Briody remembered the pair because they didn’t tip on the rounds they ordered. Daylin Starks, the bar’s manager, and Briody combed through receipts and the bar’s security camera footage to help police detectives identify Perkins and Jacobson, who were arrested within the week.

‘I HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK AND MADE A POOR DECISION’

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

David Brendan Perkins (left) and Skylar Rae Jacobson. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

Two tourists take photos with the fire they lit beside the Southernmost Point buoy in Key West in the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 1, 2022. File photo/KEYS WEEKLY

Peter E. Batty recently bought Dean Lopez Funeral Home, 418 Simonton St. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

JURY CONVICTS MAN OF MANSLAUGHTER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR 2020 SHOOTING AT STOCK ISLAND MARINA

TWO BROTHERS WERE CHARGED WITH KILLING ONE LOCAL MAN AND LEAVING ANOTHER FOR DEAD

gwen@keysweekly.com

Ajury in Key West found 34-year-old Mayque Gomez Marin guilty of manslaughter for killing a fisherman and father of three at a Stock Island marina three years ago.

Jurors also found Gomez Marin guilty as charged of attempted second-degree murder for leaving Iliecer “Amarillo” Noa with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The injuries led to doctors amputating Noa’s legs below the knees and one arm just above the elbow.

Gomez Marin and his brother, Jose Luis Espinosa Gomez, 37, were charged with murdering Jose Manuel Clemente Jr., 45, on June 15, 2020, at Safe Harbor Marina.

But after a trial at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West, a jury came back with a lesser verdict of manslaughter, rather than second-degree murder, for Gomez Marin.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 10 before Monroe County Judge Mark Wilson.

His brother remains locked up at the county jail on Stock Island and awaiting trial.

Clemente’s murder was a “targeted hit” ordered after the overdue return of a MercedesBenz, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

At about 5 p.m. that day, Clemente had finished a day of work on a fishing boat docked at Safe Harbor marina. He was drinking vodka and talking with other fishermen, including Noa, according to lawyers for the Haggard Law Firm, which eventually represented Clemente’s family in

Law enforcement officers take Mayque Marin Gomez into custody on Dec. 11, 2020, in Mexico after a months-long search by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and Mexican authorities.

a civil lawsuit against the marina property owners.

Two men approached the group and asked where they could find another fisherman. When Noa said he didn’t know, an argument broke out. Gunshots followed.

Clemente was found face down on the ground bleeding from his chest, in an area known as “La Curva” off Fifth Avenue on Stock Island.

Noa, 44 at the time, was airlifted to a Miami-Dade hospital.

Marin Gomez and Espinosa Gomez, both originally from Cuba, fled the country after the shooting.

Marin Gomez was arrested in December 2020 after authorities tracked him down in northern Mexico after a months-long search, four months after his brother was taken into custody –also in Mexico.

Attorneys for the victims’ families went after the owners and operators of the property where the shooting took place and secured a $6 million settlement in January 2022.

The Haggard Law Firm, of Coral Gables, sought to make a case over negligent security, wrongful death and personal injury claims.

Lawyers said the property’s owner, the Bernstein Trust, and the trust’s longtime tenant Fishbusterz, agreed to tap their insurance to their limits to avoid a potential lawsuit and possible trial.

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Mayque Gomez

Marin. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

RETIRED KEY WEST POLICE CHIEF DISPUTES NEED FOR DEPUTY

Dear Editor,

As the former chief of the Key West Police Department, I have a unique understanding of the structure and needs of our police department. There are many needs.

The City of Key West is proposing to create a new deputy police chief position. This position would have a starting salary of at least $130,000 plus benefits and would grow each fiscal year.

It is my professional opinion that this proposed position is not needed. Rather than use $130,000 to hire an unneeded deputy chief, use that money to provide the officers with equipment and training that is needed. Use that money to give the officers pay increases to better afford them the opportunity to live in an increasingly unaffordable community. Use that money to hire a new officer who can make an impact on the streets by enforcing traffic laws and patrolling our neighborhoods.

I have met with the city manager and police chief about the proposed position and remain unconvinced that this new position is needed. If the city believes the core needs of the department are being met, then I suggest using the $130,000 to reduce the proposed tax increases.

Sincerely,

Donie Lee Chief of Police, Ret.

NONPROFITS INVEST $1MILLION IN KEYS’ FUTURE MATCHING CAMPAIGN DOUBLED $500,000

Asuccessful campaign has resulted in 24 nonprofit organizations planting the seeds for millions of dollars of permanent support for the Florida Keys over the coming decades.

In early 2022, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys announced a matching program to support the financial sustainability of Monroe County nonprofits. Local agencies investing $10,000 to $20,000 in a foundation fund had their contribution doubled by the Peter MacDougall Match for Agency Endowments.

“The campaign is complete and over a million dollars added to our community chest in perpetuity,” said Community Foundation CEO Jennifer McComb. Last Stand received the final $20,000 match of the $500,000 challenge on Aug. 18. The organization’s mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the quality of life in the city of Key West and the Florida Keys. Its endowment is invested in the Community Foundation’s “In Paradise for Good” ESG fund.

“Our professional investment manager CAPTRUST will grow these funds exponentially. In 10 years, we will support nonprofits with half a million dollars annually without ever touching the principal,” McComb said. She said that, over time, each nonprofit will receive five- and six-figure checks annually to support their work in the Keys. The first year’s earnings for these new funds can support $50,000 in total community grants, rising to over a million in 2043 and $1.6 million annually by 2053.

The Community Foundation is now managing permanent endowment funds for the benefit of AH Monroe, the Bahama Village Music Program, the Conch Republic Marine Army, Florida Bay Forever, Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation, Florida Keys SPCA, Florida Keys Wildlife Society, Friends of the AIDS Memorial, Friends of the Key Largo Library, Friends of the Key West Library, the Key West Art Center, the Key West Botanical Garden Society, Key West Impromptu Classical Concerts, the Key West Jaycees, the Key West Literary Seminar, the Key West Community Sailing Center, the Key West Wildlife Center, Keys Choral Arts, Keys to be the Change, Last Stand, the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West, MarineLab, Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, the Montessori Children’s School of Key West, Mote Marine Laboratory, Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Star of the Sea Foundation, the Studios of Key West, Sunrise Rotary Foundation of Key West, Upper Keys Business & Professional Women, and the Waterfront Playhouse. Visit cffk.org/donate to make a charitable donation to any of these funds.

The half-million dollars of seed money for the campaign came from the estate gift of MacDougall, a seasonal Key West resident who passed away on Oct. 27, 2021. More information is available from jen@cffk.org or 305-809-4991.

— Contributed

UNITED AIRLINES BRINGS BIGGER PLANES TO KEY WEST FLIGHTS TO CHICAGO, HOUSTON, NEWARK & D.C. WILL CARRY MORE PEOPLE

United Airlines will increase seat capacity beginning in December by operating 126-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft to its hubs in Chicago, Houston, Newark and Washington (Dulles). United began serving Key West in December 2016 with service to Newark on 70-seat regional jets and expanded in subsequent years to other hubs using regional jets, but this marks the first time United will operate the larger mainline 737s at Key West.

United will serve Chicago, Houston and Washington with one daily flight and Newark with two daily flights – one with the Boeing 737 and one with the 70-seat Embraer 170, for a total of five daily flights at Key West.

United’s seat capacity will increase 78.7% in first quarter 2024 compared to first quarter 2023, and the number of flights will increase 10.4%.

“We have worked with United Airlines for the last three years to get this aircraft into the Key West market. This is fantastic, wonderful news,” said Richard Strickland, executive director of airports for Monroe County. “We are looking forward to a strong 2024.”

JetBlue Airways will resume its seasonal service to Key West in late October with nonstop service to Boston on the 140-seat Airbus A220300.

In November, American Airlines will be adding a second daily flight to Washington’s Reagan National Airport on the 76-seat Embraer 175, and Delta Air Lines will launch a new daily flight to New York’s LaGuardia Airport beginning in December, also on the 70-seat Embraer 170.

United Airlines will start in December using its Boeing 737-700 planes to serve Key West. The larger plane carries 126 passengers, compared to the former 70seat regional jets. LASTA29/United Airlines

Peter MacDougall 1937-2021. CONTRIBUTED

MARK HEDDEN

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

Were I a better birder, I would have been at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden when the gates opened at 10 a.m., but I’d been reading and doing chores not worth describing, other than the one where, after months of flailing, I had finally got the chlorine levels right in our tiny pool. (Suck it, algae, you stupid eukaryotic organism. Whatever eukaryotic means.)

I’ve been talking lately with my friend Craig Reynolds, landscape architect to the stars, about garden design and whatnot. We were discussing a project he did in Jamaica where he had to integrate some new design work with a pre-existing, formal landscaping scheme that featured scissor-cut grass as well as hedges with Marine Corps-severe buzz cuts. To counterbalance that, and to create something of a visual respite, he created a patch of wild, sprawling, freeform flora as a counterpoint.

“It was driving me crazy that it was so clipped. I had to have something loose,” he said.

It’s not the first time the spectrum between the poles of tight/formal/clipped and loose/ relaxed has come up, but it’s been in my mind a lot of late. With the noted exceptions of driving and shooting an apple off someone’s head with a crossbow, I tend to be attracted to the looser end of the range. Precision generally bores the hell out of me. Which is a long way of saying I didn’t manage to show up at the botanical garden until 11:30 – nobody’s prime birding hour, as they tend to be less active during the hottest part of the day.

My vague plan, if you could call it that, was to wander back and forth on the trio of paths that lead from the bridge to the Toppino chapel. But after entering the garden I found myself veering towards Desbiens Pond, over near the FKAA water towers. I took a seat on the small platform and decided I’d sit there until I saw at least 10 species, figuring it’s been the hottest summer ever recorded, and I could wander around and get all sweaty, or I could sit in one place and get sweaty without all the effort.

Desbiens Pond is the most Florida of ponds. I’d call it a seasonal wetland, but it’s more of a micro-lowland, filled with roots and branches, shrinking and growing depending on how much it has rained recently, but somehow never going dry. It’s freshwater and muddy, and at its deepest, probably about eight inches.

The one bird that was pretty much guaranteed was a waterthrush, a type of warbler that spends its days bobbing along the muddy edges of rivers and ponds. Ninety-eight percent

NOTES FROM A SMALL POND

of the waterthrushes you see in the Keys are northern waterthrushes, but we do get the odd Louisiana waterthrush.

The first bird I saw, though, was a white ibis, which kind of dropped in through a hole in the canopy, weaved through the crosshatch of branches, and landed out of view on the far side of the pond.

Then, a great-crested flycatcher flew up and sat for a few minutes on a branch over the path, then continued on, no doubt attending to important flycatcher business.

The third bird was a white-crowned pigeon I spotted down in some flooded roots. It was dropping its head, then throwing it back every few seconds as if doing tequila shots. Birds don’t have the ability to suction water up through their beaks, so that is often how they drink. Occasionally it would stretch its right wing out, as if trying to summon a waiter. It was a young bird, its crown more gray than white.

The fourth was a prairie warbler, bright yellow, but with pale dark markings on the edge of the breast, instead of sturdy black markings, meaning it was also a young bird, probably hatched within the last month or two somewhere nearby. It was hunting for bugs down in the low branches, and occasionally dropping down to splash through the water.

The fifth bird was the first official migrant of the morning, a yellow-throated warbler, probably just in from Illinois or South Carolina, with the aforementioned yellow throat looking a bit like a spritely ascot, a bright accent over the white belly and the slaty gray wings and mantle. It was the first yellow-throated I’d seen in months.

The sixth bird was a black-and-white warbler, maybe just down from Canada or East Texas, hopping around horizontally on the side of a tree trunk, like the ’60s TV version of Batman. Only this bird had a white throat, making her female, so she was more like Batgirl.

Seventh was a pair of northern parulas, your basic warbler’s warblers, good looking, but

not too good looking, hard working, but not too hard working, always moving, not inclined to linger, but never frantic about it.

After about a half-hour I saw the eighth species – a female red-winged blackbird, striped and brown and so different looking from her male counterparts that it generally takes new birders a while to accept that they are the same species. At least it did me.

It was 12:15 then, and after that all the birds just disappeared. I sat there for 10 minutes., then 20. I heard the ping of a well hit golf ball, the whine of a scooter, the train horn installed in the truck of someone who obviously didn’t get enough attention as a child.

I thought about that scene in “Cool Hand Luke” when Paul Newman, for a bet, says, “I can eat 50 eggs.” And then goes through the nauseating, excruciating process of doing it in an hour. And afterwards George Kennedy’s character goes, “Why you gotta go and say 50 eggs for? Why not 35 or 39?”

Why’d I have to say I’d wait until I saw 10 species? Why not eight?

It took another 10 minutes for an osprey, species number nine, to fly over, no doubt heading for his perch on the flagpole he likes over at the Power Squadron building.

Five minutes after that, a waterthrush flew in, though I had to track it for a while to figure out which species it was. Northern waterthrushes have a faint citrine wash in their pale parts, something that is not always easy to pick up on. The best field mark is the supercilium, a stripe that goes over the eye. Towards the back of the head the stripe tends to narrow down on a northern waterthrush, and get wide on a Louisiana waterthrush.

Finally the bird came out from behind a stump and gave me a good look, bobbing its body to an unknown beat. It faced me directly at first, then turned and gave me a profile. The stripe went up over its eye and then widened like the mouth of a river on a map. Louisiana, number 10.

A black-and-white warbler, a migrant seen recently at Desbiens Pond at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

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NEW BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS REPLACE UNPOPULAR PAPER STRAWS

Admit it. No one likes the paper straws that get as soggy in drinks as cereal in milk.

Of course, no one wants to choke sea turtles with plastic straws that end up in the ocean and don’t decompose for 200 years.

Enter Phade, the first marine biodegradable straw made from fermented canola oil.

Representatives from WinCup, the Georgia-based company that makes Phade straws, stirrers, cups and other food service products, spoke at the recent Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association meeting in Key West.

“Everyone is used to hearing ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,’ but we want to add ‘Replace’ to those Rs,” said Michael Winters, president of WinCup, referring to the replacement of plastic and paper straws with Phade straws, made from a biopolymer. “In a marine environment, our straws completely ‘fade’ away in nine weeks.”

The company’s motto, “Blue is the new green,” refers to its products’ Caribbean blue color as well as their biodegradability in the marine environment. Winters showed a time-lapse video of a Phade straw in a saltwater aquarium disintegrating in a matter of months. The straws and other products are also compostable on land, which is the ideal way to dispose of them.

“The proper way to dispose of a Phade straw is through composting,” the company’s website states. “A Phade straw is home- and industrial-compostable, so it will completely biodegrade in either environment. No straw should ever be disposed of in a marine environment; however, it was designed to be consumed by bacteria, so in the unfortunate circumstance where a Phade straw might end up in the ocean, it will biodegrade because it will be consumed by the bacteria in the ocean,” states the company’s website.

The pro sports industry has embraced the new Phade straw technology, and the products have been used at the Super Bowl, PGA golf tournaments, the World Series and other major events, Winters said.

When comparing Phade straws to paper alternatives, aside from their unpopularity and low performance, he pointed out that even the supposedly environmentally friendly paper straws are typically chemically treated and coated with wax or other materials, or they’re made with adhesives that slow their biodegradation.

“Despite their notoriously lackluster performance, paper straws have long been accepted — or at least tolerated — as the most ‘sustainable’ alternative to traditional plastic straws. But with toxic chemicals reinforcing their makeup and posing a risk to your customers and the environment alike, it’s about time we bust that myth once and for all,” the website states. “Microplastics in our oceans and food chain are a reason for concern. However, marine biodegradable PHA based products, such as our Phade straw, do not result in microplastics.

When synthetic (traditional fossil fuel based) non-biodegradable plastics are littered in the ocean or on land, they break down and result in microplastics. These materials break into smaller and smaller pieces until finally only tiny pieces of plastic (less than 5mm long) — microplastics — remain.

In this context, “break down” simply means breaking apart, Winters said at the Aug. 24 FRLA event at Key West’s Opal Key Resort and Marina.

The “breaking apart” of a product is not the same as the “biodegradation” of a product, he added.

WinCup currently offers three sizes of Phade straws, along with three sizes of coffee cups and stirrers. One attendee at the FRLA event in Key West asked the company to next make souffle cups — the small plastic cups that typically hold salad dressing and other sauces.

“I go through a lot of those, and I’d love an alternative,” the restaurateur said.

Phade straws look and feel like traditional plastic straws, but are marine biodegradable and compostable, disappearing completely in about nine weeks. PHADE/Contributed

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FEMA LETTER TO MONROE COUNTY

LISTS 1,913 STRUCTURES ON NATIONAL VIOLATION TRACKER

NONCOMPLIANT PROPERTIES COULD FORFEIT 35% FLOOD INSURANCE DISCOUNT

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Monroe County remains entrenched in a battle to remove itself from FEMA’s “naughty list” and improve its standing with the agency. The next item in that effort is a property list nearly 2,000 items long, according to a letter received from FEMA earlier this month.

A letter received on Aug. 7 detailed FEMA’s findings following a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Assistance Visit (CAV) to determine the effectiveness of Monroe County’s floodplain management program, public information officer Kristen Livengood said in a press release.

A requirement for participation in the NFIP, the visit identified no problems with the county’s floodplain ordinance or recent violations of floodplain regulations, the release said. However, it continued, more than 1,900 structures throughout unincorporated Monroe County that are a foot or more below base flood elevation are currently listed on the National Violation Tracker (NVT) as structures with potential compliance issues.

Concerns about the NVT list were brought to the forefront when Monroe County officials approached FEMA about the feasibility of altering certain components of its floodplain ordinance –among other items, eliminating a restriction that caps downstairs enclosures at a maximum of 299 square feet, rather than the entire footprint of the stilted home.

The county has been under FEMA’s microscope since 2002, when it entered into a remedial plan after – in the words of a notice to Monroe County policyholders from Feb. 27 of that year – “deficiencies in the administration and enforcement of the County’s floodplain management ordinance that have resulted in a large number of noncompliant enclosures being constructed under elevated buildings in special flood hazard areas.”

Items such as the 299-square-foot restriction and an enclosure inspection procedure, the latter of which has drawn the ire of real estate professionals in recent months, were part of the 2002 remedial plan and a subsequent addition in 2003, respectively. As Marathon and Islamorada incorporated in the midst of the county’s back-andforth with FEMA, establishing new municipalities without a documented history of violations in the process, both were left out of the remedial plan.

A meeting earlier this summer between FEMA and Monroe County officials to discuss problematic items found a tepid response on FEMA’s end, County Attorney Bob Shillinger told the county commission at its July 19 meeting.

STATE GIVES COUNTY SCHOOLS $2M OF $20M ASK

MONEY TO BE USED FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING EFFORT

A flood insurance premium discount of 35% (circled), obtained through unincorporated Monroe County’s Class 3 rating within the NFIP’s Community Rating System, could drop to zero for below-flood structures throughout the county on a National Violation Tracker list. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

“(FEMA) basically said, ‘What proposals do you have to offer as part of a revised remedial plan that would give us comfort that the county would backslide into the position that we were in decades ago,’” he said, “when, quite frankly, we were paying lip service to these regulations. We found ourselves in hot water.”

“Per FEMA’s request, on Aug. 17, Monroe County submitted a plan … to research structures on the NVT list,” Livengood’s release said. According to County Building Official and Floodplain Administrator Rick Griffin, the 1,900-property NVT list “can likely be substantially reduced” by submitting documentation and information to show compliant structures – whether they’ve been floodproofed, found in compliance with previous inspections, issued a Letter of Map Change, demolished, or located outside the county’s jurisdiction.

The county expects to submit a more detailed action plan to FEMA to address the noncompliant structures by the end of September, Livengood’s release said. But in the meantime, owners of properties on the NVT list may not benefit from the county’s flood insurance discounts through its participation in the Community Rating System (CRS), a program created to encourage responsible floodplain management practices through insurance discounts.

On a scale of 1-10, with lower numbers favorable, Monroe County is currently a Class 3 within the CRS, corresponding to a 35% discount on insurance premiums. But where property owners may expect to see this discount on their bills, owners of properties on the NVT list may see a zero instead, Livengood’s release said.

“If you see a zero, contact your insurance agent for more details on why a lesser discount is shown,” it continued. “The county is still developing the next steps, including seeing which properties can be removed from the list that are not in violation. Details for properties that may be in violation will be decided in the future.”

To bolster the local school district’s workforce housing initiatives, State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Florida Keys State Rep. Jim Mooney secured a $2 million allocation from the state legislature. This allocation marks a pivotal step in the transition of the district’s Trumbo Road property, with the ultimate goal creating much-needed affordable housing on the property that currently houses the district’s administrative headquarters. The initiative holds particular significance as it pioneers support for affordable housing tailored to teachers’ needs, marking the first of several planned funding requests.

Rodriguez and Mooney’s advocacy have propelled this allocation through the legislative process. The funds represent the initial phase of a comprehensive $20 million budget earmarked for the Trumbo Point transition project. Additional funding requests of the state legislature will follow so the Trumbo property can become housing and Bruce Hall can be restored and renovated to house the district’s administration.

— Contributed

State Rep. Jim Mooney, Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford, State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and school board chair Andy Griffiths in front of Bruce Hall with the $2 million check from the state. CONTRIBUTED

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN GPS THEFTS LEAD TO CRIME RING BUST

M ULTIPLE ARRESTS MADE IN BURGLARY SPREE IN THE KEYS & 16 FLORIDA COUNTIES

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Arash of GPS marine thefts — ranging in the millions of dollars and spanning the Florida Keys and 16 other counties in the state — led the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to bust a large, organized crime ring on Aug. 23.

Ten out-of-county suspects linked to the burglaries in the Upper Keys and as far south as Duck Key dating back to March were taken into custody in the early morning on Aug. 23, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay announced at a press conference in Tavernier. Roughly 70 law enforcement officials rounded up the subjects throughout Miami-Dade County. Ramsay said law enforcement was working to arrest one more suspect.

Arrests made by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Miami-Dade Marine Theft Task Force took roughly two-and-a-half hours, Ramsay said. Together, the suspects face 122 charges stemming from roughly $2.5 million in stolen Garmin GPS systems. Ramsay said other charges are forthcoming from other counties.

“All 11 men resided in Miami-Dade County,” Ramsay said. “This was the hub of this organized crime ring where they were working from and going out.”

Ramsay said the suspects targeted highend boats located in marinas and storage yards throughout the Keys and other sections of the east and west coasts of Florida. The bulk of the thefts involved Garmin GPS systems — hence the name “Operation Garmin” — as well as stereo components.

Flanked by top law enforcement officials at the press conference, Ramsay said the investigation began in May when reports of stolen Garmin GPS systems poured into the sheriff’s office. By mid-May, detectives and investigators from Monroe and Miami-Dade counties identified a person of interest and began observing the suspects’ vehicles connected to the Keys marine thefts in Miami.

Ramsay said surveillance teams saw three suspects mobilizing around midnight on May 18, traveling from the Turnpike to the state’s west coast. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding the suspects. Surveillance teams were deployed to follow them to a marina. Officers reportedly saw three individuals breaking into a marina and burglarizing several vessels, ultimately coming out with a handful of GPS systems.

After the vehicle left the marina, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. Ramsay said the top two ring leaders, Juan Felipe Villegas, 19, and Lazaro Gonzalez Munoz, 22, were in the car with a large number of GPS systems. A warrant was secured to search the vehicle, which led to the discovery of many more marine electronics. The suspects’ cell phones were seized.

Ramsay said cell phone data collected by law enforcement led to the discovery of some 194 burglary target areas spanning 17 Florida counties. Conversations among suspects detailed which areas in the state were hot, such as the Keys, and which were medium-risk targets.

“Anything red don’t go,” reads one message sent by Villegas to a man named “Julio,” likely referring to a map of South Florida released by the Sheriff’s Office with certain coastal areas circled in different colors. “Try to stay away from the right side of Florida. And No. 1 rule before you go send me your drops.”

Among those arrested during an Aug. 22 sweep were Villegas and Gonzalez Munoz and associates Denzel Varona, 18, and Paul Moises Balbino Crespo, 23. They face counts of burglary and grand theft and one count of par-

ticipating in racketeering through enterprise, among other charges.

Six individuals suspected of buying and selling the GPS units and other marine electronics and arrested were Anthony Manuel Guerra, 23; Walfrido William Garcia, 22; Oscar Sahori Medina, 24; Carlos Mederos, 45; Jonathan Richard Lopez, no age given; and Alfredo Sanchez, 29.

Suspected seller and buyer Milton Horney Gonzalez Gil, 53, wasn’t arrested. Ramsay said it’s believed he was out of state.

Ramsay said Villegas was out on bond from Indian River and Collier counties for similar marine theft offenses. Gonzalez Munoz was also previously arrested in Collier County for GPS theft.

“This is a total dismantle of an organized crime ring that is occuring not only in Monroe but throughout the entire state of Florida as far north as Duval County,” Ramsay said.

Total bond for Villegas and Gonzalez Munoz was set at $1,085,000. Together, the total bond for the 11 suspects is $3.9 million.

“We’re trying to send a strong message here in Monroe that you’re more likely to get arrested here, prosecuted and spend more time in jail,” Ramsay said.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay discusses ‘Operation Garmin,’ a multi-agency bust that netted 10 suspects accused of stealing marine electronics, during an Aug. 23 press conference in Tavernier. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Ten of the 11 men accused in the stealing of Garmin GPS systems. MCSO/Contributed

A map shows areas of the state circled to inform fellow members of the crime ring of places to stay away from.

EXOTIC ADDITIONS

EXPLORING THE PRICE OF USING NONNATIVE ORNAMENTALS IN GARDENS

Who can resist the charm of exotic plants? Their vibrant colors, unusual shapes and intriguing origins captivate us, transporting our imagination to far-off lands.

From tropical palms moved by a gentle breeze to spiky cactus adorning arid landscapes, these non-native ornamentals mesmerize us all. However, beneath their enchanting appearance lies a hidden price that begs us to look closer.

While a non-native plant escaping from our garden may not seem like a big deal initially, it can lead to significant issues when they displace our native species and become invasive. Invasive plants can fight native species for resources, disrupt the ecological balance, and hurt local biodiversity. We must be mindful of the plants we introduce into our environment and opt for native species.

More than 5,000 non-native plants have invaded natural areas of North America. As people plant these nonnative species for their aesthetic appeal and animals are attracted to their shapes and colors, some have become invasive, outcompeting native plants.

Other consequences are pests and diseases. We may unintentionally invite unwanted pests that could disrupt our garden’s ecological balance alongside the introduction of non-native ornamentals. It’s hard to anticipate whether a plant might become invasive. Some ornamentals may exhibit aggressive growth patterns, spreading beyond our control.

One example of this is the introduction of the lobate lac scale (Paratachardina lobata) through ornamental plants. The lobate lac scale is a tiny insect that feeds on the sap of plants. It was originally native to India but was introduced to Florida in the

early 2000s through the ornamental plant trade. This scale insect often hides on the undersides of leaves and produces a waxy, protective covering that resembles a small, raised bump. The lobate lac scale is present in various parts of Florida, including Miami-Dade County and the Keys.

Other diseases brought to America by the non-native plant trade are the chestnut blight, the southern oak death, blister rust, beech scale and anthracnose. Non-native ornamentals have brought many non-native insects into the United States. Some examples include the Japanese beetle, cottony cushion scale, viburnum leaf beetle, citrus longhorn beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid, bronze birch borer and Asian psyllids, which significantly affect the citrus industry in Florida.

Another significant threat is that non-natives can hybridize with native species, losing unique genetic pools of native plants and harming the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the affected areas.

The most effective recommendation is to minimize or avoid using nonnative plants altogether. Opting for native plant species whenever possible is vital for preserving the ecological balance and safeguarding the biodiversity of our natural habitats. We should strive to make thoughtful and mindful decisions to ensure the health and integrity of our ecosystems, benefiting not only our generation but also those to come.

The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) was introduced from Japan to North America in the early 20th century and has since become a significant pest in many parts of the country.

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension environmental horticulture agent.

MARIA QUIRICO

YOU to all our loyal Locals and Snowbirds for making this such a wonderful season!

is so great that we can finally get back to looking and feeling BEAUTIFUL!

Les Steele

JOINING FORCES

FORCE BLUE, TURTLE HOSPITAL TEAM UP TO SEND FOUR REHABBED ANIMALS HOME

Acrowd packed Sombrero Beach before sunset on Aug. 25 to watch as staff from Marathon’s Turtle Hospital teamed with Force Blue to send four juvenile green sea turtles back to their ocean home.

Rescued this year and rehabbed at the Turtle Hospital, “Myrtle,” “Emma,” “Keira” and “Splash” were treated for a variety of fibropapilloma tumors and boat strike injuries with tumor removal surgeries, wound care, laser therapy, antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a diet of greens and mixed seafood.

Established in 2016, Force Blue retrains and redeploys Special Operations veterans and combat divers to work alongside scientists and environmentalists on marine

1. Members of Force Blue get ready to release four juvenile green turtles.

2. Turtle Hospital rehab staff and Force Blue team members prepare for a simultaneous release of ‘Myrtle,’ ‘Emma,’ ‘Keira’ and ‘Splash.’

3. Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach, left, smiles with Force Blue team members as the rehabilitated turtles make their way to the water.

LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

conservation missions. The nonprofit aims to address two problems – a rapidly-declining marine environment and the difficulty that many servicemen and women face in adjusting to civilian life after their service ends.

— Alex Rickert

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN OPENS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

The Take Stock in Children scholarship application process is now open for eligible Monroe County middle and high school students who meet the income and academic guidelines. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for this unique college scholarship and career readiness opportunity.

“We have updated income thresholds for our Take Stock program which are nearly 30% higher than last year’s income caps,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, executive director of the Monroe County Education Foundation, “allowing us to serve even more eligible students in Monroe County.”

He encourages families who have a student in grades 6 through 9 to check out the new income guidelines for Take Stock Monroe. Updated family income limits range from $56,425 for a two-person household to $93,125 for an eightperson household.

Take Stock in Children aligns mentorship and college/career readiness with a Florida prepaid tuition scholarship. Take Stock scholars meet once a week for 45 minutes during the school year with a volunteer mentor, participate in college and career readiness workshops, and receive regular educational and career coaching from a Take Stock College Success Coach.

“For 20 years, Take Stock in Children has changed lives in Monroe County by providing a pathway to post-secondary education and success,” Licis-Masson said.

Eligible TSIC students sign a contract promising to earn passing grades each grading period, maintain good attendance and behavior, attend college/career readiness workshops, meet weekly with their mentor, and remain crime- and drug-free. Upon successful completion of the Take Stock in Children program, high school graduates receive access to a Florida prepaid tuition scholarship.

"Whether their goal is to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or an industry certificate,” Licis-Masson said, “our team of TSIC success coaches and mentors along with their teachers and parents help guide and motivate the TSIC scholars towards their dream of attending the Florida college, university, or technical college or their choice.”

RELATIVELY PITCH PERFECT

Abat, a wolf, a dog, a gerbil, a bird and one person out of 10,000 all walk into a bar. A band is setting up on stage and the bass player randomly hits a note. All our characters look at each other and say “D.” Why? Because all these sentient beings have one thing in common: perfect pitch. Perfect pitch. It’s that mysterious skill that seems to fade as we get older and is nearly impossible to develop after the age of 6. Also referred to as absolute pitch, it’s the ability to identify the pitch (the letter) of any note when played by itself as well as the ability to replicate (sing) any note on demand. Though it was long believed that perfect pitch could not be taught, there has been renewed debate in the last few years.

RAY WEST

ages of 2 and 6. This is known as a “critical period’ in child development. It has also been noted that as a person with perfect pitch ages, their ear can begin to drift and be a little less than perfect.

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

More information about Take Stock Monroe and how to access the scholarship application is at monroecountyedfound.com or from the Take Stock Monroe office at 305293-1546.

Take Stock in Children is the flagship program of the Monroe County Education Foundation. Over 900 scholarships have been granted to Monroe County students since 2001. Nearly 70% of those students have earned a college degree or career certificate, which is well above the national average of the same peer group.

While a developed perfect pitch is rare, “relative pitch” is much more common. Most musicians develop some degree of relative pitch with or without formal training. Relative pitch is the ability to recognize a note by comparing it to another note and identifying the interval between them. In other words, if I told you I was playing the note A, then I played another note after that, you could tell me what that second note that was by hearing how far away it was from A. If I played a chord, a person with relative pitch could tell me what type of chord I played while a person with perfect pitch could tell me what notes were in it. While these are two separate skills, many musicians use a degree of both, either through repetition or some level of perfect pitch.

The reasons some have perfect pitch are not clear. The general consensus among those WHO study the subject is that children can develop these skills when receiving some sort of mu sical training between the

Another interesting connection lies between perfect pitch and what are called tonal languages – Chinese and Vietnamese are examples – that require the listener to notice small tonal inflections that convey different meanings. An example would be if thousands of words had the same amount of uses as the word “dude” does for us. All depends on how you say it, dude.

There is also a possible connection between perfect pitch and synesthesia. This is when your brain takes input from one sense and outputs that information to a different one – for instance, hearing a sound and visualizing a certain color.

As working musicians, most of us develop a good sense of relative pitch. Many people I know can guess the key of a song in just a few notes, having developed that skill through repetition alone. Having played those chords so many times, they are as familiar as the sound of their own breathing in the quietest parts of the night. Having awakened so many mornings when the first conscious thought is of a melody. But the best part about the ear training is that you have to stop talking for it to work.

“For 20 years, Take Stock in Children has changed lives in Monroe County by providing a pathway to postsecondary education and success,”

—

Chuck Licis-Masson

Take Stock in Children participants benefit from college scholarship and career readiness opportunities, including one-on-one mentoring and regular coaching from a Take Stock college success coach. CONTRIBUTED

GUEST COLUMN

IS KEY WEST’S PORT PREPARED FOR A SHIPBORNE EMERGENCY?

in an event like this was the 207-foot Resolve Pioneer with towing and firefighting equipment. It was stationed here in 2010. It is now in Alaska.

Another critical shore-based asset were the two local fire departments that deployed trained strike teams and a hazardous material team from Miami Dade monitored the Ecstasy for carbon monoxide.

Key West and Monroe County do a lot to prepare for hurricanes and other disasters. We have great fire departments in the city and county, along with the police, sheriff’s office, state and federal agencies. But when it comes to addressing a clear and realistic threat concerning our port, I think we’ve glossed over a realistic plan. Such large incidents are often thought to be someone else’s responsibility.

Our top-notch first responders do a lot of training and exercises: active shooter drills, confined space rescue and hazardous material response. Our local fire department is an ISO Class 1-certified fire department. Is all that sufficient for a cruise ship incident? No.

For something like the Ecstasy fire, local fire departments should train to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1405 – Guide for Land-Based Firefighters Who Respond to Marine Vessel Fires and meet the NFPA 1925 standard on Marine Fire Fighting Vessels.

SAVE THE DATE

Aug. 31- Sept. 4

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

Sept. 6-10

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

Monday, Sept. 11

By Robert Jensen

Twenty-five years ago, on July 20, 1998, the Carnival cruise ship Ecstasy lost power after a small fire ignited in the ship’s laundry as she was departing Miami en route to Key West.

Catastrophe was avoided because of the crew, and more so the immediate assistance rendered from shore.

But would the outcome have been the same if the fire had occurred when the Ecstasy was leaving Key West? In the last 25 years, as ships have gotten bigger, what have we done here in Key West to prepare for a similar event? What is our ability to deal with a large, ship-borne emergency?

This is not an academic question. Most of my career was spent planning for and responding to crises, especially those involving loss of life: tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, aircraft crashes, terrorist attacks, rail crashes and ship losses.

The fire onboard the Ecstasy is a perfect planning exercise and test for Key West. There were 2,565 passengers and 916 crewmembers on board. At 5:10 p.m., with the port pilot still on board and the Ecstasy still in the channel, a fire started in the laundry room. Within minutes the fire had quickly spread to surrounding work areas of the ship. At 5:54 p.m. the Ecstasy lost propulsion and steering. At 6:15 p.m. a Coast Guard team arrived. At 6:27 p.m. the tug Coastal Key West started directing water on the stern. By 7:13 p.m. a total of five tugboats and one Coast Guard utility boat arrived and either sprayed water on the ship or helped control its movement. At 7:50 p.m. shoreside firefighters boarded the ship. At 9:09 p.m. Miami Dade Fire Department declared the fire under control. At 9:30 p.m. the Ecstasy was allowed to re-enter the port. It was towed back and docked at 1:18 a.m. on July 21.

What if the Ecstasy had caught fire while departing Key West? That is a big what-if, but a completely reasonable question that should be planned for.

In Miami, the responding boats were all large vessels. The last Key West-based large tug that could help

Geography and resources favored Miami in this case. It’s quite the opposite here. If we follow the same sequence – the ship loses power and drifts — given the size of ships visiting Key West, it is logical that a large drifting ship will quickly become grounded, potentially blocking the channel.

Depending on wind direction, smoke (and heat) could be driven further into the ship creating injuries or fatalities, or towards the city creating a need to shelter in place. A ship lodged in the channel could also block all other vessels from responding to help. The results could be catastrophically different from the Ecstasy — loss of life, injury, environment damage and liability for the city, to name a few.

Fires on cruise ships are not common, but they are not unheard of. If we accept the benefit of that business, we accept the risk. I suggest we start addressing ways to mitigate that risk, including training for responders, equipment, and, as part of the contracts for port access, insist on full insurance coverage for response costs, which airlines have. The initial costs should also be funded by those who earn income from the business.

Whether you like cruise ships or not, they are part of Key West, they provide income to the city, and are permitted by state law. I am not advocating for their removal, increase or the status quo. I am asking what the plan is to deal with a foreseeable consequence at the port.

In the case of the Ecstasy, 22 people were treated for minor injuries and one person suffered serious injury. The ship suffered $17 million in damage. From a crisis management standpoint, it was a very successful response. That was not luck, it was training, combined with resources based on potential hazards.

Robert A. Jensen is formerly the chairman and owner of Kenyon International Emergency Services. He responded to and managed crises, including multiple air crashes, maritime and rail accidents, natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, the Haitian earthquake; terrorist attacks and catastrophic fires. He has also published two books and is a subject matter expert for media, and quoted internationally. He and his husband reside in Key West.

• Key West Firehouse Museum, 1104 Grinnell St., hosts 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 12

• Professionals from charitable organizations across the Keys will convene for Florida Keys Nonprofit Day from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Marathon Community Theatre. The event is free to paid staff and volunteers of nonprofit organizations, students and community members interested in nonprofit service. Pre-registration at cffk.org/nonprofitday is required. (Keys Weekly’s Mandy Miles will moderate a panel discussion to help nonprofits tell their stories in engaging ways for maximum engagement and publicity.)

Sept. 13-18

• Key West hosts the inaugural Big Gay Key West festivities. The adult-oriented LGBTQ event has a “cabana boy” theme and will cater to an all-male, big-is-beautiful audience. Visit biggaykeywest. org.

Tuesday, Oct. 10

• Deadline to submit artwork to JAG Gallery’s Small Works 2023 juried exhibit. Artists are invited to submit up to six 2- or 3-D works: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and textiles. The only stipulation is that submissions cannot exceed 10 inches in any direction. Small Works 2023 opens with a gallery reception on Nov. 3 and runs through Nov. 26. Works also will be available online. Entry information, details and application can be found at jaggallery.art.

The Carnival Ecstasy caught fire after leaving the Port of Miami in 1998. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY AND DISCOVERY FOUNDATION

EXPLORE THE PIRATE LORE

NEW BOOK HIGHLIGHTS

THE LEGEND OF BLACK CAESAR

Telling a pirate story in the Florida Keys and passing a joint around an island party have one big thing in common. Both are shared with a rapt audience.

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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.

Sparking up either one — be it the conversation or the joint — has been known to reveal the other. Sadly, however, the two things have one glaring difference.

The island chain boasts a rich history connected to marijuana and drug smuggling.

But as it turns out, documented pirate stories from the old days that can be connected to the Florida Keys are pretty few and far between. Digging deeper into the local history, what becomes clear is that most of the stories told about pirates in the Florida Keys have about the same structure and substance as those wispy tendrils of smoke swirling up from the bright, hot cherry burning at the tip of a joint.

Still, the Keys have an interesting relationship with pirate history. Locals will insist that pirates and piracy are alive and well and that they always have been. They have a point. The Keys have a long history of piraterelated activity. After all, Commodore David Porter and the West Indies Squadron, the anti-piracy unit in charge of clearing the local waters of their ilk, established their headquarters at Key West in 1823. The location was not chosen by accident.

Fact or fiction, pirates and piracy will always be inexorably connected to the Keys, or at least to the adjacent waters. Volume 2 of my series “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli” is filled with stories about the kind of old-fashioned piracy that once ruled the

‘Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli Volume 2’ explores the arrival of Commodore David Porter’s West Indies Squadron and its mission to eliminate the threat of piracy in the local waters. CONTRIBUTED

West Indies and inspired the United States government to create a special anti-piracy force. Modern piracy involving square groupers and the rampant drug smuggling of the 1970s and 1980s will be stories told another day.

Volume 2 is dedicated to exploring the arrival of Porter’s West Indies Squadron, its mission to eliminate the threat of piracy in the local waters, and a collection of bona fide pirate stories connected to the island chain (even if, in some cases, peripherally). However, the book’s primary focus is exploring the legend and lore of the undisputed pirate king of the Florida Keys, Black Caesar.

A couple of years ago, when I started playing around with the idea of Black Caesar as an extended story — perhaps even a book — I set the stories up to mirror a book I published in 2021 called “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files.” The Skunk Ape is Florida’s Bigfoot, and the book is based on an actual sighting of the cryptid on Key Largo in 1977. The event garnered national attention, including a story featured in the National Enquirer. It also appeared in several editions of the local newspapers.

For that book, I created a fictional group called the Southernmost Skunk Ape Society, whose often stoned members investigated a collection of Skunk Ape events that were discovered in a series of manila file folders found inside two dusty banker’s boxes. In their pot-smoking defense, the story does take place in 1977 and mainly in Key West, so that behavior almost seems expected.

When I started working on this book, I initially envisioned it as The Black Caesar Files, and it was the fictional Black Caesar Society that would investigate all the different legends and lore surrounding the pirate. Eventually, it became clear that the pirate’s stories should be shaped by the people who had been writing about him (them) for more than a century — and wow, there are some doozies. The fun of the book is in all the nooks and crannies, all the twists and turns the pirate’s story takes.

But then, I started my Facebook group, Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli (check it out if you have not already). Because of its surprising popularity, I was inspired to create a book series based on my research into the local island histories. I knew from the beginning that Volume 2 would be filled with stories about pirates, piracy and most importantly, Black Caesar’s wild, wild story.

During my deep dive into his history, five men have been identified as Black Caesar, and all of them can be linked to Elliott Key — though one just tangentially. It was on Elliott Key, in the northern Keys, that the pirate allegedly established his lair and commanded the Straits of Florida, century after century — hence his legendary status.

In addition to placing a magnifying glass in front of all the stories, and to the slew of characters connected to South Florida and the Keys who have added to the pirate’s lore, Volume 2 tells a legendary story that will have a surprise or two for even the most ardent fan of piracy and the Florida Keys.

If you have not yet picked up your copy of “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli Volume 2,” signed copies are available at the Florida Keys Visitor Center and Shell World, both in Key Largo; Sandbar Books in Tavernier; the Kayak Shack at Islamorada’s Robbie’s Marina; and Key West Island Books at 513 Fleming St.

If you are a retailer interested in carrying my titles, please reach out. While my books are also available through Amazon, if you are here in the Keys, please shop local.

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of LANAKILA CONSTRUCTION located at 101425 Overseas Highway, #145, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Lanakila LLC

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of THE KEYS PARADISE located at 25 Mangrove Lane, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

LEGAL NOTICES

By: 14 Mangrove LLC

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ZOOMIES located at 102001Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Zoograde Pet Care, LLC

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00 AM THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO CHAPTERS 713 .585/713.78/677.209/677.210/328. 17 OF THE FLORIDA STATUES.

2007 FORD 2D

1ZVFT84N375300485

DATE OF SALE: SEPT.18,2023 AT 9:00 AM LOCATED AT: 400 COUNTY RD, BIG PINE KEY,FL 33043 P#786-7779867 OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY RECOVER VEHICLE WITHOUT INSTITUTING JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY POSTING A BOND AS PER FLORIDA STATUTE

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

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PUBLIC MEETING

SR 5/US 1 Long Key Bridge Over Long Key Channel (Bridge # 900094)

Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study

From Mile Marker (MM) 63 to MM 66 Monroe County, Florida

Financial Project ID: 448206-1-22-01

Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) Number: 14451

VIRTUAL: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 INPERSON: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold an Alternatives Public Meeting for the referenced project virtually on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and in-person on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. These meetings are an opportunity to provide you with an overview of the proposed study alternatives, including social, environmental, and economic effects, followed by a question-and-answer session. These meetings will be conducted in an informal setting.

The purpose and need for this study is to evaluate the replacement of the Long Key Bridge to address bridge deficiencies, assess capacity and safety needs, evaluate mobility, improve evacuation and emergency response, and to evaluate bicycle and pedestrian needs.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FDOT.

MEETING PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

Attend Virtually: To participate virtually from your computer, tablet or smartphone please register using the following link https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1850873226781237847 or scan the QR Code provided above. You will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. If you are using a mobile device, the free “GoToMeeting” App will be required to attend. Participants can also call in by telephone (in listen-only mode) by dialing +1 562-247-8422 and entering access code 660-683-896

Attend in Person: The in-person meeting will be held at the Marathon Government Center – BOCC located at 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd Floor, Marathon, FL 33050. All participants, regardless of the method they choose to attend will be presented with the same information.

IN-PERSON MEETING LOCATION

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Megan Echols at 305-470-5308; in writing to FDOT, 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172; or by email at Megan.Echols@ dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the Alternatives Public Meeting.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Community Outreach Specialist Veronica Paredes at 305-215-8673 or by email at veronica.paredes@stantec.com You may also visit the project website at southflroads.com/LongKeyBridge

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC SALE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is here by given that on September 11th, 2023, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Anita Lezcano Unit 1559 $952.91

Brian Long Unit 1504-51 $1,292.00

LEGAL NOTICES

Todd Nichols Unit 1449

$572.05

Corey McGahen Unit 1184

$644.79

Edmund Joseph Unit 1622

$580.56

David Allen

Unit 1407

$584.92

Publish:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS

LEGAL NOTICES

REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com.

Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC

Monroe County Tourist Development Council

DEPARTAMENTO DE TRANSPORTE DE LA FLORIDA, REUNIÓN PÚBLICA DE ALTERNATIVAS

Estudio de Desarrollo del Proyecto y Medio Ambiente (PD&E) para la Carretera Estatal 5/US 1 Puente Long Key sobre el Canal Long Key (Puente #900094) desde el marcador de milla (MM) 63 al MM 66

Condado de Monroe, Florida

Número de Identificación del Proyecto Financiero: 448206-1-22-01

Número de Toma de Decisiones de Transporte Eficiente (ETDM): 14451

1201 White Street, Suite 102

Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday September 29, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying.

(The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists.)

ESCANEE

VIRTUAL: MARTES, 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2023

EN PERSONA: JUEVES, 14 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2023

El Departamento de Transporte de Florida (FDOT) llevará a cabo una Reunión Pública de Alternativas para el proyecto referenciado virtualmente el martes 12 de septiembre de 2023, de 5:30 pm a 7:30 pm y en persona el jueves 14 de septiembre de 2023, de 5:30 pm a 7:30 pm. Estas reuniones son una oportunidad para brindarle una visión general de las alternativas de estudio propuestas, incluyendo los efectos sociales, ambientales y económicos, seguida por una sesión de preguntas y respuestas. Estas reuniones se llevará a cabo en un formato informal.

El propósito y la necesidad de este estudio es evaluar el reemplazo del puente Long Key para tratar las deficiencias del puente, evaluar las necesidades de capacidad y seguridad, evaluar la movilidad, mejorar la evacuación y la respuesta de emergencia, y evaluar las necesidades de bicicletas y peatones.

La revisión ambiental, la consulta y otras acciones requeridas por las leyes ambientales federales aplicables para este proyecto están siendo, o han sido, llevadas a cabo por el FDOT de conformidad con 23 U.S.C. § 327 y un Memorando de Entendimiento de fecha 26 de mayo de 2022, y ejecutado por la Administración Federal de Carreteras (FHWA) y FDOT.

OPCIONES DE PARTICIPACIÓN

Participar Virtualmente: Para participar virtualmente desde su computadora, tableta o teléfono inteligente, regístrese utilizando el siguiente enlace https:// register.gotowebinar.com/register/1850873226781237847 o escanee el código QR proporcionado anteriormente. Recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación con información sobre cómo unirse al seminario web. Si está utilizando un equipo móvil, la aplicación gratuita "GoToMeeting" se requerirá para participar virtualmente. Participantes también pueden llamar por teléfono (en modo de solo escucha) marcando +1 562-247-8422 e ingresando el código de acceso 660-683-896

Participar en Persona: La reunión en persona se llevará a cabo en el Marathon Government Center – BOCC ubicado en 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd piso, Marathon, FL 33050.

Todos los participantes, independientemente del método que elijan para participar, se

LUGAR DE REUNIÓN EN PERSONA

Se solicita la participación pública sin distinción de raza, color, origen nacional, edad, sexo, religión, discapacidad o estado familiar. Las personas que requieren adaptaciones bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades o las personas que requieren servicios de traducción (sin cargo) deben comunicarse con Megan Echols al (305) 470-5308; por escrito a FDOT, 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172; o por correo electrónico a Megan.Echols@dot.state.fl.us al menos siete (7) días antes de la Reunión Publica de Alternativas.

Si desea obtener más información sobre este proyecto, comuníquese con la Especialista de Comunicación de Comunidad Veronica Paredes al 305-215-8673 o por correo electrónico a veronica.paredes@stantec.com. También puede visitar el sitio web del proyecto al southflroads.com/LongKeyBridge

Publish: August 31, 2023. The Weekly Newspapers

Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC

Monroe County Tourist Development Council

1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at the DoubleTree Grand Key, 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040.

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish:

August 31, 2023

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com

GRANT Committee Meeting

Thurs. Sep 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 840 2262 4056

282451

Meeting ID: 838 6468 2743

Passcode: 386306

MEMBERSHIP Committee Meeting

Thurs. Sep 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 896 8470 9462

Passcode: 833855

EXECUTIVE Committee Meeting

Wed. Sep 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 838 1582 5453

Passcode: 186586

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 21-CP-98-P

DIVISION: UPPER KEYS (Adversarial Proceeding) IN RE: ESTATE OF BERTHOLD KEIL

Deceased.

NOTICE OF ACTION

(formal notice by publication)

TO: All persons having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the assets and estate of BERTHOLD KEIL, deceased YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Petition to Determine Beneficiaries has been filed in this court. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are: Richard E. Warner, Esq., Richard E. Warner P.A., 12221 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before November 22, 2023, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of this court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded, without further notice.

Signed on this 24th day of August, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA, As Clerk of the Court

By: Catie L. Knowles

As Deputy Clerk

Publish: August 31 and September 7, 14 & 21, 2023

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

FILE NO.: 23-CP-211-K

DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF FREDERICK EBERSTADT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Frederick Eberstadt, deceased, whose date of death was July 29, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE

MEETING NOTICE

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY

Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold public hearings on the adoption of a budget for fiscal year 2024 on September 6, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center in Key West and on September 20, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. at the Nelson Government Center on Key Largo. A copy of the proposed budget is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by contacting the Land Authority office at 305-295-5180.

ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711".

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

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 31, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Nicholas Nash Eberstadt 53 Cape Henlopen Drive, Apt. 3 Lewes, Delaware 19958

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:

LEGAL NOTICES

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-105-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN J. ORTON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of STEPHEN J. ORTON, deceased, whose date of death was June 25, 2023, File Number 23-CP-105-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 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 has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 31, 2023.

Personal Representative:

CYNTHIA A. ORTON

174 Indian Mound Trail

Tavernier, FL 33070

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

JOE A. CATARINEAU

Florida Bar Number: 0517291

91750 Overseas Highway

Tavernier, FL 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO: 23-CP-000160-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF LLOYD P. BREWER, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Lloyd P. Brewer, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was June 9, 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 Administrator Ad Litem and the Administrator Ad Litem’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

Effective September 28, 2023, Michelle D. Bachtel, MD, FACC, will no longer be practicing at the office of Keys Medical Group Cardiology.

Patients may continue to contact the office for an appointment with April Gallagher, APRN. As of September 27, 2023, appointments will also be available with Steven Rowe, MD, FACC. Request an appointment via the patient portal, online at KeysMedicalGroup.com or at 305-294-5727.

Patients may also request a copy of their medical records by contacting Keys Medical Group 305-294-5727.

Publish: August 31, September 7, 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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 31, 2023.

Scott Saunders, Administrator Ad Litem P.O. Box 6162 Key West, Florida 33041 Jared Gelles, Esq. FBN 991181 Co-Counsel to Scott Saunders STOLZENBERG GELLES FLYNN & ARANGO, LLP 1533 Sunset Drive, Suite 150 Coral Gables, Florida 33143 Tel: (305) 961-1450/ Fax: (305) 423-3979

E-mail: jgelles@sgfcounsel.com egrant@sgfcounsel.com

Publish:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO: 23-CP-000050-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DANIEL CALLAGHAN GUDE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Daniel Callaghan Gude, Deceased, whose date of death was July 2, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. 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 the 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 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is August 31, 2023.

Signed on this 28th day of August, 2023.

Personal Representative

Michael Egan Gude, Petitioner 1536 Camp Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attorney for Personal Representative

Lee Robert Rohe, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 271365

LEE ROBERT ROHE, P.A. 1100 Crestwood Court South Unit 1117 Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411 Telephone: (305) 745-2254 Email: lrrlaw@bellsouth.net

Publish: August 31 & September 7, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-041-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD M. DAHLFUES, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Donald M. Dahlfues,

LEGAL NOTICES

in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils are July 5, 2011. 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 the 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 31, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Judy M. Dahlfues

302 B Anglers Drive North Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative:

James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A.

Suite 12 First Professional Centre

5701 Overseas Highway

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6565

Facsimile: (305) 743-4143

e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000097-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF LOUIS A. SADLER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of LOUIS A. SADLER, deceased, whose date of death was July 4, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ 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 DATE 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 the 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 the first publication of this notice is August 24, 2023.

Personal Representatives:

Cassandra Lang

57 Beverly Hills Blvd. Beverly Hills, FL 34465

Susan Miranda

36 Acorn Rd.

Whitman, MA 02382

Attorney for Personal

Representatives:

Suzette M. Alfonso Florida Bar Number: 13439 6310 Bayshore Rd. Palmetto, FL 34221

Telephone: (813) 892-9596

E-Mail: suzettealfonso@gmail. com

Publish: August 24 & 31, 2023

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2021-CP-048-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JOEL CURTIS COLLISON, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Joel Curtis Collison, deceased, whose date of death was March 10, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is intestate.

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 dece -

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 14th, 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 28th, 2023 at 12 p.m.

All bids must be received no later than September 14th, 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.

dent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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 24, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Sijabulisiwe Dube P.O. Box 500796 2000 Coco Plum Drive Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish:

August 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE SIXTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-107-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN FRANCIS KISSINGER, III, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOHN FRANCIS KISSINGER, III, deceased, whose date of death was April 18, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The estate is intestate. 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 the 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 PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: August 24, 2023.

Personal Representative: JOHN KISSINGER

406 Eleventh Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 Attorney for Personal Representative: HEATHER@EPPGLAW.COM

Heather S. Maltby Florida Bar No. 116571

E.P.P.G. Law of St. Johns, PLLC 200 Malaga Street, Suite 2 St. Augustine, FL 32084 Telephone: 904-875-3774

Publish: August 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

SAMUEL JAMES FRIEDMAN a/k/a SAM JAMES FRIEDMAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of SAMUEL JAMES FRIEDMAN, deceased, whose date of death was July 2, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court, for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is: 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is August 24, 2023.

Personal Representative:

EDWINA B. FRIEDMAN 24 Dockside Lane PMB 134 Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative:

DIANA B. BAUER, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1000844 Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball 818 North A1A, Suite 104 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 356-2600 dbb@fishertousey.com

Publish: August 24 & 31, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-DR-0000590-K ORLANDO MACHADO GALIANO Petitioner, and, NIURKA JIMENEZ PAZO, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: NIURKA JIMENEZ PAZO RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 240 LIBERTAD MORON CA, CUBA 65110 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ORLANDO MACHADO GALIANO, whose address is 2111 FLAGLER AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.)

will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

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

Dated: August 21, 2023

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

By: Riza Hall

Deputy Clerk

Publish: August 24 & 31 and September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT

Night LPN needed. 1-2 nights per week, 8:30pm-5:30am.

Private Pay. Marathon area. 631-831-0879

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

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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housekeeper, 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.

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

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

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE FOR $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

2

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

LOCATION: MARATHON

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Distribution System Operator to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. We provide on the job training for qualified applicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $48,909.19 Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR A

NOW HIRING

Deli Counter/Cashier

Experience preferred. $20.00/hour plus signing bonus for the right fit.

Apply in person from 10am-2pm

5101 Overseas Highway, Marathon

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION is looking for a WWTP Operator with a Florida “A” license. You will perform skilled/technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Annual salary $90,000. Benefit package is extremely competitive!

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

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.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR

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

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

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

HIRING FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER

Location: Upper Keys

Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call: 305-852-3002

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.

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!

High School Diploma or GED. 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.

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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 LARGO

Advocate

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist Advocate

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Case Managers (Adult)

MARATHON

Driver (CDL required)

Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living Psychiatric ARNP (PT only)

*No experience required for these positions. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

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

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

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

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.

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

Please include contact information and any relevant experience.